A group that has helped to bring the arts to Monmouth County is marking 50 years of service.

Monmouth Arts provides funding to artists and art organizations in the county. It also provides programing.

The organization is celebrating its anniversary milestone with a gala next month honoring numerous people who have been impacted by the local arts – including E Street Band saxophonist Jake Clemons - nephew of the late Clarence Clemons. He says that access to music for young people can be life-changing.

“Growing up with it is imperative, I think. Just having access to different sounds, to learning how to communicate in a way that’s beyond verbal language,” Clemons says.

The Monmouth Arts gala event will take place Sept. 23. More information can be found on the organization’s website.