SO MUCH MORE THAN A SPECIAL FIRST ANNUAL 5K RACE ON OCTOBER 20^TH: ‘THE BUTTERFLY CIRCLE OF FRIENDS. ’ REGISTRATION FOR RACE STILL OPEN  By Calvin Schwartz

Life is mystery, synchronicity, purpose and journey. Two years ago in a random act of connectivity and social media networking, I was in a far away place and met a new friend, Eddie F. on line. In a matter of minutes, we bonded digitally (he lived in Arizona) and soon after, Eddie told me about an amazing New Jersey woman, a Gold-Star military mother who lost her son in Iraq when he was only 20 years old. Energies of the universe move quickly and decisively. I became friends with Ida Gonzalez and nearly two years ago at Christmas time, we met on Route 18 in a real Jersey diner and sealed a beautiful friendship.

I learned about her son Spc. Michael L. Gonzalez and all that she does to give back to so many in her son’s memory. Out of the memory of Michael, Ida started the ‘Butterfly Circle of Friends’ which is a non-profit organization to assist those in need both locally and worldwide. “Michael was in Iraq to make a difference in other’s lives and we want to continue his legacy.”

In my journalistic world, I was so moved by Ida, her husband Pedro and son Troy that I went to hooplaha.com (an upbeat national website) and helped produce an amazing short video about Ida and her son Michael. The video was acclaimed by many who’ve seen it; a very special poignant emotional few minutes about love, caring and devotion. Here is that link to the video:

http://www.hooplaha.com/a-mothers-journey-to-light/

Now I’m thrilled to cover and announce another special event in honor of Spc. Michael L. Gonzalez as part of the ‘Butterfly Circle of Friends’ continuing commitment to give back and make aware. All the information is contained below in the flyers. Hoping to see you at the ‘First Annual 5K Race/One Mile Walk/Kids Race on Sunday October 20^th.’

INFORMATION BELOW TO REGISTER FOR RACE!!!!

Calvin Schwartz

 A Major FREEHOLD LIVE Music Event to Celebrate BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN’S Birthday: THUNDER ROAD THURSDAY.  Acoustic Lounge @American Legion Post-54           62 W.Main St. Freehold, NJ.  Thursday September 26^th 7 PM.  Many Performers.    By Calvin Schwartz

I live two traffic lights from downtown Freehold and for a quarter of a century I’ve been pondering the relationship between music, Bruce Springsteen’s hometown, Freehold (the county seat of Monmouth County) and the plethora of cool hip restaurants and the fact there just isn’t that overwhelming essence of live music that bespeaks the ambiance of this historic (Revolutionary War) quaint town. (I think this was a run on sentence but I needed to make a point) Point being; live music is finally setting up shop the way it was pre-destined and now the evolution, revolution(almost)by the visionaries and pioneers( Jimmy Arcoleo & Gene Walk) that have brought the Acoustic Lounge to Freehold. Indeed. I am excited by the prospects and energies of acoustic live music in a town two traffic lights from where I have a bowl of oatmeal every morning.

As far as Thursday September 26^th and The Acoustic Lounge and Bruce Springsteen’s Birthday Celebration and THUNDER ROAD THURSDAY; I am so excited about the night that I cancelled a doubles tennis match of significant consequence which is personally evident of my intention to be at the American Legion and Acoustic Lounge early and I never cancel tennis.  Here’s to that first time and looking at you kids, about to join us for a special night.

As of this writing (Friday 9-20-13  1022 AM) here is a retrieved collection of notes about the performers in chronological performance order:

Gene Walk, Jimmy Arcoleo, Albert Cestero, Joe Heumiller, Virago, Alliance Singers, Tommy Byrne, Eddie Testa, Lee and Sheri, Lori Gilmore, Acoustic Step Aside, Chris Daniels, Eddie Mac, Michael Heumiller, Willie and John, Nikki Briar, Pat Roddy, Strumberry Pie, Taz, Joe Cartwright, Neal DeSimone, Jo Bonnano.

Once again the address: the Acoustic Lounge@ the American Legion Post 54, 62 W.Main st. Freehold, NJ

CALVIN SCHWARTZ

SPECIAL BENEFIT: FOR DAVE BARKALOW, DRUMMER, EDDIE TESTA BAND. The Cabin, Howell NJ September 27th 2013

A very emotional night is planned as the central Jersey music community again comes together to support one of their own, Dave Barkalow,  a longtime drummer for the Eddie Testa Band, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. From 4 PM on, the Cabin (Route 33, Howell)  will donate a percentage of food sales to aid in Barkalow’s fight against cancer. At  9 PM The Eddie Testa Band with special guests including Gary US Bonds will rock the night away. For more information you can go to www.eddietestaband.com or on Facebook to: www.facebook.com/EddieTestaBand. There will be a continuing call for donations as well as  now being able to donate things for the auction; all to help a poignant cause and very special man, Dave Barkalow.

Calvin Schwartz, for NJ Discover.

HOWEVER AS OF THIS WRITING on Thursday September 19th the music event has SOLD-OUT at the Cabin. BUT, BUT pending good weather next Friday they will open up the ‘beer garden’ at the Cabin which can accommodate 300 hundred more people. So YOU can BE THERE and be part of this emotional night.

Here is information in Eddie Testa’s own words:

“SORRY TO SAY WE R SOLD OUT FOR DAVID BARKALOW BENEFIT !!! BUT IF WEATHER PERMITTING THE CABIN IS GOING TO OPEN UP ITS BEER GARDEN THAT NIGHT OUTSIDE AND WE COULD FIT ANOTHER 300 PEOPLE OUT THEIR SO DON’T GIVE UP ON COMING IF ITS A NICE NITE U COULD STILL COME AND MAKE A DONATION FOR DAVID AND HIS FAMILY. ALSO GARY BONDS IS GOING TO BE SELLING HIS NEW BOOK AND SIGNING IT AND THE PROCEEDS ARE GOING TO DAVID ALSO PLUS A TON OF RAFFLES AND GIFT AUCTIONS SO ITS NOT ABOUT THE MUSIC ITS ABOUT DAVID WE LOVE HIM AND HIS FAMILY AND WE WANT TO RAISE AS MUCH AS WE CAN FOR THEM THANKS FOR ALL WHO HAVE DONATED AND WHO ARE GOING TO DONATE AND COME OUT AND SUPPORT HIM”

  Film Documentary ‘Destiny’s Bridge.’  Due to Overwhelming Demand: A Second Screening Thursday September 19^th 2013 Middlebrook Cinema 7PM Ocean Township, NJ

By Calvin Schwartz

On August 7^th the premiere of ‘Destiny’s Bridge’ was held at Two River Theatre in Red Bank NJ. It was a complete sell out. I worked on the committee to put this premiere together. The overwhelming demand for tickets was beyond expectations. Hundreds of people were turned away. Because of the important message of the film and on-going real life story of the people still living in Tent City in Lakewood, film maker Jack Ballo will be bringing a second screening of ‘Destiny’s Bridge’ to Middlebrook Cinema 1502 Route 35 South, Ocean Township, N.J. on Thursday September 19th 2013 at 7PM

Calvin Schwartz

Tickets are only $10 and can only be purchased ONLINE (Print your own ticket) at www.DestinysBridge.com 

As with the premiere, after the film, there will be a Q&A, with filmmaker Jack Ballo; Tent City Founder, Minster Steve Brigham; and Tent City residents featured in the documentary film. This segment is as emotional as the film is.

In case you missed my article on NJ Discover website in August heralding the premiere of ‘Desinty’s Bridge’ and my personal involvement/feelings, I’ll re-print here:

Tent City in Lakewood. The Movie Documentary ‘Destiny’s Bridge.’  A Movie Review and Personal Journey to Involvement. Premiere August 7th at Two River Theatre in Red Bank   By Calvin Schwartz  August 1st 2013

Journeys to sensitivity and understanding sometimes begin innocently with little fanfare and symphonies. On Easter Sunday 2012, I attended a concert of awareness for the people of Tent City in Lakewood passionately put together by Rosemary Conte. With my son, we filmed the event for NJ Discover. I had no concept of what Tent City was and the fact that around 100 humans were living in tents for years without electricity, heat or basic amenities because Ocean County has no shelters for the homeless. Tent City was 24 minutes from where I’ve lived for 24 years but that didn’t register in my frontal lobe. While listening to the music close to the staging area, a bus of Tent City residents arrived at the far end of the plaza for food and clothing donations. Minister Stephen Brigham brought the tent residents in his yellow school bus; that scene was still far away from me in several ways. I stayed with my son but saw people holding empty plates waiting on a food line. An image of President Herbert Hoover’s Great Depression flashed across my unsympathetic retina. Close to the musicians I remained.  It seemed the thing to do. When I got home that night, I forgot about the hungry homeless and talked to my family about the special Jersey musicians I heard for the first time.

Cut to January. Hurricane Sandy relief concerts were happening all over the Garden State. My past written words of support and admiration for Rosemary Conte and her wondrous musical and life contributions caught up to her; we became friends. She invited me to cover a Sandy benefit concert at McCloone’s in Asbury Park for NJ Discover. I interviewed her and then came an introduction to Sherry Rubel, concert organizer, photographer extraordinaire and Tent City activist.

Now it’s February. I’m at a place for coffee and conversation on a busy highway in East Brunswick, N.J with Sherry Rubel. Two weeks later on a very cold sunny day, Tara-Jean Vitale (NJ Discover producer) and I met Sherry across the street from the entrance to Tent City in Lakewood. We were packing TV cameras and microphones for our day in a new world. Patches of pure white snow from the night before looked like special effects. The dirt road was frozen; so was I emotionally. A thin veil of disbelief at my surroundings settled subtly around me. It was numbing; humans in the second richest state in America existing like this. Then I met Angelo, an endearing eloquent resident who invited me into his tent, briefly excusing himself, while I stood immobile and incredulous on how cold it was in the tent.  He went outside to chop wood for the wood burning stove which was not warming the tent well.  His bed was made perfectly. At that moment, in such brutal cold, where humans sleep and exist in the Lakewood winter, I thought about never being quite the same again. And I’m not. Something inside me aches (a soul?) from being overwhelmed. An hour later we interviewed Minister Stephen Brigham, a twelfth generation American. Illuminating and inspiring to us, he’s been devoting much of an adult lifetime to the cause of ‘Destiny’s Bridge;’ a journey to finding suitable and dignified housing in a self-sustainable community of homeless humans. I like using the term ‘humans.’

It’s not within the scope of this article to do self-intestinal excavation and journalizing my time at Tent City.  But a few months later, I was back there with filmmaker Jack Ballo and had a chance to meet residents and talk and listen. Uncovering his wealth of character and poignancy, I met Michael, a long time Tent City resident with his wife Marilyn. He was able to bring a piano from his home before it was lost and kept it under a tarp like on a baseball field in a rainstorm. He played Beethoven and Procul Harum, ‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’ for me. Enamored and drawn to his depth and warmth, I drifted far away standing close to Michael; I was still numb from months earlier at Tent City. It was cloudy and mild this day; easier for Michael and all the residents to sleep at night. But it is all hard; a very hard rain. I need to yell; maybe it will help me understand how and why in 2013 here in New Jersey this exists. Everything I saw that day after listening to Michael play the piano was visually a whiter shade of pale; hard to explain; perhaps a perfect segue to review the documentary, ‘Destiny’s Bridge.’

REVIEW:  DESTINY’S BRIDGE

I’m not a Siskel or Ebert. On the other hand, I have evolved over my tech noir years of ‘Casablanca,’ ‘From Here to Eternity,’ ‘On the Waterfront;’ where perhaps I’m now a contender to talk about movies. Part of the evolution side effect is a bit of snobbish attitude to viewing movies; can’t waste time watching ineptitude in film making and storytelling. Movie making is an art form and a great gift. The works of quintessential movie makers fascinate me. I’ll notice eye-brows moving and the wispy windy sounds of a tree next to a window as two characters are staring at the moon. I take it all in; pure cinematic absorption. I need to learn, emote and feel. Looking back, motion pictures have helped congeal my views of the world and changed my life. Watching ‘Casablanca’ for the 44th time some years ago formed the basis of my first novel.

So when I previewed the movie ‘Destiny’s Bridge’ a few weeks ago, I found myself instantly riveted into the world of Tent City. My emotional ties developed quickly with the residents; sensitive caring humans looking for dignity and respect in a cold world. Jack Ballo seamlessly weaves their stories and interconnectivity of existence; how they depend on one another. I can say it was beautiful film making; vivid photography heightened the stark reality. You will learn about the harsh human condition of homelessness from this documentary.

Yes, it is an exquisite film which means sensitive, emotional, real and poignant.  Back to my being a snob about movies; I’ve since watched it again. You may need to do the same; the film delivers a powerful message about homelessness and Minister Stephen Brigham’s vision for a future. Then Jack Ballo’s treatise on the lives of some of the people; you grow fond and bond with them, maybe wanting to reach out and help. You care about their lives. The film is beautiful because it makes you feel something inside. It evokes. I love when I’m evoked to emote by a film.

It was a painstaking meticulous project for Ballo; a year of his life for the desire to make a difference. I look at myself right now at this point in time somewhere in a universe. ‘Destiny’s Bridge’ has innervated and moved me; therefore a brilliant work. There’s sadness in the final scene looking down from high above; in some ways leaving that homeless world below but also heralding an awareness that much needs to be done.  All my above criteria for good movie making have been met; I call it a contender. Here’s thanking and looking at you Jack Ballo.

Important Links:  http://www.destinysbridge.com/

http://www.ultravisionfilms.com

https://www.facebook.com/DestinysBridge

ASBURY PARK COMEDY FEST WEEKEND Aug 23, 24 and 26th  (Aug 24th BIG Comedy Show at Paramount Theatre) BE THERE!!!!

On a personal note:  last year’s first Comedy Fest in Asbury Park was a magical hands-on (Vincent Pastore running around outside on the Boardwalk and Mike Marino being the NJ Bad Boy of Comedy) amazing fun time.  A lot of laughs of course and surprises. Same with next week for the 2nd ANNUAL ASBURY PARK COMEDY FEST.   I also like the night before the Paramount Show at the Wonder Bar (Aug 23rd) to unwind and let loose. I love the notion of comedic surprises at the Paramount. I love/need laughing for a few hours non stop. As a local  writer these past few years, I always seek the words to move, motivate and extricate folks from the confines of their sedentary sofas to come down to the shore. There are too many reasons for you all (yawl) to get to Asbury Park next weekend. Hey it’s the shore, NJ strong stuff, plenty of restaurants and art galleries and eclectic electric comedians and hosted by Mike Marino.    

Calvin Schwartz  1:11 pm  Aug 16th 2013

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                                           GARDEN STATE FILM FESTIVAL: ASBURY PARK. APRIL 4 – 7, 2013

THIS IS AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY TO JUMP INTO THE WORLD OF FILM FESTIVALS. THERE IS SO MUCH GOING ON IN OUR BACKYARD BY THE BEACH AND OCEAN. GO TO THE WEBSITE. CHECK IT OUT. BE THERE.  THIS IS NEW JERSEY’S FILM FESTIVAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NJ DISCOVER will be covering the event, reviewing, absorbing, partaking and always supremely prideful this is all happening at OUR Jersey Shore

                                       “see you there!!  get off the sedentary sofa and come to Asbury Park!!” 

gsff.org

 Major Fund (Fun) Raiser for Sandy Relief. Doubletree Hotel Eatontown NJ Sat March 30th 11:30 am to 3 PM 

There are events to support Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. And there are events. Saturday March 30^th there is something very special. I don’t usually go beyond the confines of my microcosmic journalistic reporting here at NJ Discover but I am now. This is going to be one electric eclectic morning/afternoon event so I just put on my “urging hat” (I always wear hats as you know) and seriously urge you all out there within 179 miles of Eatontown to come down for prizes, endless food and unusually special entertainment. I’ve met John Rubio, marketer extraordinaire and an incredible energetic force for giving back to our state. The best way for me tell you about the event is present it all here at NJ Discover with links to guide you.

Come one “COME ALL” with a $25 gift card or CASH at the door to the incredible Sterling Ballroom at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel in Tinton Falls.   One person with a gift card or CASH allows up to 10 (TEN) family members or friends to enjoy the food, entertainment and prizes!!!  

“Let’s Be A Blessing To Those Who Need Our Helping Hands And Healing Hearts To Get Them Back On Their Feet”… ALL YOU CAN EAT for you and up to TEN other people!

ALL YOU CAN EAT INCREDIBLE SIGNATURE FOOD & APPETIZERS FROM:

1) Carrabba’s Italian Grill
1864 Highway 35
Middletown, NJ 7748
Attn: Jerilyn Rembisz GM / Beth
Phone: (732) 615-9061

2) Applebee’s
2301 State Route 66,
Ocean, NJ 07712
Attn: Antonio Rivera – General Manager
(732) 922 1300

3) T.G.I. Friday’s
180 State Route 35
Eatontown, NJ 07724
Attn: JP – General Manager
(732) 542 2441

4) Olive Garden
230 Route 35
Eatontown, NJ 07724
Attn: Vicki Casilla – General Manager
Ast.GM. Patrick Kelly
(732) 389-4585

5) Domino’s Pizza
115 State Route 35
Eatontown, NJ 07724
Attn: Nick Amato – General Manager
(732) 389-2300

7) Red Lobster
2200 State Route 35
Oakhurst, NJ 07755
Attn: Mr. Michael Peterson / Mr. Mike Cyprych
(732) 493-2404

8) Starbucks Coffee
2100 State Route 35
Oakhurst, NJ 07755
Attn: Ashley General Manager
(732) 493-8770
(250 Cups of Starbucks Coffee)

9) Chick-fil-A
180 St Hwy 35 Monmouth Mall
Eatontown, NJ 07724
Contact: Jeff Bassett (Owner)
(732) 542 -2243

10) Gourmet Petite Cupcakes for All Occasions!!!
Phone: 732-580-4596

To RSVP and Get All Your Questions Answered Call (732) 720-7292 … and ask for the
“BIG Kahuna” who’ll be waiting on your call this very minute (24/7)!

This event will be held at the impeccable Five Star, “DoubleTree by Hilton, Tinton Falls-Eatontown”, 700 Hope Road, Eatontown, NJ. They donated their Sterling Ballroom on Saturday, March 30th from 11:30am to 3:00pm.   The Radiance will have an incredible red carpet celebrity packed, mini-fashion show with amazing food, fun, dancing and live entertainment.

https://www.facebook.com/myradspa.sandyrelief?ref=stream

HOMETOWN HEROS (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/njhometownheroes?fref=ts 

THE RADIANCE: A MEDICAL SPA:  https://www.facebook.com/radmedspa?fref=ts

EVENT INFO!!!!!!!

On Saturday, March 30th at 12:00 noon they’ll be presenting “door prizes” to each winner who donated a gift card throughout the month.  Plus, have mind-blowing food, and amazing mouth watering deserts catered by some of the best restaurants along the Jersey Shore.

Here are just a few local businesses and corporations who agreed to donate a door prize:

AMC 15 Monmouth Mall Movie’s located in Eatontown, NJ has donated ten movie passes!

http://www.AMCtheatres.com/movie-theatres/amc-loews-monmouth-mall-15

Air Brush Tanning Studio in Fair Haven, NJ has donated 5 full body air brush tanning sessions (a $40 value each total value $200.00).  www.AirBrushTanningStudio.com

Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce has donated 6 passes ($30.00 value each) to their 2nd Annual Restaurant Tour on April 28th.  WOW, who else is hungry?  www.AsburyParkChamber.com

Chick-fil-A located in the Monmouth Mall, Eatontown, NJ will be donating 100 Chick-fil-A Sandwiches and will bring the “Cow” to our March Madness Celebration! www.Chick-fil-A.com

Lowe’s Home Improvements’ in Eatontown, NJ will be donating gift cards. www.Lowes.com

Healthy Glow Airbrush Tanning located in Little Silver, NJ has donated five full body airbrush tanning sessions (a $40.00 value each, donating $200.00 in services plus, 350 $10 gift certificates redeemable towards a full body tan).  www.HealthyGlowNJ.com

Jersey Shore Premium Outlets located in Tinton Falls and Jackson Premium Outlets located near Six Flags Great Adventure have donated 400 VIP Vouchers (a $2,000.00 value)!  Each voucher is valued at $5.00 and worth hundreds of dollars in savings at participating stores.   Additionally, they have donated (20) $10.00 Tommy Hilfiger Gift Cards (value $200.00).  Now this is HOT!

Jersey Shore Premium Outlets Tinton Falls, NJ (732) 918-1700   www.PremiumOutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=78

Jackson Premium Outlets Jackson, NJ (732) 833-0503 www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=54

Spray De Sole located in Long Branch, NJ has donated a gift certificate for a full body “organic” spay tanning session (a $37.00 value).  SprayDesoleNJ.com

Fancy Nails Spa located in Asbury Park, NJ has donated a $50.00 gift certificate for nails.

Giamano’s Restaurant located in Bradley Beach, NJ is donating a $50.00 gift certificate to Hometown Heroes Restore the Shore.  Given 3 ½ Stars by the NY Times.  For 28 years The Manno Family has been serving the finest traditional Italian Cuisine.  Made to order, using the finest quality ingredients.  Boutique wine collection, and live Music in the “Upstairs Room.”  (732) 775-4275  www.Giamanos.com

Southern Monmouth Chamber of Commerce located in Wall, NJ has donated two tickets ($80.00 value) to their Scholarship BBQ at Bar A, on August 15, 2013 from 5:30 – 8:00 PM.  The event is an open bar with BBQ style food, live music and a silent auction.  (732) 280-8800 http://www.SouthernMonmouthChamber.com/

Liquid Sunshine Airbrush Tanning in Lincroft, NJ has donated three gift certificates for a full body organic spay on tanning session (a $34.00 value each, donating $102.00 in services).  (732) 530-9019 LSAirBrushTanning.com

Freezi-Yo!  Frozen yogurt and gourmet coffee bar, located in Atlantic Highlands, NJ has donated three gift certificates that can go towards a party (a $25.00 value each, donating $75.00).  (732) 291-8400 www.FreeziYo.com

Moonstruck Restaurant located in Asbury Park, NJ has donated a $50.00 gift certificate featuring their premier signature American Grill-Mediterranean Style food.  (732) 988-0123  www.MoonStruckNJ.com

Howell Chamber of Commerce located in Howell, NJ has donated 2 lanes of action packed bowling for 4 bowlers each, 2-3 games each plus shoes ($150.00 value). (732) 363-4114 www.HowellChamber.com

Hotel Tides Restaurant & Spa located in Asbury Park, NJ has donated a $50.00 gift certificate to stay at their boutique hotel, dine at their elegant restaurant, which features New American Cuisine, relax by the sun-drenched pool. (732) 897-7744   www.HotelTides.com

Decor & You owner Janine Smith, serving Monmouth and Ocean County as a custom designer and interior decorator donating a whopping $1,000.00 gift certificate for a Surya 100% wool area rug, sized 5’x 8′ and will provide a full 90 minute in home or office decorating consultation.   (732) 804-3182  TeamSmith.DecorAndYou.com

Knowledge Bennett Gallery located in Asbury Park, NJ has donated an amazing print a $400.00 value.  Check out his contemporary gallery by clicking www.KnowledgeBennettGallery.com. (732) 898-2393

GoodSports is donating a $200.00 gift basket with $50.00 in shirts/goods.   They have all kinds of sports including: soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, flag football, dodge ball and more!  GoodSports USA is located on 10 acres in Wall Township and is a year-round sports complex in NJ for athletic leagues, clinics, camps, parties and corporate events.  www.GoodSportsusa.com

East Coast Karate II located in Sea Girt, NJ will be donating four vouchers good for a uniform and one full month of training.   Plus, a fifth voucher as a bonus to a “High Energy” Martial Arts Birthday Party ($150.00 Value)!  Each voucher represents a $150.00 for a total of $750.00 in services donated to Hometown Heroes Restore the Shore.  They teach Kojukai, which is a hybrid martial arts system that at its core is designed for one thing, “To Get You Out Of Harm’s Way!”  (908) 902-2382  www.East-Coast-Karate.com

Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce located in Ship Bottom, NJ has donated for 4 General Admission certificates to “Chowder Fest” 2013 ($80.00 Value).  (609) 494-7211 www.VisitLBiregion.com

Valerie Barba, DDS, LLC located in Manasquan, NJ is donating a gift certificate for services that include a comprehensive dental examination, periodontal screening, oral cancer screening, TMJ screening, check-up x-rays, a professional dental cleaning and oral hygiene instruction (a $275.00 Value).  (732) 223-4416   www.ValerieBarbadds.com

Chamber of Commerce of Spring Lake, located in Spring Lake, NJ is donating a $50.00 gift certificate to local shops.  (732) 449-0577  www.SpringLake.org

Classic Furs and Leathers, located in Manalapan, NJ is donating: 1) Microfiber jacket trimmed with sable, it retails for $500.00, 2) Natural Mahogany Mink Headband retail value $100.00 its one size fits all, 3) Black Lambskin Gloves retails for $ 100.00 and 4) A $ 100.00 Gift Certificate.  (Total retail value for Hometown Heroes is $800.00).  (732) 972-6662   www.ClassicFurs.net

Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Manasquan offers Ballroom & Latin Dancing.  Our door prize for Hometown Heroes is a gift certificate for One Introductory Private Lesson, One Group Class and One Friday Night Social ($185.00 Value).  (732) 528-0151 www.FredAstaireManasquan.com

Garrow Family Chiropractic located in Sea Girt, NJ has donated a get out of pain, full chiropractic evaluation and 3 free adjustments with a tube of Biofreeze and an ice pack (valued over $400.00). Thank you, Dr. Tony Garrow for helping Hometown Heroes Restore the Shore. (732) 223-1990 www.GarrowChiropractic.com

WOW!!! The BIG Kahuna (John Rubio) Has Something Important To Share With All of His BIG Kahuna Maniacs….We now have the #1 pop entertainer in the world stopping by to help us help Hometown Heroes and displaced families.

On 3.25.13 Jackson’s electrifying performance, with his single sparkly glove and black sequined jacket, helped elevate him to another level on Good Morning America.

I know all your HUGE MJ fans are going to come out in full force to see this electifying performance LIVE at the Double Tree Hilton hotel on Saturday, March 30th from 11:30 am till 3:00pm.

John Rubio, is a world direct marketer, and author.  Clients call him, “The BIG Kahuna of Direct Marketing.”

Again, you know what to do, sign up now, buy a gift card from the Jackson or Jersey Shore Premium Outlets for $25 to $50 and bring your entire family to the BIG SHOW….plus…They will have over $31,299.00 in FREE door busting giveaways.

COMING ATTRACTIONS: LANCE LARSON’S 60TH BIRTHDAY PARTY SATURDAY MARCH 2nd WONDER BAR, ASBURY PARK USA.   By Calvin Schwartz

My favorite subject all throughout my New Jersey roots and schooling has been history.  Lance Larson is part of our musical heritage and rock and roll history here in New Jersey and most notably Asbury Park. So when part of history gets a special opportunity to celebrate a 60^th Birthday as Lance is doing this Saturday March 2^nd at the Wonder Bar, then it’s incumbent on those who treasure and savor being part of living history to be there. The occasion also gives me a chance to remind readers to get off the sedentary sofa and absorb New Jersey.

Lance’s history and sound is unique; I love that he’s hung around with the likes of Springsteen and Bon Jovi and so many other legends. Lance is a legend. Back in 1974 Lance formed an amazing band, ‘Lord Gunner’ which became the house band at the Stone Pony. There’s a magical quality of true grit to his sound; reminds me of a John Wayne character in real life; every time I’ve seen and talked to him I think of the ‘Duke.’  As a musical showman he captivated his audience and still does.  Back in the day, his band opened for the likes of Sly and the Family Stone and I like the march of time (history) as bands such as Jon Bon Jovi and the Smithereens opened for Lance’s band.  History is the theme of my article here.  Lance Larson is such a part of the rocking history for those who love and cherish our music. I wouldn’t miss this night.

What also moves me about Lance was his 2008 album project called ‘’Songs for the Soldier’ which was a musical tribute to his father and all WWII servicemen. More legendary Lance.  This list of notables who performed on this project include Jon Bon Jovi, Bobby Bandiera,  Garry Tallent, Richie Sambora; and so many more. More legendary Lance; he even involved a local Asbury Park choir.

Lance is part of Asbury Park musical history.  He once mentioned British invasion music as what helped mold him; Beatles, Dave Clark Five; that reeled me in; part of my molecular music origins. Lance’s historical journey also helped revive the Wonder Bar with Debbie De Lisa and made it an iconic musical part of Asbury Park’s renaissance.  The renaissance fascinates me. A few weeks ago I went to the opening of the Asbury Park Musical Heritage Foundation on Cookman Avenue with a myriad of rich history on display. From the rocky jetty(of my mind), looking out on the Atlantic Ocean across the street, I had one of my many epiphanies; Asbury Park is surely headed now to become a global musical destination with the likes of Nashville and Memphis. And Lance Larson is such a vital part of that destination.

Saturday night’s birthday party features performances by the Eddie Testa Band, Tommy Byrne and Onto Something and of course Lance Larson. Acoustical opening by Chelsea Carlson.  Doors open at 8:00 PM and Showtime is at 9:00 PM. Admission is $10.00. Ages 21 and up are admitted.

Tommy Byrne from ‘Onto Something’ had this to say to me, “It’s an absolute honor to be able to play on Saturday for a Jersey Shore pioneer. Being the new kid on the block here in Asbury and having Lance and Debbie support my band is truly remarkable. I look forward to sharing the stage with my great band Onto Something and hopefully Lance as well. I learn from guys like Lance and look up to him for what he’s done. Eddie Testa and I are ready for a 60th Rock and Roll party.”

See you Saturday.

FOR MORE INFORMATION;   http://thewonderbarasbury.com/

http://lancelarsonmusic.com

Calvin Schwartz

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 Historic Night: Celebrating the Birthday of Clarence Clemons at Wonder Bar, Asbury Park

 By Calvin Schwartz

On Jan 12th hundreds of fans, family and friends came together to celebrate the birthday of Clarence Clemons, ‘The Big Man’ at a sold out Wonder Bar in Asbury Park. NJ Discover TV was given the honor by the Clemons Family to video personal reflections of some who knew and loved the Big Man. The evening was also a benefit to raise money for area school district music departments that lost instruments and various supplies in Hurricane Sandy.

What made the evening uniquely special was that the State of New Jersey made an official declaration (the day before) on January 11th  which now recognizes “Clarence Clemons Day”  every  January 11^th and although there will be many events in the following weeks; this was the official “Clemons Family Event” birthday celebration.

For NJ Discover, the evening was purely magical and wondrous to have been involved with such an outpouring of love and memories of Clarence’s unique and historic presence. Feeling the electricity and energy the entire night was easy; all palpable and recorded for posterity. To be able to share is very special.

Before the special night, I composed the following thoughts why I thought the evening was historic. Perhaps fitting and proper to share those words again here:

WHY THIS BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR CLARENCE CLEMONS:

Historic ingredients (alignment of celestial forces of relevancy) of a special day/musical concert: There have been Hurricane Sandy events throughout our state. We’ve all come to understand what ‘Jersey Strong’ means. We live it every day; always have; just so much more pronounced these days. You take this awareness and add the late great Clarence Clemon’s Birthday on January 11^th and the historic resolution by the New Jersey Senate to annually honor one of the Jersey Shore’s (and worlds) most iconic musicians with a day named after him. Every Jan. 11 will now be Clarence Clemons Day. Last week the NJ Senate passed a resolution sponsored by Senator Jennifer Beck (R-11) that memorializes the legendary saxophonist from Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band.

More ingredients. The Clemon’s Family and Nick Clemons (Clarence Clemons III) have chosen to celebrate Clarence’s birthday with “Celebrating Clarence: The Big Man’s Birthday Benefit” at the Wonderbar in Asbury Park  January 12^th.

Even More ingredients. Nick Clemons has a sensitive and caring soul tuned to the pulse of what’s relevant, happening and charitable (pay it forward) in our Jersey world. Back last summer, he produced the Asbury Comedy and Music Festival to benefit the Lenny Bruce Foundation and Lenny’s House.  With this benefit on January 12^th, Nick and the Clemons Family decided to raise money for area school district music departments that have lost instruments and various supplies in Hurricane Sandy; how relevant and meaningful to give to the dramatically impacted world of music education in the name of iconic musician Clarence Clemons.

I spoke to Emma Fretz, instrument, choral and general music instructor at both Point Pleasant Beach High and Bay Head Schools which suffered heavy damage to their music resources. Things you never realize: In Bay Head School, they had seven feet of water in the music room. And “because the room is two feet below sea level, content insurance does not cover this and the insurance is null and void,” Emma explained. So their music program resources were completely destroyed. “You don’t realize how expensive even the little things are, like sheet music or hand bells,” Emma continued.  Along comes Clarence’s birthday, Nick Clemons, his energy and commitment and we’ve got a night of music and birthday celebrations ; as I say, “Get off the sedentary sofa and come for music, celebration, poignant causes and history.”

I think the perfect celestial alignment of stars, moon and Big Man.

Calvin Schwartz

  Being Blown Away at The Saint (Asbury Park): Gedeon Luke. (on Wed. Jan 30^th)      By Calvin Schwartz    Feb 1, 2013

For the last several weeks every which way I seemed to turn in my central Jersey music world, people asked me, “Did you ever see Gedeon Luke perform?” I thought it better to say, “No I haven’t,” and let it be. I don’t want to let my guard down (image) and mention I’ve never heard of him. Perhaps like an old saying about fire (appropriate for Gedeon) and smoke, when enough people accosted me, I checked around. Gedeon Luke and band and back-up singers were doing a gig at one of my favorite places in Asbury Park, The Saint; an affable, affordable, artistic, acoustical place of ambiance and alcohol with stage and curtain.

Life is funny sometimes. When I was six years old in first grade, World War II ended a few years before. My teacher had a lesson plan one day. A newspaper headline on the bulletin board said, “Pearl Harbor Attacked.” My mother had a friend Pearl so I thought another lady named Pearl was attacked; the imagery of a young innocent mind. And I also thought that Gedeon Luke was a young teenage guitarist from an all-white suburban upper middle class Monmouth county township. It would be a night of epiphany and being blown away by a young 24 year old black singer from a tough part of Memphis.

Being blown away almost became a physical reality much like Dorothy on her way to Oz. The weather forecast for Wednesday night was ominous. Tornadoes down south. Thunderstorms and bad weather was heading to Asbury Park with 60 mile per hour winds. That was enough reason to stay home on a warm sofa in front of a listless TV. But it was the collection of praises for Gedeon over the past few weeks that got me on the road to Asbury. The Dorothy and Oz metaphor works well. I was headed to the land of a magical place; Gedeon Luke’s stage. Witness the beginnings of a musical presence here in America.

A friend got me a seat right up front. Before the show, she introduced me to Gedeon; of course not what I imagined. Then the curtain opened. What I saw and heard instantaneously was energy, love, passion, electricity and soulful fire; a love for his music and words.  Gracefully he moved over the stage manipulating a microphone much like a renaissance artist’s brush doing an oil painting. The audience was mixed (culturally, sociologically, and age with an interesting representation of Asbury’s music elite insiders.)  A few people had eyes closed as if in a dreamy state.  Soon I snaked to the back for a different perspective. Claiming my spot of concrete floor, I was moving and gyrating. Gedeon suddenly was off the stage in the audience. He was a magnet; his audience, small metal chips of adoration. I knew then molecularly and synchronistically about witnessing the early days of a major musical presence.

The blown away was sealed after listening to his gospel, soul and rock influences and feeling his freedom of expression and love and then suddenly hearing the Beatles’ “Come Together.”  I thought about a power to reach every kind of audience; it’s also the wind and fire element of being blown away.

At “Calvin Schwartz-Cerebral Writer” on Facebook a few hours later I quickly dropped these words on my wall. “i like beginnings. you can say you were there. it is insight. involvement. belief. absorption. digestion. fascination. faith. luck. conviction. and being blown away by a performer. severe weather was forecast. 2 inches of rain. 60 mph wind. but the lure of a dynamic new performer on stage where you can feel vibes and be part….so i was at the Saint in Asbury Park last night being a music journalist and loving every moment, fulfilled.  and later the wind at my back pushed me around.”

Concert over; I thanked Gedeon’s manager Marc Swersky and congratulated him. And to Gedeon, I said, “You’ll be filling up arenas soon enough. Thanks for sharing your passion and music.” One of my favorite things in life is to be able to say I was there in the beginning. I watched Neil Armstrong land on the moon; the Brooklyn Dodgers win their first World Series and saw Gedeon Luke live when he was only 24. You all need to do that one of these days.

Gedeon Luke: http://gedeonluke.com/

Calvin Schwartz

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