COMEDIAN MIKE MARINO: ‘Up Close and Personal’ Concert July 29th Paramount Asbury Park by Calvin Schwartz

Mike Marino is coming back home to New Jersey and Asbury Park’s Paramount Theater on July 29^th for ‘Up Close and Personal;’ a special backstage event with limited seating. But imagine being a few rows away from Mike and his incisive hysterical humor. The intimacy with Mike right there almost in your face like he’s in your den with a wet bar nearby, is priceless. Therefore, not to be missed. What could be better than the Jersey Shore, Asbury Park, Paramount, smell of ocean air, a myriad of food places to discover and the Bad Boy of Comedy; indeed, a mid-summer night’s dream. Thanks for coming home Mike.

I’ve been a huge fan of Mike Marino for the last four years since I first met him at the Asbury Park Comedy Festival.  Why not; I love to laugh for 90 minutes straight each and every time I see him; it’s this stressful world we live in. Mike has a unique handle, a release and grasp of our world.

The genius of Marino’s humor is to take our modern (expletive omitted) lives and shove it under a comedic microscope.  And when you see him in concert, you get a chance to see the ‘Marino’ face; how he loves to laugh with the audience at his own humor; that genuineness and warmth draws us in and embraces. Even more than that, my being a comedic snob, countless times looking at Mike on stage, I can’t help but see Jack Benny, who had one of the greatest comedic facial expressions as well as incredible timing. Benny was Johnny Carson’s all-time favorite; Mike Marino’s expressions and timing is right there with Jack Benny.  Remember his concerts are a comedic happening especially when he’s back home in front of a Jersey audience.

Calvin Schwartz  6-20-17  4:44PM

A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS BENEFIT HOMETOWN HEROES   

Mike Marino’s Official BIO:

Mike Marino – affectionately known to thousands of his fans as New Jersey’s Bad Boy – is one of the most unique comics of our time. He has performed in every major comedy club from New York to Los Angeles including: The MGM Grand, Catch a Rising Star, The Comic Strip, Stand Up NY, The Improv, Rascals and The Icehouse. Mike, who has worked with some of the biggest names in the business, can be seen nightly as a top headliner at both the world famous Laugh Factory and The Comedy Store in Hollywood.

Mike was born in Jersey City, New Jersey. He entered the world of theatre at an early age, and is a graduate of the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Mike has appeared in over 200 national television commercials, and has received a Best Actor Clio Award Nomination. He has acted in many Prime Time soaps and television shows including: As the World Turns, One Life to Live, Becker, Nikki, Frasier and Party of Five. His film credits include Crooks, Pizza with Bullets, Hangin’ in Hedo and Steven King’s Lucky Quarter.

MIKE’S CONTACT INFO

Website:    http://www.mikemarino.net

http://www.myspace.com/getthebat                                                                                                                                                                                  

http://www.twitter.com/mikedmarino

http://www.youtube.com/mikedmarino

Email:    mikedmarino@facebook.com

ROCK STAR CLOTHING INC.COM

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SURVEILLANCE 24       SURVEILLANCE 24

Carmine’s Pizza Factory

366 8th Street (Brunswick St. & 8th St.)

CARMINESPIZZAFACTORYJC.COM

COMPUTECHSUPPORT.NET

PUNZONE.COM    

ALSO MIKE MARINO CONTINUES HIS JERSEY SHORE APPEARANCES on AUG 7 at 8:30  PM 

201 Engleside Avenue

Beach Haven, NJ 08008

609-492-9477        https://www.surflight.org/

SPECIAL COMING ATTRACTION: FAMILY FUN NIGHT at Academy of Music & Dance in Spotswood, NJ June 25  by Calvin Schwartz

INTRODUCING YOUR HOSTS:  multi-media artist Mia (Maria) Savarese:   

MiaArtOnline.com

https://www.facebook.com/mariasavarese.miaart

Maria Savarese is a perfect spotlight personality. In our early days of friendship, strictly digital and fortified by our posts on Facebook walls, I began to notice her unique aura and zest for life. Her art intrigued. Exact chronology escapes me but after months of absorbing her art, suddenly one morning, we were talking on the phone; a logical inevitable extension of the phenomenon of Facebook friending.

And more logical extensions; one morning Maria, Tara-Jean  (my co-host at NJ Discover) and I were sitting at a diner in East Brunswick, coffee still steaming and eggs cooling, as our conversation took us deeply into Maria’s world of art and being a breast cancer survivor and how we could share her story; a perfect depiction of Jersey Strong.

Several times during our interview, she said, “a child is living inside me.” I understood that it was energy, spirit and exuberance (and a hint of innocence) reflected in her art which surrounded me. I reminded her about a Facebook picture of herself standing on a fallen tree perhaps 40 feet above a ravine and asked if she was scared. “Not at all; it was fun. It’s life.” Then she said, “to beat cancer is a gift. And I live my life now with that gift.”

Now she is directing her unlimited energies to helping co-ordinate Family Fun Night at Spotswood Academy of Music and Dance, with offerings of her art and jewelry creations, music, Christine Barath, psychic and medium, face painting, art and clay, mani/pedis, singing, food, games; an all-around fun night to kick off the summer season.  The night, in part is brought to you by The Academy of Music and Dance, Mozarts and Einsteins, a Preschool of Integrated Arts and Academics, LA Perfection Nails in Spotswood, Country Roads Day Camp, Top Ballers Athletics and Parties by Dylan & Company specializing in entertaining young children with music and Kumon Math and Reading Center of Spotswood.

At FUN NIGHT, Rock and Roll over to the Mia Art Activity Room to explore Mixed Media Art. Artists of all ages and skill levels, get ready to think outside the box to create one of a kind music themed pieces! (Some items will require pickup the next day, as we will be using glues, paints and clay).

CALVIN SCHWARTZ for NJ DISCOVER

FUN NIGHT SPONSORS   NOTE EACH SPONSOR WILL BE DONATING A RAFFLE PRIZE!!

Academy of Music and Dance is celebrating 25 years serving the communities of Spotswood, East Brunswick, Monroe and surrounding areas.  Specializing in all instruments (piano, guitar, violin, etc.) voice, musical theater, early childhood piano classes, rock bands and dance classes, they welcome students of all levels of ability and talent; from beginners to advanced.   Lessons and classes are offered weekday afternoons and evenings, and Saturday mornings and afternoons. Parents love saving time in their busy week coordinating lessons on multiple instruments and dance classes for all family members at the same time.  Located at 404 Main Street, Suite C in Spotswood.  (732) 251-3050 http://musicanddancenj.com/

The Academy is hosting the event and activities such as Dance! Dance! Dance!  and Name That Tune Escape Room.

Mozarts and Einsteins, a Preschool of Integrated Arts and Academics:  Dance,  Sing.  Play.  Laugh.  Learn.   Enrolling Infants/Toddlers, Ages 2 – 6, Full Day Kindergarten and Aftercare of the Arts (Grades 1^st – 5^th).  Now Enrolling for the 2017/18 School Year. http://www.mande-jamesburg.com/ 175 Gatzmer Avenue in Jamesburg, NJ.  (732) 521-2400

At LA Perfection Nails, you can get manicures, pedicures and waxing.  Walk-ins always welcome.  They offer a relaxing and rejuvenating experience that you will want again and again.  http://www.laperfectionnailsspotswood.com/  404 Main St, Ste B Spotswood, NJ 08884- (732) 251 – 8484 or (732) 251 – 8585

LA Perfection Nails in Spotswood will be open for additional hours just for Family Fun Night!  Come in for a mani/pedis!  There will be Face Painting available for the kids!

Parties by Dylan & Company specializes in entertaining young children with music!  Great for baby’s first birthday, toddler parties, holiday entertainment, preschool events and more.  They come to you for an hour of interactive and engaging activities.  Their Biggest Fans are Under Five!  www.PartiesByDylan.com (732) 536-0404

Christine Barath     http://christinebarath.com/

Psychic/ Evidential Medium / tarot / Trance

A psychic reading I will use the cards. A mediumship read we will connect you with your loved ones in spirit …. I can also go into trance, after your medium read , your loved one, I will go into trance they will guide me to make you a gift of pottery

Country Roads, situated on a beautifully shaded, 26-acre campus is a quality premiere camp that has also stayed affordable for our generations of campers. This is a personal commitment we make to our camp families…to provide the best summer vacation a child can experience at the best possible price.

New campers are just friends we haven’t met yet!!  Call us today and start your Country Roads experience…become a Country Roader!

Country Roads Day Camp    139 Pinebrook Road   Manalapan, NJ 07726   732-446-4100 countryroadsdaycamp.com

NJ DISCOVER SPECIAL COMING ATTRACTION: Artist Mia Savarese is “Finding the Music: Mixed Media Art & Multi-Sensory Experience” June 3^rd 7-9PM  by Calvin Schwartz

It’s not often these days of multitude event bombardment in central Jersey, that I take to basically urging folks to partake of a special event but here we go. We’ve got Mia (also known as Maria) Savarese, a single mother, passionate artist, jewelry creator and breast cancer survivor in an evening of her introspective earthy emotional art on display while simultaneously being infused with parallel universe music. And for added inducement, there’s a display of her imaginative jewelry (which is available to purchase). And this is a LOCAL show at nearby Academy of Music and Dance in  Spotswood, New Jersey.

And why my exuberance with this evening of art and Mia Savarese? Perhaps read excerpts from my NJ Discover interview with Mia (Maria) from January, 2014. I’m about to light your fire as mine was a few years ago.

Calvin Schwartz  May 23, 2017  11:11PM

JERSEY STRONG: MEET MARIA (MIA) SAVARESE:  MOTHER, ARTIST, AND CANCER SURVIVOR.    By Calvin Schwartz    January 5, 2014     

So where did I meet Maria Savarese?  At a local college art museum or bookstore on Route 18 or at a trendy Wi-Fi equipped coffee shop a few miles away from the bookstore? Actually we met on Facebook through the synchronicity and exigencies of social media; we probably had some of the same friends or perhaps Facebook nudged or poked one of us to friend the other. Well it happened; we friended and discovered; I like using the word ‘discover’ after all I write for NJ Discover.

And there was Maria’s Facebook picture wall replete with her essence as a modern artist, young mother and breast cancer survivor.     Maria Savarese is a perfect spotlight personality. In our early days of friendship, strictly digital and fortified by our posts on Facebook walls, I began to notice her unique aura and zest for life. Her art intrigued. Exact chronology escapes me but after months of absorbing her art, suddenly one morning, we were talking on the phone; a logical inevitable extension of the phenomenon of Facebook friending.

And more logical extensions; one morning Maria, Tara-Jean  (my co-host at NJ Discover) and I were sitting at a diner in East Brunswick, coffee still steaming and eggs cooling, as our conversation took us deeply into Maria’s world of art and being a breast cancer survivor and how we could share her story; a perfect depiction of Jersey Strong.

Then a few months ago, I visited her studio just as an autumn chill was heralding Halloween. She mostly grew up in Old Bridge and lives in Spotswood now where her studio is located. Actually the studio is a converted detached garage. When she first saw the hundred-year-old property, weeds had overgrown everything but she sensed it was all perfect just as she heard a woman playing a guitar on the other side of bushes and vines; their young daughters would become friends.

Several times during our interview, she said, “a child is living inside me.” I understood that it was energy, spirit and exuberance (and a hint of innocence) reflected in her art which surrounded me. I reminded her about a Facebook picture of herself standing on a fallen tree perhaps 40 feet above a ravine and asked if she was scared. “Not at all; it was fun. It’s life.” Then she said, “to beat cancer is a gift. And I live my life now with that gift.”

She was originally from Flushing, Queens and took art lessons when she was eight and tried being a gymnast. “My hands always had to be busy so I made a lot of doll’s clothes. And I always see something inherent in things.”  Then I said, “I can easily see this energy inside you.” She added, “I made my prom dress in high school after I took sewing. It’s still hanging in my closet.”

Cut to adult times. Maria got a job working at the Flemington Craft Festival. “They helped me make jewelry, work with clay and ceramics. When I was at Brookdale College, I also learned pottery. And this summer I finally got my kiln.” Her smile is magic and effusive as she pointed, “my grandmother’s chest of draws is over there.” I commented on the vast array of materials and props in her studio.

“Everything has a purpose. We should stop throwing things away. I’m like an environmental artist. I use things from the environment in my art which means I love to work in collages and mixed media.” Art drives her. She loves to bring families together, help children and make the world a better place. That certain smile persisted throughout our interview. Maria talks about her daughter with more than pride; with amazement as her daughter reads and writes incessantly. “Emma is growing up.”

Again her smile warmed the studio. I asked about her environmentalism. “I don’t use pesticides in my garden and love the Native American way of life.” Her work has appeared in an art exhibition in New Brunswick and in other galleries and has sold fast. A deep breath followed; a smile changed to introspection. “The main thing going forward for me is I’m looking for my art partner and looking for something different. And people are now finding me and my art.”

I asked Maria what inspires; “Teaching, communicating, being in the moment when something triggers an idea. Working with senior citizens and young children,” “And what about your art goals?” “I would love my art to be understood and appreciated and for it to be in more current shows. It’s not about money but about being who you are and not afraid.”

It was a good time to ask who her life’s heroes are. “Ellen Degeneres; she represents strength, inspiration, life and change for so many people. Then she makes you smile and laugh as well.”  My thought process told me that’s exactly what Maria Savarese does to people in her world; provide strength and inspiration. Kind of like a complete circle and a good place to shut off my reporter’s microphone/recorder.

MIA CONTACT INFO:  Facebook Event Page:  https://www.facebook.com/events/228421484313059/

Maria Savarese (Mia) Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/mariasavarese.miaart

Mia Art Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MiaArtOnlineStore/?pnref=story.unseen-section

NJ DISCOVER  January 2014 article:  http://bit.ly/19NM4l5

NJ DISCOVER LIVE TV SHOW “A NIGHT IN THE ART GALLERY” featuring Mia Savarese  YOU TUBE LINK:  http://bit.ly/2qU1C3j

Harry Filkin is a well known American singer and songwriter on the Jersey Shore. Harry Filkin has been writing songs for four decades. He will be releasing his first all – original album on May 20th. Harry is a founding member of several successful Jersey Shore bands, most notably Holme, a well-known rock band from Belmar NJ.  He has played on stage numerous times with Bruce Springsteen and Bobby Bandiera. He co-founded and performed on rhythm guitar and vocals with Cats on a Smooth Surface when it was the house band at The Stone Pony in the late 70’s through the 80’s. And he was a founding member of The Diamonds, an all original rock and soul band at the Jersey Shore.

Now Harry will be releasing his first very own original album. Harry’s smooth voice and compelling lyrics have given this album it’s captivating charm and allure. A powerhouse of songs that will surely be a hit for all generations.

Don’t miss this event! RipTide Records is hosting an album release party Saturday May 20 at the famed Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, NJ.

The album features eleven new songs including, “ Blood of my Blood” that was written for Harry’s longtime friend and band mate, Hans Peter Schulle, after the unexpected death of his son Sean in 2012 . “ I am very close to Peter and the words and music just came to me shortly after his death,” said Filkin. “It was very different from any song I’ve ever written.”

The album was arranged, produced and mixed by veteran Jersey Shore producer/singer/songwriter/guitarist Marc Ribler.Marc assembled a power house band including : The Spin Doctors ’ Aaron Comess on Drums, Jack Daley (Lenny Kravitz) on Bass, Andy Burton (John Mayer) on Keyboards, and Tommy LaBella (10, 000 Maniacs) on Saxophone. Other musicians and singers on Harry’s debut album include Graham Maby (Joe Jackson), Freedom Bremner (Screaming Headless Torsos), Rodney Howard (Gavin DeGraw), with Joel Krauss, Peter Schulle, Arne Wendt, Dave Anthony, John Martin, Steven Salcedo, Milton Vann , Layonne Holmes, Khadija h Mohammed and Lawrence Anthony.

The new album was masterfully engineered by Joe DeMaio at Shorefire Recording Studios in Long Branch , NJ .

Everyone attending gets a copy of the album with a $12 cover charge!  Thank you Harry!

Tickets can be purchased at the Stone Pony Box Office or Ticketmaster at this link: http://bit.ly/harryfilkinCD

***********************************************************

Posted by TaraJean:

TaraJean is a versatile journalist who has produced numerous segments for NJDiscover. She is experienced in Production and Post Production of TV Commercials, Live News Coverage, TV Entertainment Segments and Live Theatrical Events. She runs the gamut from writing to shooting to scripting to editing to post-production. She studied Communications specializing in Advertising at Fordham University, New York City, but her passion for creativity and expression moved her beyond a Bachelor of Arts degree to where she also studied Theatre and Performance at both Fordham and Roundabout Theatre. Her incandescent spirit took her ultimately to the stage and television in Metropolitan New York as an aspiring actress. Along the way, with a few blinks of an eye, TaraJean was married and raising three young daughters. Next, TaraJean harnessed that spirited energy, becoming editor of Our Town, a Monmouth County newspaper and appearing as a TV host for local Channel 77. The next perfect fit for TaraJean was to channel her unlimited energy in central Jersey working with NJ Discover as TV Host, Reporter, Writer and Producer. She consistently brought a special warmth, caring, insight and humanity to her stories and her reputation flourished with on sight reporting about Hurricane Sandy, homelessness and Tent City, pervasive hunger in New Jersey, and Jersey’s iconic music and film scene. She is the epicenter of what’s happening around the county and state. Almost evolutionary, TaraJean went on to co-host NJ Discover LIVE radio and cable TV and still manages time (quintessential juggler) to be Reporter, SpokesModel, Copywriter, Producer, Journalist and now Sr. Editor for Fashion Haunts Magazine.

It Continues To Be a Brave New World: First Annual IDT Hackathon April 22nd -April 23rd Newark NJ by Calvin Schwartz May 8, 2017

IDT HACKATHON EVENT

Thinking back over the past few years, I wonder how many times I’ve invoked references to a brave new world. I do know; I’ve been stingy. There has to be extant reasons and perfect celestial alignments. Several months ago, I was invited to attend IDT Corporation’s First Annual Hackathon by IDT Ventures head, Jacob Jonas. I sensed something special, brave, cutting edge(new) and celestial.

So what is a Hackathon?  This was my first impulse to discover.  A hackathon is like a race (marathon) event where software developers, programmers, graphic designers, interface folks, project managers, all work together in an intensive collaboration over a relatively short period of time. The finish line is the creation of practical applications of software with a specific focus, in this case, the best messaging, payments, or communications related mobile app. There are teams put together, each member bringing an expertise to their cubicle of residence, where they spend those intimate hours competing against the other teams in their own field of dreams (cubicles).

A brief article departure. Watch how I develop this. For the longest time, I’ve worried about our planetary home (earth) with some indigenous problems like climate change, ocean’s rising and running out of fish, 300 million people in Asia without drinking water; all illustrative of things often running through my mind.  I am unsure if we, the species, can effectively solve these problems and save our aging planet. Then came my six hours in Newark at IDT headquarters, observing the energy and composition of the competing teams. I haven’t felt this earthly emotional in a while.

At IDT, I saw youth and exuberance. Some were in high school and college, representing wonderful diversity in culture, geography and sociology. All the participants were accomplished and focused.  After a few hours, I realized earth does have a better future with the likes of these kids competing here; they were dedicated imaginative thinkers.  What I saw was so uplifting and revolutionary; this is a brave new world of knowledge and youth. I was grateful to IDT for investing in youth, promise, tomorrow and for inviting me.

On the fourth floor, around 5:30 PM on Sunday April 23^rd, I met with Jacob Jonas who briefed me on the final stages of the Hackathon which would run to 11 PM. My mission as a journalist was to absorb. I looked over my shoulder; there was a large cubicle which served as home for one of the teams. The conference table was strewn with lap-tops, wires, water bottles, soda cans (some with sugar, some not), coffee cups and a vast array of back-packs. On the floor were several sleeping bags, visually depicting the hard reality of the event; the sleeplessness and urgency of the competitors. This was serious business. Teams stayed overnight working diligently to get to the finish line. I just remembered what Adrienne told Rocky Balboa, “Win Rocky Win.”

The commonality of two people wearing hats in a place where most were hatless brought me to Golan Ben Oni. Of course I was wearing my Rutgers hat. Golan was much more fashionable. If he was here on a Sunday evening, it must be for a reason. We leaned on a desk to chat.

Golan is the CIO of IDT Corporation; that’s chief information officer and he’s been at IDT since 1995 when he arrived and planned on staying only a few weeks. His father was a food scientist for Planter’s and Fleishman’s Yeast.  The family arrived from Israel and soon settled in California where Golan enrolled at University of California at Berkeley when he was sixteen.

He’s been asked to teach at Rutgers Business School and help with the executive program. He is captivating and actually disarming, leaning on a desk and chatting, wearing a hat; his knowledge, brilliance and depth are on a proverbial other planet. His teenage son, busy on a lap-top, did our photo-op. Golan was thrilled to school me on the mechanics of the Hackathon.

Next, Golan introduced me to Tom Brennan, OWASP(owasp.org) Board of Directors. More brave new world for me. OWASP has 55,000 members in 110 countries and their function is to raise visibility for software security. Who knew this kind of organization exists? Tom was a judge in the first round of Hackathon presentations along with Zev Green, IDT’s Director of Emerging Technologies; Nathaniel Ritholtz, IDT Software Engineer; Jonathan Hyman, CTO of Appboy; Anthony Delgado, CTO of FOWNDERS; Sharon Ptashek, Senior Manager, Mobile & Emerging Platforms at CBS Interactive. Each team had five minutes to present their projects to the judges followed by five minutes of Q&A.

First place was awarded to ‘Chill’ which is an app where you and your friends stream videos over your phones while still being able to talk to each other. The first place prize they received was an iPad Mini 2 for each winner. The winners, Shaoliang Zhong and Xiaohang Su grew up together in China and now attend Stevens and NYU respectively. Second place winners won: Discovery HD+ Drone and third place won 32 GB Rasberry Pi 3.

Winners of the AI competition (team that best incorporated artificial intelligence into their Hackathon project) received an Amazon Echo sponsored by FOWNDERS.  And speaking of FOWNDERS, (fownders.com) based in my birth city of Newark, they are doing amazing things to “educate, inspire and empower the next generation of leaders” as a social impact accelerator taking on qualified startups who have proven market fit and display modern innovation; more brave new world applications for me to absorb.

One of the other teams, finishing in third place, developed ‘Man Cave Sharing’ which is like Airbnb for Man Caves. With my own proclivity to special sports Sundays, I was fascinated by their entry; more brave new world and personal visual projections of great places to hangout, shoot pool and watch a professional sport final on a giant TV screen far from the maddening sounds of homeward bound interruptions.

IDT VENTURES SHOWCASE EVENT:

But the Hackathon was not the only tech-friendly event that happened this weekend. Before the final Hackathon presentation and the awards ceremony, IDT also hosted a Ventures Showcase event for six local startup companies that have synergies with IDT Corporation’s core businesses: Payments Tech, Messaging Apps, Communications Tech, and Technology that Serves Unbanked and/or Immigrant Communities. The Ventures Showcase companies (including the three teams in the IDT Ventures incubator program: PeduL, UpChannel, and ImaliMobile) all have strong synergies with IDT’s core businesses and/or target markets.

Last summer, I spent the day at IDT interviewing Chisa Egbelu and Kayla Jackson from PeduL for NJ Discover. PeduL is an online crowdfunding tool that connects students with the resources and support they need to pursue higher education. That article can be seen at: http://bit.ly/2aVGwJb

Each team had ten minutes to present and five minutes for Q & A with the panelist judges consisting of Shmuel Jonas, CEO of IDT; Jacob Jonas, Director of IDT Ventures; Scott Smedresman, Partner at McCarter & English; Aaron Price, Founder and CEO of Propelify. The other companies presenting were Debitize, Stellar Employ and Modern Lend. Listening to all six ingenious presentations continued my yellow brick road journey to that brave new world. I did manage to remark to one of the team members, in keeping with my article theme, that when I grew up in Newark, my world of knowledge came from seven black and white television stations that went off the air at midnight followed by test patterns (remindful of ‘Poltergeist’) until the next morning. “They’re here.”

Before the actual finals began, a splendid buffet of Chinese food was presented to the assembled. I indulged, then explored and pinched myself (which I do only in moments of disbelief) that I was witness to this wondrous display of future think, exuberance, youth, imagination and earth hope. And I hope the decision making folks, if liking this article (expression) invite me back next year (2018) for my brave continuing new observations at IDT’s  2^nd Annual Hackathon in my birth city, Newark.

New Brunswick, NJ

Grey Lady, a romantic thriller from award winning writer/director, John Shea, stars Eric Dane, natalie Zea, Amy Mdigan, Chris Meyer, John shea, Jimmy cummings and more. The special charity screening will be held at AMC Loews new Bruswick 18 on Sunday April 23rd at 3:30pm. The movie will be followed by a Q&A and Meet & Greet with writer/director John Shea and actors from the film including New Jersey native, Chris Meyer.

Proceeds from this charity event benefit Icing Smiles – a national nonprofit that serves custom cakes to critically ill kids and their families. Icing Smiles understands that the simple things, like a birthday cake, are luxuries to a family battling illness. Their goal is to create a custom cake for the ill child or their sibling, that provides a temporary escape from worry and creates a positive memory during a difficult time.

EVENT: Charity Screening of Grey Lady to  benefit Icing Smiles

WHEN: Sunday April 23, 2017 at 3:30PM

WHERE: AMC Loews New Brunswick, 17 US-1, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Tickets: $35 includes the Q&A and the Meet & Greet

PURCHASE TICKETS:  https://icingsmiles.networkforgood.com/events/2238-grey-lady-movie-charity-screening-for-icing-smiles               https://icingsmiles.networkforgood.com/events/2238-grey-lady-movie-charity-screening-for-icing-smiles

To learn more about Icing Smiles, visit:   http://www.icingsmiles.org

Grey Lady Theatrical Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCMRSRu0ibo&sns=em

THE STRAND Lakewood 95^th Anniversary Birthday Party April 26^th: Reasons to be There             by Calvin Schwartz 

The Strand is having a 95^th Anniversary Birthday Party. I’m going to get around to talking about the April 26^th Party and shouting out why we all should vacate the sedentary sofa and get to the party but first……

I’ve been sitting here staring at the wall of memorabilia behind my computer screen for the past 11 minutes; it’s a writing technique I employ often; I suppose akin to Alice slipping though the rabbit hole into a new world. My rabbit hole (where I am trying to focus thoughts) is all about The Strand Theater in Lakewood. It’s been a frequent subject of mine the last five years as a journalist. Inside that magical world of The Strand, my theatrical rabbit hole of introspection, depth and purist enchantment (now with a new room, The Gallery, where you can have a tea party or a glass of wine) is a New Jersey historical landmark which opened in 1922 when Lakewood was popular with the rich and famous of the day like Rockefeller. Nearby Georgian Court University was the former estate of George Jay and Edith Gould.

It was designed to be a Broadway theater because Lakewood, back in the 1920’s and 30’s, was a vacation destination and the thinking was to bring Broadway shows here, for previewing them. And going back to those roaring twenties, The Strand was built with some of the best theater acoustics in the country. You can sit anywhere and it sounds like you’re in the first row.

My history with this theater has enabled me to cover fundraising shows after Hurricane Sandy; for the unique charity, Hometown Heroes; Songwriters by The Sea backstage, Arlan Feiles and The Broken Hearted live recording session backstage for ‘Live from The Strand;’ Richie Santa, quintessential Elvis Impersonator; The Strand’s annual Anniversary Gala’s at Holiday time and so much more.  Over the years, I’ve interviewed many of the staff, Board of Directors, and local politicians who support the theater.

On one of my recent memorable Strand days, I was introduced to Chris Everett (not the former tennis player) the Technical Director, Jack of All Trades, the guy who makes people fly and who puts scenery and imagination into production. Chris told me, “We make shows happen. Caitlyn Nelson is our  Assistant Technical Director.  Emily Lovell is our house lighting designer. She puts on a harness, climbs to the ceiling, drops down and hooks to a cage. That’s how lights focus in every show.” Chris continued, “Tom Fraley does House Audio and Gianni Scalise is the flyman and rigger and positive vibe technician. He climbs a five story ladder and hangs out on a steel catwalk.”  Chris explained how this crew does the work of ten people.

Staring at walls and rabbit holes aside, back to the future, I spoke the other day, at length, with The Strand’s Lori Davis, Front of House/Box Office Manager and Fran Whitney, Operations Manager. I’ve come to feel that the successful array of programming /events happening at the theater is concomitant with this dynamic duo working together. And behind all the scenes, is omnipresent Scott MacFadden, the savvy, energetic Managing Director.

Before talking about the upcoming 95^th Anniversary Birthday, we did the Gallery; the room across the hall from the main entrance to the theater, completely renovated, equipped with a bar, tables and a small stage such that you are easily magic carpeted to a Manhattan night spot; just do a quick blink of an eye. Being a resourceful journalist, I researched that the Gallery room used to be a drug store back in those roaring speak easy days of the 20’s.  And we’ll leave it at that.  Fran told me, “We’ve started booking local duos and trios, like NRG and Colossal Street Jam and use Thursday night as a lead.” Lori added, “Beginning in May, we’ll have a comedy act etc… and are hoping to have an open Mic night.”

John Davis, entrepreneur from Java House in Brick will be setting up in the Gallery. Of course I remember John’s affinity for live music when he once hosted myself and Danny Coleman’s Rock on Radio Show. This will be a new venture for the Gallery with Irish latte coffee available at the bar. Heidi DeFabritius, Front of House /Box Office and Lori will be running the Gallery with open bar. They mentioned the theater being booked into 2020. Exit 82 Theater Company and BCCT (Brick Children’s Community Theatre) also perform here. The Strand is hot these days.

Lori added,” We were gifted a Baby Grand piano by Georgian Court University. Todd Gagnon will be playing music before shows and we’re looking into hosting low budget movie premieres.”

I said, “It’s party time.”  Right up front here, I’m hoping NJ Discover readers are looking for a fun night out on the town and find ways to extricate themselves from the perils of sedentary sofas and come to party at 95^th Anniversary Birthday Party on Wednesday April 26^th from 6-9 PM. Fran noted, “It’s a fundraiser, all proceeds to The Strand. Entertainment includes our own Lori Davis, Heidi and Tony DeFabritus, Arlan Feiles, Chris Rockwell, Richie Santa, Robert Santa and more.”

There is something spiritually palpable and historically haunting about The Strand and the Gallery. Part of it of course is the art deco ambiance. It is a magnificent theater. Easy on the eyes and ears. You have to be there and feel it. Hey, while we’re partying on the 26^th, come over to me in the Gallery, and we’ll talk about stuff. Here’s looking at you from the rabbit hole.

COMING ATTRACTIONS:  Goumba Johnny and 101.5’s Steve Trevelise at Catch a Rising Star in Princeton April 28^th  by  Calvin Schwartz

From time to time, I report here on NJ Discover on comedy highlights and coming attractions. It’s my great affectation with the art of comedy, going back to my personal rapid growth years in the sixties, when I discovered the genius of comedian Lenny Bruce, that brings me to contemporary comedy. My journalism has taken me to the genius of Mike Marino (who appears July 29^th at the Paramount in Asbury Park) and to the epi-center of Jersey comedy, ‘Catch a Rising Star’ in Princeton thus fulfilling my comedic satiation.

Thusly, I’m highlighting here a ‘Catch a Rising Star’ Princeton event on Saturday April 28^th when  Goumba Johnny and 101.5’s Steve Trevelise appear. This is a very special FUNNY night.

Calvin Schwartz for NJ Discover.

Here is website . Check it out before it sells out: http://www.catcharisingstar.com/

Hyatt Regency Princeton

102 Carnegie Center

Princeton, NJ

856-776-0993

GOUMBA JOHNNY BIO:

Radio Host, Comedian, Actor and Author was born in the Bronx and entered into the radio industry after many career changes. Shortly after graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree from SUNY (State University of New York at Brockport), Johnny signed as a free agent in professional football with the New York Jets and then with the New York Giants. Although both opportunities were a dream for Johnny, he had to retire from the sport due to a neck injury.

After his football career ended, he established “Broadway Bodyguards” and escorted celebrities and famous businessmen in and outside the New York City area such as, Smokey Robinson, Sam Kinison, and Malcolm Forbes. With his natural quick wit and charm, Johnny has joined the ranks of other comedians by performing stand-up at popular comedy clubs like Carolineʼs in Manhattan, Mohegan Sun, Foxwoods in Connecticut, and the Borgata and Caesars Palace in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Johnny also entered and won a National talent search from the Friarʼs Club in New York City for roasting. Johnny has roasted celebrities like Matt Lauer, Vincent (Big Pussy) Pastore and Gary Dellabate.

He is often asked to perform private roasts for some of the “stars” of Wall Street and other dignitaries. Johnny has shared the stage with many of the top acts in comedy such as Andrew Dice Clay, Mario Cantone, George Wallace, Jay Mohr, Tommy Davidson, Martin Lawrence, Colin Quinn, Paul Rodriguez, Caroline Rhea, Dom Irrera, Richard Jeni, Bobby Slayton, David Alan Grier, Pat Cooper and Jerry Seinfeld. His comedic sense brought him success in other entertainment genres as well, and he co-created the television show “Letʼs Get Stupid” and sold it to Telepictures. Goumba Johnny has appeared on various television shows such as The Weakest Link, The Montel Williams Show, Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn, The Joy Behar Show, The CBS Early Show, The Ricki Lake show, The Queen Latifah Show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire, Metro TV/Naked New York and Court TV. Johnny has recently appeared on TV episodes of Deadly Sins, Person of Interest, He has also hit the soap opera circuit landing roles on two popular CBS shows; Guiding Light and As the World Turns. He appeared in a Super Bowl commercial for NFL Network.

In the mid ʻ80ʻs Johnny did character voices and wrote comedy bits for radio stations across the country from Z-100 in New York City to KIIS FM in Los Angeles until KTU discovered Johnny in February 1996 and originally brought him in as a writer. The chemistry that he brought to the station was too good to waste behind the scenes. Management brought him out from behind the pen and paper and put him behind the mic. Goumba Johnny was so successful as a co-host in the evening slot that the KTU executives made him co-host of their Morning Show.

Johnny has written for the popular national magazine Cosmopolitan; contributed to US Weekly – Fashion Police for 3 years, and he contributed weekly to national magazine Star in Style Stalkers.. Johnny made his New York theater debut in the Strawberry One-Act Festival, portraying ʻStanley the Bartenderʼ in the play A Punch in the Face, and the summer of 2002 he had a recurring role as ʻPaulieʼ inthe hit Off Broadway play Six Goumbas and a Wannabe. In 2003 Johnny starred in his own comedy special, Goumba Johnnyʼs Slice of Italian Comedy and in early 2004 it has appeared as a special on Pay-Per-View for Direct TV, Time Warner Cable and Cablevision, continuing to gain fans not only in the New York Tri-state area, but nationwide.This comedy special is now available on DVD. In March 2008, Johnny penned his first book – So You Wanna Be a Mobster: Get Made! Get Paid! Get Babes! Start Your Own Mafia Family! (Citadel Publishing), the ultimate comedic self-help yourself book on how to start your own mafia family.

In Johnnyʼs free time his efforts are donated to dozens of charitable organizations within the tristate area where he has worked tirelessly to raise countless dollars. He performs stand-up, hosts events, plays softball, bowls, whatever it takes to help the cause raise the most money for their foundation. In 2002 he was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Cooleyʼs Anemia Foundation, where he was previously honored for his charitable work. he continues to help annually with organizations such as The Bowery Rescue Mission, the Autism Foundation, The Elizabeth Fund for Lupus and many police organizations, as well as many others.

CATCH A RISING STAR ON TOUR UPCOMING EVENTS

NJ DISCOVER FOLLOW-UP: ON THE NJ ART ROAD: MICHAEL MALPASS, SCULPTOR; NEW EXHIBIT AT ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS ART COUNCIL SAT. APRIL 8TH by Calvin Schwartz   

Back last June, 2016, I wrote a special article on the late sculptor Michael Malpass. It was quite a story of synchronicity in the universe how I discovered the artist and his work which was being exhibited along with a biographical documentary at Monmouth University, Pollak Gallery. Yes, I was totally overwhelmed with the depth and introspection of Michael Malpass.

The focus of this article is to let you know what I discovered last year in Michael Malpass’ extraordinary body of work and legacy and to let you know (the flyer at the bottom of article) that a wonderful new exhibit is taking place at Atlantic Highlands Art Council.

Here is an excerpt from my article (the entire article available here: http://www.njdiscover.com/wp1/2016/06/on-the-nj-art-road-michael-malpass-sculptor-exhibit-at-monmouth-university-by-calvin-schwartz-6-21-2016/   )

“I walked towards Pollak Gallery and noticed magical spherical (Malpass’ specialty) sculptures on the grass to my left. Walking on the grass, towards the sculptures, observing their artistic splendor, I was now frozen, staring, haunted by the intricacies and detail of his work; one cast in stark celestial red. The anticipation of the exhibit was peaking for me. Fortunately, they extended this exhibit until August 18th because of the demand/volume.

There is a wealth of information on Michael Malpass; let google walk you through it. My job here at NJ Discover is to share how his work emoted and elevated me; hyper sensitized my powers of introspection. It was quite an experience. Perhaps my arrival at 3 PM that afternoon, a gallery off hour, guaranteed my time of solitude and meaningful observation.  I’ve been to the Pollak gallery often, sometimes in conjunction with special musical shows and lectures at Pollak Theater. There’s something about the stark white walls, displays, and frames contrasted by the art. For me, it’s a sense of sterility and eternity (art for the ages).

There were the Malpass’ sculptured spheres.  He often said, “The sphere is the most perfect form. It is efficient, for example, with the most volume for the least surface area.” There were also his prints, collages and jewelry. I read that his art is a “revitalization.” For his welded spheres, now in front of me throughout the gallery, I saw that he used things that people discarded and changed them by recycling them into his mind and sculpture. For me, it evokes unique emotions in every piece. I can’t say/write it enough. This is so worth trips of many miles and minds to see in person. I marvel at great minds and creativity. I marvel at Michael Malpass.

I stopped in front of a sculpted sphere called ‘Squiggly.’ I day-dreamed that I was in the studio with him while he created it. We were laughing together. Then he got serious and ushered me away. I loved, ‘Traveler’ one of the most imaginative and perfect world of unions and coming together of form pieces. It seemed so many stories were being told here; a perfection of function and form so simple yet intricate.  He was traveling and encountering so many foreign objects but made them(welded) in a smooth statement. He must’ve travelled far and wide to bring the ‘ingredients’ together. More sculpted magic of Michael Malpass. With each exhibited piece, I imagined and wondered about his mind and thought process during inception. So many questions to ask him. It’s a rewarding feeling to leave an art exhibit with unrequited love of the works of the artist. Each piece told me a story. It’ll tell you all stories.

There was a magical collage, ‘Grass and Water.’ Of course I stared and tried to find ways to jump inside. It’s hard to explain visual emotions. The reality of a can of sardines, some money, olives and a local map; there’s a special frivolity here and a New Jersey breath of especially fresh air; Point Pleasant Beach on a receipt. And there is the ‘Chickenmen Gallery.’  I could go on here expressing, digressing, progressing but you have to see it for yourself; there’s plenty of time until August.”

MICHAEL ALLEN MALPASS  1946-1991

www.michaelmalpass.com

Michael  Malpass was one of the most respected sculptors of the 20th century.

Michael studied Fine Arts at Pratt Institute. His career commenced in 1977 when he had his first solo exhibition at Betty Parsons Gallery on 57th Street in Manhattan. Just two years later Michael found his work on the cover of ART news Magazine.

He primarily explored the sphere using found metal objects. Applying traditional blacksmithing techniques, he literally manipulated tons of steel. The industrial shapes are composed of iron, steel, brass, bronze and copper that were forged and welded together to form the sphere.

Throughout the eighties his career flourished. He accelerated his creative efforts, broadened the scope of his sculpture and accepted increasingly challenging commissions, including those from General Electric, Exxon/Mobil, Trammel Crow Company, Benenson Developmental Corporation and TRW.

In 1987 Michael left his full-time position at Pratt Institute to concentrate full-time on his sculpture. This was a leap of faith since we were raising four children. He had many exhibitions and commissions in New Jersey including The Noyes Museum, The Paterson Museum, The Morris Museum, Ocean County College, Stockton College, Island Heights Cultural Center, The Educational Testing Service, New Jersey Institute of Technology, State of the Arts – NJ Television, Artworks/Trenton, James Yarosh Gallery (Holmdel), Laurel Tracey Gallery (Red Bank), Long Beach Island Foundation for the Arts, Grounds for Sculpture, Clifton Art Center & Rutgers University. The year before his death in 1991 he was working simultaneously on four different commissions from The State of New Jersey, The State of Connecticut, The Hechinger Collection & Exxon/Mobil.

Michael was a pioneer scraping pieces of metal and transforming them into art.

Cathleen Malpass cmalpass593@comcast.net

The flyer: Perhaps even try to get to opening night of the exhibit.

“There’s No Place Like the Food Bank” 2017 Humanitarian Gala March 24^th  40,000 Monmouth & Ocean County Children Are Hungry   by Calvin Schwartz   2-8-17

I’m looking at the title of this article with hesitation. Have I committed ‘dichotomy’? On one hand, announcing and promoting a Humanitarian Gala at a Country Club and on the other hand, promulgating a disturbing statistic; an obscene amount of children are hungry here in Monmouth and Ocean County. My being here is to support and spread the word of the amazing work done by the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean County and the special honorees at the Gala who give of themselves tirelessly and endlessly to the cause of fighting hunger here at home. A Gala is a wonderful vehicle to raise desperately needed funds to do the work of feeding the hungry. Soon I’ll lay down some hard money facts.

Those honorees are: Rena Levine Levy and Steven Levine from the WindMill Restaurants, Members of United Teletech Financial, Board Chairs Emeritus, Junior Humanitarian, Dominic Esposito, and Agency Partner, King of Kings Food Pantry.

I’m not new to the work of the Food Bank nor honorees, Rena Levine Levy and Steven Levine. All of my writing and journalism comes from living and learning first hand. There is no other real way. Five years ago, I learned about homelessness, spending time in a homeless tent encampment 22 miles from Monmouth County. (Tent City in Lakewood) Frankly, having never seen this side of life, I was changed forever. How people (over 100) survived (not lived), in tents for up to 12 years without running water or heat or electricity is horrifying.

Concomitant with being homeless is being hungry. I soon discovered the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean County. I did spend several days there actually after Hurricane Sandy, learning, feeling, absorbing.  To augment my understanding of hunger (in America too), I attended a program at Count Basie Theater in Red Bank called the ‘The Soul of Hunger’ which was a lengthy community dialogue about Hunger in New Jersey. The afternoon began with a screening of the film “A Place at the Table,” and later Governor Christie and restaurateur Tom Colicchio joined moderator Willie Geist from ‘The Today Show.’  Point being, (my son uses this expression all the time) talking about hunger is a good process but the FoodBank needs you all year.  Again, I was changed forever as I learned about the insidious nature of hunger. Yes, our very neighbors could be hungry but would never reach out or say anything for fear of embarrassment which means their children are also hungry

“I’m walking here,” Ratzo said, (remember I’m a stream of consciousness writer). I just visualized Dustin Hoffman playing the role of Ratzo Rizzo in ‘Midnight Cowboy,’ a riveting film; it still bothers me. Rizzo was terribly hungry as he walked the city streets scrounging for food. Jon Voight (Joe Buck) in the movie crushed a cracker into a cup of ketchup and water for sustenance; just one of my images of hunger.  I remember Charles Dickens ‘A Christmas Carol’ when the ‘Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come’ opens his coat to reveal two children who symbolize ignorance and want(hunger). And not much has changed since 1843. Actually things are even worse ergo part of the title of this article, 40, 000 children in Monmouth and Ocean County are hungry.

I know that honoree Steven Levine helped with food for people in the tents or after disasters as well as giving dinners in Asbury Park for the many needy.  I’ve been to the WindMill in Long Branch when Rena and Steven fed a large number of needy kids from nearby towns. But it’s their life commitment to giving back and working with the Food Bank, planning events to raise funds and being involved and caring.

Perhaps the most startling statistic to share here is that in 1980 there were 40 food pantries in America. Today, there are upwards of 40,000. One in ten people in Monmouth and Ocean County use the services of the Food Bank. Remember my article title; there are 40,000 hungry children in both counties. Why so critically important to raise funds (and why YOU are all needed to help at any level) is $1.00 raised can provide 3 meals!!!!

Nothing is coincidence. I was thinking about writing this all day. A few hours ago, I watched World News Tonight. There was a segment on “Blessing Boxes” in a small Texas town. The box is set up on a street and people can drop off canned food, toiletries and other items for the needy. I watched a single woman with four children recently laid off from work use the “Blessing Box.” It was critical for feeding her young children. Hunger is all around and much too much in America at the advanced year of 2017. It’s so prevalent here in our two home counties so please reach into your conscious conscience and help OUR Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean County. These are different times. We really do need each other.  And if you can help any aspect of the Gala, please do.

The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties website:  http://www.foodbankmoc.org/

Here are the flyers and information on the Gala: