At the Vineyard is a television series presented by the Garden State Wine Growers Association. In this edition, Tom Cosentino visits Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery in Cape May where he sits down with owner and winemaker Todd Wuerker.
Thanks to Todd and Kenna Wuerker and their team at Hawk Haven Vineyards & Winery
The production team at NJ Discover
New Jersey Department of Agriculture
New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel & Tourism
And, New Jersey wine enthusiasts!
www.newjerseywines.com
www.njdiscover.com

Explore Salem County, NJ and visit Monroeville Vineyard & Winery and the Salem Historical Society Museum in the Garden State Wine Growers Association’s new Passport Series Tourism Vignette.

Heritage Winery – At The Vineyard Show Episode 2

New Jersey wines are being recognized nationally for their excellence in renowned wine competitions and the industry has seen tremendous growth with over 50 licensed wineries now operating in the state. The Garden State Wine Growers Association’s (GSWGA) ongoing mission has been to increase the awareness, appreciation and quality of wines produced in New Jersey.  The At the Vineyards YouTube show puts the spotlight on vineyards throughout the state and allows consumers to see how each visit to a winery provides a unique experience.  Join us as we profile individual winemakers and owners at vineyards across New Jersey.  Join us and explore New Jersey Wine Country with the At the Vineyards Show.

The At the Vineyards series is funded through  a USDA Crop Grant and by the Garden State Wine Growers Association.

STARDUST – By TaraJean McDonald

STARDUST: Manny Cabo – Revolution of Peace, Love & Music

Manny Cabo – singer, songwriter and motivational speaker

The stars were all aligned when Manny Cabo stepped on stage at auditions for NBC’s The Voice in 2015. Now, over a year later, he is still inspiring both the young and the not-so-young to believe in themselves and to accomplish their dreams. I had a chance to catch this rising star, in between his busy schedule, and to sit in his home studio and chat about what it takes to maintain your motivation and achieve your success – one step at a time.

STARDUST: Host TaraJean McDonald

Photo Credits: Calvin Schwartz

Photo of TaraJean Credit: Manny Cabo

https://www.mannycabomusic.com

https://www.facebook.com/mannycabomusic

There are stars all around us in the universe – After stars were formed, the intensity of their energies caused them to explode – their stardust traveled through the universe eventually clumping together to give birth to planets.

The earth is formed from stardust. Our bodies are formed from the earth – so in essence we are all made up of stardust. Every one of us is made up of stardust – the famous and the not so famous; the people who we look up to and admire, and the people who are homeless on the streets. I write about people who shine. Maybe you know them, maybe you don’t. But you are going to learn something about their lives, their passions and what motivates them. And in the end, I hope you realize that we all have the ability to shine, because after all – we are StarDust.

StarDust: A Revolution Of Peace, Love & Music – hosted by TaraJean McDonald   Blog: YoursTrulyTJ.com

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.

StarDust

By TaraJean McDonald

 There are stars all around us in the universe – After stars were formed, the intensity of their energies caused them to explode – their stardust traveled through the universe eventually clumping together to give birth to planets.

The earth is formed from stardust. Our bodies are formed from the earth – so in essence we are all made up of stardust. Every one of us is made up of stardust – the famous and the not so famous; the people who we look up to and admire, and the people who are homeless on the streets. I write about people who shine. Maybe you know them, maybe you don’t. But you are going to learn something about their lives, their passions and what motivates them. And in the end, I hope you realize that we all have the ability to shine, because after all – we are StarDust.

From Elizabeth to Marlboro to NYC – StarDust

Joey Merlo – poet, actor and playwright

This past weekend I took a full car ride into the Soho section of NYC to see an Off-Off-Broadway Play. I heard about this talented poet and playwright that wrote a new play called The Witch of St. Elmora Street. He grew up in New Jersey, he attended college in NYC, he travelled to Ghana where he completed his first Documentary and now he lives in Washington Heights and hosts a showcase for artists at Smalls Jazz Club in the West Village. I knew at once this young man was StarDust.

The Witch of St. Elmora Street – by Joey Merlo

There is a fine line between reality and myth that separates the stories Joey Merlo grew up hearing while sitting around his family’s holiday dinner table. Using some of what he heard whispered by relatives and some of what he watched unfold over the years he created a poignant play. This story encompasses an Italian family’s strong bonds along with their ageless traditions and superstitions. Joey was able to create characters that were endearing and at the same time disturbing. When I spoke to Joey after the play, I had to move between audience members who surrounded him with tears and hugs. Joey had touched on the emotions of everyone in the theater. This was immensely due to the storyline of his play, which portrayed both the main characters suffering through the debilitating effects of a broken heart. There is not a person alive who hasn’t lost someone they love or watched someone they love go through the madness that is triggered by a broken heart.

Shooting Stars
The talented cast that Joey brought together onstage and backstage came from near and far; two members originally from London, 1 from Ohio and another from the town of Marlboro, NJ. The talented Hair Designer, Ali Tritto, never complained when travelling to NYC and then back home to Marlboro, NJ each night of dress rehearsals and performances, because she knew she had found her niche. She along with the Director and Joey collaborated together to create the memorable styles of each cast member. Lead Actress, Vanessa Kopel, gave credit to Ali’s talents for helping her to bring the character to life on stage. Ali Tritto still works in Manalapan, NJ styling hair at Studio 455 but the doors have opened for her talents to shine in the NYC theater district and movie business. Watch for this shooting star from Marlboro: Ali Tritto.

StarDust Ahead

Closing night was Sunday for this staged play, but Joey Merlo hopes to take the next steps toward bringing The Witch of St. Elmora Street to the big screen. The reviews were astounding, the acting was remarkable and the script was extraordinary. The unforgettable journey this playwright takes us through during his 90-minute play will surely enable it to become a Fresh Tomato hit on the big screen. Keep your eyes out for Joey Merlo and The Witch of St. Elmora Street at Facebook: Wolfpack Theatrics, Instagram: JoeJoeMerlo, www.ElmoraStreet.com.

The Witch of St. Elmora Street is by Joey Merlo. Directed by Emylin Kowaleski.  Assistant Director is Brian Pollock. Lighting Designer is Mike Mcgee. Scenic Designer is Brooke Ban Hensbergen. Costume Designer is Lizzie Donelan. Hair Designer is Ali Tritto. Make Up Designer is Lea Maurer. Production Stage Manager is Caitlin Kellermeyer. Tech Director is Aaron Watson. Producer is Jordan Bean, with associate Producer Patrick Taylor. Produced by Wolfpack Theatrics and Dark Matter Productions. Graphics by Alexia Merlo. Photos by Bryan Berrios.

Cast: Caitlin Zoz, Chris Dunlop, Vanessa Koppel, Chinaza Uche, Nathaniel Peart, Nicole Pursell, and Enzo Ferrante.

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

StarDust: From Elizabeth to Marlboro to NYC article written by TaraJean McDonald   Blog: YoursTrulyTJ.com

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.

NJ DISCOVER EXCLUSIVE: PeduL:  A New Company Changing the Way College Is Funded. A Brave New Young World.  By  Calvin Schwartz   August 8, 2016

Sitting in my office, early August, my thoughts racing to a Big Ten (Rutgers) college football field with its concurrent September dreams, I just ceremoniously slapped myself to “snap out of it” (Cher did that to Nicholas Cage in the movie ‘Moonstruck’). It worked. I’m concentrating now on PeduL, the incredible young minds that conceived this college funding game changer; the giant telecommunications company, IDT, which is nurturing them in Newark, New Jersey, my birthplace.

I’ve envisioned a series of articles, interviews and other media events to bring PeduL to journalistic light. They’ll need all of us come launch time. And funny thing, all of us, past, present and future have college kids in our lives. So don’t go away. One more point at the outset. Here is the PeduL link.  Check it out.   http://www.pedul.com

If you’ve checked it out and saw their TEAM, then you saw Chisa Egbelu, as their Business Operator. Chisa was my illuminating connection to the company. Chisa and I have an interesting history which now becomes relevant. Cut to three years ago, the Garden State Film Festival in Atlantic City. Chisa interned on a film that I needed to see. After the Q and A, he saw my Rutgers cap, magnetically approached, mentioned he was a sophomore at Rutgers, asked my connection and the rest is a precious history of alma mater and commonality.

As we discussed PeduL, their vision, energy and dedication, I knew my course of involvement. For decades, I’ve been watching ‘the news.’ So much of our extant world, the condition thereof, is a function of education. It’s so simple but not. What always blows me away, is the fact that a considerable number of eye-blinks ago, I went to Rutgers. My tuition was $500 per year and I managed to get a partial scholarship (They must’ve been plentiful as I resided in the middle of my class). End result, I personally (not my parents. I had two younger sisters to worry about) paid for my entire Rutgers education. No lifelong loans to pay back. No chains on hands or feet. I was debt-free when I left Rutgers with two degrees. I even managed to save my summer jobs money.

When I visited PeduL last week with my wife, a former three-decade educator, and Yolande Edme, a recent Rutgers graduate, Big Ten and NJ Discover broadcast intern, my first words of exclamation were how much the country and world needed what PeduL was doing. Then I asked Chisa what happened over the years that witnessed tuition going from $500 a year to $15,000. Chisa’s response was rapid fire, “The government doesn’t do what they used to anymore.”

Next I brought up how relevant and timely PeduL is. Their mission is front page global headlines. Bernie Sanders campaign in part focused on paying for all public colleges. LeBron James, a few weeks ago, gave $41 million so that 1100 kids could go to college. PeduL is right at the epicenter. Chisa totally agreed and was well aware.

I’d spend nearly three hours talking with Chisa and Murtala Aliyu, Developer and math genius in the vibrant atmosphere of IDT. Kayla Jackson, Project Manager and source of vast amounts of energy was out of the office that day. As journalistically sharing the thrill and vision of PeduL’s development will be an ongoing project; it’s that important for all of us; my purpose in this first installment is to summarize the inception and birth of PeduL and to begin to enlist readers and believers.

Chisa spoke about IDT, a global telecommunications company and their visionary executive. “He seemed like a one on one individual. A cool person to talk to. Like your friend’s grandfather.” IDT provides PeduL with space, legal team and great support, advice and consent in development. “They are international phone calling, entertainment companies, animation for ‘The Simpsons,’ and even look for oil. What I really respect about IDT is that they don’t stay in their own lane. Howard Jonas is Chairman, his son Samuel, CEO. His son has been great to me, really kind. The thing I respect most about Howard; he figures out what he wants to do and just does it.” I smiled remembering I worked for the same type of man, Leonardo Del Vecchio, for 25 years at Luxottica Group who operated the same way. IDT has branched out. It’s also why they have this venture aspect to the company which is PeduL.

I like to be a balanced interviewer; some heavy, some light approaches. “Chisa, where are you living?” I sensed he was all over the place just like he was at Rutgers; from playing Quidditch (Harry Potter), Rutgers radio and TV, excelling academically and being tapped for Rutgers’ highest honor, Cap and Skull, Senior Honor Society. “It depends. Tonight I’m in New Brunswick. Murtala and I have a meeting tomorrow in NYC. Sometimes I’m in Harlem or Morris Plains.”

I asked about a general overview how this all came about commenting, “It’s unusual for an undergrad to become a CEO?”  “It is unusual but more commonplace than you think.” He spoke about his roommate and best friend, Jarrett, a computer science genius (top 2% of class) but more passionate about music so he left Rutgers and enrolled at Berklee College of Music, his dream come true. The following summer, Jarrett came to visit and asked to move back. He couldn’t afford to stay at Berklee. “At this point, we were deep into Reddit culture, Kickstarter and cool things on the internet. Then the statement, “I wish there was Kickstarter for school.” But why isn’t there? From there, the roots started taking shape.”

Murtala had just walked in to our cubicle meeting. Chisa continued, “So before we got here, we had a great Business to Consumer aspect, and now Business to Business. That is our biggest leverage point on top of competitors.”  I interjected, “What about Jarrett?” “He moved in back then; our double became a triple. It was quite the year. He works at Lockheed-Martin now. He’s so good at computer science and realized music was a pipe dream if he can’t afford it.”

It was difficult to develop PeduL and find the right team. “It’s a lot especially doing it between classes, activities, internships, part-time jobs, events, parties. It was a lot of work. It’s also the reason no one has done this before. It’s overwhelming. There are so many different aspects, so much red tape to cut dealing with the bureaucratic system, education at one end matching with tech culture. Two different worlds. But that’s our culture now, embracing difficulty.” I love that phrase.

Chisa next dealt with media and how the business side leads the way. “When I was interning at NBC, the business side led the way. If they said it won’t work, that was it. I thought of trying to recruit the smartest kids in business school. I said we have this idea, are you interested. It seems a lot of them thought we could just throw it up and people would use it. My naiveté. But it moved me to go forward. We were 4, 5, 6 maybe 7 business partners at the beginning. They dropped it; too much work.”  Moving forward, Chisa took off a whole semester, interning and focused on looking for a team. “That’s how I found Murtala. Commitment and loyalty trumps everything else. We needed individuals passionate about the project which led us to Kayla in business school.  She is a superstar.”

“What’s the practical side of how this works?”  Chisa looked skyward for a moment; a sign of serious intention. “We are for profit. We made that decision. It was a difficult trade-off, weighing pros and cons. We were looking to creating a non-profit aspect within the company. Why we went profit? We decided to rely on what our features can bring. We are dealing with angel investors, putting in money, taking a certain percentage. It gets complicated with government involvement and transparency.  We’ll move faster and smoother because non-profit is cumbersome and full of regulations.”

I thought it was all about giving back and caring about the future of America and helping kids to get educated and not worrying about tax deductions which is really nickel dime stuff. Chisa liked my thinking.  “We are not cutting out attempts to get big donors and doors are open for millions of people to give something. Grassroots marketing is where we’re going. It’s who we are as a company.”  He explained what is best for them is a million people giving a few dollars.

There are two aspects to donations. One is to donate to an individual campaign. Secondly, you can donate to an institution page, a university, youth organization or high school.  I like to think of myself as a student of human nature so I asked, “What have you learned so far?” “The number one thing we learned is that in business there are no true favors. It’s all business.

They go to New York three to four times a week for meetings. They have learned how to dictate and move faster. They know there are no such things as favors. They are giving their supporters an opportunity because they are growing. IDT funds their lawyers.  Hugely important is how much money out of $1000 gets to the students. “We only take 4.9% off and are fans of transparency.”

“Can students come to you. Who decides?” “We’re starting off with students in need and academically deserving. They can make a campaign when coming to our website. We will also have University pages. Individuals can donate to that page (school) and allocate that to students. Money is sent off as a scholarship to those students.”  They are actually building a calculator now to find who is in need. Then you’re in and start soliciting money. They have the help on the business side and now need help on the education side. My mind was firing away on all the people I know in education. I was thrilled my wife became part of the discussion.

I also realized that their education journey required learning how to get to the decision maker; something I learned for 25 years at Luxottica. The other positive outcome, is the more they create awareness, the more it spreads around; the social media aspect as well.

Next we talked about the infinite amount of small businesses so perfectly suited to be involved. PeduL gives every small business owner, every company in existence an opportunity to give back to their communities. On local levels, they’ll involve Chamber of Commerce. “Ideally, we’d love every kid on our platform to be sponsored by a company. For example, the bakery down the street sponsors a student. The student is given tasks to do; for instance, getting people to like the bakery on Facebook, sharing bakery posts, watching their video, doing social media marketing for them. Out of the business marketing budget, they would pay $4 to 5 each time it takes place.” I realized it’s really not charity for the business; they are getting marketing. Regional companies have capital and need exposure. PeduL is a perfect win-win situation.

I told Chisa, Murtala and Yolande that my head was spinning and that is a good thing. It doesn’t spin often these days. I marvel at PeduL. There is such a need for their product, for educating our youth and insuring America’s future. I marvel at these kids from Rutgers and IDT. I believe I just enlisted and maybe got to some of you out there. Best to say now, to be continued. This article has not been personal but strictly business.

AN IMPORTANT COMING ATTRACTION: Documentary Premiere, “A MESSAGE OF HOPE”  Sunday July 17^th Two River Theater Red Bank  5PM    by Calvin Schwartz    July 9th

TICKETS ARE FREE!!   Call 732-319-3455 or 732-284-7071 to reserve your seat, all are welcome! 

Over these last five years of my writing for NJ Discover, many have come to know and appreciate that most of my words (projects and undertakings) come from my soul which means I’m a more effective writer when I’m emotionally involved and somehow “lived” around a story. I’ve often turned down stories if there wasn’t that emotional connection. I use it to energize my intestinal lining which fuels my writing. Everybody has a technique.

This is not an easy documentary to see meaning it requires a special courage and fortitude. But we are all part of a community here in New Jersey. Why did I get involved? ‘Healing Hearts’ is a support group for parents who are dealing every day with the death of their child. Lisa Anderson, accomplished radio personality from “Greater Media” radio stations WRAT and WJRZ  along with the film’s young director, Noelle Ciumei, approached some of the parents from ‘Healing Hearts’ who agreed to open their souls and tell their story.

Where do I come in? At first, I was operating from a distance without knowledge or understanding. I’ve worked with Noelle on other projects and admired her talent and insight. When I delved a bit more deeply into the project, I realized that its essence with the support group was quite close to me. Once again, a deeply personal attachment. No, I haven’t lost a child. But a couple quite close to me did, tragically, a few years ago. I knew the child so well. I saw the child a few days before and sensed something was wrong. I actually could’ve been more proactive as a human and friend. But too often, we’re caught up in our own lives. Then tragedy; forever, I’ll feel a modicum of guilt.  And our friends who lost that child, they disappeared from our lives. Subconsciously, I think we all felt they were some kind of outcast. No one knew what to say to them. No one had experienced this. So they were alone and need of support. I wish they knew about ‘Healing Hearts.’ It is a place of comfort, love, peace and hope.

This past Tuesday July 5^th, there was a special ceremony in Jackson, NJ at the Garden of Hope. I was there. The parents and families from ‘Healing Hearts’ gathered together, held hands in a semi-circle. It was brutally hot and humid. Biodegradable balloons in the shape of a white dove were filled with helium. Messages to their children were written on the balloons. Then together, they released them into the universe. A special group of people; diverse and filled with hope.

For so many reasons written above and beneath the surface, YOU ALL should set some time aside on Sunday July 17^th to come to the premiere. It’s free. It’s Red Bank; there is a plethora of chic restaurants. You are down the shore. If the prevailing winds are right, you’ll smell salt air. But you’ll be supporting, sharing, learning and feeling. The film is a wonderful emotional experience of, for and by fellow humans. See you there.

Calvin Schwartz  

TICKETS ARE FREE!!   Call 732-319-3455 or 732-284-7071 to reserve your seat, all are welcome! 

“A Message of Hope” Trailer Link and Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/26byt7g      

 A MESSAGE FROM LISA ANDERSON:

“Any mother or father who has had to bury their child knows the depths of the despair, heartache, and lonliness.  It is every parent’s worst nightmare. Hello..my name is Lisa Anderson, and sadly, I am one of those parents. I have survived the loss of two of my sons, Ryan and Christopher. Ryan passed away two weeks before my due date in 1992, and my oldest son Chris passed suddenly from a seizure five years ago at the age of thirty-two.  About a year ago, I had the overwhelming feeling I needed to make a documentary. Actually it came to me loud and clear in the form of a “message” from my son Chris. Having had absolutely no idea how  to even begin, as fate would have it, I found a beautifully talented, aspiring filmmaker Noelle Ciumei, and together, we set out to make  the groundbreaking documentary “A Message of Hope.” I also was blessed to have the other moms and dads of our support group “Healing Hearts” share their stories as well, in the hopes we can reach out to other parents who are in ‘the club nobody ever wants to be in.’

To let them know they are not alone in their sorrow.  If you, or someone you know has suffered the loss of a child, you will not want to miss seeing A Message of Hope, which will be screened at The Two River Theatre in Red Bank on July 17th, at 5 pm free of charge.   None of us have been paid to do this, and we have no budget. We are asking for your support to not only cover the cost of the theatre rental, but to also bring our documentary to other venues such as film festivals and other cities so other parents can see our film and know they are not alone in their struggles.  We cannot bring our children back, but we can honor their memory with A Message of Hope. This film was made with the intention to bring healing and hope to many. Please help us to help others who are living with the death of their child. In this way, our children will not be forgotten.  Thank you for your support!!”

BACK IN TOWN: MIKE MARINO, NJ BAD BOY OF COMEDY. JUNE 25^THALGONQUIN ARTS THEATER, MANASQUAN;  PRODUCED BY UNCLE VINNIE’S COMEDY CLUB.COM   “Reasons to BE THERE”     By Calvin Schwartz      June 13^th 2016

CLICK HERE FOR TIXS :http://bit.ly/1UDAZn2

PRODUCED BY UNCLE VINNIE’S COMEDY CLUB.COM

Next week, it’s officially summer on the Jersey shore. A few weeks before, I traditionally grab a calendar, a yellow highlighter I used in college, and find those special events that will help to define my summer. So, June 25^th gets a yellow highlight bath in the limelight. I’m so into comedy these days; an introspective, deep need to laugh for a few hours. The smell of Atlantic Ocean air, a plethora of eating and drinking places and Jersey shore ambiance; for me and probably you guys, a nirvana of a Saturday June 25th shore summer night.

Yes, Mike Marino is back in town. Sounds like a song and I’ve been singing it for the past four years since I first saw Mike in concert. I love his comedy, infusion of Jersey histrionics and Presidential Comedy tour concert; blissfully relevant around summer convention time. Funny, I could see myself voting for Mike; but explaining this would be a bodacious long story. Another time. In the meantime, here is ticket info etc.  ALSO appearing with Mike is Uncle Floyd!!!

Come see “Jersey’s Bad Boy” Mike Marino as he goes on his Presidential Comedy Tour with Uncle Floyd . VIP tickets include a meet/greet with photo op after the show as well as premier seating.  General admission tickets are on a first come first served for seating after the VIP section part of the theater.  The theater will have drinks available for purchase as well as snack food.  No video taping will be allowed.

WHEN

Saturday, June 25, 2016 from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM (EDT)

WHERE

Algonquin Arts Theatre – 60 Abe Voorhees Dr, Manasquan, NJ 08736

PRODUCED BY UNCLE VINNIE’S COMEDY CLUB.COM

CLICK HERE FOR TIXS : http://bit.ly/1UDAZn2

In 2012, I discovered the genius of comedian Mike Marino in Asbury Park.  Mike was performing at the first Asbury Park Comedy Festival.  Since I discovered Lenny Bruce in the 60’s, I’ve morphed into a comedic snob. I need sharp incisive cerebral worldly comedy to laugh. Mike delivers that. And concomitantly (along the way), I’ve become a huge fan of Mike Marino. 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 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, being a comedic snob, countless times looking at Mike, 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. And now it appears Mike Marino is running for President. I just have to hear about that. I wonder if he needs campaign workers.

CLICK HERE FOR TIXS : http://bit.ly/1UDAZn2

http://www.mikemarino.net/

NJ DISCOVER Credentialed to cover RUTGERS 250^th Commencement on Sunday May 15^th. President Obama is Commencement Speaker   bY   Calvin Schwartz  May 14^th 2016

Two days ago, I received an email from the White House Media Affairs that I was credentialed (for NJ Discover) to cover Rutgers 250^th Commencement featuring President Barack Obama (44^th President) as Commencement Speaker. I was thrilled beyond.

Citing a phrase from the Gettysburg Address, “It is altogether fitting and proper,” that this historic opportunity was given to me. Back in 1969, I graduated from Rutgers and subsequently am on campus some 70 times a year for a variety of reasons; art, history, music, lectures, athletics, film and ‘sociology’. NJ Discover LIVE TV show (which I co-host with Tara-Jean Vitale) often features Rutgers ‘guests’ and programming topics. My first published novel, ‘Vichy Water’ uses Rutgers as a geographical backdrop.

I’ve been known to listen to Elgar’s ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ often and for long periods of time; there I’ve said it; I’m a huge sentimentalist.  Commencement is one of the most emotional events in the life; a beginning(commencing) of life as we know it. Yes, I am thrilled beyond. I hope to absorb, photographically capture and report back here on my wondrous journey to emotionalism and history tomorrow.

In the meantime, here is the Rutgers link to information and video streaming to watch ceremony tomorrow.  http://commencement.rutgers.edu/