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

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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.

FEEL GOOD STUFF: Holiday Season, Steven Levine (WindMill) Christmas & Birthday Party at VFW Asbury Park with Jersey Shore Dream Center.  December 12, 2016   by Calvin Schwartz

A long title for this article.  Yesterday afternoon, I attended this special party for a few hundred people in Asbury Park at the holiday decorated VFW Hall. My party assignment for the dinner was helping to wrap a few hundred forks and knives in a napkin.  Now, I feel compelled to say a few words about the caring and compassion of the birthday boy, Steven Levine, who turned a robust energetic 65 years old on Sunday.

Steven Levine, of the iconic WindMill Restaurants along the Jersey Shore has always found ways to help, feed and make a lot of people feel good. I’ve seen him bring his WindMill Restaurants on wheels to the Jersey Shore Dream Center, working with a devoted Pastor Isaac Friedel, to feed needy people around holiday time. Sunday was no exception but even with a larger undertaking.  He’s simply a good soul with a long history of good deeds, much of which goes unnoticed or unwritten about. It’s called modesty. Many don’t know (I’m a journalist, so I do) that he even fed a lot of people after Hurricane Sandy when all shore business evaporated or was destroyed.

Sunday’s event was that 65^th Birthday Party, a Christmas Party for the local NJ Shore communities served by the Jersey Shore Dream Center, coupled with their Toy Shoppe giveaway of toys for needy kids. The toy drive was also supported by Asbury Park police. I watched a few hundred people enjoy a full dinner, dessert, music by the kids from Lakeland Music, toys and a raffle. Steven’s daughter Amy, proprietor of ‘Taste the Cakes,’ baked the six-foot birthday cake.

Some of my seasonal thoughts at this Christmas time of year; notions of sugar plums dancing; a Currier and Ives painting of a snow covered roof and smoky chimney; Lionel locomotives whistling, Kris Kringle singing a Dutch Christmas song while a young Natalie Wood listens in the movie ‘Miracle on 34^th Street;’ Alastair Sim, the only movie Scrooge I ever watched, telling the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, that he’s too old to change; listening to Pavarotti sing ‘Adeste Fideles,’ or seeing Ralphie’s pure joy on getting that toy rifle Christmas morning. It’s also very special for me to take a few deep inhalations and see people absorbed in the spirit of the season of giving. So Steven Levine, thanks for the memories and the joy you spread.

For more info:  http://jerseyshoredreamcenter.org/

And: http://www.windmillhotdogs.com/home

A SPECIAL HOLIDAY PREVIEW:  The STRAND Theater 94^th Gala December 14^th AND My Day at The STRAND  by Calvin Schwartz   December 3^rd 2016

This article becomes one of those combination platter journalistic efforts, previewing the upcoming 94^th  Gala and delving into the inner workings and people behind the scenes at The Strand as well as reporting on my day exploring the sacred depths and heights of the theater, built in 1922.  I’ve said often, over the past five years, how much I love this theater, replete with that unique, rare, precious art deco ambiance. 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, akin to previewing them. I’ve been to many shows and events at The Strand. The acoustics are magical; you can sit anywhere and it’s as if you’re sitting right up front.

Although I’ve been at The Strand often, as a reporter, I’ve never really sat down with the people that bring it to life nor have I gone to those depths in the pit below the orchestra where the music emanates from nor have I attempted to climb the multi-story ladder backstage to change ceiling light bulbs seemingly close to the clouds. Somebody in real life has to do it. I arrived at high noon on Tuesday November 22^nd

It was an old fashioned entry. I rang the street bell and was ushered in by Lori Davis, part of the team of programming energy, creativity and daily mechanics which brings life to the theater. Moments later, I was greeted by Fran Whitney, who’s also on that life line team. One of these days, I’ll write an article called “Women of The Strand” and include Dina Warren who also is part of the theater’s resurgence. Jesse Warren, account manager, walked with me up the front grand stair case. I could hear Annie singing at the top of the stairs. On December 2^nd and 3^rd, they’re staging ‘It’s A Wonderful Life.’  So my hero, George Bailey might also be waiting for me at the top.

Jesse and I sat in a second floor office, overlooking Lakewood’s main street. He’s always this young enthusiastic persona.  We talked 94^th Gala, and the amazing musical line-up for that night and other matters of greasepaint and roars. He thanked theater management, Scott MacFadden, Glen Harrison and Ray Coles for all their support.  Next, he phoned home, actually downstairs, to Chris Everett (absolutely not related to the former tennis player), and summoned him into the interview. Chris is the tech head, Jack of All Trades, the guy who makes people fly and who puts scenery and imagination into production. “This place would not be what it is. He brings this place to life,” Jesse added.

Chris told me, “We make shows happen. Caitlyn Nelson is our assistant. 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.” Later they showed me the ladder at the rear of the balcony which leads into the ceiling and how she crawls into position. Did I want to climb up and be a good journalist and take some pictures?  “I’m always a good journalist, but a safe one with my two feet anchored firmly at ground level,” I softly responded.

Chris continued, “Tom Frayley 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. Adding to Chris’ all around versatility is the fact that in the production of ‘Beauty and The Beast’ he played a part.

My education of theater 101 behind the scenes continued. The crew has to learn everything before a production. Lighting and sound cues. They have five days to learn it all. That means 22-hour work days. “When it’s a musical production, we live for a week and a half here,” Chris proudly stated. He also reminded me that the technical director(himself) is also the house carpenter. His company is called Sound Foundation Productions.com.

Next was the inner sanctum walking tour to the basement level. Of course I flicked on the lights of the dressing rooms with all those light bulbs watching you put on make up. Imagination was quick to help me with my ‘Frankenstein’ make-up. Yes, I auditioned once when Reagan was President for that part.  An obscure doorway led to the orchestra pit and another small one led underneath the theater itself. It was a crawl space and I don’t crawl anymore. Gianni filled my sensibilities with lore of the theater; stories and legends of its rich history. Early on, a drug store occupied the area where the gallery is located now.   And we’ll leave it at that.  Back upstairs, Emily and Caitlyn were figuring out how to get the box of fluorescent light bulbs up to the clouds above to change the dim bulbs to new bright ones. When I stared up, I had to hold on to the wall for support.

It was time for Jesse to share info about the 94^th Gala which he’s been diligently working on. Big RoaD Productions would be responsible for the best musical line-up they’ve ever had including The Big Road All Star Band. This would be my third Gala attended. And as I do often at the conclusion of my emotional pieces, I exhort readers to get off their sedentary sofa and come on down to The Strand on December 14^th for a very special night. It really is.  Come for the Holiday Music and even the Dinner. Your choice. Here now the specifics of the night.

Wednesday December 14th Join BIG RoaD at The Strand Theater for “A VERY BIG RoaD Christmas” GALA NIGHT AT The Strand Theater!

The Strand Theater is proud to HONOR:

Thomas Jannarone, Owner Bar Anticipation/Attorney

Franke Previte, Academy Award Winning Composer (“Dirty Dancing”)

Steven Levine, Owner, WindMill Restuarants

Michael D’Elia, Committeemen, Lakewood Township

PERFORMING ARE : Bobby Bandiera, Lisa Sherman, Franke Previte, Jillian Rhys McCoy, Eddie Testa, Jobonanno, Joe Ferraro, Jt Bowen, Tommy Byrne

Band is: Ralph Notaro, Vinny Daniele, Joe Bellia, Arne Wendt, Tony Perruso, Bob Ferrel, Tommy Labella

Get your tickets now “A VERY BIG RoaD Christmas” GALA NIGHT AT The Strand Theater!

The Strand Theater

400 Clifton Ave

Lakewood, New Jersey

Tel: (732) 367-7789

Web: http://www.strand.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/StrandNJ

Produced and Presented by:

Terry Camp and Jesse James Warren for BIG RoaD

If you have any questions please feel free to call Jesse Warren at 732-367-7789, ext.204 or by email at jesse@strand.org.

FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/events/105488179931786/

“A VERY BIG RoaD CHRISTMAS” GALA NIGHT AT THE STRAND THEATER!

The Strand Theater presents its 94th Anniversary Gala with “A Very BIG RoaD Christmas!” on Wednesday, December 14, 2016 – A night to celebrate this historic venue and enjoy lively holiday tunes with The BIG RoaD All-Star (Big) Band.

Tickets are $25.00 and doors open at 7:00 p.m. for the 8:00 p.m. show. Guests are also welcome for The Strand’s Gala Dinner and Cocktail Party at 6:00 p.m. – for which tickets are $100.00 (which includes an orchestra seat ticket).

The BIG RoaD All-Star Band is Mark Leimbach, Ralph Notaro, Joe Bellia, Vinny Daniele, Arne Wendt, Tony Perruso, Tommy Labella, and Bobby Ferrel. Vocals by Bobby Bandiera, JT Bowen, Franke Previte, Lisa Sherman, Jillian Rhys McCoy, Eddie Testa,Jo Boanno, Killer Joe and more!

The historic STRAND THEATER, a non-profit 501(c)3, is Ocean County’s premier entertainment venue. THE STRAND opened its doors in 1922 and it shines as brightly today as it did then. Located in historic downtown Lakewood, THE STRAND is easily accessible and offers a wide variety of live entertainment including concerts, dance, musicals, & theater, comic performances, and arts education.

Strand Gala Information- The Board of Directors of the Strand Center for the Arts are pleased to announce the celebration of the theater’s 94th Anniversary. We cordially invite you to join us for our Gala and Holiday Celebration on Wednesday, December 14, 2016. The Gala will begin in the Strand Gallery at 6pm followed by a live performance on our main stage at 8pm. Several area restaurants will be serving their signature dishes and cocktails will also be served.

YOU CAN GO HOME AGAIN:  COMEDIAN MIKE MARINO IN CONCERT FRIDAY OCT 7^TH  at JERSEY CITY LOEWS  by Calvin Schwartz   

Going home again has been one of my favorite themes in life. I’ve been contentious with Thomas Wolfe’s novel, “You Can’t Go Home Again” which espouses “You can’t go back home to your family, back home to your childhood … back home to a young man’s dreams of glory and of fame … back home to places in the country, back home to the old forms and systems of things which once seemed everlasting but which are changing all the time – back home to the escapes of Time and Memory.” However, I know you CAN go home again and that’s exactly what comedian Mike Marino is doing on Friday October 7^th in concert in his home town of Jersey City at Loews Landmark Theater. To add to the special ambiance of the night is Vincent “Big P” Pastore from the ‘Soprano’s’. Mike back home is hugely special AND brought to you by CATCH A RISING STAR COMEDY and CONCERTS.  

THIS JUST IN: A TIMELY DEBATE WITH MIKE MARINO running for President vs Donald Trump  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCuGMyTMD6M

Mike introduces show: https://www.facebook.com/mikedmarino?fref=ts

“Bad Boy of NJ” and Comedian Mike Marino Talks Family and Comedy with Steve Adubato ‘One on One’   http://ht.ly/Kgyy303y9aZB  

I’ve been a huge fan of Mike Marino for the last three 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.

It’s funny, every time (which is several times a week) I go in to one of those convenience stores, some with those strange birds in their logo, and I pass by the computer station to order sandwiches, I stop, stare, smile and think of Mike Marino. And I know customers see me smiling and they must think I’m a little out there. But Mike makes me smile and laugh even when he’s in California, a few thousand miles away.

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.

SPOTLIGHT COMING ATTRACTION; ACADEMY AWARD WINNING DIRECTOR CHRIS TASHIMA, with showing of his Academy Award film ‘VISAS AND VIRTUE,’ IN FREEHOLD SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 18TH 2 PM by Calvin Schwartz

If you’ve been reading my musings and explorations over the past five years (that long already!), often themed subliminally or rather directly, is the notion to extricate/elevate yourself from the sedentary sofa and discover your local (county/state) world and take advantage of the myriad of mind expanding cultural offerings. It’s endless. When something of value crosses my desk, I’m quite responsive to share it here on njdiscover.com. Sometimes (like right now) I’m in disbelief at the quality of enlightenment being presented. Maybe I’m old school (and I am) but a program such as what I’m writing about here, should be filling up arenas and college gyms.

What we have here is a hugely special program (film) with a presentation by Academy Award winning director (for the film being shown, ‘Visas and Virtue’) Chris Tashima, who also acts in the film. Tashima won that Academy Award for Live Action Short Film with producer Chris Donahue, for ‘Visas and Virtue’ in 1997 which he directed, co-wrote (adapting the one-act play by Toyama), and starred in.

To produce ‘Visas and Virtue’, he co-founded Cedar Grove Productions in 1996, with Toyama and Donahue. He is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, in the Short Films and Feature Animation Branch, and belongs to the Directors Guild of America, Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, Actors’ Equity Association and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. He is also an accomplished stage set designer.

Now to the film being shown on Sunday September 18^th at 2 PM at The Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County in Freehold with Chris Tashima.  Admission is $10 non-members, $8 members. There will be a Question & Answer session after the film screening. For more information or to make a paid reservation (non-refundable), call the Museum at 732-252-6990, or visit www.jhmomc.org.

‘Visas and Virtue’ tells the story of Japanese diplomat, Chiune Sugihara, who served as Vice-Consul for the Empire of Japan in Lithuania. During World War II, he helped 6,000 Jews to leave Lithuania by issuing transit visas so that they could travel to Japanese territory, risking his career and his life (and family’s life.) The Jews who escaped were refugees from German-occupied Western Poland and Russian-occupied Eastern Poland, as well as residents of Lithuania. In 1985, Israel named him to the Righteous Among the Nations for his actions, the only Japanese national to be so honored. Sugihara was too ill to travel to Israel, so his wife and youngest son Nobuki accepted the honor on his behalf. Sugihara and his descendants were given perpetual Israeli citizenship.

On a personal note (and synchronistic), I was in Israel three weeks ago, at Yad Vashem, and learned about Sugihara’s great deeds and his being named to the Righteous Among the Nations. I never knew about him before. And now I’m about to see Chris Tashima and his film, ‘Visas and Virtue’ on Sugihara. Purist synchronicity.

When asked why he risked so much, Sugihara explained that the refugees were human beings, and that they simply needed help. “You want to know about my motivation, don’t you? Well. It is the kind of sentiments anyone would have when he actually sees refugees face to face, begging with tears in their eyes. He just cannot help but sympathize with them. Among the refugees were the elderly and women. They were so desperate that they went so far as to kiss my shoes, Yes, I actually witnessed such scenes with my own eyes.”  Sugihara died in 1986.

Tashima also directed, co-wrote and starred in the award-winning short film, “Day of Independence,” which depicts the life of Japanese Americans imprisoned in internment camps during World War II. He has appeared in numerous independent feature films, most recently “Under the Blood Red Sun,” a screen adaptation of the award-winning young adult novel by Graham Salisbury.

Hopefully, there’s been sufficient energy generated in the above paragraphs about Chris Tashima to help provide the impetus and sofa lift-off to bring you to Freehold next Sunday and get that chance to absorb his unique aura of accomplishment.

by Calvin Schwartz   9-9-16

Sunday September 18th at 2 PM at The Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County in Freehold with Chris Tashima.  Admission is $10 non-members, $8 members. There will be a Question & Answer session after the film screening. For more information or to make a paid reservation (non-refundable), call the Museum at 732-252-6990, or visit www.jhmomc.org.

‘VISAS AND VIRTUE’  film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXJ0SQJpGyQ

NOW HERE THIS: MIKE MARINO humor on St. Charles Riverboat on the Raritan River in NJ Sat, July 30^th along with Pam DeButts  and Steve Trevelise. Brought to you by Catch a Rising Star, Princeton             by Calvin Schwartz

BUY TICKETS ON LINE AT  www.catcharisingstar.com

There are numerous particulates which define my summer spent. Time on the beach, crashing waves, boardwalk, frozen custard, night music with a pastoral view and setting aside time to laugh. If you take that time for laughing (and purist enjoyment) and find a riverboat right here in Jersey, throw in some dinner and drinks, and of course the humor of Mike Marino, then it becomes a slice of nirvana.

When I heard Mike is performing on a Riverboat, I thought “nice try” but I’m not going to Mississippi. But happy days. The  Riverboat is permanently (non-sailing) docked on the Raritan River in Perth Amboy. So Saturday July 30^th becomes a comedy night to remember, Mike Marino, Jersey’s Bad Boy of Comedy along with the special humor of Pam DeButts and  101.5’s  Steve Trevelise and brought to you by Catch a Rising Star in Princeton. St. Charles Riverboat, dinner, drinks, comedy right here in New Jersey. I love it.

I’ve been a huge fan of Mike Marino for the last three 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.

It’s funny, every time (which is several times a week) I go in to one of those convenience stores, some with those strange birds in their logo, and I pass by the computer station to order sandwiches, I stop, stare, smile and think of Mike Marino. And I know customers see me smiling and they must think I’m a little out there. But Mike makes me smile and laugh even when he’s in California, a few thousand miles away.

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.  His concerts are a happening especially when he’s back home in front of a Jersey audience.

BUY TICKETS ON LINE AT  www.catcharisingstar.com

BACKSTAGE MUSICAL MAGIC: Coming Attractions- Sammy Boyd Productions- Summer Music Series. Paramount Asbury Park: A.J. CROCE (7-23) PETER YARROW (8-6) JOHN SEBASTIAN (8-20)   by Calvin Schwartz     

BACKSTAGE 

It was a few years ago when I discovered the pure magic and emotion of backstage concerts. I feel like Captain Hooked. (on backstage) There is nothing, truly, quite like the experience.  A few rows of chairs facing an empty surreal theater. A dimly lit chandelier. When you first walk in and sit, the silence of a thousand empty seats and the realization that you’re several feet from the performing musician. A glass of wine for contemplation. A certain feeling of anticipation and heightened excitement; it’s the intimacy of the night. You could be in a living room as the artist walks out, staring directly at you. The artist converses with you. You’re smiling, deep in thought, pinching yourself. That’s the level of belonging and involvement being backstage.

That first song. A raised eyebrow. A furrow on the forehead. A gasp of breath. You feel it and see it all. The artist’s crafted words piercing your sensibility. It’s like surround sound. Backstage you are a living moving part of a performance. The artist’s intent is absorbed easily. I love backstage events. And the Paramount Theater in Asbury Park. When they open the doors to let someone in, a deep inhalation of that idyllic Jersey ocean salt air.

So what does this description really mean?  To thank Sammy Boyd Productions for bringing Backstage to the Paramount for the second year. You all have the opportunity to partake BUT obviously, limited seating, but what a special thrill awaits. It’s Asbury Park, with a plethora of eateries pre or post show.  Get it? See you on the Boardwalk.

Calvin  Schwartz   7-18-16

Paramount Backstage returns this summer to Asbury Park   

The 2nd Annual Paramount Backstage summer music series that puts the audience right on the stage with the performers is not to be missed.  With their backs to the house, each artist performs facing the backstage where there are a limited amount of seats creating a true one-on-one experience with the artist. Enter through the stage door to receive your backstage pass and enjoy the show.  Bar, snack shack and artist merchandise are all right on stage.

DOORS at 7 PM   SHOWTIME 8 PM

July 23, 2016

A.J. CROCE: A.J. Croce is a multi-instrumental roots-rock artist, known for his boogie-woogie piano playing reminiscent of Dr. John.  Croce has recorded eight studio albums for both major and indie labels in 23 years as a professional artist and musician. His music incorporates pop, blues, folk, and jazz, and has charted on seven radio charts including Top 40. He’s shared the stage with many notable artists including James Brown, Willie Nelson, Bela Fleck, co-written songs with greats like Leon Russell, and been produced by legends like the late Allen Toussaint.  Croce has appeared on many television shows including Good Morning America and The Tonight Show.

August 6, 2016

PETER YARROW: Peter Yarrow’s talents as a creative artist—both with the legendary trio, Peter, Paul & Mary, and as a solo performer—are frequently directed at using music to convey a message of humanity and caring. His gift for songwriting has produced some of the most moving songs from Peter, Paul & Mary, including “Puff, the Magic Dragon”, “Day is Done”, “Light One Candle” and “The Great Mandala.” As a member of the renowned musical trio, Yarrow has earned multiple gold and platinum albums, as well as numerous GRAMMYs.

August 20, 2016

JOHN SEBASTIAN: Over four decades the contributions of John Sebastian have become a permanent part of our American musical fabric. His group, The Lovin’ Spoonful, played a major role in the mid-’60s rock revolution.  Throughout the ’70s and ’80s he continued to record and tour, pleasing long-time fans and winning new ones.  Sebastian is also a welcome media presence; his commentary, insights and anecdotes and stories are regularly featured in print, radio, TV and film documentary projects. John Sebastian is not only a master musician, writer and performer, he remains one of the best ambassador’s American music has ever known.

FOR TICKET INFO:

ON THE NJ ART ROAD: MICHAEL MALPASS, SCULPTOR; EXHIBIT AT MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY    By Calvin Schwartz   6-21-2016

MICHAEL MALPASS

If you follow my writings over the past few years, here, there and everywhere, a resilient theme is self-evident; the presence of synchronicity in my universe, largely made up of central Jersey exigencies and wanderings. I continue to marvel at the inter connectivity and smallness of that universe. So I have a story to relate; beginning with the innocence of asking a stranger to take a picture with me and a NJ Discover broadcast intern and cameraman at a soccer match.

It was last Saturday evening June 11th at Rutgers Sky Blue Field. One of those top ten days; warm temperature, a few wisps of cirrus clouds and a setting sun. New Jersey’s Sky Blue FC Women’s Professional Soccer versus Kansas City. I was a roaming photographer for the sold-out match as well as hanging out with broadcast interns and a field cameraman along the sidelines. For posterity, we needed something better than a selfie, so I randomly asked two women near the end of the team warm-ups to take our picture. One of the women, a theater and performing arts major was going to sing the National Anthem(Mackenzie Malpass). Her mother took the picture. In the paucity of time left before the anthem, but enough for the discovery and six degrees of separation process, I learned that the women’s husband’s father is Michael Malpass, a renowned sculptor who died way too young but left a wondrous body of work which is now being exhibited at Monmouth University’s Pollak Gallery coinciding with the showing of Monmouth University Communication student’s produced documentary film (under the direction Erin Fleming) “Michael Malpass-A Great Circle.”

Three days later, on Tuesday, replete with my journalistic instincts, 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 18^th 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 formed 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 traveled 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.

Perhaps now, I’ll share some background biographical information after all art is for the beholder.

“Michael Malpass-A Great Circle.”   Trailer/You Tube  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIsGWMoUVdM

THIS COMING SATURDAY June 25th. A chance to see the documentary ‘Michael Malpass-A Great Circle’

Art Walk and Michael Malpass Film Screening

June 25, 2016 | 4:00 PM

Free Event

This event will include a tour of the sculpture on campus including the new J. Seward Johnson pieces and the Michael Malpass Retrospective in Pollak Gallery. There will also be a screening of the new documentary about Michael Malpass titled “Michael Malpass – A Great Circle” created by Monmouth University Communication Students under the direction of Erin Fleming, Director of Production Services. The documentary will be screened in Wilson Auditorium at 4:00 PM and the guided tour immediately follow at 4:45.

Free and open to the public but RSVP required. To RSVP please call 732.263.5715

MICHAEL ALLEN MALPASS

        1946-1991

www.michaelmalpass.com

Michael  Malpass was one of the most respected sculptors of the 20^th century. Monmouth University is having a retrospective of his work from March 8 – June 30. The opening is April l from 6-8 pm.  His sculpture, prints, collages and jewelry will be on display. At the same time a documentary about his life will be shown.

Michael studied Fine Arts at Pratt Institute. His career commenced in 1977 when he had his first solo exhibition at Betty Parsons Gallery on 57^th 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 exhibit at Monmouth University of one of the most respected sculptors of the 20th century, Michael Malpass (1946 – 1991) taking place in the Pollak Gallery from March 8 through June 30, has been extended until August 18th due to the heavy volume of people attending the exhibit. Premiere screenings of a new documentary Michael Malpass – A Great Circle created by Monmouth University Communication students under the direction of Erin Fleming, director of Production Services, can be available on request.

The Pollak Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. All gallery events are free and open to the public.

For more information about this exhibition and all Monmouth University Center for the Arts events visit www.monmouth.edu/arts or call 732.263.5715.

INTERESTED!

Media Contact

Kelly Barratt, Assistant Director, Center for the Arts

732-263-5114

THE STRAND THEATER LAKEWOOD REVISITED and EAGLEMANIA SAT MAY 7 bY Calvin Schwartz May 4th 2016

I’ve got a solid five-year history of warm affectation with The Strand, so I figured a few moments ago, to revisit one of my earlier explorations (of which there were many) and do the salient features bit here at NJ Discover website, a few days before their special show this Saturday May 7^th EAGLEMANIA-The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute Band. More on the show to follow.

The Strand was built in 1922. What a wonderful venue to listen to music, dream, drift back to the future for a few moments. Yes, I love the Strand. I also love when the message gets out to the world embraced by NJ Discover to get off your sedentary sofas and take full advantage of all that New Jersey has to offer, i.e. The Strand.

Some four years ago, I really discovered The Strand in Lakewood; this magical, beautiful, historic place of theater, music, comedy and acoustical wizardry. Three years ago I attended the Strand’s 90th Gala and walked away meeting people who have influenced and changed the course of my life. That Gala event was followed by so many other events I attended at The Strand; from Sandy relief concerts, to intimate and memorable ‘Backstage Pass’ events to great music and endearing holiday shows.

A few months ago I got the chance to spend some time with Anthony D’Amato (known on stage as ‘Remember Jones’) He was named the new producing artistic director of the Strand. His responsibilities include working closely with management, giving input in production and show prospects, producing his own theatrical and music events and probably a myriad of other job descriptions.  His persona was electric, dynamic, indefatigable and youthful. Actually he is very young.  I asked Anthony about his history. “I used to usher here when I was 12 years old. I would pick up trash in the aisles. From there, I became a performer then a director and recently put on my own music events here. In the past I’ve been able to turn small theaters-outdated- into something with a social scene. That’s my goal for here. The artistic vision for me is NOT to put on musicals and plays yet, but first we need to establish this area again as some sort of social scene; a hang-out for all ages to be comfortable which is not easy.”

I also spoke to Chris Everett (not the tennis player) who’s the technical wizard at The Strand. “We want to insure this beautiful building continues to be a center for artistic endeavors…. Everything technical that happens here is my job; staging, lighting, sound, making people fly, all the fun stuff. If no one notices us, we did our job right because that is the magic of theater…. It was designed to be a Broadway theater…. In the 20’s and 30’s Lakewood was a vacation destination…literally it is a replica of a New York City theater.  We can do all these Broadway shows right here; One of the top four acoustically designed buildings in America.”

I love shout outs; To The Strand  ‘family’ for keeping me informed and enamored with the theater. Scott McFadden, Lori Gilmore, Fran Whitney, Dina Warren and Jesse Warren.

http://www.strand.org/

https://eaglemaniaband.wordpress.com/

And now show information for EAGLEMANIA-The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute Band.

May 7, 2016 at 8:00 PM

Strand Center for the Arts

Lakewood, NJ

Get Directions

Doors open 6:30 PM

BUY TICKETS ONLINE  http://www.strand.org/

James D’Amico Productions & Tommy’s House Present:

EAGLEMANIA-The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute Band. That isn’t their slogan by mistake. EagleMania has dedicated itself to faithfully reproducing the sound of The Eagles for the past three years. Since their inception, EagleMania has been thrilling audiences all over the East Coast with their stunning five part harmonies and their uncanny ability to emulate The Eagles note by note. Their show consists of all of the Eagles greatest hits, as well as some of the solo work of many of the individual members such as Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Joe Walsh.
Tickets $40 Orchestra & Loge, $35 Mezzanine, $25 Tier (Plus $5 fee per ticket).

Music : Genre: Classic Rock

……..

Last night I had the privilege of honoring some of New Jersey’s BEST at Asbury Park’s magnificent Convention Hall Theater. My co-host Calvin Schwartz and I enjoyed greeting the honorees on the red carpet. The New Jersey Hall of Fame recognizes and celebrates Garden State Citizens for their outstanding accomplishments. I am always impressed with the diversity of over achievers that are chosen for each year’s ceremony. Year’s passed the Inductees have included Jack Nicholson, Bruce Springsteen, Dizzy Gillespie, Martha Stewart, Joyce Carol Oates, Tony Bennet, Whitney Houston, John Travolta, Dionne Warwick, Michael Douglas and Bruce Willis. And this year’s honored were equally impressive:

Class of 2015

James Fenimore Cooper – America’s National Novelist – “Last of the Mohicans”

William Fox of 20th Century Fox – His first film studio was in Fort Lee New Jersey

Lewis Katz – Founder and Director of Katz Foundation

Kool & The Gang –  “Jungle Boogie”, “Funky Stuff”, “Ladies Night”, “Celebration”

Jack H. Jacobs – Medal of Honor, McDermott Chair of Humanities, On-Air Analyst for NBC

Derek Jeter – Five Time World Series Champion, Yankees All-Time Career Leader

Frank R. Lautenberg – Represented NJ in the United States Senate for five terms.

Bernard Marcus – Co-Founder of Home Depot

Christie Rampone – FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion & 3 time Olympic Gold Medalist

Jon Stewart – Television Host of The Daily Show – winning 18 EmmyAwards

Dick Vitale – American Basketball Sportscaster & Analyst, ABC, ESPN, NCAA, Olympic Games

Carla Harris – Vice Chairman, Global Wealth Management, Managing Director and Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley and Gospel Singer

The evening began with the theater booming from the tremendous sound of the Glen Burtnik Band. Soon after we were treated to a wonderful rendition of Theme from New York, New York sung by Joe Piscopo, the Hall Of Fame’s Host. Among laughter and cheers Joe Piscopo sung about New Jersey’s greatest and most memorable places to love and avoid. Throughout the evening one by one the Honorees and their families accepted the prestigious awards. All who attended the ceremony that evening could sense the great privilege that each inductee felt who stood on the stage that night.

(Special thanks to photographer: Richard Elliott Hoynes)

After a great evening in Asbury, rubbing elbows with my long-lost cousin Dick Vitale, and serenading “Ladies Night” to Kool & the Gang, I am settling down with my better half to rent the “Last of the Mohicans” in honor of New Jersey’s Hall of Fame. Looking forward to next year’s Ceremony and finding out who will be chosen from the many supremely talented Jersey Citizens. Congrats to all New Jerseys Hall of Fame Inductees and Good Luck to all the Hopefuls!

TaraJean McDonald Vitale

Journalist & Radio Host & On-Air Personality, NJDiscover

yourstrulyTJ@wordpress.com