NJ DISCOVER SPOTLIGHT: You’ve Got a Friend; Steve Conboy, CEO, ECO Building Products and the World’s Tallest Sandcastle at Jersey Shore and Lumber and so Much More.   By Calvin Schwartz    November 9, 2013

Three weeks prior to the October 29^th ceremony with a representative from Guinness World Records adjudicating the World’s Tallest Sandcastle at Point Pleasant Beach, I had a chance to interview the world renowned sculptor Ed Jarrett, who had just started construction of the sandcastle. I also knew that much of the practical realization of this most amazing accomplishment came from the sponsorship and support of Steve Conboy, CEO of ECO Building Products. As I walked around the circumference of the base of the sandcastle, I saw a red wood sign structure on the adjacent beach acknowledging the essence of this magical company, ECO Building Products, who’ve been supportive of rebuilding the Jersey shore after Sandy. The sign radiated the message, “Fire, mold, termite, and rot protected lumber.” “The best defensive lumber in the industry”  Maybe a hundred seagulls congregated just behind the sign as if they sensed being in a safe environment.
ECO CEO Steve Conboy’s Segment at the Sand Castle Evevnt

As a journalist, I set my future sights on spending time interviewing charismatic Steve Conboy. And that opportunity came on the celebration day on October 29^th, when the intricate 40 foot sandcastle was being measured by Philip Robertson from Guinness World Records to certify yet another world record accomplishment for Ed Jarrett. Several hours before the start of proceedings, while a chilly pre-winter wind blew in off the Atlantic Ocean, Steve Conboy, Steve Cassidy, from New York City Fire Department and I stood in front of the sandcastle, squinting in bright sunshine and talking about ECO Building Products and a new ‘wood’ world.

Conboy and his company came here to support the Jersey shore’s rebuilding efforts and the sandcastle too. They’ve got an amazing product and believe passionately in giving back and sharing. When Conboy started to explain his philosophy, I watched intently as his face exploded in emotion; his hands painted a picture for me that ECO Red Shield coatings on lumber is an eco-friendly (which I really love, being an environmentalist) and cost-effective alternative for protection against mold, termites, rot and fire. He told me there are no hazardous chemicals involved. His hands swept in a full circle as he talked about his goal; the protection with his ECO Red Shield lumber replacing raw lumber to become the standard in future wood construction projects. Of course I added an, “Oh wow.” It is a wow. Steve Cassidy from New York City Fire Department explained how Red Shield treated lumber in new construction projects and even applied to existing wood structures can save lives and property by resisting fire; a huge no brainier, as I thought immediately.

Good reporters do research. I knew about Steve Conboy spending time and giving ECO products to people and projects in Haiti and in New Orleans. Giving back is a soulful expression and his unique way to build a successful company. Conboy, who is a native New Yorker, has had nearly 35 years in the lumber business world and started ECO in 2007. He explained that there is this great need for change in the industry.

I asked about his treated lumber being embraced by the retail world. Indeed, retail loves Red Shield as it protects wood from mold growth while on retail storage shelves and therefore reduces financial risks. And Conboy reiterated to me that his coatings can be applied to existing structures very cost effectively.

This blew me away. Raw lumber sales in 2012 approached $94 Billion which means there is a huge opportunity for incredible growth. It also means lots of lumber today on shelves may have mold growth. Then I told both Conboy and Cassidy an interesting anecdote. I love relevant anecdotes in the middle of an interview with the sun shining on my face.  When I wrote my original article for NJ Discover’s website and Facebook page link about the Sandcastle and ECO Building Products sponsorship, one of our Facebook friends was intrigued and googled ECO. Based on everything he read, the next day he purchased several thousand shares of ECO stock. A week later, he met NJ Discover’s producer, Tara-Jean Vitale for lunch and convinced her to buy stock in ECO. Our Facebook friend just celebrated his 80^th birthday.

I could’ve talked with Steve for another hour but the celebration was near. I watched Conboy’s face light up as a color guard raised the flag for the National Anthem. He’s as passionate and dedicated a CEO as I’ve ever met in my travels. His passion is contagious. The ceremony continued with Frank Dicopoulos’ upbeat emceeing and introductions of Ed Jarrett, Hometown Heroes (a New Jersey based amazing charity) Michael Schwartz and Jennifer Barna, of course Steve Conboy and Steve Cassidy and then comedian Mike Marino and a moving musical performance by Nick Clemons. Perhaps six hundred people gathered on the beach for the lighting ceremony commemorating the one year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy.  I sensed that in the very near future every one of those folks on the beach will have an awareness of ECO Building Products and I started to think  about the song, ‘You’ve got a Friend.’ I know most of the words. “You just call out my name, and you know wherever I am.” It kind of sums up what Steve Conboy and ECO Building did to make this special day in Point Pleasant possible. I looked; the seagulls were still there by the ECO red wood sign.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ECO BUILDING PRODUCTS GO TO:   www.ecob.net    or     info@ecob.net

and Cal Schwartz, writer:   NJ Discover.com    and   vichywater.net   and Facebook: Cal Schwartz

COMING ATTRACTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Downtown All-Stars of Red Bank CD Release Party: first charity album, “Bright Lights on Broad Street.” Wed. November 6th 2013

“This event is  such an integral part of the fabric of our central Jersey community with links to youth at “Little Kids ROCK.” CD release parties energize and  inspire. Red Bank is magnetic. Looking forward to a meaningful kickoff to the Holiday Season.”       Cal Schwartz , NJ Discover, October 28, 2013

CD Release Event–

Wednesday • November 6, 2013

Save the date! On Wednesday November 6th, 2013 7:00PM

The Downtown All-Stars of Red Bank LLC will hold a CD Release Party for our first charity album, “Bright Lights on Broad Street.”

10 West Front St.
Red Bank, NJ 07701
(732) 741-2828 
www.thedowntownnj.com

The $10 cover charge at the door not only gets you a copy of the CD at over 28% off list price, but provides admission to see some of the hottest artists in the exciting Red Bank Music Scene on stage performing songs they’ve donated to this project, and much, much more! Come be a part of this MUST-SEE special event!

Welcome to
the RedBank All Stars

Mission Statement:
 “The Downtown All-Stars of Red Bank LLC is a collective of local musicians and performing artists bound together to raise both funds and awareness for charities and worthy causes using the immeasurable power of music.”

Our motto: “We lift our voices to lift others.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON “THE DOWNTOWN ALL STARS OF RED BANK”    http://redbankallstars.com/

NJ DISCOVER: EXCLUSIVE SPOTLIGHT: Guinness World Records to officially certify “Sandy Castle 2013, Second Edition” as the new World’s Tallest Sandcastle on the first anniversary of Super Storm Sandy, Tuesday, October 29, 2013. Be There!!!  By Calvin Schwartz

Before I go any further being a journalist, I should mention to “stay tuned” here at NJ Discover for details on next Tuesday’s October 29^th commemorative events at Jenkinson’s Point Pleasant Beach coinciding with the completion of the world’s tallest sandcastle by renowned sculptor Ed Jarrett.  I had a chance to meet and interview Ed Jarrett several weeks ago just as the foundation for this sandcastle was being erected. Personally, I think it’s hugely thrilling that a Guinness World Records adjudicator will officially be on hand to certify.The other key ingredient to this successful sandcastle project at our Jersey shore:  Steve Conboy and his company, Eco Building Products have given unwavering support for the whole project and securing Guinness involvement.

Of course I had to ask about his journey to sculpting. “How did you evolve into all of this sand sculpting?”  Ed’s mother advised him that if he went to art school, he would become a starving artist so he went to Culinary Arts School at Johnson and Wales in Rhode Island. In one class, he learned how to ice carve. He remembered when an instructor walked out with a chain saw. “Standing in a puddle of water, I learned ice sculpture.”

While a junior student, he got into a seafood cooking challenge and beat out the instructors and best chefs in the state. Later he did a New York food show and took first place in pastry. He had his own ice carving and catering business before he graduated. Along the academic way, Ed took management courses and ended up managing private golf courses but still practiced snow and ice carvings. “I got into wood carving eight years ago and sand sculpture 11 years ago.”

There was also a need to ask Ed about this second sandcastle and soon to be world record holder. He was quick to reply, “It’s not about beating a record but all the community that comes out and helps. I want to see these kids wear the tee shirts with pride that they had a chance to sign official Guinness log book. It becomes a family and sense of community. People walking by on the boardwalk stop and ask, “Can I help?” And yes there is even a bucket brigade system used to move the 1.6 million pounds of sand.”

Earlier this year, Ed first attempt to break his world’s tallest sandcastle record which was well over over 30 feet, resulted in raising more than $50,000 for Hometown Heroes. Then I asked him why he is building a second castle so soon. “I came to Jersey to build one castle and now I’m building a second one to get the Guinness record for the 2500 school children (and the few thousand adult volunteers) that helped me on the first one. I’ve gotten world records every time I tried and been out here every day now to make this happen.”

Ed interrupted me and thanked NJ Discover for all they have done to support him with the live streaming 24/7 of the whole construction process which continues right through all the festivities next week.  Live streaming link:

http://www.njdiscover.com/wp1/2013/09/live-video-building-worldstallest-sand-castle-super-storm-sandy-anniversary-sand-castle/

By the way, it’s a very special sight to behold, even now as Ed races to completion on Sandy’s anniversary. Check out the live streaming. I just did again. The Jersey shore ocean looks great. The ‘Sandy Castle’ looks better and amazing. Yes, Jersey strong; that feeling is all over the sand being used so I asked about the sand and how is it able to withstand his weight and Mother Nature.

“In my three world records in Maine, I used lake sand which is powdery sifted sand. Every one of the grains is sharp because glaciers over time have roughed them up. Beach sand here is rounded by ocean currents and it becomes like marbles together. My sand is sharp and edges interlock like Velcro. Rain sucks the water in and pulls it tighter. I can walk on the castle.”

My final journalistic message here is to see if I can EXHORT all our readers to find their way next Tuesday October 29^th to Point Pleasant Beach and the ‘Sandy Castle’ and be part of a Guinness World Record.  Being there (watch for timing details here) is a once in a lifetime experience; TRULY!!

The Leader in Lumber Protection

Eco is the premier manufacturer of proprietary wood products coated with Eco Red Shield™, our exclusive eco-friendly chemistry that protects against mold, rot-decay, termites and now fire. We believe lumber is back as the best building material and invite you to learn more about our products, as well as what makes today’s framing lumber different and more susceptible to mold, termites and fire.

NJ Discover, a New Jersey based production company,  produces TV commercials, Web commercials, Local TV Show and Social Media Ad Delivery and Management Company that specializes in getting your video seen by your targeted audience. NJ Discover proudly serves the entire state and is dedicating to positive programming for New Jersey.

HOMETOWN HEROES!

Hometown Heroes is a Charity whose main purpose is to foster an environment of goodwill, generosity, and encouragement by supporting local communities in times of crisis. Our Heroes help those in need, often with little or no time, to find a solution to a problem that at the time appears overwhelming. Learn more

And on Facebook (The Sandy Castle Foundation):https://www.facebook.com/sandycastlefoundation

A PLACE TO DONATE AND VOLUNTEER:  http://jarrettscastle.com/

NJ DISCOVER: ON THE ROAD:  AT NATIONAL RURAL HEALTH DAY Warren County Community College Washington N.J.     By Calvin Schwartz   (video)  October 23, 2013

On Wednesday September 25^th NJ Discover journalists Tara-Jean Vitale and Calvin Schwartz hit the road,  departing  central New Jersey, under a clear blue autumn sky, to experience the third annual National Rural Health Day at the largest statewide activity to “Celebrate the Power of Rural.” This all-day event, supported entirely by volunteers, was held at the Washington campus of Warren County Community College. Free services (dental and medical screenings and services for the rural population of northwest Jersey) were available to all age groups.

Calvin Schwartz with Dr David Stein DDS.(Periodontist in East Brunswick)

Zufall Health Center, in cooperation with Delta Dental of New Jersey and Warren County Community College joined in putting together this integral program which screens patients for oral cancer, periodontal disease and cavities as well providing medical screenings for vision and glaucoma, blood pressure, weight and body mass index, asthma and blood sugar.

National Rural Health Day was created to showcase rural America and increase an awareness of rural health related issues such as difficulty in getting transportation to receive health care as well as a shortage of health care providers in rural areas. The Henry Schein Cares Foundation also supported this event. New Jersey is very much at the forefront of rural health. Tara-Jean Vitale noted on her first trip to this part of northwest Jersey. “It’s incredibly beautiful here but indeed surprisingly rural and pastoral.” I wanted to say “we’re not in Kansas,” to confront the stereotype that New Jersey is the Turnpike and Parkway; we’re quite rural as well.

NJ Discover reporters spent several hours interviewing key personnel involved in the event which ultimately would bring in several hundred patients. Enthusiasm of the volunteers as well as the patients was pervasive; it was quite special. Five hours later NJ Discover reporters were back in Monmouth County; a most inspiring day. Thanks to Dr. David Stein for lighting our awareness; Susan Cichowski, Michelle Blanchfield and Dr. Sam Wakim, all from Zufall Health Center, an integral part of rural health care in northwest Jersey; and to Roslyn Council, Program Specialist Coordinator, New Jersey Office of Rural Health.

Calvin Schwartz

NJ DISCOVER RADIO SHOW  LIVE TONIGHT MON OCT 21st  8 to 9 PM with hosts Tara-Jean Vitale & Calvin Schwartz SPECIAL GUEST; JACK BALLO,  ‘Destiny’s Bridge’ Filmmaker

NJ DISCOVER LIVE RADIO SHOW:  Provocative and Timely!! Monday October 21st  . Featuring Special Guest Jack Ballo, Filmmaker, of  Documentary ‘Destiny’s Bridge. ’

We’ll be discussing the year spent filming at Tent City in Lakewood NJ; new ideas of housing the homeless; film recently SEIZED by the Ocean County’s Prosecutor’s office for evidence in a case against Tent City founder Minister Steven Brigham.

DON’T MISS!!! With hosts Tara-Jean Vitale & Calvin Schwartz:  TUNE IN LIVE :

from 8 to 9 PM:

AND NOW ALSO LIVE AT: http://hamiltonradio.net/   ALSO ALWAYS available on Podcast at same link

Support our Sponsors

The Leader in Lumber Protection

Eco is the premier manufacturer of proprietary wood products coated with Eco Red Shield™, our exclusive eco-friendly chemistry that protects against mold, rot-decay, termites and now fire. We believe lumber is back as the best building material and invite you to learn more about our products, as well as what makes today’s framing lumber different and more susceptible to mold, termites and fire.

COMING ATTRACTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: PROPRIETARY HOUSE ANNUAL GHOST TOURS WITH JANE DOHERTY(night #2) Saturday October 26th 2013  by Calvin Schwartz

Jane Doherty is most amazing. She was a guest on our NJ Discover Radio Show a few weeks ago. Many of you may have heard her sense the presence of a departed spiritual ‘soldier’ in our studio with us. It’s much too long of a story now, but she was so hauntingly right on. So when I heard about her Proprietary House Annual Ghost Tour, it was an instant given for me to be there and experience it and add it to our Coming Attraction and Recommendation Feature here at NJ Discover.

You can find Jane Doherty on Facebook and for each event like  Saturday October 26^th you can find a separate Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/events/386895938089034/?previousaction=join&source=1

THE ANNUAL GHOST TOURS!!!!

FEATURING WORLD RENOWN PSYCHIC JANE DOHERTY TO LEAD THE WAY! Does the ghost of a little boy remain to play around with visitors? Does a lady in white solemnly walk the hallways, waiting for her long-lost love to return? Just how many ghosts are there at the Proprietary House? Join us for our world-famous annual ghost tours, just in time for the spookiness of Halloween! Tours are approximately one hour long and each tour leaves precisely on the hour. See where the past and present collide, the hauntings we have experienced, and the history behind them!

Proprietary House Museum

149 Kearny Ave, Perth Amboy, New Jersey 08861

View Map · Get Directions

Admission is a $10 donation per person. Reservations not required unless you have a group of 8 or more. Email us at info@theproprietaryhouse.org for more information.

**PLEASE NOTE: Friday tours run from 7-11pm. Saturday tours are 6-10pm, as to accommodate younger visitors. There is a different event page for each tour, so make sure you realize the times for the date you are coming.**

 A FEW WORDS ABOUT THE PROPRIETARY HOUSE:

Welcome to one of the most historic buildings in the United States!  Completed in 1764, The Proprietary House has served as a residence to New Jersey’s last Royal Governor, a stylish hotel, a private mansion, a retirement home, a boarding house, and now as office space and a museum. A true survivor, this building has seen war and peace, fire and storms, neglect and restoration, to stand as a witness to 250 years of American history.

The Movie Documentary ‘Destiny’s Bridge.’  A Movie REVIEW and OCEAN COUNTY PREMIERE on November 7^th.  And Notes on my Personal Journey to Involvement.   By Calvin Schwartz  October 18 2013

I need to say firstly that this amazing documentary by filmmaker Jack Ballo, ‘Destiny’s Bridge,’ where he spent a year of his life recording the lives of the homeless in Lakewood, is having its Ocean County  premiere at AMC Loews Seacourt 10 Theater on November 7th 2013

More Info on November Ocean  County Premiere:

Thursday, November 7, 2013Movie @ 7pm,  Q&A to follow. AMC Loews Seacourt 10 Theater

635 Bay Avenue   Toms River, NJ 08753

ADVANCE TICKETS ONLINE:   www.brownpapertickets.com/event/483381

Tickets may be purchased at the door while tickets last.

(The last two screenings were sold out in advance.)

CALVIN’S REVIEW:  DESTINY’S BRIDGE

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

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

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

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

MY PERSONAL NOTES ON TENT CITY:

Calvin Schwartz

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

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

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

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

Mike Marino, New Jersey’s Bad Boy of Comedy is Back in NJ for One Night Only with The Paul Marino Band and Emily Grove. Saturday Night October 19^th. A Very Special Night! Forum Theatre, Metuchen, NJ  By Calvin Schwartz

A NOTE FROM MIKE:

Hey Folks,

I’ll be performing ONE NIGHT ONLY at the FORUM THEATRE ARTS CENTER (314 Main St., Metuchen, NJ 08840) featuring the PAUL MARINO BAND!

This is a special fundraiser for the JP Stevens Baseball Teams! So please come and join me and support these kids!

For tickets go to www.leaguelineup.com/jpshawks or purchase at Civile E Tomoato Restaurant (140 Durham Ave., Metuchen, NJ 08840; 732-548-7740).

Hope to see you there!

Mike

PS: In the meantime check out my latest and greatest work on youtube:    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWerwOYMJQg&feature=youtu.be

A NOTE FROM CALVIN:

When I heard that Mike Marino was coming back, I cleared my calendar quickly and began letting integral parts of my world know that they need to laugh for obvious reasons; like all the ‘closed’ signs on government buildings. So perfect timing that Mike is back in his home state and joining him is The Paul Marino Band with Emily Grove. Coincidentally, I saw Paul Marino Band twice this summer in Belmar and wrote that “it was a little piece of heaven” to be listening to them perform with a Jersey shore setting sun just over shoulder.  I  love their sound.

I’ve got a 15 month history of being a huge fan of Mike Marino and the thought just occurred to me that back last May, I wrote an interesting article about Mike and my being a comedic snob and how extraordinarily funny and refreshing his humor is. So a bright bulb just went on in my left cerebral corner; why don’t I share that article again, right here on this stage. Oh and I’ve been lucky this past summer to catch Mike a few times including his hosting the 2^nd Annual Asbury Park Comedy Festival.

Now my May article:

“Mike Marino is the consummate comedian; he just makes you laugh non-stop and with timely topics (I’ll explain shortly) I discovered ‘New Jersey’s Bad Boy of Comedy’ in 2012 at ‘Asbury Park Comedy Festival.’  And I said to myself “he’s one of the funniest comedians I’ve ever seen.” Point being, I’m simply a ‘comedic snob.’ Comedy is a gift and a special art form. Back in the sixties, I discovered Lenny Bruce, one of comedy’s greatest pioneers and innovators, albeit quite controversial because society was not ready for his bad words and bits. I’ve been a fan of Lenny’s ever since and ironically the Asbury Comedy Festival benefited the Lenny Bruce Foundation in 2012.

How perfect the synchronicity to catch Mike Marino that night for the first time. We had a chance to talk back stage afterwards; I marveled at his graciousness, affability and accessibility.  A few weeks later, Mike called and invited me to a gig at an experimental comedy club in Hoboken; once again he just made me laugh and laugh. He’s a cool, smooth and endearing guy with some of the best material I’ve ever heard.

Now here’s where it all gets interesting. Some of Mike’s routines I’ve actually used in a comedic way (giving him all the credit) and sometimes I go introspective and realize Mike Marino is also a genius and clairvoyant, almost with the gift of the ‘shining.’  So what do I mean by this. Mike’s comedy is so relevant and futuristic, it can be used by current politicians to propel them into major office; yes a provocative thought and so therefore I challenge my readers to catch Mike’s act, put on your thinking caps and imagination gowns and drift into the land of Honah Lee or some Jersey shore jetty or on Main Street in Metuchen.

I hope this was challenging enough for you to catch Mike on the 19th. That’s how funny this Jersey bad boy of comedy is. And take my cerebral challenge to see how certain politicians in a new evolving world should laugh and listen to Mike Marino at the same time. Wow, powerful stuff. Mike is a fascinating comedic innovator.”

Calvin Schwartz

MONDAY OCT 7 NJ DISCOVER RADIO SHOW LIVE 8 to 9 pm with special guests Michele Frantzeskos and Nancy Vazquez, writers, producers and directors of the riveting movie ‘The Right to Live’ (a film about ABUSE). tune in with Tara-Jean Vitale & Calvin at:

Listen Right HERE: