OCT 9TH OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION for ‘BIG MAN’S WEST’ EXHIBIT AT ASBURY PARK MUSICAL HERITAGE FOUNDATION: A REVIEW By Calvin Schwartz October 15th 2014

Thanks to Terry Camp for lighting my fire and bringing me along and extricating me from my post-surgical shoulder replacement doldrums to get back into the eclectic/electric scene of Asbury Park. I’ve been to the Asbury Park Musical Heritage Foundation (“Where music lives”) on Cookman Avenue often, from its inception several years ago. It is a back to the future place of musical memories and precious history. The old ‘Upstage Club’ which opened in Asbury Park in 1968 and was a launching pad for Bruce Springsteen, members of the E Street Band and Southside Johnny closed in 1971 but its molecules are still upstairs.

The ‘Big Man’s West’ exhibit focuses on Clarence Clemon’s nightclub which opened in Red Bank in 1981 and helped to revive the Jersey shore music scene in its two short years. Rock royalty performed there. The walls of Musical Heritage Foundation are replete with pictures, artifacts and videos grasping those two magical years. Many pictures on display were taken by Bob Wilkinson from Big Man’s West. The work of iconic music photographer John Cavanaugh, who artfully captures the essence of the history of Jersey music, was also displayed. I had a chance to talk to Candy Brown who worked at Big Man’s West; she recalled the magic and energy within those walls, described as “The best kept secret in New Jersey.”

The reception was essential Asbury Park with its diversified guests. I had some quality time with Stephen Bumball, another iconic historian of the city. Tom Gilmour, from Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce continued our dialogue why the city is evolving into that international music destination; the journey towards that vision ever so apparent. And then with Jean Mikle, Asbury Park Press, we talked about the Light of Day Foundation for Parkinson’s research and awareness which takes place in January in Asbury Park with a nearly a week of non-stop music. In the meantime, Jean is soon hopping into a European van and doing the continent again with musicians performing in the international portion of Light of Day. And Jo Bonanno had me promote Rutgers University to his high school daughter. A huge multi-liter bottle of cabernet in the back mesmerized so I partook.

Terry Camp announced the 3rd Annual Birthday Celebration for the Big Man, Clarence Clemons is now scheduled for January 10th 2015 at Bar A in Belmar. It’s an all-day happening of amazing musicians paying homage to Clarence; NOT to be missed. Watch for updates from Terry Camp and Nick Clemons and get tickets early.

The night was still young. Terry and I descended on Langosta Lounge where Pat DiNizio from the ‘Smithereens’ is performing on Thursday nights. Arlan Feiles opened for Pat; the most expeditious way to describe the rest of our night with both Arlan and Pat is, “Wow!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See you Saturday.

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

http://lancelarsonmusic.com

Calvin Schwartz

http:vichywater.net/blog

Facebook:  Cal Schwartz    and Calvin Schwartz-Cerebral Writer

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Calvin-Schwartz-Cerebral-Writer/258272024192114?fref=ts

twitter:  @earthood

email:  earthood@gmail.com

At The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ Discover & WCTC Radio spend an afternoon with dedicated musicians and friends who have joined to support the efforts for Light Of Day 2013.

This is our tribute to some of the great friends and musicians we have met along the way….

Willie Nile, Marc Ribler, Reagan Richards, Tony Pallagrosi, Beverley Beveridge, Sandy Mack, Kyle Brendle, Bert Baron, Eric Greene, Arlan Feiles, Arne Wendt, Emily Grove, James Dalton, Johnny Pasano, Matt Hogan, Joe D’Urso, Bob Benjamin, Cindy Ferrier, Laura Crisci, Anne Lucille McGlynn, Ashley Cambridge and more!

Song: “Give Me Tomorrow” Willie Nile, Album: House of Thousand Guitars

NJDiscover

Article FACES & PLACES “Musicians & Friends”

Faces & Places: Musicians & Friends –   Produced by TaraJean Vitale & Calvin Schwartz

Grand Opening Press Conference  ‘Asbury Park Musical Heritage Foundation.’ An Amazing Historic Place!

January 14, 2013    By Calvin Schwartz

As a journalist who gravitates to music these days, there are events to cover and then every once in a while, I alight from my Conestoga wagon of discovery ( I wish I was around  when the first Conestoga wagons were coming off the assembly line in Detroit) and walk into a magic world of music history and relevance. Such was yesterday at the opening press conference for the Asbury Park Musical Heritage Foundation headquarters on Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park’s hip business address. I started my love affair to remember with Asbury Park exactly a year ago when I hooked up with NJ Discover TV and some unknown universal energy dispatched me to Asbury and the rest is a personal history and words you’re reading now.

Asbury’s music past, present and future swirl around my soul; I know that Asbury Park will one day find itself as an international music presence and destination much like Memphis or Nashville. Asbury Park belongs on the global stage; so many of us who frequent the diverse, rich cultural heritage of this evolving city know this; the music is so good and plenty here.

At the beginning of last summer, I was walking down Cookman Avenue; the sun was setting surreally on a pastel blue house across the street. A young boy was standing in his backyard, with a guitar and an amp, playing incredibly well. He couldn’t have been more than twelve; I dream; maybe I found a way back to the future; it was Bruce Springsteen, no, Vini Lopez, no, Southside Johnny or Clarence Clemons or a hundred other angels who contributed to the rich history of this music town.

Tom Gilmour (director of Economic Development for Asbury Park) opened the press conference and introduced Susan Pellegrini  as the new Executive Director of Asbury Park Musical Heritage Foundation. “We were not ready to take the leap to open this yet for another year, but Sandy made us pick up the pace,” Susan said. They plan to have exhibitions, lectures, live broadcasts and to be that special international destination for people. She continued, “The focus is for us to be a connector for different aspects of music in Asbury Park.”  The inaugural exhibit will be a Light of Day retrospective tour with four photographer’s work.

Next Saturday (January 19^th) they’re showing a film ‘Asbury Park Musical Memories,’ with 1930’s through 1970’s dealing with what is was like to be in Asbury during that time. There’s a three year plan and the ultimate goal is to move to a 30,000 square foot “architecturally significant building, at the Crossroads on Lake Avenue.”

I like the notion that Asbury Park has a sister city in Italy, Casalgrande, giving it even more of an international flavor. The mayor of Casalgrande, Andrea Rossi was here in September and is coming back in May. Indeed the Asbury Park connections grow. So does the dream for global musical relevance and awareness.  John Cavanaugh, official photographer of the Stone Pony since 2000 and Light of Day since 1998 spoke about his contributions of photography and memorabilia on display which constitute phase one. The Heritage Foundation is looking for financial and materials donations and loans of art, photography and memorabilia.  More phase one activity includes an Asbury Park Musical Story Teller series where there are live performances as well. Soon Black History Month, Jazz month and a new artist’s series.

The hours are Friday 12-7  Saturday 12-8 (except 12-10pm during First Saturday events)  Sunday 12-6pm.

Of course during the summer they’ll expand to seven days.

And then Kimmee Masi, operator of Confections of a Rock Star, on Cookman Avenue  invited guests to a feast of cupcakes and confections. I grabbed (inconspicuously, I assumed) a chocolate cup cake.  She saw me. I exclaimed as I consumed in one festive satisfying bite, “wow, wow, wow.”  She said, “Only three wows?”  I brought one more “wow” to auditory channels.

I timed myself. I walked around gazing and reminiscing for 44.4 minutes. It was magic to be there. It was only the first day. Oh and the front door is only 44 feet away from the historic Upstage Club. I like that too.

Asbury Park Musical Heritage Foundation   708 Cookman Avenue Asbury Park   732-775-8900

http://asburyparkmusiclives.org/

Calvin Schwartz