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5th Annual Big Man’s Birthday Bash: Saturday January 7th 2017 by Calvin Schwartz(0) 5th Annual Big Man’s Birthday Bash: Saturday January 7th 2017
It’s my essential basic blink of an eye the day before New Years’ Eve as I reminisce the evolution of Annual Big Man’s Birthday Bash and other matters of special sentimentality. Our NJ Discover crew/family has been at all four prior Bash’s. I remember the first one in Asbury Park when we magically worked the red carpet interviewing the musicians and celebs, so loyal and devoted to Clarence, his memory and cultural impact. The void of loss has been dramatic and enduring. How special it has been to remember the Big Man in this way, honoring his birthday and bringing the essence of Jersey talent together for one rocking electric eclectic night of music. It has become that winter highlight of revelry and music along the Jersey shore; something we all look forward to and thank the Clemons’ Family and Big Road Productions for bringing it all together. Yes, it seems only in Jersey along the shore at Bar A; a cacophony of Jersey iconic symbols. This year’s musical lineup is nirvana. Enough said. See you there on January 7th. Happy Birthday Big Man!! Calvin Schwartz December 30th 2016 (probably the last time I write 2016)
THE 5th ANNUAL BIG MAN’S BIRTHDAY BASH is one week away! – January 7th at Bar A
https://big-road.ticketleap. UPDATES! Now joining the line-up: MANNY CABO (from NBC’s “The Voice”) FRANKE PREVITE (writer, “Dirty Dancing” soundtrack hit songs) LISA SHERMAN BIG BANG BABY (Shore Legends) Featured performers with THE BIG RoaD ALL-STAR BAND for the finale set: GARY U.S. BONDS THE BIG RoaD ALL-STAR BAND will feature: MARK LEIMBACH (Gary U.S. Bonds) Note: The “Rock of Ages” Band (previously announced) will no longer be performing.
THE 5th ANNUAL BIG MAN’S BIRTHDAY BASH AT BAR ANTICIPATION ON JANUARY 7, 2017 Lake Como, NJ – On January 7, 2017, the Jersey Shore celebrates the birthday of This year’s 5th Anniversary show, which runs all day and night, will feature headliners: The show, which kicks off at 2:00 p.m. (full line-up below) and is expected to run until 1:00 a.m., will also feature guest jams and artist collaborations that are a long-time tradition at the Shore. Nick Clemons states, “My father always taught me to ‘give back’ and remember the less fortunate. I try to do that and CFC Loud N Clear and TOPAC do great work at a time that New Jersey still has its worst heroin epidemic ever.” This is the 5th year that Clemons and his team have produced the Birthday Bash. Co-producer/Terry Camp of BIG RoaD is an attorney and long-time member of the Jersey Shore music community. He recalled, “When Clarence passed, Wonder Bar in Asbury Park hosted the Sensational Soul Cruisers and The Nick Clemons Band for a memorial show in July 2011. Bruce was kind enough to join us that epic night and we’ve been building on it since – selling out Wonder Bar in December 2012, packing Martell’s in Point Pleasant January 2014, and the last two years at Bar Anticipation. The show gets bigger and bigger every year – and for the 5th Annual Bash, we’ve secured this incredible line-up.” BIG RoaD’s Jesse Warren lost his brother, Scott Warren, to a heroin overdose on March 26th, 2015. Warren states, “The heroin addiction crisis in Monmouth and Ocean Counties has been building for many years and has, unfortunately, received national note. We are all responsible to keep the issue front and center in our communities.” Bash details and frequent updates are at the Facebook Event page: https://www.facebook.com/ Doors open at 1:00 p.m. and live music begins at 2:00 p.m. The show is expected to end by 1:00 a.m. Tickets are $45 Advance and $60 Day of Show. They may be purchased on line at: https:// The BIG RoaD All-Star Band About CFC Loud N Clear About TOPAC About NCB Productions About BIG RoaD
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A SPECIAL COMING ATTRACTION: “BIG RoaD Presents Terry Camp’s Friends in the House Birthday Bash” Stone Pony February 19th bY Calvin Schwartz(0) A SPECIAL COMING ATTRACTION: “BIG RoaD Presents Terry Camp’s Friends in the House Birthday Bash” Stone Pony February 19th bY Calvin Schwartz
Whenever I write about an event, I find that need to personalize it. This lends credibility and enthusiasm hopefully having the effect to motivate people to evacuate their sedentary sofas and come on down. On the personalization front, I’ve been following the team of Terry Camp and Jesse Warren at Big RoaD productions. They put on these magical, memorable events that embrace the musical culture of Central Jersey with a certain unmistakable flair. You need to be there if you love purist music.
I’m reminded all of a sudden of the team of George M Cohan and Sam Harris that put on historic shows. Yes, that was way before my time (1904-1920) I write with free association; whatever comes to mind. So Camp and Warren remind me of Cohan and Harris. It works. They’re both great teams. The event is “BIG RoaD Presents Terry Camp’s Friends in the House Birthday Bash” It’s on February 19th at the Stone Pony. Check it all out. See you around. A lot of great music. Calvin Schwartz 2-9-16
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! February 19th at The Stone Pony, BIG RoaD presents “TERRY CAMP’s FRIENDS IN THE HOUSE BIRTHDAY BASH!” featuring JOHN EDDIE and His Dirty Ol’ Band AND! JOHN EDDIE with special guests February 19th Tickets on sale TODAY! – Pony Box Office and Ticketmaster.com $22 advance/$27 at door “‘Another unforgettable night of jamming and friendship ahead!” AND MORE NEWS: — SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT — BIG RoaD TRIBUTE TO A 1982 NIGHT IN STONE PONY HISTORY – on FEBRUARY 19th! February 8, 1974 marks the 42nd Birthday for The Stone Pony – and the legendary venue’s annual Anniversary month. BIG RoaD proudly presents my Birthday show at The Pony on February 19th, with John Eddie and His Dirty Ol’ Band, The BIG RoaD All-Star Band and special guests JoBonanno, Eddie Testa, Killer Joe plus more to be announced. The night will feature a TBD opener early and then a set by The BIG RoaD All-Star Band with many special guests starting at 8:20 pm. John Eddie will hit the stage at 9:50 pm (for real – This is a unique night, with a solid schedule we will follow.) for a full, long set. Then, The BIG RoaD All-Star Band will rock from midnight on – and guests will include John Eddie for many songs, as well as several other special guests. As if that wasn’t cool enough, as a nod to The Pony’s Anniversary month, which BIG RoaD and I are honored to be part of, the FIRST HALF of The BIG RoaD All-Star Band’s midnight set will feature: The Cats on a Smooth Surface 4th Anniversary encore set of August 15, 1982. That night is an anniversary for me – the first night I ever walked into The Stone Pony. It’s simply the penultimate Summer (hot as Hell!)/Late (ending after 3:00 am in 1982)/Shore/Pony set – and will feature many guest artists (disclaimer: no, not Bruce). Here it is: Ready, Teddy From Small Things Mamma (Big Things One Day Come) Around and Around Jersey Girl You Can Look (But You Better Not Touch) Havin’ a Party Detroit Medley/Shake Sweet Soul Music All ages/21 to drink. Tickets on sale now at The Stone Pony Box Office and at: http://m.ticketmaster.com/
BIG RoaD is excited to announce that Jillian Rhys McCoy will be joining The BIG RoaD All-Star Band for Terry Camp’s Friends in The House Birthday Bash Friday February 19th at The Stone Pony! BIG RoaD is excited to announce Eryn Shewell will be joining The BIG RoaD All-Star Band for Terry Camp’s Friends in the House Birthday Bash at The Stone Pony Friday February 19th!
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WHAT A WAY TO START 2016: 4th Annual BIG MAN’S Birthday Bash January 9th 2016 At Bar Anticipation bY Calvin Schwartz(0) WHAT A WAY TO START 2016: 4th Annual BIG MAN’S Birthday Bash January 9th 2016 At Bar Anticipation bY Calvin Schwartz It’s December 23rd, two days before Christmas and a week before New Years. I’m always smitten with sentimentality this time of year; where did the time go; how can all those special people in my life be gone. Sometimes I clench my fists tight trying to hold a special moment or being angry that I didn’t hold on to moments when special people in my life were here with me. Age old thoughts I know. Four years ago, I happened upon Nick Clemons, Terry Camp and Jesse Warren and being the sentimentalist, I clenched my fist and got involved in the celebration of the Big Man, Clarence Clemons. So this is the 4th Annual Bash. What fascinates and keeps me coming back every year, is the unique palpable energy, love and spirit in the middle of central Jersey expressed in hours of music by some of the most talented people on the planet. And I marvel at all the people assembled sharing this. I’m thinking now of the folk song, ‘Simple Gifts’ played at President Obama’s first Inauguration. Also Bruce Springsteen and Pete Seeger singing ‘This Land is Your Land’ at the Lincoln Memorial at the Inauguration. I think it a wondrous simple gift to be part of this musical celebration for an iconic Jerseyan, musician and legend, Clarence Clemons. All of which means YOU should be there on January 9th. MERRY HAPPY HEALTHY Calvin Schwartz 12-23-15 4:44PM
Facebook EVENT PAGE : https://www.facebook.com/events/1515446588782400/permalink/1530684587258600/
THIS JUST IN (12-23-15 11:11pm) UPDATES TO LINE-UP: Add Rock ‘Famer and former Blackheart with Joan Jett, Ricky Byrd. Add: Red Bank Rocker lead vocal guy, the seriously soulful, JT Bowen Add: Mike Rocket, who’s song rocked, “Gotta Get to the Jersey Shore.” AND AND “Ya never know what more will come!!!” AND Tix now discounted 20% for BIG RoaD’s Christmas sale! So go get ’em and join the Annual Bash on January 9th at Bar A!!!
THE 4th ANNUAL BIG MAN’S BIRTHDAY BASH AT BAR ANTICIPATION ON JANUARY 9, 2016 This year’s show, which runs all day and night, will feature: • The Matt O’Ree Band – O’Ree is a long-time New Jersey, blues rock guitar legend who has recently become a member of Bon Jovi. • The Del-Lords – re-united, New York City garage/roots rock legends featuring frontman, Scott Kempner, with a new record and tour coming in early 2016 • Slim Chance and the Gamblers – New Jersey blues stalwarts celebrating the release of their new record at the show • The BIG RoaD All Star Band – an eleven-piece BIG band of Shore All-Star musicians fronting regional stars to include JoBonanno, Jillian Rhys McCoy, Eddie Testa, Remember Jones, Pat Roddy, Joe Cartwright and more • The Nick Clemons Band – blues/funk rock with frontman, Nick Clemons a.k.a. Clarence Clemons III, oldest son of the late Big Man • The show, which kicks off at 2:30 p.m. and is expected to run until 12:30 a.m. will also feature guest jams and collaborations that are a long-time tradition on the Shore. Nick Clemons states, “My father always taught me to ‘give back’ and remember the less fortunate. I try to do that and CFC Loud N Clear does great work at a time that New Jersey has its worst heroin epidemic ever.” This is the fourth year for a Big Man Birthday Bash charitable event. The show is produced by BIG RoaD, the production entity of Terry Camp and Jesse Warren. Camp recalls, “When Clarence passed, Wonder Bar in Asbury Park hosted the Sensational Soul Cruisers and The Nick Clemons Band for a memorial show in July 2011. Bruce [Springsteen] was kind enough to join us that epic night and we’ve been building on it since – selling out Wonder Bar in December 2012, packing Martell’s in Point Pleasant January 2014, and selling out Bar Anticipation last January. The show gets bigger and bigger every year.” He added, “We’re thrilled to be returning to Bar Anticipation working with Tom Jannarone and his Bar Anticipation team. That place is cream of the crop for a diverse and quality entertainment experience.” BIG RoaD’s Jesse Warren lost his brother, Scott Warren, to a heroin overdose on March 26th, 2015. Warren states, “The heroin addiction crisis in Monmouth and Ocean Counties has been building for many years and has, unfortunately, received national note. Last year, it hit home – my home. We are all responsible to keep the issue front and center in our communities – and we’re glad to again be partnered up with CFC Loud N Clear.” Bash details and frequent updates are at the Facebook Event page: http://
Full line-up to date and guests are added regularly:
(Day Set) (Dinner and Gift Raffle) (Night Set) And Very Special Guests throughout including: Jillian Rhys Mccoy
About The Del-Lords
About The Matt O’Ree Band New Jersey’s best kept secret has made some big noise in the past year. Prior to 2015, The Matt O’ Ree band did what most area bands do. They played their shows, developed their sound, released their records and very quietly built a loyal, local fan base in the process. Beyond incredible talent and showmanship, what makes this band stand out among the rest is that their local fan base includes Bruce Springsteen, David Bryan and John Popper – all of whom have volunteered to perform on the band’s forthcoming album to be released in 2016. O’Ree’s talent and presence was finally recognized globally when he got the nod to join international superstars, Bon Jovi, as the band’s new guitarist/vocalist on the late 2015, international stadium tour. When some of your biggest supporters have sold a collective 230 million units, you know you’re doing something right. Growing up on influencers ranging from Jimi Hendrix, Cream, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Rory Gallagher, ZZ Top, Robin Trower, Joe Walsh and Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Matt O’ Ree Band has taken all these diverse elements and forged a new iron. Matt’s writing is inspired from many life experiences and years of study from the ones that have wrote the book on how to play real guitar rock music. Not as a photocopy, but in a new light that hasn’t been seen in quite some time. Now is the time for real music and real musicianship to make a resurrection. The band takes their fans on a ride that hasn’t been heard or seen at this level since the 70’s. Their live show is like revisiting a Zeppelin concert at the Garden, and with Eric Safka on Hammond B3, Scott Bennert on Bass, and John Hummel on Drums, they’ve built a foundation that can hold up the biggest house on the block. After years of honing their craft, the Matt O’Ree Band is about to become an “overnight success.” Get M.O.B.’d up with New Jersey’s next, great export. About The BIG RoaD All-Star Band Created by Camp and Warren from an August 13, 2015 40th Anniversary “Born to Run” show, this 11-piece, All-Star band is backed by the best of the Jersey Shore including former Asbury Jukes, current (Jon Bon Jovi) Kings of Suburbia members and many local and national musicians and featured vocalists. About CFC Loud N Clear
About BIG RoaD BIG RoaD is an entertainment production company formed by Terry Camp, an attorney with Budd Larner, P.C., Short Hills, NJ and longtime member of the Shore music community, and newcomer Jesse Warren of Howell, NJ. Camp and Warren have collaborated on past, charitable events including the August 13, 2015 “Born to Run” 40th Anniversary show that sold out Bar Anticipation, last year’s “Big Man Bash 3” and the upcoming “Christmas Comes Early at Bar Anticipation on November 19, 2015.
Bar Anticipation 703 16th Avenue
For Press/Media inquiries and access: e-mail BIG RoaD at bigroadjesse@gmail.com
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A VERY SPECIAL COMING ATTRACTION: BIG RoaD’s “CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY,” CELEBRATING SPRINGSTEEN ALBUM ANNIVERSARIES AND THE HOLIDAY SEASON, Thursday November 19th at Bar Anticipation FOR TWO, SPECIAL CHARITABLE CAUSES (THE LIGHT OF DAY FOUNDATION AND HOLIDAY EXPRESS) bY Calvin Schwartz(0) A VERY SPECIAL COMING ATTRACTION: BIG RoaD’s “CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY,” CELEBRATING SPRINGSTEEN ALBUM ANNIVERSARIES AND THE HOLIDAY SEASON, Thursday November 19th at Bar Anticipation FOR TWO, SPECIAL CHARITABLE CAUSES (THE LIGHT OF DAY FOUNDATION AND HOLIDAY EXPRESS) bY Calvin Schwartz
I love our life here in central Jersey. I love the holidays. I love family and friends. I love music. I love causes. A few weeks back, I spoke to Jesse Warren and Terry Camp from Camp Warren’s BIG RoaD Productions and they filled me in on their upcoming huge musical night on November 19th. Of course I immediately said, “What’s there not to love. It’s perfect for the holidays as that special “vehicle” to kick things off.” Following in the footsteps of BIG RoaD’s amazing ‘Thunder Road Thursday’ back in August, once again this promises to be that kind of night to be talked about for a long time. So in the immortal similar words of William Shakespeare (whom I did NOT read in college) “get thee to this holiday show.” Calvin Schwartz, November 12, 2015
CAMP WARREN’S BIG RoaD PRESENTS “CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY,” CELEBRATING SPRINGSTEEN ALBUM ANNIVERSARIES AND THE HOLIDAY SEASON – FOR TWO, SPECIAL CHARITABLE CAUSES (THE LIGHT OF DAY FOUNDATION AND HOLIDAY EXPRESS)
Lake Como, NJ – On November 19, 2015, BIG RoaD – a new entertainment production company formed by Terry Camp and Jesse Warren – will present “Christmas Comes Early.” This big band concert event will feature the “Born to Run 40 All Star House Band” formed by Camp and Warren for their 40th Anniversary “Born to Run” show at Bar Anticipation on August 13, 2015. November 19th will be a celebration in three, again at Bar Anticipation in Lake Como, NJ – celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s legendary album, “Born to Run;” the 35th Anniversary of Springsteen’s “The River;” and the early holiday season.
The night will benefit two charitable causes: The Light of Day Foundation and the Jersey Shore’s own, Holiday Express. [Previously, the event had designated #TeamFran as a beneficiary. Recently, for reasons unrelated to the event, #TeamFran has withdrawn from beneficiary status but continues to support the show.] The earlier August 13th show raised over $11,000 for CFC Loud N Clear – a post-rehab drug addiction care and support organization based in Farmingdale, NJ.
The Born to Run 40 All Star House Band
November 19 will again feature the eleven-member, “Born to Run 40 All Star House Band” created in August, backing featured performers. Springsteen’s “Born to Run” album will be covered and celebrated, as well as songs from “The River” and – in the spirit of the season – Christmas songs. Co-producer, Jesse Warren, states, “Stores start holiday displays in late October these days. So, it’s never too early to swing to holiday classics – especially with our All Star big band.” The night will also feature artist collaborations and jams for which the Shore is famous. The full line-up of popular Shore artists will include:
UPDATE: GARY U.S. BONDS has been added as a featured performer!
JoBonanno (from JoBonanno and the Godsons of Soul) Eddie Testa (from The Eddie Testa Band) J.T. Bowen (Clarence Clemons and the Red Bank Rockers) Jillian Rhys McCoy (Kings of Suburbia) Bob Polding (from The Bob Polding Band, as regularly featured on “The FAN,” WFAN-AM radio) Anthony D’Amato (Remember Jones) Sean Loughlin (from The E Street Shuffle) Joe Cartwright (from Bent Mushroom) Tommy Byrne Additional guest performers are likely. The “Born to Run 40 All Star House Band” features: Mark Leimbach (Gary U.S. Bonds) Kevin Gilmore (Eddie Testa Band) Joey Stann (Springsteen, Jukes) Tony Perruso (Jukes) Tommy Labella (Jukes, Kings of Suburbia, Holme) Tommy Meares (Jukes) Joe Belia (Jukes, Kings of Suburbia, Marshall Crenshaw) Joe Arminio Ed Horne (Godsons of Soul) David Turner Mitchell Jay (Eddie Testa Band) Lori Gilmore (Goddaughters of Soul) Doreen Arminio
LIGHT OF DAY
Light of Day is a New Jersey-based 501(c)(3) organization which funds research into possible cures, improved treatments and support for persons suffering from Parkinson’s disease and related illnesses. The primary fundraising efforts are an annual series of concerts held in Asbury Park, NJ. Since its inception in 2000, Light of Day has raised over $2.5 million in the fight to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease. What began as a single concert in New Jersey has grown into approximately seventy shows in thirteen countries on three continents including the United States, Canada and Australia!
The concerts and the organization began as a birthday party in November 1998 to celebrate the 40th birthday of artist manager and music industry veteran, Bob Benjamin. Benjamin had recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, and in lieu of gifts, asked that donations be made to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation. Over $2,000 was raised that night. Spurred by the generosity and support, Benjamin reached out to friends, including concert promoter Tony Pallagrosi and musician Joe D’Urso, and formed the Light of Day charity, taking its name from a Bruce Springsteen song. The first official Light of Day concert was held at Asbury Park, NJ’s legendary Stone Pony in November 2000 and primarily featured local, unsigned artists. The critically acclaimed Pittsburgh-based band Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers (managed by Benjamin) headlined the show, which featured a surprise appearance by local hero Bruce Springsteen, who joined the Houserockers for a raucous hour-long set. Over the years, Light of Day has grown from a one-day event into a festival spanning 10 days in the New Jersey/New York metropolitan area. More significantly, Light of Day has expanded into an internationally recognized tour, through a true grassroots effort of musicians, music fans and benefactors. Light of Day shows take place around the world on three continents, including six shows in Canada, an 18-day late November into December trek through Europe, with stops in England, Wales, Ireland, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, Denmark, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Spain and a brand new Light of Day event in Australia! Portions of the proceeds from each show are donated to a local Parkinson’s organization. Performers at Light of Day have included Bruce Springsteen (numerous appearances), Michael J. Fox, John Rzeznik (Goo Goo Dolls), Ed Kowalczyk (Live), Jesse Malin, Alejandro Escovedo, Willie Nile, Garland Jeffreys, Jakob Dylan, Lucinda Williams, Badly Drawn Boy, Pete Yorn, Gary US Bonds, Joe D’Urso and Stone Caravan, John Eddie and many more local, unsigned artists.
HOLIDAY EXPRESS
The Holiday Express mission is to deliver music, food, gifts, financial support and friendship to those with the greatest need for the gift of human kindness, during the holiday season and throughout the year. Founded in 1993 by Tim McLoone, Holiday Express works year-round to deliver music, food, gifts, and human kindness to adults and children in need, including the mentally and physically disabled, the isolated, individuals in addiction and recovery programs, the poor and the homeless, and children with serious illnesses. With a constituency of more than 16,000 throughout the metropolitan tri-state area, the group’s priority is to serve those who are desperately in need and often forgotten.
The Holiday Express “from-the-heart” troupe of musicians with several dozen support volunteers, bring music, friendship, hope and joy. Programs include a meal, gift bags, raffle prizes, face painting, crafts and the company of colorful characters including Frosty, the Grinch, Santa and lots of elves.
BAR ANTICIPATION Bar Anticipation hosts as part of its own “Throwback Thursdays” series and offers a variety of drink specials all night long. The producers state, “As always, we’re thrilled to again be working with Tom Jannarone and his Bar Anticipation team. That place is cream of the crop for a diverse and quality entertainment experience – and a natural venue to carry on the legacy of Jersey Shore rock and roll.”
EVENT DETAILS Thursday, November 19 at Bar Anticipation, Lake Como, NJ Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and live music begins at 7:00 p.m. The show is expected to end by 11:00 p.m. Admission is age 21 and over. Tickets for this benefit event are $15 in advance plus on-line service fees and $25.00 day of show at the door. Tickets are On Sale at the Facebook Event page (link below). The on-line sale ends November 16, after which remaining tickets may be purchased at the door the day of the show. Event details, ticket link and frequent updates are at the Facebook Event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/922777671101938/ Tickets: http://big-road.ticketleap.com/christmas-comes-early-presented-by-big-road/
BIG RoaD is a new entertainment production company formed by Terry Camp, an attorney with Budd Larner, P.C., Short Hills, NJ and longtime member of the Shore music community, and newcomer Jesse Warren of Howell, NJ. Camp and Warren have collaborated on past, charitable events including the August 13th Born to Run 40th Anniversary show that sold out at Bar Anticipation. https://www.facebook.com/CampWarrensBIGRoaD BAR ANTICIPATION www.bar-a.com 703 16th Avenue Lake Como, NJ 07719 (732) 681-7422 For Press/Media inquiries and access: E-mail Jesse Warren at sting5890@aol.com Phone – (908) 309-0426
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“A NIGHT AT THE STRAND” Celebrating 93 Years at the Strand Center for the Arts September 29th 2015 with Calvin Schwartz & Tara-Jean Vitale bY Calvin Schwartz October 25th(0) “A NIGHT AT THE STRAND” Celebrating 93 Years at the Strand Center for the Arts September 29th 2015 with Calvin Schwartz & Tara-Jean Vitale bY Calvin Schwartz October 25th
“A Night at the Strand” was one of those meant to be at events; anything involving that theater. Some four years ago, Tara-Jean and I discovered The Strand in Lakewood; this magical, beautiful, historic place of theater, music, comedy and acoustical wizardry. Three years ago we attended the 90th Gala and walked away meeting people who have influenced and changed the course of our lives. That Gala event was followed by so many other events we attended at The Strand; from Sandy relief concerts, to intimate and memorable ‘Backstage Pass’ events to great music and endearing holiday shows. Thanks right away to The Strand’s Lori Gilmore for inviting us.
This night was quite special from the moment we arrived in the Gallery for the reception. It’s a funny thing when you’ve been to a plethora of events over the years; you can tell almost instantly, there was something different this night; perhaps the air of excitement, accomplishment, future think and change. Tara-Jean and I acknowledged instantly there was that palpable energy in the room. Good journalists need to pursue. Tara-Jean asked, “What’s going on. Everybody is so upbeat and anticipatory.” Lori spot on introduced us to 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.
We 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 thought it was all a process. Tara-Jean mentioned hearing rumblings that this gallery area will be made into a night-club. Anthony chimed in, “Right. This gallery space is completely under-utilized….as a performance space, there will be a stage built here, different colors and designs, art on the walls, music on stage. The bar is always happening with comfortable vibes. The food is comfortable. The seating is comfortable; a place where 20 somethings and older can hang out in. Scott McFadden, our Board President thought this all was an East Village thought-kind of like Asbury Park when it started to revitalize…I talk to a lot of 20 somethings (I thought to myself Anthony looks exactly like a 20 something) and there is no place for them to go and be entertained, have a few drinks and not feel like they are at a bar. They want somewhere that is comfortable…We’ll have a place for people to stay in Lakewood rather than go somewhere else; that’s my goal.”
I said, “You give this theater youth.” Anthony smiled, “Exactly. I call myself the Jimmy Fallon hire. What he’s brought to the Tonight Show…I want to make this a national venue. Scott (McFadden) is great to work with. He’s a music fan. On Halloween, I’ll have a 40 piece band.” We thought Anthony was that new revitalized exciting face of The Strand. He was that palpable energy in the room.
There was endless food and drink in the Gallery donated by friends of The Strand; Eddie Testa, Chicken Town, Steve Levine, WindMill, Mike Scotto, Oscar’s Italian Restaurant, Dina Warren, Dina’s Catering and Amy Levine, Takes the Cakes. I picked a bad night to be in the middle of the Paleo diet. Oh well. In between food and drink there was a ceremony in the theater honoring local mayors including Lakewood, Brick, Howell for their great support of the arts. The theater, built in 1922, has such wonderful history; built as a Broadway venue for those vacationing in Lakewood. We’re told the acoustics are world class; you can be standing at the back wall of the stage, talking and they can hear you at the last row of the theater. Music for the Gala was provided by the incomparable duo of Kevin Gilmore and Scott Solomon.
I caught up to a fellow Rutgers alum and Strand board member, Jeffrey Gerstenblatt. “It’s a great night for us. Help’s us raise money and book the kind of shows we like to book here….when people come for the first time, they see what an experience it is to watch a show here and they want to come back.” Fran Whitney, from The Strand, reiterated the changes being made and turning the Gallery into a night-club setting. Moments later we were introduced to Chris Everett, exuberance personified. “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.” Tara –Jean wanted to know why The Strand is special. Chris explained, “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 strolled past the magnificent cake honoring The Strand, artistically created by Amy Levine from Takes the Cakes. I stared for a few minutes; the cake is not on the Paleo diet. No one would know but me. Just then, Glen Harrison, Lakewood attorney and Board member, rescued me into conversation. I turned my back on the cake. I asked Glenn what this night meant to him. “What I’d like to see is The Strand continue as a center for the arts for many years to come…I actually came to the theater 50 years ago, when I was around ten. It was a movie theater back in the 60’s. We paid 50 cents on Saturday morning, watched movies and cartoons. Its’ had many incarnations over the years. Now across the board, there are all kinds of events for everybody, geographically and demographically….Being a 501C3, we fight for the grant money.”
Old friends Dina Warren and Jesse Warren walked over. Dina exclaimed this was her first night of being involved in The Strand as co-house manager. “We’re very proud to raise money and keep this all going. I love this beautiful place.” Jesse said, “Looking forward to this theater being on top in New Jersey. I’m a co-founder with Terry Camp of Big Road Productions. We’ll be here in 2016 bringing some great shows.”
We looked to complete the essence of our journalistic endeavors by cornering board president, Scott McFadden right in the epicenter of the Gallery. Right away he spoke about honoring the local mayors and thanking them formally on stage for their contributions to their communities. We asked about his functions on the board. “One of my functions is to try and raise money-keep it going. It’s very difficult with non-profits now. A lot of funds have been diverted to Sandy restoration and recovery…even though it is somewhat concluded, it (money) hasn’t found its way back into other areas (arts) again. Fund raising is a real challenge for us. Keeping it going and keeping the theater alive-that’s our focus.” Scott told us that bringing Anthony D’Amato here is one of the things he’s most proud of. “He played a Backstage Pass for us and did the Joe Cocker show. In between, I read about him and mutual friends told me about him also. I decided one day to talk to him and I finally asked, “Hey, how’d you like to be our artistic director?” First time we talked for 1 ½ hours and the second time for 2 ½ hours. We just clicked on our vision….he knows the scene and I know money. He’s absolutely brilliant… Once people come here, they’ll come back. How do you get them here the first time-that’s what we’re striving for.”
It was time for us to meet the mayors who had just been honored. Mayor John Ducey from Brick loves The Strand because it’s so close to home. “It’s in our backyard and they are doing so many great events. You are hearing buzz around town about The Strand.” Tara-Jean asked about his noticing more events taking place here. “I’ve heard buzz the last few weeks that ‘Almost Queen’ is coming. Usually you hear about Count Basie but all of a sudden there is definitely a buzz….Anthony is awesome-a lot of energy.” Tara-Jean next asked about the neighborhood. “People think there’s nothing else to do here. Tonight’s the first time I heard about re-doing the Gallery-remodeling it with food and drink.” We three shook our heads in agreement that it was a brilliant move. Mayor William Gotto from Howell was waiting for us (the media). “I’ve known Scott (McFadden) for years. It’s humbling to get an award from The Strand. I don’t think we should get awards. It’s what we do. I’m a big supporter of the arts. My family is involved. I’d like to get here a lot more often. I think residents of Howell should take advantage of this beautiful facility. It’s hard to support the arts with the budgets the way they are but the last few years we’re starting to do more things…We want to let people know from a publicity standpoint that it’s here and doing good for the community.” Tara-Jean and I have been to two out of the last four Gala nights at The Strand. Why; because we love the theater and have been to so many events here. It’s that precious magic ride to the splendor of art deco and the 1920’s and real theater. There was a group of Strand officials gathered in the lobby. I decided to be theatrical in my exit. I turned, smiled and said, “I’ll be back,” in a deep voice. And we will.
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