NJ DISCOVER SPOTLIGHT: A MAJOR COMING ATTRACTION: The 3rd Annual New Jersey Home & Business Expo Comes to iPlay America’s Event Center, Sunday, April 6, 2014

NJ Discover is proud and thrilled to be part of this extraordinary event on Sunday April 6th at iPlay America. Our Radio and TV hosts Tara-Jean Vitale and Calvin Schwartz will be “working” our booth to introduce the many facets of production, advertising, social media, commercial/sponsor availability on our programming and our video production capabilities for all your business needs. And most importantly we are quite excited to be part of the vast array of successful and diversified businesses represented. So yes we call this a MAJOR COMING ATTRACTION and it’s free and open to the public and we’ve checked; it’s a very light sports Sunday, spring is full blossom and we’d love to meet  many of our ‘friends.’ And you might win a lease for a Lexus. And you’ll meet sports legends. And interact with many business people who can offer so much.  Here’s looking at you all and see you next Sunday!!!!   

EVENT INFOMATION/HIGHLIGHTS

The 3rd Annual New Jersey Home & Business Expo sponsored by Bella Vista Country Club will take place from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, 2014 at the Encore Events Center inside iPlay America located at 110 Schanck Rd in Freehold, NJ.

The expo, co-sponsored by iPlay America, Ray Catena Lexus and Athletes & Business Alliance (ABA), will showcase the best home and business products and services from Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex counties and outlying communities.

Previously, the New Jersey Home & Business Expo was held at Bella Vista Country Club, however, due to overwhelming success and an increase in participating exhibitors and public attendance last year, Encore Event Center has been selected to accommodate the growing number of exhibitors and attendees. In addition, Synergy Event Planners has been brought on to handle event production.

“I believe this year’s expo will be our biggest yet. We have implemented a full marketing and public relations campaign which includes a Cablevision campaign,” said Anthony Beshara, tradeshow organizer. “Commercials will be running on major Cablevision channels promoting exhibitor spaces as well as public awareness to for maximum participation.”

High profile sports figures, Nick Fotiu, Joe Klecko, Dan Klecko and Fred Baxter, will be on hand to interact with vendors, fans and attendees. This was made possible by Peter Grandich, President of ABA.

Expo highlights include raffle drawings available to all attendees on behalf of the participating exhibitors. Ray Catena Lexus is giving away a 24 month lease on a 2014 Lexus. Home Entertainment Systems will be raffling off a 50″ HDTV and Bella Vista Country Club will be giving away a free country club membership.

There will also be hundreds of exhibitor giveaways and prizes. Attendees must be present to win these prizes. “I cannot think of another home and business expo that has Superbowl Champions and gives away a free Lexus at the end of the event,” continues Beshara. “A lot of thought and planning has gone into this event; we wanted to create an experience for both vendors and attendees.”

Admission to the New Jersey Home & Business Expo is FREE of charge. For more information and to book your vendor package please visit www.bellavistaccevents.com. For event information contact Anthony Beshara 732- 616-7300 or John Bruzzese, Synergy Event Planners, 848-667-1378. For the latest news and updates and to join the conversation, find the NJ Home and Business Expo on Twitter @BellaVistaCC and on the Facebook

If You Missed It- New Jersey Film Makers Garry Pastore (“Destressed”) and P.j. Bracco (“goin down”) both films entered in Garden State Film Festival. Video & Podcast

TUNE IN HERE MONDAY MARCH 24TH  8 PM       http://www.spreaker.com/show/the_nj_discover_radio_show

With great anticipation we look forward to Monday March 24^th when NJ Discover’s Tara-Jean and Calvin spend a precious hour with two dynamic and extraordinary talents. We’re thrilled to have Garry (who’s incredibly busy these days with his acting career) and whose film “Destressed” premieres in Garden State Film Festival( April 3-6^th) (he produced, wrote and directed) and P.j. who also proudly premieres his first film, “goin down” at the Garden State Film Festival which he also wrote, produced and directed. Indeed, hugely special multi-talented guests and much behind the scenes ‘stuff’ to ‘discover’ on Monday.   Calvin Schwartz

TUNE IN HERE MONDAY MARCH 24TH  8 PM     http://www.spreaker.com/show/the_nj_discover_radio_show

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GARDEN STATE FILM FESTIVAL ON APRIL 3-6TH  VISIT:  http://www.gsff.org/

MEET GARRY PASTORE

Garry Pastore was born in New York City in the early 1960’s, a middle child in a family of six.  His parents were both born in New York and are now deceased.  Currently, Mr. Pastore resides in Central New Jersey with his wife, Melody and four children.   Garry has appeared as an actor in well over 50 television productions and feature films since his career began in the early 1980’s.  His passion for film has driven him to cultivate skill in almost every aspect of the business.  He was nominated for a SAG Award in 2012 and was an “Ensemble” Emmy Winner in 2006 for his work on “30 Rock”.

At this time, he is in the development stage of ten screenplays he has written for film and television, with his company Willowcreek Entertainment.  His original film, “DESTRESSED” which premieres at the Garden State Film Festival on April 5, 2014, is his sophomore directorial effort.  His first,  “Waiting for… Budd”, earned him a total of eight “Best Director”, “Best Producer” and “Best Film” awards during its debut in 2009.

Garry Pastore can be seen currently in the feature film, “Rob the Mob” and in a recurring role on the CBS smash, “Blue Bloods”.

All media inquiries should be directed to his publicist:  

Brigette Lutz  Artist Development Group  C -908.309.7887  F- 732.612.3949   artistdevgroup@gmail.com

DESTRESSED article:  http://www.newjerseystage.com/articles/getarticle.php?ID=3156

DESTRESSED MOVIE TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHavA3G_nuc

Here’s a look at SOME of  Garry’s acting credits:

2014Rob the Mob Sammy         2013-2014Blue Bloods (TV Series)  Stavros       2013The Wolf of Wall Street  Rao’s Patron

2011Tied to a Chair Eddie Fos      2009A Secret Promise Officer Prlaine     2005-2006Law & Order: Criminal Intent (TV Series)

2004The Sopranos (TV Series) Jerry Basile    2004Everyday People     2001100 Centre Street (TV Series)

2000Everything’s Jake  Sergeant Steiner     2000Growing Down in Brooklyn  Mike Redface   2000The Yards  Detective Tommasino

2000It Had to Be You   Witness to the Mob (TV Movie) Frankie Hearts   1997Cop Land  Core Cop ‘Johnny B’

1997Cosby (TV Series)    Sergeant Rayes       1997Donnie Brasco Carmine Galante’s Bodyguard (uncredited)

1994Hand Gun Earls Man Tommy (as Garry Blackwood)    1993Carlito’s Way   Copa Wiseguy (as Garry Blackwood)

1993A Bronx Tale Chez Bippy Customer (as Garry Blackwood)   1990Goodfellas  Henry’s 70’s Crew (as Garry Blackwood)

1989Do the Right Thing  P.O. Bonamo (uncredited)    1988Cocktail Well Dressed Man (uncredited)    1985Prizzi’s Honor Usher #2 (uncredited)

MEET P. j. BRACCO

P.J. Bracco, an Alumni of Boston University’s School of Theatre Arts, started his post college career tending bar at Robert DeNiro’s Tribeca Grill, while producing theatre in NYC’s Alphabet City.  Shifting his focus midtown to work at The Ensemble Studio Theatre, ultimately lead to the launching of his own motion picture production company Red Hook Films (www.redhookfilms.com) in 1997.  Bracco has since been working on the fringes of the independent film scene producing, directing and/or acting in movies, commercials and music videos.  Some of his credits include; “Ursa Minor”, “Raimo’s Price”, “The Watchmaker”, “The Goner”, Smoker in “The Gambler’s Club”,  and the documentary “Stocks Bonds and Notes”.  P.J.’s latest projects include the music videos “When I Sing” for Grammy Nominee Linda Chorney, “After Life” for newcomer Camryn James, along with his revamped directorial debut feature film “goin down”, all of which are premiering in The 2014 Garden State Film Festival in April.  Bracco currently has several feature projects and music videos in development, along with a newly started Web Series Screenplay Competition (www.redhookfilmsseries.com) that will ultimately turn one script into a completed Web Series.  In addition to making movies, P.J. is the harmonica player with The Red Bank Blues Band (www.theredbankbluesband.com) and can be caught once a month playing at The Downtown in Red Bank.

“goin down” MOVIE TRAILER:    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3qjDI-yJ90   

TUNE IN HERE MONDAY MARCH 24TH  8 PM     http://www.spreaker.com/show/the_nj_discover_radio_show

ALSO OF NOTE: P.j. Bracco has two music videos in Garden State Film Festival. One with recent author and Grammy nominee Linda Chorney called “When I Sing”

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NJ DISCOVER LIVE RADIO SHOW:  SPECIAL GUEST:  PROFESSOR TIM SMITH, Director of Athletic Bands- Rutgers University; Rutgers Marching Band at Super Bowl & Rutgers Drumline on Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon performing with U2: Tune in for Behind the Scenes & Surprises!!  hosts Tara-Jean Vitale & Calvin Schwartz Monday Feb. 24th 8 PM 

TUNE IN HERE AT 8 PM ON MONDAY FEB 24^TH:

http://www.spreaker.com/show/the_nj_discover_radio_show

NJ Discover is thrilled to welcome Professor Tim Smith and members of the Rutgers University Marching Band to our LIVE radio show on Monday February 24^th at 8 PM.  Yes the Rutgers Marching Band appeared at pre-game Super Bowl a few weeks ago; a thrilling experience. The Marching Band also appeared at Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show (been quite a year) and  have appeared at Giants and Jets Football games, ‘The Apprentice’ with Donald Trump and the list goes on. REALLY ON!!

AND NOW WE SAY IT:  Rutgers Drumline was on the 1st Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and performed with U2 on top(really on top) of 30 Rock on Monday Feb 17th.

The world of college marching bands, Rutgers University, Professor Smith and all that goes into putting together an exemplary program for Rutgers, from the planning for the next season’s half time shows to the actual recruiting of band members to the pep band at basketball games and to the emotions and special energies of Rutgers band members and staff all make for a fascinating hour of live discussion.

TUNE IN HERE AT 8 PM ON MONDAY FEB 24^TH:

http://www.spreaker.com/show/the_nj_discover_radio_show

 TIM SMITH BROUGHT THE RUTGERS DRUM LINE ON MONDAY FEB 17TH TO THE 1st TONIGHT SHOW WITH JIMMY FALLON WHERE THEY PERFORMED WITH U2 on  top of 30 ROCK!!    THE LA TIMES MENTIONS RUTGERS:  

ROLLING STONE mentions Rutgers: http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/news/jimmy-fallon-is-right-at-home-on-the-tonight-show-20140218

ALSO take a few minutes (6) and check out the links below for YouTube coverage of the Rutgers Marching Band at the Super Bowl playing New Jersey and New York inspired pop music at pre game:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WovwQLIjFEE   super bowl video

Rutgers pep band video:   http://www.hooplaha.com/rutgers-rah-a-college-pep-band/     Courtesy of Hooplaha

If you are so moved, OUR state University, Rutgers Athletic Bands can ALWAYS use your “help”. Here’s contact info:

Development contact person is Sharon Cocuzzo:   scocuzza@masongross.rutgers.edu

NJ DISCOVER LIVE RADIO SHOW: MON JAN. 27  SPECIAL GUESTS, ED JARRETT, MICHAEL SCHWARTZ: ED, recent Guinness World Record Holder, Builder of World’s Tallest Sandcastle (in Point Pleasant) and MICHAEL, Founder, Hometown Heroes, (based in Toms River)  a most amazing New Jersey, National and Global charity dedicated to helping neighbors. Forget the polar vortex. Warm-up with hosts Tara-Jean Vitale and Calvin Schwartz at 8PM

TUNE IN MONDAY JAN 27^TH  8 pm RIGHT HERE:  http://www.spreaker.com/show/the_nj_discover_radio_show

AND PLEASE CHECK OUR PODCAST ARCHIVES (IF YOU MISSED ANY SHOWS):

http://www.spreaker.com/show/the_nj_discover_radio_show

FOR MORE INFO ON HOMETOWN HEROES: http://usahometownheroes.com/

and ED JARRETT: http://jarrettscastle.com/

Interview with Carl Tinker West 1/14/2014

NJ DISCOVER LIVE RADIO:  TUES JAN 14^TH 8PM:  VERY SPECIAL GUEST: CARL ‘TINKER’ WEST: UCLA, Engineer, Surfboard shaper designer, Ancient surfer, Musician, Promoter, Audio Engineer, Bruce Springsteen’s first manager, Food connoisseur, Award winning (Newport Boat Show) wooden boat restoration, Sailor,  Global warming assessor, Incandescent spirit and Quintessential conversationalist.  SO THERE IS A LOT TO TALK ABOUT with hosts Tara-Jean Vitale and Calvin Schwartz. 

SPECIAL SHOW HIGHLIGHTS:  INTRODUCING A  NEW SONG “Mary” BY PAOLO PREITE,  a  young Italian singer, songwriter, composing his own music since he was 15. He’s 29 now and recording his first album “Don’t Stop Dreaming”

www.paolopreite.net

LIVE Performance by BRIANNA EVE & VICTORIA TAYLOR tonight 8pm!

                                                                                                                                                                              https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brianna-Eve

PIX: in the planning stages of radio show on Tuesday with Tinker while it’s 2 degrees outside.  

A SPECIAL NJ DISCOVER SPOTLIGHT ON JERSEY STRONG: MEET MARIA SAVARESE:  MOTHER, ARTIST, AND SURVIVOR.    By Calvin Schwartz    January 5, 2014

For some time I’ve been contemplating the notion of developing a series of articles for NJ Discover spotlighting people here in New Jersey who become unforgettable and indelible in my journey to define the energy source of Jersey strong. This is that first article.

So where did I meet Maria Savarese?  At a local college art museum or bookstore on Route 18 or at a trendy Wi-Fi equipped coffee shop a few miles away from the bookstore? Actually we met on Facebook through the synchronicity and exigencies of social media; we probably had some of the same friends or perhaps Facebook nudged or poked one of us to friend the other. Well it happened; we friended and discovered; I like using the word ‘discover’ after all I write for NJ Discover. And there was Maria’s Facebook picture wall replete with her essence as a modern artist, young mother and breast cancer survivor.

Maria Savarese is a perfect spotlight personality. In our early days of friendship, strictly digital and fortified by our posts on Facebook walls, I began to notice her unique aura and zest for life. Her art intrigued. Exact chronology escapes me but after months of absorbing her art, suddenly one morning, we were talking on the phone; a logical inevitable extension of the phenomenon of Facebook friending. And more logical extensions; one morning Maria, Tara-Jean Vitale (my co-reporter at NJ Discover) and I were sitting at a diner in East Brunswick, coffee still steaming and eggs cooling, as our conversation took us deeply into Maria’s world of art and being a breast cancer survivor and how we could share her story;  a perfect depiction of Jersey Strong. Then a few months ago, I visited her studio just as an autumn chill was heralding Halloween.

She mostly grew up in Old Bridge and lives in Spotswood now where her studio is located. Actually the studio is a converted detached garage. When she first saw the hundred year old property, weeds had overgrown everything but she sensed it was all perfect just as she heard a woman playing a guitar on the other side of bushes and vines; their young daughters would become friends. Several times during our interview, she said, “a child is living inside me.” I understood that it was energy, spirit and exuberance (and a hint of innocence) reflected in her art which surrounded me. I reminded her about a Facebook picture of herself standing on a fallen tree perhaps 40 feet above a ravine and asked if she was scared. “Not at all; it was fun. It’s life.” Then she said, “to beat cancer is a gift. And I live my life now with that gift.”

She was originally from Flushing, Queens and took art lessons when she was eight and tried being a gymnast. “My hands always had to be busy so I made a lot of doll’s clothes. And I always see something inherent in things.”  Then I said, “I can easily see this energy inside you.” She added, “I made my prom dress in high school after I took sewing. It’s still hanging in my closet.”

Cut to adult times. Maria got a job working at the Flemington Craft Festival. “They helped me make jewelry, work with clay and ceramics. When I was at Brookdale College, I also learned pottery. And this summer I finally got my kiln.” Her smile is magic and effusive as she pointed, “my grandmother’s chest of draws is over there.” I commented on the vast array of materials and props in her studio. “Everything has a purpose. We should stop throwing things away. I’m like an environmental artist. I use things from the environment in my art which means I love to work in collages and mixed media.” Art drives her. She loves to bring families together, help children and make the world a better place. That certain smile persisted throughout our interview.

Maria talks about her daughter with more than pride; with amazement as her daughter reads and writes incessantly. “Emma is growing up.” Again her smile warmed the studio. I asked about her environmentalism. “I don’t use pesticides in my garden and love the Native American way of life.” Her work has appeared in an art exhibition in New Brunswick and in other galleries and has sold fast. A deep breath followed; a smile changed to introspection. “The main thing going forward for me is I’m looking for my art partner and looking for something different. And people are now finding me and my art.”

Maria recently started teaching at the Office of Aging in Spotswood. “I have a 90 year old student. “I work with clay with her and she loves it. I’m into give back and pay it forward and reaching into the community. I also worked at a camp last summer; the other end of the age spectrum.” During the winter she’ll be available for private lessons. I told her how much she inspires me just listening. “For a 38 year old young woman to be beat breast cancer and to have taken it on with such vigor and to continue expressing herself with art and to inspire her daughter is all so special to me.”

One of my favorite songs is ‘Reason to Believe.’ One of my reasons to believe in Maria’s art is a new expressive venture (more formal information after this article) called, “Grandma’s Purse.”  Inventiveness and creativity came together in a stunning vision. As Maria explained to me, “What if a grandmother passes suddenly and the relatives are confronted with deep loss and a need to remember and remind. So they call me in and I learn and feel as much about the person as I can. Then I go through her purse (and wherever else) and retrieve personal and sensitive items. I go introspective and see things. I gather together pieces of a life. And it becomes a collage of loving personal memories of that Grandma.”  I thought it all brilliant as people can commission Maria to create this art. Better yet,  they get a chance to meet her as I have.

We walked around her yard. She loves animals. I think they love her. A group of squirrels were nearby. They’re regulars there. Her two small puppies greeted my shoes.  I asked Maria what inspires; “Teaching, communicating, being in the moment when something triggers an idea. Working with senior citizens and young children,”  “And what about your art goals?” “I would love my art to be understood and appreciated and for it to be in more current shows. It’s not about money but about being who you are and not afraid.”  Maria also just finished learning to weld to broaden her reach as an artist. Back inside the studio she showed me her mixed media work, “Motherboard” which I loved and then a vintage functioning cash register brought over from her father’s restaurant in Greenwich Village. I could easily sense her passionate pride.

A particular painting kept catching my eye. I beheld a self-portrait of Maria; intense, contemplative and hypnotic; I wondered what she was thinking when she painted it. I forgot to ask her. I did ask if we could talk about her battle with breast cancer. “It started 2 ½ years ago when I discovered it. It was attacked aggressively in a month with surgery. And I beat it. There are lessons to be learned. You have to be diligent with your body. I was 35 years old. Who would have ever thought I was a candidate. But I know you have to take care of yourself. It’s a powerful lesson for my young daughter to be aware as she gets older.” It was a good time to ask who her life’s heroes are. “Ellen Degeneres; she represents strength, inspiration, life and change for so many people. Then she makes you smile and laugh as well.”  My thought process told me that’s exactly what Maria Savarese does to people in her world; provide strength and inspiration. Kind of like a complete circle and a good place to shut off my reporter’s microphone/recorder.

What’s also important here is to provide all the contact information for Maria and her art.

Facebook: Maria Savarese(Mia)

Website: http://miaartonline.com/   Of course check this site out for a panoply of Maria’s art.

AND NOW HERE’S AN INTRODUCTION AND OFFERING OF MARIA’S “GRANDMA’S PURSE” COMMISSIONED ART. Yes you can commission her to create and preserve personal memories of loved ones.

A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO COMMISSION AN ECLECTIC NEW JERSEY ARTIST TO CREATE ENDURING PERSONALIZED ART!

As a journalist covering art, (and music, environment and hunger) here in Central Jersey, I’ve had numerous opportunities to absorb the aura of local and global artists including yesterday’s wondrous discovery of Middlesex County artist, Maria Savarese.

I observed her passion to create multi-media art (she works in paint, pottery, collages and welding) which translates to expressions from deep within her spirited soul. When she showed me some of her introspective collages, one in particular called ‘Mother Board,’   our concentric circles of commonality came together. We talked for a long time in her studio. As a journalist, now enthralled with her art, zest for life, everything I saw in her studio and immediate world, I asked if she would ever consider doing special commissioned work on a limited basis. Maria then excitedly told me about her dream to create art which she called “Grandma’s Purse.”  She went on to explain.

“Imagine a grandmother passing away and the family gathering very personal belongings, even items from her purse and then they contact me. We get together and I learn as much as I can about the loved one. I study their photographs and begin to feel and sense things.  I talk to the family for a long time. It’s an in depth interview. With my feelings and sensibilities gathered and the loved one’s belongings, I can create a warm enduring collage or other artistic expression of tribute to their loved one. Of course, it’s time consuming and intricate.  But it’s a precious loving way to preserve and enhance memories.  So yes, I would entertain commissioned projects.”

I’ve done my journalistic due diligence writing about this extraordinary affordable opportunity to personally commission an artist, Maria Savarese, for family remembrances.

You can begin to feel and see the energy of Maria Savarese on Facebook and at her website. Give her a call or email.

Website:  miaartonline.com   you can friend Maria on Facebook: Maria Savarese   Facebook: Mia Art

Phone:  732-353- 6681

Thanks,

Calvin Schwartz, writer, NJ Discover.com

December 30, 2013

CALVIN SCHWARTZ: My Christmas Holiday 2013 Blog: ‘A Christmas Carol’ Starring Alastair Sim; Why It’s Still Timeless. Eyewitness to a New Classic Christmas song: Introducing ‘The Big Man,’ Clarence Clemons recorded song ‘There’s Still Christmas.’ December 18, 2013

Most importantly, at the outset of this unique (I think it is) blog, I’d like to wish everyone a Merry Happy Healthy Christmas and New Years and Holiday Season from all of us at the NJ Discover family. Looking forward to the New Year discovering ‘together’ more about  our precious and great state of New Jersey.   Calvin Schwartz

I decided to do my Holiday blog; it’s snowing outside but it’ll turn to rain and wash away hopes of using a new holiday motivated snow blower. Sentimentality always grips me this time of year as the holidays abound with spirit, tradition and memories. On Thanksgiving, I start to gear up for the holidays and watch ‘March of the Wooden Soldiers’ with Laurel and Hardy. I’ve been watching that movie for over 60 years, the last 23 with my son just as I watched with my father.

For me it kicks off the Christmas season and imparts lessons about life, togetherness and family and living in a shoe. My thoughts about the movie’s meaning; I think the movie shows an early example of robots (wooden soldiers) being used productively by humans. The movie (from 1934) was a pioneer in other relevant areas such as animal rights by harshly depicting the banishing of pig-nappers to Bogeyland. The film also deals with a powerful contemporary issue of affordable housing or as they’re newly called, tiny houses for the homeless. The three pigs lived in tiny houses in Toyland in the film. I’m into pig issues since I’ve not eaten anything with four legs since 1975 so I’m cognizant about their plight as a species.

The movie is powerful stuff; it transports me back to Newark in simpler times of rotary phones and only seven black and white television channels. I still remember my old phone number; one number off from a local Chinese Restaurant. We used to get quite a few phone orders for take-out chow mein; no further comment.

Moving on to one of my favorite movies (holiday and all year), ‘A Christmas Carol’ starring Alastair Sim from 1951. There have been a number of actors playing Scrooge. For me it’s only Alastair Sim. The tech noir film ambiance lends itself perfectly to the time Charles Dickens wrote the novella in 1843. A few things about the movie still hold on to my soul. The Ghost of Christmas Present reveals to Scrooge two emaciated children, clinging to his robes, and names the boy as ‘Ignorance’ and the girl as ‘Want’. The spirit warns Scrooge, “Beware them both, and all of their degree, but most of all beware this boy, for on his brow I see that written which is Doom, unless the writing be erased.”, dramatizing the book’s social message.

As a journalist and human, nearly two years ago, I became involved with Tent City in Lakewood, New Jersey where 100 homeless humans have been living in tents for up to 12 years because Ocean County has no provision for the homeless. Then a year ago I became involved with the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, writing several articles about hunger and “want” and need. Then I went to an all-day event in Red Bank dealing with hunger. In 1980 there were 40 food banks and pantries for the hungry in America; today there are 40,000 with 50 million hungry Americans. Then there’s Dickens in 1843 warning about ‘Want’ and I say to myself nothing has changed here on earth and in America since 1843. Want and Ignorance and Hunger not only exist but grow in scope.

On a more upbeat extraction from the movie; the scene on Christmas morning when Scrooge wakes up and realizes he’s still alive and can change the course of his life by being a better, giving, and grateful human. The sheer joy and excitement of revelation causes Scrooge to stand on his head on a sofa which is priceless. I love when he says to Mrs.Dilber, “I haven’t lost my senses, I’ve come to them.” Therefore I’ve added this scene to my bucket list. Someday I’ll come to that moment of sheer joy and find reason to stand on my head; hopefully on a certain morning television program. Scrooge and I are about the same age so if he can stand on his head so can I.

Finally, last year through the magic of synchronicity and holiday spirit I came to interview Dennis Bourke(melody) and Jim Nuzzo (arranger) who helped  bring the Clarence Clemons Christmas song “There’s Still  Christmas” to our radar screens and Youtube etc. Yes, Clarence Clemons recorded this amazing song back in 1981. So a few years after he passed, he is still giving magic and his ‘bigness’ to us; the makings of another holiday classic; just like all the holiday Christmas movies I’ve talked about. Here is my article from last year telling the story of this song. And please check out the link to listen to “There’s Still Christmas.”

A long time ago in another state, in another city (which has alternate side of the street parking), I was aimlessly flicking television channels with an antiquated remote when I caught the black and white beginning of a movie that I’d never seen, “It’s A Wonderful Life.”  It was early autumn. Within a few minutes, I was drawn into the mystique and charm of this movie; throw an angel into storyline and I’m hooked for the long haul. I loved the movie’s message; about friends, family and dreams. The movie became a Christmas classic but not for many years after it was made in 1946. It was actually released in the summer that year and bombed at the box office.

When I finished watching the movie, I wondered why this wasn’t a classic with its timeless message of Christmas spirit, incredible cast and storytelling. Over the next few years, Ronald Reagan became President and the movie began surfacing on television during the holiday season with uncanny frequency. I said to myself, “I knew it would find itself holiday time;” and did it ever. Back in the Garden State, in the early eighties, a few weeks before Christmas on a Saturday afternoon, I was flicking channels again with a more modern remote and stumbled upon “It’s A Wonderful Life” on  six different channels at the same time, staggered so that you could see the ending if you were so moved; six times. “Atta boy Clarence,” Jimmy Stewart (George Bailey) says near the end; witness to the multi decade birth of a Christmas classic movie. Television stations today conspire to only do one showing per season; but it’s still a certifiable classic.  Segue to the title of this article, ‘Eyewitness to a new classic Christmas song.’ By the way, I find it particularly haunting in my microcosmic synchronistic world that the angel in this movie is Clarence, and I’m writing about Clarence (Clemons). Hmmm!!

I told the story of the movie because in our crazy mixed-up, digital, smart-phone, fast food world, we’re likely to be witnessing the birth of yet another classic; this time an incredible Christmas song with such a moving emotional voice, the late ‘Big Man,’ Clarence Clemons. If you want to get in the mood before reading on, here’s the You Tube link to ‘There’s Still Christmas.’ Go listen and come back here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NZ__QNFP5U

I love angels and synchronicity. Forty-eight weeks ago, I came to know Jim Nuzzo and Dennis Bourke (and the late Stevie Betts, lyrics) who created this song with Clarence Clemons back in 1981. I’m a story teller so here goes.

Back in 1981, Stevie Betts (lyricist) and Dennis Bourke (melody) wrote this song, ‘There’s Still Christmas’ and teamed up with Jim Nuzzo (arranger, producer) and got manager Matty Breuer (assistant tour manager for Springsteen back then) to approach Clarence Clemons. They all met at Clarence’s Sea Bright, New Jersey home, had some wine and presented the words of the song to the ‘Big Man.’ Being on hiatus from touring with Springsteen, Clarence wanted to do it. He loved the message of the song; when things look down, there’s still Christmas; simple yet poignant. And Clarence’s rich baritone voice that is silenced now; propels this to classic status.  At the first recording session in October 1981, Clarence arrived wearing a cowboy hat. The next day he was wearing a Santa Claus hat and red vest exposing a chubby belly. He had Christmas lights put on the music stand; he was so in the mood to do this song. They rehearsed the song at ‘Big Man’s West’ in Red Bank; Clarence’s club. Jim and Dennis both told me about getting chills being in the same room with him when he performed. “He was a gentle down to earth guy,” Jim said.  To relax during the recording sessions, they played video games. To prepare for record company submission, Clarence recorded the other side on solo sax another Christmas classic “The Christmas Song.” The record company never picked up the song so it’s been sleeping all these years waiting for classic beams of particulate historic energy. Last year the song was released but like the movie, so few of us knew it existed. I listened and was blown away; his voice and persona holds me in a suspended state; like I’ve known him all these years; like it’s a special legacy to all of us to have him back in our lives at Christmas this year.

Imagine, after all these years; this song comes to us from Clarence at this holiday time of year; part of his enduring legacy.

Here’s some links to this wonderful life song/info:

http://www.oceangaterecords.com/

Available for purchase on iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon, and Backstreets.com http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/theres-still-christmas-single/id474038459?uo=4http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/clarenceclemons

You can also find ‘There’s Still Christmas’ on Facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theres-Still-Christmas-Clarence-Clemons/286246628066619?fref=ts

Bottom line. Please go listen and fall in love with the song. Purchase it. Sit by the fire place with a glass of wine or egg nog. Enjoy the Happy Holidays. Listen to his wondrous voice.

Thanks again to Jim Nuzzo and Dennis Bourke for their passion and time. And to Stevie Betts for his wonderful lyrics and words.

And Clarence.

Calvin Schwartz

NJ DISCOVER SPECIAL EDITION LIVE RADIO SHOW: TUESDAY DECEMBER 10TH 8 PM: With Special Guests and Live Music including Nick Clemons, JT Bowen, Jo Bonanno: Highlighting upcoming January 11th “Big Man’s West Reunion Show” in Point Pleasant Beach.  It’s ALL about CLARENCE CLEMONS!! Don’t miss this LIVE SHOW with hosts Tara-Jean Vitale and Calvin Schwartz

FOR TUESDAY’S  LIVE RADIO SHOW TUNE IN HERE 8 PM:

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS FOR A CAUSE: 8th Annual Holiday Party at Stone Party Sunday December 15th  1:30PM 

Last year I went to Beach Music Studios Holiday Party and had a special poignant time; they were collecting toys for kids in the wake of Superstorm Sandy. Some things today are still the same with respect to needy kids and the aftermath of Sandy. Since I’m a huge fan of Danny White, his music, energy and caring, this party becomes one of those special occasions to attend on a Saturday afternoon. It’s a lot of frenetic fun and great music in the middle of historic Asbury Park at the Stone Pony.  And all the toys will be donated to Manna House and Belmar children still affected by Sandy.

Calvin Schwartz   12-6-2013   39 degrees outside.

NJ DISCOVER LIVE RADIO SHOW – 8pm Monday Dec. 2. OUR FIRST HOLIDAY SHOW ON LOCATION AT THE JERSEY SHORE  With RICHARD HOYNES – Photographer & Author of Great Jersey Musicians AND His Special Guests:ZARA PHILLIPS & TOMMY PIPES MC DONNELL & GEORGE MEYER & PAMELA MOORE with hosts Tara-Jean Vitale & Calvin Schwartz

FOR MONDAY’S LIVE RADIO SHOW TUNE IN HERE:     http://www.spreaker.com/show/the_nj_discover_radio_show

Great Jersey Musicians – go to link

Join Cal & TaraJean at Listen Right Here to all your favorite podcasts of NJDiscover RADIO

AND NOW ALSO LIVE  STREAM AT: http://hamiltonradio.net/     HAMILTON RADIO GROUP!!!!

ALSO ALWAYS available on Podcast at same link

Great Jersey Musicians: By Richard Elliott Hoynes: A Few Thoughts on a Cold November Sunday Afternoon.  By Calvin Schwartz

For the past two years, I’ve been exploring the haunts, venues and stages of central Jersey music. Often there was a common denominator present; an affable, energetic, enthusiastic man with a camera; Richard Elliott Hoynes. It was a given presumption to bump into Rich while he’s absorbing the essence of great Jersey musicians. Always quiet, smiling and purposeful but he was on a mission. If you gently flipped the calendar pages of musical time, all of a sudden, a wondrous book of his photographs and words and musician’s quotes appeared one fine day; Great Jersey Musicians.

Cut to right now, a week before Thanksgiving. Remembering I rushed to get a copy of his book which embraces our music here in Jersey, I opened it to a visual extravaganza, of sometimes surreal, sentimental, beautiful and historic photos. His words and the musician’s quotes take the reader on a special journey, seemingly to wonderland and that party with Alice. The book transcends the traditional coffee table and becomes part of our history now.

I’ve been intent these months to examine New Jersey and its place in the world. No longer are we that exit between New York and Philadelphia. We’ve got our culture and unique sociology. Examine the plethora of television shows with Jersey themes or the long running Broadway play ‘Jersey Boys.’ Or note that President Obama, Prince Harry came running here; same with the Super Bowl. Great Jersey Musicians captures this energy and spirit; perfect timing.  And yes, especially if you live in Jersey and like its music, the book is a wonderland for you.

Calvin Schwartz    11/24/13    4:44PM   32 degrees

Spotlight Interview with Richard Hoynes and special guests musicians Tommy “Pipes” Mcdonell of the Blues Brothers and singer, playwright  Zara Phillips and George Meyer and Pamela Moore  of the Blackberry Blues band and  the band “One Came Down”.

Buy on Amazon: Great Jersey Musicians