SUMMER MUSIC FOR A CAUSE: GLEN BURTNIK’S BRITISH INVASION TO BENEFIT MARY’S PLACE, OCEAN GROVE. SAT JULY 30^TH PARAMOUNT THEATER ASBURY PARK   by Calvin Schwartz

Coming out of the sixties, which is defining for me, the music irreplaceable and passionate, it seems much more relevant and meaningful when sixties music coalesces with a contemporary poignant cause. It’s the perfect union for me. I spent the decade of the sixties searching. I still search. When the classic music of the decade finds a cause to give back to, there’s that magic carpet ride back to the future. Glen Burtnik’s British Invasion devotes its energy to Mary’s Place making for a perfect evening along the Jersey Shore. Once again, thanks to Sammy Boyd Productions for bringing this night together.

The British Invasion Concert will benefit Mary’s Place by the Sea located in Ocean Grove, NJ. Their mission is to serve women with cancer and support their healing: mind, body and soul. Tickets available at the Stone Pony Box Office, Paramount Theater Box Office and through TicketMaster.com

Mary’s Place by the Sea, a non-profit organization, launched their organization in 2009 with a concert at the Paramount Theatre. “Music has always been a huge part of our guests and their path to healing,” Founder Michele Gannon says, “We feel honored to have supporters come out and experience the impact music has on all of us.” This past year, Bobby Bandiera, Jon Bon Jovi, Deborah Harry, Tim McLoone, Gary US Bonds and more held their Annual Hope 8 concert for Mary’s Place, Quincy Mumford continued his tradition with a Holiday Show at the Stone Pony and now Sammy Boyd Productions & Glen Burtnik bring Mary’s Place back to the Paramount, where it all began.  “We are grateful to our amazing community for their continuous support” says Co-Founder Maria McKeon.

Marys Place by the Sea provides an innovative approach to caring for women during and after treatment. Guests are provided with unconditional care during their time of extreme need at NO COST. It is the mission of Mary’s Place by the Sea to give women with cancer a place to rest and recuperate during and after the rigors of their cancer treatments. The volunteers care for these women so they may focus on their healing gaining strength to win the battle with cancer. Guests are welcome to stay a few hours or a few days, if needed. Some of the services offered to guests are oncology massage, nutritional counseling, guided meditation, yoga, journaling, spa services and more. The first care center was opened in the summer of 2009 and they just finished building a 10-bedroom home so that they will never have to tell a woman she has to wait to receive these services. Over 5,000 women have been been guests at Mary’s Place by the Sea and have come from England to Alaska to experience the love and support. Privately held fundraisers like this are helping build the home and continue the mission to help women across the nation fight cancer.

Mary’s Place by the Sea is a nonprofit 501(c) 3 organization.      https://www.marysplacebythesea.org/missionandhistory

To watch a video to learn more about Mary’s Place please go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RpsAeOqVmw

Glen Burtnik and friends will be performing the best of the music from the British Invasion era at the Paramount Theater in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Music from legendary bands as The Kinks, Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Petula Clark, Joe Cocker, Led Zeppelin, Mary Hopkin and more will be performed.

Burtnik continues his tradition of putting together the most talented artists, from both the local and national music scenes, to create not just a performance but a musical experience. This show will feature a special appearance by The Weeklings; performing the music of The Beatles and their own Beatle inspired songs.  Other special guests include Mark Hudson, Christine Martucci, Williams Honor, Jillian Rhys, Sal Boyd, Freedom Bremner, Neil Thomas, Fawn, Reagan Richards, Tommy Shafer, The Barefoot Strings, The Maximum Horns with more to be announced!

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

BACKSTAGE 

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

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

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

Calvin  Schwartz   7-18-16

Paramount Backstage returns this summer to Asbury Park   

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

DOORS at 7 PM   SHOWTIME 8 PM

July 23, 2016

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

August 6, 2016

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

August 20, 2016

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

FOR TICKET INFO:

ANOTHER MUST TO ATTEND: Comedian Mike Marino, The Presidential Tour Concert with special guest Comedian Sunda Croonquist.  Saturday August 15^th Paramount Theater Asbury Park USA   bY Calvin Schwartz    August 4th 2015   

If its summer, I usually write about the Jersey shore. It’s so easy these days as Jersey has become a pinnacle of American Pop Culture; Jersey Boys, Sopranos, Boardwalk Empire, Jersey Shore, Jersey Housewives, Garden State, Jersey Girl. American Pharaoh, Triple Crown winner came to Monmouth Park on Sunday; extraordinary. Perhaps there is nothing quite like our shore with all it has to offer especially during the summer. And Asbury Park has become an epicenter of music, food and dreams. I’ll go as far as to say it’s just about nirvana to be at the shore on a Saturday night.

This equation I am developing becomes even more pronounced when you add a national and global Jersey comedian in concert on the boardwalk in Asbury Park. Not just any comedian but Mike Marino, NJ’s Bad Boy of Comedy comes home to the shore. Then add another Jersey native/comedian, Sunda Croonquist. AND Hosted by Steve Trevelise!!  It’s just a perfect night. Grab some dinner at a plethora of restaurants in Asbury Park or up and down the shore. Before-hand, play the pinball machines at Silverball. If you’re worried about traffic, I’ll even tell you about a secret road to the shore. No excuses.

What I am saying and equating, this is one special ‘funny as hell’ night that should not be missed. Life is short. I’m 6’5”   Let me talk about Mike and Sunda now.

In 2012, I discovered the genius of comedian Mike Marino in Asbury Park.  Mike was performing at the first Asbury Park Comedy Festival.  Since I discovered Lenny Bruce in the 60’s, I’ve morphed into a comedic snob. I need sharp incisive cerebral worldly comedy to laugh. Mike delivers that. And concomitantly (along the way), I’ve become a huge fan of Mike Marino. Why not; I love to laugh for 90 minutes straight each and every time I see him; it’s this stressful world we live in. Mike has a handle, a release and grasp of our world.  The genius of Marino’s humor is to take our modern (expletive omitted) lives and shove it under a comedic microscope.  And when you see him in concert, you get a chance to see the ‘Marino’ face; how he loves to laugh with the audience at his own humor; that genuineness and warmth draws us in and embraces. Even more than that, being a comedic snob, countless times looking at Mike, I can’t help but see Jack Benny, who had one of the greatest comedic facial expressions as well as incredible timing. Benny was Johnny Carson’s all-time favorite; Mike Marino’s expressions and timing is right there with Jack Benny. And now it appears Mike Marino is running for President. I just have to hear about that. I wonder if he needs campaign workers.

Mike Marino website:  mikemarino.net   (a whole collection of videos to watch)

One of my favorites; Live at Borgatta trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=21&v=wCaCaMFWTk0

ALSO YOU CAN SUBSCRIBE TO MIKE’S YOU TUBE CHANNEL:    

https://www.youtube.com/user/MikeDMarino?sub_confirmation=1

A few years ago, I had the opportunity (which became a thrill) to see Sunda Croonquist perform at the Second Annual Asbury Park Comedy Fest. Sunda dazzled with her sharp, quick wit (cerebral intelligent humor) and I got a chance to chat with her back stage. Sunda’s humor is rare, precious and beautiful as she is. What’s particularly meaningful for me as a comedic snob is Sunda’s ability to reach (in an extremely personal way) every single person in the audience. Shortly into her act, you’ll understand how she so effectively and personally reaches you (makes you identify) She’s this dynamo of personality and ethnicity (she’ll explain) as she constructs comedy from her so many varied viewpoints of life. And for me the best; she’s a Jersey girl albeit in LA now.

Sunda Croonquist website:   http://www.sundalive.com/

AND SUNDA ON ” THE VIEW”   YOU TUBE CLIP:      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4lEnY0U-9I

Tickets: check their websites, Stone Pony , ticketmaster.com

AND CHECK OUT SUNDA’S NEW COOKBOOK:    “The Kosher Soul Food Cookbook”  Co-authored it with Nir Weinblut of La Gondola of Beverly Hills.

NOW ON YOU TUBE: NJ DISCOVER LIVE RADIO/TV SHOW  with special guests comedian Mike Marino (running for President)  and Super Bowl Champion Tim Wright with hosts Tara-Jean Vitale & Calvin Schwartz  7-28-15

LINK TO YOU TUBE:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFgxms5LZNk&feature=share

Yes, it was a really great show with the lightning fast funny comments from NJ Bad Boy of Comedy Mike Marino who is running for President and the introspection and insights from Tim Wright, a 3^rd year NFL player who had his Super Bowl ring prominently displayed. Both guests have Jersey shore roots. Mike              (   mikemarino.net   ) also talks about his upcoming big concert in Asbury Park at the Paramount Theater on August 15^th and Tim Wright (    www. THEWRIGHTWAY ACADEMY.ORG   )  talks about his Wright Way Academy and Friday Night Lights camp for kids teaching them athletics, academics and life and of course NFL experiences.

There’s even a monologue about bio- magnetism and integrative medicine and the institution of moving and downsizing.  It’s a very special hour.

And now we’re also pleased to announce that the show also can be seen on Long Branch Community Television Channel 20 (LBCTV20) the entire month of August.

LINK TO YOU TUBE:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFgxms5LZNk&feature=share