COMEDIAN MIKE MARINO: ‘Up Close and Personal’ Concert July 29th Paramount Asbury Park by Calvin Schwartz

Mike Marino is coming back home to New Jersey and Asbury Park’s Paramount Theater on July 29^th for ‘Up Close and Personal;’ a special backstage event with limited seating. But imagine being a few rows away from Mike and his incisive hysterical humor. The intimacy with Mike right there almost in your face like he’s in your den with a wet bar nearby, is priceless. Therefore, not to be missed. What could be better than the Jersey Shore, Asbury Park, Paramount, smell of ocean air, a myriad of food places to discover and the Bad Boy of Comedy; indeed, a mid-summer night’s dream. Thanks for coming home Mike.

I’ve been a huge fan of Mike Marino for the last four years since I first met him at the Asbury Park Comedy Festival.  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 unique 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, my being a comedic snob, countless times looking at Mike on stage, 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.  Remember his concerts are a comedic happening especially when he’s back home in front of a Jersey audience.

Calvin Schwartz  6-20-17  4:44PM

A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS BENEFIT HOMETOWN HEROES   

Mike Marino’s Official BIO:

Mike Marino – affectionately known to thousands of his fans as New Jersey’s Bad Boy – is one of the most unique comics of our time. He has performed in every major comedy club from New York to Los Angeles including: The MGM Grand, Catch a Rising Star, The Comic Strip, Stand Up NY, The Improv, Rascals and The Icehouse. Mike, who has worked with some of the biggest names in the business, can be seen nightly as a top headliner at both the world famous Laugh Factory and The Comedy Store in Hollywood.

Mike was born in Jersey City, New Jersey. He entered the world of theatre at an early age, and is a graduate of the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Mike has appeared in over 200 national television commercials, and has received a Best Actor Clio Award Nomination. He has acted in many Prime Time soaps and television shows including: As the World Turns, One Life to Live, Becker, Nikki, Frasier and Party of Five. His film credits include Crooks, Pizza with Bullets, Hangin’ in Hedo and Steven King’s Lucky Quarter.

MIKE’S CONTACT INFO

Website:    http://www.mikemarino.net

http://www.myspace.com/getthebat                                                                                                                                                                                  

http://www.twitter.com/mikedmarino

http://www.youtube.com/mikedmarino

Email:    mikedmarino@facebook.com

ROCK STAR CLOTHING INC.COM

  RAY CATENA.COM

SURVEILLANCE 24       SURVEILLANCE 24

Carmine’s Pizza Factory

366 8th Street (Brunswick St. & 8th St.)

CARMINESPIZZAFACTORYJC.COM

COMPUTECHSUPPORT.NET

PUNZONE.COM    

ALSO MIKE MARINO CONTINUES HIS JERSEY SHORE APPEARANCES on AUG 7 at 8:30  PM 

201 Engleside Avenue

Beach Haven, NJ 08008

609-492-9477        https://www.surflight.org/

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:

COMING ATTRACTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: WonderBar Asbury Park USA Friday June 14: Dana Fuchs Band, Gedeon Luke & the People, Christine Martucci.   “A Rocket Launch” By Calvin Schwartz      June 10, 2013

Often to motivate myself, I think of an old Saturn rocket ship sitting on the launching pad at Cape Canaveral (Cape Kennedy) in Florida. Steam is rising from the hookups of fueling and life support. The countdown begins. Countdown stops. Then it begins again. There’s a small window when they must launch the manned mission or else scrap the launch. Then the launch. With limited rocketry background, I do know the most amount of energy is needed to just lift the rocket those first few feet off the launch pad (sofa).  Then it gathers speed. Then the rocket disappears from visual and audio range. Then the exhaust trail in the upper atmosphere disappears.

So why do I talk about rockets and energy and visible trails in the atmosphere introducing a very special  concert on Friday June 14^th at the WonderBar?  I suppose I’m drifting into the world of music metaphors. A tremendous amount of energy is going to be released this Friday at the WonderBar with three ‘rockets of musical energy’ not to be missed.  I mean it. Metaphors aside, it’s going to be one amazing night. Dana Fuchs Band, Gedeon Luke & the People and an acoustic performance by Christine Martucci; All three will be  there with the ocean across the street and each possessing more musical energy and dynamism then you can imagine. Here’s the thing. If you miss this Friday night, the vapor of energy expenditure in the upper atmosphere will be gone and you would’ve passed on one incredible night.  Hopefully, I’ve expended enough verbosity here to lift you off your launch pad(sofa).

Calvin Schwartz   6-10-13

“Like an old school Tent Revival this will be a funky, sweaty, insane night of hand clapping, foot stomping and body shaking music when each of these amazing talents takes the stage and spreads the gospel of Rock & Roll.”  Sammy Boyd Productions

Dana Fuchs Band: Star of Sony Pictures ‘Across the Universe’   From her role as “Sadie” in the blockbuster hit “Across the Universe”, to the lead off-Broadway in “Love, Janis”  and now her new album “Bliss Avenue”, Dana is bringing her soul rock sound to Asbury Park.  Imagine a sultry, more emotive Janis Joplin backed by a higher-energy version of the late-’60s Rolling Stones…Rock & Roll doesn’t get any better than Dana Fuchs.

Dana Fuchs – vocals   Jon Diamond – guitar, Jack Daley – bass, Rich Monica – drums, Pete Levin – keys

http://danafuchs.com/

Gedeon Luke & the People:  American Idol Semi-Finalist

“At just 23, his music possesses a maturity that belies his age. Boundless in its energy and message of peace, love and hope it is music that only an ‘old soul’ with an untempered spirit could create with such captivating brilliance.”  Bill Hurley

http://gedeonluke.com/

Christine Martucci:  “Christine Martucci is renowned for her soulful tenacity, kind-hearted interaction and emotional songwriting, pulling heart strings and opening minds all across the country. Raised in a musical family, Christine has music in her soul. She has her own grass-roots following dubbing themselves the “Tucci Train”. Martucci’s bunch literally made it possible for her to outdraw headlining national acts by showing up in droves to cheer her on and support her newest projects.”

http://www.christinemartucci.com/index.php