Harry Filkin is a well known American singer and songwriter on the Jersey Shore. Harry Filkin has been writing songs for four decades. He will be releasing his first all – original album on May 20th. Harry is a founding member of several successful Jersey Shore bands, most notably Holme, a well-known rock band from Belmar NJ.  He has played on stage numerous times with Bruce Springsteen and Bobby Bandiera. He co-founded and performed on rhythm guitar and vocals with Cats on a Smooth Surface when it was the house band at The Stone Pony in the late 70’s through the 80’s. And he was a founding member of The Diamonds, an all original rock and soul band at the Jersey Shore.

Now Harry will be releasing his first very own original album. Harry’s smooth voice and compelling lyrics have given this album it’s captivating charm and allure. A powerhouse of songs that will surely be a hit for all generations.

Don’t miss this event! RipTide Records is hosting an album release party Saturday May 20 at the famed Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, NJ.

The album features eleven new songs including, “ Blood of my Blood” that was written for Harry’s longtime friend and band mate, Hans Peter Schulle, after the unexpected death of his son Sean in 2012 . “ I am very close to Peter and the words and music just came to me shortly after his death,” said Filkin. “It was very different from any song I’ve ever written.”

The album was arranged, produced and mixed by veteran Jersey Shore producer/singer/songwriter/guitarist Marc Ribler.Marc assembled a power house band including : The Spin Doctors ’ Aaron Comess on Drums, Jack Daley (Lenny Kravitz) on Bass, Andy Burton (John Mayer) on Keyboards, and Tommy LaBella (10, 000 Maniacs) on Saxophone. Other musicians and singers on Harry’s debut album include Graham Maby (Joe Jackson), Freedom Bremner (Screaming Headless Torsos), Rodney Howard (Gavin DeGraw), with Joel Krauss, Peter Schulle, Arne Wendt, Dave Anthony, John Martin, Steven Salcedo, Milton Vann , Layonne Holmes, Khadija h Mohammed and Lawrence Anthony.

The new album was masterfully engineered by Joe DeMaio at Shorefire Recording Studios in Long Branch , NJ .

Everyone attending gets a copy of the album with a $12 cover charge!  Thank you Harry!

Tickets can be purchased at the Stone Pony Box Office or Ticketmaster at this link: http://bit.ly/harryfilkinCD

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Posted by TaraJean:

TaraJean is a versatile journalist who has produced numerous segments for NJDiscover. She is experienced in Production and Post Production of TV Commercials, Live News Coverage, TV Entertainment Segments and Live Theatrical Events. She runs the gamut from writing to shooting to scripting to editing to post-production. She studied Communications specializing in Advertising at Fordham University, New York City, but her passion for creativity and expression moved her beyond a Bachelor of Arts degree to where she also studied Theatre and Performance at both Fordham and Roundabout Theatre. Her incandescent spirit took her ultimately to the stage and television in Metropolitan New York as an aspiring actress. Along the way, with a few blinks of an eye, TaraJean was married and raising three young daughters. Next, TaraJean harnessed that spirited energy, becoming editor of Our Town, a Monmouth County newspaper and appearing as a TV host for local Channel 77. The next perfect fit for TaraJean was to channel her unlimited energy in central Jersey working with NJ Discover as TV Host, Reporter, Writer and Producer. She consistently brought a special warmth, caring, insight and humanity to her stories and her reputation flourished with on sight reporting about Hurricane Sandy, homelessness and Tent City, pervasive hunger in New Jersey, and Jersey’s iconic music and film scene. She is the epicenter of what’s happening around the county and state. Almost evolutionary, TaraJean went on to co-host NJ Discover LIVE radio and cable TV and still manages time (quintessential juggler) to be Reporter, SpokesModel, Copywriter, Producer, Journalist and now Sr. Editor for Fashion Haunts Magazine.

A SPECIAL COMING ATTRACTION:  “BIG RoaD Presents Terry Camp’s Friends in the House Birthday Bash” Stone Pony  February 19^th     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 19^th 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!

The BIG RoaD All-Star (Big) Band, featuring appearances by

JOHN EDDIE
JoBONANNO
EDDIE TESTA
KILLER JOE
and more to be announced!

with special guests
MICHAEL PATRICK and THE SUBURBAN HILLBILLIES

February 19th

Tickets on sale TODAY! – Pony Box Office and Ticketmaster.com

$22 advance/$27 at door
Plus applicable surcharges
All Ages!

“‘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/event/0000502F923717FB

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!

COMING ATTRACTION: MIDNIGHT MOSAIC Party at Stone Pony  Friday August 28^th  7PM   bY Calvin Schwartz

Several years ago NJ Discover and Artist Nation TV sponsored a “You’ve Been Discovered” contest, in the same discovery mode as proliferative pop culture TV shows. Of course, our base is here in New Jersey. It’s what we’re about; discovering Jersey, especially its vast portfolio of musicians and artists. Part of our mantra is to elevate, support and promulgate our fellow creative Jerseyans. We were thrilled when the band ‘Midnight Mosaic’ was one of our winners.

Then and now we found them to be exciting, accelerating, eclectic and young which means a rising star phenomenon. Their sound was fresh and contemplative leading into a fusion of genres. For me, in the growing stage of music appreciation, I gravitate to their rock and soul sound. They’re fun and as I like to say when appropriate, like now, “welcome to the future.”

From time to time, we highlight coming attractions of events and gigs totally worthwhile to checking out like August 28th 7 PM at the Stone Pony for Midnight Mosaic’s party. And of course it’s the Jersey shore, a summer weekend, a plethora of eating places and cool ocean breezes.

Midnight Mosaic is:  A.t. Hunte (Vocals), Harrisyn Hartt (Keyboards/Synth), AJ (Drums), Dee M (Backing Vocals) Ant (Guitar), and Eric Ubl (Bass) Based in Asbury Park, New Jersey.  So therefore being at the Stone Pony means being home.    Calvin Schwartz  8-17-15

Facebook Event Page:  https://www.facebook.com/events/802406453191443/

“Come join Midnight Mosaic plus special guests Soraia Autumn City Garden State Line & Far in the Maples for a night of joyous noise LIVE at The Stone Pony! Spinning between sets & after the bands are DJ’s Jahred & Christopher Castillo. Plus we will have vendors displaying and selling their art. Tickets are $10.00 from the bands $12.00 at the door. The show is ALL AGES.”

CHECK OUT LINKS FOR MORE INFO:

http://www.midnightmosaicband.com/

http://www.facebook.com/MidnightMosaic

https://twitter.com/midnightmosaic

http://www.reverbnation.com/midnightmosaic

http://www.youtube.com/user/MidnightMosaicMusic

http://instagram.com/midnightmosaic

ALSO CHECK OUT FIRE WORK (full length) on Soundcloud    

  https://soundcloud.com/midnightmosaic/sets/fire-work-full-length

HOLIDAY COMING ATTRACTIONS: 9th Annual Beach Music Studios Holiday Concert Party to collect toys for Manna House & Belmar kids. Sunday Dec. 14th Stone Pony       by Calvin Schwartz

There are unique events that take place at holiday time and give back especially to the kids in need. Danny White and Beach Music Studios do exactly that in a festive, musical and purist fun party for such a good cause. I’ve had a great time; its the genuiness and spirit of the hosts that make it a worthwhile Sunday afternoon. As I see it, there isn’t even a reason to stay home and watch local football so come on down to Asbury Park. It’s the holidays!!   Calvin

BEACH MUSIC STUDIOS 9TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY CONCERT PARTY December, 14th 2014 1:30pm at The Stone Pony.   Danny White, owner of Beach Music Studios in Belmar, NJ, will once again host the BEACH MUSIC STUDIOS ANNUAL HOLIDAY CONCERT PARTY. This will be the 9th year for the party and will once again be held at the legendary Stone Pony (913 Ocean Ave. Asbury Park, NJ). The concert will feature the Beach Music Rock Band Kids (Beach Music students aged 7-18 years old), individual Beach Music Students and the Danny White Band with special guests.

Each student from Beach Music Studios will have the opportunity to perform on the Stone Pony’s world famous stage! Beach Music Studios will be collecting toys for Manna House. Manna House is a transitional housing program for women and children who would otherwise be homeless. They provide the opportunity for women to move from dependency and homelessness to self sufficiency and hope. Beach Music Studios will again this year collect a portion of the toys for Belmar children/families in need. This event is open to the public and is an all ages holiday party!

Hopefully, Santa will stop by for a visit again this year! Tickets for the event are $10 each when you bring one new unwrapped toy. Tickets are available at Beach Music Studios and The Stone Pony the day of the event. Door prizes, Give-Aways and Fun! FOR MORE INFO PLEASE CONTACT BEACH MUSIC STUDIOS AT: 732-280-1181

Linda Chorney: Her new book “Who the F— is Linda Chorney:” a Review and Invitation to the  Book Release Party at Watermark in Asbury Park Wednesday June 5^th, 2013  By Calvin Schwartz     May 31, 2013

I’m certainly not the New York Times or Kirkus Reviews but here I am about to say a few words about ‘Who the F—k is Linda Chorney.’  Riveting is a good word to begin with. Anyone with molecular attachments to our American music world is going to be riveted; therefore that means a must read.  Music companies, industry insiders and some journalists are not necessarily nice. I never knew the extent until Linda excited my optic nerve with her home grown writing style.  Often when reading, I stopped, closed my eyes and Linda was in the room with me carefully narrating in diary form her anguish and adventures taking her to the Grammy award ceremony. “She’s so funny, “I thought about her imaginative often silly usage of names of some of the adversaries; a gentle word. I’ll leave Linda for the colorful alternatives. I think I shall never see anything quite like a tree or look at the business side of the music world the same ever again.  Shame on them.

Linda lit my fire and brought me to think that it seems like old times; it’s the 1950’s and the word payola made headlines as the traditional music establishment was reacting against newcomers. Linda is an Indie and damn proud; same as a newcomer.  Deja-vu just lassoed me.  Good gosh, nothing has changed. Linda has exposed this not nice industry and media friends of it. Bravo to a courageous and talented musician. And I loved her dirty words utilization and commentary; purist Chorney colorful.  She was talking to me. She reminded me of John Dean (a hero) with her powers of perfect recollection. And  I love pictures and she used them; another evocation of my smiling all throughout the read.

I love hip shooting. I just shot from there. Linda’s ‘Who  the F—k is Linda Chorney,’ is  a must read with or without music proclivities. She’s tough and honest and warm and funny; the essence of memorable memoir literature. Her book is even a great beach read, under an umbrella or boardwalk. I loved it.

The Book Release party is on Wednesday June 5^th at the Watermark in Asbury Park. Hey, you’re all invited. She’ll sing, and talk and make you laugh and other emotions.

“The book “WHO THE F**K IS LINDA CHORNEY: A CINDERELLA STORY”, exposes an industry that tried to undermine her nomination and destroy her career with accusations of cyber cheating to actual death threats. Delivered with her unique brand of charming musical irreverence and hilarious vitriol, the show is PART CONCERT, PART READING, PART Q & A. FREE ADM/AFTER SHOW BOOK SIGNING with purchase of the book ($20, avail at door). $10 admission w/o book. (Have the book? Present at door, get in free, enjoy the show and get it signed!!)”

FOR OTHER NORTHEAST DATES: http://www.lindachorney.com/tour.php

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

7:00pm until 10:30pm

Watermark Asbury Park

800 Ocean Avenue, Second Floor, Asbury Park, New Jersey 07712

Terry Camp: Super Lawyer, Photographer Extraordinaire, Raconteur: Turns 50  with Big Bash/Concert/Party at Stone Pony on March 30th, 2013 An NJ Discover Introspective Interview(Video)

By Calvin Schwartz  March 25, 2013

Rarely does a journalist get that special opportunity to do an in depth interview with an energy and personality that brings together an essence of special music history, New Jersey, law and photography. Terry Camp called me a few weeks ago and briefed me on his upcoming 50^th birthday party and concert at the Stone Pony on March 30^th and would I be interested in putting an interview together for NJ Discover? Would I ever!

The intimate stories and history of our musical heritage here in central Jersey fascinates me beyond. Of course Terry’s history means Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, The Stone Pony, John Eddie, Willie Nile, JoBonanno, Asbury Park, Tony Pallagrosi and on and on.

So with my co-writer, editor, producer and amazing film editor Tara-Jean Vitale from NJ Discover we hit the yellow brick Garden State Parkway for points adjacent to the Short Hills Mall; notably Terence (legal nomenclature) Camp’s law offices at Budd Larner for a view of his photographic history that Terry has represented on his walls; almost a wing of the rock and roll museum.

A week later Kyle Brendle graciously opened the Stone Pony at high noon; we talked   to Terry. A week later Tara-Jean and I were back in the quiet solitude of a magical Stone Pony to finish and tweak. And for days that followed it was all a labor of love and fascination; a glimpse into Terry’s wonderful world of musical history and anecdotes. How I love anecdotes and our time with Terry and expect you will too. And of course see you all on March 30^th.  This is all good stuff.  And once again so much thanks to Tara-Jean Vitale who did the magical filming and editing.

 Historic Night: Celebrating the Birthday of Clarence Clemons at Wonder Bar, Asbury Park

 By Calvin Schwartz

On Jan 12th hundreds of fans, family and friends came together to celebrate the birthday of Clarence Clemons, ‘The Big Man’ at a sold out Wonder Bar in Asbury Park. NJ Discover TV was given the honor by the Clemons Family to video personal reflections of some who knew and loved the Big Man. The evening was also a benefit to raise money for area school district music departments that lost instruments and various supplies in Hurricane Sandy.

What made the evening uniquely special was that the State of New Jersey made an official declaration (the day before) on January 11th  which now recognizes “Clarence Clemons Day”  every  January 11^th and although there will be many events in the following weeks; this was the official “Clemons Family Event” birthday celebration.

For NJ Discover, the evening was purely magical and wondrous to have been involved with such an outpouring of love and memories of Clarence’s unique and historic presence. Feeling the electricity and energy the entire night was easy; all palpable and recorded for posterity. To be able to share is very special.

Before the special night, I composed the following thoughts why I thought the evening was historic. Perhaps fitting and proper to share those words again here:

WHY THIS BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR CLARENCE CLEMONS:

Historic ingredients (alignment of celestial forces of relevancy) of a special day/musical concert: There have been Hurricane Sandy events throughout our state. We’ve all come to understand what ‘Jersey Strong’ means. We live it every day; always have; just so much more pronounced these days. You take this awareness and add the late great Clarence Clemon’s Birthday on January 11^th and the historic resolution by the New Jersey Senate to annually honor one of the Jersey Shore’s (and worlds) most iconic musicians with a day named after him. Every Jan. 11 will now be Clarence Clemons Day. Last week the NJ Senate passed a resolution sponsored by Senator Jennifer Beck (R-11) that memorializes the legendary saxophonist from Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band.

More ingredients. The Clemon’s Family and Nick Clemons (Clarence Clemons III) have chosen to celebrate Clarence’s birthday with “Celebrating Clarence: The Big Man’s Birthday Benefit” at the Wonderbar in Asbury Park  January 12^th.

Even More ingredients. Nick Clemons has a sensitive and caring soul tuned to the pulse of what’s relevant, happening and charitable (pay it forward) in our Jersey world. Back last summer, he produced the Asbury Comedy and Music Festival to benefit the Lenny Bruce Foundation and Lenny’s House.  With this benefit on January 12^th, Nick and the Clemons Family decided to raise money for area school district music departments that have lost instruments and various supplies in Hurricane Sandy; how relevant and meaningful to give to the dramatically impacted world of music education in the name of iconic musician Clarence Clemons.

I spoke to Emma Fretz, instrument, choral and general music instructor at both Point Pleasant Beach High and Bay Head Schools which suffered heavy damage to their music resources. Things you never realize: In Bay Head School, they had seven feet of water in the music room. And “because the room is two feet below sea level, content insurance does not cover this and the insurance is null and void,” Emma explained. So their music program resources were completely destroyed. “You don’t realize how expensive even the little things are, like sheet music or hand bells,” Emma continued.  Along comes Clarence’s birthday, Nick Clemons, his energy and commitment and we’ve got a night of music and birthday celebrations ; as I say, “Get off the sedentary sofa and come for music, celebration, poignant causes and history.”

I think the perfect celestial alignment of stars, moon and Big Man.

Calvin Schwartz

Hey Charles Dickens (the writer), Willie Nile Band is Performing Live in Rahway, New Jersey Saturday Night January 26^th   By Calvin Schwartz

Suddenly last spring, I heard Willie Nile sing for the first time. In the scheme of eventualities of rock and roll music, “last spring” is not particularly one of those full lengths, long career, long time ago happenstances. Put another way, it wasn’t a long time ago. But you see; my journey into rock and roll music or any music for that matter began only a year ago. It’s like an old black and white movie with James Cagney climbing a tower, “Look Mah, I’m on top of the world.” And suddenly I am because it’s never too late for life events. So I’ve become a huge fan of Willie Nile and his band. And I can’t get enough. I’ve come to appreciate the joy of pure lyrics and rock music coming together (just like I’m also a huge fan of the Nick Clemons Band). Willie Nile electrifies and overwhelms. I find myself using the “damn” word every time I hear/see him live. “Damn, he’s so good. Damn, why’d I wait so long?”

It’s funny how you’re drawn into the aura, or a rabbit hole of discovery, or a ballistic epiphany. I discovered the joys of Willie Nile; an auditory gift to all of us and especially us North East folks living close to live gigs and Willie’s home geography. What I mean by the aforementioned two sentences is that I can’t believe I’ve become such a fan, so fast. But I have. I think sometimes I’m too old to be a rock and roll fan then I think about Ebeneezer Scrooge who thought he was too old to change. So I’m not too old, Charles Dickens. Some of my expressions and words may seem a trifle absurd. They are; maybe to make a point but it’s absurd if you care about music (any kind) and you don’t get a chance for Willie Nile live (or some digital music source of pure mountain running spring water and no plastic unrecyclable bottles)

The purpose of my words now is let you all know about a Willie Nile concert this Saturday in Rahway, New Jersey. Before the concert info, a little digression into a recent Willie Nile series of live sightings; actually exactly a week ago when I was with Willie at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park just as he was finishing a live interview on WCTC 1450 radio with Bert Baron as a prequel to Light of Day musical events over the weekend. Willie told me (we’ve done several photo ops together) that “I’m toasted. I just got back from Europe doing live gigs for Light of Day and last night I performed at Asbury Lanes to kick off Light of Day here.”

The setting was a relatively quiet empty surreal Stone Pony. Many musicians and Light of Day founder Bob Benjamin had gathered for the WCTC live radio broadcast for interviews. All of a sudden, I looked; Willie had sat down on top of a bar with a thousand guitars on the wall behind him. I took the picture and thought how wondrously synchronistic (one of my favorite words these days of discovery) because two of my all-time favorite songs (beating out ‘Puff- The Magic Dragon) is Willie’s “House of a Thousand Guitars” and “One Guitar.” A few minutes later I told him that I’ve been listening and watching his ‘One Guitar” video on YouTube (from last year with Springsteen backing up) at least ten times a week. I said, “I really am over ten times a week.” He smiled, “I believe you.”

Later that night Willie Nile and band were back at the Stone Pony for an unplanned short gig to fill in time for a missing musician. I found my nirvana a few feet away when they did ‘One Guitar.” On Saturday night, the Willie Nile Band was back at the Paramount Theatre performing in the main Light of Day concert.  They were introduced as the best rock and roll band in America. I told my friend, “wait until ‘One Guitar’” The entire theatre was on their feet. Willie Nile electrified. “It’s what it’s all about,” I thought, thinking I might’ve been the oldest audience member gyrating above his seat.

Perhaps the best part of my well lit weekend was after the magical concert walking back to my car with acclaimed DJ, Dave ‘The Rave’ Kapulsky (Relics and Rarities Show). We walked by (at 2 AM) the Berkeley Hotel where many musicians and Light of Day fans were staying. Magnetism drew us into the lobby and by 2:30 AM Joe Grushecky started an improv jam session; then at 3 AM Willie Nile electrified  a hundred people in the lobby with another ‘One Guitar.’ It was a quintessential real live pre-dawn jam session with a performer who constantly soulfully gives back. Yes you should’ve been there.

I guess the best way to close this article is to say if you’re in the mood to be musically, spiritually electrified on Saturday, then come on down (get off the sedentary sofa) to Rahway and see/hear Willie Nile with band mates Johnny Pisano (bass), Matt Hogan (guitar) & Alex Alexander (drums) Hey, maybe Mr. Dickens might be around in some form. It is New Jersey you know.

SATURDAY NIGHT CONCERT INFO:

Legendary Willie Nile is flying high in 2013, coming of a critically acclaimed tour of Italy and turning up stunning shows 4 days in a row for Light Of Day NYC & Asbury Park, NJ. Last week was just a warm up because Willie is bringing his rocking band – Johnny Pisano, Alex Alexander & Matt Hogan to do a full show at Union County Performing Arts Center this Saturday night! Get Ready to Rock Jersey!! Union County Performing Arts Center – Hamilton Stage, 360 Hamilton Street, Rahway, NJ. Get Your General Admission tickets before there gone at http://ucpac.org/html/event_popup.cfm?id=300

Willie Nile Home Page:  http://willienile.com/home/index/

Calvin Schwartz