Working With Creative Groups to Make it Happen in Jazz, Blues and Art All Around Our Towns

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Sunday, March 5, 2017

Previously, I have written about events that happen all around our towns in Northern New Jersey.  I list a lot in my Jazz, Blues, and Art – Annual Activity Events List, and I mentioned I would highlight a few organizations that make a huge difference.  As stated before, one of the reasons I write is to help the musician, artist, small businesses, especially the up-and-coming folks, maximize their profiles on social media.

I should state that I work with Jersey Indie at http://www.jerseyindie.com because it is dedicated to building a wider exposure for the creative community across New Jersey and beyond.  It is the perfect place for today’s article which is dedicated to bringing additional exposure to the mission of these wonderful groups that I get involved with and hopefully bring them many more dedicated fans.

MARAFANYI DRUM, DANCE & SONG

One of the great things about being an artist, a musician, is you have skills that others want to know more about.  Founded in 2005 and based out of Orange, NJ, band members consist of Lara Gonzalez, Yael Shacham & Lisa Gonzalez-Howell, and they go under the name of Marafanyi Drum, Dance & Song.  They absolutely love dancing and drumming.  They are committed to the Transformational, Educational and Therapeutic power of Drum, Dance and Song for all ages and abilities - from toddler to elder.  When you see them in action, you now they would dance and drum just for the fun of it.  Besides North Jersey, they are also very active in Massachusetts among many other locations in New Jersey like NJPAC and are very committed to making a difference in the community.

They also have an awesome dance and drum school, and if you ever attend it you will see they have a lot of fun.  Check them out at Marafanyi Drum, Dance & Song.

 

MASCONSUMPTION MEDIA

One of the people who has started a blog and then taken it to another level is ValleyGirlNJ, who has created the widely popular blog MasConsumption Media.  Masconsumption Media is a multi-faceted media platform bringing you the culture of New Jersey’s Valley Arts District.  Curated by native New Yorker Patricia Rogers, the brand has been the definitive “curator of cool” for the Valley Arts District.  I am major league impressed with this effort as she had started just blogging in 2009, but the blog has become so much more.  It is a primary source of information, communication and a promotion resource for the Valley.  I have partnered, sponsored events, and she is very professional in what she does.  MasConsumption Media is great for the emerging artist community, offering events, media services, media educational programs, and provides overall coverage of the Valley Arts District.  I am gladly supplying photography services, sponsorship services, and more.  This Masconsumption Media endeavor is continually making a difference in the Valley.  This year, expansion includes providing WordPress Newbie Training services.

I urge you all to look at the Masconsumption Media Blog and contact the ValleyGirlNJ when you need coverage of your events.  

  

North Jersey Blues Alliance – South Mountain International Blues Festival

The North Jersey Blues Alliance was formed as a non-profit performing arts organization in the State of New Jersey.  The organization’s concept is to stage the annual South Mountain International Blues Festival music festival in September of each year.  It started in 2009 and covers a wide range of Blues & “Roots” music.  It is held at the South Mountain Reservation.  The North Jersey Blues Alliance provides the financial framework wherein the Festival can operate, and consults directly with the Essex County leadership.  An important goal of North Jersey Blues Alliance is to coordinate in advance much of the volunteer effort needed to operate the festival, as well as solicitation of public donations.  They also staff the merchandising, headquarters tent, and host the annual North Jersey Blues Alliance Blues Muse Fundraising event. I am currently providing Social Media marketing services and helping Chair the Annual Blues Muse.  2017 promises to be a banner year.

While the South Mountain International Blues Festival is on September 10, 2017, we invite you to save the date of May 19th when the very exciting Blues Muse event happens in the Firehouse Gallery in the Valley Arts District of Orange, NJ.  Stay up to date by visiting The North Jersey Blues Alliance on Facebook.  

 

SOVCA - DOWNTOWN AFTER SUNDOWN LIVE MUSIC EVENT

Downtown After Sundown is run by the South Orange Village Center Alliance (SOVCA) for South Orange, NJ.  Bob Zuckenberg and Melissa Hodge, who are at the forefront of it all, have goals to make South Orange, New Jersey a choice destination where people want to live, work, visit and enjoy by building and strengthening the downtown district as the center of the town, supporting existing businesses, recruiting new businesses, and guiding entrepreneurs while developing and supporting cultural activities that make South Orange Village a cleaner, safer, and more attractive pedestrian-friendly environment for all to enjoy.  Well, managing and promoting Downtown Live Music events is what I love to do, producing almost 80 live music events from May to September every Friday and Saturday weekend throughout the summer months.  We have Jazz Alley on Sloan Street along with simultaneous performances in Spiotta Park.  Performers love it, the audience loves it, and the best part is band selection is starting soon and we look forward to another great live music season.

Visit Downtown After Sundown to stay up to date and, of course, to learn about all that’s going on in South Orange, NJ, check out http://www.sovillagecenter.org.  Please Tell Your Friends.

 

VALLEY ARTS DISTRICT – ORANGE, NEW JERSEY

Valley Arts District is an umbrella organization working together with residents, merchants and arts organizations dedicated to building a vital and creative place to live and work.  While Hands, Inc plans to add more housing for “working artists,” the ValleyArts mission under the leadership of Candace Gabbard, Executive Director at ValleyArts, and Jeremy Moss, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, is to inspire the neighborhood to recognize the arts as essential to community health and vitality; help build up and serve individual artists, arts organizations, and creative entrepreneurs; and encourage everyone to participate in arts, culture, and creativity as part of everyday life.  There is a lot going on in the Valley which is about a 15-block-wide area off the Highland Avenue Station.  Several initiatives are underway:

·       Community Gallery at ValleyArts: primary gallery space used for major exhibitions, rental for private events, classes for young artists, and monthly artistic community events.

·       ValleyD Radio: Community radio and curated shows. 

·       artfullbean café: An artisanal boutique cafe serving fair trade coffee, featuring art and crafts from ValleyArts members, and various vendors.  

·       Makers + Movers: Membership organization for entrepreneurs focused on the Valley Arts District with the aim of fueling economic opportunities for members and enhancing the community with new business opportunities.

·       bardbeatz: The art of the word.  Spoken word and poetry events.

·       Business Incubator Space: ValleyArts provides office space for start-up businesses doing work in and around the Valley Arts District.

·       PACarts: Art education programs working with local schools and educators.

In the Valley, there are several Art Galleries like the Firehouse Gallery, the Arts Unbound Gallery the beautiful Luna Stage Theatre Company, and more.  ValleyArts is making a huge difference as the go-to place for the Artist.  Discover more at Valley Arts District & http://www.valleyartsnj.com/

 

IFE BASIM / OMISANYA MASTERPIECES

IfeBasim Omisanya Masterpieces has a mission of producing high quality, extremely elegant events celebrating some of the best talent around.  One event that is coming up soon is the Annual Women’s History Month Celebration.  Ife Basim and Omisanya Karade have dedicated this year’s event to “Protecting Your Peace” which is very much apropos, considering today's environment.  In its 4th year, I am very happy to observe and be a part of the inner workings of these two masterminds as they go about creating, developing and planning this year’s event. With an all star cast of vocalists and a world class set of musicians, this 4th Annual Women's History Month Celebration is ready to blow you away with an extremely elegant night of musicians, entertainment and fun.  It will be a very empowering performance, and it happens at the Priory Jazz Club in Newark on March 31st.  There is no cover, so come out and have a great time.

There's a lot more to come, but know I will be there doing my photography/social media thing, so come and expect a great time.  Stay up-to-date with this event as we get closer by visiting 4th Annual Women's History Month Celebration.

That’s all for now.  If looking for additional places to play / display your work, then give a shout and let’s have fun together.  Next up, I will profile some of the individuals mentioned in some of these posts.
 

About The Author

Gregory Burrus, Photojournalist, Blogger, Writer, Photographer.

Gregory Burrus, Photojournalist, Blogger, Writer, Photographer.

Gregory Burrus is a supporter of local businesses, community events, jazz, blues musicians, and local art exhibitions.  Gregory is a manager and promoter of the South Orange Village Center Alliance Downtown After Sundown Live Music Events, Board Member of the North Jersey Blues Alliance, Friend of the Valley Arts District in Orange, NJ and avid supporter of jazz, blues and art all around our towns and the Greater New York, New Jersey area.  On a regular basis, Gregory gets the word out through social media marketing, writing articles, blogging and photojournalism.

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Loving Your Music and Wanting to Maintain Your Income: Internet Jobs You Can Do Anywhere

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Sunday, March 5, 2017

Now having spent over 30 plus years in corporate America, I always loved what I did.  Besides being one of those people that loved to travel, loved airports, hotels and especially the piano bars, the word “job” never meant “a job” but rather whatever work I would like to get into.  Hence, I loved moving around from job to job until I found the work I loved to do.

Choose A Job You Love and Never Work A Day In Your Life

One of the things that I truly believe in is the saying “Find a Job You Love and Never Work a Day in Your Life Again."  When I left the corporate environment, and went out on my own, I went into business process analysis and telecommunications systems consulting.  A large part of what I did was travel a heck of a lot across America, Canada and many other places.  While there are many beautiful cities and places to see, a large part of my travel was work, airport and hotel.  So, while I still love airports and hotels, I also wanted to see what happened in the world, not just the business office I traveled to.  To do that in the many cities that I traveled through, it became clear that the next level of doing what I love but enjoying life more became a necessity.  

Today’s Environment You Can Work from Anywhere

Fast forward to today, I still apply the same lessons to life now that I did then.  Now I do mostly photography, social media marketing, blogging and building websites.  I also learned many, many virtual working lessons while working my internet business.  I learned that there are many jobs that can be done remotely while doing other work.  Bottom line is you don’t have to be tied down in one location or be stuck in an office.  You can work from home or work from anywhere if you want to.  Now, let’s apply it to the many musicians and artist that I meet.

Live Music Events Anywhere and Everywhere

The beauty of live music is that it can and will happen anywhere and everywhere in a town.  Since I meet and interact with many musicians and artists, it’s clear they love performing for their audiences and some will do it for the love of performing and not just for the payment.  I see the passion for what they do and the need to spend the maximum amount of time practicing and honing their skills.  What I see is that musicians and artists have already found the job they love and yet the industry may not always compensate them, so that’s the only thing they do. Therefore, most need a way to increase and supplement their income.

So how do people make it work?  Well, some musicians literally leave the country for more attractive opportunities like access to better health care, reduced college costs, and a better lifestyle.  Others secure a second job in an area that they may not actually love, or they find something closely aligned but it takes them away from what they want to do for way too many hours of the day. 

Making the Music Lifestyle Work

In most people’s minds, the words "meaningful" and "work" have little, if any, connection.  Our culture has become such that we are encouraged to choose a career based on its ability to provide security and financial stability, rather than opportunity for alignment with our passions and dreams.  The problem lies in the fact that many of us have come to believe that it is simply not possible, or wishful thinking at best.  Yet, in reality, nothing could be further from the truth.   Like anything in life, with the right knowledge and tools, anyone can be empowered to accomplish whatever it is they set their mind to.  To me, the musician and the artist, from what I see, do not have an option because what they do is built into them.  It’s what they do and they don’t have a choice.  That’s why, I suggest, you keep on doing what you love and research finding additional income sources by working jobs over the internet to generate some additional income from home or anywhere you travel.  

In today’s environment, high-speed connections and the ability to both send and receive money online means it’s easier than ever before to work remotely.  In fact, millions of Americans work from home every day, so it stands to reason that you could work from another country as well.  This is true for people of all ages and knowledge levels.  

Working Online Jobs

Depending on your income needs, this might mean working just a few hours per week, or it might mean a bigger commitment.  A good thing is that some of the suggested and very popular online businesses listed below offer incredible flexibility in addition to great income potential. 

Virtual assistant – VAs work in a lot of different areas and specialties.  They build websites, edit audio and video files, write content, create graphics, keep appointment calendars, and just about anything else that can be done on a computer.  Note, however, that competition is high from lower-wage countries like India or the Philippines.

Affiliate marketer – Affiliate marketers make money by recommending products to others.  When you make a sale through a specially coded affiliate link, you earn a small commission.  Income is based on the amount of effort you put into it, and can range from very little to multiple six figures.

Information product creator – If you have a great deal of knowledge about a topic, like music and art, or just like to research subjects, love to write and/or create videos and audio, creating info products might be for you.  Product creators can earn hundreds of thousands of dollars each year, but it generally takes time to build up to that level.

Coach – Coaching is a hot business these days, and can easily be done remotely.  Life coaches help their clients achieve more and have a happier life.  Business coaches assist with business planning and development.  Dating coaches help clients find lasting love.  A music coach can provide knowledge and encouragement.  Established coaches can earn a significant amount per hour, but be aware that certification and relevant experience may be required.

Writer – Writing is an in-demand skill, and can certainly provide a good income no matter where you live.  Demand includes writing blogs and articles for websites, marketing brochures, PR materials for your fellow musicians, or even help to ghost-write books for authors.  Top writers can earn a substantial annual income for a magazine article.

Working from Home or Anywhere

So to be clear, there are plenty of scams on the internet claiming you can make a gazillion overnight.  That’s not what we are talking about here.  I am suggesting you find your passion and find an associated work activity that people will pay for because you are doing it.  Then, figure out how to do it using the power of the internet, which many musicians and artists in the past never ever had as an option.

If it sounds good to you to work on something else while traveling, while doing what you love or while working from home, then take some time and do some research.  I only suggested a few opportunities.  There are literally hundreds of ways to work virtually.  It’s that, or being tied down to an office-type gig that may not supply the flexibility you need.

So You Just Want to Play Music

Now let’s pull it all together.  Where’s your office?  On a stage, in a club, or in a performing arts center?  You have a gig with lots of travel time and loads of downtime?  If you could do something during these hours that allowed you the freedom to travel and play, then know that any of these businesses can be operated entirely online from home, a hotel, or an airport with nothing more than a laptop and maybe a headset.  Think of it as your business, so rarely will you be required to attend a face-to-face meeting.  Now, you gain the benefit of a schedule that will be totally flexible, and you can live, work and play anywhere you choose.

This idea here is to get you thinking and considering the possibilities.  Like I said, I know many, many more ways and will gladly discus them.  In future articles in this series, I will go in-depth, into various work-over-the-internet income producers.  Have a question?  Let me know, and we can get you the details.  

About the Writer

Gregory Burrus: Photojournalist, Blogger, Writer.  Gregory Burrus is a supporter of local businesses, community events, jazz, blues musicians, and local art exhibitions.  Gregory is a manager and promoter of the South Orange Village Center Alliance Downtown After Sundown Live Music Events, Board Member of the North Jersey Blues Alliance, Friend of the Valley Arts District in Orange, NJ and avid supporter of jazz, blues and art all around our towns  and the GreaterNew York, New Jersey area.   On a regular basis, Gregory gets the word out through social media marketing, writing articles, blogging and photojournalism.

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JI Blogposts by Gregory Burrus: JI blogger Gregory Burrus

 

Jazz, Blues, and Art – Annual Activity Events List

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Thursday, March 2, 2017

Jazz, Blues, and Art All Around Our Towns – Support Live Music and Artists

It’s been stated that if you want a successful economy, you must have a talented population.  Well, one of the great benefits of living in Essex County, New Jersey is that there is a wealth of talent within this area.  Being right outside New York helps enhance the opportunities for the artist, the patron, and the audience.  Therefore, I get to attend many events throughout this area which is a hotbed of music and art.  Many professionals reside within Northern New Jersey, work in New York City, and of course travel in and out of our areas.  The professionals have the disposable income and the artists have the creative talent.  Having the professionals meet the artists is key to making it all successful.  Let’s not forget the great city of Philadelphia which is less than 1 hour and a half away via some folks’ driving.

Happening All Around Our Towns

In my travels, all around our towns, I always get asked what’s happening in music and art?  Because everybody’s watching their expenses, a key question that also comes up is what’s free or low cost?  Of course, with that comes what and where are the venues?  The where usually means hey - can I find some quality entertainment right here in Essex county?  Or since we are just 30 minutes away from New York City, folks often ask where can I find quality acts on my way home from work?  Well, since it’s the beginning of 2017, I decided to list out “some” what’s happening now and what’s coming in Jazz and Blues all around our towns in 2017.  Consider this like an annual introduction to Jazz, Blues, and Art close by in some of our towns.

Why – Live Music – Jazz, Blues and Art -The Mission

I am a big believer in supporting live music and art.  With a primary focus on what's happening in jazz and blues all around our towns, for the artist, the objective is to help them gain additional exposure and attract a larger set of fans.  I attend many events throughout the hotbeds of music and art in our towns.  Another goal is to help the Musician and Artist find local venues that they / you can perform in without having to travel the world.

On the other side, helping the venues gain knowledge of the musicians and the artist is also an objective which helps everyone.  This will in turn produce a win-win scenario, where the venue is happy to support the artist and providing more venues for the artist to perform in and demonstrate their skills.  Talking and promoting the venue also helps the artist and the musician increase their income.  I should also mention there are many sporadic, annual local community events that I always cover because they provide tremendous benefits to town residents.  Bottom line is this helps the audience have more places to see the artist and increase their enjoyment of the artist and musician.

How – Photography and Writing

Photography - As a form of communication and documentation, photographs play an important role in domestic, work, and recreational activities.  In our current world, it’s easy to see that photographs are present in all phases of our life.  I endeavor to support and bring further attention to the events mentioned above by documenting the activities via photography, photojournalism, writing and blogging for local sites / newspapers around New Jersey.  You can of course check out some of my photography here at Gregory Burrus Photography or http://facebook.com/gregoryburrus.

Articles / Blogging - While paper newspapers have declined, the need for news and what happens has increased dramatically.  Writing helps clarify the issues and helps others learn more.  Helping folks learn new things about your areas of interest is enlightening and just plain fun.  One of the places that I love to write for is Jersey Indie which is a NJ-centric website that showcases artists, businesses, and creative minds living and working throughout the Garden State.  Take a moment and check out my JI blogger Gregory Burrus blogposts here.  Take a look, as the site is a wealth of information.

Photojournalism – The result is when I have the pictures and the videos, I will endeavor to review the event and tell the story with the pictures and of course provide commentary that fits the event.  I find it works well in conveying additional information for future use and helps the musician and the artist tell their story even better.  This becomes important in that some folks are extremely talented but hate the idea of promoting themselves.  I am the first one to say give me a shout and I will do what I can to help get the word out when I can.  You can of course check out some of my photography here on the beautiful and informative Masconsumption Media.

That said, here’s a list of organizations, events, and activities in jazz, blues, and art for folks to enjoy for the upcoming months.

Ongoing Events and Activities 

I love the fact that some of the event leaders are clearly dedicated to their craft along with the folks that participate in their events.  For some events, they are truly history-in-the-making as we are watching some serious professionals make some truly great music and art.  At the same time, we are enjoying the growth of some of the best aspiring artists.  With that said, here’s some wonderful groups and activities to pay attention to in the upcoming months.

1.     North Jersey Blues Alliance -  Board Member Social Media Marketing

South Mountain International Blues Festival – 2nd Sunday in September

South Mountain International Blues Festival – 2nd Sunday in September

Focused on bringing you the totally free, family-friendly Annual South Mountain International Blues Festival., this event is supported with our annual North Jersey Blues Alliance Blues Muse Fundraiser in May.  I am the social media marketing maven and co-chair for the 2017 Blues Muse event which I hope everybody comes out to, of course.

2.     South Orange Village Center Alliance (SOVCA) - Downtown After Sundown

Jazz Alley in Downtown After Sundown Live Music Series – May Thru Sept

Jazz Alley in Downtown After Sundown Live Music Series – May Thru Sept

I’m Manager / Promoter of the free Downtown After Sundown Concert.  Focused on bringing almost 80 live music events to downtown South Orange every summer weekend, this wildly popular Downtown After Sundown event happens every Friday and Saturday evening where bands play in two locations: Jazz Alley and Spiotta Park in South Orange, NJ every weekend from Memorial Day through Labor Day.  Hoping you stop by and enjoy some of the best live music happening all over town.

3.     Valley Arts District – Member

Hat City Kitchen, Valley Arts District, Orange, New Jersey – Home of Live Music

Hat City Kitchen, Valley Arts District, Orange, New Jersey – Home of Live Music

The Valley Arts District is focused on attracting, serving, and supporting artists and creative organizations to work and live in the Valley Arts District of Orange, NJ.  My objective is to attend events, have fun, and at the same time document the events and spread the word that great things are going on in town just about every day of the week.

I hit lots of events in the Valley Arts District, at Hat City kitchen which is a premier live music location for the Valley Arts District.  Hat City Kitchen always has something happening in the live music area, such as:

·       Al Gold – Blues Jams Afternoons at HCK, Bi-Weekly – Sun 3 PM. 
Blues Masters’ time to Jam. Show up and play.

·       Mike Lee – Jazz Jam, Weekly – Wed 8 PM.  Calling all jazz artists!
Come show off your skills on the Hat City Stage.

·       Taylor Moore – Open Mic Jokes & Notes – Bi-Weekly – Tue 8 PM. 
Come as a spectator or as a comedian ready to hit the stage!

·       Michael Reitman's – All Acoustic Open Mic – Bi-Weekly  – Tue 8 PM.  
Come show what you got.

There is also lots of special events happening every Friday and Saturday night, as Hat City books all types of music.  They have also partnered with SCOBAR Entertainment to bring in some top-notch Jazz performers, too.  This is not an exhaustive list, as there is so much more going on.

Another few places with some great events are:

·       Andy Lackow The Andy Lackow Monday Night Blues Jam @ SuzyQue's BBQ – Bi-Weekly at SuzyQue’s, West Orange, NJ.  Come to experience a place to jam and have fun. 

·       Tuesdays – John Lee Trio and Friends – Jazz, Weekly at West Orange. NJ,  Come listen to some of the best in jazz every Tuesday.

·       Thursdays – Bob DeVos – Bi-Weekly at Ricalton's Village Tavern, South Orange, NJ.  The Consummate Jazz Professional bringing in some of the best musicians.

In addition, there are many other venues close by all within, like, 20 minutes of each other around town that have some great jazz, blues, and art.

Gregory Burrus at Maplewood Art Walk and Music Fest

Gregory Burrus at Maplewood Art Walk and Music Fest

·       Art

o   1978 Arts Center, Maplewood, NJ

o   Gallery OVO, South Orange, NJ

o   Pierro Gallery, South Orange, NJ

o   ValleyArts Firehouse Gallery, Orange, NJ

o   West Orange Arts Council, West Orange, NJ

·       Music

o   DLV Lounge, Montclair, NJ – Music

o   Hat City Kitchen, Orange, NJ – Jazz, Blues 

o   Pappilion25, South Orange, NJ Jazz, R&B

o   Ruthie’s BBQ and Pizza, Montclair, NJ

o   Shanghai Jazz, Madison, NJ - Jazz

o   Southern Comfort Cafe, Orange, NJ

o   SuzyQue’s - Glenn Franke’s BigBand, West Orange, NJ

·       PACs

o   LUNA Stage Company, West Orange, NJ – Jazz Series

o   SOPAC, South Orange, NJ – All

Annual Events All Around Our Towns – Check Venue Websites for Exact Dates

·       Jan – Masconsumption Media – 4th Annual Valley Gala

·       Mar – 4th Annual Women’s History Month Celebration – Mar 31, 2017

·       May – Blues Muse – May 19, 2017

·       Jul – Maplewoodstock Event – Sat & Sun, Jul 7 – 8

·       Aug – Montclair Jazz Festival – Sat, Aug 13, 2017

·       Aug – Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival – Aug, 20, 2017

·       Sep – OSPAC Jazz and Brew Festival – Sep 2017 – Sat, Sep 2017

·       Sep – Play Day Festival - South Orange, South Orange, NJ - Sun 9/25

·       Sep – Maplewood Art Walk & Music Festival – Sun Sep 2017

·       Oct – SouthNext Festival - South Orange, NJ - Oct 6,7,8, 2017

·       Nov – Giants of Jazz – South Orange, NJ – Nov 2017

In Newark:

·       The Blues People International Festival

·       Clements Place NJPAC & Rutgers Institute of Jazz Jams

·       Newark Museum Jazz in the Garden Noontime Events

·       WBGO Gateway Plaza Lunch and Evening events

·       WBGO Radio Gallery Opening Artist Receptions

·       Priory Jazz Club, Newark, NJ

·       Bethany Jazz Vespers - Monthly

-      TD Moody Jazz Festival

Several Art Events:  

·       Aljira, A Center for Contemporary Art Museum and Gallery

·       CWOW Art Gallery

·       Newark Museum

·       NJPAC Art events

And don’t forget, there are many places just around the bend:

·       Robin’s Nest in Linden, NJ.  Nice cool spot with some serious music.

·       Moore’s Lounge in Jersey City.  Winard Harper keeping the Music where you live.

·       New Brunswick Jazz Project, which brings great jazz to Central Jersey and more.

All above is just a sampling of great places for Northern New Jersey Folks to perform and / or enjoy the jazz, blues, and art all around our towns.  Most of the events listed are free, so there’s no excuse to not come on out and have some fun and support live music.

About The Author

Gregory Burrus, Photojournalist, Blogger, Writer with HANDS Pat Morrissy, Jersey Indie, ValleyGirlNJ.

Gregory Burrus, Photojournalist, Blogger, Writer with HANDS Pat Morrissy, Jersey Indie, ValleyGirlNJ.

Gregory Burrus is a supporter of local businesses, community events, jazz, blues musicians, and local art exhibitions.  Gregory is a manager and promoter of the South Orange Village Center Alliance Downtown After Sundown Live Music Events, Board Member of the North Jersey Blues Alliance, Friend of the Valley Arts District in Orange, NJ and avid supporter of jazz, blues and art all around our towns and the Greater New York, New Jersey area.  On a regular basis, Gregory gets the word out through social media marketing, writing articles, blogging and photojournalism.

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South Orange Train Station 100 Year Celebration (RECAP)

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Thursday, March 2, 2017

History, Community, Legacy, and South Orange Train Station Celebration

One of the great things about small towns is the ability for events to be held that can affect all the folks around town.  A cornerstone of South Orange is historic places, holding outdoor events, and specifically events that have live music events associated with them.  One such place in town is the South Orange Train Station.  

"The South Orange Train Station has been at the heart of South Orange's growth and development since the train service was first established," Village President Sheena Collum said.

Back then, it used to take 1 hour and 45 minutes to get from South Orange to Newark, NJ.  However, now it takes less than 15 mins.  Being one of the residents who moved out to South Orange because of the 30-minute commute to NYC, I for one was glad to see they were going to honor this beautiful historic station. 

Historic South Orange Train Lackawanna Station

 South Orange Train Station http://lackawannarrelevation.blogspot.com/

 South Orange Train Station http://lackawannarrelevation.blogspot.com/

Built in 1916 by architect Frank J. Nies, the South Orange Train Station was designed in the Renaissance Revival style and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.  The South Orange train station has always been at its current location, but before 1916, the tracks were not elevated.  That year, the train went above ground to prevent pedestrian and animal accidents on South Orange Avenue.  Over $1 million was spent for the elevation.  

2016 South Orange Train Station, Sloan Street, S.O., NJ

South Orange Train Station – Sloan Street

South Orange Train Station – Sloan Street

Fast forward to today and one learns that the station is the busiest along NJ Transit's Morris-Essex line, serving about 4,000 riders every day.  Underneath, a wide range of stores serve the residents.  It is the center of the town.  It’s also widely known that over the past 100 years, South Orange's growth and prosperity is related to the station.

South Orange Train Station – S.O. 100 Year Celebration

S.O. 100 Year Station Celebration

S.O. 100 Year Station Celebration

In honor of the station's centennial on Oct 1st, 2016, the South Orange Village and New Jersey Transit held a theme party fundraiser titled South Orange Train Station 100th Anniversary Celebration.  This event was hosted by South Orange Village Center, South Orange Village, SOPAC - South Orange Performing Arts Center and the South Orange Historical & Preservation Society.  The objective was to raise funds with the net proceeds of the event to benefit the Fund for South Orange Station, a new program that will make aesthetic improvements to the station as it begins its second century of service.

Dining, Dancing and More

Having fun at the 100 year South Orange train station celebration

Having fun at the 100 year South Orange train station celebration

Sloan Street was shut down for a roaring 20’s party to celebrate our architectural gem of a train station and the rail service that changed our town.  Upon admission to the celebration area, one’s senses were pleasantly assaulted by a host of roaring 20’s activities.  There was  a brief presentation.  A key component of the event was the roaring 20’s theme which drove many to come out tastefully dressed for the occasion, and it was fun to see folks’ reincarnation of the times.  There was also a host of delectable appetizers and desserts that were simply scrumptious.  Of course, there were spirits (as in beer and wine) along with a signature event, Centennial Cocktail.  Throughout the night there was a historic look-back-through-time presentation that flashed onto the wall of the South Orange Train Station.

Roaring Twenties Dancing a Blast

Dressing and Dancing to the Beat

Dressing and Dancing to the Beat

In a town like this that likes to bill itself as the live music capital of the world, what would an event like this be without live music?  For the night, there was a 20-piece swing band under the direction of Ben Williams, with vocalist Jay Dougherty and he sang just like a 20’s-style crooner.  He sang some wonderful tunes.  Also, in addition to the town’s folks, the local Seton Hall University had several nattily dressed folks that came to dance in the look and feel of the 20s, and that was fun to watch.

Dignitaries, Sponsors, Supporters, and More Came Out

Dignitaries – county and community leaders in attendance

Dignitaries – county and community leaders in attendance

Now what would an event like this be without dignitaries speaking?  It was impressive in that the ceremony was honored by dignitaries from the community, New Jersey Transit, South Orange Village, Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, New Jersey State, the Senator’s Office, Seton Hall University, and more.  The complete list of sponsors can be found at SOStation100.

Roaring Twenties South Orange Train Station Centenial Celebration! 

Photo Credit: Matt Peyton Photography

Photo Credit: Matt Peyton Photography

To sum it up, South Orange Village President reported:

“Preliminary numbers show that we had roughly 350 guests and raised over $15,000 to help revitalize our historic station including: plantings, lighting replacement and installation of art / murals to celebrate our history and take us into the next 100 years.  The music, dancers, food, and drinks were spectacular!  And the night would not have been possible without the generous support of all our sponsors, our amazing volunteers, and of course, our Village staff and South Orange Village Center who continue to amaze me with the quality and caliber of events we're doing.  We sure do know how to throw a party in South Orange!”

Gregory Burrus, Photojournalist, with South Orange Village President Sheena Collum at S.O. Train Station Celebration

Gregory Burrus, Photojournalist, with South Orange Village President Sheena Collum at S.O. Train Station Celebration

Gregory Burrus is a supporter of local businesses, community events, jazz, blues musicians, and local art exhibitions.  Gregory is a manager and promoter of the South Orange Village Center Alliance Downtown After Sundown Live Music Events, Board Member of the North Jersey Blues Alliance, Friend of the Valley Arts District in Orange, NJ and avid supporter of jazz, blues and art all around our towns and the Greater  New York / New Jersey area.  On a regular basis, Gregory gets the word out through social media marketing, writing articles, blogging and photojournalism.

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