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On Saturday night, September 24th, Maplewood, NJ was treated to an incredible performance by one of the most sought-after musicians in all of jazz. Thanks to Smooth Jazz NJ run by Maplewood resident Rich Engel, The Woodland in Maplewood hosted a…
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Well, Summer is quickly coming to a close but fortunately September 2022 has lots of Summer within the month along with a lot of live music events for sure. So here we go with Gregory Burrus Productions events all around our towns of Newark, Cranford, City of Orange, Maplewood, Linden, West Orange, Bloomfield and of course South Orange…
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Hey everybody, we have a great music scene running around the towns and we're proud of it. Our Jazzy live music events are the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon or evening. Our goal is to support local artists and help them get their music out there. Our events feature some of the best up-and-coming talent in the area, are family-friendly, and a great way to bring the community together…
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By Gregory Burrus | Posted Friday, June 17, 2022
There was a lot of anticipation for the upcoming installment of Rich Engel’s Smooth Jazz New Jersey live music event at The Woodland. Having had 5 prior extremely successful, packed house / sold-out events, bringing in these three Contemporary Jazz, Funk, and Soul stars meant an awesome performance ahead.
In addition to the normal promotional stream, this event was also promoted by the widely known radio host Pat Prescott. Pat was here for 23 years on New York radio. He worked at WRVR, WBLS, WLIB, The National Black News Network. and contemporary jazz station CD 101.9. In 2001, Pat moved to Los Angeles to co-host the morning show at 94.7 The WAVE with saxophonist Dave Koz, then singer Brian McKnight, and currently Pat is the solo host of the morning show on The WAVE and she is also the producer and host of Making Waves. Pat was also chosen as R&R's smooth jazz personality of the year for six consecutive years and in 2015, she received the prestigious Genii award from the Alliance of Women in Media. So, lots of attention was on this event.
The lights dimmed and the spotlight was on twenty-something Julia Engel who introduced herself as “part of the Smooth Jazz New Jersey family.” She gave a thoughtful description of the good works of JESPY House, the non-profit represented at the concert that supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Julia introduced the former New York CD101.9 radio air alumnus and morning show host and tonight's Guest Master of Ceremony, Steve Harris.
Steve reminisced a bit about playing the night's Smooth Jazz performers’ tunes repeatedly in the past on the station. It was a reflective and wonderful moment to enjoy as Steve was greeted by the sold-out audience delivering a continuous and very lively amount of applause. He then brought Jazz Funk Soul on stage, and they were greeted with thunderous applause.
The applause was warranted because Jazz Funk Soul consisted of six-time Grammy nominee and keyboard extraordinaire Jeff Lorber. Jeff scored his first Grammy win in 2018, for best Contemporary instrumental album for his recording of “Prototype”.
Band member, the funk man, saxophonist Everette Harp, his album Jazz Funk Soul, a collaboration with Chuck Loeb and Jeff Lorber, received its first nomination for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards. In addition, he has jammed with President Clinton and has performed with Aretha Franklin, Billy Joel, Chaka Khan, and Dianne Reeves, amongst others.
Now, round out this super group with soulman and Grammy nominee, the awesome guitarist Paul Jackson Jr. Paul is the guitarist on three Grammy-winning albums including Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Paul has either played, composed, or collaborated with musical legends such as Elton John, Whitney Houston, Pattie Labelle, George Benson, Al Jarreau, George Duke, and David Benoit.
Once introduced, the Jazz Funk Soul group came out hot!! Working in concert with each other, Jeff Lorber, Paul Jackson Jr., and Everette Harp performed some absolutely outstanding solos. And, having just left the Jacksonville Jazz Festival where I experienced Mr. Funk, Everette Harp absolutely wowed the fans. It was clear he was absolutely on fire again this evening. After some extremely intense solo performances, the crowd immediately reacted with loud and rousing applause.
This powerful vibe enforced the audience's expectations for the entire night, as Jeff Lorber delivered some energetic and lively piano tunes, while Paul Jackson Jr. added to the audience enjoyment by delivering some extremely intense guitar renditions of popular tunes. The audience reaction was positive, loud, and resulted in numerous standing ovations over and over throughout the night's performance.
This was once again another spectacular performance produced by Rich Engel of Smooth Jazz NJ and the Maplewood Division of Arts & Culture. This event clearly demonstrated that The Woodland has become the go-to venue for Contemporary Jazz with another presentation of world-class musicians delivering energetic live music performances.
Producer Rich Engel also noted the following Smooth Jazz NJ events at The Woodland will return with the following amazing performances:
Sept 24, 2022 will feature singer, songwriter, musician, 4x Grammy nominee, Jazz Walk of Fame inductee and Platinum-selling artist, Oleta Adams. As Oprah Winfrey said, “The voice that brought me out of the shower.” You know her from her 1990 debut album Circle of One which went Platinum, and the impassioned hit single "Get Here" became an unofficial anthem of the 1991 Gulf War. She has performed on worldwide tours with Tears for Fears, Phil Collins, Michael Bolton, and Luther Vandross, and has sold more than two and a half million records.
Oct 8, 2022 - The unstoppable force in the smooth jazz genre, saxophonists Kim Waters comes to The Woodland. Jazz Times Magazine called Waters, “simply one of the planet’s best saxophonists." This suave, debonair and commanding saxophonist’s ability to transcend the musical boundaries of Jazz, Pop, and R&B have made him one of the most sought-after musicians in Contemporary Jazz.
Save the dates Sept 24th and Oct 8th because you don't want to miss these events.
Gregory Burrus is a local live music producer, promoter, event planner, and community partner. He combines his extensive corporate business and technology expertise with his love of live music and being a strong community advocate.
Read more from Gregory Burrus:
https://www.jerseyindie.com/ji-blogger-gregory-burrus
https://patch.com/users/gregburrus
Join us at our live music events:
https://gregoryburrusproductions.com/events/
Recap our live music experiences:
By Gregory Burrus | Posted Friday, June 3, 2022
What's happening all around our towns for June 2022. Please join us.
Event Details: Friday, 6/3, 7-10 PM, Gemini Celebration featuring MPack Live with Lynette Sheard at South Valley BBQ and Lounge, Outdoor Patio, West Orange, NJ
Are you a Gemini? Come join us and have some birthday celebration fun with us at the new South Valley BBQ and Lounge luxurious new outdoor patio. Open to all with a new start time of 7PM. Bring a friend, family member, someone you just met, and let’s have some dancing fun. Register and make your reservation here and let us know you are coming or just show up for first come first serve seating availability. Prior events were sold out, so come early and get your seat, and let's dance!
Free, Open to Public:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazzy-nights-presents-a-gemini-birthday-celebration-with-mpack-music-tickets-350663212107
Event Details: Saturday, 6/4, 11-4 PM, ArtBender / SoundBender Art and Live Music All Around Town, ArtBender Event SoundBender at Seton Village, South Orange, NJ
ArtBender is a celebration of creativity and self-expression, happening in and around South Orange, NJ on June 4, 2022 (rain date June 5). Community members are encouraged to gather at “creativity hubs” by starting communal projects in neighborhoods throughout the town. Local businesses are also encouraged to host an arts event. Past ArtBender events have included painting, chalk street art, poetry writing, and live music and dance performances.
Click to learn more:
https://www.facebook.com/events/782725869755494
Event Details: Saturday, 6/4, 8-10 PM, Jazz Funk Soul feat. Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp & Paul Jackson Jr. at The Woodland, Maplewood, NJ
Produced by Smooth Jazz New Jersey / Maplewood Arts & Culture, this supergroup can whisk your mind away with Jazz, humble your heart with Soul, and make your foot stomp with Funk. When describing the performance of “Jazz Funk Soul '' featuring 2018 Grammy-winner Jeff Lorber and Grammy nominees Everette Harp and Paul Jackson Jr., you’re talking about the real thing in adult contemporary music.
Purchase tickets at:
https://smoothjazznj.com/
Event Details: Saturday, 6/18, 2-3:30 PM, Live Music by Lynette Sheard & the James Austin Jr. Trio, "Juneteenth: Images Triumphant" at the West Orange Arts Council, West Orange, NJ
The “Juneteenth: Images Triumphant” art exhibition features the work of West Orange Arts Council members Dwight Carter (photography), Anthony Gartmond (drawings), Glendora Simonson (quilts), and Gabrielle Smith (quilts). A Juneteenth reception will take place on Saturday, June 18 from 12-4pm, featuring music produced by Gregory Burrus Productions with performances by Lynette Sheard Live featuring the James Austin Trio. The reception is supported by The Essex County (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.”
Learn more:
https://woarts.org/blog-post/juneteenth-images-triumphant-june-4-july-9-2022/
Event Details: Sunday, 6/19, 2-4 PM, Dre Barnes Trio, SOPAC Juneteenth Holiday, South Orange, NJ
Join us in the SOPAC Lobby for the grand unveiling of the Juneteenth Community Art Project that was created at the painting event on June 17. Live music with Dre Barnes Trio. Light bites and refreshments will be available.
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Event Details: Sunday, 6/26, 3-6 PM, location TBA. The Barry Harris Institute of Jazz Presents the Richard Clements / Murray Wall 11th Street Bar Band featuring James Austin Jr, along with special guests including the Barry Harris Jazz Chorus, Phillip Bingham, and others.
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Event Details: Wednesday, 6/29, 12-5 PM, MPack R&B Jam. Come sing, come play, join in, every Wed. at the Orange Farmers Market at Hickory & S Main St, City of Orange, NJ
Produced by the City of Orange Division of Recreation, the City of Orange Farmers Market returns on June 29. Join us on the grass across from McDonald’s, every Wednesday from noon to 5PM. Bring your tune or your instrument and join us.
Learn more:
Event Details: Thursday, 6/30, 6-8:30 PM, Stuff Brothers, Summer Sounds every Thursday at Eastman Clock Plaza Park, N Union Ave, Cranford, NJ
Produced by Downtown Cranford, grab a bite from a local restaurant and pull up a park bench for these special Thursday evening concerts in downtown Cranford. The streets come alive with a different sound from local artists each week. Performances take place at Eastman Clock Plaza.
Learn More:
Gregory Burrus is a local live music ambassador, producer, promoter, event planner, and community partner. He combines his extensive corporate business and technology expertise with his love of live music and being a strong community advocate.
I love writing about it all. My mission is to help community groups, live music bands, and local nonprofits reach their goals and accomplish their missions while enjoying the day-to-day process of life.
https://gregoryburrusproductions.com/events/
By Gregory Burrus | Posted Tuesday, April 26, 2022
On Saturday, April 23rd the Vibe in the air was nothing less than very exciting for Rich Engel’s Smooth Jazz New Jersey event, as all of us were expecting an event that was at least as great as prior Smooth Jazz performances.
The Woodland, 60 Woodland Road, Maplewood, NJ
Well, this production of Smooth Vocals Funk and Jazz was absolutely amazing as folks came out and every seat in this beautiful Georgian Revival-style mansion called The Woodland was sold out.
The opening event was hot right out the gate. The first performance featured classical flautist-turned-Jazz-flutist Alexander Zonjic. Zonjic is a 15-time Detroit Music Awards winner with deep and multi-faceted ties to the city of Detroit. This “flute guy from Canada” is also a DJ and is the owner of a veritable cottage industry as the artistic director and producer of more than 10 annual festival events in the region and philanthropist under the umbrella of his Hi-Falutin Music. His performance was impeccable.
Alexander Zonjic Band
Alexander brought with him a swinging band that provided the funk big time, consisting of the widely renowned and incredible pianist James Lloyd, co-founder and member of the famed Pieces of a Dream, Kris Kurzawa on guitar, who has become one of the Detroit area’s most in-demand guitarists since the early 2000’s, drummer Jeff Canady whose captivating performance was creating more fans all night with each drumbeat, and Detroit bassist Mike Harrington who has toured with Brian Culberson, The Spinners, KEM, Jeff Lorber, Kirk Whalum, Angela Bofill, etc., and tonight they introduced Electric Violinist Phenomenon Evan Garr who currently tours with Stanley Clarke and Jean Luc Ponty.
Doing the Detroit Sway with the Alexander Zonjic Band.
The Woodland was alive and swaying for sure as folks were singing, dancing and doing the Detroit Sway. Comments from a few attendees noted Alexander's great stage presence and what a great bandleader he was. Together, it was one exciting moving performance and they laid it all out on the stage. The band started swinging hard and he immediately drew everyone in and, of course, he had folks up and dancing the Detroit Shuffle in the front, on the sides and in the back.
Vocalist Maysa Leak
Next up was Maysa Leak, who according to her bio “is the kind of singer who takes hold of a song and enraptures her audience in the palm of her hands, as she delivers lyrics, phrases, melodies and harmonies in a way that only she can." Blessed with an instantly identifiable honey-toned mezzo-soprano and an undeniably brilliant and magnetic stage presence, Maysa’s alluring vocals, candor, honesty, humor and purity as an artist make her a rarity in this business” (maysa.com)
Well, this Baltimore native is the recipient of many awards for her work, including Soul Train’s first Centric Award in 2009, and her first Grammy nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance and has previously collaborated with everyone from Stevie Wonder to Incognito, Angela Bofill, Will Downing and Jonathan Butler, Phil Perry and more. Maysa was a former “Incognito” lead vocalist, a Grammy Nominee, ranks #2 on the UK R&B charts and tonight the awesome band she performed with at The Woodland included Angela Phillips — assistant vocals, Damon Bennett — music director/ keys, Charles Baldwin — bass, Tim Hudson — drums, and Richard Tucker — guitar.
Maysa Leak performs at Smooth Jazz Live event at The Woodland, Maplewood, NJ.
Clearly, Maysa and her band came to deliver as she continued the heat, laid down by the opening act, and quickly got folks into the mood. The crowd was hooked from the first song to the last. Throughout the night, as mentioned, earlier her honesty and humor was evident as she wrapped into her musical selections stories about her son, Jazz, her travels as an artist, and life in general. She sang a host of her originals from recently released albums along with a number of widely popular songs taking us way back in time. The medley of ’70s ’80s hits went over big time as folks swayed in their seats, started singing along, and next thing you know the place came alive as people jumped up and started singing and dancing and enjoying the beat. The night was on fire all night long as people truly enjoyed her performance.
As I wandered around the event in my Arts and Entertainment reporter role, I encountered folks excitedly talking about the night, and one person said to me “Maysa put on a vocal show extraordinaire as she covered smooth jazz, R&B and funk so easily and effortlessly.” Another patron told me he traveled 3 and half hours just for this show because “Maysa is absolutely phenomenal and was happy to drive back to Boston tonight as Maysa did not disappoint at all.” Closer to home, a local resident that I invited said “Wow, this is great to have this fantastic quality of music so close to home. I will be back.” Well, this is nice to know because in communicating with Maysa after the show Maysa said, "I loved performing in such a quaint, classy, beautiful town. I really would love to live in Maplewood. The audience was just fantastic, and I hope to come back soon!" Who knows, hopefully she does come back soon.
Talk about putting a town on the map. Continued sold-out standing-room-only Smooth Jazz live music performances like this at The Woodland Mansion in Maplewood, NJ is definitely the way to do it. The Woodland has this very serene environment with great parking that makes it an excellent place to listen to music of any type with family, friends, and those who want to enjoy the community. Overall, it was clear almost 50 percent of the audience was not from local towns, as folks came in from Long Island, South Jersey, Philly, and even Detroit.
Gregory Burrus with Maplewood Mayor Dean Dafis.
And it was of course very appropriate to see the newly elected Mayor Dean Dafis tell the audience, you don’t just go home when the show is over but instead walk around the corner, stop in town and enjoy drinks and dinner at a local restaurant and have a great time. Having had some experience with live music events, I can tell you these events will clearly go a long way into turning Maplewood/South Orange into a Live Music Destination.
Gregory Burrus is a local live music ambassador, producer, promoter, event planner, and community partner. He combines his extensive corporate business and technology expertise with his love of live music and being a strong community advocate.
I love writing about it all. My mission is to help community groups, live music bands, and local nonprofits, reach their goals and accomplish their missions while enjoying the day-to-day process of life.
https://gregoryburrusproductions.com/events/
By Sonia Schnee | Posted Saturday, March 12, 2022
Punk n’ roll band, Thrill Ride, brought some much-needed joy to passersby in South Orange-Maplewood (SOMA, for short) when they decided to move their practice sessions outdoors during the pandemic. I spoke with Paul Haley (guitar/vocals) and John Ramsburg (bass/vocals) of Thrill Ride at the end of March 2021, and now, almost a full year later, it’s interesting to see what things have changed and what has stayed the same. Paul and John are both cool guys, so it was a blast to learn about the inspiration behind their sound, their songs, and how their music has been received locally as well as internationally.
Joined by their drummer, Will Kramer — plus the band Forget the Whale — Thrill Ride will be performing live at Picket’s Village Bar in Maplewood on Saturday, March 19th, 7-10pm. Be sure to check it out! Also, be sure to follow Thrill Ride on social media for up-to-date announcements about new recordings and shows.
Thrill Ride is on Portland, OR via NYC via Buffalo, NY's Honey Puller Records.
Watch our interview above, or read the transcript below.
(Video and transcript have been edited for time and clarity.)
JOHN RAMSBURG: I'm John Ramsburg. I play the bass, I sing, and I write some of the songs in Thrill Ride.
PAUL HALEY: My name is Paul Haley. I'm the guitarist. John and I, we share songwriting responsibilities. We live in SOMA, NJ. I don't know what the outsiders think of that term, but we in South Orange or Maplewood call it "SOMA" for short. Will Kramer, our drummer, also lives in Maplewood.
Thrill Ride is actually the remaining members of our previous band, Dollar Store Riot. Thea Kearney, our singer at the time, needed to take a break. Dollar Store Riot went on hiatus, and John, Will, and I looked at each other and said, "Well, do we want to keep going or what?" We decided to keep going, so we came up with a new name, Thrill Ride, and we've been going ever since.
John came into the band shortly after Dollar Store Riot played Maplewoodstock back in 2016. It's probably the biggest musical event in Maplewood every year, every summer. Of course, last summer they canceled it because of the pandemic and, hopefully, we'll get back to that, but it's a very fun event. Dollar Store Riot had the opportunity to play. That was our original bass player's last show. I think John saw us playing and we offered him the job, which he happily took. Do I have the history right, John?
JOHN RAMSBURG: Yeah. So I've been friends with the drummer, Will, for quite some time. Our boys are the same age, went to school together. So when their bass player left, he knew that I played bass and asked me to audition. I got the part, learned all their songs, and we played for a while.
PAUL HALEY: It's kind of funny, John. You were in the band for, like, 17 minutes and then we put him in a Dollar Store Riot video.
JOHN RAMSBURG: Yeah, I'm in a video. It's not even my bass!
PAUL HALEY: Oh, God. It'll take me three days to list mine. You go first, John.
JOHN RAMSBURG: Basically, your standard alternative garage. "Dad bands" is what they call us around town now. Our influences are The Police, The Clash, Buffalo Tom. All three of us come from very similar yet varied enough backgrounds where we each bring something interesting when we're working on new songs. If you liked to listen to 120 Minutes back in the day on MTV, you'd probably enjoy watching one of our shows.
PAUL HALEY: John and I share a bunch of favorite bands. When I hear our music, especially that last song that you added to the NJ Artists You Should Know (2021) playlist, "Shelf", it kind of reminds me of a The-Police-meets-The-Clash kind of thing.
I also hear a lot of what I like to call "punk n' roll." I hear Social Distortion. I hear many different influences coming in. Definitely, I wouldn't be playing guitar if it wasn't for bands like Buffalo Tom and The Lemonheads —that pop-influenced fuzz rock, overdriven rock, and things like that.
Will [Kramer] went to college out in the Seattle area — I think Evergreen State — and he grew up in the Boston area, so he definitely brings a lot of influences from there. It's kind of interesting how it all comes together. Will, John, and I definitely click. We could start playing something and it'll all start falling together.
Thrill Ride performs "Last Night" while in social isolation for a "Live" remote gig!
PAUL HALEY: Well, we just can't sit around. I mean, the funny thing is — and I kind of said this to the band — even though the pandemic hit last year, Thrill Ride was very productive, and I don't know if it was just a timing thing, but John, didn't we release like five or six songs?
JOHN RAMSBURG: Well, we got lucky in that we had gotten in the studio and recorded a bunch of scratch tracks right before they shut everything down. So then I was able to record from home and sent tracks in to our buddy, Tom. He does all of our mixing and recording. Will and Paul would pop in when it was safe. Paul gets tested every week, so it was safer for him to go in than for me. I was more comfortable staying home. But yeah, it was frustrating because we had planned a five-song EP. We recorded a bunch of the scratch tracks, and then we had to stop everything. So we used part of that to put out the videos. So, we all recorded separately, listening to the same song. I edited a bunch of it together and posted it up. Then when we had time, we'd work through one of the songs, get it mixed, and put it out. So then our five-song EP became this slow drip of singles that kept coming out. It kept us moving, which is good.
PAUL HALEY: Oh yeah. Ha!
PAUL HALEY: I was trying to remember who wrote the lyrics, and I said, "Oh, wait, I wrote those!" I'll plead the fifth on a lot of that. Especially the chorus.
John handled that song very well. When he was learning to sing this song, I sent him the lyrics. Then when we went to record, he had the original lyrics that I had since revised. When I heard him do it, I was like, "I thought I gave you revised lyrics" and he was like, "No, these are it", and I'm like, "Well, those are the original lyrics." You remember that, John? I said, "OK, we'll leave that. I like that." I guess I had to hear the original ones again. I'm kind of glad that he got the original lyrics as opposed to the revised ones.
JOHN RAMSBURG: He had so many words per minute, it was off the charts, especially for one of our songs. We're very short, succinct. Tom Lucas, our engineer, said it's our “prog” song.
JOHN RAMSBURG: Laughing Boys Recording.
PAUL HALEY: Laughing Boys is out of South Orange. I'll probably get this wrong a little bit, but Tom was a producer in New York for many years and then he built a home studio. It's a home away from home. He's a great guy, I mean, all-around good guy. He plays in every band in South Orange and Maplewood. I can't think of one band he never stepped into, except maybe ours. He added tracks to some of our songs, and even Dollar Store Riot songs. Some, we didn't even know he was going to do. I was listening to, I think it was the last Dollar Store Riot song we recorded. I heard organs in the chorus and I'm like, "Did we record that?" So I went to Tom. Tom, he is a sweetheart. I always say he's "the glue of SOMA", the music. He's just so involved. I said, "Tom, did you record organ?" He goes, "Yeah, I felt like doing that. What do you think?" I said, "Yeah, it sounds great!" I recommend everybody to go to his studio to record, for sure. One block off of South Orange Avenue.
PAUL HALEY: John can basically hit Tom's house with a rock. I'm a little bit farther, but it's still very close. Tom's great to work with. He'll give you feedback. You know, a lot of studios, they're demanding money. With Tom, you've got to remind him, "Hey, we owe you some money." He'll be like, "Oh, yeah." You know what I mean? He does it for the love of the music. That's a great person to work with, for sure. So we're very lucky in that respect.
PAUL HALEY: That was John's brilliant idea. Those organs that you have, it’s all John. That's a John song from start to finish. I mean that in the highest regard. It's a fantastic song. John, I don't think I ever told you, but I love the fact that you put French in it. I think it's great.
JOHN RAMSBURG: I woke up one morning and I had the whole song, the verse-chorus. I ran downstairs. It's one of those moments where I was like, "I gotta write this down." I got my phone, a recorder, and I just played it straight out and it was done, the song was over. I showed it to the guys and we came up with the bridge, so it wasn't a minute long. The French is the first verse just repeated. I don't know where I got the idea for the French, but I just started singing it in French, my broken high school French, and it stuck. In just, like, five minutes I had the song done. That's the only time that's ever happened to me in my life.
PAUL HALEY: I have to say, that's definitely one of my favorite songs in our catalog. It's a fun, catchy song. John really put a great song together for us.
Thrill Ride. Top: Paul Haley (Bass/Vocals). Left: Will Kramer (Drums). Right: John Ramsburg (Bass/Vocals).
JOHN RAMSBURG: Well, the one song we were working on at this last rehearsal, it's called "Started to Stop." I actually wrote it with my daughter. She's 11 now, but she was 10 when we wrote it.
PAUL HALEY: The next song we're working on is a song called "Ride" that John also wrote. Again, a fun song to play.
JOHN RAMSBURG: I like working with Will and Paul because a lot of the times when I write songs at home, it's more like alt-country for the sound because I just sit with my acoustic guitar and play something either sad or trying to tell a bit of a story. Then I bring it to them, and they're like, "OK, so we're going to play it faster than this, right?" and then it progresses and becomes our grungy, punky feel that we have. So "Ride" started like that. When I play it on the piano, it sounds more like a Springsteen song than when we play it together as a band. It's like a straight Social Distortion-esque rockabilly style. So it comes at you really fast and just keeps on going right to the end. Very danceable. I want to see people dancing at our gigs.
JOHN RAMSBURG: For me, it all happens at the same time. I'll be messed around with some chords or have an idea and the words will just come out. They might be nonsensical, but I might get a core of something I want to talk about, and then I'll expand off of that on the lyrics. Sometimes I'm inspired by sitting on the train, New Jersey Transit. I heard a couple talking. They were basically saying, "We've gotta slow this relationship down." That's where "Chill Out" came from.
"Half as Much" is more about the social media obsession I was going through at the time, where I was just never present, I was always looking at my phone, and there was no reciprocation because it's social media — it doesn't care. Things like that. So I've pulled from all over. Sometimes I hear a song and I'll say, "I really like the way that song sounds" and I try to figure out that chord structure and see what I can change to make it mine and then build on that. So just a little bit of everything. It's a potpourri of songwriting.
PAUL HALEY: I would say usually it's the guitar riff that comes together. I'll dig through a bunch of lyrics and not like any of them. I tend to be more of a stickler with the lyrics. I can tell you that every line that I write means something. The meaning may be a subtle joke or somebody in mind. I would argue that all the lyrics that I write are usually about somebody.
When I think of songs like "Over His Emo", it's about one specific person.
"Beat a Skip" is, again, about a specific person. We wrote a really, really heroin chic version of it, and then one day we just decided to speed it up, and so we got two versions of it. We tend to play to the methamphetamine version of it now. I like playing it both ways, but I have to say the faster way is the fun way to play it.
I got this little acoustic guitar that I bought my son a long time ago. It's one of those three-quarter travel ones. I have it right next to the couch. I'll be watching March Madness and working on a riff and be like "Oh, this works!" But it's usually the riff first and then the lyrics, for sure.
PAUL HALEY: That's all John. He's got the connections.
JOHN RAMSBURG: I was checking either CD Baby or Spotify for Artists, and I saw someone in Vietnam had listened to our whole album, which I thought was great. So that was cool because Paul's right, I have friends who live in Europe and Canada. Their friends are nice, they take a listen to it. But now it's starting to pop up in different playlists, which is pretty cool because I'm not doing this to be famous. I really enjoy writing and playing music, and I have a fun time doing it, and if other people like what I put down, that's great.
PAUL HALEY: There were some interesting ones that popped up. It makes you wonder. Actually, while we're talking, I think I'll look!
JOHN RAMSBURG: To hear or see that there are other people who like the music enough to listen to it again on Spotify, or they're discovering it on their own separate from me somehow, I just think it's cool. I'm very grateful. It's very humbling.
PAUL HALEY: My kids are a little bit older than John's. I've got a junior and a freshman. I don't know if they ever listen to it, but every once in a while my oldest son, Aiden, will come and say, "Oh, I saw somebody in town wearing your band shirt." He'll say it just like that. My youngest, Liam, none of his friends say anything, but some of Aiden's friends have said things to me, like "Oh, I heard your new song. It sounds great."
JOHN RAMSBURG: My boy's older. He's in seventh grade, and one of his friends really, really likes us. He has our stickers on his wall, on his desk. He has both versions of our T-shirt. His parents come and see our shows a lot. You know, we're a neighborhood band. A lot of our friends come see us when we do gigs around town.
My daughter, she does backing vocals on "Bleed For Three", but that's about it. Her friends are like, they don't care. My kids don't care when we're playing. It's like, "Oh, are you going to come to the gig?" They're like, "Well, who's going to be there?" and then they go play with their friends while we're doing the show, you know? That's about it.
PAUL HALEY: I think the funniest thing is when you walk around SOMA or you're driving somewhere and you see somebody with the shirt. I saw someone a couple of months ago, and I just started laughing because you just don't expect to see it. I'm like, "Oh, wow, somebody actually owns one of our shirts!" It's cool. It's fun.
JOHN RAMSBURG: When we play in the city, a couple of people I work with will come out, which is nice. It's good, too, because we're normally one of the first sets. At 7 or 8 o'clock, no one's in the bar anyway, so actually having people show up makes it more than just a glorified practice. Some of my coworkers and ex-coworkers from previous jobs still keep tabs on the band. I let them know when we have a new release out and they'll listen. Some of them ask for the new shirts, so Paul's kind enough to ship them out.
PAUL HALEY: With my new job here, our office is officially open but we only have about four or five people, and I don't really know everybody yet. It was kind of weird, like this week there was somebody actually sitting a safe distance away from me. After months of nobody, it was like a Cast Away kind of moment. I was like, "Whoa! Are you going to be here tomorrow?" because it kind of freaked me out! I'm just not used to so many people here, you know? But my bigger point is I really am just starting to get to know people, and it's kind of difficult when no one's in the office and you're just depending on Teams or Zoom and stuff like that. No one even knows that I play music yet, and that's OK.
JOHN RAMSBURG: In my office, our global office newsletter actually included either the video for "Last Night" or "Chill Out." It was in the beginning of the pandemic when they were saying, "This is what people are doing while they're at home." So a whole bunch of people in my company found out that way, and I got positive feedback from that. So that was nice, to get exposure any way you can.
PAUL HALEY: I think 2020 is a highlight for me. I think we played two shows before the pandemic hit, and then we were able to play an outdoor show on November 20th or something like that, right, John? You would think would be cold and nasty, but it turned out to be, like, 68 degrees and we were playing outdoors on Springfield Ave at this open market kind of thing. So many people showed up.
There are so many bands in SOMA, NJ and beyond that we're friends with, that we get to play with. Recording and getting those singles out in 2020, I think those are the highlights for me — just continuing to play despite the pandemic and everything else and playing with our friends and having friends come and see us. People were aching so much [to see live music] in November. I got so many texts like, "Hey, I drove by and saw your band!" I would consider that a highlight, and just getting those songs out. That momentum.
JOHN RAMSBURG: This band is actually the first one where I actually got to step up front and do the writing and singing and have a lot of support. The other bands I've been with have been supportive, I really liked working with them. One of my really good friends from college and I've been in a band forever and he is an amazing musician and singer, and I was always happy to be playing bass and working with him on his songs, but being able to finally come out in Thrill Ride and say, "Here are my songs. Do you want to play them?" and Paul and Will are like, "Yes, let's do this" and the affirmation that comes along with that, it's like, "I can do this!" Also, accepting the fact that a song's never really going to be finished, but I'm going to say it's good enough for me to play it out loud for people to hear. I think those are good personal highlights for me, just accepting that I can do this, and I'm really enjoying it. It's fun.
I was a theater major in school, so acting and stuff and being in front of people was fine for me, but I always felt that songwriting and singing was never something I was very strong at. So being able to overcome that with this group is the biggest highlight.
Also, some of the places we've gotten to play, like Asbury Park, Pianos in the city, just a lot of venues that I'd walk by or see other friends' bands play, and just popping in and getting to meet all these other great bands. This community here in South Orange-Maplewood, getting to play with our friends Tri-State, there's Maplewolf. They're a country cover band and they're great and it's fun to do a set with them because it just flips everything on its head when you're doing sets together. I love playing in this town. Everyone's so supportive. I can't wait to play gigs with some of the new bands that are coming up, like Thea [Kearney]'s band, Megasparkle. I think it'd be fun to go play with them, too.
Paulie’s Boutique. SOMA NJ rocker Paul J. Haley (Thrill Ride, Die-Cast Cars, Dollar Store Riot, Drunken Bird) plays 60 minutes of an eclectic musical mix (hardcore/punk to indie rock to hip-hop and more), including Local SOMA/NJ band spotlights and theme-based episodes for your auditory and spiritual healing.
LISTEN LIVE! Tuesdays at 10 p.m. & Wednesday at 11 p.m.
Listen at bonepoolradio.com.
PAUL HALEY: John and I also have radio shows on Bone Pool Radio. I tend to do a lot of mixed shows. I'm 30 shows in — Paulie’s Boutique, it's called. Whenever I do a mixed show, it's an eclectic mix. I always made sure to put a local band in the show. Then, I increased it from one local band — and this basically means SOMA, NJ and beyond, but in New Jersey — and then I decided, well, I can't keep up with this, I have to add two. Then eventually it turned into where I just put together two exclusive shows about all the great bands in New Jersey, and I'm not even done yet! You can probably relate to that. Then I realize that every time I put one of those exclusive shows together, I forgot about all these bands over here.
SOMA, NJ has so many great bands within close vicinity, a lot of fantastic bands. I don't want to speak on behalf of John, but I feel very lucky to be part of that whole musical scene, being friends with all these bands. Everybody gets along playing along, and it's just a great thing. I hope to see it continue. It's definitely a fun scene. It took a little bit of time to come to fruition, but it definitely did. There are all these great bands, from the doom metal Green Dragon, to what I call the "Indigo Girls-sound" of Marry the Sea, to Tom Lucas of Laughing Boys Recording. He's got that great band, Sad About Girls. It's just crazy.
JOHN RAMSBURG: We are on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @thrillridebandnj. You can find us on Spotify, Apple Music, and iTunes. Google "Thrill Ride." You can also hear us played on Bone Pool Radio. That's an iHeartRadio station, so you can check them out there. That's the New Jersey local station where Paul and I have shows.
You can reach out to me on Instagram and Facebook if you want to talk about band stuff. I'm always happy to chat. Same with Paul Haley. You can look us up any time.
So Paul, who would you want to play with?
PAUL HALEY: You said "alive or dead." I would love a chance to play with The Clash, or maybe when hell freezes over and The Smiths get back together. Another one of my favorite bands, Buffalo Tom. If I had to collaborate, I'd probably do it with members of local bands. Members of Tri-State, I would love to have a chance to play with. Allied Chemical is no more, but I would love to have a chance to play with some of those guys. Tom Lucas of Laughing Boys Recording and Sad About Girls, for sure. So, definitely a lot of local bands.
JOHN RAMSBURG: I like a lot of different styles. I'm obsessed with Toad the Wet Sprocket ever since I was in high school, so I would love to get a chance just to play, let alone hang out with Glen Phillips and just see how he does his songwriting or just playing, jamming some songs, just having a good time with them. Lucero, an alt-country band. Not everybody's heard of them, but they write some really beautiful, heartfelt music. I really enjoy the way they write a song. If I had a chance to go back and sit with Black Sabbath and play bass along. I love blues metal. It's just fantastic. I was just listening to an earlier Wolfmother record. That guy changes his band every three weeks, so if I can get a cycle in there for one tour, that'd be awesome.
To what Paul was saying about collaborating locally, I've had this idea knocking around my head for a while where we do a charity record, but we all do a cover of somebody else's song in town. I think that would be a lot of fun.
PAUL HALEY: I want to give a plug for Bone Pool Radio. Everybody should give Bone Pool Radio a listen, not necessarily for John or my show, but just overall listen to it, www.BonePoolRadio.com. They've got the app, iHeartRadio. They have their own app. It's just a great radio station. John and I are friends with the owner [Michelle S. Lomuscio]. She always wanted to have a radio station, so she made one. It's a lot of fun to do, and it's just great to have a radio station again. So whoever wants to listen, definitely give it a listen. It's a great station.
By Gregory Burrus | Posted Tuesday, January 11, 2022
2021. What a fabulous, poignant, reflective year. In the beginning, we thought about it being a year of restart, recovery and renewal. I think we all lost some family, friends and, in our case, some fabulous musicians. Unfortunately, the losses continued so it was definitely a challenging year, but we found a way to live again. For listeners, a live music concert is a pleasurable social event that is among the most visceral and memorable forms of musical engagement. It's the same for musicians, with the added note that for many it’s not a side business, it’s their lifeblood and the thing that keeps them alive. With that in mind, we soldiered on through the year making music and great memories.
As you can see, we made some great memories. Here are the 2021 lineup highlights:
In January 2021 we thought we’d start the year off with our Jazz973 program at The Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies, but no such luck as lots of uncertainties were still around, so our favorite Jazz Venue, Clement’s Place Jazz, did not have any programming.
For February for the Town of South Orange, we had a musical tribute and a South Orange Street renaming to honor our fallen buddy Lee Boz May. It was cold but a wonderful day.
For March, we celebrated Women's History Month with a wonderful online performance titled WHM2021 “Refresh in Progress” by Ife Basim. We also had a stirring and moving Cello performance by Caylen Bryant as we all Reflected Together For COVID-19 Victims at the lake in Meadowlands Park in South Orange, NJ. We tested the outdoor live music scene as Jazzy Nights, which joined the South Orange Jazz scene right before the pandemic hit us, turned into Jazzy Afternoons at The Fox & Falcon with an outdoor live R&B performance by MPACK. It was a big hit as folks starved for live music came out like crazy. It was really a great thing to experience.
For April, we honored Jazz Appreciation Month. Other than one rainout, it was a truly swinging set of Sunday afternoon performances which you can read more about here: Jazzy Afternoons South Orange Presents "Jazz Across The Generations" to Honor Jazz Appreciation Month 2021. The weather was great and music/the vibe was truly jumpin’.
Over the Months of May, June, July, August and September, we ran a number of concurrent live music performances. Our Summer Saturday South Orange Downtown performances ran every Saturday, 2 performances a day, along with our monthly Sunday Jazz On Sloan program at the South Orange Gazebo. There were about 60 fabulous performances. We rolled through Summer Wednesdays with a jumping Wednesday afternoon R&B-driven City of Orange Farmers Market. From 12-5 pm this program grew from a few attendees to a full house every week. We were also honored to crank up live music for the town of Cranford and had a really great Downtown Cranford Summer Sounds every Thursday evening all summer. Folks also enjoyed some great live music bands we provided to the town of Westfield with the Open Quimby Live Music program.
In September, we started with the Maplewood Community Music Maplewood Porchfest which was a nonstop all-day community fest of porch owners, honk paraders, and lemonade stands, and what really made it happen were some awesome local music performers and enthusiastic attendees. After a July weather cancellation, thanks to South Orange Downtown we conducted the 5th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree, adapted for our times. Saturday gave us 12 hours of music, and Overnight gave us online musical performances including a wonderful performance from Japan by the Kumiko Tanaka Trio. On Sunday, we were finally able to host a Tribute to Darryl Clark. It was a glorious 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree headlined by the famous Nat Adderley Jr. Trio and members of Darryl’s former band. It was a sunny Sunday afternoon of beautiful music and great tributes.
October finally saw the return of our beloved Clements Place Jazz Venue, and while all the performances through December were great, a few highlights were 87-year-old Houston Person with Matt Chertkoff and 94-year-old Bassist Bill Crow with 19-year-old Leonieke Scheuble performing for our Jazz973 program on Wednesday evenings. This year the October Live Music Fest took over South Orange, NJ Spiotta Park and we had a really good time every weekend (when the weather cooperated). Meanwhile, the town of Cranford, NJ reached 150-years-old and MPACK was there to perform. Also in October, we performed for Pink Out Cranford Events. Finally, we performed a few weekends for the wonderful Cranford’s 14th Annual Scarecrow Stroll which had some amazing scarecrows.
November brought us some wonderful live music performance opportunities. Thanks to Linda Moody, wife of famed saxophonist James Moody, we were Making History as Linda Moody Honored the James Moody Scholars at 100 Blanchard Rd. in South Orange, NJ. It was a beautiful elegant night to remember. This was one swinging jamming experience. We then happily covered A Smooth Jazz Explosion Lights Up the Woodland in Maplewood. This event was very cool, as it opened up with an exciting group of young teenage jazz musicians from our town, The Baker Street Trio. Then, we got to experience the fabulous Smooth Jazz performances of Yankee great Bernie Williams and the phenomenal Blood, Sweat & Tears Guitarist Gil Parris and his band. It was definitely a really great performance to remember.
December ended with our entertainer Lynette Sheard joining Mr. and Ms. Claus on a Holiday Chorals Walk around Downtown Cranford, NJ. We had a fun time performing with the return of the award-winning South Orange Open-Air Holiday Market. We closed the month out in Maplewood where we enjoyed another great local performance, where Local Resident Jacqueline Lee Opened for 2 Contemporary Jazz Stars, and a fabulous off-the-chain performance at the Woodlands where Marion Meadows and Alex Bugnon delivered an outstanding smooth jazz performance.
Of course along the way we conducted a number of private events as well.
2021 consisted of multiple live music events, sometimes on the same day, conducted across multiple towns like South Orange, Newark, Cranford, Maplewood, the City of Orange, Westfield, West Orange, Montclair and more. You can read more here.
Last year, we continued producing live music events and promoting them on various platforms. We were also happy to say that we continued documenting these events via video and livestreamIng them on multiple platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitch and other websites. You can watch them here:
https://www.youtube.com/gregoryburrus
https://vimeo.com/gregoryburrus
In addition, we continued to provide additional artists promotions via articles and blog posts on local news sites, TAPinto, Patch, Newsrecord and across New Jersey via JerseyIndie and JerseyNYC. Read more below:
https://www.jerseyindie.com/ji-blogger-gregory-burrus
https://patch.com/users/gregburrus
As we move through another year of unknowns and another “Are we inside or outside?” life, please continue to stay in touch with all our live music events. We are programming events for 2022, so check out the links and signup to know when we will go live again:
https://www.facebook.com/gregory.burrus
https://www.instagram.com/gregoryburrus
https://twitter.com/gregoryburrus
https://www.facebook.com/gregoryburruspromotions
Thank you again for joining us on this live music journey.
Photography by Patrick Hilaire @l1stener.
Gregory Burrus spends his time as a Photojournalist, Live Music Producer, Promoter, Videographer, Arts and Entertainment Writer, Blogger, Business Reviewer, and Community Events Reporter. Gregory develops, manages, promotes and documents live music programs in the Greater New Jersey and New York Area.
http://gregoryburrusproductions.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregburrus
https://24hoursofmusicjamboree.com
By Gregory Burrus | Posted Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Once again Smooth Jazz History is being made in the very beautiful, very spacious, historic Georgian Revival-style mansion called The Woodland in Maplewood, NJ. Rich Engel, our local New Jersey resident, producer and promoter who for decades has produced numerous NYC Smooth Jazz Cruises along with many other marquee live music concerts is determined to make contemporary jazz a mainstay in our SOMA (South Orange-Maplewood) and beyond entertainment environment.
Rich brought two of the gold standards in contemporary jazz, Marion Meadows and Alex Bugnon to town. Rich is re-establishing a past custom of one of the former #1 Contemporary Jazz stations in the country, the long-running New York CD 101.9 radio station. Co-hosting the show was former CD 101.9 radio personality Steve Harris along with Maplewood, NJ, Mayor Frank McGehee who introduced the opening set led by our own local rising star violinist, Jacquie Lee.
Steve Harris - CD 101.9 - JESPY House Logo - Mayor Frank McGehee
Rich Engel is also committed to supporting our towns and local live music musicians. In addition to stellar performances, patrons also were able to enjoy an open wine bar in support of the South Orange-based nonprofit JESPY House, which supports adults with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities. It was nice to know that 90% of the open bar purchase price went directly to JESPY to support their amazing work.
Marion Meadows and Alex Bugnon Band on Stage
Steve Harris from CD 101.9 introduced a full house to the main event performers, worldwide stars Marion Meadows and Alex Bugnon.
Marion Meadows started playing tenor sax in high school, and then migrated to soprano sax. After studying jazz at Rippowam High School in Stamford, Conn, with Anthony Truglia, Meadows attended Berklee College of Music. There he majored in arranging and composition. He later went to the SUNY Purchase School for the Arts. He earned his break while playing his horn in Grand Central Station. His sound caught the ear of composer Jay Chattaway who signed Meadows to his record label and introduced him to jazz great, Bob James. Meadows went on to perform with Eartha Kitt, Brook Benton and the Temptations before launching his solo career in 1990. (Read more at www.marionmeadows.com.)
Alex Bugnon has been a prolific, energetic force on the contemporary music scene for almost three decades. A renowned musician, composer and bandleader, Bugnon hails from the picturesque town of Caux, Switzerland – four miles above Montreux, site of the world famous Montreux Jazz Festival. No doubt, the annual convergence in his hometown of some of music’s most illustrious names played a role in his decision to pursue a musical career. An early friendship with Herbie Hancock plus a legendary uncle Donald Byrd only served to further his decision. Shortly after moving to New York City, Bugnon began touring with almost every R&B artist, such as Melba Moore, Freddie Jackson, Patti Austin, James Ingram and Glenn Jones to name a few. (Read more at www.alexbugnon.com)
Clearly everyone in the band is a long-standing professional and their performance matched their history. These veteran band members with a super history consisted of Carl Carter on bass, and he has performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Phil Perry, Clark Terry and Ivan Neville. Poogie Bell was on drums, and he has worked with Roberta Flack, David Bowie, and David Sanborn, and Rohn Lawrence on guitar, who has played with Najee, Freddie Jackson, Diane Reeves and Jonathan Butler.
Backstage with Marion Meadows and Alex Bugnon Band
Besides playing a series of their originals and some holiday standards, they performed a number of popular hits from their previous albums which the audience remembered and immediately became excited. From standing in the back of The Woodland it was easy to see folks rocking and swaying to the music on every single tune that was played.
Guitarist Rohn Lawrence with Saxophonist Marion Meadows
In addition, guitarist Rohn Lawrence performed some out of this world guitar solos and became another crowd favorite. As the music cascaded across the audience, Marion introduced one tune by saying “you will recognize this one” and within a few beats, the audience was ecstatic as he performed a beautiful rendition of one of my favorite tunes “Suede”. It was extremely upbeat and off the chain. Later, another tune that Alex Bugnon introduced was his favorite interpretation of a George Benson Songm “The World is a Ghetto”. It took no time before the audience was raising hands, clapping and singing along, and the band just rocked the house.
Audience Loves Marion Meadows and Alex Bugnon Performance
It was like this all night as they performed song after song. The audience joined in humming, singing and clapping, giving standing ovations in appreciation of a fabulous live music performance that definitely delivered. As stated, the event was titled “Marion Meadows and Alex Bugnon Together for ‘Holidays at the Woodland’”. Well-based on the audience response all night, that was a low key introduction to what turned out to be a truly explosive performance by two great contemporary jazz artists that folks will remember for a long time to come. Marion Meadows and Alex Bugnon, as the old song goes, “blew the roof off” the Woodland Auditorium.
Jacqueline Lee Quartet enjoys the night with Mayor Frank McGehee.
For this event, we had another awesome and fabulous opening set led by bandleader and local Montclair resident violinist, 16-year-old Jacqueline Lee. While young in years, she is not young in experience. Jacquie has been a member of Jazz House Kids and has a professional family of musicians surrounding her. They all thrive very well in the Greater New York, New Jersey and beyond live music scene.
Also note, that Jacqueline had been playing Violin for 11 years and received the Jazz Soloist Downbeat Student Music Award for an Outstanding Performance. Jacqueline has performed at the Jazz Standard and Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola at Lincoln Center in NYC and, recently, for my Jazz973 program at Newark NJ's Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies, Clements Place Jazz venue. Still the proof is in the moment. Jacquie said to me that “I’m comfortable with performing the music, but I am more concerned with making sure my speaking pieces are correct.”
Jacqueline Lee Band On Stage
Well, let the music play because Jacqueline did not disappoint at all. Her quartet included a number of local favorites, Seniar Raines on bass, Derick Campos on guitar, and Zack Perez on drums. She led her band through a number of standards: “Red Jumps” by Stuff Smith, “Cherokee” by Ray Noble and my favorite, “Invitation” by Bronislau Kaper Strasbourg/St. Denis - Roy Hargrove. All band and tune introductions were excellent, the tunes were performed eloquently, tight, and the band was totally in sync.
Videos courtesy of Rebecca Harris-Lee
Jacquie Lee stated afterwards: “It was a lovely experience to play with a band that I've become very comfortable with. This was the first time we’ve gotten to play a performance of this caliber and having such an enthusiastic and engaged audience made the whole experience so enjoyable. It’s been amazing but quite honestly very nerve wracking to start playing for real-life people again, but I don't think that was reflected too much in our music and our energy that night was better than ever!”
The band and audience clearly enjoyed their performance and big kudos go out to Jacqueline Lee for leading an absolutely wonderful performance.
You can enjoy more clips and videos at the links below :
Enjoying the Night. Top-left Roxanne Burrus, Top-right Gregory Burus, Roxanne Burrus, DJ Roc, Patricia Harrison and Virgil Harrison, Bottom-left Al Clarke, Bottom-right Gregory Burrus, Mike Lee
After the event, there was a meet and greet area on the 2nd floor. Here you were able to meet with other friends and neighbors in attendance and enjoy the JESPY open bar. The artists showed up, chatted with audience members, and we purchased their CDs and event merchandise. All of us had a great time.
Gregory Burrus with Alex Bugnon and Marion Meadows
Writer Gregory Burrus is a local live music ambassador, event planner, and community partner that curates, manages and promotes live music events in the SOMA (South Orange-Maplewood) community and Northern NJ and New York Area. Read more about Gregory Burrus at www.jerseyindie.com/gregory-burrus.
By Sonia Schnee | Posted Saturday, December 18, 2021
For those who don’t know Nancy Cook — you should. Whether she’s rocking out with her band Megasparkle, putting together art shows and events, making dresses by hand, or uncovering fabulous vintage items, one thing is for certain: Nancy is always on the go. Her vintage clothing and accessory business, Crash Doll Vintage, is the place to go if you’re looking for that rare, stylish vintage piece to add to your growing wardrobe. (If you’re in NYC, check out the Crash Doll Vintage pop-up at 340 E 64th Street, now through January 16, 2022.) Learn all about Nancy’s fashionable beginnings, what it was like to start a business during COVID, and how to shop Crash Doll Vintage online, in our interview below.
Nancy Cook, modeling a sweet 1940’s pink knit shirt sleeve top. Available on Etsy.
I started Crash Doll Vintage one week after COVID started, in March of 2020. What spurred me into starting a business was the fact that I couldn’t keep any of my jobs in small business or do event planning, and I've always loved vintage clothing.
I've been collecting vintage clothing since I was 15-years-old. I used to ask my mom to drive me to stores that I liked, and I used to be like, "There's this really great store in Montclair, I need to go check out the vintage clothes." I was also really fascinated with flea markets and estate sales, stuff like that when I was a kid, all the little treasures that you could find that all had a previous story. I think the first little antique things that I got were from my next-door neighbor, Mrs. Earl. When I was four-years-old, she invited me into her attic and she gave me a little tiny rubber ball and a little spider, and I was like, "Oh!" I kept that little rubber ball and spider forever. Recently, I learned that she did this numerous times and in fact gave me her diary. I wish I still had it.
I had decided to start the business one week into COVID because I wasn't going to be working at Maplewood Mercantile. I couldn't work there (due to the pandemic). I had gotten a job as an event assistant in floral design helping out at weddings, but I never actually got to do that because all the weddings got canceled. I put on music shows and I couldn't do that and all these pop-ups and event planning. I was like, "OK, what the heck am I going to do? I can't just sit around and do nothing." So I started Crash Doll Vintage seven days after the pandemic hit!
📣 Crash Doll Vintage now has a logo! Thank you to Kelly @studiopamplemousse for working with me to create this pop art logo! It’s come full circle now with my theme! ♥️ #design #graphicdesign #crashdollvintage #logodesigns #logo #style #vintageseller #chashama #nycexhibition #unionsquare #newyorkcity #textile #vintagestyle #studiopamplemousse
The name "Crash Doll" was actually something I considered for our band name, Megasparkle, but Thea (Kearney) really didn’t like Crash Doll, and so we didn't use it. We had a really hard time picking a band name. It's actually kind of humorous how much of a hard time we had picking a name that we all could agree on. So yeah, that's how it started.
I used to have these pajamas that had "Babydoll" embroidered by the heart, and I always liked the word "babydoll" and I love babydoll dresses and fashion, so "Doll" kind of came from that. I also had a baby doll when I was little, called Baby Tender Love. I just liked the word "doll.” I think of dolls as something you dress up and I liked the idea of, "I pick out these clothes to dress people up." And "crash", I don't know. "Crash" is just like... I liked the way it sounded together, and I guess it kind of made sense when the whole world sort of came to a halt in the beginning of COVID, so it was like "Crash Doll." It just came together like that.
In the beginning, I used a room divider and then I changed my mind shortly into it and decided to go with the Sonic Youth poster. I just love that album and I love the art behind it.
I like themes. Like, I have these black shorts and I wear the black shorts all the time with a top. Oftentimes, I'll wear the black shorts, which are part of Crash Doll's look. I just think it's really funny and cheeky. I do it seriously, but I also find it a little bit of a comedy/actress sort of thing. It's like I adopt a personality. I put on the sunglasses, which are made by this company called Crap Eyewear, and I'm just like, "OK. I'm Crash Doll now." My mom jokes that when I get famous, the sunglasses are going to be worth like a million dollars.
My logo was designed by Kelly Weiner in Montclair who works at Parcel, and she got it so spot on. I was like, "Holy shit! That's so good!" At first, I was like, "Oh, I'm not smiling" and then… No, I like that I'm not smiling. I look like a tough chick."
Yeah, and it fits in with the Pettibon, the artist who did the Sonic Youth poster was Raymond Pettibon, and so she made me into one of those characters. So it goes with the whole theme.
So I was doing that out of the house, and then in the spring I started doing markets in town, and then I went and did the Springfield Avenue Market in Maplewood. I did the Baker Street Market. I went out to Brooklyn and did the Greenpoint Terminal Market. I got an opportunity at this organization called ChaSaMa. I applied for this space, and I got a pop-up with my art and Crash Doll on 14th Street on December 8th through January 6th, and then they called me up and asked me if I was interested in popping up in Bryant Park, so I did that and I got "The Dolls."
The two girls that model for me, one is named Sophie. I met her at my market on Springfield Avenue. She came running up to me and she was like, "Oh, my God, I want to see if this dress is still here. It's still here! I'm so happy!" and we just started talking and I was like, "What are you doing later?" We became really good friends. She was an au pair in Maplewood for a year, and I was like the first person she met. She's from Manchester. She's the one with the long red hair.
The other girl, Charlotte, her and her mom have always shopped in all the small businesses I've worked out of, and I've always liked them. They're really cool. I asked her to model and she was like, "Yeah, I'll do it." I'm like, "Cool!" So, yeah, they're my dolls. They like being called "The Dolls." It's funny.
I try to get a month or two months ahead. I'm looking into some different places in the city. I think now that things seem to be improving as far as people going out, we feel comfortable going out and shopping. I think they'll be even better attended, and definitely the ones outside. I think that people are getting more comfortable going indoors, so it's good.
I think some people were nervous about coming into my kiosk, so I would say, "Oh, you know, I can step outside and you can go in by yourself if you feel more comfortable" and some people were like, "Oh, yeah, OK." It was kind of a smaller space, whereas 14th St was a 3,000 square feet.
💋Crash Doll Vintage tees $20, crystal necklaces, ice 🧊 blue and clear $40 each , murano glass cuff $95 with swirl and white floral brochure $25 plus 40s purse 👛 from previous post DM to purchase/details #crashdollvintage #crashdollvintagetshirts #muranoglasscuff #brooch #40sstyle logo #logodesigns #boots #gogoboots #loefferrandall
Clothing, jewelry, shoes, purses. The focus right now is the 1920s through the '90s. I probably have most of my pieces from the '60s to the '90s. There's a few things that will pop up from the '40s and '50s and the '20s and ‘30s.
I source it from all different places. I also have a few people who I consign with. There's a woman I met, Eileen. She came into my pop-up and she has a huge studio full of vintage, and she just lets me go in there and select whatever I want and if someone purchases it, then we split it. She's been a real asset to my business and she is just really wonderful.
I feel like I've had a lot of luck, and I feel really blessed with the opportunities that have come my way and the people who I've met along the way. It's been a lot of fun.
I think, "What if I didn't decide to do this, what would it have been like for me?" I think I really would have gotten down. I need to be active and out there and engaging with people and have projects. I tend to kind of be a multitasker. I guess I like to have my hands on a lot of creative things. It makes me happy. This has been a really great focus for me.
I sew and knit. So if I get a vintage piece that needs mending, I can mend it, so I can use my sewing skills that way. Sometimes when I do the markets, I'll bring my handmade items because I have handmade clothes and knitwear. I do that, too.
I'm doing a capsule collection for this company called Hearth in Australia, knitting sweaters and hats and scarves for her. Where do I find all the time to do that? I don't know. On the train. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night, it'll be like four in the morning, I'm like, "I'll do a few stitches now."
I had another small business called Wool and Violets that was handmade kids clothes and women's and children's knitwear.
Usually, people are very excited and they're like, "Oh my God! I really like the stuff that you've curated!” People have told me that it's very "me" and that I have my own kind of approach to it.
At one point I was just like, "Oh, you know, there's so many people doing vintage clothes. I don't know how I'm going to compete with all them" and someone said “You don't have to compete with anybody. You bring your own style to it and your style is different than everyone else's." So that's absolutely 100 percent true. It's my brand and carefully curated. I would wear most of the pieces in my collection.
I've gotten some really, really glowing reviews. Like this one girl in NY told me, "You're the coolest girl I've ever met." I was like, "What?!" Haha.
I had another girl that bought a dress from me that she's going to wear for her wedding. So that was a big compliment, that she found to dress in my collection that she wanted to wear to get married. I was like, "Oh, my God, this is so exciting." She was telling me that and she doesn't really care that about the guy seeing the dress, this whole myth, like, "Oh, he shouldn't see the dress. That is bad luck." She brought the dress home and she had my business card, and her fiancé went and looked at the dress and texted me and he was like, "Hey, I couldn't help it. I peeked. I found the dress. I absolutely love it." I was like, "Oh, my God. You guys made my day! You have to send me a photo when you get married in May" and he's like, "I absolutely will." That was like a huge compliment.
Then there's people that keep coming back, the repeat customers, that just keep supporting me, the people that are every day showing up for me on Instagram. They're always liking my posts and being my cheerleaders and supporters. Some I know, some I don't know. Some are really good friends of mine, some acquaintances, some are strangers. So, I mean, it's really nice to see that and have that kind of support.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. I used to go into these shops. Two of them were on Bloomfield Avenue and then there were a couple on a side street near the record shop. I forget the name of the street, but they were mostly in Montclair. Then in my college years, I started driving out to the Newark Salvation Army. I would go to Red, White and Blue in Paterson. I started going to flea markets more around that time. I've been thrifting and vintage shopping for years and I always loved clothes.
In fact, when I lived in my parents' house, I had two really huge closets, but then that wasn't enough. It's really a problem! So then I had my friend Arnold, who has passed away, but he built me a clothing rack because I needed more space for clothes.
Now, it's pretty much the same. My upstairs closets are filled to the brim and the attic, my bedroom closets are filled to the brim. I have an armoire and then I have four racks of vintage clothes. Two of them are at the store and two of them are in my hallway here. But, you know, everybody seems to roll with me, so no one's kicked me out of the house quite yet. Ha!
When I was in kindergarten in Bloomfield, I was adamant about what I would wear, and I would have little dresses and skirts on all the time, miniskirts and minidresses, and my tights would be falling down and I'd be pulling them, pulling and tugging at my tights and fixing my skirts and dresses and telling my mom that she had to walk, like, six feet behind me. She wasn't allowed to go with me. I had to do everything myself. It was going to be my way.
My mom likes to tell this story. On my first birthday, she had three different dresses that she put me on throughout the day, and one I ripped, crawling, and one I got chocolate cake on, but she said she was really happy that happened because then she got to change my outfit and I got to wear three pretty dresses. She's not into fashion, my mom, but she liked dressing me when I was little. But then she didn't have any say by the time I was, like, three probably.
I kind of curate for the individual pop-up. For Mada, it was the spring-summer capsule collection, so it was just pieces that would work for spring and summer, and there were bathing suits and cover-ups and a couple of vintage t-shirts.
Most of my pieces I think are on the dressier side because that's who I am. I don't do vintage jeans. I have like maybe two pairs of pants. I don't really do pants because I don't really wear pants myself that much. So the clothes that I pick and carry are representative of the style I am, for the most part. It's like skirts, dresses, tops, vintage bathing suits, jewelry, purses, the Crash Doll Vintage logo tees.
Another thing I like and this is sort of catching, I think more people are doing it, I like wearing slips out not under. You can take a vintage slip dress and wear it with a t-shirt or put a cardigan over it. I did that when I was in college. I used to wear a vintage slip with a blazer. So I haven't changed since I was 20, so. Haha.
It works! I mean, Marc Jacobs makes slip dresses, and the '90s were all about slip dresses. Courtney Love wore slip dresses. I think most people my age are kind of, like, stuck in that time period, in the '90s.
Yeah, and I love the '60s. I LOVE the ‘60s. Not like the hippie-dippy. I'm too much of a punk to accept the hippie. I can't. I like punk music and hardcore music and indie and new wave and all of that stuff, but no Grateful Dead. None of that. No, no. Ha!
Yeah, you're not going to find anything like that [at Crash Doll]. But I love Godard, you know, the French [filmmaker]. That style, like mid-'60s and Twiggy minidress and that kind of stuff. That's me. I love miniskirts and minidresses. That's never going to change. I think I'll like them when I'm 80. I don't know if I'll still be wearing them when I'm 80, but if I look good, I might be.
Everybody can laugh at me. Haha. You know, there's people who say, “You can't dress a certain way at a certain age.” I don't believe that. I think if you feel good and you look good in it, then you should wear it, absolutely.
It's important. It's important to me because I feel more comfortable dressed up. Like today, I was actually in my gym clothes for a long time, but I really hate being in gym clothes. I don't really like going out and doing things in gym clothes. That bothers me. Even when my kids were little, I was dropping them off at preschool and I would have my gym clothes underneath a nice outfit, and then I would like take it off when I got to the gym, [and then] put it back on. I just don't like it. I just don't feel comfortable, you know? But I won't wear a dress to the gym.
There used to be this guy at the gym that would wear his button-down shirt and fancy pants, and he'd exercise like that before he went to work and I was like, "Wow, my gosh." I was kind of like, "What a weirdo. I can't relate," but now that I think about it and what I'm saying to you right now, he really wasn't comfortable in that! Maybe he's not a weirdo after all! We should accept that guy.
He was just on the exercise bike, which was funny.
People are characters.
The more wacky a person... Like, I tend to gravitate towards other artsy types, and I have friends that aren't all my age, which I also think is really important, to keep life exciting. Like, if I only hung out with people my own age, I think I would go crazy.
When I was younger, I was in a poetry group and it was five of us and there were two 22-year-olds, two women in their 40s, and one 80-year-old, and out of everybody, the 80-year-old was the coolest. She was the best. She was cooler than any of us. For real.
With Crash Doll, I've sold to young kids and up to women in their 70s. One of my repeat customers, I don't actually know her age, but I am going to guess that she's in her 70s, early-70s, late-60s.
I have had models shop and buy my things in the city.
And then little kids will come up and buy a silk neck scarf and I think, "This is probably the first vintage piece they bought" and I just think, "Am I starting a whole new thing for them?" That's exciting, too.
I probably saw the store, was just really curious about it, and cinema may have had some part in it, just being drawn to movie actresses and looks. Probably fashion magazines, too, because I was always buying fashion magazines as a teenager. Music, too. Music and fashion kind of go together.
Finding unique pieces. It's like, you didn't just get this at the store and somebody else could be showing up for the same thing. It's something different that nobody else can get, unless they can, because sometimes you'll find the same vintage thing and sometimes you'll find it three times, which is really bizarre.
Yeah. People will connect with me about things that they have, that they want to see if I want to buy.
People do ask all the time, and it's cool. It's fun. I like hearing people's stories, and people are always telling me their stories, like, "Oh my God, I had a purse just like that and I lost it and it was just so sad. I'm so glad you have one because now I can have it again!"
I think I might bring in some sunglasses and some other kinds of accessories. I definitely do want to try and get my hands on some vintage sunglasses because they work really well for me, and I was thinking about trying to do a few more casual kinds of pieces because most of my stuff is really dressy. I noticed lately that skirts are selling really well. So I want to try and find some cute vintage skirts and tops and gauzy cotton dresses. I might try to do some jean shorts, too.
I think maybe it would be kind of cool if I designed something. I have t-shirts, but I was thinking maybe of taking the logo and doing something else with it, but I'm not quite sure yet.
I did my first vintage styling. That was a lot of fun. I turned this actress into a singer-songwriter that's really obscure from the 1950s. Her name is Connie Converse. My friend is a photographer and asked me to style her. So I did the wardrobe and props styling and it was really fun. I had to pick out all the outfits and everything fit her perfectly. It was amazing. She was just like, “I can't believe it. This fits me perfectly!” I'm like, “Yep. I know what I'm doing!”
I really enjoy it and I thought it was a lot of fun. I like the challenge of finding the pieces that would work to create this character. I had pretty much all the props. It was like the night before. “Do you have a suitcase from the 1960s?” I'm like, “Yeah.” “Do you have a telephone that would have been used in the ‘60s and ‘70s?” I'm like, “Yeah, yeah.”
We started in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and we went all the way up to Nyack to this guy who had all these Volkswagen Bugs, and we borrowed one of the Bugs for the last part of the shoot because she disappeared in 1974 and drove away in her Volkswagen Bug and nobody ever heard from her again. So that was the last thing we shot.
I have some selected items on Etsy under “Crash Doll Vintage” and on Facebook and Instagram.
If people have any questions for me, reach out. Even if it’s just about things like repairing vintage, because I do that, too. That’s part of the job, cleaning it or repairing it. I don't necessarily offer it [as part of my business], but I mean, as I collect pieces, sometimes they'll be missing a button, and sometimes I think that something will look better if it's hemmed or just tweaked a little bit. Mostly a lot of the alterations I've been doing are on my own pieces.
I’m also open to people if they have something in their mind that they can't find. Like, I have a little list going on. Michelle from Bone Pool Radio, she was like, “Oh, if you ever come across a red kimono with a dragon on the back, let me know.” I like knowing what people are looking out for.
Left to right: Nancy Cook, Thea Kearney, and Kristy Ranieri of Megasparkle. Photo by Sophie White.
By Sonia Schnee | Posted Saturday, December 18, 2021
Megasparkle, the kickass all-female band from Maplewood, NJ, hasn’t let the pandemic slow them down. Delivering a mix of indie, post-punk, pop-rock deliciousness, Thea Kearney (lead guitar, vocals), Nancy Cook (guitar, vocals), Kristy Ranieri (bass), and CJ Jeiven (Drums) released their first 5-song E.P, “Swirling Glitter”, back in February 2021. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to speak with Thea and Nancy about their pandemic-related musical adventures in our interview below.
NANCY COOK: I’m Nancy Cook and I live in Maplewood, N.J. I grew up in Glen Ridge next to Montclair about 20 minutes away from here.
I’ve always been creative. Right now, I am mainly making art, music and selling vintage clothing. I started my business, Crash Doll Vintage, in 2020. I make textile art, installation art and sew & knit. I sometimes paint and use pastels.
Before the pandemic, I was working for Parcel in Montclair and a co-op in town called Maplewood Mercantile. I was also their event planner and planned pop ups, music shows, art shows, tastings etc. I still continue to put on music shows.
THEA KEARNEY: Well, she's a really amazing seamstress. Amazing. Really, like a ninja on the sewing machine. I always see her posting pictures like, "Oh, I just whipped up this dress last night." I'm like, "Oh my God! I can sew a pillow, that's about it.”
NANCY COOK: Yes! I sew dresses and clothes! I had a children’s clothing line for several years called Wool and Violets. Nowadays, I mostly make knitwear under that name and recently created a capsule collection for Hearth Co. in Australia
I’m very much into tactile things. Guitar fits right in. I play guitar and sing as well. I also play bass guitar which I just picked up last year. As a child I played piano and flute. I picked up the guitar in 2018 at the same time as joining a band with Thea. She was like…‘Let’s start a band’ and I said ‘OK’ and so I started taking lessons. I had always wanted to play guitar!
THEA KEARNEY: Yeah! I mean, you're a multi-tasker.
Left to right: Thea Kearney, Nancy Cook, and Kristy Ranieri of Megasparkle. Photo by Sophie White.
THEA KEARNEY: I'm not originally from New Jersey. I'm actually from Brooklyn, although I was born in Washington, D.C. I moved to Brooklyn when I was six months old. I identify with New York City. I'm pretty much a New York City person. Although, it's funny. My mother is from New Jersey and kind of a funny story because she always tried so hard to get out of New Jersey. She's a writer and went to college and all that. She spent so much time getting away from the suburban provincial... She always kind of was like (scoffs) "Oh, New Jersey." We would only go back to visit the relatives, and so I was such a city person, I was like, "I am never moving to New Jersey, over my dead body."
NANCY COOK: I said I was never moving back to the suburbs either!
THEA KEARNEY: It's so funny because all my relatives moved to other parts of the country, then I discovered New Jersey again. I looked at places in Rockland County, in upstate New York, and they were really expensive and not that nice, and there was a big highway that was always in everyone's backyard. Then I found out about Maplewood. I went and I fell instantly in love with it. I was like, "These beautiful houses and nature! This is New Jersey?!" and one thing led to another, and I moved here with my husband. I've been living in New Jersey for about 12 years now with my family.
Left to right: Kristy Ranieri, Thea Kearney, and Nancy Cook of Megasparkle. Photo by Sophie White.
THEA KEARNEY: I'm like Nancy. I do way too many things. Not so much with the sewing, but I have a background in graphic design. I have two college degrees in art, visual arts, a Bachelor's of Fine Arts, Master of Fine Arts. I went to the School of Visual Arts and was one of the first people to ever learn about computer graphics. I would say it was like the Stone Ages just because it was a lot harder to do stuff than it is now. Now you just press two buttons and it's done, whereas you had to follow like a logbook of steps to get anything accomplished with the graphics back in the day. I had done that for a long time. Website design. I used to design CDs, logos, and then I got kind of tired of that, so I started a face painting business called Fifi’s Face Painting, but the pandemic kind of put an end to that and I just sold the business this year.
I've been doing music my whole life, since I was really young, playing various instruments -- violin, piano, drums, guitar -- but I decided when I was a teenager that I would just basically stick with the guitar, so that's my main instrument. Then I started singing as well as songwriting, and that's what we've been doing in Megasparkle.
Left to right: Thea Kearney, Kristy Ranieri, and Nancy Cook of Megasparkle. Photo by Sophie White.
NANCY COOK: As far as music, there’s not really anyone in my immediate family that’s musically inclined though one of my Uncles played guitar.
My Dad instilled a love of classical music in me. He used to take me to classical concerts as a child. That and learning to play the piano. My Aunt Lillian used to take me to NYC to see Mostly Mozart. She sang in a trio in the 1940’s on the radio. I guess you could say I’m a trailblazer in my family. At 12 I declared, I wanted to be a singer and my Dad said ‘No, absolutely not, you’re not good enough’ so ha, I am got to do that and I have songs now. He also told me I couldn’t do art and fashion and I’m doing that as well. So, I guess I burst his bubble! Ha!
THEA KEARNEY: So have you played Megasparkle for him?
NANCY COOK: I did play one or two songs for him, but he hasn't heard all of them yet. I should have my family sit down and listen to Megasparkle. Maybe next time we have a holiday gathering and we can all be together, I can play Megasparkle for everybody.
THEA KEARNEY: That would be cool. I'd like to hear what they have to say.
My mother was a jazz singer. She's more of a poet and an award-winning published author of more than 18 books, but she's also written a few songs. My father played the flute for a while and the recorder, but he's one of those people who has the radio on 24/7, so since I was a little kid, he would have the classical music station on all the time, so I was listening to that since I came out of the womb, basically. Even though I'm a rocker, I still kind of love classical music, too.
NANCY COOK: Wow. We never actually knew that about each other!
THEA KEARNEY: Yeah! We don't talk about all these things. My mom sings, and she also had a harp that she used to play. She's also a very creative person. She's done all kinds of stuff, too. I have some cousins who play music, but nobody famous or professional, as far as I know.
It's funny, actually, when Nancy said that about her dad, I was like, "My mom does not like the kind of music that I like," and I feel like there's a little rebelliousness going on here with, "Well, this is what WE like." You know?
NANCY COOK: My parents never liked the music I listened to. My Dad hated certain bands and songs and if he didn’t like it, I would sometimes play it louder like The Smiths, The Cure, Sex Pistols, The Clash etc. He hated hardcore the most. I would play it so loud the chandelier would be shaking downstairs. I still like it really loud. I get into trouble now for playing the music too loud in the car when I pull in and out of the driveway.
THEA KEARNEY: It's funny because we have kids now, and I don't know if this is what happens with you, Nancy, but our kids are like, "We don't want to listen to that loud rock music, turn it down!" They want to hear this weird electronic stuff. Some of it I actually like, but some of it is like, well, there's no melody. There's no real instruments. I'm just so used to... I think Nancy would probably say the same thing. We just grew up listening to live musicians playing live instruments, so that's what we tend to gravitate towards.
NANCY COOK: That’s a really hard question because I have so many musical heroes and people I look up to, but I think with this project, in particular, I think we were kind of going for... Sonia mentioned earlier about the 70s, that we kind of have a 70s influence. I kind of think that we were kind of thinking, or at least maybe I was thinking, about The Runaways and Blondie and just kind of like that old school beginning, powerful female sound and rock and roll, but with kind of a punk and indie aspect to it. A little bit less pop-y than Blondie and Joan.
I also really love punk and a lot of the ‘90s bands, so I was probably thinking about that. A lot of the music that came out of Washington D.C. like Slant 6 and bands from Olympia and NY…
THEA KEARNEY: Yeah, we're both like punk rockers, right?
NANCY COOK: Yeah! I mean, I love all the punk rock. I love Agnostic Front. Thea and I were like, "We should write a song that kind of sounds a little like an Agnostic Front song” and we could totally do that, but I wasn’t looking to make a sound that came from men. I was thinking more about women in this project.
THEA KEARNEY: I'm actually glad you went first because I completely forgot where my inspiration was in the beginning for this whole idea of starting a band that would be an all-female band.
I guess part of it was the desire to... because I've been in other bands before, and I was in a local Maplewood band called Dollar Store Riot with all guys that I played in for about six years, and then I decided that it was just time for me to close that chapter of my life, and so I'd always wanted to have an all-female band.
I'd had a couple of false starts in the past when I was still living in the city, and I have a friend that I went to high school with, actually, which you may have heard of, Sindi B.. She was in this band called The Lunachicks. We hung out in the NYHC, the New York hardcore scene when it first started in about ‘81-84. Our misspent youth was spent doing that and we both bought our first electric guitars at the same time. I was the goody-two-shoes. I went off to college and just did what was expected of me and she didn't. She quit, dropped out of college, and formed this band. I always wanted to do the same thing, and so I was just like,"Well, Nancy, why don't we just try starting an all-female band? I've always wanted to have an all-female band. Let's just have a go for fun."
At the beginning, it was just the two of us, and then we started writing together, and then eventually we found the drummer, CJ, and then we found Kristy.
It was just all those influences from The Donnas, The Ramones, all the punk rock I listened to, DISCHORD, all of that stuff. The Flex Your Head album, I still have. That was on permanent rotation when I was a teenager. All of that. Then all the newer stuff, too, became an influence. One of the songs has kind of a My Bloody Valentine influence.
I feel like every song on this album is a little different. We didn't really set out to have a particular sound on every one. It was just like, "Let's write a song." One song was a Ramones kind of idea that I had that we put lyrics to, and then another one was like, "Let's just write a shoegaze song." So we kind of just went in that direction.
NANCY COOK: One has kind of like a Juliana Hatfield feel. It's got a totally different vibe, too. They all have a different vibe.
We still haven't covered all our bases. We could just keep going, with all the different sounds that we like. We actually have on our Spotify a mixtape of bands that we like and the influences.
We also worked on some covers and things that we liked, like the White Stripes was one of them that we liked, and we were working on a cover of that song, and who else were we covering?
THEA KEARNEY: Social Distortion and Ex Hex.
NANCY COOK: Oh yeah, I love Mary Timony. I just watched her live performance at St. Marks. It was amazing. She's so talented. She's definitely an influence for me, for sure.
NANCY COOK: For "Pretty Dresses," I had a lot of the melody written, and then I wrote the lyrics, Thea added more lyrics and arrangements, and then we put it together. All the songs have their own story.
"Everybody Wants to Be a Rock Star" started with the answering machine message that starts the song. It comes from a Village Voice ad that someone answered when Thea was looking for musicians, and so that was the starting point for that song.
"Iridescent Sparks" is about text messaging. That's such a big part of our culture now and just how people communicate mostly.
The other one, the shoegaze one, "Swirling Rose Hips Tea," My Bloody Valentine was the influence for that.
The last one, "Piece of Cake," is sort of, everyone wants to get a piece of cake and eat it, too. It's like, “I want to have it all. Why can't I have it all? Let's try to have it all!” You know? So, the surprise inside is like the Mardi Gras cake that you break up and there's supposed to be a little toy in the cake. It's like, "Ooh, a little surprise!"
THEA KEARNEY: You know, it's funny, it wasn't supposed to be about cake. That became the metaphor because we were writing it right around Mardi Gras time, and we were talking about how we should really write a song, like a hardcore song, like Agnostic Front or something, and it didn't really come out like that in the end, but it came out to be something different, but it started from this discussion. We would just sit down and brainstorm this idea and write all these ideas down and then condense it into a song, because, as you know, you can't put everything in one song.
NANCY COOK: Yeah. Some of our notes for our songs are really amusing. We should dig those up! They were really funny.
Listen to Megasparkle’s debut EP “Swirling Glitter” on Bandcamp, Spotify, and other streaming services. Released on Sea Dragon Records.
THEA KEARNEY: Originally, we were getting ready to play a show in June (2020), a live show. We had been practicing. We had a bunch of covers and originals. At that point, we had enough to do a show, and so we were like, “Yeah, let's just play a little local show” because Nancy likes to book a lot of local bands, and so we were getting ready for that, and it's supposed to be in June, and this was like February of 2020 and then, obviously, the pandemic put a lid on that, and then we were like, "Oh, what are we going to do?" and so I suggested, "Instead of doing a show, why don't we make an EP?"
I thought, "We'll just find a studio, we'll go and get somebody to do that." I called a few places and they're like, "Well, I don't know if we can help you, but maybe, but we’re not sure what's going to happen" because it was literally a couple of weeks before they declared it a global pandemic and everything just was like dominoes falling. It's like, everything is closing and then that's it, and so then I was like, "Oh, OK, what are we going to do?"
In all my years of doing music, I had dabbled in mixing before. I had done Pro Tools and recording. I was a little rusty, but I was like, "Well, you know, I think I can figure it out." We didn't have anybody to help us. We didn't really have a lot of money to be forking out either, and everything was closed, so what are we going to do? So, I was like, "We'll just record from home, and we can figure out what equipment we need."
I spoke to Kristy (Ranieri), and we originally thought we were going to use electronic drums because CJ had some electronic drums at home. So, we tried with that. We were recording the guitars and the vocals, and it was going pretty well, but then we got to the point where we figured out how to do the electronic drums and she sent us the recording and we were like, "No, the symbols just sound... It just didn't sound good." It was like, "No, this isn't going to work."
So, we have a local person that we work with, Laughing Boys Recording's Tom Lucas. He's really great. A lot of people record with him. We didn't think he was open, but then we said, "Well, what if it was just CJ?" CJ went in with a mask and they sanitized everything, and she just went in by herself to do the drums. At first, she was kind of nervous about the whole idea, but then she said she would do it, and so she went in and recorded. I prepared all the tracks for her and sent them to Tom, and then she went in.
We thought it was going to take, like, two days or something. She was just so amazing, she did all five songs in one day. I was like, "Wow!" Then Tom Lucas sent me the tracks and then we just continued on from there. We did a back and forth with GarageBand and Logic. Kristy and Nancy bought an interface so that they could literally record on their iPhones, so they actually recorded the songs on their iPhones.
NANCY COOK: Yeah, Kristy and I recorded on our iPhones. It’s remarkable and we should be really proud of it!
THEA KEARNEY: It was pretty amazing. I would send them the tracks through iCloud, put the tracks in GarageBand, give them a track to record to, and then they would record to that, send it back to me, and then I would combine everything in Logic and record my parts in there, line it all up, and then mix it. It was pretty daunting. I actually got somebody else to help us a little bit -- a guy out in California, Mike from MooseCat Recording. They have a virtual studio, and they were just getting started with that because of the pandemic. I guess they used to do everything in-person but because they're out in Los Angeles and they needed to keep things running, they started offering virtual services. So I was like, "Oh, great!" So they helped with some of the mixing on a couple of the songs, but most of them I did all the mixing on, so I learned a lot this year -- a whole lot. I think we all learned a lot.
NANCY COOK: She worked very hard!
THEA KEARNEY: I mean, it was pretty daunting, but, oh my God, we did it! We all figured it out. Nancy and Kristy were like, "I don't know how to record on my phone," but with my help, they figured it out and they did it.
“A year ago today we sent our first single ‘Pretty Dresses’ off to CD baby. Here Nancy and Thea are after practice in the garage hugging their guitars to stay warm after a bitterly cold band practice in the garage in November 2019.” — Megasparkle Facebook page
NANCY COOK: Yeah, and Thea went in her closet to sing vocals, and I went in my garage. I actually have a vocal booth in my garage. So I went into my garage, and it was kind of fun. I got a little kid lawn chair, my microphone, and sang away, too.
THEA KEARNEY: Whatever it takes, right? I mean, we had to really be creative.
NANCY COOK: I've always liked the DIY approach. I'm always DIY.
THEA KEARNEY: Yeah, me too. It's to a fault, though, because sometimes it's exhausting doing everything yourself.
NANCY COOK: Well, Thea just cut her hair very well. DIY haircut.
THEA KEARNEY: Yeah, that's another story. Ha!
There's a lot to be said for doing things yourself. You learn so much from doing things yourself. Like I learned a lot about haircutting, cutting my own hair. So yeah, it's amazing.
NANCY COOK: I think we should give a shout-out to Michelle from Bone Pool Radio, who is one of our friends. She has a radio station in town. She would be an amazing person for you to interview. She's awesome. She always wanted a radio station, and I don't know exactly what year it started, I want to say it was 2018, and she and a few other partners started it. A lot of the people in town including Thea's husband DJ for it, and they pre-record their shows and she broadcasts them. There's a bunch of DJs in town and it was bought by iHeartRadio, and yeah, it's been a really amazing ride for her. So that's my shout-out.
THEA KEARNEY: That’s good that you did that because I was going to shout-out one of the DJs, Donny Levit, because he was the first one to premiere a Megasparkle song on the radio. So I want to shout out to him and, obviously, all the other DJs on Bone Pool Radio. I don't know if they've played our music, but I'll give a shout-out to them as well!
NANCY COOK: Paul played "Pretty Dresses." Donny played a couple of them.
THEA KEARNEY: Also, Tom Lucas from Laughing Boys Recording. He really gave us a lot of helpful feedback and guidance, especially with recording the drum parts and how to get that done, so shout-out to him.
And then shout-out to MooseCat Recording.
NANCY COOK: And our bandmates who aren't here!
THEA KEARNEY: Of course our bandmates, for being willing to do all this from home, being willing to try that out and do that.
NANCY COOK: We have a lot of great local businesses to shout-out.
THEA KEARNEY: All the local businesses. There's been so many great supportive local places, like Rent Party. We never got to play Rent Party, but they've always been really supportive of local musicians. They do a lot of help for the community. They used to put on live shows with local bands and also international traveling acts and raise money for food-insecure families. So they're a really great organization here. And then The Woodland, they have a lot of shows.
NANCY COOK: The Woodland and Wyoming Club.
I used to do a lot of shows at Maplewood Mercantile when I worked there and was the Event Planner, so we can shout-out them because they're really very supportive of the music community.
THEA KEARNEY: All the teachers that ever taught me how to play, helped me play guitar, and my vocal teacher, Tim Welch. I'll give a shout-out to him. He's an excellent vocal teacher. He's got a local studio here in Maplewood. I think he's got franchises now. He's a really, really excellent teacher. Who else can we shout-out?
NANCY COOK: We could shout-out you, Thea, for doing all that hard work mixing! Let's give credit where credit's due, right?
THEA KEARNEY: Thank you to everybody.
NANCY COOK: Thank you to all of our supporters and our friends.
THEA KEARNEY: Thank you to everyone I've ever met or ever known in my entire life.
NANCY COOK: Ha!
THEA KEARNEY: And Mom and Dad, of course.
THEA KEARNEY: We're available on all streaming platforms -- Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora. We have a Spotify playlist. Plus, we have a website. It's megasparkleband.com. Bandcamp, Instagram, Facebook. We also have some T-shirts for sale on Bandcamp.
NANCY COOK: We also had a poster that showcases our band at i19gallery.com.
It was an online gallery. They started doing art shows when the pandemic hit, and we decided that we would pass around this old red phone of mine that I've had for years. It was a promo for "Everybody Wants to Be a Rock Star" because that's the starting point, with the answering machine message. We all took pictures of us with the phone -- they look like they're in slides -- and then the red telephone cord just slashes through the whole collage, which is kind of like the pandemic interfering with our lives. Actually, I really love it. I think it came out really good.
THEA KEARNEY: It was cool because we kind of combined... It was like a multipurpose thing because Nancy and I, we originally met because we both have backgrounds in multiple artistic areas, like visual arts and music. There was a call for art made during COVID, by the organization Good Crowd Events. I was like, hey, we were already doing the phone idea for what was going to be the cover for "Everybody Wants to Be a Rock Star." We designed all of the song covers. We did all those ourselves back and forth. I did a couple of the covers, Nancy designed a couple of those, and one of them was this idea that Nancy actually had the phone and she said, "Well, why don’t we take pictures with this?" and I was like, "Well, why don't we enter it in this art show and it will serve two purposes? It'll be for the cover and it'll be for this collage."
It was during the pandemic, and so we had to clean the phone off and then drop it at one person's house, and then they would clean it off and take photos and then drop it at the next person's house, and that's how we got all the photographs. It was like, you know, this is how we communicate during a pandemic — passing the phone around, and also we can only communicate on the phone. So, it was like the whole concept of that just kind of came together really well.
“Call Me!” Featured in www.i19gallery.com’s online art exhibition, ARTdemic.
Art Concept: Nancy Cook, Thea Kearney
Photography: Nancy Cook, CJ Jeiven, Thea Kearney, Kristy Ranieri
Photo Editing: Thea Kearney
A very special event took place in a historic, very beautiful and very spacious 1930 Georgian Revival-style mansion with an adjoining auditorium known now as The Woodland. It was completed in 1930 as an elegant home for the Maplewood Woman’s Club and has served as a hub for Maplewood Township's cultural and civic life for over eight decades.
The Woodland was designated a local historic landmark in 2014 and this architectural jewel houses two unique spaces — The Parlor and The Great Hall. These venues are used frequently for public events. Tonight, the Woodland was beautifully decked out for this very important live music performance.
On October 22, a unique and powerful set of live music performances added to The Woodland’s wonderful historical legacy. Four-time World Series Champion and five-time All Star New York Yankee Baseball legend Bernie Williams was coming to Maplewood-South Orange, NJ.
The excitement was in the air as Bernie Williams, the former Yankee Baseball player, now a guitar virtuoso/Latin Grammy Nominee, was coming to perform in the Great Hall at the Woodland. Teamed up with long-time friend and fellow musician, guitarist, Grammy Nominee and bandleader Gil Parris, the expectations were high and you could feel the music in the air.
Rich Engel is a New Jersey resident who has for decades been involved with Smooth Jazz in NY and “Smooth Cruises.'' For us local folks, Rich was the Owner of Live At Nite Sound, Producer of Smooth Cruise N.Y.C., created the Angela Bofill Experience stage show, and produced this event. He produced and released Angela Bofill "Live From Manila" CD on the independent Black Angel label. Also, he produced the German release Saundra Records "Bigfoot " featuring our local musicians Bassist John Lee and Drummer Jerry Brown along with Danny Toan. The night’s programming became my favorite theme of jazz across the generations with a fabulous opening act by local up and coming jazz group The Baker Street Trio.
This was a genius move, as the Baker Street Trio consists of 3 young teenagers ages 14, 15 and 16. They began playing together through Montclair's Jazz House Kids.
“The trio was formed in the Fall of 2020 out of these young musicians' love for jazz and the need to be able to play together -- safely, outdoors. They played a standing gig through the Fall and Winter of 2020 on a street corner on Baker Street in Maplewood Village, and in doing so during these tough times entertained and brought the joy of jazz to countless appreciative audiences.” - Lisa Mainardi
The Baker Street Trio with Bassist Ben Ruebens filling in at Jazz On Sloan, South Orange, NJ
I encountered the group during various events this year like the Maplewood Porchfest, the 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree, and the Baker Street Trio has also performed for me in South Orange. See Baker Street Trio Debuts in Summer Saturdays at Jazz On Sloan St.
My comments upon hearing them: “Baker Street Trio—3 teenagers (14, 15, and 17) will be making a serious mark on Jazz for a long time. These young cats were killing it... After listening to them perform a number of tunes — if you closed your eyes, you would've thought they had way more experience than their actual ages combined. These young folks were swinging hard. I highly recommend all jazz fans should check them out whenever, wherever you can."
Hence, I for one was very happy to see these young dedicated jazz musicians opening for the Bernie Williams-Gil Parris Quartet.
Introduced by the guest MC, Maplewood Mayor Frank McGehee, The Baker Street Trio, Ben Collins-Siegal, Ben Schwartz and Ryoma Takenaga, came out strong and performed a thunderous tune “The End of a Love Affair” by Edward Redding. It was fast moving and grabbed the audience by the ears as it was a perfect engaging opening song that said there is nothing timid or young about us, we are here to play!
For a jazz lover, their next two tunes were a tribute to multiple Grammy winner Roy Hargrove and it was a perfect tribute. Roy was born Oct 16, 1969 and passed Nov 18, 2018 and will be loved and remembered by the Jazz community forever. Joining in this tribute was the very talented teenage trumpeter Ace Williams, son of a Maplewood resident, the award winning performer/composer Jazz tenor Saxophonist Willie Williams. They performed Roy’s tunes “Top of My Head” and “Strasbourg/St. Denis.” The tunes were played to perfection and the audience expressed their approval with long, loud cheering and clapping.
Next up were the event headlinders, the Bernie Williams-Gil Parris Quartet, a true super group with the legendary “World’s Most Dangerous Bassist” Will Lee and the multitalented drummer and vocalist Josh Dion.
Bernie Williams is a classically trained guitarist who plays and composes music with influences that include jazz, classical, pop, Brazilian, and Latin sounds. Bernie stated that he “became this musician in great part due training and mentorship of Gil Parris who let [him] sit in on jams all over town for the past 17 years.”
Gil is an American Grammy-nominated rock, blues, jazz and pop guitarist. After briefly attending the Berklee School of Music because, as his Mother said in this New York Times article, “Mrs. Parris conceded she was '‘a little worried'‘ when her son returned home with photocopies of lecture notes and said he would ‘sit in his room’ and teach himself the school's jazz guitar curriculum.''
Parris then left to tour Europe as part of a musical troupe performing Jesus Christ Superstar before becoming a recording artist. Parris has released six solo albums and played collaboratively with over 20 other groups/artists. He has recorded and toured both as a solo artist and as a sideman with major artists including Dr. John, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Diane Schuur, David Mann, Billy Vera, Bobby Caldwell, Toni Braxton, Sonny Fortune and Kenny Barron, to name a few.
I was going to say “who’s Will Lee”, then my research showed that I heard Lee many times before. Trumpeter Randy Brecker called Lee out of a class one day and invited him to audition for Dreams. In New York, Lee's career as a session musician flourished, and he toured with many artists. In 1982, Lee became one of the original members of The World's Most Dangerous Band, the house band on NBC's Late Night with David Letterman. He holds the distinction of playing with Paul Shaffer, on both Late Night and The Late Show, longer than any other member of the CBS Orchestra. Highlights also include getting a lifetime achievement award from Bass Player magazine, playing with many luminaries such as all The Beatles -- George Harrison at Royal Albert Hall, Paul McCartney at The Concert For NYC, D’Angelo, Chaka Khan, Phoebe Snow, James Brown and more.
Josh Dion was born at the tail end of the disco funk era, when popular radio bore the sounds of Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, and “four on the floor” drum beats! Raised in Storrs, CT, Josh started playing his father's drums before he even started kindergarten. Dion is a singing drummer who made his first impression in New York in February 2004 at Blue Note. Josh was noticed by jazz guitarist Chuck Loeb, who offered him an opportunity to be seen and heard by a whole new level of the music audience. From that platform, he has gone on to work with some of the major brand names of the music world: Candy Dulfer, Spyro Gyra, Will Lee, Pat Martino, Jeff Kashiwa, Jason Miles, Anthony Jackson, Edgar Winter, Randy Brecker, Bob James, Eric Marienthal, Til Bronner, Jim Beard, saxophonist Kim Waters and on and on.
This night, as was noted by a few attendees, was not just a smooth jazz concert, as the band played a mix of blues, funk, jazz, rock and even some New Orleans type jazz. They performed a mix of classic songs with creative arrangements that brought back many memories. One of my favorites was Rick James’s “Give It To Me Baby” that was innovative but right on point. They also performed some original material that was very entertaining and were instant hits with the very attentive and involved crowd.
The night in review was outstanding, Bernie was smooth and mellow, Gil Parris unbelievable on guitar, Will Lee was an absolute beast on bass and Josh Dion singing and drumming was simply off the chain. The singing and drumming was amazing. It was a fabulous performance. At the end of the night, the audience wanted more and they were called back for an encore tune that did not disappoint, and we clapped and enjoyed tremendously. Truly, it was a wonderful performance and a night to remember.
Closing the night, Mayor Frank McGehee thanked folks for coming out and reminded them they were just steps away from the most diverse choices in eating right here in Maplewood, so please enjoy the town on your way home.
Gregory Burrus is a local live music producer, promoter, event planner and community partner that curates, manages and promotes live music programs around Essex County.
By Gregory Burrus | Posted Saturday, September 18, 2021
I should say that as a live music lover, ambassador, event planner, community partner and board member of Maplewood Community Music (MCM), the Maplewood Porchfest event is clearly becoming one of my favorite live music events of the year.
This year's Sep 5th, 2021 volunteer-driven Maplewood Porchfest was a huge success as the schedule showed 55 bands across 37 porches, producing 61 hours of live music all around the Hilton neighborhood of Maplewood from 1-5 PM. Technically, it's 62 hours because it all starts with one of my favorite events of the day, the Honk Parade. The good part of this year’s Labor Day weekend event once again was that there was a high level of live music performances from beginning to end across all musical genres.
Each year since its inception in 2017, I look forward to figuring out how I am going to see the bands I want to spend time with and, at the same time, put enough other bands on the same walking route to catch as many live music performances in the same day as possible. It’s a real challenge.
This opening event, true to its history, was a New Orleans-style Second Line Band led by the brainchild of Porchfest local pianist/vocalist Bill Tally, Saxophonist Ben Williams, along with Umbrella Dancer/Porchfest Planner Susan Williams, amongst others. They led a happy-go-lucky group of folks in this kick off event down Lexington Avenue from Dehart all the way to the former home of James W. Buchanan.
Jim and Carol Buchanan leading the 2017 Maplewood Porchfest Honk Parade
Jim is a retired music educator and full-time musician, a former Cultural Affairs Director for the Maplewood Recreation Department, and a co-founder of Maplewood Community Music. He lived here with another very much loved community supporter, his wife Carol Buchanan (RIP), who was a force of her own, as she was very active in the community. I personally love the fact that the Maplewood Porchfest Honk parade honors its founders and is just a lot of fun.
As mentioned, the Maplewood Porchfest contains a wide array of live music entertainment across all musical genres throughout the afternoon. So you can see Bluegrass, Jazz, Country, Rock, Americana and more. My decision this year with a limited amount of time was to check out a few Jazz Bands with stops along the way.
My first stop on my route was the Baker Street Trio. My social media post said it all. Baker Street Trio—3 teenagers (15, 16, and 17) will be making a serious mark on Jazz for a longtime. These young cats were killing it in Maplewood Porchfest. After performing a number of tunes that if you closed your eyes, you would've thought they had way more experience than their actual ages combined. A testament to how good they were, they had Ed Palermo, the alto sax player and arranger, sitting in with them. Ed Palermo has had a big band for twenty-five years, which is an impressive feat in itself, and has had his band performing the music of Frank Zappa for over a decade. With Ed the level rose up again and these young folk were swinging hard. A big shout out to Jazz House Kids and Ed Palermo for joining and supporting them—very cool move. I highly recommend all jazz fans should check them out whenever, wherever you can.
Next up on my tour was the Meant To Be Jazz Quartet. Note, you can get around Maplewood Porchfest a few ways and most folks walk or ride a bike. As you can see, you can hear the music everywhere in a Porchfest. Listen in and get a feel as you walk along, as the music is in the air everywhere you go.
On this walk we encountered the Meant To Be Jazz Quartet featuring Glenn Merritt on keys, Pete Omelio on Drums, Alan Hayes on Bass and John Higgins on Trumpet. Having played together for over 20 years, they have developed a synergy that is evident amongst how they play and perform with each other. This group is a regular set of performers at the Shanghai Jazz Club and the performance was just as stellar as if they were there onsite at a regular performance. The jazz was flowing oh so smooth from this Lexington Ave porch. It was a beautiful day, beautiful music, and the large crowd that gathered enjoyed it tremendously.
What makes Porchfest so cool is you never know where the next porch is going to be. Well, another group was starting as this one ended, directly across the street led by Fishmarket Stew performing Phish covers led by local resident David Shields. He was performing on the porch of another well known Maplewood townsperson.
Gregory Burrus with another huge supporter of the event, former Mayor Vic DeLuca and Maplewood Township Committee Member.
Former Mayor for 20 years and a resident of the Hilton neighborhood, Vic DeLuca hosts events on his porch of course and did so again this year. Vic was quoted earlier saying that the event is “one of the top events in town. Porchfest brings people to the Hilton neighborhood to enjoy a special day of music and community […] It highlights the diversity of our town and the tremendous talent we have living here.”
However, I had to move on as I received a call saying, guess who's playing at such and such a place. As a live music jazz fan on a jazz tour, hearing that a world class drummer is playing around the corner in Maplewood Porchfest is amazing and, well, you just got to go.
Arriving on site, I encountered a hardcore group of seasoned jazz professionals that came to play big time. The Willie Williams Quintet led by Willie Williams was swinging hard in this year's Maplewood Porchfest, that's like wow. Having had a Willie Williams performance up at my favorite jazz club, Clements Place Jazz, this I knew would be a special treat. Willie Williams has played with a stellar cast of musicians his whole career and in beautiful venues like the Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C., Afro American Museum, Philadelphia, PA, the All Star Reception at Vice President Al Gore's Mansion, and our own South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) in the Giants of Jazz tribute to Jazz Giant James Moody.
Unfortunately, my video was not clear but the music video to the event is awesome and as good if not better than any show in a big club in any big city. The Willie Williams Quartet featuring Alvester C. Garnett on Drums, Kenny Davis on Bass, Miles Lennox on keys, his son rising star Ace Williams on Trumpet, and Willie Williams on Sax were just killing it all afternoon.
Speaking of Ace Williams on trumpet, a special treat was the group I first mentioned: the Baker Street Trio joined in with Ace Williams on Trumpet and they had a ball.
Big huge kudos to the Maplewood Porchfest Committee — Matt, Bill, Tracy, Susan, Jay, and Bill — which did a phenomenal job this year.
Maplewood Community Music is the official presenter of Maplewood Porchfest. Maplewood Porchfest was the brainchild of local pianist/vocalist Bill Tally, who went to Jamaica Plain Porchfest in Boston every year. He brought the idea to friends in his hometown, and put together a committee of musicians from Maplewood Community Music to run the event. The committee chose the Hilton neighborhood for its perfect layout, easy walkability, and its porches (of course). You can read all about it here at https://maplewoodporchfest.com
Maplewood Community Music (MCM), a non-profit based in Maplewood, NJ, was founded in 2003 by Jim Buchanan and Susan Williams. Susan had played in the Rutgers Band and after a number of years without playing, she approached Jim Buchanan about starting a band. At the time, Jim was the Cultural Affairs Supervisor for Maplewood.
The dedicated group of volunteer musicians and conductors continue to work towards MCM's major goals of giving hobbyist musicians the opportunity to play and perform and bringing music to Maplewood, South Orange, and other nearby communities. In addition, MCM is proud to support community events and community/youth music enrichment programs. Since its formation in 2003, the organization has grown to well over 50 musicians and has numerous active ensembles. MCM hosts between 4-6 events each season and our ensembles perform at even more local events each year.
Read more at http://www.maplewoodcommunitymusic.org/
I didn't get to see all the bands I know, but thanks to all bands for making a great day even better. If you didn't get in this year, you can always join up for next year, just let me know. Please note, the views and opinions expressed in this article are from Gregory Burrus, the writer, blogger, live music lover and community partner. https://gregoryburrusproductions.com/author/gregoryburrusproductions/
Hope to see you all again in September 2022.
#maplewoodporchfest #livemusic #livemusicbands #labordayweekend #laborday2021 #outdoors #honkmusic #outdoormusic #maplecommunitymusic #HiltonMaplewood #gregoryburrusproductions
By Gregory Burrus | Posted Sunday, August 22, 2021
Have you heard about the brand new MAPSO Funk Fest? Well, MAPSO Funk Fest will be a really cool family-friendly festival targeted at helping local Black / Minority-owned restaurants, artisan businesses and the community recover and thrive through these pandemic times. The other day we caught up with MAPSO Funk Fest Founder Lexi Hellerman who was being interviewed by Gregory Burrus Productions Interviewer Lynette Sheard.
That’s right, MAPSO Funk Fest Founder Lexi Hellerman has proclaimed: “MAPSO Funk Fest is going to be a family event created to celebrate the diversity of MAPSO through food, music, and the arts!
MAPSO Funk Fest will be showcasing & supporting Black & minority-owned restaurants and artisan businesses in the greater Maplewood & South Orange area. There will be music all day by local DJs and live performers.”
Lexi stated that "Many small brands have been faced with big challenges and this day is an opportunity to revive the flavor of our neighborhood, invigorate local hand-picked restaurants, and remind people of the rich culture that we are surrounded by." So here's a little about the day’s planned activities.
There will be food vendors sourced from local restaurants along with food trucks that will be secured from the local communities. Food vendors will ring the park in strategic easy to reach locations for fast and easy access. There will also be a food tasting selection that local restaurants will be participating in for which attendees may purchase tickets and sample a number of the vendors' menu items.
In addition, I am very happy to announce there will be a beautiful MAPSO Funk Fest beer garden hosted by our exclusive craft beer provider, Montclair Brewery. This minority-owned business will provide a host of home grown brews to our attendees all day. Please bring ID in order to be wristbanded and purchase beer garden tickets.
“One good thing about music, when it hits you you feel no pain”
What's a festival without some funky music? From setup to shut down, there will be music highlighting the various genres representing the diversity of MAPSO, or as Lexi stated in the interview: “there will be house music, funk music and soul music.“ Throughout the day, there will be local DJs and a few live performances at the Springfield Gazebo.
There will be kid-friendly vendors, educational readings and activities as well as mini workshops throughout the day. Please visit the website for additional activities being added on a periodic basis.
According to the experts, our folks are not looking for an average wellness experience. They’re looking for wellness practices that invigorate them, that allow them to find community, and that speak to their unique sense of culture and identity. MAPSO Funk Fest Wellness events are designed with our core audiences in mind.
Stressed? - Then come on out with the kids, or not, and enjoy the vibe and engage in a relaxing yoga session, gain more flexibility and energy flow. If high energy is your thing, don't worry we got you covered. You will leave totally refreshed, relaxed and reinvigorated to take on your day. We have Funk Fest Yoga for All Ages, Yoga & Stretch Practice #Yogaworld365
The event will boost local talent, businesses, and restaurants. The event is being sponsored by Blackstock & Weber, Springfield Avenue Maplewood, and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Real Estate agent Maria Morrison Heningburg. Learn more about then here.
Other community partners include Inspired Dream Real Estate, Maplewood Bike Shed, Words Bookstore, Finlay + Gage Music Instruments, Blue Life Karate and Gregory Burrus Productions.
Additional Sponsorships are available for you to support the MAPSO Funk Fest and you can learn more here.
That's right, all MAPSO Funk Fest volunteers are happy people. Yup, you feel real good so why not let's get happy together. We need your support and it takes a village. Volunteers are what makes events like this successful. If you're interested in helping make this day possible, please visit the MAPSO Funk Fest Support page or click here for more information.
Born and raised in Maplewood & South Orange, Lexi graduated from CHS in 2012 where she had started Diversity Rocks Club at CHS in order to educate and celebrate the diversity of the student body addressing issues of racism in the school district and the goal of creating a unified sense of community among students of different backgrounds. She graduated from Rutgers Newark in 2016 where she studied Sociology & International Affairs. With a never ending appetite for travel and a passion for all things creative and expressive, Lexi loves exploring new places, trying new things, and meeting and connecting with new people.
“With a passion for people and self-expression, I consider myself a multifaceted creative curator. I've always been proud of growing up in such a multicultural place, whose identity is shaped by a wealth of creatives and entrepreneurs of all backgrounds. I truly love crafting a vision and bringing it to life. Inspired by community projects and social impact work, my mission is to continue strategizing and organizing programs, events, and initiatives that truly make a difference for people."
I believe that small business is the very fabric of any community like ours, representing the passion, creativity, and entrepreneurship of its residents, providing a meaningful service, safe space, or hub for people to connect.”
Contact Information Lexi Hellerman, Freelance project manager, event producer, and brand strategist.
973-986-8305
And now, a final word from our Funk Fest Creator and Founder Lexi Hellerman:
“The day will be a magical celebration of diversity and community with food, wellness and artisan vendor booths surrounding the park with live entertainment and folks enjoying themselves.”
“This is a highly inclusive event that supports businesses of all kinds. We’ve worked diligently to prioritize inclusion of Black, minority, women, and LGBTQ+ owned entities for optimal representation. Please know this event will follow all state-mandated COVID-19 guidelines. So bring your friends and family for good food, good music and great vibes!”
Gregory Burrus with MAPSO Funk Fest Founder Lexi Hellerman, 2021
Whether it’s MAPSO or SOMA, Gregory Burrus is writing about his first love: the creative people, towns and events all around South Orange and Maplewood, NJ. Gregory continually observes, participates in, reports and writes on local community news, live music and the arts and entertainment scene of the Jersey/NYC landscape and beyond, right here as JI blogger Gregory Burrus.
Contact Gregory Burrus Productions to promote your event, business or nonprofit across various social media and blogging platforms. https://gregoryburrusproductions.com or 8622057660.
By Gregory Burrus | Posted Tuesday, May 14, 2019
To curate a fabulous season of music, Gregory Burrus holds an Open Call in March every year using the Downtown After Sundown page on Facebook. Gregory then roams the internet and social media to gauge the popularity of these potential bands in SOMA and the surrounding towns. He then negotiates with these top notched, very talented musicians to come on out and entertain us.
For this upcoming 2019 Downtown After Sundown Live Concert season, Gregory is very happy to bring about a few prestigious sponsorships with the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), the Rutgers University Institute of Jazz Studies and the longstanding New Jersey Jazz Society. These sponsorships will expose our audiences to some brand new highly prestigious talent.
A few highlights this year:
A recent West Orange High School graduate is one of the 2019 YoungArts Competition winners, selected from a field of over 7,000 high school musicians nationally. Destiny Diggs-Pinto has performed at the Montclair Jazz Festival for 5 years, the 2018 New Jersey Central Jazz Festival, Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, NJPAC and the 50 anniversary of the New Jersey Jazz Societies Pee Wee Russell Memorial Stomp. Destiny has also played professionally with artists like Christian McBride and John DeJohnette, amongst others. Destiny has attended the Jazz House Kids program for 5 years under the direction of Christian McBride and Melissa Walker.
Lynette Sheard is a gifted and versatile vocalist, actor, producer and director. She is the unseated "West Orange Idol." Her performances have been acknowledged in numerous publications, including NY Times, The Record, The Chronicle and most recently, The Star Ledger, which proclaimed that, "Her voice reaches deep into one's soul and finds a soft spot." She performs Jazz, R&B, Gospel, Soul and Pop music in NY, NJ, PA and Las Vegas. Theatre credits include principal roles in: Smokey Joe's Cafe, Ragtime, Swing, Aida, Outcasts, and Downtown After Sundown Live Concert Series at Jazz On Sloan South Orange Gazebo. Bring a chair and come join us.
17-year-old Leonieke Scheuble at age 5 or 6 started playing piano after being inspired by the movie Ray. Named 2016 “Best Up and Coming Young Artist” by Hothouse NYC and featured in a PBS-filmed TEDx TALK, in 2017 she won the New Jersey Governor’s Award for “Exceptional Promise in Music” and also performed for the New Jersey Jazz Society’s 45th Anniversary Gala. She was also awarded the “Youth in Action Award” from the International Women in Jazz for the 2nd time.
Rev Eyesha K. Marable. A former professional dancer with Footprints Dance Company, Forces of Nature Dance Theatre and Showtime at the Apollo, she has shared the stage with LL Cool J, R. Kelly and gospel artists like Donald Malloy. To see her perform with other liturgical dancers or conduct a dance workshop is in a word, uplifting. She founded the National Liturgical Dance Network, which trains and supports dance ministers, and she is celebrating 29 years of spreading the ministry of dance here and abroad.
Led by a semi-finalist in the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano competition is the accomplished pianist and bandleader James Austin Jr.. Currently leading a sold-out jam performance in Newark Clements Place, James has performed alongside an illustrious list of singers and musicians in diverse settings throughout the world, including numerous celebrity functions and televised shows. He recently served as pianist and arranger for two star-studded concerts at Carnegie Hall under the baton of esteemed musical director, Ray Chew. James will lead his band into South Orange, NJ and all vocalists and musicians are welcome to join the inaugural NJPAC DAS Jazz Jam.
Returning favorite and the group that always draws our largest audience, Ricky Persaud Jr. is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and arranger whose music style is Pop infused with Reggae, Rock R&B and Latin. Ricky is Berklee College of Music Class 2021 and is a voting member at The Recording Academy / GRAMMY. He studied voice, guitar, piano and band at Mark Murphy Music in South Orange, NJ. He also studied drums, bass, guitar, piano and music production at the Newark School of The Arts in Newark, NJ. Ricky is an alumni of the New Jersey Performing Art (NJPAC)/Wells Fargo Jazz For Teens Ensemble and NJPAC's George Wein Scholars Ensemble. Ricky was the recipient of the 2016 Governor's Award for Excellence in Music.
Join us for this year’s returning performance of the very smooth Darryl Clark Fusion Band. Darryl was inspired by professional basis Kim Clarke resulting in Darryl attending Jazzmobile in Harlem, and he eventually ended up studying under the legendary bassist Earl May of the Cab Calloway, Frank Foster, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis era bands. Darryl has spent a musical lifetime living, learning and becoming accomplished in a spectrum of styles; traditional jazz, fusion, funk, gospel, rock and alternative make up an inclusive repertoire playing with jazz artists including Nat Adderley Jr., Tina Fabrique, Peter Lin, Marshall McDonald and Slide Hampton. Because of this, Darry’s Downtown After Sundown performances usually consists of jazz veterans from all over the Greater New York and New Jersey area, and last season’s Nat Adderley appearance made for a very special night. Schedules permitting, 2019’s performance with Nat Adderley and others promises to be another very special night. Also of special note is that this year Darryl will profile a few tunes from his recently released CD’s Sleeve 340 and West Coast Dreamin that was produced to benefit the children's charity LoveHallie.org.
More events and highlights are coming, so tay tuned as we update our events.
https://www.sovillagecenter.org/pub/event/story/2382/
Learn more at:
https://www.facebook.com/Downtown-After-Sundown-107118945991637/
https://www.facebook.com/jazzonsloandas/
https://www.facebook.com/soundsinspiottapark/
These outdoor events are open to all, are cross-generational friendly, very kid-friendly, senior-friendly and more, so just bring your favorite lawn chair and join us.
Gregory Burrus with the Executive Director of SOVCA Bob Zuckerman. Downtown After Sundown is a program sponsored by the South Orange Village Center Alliance and the Town of South Orange. https://www.sovillagecenter.org/
Gregory Burrus curates the South Orange Village Center Alliance’s Downtown After Sundown Live Music Concerts. This SOMA resident arrived in South Orange 23 years ago and just loves South Orange, NJ. Gregory enjoys all music genres, but his first love jazz began as a boy when his father played jazz on the good old record player at home and took him to clubs all over Manhattan. Greg was an executive in the telecommunications industry and has consulted on telecom, technology and operational business processes systems all over the world. Now he is putting his expertise, gain from his former business environment to work producing music, art and community events across South Orange, Maplewood, Newark and other towns around Northern New Jersey and New York.
By Gregory Burrus | Posted Wednesday, November 14, 2018
As some may know, I love finding musicians and helping them share their musical gifts with you, the listeners in South Orange, Maplewood, the Valley in Orange, Newark and other parts of Northern New Jersey and beyond.
Another live music gem in our towns is the Maplewood Community Music organization (MCM) and I, Gregory Burrus, am very happy and honored to announce that I have been chosen as a newly appointed Maplewood Community Music board member. I am thrilled at the opportunity to be part of such a vibrant, community-focused organization that is filled with truly dedicated musicians. This will allow me to continue to move forward my ongoing mission of supporting the arts and spreading the word of sharing their great gifts.
This dedicated group of volunteer musicians and conductors work towards MCM's major goals of giving hobbyist musicians the opportunity to perform and bring music to Maplewood, South Orange, and other nearby communities. Along with getting involved with strategy and direction; I will also be performing social media marketing services and other publicity related activities.
Maplewood Community Music (MCM), a non-profit based in Maplewood, NJ, was founded in 2003 by Jim Buchanan and Susan Williams. Jim was the Cultural Affairs Supervisor for Maplewood and had over 34 years of experience in music education and conducting. Susan had played in the Rutgers Band and after a number of years without playing; she approached Jim Buchanan about starting a band. Jim suggested starting rehearsals for a concert band and a jazz band for which he became the musical director. It should be noted that the first rehearsal had only six musicians; the group now has grown to well over 50.
Now in 2018 celebrating almost 16 years of making music, the mission has expanded to include the following:
bring various types of music to Maplewood and the surrounding areas,
provide local student and adult musicians with the opportunity to join a community ensemble and continue their love of playing and performing,
perform youth outreach that supports the student musicians and inspires our youth to enjoy and possibly play an instrument,
partner with other organizations to bring music-related events to the area,
provide resources including private lesson teachers and musicians for hire
MCM is proud to support community events and community/youth music enrichment programs and has a number of ensembles.
One of the places Maplewood Community performs is in the South Orange annual Downtown After Sundown Live Music Concerts. Under the direction of Trombonist Ben Williams, the band consists of a Big Band-style jazz ensemble featuring Saxophones, Trumpets, Trombones, Rhythm Section, and Vocalists.
Over the last few years, these large ensembles have grown to consist of 19 pieces, when they perform in South Orange’s Spiotta Park. The crowds are always thoroughly entertained, and I love Jazz Big Bands that take you back in time so it’s awesome to me.
I was able to catch the Concert Band termed “Chestnuts in The Park.” They performed at the truly beautiful South Mountain Reservation Boat House this past summer. This band is a wind ensemble featuring woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments.
It was an absolutely wonderful performance against a gorgeous backdrop. Just listening is magic to the ears.
Another great event supported by Maplewood Community Music is the Maplewood Porchfest. Just imagine strolling the streets of Maplewood and stopping at one porch then another and another to enjoy music and entertainment all day long. That’s Porchfest!
A fun and free event every year in the Maplewood, Hilton neighborhood on Labor Day Sunday, rain date Monday. The event kicks off at noon in front of the community center at DeHart park with music, balloons, paper event schedules with maps, a fundraiser bake sale, and a rehearsal for the "honk parade" to start the event. Everyone in the family is welcome to make music and march!
Maple wood's first Porchfest featured 30+ bands performing at more than 20 porches around the Hilton neighborhood. Last year there were 40 plus porches and bands. Folks also got to enjoy a free jitney service running through the middle of the area, so there's a little less walking and a lot more enjoying the fun all over the Hilton neighborhood. And yes, I am very happy to find bands for this voluntary event.
This community is great because money for a baby grand was available from an estate. Maplewood Community Music (MCM) facilitated the purchase of the piano and helped find a home with the town in DeHart Park Community center.
The piano teachers of South Orange, Maplewood (SOMA) were thrilled about the new concert grand piano and were grateful to Maplewood Community Music for making that whole endeavor possible. They then developed a benefit concert to celebrate the new piano. They called it "Teachers' Turn." It featured most of the piano teachers actually performing and not the students. It was an absolutely a wonderful afternoon of piano recitals to a packed house. All proceeds from the event were sent to a scholarship fund to help provide private lesson opportunities for kids in Maplewood/South Orange whose families don't have the means to do so themselves.
The Maplewood Community Music ensembles consist of some very dedicated volunteer musicians who wish to practice and perform challenging music in a fun, low-key setting. They meet locally on a Wednesday evening, practice, have fun and enjoy themselves. The Maplewood Concert Band, Swing Band and various small ensembles offer free performances throughout the year. This group also thinks up new ideas and supports other endeavors like the Teachers’ Turn Piano Concerts and the awesome Maplewood Porchfest event.
With all that, I am very happy to have been selected to join the Board of the Maplewood Community Music (MCM) nonprofit. More to come and will definitely work hard to get the word out about this fabulous organization.
Check out calendar for upcoming events!
Gregory Burrus is a local live music ambassador, event developer and community partner that develops, manages, promotes and documents local community events in the Greater New Jersey and New York Area.
Gregory Burrus sits on a number of local boards and committees and serves as the Board Member Maplewood Community Music, Manages, Vice President of the North Jersey Blues Alliance, Curates and Promotes the South Orange Downtown After Sundown Live Music Concerts, the South Orange 24 Hours of Music Festival, the SOPAC Playing Around South Orange Music Initiative, the Maplewood 4th of Music Live Music Events, Newark's Jazz973 at Clements Place Jazz Series, NYC John Jay College Myrna Bain Scholarship Fundraiser, the Orange NJ ValleyArts Music Programs, Creator of the South Orange Farmers Market Jazz Jam, along with booking bands at many other local venues.
Showcasing, photographing, videotaping events and happenings as they occur around town while living life every day to the fullest.
