Eat, Drink & Groove at Beat Street this June!

PRESS RELEASE 

Birth Announcement:

Jersey City’s Cool New Dining & Entertainment Hot Spot Opens June 22nd in the Powerhouse Arts District

Restaurant Launches with Fundraisers to Benefit Local Non-Profits:
Big Brothers Big Sisters & The Sharing Place Food Pantry

Left to right: Howard Brunner, Darryl Harmon, and KC Macias

Left to right: Howard Brunner, Darryl Harmon, and KC Macias

Entrepreneur and real estate dilettante Howard Brunner, nightlife impresario KC Macias and celebrated chef Darryl Harmon have teamed up to open Beat Street, a 100-seat restaurant, bar, lounge and performance space located inside Transmission, a nightlife brand located in the historic A&P warehouse at the intersection of Bay & Provost Streets in the revitalized Powerhouse Arts District (PAD) of Jersey City.  Brunner is the visionary Aussie ex-pat who originally built Transmission two years ago in the sprawling 5,000 square foot space.  He tapped Macias and Harmon to transform it into what he calls “an incredible multi-sensory experience — a gathering spot for locals where they can dine on delicious food and enjoy a variety of different genres of live music in a visually stimulating and welcoming environment.”  

 

About the Name

Beat Street is an homage to the 1984 classic hip-hop movie by the same name.  The film celebrated three aspects of life during the mid-1980s: breakdancing, DJ’ing and graffiti.  You’ll find snippets of all three art forms interwoven into the décor, ambiance and menu.  “We came up with that name because we’re authentically from that era,” explained Macias.  “We thought, wouldn’t it be cool to showcase top local street artists, street food and street music, but with a modern twist, and make it uniquely our own?”  The triumvirate has done so through the décor, the culinary creativity and the music.  “Really, the place defies all labels because, as our guests will see, it’s a juxtaposition of gritty street life with high-end touches that truly makes it a distinctive experience,” noted Brunner.

 

The Décor & Design

Art plays an integral role at Beat Street.  Macias handpicked Ivan Orama, a well-known New York City-based artist heralded for his portfolio of street art, canvas pieces, handmade furniture and murals, to recreate the feel of the 80s inside the restaurant.  Orama used the walls to create a graffiti-inspired black & white retro mural — the backdrop for the action in the dining area.  He has also constructed a Wu-Tang clan table, a replica of an old-school cassette tape that serves as a table. Orama’s work has been incorporated into designs by Adidas, Def Jam Records, the Hudson Hotel, WIP NYC Nightclub, GQ magazine and for filmmaker Spike Lee.  Orama recently designed the NYC studio of Grammy-award winning music producer Swizz Beatz.  “I’ll be incorporating images from that era — breakdancers, boom boxes and 80s fashion styles — to flow with the Beat Street theme,” he explained.  “My art is very direct and mentally interactive.  I hope people will enjoy it and love coming back to it.”

The restaurant has three distinct spaces: an opulent 15-seat bar where guests can sip locally brewed craft beers, international wines and artisan craft cocktails utilizing regionally-sourced spirits such as Dad’s Hat PA Rye, Bluecoat Gin and Lazy Eye vodka; a sexy lounge area with a grand piano is center stage, where guests can relax on teal and dark gray oversized mid-century style tufted high back wing chairs while enjoying cocktails and nibbling on small bites; and the dining room which features an elevated platform with banquettes and flooring that uses 100-year-old planks from the building’s original wood.  Unique details such as suede-clad light halos and table tops outlined by antique gilt gold frames round out the eclectic décor.  There will also be outdoor seating that wraps around the entirety of the expansive glass enclosed building.

 

The Menu

Brunner has tapped award-winning chef Darryl Harmon, who is the culinary talent and a consulting chef behind several NYC restaurant groups, to create what Harmon refers to as a menu ‘showcasing elevated street food.’  Prior to working in New York over the past decade, Harmon also served as Executive Chef at the legendary Water Works Restaurant in Philadelphia, and has cooked for numerous celebrities, professional athletes and heads of state.  “I’m excited to get real funky with the menu and seriously express myself,” he said.  The 40-year-old chef says “he’s excited to see guests’ reactions to the Beat Street menu.”  For example, Harmon took falafel and waffles, two common food truck items, merged them into one dish and put his personal spin on it.  What he conceived has been named the Rocka Falafel Waffle.  “Everyone offers falafel in and around New York.  I took a house made falafel mix, pressed it in a waffle iron to get that crispness, added mint frozen yogurt, Harissa infused syrup, Raita and micro borage for a sweet and savory treat.”

Lunchbox and Cafeteria Tray Frito Nachos are whimsical interpretations of Harmon’s childhood favorites, which will certainly ensure a trip down memory lane for many diners.  But the unexpectedness of the presentation is the show stopper.  Harmon’s Sloppy Joe, a school lunch staple, arrives wrapped in wax paper and tucked inside a custom designed lunchbox filled with sour cream & onion kettle chips, a house-cured pickle and a liquid nitrogen-powered root beer float.  “Each lunchbox is decorated with a different graffiti design,” said Harmon.  “Some diners might relive a time when they opened up their school lunchbox and found happiness in a delicious treat from mom or dad, which is a priceless memory.”  The Cafeteria Tray Frito Nachos might recoup additional childhood food memories: Fritos are adorned with chili con queso, smoked local corn, Jersey vine ripe tomatoes, jalapeño and spicy avocado mousse.  “It will be quite the surprise when that extra large bag of Fritos arrives at the table!” laughed Harmon.

Harmon, who grew up in the farmlands of Cumberland County in South Jersey also wanted to incorporate his Native American heritage (he’s part Lenape Indian) and Jersey roots into the menu.  In his Native Bison Tostadas, the base for the tostada is Native American fry bread (golden brown discs of deep-fried dough), topped with seared bison meat, smashed black bean pudding (popular in traditional Native American cuisine), Gem lettuce, Jersey heirloom tomatoes, Cotija snow cheese and lime-infused crema.  “This is the ‘original’ American food and we’re the only place to offer something like this in the region.  Once our guests taste it, it will change their paradigm regarding what one calls ‘Jersey cuisine,’” he said.  Other menu highlights include a Reverse Seared Tomahawk Steak (38 oz. rib eye served standing up, speckled with charcoal dust and pierced with a stone tomahawk) and Sous Vide Lobster Mac & Cheez-it — a sous vide-cooked 2lb. lobster served in a skillet with smoked paprika foam.  “The mac & cheese has Cheez-its sprinkled on top, and the empty Cheez-it bag is the serving vessel for the dish.  The entrée is rolled out on an ice cream street cart.  Serving it will be quite a show.”  Harmon said the menu will be divided into three sections: Lil Bites, S’medium (“a reference to back in the day when many pants were labeled small-medium”) and Biggie Bites (a nod to the late beloved rapper Biggie Smalls).  Menu prices range from $10 to $60.  While they won’t be doing any breakdancing, the servers will be wearing Adidas track pants, Beat Street logo t-shirts, and a variety of hats from the period.  The menu design presents a collage of boom boxes reminiscent of the bygone era. 

 

The Vibe

The person charged with concept development, entertainment and setting the vibe for Beat Street is KC Macias, who is known for staging elaborate international events and parties from Mexico to Miami, LA and Las Vegas.  As head of Appanage Hospitality Group, Macias has orchestrated exclusive experiences at the Gansevoort, for Super Bowl XLVIII and has worked with countless entertainers including Kevin Hart, Jay Z, Sean Paul, Pitbull, The Roots, Busta Rhymes and a host of celebrity DJs. His vision is to bring eclectic, engaging live music to life inside Beat Street, encompassing all genres from rap to jazz to bluegrass and Cuban salsa.  “I’m talking about raw, street music, including salsa you would hear in the streets of Havana, and jazz that you’d hear off of Bourbon Street” he explained. At the same time, we want to make Beat Street welcoming and comfortable, like you’re in your living room being entertained, but in a cool way.  That’s why we have the funky furniture and art.  Instead of a chef’s table, Macias, who’s collaborated with famous DJs such as Samantha Bronson and the late DJ AM, came up with a "DJ's table" in the dining area that seats six.  Music lovers will be seated up on the platform next to the DJ booth just inches away from the musical action to observe the mix master of the evening spinning and scratching on the turntable.  Macias said each night of the week will feature a different style of music: Tuesday-jazz; Wednesday-retro funk and classic hip hop; Thursday-Cuban salsa; Friday-Prince and classic 90s; and Saturday-Brazilian/Ibiza/house.

“With Beat Street, Darryl and KC have tapped Transmission’s spirit, bringing the establishment to maturity,” mused Brunner.  “I am beyond excited! The original sense of decadence that Transmission exuded is now complimented by seriously delicious, ultra-creative menu offerings and a salute to the culture that has extensively influenced today’s music, fashions and lifestyle.  There is absolutely no place like it.”

Beat Street at Transmission will launch with two events, which will benefit local non-profits.  On Wednesday, June 14th a stand-up cocktail party will feature several live music acts, passed hors d’oeuvres and open bar during a “Sneak Peak Open House” benefit for Big Brothers Big Sisters.  The restaurant officially opens to the public on Thursday, June 22nd with a “Pay What You Want” fundraiser with all proceeds from the evening benefitting The Sharing Place Food Pantry at St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

Beat Street will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m. for Happy Hour, dinner and live entertainment.  The restaurant, bar and lounge is located at 150 Bay Street, Jersey City, NJ.  To learn more, visit http://www.beatstreetjerseycity.com/.

#  #  #

~~~~~

CONTACT:
Lena Vanier
Vice President
Peter Breslow Consulting & Public Relations
Phone: 610.529.2929
Web: www.PeterBreslow.com

Kearny Point to Host NJCU’S 2017 Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition

The exhibit is open to the public:

Thursday - Sunday, May 4-7 (12-6 pm)
and
Thursday - Sunday, May 11-14 (12-6 pm)

To view photos from the opening reception, visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/njcugalleries/sets/72157682877708926

To view photos from the opening reception, visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/njcugalleries/sets/72157682877708926

PRESS RELEASE

KEARNY, N.J.  – Hugo Neu has partnered with New Jersey City University (NJCU) to host its Art Department’s 2017 Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition at Kearny Point.  The exhibition, displaying projects completed by the program’s senior undergraduate students, will be held through May 14.

NJCU’s Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition will be held on the ground floor of Kearny Point’s Building 78, the first building to be redeveloped under Hugo Neu’s ambitious multiphase redevelopment plan, located at 78 John Miller Way in Kearny.  The public is invited to view the exhibition from Thursday through Sunday, 12-6 p.m., and hear students speak in front of their work as part of a series artist talks, scheduled for each Friday afternoon of the exhibition (April 28, May 5 and May 12).  The presentations will begin at 2:30 p.m. and continue through 4 p.m.

Statement from the NJCU Art Department:

“We’re thrilled to be hosting our largest exhibition to date at Kearny Point, within a vibrant space that will complement our students’ work.  Our Bachelor of Fine Arts class represents a wide range of disciplines, media and vision, and each student brings a clarity of purpose and a developed conceptual foundation to their work that will be displayed through the show.”

Kearny Point is the innovative three-million-square-foot redevelopment of the historic Kearny shipyard, now reborn as a modern workplace home to a diverse community of pioneering businesses.  The complex is located less than five miles from Manhattan and within minutes of the PATH at Journal Square, Newark Penn Station, the Meadowlands, and the Frank R. Lautenberg train station in Secaucus.

This year marks the largest Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition in NJCU history, featuring work by a class of 29 students graduating with concentrations in ceramics, graphic design, photography, printmaking, illustration, jewelry, sculpture and painting and drawing.  While the majority of the projects will be displayed at Kearny Point, the Art Department will also be hosting a satellite show in NJCU’s Visual Arts Gallery, located at 100 Culver Avenue in Jersey City.

“As the Kearny Point business network continues to expand, it’s equally important that we create a place that harnesses the creativity of people and organizations from throughout the region,” said Steve Nislick, Chief Financial Officer at Hugo Neu.  “We’re so excited to provide NJCU’s Art Department with a space where some of the area’s most imaginative minds can showcase their work amid a larger community of entrepreneurs and forward-thinking businesses.”

The creative ‘flex’ office space at Kearny Point’s Building 78 is already home to nearly 100 creators and innovators – from craft-food artisans to tech trendsetters to filmmakers.  The collaborative work environment offers a variety of flexible office spaces, pre-furnished team offices, and a co-working facility known as Kearny Works.  The building is also home to a 5,000-square-foot roof deck and lounge, along with a 3,000-square-foot indoor event space, managed by JPO Concepts.

Kearny Point’s second phase, during which Hugo Neu will redevelop the former craneway, Building 100, into a technologically advanced creative office environment geared toward larger companies.  Building 100 will be complemented by over 25 acres of new open and civic space, including restored native habitat, a continuous waterfront promenade, and a living shoreline.   Hugo Neu has brought on a world-class New York-New Jersey brokerage team from Cushman & Wakefield – led by Executive Director Mitch Arkin and Associate Director Dan Johnsen – to market the space to office users.

Kearny Point’s master plan, conceived in partnership with STUDIOS Architecture and WXY architecture + design, calls for high efficiency building systems, solar and wind energy, and a multi-modal “complete streets” strategy.  As part of its plan, the project will implement additional green infrastructure measures, including green roofs/blue roofs, naturalized detention basins, bio-swales and the removal of impermeable surfaces throughout the site, replacing them with a variety of permeable surfaces limiting run-off into the Hackensack River.


More about Kearny Point

During World War I and II, Kearny Point was once one of the world’s most prolific shipyards when it operated as the Federal Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, where as many as 30,000 people came to work each day.  Today, Hugo Neu is transforming the 130-acre industrial complex into a new mixed-use waterfront destination – one that embraces the site’s history and provides opportunities for the businesses of the new economy.  Its renewed work environment is situated only minutes from Manhattan, but comes at a fraction of the cost of leasing in New York City, Newark, Hoboken or Jersey City.

In total, the Kearny Point project will reactivate more than three million square feet of industrial space for more than 5,000 jobs, making it one of the largest and most economically significant redevelopments in the region.  In subsequent phases, Kearny Point will include a host of indoor/outdoor common areas, including a living shoreline and public waterfront promenade and a restored marina. 

The complex offers a host of unique features, including dedicated trailer-loading area for ground-floor shipping and receiving, two passenger freight elevators, and high-speed Wi-Fi and phone capabilities.  Kearny Point is also a pet-friendly community, a policy that complements its friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

For more information, please visit www.kearnypoint.com

About Hugo Neu

Hugo Neu, a recognized global leader in recycling, is the owner and redeveloper of Kearny Point. Founded in 1947, the company advances its mission by investing in environmental, real estate, and non-profit enterprises that support economic, social, and environmental justice and sustainability.  Hugo Neu is a private independent company that is using its unique capital strength to execute its long-term vision for the commercial and ecological rebirth of Kearny Point.

For more information, please visit www.hugoneu.com

CONTACT:
Caroline Bligh
Senior Account Executive
cbligh@beckermanpr.com

First Ever Juice Hip-Hop Exhibition: Garden State Edition

Saturday, April 1, 2017, Jersey City, NJ

PRESS RELEASE
Courtesy of Moxie 1973

NJ will once again make history by bringing together all of its most proficient talent!

JERSEY CITY, NJ – On April 1, 2017, Moxie 1973 will have its first Juice Hip-hop Exhibition in Jersey City, NJ.  Stationed around the culture of hip-hop, many of New Jersey’s hidden talents will have an opportunity to unveil why the garden state deserves its credit in the industry.  The event will be located at Juice Cathedral on 380 Montgomery Street and doors will open at 1 pm.

The Juice Hip-hop Exhibition: Garden State Edition was created for one purpose, to generate interest back into the culture of hip-hop.  With a fierce line-up of artists such as Tsu Surf, Quiana Parks, Moruf and Dougie F as well as a number of other emcees, artists, deejays, dancers, entrepreneurs, and designers, Moxie 1973 has found a way to combine them all in one city, on one date, under one roof, and for one cause.

The goals Juice intends to meet for this exhibition is to give the community a history lesson on Hip-hop, resurge Jersey’s pride behind the culture of hip-hop, and to leave a footprint in its legacy for the youth.  Ultimately, Moxie 1973 wants every participant to be able to tell their story through their talent.  Moxie 1973 is a collective of cultural storytellers through the mediums of music, content, product, and live events.

For more information on how one can contribute or for ticket info, please visit http://moxie1973.com/.  For all other inquiries, please contact info@moxie1973.com.

Hip-Hop's The Religion.  Rap's The Gospel.  Juice Is The Church.  Everybody is welcomed April 1st to witness all the elements of the culture together under one roof for one night, and one culture.  www.moxie1973.com.  Video Edited by Juan V Roque.  Narration by Juels Pierrot.  *This Video Is For Promotional Use Only*

Outpost in the Burbs Presents Teddy Thompson and Kelly Jones

Friday, April 7, 2017, Montclair, NJ

NEWS RELEASE

MONTCLAIR, N. J. -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Teddy Thompson and Kelly Jones [NY/CA] on Friday, April 7th at 8 p.m.  This concert will take place at at 8 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 67 Church Street in Montclair.  Opening the show will be Sammy Brue [UT].

The best harmony duet singing always confounds basic arithmetic.  One plus one, instead of equaling two, suddenly yields an unexpected third thing.  An upper-case ONE.  A deep vibration.  A universal hum that encompasses both male and female viewpoints and conveys more subtle shades of emotion than a single voice can.  On Little Windows, the debut album by Teddy Thompson and Kelly Jones, the duo have that kind of ONEness.

"George and Tammy... Porter and Dolly... Teddy and Kelly?  Teddy Thompson (son of Richard and Linda) and Kelly Jones (best known for her 2010 album SheBANG!) have a ways to go before they're recognized as the next great male-female duo, but this winning twosome is off to a fine start with Little Windows.  Blending their plaintive voices in seamless, high-lonesome harmonies that would do The Everly Brothers proud." - Jon Young, Mother Jones, April 2016

About Sammy Brue:

To say that Sammy Brue is an old soul is an understatement.  Last year, at just fourteen-years-old, Brue released his own EP I Don’t Want You To Leave: a collection of devastatingly beautiful songs that touch on heartbreak, jealousy, God and suicide.  The release prompted Rolling Stone to declare the songwriter an “Americana Prodigy” and led to performances at Newport Folk Festival and Summerfest.

Brue, a Portland, OR, native living in Nashville, first cut his teeth at age ten by busking on the sidewalk during Sundance Film Festival in Park City, UT.  Looking to raise extra cash to buy more music gear, his stunning and sincere performances turned heads of famous actors, musicians and press alike, prompting the festival to invite him back every year since.

With a reverent nod to early Dylan and Guthrie and more modern contemporaries Cobain, Justin Townes Earle, and Jason Isbell, Brue released his latest single “Once a Lover“ via ReverbNation CONNECT’s The Watch List.

How to Get Tickets:

Tickets: $28 in advance, $32 at the door and are available at Keil’s Pharmacy, 732 Valley Rd., Upper Montclair, 973-744-2113;  Studio 042 – Super Business Printer, 423 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair, 973-509-7591; and on TicketLeap: https://outpost.ticketleap.com/teddy-thompson-and-kelly-jones-2017/ dates/Apr-07-2017_at_0800PM

About The Outpost:

The all-volunteer Outpost is a nonprofit outreach organization in Montclair dedicated to building community through music, community service, and cultural events.  The Outpost has presented more than 350 concerts by internationally known artists such as Judy Collins, Roger McGuinn, Dave Mason, Jorma Kaukonen, Jimmy Webb, Richie Havens, J.D. Souther, and Dar Williams.  In addition to promoting and staffing concerts, Outpost volunteers have donated many hours of their time through programs affiliated with Habitat for Humanity, Toys for Tots, the Human Needs Food Pantry of Montclair, the Community Food Bank of N.J., Dress for Success and a soup kitchen run by Outpost volunteers in East Orange, NJ.

For more information, visit www.outpostintheburbs.org or call 973-744-6560.

Contact

Gail Prusslin Outpost in the Burbs
prance@comcast.net
www.outpostintheburbs.org

Like Outpost in the Burbs on Facebook
Follow Outpost in the Burbs on Twitter

 

Jaded Past Performs at The Brighton Bar

Friday, March 17, 2017, Long Branch, NJ

PRESS RELEASE 

Show Info:
March 17th @ The Brighton Bar
121 Brighton Ave
Long Branch, NJ 07740
Show starts at 7:00PM
Phone: (732) 229-9676
$10 COVER

More about Jaded Past:

George Becker, a long time veteran of the East Coast music scene, has shared the stage with numerous national acts.  He has collaborated with many musicians and producers, creating a real name for himself within the classic rock community.  George Becker and his band, Jaded Past, most recently, hit the studio with notable producer Steve Brown of Trixter and Def Leppard. 
The result... the sophomore Jaded Past album: Believe.

For 2017 show dates, Becker has enlisted the incredible line-up of
George Becker on Lead Vocals, Guitar, 
Scott LaFlamme (Bang Tango) on Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
Jason Cornwell (Eric Martin Band) on Bass, Backing Vocals  
Rob LaFlamme on Drums. Backing Vocals
& perhaps a few guest appearances along the way!

A full 2017 concert schedule can be viewed at www.jadedpast.com. 

For more info on Jaded Past:

First Annual New Play Festival: Emerging Theater Voices Get Heard in Jersey City

Now thru March 25, 2017, Jersey City, NJ

***For Immediate Release***

Jersey City Theater Center (JCTC) presents the first annual New Play Festival, a series of staged readings of new plays by established and emerging playwrights held in Jersey City.  The inaugural New Play Festival, a partnership with the Writers Theatre of New Jersey, runs through March 25.

The New Play Festival begins February 9, Fourth Planet by Dano Madden, about an astronaut deciding between relationships on earth and becoming the first woman on Mars, setting a tone for a cluster of plays that defy genre, embrace diversity, and explore important issues of our times.

 “As a presenting venue, JCTC is committed to nurturing new voices in American theatre,” said Olga Levina, Artistic Director.  “It is urgent, because of the times we live in now, that we listen to each other so can we fully analyze our current situation and build our future together. These playwrights represent the voices of people from a cross-section of society.”

"We need a theater that is inclusive, that enables audiences to listen to voices from many different theaters. With the New Play Festival, we are bringing plays of artistic excellence so audiences can experience quality work, many of which seem destined to become full-scale productions.”

"The New Play Festival at JCTC provides a valuable new play development opportunity for local playwrights.,” said Lia Romeo, New Play Reading Coordinator, JCTC. “Before new plays come to the stage in a full production, it's incredibly helpful for playwrights to hear them in front of an audience in a "reading" format, and get a sense of what's working and what isn't. It also provides an opportunity for audience members to give feedback and get involved with the development of a new work of art.”

“The women’s marches on January 21 were truly borderless events, occurring in almost every state and on every continent,” said John Pietrowski, Artistic Director, Writers Theatreof New Jersey. “March is Women’s History Month, and the plays Writers Theatre are offering as part of the New Play Festival celebrate the resilience and determination of women; from the large historical canvas of the Paterson Silk Strikes, to the quiet fortitude that holds a family together in Newark during the Depression and World War II, to women incarcerated in the American prison system, or struggling to find a spiritual and moral center against impossible odds.”

Bringing new audiences to emerging artists and enabling new artistic voices to be heard not only is in keeping with JCTC’s mission, but is an artistic endeavor that seems more necessary today than ever before. “Supporting  emerging artists and new voices is especially important now, at a time when the arts aren't highly valued by the political administration,” said Romeo, who is also an accomplished playwright. “There are programs like this in New York, but few in Hudson County. There's an incredibly smart, diverse, cultured audience in Jersey City that's hungry for this kind of thing. JCTC is a hub for the local arts scene and working with emerging theater artists on new and innovative works is a huge part of that."

All New Play Festival readings are held at Merseles Studios in Jersey City and are free ($5 suggested donation) and open to the public.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit:> jctcenter.org

Jersey City Theater Center
Merseles Studios
339 Newark Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07302
(201) 795-5386

*Photographs and interviews available upon request*

 

NEW PLAY FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

Wed, March 8 • 7:30pm
New Play Festival/Staged Reading
Paterson Falls by Rosemary McLaughlin

This is the play investigates the Paterson Silk Strikes in 1912-13. Rosemary McLaughlin is a NJSCA Literary Fellow in Playwriting and this reading is part of the Literary Artist Fellowship Award.

Thurs, March 16 • 7:30pm
New Play Festival/Staged Reading
Run On Sentence • by Stacie Lents

In 2016, Stacie Lents spent over 70 hours interviewing women prisoners at the Women’s Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center (WERDCC) in Vandalia, Missouri as part of a commission for Prison Performing Arts. Run On Sentence is a work of fiction based on those interviews. The play is an astute and often humorous look at the lives of these women as they deal with issues associated with their incarceration.

Sat., March 18 • 7:30pm
New Play Festival/Staged Reading
The Messenger by Phoebe Farber

Trish is living as a caretaker in her brother’s house while teaching at a local nursery school. When some work needs to be done on the house, she hires Oren, an itinerant handyman who turns out to have come to earth on a mission of healing. The Messenger is a triangle play that looks at issues of global and minuscule proportion: how does one live one’s life in the presence of loss, helplessness and impotence?

Wed, March 22 • 7:30pm
New Play Festival/Staged Reading
Diagonal Trilogy by Vita Morales

It 1939, and in the shadow of the newly-built Pulaski Skyway (then called The Diagonal), Gianni Finti has drowned swimming in the debris-strewn Passaic River. His cousin Carlie tries in vain to save him. His perceived failure and the anguish of Gianni’s death opens a box of secrets that reveals Carlie’s true identity and triggers a lifelong quest for forgiveness. Based on a true story, The Diagonal Trilogy is a sensitive look at life in Newark before and after the Second World War.

Thur, March 23 • 7:00 pm
New Play Festival/Staged Reading
Tiene Duende • by Cecilia Copeland

An American flamenco dancer of mixed heritage longs to master her art, but must deal with cultural and romantic difficulties along the way. –Followed by Talk-Back..

Sat., March 25 • 7:00 pm
New Play Festival/Staged Reading
Like Saltwater by Pia Wilson

A bipolar, African-American woman named Ailyn is locked in a room with her husband's childhood friend, would-be lover, and now priest, Richard while her husband John is dying in their bedroom.

Funding for Borderless and the 1st annual New Play Festival was made possible by generous support from the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs/Tourism Development, Thomas A. DeGise, Hudson County Executive and the Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

Funding for Borderless and the 1st annual New Play Festival was also made possible through the generosity of Ben LoPiccolo Development Group, JCTC’s Board of Directors, private donors and local Jersey City businesses.

Jersey City Theater Center, Inc. (JCTC) manages programming at Merseles Studios and the adjacent White Eagle Hall, currently under construction. JCTC is a nonprofit, 501c3 arts organization committed to presenting innovative and progressive performing & visual arts as well as educational arts programs that embrace the multicultural identity and preserve the rich history of Jersey City, bringing its community closer together and enhancing its quality of life. > jctcenter.org

Contact

Timothy Herrick
Communications Director
(201) 736-1884
Timothy@jctcenter.org