Outpost in the Burbs Presents Joe Purdy with Special Guest Garrison Starr

Saturday, February 4, 2017 @ Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Montclair, NJ

NEWS RELEASE

MONTCLAIR, N. J. -- Outpost in the Burbs presents celebrated singer-songwriter and independent artist, Joe Purdy (LA), on Saturday, February 4th, 2017 at 8 p.m.  Opening the show will be Garrison Starr (LA).  This concert will take place at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 67 Church Street.

Arkansas-born, Los Angeles-based artist Joe Purdy has releasing music through his label Mudtown Crier Records.  Purdy sold a staggering one million direct track downloads in the United States on iTunes.  His latest album, This American, is rich with haunting imagery and filled with warm, American folklore and storytelling.  Purdy has had many of his songs used in television, film, and commercials, including the song “Wash Away” which was chosen by J. J. Abrams for the third episode of the hit TV show Lost in its first season.

Singer-songwriter Garrison Starr will open the show. Originally from Mississippi, she is now based in Los Angeles.  All proceeds from her recent single, “Put Your Weapon Down,” support the National Center for Victims of Crime to benefit the victims of the Orlando tragedy.

How to Get Tickets:  Tickets: $28 in advance/$32 at the door, available at Keil’s Pharmacy, 732 Valley Rd., Upper Montclair, 973-744-2113;  Studio042 – Super Business Printer, 423 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair, 973-509-7591;  online at https:// outpost.ticketleap.com/joe-purdy-2017/dates/Feb-04-2017_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, MESH (Montclair Emergency Services for the Homeless), the Community Food Bank of N.J., Dress for Success, and a soup kitchen run by Outpost volunteers in 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

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Coffee Works Too: After Hours Music Series

January 26-27, 2016, Voorhees, NJ

By Alex Bradley | Posted Monday, January 23, 2017

Coffee Works Too is overly pleased to announce and introduce the newest addition to their agendas: Coffee Works Too: After Hours Showcases! 

Coffee Works Too - Brewed From the Heart is a locally owned Coffee Shop located in Voorhees, New Jersey.  Coffee Works Too is an innovative coffee roaster and internet cafe that has been a focal point in the southern New Jersey region since 1998.  They offer the stimulating effects of coffee and tea and a large variety of food options and baked goods, served in a relaxed comfortable atmosphere.  But, not only is it JUST your local coffee shop, Coffee Works has different, unique, and exciting events happening almost every night.  There is an open mic night as well as karaoke night held once a week, along with wine nights, and performances from local artist of all varieties.

Coffee Works After Hours is a series of musical performances happening very frequently on both Thursdays and Fridays.  The lineups will consist of three to five full band lineups: yes! full bands!  Admission for these events will be $5 at the door, and the showcases will begin at 8pm.  The wonderful staff at Coffee Works will still be providing coffee, tea, and speciality beverages throughout the events, but the grill will not be open.  All of these events are BYOB. 

These showcases are sure to appeal to those of all ages and all music preferences: There is most definitely something for anyone to enjoy!!  Your favorite coffee shop transforms into an intimate music venue for local and touring artists.

Coffee Works: After Hours Debut showcases are taking place this Thursday and Friday, January 26th and 27th. 

Thursday’s lineup: Without Lime, 4:44, and Native Riff. 

Friday’s lineup: Breaking Tradition, Rachel, Bike Routes, Parkwood, and Pines.
 

Be sure to stay updated with the Coffee Work’s After Hours showcase lineups here! http://www.brownbearsw.com/cal/coffeeworks 

For any booking inquiries, please contact the Coffee Works Too Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CoffeeWorksToo.BrewedFromTheHeart/

Interview with SaKarra Fite of Kreye Culture

By Patricia Rogers | Posted Friday, January 20, 2017

Patricia Rogers: What is Kreye Culture?

SaKarra Fite:  Well, the business name is just KREYE, and Kreye is a "safe haven" almost for black culture – a variety of programs and events that encourage and empower members of the black community and those who are curious about our rich culture. 

What has been your vision for Kreye Culture?

I want Kreye to be a tool.  When I think about my community, I wish we had more togetherness.  I wish we had economic stability, support, and education, etc.  I envision Kreye creating avenues that fill those voids.

What have been some projects you've completed?

We have collaborated with several organizations to do open mic nights, volunteer work to clean up the city of Newark, speed dating, youth summits.  Independently, Kreye hosted a summer program teaching children art and culture.  We used our social media to post daily "black facts," something we definitely want to get back to.  I’m sure I’m forgetting a few but those are at the top of my head.

What have you learned through your journey?

Know what you stand for.  Be open to suggestions and critique but don’t compromise your core values.  Also, love is the shit!!!  Like, no lie.  It’s cheesy to say love conquers all but when you love what you do, when you’re surrounded by people who love you, when you treat people with love… that’s the shit.  (Excuse my French.)

"Know what you stand for.  Be open to suggestions and critique but don’t compromise your core values." - SaKarra Fite, KREYE

Talk about your collaboration with Bey Arts Gallery.  How has that made a difference in your career?

I met Darnell in May just a few months before my first event.  I was just gonna rent his space, but he was so excited by the vibe and impressed by the turnout that he approached me about doing weekly open mics.  Well, since then we've really formed a great friendship.  I support him, he supports me.  It’s definitely made a difference knowing that there is someone in your corner always willing to work with you, who shares your vision.

Who are some of your role models?

I’m going to say my grandmothers, both who have passed away.  They weren’t big name people but for those who knew them, they had impact in their lives.  They were helpful and loving but sharp tongued and stern, and that’s kind of me. 

Who are some of your frequent collaborators and why do you like working with them? 

King Kittee, Bey Arts Gallery, R.E.A.L Music, Empowering Queens… all keep in touch.  Those are my friends and family.  I trust them.  I believe in them.  They speak my language.  They know my temperament.  They are all outrageously talented and their potential is sick, and I love working with some healthy competition.  We motivate each other.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by ridiculous stuff like springtime, children’s laughter, the smell of cologne.  Taking a ride on the bus will make me want to develop a free inner city shuttle day.  Like, nature, human interaction, my own isolation, my son's funny ass questions and curiosity about everything really inspires me.

So, you have gotten me into meditation.  How has that made a difference in your life?

Girl… there is no better thing to do than to just BE.  Finding your center is so important.  Mediation is like hitting a refresh button on your webpage.  Clearing your head, talking to your God, talking to the universe.  It really helps to make sense of this over-saturated life we live.

What’s next for you and Kreye Culture?

I plan on bringing the camp back for another year.  We are working on a college tour, some top secret programs lol and of course more collaborations with different organizations.  The big thing is networking!

About the Writer

Patricia Rogers, #ValleyGirlNJ, lives in New Jersey's Valley Arts District.  The native New Yorker works as a writer, blogger and community activist. Starting Masconsumption Media in 2012, she has been passionate about capturing the stories of the vibrant up and coming Valley Arts District neighborhood through her blog, zine, events and more.  She blogs for Jersey Indie, Luna Stage, and Hat City Kitchen and offers many creative media services.  Visit her blog www.masconsumption.com and keep up with your favorite Valley Girl on social media at @valleygirl_nj (Twitter / Instagram). 

Interview with Marco Dorce

By Patricia Rogers | Posted Thursday, January 19, 2017

 I remember the moment I met Marco Dorce.  It was on the side yard of Ironworks.  We easily became friends as he became an artist in residence as well.  I noticed that he and I shared the same ambition and tendency to dream big.  More than anyone else I know.  He is determined, imaginative, talented and overall a good friend over the years.  We have collaborated on various projects, and I love working with him.

Patricia Rogers: Who are you and what do you do? 

Marco Dorce:  I am just regular guy.  I am not from around here.  Every single day I want to pick up a camera and be creative.  That is my favorite thing to do.  I do not do one thing specifically because I like to experience different adventures, on a very regular basis.  My role changes pretty often as far as what I do creatively for business.

I love shooting videos, photography, but at the same time I do a lot of other work as far as in this industry.  Sometimes I do the editing.  Most of the time I do the shooting, pre-production of projects.  Business-wise, also, I have experience of putting together projects.  Getting the right people together.  Sometimes I am in the world of A&R, public relations, artist management, and placement.  Getting them in front of the right people.  My role has evolved, sometimes even leads me in front of the microphone myself.  I guess you can call me a jack-of-all-trades.

When do you feel your creative career began?  

It began about 11 years ago in high school.  I was doing my last project, I think, for science, about rain forests.  We had the choice of how to present the story.  So I went ahead, and thought of a creative way was to shoot a short documentary on rain forests.  It was like 3 minutes long.  This was my first time using video equipment and software.  This is when I realized, I like this. This is something I want to do.  So I went and bought a better camera.  Most times I would be the main star, and then my friends and family.  My friends are also a part of it, and I am meeting more and more people who want to shoot with me.

Talk about your experience with your first camera. 

For boys, when I was a kid it was all about the gun toys and remote control cars.  Getting a camera made me feel like I had gotten the ultimate gift.  I could not stop playing with it, and it went everywhere with me.  

What attracts you about filming?

I grew up fascinated by movies.  In everyday life, I see a movie.  That is the only way I can look at it.  It becomes complicated sometimes, but at the same time it is simple.  That is the beauty of it, no matter what movie you are watching.  There is that roller coaster, they gonna take you up, and back down.  That feeling you get, I love putting it in videos.  I love sharing my view in storytelling.

What have been some of your memorable video projects?

Most exciting was a pilot for a show I was shooting.  I wanted to try to get it on TV and everything.  It has been lost, due to a lost hard drive.  I was shooting with Jeremy Moss and more local artists.  There were tons of action scenes and very gangster-ish scenes.  That was so much fun to shoot.  But you know, it happens.  I always have fun shooting, no matter what.  If I am not having fun, it’s not gonna be good.

What pushes your career forward?

It has been all about the people that I know.  That has made a huge difference.  I have always met people that are passionate about what they do.  So it rubs off, and I am able to work with them.

A friend of mine introduced me to Ironworks, made huge difference as well.  Little did my friend know, I wanted to do way more than make a t-shirt.  I was also the president of the Short Films Club at Essex County College, while becoming an artist-in-residence at Ironworks.  This allowed me to work with a group of other aspiring artists in all fields.  My grades were slipping at the Film Club but my level of experience and productivity was off the charts.

When I learned there was a short film club in Essex County, I learned it was shut down for 3 years, and they needed a president. I excitedly took on the role.

What was Ironworks? 

Ironworks is different for everyone that was a part of it.  But for me, it was an open studio to the youth, where you could come in, and get practice, learn new skills, meet new people or contribute to instruction.  Open to anyone who had the passion to do art, was a part of it.

How did Ironworks make a difference in your career?

It was comfortable and open for you to do something.  That kind of gave me the opportunity to work out of a free studio.  For an artist, that was gold.  If you do not have a place to work, it is gonna be tough for you to get anything done.  Thanks to Ironworks I was able to meet people to work with, other studios, photographers, etc., all through Ironworks.  The studio brought me into a network.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in the last 5 years? 

Well, I will give you 2 things.  First, you give and you get.  You get what you put in.  The second is a realization, the ones who have made it are the humble ones.  And so, one of the best lessons I have learned is to be humble.  At times, when you do forget to be humble, life with remind you.  That can suck sometimes.  Life teaches you to remain humble, whether you like it or not.

What are current projects you are working on?

I have seven music videos in production right now.  They have been shot, they are being edited.  I have begun working with Avalon, who has been helping with cuts.  The process for me has become a lot easier.  As stressful as it is to have all these projects, I really love it.  I am blessed.

Where can people see your work online?  

YouTube, but I am working on a new website.  Now I am taking time to shoot, and working on promotion, and all of that first.

Talk about Masconsumption Media and your great friend Patricia Rogers LOL.

There was this time, when were all coming up with stuff like origin names and stuff.  Like those big dreams we had altogether at Ironworks.  We were a small family of artists.  We have this connection and we always will.  Now that Ironworks closed, I have had a lot fun working with Masconsumption Media.  That will always stay with me wherever I go.  The best part about it, nothing ever changed.  You were the first person I called when I got my new camera.  I hit you up like, “you want to work?”  I can be a millionaire photographer and will still do work for Masconsumption.  I feel like I am a part of it because from the beginning, it’s like watching a kid grow.  Even if you are not related to them you feel like you are because you are watching it.  

Anything else you'd like to add to this great interview?

Yes.  Passion makes everything 10 times better.  Our passion for art makes 10 times better art.  Stay passionate.  The universe seems to always give to those who are humble.  Stay humble.  If life is an adventure, then we can only advance.  Sometimes it’s best to see it as one.  Stay adventurous.

About the Writer

Patricia Rogers, #ValleyGirlNJ, lives in New Jersey's Valley Arts District.  The native New Yorker works as a writer, blogger and community activist. Starting Masconsumption Media in 2012, she has been passionate about capturing the stories of the vibrant up and coming Valley Arts District neighborhood through her blog, zine, events and more.  She blogs for Jersey Indie, Luna Stage, and Hat City Kitchen and offers many creative media services.  

Interview with Al Gold

By Patricia Rogers | Posted Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017

I have worked at Hat City Kitchen for the last four years, and I have enjoyed the live music.  Sundays were the blues jam – a jam I have always worked.  I noticed the impact the music, and the weekly gathering, had on these individuals.  It was very special and endearing to watch.  This past weekend, Al Gold’s Blues jam took a bigger stage at SOPAC with a first-ever contest – a collaboration with fellow musician, Mike Griot.  It was a success!  I wanted to make sure I got the scoop from Al himself. 

Patricia Rogers: What was your inspiration for the blues jam?

Al Gold:  I have gone to many jams before.  When I was student in Chicago in the 1970’s, there was a bar around the corner from my apartment on the north side.  There was a musician named Homesick James Williamson who had jams on Sundays that I would attend.  He’d have his trio and his friends come out, players, listeners, and friends would show up.  Maybe just 25 people, but it was a local bar, but he would play these jams, and it became apparent that it was a special local thing for his friends, family, network.  I said to myself, this is a special thing.  I thought, if I have a chance to do a jam, I would do it just the same way.  Long story short, opportunity came in this small place called Hat City Kitchen in New Jersey.  I approached then-manager Larry.  I asked if I could do a weekly jam and after meeting with Pat Morrissy, we started.  It started out as monthly, and people kept coming.  It just grew from there.  And soon, we began playing bi-weekly.  I wanted people to plan to be there.  

How long have you been doing the jam?

For seven years with the same band.  My house band consists of guitarist Tom Rice, Jerry Cordasco on drums, Billy B3 Baker on keyboard, Mark Pavlica on bass.

Talk more about the house band.

I chose the house band because they want to make the jam and the songs sound good.  This makes sense to me, so it is not a competition.  It’s all about getting together and sharing good music.  I love how the talent varies.  There are the seasoned musicians, and the ones that only play in their bedroom.  We make sure to tell all participants, we just want you to sound good.  Musicians have a great experience, and they want to come back.  They feel they want to contribute.  

My band is the SRK All Stars, most of the guys from the HCK Jam plus one more. 

Why do you think HCK is special?

I think the building has a special vibe.  Before it was Hat City Kitchen, it was an Italian restaurant.  It has always been a cool looking space.  When I approached going down Valley Street, I always thought how cool it would be to play there.  The way it is shaped, and the good stage makes it sound good.  In most places, music is an after thought.  It is like forced for extra money.  But Hat City was put together with the idea that it would be a restaurant, bar and music venue.  So it was constructed specifically for that area.  People love to play there because they like the way it sounds.  You can hear yourself sing and your instruments on stage.

Why do you think blues resonates with so many people?

Blues is really about stories about everyday life and how hard it can be.  If you are overwhelmed with pressures, you can really get down on yourself when things are going bad.  It’s like talking and venting to a friend about your problems.  But if you are able to sing it out, it becomes joyous.  It is something that we all share.  Blues does not have to be negative, it can be just life affirming.  That is what it is about.  There are groups of people that come by just to dance.  They have things in their lives that are difficult, and they come down and have a turn to get it out and celebrate.  People tell me how much it means to them.

Explain some of those really special jams.  It’s hard to put into words, but you know which ones I am talking about.

I do.  As soon as September ends, people are thrilled to be out – and hang out – and this includes the jam.  There is something exciting in the air.  I love it.  They want to be with people.  They want their shot at the music.  It is special.

How did the Blues in the Loft Contest come to be?

Blues jam. 

Mike Griot is a good friend of mine.  He is always looking for something interesting.  Shows with specific themes get a lot of attention, like the tribute shows to Bob Dylan or Howling Wolf.  People like having a whole evening with a featured idea.  It is something people respond to.  He came up with this idea to kind of draw the audience at Hat City Kitchen, SOPAC, Hat City cuisine.  Then put it all together, like a contest, with the jammers, and have a jam session on stage.  This can be really interesting.  It has never been done before, use a jam session as the show itself.   Let’s make it a contest, judges are gonna pick people who are doing something special and something to offer.  So it is not just the same as the jam.  I was like, let’s go with it.

How did the jam translate into the contest?

I wanted to make sure the delicate fabric of the jam did not get misused, or the worst thing would be if someone performed at SOPAC and felt embarrassed.  We tried to come up with a concept so that participants were prepared.

Thanks to SOPAC, and to Mike, for coming up with something different.  There are many blues contests, but it’s more like a battle of the bands.  But the way we did it as a jam, made it different and special.  And with everyone involved, it was a win-win.  You are promoting yourself in a great venue.

Who were the judges?

Pat Morrissy, former executive director of HANDS, Inc.; Dennis Greunling, a DJ, musician, and considered one of the greatest harp players; one of the more versatile drummers, Lee Finkelstein, with a music career spanning 25 years; Billy Hector, well-known blues musician who also frequents the Hat City Kitchen stage; Bandleader and guitarist, New Yorker Michael Hill; my favorite, Soundguy Ed, the one that make everyone sound good at Hat City Kitchen.

Talk about the winner, Vin Mott. 

Vin Mott.

He’s a young man in his 20s who is in love with blues.  He is inspired, driven and plays quite a bit in a lot of local clubs.  Always learning and trying, mentored by a number of local musicians.  He’s about to release his first CD.  He has a great spirit.  He is knowledgeable about the music.  He has a great sound.  His enthusiasm is contagious.  He really deserved to win.  He jumped in and controlled dynamics.  He deserved to win.

Who is Al Gold, the musician?  Talk about your journey.

Both my parents were signers and my dad used to sing on the radio.  It has come naturally.  Music has always been there and available.  My friends used to marvel at my parents, at them harmonizing while washing the dishes.

I started as a young person working with legends in Chicago, The James brothers.  I had an old mandolin.  My first experience was not great.  But it ended up going fine, being able to sit in with old timers.  I moved back to New Jersey in the late ‘70s.  I found that I did not have the same caliber of person to be inspired by.  I am a graphic artist, for music promotion.  After starting a family I put music on hold.  Fast forward to 1990, I moved to West Orange and Dave Stryker lives on my block.  Every year, we do a block party.   Dave and I play a live band for 25 years now.  People on the block come out.  When I first met Dave, they asked if there were musicians on the block.  We began talking and he asked me, what are you doing?  We began playing in the area as “Dust Bowl Rhythm Kings.”  He brought me back into music.  He changed his name to start a blues band with me.  I have not stopped since.  I’ve played with Johnny Sasone.

What keeps me focused is doing the jam here. 

About the Writer

Patricia Rogers, #ValleyGirlNJ, lives in New Jersey's Valley Arts District.  The native New Yorker works as a writer, blogger and community activist. Starting Masconsumption Media in 2012, she has been passionate about capturing the stories of the vibrant up and coming Valley Arts District neighborhood through her blog, zine, events and more.  She blogs for Jersey Indie, Luna Stage, and Hat City Kitchen and offers many creative media services.  Visit her blog www.masconsumption.com and keep up with your favorite Valley Girl on social media at @valleygirl_nj (Twitter / Instagram).