Who Is Andy Lackow?

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Sunday, March 5, 2017

Formerly from the Bronx, New York where he graduated from Music and Art, Andy Lackow is now a West Orange, New Jersey resident.  He studied Illustration at Rhode Island School of Design, is the Owner of Andy Lackow Illustration but more importantly for us, Andy is a Blues Guitarist that seems to have a handle on ow to quickly start a blues jam and make the Blues Jam extremely successful on a bi-weekly basis.

What does Andy currently do and why is he considered a Blues Jammer Extraordinaire?

Andy Lackow runs his Blues Jam In West Orange, NJ and also sits in and/or runs Blues Jams all around our towns.  He currently runs the Monday Blues Jam in SuzyQue's BBQ and Bar every other Monday in West Orange, located in Essex County New Jersey.  Friendly, warm and personable, within 8 months he has done a really great job of it, as he gets standing room crowds on most nights, and he also gets sought out by many others to help in their Blues Jam endeavors.

Recently, Andy was sought after by the North Jersey Blues Alliance to help publicize the South Mountain International Blues Festival.  Even though Andy had recently kicked off this Blues Jam, it was evident he has a great following and some excellent Blues folks show up at his event.  It was clear he knew how to help and, me being a board member of the North Jersey Blues Alliance, I can attest to the fact, his promotional efforts definitely contributed to helping get the word out about the upcoming festival.

As a Blues mastermind, Andy’s expertise was also recently sought out when another member of the Blues community was hospitalized for a small period.  Andy jumped right in and managed the reigns of another Central New Jersey Blues Jam with ease and aplomb.  Andy steps in when needed and always does a great job.

What's unique about Andy's Jam?

Andy Loves to make his jams unique.  For each jam he devises a new theme, and for holidays he goes all out.  Even better, the musicians and attendees join in and have some fun.  Also, is the fact that Andy doesn’t seem to get tired.  Most Jams run a set limit and folks move on.  If you come to an Andy Jam, if you are on the list and he can get you on, he will, if not he will stay late if the venue allows and make sure you get to Jam.  Andy, like all good Blues Jam hosts, will remove himself from the jam when time gets short and a load of folks still have not played.  He has been quoted as saying, "Hey, they came to hear them, not me, so let them jam on." 

What else does Andy do about his Jams?

As mentioned, Andy seems to have learned well the value of promotion.  While a lot of musicians hate the idea of promotion themselves, much less a Jam, Andy seems to have a handle on the issue.  The saying "out of sight, out of mind" does not appeal to Andy Lackow or his Blues Jams. While other jams have problems with every other week jams, Andy uses that time to promote, promote, and over promote his jams.  You will get a book full of promotional message and more.

Does Andy have successful Blues Jams?

Andy Lackow Blues Jams are extremely successful.  Because of his personality and his promotional skills, Andy's blues compatriots show up happy to jam.  You will see lots of folks dancing, happy to tell others to come on out.

The musicians fill up the place with Blues music to die for.  Also, the quality of the musicians is top notch and for each session it only gets better.

In the next article, we dig deeper into what makes Andy go, but for now are you ready to Jam or ready to listen to some serious Blues?  You can come on out every other Monday to Andy Lackow’s Blues Jam and enjoy the best in food, drink and, of course, the best in Blues.

Where can you learn more about Andy Lackow?

http://www.andylackow.com

https://www.facebook.com/AndyLackowIllustration/
 

About the Writer

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

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

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Sunday, March 5, 2017

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

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

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

Today’s Environment You Can Work from Anywhere

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

Live Music Events Anywhere and Everywhere

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

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

Making the Music Lifestyle Work

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

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

Working Online Jobs

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

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

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

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

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

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

Working from Home or Anywhere

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

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

So You Just Want to Play Music

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

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

About the Writer

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

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JI Blogposts by Gregory Burrus: JI blogger Gregory Burrus

Atlas Booking Presents: First Show of 2017 at Studio Luloo feat. Crash Landing // Old City Revival // Downer // Better Machines // Bike Routes

Saturday, April 8, 2017, Oaklyn, NJ

Click the flier to be directed to the event on Facebook.

By Sean McCall | Posted Sunday, March 5, 2017

Atlas Booking is a fairly new booking agency, founded in 2016, looking to help bands and artists book local shows based out of Cinnaminson, NJ.  Consisting of Tom Hale, Andrew Worelle, and Kevin Dunne, this booking trio recently teamed up with Grandaire Booking, making them the newest addition to the Grandaire team, helping South Jersey show after show.  This show will be one of their first official shows as “Atlas Booking” in 2017, and it will be held at one of South Jersey’s most well known local venues: Studio Luloo.

Atlas back, back again, tell a muh fuh kin friend.  Atlas Booking is really excited to announce their first show of 2017, and you bet your ass we’re gonna bump “Poppin’ Champagne” by All Time Low the entire show.  Yo, it’s all ages though, so pop sparkling cider like a respectable human being.  The gig is on Saturday, April 8th, 2017, and doors are at 6:00pm. There’s only 5 bands so make sure you get there early -- it’s a stacked show with some of the best bands (and the best people) in the tri-state area.  They’re making moves and you don’t want to miss this show.  Luloo kind of looks like your little sister's bedroom, so you can basically say “Oh, I saw *insert band name here* in this bedroom lookin' ass venue before they got big.” *insert nail emoji* - Basically if you go, you’re getting hella punk cred like you got pepper sprayed at a Trump rally.  My friend Tim had that happen to him, and he has also has gotten robbed; so I feel like those two combined give him a lot of punk cred.  Be like Tim.  Get that punk cred, brother.

I mean, Drake wants you to come.  Like damn, look how strangely happy Drake is for you to get to this gig.  Of all people to disappoint, it shouldn’t be Drake.  Drake doesn't like disappointment, he likes Happiness.

More info: 

“Pizza shop (with some really good cheap pizza) connected to the venue and coffee shop across the street (just incase you get hungry). 

Park in the parking lot a little past the venue if you can't find a spot on the street.  Bands: try to be at the venue at least 30 minutes before playing so set times don't get pushed back. 

Tell your friends. 
No drinking/drugs/fighting.  Have a good time. 
COME OUT”

Definitely go to that pizza shop.  They’re so cheap and so good.  They also have a deal for a slice and a can of soda for $2, so get there before the first band, and use that extra 2 dollars you’d be spending if you came after the first band.  It’s like free pizza and drank.

***************

HOUSE RULES:

1. Respect the Venue.
2. Respect the People. 
3. Come early, Stay late

$5 before the first band, $7 after.  Get there early, use that $2 for the $2 pizza deal, stay late, party hard.

**************** 

FEATURED BANDS

Crash Landing

Four Average Dudes from Marlton, NJ

Most Recent Release: “CL // OCR” (peep this split)

Old City Revival

Chilled out Indie Vibes – Cinnaminson, NJ

Most Recent Release: “CL // OCR” (but really, peep this split)

Downer

Loud Emo Ambient, real cool, really – Tabernacle, NJ

Most Recent Release: “Nothing Scared Us Enough”

Better Machines

Dynamic Post-Punk/Post-Hardcore – Hammonton, NJ

Most Recent Release: “Honesty”

Bike Routes

My boy singin' that sing along, real world acoustic you wanna emotionally yell/cry to, but you’re still smiling – Marlton, NJ

Most Recent Release: “Doesn’t It Suck?” (It doesn’t suck at all)

SET TIMES

6:30-7:00 Bike Routes

7:15-7:45 Better Machines

8:00-8:30 Downer

8:45-9:15 Old City Revival

9:30-10:00 Crash Landing

           
Want to work with Atlas? Shoot them an email at atlasbookingnj@gmail.com

~Confirm you’re attending on Facebook~

About the Writer

Sean McCall is a Music Business Technology Major studying at Rowan University with a Minor in Theatre.  He has been attending shows since he was young, and is currently in Breaking Tradition and FV, and is actively involved with The Calcifer Sessions.  He has an ear for music and challenges himself in learning as many instruments as he can.  Sean has sung in multiple competitive honor choirs throughout the country ranging from All-State to All-National Honor Choir.  With a passion for writing, creating, and music in general, he is adding music journalism to his resumé to contribute even further into this talented area we call home.

The Sandbox First Show ft. Bay Faction (MA) // Tie Goes The Runner // Arrowhead (MA) // Entropy (PA) // Good Times // Haunted Homes // Case Race

Friday, March 31, 2017, Mays Landing, NJ

By Sean McCall | Posted Sunday, March 5, 2017

The Sandbox is a new South Jersey D.I.Y. venue hosted for good people looking to have good times.  This venue hasn’t released their address to the public yet, but if you’d like to attend this show (which I highly suggest because the touring bands are incredible), all you have to do is message for the address, via Facebook or through Allison or Caitlyn Cornish.

Both Allison and Caitlyn have been consistently involved in the music scene for a good amount of time, and they decided to take it upon themselves to put on even more loaded shows in the Mays Landing area.  They’re power-duo sisters booking through the name “Cornucopia Booking.”

For this show, we’re lucky enough to get the first experience of The Sandbox.  I don’t know if there’s going to be real sand or not, but you bet your ass I’m bringing a shovel or something.  Maybe I’ll make myself into a mermaid.  Like a sand one, I mean.  I don’t know.

Anyway.  This show will be on Friday, March 31st, 2017.  Doors are at 5:00pm, and it’s $7 to get in because it’s a stacked line up filled with a number of touring bands from all over the place.  Bay Faction and Arrowhead are two bands from Mass. that you do not want to sleep on.
 

FEATURED BANDS

Bay Faction (MA)

yes hello 1-800-BAY-FACTION thank you

Most Recent Release: “Bay Faction”

Arrowhead (MA)

Boston-based Ambient / Experimental Hardcore that will hit u right in the feels

Most Recent Release: “A Collection Of What You Lost”

Tie Goes To The Runner
(Atlantic City, NJ)

Atlantic City, NJ sing-along dude rock / indie prog funcore fusion that fuses beauty with grace

Most Recent Release: “Entanglement”

Entropy (PA)

Psychedelic Rock / Grunge / Indie from West Chester, PA

Most Recent Release: “Data” (Also did a split with Pines you should peep)

Good Times
(Cape May, NJ)

Hardcore Boys from Cape May, NJ bring you - you guessed it.  Good ass times.  Deadass.

Most Recent Release: “…the local motion”

Haunted Homes
(NJ)

Most Recent Release: “Brighter Days” (Live Video)

Case Race
(Lower Township, NJ)

Doo Wop. Kinda not really (Lower Township)

Most Recent Release: “Gimme Yer Keys”

~Confirm you’re attending on Facebook~

About the Writer

Sean McCall is a Music Business Technology Major studying at Rowan University with a Minor in Theatre.  He has been attending shows since he was young, and is currently in Breaking Tradition and FV, and is actively involved with The Calcifer Sessions.  He has an ear for music and challenges himself in learning as many instruments as he can.  Sean has sung in multiple competitive honor choirs throughout the country ranging from All-State to All-National Honor Choir.  With a passion for writing, creating, and music in general, he is adding music journalism to his resumé to contribute even further into this talented area we call home.

Flemington DIY Presents: Entia // Glazer // Harvey Pekar // Garbage Brain

Thursday, March 30, 2017, Flemington, NJ

Click the album cover to be directed to the event on Facebook.

By Sean McCall | Posted Sunday, March 5, 2017

“FLEMINGTON DIY (Do It Yourself) is an organization whose mission is to inspire social change by fostering and cultivating projects that connect the local community with musicians and artists in Flemington.”  Flemington DIY is a non-profit organization dedicated to the arts in all forms. Besides serving as a creative art space, hosting poetry nights, film viewings, cultural meetings, etc., this space is known as the center music hub for the area.  They have hosted a number of up and coming bands previously such as Petal, Dowsing, Jank, Spencer Radcliff, and many more.

For this show, it’s simple. You’ll be kick flippin’, feelin’ so good like you’re Tony Hawk.  Plus, there’s a band from Ohio that will shred the musical gnar, Harvey Pekar.  The show is on March 30th, 2017 – 6 pm – 90 Main St, Flemington, NJ 08822.

I mean, that’s not even a kickflip, but that’s okay.  We don’t have to talk about it.

***************

1. Respect the Venue.
2. Respect the people. 
3. Come early, Stay late.

$5 - Get there early, stay late (ish) (10pm), party hard.

****************

-       Doors 6

-       90 Main St. Flemington, NJ

-       Party but without alcohol

-       All Ages

-       No booze

-       Respect the World, duh

FEATURED BANDS

Entia
(NJ)

The songs that John, James, and Adam make.

Most Recent Release: “Music for a Swinging Good Time”

Glazer
(New Brunswick, NJ)

New Brunswick Boys

Most recent release – “Repeat Sequence”

Harvey Pekar (OH)

Travelers from Cleveland, Ohio

Most recent release: “The Astral We”

Garbage Brain
(New Brunswick, NJ)

Garbage Punk from the bowels of NJ

Most Recent Release: "Split tape w/ Spewing Cum"

For booking inquiries to host a show, artist exhibit or club meeting, contact Flemington DIY at flemingtonDIY@gmail.com

Read more about Flemington DIY on JerseyIndie here:
http://www.jerseyindie.com/flemington-diy/

~Confirm you’re attending on Facebook~

About the Writer

Sean McCall is a Music Business Technology Major studying at Rowan University with a Minor in Theatre.  He has been attending shows since he was young, and is currently in Breaking Tradition and FV, and is actively involved with The Calcifer Sessions.  He has an ear for music and challenges himself in learning as many instruments as he can.  Sean has sung in multiple competitive honor choirs throughout the country ranging from All-State to All-National Honor Choir.  With a passion for writing, creating, and music in general, he is adding music journalism to his resumé to contribute even further into this talented area we call home.

Loser Casual Booking Presents: Benefit for The Land In Between DIY (San Antonio, TX) @ The Chalk Zone

Wednesday, March 29, 2017, Cape May, NJ

Click the image above to be directed to the event on Facebook.

By Sean McCall | Posted Friday, March 3, 2017

Chalk Zone is a DIY living room venue located in Cape May, New Jersey.  If you’re looking for a place to drink beer, listen to tight ass music, and possibly pet a dog, this is your place.  It may be a DIY house venue, but the reviews on Facebook are better than 95% of your town's local business' Yelp reviews.  I mean, they have entire walls that you can draw on with chalk.  It’s 2017.  It’s revolutionary.  It's freakin' Chalk Zone, brother.

This show is held by “Loser Casual Booking” who mostly books shows at Chalk Zone in Cape May, NJ.  If you’re looking for the address to Chalk Zone, or have booking inquiries, you can email Dijon Justice here - lunarcasualsj@gmail.com.

For this show, it’s Dylan Justice’s 22nd birthday, and he decided to make this a benefit show to help out some other DIY-promotin’ friends over in San Antonio, Texas.  Bring some bills.  Bring some friends.  Support yer scene(s).

“++/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////++
INFO ON THE ORGANIZATION WE"RE HELPING OUT!

https://www.youcaring.com/sanantodiy-738087

This show is being organized in an effort to raise funds to be donated to The Land In Between DIY based in San Antonio, Texas.  Here is a statement from the group:

'The Land In Between DIY is a vision to create, build, strategize, and foster the capacities of Do-It-Yourself culture in the framework of radical punk, and hardcore music politics.  We will be accountable for providing all ages an affordable, youth-accessible, and autonomous proactive space to collaborate for creative arts, music, and other events with locals, and internationals who have shared-knowledge, and values as our San Antonio DIY community.  Our anti-colonial principles are influenced by non-hierarchical critical decision-making, anticapitalist resilience, and an ideology of inclusivity and community empowerment by womxn, queer, transfolx, youth, and people of color participants whom have been excluded from unjust institutions. 

As a decentralized space from a larger DIY community(ies)... our long term goal is to center those made invisible by encouraging transformative self-worth, and multicultural collective radicalism.'"

Click The Land In Between DIY image above to be directed to their Facebook page.

Click on the Café Revolution picture above to be directed to the youcaring link, to get more information on “The Land In Between DIY” and potentially Donate.

The gig is on Wednesday, March 29th, 2017, and doors are at 6:00pm.  There’s 6 bands, and they’re all from our beautiful tri-state area.  Most bands are from NJ, some are from PA, and one is from NJ, PA, and DE.  Organizing practice for them must really suck, so come to this benefit show to make sure it doesn’t suck.

***************

1. Respect the Venue.
2. Respect the People. 
3. Come early, Stay late.

$5-$10 for ya local scene - Get there early, stay late, party hard.

****************

-       Doors at 6:30 // Music at 7:30

-       $5-10

-       BYO

-       EMAIL FOR THE ADDRESS

-       No Bigotry / No Bullshit

-       Party & Pet dogs 

FEATURED BANDS

Supine
(PA)

4 horse lords of the (Scre)a(mo)pocalypse
Most recent release – “This Eternity Churns Electric”

Caffeine
(PA)

Philly Political hardcore, Stay Pissed
Most recent release: “Nothing is Ever Over

The New Harmony
(Egg Harbor Township, NJ)

Punishing Tri-state powerviolence
Most Recent Release: “Flower of Flesh & Blood”

Alula
(Sweetwater, NJ)

Like Tripping through outer space with the one you love
Most Recent Release: “Alula Borealis”

Cocaine Breath
(NY/PA)

Experimental Grindcore/Twinkle-Death
Most Recent Release: “Successive Failures”

Our Wits That Make us Men
(Clifton, NJ)

Experimental, Exasperated Spoken Word
Most Recent Release: Split w/ Bedtime Stories

~Set Times~

Our Wits That Make Us Men: 7:30-7:55

Cocaine Breath: 8:10-8:35

Alula: 8:40-9:05

The New Harmony: 9:20-9:45

Caffeine: 10:00-10:25

Supine: 10:40-11:05

Again, for booking inquiries/Address, email lunarcasualj@gmail.com
 

~Confirm you’re attending on Facebook~
 

About the Writer

Sean McCall is a Music Business Technology Major studying at Rowan University with a Minor in Theatre.  He has been attending shows since he was young, and is currently in Breaking Tradition and FV, and is actively involved with The Calcifer Sessions.  He has an ear for music and challenges himself in learning as many instruments as he can.  Sean has sung in multiple competitive honor choirs throughout the country ranging from All-State to All-National Honor Choir.  With a passion for writing, creating, and music in general, he is adding music journalism to his resumé to contribute even further into this talented area we call home.

Fair & Welcoming City

By Patricia Rogers | Posted Friday, March 3, 2017

One of the hardest truths I have harshly learned is that sometimes the ones employed to make a difference, aren't the ones genuinely making an effort to do so.  We must tread lightly as it appears that we are working with the city, but no we are working for the city.

I am writing this article to share with our Masconsumption readers, all over the state of New Jersey, some of the steps being taken to keep the city of Orange fair, safe, and welcoming; as well as providing safe spaces, and opportunities to build solidarity.

At the post-election potluck, my friend and valued colleague noted how hard it has been dealing with politics, but shared something so positively sweet and true, “I am so glad that I can talk about this in a safe space with people I can call my friends.”  And that was so moving because it is something we need to keep doing and always remember -- that we have each other, and think about how lucky we are to have spaces like this to aid the health of the community.

There are many organizations, institutions, and dedicated individuals aimed at providing such resources to the community.  Uniting them and sharing has been a great pleasure through the Healthy Orange Coalition.  What makes things different now is the change of leadership in this country since the inauguration, as well as the changing laws that are affecting Orange’s diverse community: University of Orange, Adult School at Rosa Park Community School, the HUUB’s Community Listening Fellowship, Laundry Workers Center, Music City’s upcoming music festival aimed at uniting the local music scene, Healthy Orange Coalition, Family Connections, New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, and more.

I want my work as a community listening fellow, and journalist, to continue in that vein.  With the other fellows, the HUUB is hosting Building Solidarity potlucks, Don’t Drop the Mic music showcase, Amplifying Youth Voices, Faith+Work conferences and more.  The DDTM showcase was a direct response to local youth needing a safe space to express themselves after the spike in senseless violence.

My role specifically, as you know, is to provide a platform with this blog, and to amplify youth voices with Dawan Alford, the community organizer at HANDS, Inc.  The idea is to be an additional support system for the community, outside of school, and home.

I also watched as dedicated community leaders passed a resolution to move towards keeping Orange safe and welcoming.  In other words, allow Orange to be a sanctuary city for immigrants here in Orange.

Community Organizing is absolutely not new to me.  I had the pleasure of working with the great Molly Rose Kaufman at Ironworks, and through the leadership of the ORNG Ink program.  But now is different, and I must say we have been working in overdrive to create positive change.

What is also important is moving from the inside out, and bringing the best out of our current residents as opposed to always looking at what the city is lacking and always in need of.  The city of Orange is #AlreadyBeautiful.

Out of everything, one important thing that has stuck with me, is not spending so much time talking negatively, or about what we are against.  Instead I must ask myself, what am I for?

Thank you, Mindy.

Well, what am I for?  I am for being proactive towards change, engaging locals, and motivating and inspiring those I encounter to do the same.  I have also been turning my attention to the cultivation of culture and millennials throughout Essex County and greater New Jersey.  I want to empower the individuals in our city, and in addition to giving a voice to young people, I am teaching Wordpress and blogging to everyone of all ages.  This is a great time for people to begin sharing their experiences and making their stories heard!

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). 

Little House Booking & HIT the PIT Present: Nobody Likes You When You’re 23 - Ryan and Jonn’s Birthday Bash @ The Watering Hole

Saturday, March 25, 2017, Mays Landing, NJ

Click the album cover to be directed to the event on Facebook.

By Sean McCall | Posted Friday, March 3, 2017

Little House Booking is a booking company based out of South Jersey that started in 2011 and has built its name and staff greatly since.  They offer a number of services, on top of shows.  It’s “For the bands.  For the fans.  For the Music.”

“Little House started off as a non-existent booking company back in June of 2011 hosting a Birthday show at the Wolfhouse (which is where "Little House" comes from, see the significance? no?... we don't neither), in Mullica, NJ with 6 great local bands, and one great out of state band. Since then, we have taken a more serious approach and are branching out towards all areas of South Jersey.

We are diverse, which means we cater to ALL GENRES. Some shows will be 18+, some will be 21+, some may even be all ages. Make sure you refer to our event pages for further details on each individual show. If you are a photographer/promoter/press-related, please be sure to contact us to get on our guest list for any upcoming shows, otherwise you will be required to pay the cover charge at the door.

If you would like to team up and help book a show with us, let us know! We don't mind helping others out, as this is not considered a "JOB" for us, but more like a passion. We strongly support the local music scene as well as the local promoters and we do not mind sponsoring or helping out with other shows. 

We are heavily under the influence of DIY booking."

- Little House Booking's Facebook Page

Respect the venue.
Respect the environment.
Respect eachother.

Follow LHB for more local shows:
http://www.facebook.com/littlehousebooking
http://www.instagram.com/littlehousebooking
http://www.twitter.com/LHBooking
http://www.littlehousebooking.tumblr.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=182996327

Follow Hit The Pit:
www.facebook.com/hitthepit
www.instagram.com/hitthepitnj
www.twitter.com/hitthepitnj
www.toxicradio.net
www.facebook.com/toxicradiolive

Hit The Pit airs every Wednesday night at 8pm ONLY on Toxic Radio.

LHB hosts events at a number of places such as Boneyard Bar & Grill in Atlantic City, The Watering Hole in Mays Landing, ICAC Hall in Gloucester City, and Championship Bar in Trenton to name of few.

This Birthday Bash will be held on March 25th, 2017.  Doors are 6:00pm, and it’s $10 to get in.  There’s gonna be a lot of uncensored heavy ass music with loud amps, and heavy hitting drums; probably a lot of double bass, so be there.  There’s 8 bands, with one secret set.  OOOooOO, you don’t want to miss that hot fire, am I right?

The Watering Hole is a Mom and Pop bar and restaurant located in Mays Landing, NJ.  They serve multi-cuisine lunch, dinner, and drinks.

“Welcome to the Watering Hole Café, a South Jersey icon with a colorful history.  It is a fantastic place with an unpretentious attitude, great food and great music, where all are welcome.  Set on 12 acres of NJ Pinelands with an outstanding outside appeal, the Watering Hole Café is the latest name of this legendary establishment.

Early in The I900s, it was said to be a stagecoach stop.  People would come, pick up some supplies, eat some food and quench their thirst.  During prohibition, runners from Philadelphia would stop here on their way to Atlantic City (and maybe have a beer or two).

Dating back to the mid 50’s, Doaks was its name, with turkey shoots on the weekends, a truck horn on the roof to blow when cars drove by and entertaining clothes hanging from the ceiling.  Afterwards, it became the Country Pine Inn, which for the most part was a family restaurant serving hearty meals.  Next, it was Uncle Mike’s in the early nineties, which was a fabulous destination for motorcyclists because of the scenic stretch of road leading here.

So after a hundred years, we’re not much different from the Weymouth Furnace (located just north of us) having aged while remaining the same.  We are a local standby as well as home to a stranger, new comer or tourist, where all walks of life are always welcome warmly.

We hope you enjoy the music, your meal, a drink, your day, a game or anything else while visiting us and hope you will return real soon.

In ending, if you know of any history, weddings, memorabilia, that we should know about our establishment please share it with us, and we’ll be sure to hang it or post it for all to see.”

  -- Byron & MarIa

To get more information about The Watering Hole, such as their menu, calendar, activities, directions, etc. you can visit their website here.

***************

1. Respect the Venue.
2. Respect the Environment.
3. Respect Each other.

$10 - Get there early, stay late, party hard.

****************

-       Doors at 6

-       $10

-       5494 Weymouth Rd, Mays Landing, NJ

-       No Bigotry / No Bullshit

FEATURED BANDS

Groundless (New Name)
(Collingswood, NJ)

Metalcore NJ

Most Recent Release: “Paradigms”

Prevailer (PA)

Most Recent Release: “Prevailer EP”

Winchester

Hardcore. They Dig Hockey. NJ.

Most Recent Release: “Betrayed” (Music Video)

Beneath the Break
(Atlantic City, NJ)

Straight Metal. NJ.

Most Recent Release: “Destroyer”

Lord Scumbucket
(Swedesboro, NJ)

Thrash Punk/Hardcore ft. My mans Andy, love the band name my dude

Most Recent Release: “Demo”

Perrenial

Metalcore NJ

Most Recent Release: Nothing but video teasers via Facebook, keep ur eyes peeled, brother

Surrender the Night

NJ Rock Baby

Most Recent Release: Also nothing yet, but they got T-shirts ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

http://surrenderthenight.bigcartel.com/

Don’t forget about the secret set.  I’d tell you, but it’s a secret, you feel?  Also, I don’t even know what the secret set is, but I’m gonna find out.

~Confirm you’re attending on Facebook~

About the Writer

Sean McCall is a Music Business Technology Major studying at Rowan University with a Minor in Theatre.  He has been attending shows since he was young, and is currently in Breaking Tradition and FV, and is actively involved with The Calcifer Sessions.  He has an ear for music and challenges himself in learning as many instruments as he can.  Sean has sung in multiple competitive honor choirs throughout the country ranging from All-State to All-National Honor Choir.  With a passion for writing, creating, and music in general, he is adding music journalism to his resumé to contribute even further into this talented area we call home.

BoonTunes Presents: Casual Friday // Glume // Liam Reyes // Moon Pie!

Sunday, March 19, 2017, Boonton, NJ

Click the album cover to be directed to the event on Facebook.

By Sean McCall | Posted Friday, March 3, 2017

Boontunes is a live music venue in Boonton, NJ.

They figured out a very punny name for a sweet venue.  They host live band, records, and events.  They showcase their local music and art community, consistently bringing artists and musicians alike for a strong sense of community.  Boontunes opened their doors on July 4th, 2015.  Did they do it for America?  Maybe.  I do love Eagles.  Owner Justin Di Ricco, and his “sidekick” Tabitha Booth, are both musicians themselves aiming to “create a space that is comfortable and fun for all.”

Click the picture of Boontunes, above, to be directed to their website. If you’d like to contact Boontunes to work with them, possibly to book a show, throw an event, or even have a question, you can visit their contact page.

Photo courtesy of tom-tastic PHOTO.

This show was organized by my mans in Glume.  I got the honor of playing a few shows with them at Flemington DIY, and they were definitely added to my personal list of “mans.”  They’re great dudes, and their music is awesome; shout out to them for constantly putting on and playing shows for the people.  I’m glad you’re giving them what they want.  Rawr xD :3 <3 c: brother.

“Spring starts on the 20th, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the coming of a new season the day before.  Let’s start off spring the best way we know how!”

Also, the greatest part of this entire show, is that my other mans Polo (Pocholo Itona), who takes incredible pictures by the way, is playing 3 of the 4 sets this night.  He’ll be playing with Glume, of course, Liam Reyes, AND Moon Pie!  Watch this dude kill the entire game in one night and then sleep on stage directly after.  It’s gonna be wild.  *Come thru by Drake slowly starts to fade in in the distance*

***************

1. Respect the Venue.
2. Respect the people. 
3. Come early, Stay late.

$5 - Get there early, stay late (ish) (10pm), party hard.

****************

-       Doors 6

-       613 Main St, Boonton, NJ 07005

-       Party but without alcohol (really – don’t bring alc)

-       No fighting

-       All Ages

-       Respect the World, duh

FEATURED BANDS

Casual Friday
(Rutherford, NJ)

Jam with the Casual Crew as they bring it back to that classic pop punk sound you know you love – just admit it. (never stop defending brother)

Most recent release – “Punk Rock Trash”

Glume
(North Plainfield, NJ)

Join em’ on the journey for rock, and more importantly, tone. (Seriously, their tone fucks me up)

Most Recent Release: “Sustenance”

Liam Reyes
(Dumont, NJ)

Jams to make you wanna pop and lock and jaaaam and break – don’t worry it’s totally legal.

Most recent release: “Change of Pace”

Moon Pie!
(New Milford, NJ)

Bring a pillow, these lullabies are here for some pre-jam nap time

Most Recent Release: “Proportional”

For booking inquiries to host a show, artist exhibit, etc., at BoonTunes, click here.

~Confirm you’re attending on Facebook~

About the Writer

Sean McCall is a Music Business Technology Major studying at Rowan University with a Minor in Theatre.  He has been attending shows since he was young, and is currently in Breaking Tradition and FV, and is actively involved with The Calcifer Sessions.  He has an ear for music and challenges himself in learning as many instruments as he can.  Sean has sung in multiple competitive honor choirs throughout the country ranging from All-State to All-National Honor Choir.  With a passion for writing, creating, and music in general, he is adding music journalism to his resumé to contribute even further into this talented area we call home.

BoonTunes Presents: GKM // Sam Wu // Modern Crowds // First Ghost // The Dead Flowers

Saturday, March 18, 2017, Boonton, NJ

Click the flier to be directed to the event on Facebook.

By Sean McCall | Posted Thursday, March 2, 2017

Boontunes is a live music venue in Boonton, NJ.

They figured out a very punny name for a sweet venue.  They host live band, records, and events.  They showcase their local music and art community, consistently bringing artists and musicians alike for a strong sense of community.  Boontunes opened their doors on July 4th, 2015.  Did they do it for America?  Maybe.  I do love Eagles.  Owner Justin Di Ricco, and his “sidekick” Tabitha Booth, are both musicians themselves aiming to “create a space that is comfortable and fun for all.”

Click the picture of Boontunes, above, to be directed to their website. If you’d like to contact Boontunes to work with them, possibly to book a show, throw an event, or even have a question, you can visit their contact page.

Photo courtesy of tom-tastic PHOTO.

Although this show will be thrown at Boontunes, it was organized by the band Green Knuckle Material (GKM).  Boontunes already started off strong with the Pun game, but GKM may have just surpassed them.

Canadian’s rule.  Plus I heard they say “eh” a lot of things, which makes them even rule-ier.

***************

1. Respect the Venue.
2. Respect the people. 
3. Come early, Stay late.

$5 - Get there early, stay late (ish) (10pm), party hard.

***************

BoonTunes (Photo Courtesy of Tabitha Booth via Instagram)

“GKM is back Knuckle Heads and with some old friends, Sam Wu, The Dead Flowers, Modern Crowds and coming all the way the lawless land known as Canada First Ghost.

Come see these stellar acts take Boonton, NJ by storm.”
 

-       Doors 6:30 // Music at 7:00

-       613 Main St, Boonton, NJ 07005

-       Party but without alcohol

-       All Ages

-       Respect the World, duh

FEATURED BANDS

Green Knuckle Material (GKM)

Five Piece fusion with a rapper – really good at being hot
Most Recent Release: “Back to Your Roots”

Sam Wu

Alternative Singer-Songwriter From Northern NJ
Most recent release – “Midnight Thoughts”

The Dead Flowers

Authentic New Jersey Rock 'n Roll Brothers
Most Recent Release: “Roses in the road”

Modern Crowds

Indie Rock 420 band from Asbury Park, NJ
Most recent release: “Go”

First Ghost (CANADA, EH?)

Toronto Rock/Emo/Pop Tour Bois (that dress really well, damn)
Most Recent Release: “Secret Talk”

Peep their tour by clicking below

For booking inquiries to host a show, artist exhibit, etc., at Boontunes

~Confirm you’re attending on facebook~

About the Writer

Sean McCall is a Music Business Technology Major studying at Rowan University with a Minor in Theatre.  He has been attending shows since he was young, and is currently in Breaking Tradition and FV, and is actively involved with The Calcifer Sessions.  He has an ear for music and challenges himself in learning as many instruments as he can.  Sean has sung in multiple competitive honor choirs throughout the country ranging from All-State to All-National Honor Choir.  With a passion for writing, creating, and music in general, he is adding music journalism to his resumé to contribute even further into this talented area we call home.

Emerson Booking Presents: Pines Kick Off Tour w/ Tie Goes the Runner // Better Machines // Rachel // Bike Routes // Crash Landing

Friday, March 17, 2017, Mays Landing, NJ

By Sean McCall | Posted Thursday, March 2, 2017

Emerson Booking is a D.I.Y. booking agency based out of New Jersey that hosts lots of local shows for up-and-coming bands and artists.  Their agency is one of the branches under Grandaire Booking, which is one of South Jersey’s most well-known booking companies that helps give local bands a home.

Photo by Cherry Pit Photo / Danceondeadmen

“In September of 2014 Emerson Booking hosted our first show at the Grand Formage in Atlantic City.  After just a few months of paying our dues to the local music scene, building connections with South Jersey Bands, and getting involved with our local hometown leaders we were able to create a new pocket of the music community based out of Mays Landing, NJ.“

- EMERSON BOOKING

For this show, the boys in Pines are starting their spring tour in Mays Landing at The Watering Hole.  Come hang and kick off their tour right before sending them on the road, you feel?  This show will be on Friday, March 17th, 2017 starting at 6pm.  It’s $5 at the door before the first band, and $7 after, so save that 2 bucks for some quality Taco Bell and support ya music makers.

The Watering Hole is a Mom and Pop bar and restaurant located in Mays Landing, NJ.  They serve multi-cuisine lunch, dinner, and drinks.     

“Welcome to the Watering Hole Café, a South Jersey icon with a colorful history.  It is a fantastic place with an unpretentious attitude, great food and great music, where all are welcome.  Set on 12 acres of NJ Pinelands with an outstanding outside appeal, the Watering Hole Café is the latest name of this legendary establishment.

Early in the I900s, it was said to be a stagecoach stop.  People would come, pick up some supplies, eat some food and quench their thirst.  During Prohibition, runners from Philadelphia would stop here on their way to Atlantic City (and maybe have a beer or two). 

Dating back to the mid 50’s, Doaks was its name, with turkey shoots on the weekends, a truck horn on the roof to blow when cars drove by, and entertaining clothes hanging from the ceiling.  Afterwards it became the Country Pine Inn, which for the most part was a family restaurant serving hearty meals.  Next, it was Uncle Mike’s in the early nineties, which was a fabulous destination for motorcyclists because of the scenic stretch of road leading here.     

So after a hundred years we’re not much different from the Weymouth Furnace (located lust north of us) having aged while remaining the same.  We are a local standby as well as home to a stranger, new comer or tourist, where all walks of life are always welcome warmly.

We hope you enjoy the music, your meal, a drink, your day, a game or anything else while visiting us and hope you will return real soon.  In ending, if you know of any history, weddings, memorabilia, that we should know about our establishment please share it with us, and we’ll be sure to hang it or post it for all to see.”   

 - Byron & Maria

To get more information on The Water Hole such as their menu, calendar, activities, directions, etc. you can visit their website here.

Again, 
- Friday, March 17th
- 6pm
- $5
- Pines is going on tour, help them, touring is a money struggle

Pines

Four Piece grunge/emo from ya home state
Most Recent Release: “(I Think) Things Will Get Better”

Tie Goes To The Runner

Photo by John Loreaux Photography

Atlantic City, NJ sing-along dude rock / indie prog funcore fusion
Most Recent Release: “Entanglement”

Better Machines

Hammonton, NJ Post-Punk
Most Recent Release: “Honesty”

Rachel

Rachel… What a concept
Most Recent Release: “MOON”

Crash Landing

creds to Dylan Hickerson

Alternative Party Punk From Marlton, NJ
(just did a split with Old City Revival - Peep that new new)
Most Recent Release: “CL // OCR” (Split)

Bike Routes

Beautiful Acoustic Tunes pulling at ye heartstrings from a Beautiful Boy
Most Recent Release: “Doesn't It Suck?” (It’s a bop)

~Confirm you’re attending on Facebook~

About the Writer

Sean McCall is a Music Business Technology Major studying at Rowan University with a Minor in Theatre.  He has been attending shows since he was young, and is currently in Breaking Tradition and FV, and is actively involved with The Calcifer Sessions.  He has an ear for music and challenges himself in learning as many instruments as he can.  Sean has sung in multiple competitive honor choirs throughout the country ranging from All-State to All-National Honor Choir.  With a passion for writing, creating, and music in general, he is adding music journalism to his resumé to contribute even further into this talented area we call home.

Mayflower and Beehive Collective Present: Have A Good Season // My Heart, My Anchor // No Dice // + TBA

Sunday, March 12, 2017, Flemington, NJ

By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Thursday, March 2, 2017

Sunday, March 12th, Mayflower and Beehive Collective have a stacked show coming to Flemington D.I.Y.  The show has an eclectic line up, featuring bands from different states and varying different genres.  According to Flemington D.I.Y’s Facebook page, “FLEMINGTON DIY (Do It Yourself) is an organization whose mission is to inspire social change by fostering and cultivating projects that connect the local community with musicians and artists in Flemington.”  

Their mission is:

“Flemington is in dire need of a community center, one that is centered around the arts and positive social change.  One where everyone is welcomed, no matter of age, race, ethnicity, gender, or economic status.  A place where ideas can be openly shared with other like-minded individuals.  We want this place to provide a haven for the creation of art, be it musicians, photographers, writers, filmmakers, and artists of all mediums.  By investing in people the power to produce art, we are investing in people the power to produce change.

A place for bands, local and touring, to perform; where artists can create in serenity. Where groups can hosts meetings; a place where any can attend a workshop that helps one improve on aspects of their life.  A place to meet up, chit-chat, and make new friends; where everyone feels welcome.”

Flemington D.I.Y is dedicated to:

- Providing a safe and accessible outlet for community members’ expression.

- Fostering an inclusive community in Flemington with respect for and through participation with the broader community.

- Showcasing socially-conscious ideas and promoting networks between others.

- Actively combating sexism, homophobia, racism, and other forms of oppression.

- Creating a safe space for everyone.

With badass morals, Flemington D.I.Y is the perfect place to see a show and needs to be supported so we can keep places like this around.

No Dice (OH)

Beehive Collective

Midwest Pop Punk for your Jersey ears

Photo by Ross Theisen | Click on their picture to hear their latest release

My Heart, My Anchor (MD)

Mayflower Collective

Acoustic Emo from Maryland

Photo by Kristina McComas Photography I Click the picture for their latest split with Save Face

Have A Good Season

Mayflower Collective

Emo from Eatontown, NJ

Photo by Katie Walsh I Click on Nic Palermo for their latest EP

RSVP to the event here

About the Writer

Deaglan Howlett is junior English Major at Rowan University.  He is also the guitarist for Corrina, Corrina and The Vansaders.  He grew up in Middletown, just a 20 minute car ride to Asbury Park.  He spends most of his time there playing and going to shows.  When he is not playing shows he focuses on writing poetry here.  You can find him on Twitter (@reallygoodguyy) and Instagram (@DeaglanHowlett). 

Jazz, Blues, and Art – Annual Activity Events List

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Thursday, March 2, 2017

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

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

Happening All Around Our Towns

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

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

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

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

How – Photography and Writing

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

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

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

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

Ongoing Events and Activities 

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

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

South Mountain International Blues Festival – 2nd Sunday in September

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

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

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

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

3.     Valley Arts District – Member

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Another few places with some great events are:

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

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

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

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

Gregory Burrus at Maplewood Art Walk and Music Fest

·       Art

o   1978 Arts Center, Maplewood, NJ

o   Gallery OVO, South Orange, NJ

o   Pierro Gallery, South Orange, NJ

o   ValleyArts Firehouse Gallery, Orange, NJ

o   West Orange Arts Council, West Orange, NJ

·       Music

o   DLV Lounge, Montclair, NJ – Music

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

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

o   Ruthie’s BBQ and Pizza, Montclair, NJ

o   Shanghai Jazz, Madison, NJ - Jazz

o   Southern Comfort Cafe, Orange, NJ

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

·       PACs

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

o   SOPAC, South Orange, NJ – All

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

·       Jan – Masconsumption Media – 4th Annual Valley Gala

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

·       May – Blues Muse – May 19, 2017

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Newark:

·       The Blues People International Festival

·       Clements Place NJPAC & Rutgers Institute of Jazz Jams

·       Newark Museum Jazz in the Garden Noontime Events

·       WBGO Gateway Plaza Lunch and Evening events

·       WBGO Radio Gallery Opening Artist Receptions

·       Priory Jazz Club, Newark, NJ

·       Bethany Jazz Vespers - Monthly

-      TD Moody Jazz Festival

Several Art Events:  

·       Aljira, A Center for Contemporary Art Museum and Gallery

·       CWOW Art Gallery

·       Newark Museum

·       NJPAC Art events

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

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

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

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

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

About The Author

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

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

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"Indian Head" at Luna Stage (REVIEW)

March 2nd - 5th, West Orange, NJ

Photos from Luna Stage website. 

By Patricia Rogers | Posted Thursday, March 2, 2017

It is that time again: a night at the theater.

Luna Stage Theater, to be exact.  And for Nikkole Salter’s much anticipated, Indian Head.

Following a warm welcome from Cheryl Katz, Indian Head begins with the roar of a victory from the championship-bound Chipeekany Warriors.  But the moment is interrupted when Coach Smith and star football player Brian notice their new scoreboard has been vandalized.

Coach Smith, played by Donavin Dain Scott, is angry as he has held “the tribes” – oh, I mean, the high school football team’s – traditions in the highest regard.  He is not superstitious though(his words, not mine).  He wants to see the student responsible, of Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape decent, punished.

After her mother, Patricia, played by Carla-Rae, visits with the coach, they come to an agreement.  She’d be the team’s equipment manager.  Here you can see her trying to reason with both sides for a peaceful resolution.

Rachel, played by Sydney Battle, reluctantly became a part of the football team.  At first she started educating Brian, who admitted that he was ignorant when it came to the Native American iconography.  But Brian still wanted to use their symbolism to keep up the morale of the football team, and the legacy that Coach Smith passed on to him.  But, you know, in a respectful way.

Coach Smith, who happens to be black, knew very little about the iconography / symbols he was using to win football games, and in my opinion lacked sensitivity to the tribe.  However, it seemed he didn't care to learn or educate his players.  He needed the team and star player to make it to the championship.  Even leading him to be dishonest toward his “tribe.”  He knew that he needed the family to endorse the team.

Indian Head takes on the controversial mascot name change at Parsippany High School.  In 2001 it was changed to the Redhawks, formerly the Redskins.  When it comes to the storied relationship between Native Americans and the United States of America, it is clear there has been a huge violation of trust.  And when Brian comes out to the field in the sacred headers, we all felt it.  The emotion and intensity can be felt in the entire room.  And when he says, “felt like it was mine,” I nearly gasped aloud.  Not to mention his short change in demeanor after he was attacked.

The daughter, who at first did not want anything to do with him, went the way of education, equating tolerance.  Proud of her heritage, she did not want to see it made a mockery of.

Was ignorance the curse of the Indian Head?  Because I have to admit, I didn’t know the meaning behind the popular mohawk haircut.  Can we fault the coach or Brian for needing something to believe in?  Something they felt was bigger than themselves?

Is the lesson that sometimes misunderstandings do happen?  And that what is missing is having more compassion, patience, and being open to mutual respect and learning about new cultures?

The other questions Indian Head presented to me was, how much does intent have to do with cultural appropriation?  Does sheer love and hope not suffice?  Are we allowed to even dismiss what someone holds sacred?  Don’t we all need symbols of hope?

I was moved by the cast.  I was fully invested in their respective journeys throughout the play.  Even if you did not agree with the character at times.  There is also the difference between generations when it comes to culture and existing in a different cultural environment, as we saw in the play, with the approaches both Patricia and the daughter took to fight for their tribe’s rights.  They each had their own issues when it came to how to represent Indian Head.  Most Luna plays have me on an emotional rollercoaster.  Sometimes even not being able to contain my laughs, gasps, or random emotion that happens to hit me.

Like past Nikkole Salter plays like Lines in the Dust, we see a portrait of the complexities of race relations in 2017.  The conflict of the religion that is American football, with pretty much anything else, was a story for this country in 2017.  I was excited to bring Kionna Ballard, she is 14, she’s family and I cannot imagine the awesome impact these stories can have in her life.  Indian Head is relevant, compassionate, and had its funny moments.

“I loved the play.  It was so fun.  I liked how consistent Rachel’s character was and how determined she was to prove how her culture was no matter what, and how loyal she was to her culture.” - Kionna Ballard, 14

Indian Head was another world premiere, and was commissioned in partnership with the NJPAC Stage Exchange, a program of the N.J. Performing Arts Center.  Nikkole Salter, author of Lines in the Dust and Carnaval was also featured in the Spring 2014 issue of Masconsumption zine.

It was truly a pleasure.  Until next time, Luna Stage.

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). 

South Orange Train Station 100 Year Celebration (RECAP)

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Thursday, March 2, 2017

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

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

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

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

Historic South Orange Train Lackawanna Station

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

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

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

South Orange Train Station – Sloan Street

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

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

S.O. 100 Year Station Celebration

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

Dining, Dancing and More

Having fun at the 100 year South Orange train station celebration

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

Roaring Twenties Dancing a Blast

Dressing and Dancing to the Beat

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

Dignitaries, Sponsors, Supporters, and More Came Out

Dignitaries – county and community leaders in attendance

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

Roaring Twenties South Orange Train Station Centenial Celebration! 

Photo Credit: Matt Peyton Photography

To sum it up, South Orange Village President reported:

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

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

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

 #southorange #trainstation #centennialcelebration #fundraiser #centennialbirthday  #southorangenj #gregoryburrus#gregoryburrusaroundtown

Bedside Manner Collective Presents: What of Us // Supine // Moot Point // Enrtopy @ Boontunes

Sunday, March 5, 2017, Boonton, NJ

Click the album cover to be directed to the event on Facebook.

By Sean McCall | Posted Tuesday, February 28, 2017

*Update: Entropy will not be playing this show.

Boontunes is a live music venue in Boonton, NJ.

They figured out a very punny name for a sweet venue.  They host live band, records, and events.  They showcase their local music and art community, consistently bringing artists and musicians alike for a strong sense of community.  Boontunes opened their doors on July 4th, 2015.  Did they do it for America?  Maybe.  I do love Eagles.  Owner Justin Di Ricco, and his “sidekick” Tabitha Booth, are both musicians themselves aiming to “create a space that is comfortable and fun for all.”

Click the picture of Boontunes, above, to be directed to their website. If you’d like to contact Boontunes to work with them, possibly to book a show, throw an event, or even have a question, you can visit their contact page.

Photo courtesy of tom-tastic PHOTO.

Although this show will be thrown at Boontunes, It was organized through Bedside Manner Collective, a DIY Record Label that put out records, CD’s, tapes, digital downloads, and hosts other gatherings, such as this banger.

***************

1. Respect the Venue.
2. Respect the people. 
3. Come early, Stay late.

$5 - Get there early, stay late (ish) (10pm), party hard.

****************

-       Doors 6

-       613 Main St, Boonton, NJ 07005

-       Party but without alcohol

-       All Ages

-       Respect the World, duh

FEATURED BANDS

What of Us (NJ / NY)

Band from NJ and NY featuring current and ex-members of Capacities, Weather Lore, Au Revoir, and more.

Most Recent Release: “Split w/ Coma Regalia”

Supine (PA)

Blackened Screamo From Philly

Most recent release – “This Eternity Churns Electric”

Moot Point 

Hopatcong, NJ Duo

Most recent release: “Clockwatcher”

Entropy (PA)

Psychedelic Rock / Grunge / Indie Bois

Most Recent Release: “Data” (Single)

For booking inquiries to host a show, artist exhibit, etc., at Boontunes, click here.

Click for Inquiries to work with bedside Manner Collective, message them on Facebook.

~Confirm you’re attending on Facebook~

About the Writer

Sean McCall is a Music Business Technology Major studying at Rowan University with a Minor in Theatre.  He has been attending shows since he was young, and is currently in Breaking Tradition and FV, and is actively involved with The Calcifer Sessions.  He has an ear for music and challenges himself in learning as many instruments as he can.  Sean has sung in multiple competitive honor choirs throughout the country ranging from All-State to All-National Honor Choir.  With a passion for writing, creating, and music in general, he is adding music journalism to his resumé to contribute even further into this talented area we call home.

GameChangerWorld Presents: Head North (NY) with Heart Attack Man (OH) // Save Face // Serious Matters // Ben Greenblatt

Thursday, March 2, 2017, Howell, NJ

 Click the album cover to be directed to the event on Facebook.

By Sean McCall | Posted Tuesday, February 28, 2017

“GameChangerWorld, aka The World, is a state of the art event space in Howell, NJ.  The World will host over 150 events per year.  Concerts, Gaming Tournaments, BETA Teen Nights and other exciting programming will debut in 2014.  The World will host The Break Contest 2014 and weekly artist showcases.

The venue will feature a snack bar that will feature a fun and healthy menu.  The snack bar will be open for all events and will remain open for 30 minutes after each show.  You will never be rushed out of The World.

The box office will be open Thursday thru Sunday.  From 12:00pm to 8:00pm.
(732) 677-3777.

Public Transportation is available.  NJ Transit buses run from New York and stop within two blocks of the venue.  The venue is located on Route 9 South and easily accessible from the Garden State Parkway, New Jersey Turnpike, I-195, Routes 18, 33 and 66.  Just 50 miles from NYC and Philadelphia.

To encourage carpooling and avoid parking issues, parking is a flat $5 fee per vehicle.  Our parking lots are patrolled by the Howell Township Police Department and The World security.  VIP Parking is available on select shows.  Our parking lot have 24 hour video surveillance.

Combining music, gaming and the hottest trends in youth market, The World is a premier destination in the Tri-State Area.

The World is also available for rentals, from bar/bat mitzvahs to sweet sixteens.”

-- GameChangerWorld's Facebook Page

The show is on March 2nd, 2017, and tickets are only $12 online, or $15 at the door, the day of the show.  If you want to save that extra 3 dollars, and buy yourself something pretty, maybe a ringpop or something, you can buy your tickets here: 

This show features a lot of talented artists/bands.  Head North (NY) is going to be on tour with Heart Attack Man (OH), and this will be their 6th show.  You can check out the flier for more tour dates below.

***************

1. Respect the Venue.
2. Respect the people. 
3. Come early, Stay late.

$5 - Get there early, stay late (ish) (10pm), party hard.

****************

-       Doors 6

-       798 Route 9 South, Howell, NJ 07728

-       All Ages

-       No booze

-       Respect the World, duh

FEATURED BANDS

Head North (NY)

Lift – Buffalo, NY

Most Recent Release: “Bloodlines” (also check out their split with A Will Away, they’re both incredible bands, and “In The Water” is a banger)

Heart Attack Man (OH)

You Did This record & (soon to be) Triple Crown Records

Most recent release – “Surrounded by Morons”

Save Face

*2 member Dad Shred From Central Jersey* (They’re so good, do the listening thing)

(Take this to Heart Records)

Most recent release – “Folly”

Serious Matters

5 piece Alternative/Post-Hardcore group from Union Beach, NJ

Most Recent Release: “Can You See The Sky From Here”

Ben Greenblatt (My Mans)

(We have the same telecaster, that’s how you know its real)

Most Recent Release: “SPLIT” (With my other mans, Dave of Bike Routes, and Timmy of FV)

For inquiries on shows or events at GameChanger World, Email them at info@gamechangerworld.com
 

~Confirm you’re attending on Facebook~

 

About the Writer

Sean McCall is a Music Business Technology Major studying at Rowan University with a Minor in Theatre.  He has been attending shows since he was young, and is currently in Breaking Tradition and FV, and is actively involved with The Calcifer Sessions.  He has an ear for music and challenges himself in learning as many instruments as he can.  Sean has sung in multiple competitive honor choirs throughout the country ranging from All-State to All-National Honor Choir.  With a passion for writing, creating, and music in general, he is adding music journalism to his resumé to contribute even further into this talented area we call home.

The Wonder Bar Presents: The Cold War Winter Surf Competition Kick Off Party featuring The Battery Electric // Black Flamingos // DJ Sara M

Saturday, March 4, 2017, Asbury Park, NJ

By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Saturday, March 4th is the kick off party for the Cold War Winter Surf Competition.  The contest waiting period spans from March 5th through the 31st.  So far, eighteen confirmed surfers will be split into two teams in a “winter takes all” competition.  The competition will take place on the beaches of Asbury Park, a stone’s throw from the famous Wonder Bar.  Before the competition starts, you can catch Asbury locals The Battery Electric and Black Flamingos, plus a special DJ set by DJ Sara M.  In addition to the live music, the two teams will pick their surfers, hosted by Taylor Allen.  You can watch the trailer for the competition here. The show starts at 8 pm and ten dollars will get you in.  You do not want to miss this.

“The Wonder Bar is an exciting, popular nightclub and grill which is a favorite gathering place for locals, visitors, and even a world recognized destination for international guests.   Like The Stone Pony, the musical history of the Wonder Bar is associated with such famous local legends as Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Clarence Clemons, Lance Larson and many others.  The state of the art sound system and large dance floor are a great attraction to all those who come to hear the fantastic music the Wonder Bar has become famous for!” 

-- AP Boardwalk

Black Flamingos

Instrumental surf rock

Black Flamingos are a tremendous three-piece instrumental surf band based out of Asbury Park.  The band is made up of Robbie Butkowski (Guitar), Declan O’Connell (Bass) and Vincent Minervino (Drums).  The musicianship in Black Falmingos is unmatchable.  Their 2015, self-titled debut EP sounds like an early 60’s surf classic.  Butkowski’s guitar playing is unbelievable, while O’Connell and Minervino provide the perfect rhythm for his bright and sometimes shrill guitar tone.  They are clearly the perfect choice for opening up this year’s Cold War Surf Competition. 

Click here for their latest release “How The Gurch Stole Christmas”  

The Battery Electric

Rock and Roll

The Battery Electric are the ultimate Rock and Roll band.  Based out of Asbury Park, the four-piece consists of Ron Santee (Lead Vocals), Brent Bergholm (Guitar), Alex Rosen (Bass), and Kevin Troeller (Drums).  Their latest release “Got Your Soul” lands more in Soul music territory while their last album is undoubtably a Rock and Roll, party album.  Their shows usually consist of James Brown covers, many spilt drinks and plenty of crowd participation from their charismatic frontman.  TBE are going to be kicking off the party that will become the month long Cold War Surf Competition.  Everyone at the show will certainly be waking up with a hangover Sunday morning, thanks to these bad boys in denim.

Click here for their latest release “Got Your Soul” I Photo by Chris Spiegel I Blur Revision

About the Writer

Deaglan Howlett is junior English Major at Rowan University.  He is also the guitarist for Corrina, Corrina and The Vansaders.  He grew up in Middletown, just a 20 minute car ride to Asbury Park.  He spends most of his time there playing and going to shows.  When he is not playing shows he focuses on writing poetry here.  You can find him on Twitter (@reallygoodguyy) and Instagram (@DeaglanHowlett). 

New Jersey Hardcore (NJHC) Shows This Weekend

March 3rd - 5th, PA, Clementon, Trenton, NJ

By Alex Bradley | Posted Tuesday, February 28, 2017

New Jersey hardcore is very much so alive, and more supportive than ever.  This upcoming weekend is stacked-to-a-T with sick shows and hard bands. 

WRAITH, from Berlin, NJ, will be playing their second ever show this Friday, March 3rd.  They released their first singles this past January and have been gaining hype since.   The show, put on by Philly Hardcore Shows, will be held at Yorick and Son’s Moto (1864 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, PA). The show also includes Problem of Pain (MI), Heaven’s Die (VA), Vatican (GA-XXX), and returning Energy (MA).  The show costs $10, is all ages, and starts at 6pm!  Make sure to get there early for NJ’s new addition to the hardcore scene, WRAITH!  Don’t sleep on them!

The next day, Saturday, March 4th, a benefit show for Steve Cinc will be held at Harper’s Pub in Clementon, NJ.  “Steve was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 Colorectal cancer. [He] is an outstanding person, who, much like others diagnosed with such a disease, does not deserve his current circumstance [...] Steve has always supported me, my band, my friend’s band, and the scene in general,” says his close friend, Tony, who booked the show in Steve’s behalf.  The show begins at 6pm, is all ages, and requires a $10 donation fee at the door.  There will be food, drinks (if you’re of age), as well as raffles.  The lineup for the night includes: Push, Manalive (New Brunswick, NJ), Tumescent (New York, NY), Threat 2 Society (NJ), Garland Greene (Clementon, NJ), Iron Price (Baltimore, MD), Rich People (Sicklerville, NJ) and a headliner that is still to be announced but is sure to be a big treat!

Closing out the weekend, this Sunday (March 5th), is a benefit show for the family of New Jersey Hardcore legend, who has, sadly, passed away last week, Jake Heaton.  No Nothing (PAHC), Gloves Off (PAHC), On Patrol (PAHC XXX), Vigilante (MAHC), Cemeteries (NJHC), and lastly, Bad Luck 13 Riot Extravaganza (PAHC) make up the full lineup for Sunday’s show at Championship Bar in Trenton, NJ.  The show costs $10 -- all proceeds will be going to the GoFundMe for Jake.  The show is all ages; 21+ to drink.  Anyone who has listened to Badluck 13 and has been to Champ’s, knows how good of a time this show will be -- and anyone who knew Jake Heaton knows that Badluck 13 was by far his favorite band, so there’s no other way to go about this show.  Come out, have a great time, and celebrate the life of one of the best dudes to ever be in the NJHC scene.

Clements Place Jazz Events - An Awesome Truly Cool Newark Venue to Enjoy Some Serious Jazz

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Tuesday, February 28, 2017

As many know the city of Newark is experiencing a tremendous rebirth right before our eyes.  The airport is experiencing increases in travel, the sports arena has a lot more visitors and the real estate environment is changing and growing fast.  This means many new places for folks to experience like the former Hahne & Co. department store in Newark.  It is now being redeveloped with a new Whole Foods supermarket, office space and rental apartments, and all of this will soon become a part of the city’s arts community.

Newark Is Going Through A Renaissance

Historic Hahne's Department Store Building

Per NJ.com - Rutgers University approved a $25 million plan to lease three floors of the sprawling building to provide studio, classroom and gallery space for campus arts programs, in partnership with Newark artists, schools and other institutions.  Rutgers Newark Chancellor Nancy Cantor, stated: “We are really intent on making collaborative spaces with the community.” She said the project—to be called Express Newark—is expected to spark new shops, galleries and restaurant in the Halsey Street neighborhood that borders the Hahnes building.  “It will make a big difference,” she said.

The university said it has plans to use the new space as an arts incubator, with space for a communications media center, a print shop, portrait studio, lecture hall and gallery space.  Cantor said the building will also host the university’s Institute of Jazz Studies.

Partners Sponsors New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)

 New Jersey Performing Arts Center - NJPAC

In addition to the Rutgers Institute of Jazz, another entertainment-focused venue, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), the spectacular live entertainment center of New Jersey, is doing their part, too.  They intend to be a key player in the renaissance of Newark in many ways and one of them is through live Jazz.  In partnership with the Rutgers Institute of Jazz, NJPAC is sponsoring several free Jazz Jams at the newly opened entertainment venue in a Rutgers building called Clements Place.

Clement Alexander Price, Newark Historian

Clement Alexander Price (RIP 2014) was an American historian and Board of Governors Distinguished Service Professor of History at Rutgers University.

Clement Price, Newark Background

To understand how it all comes together, the story becomes personal for many.  Personal in that many Newark folks are aware of a man called Clement Alexander Price, 1945-2014.  A highly-regarded article stated: “Clement Alexander Price, a distinguished history professor who fell in love with Newark, a city some thought unlovable, and went on to write books and articles about it, as well as to lead tours, brief journalists and shamelessly promote it…” (The New York Times, "Clement A. Price, A Cheerleader for Newark, Dies at 69," Nov. 9, 2014).

It is because of his intense dedication to his love of Newark that he was the leading authority on Newark's history.  Upon his passing, many felt a loss in their lives because many folks in and around Newark felt a personal connection with him.  One way to honor him was the opening of a place in a Rutgers Newark building called Clements Place.  It was announced as “New N.J. jazz lounge celebrates historian's love of Newark.”  "It's a tribute to him, but it is also forward-looking, as he would want it to be," said Wayne Winborne, the Executive Director of the Institute of Jazz Studies at Rutgers-Newark.  "We are just getting started, but we are very excited about the future of this place."  Eventually, Winborne said, the space will host more concerts, curated listening sessions of the school's jazz archives, and salsa nights.

Walter Winborne & Vocalist Candace Reyes Mirelis | Donna Walker Kuhne & Gregory Burrus

Clements Place Intimate Jazz Environment

Having attended several events at the recently opened club and performance space located at Rutgers University-Newark’s 15 Washington Street building, Clements Place is a true tribute to the man.  Wayne Winborne stated, “the space [...] is decorated with art from Price's personal collection and some awards that he received throughout his life, that will evoke fond memories of the well-loved historian.”  At one of my first jazz events, Wayne fondly recounted a few Clement Price memories, including the chair at the end of the bar where Clement Price use to sit.

Clements Place – Jazz Jam

Clements Place is a venue for Jazz and music events in a Rutgers Building in Newark,  New Jersey. It is a very classy cabaret-style venue with a cozy atmosphere.  It has very good natural acoustics which means a great sound system, a warm room with an intimate setting, and helpful and friendly staff.  This beautifully appointed environment is perfectly suited to a true jazz lover.

World Class Jazz Musicians

Clements Place Jazz Musicians

In addition, the curated Jazz acts are of a very high caliber as they are hosted and run by top notch professional musicians.  They have selected some of the most prominent musicians from New Jersey and beyond, as well as talented students seeking to play alongside their musical heroes.  In some cases, some the best musicians around the world come in, conduct jam sessions, attend, and participate in the events.  Combine their expertise with that of the up and coming musicians from the school and the community, and it makes for a fantastic listening environment.

With top notch artists from around the country, one comes, expects, and will get the best in Jazz sessions.  “The presentation of jazz artists have come from Italy, Newark, New York and Havana, through the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce.  It is extraordinary,” said NJPAC Vice President of Community Engagement Donna Walker-Kuhne.  “We appreciate the cultural programming that the Chamber of Commerce, our longtime collaborator, continues to support at NJPAC.”  

Jazz jams are currently run by Musician, Producer, Composer and Pianist James Austin Jr. who has curated the jam sessions with some of the best local musicians of the area.  He runs them efficiently and brings out the best in everyone.  In addition to the Jazz Jams, there are shows that bring groups from Havana, featuring César López & Habana Ensemble.  Recently they did a show that contained Mark Gross, Delfeayo Marsalis, Benito Gonzalez, Joris Teepe and many other people.  We will talk more about the performances in an upcoming article.

As you can see, Clements place has the connection of a prominent individual, a beautiful historic location, a perfect jazz listening environment, committed business and community sponsors along with being under the direction of the Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies.  All involved are firmly committed to the growth of the environment.   Next time you are around town for upcoming performances, check out their Facebook Page: Clements Place Jazz Events. 

About the Writer

Gregory Burrus, Photojournalist, with Wayne Winborne, Executive Director of Institute of Jazz Studies at Rutgers.

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