Maplewood Porchfest 2021 A Huge Roaring Live Music Success in Hilton, Maplewood, NJ

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Saturday, September 18, 2021

I should say that as a live music lover, ambassador, event planner, community partner and board member of Maplewood Community Music (MCM), the Maplewood Porchfest event is clearly becoming one of my favorite live music events of the year.

This year's Sep 5th, 2021 volunteer-driven Maplewood Porchfest was a huge success as the schedule showed 55 bands across 37 porches, producing 61 hours of live music all around the Hilton neighborhood of Maplewood from 1-5 PM. Technically, it's 62 hours because it all starts with one of my favorite events of the day, the Honk Parade. The good part of this year’s Labor Day weekend event once again was that there was a high level of live music performances from beginning to end across all musical genres.

Each year since its inception in 2017, I look forward to figuring out how I am going to see the bands I want to spend time with and, at the same time, put enough other bands on the same walking route to catch as many live music performances in the same day as possible. It’s a real challenge.

What Happens at the Maplewood Porchfest?

Maplewood Porchfest Honk Parade

This opening event, true to its history, was a New Orleans-style Second Line Band led by the brainchild of Porchfest local pianist/vocalist Bill Tally, Saxophonist Ben Williams, along with Umbrella Dancer/Porchfest Planner Susan Williams, amongst others. They led a happy-go-lucky group of folks in this kick off event down Lexington Avenue from Dehart all the way to the former home of James W. Buchanan.

Jim and Carol Buchanan leading the 2017 Maplewood Porchfest Honk Parade

Jim is a retired music educator and full-time musician, a former Cultural Affairs Director for the Maplewood Recreation Department, and a co-founder of Maplewood Community Music. He lived here with another very much loved community supporter, his wife Carol Buchanan (RIP), who was a force of her own, as she was very active in the community. I personally love the fact that the Maplewood Porchfest Honk parade honors its founders and is just a lot of fun.

Time to Check Out the Live Music Bands

As mentioned, the Maplewood Porchfest contains a wide array of live music entertainment across all musical genres throughout the afternoon. So you can see Bluegrass, Jazz, Country, Rock, Americana and more. My decision this year with a limited amount of time was to check out a few Jazz Bands with stops along the way.

Baker Street Trio in Maplewood Porchfest

My first stop on my route was the Baker Street Trio. My social media post said it all. Baker Street Trio—3 teenagers (15, 16, and 17) will be making a serious mark on Jazz for a longtime. These young cats were killing it in Maplewood Porchfest. After performing a number of tunes that if you closed your eyes, you would've thought they had way more experience than their actual ages combined.  A testament to how good they were, they had Ed Palermo, the alto sax player and arranger, sitting in with them. Ed Palermo has had a big band for twenty-five years, which is an impressive feat in itself, and has had his band performing the music of Frank Zappa for over a decade. With Ed the level rose up again and these young folk were swinging hard. A big shout out to Jazz House Kids and Ed Palermo for joining and supporting them—very cool move. I highly recommend all jazz fans should check them out whenever, wherever you can.

Meant To Be Jazz Quartet in Maplewood Porchfest

Next up on my tour was the Meant To Be Jazz Quartet. Note, you can get around Maplewood Porchfest a few ways and most folks walk or ride a bike. As you can see, you can hear the music everywhere in a Porchfest. Listen in and get a feel as you walk along, as the music is in the air everywhere you go.

On this walk we encountered the Meant To Be Jazz Quartet featuring Glenn Merritt on keys, Pete Omelio on Drums, Alan Hayes on Bass and John Higgins on Trumpet. Having played together for over 20 years, they have developed a synergy that is evident amongst how they play and perform with each other. This group is a regular set of performers at the Shanghai Jazz Club and the performance was just as stellar as if they were there onsite at a regular performance. The jazz was flowing oh so smooth from this Lexington Ave porch. It was a beautiful day, beautiful music, and the large crowd that gathered enjoyed it tremendously.

What makes Porchfest so cool is you never know where the next porch is going to be. Well, another group was starting as this one ended, directly across the street led by Fishmarket Stew performing Phish covers led by local resident David Shields. He was performing on the porch of another well known Maplewood townsperson.

Gregory Burrus with another huge supporter of the event, former Mayor Vic DeLuca and Maplewood Township Committee Member.

Former Mayor for 20 years and a resident of the Hilton neighborhood, Vic DeLuca hosts events on his porch of course and did so again this year. Vic was quoted earlier saying that the event is “one of the top events in town. Porchfest brings people to the Hilton neighborhood to enjoy a special day of music and community […] It highlights the diversity of our town and the tremendous talent we have living here.”

However, I had to move on as I received a call saying, guess who's playing at such and such a place. As a live music jazz fan on a jazz tour, hearing that a world class drummer is playing around the corner in Maplewood Porchfest is amazing and, well, you just got to go.

Willie Williams Jazz Quintet in Maplewood Porchfest

Arriving on site, I encountered a hardcore group of seasoned jazz professionals that came to play big time. The Willie Williams Quintet led by Willie Williams was swinging hard in this year's Maplewood Porchfest, that's like wow. Having had a Willie Williams performance up at my favorite jazz club, Clements Place Jazz, this I knew would be a special treat. Willie Williams has played with a stellar cast of musicians his whole career and in beautiful venues like the Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C., Afro American Museum, Philadelphia, PA, the All Star Reception at Vice President Al Gore's Mansion, and our own South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) in the Giants of Jazz tribute to Jazz Giant James Moody.

Unfortunately, my video was not clear but the music video to the event is awesome and as good if not better than any show in a big club in any big city. The Willie Williams Quartet featuring Alvester C. Garnett on Drums, Kenny Davis on Bass, Miles Lennox on keys, his son rising star Ace Williams on Trumpet, and Willie Williams on Sax were just killing it all afternoon.

Speaking of Ace Williams on trumpet, a special treat was the group I first mentioned: the Baker Street Trio joined in with Ace Williams on Trumpet and they had a ball.

About Maplewood Porchfest

Porchfest Planning Committee

Big huge kudos to the Maplewood Porchfest Committee — Matt, Bill, Tracy, Susan, Jay, and Bill — which did a phenomenal job this year.

Maplewood Community Music is the official presenter of Maplewood Porchfest. Maplewood Porchfest was the brainchild of local pianist/vocalist Bill Tally, who went to Jamaica Plain Porchfest in Boston every year. He brought the idea to friends in his hometown, and put together a committee of musicians from Maplewood Community Music to run the event. The committee chose the Hilton neighborhood for its perfect layout, easy walkability, and its porches (of course). You can read all about it here at https://maplewoodporchfest.com

About Maplewood Community Music

Maplewood Community Music (MCM), a non-profit based in Maplewood, NJ, was founded in 2003 by Jim Buchanan and Susan Williams. Susan had played in the Rutgers Band and after a number of years without playing, she approached Jim Buchanan about starting a band. At the time, Jim was the Cultural Affairs Supervisor for Maplewood.

The dedicated group of volunteer musicians and conductors continue to work towards MCM's major goals of giving hobbyist musicians the opportunity to play and perform and bringing music to Maplewood, South Orange, and other nearby communities. In addition, MCM is proud to support community events and community/youth music enrichment programs. Since its formation in 2003, the organization has grown to well over 50 musicians and has numerous active ensembles. MCM hosts between 4-6 events each season and our ensembles perform at even more local events each year.

Read more at  http://www.maplewoodcommunitymusic.org/

About the Author, Gregory Burrus

I didn't get to see all the bands I know, but thanks to all bands for making a great day even better. If you didn't get in this year, you can always join up for next year, just let me know. Please note, the views and opinions expressed in this article are from Gregory Burrus, the writer, blogger, live music lover and community partner. https://gregoryburrusproductions.com/author/gregoryburrusproductions/ 

Hope to see you all again in September 2022. 

#maplewoodporchfest #livemusic #livemusicbands #labordayweekend #laborday2021 #outdoors #honkmusic #outdoormusic #maplecommunitymusic #HiltonMaplewood #gregoryburrusproductions

PORTAL by -cideways (Album/Music Video Release)

By Sonia Schnee | Posted Monday, August 23, 2021

While Hurricane Henri raged outside on the evening of August 21, Northern NJ prog-rock band -cideways was cozied up at Backroom Studios in Rockaway with a select group of fans as it hosted its long-awaited album/music film release show.

As the group’s Facebook event page describes:

‘PORTAL’ is a 9-song instrumental prog-rock album with an accompanying music short film that takes viewers on an audio-visual adventure through space and time over the course of 48 minutes […]

-cideways is the brainchild of guitarist Dominick DeNegri, who was tragically taken from us a few years ago. After Dom's passing, bassist Joshua Sigmund, guitarist Greg Miller, and drummer Darren Kelly vowed to finish what Dom started. Finally, we are proud to release that vision.

I spoke with bassist/video editor Joshua Sigmund during the final days of PORTAL’s production to learn about the story behind the band, their creative process, and how they’ve chosen to honor their late band member, Dom.

Don’t forget to check out the full audio/visual experience by watching the YouTube video above, as well as checking out Spotify and other streaming platforms.

Tell us about PORTAL and the audio/visual journey you’re taking us on.

The album has 9 songs, whose names create the sentence: “Time Machine In A Black Hole In The Center Of A Spiral Galaxy, We Opened A Portal To Another Place In Another Time, Where We Had Been With All Of Our Friends.” Each song is enhanced with a unique video with imagery that follows its sonic theme, such as a Back to the Future tribute in “Time Machine”, to a tribute to Dom in “Where We Had Been.” There are running easter eggs and hidden foreshadows and connections throughout the short film that really flow when watched sequentially (Keep an eye out for 5 “portal glitches” throughout the film).

The last song, “With All Of Our Friends,” is actually a medley of the other 8 songs, so any given part might feature, for example, a bass part from “In The Center Of” mixed with a synth part from “In Another Time”. That was an interesting creative challenge, as we had to pick out our favorite elements throughout the album, and then transpose them all to the same key and tempo in order for it to sound cohesive.

-cideways band members (from left) Joshua Sigmund, Darren Kelly, and Greg Miller

What is the origin story of -cideways, and what has the writing process been like for PORTAL?

-cideways is the brainchild of Dominick DeNegri, who started the band more than five years ago, with guitarist Greg Miller. Over the years, -cideways went through two bass players before I joined after meeting Dom at a party, and a few months later, we replaced drummer Brian Pedersen with Darren Kelly.

By that point, we were sounding really tight and we were really excited about working on this album. Then one night, Dom is heading home in an Uber and started to feel sick. He told the driver to pull over and the driver pulled over, but not far enough. Dom got out of the car on the wrong side and got hit by a passing car. I get a call the next morning from Greg saying, "Dom's gone."

After losing Dom, we decided — Greg, myself, and Darren — that we're going to finish this album with the songs we had been working on, and then the band would be over and we'd move on to something else because there's so much of Dom in the music, and Greg, to his great credit, recorded Dom's guitar parts pretty accurately to how he originally wrote them (even the lines we didn’t love… well, some of them haha).

So that was two and a half years ago, and so we've just been working, working, working on this thing, meticulously composing every note, every beat, every running theme.

We had gotten as far as tracking the bass and drums for the first 8 songs, but then COVID hit, and everything just kind of came to a halt. While I kept myself busy listening to the demos of the songs over and over and over again and coming up with ideas for the videos, Greg spent the pandemic focusing on upping his audio production skills, and he got really, really good at it. So while I thought we were dead in the water, he'd actually been working on the songs. One day a few months ago he invites me over, and surprises me with really great-sounding cuts of the songs. We were back on track!

Guitar player Dominick DeNegri

How would you describe your sound?

It's riffy and hard without being just noise. It's also super melodic and dynamic and dance-y enough that even if you don’t typically listen to this type of progressive instrumental music, I like to think that it's approachable to everybody. Really, it’s just fun music that I think everyone from music theory junkies like myself to casual listeners hopefully will enjoy.

Every song’s a little different. For example, the first track, “Time Machine” is a pretty straight-forward rock song with a mid-song twist. The third song, “In The Center Of,” contains heavy riffs that are as hard as almost anything else out there (again, without being what I just call “noise”), while the sixth song, “To Another Place,” is a complex melodic composition featuring orchestral parts that create a lot of emotion, especially for an instrumental song. Then that song is followed by what I call a “palette cleanser” in “In Another Time,” which is a straight-up dance song that I’d like to hear in a club one day.

Song 8, which is "Where We Had Been," is based around this one riff that was the last thing Dom wrote. We hadn’t even begun to write that song when he was killed, so we decided to make it a very short song with the riff reverbing through the whole thing. It's kind of a somber end to the album before you hit the very upbeat ninth song, which is the medley “With All Of Our Friends.” (In fact, the first thing you hear is an uplifting and triumphant 5-note descending major scale, which is a direct contrast to the end of “Where We Had Been,” which ends with a sad 5-note descending minor scale that literally collapses on itself before flatlining.)

We wanted to take people on an emotional yet fun adventure through space and time, and we hope people get as much out of it as we put into it.

Why did you decide to make music videos for all the songs?

We decided to make videos because we wanted to keep people’s attention through 48 minutes of non-vocal, relatively complex music. Speaking to the other musicians out there, I’m sure everyone has experienced trying to show a friend something you’re working on, handing them headphones and asking for just 5 minutes of undivided attention, only to have them – best case scenario – interrupt the flow after 30 seconds to say “hey that’s cool.” So I realized we needed to have some sort of visual element to both make the music a little more approachable and to help people focus on it.

Over not too much time, what started as some broad ideas for videos turned into this detailed thematic music film that really helps tell the story of not only PORTAL, but -cideways as well.

There’s a lot of nostalgia in there (including some… tributes, let’s say… to old movies that resulted in us not being able to monetize the video on YouTube, but we’re fine with that), as well as a good amount of behind-the-scenes clips from the life of -cideways.

How long did it take you to edit all these videos?

Good question… when I get really passion-focused on something, it's like time doesn't really count or matter. Ten hours of editing on one video will go by and I’ll say, "Oh, look at that, it's done." But then I'll come back the next day after taking some notes and find things I want to change. Sometimes I’d spend a whole day trying out an idea that for whatever reason didn’t work and just throw that away. But just like the album, which Greg was working on while I was making the videos, at one point, we had to cap it and just say “after this, it’s done.” So we set ourselves a firm deadline by scheduling the album release party, and of course we ended up making final edits to both the music and film only hours before showtime!

The name of your band, -cideways. Is there a story behind the name and the spelling and the origin of that?

Yeah. So that's all on Dom. Think about it as the suffix, so sui-cide, homi-cide, regi-cide, infanti-cide, all those things like that, so it's (hyphen)-cideways. It's a little Emo for me, but Dom was pretty Emo haha.

But really, -cideways has its own history that's bigger than anyone in it, which is pretty interesting to be a part of. There have been seven people who have come and gone through the band, and more have been auxiliary to it, so yeah, it's been quite the ride and we’re just so happy it’s done so we can move on to something new finally.

Tell us about the album cover.

It’s based on this drawing of a portal over the ocean that Dom drew, and at some point it just became the cover. There's always been this kind of “space and time” theme so it really fit. 

How do you feel about everything coming to an end — or a beginning, for some people who this is going to be completely new to?

I'm really excited for people to hear the album and see the film. We’re really happy with how it sounds and we’re really happy with how the videos look. We've been working on this thing for so long, it's just crazy to think that it's finally done. Darren, Greg, and I are really looking forward to playing new music together and not these 9 songs that we've been working on for more than three years. The absolute last riff on “With All Of Our Friends” is a teaser from the first song of the next project that the three of us are working on, Clever Monkey. So after about 6 minutes of familiar melodies, we leave you with something to look forward to, hopefully as much as we are.

Annual MAPSO Funk Fest is Food, Music, Great Vibes and More (Saturday, August 28, 2021)

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Sunday, August 22, 2021

Have you heard about the brand new MAPSO Funk Fest? Well, MAPSO Funk Fest will be a really cool family-friendly festival targeted at helping local Black / Minority-owned restaurants, artisan businesses and the community recover and thrive through these pandemic times. The other day we caught up with MAPSO Funk Fest Founder Lexi Hellerman who was being interviewed by Gregory Burrus Productions Interviewer Lynette Sheard. 

That’s right, MAPSO Funk Fest Founder Lexi Hellerman has proclaimed: “MAPSO Funk Fest is going to be a family event created to celebrate the diversity of MAPSO through food, music, and the arts! 

MAPSO Funk Fest will be showcasing & supporting Black & minority-owned restaurants and artisan businesses in the greater Maplewood & South Orange area. There will be music all day by local DJs and live performers.”

MAPSO Funk Fest

Lexi stated that  "Many small brands have been faced with big challenges and this day is an opportunity to revive the flavor of our neighborhood, invigorate local hand-picked restaurants, and remind people of the rich culture that we are surrounded by." So here's a little about the day’s planned activities.

Food

Food Trucks and Restaurants

There will be food vendors sourced from local restaurants along with food trucks that will be secured from the local communities. Food vendors will ring the park in strategic easy to reach locations for fast and easy access. There will also be a food tasting selection that local restaurants will be participating in for which attendees may purchase tickets and sample a number of the vendors' menu items. 

Beer Garden

In addition, I am very happy to announce there will be a beautiful MAPSO Funk Fest beer garden hosted by our exclusive craft beer provider, Montclair Brewery. This minority-owned business will provide a host of home grown brews to our attendees all day. Please bring ID in order to be wristbanded and purchase beer garden tickets.

Live Music

“One good thing about music, when it hits you you feel no pain”

What's a festival without some funky music? From setup to shut down, there will be music highlighting the various genres representing the diversity of MAPSO, or as Lexi stated in the interview: “there will be house music, funk music and soul music.“  Throughout the day, there will be local DJs and a few live performances at the Springfield Gazebo.

Kids Zone

There will be kid-friendly vendors, educational readings and activities as well as mini workshops throughout the day. Please visit the website for additional activities being added on a periodic basis. 

Wellness Activities

According to the experts, our folks are not looking for an average wellness experience. They’re looking for wellness practices that invigorate them, that allow them to find community, and that speak to their unique sense of culture and identity. MAPSO Funk Fest Wellness events are designed with our core audiences in mind. 

Funk Fest Yoga

Stressed? - Then come on out with the kids, or not, and enjoy the vibe and engage in a relaxing yoga session, gain more flexibility and energy flow. If high energy is your thing, don't worry we got you covered. You will leave totally refreshed, relaxed and reinvigorated to take on your day. We have Funk Fest Yoga for All Ages, Yoga & Stretch Practice #Yogaworld365

Sponsorships and Supporters

The event will boost local talent, businesses, and restaurants. The event is being sponsored by Blackstock & Weber, Springfield Avenue Maplewood, and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Real Estate agent Maria Morrison Heningburg. Learn more about then here. 

Other community partners include Inspired Dream Real Estate, Maplewood Bike Shed, Words Bookstore, Finlay + Gage Music Instruments, Blue Life Karate and Gregory Burrus Productions. 

Additional Sponsorships are available for you to support the MAPSO Funk Fest and you can learn more here. 

Volunteers 

That's right, all MAPSO Funk Fest volunteers are happy people. Yup, you feel real good so why not let's get happy together. We need your support and it takes a village. Volunteers are what makes events like this successful. If you're interested in helping make this day possible, please visit the MAPSO Funk Fest Support page or click here for more information.

About 

MAPSO Funk Fest Founder Lexi Hellerman 

Born and raised in Maplewood & South Orange, Lexi graduated from CHS in 2012 where she had started Diversity Rocks Club at CHS in order to educate and celebrate the diversity of the student body addressing issues of racism in the school district and the goal of creating a unified sense of community among students of different backgrounds. She graduated from Rutgers Newark in 2016 where she studied Sociology & International Affairs. With a never ending appetite for travel and a passion for all things creative and expressive, Lexi loves exploring new places, trying new things, and meeting and connecting with new people.

“With a passion for people and self-expression, I consider myself a multifaceted creative curator. I've always been proud of growing up in such a multicultural place, whose identity is shaped by a wealth of creatives and entrepreneurs of all backgrounds. I truly love crafting a vision and bringing it to life. Inspired by community projects and social impact work, my mission is to continue strategizing and organizing programs, events, and initiatives that truly make a difference for people." 

I believe that small business is the very fabric of any community like ours, representing the passion, creativity, and entrepreneurship of its residents, providing a meaningful service, safe space, or hub for people to connect.”

Contact Information Lexi Hellerman, Freelance project manager, event producer, and brand strategist.

• 973-986-8305

• info@mapsofunkfest.com

• www.mapsofunkfest.com

Won’t You Join Us?

And now, a final word from our Funk Fest Creator and Founder Lexi Hellerman: 

“The day will be a magical celebration of diversity and community with food, wellness and artisan vendor booths surrounding the park with live entertainment and folks enjoying themselves.”

“This is a highly inclusive event that supports businesses of all kinds. We’ve worked diligently to prioritize inclusion of Black, minority, women, and LGBTQ+ owned entities for optimal representation.  Please know this event will follow all state-mandated COVID-19 guidelines. So bring your friends and family for good food, good music and great vibes!”

About the Author Gregory Burrus 

Gregory Burrus with MAPSO Funk Fest Founder Lexi Hellerman, 2021

Whether it’s MAPSO or SOMA, Gregory Burrus is writing about his first love: the creative people, towns and events all around South Orange and Maplewood, NJ. Gregory continually observes, participates in, reports and writes on local community news, live music and the arts and entertainment scene of the Jersey/NYC landscape and beyond, right here as JI blogger Gregory Burrus.

Contact Gregory Burrus Productions to promote your event, business or nonprofit across various social media and blogging platforms. https://gregoryburrusproductions.com or 8622057660.

The DT's - "You With Me" (MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERE)

By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Friday, August 20, 2021

The DT’s are a power pop group hailing from central New Jersey. Having released their first single, “You With Me” in June, the group is now back to share their music video for the catchy single. Since the release, The DT’s played their first full band show at House of Independents in Asbury Park, NJ, and have been hard at work at new content for their fans. I recently spoke with Dave and Tom about their past year, playing shows again and their new music video. Thank you Dave and Tom!

The DT’s live at House of Independents

How was your first full band show at House of Independents? 

Tom: Our first show was really special and was really a magical night! It meant the world to be on that stage especially after such a long time and just battling a lot of adversity over the past 18 months. Both of us hadn't played in a full band setting live for quite some time and to debut at one of our favorite venues was a great experience. It almost felt like a Twilight Zone episode, like was this actually happening? It went really well and our buddies Lou Panico (Natalie Farrell Band, Levy & The Oaks, Solo) & Frank Lettieri (The Paper Jets, Dust Of Days) really did such an excellent job. They are true professionals! 

Dave: It was such an exciting experience. We were very happy when Bobby Mahoney reached out to us, and asked us if we wanted to play. It had been so long since we played in a full band setting, and it felt so good to be back out there on stage. Our talented friends Frank Lettieri (The Paper Jets, Dust Of Days) and Lou Panico (Natalie Farrell Band, Levy & The Oaks, Solo) helped us out that night, and they were extremely professional. We only practiced the four of us collectively one time, but I think that made the show more fun and lively! We were able to hang out with some friends that we have not seen since the start of the pandemic, have fun with the crowd, and play some new originals at an awesome venue. 

What can fans expect at a DT’s concert now that shows are coming back around?

Tom: In this new project, we really like to keep it fun, loose, engaging and entertaining with the audience. We work very hard at our craft but we also really like to keep the audience involved in a variety of settings. I also enjoy having freedom in this project where we are an acoustic duo some nights, other times full band electric, all while mixing in different instruments we play. At the end of the day, we just want to make sure the crowd is having fun and that we are spreading some joy. I think we all could use some after the past year.

Dave: Anyone that comes to one of our shows can expect a good time! We are always trying to have fun at our shows by throwing in some covers, getting the crowd involved, and telling some jokes on stage. We just like to have fun while providing a high energy rock and roll experience!

This video accompanies your latest single “You With Me.” What does this song mean to you as a group?

Tom: This was a really special song for Dave and I as it was one that came really quickly and naturally for us. Our emotions and feelings really lined up at the time and the song both structurally and lyrically came together in one night. We really didn't try and over think many parts and allowed ourselves to explore while keeping the song refined into a pop format. It was really neat sharing parts from our own songs and mashing them together melodically. 

Dave: To me the song means a lot. Lyrically, it references some personal/emotional setbacks we have experienced in the past few years. It was the first song that Tom and I wrote collaboratively from scratch. We started with a drum idea, and then layered on top of that. We both brought different elements to the song that we were able to blend cohesively, which gave it a unique sound. I am extremely proud of us for making this track because we also produced everything in Tom’s basement. We were then lucky enough to have our friend Frank Lettieri record drums and Joe Pomarico (Telegraph Hill Records) Mix/Master the final track.

Who did you work with for this music video?

Tom: We worked with Tom Garrigan, an old friend who is a photographer/videographer from our hometown. Tom is nationally known for his photography work shooting abandoned settings, and he really did an excellent job getting the footage for this shoot. He really had a lot of our visions behind the song come to life in a really simplistic way. All the editing work was done by Frank Lettieri who also plays drums for us live! 

Dave: We worked with our good friend Tom Garrigan. Tom Garrigan is a very talented photographer who has gained a following on Instagram under the handle “moldy_lungs” taking photographs of abandoned places. You have to check his page out!  So it was interesting to work with him because he is normally a photographer, not a videographer. So he himself was a little reluctant of how the final product would be, but we all think it came out great. Frank Lettieri then took all of the videos that we got with Tom G and made it a cohesive piece. Working with these talented two individuals was extremely easy, and we could not have been happier with how it came out.

What’s next for the DT’s?

Tom: We are truly having a blast doing this, and the past 3 months have been a huge reaffirment for us. We have many more singles lined up and some really awesome shows on the docket. Recording has also really turned into a passion for us, so more writing and experimentation in the fall will be happening for sure. It's been such a great year connecting with new artists, old friends and just letting our passions in this project flow. It's been such a great vehicle for expression for us and I'm so grateful for my friendship with Dave. 

Dave: Not stopping! The only things that are next for us include more music, more shows, more merch and more content. I am also so grateful for my friendship with Tom, and we would like to thank everyone who has supported us so far!

Jazz On Sloan Proudly Presents Mezzo-Soprano/Vocalist Ema Mitrovic and David Budway at the South Orange Gazebo

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Wednesday, August 4, 2021

We are bringing back Jazz On Sloan in a huge, huge way!!! You are invited to enjoy this very special, spectacular performance by award-winning and critically acclaimed operatic mezzo-soprano/vocalist, Ema Mitrović along with renowned jazz/classical pianist David Budway. This entertaining live music performance will cover Opera, Jazz and Classical Theatre. Learn more about these wonderful performers. 

Crossover Live Music Performance

As you know, Jazz is a true American art that goes way back in time. That’s because Jazz began here in America, hundreds of years ago, in the fields where black people worked as slaves and made up songs to pass time. Opera is a key part of the Western classical music.  Born in Italy more than 400 years ago during the Renaissance, opera—a combination of vocal and orchestral music, drama, visual arts and dance—has been inspiring people for ages. Classical Theatre is a type of theater which relies upon imagination to convey the setting and atmosphere of the play. Classical theater usually contains lofty, grand prose or free verse dialogue. Combining these 3 distinct yet connected art forms of Jazz, Opera and Classical Theatre into one powerful performance is an accomplishment that you have to experience. We are very happy to have these wonderful powerful artists share their gifts and present their one of a kind crossover live music performance. Here's an introduction to these Artists for this upcoming performance.

Operatic Mezzo-Soprano/Vocalist, Ema Mitrović

"It's kismet that David and I are able to perform at Jazz on Sloan! Gregory Burrus had asked me to come a number of times and we finally found a date/time that works! I'm really excited, as a resident of East Orange, just 1.7 miles away to be exact, to have this opportunity to perform for my neighbors, my community, in my backyard." — Ema Mitrovic

Award-winning and critically acclaimed operatic mezzo-soprano/vocalist, Ema Mitrović, is described: “out of the ensemble, I found Ema Mitrovic...to be the standout” (Opera Manhattan, Suor Angelica ’12) and "Her rich mezzo is pure pleasure” (Hudson Opera Theatre, Lucia di Lammermoor ’18).

Ms. Mitrović performs as an ambassador of music across different genres, having performed 19 operatic roles thus far, a number of solo recitals, and has enjoyed being a strong cross-over jazz singer, performing along New York City’s finest musicians, including Tim Horner, Joe Locke, Ted Rosenthal, and Jim Ridl, to name a few.

She's been on stage at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and New York City's renowned jazz venues Birdland, The Kitano, and Smalls. Often, she performs programs that include both classical and standard jazz repertoire to connect to her audience.

This season, despite strains from the COVID-19 pandemic, Ema was grateful to perform in recital at Brooklyn’s Soapbox Gallery and Nyack’s Maureen’s Jazz Cellar, as Annina (La Traviata) with The Lighthouse Opera Company, and recording with the New Jersey Youth Symphony Chamber Ensemble in a newly commissioned piece, “La Frontera” by Raul Abbad. Later this season, Ema will return to New York’s The Lighthouse Opera Company in Mozart's Die Zauberflöte (Dritte Dame) as well as make a role/company debut with Bronx Opera Company in its production of The Bartered Bride (Háta).

"As a performer, your audience is your lifeline, and I'm excited for people to hear what we are all about, to share Opera, Classical, Jazz, and the works with them! Not many people do what David and I do and my hope as a musician is to make as many people as possible hear this music in a fun, informal, and beautiful way."
— Ema Mitrovic

Passionate as a performer, Ema is equally as passionate in teaching, having done so for 7+ years. During the COVID-19 quarantine, Ema has been proud to keep a full studio remotely (on Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, etc.) of roughly 30+ voice and piano students, at both the non-profit The Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts and privately owned Elefante Music, among her own.

Ms. Mitrović is a proud, first generation Croatian-American, born and raised in New Jersey. She happily resides in East Orange with her partner, drummer Tim Horner.

Max Jazz Recording Artist David Budway

Max Jazz Recording Artist David Budway is one of the most versatile pianists on the New York music scene today. While deeply rooted in many styles, his masterful command for Modern Jazz has propelled him into the midst of present day jazz pioneers. (www.davidbudway.com)

As a Classical pianist David has performed countless recitals. He studied extensively with Ruth Slenczynska, Dr. Carole Riley, CDP, Gerald Jennings, and performed in Master Classes with Artur Balsam, Warren Jones, Eugene List and Sheila Paige. In Italy, David studied at the prestigious Rome Festival where he performed Opera and Chamber Music under the baton of Maestro Fritz Maraffi. Born in Pittsburgh, PA , David grew up listening to the improvisations of his father Leo Budway, and became interested and well versed in the style of Arabic music. Later, he earned his Masters Degree in Piano Performance and Percussion at Duquesne University where he also studied Jazz Composition and Arranging with Dr. John Wilson. David went on to be Adjunct Professor at Duquesne and Carnegie Mellon University for 15 years before moving to New York. In 1992, Mr. Budway made his solo debut with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and has performed with them on many occasions including special performances with the late Marvin Hamlisch.

Since moving to New York, David has performed at Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, The Kennedy Center, The Village Vanguard, Birdland, The Blue Note, The Jazz Standard and The Hollywood Bowl with both Liza Minnelli and Hubert Laws. David studied chamber music extensively with master musician Bernard Goldberg, and has continued his love for the flute repertoire throughout his 30 year tenure with Master Flutist Hubert Laws. Some of his recording credits include the entire Bach Sonatas for Flute and Piano. David's Trio is currently in residence at the famed Carlyle Hotel in New York City. Mr. Budway's recording credits as both a leader and a sideman include artists Branford Marsalis, Michael Brecker, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Hubert Laws, Stanley Turrentine, Jimmy Heath, Christiane Noll, Ravi Coltrane and Eric Leeds. David has toured worldwide with Stanley Turrentine, Hubert Laws, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Regina Carter and Liza Minnelli.

As a composer, David has several albums to his credit. His release, “A New Kiss”, on the Max Jazz label was awarded 4 stars in Downbeat Magazine. His song “Love You Tonight” reached number one on WBGO's playlist in 2012. Most recently, the disc was charted at number four in Canada. Other releases include “Brief Encounter to Last a Lifetime”, “The Music I Hear”, “Bud Way”, “Jazz... the Budway”, and his latest release “3 Budways” with siblings Kathy and Maureen Budway. “Sweet Candor”, Maureen Budway's release in 2015 on the MSG Jazz label, received 4 1⁄2 stars in Downbeat Magazine.

Honoring his late sister, David and his wife Brianne Higgins have recently opened MAUREEN'S JAZZ CELLAR in Nyack, NY. The intimate venue features Jazz, Classical, Cabaret, Acoustic Music, Comedy and Rock and Roll. Mr. Budway's newest CD, “The Jazz Piano Man”, features original songs co-written with lyricist Lou Tracey. David was a proud recipient of two prizes in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition. He has scored the music to the motion pictures Lift and Giant Steps starring Billy Dee Williams, and has been published in Downbeat Magazine’s Masterclass section: Contemporary French Music’s Influence in Jazz Harmonies.

South Orange Downtown Jazz On Sloan at the South Orange Gazebo 

Yes, we are thrilled to present operatic mezzo-soprano/vocalist Ema Mitrović and jazz and classical pianist David Budway for your listening pleasure. Come early and secure your best spot. Jazz On Sloan at the South Orange Gazebo is extremely excited to present this fantastic, one-of-a-kind performance for your listening pleasure. When you hear Ema, you will know why I am so excited. Please grab your chair, your friend and please join us outdoors for this perfectly wonderful one-of-a-kind Sunday afternoon performance.

About the Writer Gregory Burrus 

Gregory Burrus is writing about his first love, the creative people, towns and events all around South Orange NJ. Gregory continually observes, participates in, reports and writes on local community news, live music and the arts and entertainment scene of the Jersey NYC landscape and beyond, right here as JI blogger Gregory Burrus. Contact Gregory Burrus to promote your business or nonprofit across various social media and blogging platforms. gregoryburrusproductions.com

South Orange, NJ Getting Creative with Places to Sit, Gaze and Ponder Life

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Wednesday, August 4, 2021

As the summer progresses, so do vacations and, as we are still not completely out of the COVID pandemic, while new variants of the virus are being reported, some folks are reluctant to leave town and instead are taking many stay at home vacations.  Sometimes you just want to take a long walk but you need a destination which means you may need to discover your own hometown. Around South Orange, NJ there are many spots where everyone can enjoy lovely picnics, beautiful landscapes and enjoy off the beaten path places and social locations, where you can sit, stare and ponder uninterrupted, any subject you like.  

Who knows, you might encounter someone you never knew and make an unforgettable memory. There are parks, places, nooks and triangles of spaces to meet everyone's need to ponder life in a friendly public space that meets their needs. An added benefit is that all of these places are within walking distance of our South Orange, NJ public transportation center, the South Orange, NJ Transit train station. So let’s get started checking out some obvious, but not so obvious, spots and parks around South Orange, NJ to sit, gaze and ponder life. 

Sitting Around the Town 

South Orange Rapid Lounging 

One of the things this town does very well, thanks to the Government of South Orange along with the South Orange Village Center Alliance, is converting uncommon spaces into places to just sit in. One day you walk past it, the next day the same space is converted into a relation zone with beautiful yellow and blue Adirondack chairs. 

According to the local newsite TAPINTOSOMA,  The first "Rapid Lounging" location opened in South Orange last Thursday in the grassy area next to 76 South Orange Avenue, on the Valley Street side of the street. Since then, many more have popped up all Around South Orange, NJ.

South Orange Parklet

A "parklet" is located on South Orange Avenue near Sloan Street in front of landmark Bunnies Restaurant, Tito Burritos and Wings, and Lucky 7 Barbershop, where people can stop to chat and enjoy the downtown area. The parklet was designed by Chambers and Clarke, and incorporates native plants and recycled materials.

Next time you pass through town, look out for these inviting spaces, beautiful and relaxing yellow and blue Adirondack chairs, or instant parklets. It's great because instead of just rushing or walking through town, you get to sit, relax and enjoy a different space and view in the middle of town. 

Flagpole Monument — Center of South Orange, NJ

If you are from New York City, like me, and can zone out anywhere, well then this is your spot. Like zoning out on a subway ride, this spot is dead center of town. Historically, the first school in South Orange was located in South Orange where the town flagpole and World War 1 Monument now stands. The school had an inaugural class of 30 students which eventually moved and became Columbia High School. 

This site was dedicated in 1924 and contains a monument that’s cast in bronze and mounted in granite, located at the intersection of South Orange and Irvington Avenues. It is dedicated to those lost during World War I, of which six were from the Village. The flagpole was erected and dedicated by the citizens of South Orange in 1926. It has a nice sitting area, and if you like a great vista, then gaze up the hill into South Mountain while listening to the bustling traffic of South Orange Avenue because this is the place to sit, watch and zone out. 

Meadowland Park 

Meadowland Park contains 4 softball/little league diamonds, 8 lighted tennis courts, soccer and field sports, and an impromptu jogging path. Located at 5 Mead St in South Orange, NJ, Meadowland Park is the perfect destination for recreation, relaxation and exploration! 

The Meadowland Park Conservancy is making great progress, holding events and providing residents a great time. Winter or summer, Meadowland Park provides folks a perfect excuse to come down to South Orange's largest and most-visited park! From a relaxation perspective, there is a beautiful pond, a very nice gatehouse, walkway bridges and a beautiful vista from the top of Flood’s Hill. You can gaze forever, just think and ponder life for miles. There is so much going on in this park, so check out https://www.meadowlandpark.org.

Founders Park 

On a very busy thoroughfare at 265 Valley St is Founders Park. Founders Park is a 2-acre park located in the Academy Heights neighborhood of the Village of South Orange, NJ. The park features a central monument with manicured gardens, a children's playground, and large grassy expanses.

Unique it is. Until 1971, this space was the town cemetery, which had laid in quiet abandonment since 1926, at which time a law was passed forbidding the interment of any more deceased. Many of South Orange's (and Maplewood's) founding families were buried in this park. Look for their names on the central obelisk.

The Founders Park Conservancy is working to improve the park for today and create a vision of a park to be enjoyed for generations. Founders Park has been a hidden gem of the Village's many public spaces. To enjoy this park, just walk into the park off the main street — it gets quiet and reflective. 

Galleon Lawn - Seton Hall University (SHU)

As you can see from the video, Galleon Lawn is a wide open space on the Seton Hall University campus. It can be very busy, but other times it’s just a quiet space and great for studying and relaxing. It’s on campus as part of Seton Hall's 16-acres of open space and serves as an area for event and impromptu sports. Another thing to do is take a Seton Hall walking tour that has plenty of nice locations to divert the mind.  https://www.shu.edu/visit/upload/Campus_Map.pdf

Spiotta Park 

Located at the corner of South Orange Avenue and 20-32 Village Plaza, Spiotta Park is in the heart of downtown South Orange. The town website states: “Spiotta Park provides a sitting area in the middle of busy South Orange Village.” In the middle of the day, it is quiet and a great place to sit and enjoy the moment or, like I do, sit and watch the waterfall.

Former South Orange Village Center Executive Director Bob Zuckerman, now South Orange Trustee, stated during the 2018 renovation and revitalization ceremony, "Spiotta will be a great space for our residents and visitors alike to congregate all summer long, including on weekend evenings during our Downtown After Sundown (now Summer Saturdays live music) concerts."

South Orange Gazebo 

Near the South Orange Performing Arts Center, across from the South Orange Fire Department, and almost under the South Orange Train overpass, this nugget gets classified as a park. For locals and regulars it's a place to sit for a few and watch the circular traffic. The water fountain gives the kids a distraction as they watch the water, the fire trucks come and go, and/or watch the various trains arrive and leave.  Relax, have a conversation with a friend, and definitely catch a live music concert. The best GPS address to use is 17 Sloan Street, South Orange, NJ 07079.

Grove Park

At the eastern end of South Orange is Grove Park, a small park located on Grove Road in the Historic Montrose section of South Orange, NJ.

I found this description from NJ Playgrounds, and it kind of sums it up nicely:

“It is a small park for the pre-school age kids, with a nice walking path loop. It is a nice short walk to downtown South Orange, home of some great restaurants and shops. Nice tunnels for kids to crawl around. Some shade and benches are scattered through the park.”

The town site lists it as: Playground, Walking Track and Passive Recreation. There are benches all around and loads of grass in and out of the sun to passively sit and stare at the vista and the beautiful homes all around the outside.

Carter Park

Yup, this unknown gem Carter Park is located in the Tuxedo Park section of South Orange at College Place off Irvington Ave on the north eastern side of town. It recently received a grant for major improvements (read more here: South Orange’s Carter Park, Maplewood’s Civic House Bridge Get $150K County Grants). While it’s surrounded by homes and businesses, this little pocket park is great when you need a quick break. If you’re working from home but can’t go far, well, grab the kids and let them play while you stare off into the trees.  

Farrell Field 

Farrell Field is a park located at the South Western end of South Orange, NJ at 298 Walton Ave. It contains 2 tennis courts, a playground, half court basketball, baseball diamond, and it’s not on the normal travel paths —it’s a good hike to get to from downtown South Orange. This neighborhood park is overseen by the Farrell Field Park Conservancy.  They state:

“We have many missions, but our overriding goal is to work cooperatively with the Township of South Orange Village to help restore, renew, and assist in the maintenance and development of Farrell Field Park for the enjoyment of township residents and its many visitors. The goal is to protect open space, raise public awareness and support the rehabilitation of the park as well as improvements to the park.” 

Waterlands Park

Waterlands Park is an out-of-the-way park located at 3rd St in South Orange, NJ. Adjacent to a beautiful apartment complex, it is a recreational outlet with a baseball and softball field, sports area, playground and more of a walking track, not jogging track. Here, for a brief time as you take a short walk, you can closely connect with nature, birds and other natural scenery along the East Branch of the Rahway River. The short walking track has some nice trees which makes this place busy when sports activity is in progress, but at other times it becomes a very quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of your day to day. 

So whether you live, work or visit South Orange, NJ you are advised to take a moment and enjoy a number of places and spots where you can creatively take a break, rethink your life, or think about nothing but the view. 

Being the hometown music guy, I have previously written about Making Live Music Around South Orange, NJ While Adjusting for the COVID-19 Pandemic. In that post, I listed about 14 places to listen to live music.  

About the Author — Gregory Burrus

Gregory Burrus in Spiotta Park, South Orange, NJ with Forget The Whale  

Gregory Burrus is writing about his first love: the creative people, towns and events all around South Orange, NJ. Gregory continually observes, participates in, reports and writes on local community news, live music and the arts and entertainment scene of the Jersey/NYC landscape and beyond, right here as JI blogger Gregory Burrus. Contact Gregory Burrus to promote your business or nonprofit across various social media and blogging platforms. https://gregoryburrusproductions.com

RECAP: Juneteenth Celebrations Plus More Produced and Curated by Gregory Burrus Productions

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Wednesday, August 4, 2021

In producing and promoting live music for Saturday, June 19th this year, there were street closings, art gallery receptions and, of course, the newly mandated holiday for Juneteenth. For many parts of this weekend, it turned into a Holiday Celebration. 

Juneteenth is Now a Federal Holiday

This past week, establishing a new federal holiday — effective immediately — caused some scrambling at courts, government agencies and businesses. As it was literally signed into law days before June 19th, 2021 to be a Federal Holiday, many did not know what it meant or that it was a holiday (see “Juneteenth is now a federal holiday, as Biden signs bill”). 

US President Joe Biden laughs with Vice President Kamala Harris and members of Congress as he signs the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, June 17, 2021 [Carlos Barria/Reuters]

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is the holiday commemorating the end of slavery by marking the day enslaved people in Texas learned they were free. Now, it's a federal holiday (read more here: “So You Want to Learn About Juneteenth”, New York Times). The move comes after growing support nationwide for observing the day of celebration and reflection. 

Local Celebrations of Live Music and More

For many of us, we celebrated by reflecting on the greatness of the day and celebrating, but not forgetting some of the recent injustices that still occur today. And for most people, they reflected back on years of struggle, from Angela Davis, Huey Newton and the Black Panthers. The creativity of all types of celebrations helps bring awareness to all that has and is happening. Here’s a look around my town.

Recap: Photography and Art

East Orange: Black Panther | Juneteenth Photoshoot

The Black Panther | Juneteenth Photoshoot held in East Orange, New Jersey!! Happy Juneteenth!! Photographer: @theseredmoments; Production: @talent.sunsetmodels

West Orange Arts Council — BLM Exhibit 

BLM Exhibit curated by Maria Estrella and Carol Jenkins.

Maria Estrela and Carol Jenkins, both female artists of color from Essex County, have a personal connection to a new exhibit in West Orange. For Estrela, she said:

"I purposely utilize my skills to help Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) artists, who are underrepresented in the arts scene […] I feel it's important to raise awareness of the issues faced in their own communities including racism, discrimination, inequality and injustice."

Read more of what they said and all about the exhibit, here:  “For These Artists, BLM Exhibit In West Orange Has Special Meaning”

RECAP: Live Music Bands Around the Towns 

Live Music Summary 

Here’s a quick recap of the June 19th live music weekend festivities.

Victor Jones Trio

We started off in Spiotta Park with world renown drummer Victor Jones with the Victor Jones Trio featuring Robera Piket & Shin Sakeino. The event was produced in association with the South Orange Village Center Alliance. The trio was just amazing to listen to and — an added bonus — it became a mini drummer reunion as drummers rule when Tim Horner, Tommy Campbell, Dorian McGee and many other Victor Jones friends from long ago came out to catch up and enjoy the music.  

Destiny Autumn — Music History

Another highlight was Destiny Autumn Tucker who came out and sang beautifully a song with Victor Jones. Then, Destiny Autumn educated us for the Juneteenth Celebration. She walked us through the history of Black Music and demonstrated various methods of communicating and clapping with us. We all enjoyed it tremendously.

Drum Circle

Drum Circle by Alison V. Brown and Friends for Juneteenth Celebration in Spiotta Park, South Orange, NJ .

Aliison Brown orchestrated one awesome and very well attended Drum Circle with Yahya Kamate and Richard Reiter. As one drum master stated, “This was great, we didn't have to pull people out to play, folks just kept coming and participating."  Yes! The roar of the drums was intoxicating. We have to do it again.  

Cafe Word Bookstore 

Cafe Word Bookstore reported a wonderful celebration with Nia and Steve and Dance Master Susan Pope.

Harmonic Convergence Band

Shout out the Harmonic Convergence band. We tried to go on with another Summer Saturday live music event featuring Harmonic Convergence at the Grid Iron Waffle Stage, but the rain won out. This event will be rescheduled.

Lynette Sheard Entertainment

Lynette Sheard Trio with Brandon McCune and Marshall McDonald. BLM Art Exhibition in Juneteenth Celebration at the West Orange Arts Council located in West Orange, NJ.

Food, Brews & Jazz with Jacque Harmon Johnson Quartet 

Food Brews and Jazz with Chef Jesse Jones and Jacque Harmon Quartet, with Rich Acciavatti, Gary Mancinelli, Richard Pierson, Ben Frank and vocalist Jacque Harmon Johnson in a Juneteenth Celebration at the Montclair Brewery in Montclair, NJ.

Food for the Soul, Tasteful Brews & Swinging Jazz at the Montclair Brewery with Chef Jesse Live - POW!!  What better way to celebrate Junteenth than enjoying Chef Jesse's modern approach to southern cuisine and his delicious delectable cooking. While sampling these soulful delights, folks explored some fabulous Brews of the Black Owned Montclair Brewery and of course listened to the original American music art form - jazz from the great American SongBook performed by the Jacque Harmon Johnson Quartet. Food, Brews and Jazz. A great way to spend an evening.

ZooS Band

ZooS Band with BJ Hermann, Pegaso Cris, Peter McClard at the Eastman Street Summertime Street Closing in Cranford, NJ. Produced by the Downtown Cranford Organization.

South Orange Juneteenth Celebration

We outlasted the rain with poetry, spoken word and, of course, live music — all Emceed by South Orange Trustee Bobby Brown. It was very nice to see our younger folks keeping the cause and flame alive for true freedom.

Tonia Ray All Stars

Tonia Ray All Stars with Nicole Inocent, Norman Stevenson, Kenny Robinson performed at the Juneteenth Celebration on Flood’s Hill in the Township of South Orange Village, NJ.  Listen to a taste: 

MPACK Band 

MPACK Band with Clarence Conover, Patricia Walton, Glenn Merrit, Brett Calder, Kev Nazt Moore and Larry Greenberg performed at the South Orange Juneteenth Celebration at Flood’s Hill in the Township of South Orange Village, NJ.

It was  great to see, hear and enjoy the night's live music performances under the musical direction of Clarence Conover.  It was just fabulous as folks were dancing, jumping, singing and the camaraderie amongst everyone was just fantastic.  

The Fireworks in Flood’s Hill

The fireworks were a very, very cool unexpected touch, and they played out over the music, which was truly spectacular. It actually moved some folks in very touching ways. 

About the Artists

You can learn more about the artists who performed here: Celebrate Juneteenth with Us and Live Music Events In and Around South Orange, NJ .

Since my mission is supporting and exposing the talents of these artists, we hope you take the time to check them out and support them when you can. 

The events were produced in conjunction with:

• South Orange Village Center Alliance, South Orange NJ.

• Gregory Burrus Productions

• Township of South Orange Village, South Orange NJ.

• West Orange Arts Council, West Orange NJ

• Montclair Brewery, Montclair NJ

• Downtown Cranford, Cranford NJ

Gregory Burrus Productions

Gregory Burrus Productions was extremely happy to capture the day and also provide live music at various towns and venues around North Jersey. 

Gregory Burrus is a Photojournalist, Live Music Ambassador, Arts and Entertainment Writer, Blogger, Business Reviewer, and Community Events Reporter. He is a supporter of local businesses and community events, with a passion for live music. Gregory reviews and writes about local live music programs while booking, promoting and curating many regional live music events around the greater New York/New Jersey area. Having fun, living life, while helping others. https://gregoryburrusproductions.com

Words with P.R. (Edition 6)

By Patricia Rogers | Posted Sunday, August 1, 2021

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about happiness. I read somewhere that it is not a destination, that happiness is an ongoing journey. But for some reason, it has been feeling like a battle. There are so many aspects of life that lead to this pursuit. There is your personal/social life, physical/mental health, professional, and family. I can go on and on. This is why it is important to take care of yourself from the inside and out. Is there peace and happiness in your orbit?

MEET NISHOSOUL

I met Mike, aka Nisho, via social media when he joined our wrestling Twitter community. He was nice, funny, and I learned that he was multi-talented. He is a musician and podcaster. His friends would describe him as laid back, stubborn, and caring.

He hosts a podcast called The Cole and Soul Podcast:

“Alongside my cohost Nicole Learner, we highlight artists, entrepreneurs, and business owners (we emphasize Black/people of color) within the DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas. (Commonly referred to as the DMV).

We offer a mix of humor, introspective conversation, and a safe space for the people we interview to really dive deep into the person behind the art. On top of that, I am the sole wrestling fan among us haha. Nic handles all of the technical sides of the podcast as far as editing audio and visual, I handle the booking of our guests and some social media across FB and Twitter.”

SOCIAL MEDIA/MARKETING TIPS

Keep your finger on the pulse of your field. One thing that is important about thriving in the digital space is finding an audience and community. There are billions of people online that you need to find that will be dedicated and engaged in your content. And you also have to be able to provide the information they seek. This means you have to always have your finger on the pulse. For example, once I realized I wanted to start a wrestling podcast, I listened to the most popular wrestling podcast that was out at the time. I also consumed all of the wrestling I could and followed other fan groups and communities. Soon we became the go-to place for women’s wrestling news, and opinions.

2 Day Live Music Tribute to Darryl Clark (July 17 and 18, South Orange, NJ)

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Friday, July 16, 2021

Live Music Tribute, July 17 and 18

This weekend, we pay tribute to a wonderful colleague who was a pillar of the community, Darryl Clark. He played bass, which is how we know him, but he was a family man involved in many other endeavors. Because of the Pandemic many celebrations were delayed, and this weekend we finally get to celebrate the life of our friend who finally succumbed to a 10-year illness,

About Bassman Darryl Clark 

Darryl Clark developed his love of music as a youth in East Elmhurst (Queens), NY, where he was classically trained on guitar in elementary school. By high school, he discovered the fusion sounds of Stanley Clarke, falling in love with Stanley's School Days album and was officially bitten by "the bass bug," adopting a deep respect and affection for the styles of Larry Graham, Louis Johnson and Jaco Pastorius, to name a few.

The '70's were a time of neighborhood bands and East Elmhurst had quite a few of them including neighbor and professional bassist Kim Clarke. Kim inspired Darryl to hone his chops by attending Jazzmobile in Harlem. While at Jazzmobile, Darryl studied under the direction of legendary bassist Earl May.

Darryl had spent a musical lifetime living, learning and accomplished in the spectrum of styles; traditional jazz, fusion, funk, gospel, rock and alternative make up an inclusive repertoire playing with jazz artists including Nat Adderley Jr., Tina Fabrique, Peter Lin, Marshall McDonald and Slide Hampton.

Other projects include the Essex County Youth Detention Center Prison Ministry, Lafayette College Jazz Ensemble, St Matthew Ame Gospel Chorus, The Owens Brothers Band and The Perfect Alibi Quartet.

About The Live Music

In addition to some stellar bands, we will have a few Special Guests, one being our host on Sunday, Lynette Sheard of Lynette Sheard Entertainment. We want to give a shout out to a very special college friend of Darryl Clark, Saxophonist Marshall McDonald who is returning to Japan, but we thank him for being with us. 

Day 1: 7/17 Schedule

• 12-2pm MPACK MUSIC and Jam

• 3-5pm Flip Da Skrip Band 

• 6:30-9:30pm Radam Schwartz Organ Trio 

Day 2: 7/18 Schedule

• 12:30-2:30pm Peter Lin Trio and Jazz Jam

• 2:30pm Special Guest Host Lynette Sheard will take us through the day

• 3-5pm Darryl Clark DC Fusion Band  

• 6:30pm - 9:30pm Nat Adderley Jr. Trio w/ Special Guest

Day 1: 7/17 Lineup

MPACK MUSIC LIVE

Spiotta Park - Let’s Dance and Jam - We kick off the day with a truly swinging R&B jam led by MPack Music. Dynamic, versatile, multifaceted, multitalented, cross-genre band whose playlist spans old school Funk, Jazz, R&B, Fusion, Motown, Neo-Soul and more. Yup the music will be hot and the jam will be awesome. Bring your instrument and or your voice at 12 Noon and join in. We are jamming.

Flip Da Skrip Band

Photo Credit Flip Da Skrip Band

Spiotta Park - Calling all Flippers - we are all in for a special treat as one of our favorite funk, pop bands Flip Da Skrip Band returns to the stage and will be the Sounds In Spiotta Park. Head Flipper has been telling the world:

"Certain Places We've Played Just Mean A Lil' Sumthin' Sumthin' More!!! Places Like Cecil's, Gotham Hall, Gaustavinos, Seton Village, & The Spot Come 2 Mind. However Spiotta Park Has Alwayz Been A Great Place 2 Hang Out, Chillax, & Lissen 2 Whatever Sounds Are Going On Out There That Day. Hear Why Each Flippa Xplains Why They Love Performing In This Waaayyy Kewl Space!!!" 

Bottomline, come have some fun.

Radam Schwartz Organ Trio

Sloan Street Parking - Are you ready for some serious Organ Music? One of the pacesetters of the jazz organ, Radam Schwartz teams up with drummer David F. Gibson and saxophonist Anthony Ware and they intend to bring the house dam. The jazz will jumping Radam had hosted a Jam Session from 1986 to 20016, beginning at the famous Peppermint Lounge in Orange, New Jersey, and in 1997 when the Mint closed its doors, moving to the Crossroads in Garwood, where he played every Tuesday for 19 years, making this the longest running session in New Jersey history. Radam knows how to jam so bring your instrument and or your voice and sign in to have some big fun on Saturday night.

Day 2: 7/17 Lineup

Peter Lin Trio and Jam

Darryl Clark wirth Peter Lin, Slide Hampton and Mimiko Watanabe

Spiotta Park - Nothing like a really fabulous jazz jam led by the stellar Trombone player Peter Lin. Darryl played with the cats all the time so bring your stuff and join in. Come listen and or Jam with us and the true Jam Master.

DC Fusion Band Rides Again

Special Guest Host Lynette Sheard with Members of DC Fusion Band 

Spiotta Park - In honor of Darryl Clark’s band rides again with his original band members and they will be playing the hits and bringing back some of the  great times of the DC Fusion Band.

Nat Adderley, Jr. Trio

Spiotta Park - Nat Adderley Jr, long time friend of Darryl Clark will join us. Are you Ready for the smooth Jazz and R&B sounds of Nat Adderley, Jr. trio featuring always in demand bassist Chris Berger and a stellar drummer who loves to groove Jerome Jennings and with Special Guest joining in. Yup, it's a smoking hot Sunday and you can join in if you think you're ready, just let me know. Are you ready? 

This tribute is free so please tell your friends and your friends, friends to grab a chair and join us. Just listen to the music in the Summer Air. We hope you can come on Sunday, July 17 and 18, 2021 enjoy some great music and the memory of Darryl Clark.  The music will be jumping all day. 

Event Production

Summer Saturdays produced/hosted by South Orange Village Center, South Orange Village and Gregory Burrus Productions 

Gregory Burrus is a local live music ambassador, event planner, live music ambassador and community partner that curates, manages and promotes live music events in the local SOMA (South Orange, Maplewood) community, Northern NJ and New York Area.

Words with P.R. (Edition 5)

By Patricia Rogers | Posted Wednesday, July 14, 2021

IT’S OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY

Welcome back to Words with P.R.! This is such an interesting time in my life. Grateful to have this as an outlet.

This edition is inspired by tennis player Naomi Osaka’s choice to take a break from tennis to take care of her mental health. I think it is important to motivate my readers to opt to swim and not sink, but it is also important to emphasize that when feeling you are going to sink… it is okay to not be okay. It is okay to reach out for help.

Huge thanks to the support that the last edition has gotten, where I talk about my journey towards self-love, acceptance, and body image.

QUEEN P.R.’S PICKS

Birdiebee is a brand that I have supported for a couple of years now. And at first, it was just because it was WWE Hall of Famers Nikki and Brie Bella’s clothing line. But once I started to purchase clothing, I loved the fit, fabrics, and designs. The biggest thing for me, though, was how inclusive the pieces are for all body types. I shared my story about it in the 4th edition of Words with P.R., but it really is life-changing when you can feel confident in your own skin. So far I have purchased dresses, activewear, t-shirts, and sweaters. And I recommend it all. You can use code BBAMBASSADOR20 to save site-wide at this link.

I HAVE LEARNED THAT...

SHOUTOUT TO 400 YEARS OF INEQUALITY

I want to share immersive multimedia projects from the University of Orange educating the public on 400 Years of Inequality aka Juneteenth:

A Call Answered: Observing History -- Reclaiming the Future + People's Pathway to Equality

A Call Answered spotlights the change-inspiring work of 5 community-based 400 Years “observances”, events unearthing and acknowledging America’s timeline of inequality, and setting the stage for a new century of recovery.

Art Direction, Media & Digital Content: Gahlia Eden
Creative Producer, Media & Digital Content: Aubrey Murdock
Creative Direction, Marketing Strategy: Stephanie Leone
Editorial Direction, Marketing Strategy: Ricky Tucker
Creative Team: Timothy Nottage, Jacqueline Castaneda, Molly Kaufman, Robert Sember

People's Pathway to Equity provides multimedia activities and the key concepts most critical to understanding and dismantling the ecology of inequality in your community. Across four chapters, you’ll explore the many insights gathered by the 400 Years of Inequality coalition over five years of learning and organizing together, introducing you to people from a range of places who have boldly answered the call for equality, and helping you embark on your own pathway to equity.

Art Direction: Aubrey Murdock
Creative Producer: Timothy Nottage
Creative Team: Aditi Nair, Jacqueline Castaneda, Timothy Nottage
Media + Digital Content: Gahlia Eden
Editorial Direction: Ricky Tucker
Marketing Strategy: Stephanie Leone

I had the chance to talk to some of the amazing team involved in the creation of these amazing educational experiences:

"The website was inspired by the covid-19 shutdown... Aubrey Murdock, Head of School at University of Orange, which was one of the founding partner organizations of 400 Years introduced me to this work. I invited local photographers and videographers to join me in attending and documenting observances." — Gahlia Eden

"I’d want folks to walk away from A Call Answered... with an impressionistic view of the hard work, love, and thoughtful activism it takes to acknowledge everything we’ve been through in this country—and that’s just an acknowledgement. Then comes the hard work of rebuilding, recovering. Our coalition and these websites can be a template for how communities can honor their own historical context—and recovery collectively. The Peoples Pathway site in particular maps out the tools for them to get started." — Ricky Tucker

CHECK IT OUT HERE: 400YEARSOFINEQUALITY.ORG

SOCIAL MEDIA/MARKETING TIP

Consistency is key

When I wanted to start a podcast, I did as much research as I could about what makes these successful. Having the right equipment, topics, and the audience is important. But the number one note I saw everywhere was BE CONSISTENT. This is how you earn dedicated listeners/viewers. You have to be consistent on every aspect of your brand. This means your brand identity, release schedule, social media marketing, everything. Your fans will not even realize how much they are getting used to your content and will engage with it. Most successful podcasts and YouTube channels don’t have the best quality, but their success comes from being consistent.

Words with P.R. (Edition 4)

By Patricia Rogers | Posted Thursday, June 24, 2021

My First Time in a Bikini and My Struggle with Body Image Acceptance

Real talk time.

When I was really young, I wanted to be a model.

But I was too short, too black, and too fat.

I have always felt self-conscious about the way I look. All of my “flaws” stuck out to me growing up: my gap-toothed smile, acne that has followed me into adulthood, and my outie belly button.

My face and body were not perfect and it would weigh on me. I have four sisters and our looks were always compared. I’m a twin, but most of my sisters have the same features from our mom’s side, and me — from my Dad’s side. We are all beautiful inside and out but these things can really get into your head and cause insecurities.

So at a very young age, I gave up my dream of being a model but always loved style and fashion. I had an unhealthy obsession with the Victoria Secret Angels, and fashion editorials in magazines. I resigned to being an aspiring stylist, as I thought with my look that is the closest I could get to being in the fashion industry.

I thank God that I grew up during the time that I did though. Body image and inclusivity have gotten better since my day, but I couldn’t imagine growing up with Instagram. As much as I use social media, just like everyone there are times where it legit scares me.

The unattainable body images of "influencers" and the idea of perpetuating this wealthy perfect life can be so intimidating. And the scary part is, we are all trying to emulate an image that is simply not real. Even the Kardashians use apps to edit their photos. I can’t even imagine young people living through these expectations, on top of cyberbullying.

However, it was through social media that I gained my own self-confidence and acceptance. Thanks to the support of my online community (mostly my podcast Those Wrestling Girls, and other wrestling fans), friends, and family, I have just been putting myself out there.

During the pandemic, I bought a ring light, and since I was home more and had time I would just take photos of myself in my favorite wrestling t-shirts. The feedback was unbelievably positive.

So for the very first time, my twin sister Letty encouraged me to buy a bikini. In all 31 years of my life, I have never once felt comfortable wearing one. But we were going to Vegas and if there is any place to just fucking go for it, it’s Vegas. And once again the feedback was incredible. I almost cried because this was a moment where I came to accept my body in ways I never have.

I don’t have flawless skin, a flat tummy, or an hourglass figure, and THAT IS OKAY. I can imagine this being refreshing as everyone on Instagram tends to look like clones of each other.

My journey into self-acceptance actually helped me get my most recent brand ambassador gig with Birdiebee, founded by the Bella Twins. These two wrestlers and businesswomen have inspired me to feel comfortable in my own skin and to own my imperfections.

My honesty about not having the perfect body but still OWNING IT is the story of the brand and something I will always connect to. I am grateful that there are no “real models” on their website, including me!

As I move more into the role of an “influencer” as a podcast host, and with brand partnerships with two clothing brands, the notion that I will now have to put myself out there on social media for “work” is daunting.

Will that insecure little girl come back as my followers grow and lead me into a dark place? Only time will tell, but for now, I will continue to utilize social media features: mute, block, and comment disabling.

Support my new partnership with Birdiebee, by buying really cool tees, cropped sweatshirts, activewear, and more with inspiring messages. You can use my affiliate link here, and follow me on Instagram for special coupon codes like QUEENPR15!

Celebrate Juneteenth with Us and Live Music Events In and Around South Orange, NJ

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Saturday, June 19, 2021

Come celebrate with Gregory Burrus Productions, South Orange Village Center Alliance, the Town of South Orange and West Orange Arts Council as they pay homage and tribute to Freedom Day on June 19th, 2021. 

There will be a number of live music events starting at Noon in and around South Orange, West Orange and more, all the way to 10 PM. Take a look, plan your visits, and have fun with these free events. 

Noon - 2 PM Victor Jones Orchestration in Spiotta Park

Photo credit: Albert Clarke, https://www.instagram.com/alclarke_photography/

Victor Jones Orchestration -  Jazz is America's One True Original art form.

Jazz is a music genre that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with its roots in blues and ragtime. Jazz can express many different emotions, from pain to sheer joy. In jazz, you may hear the sounds of freedom — for the music has also been a powerful voice for people suffering unfair treatment because of the color of their skin or more. Jazz has spread from the United States to many parts of the world, and today jazz musicians — and jazz festivals — can be found in dozens of nations. Jazz is one of the United States's greatest exports to the world.

Victor Jones is world renown drummer and has performed and toured with such luminaries as Stan Getz, James Moody, Michel Petrucciani, Joe, Olivia, Stanley Clarke, Phyllis Hyman, Dizzy Gillespie and Chaka Khan as well as others. As George Benson said, ”Whether playing funk, rock or jazz, Victor Jones is one cat that gets it right.” 

We invite you to come listen to the Victor Jones Orchestration as we kick off Juneteenth with this world renown visionary performing the music that has survived through the ages. 

2-2:45 PM Destiny Autumn Music In Spiotta Park

Destiny Autumn "...and it's all thanks to Black Musicians"  

Did you know almost all music we listen to today originated from black artists and musicians of yesterday?  Local musician, Destiny Autumn, will break down the history of black music stemming from Hymns of the South to the Pop hits from the North and everything in between dating from the past until present day! You don't want to miss this fun and educational presentation this Juneteenth! Singing, dancing and having fun are a must. All ages, kids to adults, are welcome to participate. 

Destiny Autumn is an up-and-coming professional musician, songwriter and performer based in the New York metropolitan area, who writes and sings from the heart to the hearts and souls of the people. She began her musical journey studying classical piano and voice, and then expanded her palette to various other genres. She studied Jazz and obtained her degree from Indiana University: Jacob School of Music. Destiny has had the opportunity to perform on stage with world renowned artists such as Darmon Meader, Roseanne Vitro, Nadine Herman, Tierney Sutton, Bobby McFerrin, John Raymond, Jeremy Fox and many more.

2:45-4:45 Invigorating Drum Circle In Spiotta Park

We are having a Drum Circle and You are invited

Group rhythm-making evolved from the earliest times of man or woman. When we couldn't communicate verbally, we grunted or banged something as a form of shared expression. That is a Drum Circle! It's when we join together in UNITY to express ourselves through another voice. 

Come on out and express yourself through rhythm with our local resident drummer Allison Brown. Special Guest Richard Reiter, Saxophonist/Jazz Master/Spiritual Drumming Circle Leader, will be joining us with a few friends. Bring your Drum and Chair, or we have some for you. All ages, kids to adults, are welcome to participate.

Lynette Sheard Trio Live at BLM Exhibit at the West Orange Arts Council 

Maria Estrela and Carol Jenkins, both female artists of color from Essex County, have a personal connection to a new exhibit in West Orange.

Participating Artists: Sarah Bass Aspe, Josephine Barreiro, Yuri Bisono, Carol Black-Lemon, Wendy Born, Syreeta Brooks, Marina Carreira, Patricia Croft, Antoinette Ellis-Williams, Maria Estrela, Mary Fordham, Karen Goldberg, Dino Gravato, Patricia Hutchinson, Queen Mother Imakhu, Carol T. Jenkins, Lizette Louis, Cathleen McCoy Bristol, Barbara Motley, Frank Niccoletti, Amelia Panico, Davynte “Red” Pannell, Sundra Parker, John Piccoli, Dayana Poulard, Ron Powell, Martryce Roach, Gale Sasson, Ameerah Shabazz, Ella Silivanch, Timothy Simmons, Elaine Tassy, Sheila R. Thompson, Denise Toney and Kelly D. Villalba.

Learn more at  https://tinyurl.com/yumbkryp

You can read more right here: For These Artists, BLM Exhibit In West Orange Has Special Meaning

The gallery show will be open for in-person visits at 551 Valley Road, West Orange, NJ through July 31. A reception will be held on Saturday, June 19 from 4 to 7 p.m.

4:30 - 5:30 PM Juneteenth BLM Live Music Experience 

Performing at this BLM Reception on June 19th will be a trio of heavy hitter jazz musicians performing outside the West Orange Arts Gallery at 551 Valley Road in West Orange, NJ starting at 4:30-5:30 PM. Adjacent to the Lunar Theater, they will deliver a medley of jazzy tunes guaranteed to make you smile and help you celebrate America's original Art form.

Lynette Sheard - Vocalist

Lynette is a multi-talented and versatile vocalist with a five octave range and perfect pitch. She acts, produces, directs and is a vocal coach. Her performances have been acknowledged in numerous publications including, The NY Times, Broadway World, The Record, Hot House, The Patch and The Chronicle. The Star-Ledger proclaimed that, “Her voice reaches deep into one’s soul and finds a soft spot.” Lynette is also a director of the Mental Health Association of New Jersey. https://www.lynetteentertainment.com/

Brandon McCune - Pianist 

This Chicago native makes his home in Newark, NJ. His musical studies began at age three, when his parents enrolled him in the Suzuki Method of Classical Piano. Brandon McCune is an experienced Professional Musician (pianist, organist, drummer, trumpeter, bassist, vocalist, and choir director) serving as a principal music instructor, composer, counselor, arranger, and performer with a special concentration in the jazz, classical, and gospel genres. Brandon was selected through a national audition as a 1998-1999 U.S. Jazz Ambassador to Africa, where he traveled abroad representing the United States performing public and private concerts, master classes and workshops.  https://www.facebook.com/brandon.mccune

Marshall McDonald - Saxophonist

Marshall McDonald played Lead Alto for 18 years with The Count Basie Orchestra, played Baritone sax on Paquito D'Rivera’s Latin Grammy-winning album Tropicana Nights, played baritone sax with Abdullah Ibrahim and also played clarinet with The Duke Ellington Orchestra. This Pittsburgh native’s career also includes a 10-year stint with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra. Other career highlights include performances at Carnegie Hall with Nancy Wilson, The Tokyo Blue Note, The Nice Jazz Festival, Illinois Jacquet, Charli Persip, Frank Foster, Tony Bennett, Bobby Caldwell, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Tony Bennett, Milt Jackson, Nina Simone, Rosemary Clooney and Aretha Franklin, amongst others. https://marshallmcdonald.com 

Tonia Ray All Stars and MPack Band on Flood's Hill, South Orange, NJ

Tonia Ray and Clarence Conover have been making music in the New Jersey scene for a long time and these two bands, Tonia Ray All Stars and MPACK, will delight the crowd with a series of jumping and popping R&B tunes. 

6:30 - 7:30 PM Tonia Ray All Stars

Tonia Ray brings down the house with her events, whether on the big stage, the club or a nursing home. Known to sing a variety of genres, she brings listeners to their feet, dancing and making sure everyone is having fun. She sings classics from Whitney Houston, The Marvelettes, Diana Ross to Dolly Parton, Bette Midler, and much, much more. She’s guaranteed to give an audience a performance they will not stop talking about. 

8:00 - 9:00 PM MPack Band

MPack is a band, a brand, and a musical production enterprise, consisting of multiple elements in an ever-evolving flow. It is the musical brainchild of bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer and vocalist Clarence ‘Groove Master’ Conover. He’s the founder and CEO of M-Pack Music productions, whose motto is “Life Changing Sounds.” MPack brings an explosive energy to the stage, guaranteed to rock the house all night long!

They will take us back, and bring us back to today. Good times, dancing and shaking in your seat guaranteed.

You are invited to celebrate Freedom Day on Flood's Hill and enjoy these FREE live music performances. Bring your own picnic, or purchase BBQ and beer from the Gaslight Beer Garden.

About Gregory Burrus Productions

Gregory Burrus Productions produces/promotes local live music events and is also a social media manager, event developer and community partner that documents local community events in the Greater New Jersey and New York Area. Gregory Burrus reports and blogs about the local arts and entertainment scene, showcasing, photographing, videotaping events and happenings as they occur all around the towns. 

Welcome to Downtown Cranford 2021 Summer Sounds Live Music Series!

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Saturday, June 19, 2021

Exciting Vibrant Cranford, NJ

With outstanding shopping, restaurants, services and entertainment & events, not to mention our beautiful parks and waterways, Cranford offers authentic experiences for everyone.

According to Wikipedia, Cranford, NJ has a nickname of "The Venice of New Jersey'' and a motto "Friendship and Progress." This small town has shaped up to be one highly desirable place to be and live in. In both 2018 and 2019, The Star-Ledger named Cranford the best downtown in New Jersey after an online vote, calling it "adorable [and] snowglobe-like.” New Jersey Monthly magazine ranked Cranford as its 34th best place to live in its 2010 rankings of the "Best Places To Live.” Cranford is part of the New York City metropolitan area.

Cranford is home to more than 24,000 people who enjoy its many parks, recreational facilities, shopping areas and outstanding schools. Strategically located in the heart of Union County, the Township is served by the NJ Transit bus and Raritan Valley train line, making it desirable for outbound and inbound commuters. Established in 1871, Cranford is 4.8 square miles of wonderful neighborhoods and historic homes along the Rahway River, some dating back to the late 1800s. Township residents and visitors, young and old, can enjoy the many programs at the Community Center, Public Library, parks, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools or canoeing on the river. These are just some of the reasons Cranford is routinely rated in the Top 50 Best Places to Live in NJ and to raise a family.

Keeping Downtown Alive - Downtown Cranford

https://downtowncranford.org/

The town has a strong commercial base. Downtown Cranford is well known for its many restaurants, unique specialty shops and has seen tremendous investment and growth in recent years with several Transit-Oriented Development projects. Smaller neighborhood shopping areas, like Centennial Village, are also revitalized with new restaurants and businesses. The Cranford Business Park, with easy access to the Garden State Parkway, major roads and Newark Airport, is home to several well-known national corporations.

https://downtowncranford.org/

Also, the Downtown Cranford Special Improvement District (SID) led by Executive Director Caren Demyan is dedicated to ensuring a vibrant downtown. Downtown Cranford is a Township department whose objective is to promote, brand, beautify, maintain, attract, and grow business. The Office of Downtown Business & Economic Development is part of the Township government and represents all properties, businesses and residents within the SID regardless of size, location or use and is the official advocate for property and business owners. You can learn more about Downtown Cranford and how they can support your objectives right here.  

Downtown Cranford Making Live Music Happen 2021

Alex Desrivieres / Harmonic Convergence 2020

2021 Downtown Cranford  Lineup Schedule

The Downtown Cranford office announced that there is music at Eastman Plaza throughout the summer 2021! Starting in June, there will be music performances at Eastman Plaza on Thursdays from 6-8pm by a number of local musicians. 

2021 Summer Sounds Performers

As you can see, we have an extensive and diverse list of music genres and performers for everyone's listening pleasure, with some returning favorites and some brand new first-timers. We have crossed the spectrum with pop, rock, R&B, jazz, country, Latin, cabaret and, of course, some blues to make you tap your feet, shake your head and dance in your seat. Just come on out and have a good time enjoying the sounds of Downtown Cranford live music. 

Experience the Summer Sounds and Views

All are invited to come on out and enjoy this wonderful live music location, to enjoy Downtown Cranford stores and restaurants and the Downtown Cranford Summer Sounds Series. Here's a few landmarks to pique your curiosity, and hopefully you will stop in and enjoy this wonderful environment.  

At this very busy traffic intersection right off the NJ Transit train station there is this idyllic park in the middle of the hustle and bustle:

Inside it is this wonderful grassy location, along with some natural seating, what's known locally as the Eastman Clock location.

And what's really cool is there is a built-in amphitheater-type seating all the way around and out to the grass and the adjacent stores. This is a very cool place to be where you are able to sit, relax and enjoy the summer sounds of live music. 

About the Writer

Gregory Burrus is a Photojournalist, Live Music Ambassador, Arts and Entertainment Writer, Blogger, Business Reviewer, and Community Events Reporter. He is a supporter of local businesses and community events, with a passion for live music. Gregory reviews and writes about local live music programs while booking, promoting and curating many regional live music events around the greater New York/New Jersey area. Greg promotes events through social media marketing, writing articles, blogging and photojournalism. Having fun, living life, while helping others. https://gregoryburrusproductions.com

The 4th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree (RECAP) and 2021 Open Call

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Friday, June 18, 2021

I want to thank everyone for their participation and support of the  4th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree. While I still wished we could have performed, in person outside as usual, the Coronavirus Pandemic changed all that.  As the pandemic went into full effect for us during the last week of March and lockdown started in April 2020, we pivoted and started thinking about what else we could do to keep the music alive. 

We couldn't go outside so we adapted and continued our commitment to the live music community and launched a new virtual approach that addressed our new social distancing world. We asked folks to submit live performances specifically for this event,  a truly sweet past performance, or we scheduled them into a live performance slot on the day of the 24 Hours of Music Jamboree event.  The musicians responded overwhelmingly positively and it was great to see folks volunteer their time/energy along with their dynamic and amazing musical talents in making this first time move to a Virtual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree a big success. The following is a recap of what happened throughout the Jamboree.

Official 24 Hours of Music Jamboree Chairperson Welcomes All

Out of this pivot to online, we discovered the wonderful and very energetic Lynette Sheard. In person she was also dynamic and her turn to the virtual world was no less stellar.  We ended up  selecting Lynette Sheard of  Lynette Sheard Entertainment as our official welcome spokesperson because even through the very negative environment we were in, Lynette was a bright beam of enthusiasm and hope. Thank you, Lynette.

Tributes

We opened the 24 Hours of Music Jamboree at 11:30 AM with a tribute to our recently departed long-term South Orange resident and live music advocate Lee Boz May, may she RIP.  We also said goodbye to another wonderful local performer, Holi Ross who also sang with The Royal Bopsters.

As we usually have our South Orange Gazebo dressed up physically in balloons, this year we adapted and developed a virtual balloon backdrop. We then listened to the song “Candy” converted to "I need my 24 Hours of Music" by vocalist Jacqueline Harmon Johnson, a.k.a. The Balloon Lady.

Official Kick Off by the Institute of Jazz Studies  

We then were officially kicked off by the Rutgers University Clements Place Institute of Jazz Studies Executive Director Wayne Winborne. His now very "prophetic message" was  to enjoy the wide range of music that was being presented and that “while science and medicine will get us out of this pandemic […] it’s art, especially music, that will get us through it.”

Fundraising for the Jazz Exchange Relief Fund  

We then moved to a message from the  Jazz Exchange Relief Fund  Founders  Candice Reyes and Abel Mireles, who are supporting local North Jersey and NYC full-time and part-time jazz artists with The Jazz Exchange Relief Fund! This was especially important because artists were immediately affected by this pandemic, as all of their performances, tours, teaching gigs, lessons and more were cancelled overnight. The Jazz Exchange came on to help us raise funds to provide emergency and preventative resources to those at financial risk

Lineup: 4th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree    

It was a stellar lineup of some truly wonderful musicians who all volunteered their time and efforts to this 4th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree.  

2020 event lineup

We kicked off the Virtual 4th Annual 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree at noon Saturay, May 30th with the Pop, R&B, Soul sessions headlined by South Orange-based Alicia Taiping and Dan Pieraccini of the popular local band Forget the Whale. We were then treated to some wonderful performances by Dunia Best Live, Howlin Poets, Positive Note, Rhonda Denet, Flip da Skrip, our official spokesperson Lynette Sheard, Acute Inflections, Tasha R. Williams with budding new star Aaliyah Arroyo, Sounds of A and R, and local favorite Ricky Persaud, Jr.

Our Latin sessions contained some sweet music produced by Carlos Frias and Circulo Social Band and a few wonderful  Yardbird Entertainment-produced sessions by the Rudy Vidal Latin Jazz Quartet.

Video Recap: 4th Annual 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree  

The evening and overnight Jazz Sessions were kicked off live by the wonderful and engaging Mike Lee Jazz Family, which all members were very talented while socially distancing together. Overnight performers included Kristina Koller, Abel & Candice, Reyes, Arcoiris Sandoval Live, DC Fusion Darry Clark, Peter Lin, Mamiko Watanabe, Richard Reiter, Sue Maskaleris, Winard Harper – Jeli Posse, Kemp and Reyvolation from Buffalo NY, James Austin, Jr. and Friends, Mauricio de Sousa, Joel Cotton with Matt Niedbalski, Jarrett Walser and Campblicated, Marshall McDonald from Fukuoka, Japan, Seyeon Chang from South Korea, Kumiko Tanaka from Tokyo, our normally 3 AM to 6 AM crew, the Alex De Lazzari Duo with Caelan Cardello, then Flip Peters and Friends ending overnight with Candice Reyes. 

Rounding out the early morning hours, we had songs from the American Songbook by vocalist Patricia Walton and Barbara Hassenfeld, then Blues Rocker Debra Devi, Hal Keshner from the beautiful hills and desert of Arizona with some truly gorgeous sun scenes, and finally closing us out by sitting on the dock of the San Francisco Bay was Blues Man Mr. Coo Mo Gee.

Volunteers , Operations and Productions

2020 24 Hours of Music Volunteers with Teresa Ware and Donna Siedman

The major difference this year was we literally broadcast the entire 24 Hour of Music Jamboree event. We broadcasted on 5 virtual venues simultaneously. Listeners had a choice of watching and listening on Facebook pages, or my Gregory Burrus profile, Youtube, Twitch, or Periscope.tv channels. Thanks to our Audience Development Director, Chelsea B., who conducted selected Instagram broadcasts throughout the 24 hours. We also broadcasted to non-social media channels at 24hoursofmusicjamboree.tv.

Our regular volunteers Jon McGriff, Teresa Ware, Donna Siedman, Chelsea Burrus, Greg2B, and Roxanne Burrus, all supported us for 24 hours while we missed out steadfast volunteer Lee Boz May. We also give thanks to our official photographer Albert Clarke. Please visit his Instagram, as he captured some beautiful shots for us virtually, and our other giveaway supporter Designs by Aron.

2020 4th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree Broadcast Studio Operations

Needless to say, we had some interesting challenges broadcasting nonstop for the full 24 Hours of Music Jamboree, especially when Facebook says you can only do 8 hours at a time and it stops, and we have to start again. Other networks did not have this problem but had other internet-related situations that had to be dealt with, and lets’s not forget being up more than 24 hours.

Overall initial numbers are over 604 YouTube views, 100+ Facebook views, unknown Instagram/Twitch views and over 100 Periscope views which, interestingly, are mostly from Australia and Great Britain. Comments from many local and other worldwide attendees were that “the music was a much-needed respite from the challenges plaguing our society today.” 

And another thanks to our g2bpro motion graphics video engineer — we have a new logo: 

Again, I thank all that participated. We will showcase your work.

2017-2020: Recaps of Past Events

The 24 Hours of Music Jamboree is normally an outdoor festival held in the town of South Orange, NJ at multiple venues with live music bands voluntarily performing for 24-hours non stop. Due to the 2020 COVID Pandemic, we went online. You can review past events at the following links:

2020 4th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree May 30 -31, 2020

2019 3rd Annual 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree Sep 7 - 8, 2019

2018 2nd Annual 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree May 5 - 6, 2018

2017 1st Annual 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree May 6 -7, 2017

Open Call: Experience This Year’s 24 Hours of Music Jamboree

Now, a year has passed and hopefully COVID KEEPS DECLINING. For 2021, the idea is to get back outside with live bands and live audiences, meanwhile adding an online virtual performance component.

Anyone can participate, so open call is on.

Contact us to join us with your band, solo, duo, trio or whatever configuration you have. Let us know what you do and how you want to do it. We will find a spot for you in and around South Orange, NJ or online.

Volunteer here for the 5th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree at this link https://bit.ly/3vXJJja .

About Gregory Burrus Productions

Gregory Burrus books bands, produces, promotes, captures and records live music events along with various community and private activities.

My mission is to help my customers, which are community groups, live music bands and local nonprofits reach their goals and accomplish their missions while enjoying the day-to-day process of life.

Learn more https://24hoursofmusicjamboree.com

Words with P.R. (3rd Edition)

By Patricia Rogers | Posted Friday, June 18, 2021

CHOOSE TO SWIM

What is the saying? You make plans and God laughs? I have been coming to terms with this for years. I’ve learned: don’t take it personally. You’re not “doing life wrong.” I’ve realized that the ups, downs, uncertainty, and mistakes we will all ultimately make, are just... life. When I started to take my struggle with anxiety and depression seriously I made a vow not to let it ruin my life. I ask myself: are you going to swim or sink?* As hard as it is, I always choose to swim. And this is only possible with the love and support of my friends, family, and the continued pursuit towards living a full life.

I recently chose to swim:

My Trip to Vegas

My twin sister Letty and I had been planning a trip to Las Vegas for Memorial Day weekend. For the first time, I was going away, paid vacation days, money in my savings account, and ahead on rent. Proud adult moment. And then, two weeks before the trip I get a severe toothache. And a very long and uninteresting story short, I had to get a tooth extracted. Booooo.

I am now depressed during the week leading up to this fun trip. I hate the dentist, I hate dealing with medical shit, I had to stop eating and enjoying my vices. And of course, my shitty insurance didn’t cover everything so I had to spend all of the money in my savings account that I was so proud of. I was very close to canceling the trip but didn’t want to let my sister and friend down. Glad I didn’t just because it was not the perfect trip I had in mind, doesn’t mean I should sink and not go.

So I swam and went to Vegas anyway. Yeah, I couldn’t eat real food, or smoke legalized weed, but so what? I went and it was fucking awesome. I actually stayed offline from work and the podcast to truly escape and have a good time. We met some of the coolest people (other black travelers) and made unforgettable memories.

My Las Vegas recommendations are the SAHARA Hotel, ReLeaf Weed Dispensary (my sister loved it), and definitely walking the strip. And I can not stress enough, even my melanin queens and kings WEAR FUCKING SUNSCREEN! So I hope this inspires you to push through even when things do not go as planned. While in Vegas, missing teeth and all, I rediscovered a piece of myself and learned that just because something isn’t perfect doesn’t mean it’s not worth it. Literally, nothing in life will go completely as planned. And that is perfectly okay.

MEET WHITNEY CHANEL CLARK, NYC-BASED COMEDIAN

I went to high school with Whitney, and she was one of my best friends. We shared a love and respect for each other I still feel ‘til this day. She was always a great writer and could honestly do anything she set her mind to (as corny as that sounds).

In her words, “Whitney Chanel Clark is a stand up comedian in New York City pushing the boundaries of comedy in what's now a politically correct world. I’d say Whitney Chanel is the entertainer and Clark is the business woman. All together, it’s the total package”.

In the last few years I have watched her try her hand at comedy, and go on to be the leader of Clark House Comedy, as well as a mentor for queer comedians. When I asked her about those boundaries in comedy she has pushed she said, “My brand of comedy impacts the LGBTQIA+ community by encouraging the more aggressive/dominant women to embrace their femininity. I’m that old school gay, don’t ask don’t tell gay, I think it’s fine to dress like a man and not want to turn into one. My brand of comedy is about making regular gay cool again.”

She has weekly shows around the country and has been featured on Bravo, VH1, and BuzzFeed.

SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING TIP

When building your social media presence, no matter that platform: INTERACT AND ENGAGE WITH EVERYTHING. I think something that people forget when it comes to social media is that everyone on it are real people. Actual humans who are taking their time to engage with your platform. Acknowledge them. It is not about the follower count — in my opinion that is important — it's the amount of real (not bots) humans that react to your content.

"ReVision and Respond" at The Newark Museum of Art Showcases NJ Artists

By Sonia Schnee | Posted Friday, June 18, 2021

What is “ReVision and Respond”? Now–Aug. 22, The Newark Museum of Art is hosting an exhibition featuring NJ artists from all across the state. Amy Hopwood, Associate Curator of Decorative Arts at The Newark Museum of Art, filled us in on the details. Watch the interview below:

CC Minton: Loving Beautiful Spaces And Making A Difference While Creatively Living Life

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Tuesday, June 1, 2021

As we run around living life, it's so much fun to encounter folks who have endured life's tough and ongoing situations but they seem to come out the other side of their situations with a positive and encouraging mindset. This ongoing interview series is a celebrity spotlight on local folks who live and work creatively helping others in the JerseyNYC area. Below, Gregory Burrus Productions Interviewer Lynette Sheard has a conversation with NJ Resident CC Minton, who is very positive and creatively living life. Listen and enjoy:

Founder of I Love Beautiful Spaces

CC Minton is the Founder of I Love Beautiful Spaces. She is an award-winning lifestyle advocate, celebrity interviewer, and social-impact-exec-turned-real-estate-pro. This former housewife has secured a portfolio of homes and investment properties, recently purchased land in the hot Southwest Dallas market. and is currently renovating an 1889 historic home.  

Past President of Stevenson Moses Boxing for Life

While women in charge in the boxing world is rare, that didn’t stop CC. She is the immediate Past President of the Board at Stevenson Moses Boxing for Life which was founded by the 2016 Olympic Silver Boxing Medalist and now Professional Boxer Shakur Stevenson and the Olympic and NJ Hall of Fame Boxing Coach Wali Moses. At Stevenson and Moses Boxing for Life, President CC Minton provided strategic leadership by working with the Board and Management team to establish long-range goals, strategies, plans, and policies.  

NFL Super Bowl Business Partner

From a business perspective, CC the-homebody-turned-entrepreneur secured a New York/New Jersey NFL Super Bowl XLVIII business connection partner contract to serve nutritional food. With very little expertise in this area, she read the contracts, contacted those in the know and figured out what had to be done. Success awaited her efforts, as the team she pulled together provided a complete set of bits and bits services at the 2014 New York, New Jersey Super Bowl Game. Minton was front and center on Super Bowl Sunday at the private VIP tailgate party prior to the game. Read more: West Orange Resident Scores Super Bowl Deal - TAPinto

Celebrity Interviewer 

UP Close with CC Minton with Dean Shot at South Mountain International Blues Festival 2017.

CC is also a celebrity interviewer and loves to interact with people. In her journey to rediscover life, she also has an effect on folks so much so that they actually sing songs in her name. If you are creative, then folks get creative with you, and as interviewer at the South Mountain Blues Festival, you see they sang her name and she held a great interview session with the Dean Shot band.  

White House Correspondent

CC Minton has been to the White House where she covered Former First Lady Michelle Obama's White House Kids' State Dinner, and is a recipient of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition Leadership Award. Along these lines, CC also served on the Board of Governance, Co-Chaired A Spring Affair House Tour & Boutique, and is a former member of the West Orange Board of Education Wellness Council.  She participated as a guest panelist at the Jack and Jill of America Childhood Obesity Forum and hosted a Walk and Talk event with the YMCA, which had a positive impact on the community at large. CC is also an author of a well-received book, Daddy’s Greek Potato Pie, about healthy eating.

Health & Lifestyle Advocate for Harlem World Magazine 

A while backm CC joined The Harlem World Magazine team which has over 83,000 weekly readers from around the world. Her creativity and expertise were recognized by Harlem World Magazine Founder and CEO Danny Tisdale when he said, 

“CC Minton joins the Harlem World magazine as an expert in philanthropy, events, health and wellness. Her deep knowledge and experience bring a high level of skill and professionalism to Harlem World.”

Tisdale adds,

“Like us, CC believes in Harlem World Magazine as an engine of opportunity for Harlemites, in Harlem and the world, and she will serve as a leader and expert on the Harlem World Magazine team.”

Board Member, The Friends of Thomas Edison National Historical Park

As if all that is not enough, CC’s passion for seeing an opportunity to help and jump right in has come alive as recently was selected to be a board member of The Friends of Thomas Edison National Historical Park. This nonprofit helps raise funds to preserve the legacy and artifacts of the Thomas Edison National Historical Park. Since 2007, they have raised over $15 million in educating and preserving the legacy of Thomas Edison and his innovations. Stay tuned for more coming about this exciting organization.

I Love Beautiful Spaces

As you can see, CC began her journey in the kitchen of her home and created a path that led her to one of the most beautiful homes — The White House, which is undoubtedly a very beautiful space.

She continues her mission to empower people to make lifestyle choices using passion, purpose and real estate. She credits her humanitarian efforts and experiences in the community for defining her purpose in the world.

She has a few no-nonsense, very interesting ways of helping folks succeed and grow in life with real estate, such as: 

I Love Beautiful Spaces - The beauty of residential real estate investments and how they appreciate over time. The opportunity to create active and passive income.  Reflecting your desires, personality, and style.

A Diamond in the Rough - A signature program, designed for women, that provides a blueprint to assist in defining their real estate investment goals by identifying hidden real estate opportunities, funding them, and turning them into a gem that profits.  

The Housewarming Gifting Society - A group of philanthropic donors, within the United States, who make it possible for community members who are recovering from housing insecurity to receive household items, furnishings, and design expertise.

You can learn more about the very creative and entrepreneurial CC Minton by visiting her at www.ccminton.com. 

About The Author

Gregory Burrus is a supporter of local businesses, community events, jazz, blues musicians and local art exhibitions. On a regular basis, Gregory promotes/documents and writes about art, music, business, and local community events all around our towns of Essex County, North Jersey and New York City. Greg provides support through videography, photography, social media marketing, writing articles, blogging and photo journalism. Gregory is having fun living life while helping others. Learn more at gregoryburrusproductions.com

Interview with Latewaves

By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Latewaves are a rock and roll band from Asbury Park, combining sweet melodies reminiscent of 90’s favorites with thoughtful lyrics and a heavy rhythm section. Their latest singles have been accompanied by fantastic music videos to promote their full length release out on Know Hope Records June 4th, 2021. Latewaves have been hard at work this past year, despite the obstacles bands were confronted with due to the pandemic. They will also be one of the first bands to break in the new Basie Plaza venue in Red Bank, NJ on 6/26 (Sold ! Out !). I reached out to the group to see how the last year has treated them and to reminisce on tour stories. Thanks again, Howie! Long live Latewaves!

When was your last show before the lockdown/switch to the year of the livestream? Did you anticipate a year off?

I think it was in February at the Wonder Bar. Well you were there, haha. That was a cool split 7” release show and we raised money for Wag On Inn Rescue. I had actually just adopted a dog from them just a few weeks prior, so that’s definitely a cool memory pre-COVID/year of the livestream. We had a week-long tour booked for the end of last March. The “postponements'' started rolling in the first week of March. We totally understood why, wanted to play things safe, but didn’t think too much of it. Figured we’d be playing those dates just a few months later once everything got better. Obviously, like everyone else, we had no idea how long this would last.

How has the pandemic affected your songwriting and overall process as a band?

I wouldn't say too much has changed. We all live within walking distance of each other. Our practice space is a few miles away. We write at home alone, we write together in the space. We did spend a few months not playing together or really seeing much of each other at all, to stay safe. Once we started to practice and write again (with precautions) it just felt the same. Definitely made writing new things even more exciting after not getting to play together for so long.

Your new video for "Enough is Enough" is great. Who did you work with? How did you all come up with the concept?

Hey, thanks! That video was our first experience working with our now amazing friend Kris Khunachak. I think we might have caught wind of him from the AP2 crew. A total cold-call-fingers-crossed-hoping for the best situation reaching out to him to get this video done. We gave him the song, and then a couple weeks later met up to hash out a concept. Kris had the “cable” idea (watch the video to find out what the hell that means) and we just kept rolling with it. It was a super fun video to make, and we’ve got a couple more things that Kris filmed and directed coming out soon! He’s so damn talented and we would not be in the position we are now without his help. It’s crazy to think we actually filmed that back in January of 2020, thinking our record would be out later that summer.

Your new album Hell to Pay comes out June 4th. Who did you record this record with? How did it affect your writing process, if at all?

We recorded Hell to Pay at The Barber Shop Studios in Lake Hopatcong, NJ. Brett Romnes engineered/mixed/produced and Vinnie Caruana was also a producer (both members of I Am The Avalanche, The Movielife). We went in there with a hell of a lot of songs. While we thought all of them were pretty much ready to go, they certainly helped us do a lot of re-working, trimmed some fat, and it really improved us as both writers and players. They are both masters of their craft and writing with them came so naturally. I’d like to think that you can hear that in the record. There’s some songs that we didn’t think would even make the cut that are now probably our favorites to play. I guess that’s a common thing band people say, but it’s the truth.

Do you have a favorite tour moment now that shows are coming back?

Wow, just reading “shows are coming back” gives ya chills nowadays. Personally, something I will never forget is the first night of our first tour. We were playing “The Shed” in Alabama. It was… a shed. We rolled up after driving straight from Jersey to said shed. A girl popped out of the house next door and said “You in latewaves? She’s closed. You’re playing in the kitchen. Come help me move the table.” So, yeah. We moved that table, and then played probably the best and most welcoming house show any of us have experienced. Shawna and I proceeded to get too drunk to blow up the air mattress so we slept in the van. We just never plugged the air mattress in. Mike woke up comfortably sleeping on a couch next to an open window. Then a bird landed on his chest and was just chillin’ inside. Perfect first night and first morning for our first tour.

Did you ever anticipate such a long break from shows? Have there been any positives with the time off?

I guess I kinda said it before, but no we never thought that it would go this long. I don’t think anybody did. Unless you’re literally an expert in pandemics (we are not). It definitely hit us hard, but we know we are very lucky. We’re coming out of this on the other side with our health and a record to put out. Just knowing the amount of friends and people overall in the music industry alone that don’t or won’t have work to go back to breaks our hearts. We’re in a good spot, and we hope that shows (safely) return and we can get the live music machine running again.

It’s hard to find the positives in all this time off, but we know that they are there. It gave us a chance to really put all of our efforts into making sure this record comes out in the way we intended. That’s tough to do from the road when you don’t have major label budgets and people. I mean, it took us a couple years just to make the record. It wasn’t because we wanted to stop and go home after a week. We had tours to go on, jobs to show up to in order to pay rent/go on tour, that whole thing. And we didn’t have to sleep on any strangers' beer soaked floors. But, I do miss that, too. Hopefully one day again soon!

You can keep up with all things Latewaves here and make sure you preorder the record HERE.

An Exquisite Powerful Night of Jazz and Elegant Entertainment on The Newark Waterfront

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Sunday, May 16, 2021

It’s time to get ready for a very exciting live music event, exquisite food and more. On Memorial Day Weekend James Scott, Chief Executive Officer and Founder at Global Mixed Gender Basketball, is producing a 2-day VIP event called “A Night on the Waterfront.” James Scott and his Jam Network TV Promotions Team is preparing a truly fabulous and spectacular 2-day live jazz music and entertainment explosion at the Newark Waterfront Center located at 1100 McCarter Highway in Newark, NJ. James Scott has put together an impressive list of performances over two days for folks listening and actual participation enjoyment. 

“The objective of “A Night on the Waterfront” is for people to come together and enjoy a truly fabulous good time with their family, friends, community neighbors alongside some of our local, national and historical entertainment figures of our times.” — James Scott, CEO, GMGB

As one can see, James Scott is all about providing a very memorable experience and for me, being an avowed jazz lover and live music ambassador, I immediately signed on, of course, to help get the word out about this awesome Jazz performance that has been put together for this fabulous event. 

Lineup — Saturday Eve Jazz Performances  

The exclusive jazz line up includes world class professional musicians with a lineage spanning decades and decades of jazz history. The performers have connections and personal influences from the 1920's that continue to our present day environment.  

The event's jazz activities include the outstanding 15-piece George Gee Swing Orchestra. This big band is known all over the world and will be led by renown bandleader George Gee. This will be followed by one of the most talented pianists and composers alive, Nat Adderley Jr., who is well known as the songwriter/composer for Luther Vandross, Beyonce, amongst other big stars. Nat's lineage is connected to world class and highly revered jazz musicians Cannonball Adderley and Nat Adderley. The evening's events will also include a performance that will feature the former WNBA superstar and now TV actress and singer, Kym Hampton. Performances details for the night are: 

George Gee Swing Orchestra

Bandleader George Gee Swing Orchestra —Big Band Jazz is a cultural phenomena that is big fun to listen and dance to anywhere in this country and is loved across the world!  A generation of folks are very nostalgic for it. Here in New York, Big Band leader George Gee dominates the Big Apple Big Band swing scene as he holds court weekly at the number one New York City Times Square swing jazz nightspot, the Swing 46 Jazz And Supper Club. A native New Yorker, George always loved music. He grew up with rock’n’roll and R&B but in his teens, he developed a powerful passion for jazz — especially the big band styles of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton, Benny Goodman, Cab Calloway and other legends.   

If you know anything about big bands, this performance will be amazing as George Gee in 2020 announced the launch of their 40th Anniversary of swingin’ and spreading the Big Band Sound to audiences throughout the world inclusive of 23 years in NYC at Swing 46. This is an amazing accomplishment in today's fast paced, short term appreciation world. George Gee is a master showman who definitely knows how to ensure that you will have a great time. 

Nat Adderley, Jr. — Pianist/Composer/Arranger/Producer 

Nat Adderley, as a pianist, has some amazing accomplishments from the 70s and 80s. Nat wrote/arranged Luther Vandross’s first top 20 pop hit, “Stop to Love”, and “Wait for Love” and the Grammy-nominated “Give me the Reason.”  Nat also arranged many of Luther’s most popular records, including “The Closer I Get To You”, a duet with Beyonce Knowles that is featured on Beyonce’s grammy-winning Dangerously in Love, on Luther’s Grammy-winning “Dance With My Father” which won the Grammy in 2004 for best R&B performance by a duo or group. In 2003, Nat produced Luther’s Live 2003 at Radio City Music Hall. Nat was Luther’s musical director from 1981 until Luther’s passing. Nat developed tracks for the Temptations’ CD Awesome and Ruben Studdard’s Love Is and he played piano (and/or keyboards) on all the above mentioned recordings, and many many more.  

So besides Pop and R&B, what’s even more amazing is Nat’s lineage, which has roots which are anchored way back in the jazz industry. Born into jazz royalty as the son and nephew of jazz greats, trumpeter Nat Adderley and saxophonist Julian "Cannonball" Adderley, his father Nat Adderley (1931–2000) was a composer, jazz cornet and trumpet player, while his uncle Cannonball Adderley (1928–1975) was a jazz alto saxophonist well known for the hit “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy.” 

For A Night on the Waterfront, Nat’s Quartet will bring a set of all-star jazz professionals, featuring: 

Vince Ector, Jazz Drummer and Recording Artist - performs regularly in New York City with several ensembles such as: The Grammy Award winning Charles Mingus Orchestra & Big Band, The Orrin Evans Quartet and Captain Black Big Band and his own band in venues such as: The Blue Note, Smoke, The Iridium, Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola, Smalls and The Jazz Standard among others. Vince Ector is also the Founder, President and Executive Director of Arts For Kids Inc., a not-for-profit Arts-in-Education company.

Chris Berger on bass - always in demand bassist that has performed, toured, and recorded with such jazz luminaries as John Abercrombie, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Jimmy Cobb, David Hazeltine, Joe Lovano, Junior Mance, Mickey Roker, Jeff "Tain'' Watts, Loston Harris, James Williams, Russell Malone, Eric Alexander, and Maria Schneider Big Band. He has toured the United States, Europe, and Asia with legendary trumpeter Maynard Ferguson and his Big Bop Nouveau.

Mike Lee on tenor sax and flute - Mike has performed with Loston Harris, Dave Stryker, Wallace Roney, TS Monk, the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band, the Jimmy Heath Orchestra, Oliver Lake Big Band, Josh Evans Big Band, and the Roy Hargrove Big Band. Recent tours have taken him to Italy, France, California and Beijing, China. Mike Lee is Professor of Jazz Saxophone at The John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University. In 2009, Lee helped found and develop the Jazz House Kids in-house jazz education program.

Kym Hampton - Singer, Actress, WNBA Superstar & GMGB Executive 

As a WNBA Legend, Kym Hampton completed a spectacular 15-year professional basketball career not only in the WNBA, but Spain, Italy, France and Japan. She is also a professional and sports brand spokesperson for the NBA, WNBA, New York Liberty and New York Knicks. In addition Kym Hampton is also the Global Mixed Gender Basketball League’s Consultant and Coach. 

Kym has appeared in the pages of Glamour Magazine, Essence Magazine and many other magazines and is also a television and film personality. The multi-talented Hampton has had appearances on the “Cosby Show”, “Rosie”, NBA TV, The Bobby Flay “Throw Down” and celebrity “Wheel of Fortune'' and the films “JuWanna Mann” and “She Hate Me.”

For a Night on the Waterfront, you will notice that when you first see Kym, her statuesque frame and beauty immediately command your attention. As a vocalist she allows the rich, smooth, yet powerful melodies to flow from her mouth and one immediately gets the sense that she was born to sing and entertain us. Hampton is blessed with a 3-octave range allowing her to flow freely in and out of the highs and lows of the moment. Singing has always been a love of Kym’s, and she was a regular at a nightclub (Insomnia) in Italy. 

About the Night On The Waterfront Founder - James Scott - Founder GMGB

James Scott is a seasoned entrepreneur, real estate owner and investor relations professional with a proven track record of securing capital financing for new business development in various industry verticals. James started his business ventures in the area of real estate, construction and property management, overseeing multi-million dollar luxury condo budgets as early as the mid 1990’s. His agility in financial transformations and product management, enable him to dismember venture components and ensure maximum capitalization and revenues for the investor.  

He is a business leader that conceptualizes new ideas and develops market-ready individual, corporate and governmental business models. His profound sense of timing and ability to identify unmet market needs helped him co-create the Mixed Gender Basketball League, which was later developed into the Global Mixed Gender Basketball League. Coming out of the pandemic, it's this foresight that led James to conceive A Night on the Waterfront to lead us towards our new normal via a spectacular night of jazz and entertainment that will help us all recover and enjoy ourselves. 

Event Location

As part of the location identification team, CC Minton and James Scott have visited Newark Waterfront Center and CC Minton of I Love Beautiful Spaces stated, "the location is central and easily accessible from the local highways and is part of downtown Newark. The Waterfront location is very well laid out considering we are coming out of a pandemic, has parking and the attendees will be able to enjoy the nights activities from inside and outside all night long. If you ever want to impress your friend, your neighbor or loved one, then I highly recommend you grab a ticket and come enjoy yourself. It's going to be a fabulous experience all weekend long.”

Newark Waterfront Center

Come Join The Fun — Talent Showcase and VIP Experience

Folks should also know that in addition to the above, there is much more to A Night on the Waterfront, as it's a complete two day experience, so you should consider joining in all the activities of this fabulous weekend. The event also includes:

Talent Showcase 

There is a Talent Explosion on Friday, May 28th with Kangol Kid & Friends, a talent showcase competition showcasing the top R&B and Hip-Hop artists across the trip-state, judged by top industry professionals.

VIP Platinum Package

On Saturday after the jazz, there is a VIP Platinum Experience Package that includes comedy from 6 of the funniest HBO and Comedy Central top acts, champagne and a lobster dinner. After dinner, you can dance the night away to two of the tri-state area's top DJ’s, DJ Hakim Bell and Chuck Chillout from WBLS. 

Sponsors / Supporters 

Life Luxe Jazz

Life Luxe Jazz is “a premiere luxury cultural experience with jazz as the focal point, bringing people together with common interests in music, culture and exceptional cuisine with the goal of building bridges across borders." Their mission is to foster new and existing relationships through cultural exchange and tourism benefiting the communities they touch. They offer premium-quality live entertainment, cuisine and environments which exceed the expectations of the discerning jazz aficionado. It’s about promoting quality living through health and wellness, recreational, nutritional and lifestyle enhancement offerings.

Gregory Burrus Productions will perform a number of online, social media and PR promotional activities. Gregory Burrus is a local live music event producer, promoter, social media manager, event developer and community partner that develops, manages, promotes and documents local community events in the Greater New Jersey and New York Area. Gregory Burrus reports and blogs about the local arts and entertainment scene and also writes and reports on local community events, showcasing, photographing, videotaping events and happenings as they occur all around the towns. 

Sponsors and Supporters are still being accepted to ensure this night becomes one folks truly remember. To become a sponsor, you can contact James Scott or email thefulltimedramaqueenstudios@gmail.com or call 646-300-2428.

We urge you to find some friends, come on out and have a good time. Learn more at a 'A Night On The Waterfront' A Night of Jazz and Entertainment. 

Words with P.R. (2nd Edition)

By Patricia Rogers | Posted Saturday, May 1, 2021

What I learned during quarantine

WELCOME BACK!

I am back for the 2nd edition, and guess what? It will only get better! I have gotten such amazing feedback, and am excited to keep going.

This edition is dedicated to the memory of DMX. I grew up listening to his music and his tragic story always had an effect on me, and I always prayed that he would eventually overcome his demons. We love you X, thank you for what you brought to the world. He was such a talented artist who touched many.

And congratulations to the University of Orange and HUUB for getting the grant for the Ben Jones Community Garden.

Welcome back to Words with PR! Powered by Jersey Indie.

Words with PR is a bi-monthly lifestyle blog where I share a short interview, recommendations, marketing tips, and everything in between!

MEET KRISTA B. OF UNAPOLOGETICALLY ECLECTIC / BRUNCH RECAP

Some of you may already know Krista B. She is my co host for our women’s wrestling podcast Those Wrestling Girls. But like myself, she has a lot more going on than that. I met Krista when we were both writing for and was featured on a bloggers panel.

We soon found out we both loved wrestling, and the rest was history. She is also a writer, video producer, media specialist at Hot 97, and so much more.

She owns the brand Unapologetically Eclectic (UE) “a website created as an outlet to let readers know who I am and things that I love. It includes news and entertainment from all aspects and genres as well as interviews from people from all walks of life.” says Krista.

Earlier this month, Krista hosted the very first event powered by UE. A female driven brunch and panel called, “Take Up Your Space, Sis”.

The brunch event was “inspired by all of the dope women that I know who are really taking up their spaces without being afraid to do so.”

The phrase ‘taking up space’ means commanding the metaphorical room you are in and being unapologetic about the value you are bringing to the table. A powerful message, and one that black women are taking seriously.

“The brunch was amazing. It was very informative and inspiring to everyone who attended.” says Krista B. She hosted a panel of women featuring brand manager Asia Golden and Avery Watson who works as an entrepreneur in public relations. The two women spoke on what it is commanding spaces in your respective fields, what advice they would give to others who are trying to make it and what motivates them to keep going.

Krista B. is known for living unapologetically and always supporting Black women. In addition to UE she is a media specialist at Hot 97. She often writes about black culture and even the Black Girl Magic in WWE.

How she describes herself: “I am a very eclectic person. I try to be real and honest not only to other people but also to myself. I’m passionate about what I do and I wear many hats. I am a journalist, a podcast host, producer, and so much more.”

Check out the video recap from the “Take Up Your Space, Sis” brunch and pictures. Also follow Unapologetically Eclectic!

QUEEN P.R.’S PICKS

Staycations!

I have had reasons in the past to take Staycations, booking a hotel room in New York City or New Jersey and getting away for a couple days.

I sort of abandoned them once I moved back into my own apartment in 2019, but due to the pandemic and new people in my life, Staycations have returned.

Not sure what anyone’s budget is, but I do know that the quarantine has not been easy on any of us. Some of us were forced to stay home with family,or people they normally would not have but had to comply with government regulations.

And let’s just face it, after a while you need to just get away. New scenery, walls, and just waking up in a room that is not the same room you have grown used to over the past year. So I say, plan ahead in the next three months, the sooner ahead you book a hotel room, (the cheaper it is).

It can be in your same city to a nearby city to cut transportation costs, and just spend a night or two away. I promise, you will not regret it. Just make sure that you and the hotel are practicing all the right protocols to protect guests from COVID.

The WeWork Story!

I am obsessed with the rise and fall stories of business and industries. And one story has caught my attention over the past few months and that is the extraordinary tale of the co-working company WeWork and its founder Adam Newman.

My fascination with this story is layered, and has a lot more to do than just my love of business stories. I worked at a startup and very close to its founder for two years. And it was one of the most bizarre experiences I have ever been a part of.

I could not help but watch the recent Hulu documentary, and feel triggered by a few things. One, is knowing the feeling of working at a growing company and believing the hype and the kool aid. Believing that you are being underpaid to work overtime hours for this shared goal. And us all reaching that goal meant having equity and making millions of dollars.

Needless to say, I did not make millions, and I am not sure what ended up happening to that company. But the story of the founder Adam Newman, his wife, the blank check given to Newman from one of the prominent investors in the world, the roller coaster that was WeWork’s rise and fall is one you just have to watch.

Streaming from Hulu, and let me know if you want me to write about my experience working at a wellness start up company.

I HAVE LEARNED THAT...

I read somewhere that it is possible for people’s personality to change after being in quarantine.

I found that interesting and it caused me to reflect.

Just like everyone in the world the pandemic was not easy one me.

However, it did put me in a position to grow as a person, which in turn grew the brands that I work with.

Being a podcaster, and having an online presence is important. The more you put yourself out there, usually the greater the return.

Most people don’t know that I am actually a shy and introverted person, so sometimes believe it or not, this is not easy for me.

I remember how nervous I would get before we recorded every episode, or how terrifying it was to go live on social media.

When everything closed down here in New York City, including our podcast studio, it forced us to find new ways to record and engage our audience.

During last summer the ‘don't rush’ challenge went viral, which saw women look bad, and then are thrown a makeup brush and their look turns glamorous.

A lot of these viral challenges happened in 2020 because people were bored at home with not much to do.

The one that caught my eye was one that was done by a group of female wrestling influencers, and suddenly I got FOMO.

That is when I realized, I need to put myself out there more. I already have people who listen to the podcast and support me,

Get out of your comfort zone...learned during quarantine

SHOUTOUT TO SHANITRA...

Sometimes social media can be toxic but sometimes it can connect you to some amazing people. One of those people is Shanitra, who is a women’s wrestling fan but also a basketball coach who enjoys basketball.

She is currently a writer/reporter for Queen Ballers. When talking to Shanitra about her new gig.

Queen Ballers is “a club founded to grow the love for lady hoopers and invested in lifting up women, by giving our queens the spotlight they deserve.”

Her and team over at QB are preparing to create tons of content as they join WNBA in celebrating the organization’s 25th anniversary. “I look forward to writing more articles about WNBA players and providing information about them on and off the court. Basketball is not all they do!”

Similar to my brand Those Wrestling Girls, QB is also “a platform to showcase female athletes” and it is “very important because for some reason the media does not feel that women athletes generate any revenue and no one cares about female athletes.” says Shanitra.

She went on to talk about her own background with basketball, “My history with basketball runs deep since I was a kid, I would play with my older cousins and that is when I fell in love.” She

played the sport in middle school, high school, and college. She became a coach after abandoning her dream of being in the WNBA.

Say hi to Shanitra on Twitter and make sure you check out the Queen Ballers website.

SOCIAL MEDIA/MARKETING TIPS

Hashtags! I can not think of an easier way to market yourself and your brand on social media. I can not even begin to tell you how much growth my partner and I have seen using them. It is a way to get people out there who are searching for what your brand offers to find you.

I suggest you use 5-10 relevant hashtags. Everything from super general, all the way to specific words. Put the block of hashtags in the comments on Instagram, or underneath the text on Twitter.

Look on TWG Instagram for an example:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CNgXQk7pu6d/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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