The Valley Gala 2016 presented by Masconsumption Media
January 2016
Press Release
By Patricia Rogers
The second annual Valley Gala event happens Sunday January 31, 2016 in the heart of Valley Arts District. The Valley Gala is a formal party; taking place in New Jersey’s Valley Arts District premiere event location - Hat City Kitchen, located 459 Valley Street, Orange, New Jersey 07050. The second annual event presented by Masconsumption Media starts at 7:00pm.
The Valley Gala, started in 2015 was inspired by staple event in the New York City and Hollywood fashion and social scene, The Met Ball. The Valley Gala is the social event of the year where the Valley Arts District community can step out, dress up, party and come together. The event is open to the entire community, and to all ages.
Last year for the first annual we hosted one hundred guests who enjoyed Andre’ and his band who sang old school party tunes. He also hosts the weekly jam Project Groove, at Hat City Kitchen. André’s set led us into a DJ playing hits from the 1990’s. Promoting the event included a legendary photo shoot with Mike Reilly. The promotional material stars familiar faces of member of the community.
“I loved the way everyone was dressed. The mini chicken and waffles prepared by Jeff Dorch were amazing. I frequent many New York City events and I can see The Valley Gala easily becoming legendary.”
This year, we are going with an up and coming DJ in the New Jersey area who really knows how to bring the party. Dj Anton3z has recently played gigs at Hat City Kitchen and Red Buddha Lounge. He knows how to cater to his audience and get people on the dance floor. Background music will be songs compiled of local artists and musicians.
The semi-formal dress code is to set this event apart from other events in the valley. There are many “wine and cheese” events, the traditional gallery show presented by ValleyArts, but the Valley Gala is different. Masconsumption Media has been known for bringing to events, a “New York cool” for the community’s young (19-35 years old) and trendy set. The dress code does not mean a gown or tuxedo, more like a stylish take on the formal attire. Be yourself, and comfortable. There will be best-dressed awards given throughout the event.
“The music was my favorite part. It was great to hear new artists, and see the evolution of ones I have known and loved.. But, also I loved that at any point throughout the entire night, all you could see was smiling faces.”
There will be a photo-booth in the dining room where you can take photographs with props, and against a backdrop. Take home a memory (at least for social media) of the spectacular night with your friends, family and community. Patrick Hilaire Photography and Gregory Burrus will serve as official event photographers.
For the gourmet food tasting we are bringing back aspiring chefs, Jeff Dorch and Josh Hewitt. The two will design a small, custom menu of specially prepared dishes for you all to try. The two will inform you on their individual and unique brands, cuisine and what to expect for their upcoming catering companies, Dragon of the West 89 and Quiet Fire Catering, respectively.
There will be lots of champagne that night as we are emphasizing the Hat City Kitchen Sunday drink specials. We will be making the French 75 cocktails, as well as more surprises (champagne-based drinks). Enjoy tasty beverages as well as the LadiSav Cosmo, and special draft beers. There really is a little something for everyone. Hat City Kitchen’s regular food, drink and dessert menu will be available that night as well. Drink specials will be available for guests through the entire event.
Event Schedule:
Pre-Sale Tickets available online January 1st 2016
L.I.T. x Masconsumption Collaboration Debut – Valley Gala 2016 Promo Shoot releases Photographed by Briana Heart January 11th 2016
The 2nd Annual Valley Gala at Hat City Kitchen January 31st 2016
Doors open at 7:00pm
Food Tasting & Talk with the Chefs 7:00-7:45pm
Photo-Booth with Patrick Hillarie Photography and Gregory Burrus
Music by DJ Anton3z 8:00pm-12:00am
Hat City Kitchen has always been a partner and supporter of Masconsumption Media. We have hosted the first Valley Gala, a hip-hop showcase, and two brunches at the bar/restaurant/live music venue. Founded in 2010, Hat City Kitchen has been the gathering place and home to local arts, music and community events. The Valley Gala will take place at the bar and in the intimate lounge area with a stage and dance floor. In the dining room is where the photo booth will be up for a limited time. Go to www.facebook.com/hatcitykitchen for more information on live music, orbiting art gallery, food, drinks and schedule of events.
New Jersey’s Valley Arts District is an artist community located on the border of Orange and West Orange. In the 15-block radius is a vibrant neighborhood of creativity, innovation, music, art and more. The next up and coming trendy ‘hood is replacing over-priced Brooklyn as a destination for the creative doer. Located on the Highland Avenue train station, thirty minutes from New York City’s Penn Station. Home to Luna Stage Theater, Arts Unbound, Firehouse Gallery, and more. Go to www.valleyartsnj.com for more information.
“The word gala has a whole new attitude in the valley neighbor hood thanks to Patricia and MasConsumption. I loved the energy and the vibe of the night as I entered Hat City Kitchen last year. I knew I wasn’t attending just another fancy dressed party. I expected the night’s atmosphere to match the PatnKat/MasConsumption personality: sleek, chic, dress to impress gathering that brought back a union of upbeat, exciting, creative, outgoing socials together in one inspiring place. The food, the music, and the citizens near to Orange, as well as far as New York City, makes the Valley gala a night to remember and revisit this year.”
The 2nd Annual Valley Gala is a fundraiser for the newly formed Era Artist Collective. The “culture within it’s self” or known as formerly ORNG Ink artist community unexpectedly moved from the Ironworks building last year. To continue our work, art, music, and mentorship relationships we have moved into two new spaces in the Valley Arts District. The visual art department and the Brews and Brushes Event moved into the new Kelli Copeland Arts Creative Co-op and the music, photo and more into the Box Company. Proceeds from the Gala ticket sales go to these efforts to move into a new phase of growth. By attending the Gala you are supporting emerging artists and active community participants with future plans in Orange, NJ.
You can purchase tickets online now, due to the intimate setting of the lounge area at Hat City Kitchen; there is limited standing and seating room. The ticket gets you access to the drink specials, gourmet food tasting and the photo-booth all happening between 7:00pm and 8:30pm.
Masconsumption Media is a multi-faceted media communications platform bringing you the culture of New Jersey's Valley Arts District. Since 2012, we have aimed to broadcast the vibrant, and emerging artist community offering events, zine (print & online), media educational programs, for all ages and more. Created by native New Yorker, Patricia Rogers who has worked in the community as an AmeriCorps VISTA, writer, blogger and community activist. She offers media services, contact her for more information valley.zine.editor@gmail.com.
The media organization started as a collaborative effort with ORNG Ink, and as a way to promote local artists. We are always looking to feature musicians, artists, and collaborate with organizations, groups, small businesses and individual brands. Submit to the artist spotlight, Masconsumption Quiz, What We Love, and more blog features.
Photographs by Briana Heart of Era Artist Collective
About the Writer
Patricia Rogers, #ValleyGirlNJ, lives in New Jersey's Valley Arts District. The native New Yorker works as a writer, blogger and community activist. Starting Masconsumption Media in 2012, she has been passionate about capturing the stories of the vibrant up and coming Valley Arts District neighborhood through her blog, zine, events and more. She blogs for Jersey Indie, Luna Stage, and Hat City Kitchen and offers many creative media services.