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Jersey Bred Guerilla Filmmakers Find Spotlight at Garden State Film Festival . March 25 to 28 . Asbury Park

March 11, 2010 in 2010 Events, Central New Jersey, Events in NJ, March 25, March 26, March 27, March 28, March Events, Monmouth County, NJ Regions, Spring Events by Joseph Christiana

Motel Americana

Motel Americana

Against all odds, Jersey Bred Guerilla Filmmakers Find Spotlight at Garden State Film Festival.

At this year’s annual Garden State Film Festival (March 25-28th), the coveted Saturday evening slot at The Paramount Theater in Asbury Park will be occupied by an unlikely gem: Motel Americana: Vol. II, an anthology of gritty, surprising motel stories made by three New Jersey Filmmakers.

Made with no budget to speak of, the shorts in the collection, all set in one dubious room off the Turnpike, run the gamut of film genres—horror, noir, gangster, comedy, surrealism, and love story—to weave a tale of mangy and sordid characters clinging to the underbelly of society.

Far from throwing their line into the mainstream, filmmakers Joseph Christiana, William Bourassa Jr. and Benjamin Valentine pull their ideas from the most oblique and disparate corners of the human spectacle: bullet-proof glass, fully loaded clown shoes, Mike Hammer nightmares, disembodied New Jersey knees, arch conservative doppelgangers, long beards long gone, and that strange sound coming from the motel room next door.  All that, all that and more, went into the kiln.

The film that emerged is a triumph of micro-budget filmmaking, defying the viewer to figure out how something so “cheap” could look so good . . . how so many old references, mixed together, could expose such freshness.  The truth is, these films feel like rough, sparkling life in all its elbow-throwing, slap-in-the-kisser power—because they were made on weekends and weeknights, after the kids went to bed or before the kids woke up, before and during and after jobs, before and during and after “life.”

So what’s a no-budget film, literally torn from life, doing on the dance floor at the big ball on a Saturday night? What makes this Cinderella so pretty in her tattered clothes? Well, an account from A.O. Cloud, the film’s accountant, might offer some insight.  He offers these words at the end of the notes included in the limited edition version of the DVD (which also includes original artwork from Joe Christiana):

These filmmakers, like all passionate individuals, paid the proverbial blood, sweat, and tears for the privilege of living alongside their imagined worlds.  Then, when they walked off the set and back into their lives, they reaped the reward of a lifetime: wakefulness . . . being fully open to participation in the entire human affair. You become what you do, what you are.  As you practice the art of making film with no money, you work the basic mines, extracting pure minerals.  You tend to dialogue, making sure it says what it has to and no more.  You look at faces, really tending to them.  You paint on walls and bodies.  You straighten the light.  You think deeply about exactly how long a lover should mourn the loss of her loved one . . . and what this might actually look like and sound like.

From this doing, this making of free and passionate films, you bring new existential skills to your own free life.  You learn to tend to story—your own and others’.  You learn to act with grace when that’s called for or to perfect anger, which is also sometimes called for.  When you practice over and over again crying over loss or kissing under wildest gain . . . when you coach someone to punch more honestly, to love the rough edge of a curse word, to hold another body better . . . you yourself get better.  You can’t help it.  Making low budget films is making life, inch by ever loving inch.  Or at least that’s what I learned when I spent a little time in the Motel Americana.

For more information visit http://www.christianaproductions.com.

Ukrainian Egg Workshop . March 27 . Haddonfield

March 11, 2010 in 2010 Events, Camden County, Events in NJ, March 27, March Events, South New Jersey, Spring Events by Markeim Arts Center

Markeim Arts Center

Markeim Arts Center

The Ukrainian Egg Worksop at the Markeim Arts Center is in partnership with the Camden County Cultural & Heritage Commission.

Over 2000 years ago, Pysanky began as Ukrainian artists decorated eggs for spring.  Intricate patterns and colors emerge using hot wax and writing techniques.  Artist (and retired HMS teacher) Maggie Bauer is going to lead the workshop.  The workshop is open to adults and children ages 12 and up.

$15 per ticket.  Reservations are strongly suggested.  Tickets to the event can be purchased in person at the Markeim or the Haddonfield Information Center, or by calling the Markeim Arts Center at 856-429-8585.  Tickets will only be sold at the door if available.

If you have any questions, call the Markeim at 856-429-8585 or email at markeim@verizon.net

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Event Details:

Event Name: Ukrainian Egg Workshop
Event Venue: Markeim Arts Center
Event Street Address: 104 Walnut St.
Event City: Haddonfield, NJ, 08033
Event County: Camden County
Event Date: Saturday, March 27, 1-4 PM
Event Admission: $15
Event Phone: 856-429-8585
Event Website: http://www.markeimartcenter.org

by Katie

From the Ashes . Documentary . March 21 . Asbury Park

March 11, 2010 in 2010 Events, Central New Jersey, Events in NJ, March 21, March Events, Monmouth County, NJ Regions, Spring Events by Katie

The ShowRoom of Asbury Park, New Jersey

The ShowRoom of Asbury Park, New Jersey

“From The Ashes” is a documentary chronicling the history, loss and rebuilding of a landmark, 125-year-old house known as Tick Hall. In 1997, a huge fire burned Tick Hall to the ground, leaving only the blackened chimney standing. The loss was a blow to the community and Tick Hall’s owners – talk-show host Dick Cavett and his wife, actress Carrie Nye – who lived there for 30 years. Because of its historic and artistic importance, the Cavetts embarked upon an ambitious three-year project – rebuilding Tick Hall exactly as it was. Join the director of this moving documentary at The ShowRoom after the film for a discussion and Q & A session.

About The ShowRoom:

Opened in April 2009, The ShowRoom is Asbury Park’s only independent cinema. Located on Cookman Avenue’s Art Bloc, The ShowRoom is renowned for its roster of critically acclaimed, independent, classic, foreign, family and festival-winning film. In addition, The ShowRoom endeavors to provide the community with a versatile space for business meetings, art openings, live performances, book signings and more. Owners Michael Sodano and Nancy Sabino are film-industry veterans with more than 25 years of experience in creative communications for corporate productions. With The ShowRoom, first-rate cinema has returned to Asbury Park’s growing downtown arts community. For more information, or to learn about film screenings, please visit www.theshowroomap.com or call 732-502-0472.

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Event Details:

Event Name: “From the Ashes: The Life and Times of Tick Hall” at The ShowRoom
Event Venue: The ShowRoom
Event Street Address: 708 Cookman Ave
Event City: Asbury Park, NJ, 07712
Event County: Monmouth
Event Date: Sunday, March 21 at 2 p.m.
Event Admission: $10
Event Phone: 732-502-0472
Event Website: http://www.theshowroomap.com

by Katie

Monkeyworks . Off the Top . March 20 . Asbury Park

March 11, 2010 in 2010 Events, Central New Jersey, Events in NJ, March 20, March Events, Monmouth County, NJ Regions, Spring Events by Katie

The ShowRoom of Asbury Park, New Jersey

The ShowRoom of Asbury Park, New Jersey

The Showroom, Asbury Park’s only independent cinema, welcomes the return of the seven-piece instrumental ensemble Monkeyworks for the collaborative musical event “Off The Top” on Saturday, March 20 at 8:00 p.m. New York City spoken-word artist Rock WILK, along with fellow poets and performers Sabrina Gilbert, Jacob Victorine and Nadia Bourne, will perform live with Monkeyworks to create a one-of-a-kind, spontaneous performance for The ShowRoom’s audience.

Monkeyworks has earned a reputation for its interactive performances and impromptu compositions. Founded in 1997, Monkeyworks combines a unique blend of jazz, rock, African, Cajun, Middle Eastern, and ambient music.  With its improvised, eclectic performances, the group’s unique sound and concept has led to performances at famous musical events and venues such as the Guggenheim Museum’s WorldBeat Jazz concert series and the Knitting Factory.

WILK, a New York City spoken-word performance artist and musician, is known for his intense socially and politically charged shows. No stranger to The ShowRoom, this will be WILK’s fourth appearance at the intimate Asbury Park venue. His music and lyrics have been featured on TV shows such as MTV’s “The Real World” and “Making the Band.”

“Off The Top” at The ShowRoom promises to showcase the collaborative talent and improvisational skills of Monkeyworks, WILK and some of New York City’s hottest up-and-coming performance artists.  Tickets to the March-20 event are $20.00.

For more information on Monkeyworks, please visit www.monkeyworksmusic.com. For more information on Rock WILK, please visit http://www.rockwilk.com/news.html. To purchase tickets, or to learn more about The ShowRoom, please visit www.theshowroomap.com or call 732-502-0472.

About The ShowRoom:

Opened in April 2009, The ShowRoom is Asbury Park’s only independent cinema. Located on Cookman Avenue’s Art Bloc, The ShowRoom is renowned for its roster of critically acclaimed, independent, classic, foreign, family and festival-winning film. In addition, The ShowRoom endeavors to provide the community with a versatile space for business meetings, art openings, live performances, book signings and more.  Owners Michael Sodano and Nancy Sabino are film-industry veterans with more than 25 years of experience in creative communications for corporate productions. With The ShowRoom, first-rate cinema has returned to Asbury Park’s growing downtown arts community.  For more information, or to learn about film screenings, please visit www.theshowroomap.com or call 732-502-0472.

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Event Details:

Event Name: “Off the Top!” at The ShowRoom
Event Venue: The ShowRoom
Event Street Address: 708 Cookman Ave
Event City: Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Event County: Monmouth
Event Date: Saturday, March 20 at 8 p.m.
Event Admission: $20
Event Phone: 732-502-0472
Event Website: http://www.theshowroomap.com

by Katie

March BookFLX at The ShowRoom . March 14 . Asbury Park

March 11, 2010 in 2010 Events, Central New Jersey, Events in NJ, March 14, March Events, Monmouth County, NJ Regions, Spring Events by Katie

The ShowRoom of Asbury Park, New Jersey

The ShowRoom of Asbury Park, New Jersey

The Showroom, Asbury Park’s only independent cinema, will partner with Cookman Ave. bookstore words! and the online literary magazine SplashofRed.net Sunday, March 14 to continue their popular BookFLX series. The next event in the lineup will bring acclaimed crime novelist Wallace Stroby to The ShowRoom to discuss his latest book, “Gone ‘Til November.” The ShowRoom will screen Stanley Kubrick’s film noir classic “The Killing” at 4 p.m. with a discussion with Stroby to follow.

No stranger to the Jersey Shore, Stroby hails from Long Branch and the shore towns he grew up around frequently arise in his novels. His unique perspective on living and writing at the Jersey Shore promises to bring a local flare to the BookFLX series. Continuing the series’ mission of enmeshing and exploring the realms of book and film, Stroby will bring his literary insights to the celebrated film genre.

Also author of “The Heartbreak Lounge” and “The Barbed-Wire Kiss,” Stroby is known for his well-developed characters and tightly-wound, compelling plots driven by crime and consequence. In this capacity, it no surprise that Stroby is also an avid fan of the film noir genre of stylish Hollywood crime dramas typically derived from the 1940s and 1950s. The ShowRoom’s selection of Kubrick’s “The Killing” is a perfect choice for the BookFLX event, as Stroby will offer his insights to the film and compare the genre of film noir with his own crime novels.

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Event Details:
Event Name: March BookFLX at The ShowRoom
Event Venue: The ShowRoom
Event Street Address: 708 Cookman Ave
Event City: Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Event County: Monmouth
Event Date: Sunday, March 14 at 4 p.m.- discussion to follow
Event Admission: $10
Event Phone: 732-502-0472
Event Website: http://www.theshowroomap.com

The Power of the Flower Exhibit . March 5 to April 3 . Haddonfield

March 11, 2010 in 2010 Events, April Events, Camden County, Events in NJ, March Events, NJ Regions, South New Jersey by Markeim Arts Center

Markeim Arts Center

Markeim Arts Center

This exhibit features artwork of nature’s beauty as seen through the eyes of talented artists.  The show includes floral-themed vintage jewelry, handcrafted pillows, cards and gift items.  Laurie Wolfson is the curator. The exhibit runs from March 5th to April 3rd.  Gallery Hours are Monday 9 AM to Noon, Tuesday-Friday 10 AM to 2:30 PM, and Weekends 1 PM to 4 PM.  The exhibit is free to stop by and see.

The Meet the Artists Reception is Friday, March 12th, from 6 PM to 8:30 PM.  Light refreshments and beverages will be served.  No charge for members, $5 suggested donation for non-members. If you have any questions, call the Markeim at 856-429-8585. Markeim is located at 104 Walnut Street in Haddonfield, New Jersey in South Jersey.

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Event Details:

Event Name: The Power of the Flower Exhibit
Event Venue: Markeim Arts Center
Event Street Address: 104 Walnut St.
Event City: Haddonfield, NJ, 08033
Event County: Camden County
Event Date: March 5-April 3, Monday 9 AM-Noon, Tuesday-Friday 10 AM-2:30 PM, Weekends 1-4 PM
Event Admission: Free
Event Phone: 856-429-8585
Event Website: http://www.markeimartcenter.org

Bourbon Street Blues Fest . May 22 . Glen Gardner

March 9, 2010 in 2010 Events, Central New Jersey, Events in NJ, Hunterdon County, May 22, May Events, NJ Regions, Spring Events by Bourbon Street Blues Fest

Bourbon Street Blues Fest

Bourbon Street Blues Fest

Saturday, May 22
12:00PM-8:00PM
Gate Opens @ 11:30AM
Lebanon Twp Memorial Park
Bunvale Road
Lebanon Township, New Jersey

Featuring these artists:

  • Cyril Neville
  • Popa Chubby
  • Deb Callahan
  • Alexis P Suter Band
  • Dave Keyes
  • The Slam Allen Band
  • Citizens Band Radio
  • Robert Sands
  • The HatMan Blues Band
  • Fillmore Days

For More Info:
http://bourbonstreetbluesfest.com

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Event Details:

Event Name: Bourbon Street Blues Fest
Event Venue: Lebanon Twp Memorial Park
Event Street Address: Bunvale Road
Event City: Glen Gardner, NJ 08826
Event County: Hunterdon
Event Date: Saturday, May 22, 2010 12:00pm-9:00pm
Event Admission: $20.00 Adult
Event Phone: N/A
Event Website: http://www.bourbonstreetbluesfest.com

Saw Doctors . May 11 . West Long Branch

March 9, 2010 in 2010 Events, Central New Jersey, Events in NJ, May 11, May Events, Monmouth County, NJ Regions, Spring Events by Pollak Theatre

Saw Doctors

This gritty folk-rock band from Ireland, is named after itinerant craftsmen who once traveled from sawmill to sawmill sharpening and repairing saws. A true “people’s band,” they boast a fervent American following and hold the record for Ireland’s biggest-selling single of all time, “I Useta Lover.” The band frequently invokes local atmosphere, haunts, and characters, as well as singing about working class lives in economically difficult times. These unpretentious rock’n’rollers have a well-deserved reputation for dazzling live shows.

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Event Details:

Event Name: Saw Doctors
Event Venue: Pollak Theatre
Event Street Address: 400 Cedar Ave
Event City: West Long Branch, NJ 07764
Event County: Monmouth
Event Date: Tuesday, May 11, 8:00pm
Event Admission: $25
Event Phone: 732-263-6889
Event Website: http://www.monmouth.edu/arts_events/performingarts.asp

Cherish the Ladies . March 26 . West Long Branch

March 9, 2010 in 2010 Events, Central New Jersey, Events in NJ, March 26, March Events, Monmouth County, NJ Regions, Spring Events by Pollak Theatre

Cherish the Ladies

Cherish the Ladies

The most successful and sought-after Irish-American group in Celtic music, Cherish the Ladies combines all the facets of Irish traditional culture and puts it forth in a humorous and entertaining package.
Champion step dancers join Cherish the Ladies in every performance with artistry that captivates audiences.

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Event Details:

Event Name: Cherish the Ladies
Event Venue: Pollak Theatre
Event Street Address: 400 Cedar Ave
Event City: West Long Branch, NJ 07764
Event County: Monmouth
Event Date: Friday, March 26, 8:00pm
Event Admission: $32-$40
Event Phone: 732-263-6889
Event Website: http://www.monmouth.edu/arts_events/performingarts.asp

Kennedy Center President Michael Kaiser . March 17 . Princeton

March 7, 2010 in Events in NJ, Learning Events, March 17, March Events, Spring Events by McCarter Theatre Center

Michael M Kaiser photo by Ilan Mizrahi

Michael M. Kaiser photo by Ilan Mizrahi

McCarter Theatre Center, along with New Jersey State Council on the Arts, ArtPride New Jersey, Lewis Center for the Arts at Princeton University, The Arts Council of Princeton and New Jersey Theatre Alliance, will host a discussion with Kennedy Center President Michael M. Kaiser on Wednesday, March 17 at 10:00 a.m. A meet and greet will take place in the lobby beginning 9:00 a.m. To attend this event, which is free and open to the public, please register by calling the McCarter Theatre Ticket Office at (609) 258-2787.

As part of the Arts in Crisis: A Kennedy Center Initiative, Mr. Kaiser is touring each of the 50 states to facilitate conversation and share ideas on how arts groups are responding to the current economic recession. The event will include an interview of Mr. Kaiser led by Timothy J. Shields, Managing Director of McCarter, followed by a Q and A. Mr. Kaiser will address the challenges facing nonprofit performing arts organizations today through such areas as fundraising, building more effective Boards of Trustees, budgeting, and marketing.

“Each locality is dealing with its own unique and specific challenges, and there is no better way to understand each region than through in-person visits,” said Kaiser. “Communicating in person allows us to be more effective in advising organizations in need.”

Arts in Crisis: A Kennedy Center Initiative is a response to the emergency facing arts organizations throughout the United States. The program, open to non-profit 501(c)(3) performing arts organizations, provides free and confidential planning assistance in areas pertinent to maintaining a vital performing arts organization during a troubled economy. The program is currently working with more than 415 organizations in 40 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. Over 100 experienced arts leaders from across the country are volunteering their time to serve as mentors to organizations in need.

Michael Kaiser is well-known in the arts world as the “turnaround king” for retooling organizations like London’s Royal Opera House, American Ballet Theatre and Alvin Ailey Dance Theater Foundation. During his time as the head of each, he erased accumulated deficits, expanded programs and increased revenues.

Questions for Mr. Kaiser should be emailed to Edward Coles at ecoles@mccarter.org by March 16.

McCarter Theatre Center is located at 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540. For directions and parking information, please visit http://www.mccarter.org.


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