Category Archives: Cover Story

Cover Story, General

ART CITY    Jersey City Art & Studio Tour Weekend kicks-off Sat & Sun, Oct. 8 & 9

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Jersey City Art Studio Tour

 

 

 

   A Thousand Artists Display Works in Hundreds of Venues

 By RVO Staff

Art lovers everywhere are invited to share in the love that is the 26th annual Jersey City Art & Studio Tour where more than 1,000 artists will fling open the doors to hundreds of venues for viewers to see their paintings, sculptures, mixed-media and other exciting works.

The Jersey City Art & Studio Tour (JCAST) takes place Sat & Sun, Oct. 8 & 9, from 12 noon to 6 pm throughout Jersey City. (For a map of who’s who and where to go visit Jersey City Hall, local restaurants, clubs and other business establishments in the city.) The JCAST is presented by Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop, the JC Municipal Council and the Office of Cultural Affairs. Continue reading ART CITY    Jersey City Art & Studio Tour Weekend kicks-off Sat & Sun, Oct. 8 & 9 →

Cover Story, feasts and festivals, Sally Deering

EAT, PRAY, LOVE…  La Festa Italiana 2016 promises Fun, Dancing and Great Food

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Holy Rosary Church celebrates 113th Italian Festival in Downtown JC

A day at La Festa

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Sally Deering

August nights are a time to celebrate when La Festa Italiana, the Old World Italian Street Festival hosted by Holy Rosary Church turns Historic Downtown Jersey City into five summer nights of music, dancing, food and fun!

La Festa Italiana 2016 begins Wed, Aug. 10, and continues through Sun, Aug. 14, on Sixth & Brunswick Streets. On these five summer nights, the neighborhood surrounding Holy Rosary Church will come alive with rocking dance music, games of chance, kids’ activities, and a wide-array of delicious foods and libations. La Festa Italiana runs from 5 pm-11 pm Wednesday-to-Friday, and 3 pm-11 pm Saturday & Sunday. The last night (Sunday) at 11 pm, the “Super 50/50” Raffle winner will be chosen. Last year’s ticket-holder won over $10,200.

Zeppoles La Festa Italiana honors the veneration of Maria SS. Dell’Assunta & San Rocco, and offers the Downtown community the opportunity to party with its neighbors. This year’s La Festa Italiana features live bands, fun for the kids, food and souvenir vendors and Italian delicacies made by Holy Rosary Church parishioners like Fresh Hot Zeppoles, lemony Limoncello and “Our Famous Rice Balls”. Continue reading EAT, PRAY, LOVE…  La Festa Italiana 2016 promises Fun, Dancing and Great Food →

COVER STORY, Cover Story, Sally Deering

BOHO ARTSCENE 13 Artists to exhibit at Hendrickson’s Corner in Bayonne

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July 16 & 17th -2-Day Show brings Boho Artscene Uptown

Ken Delaney art work

“Cheesesteak Stand” by 
Ken Delaney

 By Sally Deering

 On the weekend of July 16 & 17, Hendrickson’s Corner on 31st & Broadway will be serving its usual menu on its main floor while upstairs it will host a feast for the eyes when the “We the People” Art Show gets underway.

For two days,  13 artists will exhibit paintings, photography, jewelry and other crafts in the collaborative art show curated by artist and Bayonne resident Kevin Delaney whose Bar Napkin Art was recently trademarked by the U.S. Patent Office..   Continue reading BOHO ARTSCENE 13 Artists to exhibit at Hendrickson’s Corner in Bayonne →

Cover Story, Sally Deering

LONG GONE DADDY -Actor, Playwright Joe Gallo of Hoboken debuts New Play on Fatherhood

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Mile Square Theatre’s Playwright-in-Residence Debuts new Solo Show

 By Sally Deering

Joe Gallo Playwright
(Pictured: Joseph Gallo in his one-man play LONG GONE DADDY
opens July 20 at Mile Square Theatre in Hoboken)

 A life in the theater can be a wonderful journey if he or she sticks it out long enough and for actor and playwright Joseph Gallo, his long day’s journey in the theater continues to be mined with opportunities.  He just had two of his plays published by River City Books; and as playwright-in-residence at Mile Square Theatre (MST) in Hoboken, Gallo is about to debut his newest one-man show, LONG GONE DADDY directed by MST artistic director Chris O’Connor. Performances begin July 20 and run through August 7 in the company’s new theater on the corner of 14th & Clinton.

 

 

Playwright Joe Gallo Prior to this, Gallo workshopped his play Two-Man Kidnapping Rule at MST. It was later produced by the New Ohio Theatre in New York, and published in Smith & Kraus’s anthology 2012 Best Men’s Stage Monologues and Scenes. As a solo writer/performer Gallo appeared in the original production of his one-man show My Italy Story at Penguin Rep in Stony Point, NY, which later had its debut Off-Broadway at the 47th Street Theatre in New York, starring Danny Mastrogiorgio (“…a compelling page turner.”—The New York Times). An avid storyteller, Gallo won a StorySLAM championship at The Moth in NYC. Continue reading LONG GONE DADDY -Actor, Playwright Joe Gallo of Hoboken debuts New Play on Fatherhood →

Cover Story, Sally Deering

Mile Square Miracle- Mile Square Theater in Hoboken (finally) gets New Theater

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Mile Square Theater
The Mile Square Theatre Company has fun on the set of its first play in its
new theater, “Goodnight Moon”.Company members includes: (l.-r.) Elizabeth Candilo,Annie McAdams, Stephanie Rostan, Zabrina Stoffel, Sarah Weber-Gallo, Mark Cirnigliaro, Chase Leyner, Jeanne Lubin, Rachel Eckerling, and Anne Teutschel.(Not pictured: Artistic Director Chris O’Connor)
(Photo: Joe Epstein)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First SHow was Goodnight Moon Charms the Kids ( and parent’s too!)

By Sally Deering

Hallelujah, Baby! The heavens parted and the Gods of Comedy and Tragedy have smiled down on Hoboken with a new theater. Twelve years in the making, Mile Square Theatre can now hang the lights and unpack the costumes in its beautiful, new 140-seat, black box on 14th & Clinton – and what a little gem it is.

A fundraising campaign that took 8 years has finally paid off.  On Sat,

Hoboken's Mile Square Theater
Mile Square Theater
Hoboken

April 9th, Mile Square Theatre opened the door to its first season in its new digs with GOODNIGHT MOON, a charming musical based on the beloved children’s book, performed on a set that looks like it jumped from the page to the stage. Up next? A play by Annie Baker, who won the 2015 Pulitzer for Drama, called CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION to be directed by the company’s artistic director Chris O’Connor and starring Obie Award winner Deborah Hedwall and MST company member Matthew Lawler, who also stars on ABC’s The Family. Continue reading Mile Square Miracle- Mile Square Theater in Hoboken (finally) gets New Theater →

Cover Story, Sally Deering

WRITER’S ROCK Weehawken Music Writer Jim Testa on Hudson’s Music Scene

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Writer/Musician Debuts New EP

By Sally Deering

Musician Jim Testa
Jim Testa at home in Weehawken
(Photo by Dan Bracaglia)

There’s an old saying, “write what you know” and for music writer Jim Testa of Weehawken, the words fit like an old pair of jeans. Testa writes the music column CONSTANT LISTENER for The Jersey Journal and has covered the rock and roll music scene since the 1980s, when Maxwell’s was the go-to club to see new bands and local indie labels produced their records. Testa wrote about bands when they were still unknowns, offering insightful commentary about their work in his weekly column. Like Chicago-based music writer Jim DeRogotis (who is from Jersey City and worked as a reporter for several local papers) Testa continues to be an important voice covering today’s music scene.

Jim Testa perfomring
Jim Testa performs at NJ Arts Benefit
(Photo: Kaos Music Promotions)

Testa’s career in music sways from writing to performing. A guitarist, Testa’s played in bands since his teen years. These days, he performs locally and recently recorded a new EP at Mama Coco’s Funky Kitchen in Bushwick, five songs he wrote – political songs like those of Phil Ochs, witty tunes evoking Tom Lehrer, and love songs, too. The EP, AMERICAN SPIRITS AND ARTISANAL CHEESE, can be purchased online at Jimtesta.bandcamp.com.

Continue reading WRITER’S ROCK Weehawken Music Writer Jim Testa on Hudson’s Music Scene →

Cover Story, Sally Deering

Action 21 -Art, Social Justice & Community Wellness

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Action 21 presents Exhibit by Professional and Developing Artists
Non-Profit provides Resources & Workshops
Art of Fermin Mendoza
“Endomismo: The Endemic Flora and Fauna of Cuba” by Fermin Mendoza

 

 

 

 

 

By By Sally Deering

Above a string of small shops along Central Avenue in Jersey City a dedicated group of volunteers who teach ESL and arts workshops, and advocate for people needing social services, prepares for its first art exhibition featuring works by local artists.

Running through April 30th, Action 21 of Jersey City presents an exhibition of paintings and folk art created by professional and amateur artists curated by art therapist and teacher Roxana Marroquion, a five-year Action 21 volunteer and Jersey City resident. The art exhibit’s recent opening reception held at the Community & Love in Action community center on Central Avenue featured music, dance, poetry, and a lively community gathering.

Continue reading Action 21 -Art, Social Justice & Community Wellness →

Cover Story, Live On Stage, Sally Deering

GANGSTER ROCK  Vincent Pastore of THE SOPRANOS Sings and Swings

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Vincent Pastore
Vincent Pastore

THE SOPRANOS star – actor, playwright, director, and singer – Vinny Pastore and His Gangster Squad perform Fri, Feb. 27 at Bayonne’s Masonic Lodge.  (Photo: Zee Zee Photography)

Soprano’s Star swaps Wiseguys for Sidemen in Upcoming Bayonne Show

By Sally Deering

 Vin pastore poster When David Chase, Executive Producer of THE SOPRANOS cast the show’s first season, he picked Vincent Pastore to play Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero, who got bumped off in second season off after Tony Soprano discovered he snitched to the FBI.

After Soprano and his wiseguys whacked Big “P” on a boat off the coast of Asbury Park, Pastore went on to star in a series of films, formed a theater company in New York City, starred in the Broadway musical “Bullets on Broadway” and kept on plugging after fighting a bout with cancer.

Unfazed and cancer-free, on Sat, Feb. 27, at Bayonne’s Masonic Lodge, Pastore will show the musical side of his many talents in “VINNY PASTORE AND HIS GANGSTER SQUAD” a night of live Rhythm and Blues, Rock and Roll, Funk, Soul, and Reggae hits. Pastore shares the spotlight with some pretty intense musicians including Frank Pisani on keyboard and vocals, Al Orlo playing lead guitar, Eddie Denise on bass guitar and vocals, Charlie Powers on drums and vocals, Baron Raymonde playing sax, and Tommy ‘Blues Buddha’ Dudley on vocals.

Filming in Connecticut on a recent Thursday afternoon, Mr. Pastore took a mid-afternoon break to talk with River View Observer (RVO) about his career as an actor, playwright, and singer; and how he believes saying yes to new projects keeps your hand in the show biz game.

RVO: Where did you grow up? Where were you born and raised?

VP: I grew up in New Rochelle, New York. I lived all over New Rochelle, till I was 50. That’s where I grew up and that’s where I had my nightclubs. Continue reading GANGSTER ROCK  Vincent Pastore of THE SOPRANOS Sings and Swings →

Cover Story, Sally Deering

HUDSON MIRACLE- Miracle on the Hudson Plane Crash Survivor Pens New Book

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RIVER VIEW OBSERVER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW…

Author Dave Sanderson’s MOMENTS MATTER gives Insightful Life Lessons

By Sally Deering

Author Dave Sanderson
Dave Sanderson

Miracle on the Hudson Survivor…

When Dave Sanderson took US Airways Flight 1549 at LaGuardia Airport seven years ago, little did he know he would experience something so unbelievable, it would change his life forever. Sanderson was a passenger on that fateful flight that crash-landed in the Hudson River minutes after take-off. Here in Hudson, until it was removed, the sight of the abandoned plane floating on the river served as a reminder that life can take a harrowing turn in an instant.

Moments matter book cover On Tues, Jan. 19, from 6-to-9 pm at the Palisades Medical Center in North Bergen, Sanderson will be the hospital’s special guest, debuting his new book MOMENTS MATTER, a detailed account of how he survived this close encounter with death. Sanderson, who wrote the book with Cindy Wrightson, shares his personal story with an inspirational message that focuses on positive thinking and finding one’s purpose.

The book signing at the medical center coincides with the 7-year anniversary of the plane’s Hudson River landing which happened on Jan. 15, 2009. US Airways Flight 1549 piloted by Captain Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles, made an emergency water landing in the Hudson after birds hit both sides of the plane at once causing both engines to go out at the same time. Captain Sullenberger and First Officer Skiles brought all 155 passengers and crew to safety. The landing became known as “Miracle on the Hudson”, and Captain Sullenberger has since been revered as a hero who saved 155 lives. Continue reading HUDSON MIRACLE- Miracle on the Hudson Plane Crash Survivor Pens New Book →

Cover Story, Sally Deering

WE ARE FAMILY-Lincoln Center’s DADA WOOF PAPA HOT explores Gay (and Straight) Parent Issues

Hudson’s Tammy Blanchard Plays a Mom with a Secret  

Hudson's Tammy Blanchard
Tammy Blanchard and John Pankow star in DADA WOOF PAPA HOT at Lincoln Center

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Sally Deering

Dada Woof Papa Hot Poster The title of Peter Parnell’s new play at Lincoln Center DADA WOOF PAPA HOT sounds like the playwright went bonkers at his computer one night. It actually stands for the first words a little girl speaks to her dad – silly, yet endearing, baby talk.

Baby talk runs throughout DADA WOOF PAPA HOT, Parnell’s new play at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater at Lincoln Center through Jan. 3.  Directed by Scott Ellis, DADA WOOF PAPA HOT focuses on the relationships between two pairs of gay dads raising young children; and, it features Hudson’s Tammy Blanchard in the supporting role of a mom with a secret. All the characters in Parnell’s new play are parents, both gay and straight, grappling with childrearing and its effects on marriage and adult relationships.

Dada Woof Papa Hot Stars
Alex Hurt, John Benjamin Hickey, Stephen Plunkett and Patrick Breen in Dada Woof Papa Hot directed by Scott Ellis at Lincoln Center

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alan and Rob, played by John Benjamin Hickey and Patrick Breen, are gay and married with a three-year-old daughter.  During the course of one school year, Alan, Rob and their friends must deal with issues couples with children struggle with, like sharing child-rearing responsibilities and maintaining commitment in their relationships. Funny and poignant, DADA WOOF PAPA HOT is a mid-life coming-of-age story that explores some of the challenges gay parents face and are they different than the challenges of straight parents? Continue reading WE ARE FAMILY-Lincoln Center’s DADA WOOF PAPA HOT explores Gay (and Straight) Parent Issues →