JCs Cathedral Arts Festival to Host “Big 3-0” Gala, Sat, May 18

   Artists, Friends & Grace Church Community to Come Out & Celebrate

By Sally Deering

Itâ€s probably the hippest church in Hudson County: a congregation of people from all walks of life, where artists are not only welcomed, theyâ€re celebrated.

On Sat, May 8, beginning at 7 pm, Grace Church Van Vorst on Erie Street in Jersey City will host its 30^th Anniversary celebration of the CATHEDRAL ARTS FESTIVAL (CAF), a gala of friends and community members coming together to support the churchâ€s outreach and regale in artworks by local artists. This year, five curators have put together an exhibition of eclectic art that will dazzle and inspire.  Beth Achenbach, Cat Hecht, Robinson Holloway, Andrea Morin and Amy Elise de Jong.

The post art gala’s ‘big 3-0’ first appeared on River View Observer.

  JCs Shehnaaz Dance Academy Dancers Perform Sat, May 18

   Students of All Ages Present Classic Bollywood Dance

Founded in 2012, Shehnaaz Dance Academy in Jersey City offers Bollywood dance classes for adults and kids, and on Sat, May 18, the schoolâ€s students will present an afternoon of classic Bollywood moves. The show will be held at Cornelia Bradford Elementary School No. 16 in Jersey City; curtain rises at 3 pm.

Shehnaaz Dance Academy offers dance classes in several Jersey City locales including the Boys and Girls Club, and the Performing Arts Workshop. The classes are part of the after-school programs in several Jersey City schools including schools No.16, No. 37, No. 5 and Primary Prep.

“Our Adult BollyHIIT workout and dance choreography classes are popular and well-known in the Jersey City area,” Founder Shehnaaz Jagasia says. “Our students have performed at various cultural events in Downtown Jersey City, and Hoboken, as well as the NYC India Day Parade. In 2018, Shehnaaz Dance Academy and its Spring Recital 2018 participants were recognized by the Jersey City Council.”

Shehnaaz Dance Academy presents twice-yearly recitals for its students to showcase their talents and hard work, Jagasia says.

“These recitals offer an opportunity for our students to stand confidently on a huge platform, overcome their stage fright, and be lauded for all the efforts they put in throughout the semester,” Jagasia says. “Our audience is wowed by the sheer level of talent and professionalism displayed by our dancers.”

If you go

Sat, May 18, 3 pm

SHEHNAAZ DANCE ACADEMY RECITAL

Cornelia Bradford Elementary School No. 16

96 Sussex St, JC

(201) 245-0025

Shehnaazdanceacademy.com

The post bOLLYWOOD FULL SWING first appeared on River View Observer.

  La Festa Italiana 2017 Rocks On in JC

  Holy Rosary Church Celebrates Great Food, Fab Drinks, and Live Music

By Sally Deering

 At every turn youâ€ll see a familiar face at La Festa Italiana Jersey City 2017, Holy Rosary Churchâ€s 114^th annual “Old World” Italian Street Festival to be held in Downtown Jersey City. For five consecutive days and nights, from Wed, Aug. 9th through Sun, Aug. 13th, Sixth & Brunswick Streets will be rockin†with live bands, swinging soloists, fabulous foods, thirst-quenching drinks and frolicking fun for the kids. (Hours are Wed-Fri, 5 pm-11 pm; Sat & Sun, 3 pm-11 pm.)

The entertainment roster is a Whoâ€s Who of talent that gets the hips swaying and the heart thumping. Groups like The B-Street Band, The Cameos and Total Soul know how to get Festa-goers dancing in the streets. Callahanâ€s Hot Dogs, Delenioâ€s pizza, Giaâ€s Gelato and Pure & Simple Flatbreads†brick oven pizzas are just a few of the vendors offering delicious food & libations.

As the countdown to Aug. 9th begins, Holy Rosary parishioners are busily preparing their special La Festa treats like home-made Rice Balls (Arancini) and lemony Limoncello made by The Assunta Wine Girls who, this year, will also be serving Lemon-Limecello and Grapefruitcello. On the 5^th and final day of La Festa (Sunday) Pastor Jurek Zaslona will pick the winner of the “Super 50/50” Raffle. (Tickets for the Super 50/50 can be purchased throughout La Festa.) Last yearâ€s winning ticket-holder won $9,079!

132-YEAR HISTORY

 Founded in 1885, Holy Rosary Church is the first Italian Roman Catholic Parish in New Jersey. Pastor of Holy Rosary Church, the Rev. Jerzy (Jurek) Zaslona, says La Festa Italiana pays tribute to the Churchâ€s 132-year history and strengthens community ties. 

“Traditions and customs define us as a community and La Festa gives us the opportunity to become a more integrated community,” Rev. Zaslona says. “When people come to La Festa, they come for the music and the food, but they also come for the fellowship, to see friends and create happy memories for their children. As a church, we are here to serve the people of Jersey City.”

Entertainment this year has some real standouts for music lovers.

Wed, Aug 9                     DJ Dan E Ariazza

                                             Elio Scaccio

Thurs, Aug 10               DJ Mike Greco

Fri, Aug 11                      The B-Street Band

Sat, Aug 12                     DJ Jude Luongo

                                             The Cameos

Sun, Aug 13    DJ Dan Drake

                                             Total Soul

The B-Street Band (Bruce Springsteen Cover Band) Plays Friday Night

Total Soul, the 9-piece band that plays popular tunes from Motown to Bruno Mars takes the stage Sunday night. This is their sixth year back and two of its members, guitarist Jack Broad and lead singer Derrick Dupree hail from Jersey City. Trombone player Jeff Deitrle says the band enjoys playing La Festa Italiana because it loves to get the crowds dancing in the street.

“We get everybody dancing,” Deitrle says. “Everyone knows our songs because we play the best of the best.”

HOT ZEPPOLES, ITALIAN SAUSAGE & MORE!

La Festa Italiana will be a “Foodieâ€s Paradise” with vendors like Maglioneâ€s Italian Ices; Mozzareppa; VEGBAR Juice+Grub specializing in fresh vegan juices, smoothies, salads, wraps & tacos; mouth-watering Italian sausage sandwiches, Greek specialties, and delicious desserts like home-made Cannolis on sale at Caffe Italiano in Holy Rosaryâ€s backyard.

Callahanâ€s Hot Dogs food truck, which sells those big, crunchy hot dogs smothered in sauerkraut and onions, will also be back. Many locals remember Callahanâ€s roadside hotdog haven that Leonard Castrianni opened back in 1950 in Fort Lee. Castrianniâ€s grandson, Daniel DeMiglio now runs the business and will be manning Callahanâ€s big yellow truck all five nights of La Festa. DeMiglio plans to sell Callahanâ€s famous hotdogs and award-winning hamburgers, and to visit his dad Ronald DeMiglioâ€s old “Village” neighborhood.

“Itâ€s an incredible experience to be at La Festa Italiana and be back where my dad grew up,” Daniel DeMiglio says. “It means a lot to me to be there. This year, our big yellow Callahanâ€s truck will be at La Festa all five nights and weâ€ll be doing classic dogs and fries.”

Other ‘stars†of La Festa are the Seafood Bar serving fresh clams & oysters, and the White Star Bar which offers craft beers & specialty cocktails. The Hourly 50/50s will be on sale throughout the five-day feast with prizes every hour. The popular Money Wheel is back in its original location in Caffe Italiano, located behind the church.

TRIDUUM & PROCESSIONS

Religious traditions are an integral aspect of La Festa Italiana, which honors the veneration of Maria SS. Dellâ€Assunta & San Rocco. A Triduum from Sat, Aug 12 through Tues, Aug. 15 will be celebrated in veneration of Our Lady of the Assumption and in honor of St. Rocco. On Tues., Aug. 15, at 11 am, the Feast Day Mass in veneration of Maria SS. Dellâ€Assunta, a holy day of obligation, will be celebrated by Joseph W. Cardinal Tobin, C.Ss.R., D.D., Archbishop of Newark. A traditional Street Procession will follow.

On Wed., Aug 16, at 11 am, a Feast of Saint Rocco Healing Mass with the Anointing of the Sick will be celebrated followed by a traditional Street Procession.

La Festa Italianaâ€s financial support comes from local sponsorship like Gold Sponsor Star Industries, and Silver Sponsors GothamWest, Monteleoneâ€s Bakery, The Brunswick School, Nicholas J. Grillo, and Commonwealth Trucking/Fleetwood Forwarding. Diamond Sponsors are Catholic Cemeteries, Sorrentino Electric, and Yelp. Riotto Funeral Home is the Silver-Super 50/50 Raffle Sponsor.

“Holy Rosary Church and La Festa Italiana have been pillars of the Italian American Community of Jersey City,” Manager Richard J. Riotto says. â€œIt is a testimony to the organizers and volunteers that have worked tirelessly for generations to preserve their heritage.”

La Festa Italiana is Holy Rosary Churchâ€s special way of saying thank you to its parishioners and neighbors, as it celebrates 132 years of serving the spiritual needs of its parish and the Historic Downtown Jersey City community.

 For many years, La Festa Italiana has been the churchâ€s biggest fundraiser for the restoration and upkeep of the church. During La Festa Italiana 2017, the Church will be open for visitors to see up close the magnificent beauty that is Holy Rosary Church. Visitors are also welcome to donate a 7-day Memorial Candle in memory of a loved-one.

If you go

Wed, Aug. 9-Sun, Aug. 13

(Wed-Fri, 5-11 pm; Sat & Sun, 3-11 pm)

LA FESTA ITALIANA 2017

344 Sixth St, JC

(201) 795-0120

www.lafestaitalianajc.com

www.Facebook.com/lafestaitalianajc

The post ZEPPOLES, RAFFLES, DANCING— LA FESTA IS BACK!!!   first appeared on River View Observer.

   Rustic Hip Sets the Tone at Gringoâ€s in Jersey City 

By Sally Deering

Photos by Fermin Mendoza

Gringo’s Jersey City,  Itâ€s the only restaurant in town with a sawed-off milk truck in the dining room. Gringoâ€s, the new Mexican eatery that just opened a few weeks ago in Downtown Jersey City features a sawed-in-half milk truck where Chef Rick Truocchio and his crew prepare dishes like Holy Mole tacos and Guac.

Darren Conway and his partners Rebecca Tarantino, James Ventola and Chef Rick Truocchio have transformed a greasy old mechanicâ€s garage on Coles Street into a cavernous casual Mexican bistro with picnic-table seating, cocktails on tap; and baskets of purple maracas to shake whenever the mood strikes.

“The idea came about when we were at Pier 13 and talked about opening a space together,” Conway says. “I always wanted to do a Mexican restaurant, but what do a bunch of gringos know about opening a Mexican restaurant? I sat on it for a bit and then came up with the idea of an old rustic-looking space, a Mexican place off the beaten path, old and beaten up. I kind of ran with the idea. I designed the space and came up with the concept.”

Nachos and Salsas

Gringoâ€s menu features Mexican staples like tacos and nachos with a twist. There are appetizers like Chips & Salsa, Guac, Grilled Corn Esquites, Avocado Bites, Toasted Cashew and ‘Peppa†Hummus and chorizo and cheese stuffed jalapenos called Poppin†Off ($6-$9). The Taco menu features the Buffalo Soldier with tempura jumbo shrimp and buffalo sauce, the Holy Mole taco with grilled organic chicken, and the We Found Nemo taco with crispy fish and mango-jicama slaw ($10-$15).

“Our chef and partner Rick designed the entire menu and everything is made in-house everyday,” Conway says. “We have no freezers. Whatever we get on a daily basis is what we serve. Everything is really fresh and most of the ingredients are organic. We are getting a high quality product for our customers; and, we have vegetarian and vegan options, too. Most of our dishes are gluten-free.”

Chef Rick Truocchio

Gringoâ€s extensive drink menu features Cocktails, Cerveza, Tequilas, Mezcal and Bebidas. The cocktails include the El Gringo Margarita, the Rubi Rosa, the Corner Bodega, Beat the Pinata, Talum Punch, Polaco, El Chapo, the Frozen Margarita (of course!) and Nacho Mamaâ€s Sangria ($9-$12; you can also buy them by the pitcher for $39-$41). The Mezcal “Age”, “Ultimo” and Tequila are $17-$25.

Cocktails on tap:  the Ruby Rosa,

Frozen Margarita, El Chapo and Poloco.

 The restaurant seats 60 inside, 70 outside, and 18 at the bar. Thatâ€s a lot of space to mix & mingle compared to some of the smaller bar/restaurants in town. Plans are underway for live entertainment: Conway says Gringoâ€s will serve a Mariachi Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays in the fall.

On a recent Friday afternoon, the waitstaff and crew were already serving customers at the bar and in the dining room when the doors opened at 5 pm. Tarantino and Ventola were seating guests and keeping things flowing. Partners Conway and Tarantino also own Pier 13 in Hoboken, an outdoor beer garden near 14^th street; and the crew is preparing for the Grand Opening of Gringoâ€s Staten Island.

“Darren and I have been friends a long time,” Ventola says, as he heads outside to talk to the waitstaff.

“We all have different strengths,” Tarantino adds.

If you go

Gringoâ€s Mexican restaurant/bar

12 Coles St, JC

(201) 389-4110

www.gringostaco.com

Hours:  Mon-Thurs, 5 pm-midnight

Fri & Sat, 5 pm-2 am

Sun, 5 pm-10 pm

The post GRINGO’s JERSEY CITY -FOUR ‘GRINGOS’ & A TACO first appeared on River View Observer.

 After 3 Years, Traditional Cuban Dishes Are Back in Downtown JC

By Sally Deering

 Its been three years since Cuban cuisine-lovers could duck into the Hard Grove Café in Jersey City for a traditional Cuban sandwich. Well, good news!  On June 26, Hard Grove opened its new restaurant & bar on First Street off Newark Ave, and so far, customers are stopping by for Hard Groveâ€s traditional Cuban fare and a freshly mulled Hemingway Mojito. 

“June 26^th was our ‘soft†opening,” owner Evelyn Padin says, “In this industry, itâ€s not smart to rush into a grand opening.”

 An attorney with a passion for cooking, Padin and her partner Carmen Mendiola co-owned Hard Grove Café when it was the go-to corner bistro on Grove Street.  When the duo moved Hard Grove to its First Street digs, they brought with them Hard Groveâ€s original chef Rafael Valdespino, bartender Julie Cordero and floor captain Mario Lin.

“Theyâ€re like our family,” Padin says. “Three years we waited to open, and so far, weâ€ve been blessed. We have old customers that already came in and a lot of new customers that are dropping by.”

Hard Groveâ€s menu features traditional Cuban Empanadas, and the very traditional Ropa Vieja (shredded beef). Thereâ€s Pueblo-Style Guacamole & Plantain Strips, the Hard Grove Burger, Calle Ocho Salad with Cilantro Dressing, Hemingway Skirt Steak & Eggs, Huevos Rancheros, Eggs Benedict and, of course, the Cuban Sandwich.

Ropa Vieja

“We have the best Cuban sandwich on the strip,” Padin says. “Weâ€re known for our pork; we roast our pork.”

Starters feature Golden Empanadas (2), the Crispy Taco Trio, Codfish Fritters, Fried Calamari, Stuffed Plantain Cups, and the Hemingway Sampler. Entrees include Lemon Salsa Chicken, Citrus Grilled Chicken, Hemingway Churrassco Steak, and Salmon Filet & Shrimp in Lemon Sauce.

And then there are the drinks. Mojitos are the star of the show and served several ways like the Classic with crushed mint & sugar cane, the Desperate Housewives topped with champagne; the Electric made with Bacardi & Blue Curacao, the Diablo mixed with Tequila & Crème de Cassis, and the Cacapa made with premium aged rum.

On Saturday & Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm, Hard Grove serves a special brunch menu with dishes like the Lucy & Ricky French Toast stuffed with guava and cream cheese, drizzled with guava sauce and served with a choice of chorizo sausage or smoked bacon, the Belgium Waffle, and the Breakfast Burrito. For a little fizz to the brunch menu, Padin offers a Bloody Mary/Mimosa special: two hours of a “bottomless” glass of your choice for $15.

“Thatâ€s a bargain these days,” Padin says. “We have a great brunch. “Our French toast stuffed with guava & cream cheese with a guava drizzle is amazing. We have jumbo waffles with fruit compote. I have a chef I hired just for this.”

Hard Groveâ€s been open less than a month and already certain dishes are turning one-time customers into regulars. The Mofongo is a hugely popular dish, Padin says, made with fried green plantains that are mashed like a potato and served with pork cubes that are marinated in garlic and fried. Its served with jumbo shrimp in a creole sauce.

“Iâ€m passionate about food,” Padin says, “and I love the restaurant industry. I get so much joy out of it. The creative part comes out of me, its creativity that it offers. Not to mention, I know how to cook. Itâ€s always been my passion – and Iâ€m successful at that too.”

Day-by-day, Padin, Mendiola and their staff at Hard Grove continue to build on the restaurantâ€s successful return to the downtown Jersey City community. It takes hard work and commitment, Padin says. Future Hard Grove plans include entertainment and special cigar nights. Padin is bringing in a cigar roller and along with the freshly-rolled cigars, a special scotch menu will be on hand.  And donâ€t forget to try out the Patio and dine al fresco alongside the hand-painted mural.

“Weâ€re happy weâ€re back home,” Padin says. “We may be in a different place, but weâ€re happy weâ€re here. Weâ€re minority-owned and LGBTQ-friendly. We feel that makes us a special place.”

If you go

Hard Grove

284 First St, JC

201-659-6100

www.hardgrove.com

The post  THE COMEBACK KID- Hard Grove Café Re-Hangs Its Cuban Star on First Street first appeared on River View Observer.

Hobokenâ€s Guitar Bar to Assemble Worldâ€s Largest Band (fingers crossed!)

By Sally Deering

Dust off your old college guitar, practice a few chords and you, too can be a member of the Worldâ€s Largest Band.

If youâ€re not doing anything Thursday, July 20 at 6 pm, then why not grab your guitar, banjo or ukulele and head down to Sinatra Park in Hoboken to play a few songs with hundreds of other guitar-enthusiasts. Thatâ€s what Guitar Barâ€s James Mastro hopes to assemble – 954 strummers at least – in order to set a Guinness Book of World Recordâ€s record for the Worldâ€s Largest Band.

Itâ€s Guitar Barâ€s fifth attempt to break the record for the Worldâ€s Largest Band; Beijing, China holds the current title with 953 participants.

Guitar Barâ€s Attempt #4, 2016

“Weâ€re calling on anyone and everyone with an acoustic guitar, mandolin, ukulele or any other acoustic instrument to play along,” Mastro says.

Led by members of the Guitar Bar All Stars, the event begins at 6 pm with registration, then at 7 pm a few warm-up tunes like “Knockin†On Heavenâ€s Door,” followed by other easy songs beginner guitarists can follow, Mastro says. This year, strummers who show up will be playing tunes by Chuck Berry, the Rolling Stones, and many more, taking their cues from the All Stars.

Whether youâ€re an experienced musician or just starting out, Guitar Bar can help you prepare for the event.  Chord charts and YouTube instructional videos that ‘band members†can play along with are posted on Guitar Barâ€s Facebook page. Participants can also send Guitar Bar any questions or suggestions.

All songs and information you need are at guitarbar.com/worldrecord. Donâ€t forget to join up on the Guitar Bar Facebook page. Registration is 6 pm the day of the event which is sponsored by Mayor Dawn Zimmer and the City of Hoboken.

For more info, contact James Mastro at james@guitarbar.com, or visit guitarbar.com/worldrecord.

If You Go

The Guitar Barâ€s Record Attempt
for Worldâ€s Largest Band
Thurs., July 20, 6 pm
Sinatra Park, HOB

www.guitarbar.com

The post I’M WITH THE BAND Calling all Guitarists! first appeared on River View Observer.

Billy Valentino, Joey Cimino and Matt Gale of Finish This perform in Weehawkenâ€s Hamilton Park. (Photo by Fermin Mendoza)

Lawn Chairs, Picnic Baskets, the NY Skyline and Free Music

By Sally Deering

On a recent Sunday afternoon, Hamilton Park on Boulevard East in Weehawken, with its breathtaking view of the New York Skyline, transformed from pastoral park to electric guitar-riffing rock concert with residents and visitors chilling on its great lawn.

The group rocking the crowd was Finish This, a local old school garage band that dates back to the 1970s when bandmates Joey Cimino, Billy Valentine, Mike Culhane, Mike Montanaro, John Forsdahl, Mike Waddle, and lead guitar Matt Galeâ€s dad were high school buddies in West New York. At Hamilton Park, the band, which knows more than 300 songs from all their years of gigging, performed a two-hour set of iconic 60s tunes like Wooly Bully and In the Midnight Hour.

Mike Montanaro recruits young fans to play 
instruments at Hamilton Park

“The audience was great,” Cimino says after the show. “Whenever you see an audience from 2 –to-80 having a good time, you know its going great. Thatâ€s why we were the opening show. They wanted to get a good crowd – and they did.”

Finish This†performance officially kicked-off the Hamilton Park 2017 Free Summer Concert Series happening every Sunday from 5-7 pm through Labor Day Weekend. After a break for July 4th, the series kicks off again on Sunday, July 9 with Swingadelic, followed by Big Mamou on July 16, Boulevard East Collective on July 23 and the Joe Ruddick Quartet on July 30. In August, itâ€s the Annie Minogue Band with opening act Violet on Aug. 6, Donna Coney Island and South Street Station on Aug. 13, Anthony Bez on Aug. 20, The Joni Project on Aug. 27 and Zaccai Curtis on Sept. 3.

Swingadelic performed at Hamilton Park

on Sun, July 9

The series, sponsored by Weehawken Mayor Richard F. Turner and the Town Council also runs in tandem with the Pershing Park Free Summer Concert Series beginning Wednesday, July 5 with Flamenco Latino and running every other Wednesday night featuring Joe Ciminoâ€s Rubber Room on July 19, Weehawken Jazz All Stars on Aug 2, Maxima Alerta on Aug 16, and the final show of the series, the Weehawken Singer/Songwriter Night on Aug 30. (Pershing Park is located at the foot of Pershing Road on Weehawkenâ€s waterfront.)

Further down along the Hudson on Weehawkenâ€s waterfront, the Hudson River Performing Arts Center (HRPAC) at Lincoln Harbor Park near the Chart House restaurant is also hosting its summer-long concert series – also on Wednesdays at 7 pm – and it features some hot acts like the Cumbia River Band, singer Alicia Olatuja, The Hillbenders presenting The Whoâ€s TOMMY; and Pedro Cortes Flamenco Soul.

Cumbia River Band performs at
Lincoln Harbor Park on Wed, July 12

“For 14 years, Summer Concerts on the Hudson has presented world class artists in concerts that are free of charge to the public,” Bruce Sherman, HRPACâ€s executive director says. “What could be better than listening to great music on a beautiful summer evening in a spectacular riverfront setting!”

Three venues featuring 20 acts. Itâ€s been a huge undertaking, Weehawken Recreation Supervisor Donna Daly says. Daly and the Recreation Department staff worked diligently behind-the-scenes to make it all happen.

“Community events like these bring people together,” Daly says. “Itâ€s great music, and its all free.”

Singer Alicia Olatuja
performs Wed, July 26
at Lincoln Harbor Park

HEREâ€S THE LINE-UP

Hamilton Park Summer Concert Series
Sundays, 5-7 pm

Jul 16 –– Big Mamou. Influences are Buckwheat Zydeco to Gram Parsons, Clifton Chenier to The Louvin Brothers with a dash of Johnny Cash
Jul 23 –– Boulevard East Collective. Bassist Rob Rolling with vocalist Caroline Guglielmi and Tino Stewart, guitarist Jim Savitt and drummer Paul Pizzuti
Jul 30 — Joe Ruddick Quartet. All that is jazz.
Aug 6 — The Annie Minogue Band ~ Opening Act Violet. Energizing Sound. Gutsy rock attitude
Aug 13 — Donna Coney Island & South Street Station. Classic rock with tinges of country
Aug 20 — Anthony Bez. Classical and flamenco guitarist
Aug 27 — The Joni Project. Fresh interpretations of Joni Mitchell’s legendary works
Sept 3 — Zaccai Curtis Quartet. Originals with Curtis Brothers Quartet

Pershing Park Concert Series
Wednesdays, 6-8 pm
Jul 19 — Joe Ciminoâ€s Rubber Room. Unique mix of cover songs and originals
Aug 2 — Weehawken Jazz All Stars. Weehawken residents who have played with a Who’s Who of jazz
Aug 16 — Maxima Alerta. Known as one of Cubaâ€s best loved fusion bands
Aug 30 — Weehawken Singer/Songwriter Night. Original tunes performed by local musicians

Lincoln Harbor Park
Wednesdays @ 7 pm
WED, JULY 12 – The Cumbia River Band. Colombian Cumbia music from golden years of Latin American music
WED July 26 – Alicia Olatuja. Praised by The New York Times as “a singer with a strong and luscious tone …”
WED, AUG 9 – The Hillbenders Presenting the Whoâ€s Tommy: A Bluegrass Opry. Tight harmonies and instrumental prowess
WED, AUG 23 – Pedro Cortes Flamenco Soul. Music and dance celebrating the art of Flamenco.

–Schedule compiled by Donna Daly

If you go
For more info, directions, and late breaking concert news and updates, check the HRPAC website hrpac.org or call the concert info line (201) 716-4540.

The post ROLLIN’ ON THE RIVER 20 Rockin’ Bands, Musicians & Vocalists Perform Live on Weehawken’s Waterfront first appeared on River View Observer.

By Sally Deering

“These violent delights have violent ends
And in their triumph die, like fire and powder
Which, as they kiss, consume.”

Mackenzie Menter as Juliet and Joshua Blount as Romeo in HSCâ€s Romeo & Juliet.

What happens when two feuding families poison the love of their offspring with their hatred? Do the sins of the fathers cast evil on their children?  Can love ever survive when surrounded by hate?

​These are the questions that come to mind in Shakespeareâ€s Romeo & Juliet, the story of two star-crossed lovers who cannot escape the rivalry of their families and although they are madly, deeply in love, theirs comes to a tragic end.  

This new production of Romeo & Juliet by Hudson Shakespeare Company (HSC) opens in Hudson on Wed, July 12^th at 7 pm at the Secaucus Library, and runs Sat, July 15 at 3 pm at Van Vorst Park in Jersey City; Mon, July 17 at Frank Sinatra Park in Hoboken, and Thurs, July 20 at 7 pm at Hamilton Park in Jersey City. It explores the themes of hate and violence that seem to reflect contemporary times, and the cast features HSC newcomers Mackenzie Menter as Juliet and Joshua Blount as Romeo. Noelle Fair directs.

“I said I wouldnâ€t direct Romeo & Juliet until I knew what I wanted to do with it,” Fair says. “These young tempestuous teens fall in love and die.  Thereâ€s a song Mandy Patinkin sings, a mash-up of ‘Youâ€ve Got To Be Carefully Taught†from South Pacific and ‘Children Will Listen†from Into the Woods. It made me think about Romeo and Juliet and how we teach our children hate and we teach them bias. What are we passing down to the next generation? In Romeo & Juliet, the parents donâ€t know any other way to communicate except through violence and thatâ€s what they teach their children.”

The two star-crossed lovers are not immersed in their familyâ€s hate, but they cannot get away from it, Fair says, and in the end it destroys their love and destroys them.

“When you look at Romeo and Juliet, Romeoâ€s indulging himself in the idea of love, poetry, everything possible to avoid what his family wants him to be,” Fair says. “Iâ€m sort of going with this very violent world and Iâ€m putting it within the 1990s, and the issues weâ€re dealing with now. Iâ€m using a lot of grunge music which is based in rebellion. It helps to highlight the themes I want to explore within the text. Itâ€s really cool.”

The Romeo & Juliet cast also features Juliana Valente as Nurse; Kamran Saliani as Friar Laurence/Prince; Tiffany Faulkner as Mercutio/Lady Montague/Apothecary; Leon Morgan as Lord Capulet; Taylor Baskin as Lady Capulet; Matthew Cavender as Tybalt/Paris; and Lindsay Milligan as Benvolio. Combat director is Adele Rylands.

Performing Shakespeare can be tough on its own, but playing outside in make-shift performance venues brings challenges to the actors as well as the director, Fair says.

“One of the biggest challenges for the actors is juggling noise and distractions,” Fair says. “You have to stay really focused. There are going to be kids who canâ€t sit through a long performance. Youâ€re not going to be in a black box where everyone is well-mannered. They deal with heat. Bugs. And different terrain. One park is hilly without a lot of grass another is concrete which is coliseum-like. We have to adjust exits and entrances. An actor in this company has to be able to have fun and be a team player.”

For the director, putting a show up like Romeo & Juliet takes a lot of pre-planning, Fair says.

“I have to pre-plan where props are going to be pre-set,” Fair says. “Children watching the show think the weapons are cool and walk away with them. We donâ€t do an intermission, so the actors†energy has to be sustained for two hours, so Iâ€m mentally preparing them, physically preparing them. I come from a program where we did some weird stuff with Shakespeare. I move scenes.    I weave scenes. I play with time and space.”

Fair, who also works as an actress, teaches at a Middle School in Astoria, Queens. The Jersey City resident just did a production of A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams, where she played the role of Stella. Fair enjoys directing, she says, and she believes Shakespeare is as relevant today as it was during Shakespeareâ€s time.

“Why is Shakespeare still so appealing,” Fair says. “Shakespeare was able to touch the human heart. Beforehand, not too many playwrights got to the heart of what it is to be human.”

If you go

Romeo & Juliet

www.hudsonshakespeare.com

​

Wed, Jul 12 @ 7pm

Secaucus Public Library

1379 Paterson Plank Rd, SEC

​

Sat, Jul 15 @ 3pm

Van Vorst Park, JC

​

Mon, July 17 @ 7pm

Frank Sinatra Park, HOB

Thurs, Jul 20 @ 7pm

Hamilton Park (9th St and Jersey Ave) JC

Thurs, Jul 27 @ 6:30pm

Hoboken Public Library

500 Park Ave, HOB

The post LOVE HURTS-Hudson Shakespeare Presents Romeo & Juliet in Hudson Parks first appeared on River View Observer.