In Hoboken, on the 4^th floor of the Neumann building on Observer Highway, Aart Markenstein tunes some of the most beautiful and unique pianos ever made. During his career as a professional piano tuner, Markenstein has kept the pianos of some of the worldâ€s greatest music legends in tune. Taught by a master tuner – like Luke Skywalker learning from Yoda how to become a Jedi – Markensteinâ€s tunings have been considered “perfection” by music professionals.

Markenstein has worked with music legends including Beyonce, U2, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Tony Bennett, Cher, The Eagles, K.D. Lang, Cyndi Lauper, the Black Crowes, Aerosmith, James Taylor, Ringo Starr, Chuck Berry – and so many more. He tuned the keyboards for Aretha Franklinâ€s performance at the 53^rd Inaugural Ball and when Bob Dylan played in Hoboken last year, Markenstein tuned his piano, too.

Markenstein owns his own business Aart in America Piano Company in Hoboken and his office is a large space filled with an array of pianos from a Steinway Grand to a small upright brought to Markenstein for repairs by a member of John Mellencampâ€s band. Aart in America is a full-service piano company where Markenstein repairs and rents out pianos and if youâ€re a lucky visitor, he might even play a tune because not only is Markenstein an accomplished tuner, heâ€s a stellar musician.

Helping Markenstein with Aart in America Piano Company is his wife of 32 years, Eileen, who were childhood sweethearts growing up in the Marion section of Jersey City (right behind Journal Square).

“Aart and my brother were best friends when we were kids,” Eileen says. “I would come home from school and Aart would be in my living room playing my piano. It was his passion.”

Eileen came from a musical family and Aart, the oldest of six, always wanted a piano and take piano lessons, but his parents told him he needed to save up the money on his own. He landed a part-time job, saved up $500 and bought his piano.

“He didnâ€t even tell his parents,” Eileen says.

Aart studied with Sal Lombardi, an organist at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel church and when Eileen attended Jersey City State College, Aart sat in on her music classes.

“I never stopped playing,” Aart says. “Eileenâ€s father got me a job driving a truck and I played in bands at night. I wanted to work in the music business any way I could. I saw an ad in the Village Voice for a driver/technician for Complete Music Service in 1991. I started to tune electric pianos, teaching myself. I learned how to set up gear and drum kits and the next thing I knew I was at Quad recording studios and Eric Clapton is in the recording studio. Every day it was another treat. David Bowie was a client, Lou Reed, I was in his house and he had racks of amps that had to be wired.”

In the 1990s, Aart and Eileen had a band ‘World Without Endâ€. They played clubs like CBGBs, and put out a 16-song CD called CITY OF DEAD which got radio airplay here in the states and in Germany and led to a tour of Europe and the U.S.

In 1994, Aart went to work for S.I.R. Entertainment in New York City which rented instruments for national acts coming to town to play venues like Madison Square Garden and Giants Stadium (renamed MetLife stadium).

“They would come to one of S.I.R.s soundstages to rehearse,” Aart says. “Everybody was there, The Who, (Rolling) Stones, Cyndi Lauper. I would deliver gear to SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE. I knew about the gear and didnâ€t crash the truck so I got promoted until I was just dealing with keyboards. I also did backline – set up all the instruments according to the stage plot.”

In 2003 he had an opportunity to study intensive piano technology with Kalman Dietrich, the founder of the Museum of the American Piano in New York City.

“There were six students in the class and one guy asked ‘where are the textbooksâ€,” Aart says. “Kalman said, ‘there are no textbooks. This is an ancient technology and you have to listen and pay attention.†We started disassembling a Steinway antique piano to its core and learning to repair each piece in the piano.”

A year later Aart started his own business.

“Every piano is more than just a musical instrument, it becomes part of the family and memories are made from it,” Aart says. “Itâ€s meant to last 75-100 years and has the memories from families playing and singing around the piano. The keys underneath the plastic are made of sugar pine, so grandmaâ€s DNA is on that piano left from the oils of her fingers. The person is still with that piano because their DNA is on it.”

And throughout the years heâ€s had some great experiences, but probably the one that stands out the most is the time he worked on John Lennonâ€s piano.

“It was a 1901 Steinway Model “B” and when he recorded DOUBLE FANTASY, he used that piano,” Aart says.

Although heâ€s not planning to retire any time soon, Aart says he will likely ask one of his younger relatives if they would be interesting in becoming his apprentice and learning the trade. But that seems like a long time from now. In the meantime, he and Eileen are quite content running the business and still get a little starstruck when Aart is asked to tune a piano for a superstar.

And his favorite piano? The Yamaha Conservatory Grand. He says: “The longer the strings, the better the sound. I love every piano in the shop in the same way. Every piano has its own personality, like people.”

Aart in America Piano Company

300 Observer Highway (Neumann Building

Hoboken

(201) 406-2594

www.aartinamericapiano.com

email: aartinamerica@optonline.net

The post PIANOMAN- Master Piano Tuner Aart Markenstein Keeps Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennett and other Music Legends On Key first appeared on River View Observer.

Bob Dylan will appear at Pier A in Hoboken on July 26th

By Sally Deering

 Its official – summer has arrived! And that means itâ€s time to check out fun happenings here in Hudson and beyond the county line. This jaunty little list of things to do is just a drop in the ice bucket, a sampling of sorts to get you thinking outside the box you call your apartment.

Get out, get wet, have fun!

SHAKE, PADDLE AND ROLL

Liberty State Park, Jersey City

Kayak Eco Tours invites Liberty State Park visitors to explore the natural beauty of the Hudson River Estuary by kayak. Tours embark from the canoe/kayak launch located at the south side of Liberty State Park near the park office and highlight the local wildlife and habitats of Caven Point. Trips run approximately two hours and include safety and paddle instruction. No prior paddling experience is required, but participants should be comfortable navigating in relatively deep water. Life Jackets (PFDs) are provided and required. This program is appropriate for adults and children 16 years and older; kids 16-18 need to be accompanied by an adult. For registration and payment information, or any other questions, contact Liberty State Park at (201) 915-3402. Program fee: $15/person. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Thurs-Sun through Aug. 30. For more info: www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/liberty.html.

A BRIDGE NOT FAR

Al Slootsky Playground, 4^th St, Bayonne

On Sat, July 20, PealCollection of Bayonne conducts “A Walk across the Bridge” a

free and informative walking tour about the Bayonne Bridge. “This walk may be something you have always wanted to do,” says Peal partner Priscilla Ege, “and now with the raising of the bridge to commence, it may be the best time.” The tour begins at 10 am at the Al Slootsky Playground on 4th Street between Kennedy Boulevard and Avenue “A”.  PealCollection will discuss the history of the bridge as well as the raising-of-the-roadway project before progressing with the one mile walk to and from the arch of the bridge. This leisurely walk will include spectacular views of New York and the Hudson River and discussions on points of interest. The rain date will be Saturday July 27 at 10 am. To register for this free walking tour, call (201) 339-4093, leave your name and contact number.

FORE HCCC STUDENT AID

Forest Hill Field Club, Bloomfield, NJ

The Hudson County Community College Foundation invites area residents and businesses to participate in its Tenth Annual Golf Outing on Mon, July 8, at Forest Hill Field Club in Bloomfield. The Annual Golf Outing — one of four major fundraisers sponsored by the Foundation — has activities for golfers and non-golfers with a limited number of tickets available. The Foundation generates financial support to benefit deserving HCCC students by providing them with scholarships. Complete information on the July 8^th Golf Outing including registration and dress code details may be obtained by phoning the Collegeâ€s Office for Development at 201-360-4006 or jsansone@hccc.edu.

RACKING TWO-WHEELERS

Jersey City Hall, Grove St, Jersey City

Bike enthusiasts and those who love them are invited to join in the Bike Rack Design Competition hosted by the City of Jersey City. In its mission to leave a greener imprint, Jersey City is looking for bike rack design submissions which will be accepted from July 29 to Aug. 2. So get on your bike, cruise around and get inspired! For more info, contact www.jerseycitynj.gov. Sponsored by Bike JC, the Jersey City Art School and the City of Jersey City.

 AS ‘YOUSE†LIKE IT

The Greek Theatre at Convent Station, Convent Station, NJ

This summer, the Shakespeare Theatreâ€s Outdoor Stage will transform into the Forest of Arden for its production of AS YOU LIKE IT by William Shakespeare at the beautiful and family-friendly amphitheater on the campus of the College of Saint Elizabeth. Shakespeareâ€s sweet comedy features some of greatest characters who will delight all ages. It runs through July 28^th. Order tickets online at www.shakespearenj.org.

FIDDLER ON THE BARN ROOF

New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm & Horse Show, Augusta, NJ

There will be contests galore at the New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm & Horse Show in Augusta including Home-Brewed Beer; Lawnmower Racing, Turkey Calling, Cow Milking, and Fiddler-playing. Thereâ€s Polka Dancing and a New Jersey Best Cheesecake competition, too.  And donâ€t forget the Horse Show. The New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm & Horse Show features agricultural events and education, animals, exhibits, horse shows, carnival, petting zoo, crafts and vendors, flower and vegetable shows, art and photography and a chainsaw artist. It runs Aug. 2-11. For more info call 973-948-5500, or visit www.newjerseystatefair.org.

JAMMIN†IN JULY

Bellview Winery, Landisville, NJ

Located on land that the Quarella family has been farming for close to a century sits Bellview Winery, one of New Jerseyâ€s premier wineries. Every Saturday in July, from 4-8 pm, Bellview hosts live music, with sangria, and food vendors. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets to lie on.  Leashed pets welcome.  July 6: Chapter Three, soft rock and smooth oldies sounds; July 13:  Ten Eddy Drive plays rock & roll covers; July 20: SunDog plays 80’s rock and pop covers;   July 27: Local musician Frank Compari plays acoustic guitar. Bellview Winery, 150 Atlantic St, Landisville, NJ. For more info call (856) 697-7172 or visit www.bellviewwinery.com.

CAN YOU SPELL H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S?

THE PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (the Broadway musical) at the Lauren K. Woods Theatre, 400 Cedar Ave. West Long Branch

What happens when six kids in the throes of puberty compete in a spelling bee? Laughs and lots of them. This Tony-winning Broadway musical is a laugh riot as kids, overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, learn that losing and winning can be very subjective as they try to win the spelling championship of a lifetime.  The show runs June 27-July 21, Wed-Sat., 8 pm; Sun at7 pm. NO SHOW July 4th. For tickets and info: (732) 263-6889; www.monmouth.edu/woodstheatre.

FRONT PORCH BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL

Gazebo Park, Chester, NJ

Put on your jeans and head out to Chester for  the 5th annual Front Porch Bluegrass Festival which features 13 live bands from 10 am-8 pm. Admission is FREE  and there will be lots of vendors and activities for the kids. All donations benefit BYG Work Camp’s mission trip with Appalachia Service Project. Sit under the tent for rain or shine entertainment! Bands include: Honky Tonk Scoundrels, Keith Wilson, Americana Troupe, Catbirds, Omar Mendez, Monday Night Pickers & more! Great food includes pulled pork, burgers, hotdogs, chicken wings, hush puppies, homemade waffles & ice cream & more! BYG Work Camp is a mission group that rebuilds homes every summer.  This year 88 volunteers — high school, college students and adults – will travel to Kentucky to make home repairs. Info@FrontPorchBluegrassFestival.com or call (908)443-1294.

SIMPLE TWIST OF FATE IN HOBOKEN

Pier “A” Park, Hoboken

Letâ€s hope a hard rain doesnâ€t fall when Bob Dylan takes the stage at Pier “A” Park on First Street and Frank Sinatra Drive in Hoboken on Fri, July 26^th for a concert sponsored by Americanarama Festival of Music tour. Joining Dylan are Wilco and My Morning Jacket.  For tickets go to www.stubhub.com.

The post HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME! Fun Things to Do in Hudson and Other Jersey Hot Spots first appeared on River View Observer.

Howard Pyle, the “Father of American Illustration,” was also famous for painting historic murals like “The Landing at Carteret” which hangs in the Essex County Court House in Newark and other works collected by the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco, the Delaware Art Museum and the Brandywine River Museum. But you don’t have to hop a plane to Frisco or a train to Delaware to see Pyle’s paintings up close. Four murals depicting the history of Hudson County hang in the beautifully restored, Beaux Arts landmark Justice William J. Brennan Court House in Jersey City, where people from all walks of life can view Pyle’s majestic and historic paintings.  

Adorning public buildings with historic art by contemporary artists was a popular concept at the Turn-of-the 20^th century and Pyle’s murals were hung at the Brennan (then called the Hudson County Court House,) soon after it opened on September 10, 1910 (this is the building’s centennial year.) Pyle’s murals are cherished commodities and respectfully maintained by the Hudson County Cultural & Heritage Affairs Tourism Development office housed on the first floor of the building where the department’s administrator Bill LaRosa and his talented staff – some of whom are artists, performers and writers themselves – carry on Pyle’s legacy:

Every month, the staff transforms the first floor’s Theodore Conrad Rotunda into the Brennan Gallery, a public art space that gives local artists a venue to show their work and the local community a chance to experience art up close and personal.  To LaRosa, his staff and the man in charge, Hudson County Executive Thomas DeGise, art is for the people and by the people.

 “The arts community is an important and growing part of our population,” DeGise says from his wood-paneled office on the first floor of the court house. “Ten percent of our capital projects go to public art. The Brennan was built 100 years ago and it’s still very beautiful and useful. There’s a lesson there. Do it right and with an eye toward the future.” 

And while Pyle, a master artist and illustrator of his time chose to look back in Hudson County’s history as the inspiration for the murals he created, LaRosa and the Cultural Affairs crew concentrate their efforts on artists who create contemporary works in all genres of the visual and performing arts.

 “We have some of the greatest murals of the 20^th century on our walls,” LaRosa says from his first floor office steps away from the marble-floored rotunda. “Why shouldn’t contemporary artists have the privilege of being seen here? The court house is an ideal location to showcase art work.”

To respect the dignity of the Brennan which is on the National Register of Historic Places, LaRosa and his crew stage the Brennan Gallery with the clever use of portable walls and strategic lighting.

 “I remember seeing the gallery when it was completed, it was just beautiful,” LaRosa says. “The paintings were up, the lights were on – the rotunda was made for it.”

Because the court house is a government building, the work is seen by a wide-range of people, from the high-ranking government official to the local citizen on their way to jury duty. Seeing everyday people appreciate the art gives LaRosa great pleasure, he says.

  “I’ll see jurors, sheriff’s officers and county employees looking at the art work and that makes me feel good because that’s what it’s designed to do,” LaRosa says. “Art is for everyone.  A public building shouldn’t be cut and dry. If it can serve a higher purpose, then why not?”

Looking back to the 1960s, 70s and 80s, Hudson County was home to many art galleries exhibiting local artists’ work, but times changed when storefront galleries became real estate gold. These days, local art galleries are practically nonexistent and many artists look for alternative venues to show their work like restaurants, office buildings, even city halls.

“There are very few galleries in Hudson County because of property values and lack of accessible public spaces,” LaRosa says. “The Brennan Gallery is one of the few.”

This week, the Cultural Affairs team is preparing for a special exhibit for Women’s History Month called “Herstory” curated by Assistant Administrator Eileen Gaughan and Program Development Specialist Meredith Lippman. The show opens March 2^nd and runs through March 26^th and features black-and-white photographs taken by local women photographers who were asked to go out into the community and photograph other women at work.  

“We thought what better way to celebrate Women’s History Month than with an exhibit of women photographing women working in unconventional roles in fields like architecture and mathematics,” Gaughan says. “Who knows a woman better than another woman and who can celebrate women better than her peers?”

 For the past two years, the Women’s History Month exhibition has given women artists like So Yoon Lym, a photographer and painter, the opportunity to have their work shown. Prior to having her work chosen for the 2009 show, Lym’s work was picked for the February “African Americana” exhibit.

  “For the African-Americana show, the artists had to be of African-American ancestry,” Lym says. “What a revolutionary and contemporary concept – that all Americans are in some way connected to this month and could be through their art work. I have always looked to New York City as the center of the art world and though this is true, it’s great to know that there are venues in Jersey City that showcase and promote contemporary artists.” 

Along with professional artists and photographers who exhibit at the Brennan, LaRosa and his staff present shows by senior citizens, teenagers, even patients from a local hospital. Lippman recalls a group show by students at St. Dominic’s Academy, a Catholic High School in Jersey City, who expressed their artistry in a series of painted wooden chairs.

“It was a knockout of an exhibit,” Lippman says.

As Program Development Specialist, Lippman also runs a workshop series to help artists manage their careers. An artist herself, she understands the problems they face trying to handle their careers while creating their art. So, she assembles panels of professionals who discuss important issues like writing artist statements, knowing what museum curators look for when producing shows, copyrights and other matters.

 “I email the artist community and ask them, ‘What do you need?  Give me an idea of what we can do to help you,'” Lippman says.

Along with the Brennan Gallery, LaRosa and his staff host the Brennan Coffee House, a once-a-month, Friday night hootenanny where the rotunda gets transformed again, this time as an intimate bistro with café tables and chairs. Local folksingers and musicians – some with a national following – perform on a portable stage and the acoustics are just right for folk music.  A pet project of County Executive DeGise who’s a real fan of folk legends like Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan, the coffee house has become a popular night of entertainment for local music lovers and within the historic setting of the court house, songs of protest and peace seem to resound with a deeper meaning.

In September, DeGise will host a special celebration honoring the Brennan’s centennial year. It’s been a hundred years since Pyle’s murals were hung in the court house, but the concept of giving art justice still holds true today through the work of DeGise, LaRosa and the Cultural Affairs staff.  Providing a public forum for art exhibitions not only nurtures an ever-growing artist population, it nourishes a community’s quality-of-life.

As County Executive DeGise says, “There’s a lesson there.”

 Sally Deering is a freelance writer on art and culture.

For more information, email SallyDeer@gmail.com

 

 

The post The Art of Justice: Howard Pyle’s Legacy Prevails at the Brennan Court House first appeared on River View Observer.

Bob Dylan’s -A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall

In late July Music superstar Bob Dylan was questioned by Long Branch Police when they were called to investigate a suspicious man peeking into a vacant home. It was later found out Mr. Dylan did nothing wrong and was in the area on tour and was just looking at property.

Source Asbury Park Press Read the orginal story APP–

The post Late July Bob Dylan Has Run in with LongBranch, NJ Police Investigating A Suspicious Man – Called in by Home Owner first appeared on River View Observer.