By Evelyn Bonilla

 

On Sunday, April 1^st at The Hudson School in Hoboken, N.J, pianist Pamela Ross and cellist Adrian Daurov take the stage to present, “An April Foolâ€s Day concert of “pop-sical” music and weâ€re not kidding!” Ross and Daurov will bring to life the works of Marvin Hamlisch and classical composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Brahms and Shostakovich. This concert is sure to be an exciting event with a mix of pop and classical music!

 Pamela Ross, an award winning pianist/actress/writer/recording artist, is a veteran soloist, theatrical artist, and chamber musician. Her critically acclaimed unique one woman shows have had long runs Off Broadway and in theatres and performing arts venues around the world. Many of her programs can be seen on public television, the Arts & Entertainment Television Network, and heard regularly on classical radio stations. Pamela Ross attended and has degrees from Juilliard, Queens College, the University of North Carolina/Chapel Hill, and Yale University.   She is presently associated with Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken New Jersey, in the Department of Music Technology. She is a member of Actors’ Equity Association, The Dramatists’ Guild, and Screen Actors Guild.

Adrian Daurov was born in St Petersburg, Russia, and studied at the St. Petersburg Conservatory. He appeared frequently as a soloist and chamber musician on the main concert stages of St. Petersburg, Moscow, as well as in Europe and the United States. In 2004 he toured Germany as soloist with the St. Petersburg Chamber Orchestra and was appointed principal ‘cellist of the Bayreuth Festival Youth Orchestra. Adrian Daurov has degrees from the Juilliard School of Music, and performs chamber music regularly in the New York area. His string quartet, “VOXARE,” is the quartet-in-residence at Bargemusic. He is currently principal ‘cellist with the Chamber Orchestra of New York.

 Ross and Daurov have performed independently all over the country and throughout the world; and now as they perform together they bring to the stage a wonderful flow of “unique and exceptional classical music!” Their most recent concert was held in December of 2011 at the Merkin Concert Hall in New York City. Feel free to view clips of the concert on You Tube under Adrian Daurov & Pamela Ross.

 If youâ€re interested in listening to the extraordinary music of Pamela Ross and Adrian Daurov joined them at The Hudson School located at 601 Park Ave in Hoboken, NJ. There will be two performances which will take place at 3:00 pm & 5:00 pm.  General Admission is “FREE” so make sure to get there early as space is limited.

 Also to learn more about pianist Pamela Ross visit her at www.pamela-ross.com and to learn more about Russian cellist Adrian Daurov visit him on www.voxarequartet.com and www.parkerartists.com

 

 

 

 

 

The post “Pianist Pamela Ross & Cellist Adrian Daurov Present “An April Fool’s Day Concert” at The Hudson School first appeared on River View Observer.

He has received acclaim for his acting and the films he has been a part of; have received a compilation of awards. In retrospect, if you were to watch some of the characters he portrays on film you could see that Sernio has hone his craft and has brought to the film screen an “intensity and dynamic” to his acting.

Sernio has starred in such independent films as “The Roadhouse” Repetition of Change”, “Mourning on Charlotte Street” and currently he has a role in a new film entitled, “A Dance with Andrea.” Sernio is truly dedicated to his films, but in his spare time he is devoted to helping others develop their acting skills as well. Presently he is working with well-known actor Vinny Pastore of Sopranos fame. Pastore has formed a theater company entitled, “The Buffalo Theater Group” which will work on developing new screenplays in addition to reviving iconic works by various playwrights.

Although, Sernio is still making his way up the ladder of success he is aware that in order to keep following his dream he has to continue to survive. An expert in Information Technology Sernio has used his expertise and created a media marketing company entitled, “Shoreline Media Marketing www.shorelinemedian.com

The company is dedicated to creating the very best in media marketing and design.

Actor, entrepreneur and motivator Sernio continues to work hard and to follow his true lifeâ€s passion in acting. His advice for up and coming actors and actresses is as follows, “Always have something to keep you going and have a backup plan that you can fall back on. “Follow your dream and stay true to your craft”

Today, Joe Sernio continues to travel to support all of his films at their screenings, he continues to run his business, gives of his expertise to help and support others and shows that the independent film industry is definitely alive and thriving!

It is his love for acting that has shaped his life and made him a recipient of the prestigious “Robert Pastorelli Rising Star Award.” Iâ€m sure Sernio in many ways can relate to the popular Pastorelli quote which states, “You do a show and go home and don’t realize the impact you’re having…Robert Pastorelli.

To view some of Sernioâ€s films join him at this yearâ€s 10^th Annual Garden State Film Festival. The festival takes place in Asbury Park, N.J., beginning on March 22-24^th see www.gsff.org for times and schedule. Also to learn more about Joe Sernio sign on to joesernioonline.com.

The post New Jersey Actor “Joe Sernio” on the Road to Success first appeared on River View Observer.

RIVER VIEW OBSERVER PROFILE
Photographer

Joe Frazz

by Evelyn Bonilla
Standing amongst the rubble of an old abandoned lot, photographer Joe Frazz takes out his camera and clicks away at a dog that walks anxiously over the rubble looking for food. This particular moment that Frazz points and clicks with his camera, is a moment that some would probably take for granted, but for Frazz itâ€s a moment that may help.

Known for his mastery of photographing dogs, Joe Frazz has been photographing these amazing animals for the past 13 years. He first began with a small film camera and then moved to a digital format; now shooting with a Nikon digital camera he captures the beauty and innocence of these dogs and brings it to its authenticity.

Whether the dog is in a relaxed home environment or in an animal shelter; Frazz is able to bring their true beauty on to the photograph. When viewing his work, many of his clients notice things about their pets that they have never seen before. In retrospect, one of the most fascinating things about his photographs; is the way Frazz is able to capture their expressions and their revealing stare.

Asked, what he finds so special about photographing dogs, he explained, “Dogs as a subject never worry about how they look and what you see is what you get. Most will only give you a small window of opportunity to photograph them. When photographing them I look into their eyes and what I capture is like looking into their souls.”

A versatile photographer; Frazz is open to all forms of photography, never without a camera, he has photographed weddings, special events and people. Asked what is the difference in photographing a variety of different subjects, he explained, “The greatest thing to me about creating anything in any format is the ability to draw all different types of emotions from others to make people feel and think and to capture them in a natural form not staged.” Itâ€s not a fix shot, itâ€s all about capturing that special moment.”

Authentic and inspiring, Frazz is able to bring to life a depth to his images which highlights the natural character of any subject. When asked if there were any photographers that he admired, Frazz reflected on two in particular that came to mind, Elliot Erwitt and Ernest C. Withers.

Presently, Frazz latest project takes him to Florida, where he is photographing rescued dogs at an animal shelter. Working with, “A Place to Bark” (www.aplacetobark.com) and “In Dog We Trust” (www.floridadogadoption.com) Frazz hopes to use his photography to raise awareness of the need to save lives and find homes for these rescued dogs.

Frazzâ€s motivation and vision are clear when it comes to his photography, he explains, “Iâ€ve always had ideas flowing through my mind, itâ€s like a faucet that you can turn on and off, but itâ€s always dripping no matter what. I enjoy photography itâ€s my passion. It brings instant results for me and itâ€s a great feeling to be able to share what Iâ€ve captured almost immediately with others.”

Passion, reality and inspiration are just some of the things that fuel Joe Frazzâ€s photography, but itâ€s his philosophy on life and his capturing of genuineness that make him truly rare. So, in replicating the very words of Joe Frazz, “A photograph is like a smile, itâ€s of no use unless itâ€s shared.”

Interested in learning more about Joe Frazz sign on to view some of his images on frazz.smugmug.com or visit his Facebook page at Joseph Frazz Photography.

The dog by many standards for many becomes part of a family, it becomes more than a pet it becomes a “companion, friend and family member”.

The post A Dog’s Best Friend- Hudson County Photographer JOE FRAZZ first appeared on River View Observer.

Young Hudson County NJ Actor Brings His Screenplay to LifeBy Evelyn Bonilla

Sam Platizky’s “Blaming George Romero” is igniting online excitement and curiosity. The introduction to a feature length film about zombies, written by Platizky; has zombie followers from Facebook and Twitter wanting to know more.

The film which is presently in production, is a story of what happens when four horror film fanatic friends, unhappy with their lives, think that there’s been a zombie apocalypse and jump at the chance to try to survive.

 

The film stars Sam Platizky (actor, writer), Robert Lise (director, actor), Loarina Gonzalez (actress), Dan Gregory (actor), Isaac Platizky (actor), Ramy Shedid (actor), Adria Firestone (actress), Anderson Johnson (actor) and Christina Garced (actress). The film is produced by Sam Platizky and Brad Resnick. 

Platizky a Hudson County resident born and raised in Bayonne NJ is a young actor and writer. Heâ€s a graduate of Bayonne High School and of the New Jersey City University; where he majored in English and Theatre. A Tri-State area actor Platizky has performed in the following venues; theatre, film, commercials and voiceover work.

Acting since the young age of 13, Platizkyâ€s first exposure to acting; was in a live stage performance of “Oliver”. Although he did not play the lead role, the small part of an orphan left him wanting more.

As years went by Platizky would follow close behind his older brother Isaac, who is also an actor. Equipped with a passion to act, he began to explore the world of theatre and film and soon found himself part of several films under the direction of Stephen Spielberg and Nora Ephron. He has performed in various theatrical productions throughout New York and New Jersey which consist of the following; “The Lord of the Flies, I Hate Hamlet, Anything Goes, Next Time Iâ€ll Sing to You, The Hot L Baltimore, No Exit, The Secret Garden, A Funny Thing Happen on the Way to the Forum” and many more.
In October of 2009, Platizky decided to take a break from the world of auditions and theater and he began to write a screenplay entitled “Blaming George Romero.”A few months later the writing would stop for awhile and in the month of April, 2010 he decided to complete it. After several revisions, Platizky decided it was time to go into production. Pulling together a small cast and crew, Platizky set out on a mission to bring his finished screenplay to life. In an effort to raise funds for his project, Platizky posted his project on Indiegogo.com/Blame Romero, and since then he has received a tremendous amount of response. Donations to the project have been coming in and although it has not reached the halfway point to complete its production goal, he is grateful that his project has been accepted.
For those who are not familiar with old cult classics, George Romero is an American filmmaker and screenwriter who created a hypothetical zombie apocalypse. Heâ€s well known for his movies; Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead and Day of the Dead.
He is nicknamed he Grand-ather of the Zombie,” and still to this day has a very dedicated following.
When asked why he created this particular screenplay about zombies, Platizky explained, “I love the idea of the zombie genre. But the truth is, if you look at it from a philosophical point of view, alot of people go through their lives aimlessly like zombies, so consume, that they donâ€t live. Thatâ€s a big part of what the movie represents, not being a zombie.”
At present Platizky and crew are hard at work on production, they are filming throughout the New Jersey area and on the films blog page, blameromero0.blogspot.com, Platizky keeps the film followers up to date on production news.
In retrospect, filmmaker George Romero can be proud that Platizky and cast are carrying the zombie genre torch into the next generation.
It takes a “vision and a mission” to bring a screenplay to life and this is something. Sam Platizky is on his way.

Interested in learning more about the making of “Blaming George Romero” sign on to the films website at Indiegogo.com/Blame Romero. If you would like to make a donation to help fund this great film you can do so through Indiegogo.com/Blame Romero.
Also visit their blog page for updates on production news at blameromero0.blogspot.com. If you would like to learn more about actor and writer Sam Platizky log on to www.samplatizky.com

The post Sam Platizky in “Blaming George Romero” first appeared on River View Observer.

Record producers will tell you that in order to make it in the music business you have to be equipped with; a good strong voice, loads of confidence and the ability to perform on the spot, and to have passion! The passion to give it all you’ve got and the drive not to stop until you get there!

Just ask Johnny Martin (aka John Marino) a singer whose drive and passion have propelled him to record his first CD, “Johnny Martin, I Will Always Love You.”

Growing up in Jersey City, N.J. Martin loved to sing; he was drawn to it and did it well. As a grammar school student at Holy Rosary in downtown Jersey City, Martin first realized that he had the ability to sing. Speaking to his parents he explained his desire to sing, soon after he began taking voice lessons to master his vocal technique, but after grammar school it soon came to a pause.

As a high school student at Ferris High School, he sung on street corners with small groups, always testing his vocals and enjoying his love for music, but never going beyond that.

In the year of 1974, Marino opened up his own business in hair restoration, and with true dedication to his business and raising his family, he took another pause from his music.

Although the passion to sing lived within him, he worked hard and dedicated all of his time into making his business a success.

The years would soon pass by, and Martin still continued to embrace his true feelings of singing deep within; so in the early 1990’s, he decided to finally take the next step into making his singing career a reality. With the support of his wife and family he picked up where he left off and committed himself to taking voice lessons. He worked hard at it for several years and perfected his voice, he refined his styled and decided that it was time to get serious.

Martin explains, “I started recording myself at home and playing it back and listening to myself. I started thinking if I want to get serious again, I better go back and take some lessons and that’s what I did.” As he continued with his lessons, Martin began to focus on his goal to make an album of songs that he loved.

In 2008, through friends of Martin’s he met a couple from N.J who had a studio, their names Sharman and Alfred Nittoli (the Nittoli’s are well-known for writing the song “Here’s to the Band” for Frank Sinatra.) Upon meeting the Nittoli’s, Martin realized that this was the direction he wanted to take in order to bring his album to fruition. Soon after their meeting Martin concentrated on his goal, he gathered together a talented ensemble of musicians, which consisted of Tommy Cavalucci (Drums), Frankie Cupo (Bass, Keyboards), Gill Chimes (Vibes, Harmonica) Sharman Nittoli (Piano, Keyboards, Background Vocals, Musical Director and Arranger) and Alfred Nittoli (Saxophone, Violin, Musical Director and Arranger). Together the entire team began recording and what transpired was not only Johnny Martin’s album, but a life-long dream of Martin’s that had finally become a reality. 

 His new CD is made up with a compilation of songs from the “great American songbook.” He explains, “I’ve always been a lover of the American songbook. As a matter of fact if you look at my high school yearbook, you’ll see that I was a big Sinatra fan.” Although at the time it was all about rock, I was always quoted as being a fan of his”.

The title of Martin’s new CD, “I Will Always Love You,” which is also the first cut on the CD and a wonderful song made famous by another crooner Dean Martin, is the perfect title and song to begin Johnny Martin’s tribute to the “great American song book”.

Johnny Martin shows real vocal mastery on each track of his CD, he demonstrates impeccable phrasing in each song and his love of this genre of music can be felt on each track. I especially loved “My Baby Just Cares for Me, “an up-tempo number with female background vocals that will have your foot tapping throughout the song.

Based on his first CD I believe Martin has a long singing career ahead of him. He does a wonderful rendition of “More”, and the “Way You Look Tonight.” Martin’s CD will always have a place as part of my own permanent record collection. I enjoyed the CD that much and you will  too!

Martin credits Sharman and Alfred Nittoli and his wonderful and talented musicians for their help and dedication to making this album. He also expresses heartfelt thanks and dedicates his CD to his wife Pat and his family, which he expresses, “Without their love and support, it wouldn’t have been possible.” His advice for up and coming singers is this, ” If you feel that you have a talent, pursue your talent and get professional help; pursue your dream and never give up. Never stop meeting people; by meeting people  that’s how you’ll network yourself and make connections. No one is ever going to promote you, you have to promote yourself.” Pursuing your dreams and never giving up is something this talented singer has truly accomplished; with a successful business, a completed CD and the realization of a dream, Martin is a true inspiration to us all.

If you’re interested in learning more about Johnny Martin or if you would like to listen to some of his songs, sign on to www.johnnymartinsings.com 

Also, if you’re interested in booking Martin for your next event you can email him at johnmartinsings@aol.com

Read more music stories @www.riverviewobserver.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

The post Introducing the One and Only “Johnny Martin” first appeared on River View Observer.

Photo by steveamack.com

By Evelyn Bonilla

On the tail end of a New York City press event for his film “Destination Fame”, Joe Jackson found some time to meet with good friend Paul DeAngelo. The two join together to enjoy
some great cuisine at one of Bayonneâ€s most stylish restaurants “Ten East”. The restaurant owned by Patrick and Anthony Franconeri is a Hibachi Restaurant and Sake Lounge; it is located in Bayonne, and specializes in sushi, fusion and hibachi cuisine.

Ten East in Bayonne is well-known for hosting a variety of celebrities such as Regis Philbin, Missing Elliot, CBS anchors and the latest Joe Jackson. Asked how it felt to have Mr. Jackson in their establishment Patrick Franconeri replied, “He was very gracious with our diners, he smiled with everyone and took the time to take photos with them. “Itâ€s an honor and it was fabulous.”

Jackson, who enjoyed some hibachi at Ten East, took time out to pose with diners and speak about his latest endeavor a tribute film entitled “Destination Fame” in honor of his son Michael Jackson. He explained, “This movie, ‘Destination Fame” is a tribute to my son.” “It will be a good thing. A great way to carry out his legacy”, he concluded.

“Destination Fame” is about six high school graduates who learn the value of friendship, the inconsistencies of life and what it takes to make it in the music industry. Its cast is comprised of A.J. Gil, Mario, Jordan Knight, Deja Kreutzberg, Greg Raposo, Jerry Reid, Jamie Drastik, Felissa Rose, Cuba Gooding, Crystal Marven, Ray Munns, Rick  Aiello and Joe Jackson himself.

The film written and directed by Paul DeAngelo was released on DVD nationwide on June 9, 2009. DeAngelo is also no stranger to the big screen an actor in his own right, he is best known for his role in Sleepaway Camp.

Jackson is dedicating “Destination Fame” to his son and the proceeds for the film will be put towards a foundation that will allow Jackson to continue with his sonâ€s charitable work.

Press events for this film have included Access Hollywood, various news channels and major newspapers.

Music seems to be the key to keeping MJâ€s vision alive, with a tribute film, a new record label and a future foundation in place it seems that hopes for Joe Jackson “carrying the legacy” is sure to be brought to fruition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The post Joe Jackson Visits Ten East as he Promotes Tribute Film “Destination Fame first appeared on River View Observer.