SUMMER CONCERTS

 HUDSON RIVER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (HRPAC) CONCERTS ON THE HUDSON 2018, Free Concerts at Lincoln Harbor on the Weehawken Waterfront. Concerts start at 7 pm; please bring lawn chairs, blankets. Mon, Aug. 27, MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO LEONARD BERNSTEIN. Sat, Sept. 15:  RADIO JAROCHO & ZENEN ZEFERINO. For more info: HRPAC.org. (Pictured: Radio Jarocho & Zenen Zeferino.)

                                   
ARTISANS MARKET

MARKETPLACE JC @ MAGNOLIA LANDING, 136 Magnolia Ave, JC. Sat, Aug. 18, Noon-5 pm. “Marketplace JC brings 20+ artisans, crafters, chefs and vintage sellers to the neighborhood.  This monthâ€s theme is “Vegan/Vegetarian & Animal Rescue.” Come visit the newest pop-up location in the newly renovated plaza behind Journal Square PATH. Live music will be provided by RiverviewJazz.org and will feature some of Jersey Cityâ€s favorite local bands.”

AT THE GALLERIES

BASE GYM, 60 Columbus Dr, JC. (201) 332-2866; www.basenj.com. Now through September:  THE ART OF MOVEMENT, solo show featuring paintings by artist Anthony Boone of JC.  The show also includes the work of lighting engineer Morris Grey. (Pictured: Untitled by Anthony Boone.)

SILVERMAN/The Majestic Theatre Condominiums, 222 Montgomery St, JC. (201) 435-8000. www.Bfly777.com. Through Nov. 4:  FREE TO FLY, Alcohol Ink Paintings by Bryant Small. Show curated by Kristin J. DeAngelis. (Pictured:  Breakthrough by Bryant Small.)

107 Bowers Gallery & Art Space, 107 Bowers St, JC. (201) 280-4821; www.107bowersgallery.com. Through Sept.  REFLECTIONS. Group show featuring the work of Anthony Boone, Gil Grimmett, Yuka Imata, Andrea McKenna and Ibou Ndoye. Show curated by Kristin J. DeAngelis. (Pictured: (l.-to-r.) Paintings by Ibou Ndoye and Yuka Imata.)

 CLUBSCENE

BRIGHTSIDE TAVERN, 141 Bright St, JC. www.brightsidetavern.com. Mon: Jazz Jam Session; Tues & Wed: Karaoke; Thurs: Open Mic Night; Fri: Comedy, Private Parties, Dance, Karaoke, Open Mic; Sat & Sun, Brunch, Private Parties, Dance, Karaoke, Open Mic.

FOX & CROW, Bar & Restaurant, 594 Palisade Ave, JC. www.foxandcrowjc.com. Fri, Aug 24, 10-11:59 pm: JAMES GIBBS III (Brick City Soul Collective).  New season of performers begins Thurs, Sept. 20 with SPAGHETTI SESSIONS SONGWRITER SHOWCASE from 8-10 pm.  (Pictured: Tom West.)

  FOR THE KIDS

  MOVIES UNDER THE STARS, Pier “A” Park, First St. & Sinatra Drive, HOB. www.hobokennj.com. Presented by the City of Hoboken MOVIES UNDER THE STARS are shown every Wednesday night throughout the summer. Movies are at 9 pm. Come early and bring a blanket and/or lawn chair.   

LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER (LSC), Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Blvd, JC. (201) 200-1000; www.lsc.org. Now showing: One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure “Join Sesame Street friends in an out-of-this-world planetarium show!

Explore the night sky with Bird Bird, Elmo, and a friend from China named Hu Hu Zhu. In this show, you’ll learn about the Big Dipper, the North Star, the Sun and the Moon. The show is the newest feature at the JENNIFER CHALSTY PLANETARIUM AND LSC GIANT DOME THEATER at LSC, the largest and most technologically advanced planetarium in the Western Hemisphere. Only three others in the world—two in Japan and one in China—are bigger.”

IN MEMORY OF A FRIEND

NIMBUS GALLERY, 165 Newark Ave, JC.  (201) 377-0718; www.nimbusdanceworks.org. LOOKING FORWARD: REMEMBERING MEREDITH LIPPMAN. Friend and supporter of the arts and artists, Meredith Lippman of Jersey City was also an artist. On Nov. 8, 2015, Meredith passed away, and the local arts community was devatated. In her honor, Meredithâ€s daughter Morgan Steadwell and Meredithâ€s husband John Steadwell have put together an exhibition of Meredithâ€s paintings which will be on view and on auction with all proceeds going to Nimbus Dance Works and other youth scholarship funds. “My mom knew and touched the hearts of so many people in Jersey City/ Hudson County,” Morgan says. “My dad and I thought it was only right to share her art with the community she loved.” The exhibition runs Sept. 7-28; the Opening Reception/Fundraiser is scheduled for Sept. 14, 7 pm-11 pm. Tickets to the auction/fundraiser: $35. (Pictured: Untitled by Meredith Lippman.)

 SEND US YOUR ARTS LISTINGS. If you have an art opening or performances coming up including visual arts, performing arts and street arts, send an email to:  riverviewobserver@gmail.com and weâ€ll list it in ARTScene.  ALL ARTScene LISTINGS ARE FREE.

The post ArtSCENE August , 2018 first appeared on River View Observer.

Band Returns for a Swinging Night of Tom Waits & Original Tunes

 By Sally Deering

Girl groups are a rare breed of women doing their own thing in the male-dominated music world; they create their own unique sound and groove just as cool as the boys.

Vicki Kristina Barcelona fits those stilettos perfectly – a girl group with its own style, doing music their way. The three singer/songwriter/musicians – Amanda Homi (percussion), Rachelle Garniez (accordion/guitar) and Terry Radigan (guitar) – sing original tunes they wrote and a Tom Waits†repertoire. They perform throughout the Metropolitan area and are returning to the back parlour at Fox & Crow on Thursday, June 22 at 8 oâ€clock for another show.  

And we lucky to have them back in Jersey City.

Along with the Brooklyn-based bandâ€s original tunes, VKB will devote most of the evening to Tom Waits†songs the band has deconstructed and reinvented in their own style. For instance, their rendition of “Temptation” is a sexy, hip-swiveling snake dance of seduction. Waits would be proud.

They are terrific musicians, too. Radigan is an intense, high voltage guitarist and Garniez strums a ukulele-banjo, blows a kazoo and a deftly handles a big-ass accordion so beautifully, she could make a dove cry. Homi, the dark-haired percussionist and a highly-trained vocalist plays lots of interesting percussive instruments throughout the show including a Washboard Tie.

On a recent Monday, Homi took a moment from a rehearsal where she was learning a new instrument – the Gnibri – to talk about how the band hooked-up and what their future plans are.

RVO: How did you get the name VKB? Are you all fans of Woody Allenâ€s movie?

AH: I have to admit; it was my idea originally. I was tossing around a lot of names. For an eclectic female trio, you think of so many names. It seemed to fit.

 RVO:  There seems to be a true camaraderie on stage. Are you friends offstage?

AH: Yes. We get along great. Our last excursion upstate, we were even laughing in the grocery store. Terry and Rachelle are both fantastic women – talented, funny and smart.

RVO: You are a terrific percussionist. I bet you can make beats out of anything. Whatâ€s the weirdest instrument youâ€ve ever played?

AH: Weirdest instrument? Iâ€m learning a new one as we speak. It has three strings and itâ€s a fretless instrument. I wish I knew the correct name for this. (The Gnibri).  I bought it in Morocco, which has some wonderful instruments. I do study percussion and instruments all over the world. I like to be authentic as much as possible.

RVO: How do you collaborate? Do you rehearse often?

AH: We meet up as often as we can. Everyone travels and has different agendas. Weâ€ll meet more often if we have an upcoming gig. I think collectively, itâ€s such a huge repertoire, weâ€ve kind of honed ones we really like to do the most. When a song is not getting there, weâ€ll try to make it work. A lot of arrangements get changed. Some of the songs, we really like it. We do Chicago, but it never felt right, and recently we hit on the right groove and feel. I think at this point, the ones that we stick with, and keep in the set are the ones we constantly want to do.

RVO:  Will you be putting out a CD soon?

AH: We have yet to officially put out a CD. This configuration with Terry and Rachelle, weâ€re only together for over a year. Weâ€re recording very soon.

RVO:  Can you talk about how you mesh your originals with Mr. Waits†tunes?

AH: At this point, it depends on the length of the show. Weâ€ll do two originals each, but focus on the Tom Waits material.

RVO: Do you prefer intimate venues like Fox & Crow?

AH: We feel very comfortable in an intimate setting. Part of performing in a theater setting is to make the audience feel as if itâ€s intimate.

Terry Radigan

 RVO: You have a great singing voice; are you professionally trained?

AH: Actually, I am a professional singer. The percussion thing, I donâ€t consider myself a professional percussionist.

RVO: How would you describe the VKB sound?

AH: I would say weâ€re eclectic. I think thereâ€s a looseness which I really like: always keep a groove and an arrangement. That looseness; itâ€s like falling off a cliff and catching yourself. You want to be confined to your arrangements and you carefully worked them out, but when you perform it, you want to be able to veer a little way off that. Iâ€m a fan of gypsy music. Thereâ€s a very high skill-level musically, but at the same time you have passion and a danger-be-damned, devil-may-care feeling. Collectively, when we tap into that, I think weâ€re at our best.

If you go

Thurs, June 22, 8-10 pm

Vicki Kristina Barcelona band

Fox & Crow/In the Parlour

594 Palisade Ave, JC

(201) 984-2775

www.foxandcrowjc.com

 For info on the VKB band:

vickikristinabarcelonaband@gmail.com

The post GIRL GROUP GROOVES first appeared on River View Observer.

Cultural Happenings in & around Hudson County 

VISUAL ARTS

HAMILTON SQUARE NORTH CONDOMINIUMS, 232 Pavonia Ave, JC. Opening Reception: Wed, Jan. 18, 6-8 pm: SHARED GAZE, UNCOMMON VISION, paintings by Jeanne Tremel and Eliot Markell.

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LITM, 140 Newark Ave, JC. www.litm.com. Opens Tues, Jan. 3, 7-11:30 pm. Mia Buchananâ€s UTOPIA. Mia Buchanan was born in Japan where she studied academic art and graphic design and continued her education at Parsons in New York. “Human imagination is a tremendous weapon for peace of mind. Imagination allows for correct decisions and responses. Imagination develops the fight against discrimination and hate.”  $6 drink specials all night.

107 BOWERS GALLERY & ARTSPACE, 107 Bowers Street, C2, JC, (201) 280-04821, kd@107bowersgallery.com. Opening Sun, Jan. 14, 2-5 pm through Feb. 1:  THE COLLINS BROTHERS: A RETROSPECTVE. Octogenarian artist Myles Collins and his brothers Noel and Bill exhibit paintings along with Myles†whimsical sculptures, works that go back to his days as a commercial artist in NYC. “Myles, 88, has lived in Jersey City Heights since 1963. He is a retired NYC commercial artist who continues to create every day, whether its paintings, sculptures or pen & ink drawings.” (See the inside artist feature on Myles Collins in this RVO issue.)

VICTORY HALL DRAWING ROOMS, 180 Grand St, JC. (201) 823-93923; drawingrooms.org. Opens Fri, Jan 20 – Sun, Feb. 6. Hours: Fri, 4-7 pm; Sat & Sun, 12-6 pm. THE BIG SMALL SHOW featuring the work of more than 100 artists. Meet artists on 1/29; 2/4, and 2/12, 3-5 pm.

 PROTO GALLERY, 66 Willow Ave, (Neumann Leather Building) HOB. Through Jan. 29:  MYSTERIANS. “This show is an exploration of work by Michael Kukla, Jackie Mock, and Suzanne Goldenberg. Proto Gallery is a contemporary art space founded by artist Nick De Pirro. It exhibits new work in all media by emerging and mid-career artists in a 2,500 sq. ft. main exhibition space and auxiliary video projection room.”

BARSKY GALLERY, 48 Harrison St, HOB. (888) 465-4949; barskyallery.com. BARSKY GALLERYâ€S WINTER EXHIBITION. “The rotating collection is a showcase of recent works by gallery-represented artists, embodying an eclectic mix of contemporary original art priced for every budget.” Winter hours: Mon & Tues, by appointment; Wed-Sun, 11 am-6 pm.

 WORD JERSEY CITY bookstore, 123 Newark Ave, JC. Tues, Jan. 17, 7-10 pm, Gay Talese presents HIGH NOTES. “Join Gay Talese for a celebration of his newest book: selections from six decades of an illustrious writing career. When Gay Talese left THE NEW YORK TIMES in 1965 to write for ESQUIRE, he brought with him a journalistic style entirely his own, which combined his literary sensibility and craftsmanship with a talent for cultural observation and an interest in American everyday life–in taboo topics and overlooked truths.”

KID STUFF

LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER, 222 Jersey City Blvd, JC. www.lsc.org. Sat, Jan. 14, 10 am-12 noon: MAKERLAB: ELECTRONIC SEWING. “Join us in Liberty Science Centerâ€s MakerLab where kids will use 3-D printers to create their own custom glowing bookmark, flag, or bracelet. Students will learn the science behind electronic sewing and take their creations home. To book your spot, call (201)253-1310 or email sales@lsc.org. Availability is limited. LSCâ€s new MakerLab boasts 3D printers, a vacuformer, and everything else you need for hands-on designing and creating.”

 LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER, Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, JC. (201) 200-1000; www.lsc.org. Through Jan 8, 2017: CURIOUS GEORGE: LETâ€S GET CURIOUS! “Letting curiosity and inquiry be their guides, children explore familiar buildings and locales from the “Curious George” books and television series on PBS Kids. The exhibit presents key concepts in science, math, and engineering, which are woven throughout the exhibit. Activities invite children to learn like Curious George does—through direct experience and problem solving!”

LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER, Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, JC. (201) 200-1000; www.lsc.org. Tues-Fri. 12:30, 2, & 3:30‌ pm; Sat. & Sun, 10 & 11:30 am & 4:30 pm. EARTHFLIGHT 3D. “Fly wingtip to wingtip with some of the worldâ€s most charismatic birds. On their fantastic journeys, the birds visit some of the most spectacular animal events and locations on Earth. Our 300-seat Joseph D. Williams 3D Science Theater offers shorter running Real D 3D Digital Films are suitable for all ages. These movies pack lots of great action into 20 – 40 minutes.”  

SHAKE YOUR GROOVE THING

FOX AND CROW, 594 Palisade Ave, JC. Fri, Jan. 20, 10 pm-12 midnight;

SWINGADELIC: LIVE IN THE PARLOUR. “Swingadelic began in 1998 as the neo-swing movement was cresting. Upright bassist Dave Post gathered his jazz & blues playing friends together to play engagements at New York Cityâ€s Supper Club, Swing 46 and Windows on The World, the former restaurant atop the World Trade Center. Swingadelic has maintained a residency for six years at Maxwellâ€s in Hoboken where it performs every other Monday as a ten piece “little big band.” The group performs as a quintet doing a Duke Ellington program in Hudson schools.

BRIGHTSIDE TAVERN, 141 Bright St, JC. Mon, JAZZ JAM; Tues & Wed: KARAOKE; Thurs: OPEN MIC NIGHT; Fri: COMEDY; Sat & Sun: Brunch, DANCE, KARAOKE, OPEN MIC.

ARTS FUNDRAISER

ART HOUSE PRODUCTONS, 136 Magnolia Ave, JC. Sat, Jan 28, 8-11:55 pm: Art House presents the 11th Annual SNOW BALL. “SNOW BALL is a ‘black tie creative†gala to benefit Art Houseâ€s innovative arts programs, and features live music, light fare, open bar, silent auction and a festive arts-friendly crowd. 8 pm, Welcome and Hors dâ€oeuvres; 8:30, Silent Auction and Live Music by Manouche Bag; 9:15, A Toast to Art House; 9:30, Best Dressed Contest; 9:45, DJ George “Soul” Fernandez; 10:30, Silent Auction closes. Tix: $90 in advance; ($100 at the door). $150 VIP ticket gives access to a private reception at Art House from 7 pm-8 pm. This exclusive event includes champagne, a private concert by a cappella group Cabaret Sauvignon, a gift bag, and a first-look tour of the Snow Ball silent auction items.”

SHAKESPEARE IN JC

JERSEY CITY THEATER CENTER, Merseles Studios, 339 Newark Ave, JC. www.jctcenter.org. Opens Thurs, Jan 26, 7:30 pm. HAMLET, directed by Javier Antonio González. “It is bitter cold. Rank corruption festers at the center of power, indulging in excess while war looms on the horizon. Denmark is a prison, and for Hamlet there is no way out but through murder, suicide, or madness. Featuring Michael Barringer, Brooke Bell, Laura Butler Rivera, Jon Froehlich, Jorge Luna, Tania Molina, Pedro Leopoldo Sánchez Tormes, Veraalba Santa, David Skeist, and Anne Gridley as Hamlet. For tix go to ticketfly.com.”

OUT OF TOWN HAPPENINGS

 THE NEW VICTORY THEATER, 229 W. 42^nd St, NYC. www.newvictory.org. Jan 6-15, OH, BOY! “Simeon: fourteen, awkward, a brainiac. Morgan: eight, also awkward, also a brainiac. Venice: five, adorable. Orphaned and alone in the world, they make a vow to never be separated. Enter Balthazar: 26, handsome, gay and the kids’ older, immature half-brother they never knew they had. He’s also their only hope for staying together. But is Balthazar ready to give up his irresponsible party boy ways to become their guardian? Honest and heartrending, OH BOY!, based on the book by Marie Aude-Murail, is a one-man tour de force exploring what it means to be a family, and the importance of pulling together when faced with some of life’s most devastating moments.”

  NEWARK MUSEUM, 49 Washington St, Newark, NJ. (973) 596-6550; www.newarkmuseum.org. Now on view, 1^st Fl, North Wing; NATIVE ARTISTS OF NORTH AMERICA features more than 100 rarely exhibited objects from throughout the United States and Canada. “NATIVE ARTISTS OF NORTH AMERICA celebrates the great diversity of styles, media and creativity of Native artists and places them in the broader context of American art. Among the works on view include expertly woven Pomo baskets, exquisite hand-made items of dress from across the continent, and Southwestern pottery and textiles.  Other highlights include works by the Haida master carver Charles Edenshaw and Pueblo painters Fred Kabotie, Tonita Peña and Awa Tsireh. Additional works by contemporary Native American artists are installed in adjacent galleries, including recent acquisitions by Jeffrey Gibson and Preston Singletary.”

SEND US YOUR ARTS LISTINGS. If you have an art opening or performances coming up including visual arts, performing arts and street arts, send an email to:  riverviewobserver@gmail.com and weâ€ll list it in ARTScene.  

ALL ARTscene LISTINGS ARE FREE.

The post JANUARY 2017 ARTScene / Cultural Happenings in & around Hudson County   first appeared on River View Observer.

Jersey City’s Lucky 7 ranked number 1, however, 22 other bars in Hudson County also made the list. 

Eight were from Jersey City and another Fifthteen from Hoboken

Here is a list of the Hudson County Bars:

Lucky 7 Tavern     Jersey City 

Fox & Crow             Jersey City 

Healy’s Tavern       Jersey City 

Northern Soul        Hoboken 

The Pet Shop          Jersey City

Iron Monkey           Jersey City

City Bistro               Hoboken 

See rest of list 

The Stewed Cow Hoboken 

10th & WIllow      Hoboken 

Black Bear               Hoboken

Brass Rail                 Hoboken

The Ale House      Hoboken 

O’Hara’s Dwntwn   Jersey City

Dorian Reds            Jersey City 

Madison Bar & Grill Hoboken 

Green Rock Tap & Grill            Hoboken 

Willie McBrides          Hoboken 

The Dubliner                 Hoboken 

The Coffee Shop         Jersey City

Tally Ho                             Hoboken 

Let us know what your favorite restaurant or bar is in Hudson County and perhaps we can do a future article.

The post 87Best Bars New Jersey-23 from Hudson County first appeared on River View Observer.