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Thursday, January 28, 2010

what rolls arounds come around

Hats off to Grove Street Bicycles and their used bike donation program. If you haven't opened last week's Jersey City Reporter because you are seeing how much moisture the paper can hold, here's the story.  Maybe now we should cut loose some abandoned frames? There has been a ten speed on tenth street that I watched survive the winter, only to recently loose both of its wheels. Poor thing. We can find a home for you, or at least an Art House to live at ? and things were very lively at last Saturday's Snow Ball.  If you want to get listed for this March 6th JC Fridays, make sure you have listing together by 5 pm tomorrow.

On the art side this weekend, tape artist, Kayt Hester has an opening tonight(R)  from 7 to 9 pm at at Fish with Braids Gallery. Fish with Braids owner, and Attrepreneur, Uta has also started a JC wide events blog at http://www.offoffbeatjc.blogspot.com/ send her stuff.  Also this evening, the Jersey City Art School is hosting an art talk this evening at 8 pm for Illinois Artist John Sedburg. Paul Vincent Galleries hosts and art opening this Saturday at 3 pm for Mr. Sedburgs works. As for this Thursday evening, both groups will converge for a Porto Lounge after party. With 45 mile per hour winds,  you may need to take shelter elsewhere and as usual this Thursday Night offers something for both sexes.  DJ Leonard Smalls will melt ladies hearts with half price drinks at Lucky's, while I got for a man-u-mental evening at the Lamp Post. You of course don't need to choose either, and may simply your supply side economical mind to see the Demands free show tonight at the Lakeside Lounge in NYC. Bring some singles for the picture booth the show is free and starts at 9:15.

Get up early on Friday for the Jersey City Museum's African Diaspora Film Festival. The event runs on Friday and Saturday and features films and documentaries by artists of African descent. A full listing is at the Jersey City Museum's Events page.  Later on Friday evening, the Electro-Afro-Beatist Chicco Man, goes public at Joe's Public Theater, show starts at 11:30 pm, you can get tickets here.

With the 07302 confines, _gaia studios unveils their Wonder Women exhibition WW$: Money, Money, Money. A result of the Wonder Women residency project from 2009, ten emerging artists are showcased at the Lex Leonard Gallery space this Friday at 7 pm. The material is engaged in discussions about the artists work, the economy, feminism, and personal relationships to money. The rest if Friday is a little sketchy for me,  so you can play on that theme with a visit to the Lamp Post, or get a bosa nova evening with DJ William McCamie at Porto-Lounge.

DJ William McCamie returns to (or perhaps will stay) at Porto-Lounge for a Haitian Benefit on Saturday Night. On Sunday, the staff of Balance Hair Salon is offering $20 Haircuts for Haiti with all of the proceeds going towards the Earthquake Relief Effort. at 3 pm on Saturday, Hudson Pride Connections hosts a Game Day Benefit for Haiti. 

On the same Saturday Night, I'll be teaming up with Billy Filo of Higgins for a dual dueling Vinyl Solution waxathon at the White Star.  The following Friday, Febraury 5th the Jersey City City Museum, debuts the First Target First Fridays event. Starting at 5 pm with a hands on craft activities for the family, the event features a wine tasting for adults, and then moves an intimate performance in their 151 seat auditorium with Higgins and Heather Duby. The concert is $10 and starts at 7 pm, the free wine tasting is sponsored by Terlato Wines, there will also be some beer from Milwaukee Brewing Company.

Speaking of Drinking, this Saturday, Luckys Seven's hosts an Absinthe Party. Usually, I don't endorse drinking, but this stuff is like sweet milk but with cyanide, so enjoy a host of cooked up cocktails with Leonard Smalls and Motor Funker on the decks. If that the Absinthe doesnt start at riot, try Maxwells for a taste of the Brixton Riot.  Fairmont plays at the Lamp Post this Saturday night.  While next Friday the 5th,  they team up with Mint 400 records label mates Any Day Parade at Maxwells.

On Sunday, get your final glimpse of John Besnate's Sirens Song at 58. Not looking to compete with the competition of this years NFL Pro Bowl, we will throw some light passes of Blood Mary's and Cider from 2 to 5 pm. The Following Friday, also February 5th,  58 Gallery proudly presents the third part of Mikal Hameed’s sound art series entitled “Urban Audio Manifesto #3”. In this exhibit, Mikal Hameed reinvents how we see, hear and interact with art. His interactive “plug and play” works allow the audience to plug their smart devices (vinyl, phones, mp3, ipods etc.) directly into the art. This creates a participation based viewer experience, that lets the audience act as the DJ or sound controller. Hameed’s imaginative and inspiring works utilize vintage sound components and transform them into something modern, unique and completely interactive. You can check out a profile of the artist here

This following Tuesday Melissa Surach presents another installment of Babyhole, and Jaden Rogers has his first solo show at LITM. My deadline has passed on this installment.

Just a couple of announcements if I may.
Friday Feb 12th Thomas Francis Takes His Chances at Maxwells
Sunday Feb 21st 4th Street Arts Chili Cook-off Fundraiser at Parlay Studios
Saturday Feb 27 th Dodgeball Fundraiser for Learning Community Charter School. email me. $100 a team, co-ed 6 person teams , round robin elimination.

Not Your Mama's Craft Fair is looking for JC Hottest artists for the April 17th event at Parlay Studios.got to http://www.megangulick.com/ for an application.

Christopher Silk has a sweet spot in the 479 House

We have a room for rent (11x12') in a large three bedroom top-story apartment in Jersey City, view of downtown, plenty of light, one block from Newport mall, 5m walk to Newport/Pavonia path/light rail (10m to Christopher St, 20m to 33rd st/Herald Sq.) We are two chill mid 30's artists/designers, work in mid-town. We cook a lot and have people over for dinners on weekends. Large living room for shared work space and storage (prefer 2d and/or non-messy mediums). Shopping, bodegas, cafe within a few minute walk (essentially everything you need is within a 10m walk). Laundry 4 blocks. Utils $60-80 month all inclusive (including high speed wireless internet, gas, elec, basic cable). Great neighborhood, safe area (1 block from police precinct), near large park, 3 blocks from Holland Tunnel. $700/month, $1150 security, month-to-month, avail Feb 1. Light smokers ok. Email Alex (alex(at)zoom.sh) or Christopher (tophersilk(at)gmail.com) or call 571.291.4924. Right on. Thanks! P.S. Email for pics!

Lex has two rooms in 143 Columbus - email lex (at)lexleonardgallery.com

Shipwreck is looking for a roomate for March 1st.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

effecting the affected

Thanks again to everyone who came out for last weeks Haitain Releif Fundraiser at John Besante's Sirens Song art opening at 58. Based on the financial costs and logistical difficulties to ship individual items to Haiti, we donated your clothes and blankets locally to the Salvation Army.  Special Thanks to the bands who performed and DJ Neva, our guest DJ from Radio Soleil d'Haiti. 

Thsi Sunday, DJ Neva and her Haitian posse has organized.THE WORLD STANDS WITH HAITI : A benefit show for the People of Haiti this Sunday at Drom in New York City. The event features live performances of Haitian music and dancers as well as the DJ sets by the Radio Soleil d'Haiti crew with all of the proceeds going towards Partners in Health

Here in Jersey City, a benefit for Wyclef Jean's Yele Foundation is being held on Friday Night at the Lex Leonartd Gallery at 143 Columbus. The JC for Haiti event starts at midnight and was organized by InnerTemple Music, Grassroots Community Space, and Lex Leonard Gallery. For $10/$5 (if you rsvp at innertemplestudio(at)gmail.com) There's are raffles, live dancing performances, and even the Gallery's namesake will be spinning. If you have any items you would like to donate towards the event contact lex(at)lexloenardgallery.com . i just got word on some hookah bottles that will be in the raffle.

Since, I have Friday's and Sunday's big events, on script.  Let's talk about the snow forecast for Saturday.  A blizzard of fun is expected for Art House Productions Snow Ball on Saturday Night. This annual fundraising event, is much like going to the stately Wayne Manor of Batman fame.  Creative formal dressed resident artisans mix with a  who's who of Jersey City politics and culture. I don't know if the Riddler will be on hand, but I can guarantee you will get a mystery bag of goodies with a CD from Bern and the Brights, The Neutron Drivers, Ben Franklin, Tris McCall and WJ and The Sweet Sacrifice.

Tris McCall, is playing tonight two shows tonight (R) at Union Hall in Brooklyn. First he teammates with Orverlord, the power pop band that graced up for last years Groove on Grove show, then it's a Tris McCall Pillowfight, as he play songs in full band mode from his latest release, let the night fall.

Staying local wont hurt any way this evening for It battle-of the sexes night with DJ Chuck from the Tattoo Shop manning the Bro's before Ho's night at the Lamp Post. DJ Leonard Small Ball caters his sound sel-sex-tion and the drink specials for the Ladies. Hey Ladies.

On Friday Night, the One and Nines, play O'Hara with a side order of their side project Kiwi the Child. One and Nines, Guitarist Jeff Marino, will be spinning rock and soul in-between the bands. DJ Caligula will be at the Lamppost Friday night twisting his stache and plotting.

After the Snow Ball on Saturday, Larry from Any Day Parade will be at the White Star for the Vinyl Solution, Larry, who used to work at downtown Jersey City's only record store, Iris will undoubtedly have Soul selection.  DJ Motorfunker has been recruited on an every other Saturday Gig at LITM, next Saturday he teams up with Leonard Smalls for an Absinthe Party at Luckys. This Saturday, Leonard is joined by 143 regular Daveed.  If you really want to rustle up your outfits, stop by the The Lamp Post for Thomas Francis Takes his Chances, the Invisible Gods open. Mark February 12th for TFTHC debut show at Maxwell's.

Yes I know  this is easier to read in a list but my brain sometimes doest work that way. Sorry

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Relief Mission

As most of you know, on Tuesday, a devestaing earthquake hit Haiti, the poorest nation in the Americas. Haitian Earthquake Relief is only a text away. • Donate through Wyclef Jean's foundation, Yele Haiti. Text "Yele" to 501501 and $5 will be charged to your phone bill and given to relief projects through the organization.. In addition , here's a link to a Huffington Post article with links to International Relief Organizations appealing for aid.   Furthermore, at tomorrow night's opening reception for Sirens Song,  John Besante will be collecting blankets,  clothes, non persible food and baby goods for a donation drive at a his wife's church in Brooklyn, which serves a large Haitian Community.

John Besante's Sirens Song is a new collection of romantic nudes that expands his continuing and growing series, Women of Color with demure oil painting portraits of Caribbean and Central American models from Jamaica, Belize, Panama, Lucia, and Dominica. We will complement this exhibit with a live performance of Siren Songs by female artists, Bern the Brights,and  Jahna Rain of the Demands with special guests. Afterwards join us for an after-party with DJ Dancing Tony at the Lamp Post.  I'll also be accepting goods for the donation drive at the Lamp Post. As is DJ Leonard Smalls at his Ladies Night at Luckys.

Tonight, at the Lamp Post, Jersey City's Number one DJ , Humby , is coming out of retirement to spin, via you tube his collection of 70's and 80's euro disco. If you haven't seen Humby in action, this is your chance, don't miss it. On the other side of  Secodn Street, DJ Lucha gets all funking crazy at Luckys. And truly going Loco tonight will be Senor Bryan Benninghove as he get all Boca Grande on you. Bryan new muisc series runs everey 2nd and 4th Wednesday from 9:30 to 12:30. On Thursday Night, Bryan has been teaming up with with some crazy French Gypsies for Manouche Bag at Madame Claudes.

thats it for now

Friday, January 8, 2010

friday to fry-day

2010. wow but who cares ?
fresh starts ?  yes but i can't think of one new years resolution that i have kept to this day.
we all start things when it works best for our calender. here's mine

want to start laughing more ? go to tonight's Comedy Night at the Stockinette 8 pm $3, 6 comics . BYOB OK
want to start I start loving more ? go to made with love bakery this weekend, there's an art opening tonight at 8pm with live Jazz by Jordan Piper
want to start taking more chances ? catch Thomas Francis Takes His Chances and the Devyl Nellys at the Blue Room in Secaucus, it right next to AJ's
want some more afro-beat in your life ? Check out Chico Mann tonight at le Passion Rogue
want some more deep house sesssions ? Checkout Bill McCamie tonight at Porto Lounge
want some more (whatever type of music Jessie is play?) ? then check out Caligula at the Lamp Post.
want to some real great cross-over artists ? head to Index Art Galley in Newark for Steven Dressler's Rock Dreams : Artsist Made Songs 6 to 10 pm

need to get your body back, try the new Michael Hathaway's Yoga Sessions on Saturdays at the Grassroots on Saturday at 3 pm $10 donation.
need more fried food and football ? i am having a Jets party at my apartment this Saturday - call me first
need more vinyl ? check out the Saturday at the White Star - I begin the new year of wax at 10:30 pm
need nore live music check out the bands at Lamp Post on Saturday Night.

i resolved not watse as much of my time tryiong to comepte or repeat with Facebook.
that's it or this installment.