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COMING ATTRACTION: AN ITALIAN NIGHT OF COMEDY with MIKE MARINO, MICHAEL ‘WHEELS’ PARISE, UNCLE FLOYD at Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club Sunday October 25th bY Calvin Schwartz(0) COMING ATTRACTION: AN ITALIAN NIGHT OF COMEDY with MIKE MARINO, MICHAEL ‘WHEELS’ PARISE, UNCLE FLOYD at Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club Sunday October 25th bY Calvin Schwartz
Mike Marino is the consummate comedian; he just makes you laugh non-stop and with timely topics. I discovered ‘New Jersey’s Bad Boy of Comedy’ a few summers ago at ‘Asbury Park Comedy Festival.’ And I said to myself “he’s one of the funniest comedians I’ve ever seen.” Point being, I’m a ‘comedic snob.’ Comedy is a gift and a special art form. Back in the sixties, I discovered Lenny Bruce, one of comedy’s greatest pioneers and innovators, albeit quite controversial because society was not ready for his bad words and bits. I’ve been a fan of Lenny’s ever since.
How perfect the synchronicity to catch Mike Marino that night for the first time. We had a chance to talk back stage afterwards; I marveled at his graciousness, affability and accessibility. He’s a cool, smooth and endearing guy with some of the best material I’ve ever heard. Now here’s where it all gets interesting. Some of Mike’s routines I’ve actually used in a comedic way (giving him all the credit) and sometimes I go introspective and realize Mike Marino is also a genius and clairvoyant, almost with the gift of the ‘shining.’ So what do I mean by this. Mike’s comedy is so relevant and futuristic, it can be used by current politicians to propel them into major office; yes a provocative thought and so therefore I challenge my readers to catch Mike at Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club in Point Pleasant on Sunday night along with comedy ICONS Uncle Floyd and Michael Wheels Parise. AN AMAZING COLLECTION OF COMEDIANS. AN ITALIAN NIGHT OF COMEDY!!!!
Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club- 518 Arnold Avenue PT PLEASANT BEACH 1-877- UNCLEVIN Event Description A 3-course meal starts at 4pm with Caesar Salad, choice of Chicken Parmigiana, Shrimp Scampi or Steak Marsala and ending with Cannoli for dessert. We are a BYOB, so bring your vino!! Show will start at approx.. 6pm & end at 8pm.
WHEN Sunday, October 25, 2015 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT) – WHERE Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club – 518 Arnold Ave Pt Pleasant Bch, NJ 08742 |
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JCP&L Celebrates Careers in Utilities Week – by TOM COSENTINO(0)JCP&L Celebrates Careers in Utilities Week
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COMING ATTRACTION: ROSEMOTHER’S JAM JAZZ CONCERT, MARLBORO-MORGANVILLE N J SUNDAY OCTOBER 18TH bY Calvin Schwartz(1) COMING ATTRACTION: ROSEMOTHER’S JAM JAZZ CONCERT, MARLBORO-MORGANVILLE N J SUNDAY OCTOBER 18TH bY Calvin Schwartz
I met Rosemary Conte nearly four years ago at an Easter Sunday benefit concert to raise awareness and funds for homelessness in Ocean County; she organized the concert. It was through her social consciousness that helped to change my view of the world and launched my own journalistic efforts for homelessness awareness. Along the road these few years, I’ve also had pleasurable opportunities to hear Rosemary Conte, the jazz singer perform her evocative, emotional, soulful music.
At NJ Discover, we’re committed to the causes of homelessness, hunger, social awareness and music which is what Rosemary ( aptly nicknamed ‘Rosemother’) is all about. Her efforts are now focused on rekindling and inspiring the local jazz scene. Some of the energy for this began in her house with old fashioned jazz jam sessions. Now it has evolved to a group called ‘Reality Jazz’ performing at the Monmouth Academy of Music Arts in Morganville. Actually this show is part of a broader project called ‘Rosemother’s Jam – 100% Jazz’. bY Calvin Schwartz 10-10-15
SHOW INFORMATION: Rosemother’s Jam Jazz Concert ~ Music you’ll love in an intimate setting. Reality Jazz ~ Sunday, Oct. 18, 3-5pm Rosemary Conte, Vocals ~ Brad Mandigo, Piano Bob Boyd, drums ~ Tony Cimorosi, bass Monmouth Academy, Recital Room 1230 Campus Dr., Morganville-Marlboro, NJ ~ 732-617-1124 $15 Admission ~ $5 for students & Senior Citizens PRESENTED BY:
EXCERPTS FROM ROSEMARY’S PRESS RELEASE:
“Decades ago, there were jazz listening clubs all over NJ and especially the Shore, where I and other jazz artists played. You could hear a pin drop in a live jazz scene. Today, you rarely hear live jazz played by local jazz artists in a listening context. Jazz died at the Jersey Shore as another music was being born to run. Ironically, in the 70s, a young Clarence Clemons who lived across the street on Ocean Avenue, would come to the old Blue Water Inn in Sea Bright and ask to sit in with my band. We let him.”
“Rosemother’s Jam – 100% Jazz’ is my answer to the lack of opportunity for accomplished local jazz musicians to play live, the kind of music they’ve studied and loved all their lives, and for multi-generations of people to learn about jazz. I’ve opened my home to monthly jazz jam sessions. I invite them three to five players at a time, to play their own compositions and classic and newer jazz repertoire, unencumbered by the roles they serve playing local bars and restaurants, and in pop oriented event bands.” “We’ve been jamming together for six months, and music fans have asked if they can come over when we play. This tells me that despite what I hear from Shore venues, there is an interest in jazz and people just might support it if they could find it. I want to do my part to develop a greater audience for jazz and to introduce it to the younger generations.” “My living room is too small for an audience of any size, so I’ve rented a recital room at a music school. The October 18 concert will be the first Rosemother’s Public Jam” “Jazz education and preservation is important to me, and there’s an education component to my jazz jam project that can’t be simulated in a classroom. Under the Rosemother’s Jam umbrella, I’ve created the Fly On Wall Program.” “I’m inviting music students interested in jazz, a couple at a time, to be ‘flies on the wall’ during jams at my house … to observe the pros discussing a piece of music, its form, improvising, and masterfully playing ensemble. I’m reaching out to local colleges and universities to connect their music students to this opportunity. There is no fee for this.”
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A VERY SPECIAL COMING ATTRACTION: MONDAY NIGHT OCTOBER 5TH NJ DISCOVER LIVE RADIO/TV SHOW with hosts Tara-Jean Vitale & Calvin Schwartz with Our Guests, Actors & Director from the film “Who’s Jenna…?” Tune In at 8PM or Watch on YOU TUBE TV or Long Branch Cablevision bY Calvin Schwartz(0) A VERY SPECIAL COMING ATTRACTION: MONDAY NIGHT OCTOBER 5TH NJ DISCOVER LIVE RADIO/TV SHOW with hosts Tara-Jean Vitale & Calvin Schwartz with Our Guests, Actors & Director from the film “Who’s Jenna…?” Tune In at 8PM or Watch on YOU TUBE TV or Long Branch Cablevision bY Calvin Schwartz
THE FACTS: Monday Oct 5th 8 to 9 PM at http://www.njdiscover.com/wp1/ OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQmwbkYuCVU&feature=youtu.be for the live radio broadcast of NJDiscover Live. Immediately following show is on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQmwbkYuCVU&feature=youtu.be for the YOU TUBE TV broadcast. The show airs all month on Long Branch Cable TV Channel 20 (LBCTV20), which airs on the Comcast digital TV network. beginning October 12th every night 9PM THE GUESTS: Actors from the NJ based romantic comedy, “Who’s Jenna…?” Garry Pastore, Lenny Venito, Michael Tota, Bill Sorvino, & Joseph D’Onofrio AND Director Thomas Baldinger. The hour show explores Indie films, the careers of the actors and director, life & improv on the set of “Who’s Jenna…?”
LINKS TO CHECK OUT: Production Company: www.624-Productions.com IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4317858/?ref_=nm_ov_bio_lk2 Laura Madsen, publicist: http://www.theladyinredblog.com/
SPONSOR: NJ Discover Live Radio/TV is proud to announce our new Sponsor : WindMill Restaurants www.windmillhotdogs.com
HOW THIS SHOW EVOLVED: Back in August, I was invited by Publicist Laura Madsen to spend time on the set of “Who’s Jenna…?” for an article on NJ Discover.com. It was the perfect follow up to do our LIVE show. Here is a reprint of the article:
SPOTLIGHT: ON THE NEW JERSEY SET OF FILMING “WHO’S JENNA…..?” And A CONVERSATION WITH DIRECTOR TOM BALDINGER bY Calvin Schwartz September 9th 2015
Hooray for social media, networking and circles of commonality. For the last several years, Laura Madsen, publicist and innovative writer/blogger at http://www.theladyinredblog.com/ and I have travelled in similar circles of commonality( as I call it). Our energies and passions emanate from Jersey life and the arts. If you’ve read my musings over the past few years, I’ve postulated that Jersey has become the pop culture capital of America and Laura is always at the epicenter. For verification of the postulate, just look at ‘The Soprano’s’, ‘Boardwalk Empire’, “Jersey Boy’s’, ‘Jersey Shore’, ‘Jersey Housewives’, ‘Garden State’, and ‘Jersey Girl’. Laura and I never had the opportunity for the sharing of notes and synchronicities; we never met formally. A few weeks ago, Laura contacted me via Facebook and asked if I’d like to cover the filming of a feature film, “Who’s Jenna…..?” which is a comedy written by award winning producer, director Tom Baldinger from 624 Productions, LLC, a New Jersey based company. Laura hinted that the film title had something to do with an adult film star but that’s all she said. My response to her was immediate and decisive; “I’d love to hang around the set and do some absorbing and interviewing for NJ Discover.” The next decision for me was where to surface for the best absorption opportunity. The filming was taking place at the Lakewood Country Club for an on-location golf scene or the following day at Verve Restaurant in Somerville. I surmised that it’s best not to hang around a hot golf course as Jersey was in heat wave, so I opted for the cool basement confines of Verve for the shooting of a dinner scene. And I’d get a chance to hang a bit with actor Garry Pastore; I’ve been a fan for years. Time constraints of being on set and getting a few minutes to chat (at the break) with director Tom Baldinger made me formulate a direction I wanted to take with this coverage. I’m quick to admit that my experience of being on sets is somewhat limited although I was on set back in the 90’s with Meryl Streep, William Hurt and Renee Zellweger and wound up in the Christmas scene in ‘One True Thing.’ My focus for “Who’s Jenna….?” was the art of detail and precision in the film making process.
Laura’s phone messaging last Wednesday morning got me to Verve’s rear parking lot(on foot), through a rear kitchen door, down a steep stairway, through a narrow hallway to a basement dining room, filled with tables and patrons (all actors). I never asked if this was an active part of the restaurant or just the basement set for a very funny scene. Seated at a large table, with cameras aimed, were actors Garry Pastore, Lenny Venito, Vic Dibitetto (also a very funny comedian whom I saw recently at Count Basie Theater at a Frank Sinatra Birthday Party), and Bill Sorvino, playing the lead role of Jonathan Burke. Next, Laura introduced me to the film director, Tom Baldinger; first and lasting impressions were that of an affable, intense, creative, focused force in the universe. It’s funny how fast you can “size” people. Waiters started bringing steaming plates of pasta, meat balls, chicken and foot long sausage in front of the seated actors; it was 10 AM. Someone yelled, “Get the Dunkin Donuts coffee cup off the table.” Actor Michael Tota introduced himself. He and I have been part of central Jersey concentric circles; we never met live, but knew of each other. Readers can go to the film website for more plot/story information. http://www.624-productions.com/#!whos-jenna/c6h0n The basement area was relatively small; an additional eight tables or so had ‘diners’ (actors) to make for a perfectly realistic restaurant set; the table next had a woman and her young daughter. The small room size and 90 degree outdoor heat made the set challenging. I watched the crew fill the four actors’ wine glasses half-way with grape juice. The wine glasses would be an interesting focus for me; the exact level of the juice in the glass was maintained for the next 94 minutes (multiple takes) that I watched from the rear side behind the cameras where Laura and I were positioned. As they were ready to shoot the scene, I heard “Quiet on the set.” I smiled. This was real. I won’t give much away but the scene was hysterically funny as the four actors ate (pretended to eat as the sausage maintained its great length throughout), drank, conversed and laughed. I love watching eyes of the actors moving from person to person; just that small detail embraced me. Watching my friend Garry Pastore talk/act/move his eyes/laugh and then greet Michael Tota’s character when he walked over was perfectly real. There was a poignant albeit funny story going on. Director Tom Baldinger meticulously instructed Michael Tota how to grab himself while talking and then look at Vic Dibetto’s character. It had to be the same grab in every take. The repartee with Lenny, Bill and Garry was priceless. I’d love to use their words the next time I go to my primary care physician and see how it’s received. I savored every minute of absorption. Something else I noticed; about the crew; a special esprit de corps. They were a well-oiled machine, anticipating, performing, and functioning like the offensive backfield of a local college football team. They loved what they were doing and with whom; their director. I like to observe those elements. The body heat generated in the basement’s close quarters moved me to Main Street in Somerville for an hour until I caught up with director Tom Baldinger just before lunch.
I mentioned to Tom that I have a relatively undiscerning eye when it comes to matters of film making but I’m a HUGE movie fan going to back to 1939 vintage. Tom was engaging and thrilled to be chatting. Once I flipped on my reporter’s recorder, he started. “For me it’s very important that what’s said-dialogue is not just dialogue-there’s a purpose to why people say certain things. That’s why when I write my scripts, I try to be very careful with the words that are said. I try to make sure that the voices are separate from each other-that the characters are separate. There is a voice in each one of them. When you are on set, everything has to have a place because I’ve seen tons of movies-big budget films; sometimes the detail is not there. For me there are a lot of people watching movies who will not like a movie because there is something wrong-a missing detail-or if dialogue doesn’t match up correctly-or characters not really synching together. That’s very important to me.” I mentioned, “Translates down to your crew. I was watching them measure grape juice in a glass to make sure it was exact level.” “It’s all about continuity. How many times have you seen a movie where the glass is half-full and in the next shot- it’s the same conversation- the glass is either empty or not there. I was watching a movie last night-‘Mission Impossible 3’ and saw where all the extras were and I have to give a lot of credit to J.J. Abrams. A lot of time you’ll see movies with extras. They are in the shot then they are not there. My crew; I have to be honest with you. The meticulous and tight atmosphere really comes from them because I think they see me as a visionary. I’ve built this and I’m not trying to sound egotistical but I’ve built this company and in some ways they look at me as their leader and so they are on the ride. They want-they feel this is going to be successful. They want to be on the same boat. I’ve always set goals and reached my goals. I think that’s why everybody on this crew wants to do everything perfectly because they want to take this next step into this industry.”
Taking it further I added, “I’ve watched a melding of you all there.” Tom said, “Yes.” “I was so impressed with the detail. When Michael comes over to Garry at the table, you tell him exactly what to grab and do.” Tom added, “Yes, when we shoot the reverse, we need to see him grab himself and that action-when we’re in post, you see Vic’s reaction. It makes my editor’s job so much easier. And when you are sitting around the post, you are not saying we forgot that or look at that.” The night before I heard interesting news about Apple and the film business; “Your work as an Indie film maker has an interesting future. Apple announced yesterday it may give money to Indies.” “I hope so. I heard a little about that. I work on Wall Street and I’ve been out of work mode for the last week or two. My father who actually works for Bloomberg said you have to check this out. When I get a moment, I’ll read about it; very interesting.” I thought Apple wants to do what Netflix is doing. Tom was quick to comment. “That is where the market seems to be going; where the industry is going and I’m going to quote a famous actor hearing him talk about Indie films. Alec Baldwin was on Howard Stern show a few weeks ago. He was talking about how film has changed over past 20 or 30 years; that now big budget movies are all technical, special effects, CGI. Not that the big budget films don’t get into the story or content but they are more Marvel and super heroes. I love those movies and I’m there with the popcorn, but the Indie industry-that’s where you get down into characters, stories and dialogues and really get into it. What the Indie film industry has done-it has born the writer-director and sometimes that’s good-sometimes bad because studios say we only have $250,000 to spend. We can’t spend another $100,000 for a director, so let’s make the writer the director. That’s a bad choice but when you have a good script and a good writer who can be a director, studios need to take that into consideration. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime-all that stuff; it’s really starting to blow up. Quite frankly, ‘House of Cards;’ I said to my wife last year that they don’t have to win an Emmy; just be being nominated, Netflix was doing cartwheels down the hallway because they knew all of a sudden they got something and now everybody else is trying to do it.” I asked Tom about quality. “Quality is better. I mean we’re shooting with a red camera where some of those shows you see with bigger name people are shooting with the same equipment. We’re trying to bring high quality products with lower budgets and eventually, hopefully somebody like Apple will say I like your product and I want to put more money into it and give us an opportunity to do even more.” Tom smiled, took a deep inhalation and was ready to go on talking. It was I who suggested that he eat lunch but that down the road a spell, he should come on NJ Discover Live Radio/TV show with the cast and Laura Madsen and continue our chat. After a firm hand-shake cementing the deal and a photo-op of course, I was on the road again, heading to Yurcak Field on Rutgers campus with NJ Discover broadcasting the television coverage of the Skye Blue FC Professional Women’s Soccer match against Kansas City. A bunch of questions suddenly popped into consciousness on Route 287 to ask Tom and the cast. It would wait until October 5th for NJ Discover’s Live Show with them. We move fast here in Central Jersey. |
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7th Annual Spring Lake Italian Festival Oct. 10, 2015(0) Columbus day Weekend October 10th 2015 12 noon – 5 pm |
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MAJOR COMING ATTRACTION: STRAND THEATER 93rd ANNIVERSARY GALA. TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 29th bY Calvin Schwartz 9-21-15(0) MAJOR COMING ATTRACTION: STRAND THEATER 93rd ANNIVERSARY GALA. TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 29th bY Calvin Schwartz 9-21-15
A while back, I was invited to the Strand Theatre as a journalist. And so began my love affair to remember with this magnificent theatre, built in 1922, and a recent National Historical Landmark. Carry me back to the days when deco meant art with exquisite attention to a theatre’s detail. Sitting on stage, bathed in warm saffron chandelier light, I was in a museum, back to the splendor of 1920’s. I spent that afternoon exploring the theatre; from sitting in a dressing room, bright light bulbs highlighting my exuberant face to all the trappings of the real backstage world. I love this theatre.
Suddenly the image of the movie Field of Dreams comes to mind (writing this) remembering I’m a stream of consciousness guy. So if the Strand builds (provides) great entertainment into their programming, then they (you) will come. And that’s exactly what’s been happening at the Strand. One of my other conscious thoughts is to exhort readers to get off the sedentary sofa and celebrate the Strand. Perhaps you live only once works here too; get out and enjoy yourself. The Strand Center for the Arts Board of Directors cordially invites everyone to celebrate the life of theater at their 93th Anniversary Gala on Tuesday, September 29th with cocktails, fare and entertainment by the fantastic Kevin Gilmore and Scott Solomon. Tickets are $100 in advance by mail or purchased online ($5 fee per ticket). For more info: www.strand.org or lori@strand.org Calvin Schwartz 9-21-15
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SPOTLIGHT: ON THE NEW JERSEY SET OF FILMING “WHO’S JENNA…?” AND A CONVERSATION WITH DIRECTOR TOM BALDINGER bY Calvin Schwartz September 9th 2015(0) SPOTLIGHT: ON THE NEW JERSEY SET OF FILMING “WHO’S JENNA…?” AND A CONVERSATION WITH DIRECTOR TOM BALDINGER bY Calvin Schwartz September 9th 2015 Hooray for social media, networking and circles of commonality. For the last several years, Laura Madsen, publicist and innovative writer/blogger at http://www.theladyinredblog.com/ and I have travelled in similar circles of commonality( as I call it). Our energies and passions emanate from Jersey life and the arts. If you’ve read my musings over the past few years, I’ve postulated that Jersey has become the pop culture capital of America and Laura is always at the epicenter. For verification of the postulate, just look at ‘The Soprano’s’, ‘Boardwalk Empire’, “Jersey Boy’s’, ‘Jersey Shore’, ‘Jersey Housewives’, ‘Garden State’, and ‘Jersey Girl’. Laura and I never had the opportunity for the sharing of notes and synchronicities; we never met formally. A few weeks ago, Laura contacted me via Facebook and asked if I’d like to cover the filming of a feature film, “Who’s Jenna…..?” which is a comedy written by award winning producer, director Tom Baldinger from 624 Productions, LLC, a New Jersey based company. Laura hinted that the film title had something to do with an adult film star but that’s all she said. My response to her was immediate and decisive; “I’d love to hang around the set and do some absorbing and interviewing for NJ Discover.”
The next decision for me was where to surface for the best absorption opportunity. The filming was taking place at the Lakewood Country Club for an on-location golf scene or the following day at Verve Restaurant in Somerville. I surmised that it’s best not to hang around a hot golf course as Jersey was in a heat wave, so I opted for the cool basement confines of Verve for the shooting of a dinner scene. And I’d get a chance to hang a bit with actor Garry Pastore; I’ve been a fan for years. Time constraints of being on set and getting a few minutes to chat (at the break) with director Tom Baldinger made me formulate a direction I wanted to take with this coverage. I’m quick to admit that my experience of being on sets is somewhat limited although I was on set back in the 90’s with Meryl Streep, William Hurt and Renee Zellweger and wound up in the Christmas scene in ‘One True Thing.’ My focus for “Who’s Jenna….?” was the art of detail and precision in the film making process.
Laura’s phone messaging last Wednesday morning got me to Verve’s rear parking lot(on foot), through a rear kitchen door, down a steep stairway, through a narrow hallway to a basement dining room, filled with tables and patrons (all actors). I never asked if this was an active part of the restaurant or just the basement set for a very funny scene. Seated at a large table, with cameras aimed, were actors Garry Pastore, Lenny Venito, Vic Dibitetto (also a very funny comedian whom I saw recently at Count Basie Theater at a Frank Sinatra Birthday Party), and Bill Sorvino, playing the lead role of Jonathan Burke. Next, Laura introduced me to the film director, Tom Baldinger; first and lasting impressions were that of an affable, intense, creative, focused force in the universe. It’s funny how fast you can “size” people. Waiters started bringing steaming plates of pasta, meat balls, chicken and foot long sausage in front of the seated actors; it was 10 AM. Someone yelled, “Get the Dunkin Donuts coffee cup off the table.” Actor Michael Tota introduced himself. He and I have been part of central Jersey concentric circles; we never met live, but knew of each other. Readers can go to the film website for more plot/story information. http://www.624-productions.com/#!whos-jenna/c6h0n The basement area was relatively small; an additional eight tables or so had ‘diners’ (actors) to make for a perfectly realistic restaurant set; the table next had a woman and a young girl in the scene being filmed. The small room size and 90 degree outdoor heat made the set challenging. I watched the crew fill the four actors’ wine glasses half-way with grape juice. The wine glasses would be an interesting focus for me; the exact level of the juice in the glass was maintained for the next 94 minutes (multiple takes) that I watched from the rear side behind the cameras where Laura and I were positioned. As they were ready to shoot the scene, I heard “Quiet on the set.” I smiled. This was real.
I won’t give much away but the scene was hysterically funny as the four actors ate (pretended to eat as the sausage maintained its great length throughout), drank, conversed and laughed. I love watching eyes of the actors moving from person to person; just that small detail embraced me. Watching my friend Garry Pastore talk/act/move his eyes/laugh and then greet Michael Tota’s character when he walked over was perfectly real. There was a poignant albeit funny story going on. Director Tom Baldinger meticulously instructed Michael Tota how to grab himself while talking and then look at Vic Dibitetto’s character. It had to be the same grab in every take. The repartee with Lenny, Bill and Garry was priceless. I’d love to use their words the next time I go to my primary care physician and see how it’s received. I savored every minute of absorption. Something else I noticed; about the crew; a special esprit de corps. They were a well-oiled machine, anticipating, performing, and functioning like the offensive backfield of a local college football team. They loved what they were doing and with whom; their director. I like to observe those elements. The body heat generated in the basement’s close quarters moved me to Main Street in Somerville for an hour until I caught up with director Tom Baldinger just before lunch. I told Tom that I have a relatively undiscerning eye when it comes to matters of film making but I’m a HUGE movie fan going to back to 1939 vintage. Tom was engaging and thrilled to be chatting. Once I flipped on my reporter’s recorder, he started. “For me it’s very important that what’s said-dialogue is not just dialogue-there’s a purpose to why people say certain things. That’s why when I write my scripts, I try to be very careful with the words that are said. I try to make sure that the voices are separate from each other-that the characters are separate. There is a voice in each one of them. When you are on set, everything has to have a place because I’ve seen tons of movies-big budget films; sometimes the detail is not there. For me there are a lot of people watching movies who will not like a movie because there is something wrong-a missing detail-or if dialogue doesn’t match up correctly-or characters not really synching together. That’s very important to me.”
I mentioned, “Translates down to your crew. I was watching them measure grape juice in a glass to make sure it was exact level.” “It’s all about continuity. How many times have you seen a movie where the glass is half-full and in the next shot- it’s the same conversation- the glass is either empty or not there. I was watching a movie last night-‘Mission Impossible 3’ and saw where all the extras were and I have to give a lot of credit to J.J. Abrams. A lot of time you’ll see movies with extras. They are in the shot then they are not there. My crew; I have to be honest with you. The meticulous and tight atmosphere really comes from them because I think they see me as a visionary. I’ve built this and I’m not trying to sound egotistical but I’ve built this company and in some ways they look at me as their leader and so they are on the ride. They want-they feel this is going to be successful. They want to be on the same boat. I’ve always set goals and reached my goals. I think that’s why everybody on this crew wants to do everything perfectly because they want to take this next step into this industry.” Taking it further I added, “I’ve watched a melding of you all there.” Tom said, “Yes.” “I was so impressed with the detail. When Michael comes over to Garry at the table, you tell him exactly what to grab and do.” Tom added, “Yes, when we shoot the reverse, we need to see him grab himself and that action-when we’re in post, you see Vic’s reaction. It makes my editor’s job so much easier. And when you are sitting around the post, you are not saying we forgot that or look at that.” The night before I heard interesting news about Apple and the film business; “Your work as an Indie film maker has an interesting future. Apple announced yesterday it may give money to Indies.” “I hope so. I heard a little about that. I work on Wall Street and I’ve been out of work mode for the last week or two. My father who actually works for Bloomberg said you have to check this out. When I get a moment, I’ll read about it; very interesting.” I thought Apple wants to do what Netflix is doing. Tom was quick to comment. “That is where the market seems to be going; where the industry is going and I’m going to quote a famous actor hearing him talk about Indie films. Alec Baldwin was on Howard Stern show a few weeks ago. He was talking about how film has changed over past 20 or 30 years; that now big budget movies are all technical, special effects, CGI. Not that the big budget films don’t get into the story or content but they are more Marvel and super heroes. I love those movies and I’m there with the popcorn, but the Indie industry-that’s where you get down into characters, stories and dialogues and really get into it. What the Indie film industry has done-it has born the writer-director and sometimes that’s good-sometimes bad because studios say we only have $250,000 to spend. We can’t spend another $100,000 for a director, so let’s make the writer the director. That’s a bad choice but when you have a good script and a good writer who can be a director, studios need to take that into consideration. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime-all that stuff; it’s really starting to blow up. Quite frankly, ‘House of Cards;’ I said to my wife last year that they don’t have to win an Emmy; just being nominated, Netflix was doing cartwheels down the hallway because they knew all of a sudden they got something and now everybody else is trying to do it.”
I asked Tom about quality. “Quality is better. I mean we’re shooting with a red camera where some of those shows you see with bigger name people are shooting with the same equipment. We’re trying to bring high quality products with lower budgets and eventually, hopefully somebody like Apple will say I like your product and I want to put more money into it and give us an opportunity to do even more.” Tom smiled, took a deep inhalation and was ready to go on talking. It was I who suggested that he eat lunch but that down the road a spell, he should come on NJ Discover Live Radio/TV show with the cast and Laura Madsen and continue our chat. After a firm hand-shake cementing the deal and a photo-op of course, I was on the road again, heading to Yurcak Field on Rutgers campus with NJ Discover broadcasting the television coverage of the Skye Blue FC Professional Women’s Soccer match against Kansas City. A bunch of questions suddenly popped into consciousness on Route 287 to ask Tom and the cast. It would wait until October 5th for NJ Discover’s Live Show with them. We move fast here in Central Jersey.
IMDB “Who’s Jenna…..” http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4317858/fullcredits?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm NJDiscover http://www.njdiscover.com/wp1/ Calvin’s Blog: http://www.vichywater.net/blog/
WATCH FOR OCTOBER 5th NJDISCOVER LIVE RADIO/TV SHOW also featured on Long Branch Cablevision Channel 20 with Director, and Cast of “Who’s Jenna………..?” |
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COMING ATTRACTION: MIDNIGHT MOSAIC Party at Stone Pony Friday August 28th 7PM bY Calvin Schwartz(0) COMING ATTRACTION: MIDNIGHT MOSAIC Party at Stone Pony Friday August 28th 7PM bY Calvin Schwartz
Several years ago NJ Discover and Artist Nation TV sponsored a “You’ve Been Discovered” contest, in the same discovery mode as proliferative pop culture TV shows. Of course, our base is here in New Jersey. It’s what we’re about; discovering Jersey, especially its vast portfolio of musicians and artists. Part of our mantra is to elevate, support and promulgate our fellow creative Jerseyans. We were thrilled when the band ‘Midnight Mosaic’ was one of our winners. Then and now we found them to be exciting, accelerating, eclectic and young which means a rising star phenomenon. Their sound was fresh and contemplative leading into a fusion of genres. For me, in the growing stage of music appreciation, I gravitate to their rock and soul sound. They’re fun and as I like to say when appropriate, like now, “welcome to the future.” From time to time, we highlight coming attractions of events and gigs totally worthwhile to checking out like August 28th 7 PM at the Stone Pony for Midnight Mosaic’s party. And of course it’s the Jersey shore, a summer weekend, a plethora of eating places and cool ocean breezes. Midnight Mosaic is: A.t. Hunte (Vocals), Harrisyn Hartt (Keyboards/Synth), AJ (Drums), Dee M (Backing Vocals) Ant (Guitar), and Eric Ubl (Bass) Based in Asbury Park, New Jersey. So therefore being at the Stone Pony means being home. Calvin Schwartz 8-17-15 Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/802406453191443/ “Come join Midnight Mosaic plus special guests Soraia Autumn City Garden State Line & Far in the Maples for a night of joyous noise LIVE at The Stone Pony! Spinning between sets & after the bands are DJ’s Jahred & Christopher Castillo. Plus we will have vendors displaying and selling their art. Tickets are $10.00 from the bands $12.00 at the door. The show is ALL AGES.”
CHECK OUT LINKS FOR MORE INFO: http://www.midnightmosaicband.com/ http://www.facebook.com/MidnightMosaic https://twitter.com/midnightmosaic http://www.reverbnation.com/midnightmosaic http://www.youtube.com/user/MidnightMosaicMusic http://instagram.com/midnightmosaic ALSO CHECK OUT FIRE WORK (full length) on Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/midnightmosaic/sets/fire-work-full-length
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![In case You Missed It: Thunder Road Thursday’s 40th Anniversary Born To Run Celebration BAR A Lake Como Thursday Aug 13th [Video]](http://www.njdiscover.com/wp1/wp-content/themes/gadgetine/scripts/timthumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/2015/08/thunder-road-thursday-featured-image.jpg&w=160&h=120&zc=1&q=100) |
In case You Missed It: Thunder Road Thursday’s 40th Anniversary Born To Run Celebration BAR A Lake Como Thursday Aug 13th [Video](0) In case You Missed It: Thunder Road Thursday’s 40th Anniversary Born To Run Celebration BAR A Lake Como Thursday Aug 13th bY Calvin Schwartz
I often write about New Jersey having arrived at the pinnacle of American Pop Culture. Just look at the proliferation in media; The Sopranos, Boardwalk Empire, Jersey Boys, Jersey Shore, Garden State, Jersey Girl. The Jersey shore is a frequent topical theme and rightfully so; President Obama was here several times after Sandy as was Prince Harry and so was American Pharaoh, Triple Crown winner, yesterday at Monmouth Park along with 63,100 fans. There is a magical quality to the Jersey shore; the shore embodies senses of family, history, Americana, fun, reverence, loyalty, food, music with the Atlantic Ocean as backdrop. Thus it is fitting and proper to be excited about a very special concert at the epicenter of the Jersey shore, at BAR A in Lake Como, close to Belmar, Asbury Park and miles of boardwalks. The lineup for the concert is iconic and kudos to Jesse Warren and Terry Camp for putting it together at the Jersey shore. Of note is the serious side of the concert; to raise awareness for the heroin epidemic here in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. If you meld all these elements together, the night promises to be hugely memorable. Get thee to the shore a few hours early for dinner, boardwalk and ocean air inhalations. Calvin Schwartz
Event details and frequent updates will be on the Facebook Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1524147801165369 THUNDER ROAD THURSDAY CELEBRATING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF SPRINGSTEEN’S “BORN TO RUN” Lake Como, NJ – On Thursday, August 13, 2015, the Jersey Shore celebrates the 40th Anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s legendary album, “Born to Run,” at Bar Anticipation in Lake Como, NJ. The event will honor this 40-year milestone and the pop culture influences that helped create the distinctive “Jersey Shore” sound. With this special event, the Thunder Road Thursday Series also aims to raise public awareness of the heroin epidemic facing Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Producer Jesse Warren of Jesse James Productions lost his brother, Scott Warren, to a heroin overdose on March 26th, 2015. Warren states, “The heroin addiction crisis in Monmouth and Ocean Counties has been building for many years and has, unfortunately, received national note. A few months ago, it hit home – my home. We are all responsible to keep the issue front and center in our communities.” The show will feature a house band of All-Star New Jersey musicians backing featured performers. Springsteen’s “Born to Run” album will be covered and celebrated. The night will also feature artist collaborations and jams for which the Shore is famous. Bar Anticipation hosts as part of its own “Throwback Thursdays” series and offers a variety of drink specials all night long. Assisting Jesse Warren is attorney and long-time member of the Jersey Shore music community, Terry Camp. Camp and Warren last collaborated on last January’s 3rd Annual “Big Man’s” Birthday Bash at Bar Anticipation, celebrating the late E Street sax man, Clarence Clemons. Camp adds, “We’re thrilled to again be working with Tom Jannarone and his Bar Anticipation team. That place is cream of the crop for a diverse and quality entertainment experience – and a natural venue to carry on the legacy of Jersey Shore rock and roll.” The full line-up of popular Shore artists will include: Max Weinberg ( E Street Band) Eddie Testa (from The Eddie Testa Band) JoBonanno (from JoBonanno and the Godsons of Soul) Vini “Mad Dog” Lopez (original E Street Band drummer and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer) “The Philly Elvis” Nick Ferraro (who has performed with Springsteen) Bob Polding (from The Bob Polding Band, as regularly featured on “The FAN,” WFAN-AM radio) Killer Joe ( From Killer Joe and The Lido Soul) Pat Roddy (from The Pat Roddy Band) Sean Loughlin (from The E Street Shuffle) Joe Cartwright (from Bent Mushroom)
The All Star House Band features: Mark Leimbach (Gary U.S. Bonds) Kevin Gilmore (Eddie Testa Band) Dennis Miele (Godsons of Soul) Vini Lopez/Dave Halpern (John Eddie) Joey Stann (Springsteen, Jukes) Tony Perruso (Jukes) Tommy Miers (Jukes) Tony Aiello (Joe Jackson, Jukes) Joe Arminio Ken Latawiec (Eddie Testa Band) David Turner Sheri and Lori Gilmore Doreen Arminio Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and live music begins at 7:00 p.m. The show is expected to end by 11:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15.00 day of show. 21 and over Tickets may be purchased via the Facebook Event page or by contacting Jesse Warren (contact information below). Event details and frequent updates will be the Facebook Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1524147801165369/
Bar Anticipation www.bar-a.com 703 16th Avenue Lake Como, NJ 07719 (732) 681-7422 For Press/Media inquiries and access: E-mail Jesse Warren at sting5890@aol.com Phone – (908) 309-0426
A MESSAGE FROM THE PROMOTERS
Proud to announce we are partnering with CFC Loud N Clear Non-Profit to Raise Awareness of the Heroin Epidemic. http://www.cfcloudnclear.org Join Us and CFC at Thunder Road Thursday in dedication to Scott Warren August 13th and at Rock The Farm NJ August 29th! Be aware. Be vigilant. Care About CFC- CFC Loud N Clear was developed in light of our family’s personal journey through addiction. In 2012 after many IOPs, several in-patient treatment centers and years of an uphill battle, we discovered the gaps in the system and realized a need for diverse programs of extended after care. Daniel Regan developed an after care system for himself with the help of his mother Lynn Regan. After a while people started to want to know how they did it and wanted a recovery plan set up for themselves. They decided from that point that everyone deserves access to an aftercare program and they created CFC Loud N Clear. The first year after treatment is the most crucial year in someone’s recovery. CFC will help guide you through your first year and beyond. CFC Loud N Clear believes in providing many roads to recovery thus giving our members many positive proven options that resonates with them. We also recognized the need for safe sober socialization and create a social calendar filled with fun/ laugh inducing activities. Daniel and Lynn Regan are highly involved in the field of prevention and saw the importance of giving back and preventing others from going down the wrong road. Thus CFC got its name Coming Full Circle, we are proudly more than just a recovery program. CFC provides services for Prevention, Intervention, and Recovery with a seamless integration of the three making it a full circle. http://www.cfcloudnclear.org/
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ANOTHER MUST TO ATTEND: Comedian Mike Marino, The Presidential Tour Concert with special guest Comedian Sunda Croonquist. Saturday August 15th Paramount Theater Asbury Park USA bY Calvin Schwartz(0) ANOTHER MUST TO ATTEND: Comedian Mike Marino, The Presidential Tour Concert with special guest Comedian Sunda Croonquist. Saturday August 15th Paramount Theater Asbury Park USA bY Calvin Schwartz August 4th 2015
If its summer, I usually write about the Jersey shore. It’s so easy these days as Jersey has become a pinnacle of American Pop Culture; Jersey Boys, Sopranos, Boardwalk Empire, Jersey Shore, Jersey Housewives, Garden State, Jersey Girl. American Pharaoh, Triple Crown winner came to Monmouth Park on Sunday; extraordinary. Perhaps there is nothing quite like our shore with all it has to offer especially during the summer. And Asbury Park has become an epicenter of music, food and dreams. I’ll go as far as to say it’s just about nirvana to be at the shore on a Saturday night. This equation I am developing becomes even more pronounced when you add a national and global Jersey comedian in concert on the boardwalk in Asbury Park. Not just any comedian but Mike Marino, NJ’s Bad Boy of Comedy comes home to the shore. Then add another Jersey native/comedian, Sunda Croonquist. AND Hosted by Steve Trevelise!! It’s just a perfect night. Grab some dinner at a plethora of restaurants in Asbury Park or up and down the shore. Before-hand, play the pinball machines at Silverball. If you’re worried about traffic, I’ll even tell you about a secret road to the shore. No excuses. What I am saying and equating, this is one special ‘funny as hell’ night that should not be missed. Life is short. I’m 6’5” Let me talk about Mike and Sunda now.
In 2012, I discovered the genius of comedian Mike Marino in Asbury Park. Mike was performing at the first Asbury Park Comedy Festival. Since I discovered Lenny Bruce in the 60’s, I’ve morphed into a comedic snob. I need sharp incisive cerebral worldly comedy to laugh. Mike delivers that. And concomitantly (along the way), I’ve become a huge fan of Mike Marino. Why not; I love to laugh for 90 minutes straight each and every time I see him; it’s this stressful world we live in. Mike has a handle, a release and grasp of our world. The genius of Marino’s humor is to take our modern (expletive omitted) lives and shove it under a comedic microscope. And when you see him in concert, you get a chance to see the ‘Marino’ face; how he loves to laugh with the audience at his own humor; that genuineness and warmth draws us in and embraces. Even more than that, being a comedic snob, countless times looking at Mike, I can’t help but see Jack Benny, who had one of the greatest comedic facial expressions as well as incredible timing. Benny was Johnny Carson’s all-time favorite; Mike Marino’s expressions and timing is right there with Jack Benny. And now it appears Mike Marino is running for President. I just have to hear about that. I wonder if he needs campaign workers. Mike Marino website: mikemarino.net (a whole collection of videos to watch) One of my favorites; Live at Borgatta trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=21&v=wCaCaMFWTk0 ALSO YOU CAN SUBSCRIBE TO MIKE’S YOU TUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/user/MikeDMarino?sub_confirmation=1
A few years ago, I had the opportunity (which became a thrill) to see Sunda Croonquist perform at the Second Annual Asbury Park Comedy Fest. Sunda dazzled with her sharp, quick wit (cerebral intelligent humor) and I got a chance to chat with her back stage. Sunda’s humor is rare, precious and beautiful as she is. What’s particularly meaningful for me as a comedic snob is Sunda’s ability to reach (in an extremely personal way) every single person in the audience. Shortly into her act, you’ll understand how she so effectively and personally reaches you (makes you identify) She’s this dynamo of personality and ethnicity (she’ll explain) as she constructs comedy from her so many varied viewpoints of life. And for me the best; she’s a Jersey girl albeit in LA now. Sunda Croonquist website: http://www.sundalive.com/ AND SUNDA ON ” THE VIEW” YOU TUBE CLIP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4lEnY0U-9I
Tickets: check their websites, Stone Pony , ticketmaster.com AND CHECK OUT SUNDA’S NEW COOKBOOK: “The Kosher Soul Food Cookbook” Co-authored it with Nir Weinblut of La Gondola of Beverly Hills.
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