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Message |
    
NRL
Citizen
Username: Nrl
Post Number: 407
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, December 27, 2003 - 4:10 pm: |     |
How about live music on SA?
Jerry, Make it happen man!! Your just the guy to do it.. |
ML1
Citizen
Username: Ml1
Post Number: 1427
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, December 27, 2003 - 4:18 pm: | |
NetNomads presents music on SA. |
berry festival
Citizen
Username: Berry_festival
Post Number: 24
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, December 27, 2003 - 6:32 pm: | |
And don't forget O'Reilly's |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 2256
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, December 27, 2003 - 11:24 pm: | |
So where should it be? On the Avenue, or in the Village?
Hey, we're talking a $40-$50K investment. So, where would most people prefer to support a small place for locals to hang out and jam in the evenings? It seems the thread is really not generating very much interest anyway...
I'm sure most people understand this type of venture is not a real big money maker. Without a fair amount of local support, it would be very difficult to make ends meet. Is this all the interest there is for this? |
Tom Reingold the prissy-pants
Citizen
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 1533
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, December 27, 2003 - 11:43 pm: | |
What's your question, more specifically, Art? Are you asking for investment, or more of a pledge to patronize the place? Are you thinking of building such a place, or are you offering to show the interest to a potential investor? Whatever it is you're thinking of doing, I know you can do it, and I'll do what I can. We stumbled into the Dancing Goat one night and were very impressed. We couldn't get seats for the music, as they were sold out, but we were impressed by the ambiance and the clientele. I felt like I was in that hip black part of Brooklyn, whose name I don't know, even though I've been there a few times. Hmm, there are probably a few.
Tom Reingold
There is nothing
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flugermongers
Citizen
Username: Flugermongers
Post Number: 90
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, December 28, 2003 - 12:12 am: | |
<so> What's "SA"? Saturday? I've always been a "sat." kinda person myself. Heh.
Well, I would most certainly patronize it, help build it, whatever.
Haha, it should be the MOL cafe.. gosh that's so tacky. Oh well. |
Ukealalio
Citizen
Username: Ukealalio
Post Number: 306
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, December 28, 2003 - 1:29 am: | |
Support!!!! |
JerryC
Citizen
Username: Jerryc
Post Number: 40
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, December 28, 2003 - 1:28 pm: | |
I don't really care WHERE is is so much as I care that it exists. However, that said, it would be wonderful to have it on SA (Springfield Ave). There's lots of places which could be developed to accomodate it. to be a bit more specific, I'm thinking of a place much like the Dancing Goat or Cecils. Specializing in quality jass and blues. I'm not taking about a coffee house with a couple of acoustic guitar players. I'm sure that NetNomads has live music but it's not set up for the type I'm talking about. I'd like to bring in performers like Claudio Roditi, Paquitq D'Rivera, Dave Stryker, Kenny Baron, maybe even some more nationally known players on occasion. I'd like to see some quality blues artists there also. With all of the artists now residing in Maplewood, why is it that we do not have a good place for live music?
Art, I'd be interested in discussing this with you. I think the interest in this runs far deeper than the response here on MOL. Cecils is packed every nite, The Dancing Goat is mobbed, Shanghi Jazz sells out most shows, Trumpets is successful, The Priory has good crowds. It's time for Maplewood to have its own venue.
As I said in an earlier post, I had hopped that B. Hathaways would be ideal for this. It's even managed by Kenya Moncur, the son of Gracian Moncur, one of the great jazz trombonists. When they first opened, I spoke to him and he indicated that he was going to have live jazz and blues. I have not seen this happen yet. If he can't be convinced to do it, perhaps another location would be good.
Maybe all of us who would support live music should call Hathaways and tell him what we think. His building is located in what will likey become a redevelopment zone. His best hope for retaining his business might be to get some strong support from us locals! |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 2257
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, December 28, 2003 - 4:01 pm: | |
More investors no, a few more working partners, and a feeling of increasing support for the venture, yes!
Tom, the truth is, so far from those we spoke with, it appears there is some interest for this kind of venue in town. The main reason we’re even considering it, is because my wife is moving her salon to behind Valley National Bank, and still has a couple more years to go on her lease on Baker Street.
Jerry, at this point there are already four or five possible partners. Trust me, this is not one of those get rich quick deals. If all goes well, we will finalize our plan right after the first of the year. Anyone interested is welcome to call me.
Thanks as always for your input. Art
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flugermongers
Citizen
Username: Flugermongers
Post Number: 94
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, December 28, 2003 - 7:46 pm: | |
OOoOOoOoOoOoooo yay!
Yeah, it would be AWESOME to have a place that brings in more reputable names, not that we don't love up-and-coming musicians.
BTW, I don't think Shangai Jazz is always sold out. You can walk in there and have a seat. Though I'm sure on nights when they have someone like Marian McPartland, it's a good idea to make reservations...
Aw man.. this would be so great, if we could do this. It could be a Maplewood outreach program for more culture (you know, besides bacteria).
We could all help build it, like Habitat-For-Humanity (Who's playing Jimmy Carter??!)
This shouldn't be just a pipe (or horn) dream!
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musicme
Citizen
Username: Musicme
Post Number: 424
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 30, 2003 - 9:41 am: | |
Jerry and AJC
If you get the space, I've got the PA for it.
Let me know....
a local night wouldn't hurt! |
mem
Citizen
Username: Mem
Post Number: 2527
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 30, 2003 - 9:44 am: | |
What do you call a drummer without a girlfriend?
Homeless.
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Chris Dickson
Citizen
Username: Ironman
Post Number: 947
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 30, 2003 - 1:18 pm: | |
Big Bad Jerry C: Did you get my PLs?
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JerryC
Citizen
Username: Jerryc
Post Number: 43
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Friday, January 2, 2004 - 9:45 am: | |
Chris, Not sure I know what you mean.
Musicme, thaks for the offer.
J |
musicme
Citizen
Username: Musicme
Post Number: 426
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 5, 2004 - 9:36 am: | |
Jerry, if you are interested in continuing a conversation off the board, you can reach me at night.mares@verizon.net |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 2273
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 5, 2004 - 4:12 pm: | |
Jerry, seeing your interest in drums, maybe you could help me out? I have an old drum set that I'm thinking about leaving set up on our stage... What do you think, good idea or bad? |
Duncan
Citizen
Username: Duncanrogers
Post Number: 1393
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 5, 2004 - 5:18 pm: | |
Art.. Im all over this idea.
Love to have a place for locals to assemble, informally, and play tunes.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take"
Wayne Gretzky |
Dawn Botti
Citizen
Username: Slushpuppy
Post Number: 14
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 6, 2004 - 4:47 pm: | |
Art: My husband and I are relative new-comers to Maplewood and active performing musicians. I was in Classic Frames the other day and the owner was telling me about your idea... I guess good news travels fast ! I am all over this and will do anything to support your endeavor !!!
Please feel free to call on me, to pick my brain on technical aspects as well as running a club or musical event or raid my "little black book" for press contacts or other performers, etc. I can tell you offline more about my experience though I'll admit that most of it is in the "rock" genre ... but please don't think rowdy "underage" kid shows -- my thing has been more organized benefit shows --usually 21+ -- local press coverage and sometimes even televised and/or with national sponsors. There are actually a bunch of us musicians that have found ourselves over the years without a home as we are "too old" (YIKES !...35 should not be considered OLD ! ) or better said "too sophisticated" for the rowdy "kid" three-chord power rock scene and yet don't want to just hear accoustic folk/singer/songwriters...... We want edge to our music !! I know many wonderful musicians and bands like this and it sounds like what you are proposing might be a perfect spot for us too in addition to jazz and blues fare.
(Think artists like Beck, Dido, Jeff Buckley)
Many of us also have our own NJ-based followings so that people not just from maplewood but surroudning areas would come out to support. Usually I have to drag my fan base into the city to perform at places like CBGB's Gallery or The Bitter End. I know some good sound guys too if you need any reccomendations. PLEASE USE ME !!! Ever since I moved to the "burbs" I have been feeling like my music career is shriveling (too much house work !) I would love to help you in any way I could. And any other musicians feel free to write me offline  (973-762-0336)
Dawn Botti
guitar, piano, singer, songwriter, rocker
(p.s. Anyone at St. James on New Year's Eve...I was the one who sang Janis Joplin with the band)
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ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 2278
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 7, 2004 - 9:58 am: | |
Dawn,
All of us are excited about all the different possibilities too.....
The business plan simply stated, is to provide a small venue, (97 Baker Street) for local performers. Some place where the community can hang out a few nights a week, have some coffee, light fare, dessert, and most importantly entertain and be entertained.
Thank you for your interest and support. We are still organizing our ideas and core group of partners, and will call you sometime this week.
Art
lover of guitar, piano, singer, songwriter, rocker, and all the other related Arts. "Here's To The Arts" |
JerryC
Citizen
Username: Jerryc
Post Number: 44
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 7, 2004 - 5:07 pm: | |
Art,
I'd be happy to take a look at the drum kit to let you know if it makes sense to leave it set up. Many clubs provide a "house" drum set so as to eliminate the need for a drummer to set up his/her own kit. If the drums you have are good, and if you plan to have music which more often than not includes a drummer it might make a lot of sense to leave them on stage.
Let me know if you want some help with this.
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ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 2288
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 7, 2004 - 11:16 pm: | |
Jerry,
Yes, thanks... please give me a call 973-762-8518, and I'll show them to you.
It's a Remo Legacy Set. The drums were left in a repo we recovered from a police pound about 12 years ago. For what ever reason, the owner never came to get them. |
NRL
Citizen
Username: Nrl
Post Number: 425
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 7, 2004 - 11:47 pm: | |
Guys and Gals, I just stumbled onto this thread. I would love to see a venue such as this. I would be willing to help out, contribute, donate or whatever to the cause. I had hoped it could be on SA to get the boost, but since Art has the space it makes sense to do it in the village.
Please let me know what I can do... |
ML1
Citizen
Username: Ml1
Post Number: 1456
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, January 8, 2004 - 9:19 am: | |
Art,
like NRL, I only checked out this thread by accident. (I was wondering how a musician's ad got so many responses). Maybe it's time to start a new thread on the topic so that more people will be made aware.
Would love to participate in this idea.
A brief anecdote to illustrate what kind of good things can come out of this type of idea:
I don't know if Art remembers this, but our band 3rd Gear got our start at one of his open mic nights at the train station last summer. The four members of the group got together there, and never having met, much less played together, played a set of music for the folks waiting for their trains. It was a great opportunity without pressure or expectations, to get together and try to make our way through a bunch of songs.
The four of us made a more or less instant connection, and with one personnel change, have been together ever since.
If that's the kind of idea you've got in mind, it would be a great thing. A sort of "musical laboratory" for Maplewood. |
Ukealalio
Citizen
Username: Ukealalio
Post Number: 347
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, January 8, 2004 - 3:54 pm: | |
Art-Having a set of drums is a terrific idea. A lot of clubs have what they call a , "back line set-up", which means they have a PA, a set of drums, a few Amps and possibly a keyboard. This makes it easy for the musicians to come into the club and not schlep a lot of equipment in and out of the place (which is a pain in the butt for not only the musicians but the club also). In a way having a set-up like this helps the club regulate the sound level, since you should pick equipment thats not going to over-power the room (one club I played at, Le Bar Bat in the city, had a lock on the bass amp volume-damn bass players).
I already saw that musicme has offered the use of a PA. Maybe some of the musicians in town have some gear that they can donate. If I had known about this 2 months ago, I would have donated a perfectly serviceable bass-amp which went to my drummers son.
In the end it comes down to what kind of support you get from the community. Their are plenty of musicians and artists in SOM and I think this can work.
Good Luck-I know I'll support you. |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 2305
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, January 10, 2004 - 12:05 am: | |
Thank you guys. We appreciate the support and positive comments.
Let me begin to introduce a few of the partners who will be involved in this venture. First let me introduce the other Art of “Here’s 2 the Arts”.
Back in the old days when Victor’s, 23 Valley Street, and Cryans were the hot spots in South Orange, some of you may remember "Amazing Art" and "Wonderful Willie", who were known as the “Cellar Dwellers.” Over the years they have played many local clubs, and in recent years have donated much of their time and talent to numerous charitable causes. As life long residents, their love of Maplewood and music have become legendary.
George Moore of Sound Ideas, is another partner… by George. He hails from nearby Short Hills, and has a wide range of experience in radio, sound design, and audio post production. George and his wife also have a flare for unusual and delicious culinary delights, which leads me to invite everyone to suggest what items they would like to see on the menu.
Ukealalio, thank you for your comments. Besides a set of drums we do plan to have a PA System, speakers, a few Amps, and a keyboard to keep on stage. As you said, this should make it easier for any musicians coming to the café. Because it’s a small place we will need to regulate the sound level so as not to blow anyone out the back door.
Ml1, I do remember you guys when you came to the train station. I’ve watched and read about your activities with almost a fatherly feeling of joy. We will expect you to be at the Café on opening night, and really appreciate your input as well.
Listen, the Performers Café is still a work in progress. For this reason we very much welcome input from anyone in town, but especially from musicians and performers.
Our goal is to eventually involve a total of ten individual partners in the venture. There are still a few openings for anyone interested in getting involved. |
JerryC
Citizen
Username: Jerryc
Post Number: 45
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, January 10, 2004 - 8:29 am: | |
Art, I know your "other Art" from a long time ago. We lived across the street from each other on Henry Pl back when I was playing drums as my full time gig.
Jerry |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 2306
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, January 10, 2004 - 11:00 am: | |
That's great Jerry... actually, Art is the one who expressed the original interest in us putting this all together.
Art and I are in the Maplewood Men’s Glee Club together, but the subject of opening a Performers Cafe never came up.
My wife and I were looking to sublet the store, but wanted to make sure it didn't go to another hair or nail salon. Then a few months ago, Bob Klein mentioned that Art and Willie had always wanted to open something like this in town, but wanted a partner.
I'm not a musician, but that was music to my ears. I love little business deals where you can put together a small group of investors with a common interest, and who are willing to work at it for the joy of it, rather than how much money they can make.
Please give me a call so I can show you these drums. Maybe we can also plan a meeting with all the other posters interested in sharing their ideas, and talk about what everyone would like to see happen at this venue. It doesn't cost anything to talk...
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Tom Reingold
Citizen
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 1683
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, January 10, 2004 - 9:52 pm: | |
Art, how can you say you're not a musician when you're a member of the men's glee club?
Tom Reingold the prissy-pants
There is nothing
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ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 2309
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, January 11, 2004 - 2:56 pm: | |
I guess it's because singing between the Basses and the Tenors, I find it difficult being a true Baritone... |
vocallee
Citizen
Username: Vocallee
Post Number: 10
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 10:35 am: | |
Please consider me a resource. There are a lot of things/specifics to pull something off that will last.
This past year I got involved with OSPAC in West Orange. For those of you that don't know, it is an outdoor venue just past Essex Green. Last year was the first season and it was very successful. See ospac.org. This summer they are having a Blues Festival and a Beatles Weekend to celebrate the 40th anniversary. They will also have a Jazz Fest again, featuring all the folks that Jerry C wants to hear. I've also suggested that we try to have a local artist performance to showcase original material.
And...let me know who some of your favorite Blues acts are... So far we've got Rob Paparozzi performing with Ed Palermo's Big Band. If you don't know or haven't seen Rob, I highly recommend Trumpets this Wednesday (tommorrow). Besides the best harpist around, you'll get to see my absolute favorite guitarist, Mr. Smooth...George Naha. Bailey Gee, on bass, great vocalist/player...is in my cover band. Frank Pagano on drums; I hope they let him sing a few.
Also...for those of you looking for a place to play...The Cricket Club in Irvington is really trying. Upstairs it's a polish discoteque, downstairs they have Blues on Friday nights. Real life is always the greatest. Nice stage, good sound. Parking is behind gates with someone watching the cars. Hopefully, I'll be sitting in on a few with David Keyes on 1/30.
And please...anyone with tunes. I'm looking for material! You can contact me at vocallee@hotmail.
Let it moove you, let it soothe you
All the more in 2004,
Lee
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magmasystems
Citizen
Username: Magmasystems
Post Number: 173
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 11:07 am: | |
The Cricket Club in Irvington
Didn't this used to be a heavy metal club? I have not listened to WSOU-FM in a while, but I think they used to advertise this heavily as being a local showcase for heavy metal.
Marc
www.millburnweb.com
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ros
Citizen
Username: Ros
Post Number: 114
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 1:14 pm: | |
Lee-
George is the greatest. He was assistant music director for the Inaugural Balls in 1989, plays wonderful R&B guitar, and has tells some of the best musician road stories you'll ever hear, especially his Sam and Dave tales(he worked with them for awhile)
I've had the pleasure of working with him (as well as Rob) off and on over the years |
vocallee
Citizen
Username: Vocallee
Post Number: 11
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 1:16 pm: | |
Yes...and I think it still is...but they are trying to feature Blues on Friday nights. Not many people know. It's surreal...
You walk into this huge room with unfamiliar disco music and a light ball hanging from the ceiling and think...this can't be real? No one around you speaks english but you can tell it's Slavik in nature. Venture in and find the steps to downstairs where the familiar sounds of Blues/R&B can be heard. Rob Paparozzi was there just after Christmas. There were maybe 8 people there to see these World Class musicians. |
Betty Crock
Citizen
Username: Mem
Post Number: 2609
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 1:30 pm: | |
lee,
My ex-beau used to sub for Rob a lot, so I got to know George pretty well. How is he? And his family? His brother wrote the screenplay for "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" - do you know if he is still doing this?
Thanks in advance if you have any answers.
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vocallee
Citizen
Username: Vocallee
Post Number: 12
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 6:33 pm: | |
ROS - Well then...we have similiar taste and measure. There are many scales ya know! I've had the opportunity to work with him as well and he is the greatest...and most humble...and yes...always ready with a Sam and Dave tale. Anyone that has played with Rob is going to be impressive. Please contact me at vocallee@hotmail.com so we might introduce ourselves one day soon. Or...maybe see you at Trumpets tomorrow night? Or maybe we know each other already? ( :
Betty - Please feel free to contact me at vocallee@hotmail.com. Would be happy to fill you in or put you in contact with him.
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