enjoy the Band
Jersey Jams has been on hiatus for a few months as a result of our correspondent winning a coveted internship with “Live at Lincoln Center” (what, a startup New Jersey web site wasn’t good enough for you?), but we are back with a look at, of all things, a band that shares not only our commitment to first class entertainment in the Groovin’ State, but also our name! Say hello to “enjoy” – the band.
My discovery of these lads came about in a venue called Cross and Orange in the new hip downtown area of Asbury Park. Engaged in hearty and lively conversation with the patrons around me, I was perfectly content and comfortable just chatting away. But then something happened. The temperature of the room went sky high as the first notes of a Van Morrison song shot out of the speakers. Conversations stopped mid-measure and the ladies started streaming onto the dance floor; three, four at a time, and others leading their men by the hand or by their ties. By the third or fourth song, the space was packed with gyrating adults and adult wanabees, singing along with popular tunes by several artists covering five decades of rock and roll, R & B, and country. A cover band that stayed true to the artists they represented, with vocals that sounded exactly like the singers being imitated.
In addition to the fare offered up on this day, they also have a recorded debut CD that features all originals, cleverly written and brilliantly performed.
As editor of eNJoynj.com, I have the pleasure of exploring the state for anything interesting, exciting and entertaining. Many of you know me by my other chosen profession, as New Jersey’s Rock & Roll Comedian. All that really means is that “I get it.” I know what people like when they go out for a night of fun, and I can flat out say… this band delivers. Below is the contact information you will need to find them. See if you don’t feel the same way I do. Like a sturgeon, they hooked me.
This summer, with a full slate of gigs up and down the state, you will have no trouble finding multiple opportunities to enjoy the Band.
@enjoytheband
The Beginning of Bob Dylan’s Career Through Photos
The Beginning of Bob Dylan’s Career Through Photos
By Victoria Corinne
There have been many classic artists who have paved the way for musicians to continue their legacy, but there is one who sticks out as a key icon, and that would be Mr. Bob Dylan. Not only is he a talented musician, but a poet who knows how to speak to the public through the tragedies and triumphs that life has to offer.
Monmouth University in Long Branch is currently honoring the legend through “Bob Dylan: Photos by Daniel Kramer,” which is an exhibit showcasing intimate rock photos of the singer-songwriter during the years 1964-1965. Daniel Kramer’s photography helped Dylan gain recognition in the early days of his career. Kramer eventually published a book titled Bob Dylan, which features an array of photos taken by himself, that changed the way fans and critics view the performer.
In a press release from the Pollak Gallery, Kramer’s work is described as having, “revealed the rising young star to international audiences,” and “set a standard by which all other rock portraits would be judged.” Kramer is known for bringing rock music and photojournalism into the same light during the 60s and 70s, especially for Dylan, with whom Kramer spent a year documenting his move from folk to rock music. Kramer has designed covers for some of Dylan’s most successful albums, Bringing It All Back Home (1965), Highway 61 Revisited (1965), and Biograph (1985). Rolling Stone magazine has referred to Kramer as “the photographer most closely associated with Bob Dylan,” and fans alike know of Daniel Kramer because he has successfully taken shots of Dylan that show him in the purest, most creative light. The exhibit was curated by the Grammy Museum and shows the relationship of Kramer and his iconic muse through photos.
Recently winning the Nobel Prize for Literature, “for having created new poetic expressions within the Great American song tradition,” this is a perfect time for the university to display the Dylan exhibit. This will give visitors, whether they’re fans or not, a look into the beginning of his iconic career. These photos will give the viewer the power to imagine his words, which led him to the position of the prestigious award.
The exhibit will continue to be on display at Monmouth University’s Pollak Gallery through December 20th and it is free and open to the public. Monmouth University is located at 400 Cedar Ave, West Long Branch, NJ 07764
Rock and Roll Comedy
Rock and roll has been funny for a very long time. There were the novelty songs from the 50’s like Purple People Eater and Polka Dot Bikini. There was the wit and sarcasm of John Lennon in the 60’s and as we all know, the 70’s and 80’s were prime time for “Weird” Al Yankovic and acts like Gary Mule Deer. The merging of music and comedy probably had its roots back in Caesar’s Palace and medieval England. The Fool would bring out a lute and serenade the court with songs about chastity belts and philandering knights. Of course, in those days if you did not please the King and his court, you were most likely beheaded. In the business that is what we call a tough crowd.
Cut to the present. “Weird” Al is as relevant as ever, witnessed by the huge sales and response to songs like “Tacky,” his play on Pharrell’s “Happy.” Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen, who are both known for doing marathon four-hour concerts, always slip in a funny tune or a story that sounds like something you would see on Comedy Central. Then in the 1980’s there was a comedy boom that changed the face of comedians everywhere and suddenly comics achieved the status of rock stars. Andrew Dice Clay, Sam Kinison and Richard Jeni were packing the clubs, theatres and arenas like Madison Square Garden. And in one of those clubs, right here in New Jersey, a career was born with a guitar and one word – EEYES! The venue was Bananas Comedy Club and the performer was Gary DeLena. And guess what folks…He’s back!
For one weekend only, on September 16 and 17, Gary DeLena will be bringing his groundbreaking comedy rock show to Hasbrouck Heights. This is a Do-Not-Miss opportunity. You will see Elvis, Richie Valens, the Animals, The Stones, Beatles, Troggs, Rod Stewart, Billy Joel, Simon and Garfunkel, Neil Young, the Who, Keith Urban, Willie Nelson, the Monkees, Carrie Underwear and Bill Clinton! (don’t ask, this you have to see for yourself). The music is flawless, a testament to Gary’s prowess on the guitar, the vocals are not what you’d expect from a comedian, and the lyrics are both relevant and relatable. And funny! Did I forget to mention funny?
Mr. DeLena has taken his act to Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center, Caroline’s and the Comedy Cellar in New York, the Improv and Comedy Store in LA, as well as theatres and clubs from London to Toronto and every US city from coast to coast.
On television he has rocked MTV, VH1, A&E, Fox, CBS, HBO and Showtime. With guitar in hand he has entertained thousands and those who’ve seen him, always come back for more.
Bananas Comedy Club has the distinction of being one of the original comedy venues in New Jersey, dating back to the early eighties. During the ensuing decades it has given a start to acts like Jerry Seinfeld, Ray Romano, Kevin James, Louis CK, Chris Rock and Jamie Foxx. It continues to present the top names in the business every Friday and Saturday night. This month is no exception. Fresh from a run at the Music Box Theatre at the Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, Gary is geared up and ready to rock you. And will he make you laugh? EEYES!
Bananas Comedy Club, Hasbrouck Heights
Sept. 16, Friday & Sept. 17, Saturday
www.bananascomedyclub.com
The Stone Pony: New Jersey’s Favorite Music Hub
The Stone Pony: New Jersey’s Favorite Music Hub
By Victoria Corinne
We are headed into the dog days of summer here at the Jersey Shore and just like every year around this time, there are a few things that will always remain certain: the beaches, boardwalks and towns are crowded with tourists and the line-up at The Stone Pony is absolutely rocking. Local or a visitor, music lovers alike know about the iconic Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ. From the history of the club to the famous rock stars like Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi, who got their start on the electrifying stage, the venue is known for giving you a musical experience that will leave you wanting more as soon as the performer sings the last note of their set. The best part about this summer’s schedule is the fact that they don’t stick to hiring just one similar genre to play the venue, but a plethora of different ones, which draws hundreds of thousands of unique music listeners daily.
With it only being the beginning of July, The Stone Pony has already seen the likes of artists such as The 1975, Carly Rae Jepsen, Borns, Steel Train and Bishop Briggs, who were all a part of the ‘Shadow of the City’ music festival back in mid- June. Jack Antonoff, lead singer of the band Bleachers, created the festival to ‘revitalize the world’s image of New Jersey as an artistic hub’ which was mentioned in a June 2015 Rolling Stone article. The Stone Pony strives to be a place where music comes alive, and with the 2nd SOTC festival being a success, I’m sure we will continue to see Antonoff and his crew come back to present a bigger and better festival each year. Another chart topping artist stopped by The Stone Pony just last week to play some sweet tunes. Singer-songwriter Jason Mraz graced The Stone Pony with his presence on Wednesday June 29th, where he performed with just his guitar. Mraz noted that the crowd at the Pony was “the best singing audience you ever heard,” making sure to thank everyone for ‘the love and beautiful harmonies’ on his Instagram page later that evening.
As the summer goes on, the stages at The Stone Pony will continue rocking with bands such as The Struts, Matisyahu, Jane’s Addiction, Dinosaur Jr., Umphrey’s McGee, Sugar Ray, The Lumineers, O.A.R, Deftones, Slightly Stoopid, Citizen Cope and so many more.
If you are looking for a summer full of good music, good vibes and a good view, look no further than The Stone Pony, where people of all ages can enjoy various genres of music while learning just how special the venue is to music lovers and historians galore.
The full schedule of performances along with times and ticket info can be viewed at The Stone’s Pony’s official page: http://stoneponyonline.com/index.html
ARTBEAST 2016
Rider University Students Prepare to Unleash the “Beast” at Annual Art Festival
By Victoria Corinne
Many of the articles that I write for eNJoy pertain to the university that I attend and the activities that we hold. I mainly choose to write about the events to not only get the word out, but because of how much work and passion that the students and faculty put into these shows, festivals, concerts and more.
Towards the end of every spring semester, Rider’s Art Management Association presents a Multi-Arts festival called Art Beast. The festival incorporates an array of arts activities and performances throughout the day on the campus grounds. Art Beast lets you unleash your inner artist in whichever way you choose. The theme for this year’s festivities is Art Beast: Global Edition! There will be opportunities for students to have their artwork on display around the festival site, and there will also be a tie-dying shirt table, a chance to win awesome prizes at the many game tents, food from “all over the globe”, an origami demonstration and chance to make your own origami shapes, a table where you can test your Chinese calligraphy abilities and much more!
One of the most special parts of the day is the live music and dance performances. The Arts Administration Ensemble will be rocking the crowd with several different covers from your favorite musicians such as The Beatles, Radiohead, Johnny Cash, Elle King and more. A few of the acapella groups around campus will also be performing along with members from Rider’s Dance Ensemble, and solo performances by our very own students.
Later in the evening, there will be a coffee house type of set-up that allows any student on campus to showcase whatever talent they may have.
“Coffee houses are one of my favorite events that Rider puts on. As someone who enjoys singing and music but isn’t pursuing it as a career, this allows me to still do what I love and just simply enjoy it. There are so many students here at Rider who want to perform but don’t have the platform to do so, and that’s where coffee house comes in handy,” said junior Education major Molly Hutchinson.
Following the coffee house portion of the evening, there will be a concert in our on-campus pub. Live in the Pub will feature different bands from around New Jersey to help us celebrate the wonderful world of music. Bands included are The Stolen, Save Face, Jean Pool, Feeny and Pete Zengerle. The performance will be held in Rider’s Pub, which is on the bottom floor of the Bart Luedeke Center at 8 PM.
Art Beast: Global Edition is a free event and will be held outside the Bart Luedeke Center at Rider University on April 22nd. Festivities start at 3 PM and go until you’re feeling like you can take on the world!