River View Observer March 1-March 15, 2023

HUDSON HAPPENINGS

Pro Arts Jersey City announces a new exhibit:

Flora & Fauna

Juror: Linda Streicher

Juror’s Statement: The term, flora and fauna, identifies plants and animals associated within a particular region, environment, or period. The interdependence of plants and animals upon each other and their habitats to survive helps us appreciate life. It is no wonder that throughout the ages artists have depicted flora and fauna to express themes of time, renewal, decay, the environment, and humanity.

This exhibit coincides with the first day of spring, a time of hope and possibilities. It is also a time when we

shake off the cold, reflect upon the past, and prepare for the future. The artists submitted work using flora and/ or fauna to express their relationship with the natural world. The works can range from personal joy and beauty or communal awareness and fear.

Linda Streicher is an artist, architect, and adjunct professor at St Elizabeth University. She received her MFA in Fine Arts from the School of Visual Arts in 2020, and a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1993. She has practiced architecture in Philadelphia,

San Francisco and New Jersey while continuing her art practice for thirty years. Linda has curated exhibits in New Jersey for Mondo Contemporary in Summit, ArtSpace in Morristown, and Studio Montclair in Montclair.

Participating Artists: Josephine Barreiro, Guillermo Bublik, Pam Cooper, Dorie Dahlberg, Peter Delman, Eileen Ferara, Jodie Fink, Bennett Gewirtz, Donna Greenberg, Cheryl Gross, Susan Evans Grove, Frank Ippolito, Beatrice Mady, Kevin McCaffrey, Brian McCormack, Adrian Menichelli, Christy OConnor, Steven J Patton, Laurie Pettine, Deborah Pohl, Clara Richardson, Bill Rybak,

Gale Sasson, DarylAnn Saunders, Leslie Sheryll, Francisco Silva, Joel Simpson, Joan Sonnenfeld, Brad Terhune, andAnn Vollum.

More information please contact Dorie Dahlberg at contact. proarts@gmail.com

If You Go: Flora & Fauna

Juror: Linda Streicher

Dates: March 3 – 26, 2023

Opening Reception: Friday, March 3, 5–9 PM

During JCFridays

Location: ART150 Gallery

150 Bay St. Jersey City, NJ 07302

Entrance is on the corner of Provost & 1st Gallery is wheelchair accessible.

Melissa@VRIHomes.com VRIHOMES.com

Cell:201779-2842

Fax 201-823-2810

Melissa.VRIHomes.com

Josephine Barreiro.

Cheryl Gross. Joel Simpson

FORMER DOWNTOWN JERSEY CITY RESIDENT

THE LATE SAL PIRO, THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW SUPERFAN

By Tris McCall

Richard O’Brien, Tim Curry, and Susan Sarandon made the Rocky Horror Picture Show a hoot.

Sal Piro made it a phenomenon.

He did not do it from the screen, or from the director’s chair, or from behind a camera, or from the offices of a movie studio. The Jersey City native did it from the audience. Piro, who died at 71 after a highly unusual and consequential career in show business, spent decades as the president of the Rocky Horror Picture Show Fan Club. In that role, he helped transform fandom from the passive activity it had been into the creative act that it is today — something akin to artistry.

“He was a brilliant person,” testifies his younger sister Lillias Piro, who grew up with him on Brunswick Street in Jersey City’s Downtown. “He was going to be a priest. He had a scholarship to enter the seminary, but the thing that made him happiest was always the movies. He loved musicals, he loved theater, and he shared that love with everyone. He certainly shared that love with me.”

Sal Piro wasn’t the first viewer to shout a witticism back to the screen during a showing of the 1975 satirical musical and midnight movie. But he was the one who encouraged,

organized, and sometimes choreographed the growing crowd response. He was the master of ceremonies with kind words for the growing community of obsessive Rocky Horror repeat viewers — the leader on the floor whose elaborate routines before and after the lights went down swiftly took on the character a parallel event.

He also provided a welcoming environment for offbeat individuals who hadn’t always been encouraged to express themselves. Dressing up and attending a midnight movie was great fun, of course. But it was also an act of courage.

“People may not remember: the Village wasn’t too friendly in 1977,” recalls Lillias Piro. “My brother’s life was threatened. There were known gangs of thugs attacking and killing gay people.”

Sal Piro’s search for a safe home for the Rocky Horror experience prompted him to shepherd the community from the embattled Waverly Theatre on 6th Avenue in Manhattan to the Orion Theater in Queens, and finally back to Manhattan and the 8th Street Playhouse in 1979. There it would stay for decades and become a cornerstone of New York City entertainment — as entrenched as The Fantastiks, or the Bronx Bombers, or carriage rides in Central Park.

Lillias Piro was part of the experience. Her big brother first took her to see Rocky Horror at the Waverly Theater when she was thirteen. She became a founding member of the Fan Club, and eventually a member of the 8th Street Players, the group of talented performers who put on Rocky Horror-themed shows of their own at the theater. It wasn’t exclusively a LGBTQ+ scene: luminaries, weirdos, and zany characters of all kinds were drawn to that lipsticked leer. But the importance of Rocky Horror to the growing gay community in the Village is tough to overstate. It wasn’t merely

Sal and Lillas Piro a matter of visibility. It was about finding a safe place to play.

“So many of the people who came to Rocky Horror credited Sal with saving their lives,” says Lilias. “Sal was always so accepting, so funny, and kind to everyone. There were transgender kids who were prostituting themselves and didn’t know where to go. They found a home with Rocky Horror.”

enshrinement in the Library of Congress for its historical significance. Many of the customary components of 21st century fandom, including cosplay, fanfiction, direct interaction with stars and creators, and meticulous attention to minor storytelling detail, were anticipated by Rocky Horror obsessors. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is now recognized as one of the most successful standalone films in cinema history, grossing hundreds of millions of dollars. Not bad for a lighthearted spoof of ‘50s monster movies — and not something that would’ve happened without Sal Piro.

“The crowd participation was never mockery,” says Lillas Piro. “For Sal, Rocky Horror was love at first sight. The music from the film is superb. That’s what really turned Sal on — Sal and countless others. Tim Curry’s performance is great. Over the years we’ve tried to watch out for the integrity of it because what we created in the ‘70s is so important for so many people.”

“Rocky Horror is a satire, but the filmmakers didn’t write it for people to scream back at it. If you watch Rocky Horror without the audience, it can lag. When I saw it on television, I realized that there were a lot of pauses in it. It’s almost like it was waiting to be yelled at.”

It was waiting for Sal Piro.

From 8th Street, Rocky Horror bloomed. MTV and VH1 sent cameras to chronicle the party. The fandom grew, and so did the international reach of Rocky Horror: there were conventions, parodies, revivals, eventual Sal and Lillas Piro photo http://www.rockyhorrorwiki. org/

Jersey City’s Newest Three Brand Restaurant

Ribbon Cutting

In attendance for the

February 16th Ribbon

Cutting and Grand

Opening of Jersey City’s Newest Three Brand

Restaurant (Center)

Jersey City Mayor Steve

Fulop,Assia Wilson

Owner/ Operator (far left) Mike Coogan

Company rep Cold Stone / Blimpie / Great

Steaks

Mira Prinz-Arey

Councilwoman ward B

Denise Ridley

Councilwomen Ward A and far right restaurant employee.

The Three Brand Restaurant featuring a Blimpie, Great Steak and Cold Stone Creamery is located in the Greenville Section of Jersey City at the Suburan Drive Strip Mall (next to Acme)

321 Route 440 the restaurants are open from 11am to 9pm 7 days a week.

551-225-3416

On Friday February 24th the Bayonne Chamber of Commerce along with the City of Bayonne and the Bayonne UEZ, held the Annual Chili Cook Off. The first held since 2019 due to COVID closure.

Pictured (L to R) Jack Kennedy, Janet Coviello, 2nd Ward Bayonne Councilwoman Jacqueline Weimmer, 3rd Ward Bayonne Councilman Gary LaPelusa, Bayonne 1st Ward Councilman, Neil Carroll, Renata

Swierzbinski, Michelle Byrd, Bayonne Councilman at-Large

Juan M. Perez, Lisha Smerda, Annette Rubin, Tish Kraszyk and Andrew Perera, from Andrew’s Cafe in Bayonne.Not pictured Cindy Guarini and Jackie Farber of the Bayonne UEZ. Bayonne Chamber Committee proudly wore their Chili CookOff Crew T-Shirts for the event which brought out a large participation

The Division of Transportation Planning has partnered with a team of NYU Wagner graduate students to develop the Jersey City Greenway Connectivity Plan that will help the City provide connections in our existing and proposed future greenway network. The plan will focus on connections between greenways and between greenways and Jersey City’s bike lanes, sidewalks, parks, and other key destinations. The Greenway Connectivity Plan wouldlike to hear from the public March 2, 2023 (InPerson):6:30 – 8:30pm 4 Jackson Square (39 Kearney Avenue) https://docs.google. com/forms/d/

Hudson Happenings

Fulop Administration Further Elevates Arts & Culture in Jersey City with Powerhouse Partnership to Create NJ’s Largest Visual Arts Event

First Annual Jersey City Art Week Announced for October 11-15

Mayor Steven M. Fulop recently joined the Office of Cultural Affairs and Art Fair 14C Executive Director Robinson Holloway to announce the premier of Jersey City Art Week – a new partnership between Jersey City’s largest visual arts events.

The Jersey City Art and Studio Tour (JCAST) and Art Fair 14C are joining forces to host concurrent events in October, creating a super-sized visual arts experience that will showcase Jersey City’s vibrant arts and culture scene.

Jersey City Art Week will attract local, national, and international artists to

Jersey City alongside fine art exhibitors.

“By leveraging the strong relationships we have built over the years with our artists and arts organizations, especially Art Fair 14C, we can really amplify our impact and showcase our talented artists on a much bigger stage. By combining forces, we will create the biggest and best arts and culture event on the East Coast, bar none. This event will attract residents and visitors from throughout the region to come to Jersey City for the arts and stay for everything we have to offer,” said Mayor Fulop.

The combination of JCAST and Art Fair 14C

will elevate the entire visual arts ecosystem.

Jersey City Art Week will be a premier arts and culture event with open studios, gallery receptions, and curated exhibitions. The fifth edition of Art Fair 14C serves as the centerpiece of the week’s events.

The inaugural Jersey City Art Week will also host the renowned Conference of the International Sculpture Center (ISC), bringing the annual conference hosted by the New Jersey-based organization to our state for the first time. The conference will draw hundreds of prominent sculptors and three-dimensional artists from around the world to Jersey City and contribute unique programming for Art Week.

For 33 years, JCAST has been a celebrated City-run event highlighting art and the creative process every

year and attracting residents and visitors from all over the region with free curated tours, art demos, and panel discussions featuring artists, arts organizations, and collectives from all over Jersey City.

Last year, JCAST featured more than 650 artists at over 125 locations spanning the entire City.

To read the entire article visit www.riverviewobserver.net

Piero’s Music Presents JACK GRACE

The man slings more than a few sparks from his big hollow -body Gibson.

What sets his songs apart from the rest of the country or alt-country scene is his laugh-outloud absurdist witNewYork Free Press

If You Go: Jack Grace

March 18 doors open at 7pn Show at 8pm Piero’Music

942 Broadway, Bayonne tickets available online and in store

Hudson Happenings

Hardgrove Cafe

Hudson Hound

Jersey City

Just Beclaws

Kimchi Guys

King of Kobe

Lantham House

Light Rail Cafe

Luna

Winter dining heats up in one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the US with the return of Jersey City Restaurant Week

The Jersey City Restaurant Association is hosting its annual Restaurant Week for Winter March 4th-18th

Participating

Restaurants

Ani Ramen House

Barge Inn

Bricklane Curry House

Cherry’s Lounge

Bar & Grill

East Hudson Cafe

Freetown Road

Project

Eatery

Pasta Dal Curore

The Ashford

The Franklin

Tino’s Artisan Pizza Co

Waffle Cafe

Würstbar

If You Go

Varies Throughout Jersey City

March 4th-March 18th

More information visit https://jcrestaurantweek.com/

Joe Waks

Parade of Values

Defender of Freedom

New Contemporary

Outside Artist Dollhaus II Presents

12 New Paintings

JoeWaks calls himself a “NEO SOCIO ABSURDIST” Artist Waks influences are Pop Artists like Andy Warhol, Roy Lichenstein, Richard Hamilton and Edward Ruscha.

The artist’s process starts with collecting newspaper advertisements from the 1950’s through the 1970’s. He then creates collages using these newspaper images and adheres them to the canvas.

Like the themes presented in the paintings, the way in which Waks produces them presents a paradox.

The ideas behind the works are borne of the mundane detritus of workaday existence and at firstglance look like they were printed using a mechanized process.

Each work consists of thousands of tiny, painstakingly applied brushstrokes that reveal undulating nooks and crannies seemingly made not of

fine oil color and wax compound but of viscous black ooze! The kind of material shipped by barge boatsto be dumped in some far away land, not used to produce works of art.

Waks makes no secret of his process, when he paints, he is more or less “painting by numbers.” He feels that his works demonstrate a test of will as much as it is an artistic process.

If You Go:

Joe Waks

Parade of Values

Defender of Freedom Dollhaus II

23 Cottage Street, Bayonne NJ

Friday March 3rd-

Sunday April 9th 2023

Opening reception:

Friday March 3rd 5-9pm masks optional but encouraged

MFL FOUNDATION CANCER PREVENTION CASINO NIGHT

Hosted by Janice Hall & Cindi Sisk-Galvin Satruday March 4th,2023

Salumeria Ercolano

1072 Westside Avenue

Jersey City

Includes $100.play money for Gambling or raffles

7pm-11pm

Hors d’oeuvres & Gourmet Buffet Beer,wine,Presecco bar

Music & Entertainment Tickets $150. www.mflfloundation.com

Carol@mflfoundaiton. com

Mflfoundationevents@ gmail.com

PIERO’S MUSIC FOR MINIS

Join Elyse Carafa for group music lessons for preschool children aged 2-4 Our classes aim to be fun, collaborative and inspire passion for muic.

Call 201-4370322 to reserve your child spot today

One adult per child $25 per class

JC FRIDAYS MARCH 3rd Features Art Exhibitions, Open Studios, Live Music Performances, and More

Art House Productions announces the lineup for our upcoming JC Fridays on Friday, March 3. Jersey City’s premiere quarterly arts festival will showcase a variety of happenings free to the public including visual art exhibitions, music performances, studio tours, and more hosted at local businesses, galleries, and arts organizations. Visitors are encouraged to travel place to place to discover art and to support the local arts scene. Full event listings and the event map are available on the JC Fridays website - www. jcfridays.com.

JC Fridays is a seasonal multi-arts festival featuring arts-related events that take place in all 6 wards of Jersey City. All events are free and open to the public. As one of the preeminent art scenes in the tristate area, Jersey City is abound with visual and performing artists of all types, musicians, and individuals with unique talents. JC Fridays is one of the best times for them to share their newest projects and works.

Printable event listings can be found here. An interactive map is available online (www. jcfridays.com) to help patrons easily find artists and venues and create their own schedule.

The Current Lineup Includes…

175 2nd St., &CO, X Rita Jimenez Collab, the Art House Gallery, Bill Rood, Bruno

Nadalin, Drawing Rooms, Dvora Art House, Elevator Open Studios, Evening Star Studio, Grayscale Studios x Golden Light Poetry, Green Pear Heights, Guaicora Studios and The Juice Box, Hamilton House, Irma’s Cafe, McGinley Square Pub, NJCU, The Oakman, Outliers Gallery, Pro Arts Jersey City, Project Greenville, Saint Peter’s University, Sharon (sharex) Sinton, SMUSH Gallery, Speakeasy Studios JC, The Statuary, Theda Sandiford, & More!

JC Fridays Highlights by NeighborhoodMarch 3rd, 2023

The Heights Green Pear Heights 93 Franklin Street, Jersey City, NJ 07307

Lauren Sansaricq - Landscapes

Friday, March 3, 5:30pm-9:30pm

Green Pear Heights

invites you to experience Lauren Sansaricq’s visual arts exhibit Landscapes. This exhibition features landscapes exposing beauties of the Hudson Valley. Miss Sansaricq received academic training in drawing and painting at the Grand Central Academy of Art in NYC.

Bergen-Lafayette

Grayscale and Chill in collaboration with Golden Light Poetry

430 Communipaw Ave

unit D-4D, Jersey City, NJ Friday, March 3, 6pm-9pm

Grayscale and Chill in collaboration with @ goldenlightpoetry is an Open Mic night, art show, and shopping event with 10 available open mic slots for any live art medium. Guests will be able to shop with local JC vendors, view art from multiple local artists, and take photographs in Grayscale’s gorgeous Studio A while networking and creating connections that could last for a moment or a lifetime. Light refreshments will be served!

Greenville

Good To Be Back Home

128 Winfield Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07305

Project Greenville

Friday, March 3, 4pm-7pm

After recently being invited to host a show in Downtown Jersey City, it’s good to be home again; and Project Greenville welcomes everyone back to Greenville at their Winfield Avenue location! Come visit their turn of the century home on Friday March 3rd during their annual indoor, salon-style group art show with live music and neighborhood treats from local Greenville businesses. Check out Project Greenville on social media for full lists of participants!

Historic Downtown

Fabric Rope Making Workshop

150 Bay Street Studio 231, Jersey City, NJ 07305

Theda Sandiford

Friday, March 3, 6pm-8pm

Learn to use old textiles or scrap fabric and turn it into rope. The process is easy, slightly addictive, and most definitely meditative. Join Theda Sandiford in making rope for an installation at Governors Island in the Summer of 2023 which is about hair. Materials will be provided.

Journal Square

Tiny Scenes of Everyday Things and More

755 Montgomery St, Jersey City, NJ 07306

McGinley Square Pub

Friday, March 3, 6pm-10pm

Check out this amazing art collection at McGinley Square Pub. Each artist captures a specific medium of common activities or feelings of living in an urban environment. Items are renditions of feelings or emotions creating a unique interactive experience for each participant.

West Side Firoz Mahmud: Early Episodes II Exhibit

100 Culver Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07305

NJCU Visual Arts

Gallery

Friday, March 3, 4pm-7pm

This solo exhibition of mixed media works on paper by Bangladeshartist Firoz Mahmud,

born, New York-based engages his cultural and political heritage, touching on themes like war and conflict, legacies of the Bengal region, and dreams of immigrant families in new lands. Most of these works depict the social past, evidence of things left behind, Islamism, history, myth, and beliefs of the past.

Art House Productions is committed to accessibility and inclusivity in all the public programming presented by our organization. A list of wheelchair accessible events can be found here: www.jcfridays. com/blog/categories/ wheelchair-accessible

ABOUT ART HOUSE PRODUCTIONS

Art House Productions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to the development and presentation of the performing and visual arts in Jersey City, NJ. Art House Productions presents theater, performing and visual arts festivals, arts events, visual art exhibitions, and adult and youth art classes. For more information about our programs, please visit www.arthouseproductions.org or stop by the Arts Center at 345 Marin Boulevard in Jersey City. Follow on social media @arthouseproductions @ arthouseprods To sign up for Art House’s mailing list, please click here: http://eepurl.com/ hd1FCj.

HUDSON HAPPENINGS

Jersey City Office of Cultural Affairs and Poet Laureate of Jersey City, Ann Wallace

Present Poetry of Crisis and Community for Earthquake

Jersey City’s Office of Cultural Affairs and Poet Laureate of Jersey City, Ann E. Wallace present Poetry of Crisis and Community on March 2, 2023 at 7PM at Froth on Franklin in Jersey City Heights. This benefit event is part of National Women’s History Month. The admission of $10 will benefit the Earthquake Relief Efforts in Turkey and Syria by Doctors Without Borders. Register for this event at: http://bit. ly/3Em8VG5.

A Women’s History Month Poetry Reading featuring Jersey City Poet Laureate, Ann

Wallace, Theta Pavis, Madhuri Pavamani, and Crystal Letters.

The month of March is Women’s History Month, which highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. Poetry of Crisis and Community serves as an event bringing together our community while benefiting the Earthquake Relief Efforts in Turkey and Syria during their time of crisis.

RSVP in advance for this event:

http://bit.ly/3Em8VG5

River View Observer 201-349-4336

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, March 5, 4pm, Exhibit Event: Pastor Elaine Thomas, Rector of All Saints Episcopal Parish. Author of “The Mile Square Cathedral: The Church as Community Healer.”

Thursday, March 9, online only, livestreamed at 7pm: Hoboken Talks. Pastor Shirley M. Dennis of Go Ye Therefore Ministries, Inc. is interviewed by La Trenda Ross. The Hoboken Library is hosting a live Watch Party in their main branch at 500 Park Ave, in the large programming room on the lower level.

Sunday, March 12, 4pm, Exhibit Event: Janet Ayala,

survivor of the fire on April 30, 1982 at the Pintor Hotel at 151 14th St that killed 13 people, including 7 children. “The Fires” exhibit curator Christopher López will be present.

Sunday, March 19, 4pm: Remembrance ceremony and dedication of plaque for museum founder Jim Hans.

Sunday, March 26, 4pm, Exhibit Event: Bill Bayer, photographer for the Hudson Dispatch newspaper during the time of the fires.

In conjunction with our Main Gallery exhibit, “The Fires: Hoboken 1978-1982,” the Museum is pleased to present the work of Pierce Logan of QWERT Poetry in our new Upper Gallery exhibit, “From a Yuppie’s Typewriter,” from February 26 through Sunday, April 2.

Did You Know...

•The bird on the Twitter logo is named “Larry.” He was named after the basketball player Larry Bird, who played for the Boston Celtics.

•A duel between three people is called a “truel

•The closest relative to bears are seals

•A group of goldfish is called a “troubling

•Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” has her own mailbox at the Louvre because of all the love letters she receives.

• Due to Covid-19 lockdowns, deodorant sales declined, and ice cream sales soared

•Though not commonly used, the day after tomorrow is called “overmorrow

•Riding or sitting on a sea turtle in the United States is a 3rd degree felonY

Now you Know...

THE ART HOUSE GALLERY PRESENTS “MOMENTS AND MEASURE” NEW WORK BY MARK KURDZIEL

Art House Productions (Executive Director Meredith Burns, Gallery Director Andrea McKenna) is proud to present new work by Mark Kurdziel in the Art House Gallery, March 3 through March 26, 2023. Kurdziel is an artist based in Jersey City using oil paint and oil distemper. His work combines plastic pictorial ideas and personal poetic concerns by using form, color, and space through metaphor to express the poetry, mystery, and melancholy of our shared existence. The upcoming exhibition at the Art House Gallery represents Kurdziel’s newest work from the last several years. The exhibition runs from March 3 through

March 26 with a reception on Saturday, March 4, 5:00pm to 8:00pm.

A brief preview for the show will be held on March 3 for JC Fridays from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. More information at www.jcfriday.com

Curator Andrea McKenna says, “When looking at Mark’s work, the first thing I notice is his use of color. The deep saturation of hues draws you into a mythical narrative made up of everyday objects, creating a beautiful view into the artist’s personal world.”

All works will be for sale in the Art House Gallery at The Hendrix at 345 Marin Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07302. Art House Gallery exhibitions are always free

and open to the public. Large print for all literature regarding our exhibitions and tactile and descriptive tours are available upon request. Email Andrea McKenna for more information at gallery@arthouseproductions.org.

To stay up to date on all Art House events, sign up for the mailing list here here: http://eepurl.com/hd1FCj

ABOUT MARK KURDZIEL

“Mark Kurdziel’s new paintings reveal the mythological in the ordinary: a party, a fish tank, a domestic cat. His women are hieratic. The flatness of their appearance on the canvas makes them Egyptian goddesses, or Greek Kouroi, or the formal erotic shapes of the sculptures of Khajuraho. These women are his link with the past- his own painterly past and the roots of painting. But just in case you thought to get too serious, there’s a touch of Fat Freddie’s Cat sniffing in the old fish store: mischief amongst the mystery. The ruling goddess is desire Like all of Mark Kurdziel’s unique work,

the imagist language is his own while being deeply rooted in painterly traditions from the papyri through abstract expressionism. Mark Kurdziel is an American painter true to global roots. This current show is a step into territory that combines the traditional and the contemporary in a way that acknowledges the alienation of the modern without losing touch with the richness of the past. This is powerful work.” ----Desmond Barry, author of: The Chivalry of Crime, A Bloody Good Friday, and Cressida’s Bed. His shorter prose has appeared in The New Yorker and Granta. For more information about Mark and his work, go to his website - www.markkurdziel. com

MAKING MUSIC

The Righteous Brothers May 17, 2023 Bergen Performing Arts Center

By L. Kent Wolgamott

Sixty years ago, Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield were having fun singing in Los Angeles rock ‘n’ roll vocal groups. But Medley never thought that, well into the 21st century, he’d still be with the Righteous Brothers, singing many of those early-1960s songs.

“When Bobby and I first started, rock ‘n’ roll was considered a fad at that point,” Medley said. “We had some West Coast hits from ‘63-’65. We thought, ‘we’ll ride it out until the fad’s over and we’ll go back to driving a truck.”

Now 82, Medley’s never had to get behind the wheel of a Peterbilt or Mack. In fact, because of COVID, he had the longest time off from performing in six decades.

“Thank God, we’re out and the audiences are out, getting back to some sort of normal,” said Medley, who is singing with his new Righteous Brother partner Bucky Heard. “I’m kind of a one-trick pony. All I can do is perform.”

Off the road for the first time in 55 years and performing only by livestream while quarantined at his California home, Medley had surgery to remove a cancerous growth from his throat in May 2020, then, in June, Paula, his wife of 35 years, passed away after a five-year

battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Medley’s voice, he said, is fine. He can even hit some higher notes than before the surgery.

First together in a group called the Paramours, bass Medley and tenor Hatfield became the Righteous Brothers in 1963, and the next year had a couple L.A. area hits with “My Babe,” and “Little Latin Lupe Lu” that were big enough to land them an opening spot for the Beatles. Then the duo hooked up with “Wall of Sound” producer Phil Spector and found the Barry Mann-Cynthia Weil song, “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling.”

“We knew it was a great song,” Medley said. “But after it was recorded, we didn’t have a clue it was going to do what it was going to do. It was a 4-minute song and in those days, songs were 2-, 2½-minutes long. I sounded like I was on the wrong

continued to perform until Hatfield died of a heart attack in a Kalamazoo, Michigan hotel room prior to a 2003 concert. This seemingly ended the Righteous Brothers, but, in 2016, Medley reformed the group with Heard stepping into Hatfield’s role.

I think everything wrong with it made it a special song.”

“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” now radio’s most played song ever, propelled the Righteous Brothers to a new level.

“‘Lovin’ Feeling’ was a huge national hit and we were doing ‘Shindig,’ a national TV show at the same time,” the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member said. “Those two things are what got us there.”

Medley, who got thrown into producing the duo’s early singles “because nobody else wanted to do it” ended up producing the Righteous Brothers’ next big hit.

“Every disc jockey in the country flipped it over and I’d produced a hit record,” Medley said.

The Righteous Brothers, who had another handful of hits, split up in 1968 when Medley left to pursue a solo career. But they regrouped in 1974, and

“I wasn’t looking to reform the Righteous Brothers, but I had a lot of friends and industry people telling me I should do it,” he said. “When I heard Bobby, I thought ‘if I ever get to do it, he’s the guy.’ Because we were already good friends. That’s a key part of putting the puzzle together.”

The Righteous Brothers will, of course, do all their hits in their concerts, as “Lovin’ Feeling,” “Unchained Melody,” “(You’re My) Soul and Inspiration” and “Rock and Roll Heaven” bring in multiple generations of fans to Righteous Brothers shows.

“I feel so grateful the audience still wants to come out and hear these songs,” he said. “The audience is really what keeps the excitement alive. When you walk out on stage, you feel like you’re 25 years old anyway. When the audience reacts, it’s kind of like a magical, out-ofbody experience. It’s a real wonderful feeling.”

If You Go

Bergen PAC

30 N Van Brunt St, Englewood, NJ 07631, United States https://www.jambase. com/show/the-righteous-brothers-bergenperforming-arts-cen-

This Friday and Saturday

March 3rd & 4th from 4pm-7pm

Project Greenville is delighted to be hosting many talented artists in their intimate space (including live music by Sofia Oro ( @sofiaoromusic ) on Saturday at 6pm) in the turn of the century house at 128 Winfield Avenue (between Old Bergen-Ocean)...

On offer will be--besides our modest table of refreshments, some from local Greenville businesses--paintings, drawings, sculpture, textile work, photography, mosaic and more by:

•Sidney Acosta (@yay4love)

•Natasha Arbelo (@ moonspirit_211)

•Artistic Afro (@artisticafro)

•Deidre Callaghan (@ deecallhn)

•Christine (@ christinewasawesome)

•Carla D’Augustine (@ carladaugustine)

•Jim Fallon (@jimfallon4)

•Danielle Haskins (@ danielleh1219)

•Anna Kasperowitz (@ vedma_veslu)

•Jim Legge (@1jimlegge)

•Michelle Alexandra Mayer (@Mischlingwala) michellealexandramayer.com

Pat Olsen

Lucy Rovetto (@lucyrovetto)

Bethe Schwartz Separ8tor (@ portraits_of_hue)

Anthony Sienkiewicz

Elsie Sienkiewicz

Susan Sienkiewicz (@susan. sienkiewicz)

Athena Toledo (@flora.athens)

And our musical guest, Ms. Sofia Oro (@sofiaoromusic)

185 BROADWAY (Bet. 6th & 7th Street) AND MEET OUR STAFF

WE CAN HELP YOU WITH ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS!! LANDLORDS!!!

At no cost to you, we will: ADVERTISE your rental. CREATE a Virtual Tour of your rental. PROVIDE Qualified Tenants!

TENANTS!! NEED A PLACE TO CALL HOME??

We have something for everyone! 1,2,3 and 4 bedroom apartments available- Rents ranging from $950-$2400

ATTENTION HOME OWNERS! Looking to sell?? Call for a free Market Analysis Today!!

BUYERS!!!!

TIRED OF RENTING?? WANT TO OWN YOUR OWN HOME? We can help you find your dream home!

201-823-2800

MIXED USE

BUILDING

BROADWAY, BAYONNE

This is a great investment opportunity –right in the heart of town! Two 2 BR apartments and a commercial space of approximately 1,000 Sq. Ft. This is a well maintained building with many recent updates. All separate utilities, including newer furnaces and hot water heaters. Call for more information on other upgrades.

201-437-0411

CONSIDERING A SHORE RENTAL

201-437-0411

You

THIS SUMMER?

867 Broadway, Bayonne

Visit our website at www.exitonthehudson.com

Nice Living room and dining area, kitchen has stainless appliances. Primary Bedroom has sliding doors out to a terrace. Modest taxes. Call today for all the details.

Asking$699,000

Asking $325,000

Condo For Sale

Make an appointment

NEW LISTING!

5 UNITS + STORE + PRKG

JERSEY CITY

HEIGHTS

Excellent corner property with 3 car parking in the heart of Jersey City Heights. Property is near all transportation such as the light rail, bus services, cab services, and city bikes. Many nearby restaurants, grocery stores, and shopping centers. Easy access to New York City.

ample closet space. Convenient to West Bergen section of Jersey City. Be an owner in this great location.

Callforpricing+moredetails

Asking $155,000

Independently Owned & Operated by Annette Rubin

Independently Owned & Operated by Annette Rubin

867 Broadway, Bayonne Visit our website at www.exitonthehudson.com natural light!

Our office can put you in touch with our affiliate offices in Ocean & Monmouth counties to make sure you have a reputable agent to work with! Let us help you find that wonderful & relaxing spot to enjoy this summer!

NEW LISTING!

Bayonne Rental REDUCED!

Move right into this well maintained 1 bedroom apartment with a bonus office –great for working from home.

2 CAR PARKING This 8 bedroom property is in good condition and is located just a short distance to shopping and to the Hudson Bergen Light Rail. Receive two rents while occupying one unit. Parking is for two cars a plus!

Gleaming hardwood Floors, kitchen with stainless appliances.

3 BR, 2 BATH RENTAL DOWNTOWN, BAYONNE

Hot water included in rent. Close to shopping and transportation. $1450 per month

Asking$849,000

MEDICAL OFFICE

One Family

BAYONNE

Come view this one and 1 bath.

Convenient to shopping, restaurants, parks and major Transportation. This home offers new central air and hot water heater, hardwood floors with carpeting in the bedrooms. There is an attached garage with parking for two cars.

Fully furnished, move-inready office is on the ground floor at the rear of 924 Broadway - corner of 44th Street. There are three exam rooms, 2 offices, large bathroom, front area with reception and nice sitting area. Central heating and cooling. All the utilities are included. Office is equipped with multiple computers, televisions, phones, medical equipment, weight scales, exam room tables, and furniture - all of which is included in the rent.

“Charming home to make your own”

Asking$2,000permonth

Asking $399,900

This newly renovated 1 bedroom apartment includes a brand new kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite counters. Renovated bathroom and nice hardwood floors throughout. Unit is on the first floor. Secure building with key entry, intercom and elevator. There is a Washer/ Dryer room and storage available. Centrally located in the City of Bayonne –make an appointment to see this today!

Contemporary apartment with generous sized bedrooms, spacious living room, ample closets; eatin sized kitchen with granite counters. New stainless refrigerator, newer vanity, newer flooring in living room & bedrooms. Located near the Marina area & waterfront & close to the 8th Street Light rail station and shopping.

Asking$2,100permonth

$1600 per month

NEW LISTING!

Residential Rental in Greenville section of Jersey City

COUNTRY VILLAGE RENTAL WEST BERGENJERSEY CITY

One bedroom unit on the upper floor, beautiful hardwood floors throughout, plenty of closet space.

Close to shopping and nearby bus service to NYC and local destinations.

Rent includes heat & hot water.

Beautiful 2 bedroom apartment with hardwood floors and eat in kitchen. Very spacious, Heat and Hot water is included in rent! Refrigerator included also. Close to light rail, shopping and restaurants.

Landlord will consider a small dog.

Asking$1,600permonth

$1650 per month

in uptown 1 bedroom unit and 2 bedroom unit. Doctors office with beautiful hardwood floors. Newer roof and hot water heaters. Call now for a private showing $849,000

Amazing, renovated 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment features a well equipped kitchen including a full suite of new appliances and granite counter tops; open floor layout, hardwood floors, central/forced air & washer/dryer in unit. Close to all transportation, shopping, parks, & schools.

Asking$2,000permonth

INTERESTED IN OTHER AREAS?

INTERESTED IN OTHER AREAS?

We have access to 5 Multiple Listing Services covering Bergen, Union, Essex, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties in addition to all of Hudson County! And we can offer referrals to all of South Jersey through our affiliated EXIT Realty offices throughout the state ... Please don't hesitate to ask us about any location in New Jersey!!

We have access to 5 Multiple Listing Services covering Bergen, Union, Essex, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties in addition to all of Hudson County! And we can offer referrals to all of South Jersey through our affiliated EXIT Realty offices throughout the state ... Please don't hesitate to ask us about any location in New Jersey!!

You don’t need the “Luck

don’t need the “Luck of the Irish”... You need a skilled and knowledgeable Realtor! Selling and Buying Real Estate successfully takes more than luck.

Market values are at very favorable levels right now, and our well trained, professional agents are here to help guide you through the process.

Let our experience and reputation for success work to your benefit.

Call our office for a no-obligation appointment to discuss the possibilities with you.

That noise you hear is Opportunity knocking!!