Jersey Arts Scene hits the Big Apple

We at New Jersey Monthly don’t often venture across the Hudson when showcasing the best of the Garden State, but for New York’s Art Expo this year, we decided to make an exception. Not just because Art Expo is celebrating its 30th year as the world’s biggest fine and popular art fair—which is exciting in itself—but because so many New Jersey-based artists are being celebrated at the Javits Convention Center event, which starts on February 28 and is open to the public from March 1 to 3. 

Tools: Share

How my cat spent Sunday morning...

"Just can't wait for the Oscars tonight..."

Tools: Share

Artie Lange Rocks the Borgata

Any fan of The Howard Stern Show would be hard pressed to find a better lineup than Artie Lange's show at the Borgata's Event Center in Atlantic City on February 16.

Tags: Atlantic City | comedy | The Borgata | Lange, Artie | Stern, Howard

Tools: Share

Cohn-heads Rock Out

Early in Marc Cohn's performance at South Orange Performing Arts Center last night, the soulful singer-songwriter referenced his newest album, Join The Parade. When someone in the sold-out crowd yelled "keep 'em coming," Cohn smiled demurely.  Back when he was cruising in "Walking In Memphis" glory, he said he made a decision not to become overexposed.  Laughing with the audience, he stated, "mission accomplished."

But the 1991 Grammy winner is back on the scene.  And not only is his music just as powerful as ever, but the guy is hilarious--and incredibly humble--on stage.  In recent years, Cohn weathered a divorce, was shot in the head after a random carjacking attempt, and watched Hurricane Katrina's destruction as he recuperated from his injury.  He says those experiences, though tragic, turned a switch in his brain that got his creative juices flowing again.  Those in SOPAC's 415-seat theater on Valentines night got to take it all in, in an atmosphere startlingly intimate for the likes of a 1991 Grammy-winning Best New Artist.

Tools: Share

"OH MY GOD!" and "Excuuuuse Me"

Good thing blogging involves typing, not talking, because my voice is gone due to excessive screaming and shouting during and after the Giants' amazing, take-it-to-em Super Bowl win tonight.

Two quick post-game notes....

Tools: Share

Report From the Rock

Finally made it to the Prudential Center in Newark, new home of the Devils, rock concerts--and great pastrami sandwiches.

We saw the Devils break out of their home swoon with a 6-2 victory over the LA Kings. But the real star of the evening was the building itself.

The glass entry tower is visually dramatic yet efficient in moving large numbers of people. The concourses are spacious, inviting, brightly and beautifully lit. Everything flows. The arena itself has excellent sightlines, comfortable seats and a sense of drama heightened by the pitch of the rows and the dazzling 360-degree electronic signage. Like NJPAC a few blocks to the north, the Rock makes you feel part of its glamour and proud of its state-of-the-art design.

The staff are incredibly pleasant, helpful and polished, whether they're bartenders, ushers, food servers or security people. You feel safe, you feel welcome, and you feel you're in on something special.

And the food is exciting. I never thought I'd say that about stadium concessions, but the area on the upper concourse called "A Taste of Newark: Specialties From Newark's Famous Wards" isn't your average concession stand.

Tools: Share