Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Maxima Alerta drops new video!!!

One of the hottest and most popular musical groups coming from Cuba has just released a new music video to their new single "Vive la Vida".  This is an energetic dance track infused with the vibrancy of Cuban rhythms.  The production values are top-notch, the dancing is exciting, and the performances jump off the screen... they are so good. 

Maxima Alerta has recorded with some of the best known Cuban artists, including Gente de Zona who has become internationally renowned due to their recordings with Marc Anthony, Pitbull, and Enrique Iglesias.

Watch it now:  Maxima Alerta - Vive la Vida


For more information on the group, please visit their Official web page: www.MaximaAlerta.com

Sunday, November 8, 2015

Feature Film by Hudson County Residents gets World-Wide Distribution Deal

Filmmaker Ruben Rodriguez and producers Cesar Orellana and Britney Godish are seeing their “horrific” dreams come to life as their independent feature film has received world-wide distribution.  The film The Death of April was released October 27, 2015 by ITN Distributors. 

The Death of April, directed by Rodriguez and produced by Orellana and Godish, was funded through a successful Kickstarter campaign and was released on DVD and Video On-Demand (VOD) on October 27th, 2015 by way of ITN Distributions.  You can find The Death of April DVD at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, BestBuy, CDUniverse (http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=9943130)… and soon at Walmarts.  

With an indy cast that includes Katarina Hughes, Stephanie Domini, Adam Lowder, RayMartell Moore, Lucio Fernandez, and Travis Peters, The Death of April is a twist on the found footage genre and takes the viewer on a journey into the human psyche. It explores the world of the paranormal through the eyes of Megan Mullen, who believes she is being haunted by the ghost of April Fisher, a woman who was murdered in her apartment. 

About ITN
ITN Distribution, Inc. is a leading independent film distribution company that specializes in high quality, genre and star driven independent films for the domestic and international TV, VOD, DVD and theatrical markets. ITN releases 24 films per year with ITN's connection to all major retailers and rentals in North America, such as Redbox, Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy, Netflix, iTunes, Hulu, Amazon and Video-On-Demand (VOD) outlets. ITN produces, distributes and acquires films worldwide.

ITN attends the following 12 markets each year:  Cannes Film Festival, American Film Market, Berlin Film Festival-European Film Market, Hong Kong FILMART, MIP TV, MIPCOM, NATPE Eastern Europe, NATPE Miami, Toronto, Prague-World Content, Ventana Sur-Argentina  and  Busan, Korea The AsianFIlm Market



More to come:

FILMMAKERS BRING HORROR TO THE GARDEN STATE
This fall, filmmaker Ruben Rodriguez and his team of producers Cesar Orellana and Britney Godish will be bringing their unique take on horror to New Jersey once again as they go into production on their latest independent horror feature film project: Homebound

“This will be our second feature film project shot in New Jersey,” said Brit Godish. “We are all from the Garden State and love to shoot in our beautiful backyard. Horror brought us together; we love the genre and want to bring the art of horror filmmaking home to New Jersey.”  

New Jersey is currently known for a number of major horror movies: Friday the 13th, Alice Sweet Alice (starring a young Brooke Shields), Creepshow, Jacob’s Ladder, and Amityville Horror to name just a few. 

Rodriguez, Godish, and Orellana hope to bring even more independent film and television productions to New Jersey through their production group: MojoCreative Group, LLC.   

“We enjoy shooting our projects in New Jersey—Jersey has everything one could need to make a successful film,” Ruben Rodriguez stated. “We have access to great actors, amazing locations, and technical people willing to help us make our dreams a reality. We have shot and produced a number of television commercials and one pilot in the Garden State. However, Homebound will be our second feature film project. The first was a found-footage feature titled The Death of April that we shot in Jersey City and Bayonne.” 

“I‘m thrilled that The Death of April is finally coming out on DVD,” Rodriguez stated. “It‘s a fun film with just the right amount of twists and scares to keep audiences entertained! That said, I’m even more excited about starting production on our new project. Homebound is definitely going to be a white-knuckle journey into the heart of fear with a smart edge to it.” 

Homebound tells the story of two friends, Angela Hernandez (Paula Garces, of the Harold and Kumar movies, The Shield, and Devious Maids) and Jessica Dalle, who take a road trip to visit Jessica’s family and soon find themselves in a battle for survival at the hands of a sadistic psychopath who has invaded the family home. 

Homebound will be shot in New Jersey and parts of New York. Principal photography on the feature is slated to begin in late November and will wrap in January 2016.  Rodriguez, Godish, and Orellana all reside in New Jersey: Ruben Rodriguez in Jersey City, Britney Godish in Princeton, and Cesar Orellana in Union City. 

The film’s star Paula Garces is also one of the executive producers on the project. For more than 20 years, Paula Garces has been breaking down barriers and opening doors for Latinos in Hollywood. The Colombian-born actress and producer was one of the first Latinas to star on hit daytime soaps like All My Children and Guiding Light and she paved the way for some of today’s biggest Latina TV stars with starring roles on hit primetime shows like The Shield, Defying Gravity, and Warehouse 13.

Friday, October 23, 2015

NoHu... Exciting & Elegant

There are two words to describe what's become the most popular film festival in the State of New Jersey... Exciting & Elegant.  But, there is so much more to this unique festival now in its 8th year.  What makes this festival standout from the rest is that they care about the filmmakers.  It show s in every aspect of their week-long event.  To begin with, no submission fee is charged.  Admission to all the festivities is free, and refreshments are bountiful.  But most importantly, the treatment is superb.  Yes, all the films are of high quality, and therefore the competition is tough, but the atmosphere is joyful and full of good spirits.

The closing night of the 8th Annual NoHu International Short Film Festival took place on Thursday, October 22, 2015 with an elegant Red Carpet filled with Hudson County’s elite filmmakers and artists, followed by fun-filled cocktail party and ceremony.  The event featured live music by The James Austin Trio and Banjoist Danielle Reid.  Highlights of the evening included special Guest Speaker renowned Writer/Director Dan Goggin, who received the “Key to the City” by Mayor & State Senator Brian P. Stack and his Board of Commissioners.  The “Key to the City” is the highest honor given by the City of Union City.   Also addressing the packed house were Broadway and TV producers Melissa Pinsly & Franklin Zitter; and music producer and owner of Water Music, Rob Grenoble. 

The Award Recipients of the 8th Annual NoHu International Short Film Festival were:
U Su’
a film by Mimmo Mancini
Best Film

Time Square
a film by Alex Rask
Second Place

The Glove
a film by Aaron Peck
Third Place

Over The River
a film by David Giardina
Honorable Mention

Alex Rask
Best Director “Time Square”

Alex Rask
Best Screenplay “Time Square”

Mimmo Mancini
Best Actor “U Su’”

Ashley Kern
Best Actress “Time Square”

Jim Thalman
Best Supporting Actor “PLOY”

Jessica Silvestre
Best Supporting Actress “Nails”

Alex Rask
Best Special Effects “Time Square”

PLOY
Audience Choice Award





Thursday, October 8, 2015

Most Important Film Festival in NJ

8th Annual NoHu International Short Film Festival

(Union City, NJ)  The City of Union City will host the 8th Annual NoHu International Short Film Festival.  The week kicks-off with an elegant  Red Carpet event on Monday, October 19, 2015 at 7:00 PM, with the festivities beginning at 8:00 PM.  The opening night event will feature live music by Nuevo Flamenco Guitarist, Jonathan Fritz; a Wine & Cheese Reception; and the World Premiere screening of the film "La Academia" Written & Directed by Antonio Landeo Vega.  The director, producers, and many of the cast and crew of "La Academia" will be present on opening night. 

The closing night festivities will take place on Thursday, October 22, 2015 with a Red Carpet at 7:00 PM and the ceremony commencing at 8:00 PM.  The event will feature live music by The James Austin Trio; a Wine & Cheese Reception; Screening of the winning short films & Awards Presentation; and special Guest Speakers including renowned Writer/Director Dan Goggin, who will also be receiving the “Key to the City” the highest honor given by the City of Union City; Broadway and TV producers Melissa Pinsly & Franklin Zitter; and music producer and owner of Water Music, Rob Grenoble. 

Free Admission.  Free parking on Monday and Thursday at the Colin Powell School inside garage, entrance on Palisade Avenue & 15th Street.

8th Annual NoHu International Short Film Festival
at the
William V. Musto Cultural Center
420 - 15th Street
Union City, NJ 07087

Festival Schedule

Monday, October 19, 2015
7:00 PM Red Carpet
8:00 PM Opening Night Festivities
Live Music by Nuevo Flamenco Guitarist, Jonathan Fritz
Wine & Cheese Reception
World Premiere Screening of "La Academia" 
Written & Directed by Antonio Landeo Vega
Produced by Italo Lorenzzi BolaƱos
Starring: Ivan Andia, Yesi Rodriguez, and Percy Malone 

Tuesday, October 20, 2015
7:00 PM
Screening of "In Sickness" 
Julius Kelly, Director
Judy San Roman, Executive Producer

Wednesday, October 21, 2015
7:00 PM
Screening of Short Film Finalists 

Thursday, October 22, 2015
7:00 PM Red Carpet
8:00 PM Closing Night Festivities
Live Music by The James Austin Trio
Screening of the Winners
Awards Presentation
Guest Speakers
Wine & Cheese Reception




DAN GOGGIN (Writer/Director) came to New York from Alma, Michigan to study as a classical countertenor.  He began his professional career singing in the Tony award-winning Broadway production of “Luther” starring Albert Finney. While appearing in a comic folk-duo called “The Saxons” he began writing.  This led to scores for the off-Broadway musical, Hark! (in which he also appeared) , the Broadway production of Legend and two revues.  Goggin received the 1986 Outer Critics’ Circle Awards given to Nunsense for Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Music.  His “nunless” musical Balancing Act has toured the U.S. and played in London and Australia.  Nunsense and Nunsense 2: The Second Coming, both starring Rue McClanahan have been recorded for the A&E Television Network.  Nunsense 3: The Jamboree toured the U.S. starring Georgia Engel and has been recorded for television at the Grand Ole Opry starring Vicki Lawrence.  Nunsense A-Men! opened at the 47th Street Theatre in New York in June 1998 and has since been produced with “Laugh-In’s” Arte Johnson, impressionist Frank Gorshin, and Olympic Champion Greg Louganis.  Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical premiered in October 1998, followed by a national tour starring Dody Goodman, Jeff Trachta and Dawn Wells.  The Nuncrackers television special playing on the PBS network starring Rue McClanahan with guest star John Ritter, received and Emmy nomination for Best Musical Score.  Meshuggah-Nuns: The Ecumenical Nunsense premiered in September 2002 and is currently out on DVD.  The All-Star touring production of  Nunsense featuring Kaye Ballard, Georgia Engel, Mimi Hines, Darlene Love and Lee Meriwether marked the 20th anniversary of the original show. In 2004 Dan’s “serious piece” The Traditional Latin Mass was recorded by cast members and friends. In 2005 Nunsensations: The Nunsense Vegas Revue premiered and in 2008, there was a national tour starring Sally Struthers. Last year Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class (A one-nun musical) and Nunset Boulevard: The Nunsense Hollywood Bowl Show opened. Most recently, the original Nunsense celebrated it's 30th Anniversary at the Saint Louis Muny featuring a cast of 50 nuns,  10 Broadway stars, and 19 children. Dan is currently working on the pilot for a new Nunsense TV Series. www.nunsense.com. 


***

Nunsense is the first production by Frankenmel Films. Frankenmel founders Melissa Pinsly & Franklin Zitter were previously executive producers for director Ira Sachs’ latest film Thank You For Being Honest starring Greg Kinnear, Jennifer Ehle, Alfred Molina, Marisa Tomei, and Paulina Garcia. Prior to this Melissa was an Associate Producer for Ira Sachs’ film Love is Strange and is a Tony award nominated Broadway producer. Franklin was previously Head of Production/Senior Producer for FlickerLab, an animation, design, and production studio based in NYC who’s clients included A&E Networks, AMC, Barnes & Noble Digital, Cartoon Network, Comedy Central, The Colbert Report, HBO, Michael Moore, Nickelodeon, and more.

***


Rob Grenoble was signed to RCA Records as an artist and to BMG Music Publishing as a songwriter. He worked with producers Michael Barbiero (Guns N' Roses, Metallica, John Lennon & Yoko Ono), Scott Litt (REM, Indigo Girls) and Peter Coleman (Pat Benetar, Blondie). In 1982, Rob and his bandmates built the first Water Music. Since then Rob has worked with BeyoncĆ©, Shakira, Allman Brothers Band, Dave Matthews Band, Esperanza Spalding and many others. The studio has won multiple Grammys, an Emmy and other awards. This year Water Music set a new record for consecutive #1 singles on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Song Chart with the Pretty Reckless. 

Monday, October 5, 2015

Special Concert by Legendary singer Fernando Villalona in Union City 
& Featuring one of the best known fusion reggaeton groups from Cuba making its USA debut, Maxima Alerta 

(Union City, NJ)  The City of Union City will be presenting a special concert by legendary singer Fernando Villalona on Sunday, October 11, 2015 at the Union City Performing Arts Center, 2500 Kennedy Boulevard, Union City, NJ.  The concert will also feature the US premiere of one of the most popular reggaeton fusion musical groups from Cuba, Maxima Alerta. Admission is free.  Doors open at 5:00 PM and the concert will begin at 6:00 PM.  

(Please note:  general admission; space is limited; first come first served; preference to senior citizens and Union City residents; no alcoholic beverages allowed; and no big bags allowed.)

Free parking at the Municipal Parking Deck located on 23rd Street between Summit & Kerrigan Avenues.

Fernando Villalona in Concert
featuring Maxima Alerta

Sunday, October 11, 2015
Doors Open at 5:00 PM
Concert at 6:00 PM

Union City Performing Arts Center
2500 Kennedy Boulevard
Union City, NJ

Free Admission 


Friday, September 11, 2015

Registration for FREE classes in the Performing Arts


The Grace Theatre Workshop, Inc. will be having Registrations for its professional theatre training program for children ages eight and up on Mondays through Thursdays from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Jose Marti Freshman Academy, 1800 Summit Avenue, Union City.  Registrations begin on Monday, September 21, 2015.

Unlimited FREE classes in Ballet, Hip Hop, Salsa, Tap/Rhythm, Singing, and Acting.

To register, kids must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.  All classes are FREE. No special clothing or equipment needed. Registration fee is $30 per student. All of the instructors are professional performers.  Open to all residents of Hudson County.

For information, log on to www.GraceTheatre.com.

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Mr. international KREONE


Chilean superstar Mr. International KREONE drops down on the Hudson to release his new single. Pina Productionz has put together a super album release party featuring DJ Bacan, DJ Boom, and DJ Raymambo.  For more info, call:  201-941-3000

Biggest Night Out in Hudson County


The City of Union City will be hosting its Annual National Night Out Against Crime on Tuesday, August 4, 2015 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Bergenline Avenue from 22nd to 30th Streets, Union City.  This year promises to be bigger and better than ever, with more rides for children and entertainment on three stages.

There will be free rides for children; free hot dogs and water; magic show; and a performance for children by Rosario & Her Stars.  Live music on two stages by the groups La Charanga 76Ray Machado y Su GrupoCubanosonOcean Vibes Trio, flamenco guitarist Jonathan Fritz, Mr. International KREONE, and Mariachi Nuevo Mexico.

The popular family friendly event draws over ten thousand attendees annually, and it's always a favorite.  Everything is free, and everyone in the community is invited to attend.

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Cuban Groups arrive in Hudson County

Cuban Groups arrive in Hudson County
La Charanga Habanera & El Medico de la Salsa
One Night Only!!!
(North Bergen, NJ)  Los Amigos Productions present two dynamic Cuban groups, La Charanga Habanera and El Medico de la Salsa under one roof for a one night-only concert on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at the Lido Ballroom located at 2600 Tonelle Avenue in North Bergen, NJ. Doors open at 7:00 PM.  Also featuring DJ Morales.  Free parking.  For more information or reservations, please call 201-552-1023.  

Grupos cubanos llegan al condado de Hudson
La Charanga Habanera y El Medico de la Salsa
Solamente Una Noche !!!
(North Bergen, Nueva Jersey) Los Amigos Productions presentan dos grupos cubanos dinĆ”micos, La Charanga Habanera y El Medico de la Salsa bajo un mismo techo para una Ćŗnica noche un concierto en SĆ”bado, 18 de julio 2015 en el salĆ³n de baile de Lido ubicado en 2600 Avenida Tonelle en North Bergen, Nueva Jersey. Las puertas se abren a las 7:00 PM. TambiĆ©n con DJ Morales. Estacionamiento gratis. Para mĆ”s informaciĆ³n o reservaciones, por favor llame al 201-552-1023.

Friday, July 3, 2015

Union City Throws a Party

(Ray Machado & His Group)

(Union City, NJ) Union City really knows how to throw a party as evidenced last night at its annual Independence Day Celebration along Palisade Avenue.  The evening was filled to the brim with family fun… from pony rides to giant slides to even a mechanical bull.  They had plenty of hot dogs and water, as well as popcorn and cotton candy… and all was FREE.  

This festivities also included classic cars, and art exhibit curated by the ever eccentric Amado Mora.  Families could even walk away from the event with a free printed Independence Day photograph.  The popular children's show "Rosario & Her Stars" was a big hit with the kids.

The highlight of the night however was the variety of music.  From standards to classic Rock.  But the night belonged to what Union City does better than any other City in the State, and that is Latin music.

The event featured El CapitanThe Back in Business Band, Cubanoson, Union Hill, and Ray Machado y Su Grupo.  The Ray Machado Group in particular brought the house down with their fusion of Cuban Reggeaton, Salsa, and Timba.  They had the crowd bouncing during their one hour set.

It was a great party, and a great way to kick-off the Fourth of July weekend.

North Bergen DPW Supervisors Guilty


LARRY WAINSTEIN CALLS FOR GOVERNMENT REFORMS! 
Sacco’s corruption detailed by township employees placed under oath 

North Bergen, NJ: Nicholas Sacco’s use of election fraud was exposed in open court during the criminal trials of North Bergen Department of Public Works Supervisors Francis Longo and Troy Bunero. As reported in the Hudson County View, current DPW workers testified under oath, providing detailed accounts of the widespread voter fraud occurring in North Bergen elections.
Paul Molinero testified that he was forced to vote in elections, even though his superiors knew he lived out of town and that it was illegal for him to vote in any election in North Bergen. “As these court cases come to fruition, we will continue to see how pervasive the corruption that plagues North Bergen has become. But, ultimately, the truth is always exposed, and the will of the people will prevail. Change is coming.” stated Larry Wainstein, a well-known community activist in North Bergen.
Mario Blanch, a local attorney and civil rights activist, stated, “The egregious actions that have been perpetrated by Sacco and his campaign are finally being exposed by our justice system. I am currently working on a case that is riddled with precisely the same election fraud that was admitted to in this case, but on a much larger scale. The amount of voter fraud that occurs in North Bergen elections is outrageous. We are working hard to find all those responsible for the fraud and to have them legally prosecuted. The legal voters of North Bergen are the real victims here.”
Political fundraising was another method of Sacco’s corruption that was brought to light in the trial. Nicholas Oriolo, a DPW worker testified that he and other DPW employees are forced to buy political fundraising tickets to Sacco’s Mayor’s Ball.
Oriolo’s testimony confirms previous accounts of intimidation made by former North Bergen High School teacher, Sarah Guillen and the accounts of many other township employees. When Ms. Guillen came forward describing how she had been forced to buy political fundraising tickets, Sacco attempted to bully her and threatened to have her brought up on ethics charges. Larry Wainstein stated, “this is the way Sacco governs. Like a true dictator, he intimidates the township employees through threats of losing their jobs or worse.”
In light of the widespread extortion and fraud admitted in the recent trials and evidenced through numerous records and accounts, Larry Wainstein is calling for government reforms that will put an end to Sacco’s intimidation of North Bergen employees.Wainstein is calling for Sacco and his commissioners to pass a campaign finance reform ordinance that will prohibit soliciting and accepting campaign contributions from Township of North Bergen employees, North Bergen Board of Education employees, and vendors. “These employees are forced to pay for Sacco’s elections, they are forced to work to get him elected, and some are even forced to commit voter fraud so that they can vote for Sacco despite living in other towns. If they do not comply with Sacco’s demands, they get fired, or have some charges brought against them. They know that they don’t have a choice. It has to end!” stated Wainstein when questioned about the need for the reform he is seeking. 

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Hudson County's Death Trap

Kennedy Boulevard & 32nd Street a.k.a. Hudson County's Death Trap.  

Residents of North Hudson have known for years that the intersection of Kennedy Boulevard and 32nd Street bordered by North Bergen and Union City is a hazardous place for both pedestrians and motorists alike.  Both are County roads, and both see extremely heavy daily traffic.

County and local officials have tried to remedy the situation unsuccessfully by adding bridges, railings, ballers, et al to solve the problem at a cost of millions.  Baby strollers have been hit, and babies and teenagers have been killed, but the problem persists.

The solution is simple, implement the law.  Assign police or County Sheriff officers to the area and ticket every car that runs the red light, which by the way averages three to four cars per light.  Giving out jaywalking tickets would go a long way as well.

The area can be enclosed by barbed wire, but until the law is implemented, the problem will persist.

Governor Chris Christie is running!!!

It’s been a long time coming, and it was not a surprise.  On Tuesday, June 30th New Jersey Governor Chris Christie officially announced that he is running for the 2016 Republican nomination for president of the United States with a speech at Livingston High School, the school he attended and graduated as class president. 
Chistie joins a very crowded field of candidate hopefuls for the Republican Party.  Christie once the leading contender, now enters the race at the bottom of the list, and a bit roughed-up after the infamous “Bridge Gate” scandal that rocked his administration and credibility.  However, it is very early to tell if he will rise in the polls.  A year and a half in politics is a very long time.  And Christie is a fighter.

First female and Latino lead Prosecutor

Esther Suarez, a Passaic County judge and Bayonne native, is set to become Hudson County’s first female and Latino lead prosecutor after a unanimous vote by the state Senate this week.
Suarez, of Secaucus, will replace Guy Gregory, who has been the acting Hudson County prosecutor since August 2012. Suarez's appointment will run five years.
Edward DeFazio’s appointment was not renewed in 2012, and Gregory was named his a temporary replacement. DeFazio moved on to become a Hudson County Superior Court judge. The appointment of Suarez had to be agreed upon by State Senators Sacco, Stack, and Cunningham.

Saturday, June 20, 2015

The 4th Annual Union City Artist Awards

The 4th Annual Union City Artist Awards 
Classy Fun-filled Affair

The City of Union City’s Fourth Annual Union City Artist Awards held on Friday, June 19, 2015 at the William V. Musto Cultural Center in Union City, New Jersey was a classy fun-filled affair.  From the moment you approached the “museum” you knew you were in for a glorious night.  Outside the Center, attendees were greeted by several classic cars, a red carpet, and underneath a large white tent, theatrical lighting and killer dance music courtesy of a tall well-clad leading man type good looking DJ.  This is the most anticipated and most important art event held in the City every year... and probably the State.  Each year, the event brings together a who's who from the arts community.  If you're an artist, this is the place to be seen.

The awards honored some of the most talented and dedicated artists from all disciplines who have contributed to Union City's artistic fabric, and some honorees have succeeded at an international level.  

Inside, refreshments were served to the music of Bob DeBenedette.  Partygoers mingled and shared laughs.  The spirits were very high in anticipation of the awards ceremony themselves.  There were several politicians present and took turns in addressing the eager standing-room only crowd.  Also speaking were he City Historian, Gerard Karabin; City Poet Laureate, Jorge Luis Seco, and City Art Curator, Amado Mora.  Each spoke eloquently in explaining the importance of the arts in the community.

Commissioner of Public Affairs and also artist, Lucio Fernandez served as Master of Ceremony, and accompanying him as presenters were Taylor Schramm and Liliana Barrera.  However, the night belonged to the dozen honorees.  They varied from photographers to fashion designes to arts educators, but all were very accomplished individuals with an extensive list of credentials.  


(Commissioner Lucio Fernandez, Don Oriolo, and Donald Oriolo)

Highlights of the evening were posthumous presentations to Joseph “Joe” Oriolo and Michele Savoia of House of Savoia.  Joseph “Joe” Oriolo was an American cartoon animator, writer, director and producer, known as the co-creator of Casper the Friendly Ghost and the creator of the Felix the Cat TV series Joe’s son, Don Oriolo accompanied by grandson Donald, accepted on behalf of his father Joseph "Joe" Oriolo who passed away in 1985. After receiving the honor, Don pulled out a custom Felix the Cat guitar and sang the TV series’ theme song to an appreciative audience.  Later he presented to Commissioner Fernandez the guitar and a picture of his dad sitting at a drafting table surrounded by his two characters Casper and Felix the Cat.


(Michele Savoia)

Michele Savoia of House of Savoia was a renowned fashion designer who passed away in February 2014 in a tragic accident on The Hudson River in New York City. Savoia was a  MASTER TAILOR of MENSWEAR,  and a graduate of Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. 

(Virginia Hildebrant & Steven Zivkovic)

Friends Virginia Hildebrant and Steven Zivkovic accepted the award on behalf on of Gabriella Savoia for her dad, Michele Savoia of House of Savoia.  The presentation was very moving due to the fact the City had wanted to honor him prior to his untimely death.


(Ray Machado & His Group)

Following the awards ceremony the packed  house danced the night away to the electrifying beats of Ray Machado & His Group. This was a most memorable evening, and having so many artist under one roof made it all even more special.

The honorees were:
Charles Bernard Murray
Ray Machado Gomez
Mouhsine Idrissi Janati
Alex Rask
Giovanni Calabrese
Orlando del Rio
Ray O. Machado Cruz
Joseph D. Fiorenza Conklin
Mrs. Eleanor Yaschak
Elizabeth Ann McLaughlin
Joseph "Joe" Oriolo Accepted by his son Don Oriolo 
&
Michele Savoia of House of Savoia
Virginia Hildebrant and Steven Zivkovic accepted the award on behalf on of Gabriella Savoia for her dad, Michele Savoia

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

The 4th Annual Union City Artist Awards

The 4th Annual Union City Artist Awards 

(Union City, NJ)  The City of Union City, Mayor Brian P. Stack Board of Commissioners will be hosting the Fourth Annual Union City Artist Awards on Friday, June 19, 2015 Red Carpet at 7:00 PM & Ceremony at 8:00 PM at the William V. Musto Cultural Center, 420 - 15th Street in Union City, New Jersey.  This is the most anticipated and most important art event held in the City every year... and the most elegant.  Every year, the event brings together a who's who from the arts community.  If you're an artist, this is the place to be seen.

The awards will honor the most talented and dedicated artists from all disciplines who have contributed to Union City's artistic fabric, some artists have succeeded at an international level.  The elegant red carpet event will feature live music by The Ray Machado Group; as well as an art exhibit by renowned artist, Ines Berges

Mayor Brian P. Stack said, “We are excited to host the fourth annual Union City Artist Awards, which will continue to demonstrate our City's great appreciation for our artists and our flourishing arts community.  This event will be both a celebration and showcase of the many contributions that artists have made to local culture.”

This will be an evening not to be missed!!!

The Union City Artist Awards
Friday, June 19, 2015
7:00 PM Red Carpet
8:00 PM Ceremony

William V. Musto Cultural Center
420 - 15th Street 
Union City, New Jersey 

Live Music
Refreshments
Dress to Impress

Free Admission

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Grace Theatre Spring Gala

Benefit Gala to Support Performing Arts Youth Group


The Grace Theatre Workshop, Inc., a not-for-profit youth based organization dedicated to providing free classes in the performing arts to children is celebrating it's Fifteenth Anniversary, and will be holding their annual Spring Benefit Gala on Thursday, June 11, 2015 at 7:00 PM at The Graycliff, 122 Moonachie Avenue, Moonachie, New Jersey.  The Gala will feature live performances, delicious dinner, dance music, and a great time.  The organization will also be presenting Community Service Awards to individuals who have contributed to the betterment of the community as a whole.  

Donations for the Spring Benefit Gala are $100.00 per person and can be purchased by visiting: 

Now into its fifteenth year, The Grace Theatre provides free classes in Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap/Rhythm, Folkloric Dance/Salsa, Flamenco, Singing, and Acting to children from Hudson County as well as free admission to professional performances to the students and their families. This school year alone, over four hundred students received free classes at the Grace Theatre.
 
The Grace Theatre Workshop, Inc. has received much critical acclaim for its professional theatrical productions and is the premiere presenter of bilingual and Spanish language theatre in the State of New Jersey.  This past year, the Grace Theatre produced the play "Comfort" at Lincoln Center in NYC; the NoHu International Film Festival at the Tribeca Screening Room in NYC; the short film "SAL"; and received various awards, including the prestigious ACE Award as well as the ATI Award.  Most recently it produced the highly acclaimed documentary feature film "Bay of Pigs, Our Perspective".
 
The Grace Theatre Workshop, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization, and donations are tax deductible.  Any contribution is greatly appreciated.  If unable to attend but would like to make a donation, please log on to:  www.GraceTheatre.com

Or mail a check or money order payable to:
The Grace Theatre Workshop
P.O. Box 4412
Union City, NJ 07087

For more information, please visit:  www.GraceTheatre.com 
 
Please support the arts and our children.  
It will undoubtedly be a wonderful evening. 

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Charanga Habanera en NJ

Charanga Habanera en New Jersey
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Compre sus boletos hoy:  201-552-1023