Help us Celebrate 10 years of real Asbury Park theatrics. Come to Chico's House of Jazz tomorrow at 3 pm for libations, nibbles and live entertainment. Print out this flyer for 10% discount. more at http://www.blackboxap.org/
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Showing posts with label Chico's House of Jazz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chico's House of Jazz. Show all posts
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Pioneering Arts Group Celebrates 10 Years in Asbury Park on Dec 5th
It all began with a knock at 3 Deal Lake Court. "You're Maureen Nevin and I hear you know everybody in Asbury Park," the delicate green-eyed brunette said. "I'm Terri Thomas," she sang out in a lilting British accent. "I'm an actress and coloratura soprano and I want to create a Black Box here."
Soprano, thought Nevin, that would explain the voice. Having an hour of air time to fill for her new radio show each week, Nevin had met quite a few people in town. She invited Thomas inside.
"But how would that work?" she asked. "Do you peak inside the box like an antique film projector?"
"Not exactly," said Thomas, accepting a cup of Earl Grey from her host. The concept was common in the United Kingdom, Thomas' long-time home. "A black box is a small, plain -- in fact black -- performance space, so versatile that it easily morphs to accommodate a variety of productions; poetry and spoken word readings, script-in-hand play readings, jazz combos and chamber ensembles, one-person shows, works in progress and small plays..."
Nevin dictated about six or eight names and numbers and Thomas hit the pavement never stopping until she had secured a storefront on Cookman Avenue and opened her Black Box. That was ten years ago. Today, the Black Box of Asbury Park is an arts incubator helping to nurture new works and encourage writers and performers who might otherwise slip through the cracks. A not-for-profit, the Black Box is recognized by the Monmouth County Arts Council for its long list of credits for helping to produce plays, hosting women's festivals, musical productions and weekly writers' workshops. And, the Box hopes to enter its next phase with a brand new home courtesy of Carter Sackman and Trip Brooks, city developers, who are restoring the historic 500 Building of Cookman Avenue.
December 5th, from 3 - 6 PM, supporters will celebrate the Black Box's anniversary at Chico's House of Jazz, 631 Lake Avenue, Asbury Park. The event features an open bar from 3 - 4 pm with refreshments, courtesy of Wegman's, and entertainment MC'd by Ocean Mile actor Steve (Gary) Hirsekorn: Greg (Buster) Lega on piano, Mary Hirsekorn, of Neptune City, on vocals, and the Chico's House Band with Rosemary (Marilyn) Conte, and more surprises...
Tickets are $40 until Dec.3, and $48 at door, available online at www.BlackBoxAP.org, or checks payable to the Black Box of Asbury Park, can be mailed PO Box 955, Asbury Park, NJ 07712. Email tickets@BlackBoxAP.org, or call Maureen at 732-774-0779
Soprano, thought Nevin, that would explain the voice. Having an hour of air time to fill for her new radio show each week, Nevin had met quite a few people in town. She invited Thomas inside.
"But how would that work?" she asked. "Do you peak inside the box like an antique film projector?"
"Not exactly," said Thomas, accepting a cup of Earl Grey from her host. The concept was common in the United Kingdom, Thomas' long-time home. "A black box is a small, plain -- in fact black -- performance space, so versatile that it easily morphs to accommodate a variety of productions; poetry and spoken word readings, script-in-hand play readings, jazz combos and chamber ensembles, one-person shows, works in progress and small plays..."
Nevin dictated about six or eight names and numbers and Thomas hit the pavement never stopping until she had secured a storefront on Cookman Avenue and opened her Black Box. That was ten years ago. Today, the Black Box of Asbury Park is an arts incubator helping to nurture new works and encourage writers and performers who might otherwise slip through the cracks. A not-for-profit, the Black Box is recognized by the Monmouth County Arts Council for its long list of credits for helping to produce plays, hosting women's festivals, musical productions and weekly writers' workshops. And, the Box hopes to enter its next phase with a brand new home courtesy of Carter Sackman and Trip Brooks, city developers, who are restoring the historic 500 Building of Cookman Avenue.
December 5th, from 3 - 6 PM, supporters will celebrate the Black Box's anniversary at Chico's House of Jazz, 631 Lake Avenue, Asbury Park. The event features an open bar from 3 - 4 pm with refreshments, courtesy of Wegman's, and entertainment MC'd by Ocean Mile actor Steve (Gary) Hirsekorn: Greg (Buster) Lega on piano, Mary Hirsekorn, of Neptune City, on vocals, and the Chico's House Band with Rosemary (Marilyn) Conte, and more surprises...
Tickets are $40 until Dec.3, and $48 at door, available online at www.BlackBoxAP.org, or checks payable to the Black Box of Asbury Park, can be mailed PO Box 955, Asbury Park, NJ 07712. Email tickets@BlackBoxAP.org, or call Maureen at 732-774-0779
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
A Magic Night at Chico's House of Jazz
You may secretly hope the music won't inhibit quiet conversation, that your ear drums won't fall victim to an innovative artist a little too over the top, but rarely are you prepared for a seasoned flautist with a vibrant stage presence -- caught by surprise by a brave young visitor.
But that's what we encountered Saturday night at Chico's House of Jazz, 631 Lake Avenue, in Asbury Park, where music legend Dave Valentin was holding court with his excellent combo, teasing, flirting, taking his fans to new heights, until he accepted a challenge from someone in the audience. "You want to play?" he said. "Then get up here."
That's when a tall boy in a pencil straight dark suit weaved his way to the stage and took up his flute next to Valentin. An amazingly polite but confident, Sam Tobias, a 17 year-old high school senior from Matawan, immediately eased into the set. He gradually learned how to mimic then match Valentin's playful musical antics, floating notes up and down his identical looking instrument, as Valentin did, ending riffs with flourishes that might've stumped even a skilled musician. Sam, as he prefers to be called, "just followed" Valentin's "excellent directions."
They left behind very lucky and satisfied listeners!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Ocean Mile Takes a New Leading Man!!
Just in the nick of time, I think it's safe to say, Ocean Mile, the play was spared my limited acting abilities. Instead audience members will be thrilled to the theatrical feats of our new Fritz, Brian Gildea - which appropriately rhymes with Hoo-ray!
Brian's portfolio includes parts in films, TV shows like Law & Order, commercials and a host of stage productions. Come see him and see for yourself. www.AsburyRadio.com/Oceanmile
My undying gratitude to the legions of casting directors, actors, neighbors, strangers and friends who helped me comb America for Brian. There's a special place in heaven for you!!
See you at Chico's!!
Maureen
Brian's portfolio includes parts in films, TV shows like Law & Order, commercials and a host of stage productions. My undying gratitude to the legions of casting directors, actors, neighbors, strangers and friends who helped me comb America for Brian. There's a special place in heaven for you!!
See you at Chico's!!
Maureen
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