The Suite 16

Herman Leonard, one of the true giants of music photography, passed away over the weekend. I had the honor of meeting Mr. Leonard a couple years ago through our work with the Morrison Hotel Gallery. At 87, he was sharp as a tack and told some incredible stories about some of his most famous images.

Of those famous shots, the ones that made the strongest impression on me were a couple prints that were ravaged by the floodwaters of Hurricane Katrina in Leonard’s New Orleans studio. I couldn’t – and can’t – stop looking at these. They’re beautifully decrepit. Like New Orleans itself.

RIP, Herman.

Myron Walden has a gift. Not only is he a musician of tremendous talent, he is also extremely articulate when describing his art. In this terrific multimedia piece Walden describes the making of his new CD ‘Countryfied’ “It’s music that makes me want to stamp my foot, snap my fingers and clap my hands,” Walden explains. “This is music for people who like to have a good time.” WATCH IT HERE

Years ago I got in a heated argument with friends originally from California when I was talking about the superiority of corn and tomatoes grown in NJ. They talked about all the farms in California and how good the produce is there, etc etc. I countered with, “I know but I’m talking specifically corn and tomatoes. There’s no comparison.” They were still in disbelief.

It’s not surprising. When people think of New Jersey, they think of the smell of the NJ Turnpike shortly after leaving NYC. I come from South Jersey (moved to NYC from Ocean City, NJ in ‘94), a world away from what people have called “the armpit of the nation.” It’s a region, due to its proximity to Philadelphia, where people eat “hoagies” and have a weird way of pronouncing words, particularly those with the letter O, as in: “Nah, I’m goeing hooeme noaw. Awight. Laater.” [if you still can't hear the accent I'm referring to, watch Hardball with Chris Matthews on MSNBC] The Phillies and Eagles are religion, as are sweet white corn and beefsteak tomatoes. Some people take fishing (I hated it), surfing (I was obsessed) and boating (was way above my family’s pay grade) pretty seriously as well. For me, sweet white corn and beefsteak tomatoes is a pretty serious religion this time of year.

The season runs from July 1st until about mid-September. During this time, I try to get to a farmer’s market as often I can, and consume as much as I can. My partner has learned to live with this quirk and laughs when I inform him on Tuesdays and Thursdays, “I got corn and tomatoes.” Which means he is supposed to come up with something for dinner that involves corn and tomatoes.

There’s about a month left of the season. If you’re reading this and have never bitten into a tomato or ear of corn from Jersey, I highly recommend locating the nearest farmer’s market. If you’re in the New York Metropolitan area, chances are they have ‘em. Make a tomato salad, season with a little salt and pepper, and oil and balsamic vinegar. Boil the corn until when you put your nose above the boiling water, there’s an overwhelming smell of corn. Season the corn with a little salt and butter. What you choose to have to accompany this is up to you. I guarantee that you will leave the table exclaiming “God damn that was good corn. And those tomatoes were amazing!”

Its been hot in new york, the hottest summer I think I’ve ever experienced. JJ Grey, who is from Jacksonville, FL and knows a thing or two about heat and humidity, said “it just feels hotter in New York” while onstage last night during his inspired show at City Winery.  And he’s right.

He was introducing a song from his new record ‘Georgia Warhorse,’ called “Slow Hot & Sweaty.” JJ played for almost 2 hours, performing acoustic renditions of songs from the new record and digging deep into his 5-disc catalog. With each song JJ seemed to rile up the crowd a little more – and by the encore had the entire audience out of their seats, singing along, screaming, dancing, hands waving in the air.   JJ had a gigantic smile on his face, a special night for everyone in the room.

Take a tour of the new album and life in Jacksonville with JJ in this mini-documentary:

Photos from the show courtesy of Alex Baldwin/City Winery

Summer means time outdoors and while many folks prefer barbecues and swimming pools, I’d be lost without al fresco concerts and Shakespeare productions. Shore Fire’s had great outdoor shows, from Zac Brown to the National to Government Mule. And having theatrical friends has made my outdoor experience with the Bard even more sublime this year. The New York Classical Theater’s rendering of Richard III featured Monmouth County friend (and Sam’s former classmate) Sean Gilbert (pictured here in rehearsals) in the role of Prince Edward.

It was a fabulous outdoor production which took advantage of several breathtaking Central Park backdrops as both players and audience traversed from scene to scene on a perfect moonlit night. I had previously seen Sean Gilbert in musical productions, and was impressed by his handling of Shakespeare!

Delightful weather was in store in NJ last weekend when I was one of a robust crowd of almost 500 on hand to see the terrific Spring Lake Shakespeare in the Park presentation of Twelfth Night. Pictured here: Marilyn Laverty (me) with the charming Countess Olivia (Lilly Darche) and indefatigable producer Jeanette Pappas, two of my favorite and most talented Jersey Shore gals. Kudos to producer and director Sandra (Sam) McLaughlin and a musical shout out to Tom Mac Gowan!