This Weekend’s Best Bets
By Jon Whiten • Oct 2nd, 2009 • Category: Arts, BlogIt’s Studio Tour madness this weekend in Jersey City. Looking for a map of all the exhibitions around town? Check out our web-based guide or pick up the traditional printed one around town (there’s also one reprinted in today’s Jersey Journal and last weekend’s Hudson Reporter.)
Today marks the official kickoff of the tour, with the opening shindig at Grace Church Van Vorst from 6-10 pm. A few blocks away, 58 Gallery will also be kicking things off with a glimpse at its “Masks of God” show and an appearance by MC Paul Barman (7-11 pm). Things are starting to get chilly outside, so if you’re Downtown this evening why not stop by Kanibal Home’s Jackets and Jazz reception (5-8 pm) — there will be live jazz from a three-piece combo and 10 percent off all the jackets in the store. Meanwhile, other cultural offerings keep rolling around town. The Loew’s kicks off its season tonight with The Untouchables (8 pm), J CITY’s play Passion continues Friday and Saturday nights at 8 pm, The Unstoppable Death Machines perform at the Iron Monkey, and the Navratri Festival continues in India Square tonight and Saturday.
Moving along to Saturday, in addition to the studio tour, which officially runs from noon to 6 pm, there’s a lot going on. The 4th Street Art & Music Festival promises to be huge, with a bunch of great bands performing on two stages, live art, vendors, food and more. This festival, which JCI is proud to be a sponsor of, will go off rain or shine, and there is talk of rain, so bring a poncho! Just up the hill on Newark Avenue, the Historic Jersey City & Harsimus Cemetery is having a re-dedication celebration and fundraising event, featuring music, art, food and — tombstones. Swing by at some point on Saturday or Sunday as you make your way around town; it should be worth it. Also on Saturday, the Newport Neighborhood Association is putting on its Multi-Cultural Festival all day. Other Saturday events of note: A double-feature at the Loew’s, with The Cocoanuts and Safety Last (a silent film that will be accompanied by live organ); Eastern Anchors, Calderon and Risk Relay will be at the Iron Monkey; and Fairmont and The Goodnight Process will be at the Lamp Post.
With many fewer one-off events, Sunday is looking like your best day to explore and check out studio tour exhibitions. And Sunday evening, the tour wraps up with the official closing party (6-8 pm) at the Jersey City Museum.
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Jon Whiten is the founding editor of the Jersey City Independent; he now works for a public-policy nonprofit in Trenton.
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