JC Fridays

A citywide day of art, music and culture in Jersey City

There’s something fresh in the air in Jersey City. Something meant to bring back culture to New Jersey’s second city. A movement cultivated and nurtured by a group of dedicated folks whose love of art, music and theater has been at the center of the struggle.

In this part of the world, dollars trump all other ventures. Simply put, if it don’t make a buck, it ain’t gonna fly. Despite (or perhaps because) of this, the passions of creative souls are stirred to bring life to this cold concrete and glass void. Not always a winning battle in the past, but slowly advances are being made.

Christine Goodman heads up the group Art House Productions who are at the helm of JC Fridays. Launched in the Spring of 2005, it’s a citywide day of art, music and culture held at the start of each season. Proof of success is in the ever-increasing number of participants, sponsors and neighborhood support.

Photo Gallery

Tonight I went to three separate happenings. The first was held in the unlikely setting of the sandwich chain shop Cosi (535 Washington Blvd, Jersey City). Amidst the chrome and tile brightness of specialty breads and soft drinks was an area to display the delicate shadowbox art of Rachel Weber. Her work lures the eyes into a tiny world of playful, sometimes haunting illusion and remarkable depth.

Next stop was a musical one. ‘Groove on Grove’ (Grove St PATH Plaza, Jersey City) is an outdoor showcase of the area’s best indie bands. As coincidence would have it, I only had a short time to watch and the band that was on happened to be one of my favorites; The Milwaukees. I got a few artsy photos thanks to the low light, flowing colored flags and my lack of skill.

Hunger was setting in and it was time to eat. The one bad thing that comes with increased urban cultural awareness is the onset of the hipster scene. As I peeked at several new joints in the area, I could not help but notice some high prices and cooler-than-thou attitudes. Luckily, in this part of town, there is an oasis. A place called La Conguita (351 Grove St, Jersey City), where you can get a hearty Cuban meal for two–with drinks–for under $15.00. I kid you not.

Next it was into this unassuming little gallery set up in the Historic Downtown Special Improvement District office (HDSID 125 Newark Ave, Jersey City). Low light, candles, champagne and cupcakes greeted spectators. As did a tiny dog named Poncho who had a tongue longer than his body, I swear.

Stunning ink sketches that tell a fairytale dealing with life and nature’s changing role in it were being showcased. The art and the fairytale are the creation of the very talented artist Emily Helck. I believe little Poncho was hers as well.

And so ended a fine night of art, music and food. One of many nights to come. At least I hope for the sake of culture in this part of the world it remains a fixture.

See Also:
Photo Gallery
JC Fridays
Art House Productions
Rachel Weber
Groove on Grove
The Milwaukees
La Conguita Restaurant
HDSID
Emily Helck