An assortment of music rings thru the Jersey City streets
When my friend Roland Ramos told me that he was working with the Jersey City Department of Cultural Affairs and an organization called Pro Arts to organize a revival in front of City Hall, I pictured one of two things. Either this would be a gathering of boisterous Gospel acts aimed to exorcise demons and raise spirits, or it would be a furthering of the movement to bring culture back to the area. It was of course the latter.
What I didn’t realize was the deeper meaning of the word ‘Revival’ in the eyes of Roland and the performers. As it turned out, the lineup here this afternoon was the exact lineup present when the Jersey City police shut down The Waterbug Hotel. Thankfully there are vibrant groups of musicians, artists and activists who continue to fight the good fight.
The bands today were Kiwi the Child, The 1 & 9s, Dave Calamoneri, Universal Rebel and Daylow. I only got to see The 1 & 9s and Dave Calamoneri perform since I had to get back to Hoboken for Gibbypalooza. The 1 & 9s were pure soul energy. Fat bass, solid beats, blues guitar and passion in the vocals. Rough, gruff and raw soul thru and thru.
Dave Calamoneri brought his own brand of American Folk to the scene and fittingly was visually overpowered by the ominous structure behind him. How much more real could the songs of freedom and peace be but in front of this huge marble and stone Goliath? The symbolism was palpable.
My own personal moment of revolt came when I needed to use the bathroom in City Hall. Since I had to go thru the hassle of a security check just to pee, I figured I’d walk around a little and check out the art. I noticed there was food. Was this for everyone? I wondered if I’d stumbled upon a private political gathering as folks took their food into the court room to eat.
Oh well I figured I should just eat a plate of rice or whatever. I was very hungry. Besides, if anyone asks … I’m a reporter. See my camera? To make it look good, I snapped some pictures in between mouthfuls. Take that big bad government … or whoever’s mom set out this nice spread of Spanish food and cookies. Huzzah!!
See Also:
Photo Gallery
Kiwi the Child
The 1 & 9s (no link yet)
Dave Calamoneri
Universal Rebel
Daylow
Pro Arts
