ArtKore finds a new(er) home @ Rue de Jardin
Some time ago we celebrated the end of an era as ArtKore had to move its weekly events out of the RodeoRistra Lounge. At the time the plan was to make the Shannon Lounge their new home.
This worked out well for a few weeks, but due to the Shannon’s need to renovate and be brought up to fire code in order to continue with live music, ArtKore was forced out for what should have been just a few weeks. However, that turned into what appears to be a permanent break.
During this upheaval, they have found what I feel is the perfect fit for their spoken word and acoustic music nights. Intimate (ok … tiny), warm, inviting and quiet. The Rue de Jardin (343 Garden St, Hoboken) is a true coffee house. Nothing against the old venues, they did us well, but this is the place I have been dreaming of for our open mic.
There is a truly naked, up-close, fear-packed, nervous energy that solicits the most pure and honest performances from us. There is absolutely nothing to hide behind. No booze (tough one for me I’ll admit), no distorted amps, no smoke, no rude loud conversation. It’s you, your songs and the people. Period!
I find fear fun in these situations. It allows me to feel both excited and scared about playing with folks just inches away. Their intense scrutiny burning a whole in my brain. As i sweat and my limbs shake from a nervousness I so rarely feel anymore, it kicks my ass into creative shape because I’m left with no excuses and nobody to blame for the performance but me. I get excited about being challenged in this way after all these years.
Some of the old-school Hobokenites complained that “ya can’t get drunk and rock out!” Well … I say, “Fuck ’em!” This is Hoboken for Christ’s sake. It has been listed in the Guinness Book of records for having the most places to get drunk and rock out in any one square mile!! Besides, ArtKore has already begun to set up relationships at places like Maxwell’s to stage their loud events.
So what do we have here besides fancy coffees, teas and crepes? Hosted by veteran ArtKore MC Dave (also of the band Butterspy), this night was filled with smiles as well as plenty of Blues, Rumba, Flamenco, Funky Folk, Folky Funk, what one person described as ‘Blue Raga Soul’, poetry and more. Plus they have a webcam set up in the corner that broadcasts to freinds in Germany! Oh and my Wild Sweet Orange Tea is good too … yum.
