Shifting gears and discovering new roads
Rumors have been swirling and swimming around the Hoboken ether that one of the music and art scene mainstays would be packing up and moving on. Recently those rumors were converted to truth when the founder of ArtKore.org Ivy Giacchino announced that she’d decided to let go her role of promoter in order to travel a new, more spiritual avenue of expression.
Around the time that ArtKore’s future seemed uncertain due to a venue change back in September 2005, Ivy began a nine-month journey of yoga and meditative study. This became more than just a simple change of scenery or fulfillment of curiosity. The journey itself soon became the destination as her commitment to yoga grew.
Ironically, Artkore itself was born again and grew more popular in its new home at The Goldhawk in Hoboken. Though this was good for the music and art scene, it caused an inner conflict for Ivy. Despite the satisfaction she got from serving this community, a part of her wanted more. “My yoga training helped me to see that I was not serving myself as an artist,” she said, “It was time for me to live my dharma.”
As for the scene that ArtKore helped to define, this will continue thanks to those who were most inspired by it. The Tuesday Night Open Mic at The Goldhawk will resume on January 9, 2007 with host Dave Entwistle. Ivy promises that ArtKore will reinvent itself and music will still play a big part in its new incarnation. She also says that she longs to be more involved with the performances rather than just working behind the scenes.
We said thanks to Ivy and ArtKore over two nights at The Goldhawk. Tuesday December 19 saw the joint packed with open mic’ers and well wishers. There was the usual bevy of talented folks gracing the stage. The following night was the annual holiday party and we were treated to the music of Bobby Syvarth, Michelle Vecchione and Marafanyi Percussion Project.
Ivy asked for our favorite ArtKore moments. Mine story took place back at the old Rodeo/Ristra Lounge. It was a day when Bob Dylan either went in to the hospital or had just gotten out. Everyone was fawning over him and playing endless versions of his songs. Many of you may know my feeling of Dylan being way overrated. Anyway, I found myself on the receiving end of a barrage of boos and hisses when I went up to the mic and said, “Is it just me, or does anyone else here hate Bob Dylan?” Good times, gooood times.
See Also:
ArtKore.org
Bobby Syvarth
Michelle Vecchione
Marafanyi Percussion Project
The Goldhawk
Photo Gallery
