Singer/songwriter and COVID-19 survivor Charlie Macarone performed in Long Branch in 2019.
By Chris Spiewak
In 1971, singer/songwriter Don McLean wrote the song “American Pie” as a tribute to Richie Valens, Buddy Holly and JP “The Big Bopper” Richardson, tragically killed in a plane crash in February 1959. “The day the music died” is heard several times in the song, and for that period in time, it rang hauntingly true.
Some 61 years later, the “day the music died” retains its contextual meaning in the 21st century as governments ordered all nonessential businesses closed for the COVID-19 pandemic. For performing artists in New Jersey and around the country creativity and expression were suddenly put on hold.
After the initial shock and incredulity, the creativity that is inherent in the body and soul of every single musician began to materialize in their hearts. The music world was about to go through a renaissance period. Technology now allows performers to come into your home via live streaming and has temporarily changed live music. Of course it’s not like being amongst hundreds or thousands of people at a particular venue, but it has allowed everyone to keep in touch and to entertain at the same time.
Matt and Eryn O’Ree are performing “Live, from the Sofa Stage” every Sunday night from 7 to 10 p.m. on the Matt O’Ree Band Facebook page. Times are difficult for the O’Rees as they were scheduled to be on tour right now and have had many dates canceled. Matt and Eryn make their money on the road and they’re hoping to fulfill dates in Texas and Ohio next month and beyond. Please consider donating to them and all the musicians who are live streaming. The artists will usually have “virtual tip jar” info on their page for PayPal, Venmo or Zelle. As independent contractors, many artists don’t have quick access to unemployment right now (although that will change during this period at some point).
Lee Scott Howard of The British Invasion Years and his fiancee/co-host Laura Cannavo bring you music every Thursday night from their living room at 7:30 p.m. on his Facebook page. The rehearsals with his band are via Google Drive, where everyone can view charts and mp3 audio recordings to rehearse at home. Howard said, “The band misses performing together terribly, especially interacting with the live audience,” but said that his booking agency and the venues are working tirelessly to reschedule events originally planned for the summer.
Rising rocker Jarod Clemons hosts a show called “Music Mondays, Live from the Jersey Shore” every Monday night at 7 p.m. Jarod will perform for you and the show features four other different artists every week like Pat Guadagno, Christine Martucci and John Hathaway. Please visit the Facebook page of Jarod Clemons and The Late Nights for info.
And, with what might be the Woodstock of all livestream shows, renowned local blues singer/songwriter Gary Cavico has assembled a who’s-who of Jersey talent for his massive Memorial Day NJ Shore Musicians Online Music Festival with over 50 acts already lined up. How about names like Brian Kirk, Eddy Testa, Carl Gentry, Jim Babjak of The Smithereens, John DiStasio of Channeling Cornell, Joe Bonnano, Pam McCoy, Anthony Krizan, Bobby Mahoney, Sharon Lasher and Ryan Gregg of The Shady Street Show Band? This will be a three-day event, so please visit the Facebook page of NJ Shore Musicians Stay at Home Live Music for details.
One of the bigger blows to local music was the temporary loss of the long-running weekly open mic nights at Jamian’s in Red Bank, The Chubby Pickle in Highlands and Patrick’s Pub in Neptune. Longtime attendees like singer/songwriter Kenny Brown of Atlantic Highlands remain upbeat; his song “Talking Myself Off The Ledge” about suicide prevention may be of assistance to someone during these uncertain times. Kenny Kurczeski is streaming as well and remaining positive and Robb Councilor hosts a “Jersey Shore Happy Hour” on Friday and Saturday afternoons featuring several artists. Andy Russo, DeeDee Montanaro and Laura Catalina Johnson of Strumberry Pie keep busy writing material for their new CD and conducting Zoom sessions for their fundraising efforts. These generous people created and hand-crafted candles that they called “Better Days” to sell. The proceeds of this sold-out project went to the employees of Teak in Red Bank and Il Posto in Neptune, two venues that have been good to the band for many years. When the going gets tough, the good give back.
When speaking to many musicians lately, there is an air of great sadness, but not desperation. Singer/songwriter Charlie Macarone is a COVID-19 survivor, and is relishing the time off to recuperate and create music in his home studio. Carol Barbieri has taken the time off to finish and release her EP “The One,” and Sondra H of VyntEdge is finding inspiration in these troubled times as she pens new material.
Lastly, the Shore music community would like to send love and condolences to the family of the late Herbi Freeman, whom we lost this month. A lifelong musician, he was employed recently as percussionist and vocalist with The Moroccan Sheepherders, and helped elevate the band to where they are today. A true musician’s musician, he will not soon be forgotten.
Please check the Facebook pages for all artists mentioned above; they are all working hard for you. In good times and in bad, there are five words that drive every artist as they successfully rise to the occasion time and time again – The Show Must Go On.
Chris Spiewak is a 40-year veteran of the Shore music scene.
The article originally appeared in the May 14 – 20, 2020 print edition of The Two River Times.
