The HDSID Groove on Grove (GOG) is back next Wednesday, May 4th by the Grove Street Plaza. I am so beyond excited for the start of the season! GOG is one of my favorite things to do in JC. Who doesn’t love free music from JC’s best musicians, food, good weather, and local vendors?! It’s fun for everyone and a great way to entertain the kiddos after they get out of school. It is THE place to be on a Wednesday! Catch me in the front row with mini-chicpea.
I caught up with Dancing Tony aka The Mayor of Fun who books the acts for Groove on Grove to get the scoop on this summer’s awesome lineup. I LOVE TONY! He is the best and an OG in the Jersey City music scene. #imnotworthy
Tony, what can people expect this year? There are a lot of new bands, a lot of new music plus some great returning showcases and collaborations with other local scene and tastemakers. In June, we are teaming up the Riverview Jazz Fest. In July, Beth Achenbach will host our Ladies on the Mic Showcase. In August, we have the Rock Emporium, which is our “loudest” Groove on Grove. Add to that an Emerging Artist showcase and a Singles and Doubles showcase of, yes you guessed it, singer-songwriter types and mix in that every first Wednesday of the month [and on JC Fridays] there will be liquor with artisan vendors joining us every other week. I am psyched!
We also have the hip hop showcase! Yes! Which you are co-hosting. That is happening May 25th and will feature local lyricists and beat makers, Jay Hype, Jase Marley, June & the Pushas, and Bodega Dream. DJ Prestige [Flea Market Funk] will fill in the gaps.
We have Segunda Quimbamba, a Puerto Rican Folkloric group, Sylvana Joyce & The Moment, a sort of gypsy rock band to kick things off this Wednesday.
This year Artist & Maker Market (AMM) is back and better than ever! Jersey City Market Organizer Debbie Mangual, who also owns and operates Vera Vixeness & Vera V Vintage, curates a rotating bimonthly crew of independent artists, designers, collectors, and makers.
“AMM’s mission is to support handmade goods as an alternative to mass-produced items and work to cultivate small business and entrepreneurship by providing a thriving place for them to sell,“ says Debbie about the market. “We encourage micro-entrepreneurs in the areas of art, crafts, and design. These types of vendors have found a wonderful niche at the market, broadening the customers’ experiences while also building a consumer-maker relationship. It is a unique opportunity to shop directly from emerging new makers and established artists to find one-of-a-kind items and meet the people who made them.”
New this year to the market is live demos and interactive art! ‘How To’ workshops, live painting, and sand art, free massages are some of the fun family-friendly activities to look forward to.
If you are an artist and interested in participating in a live demo and feel comfortable in engaging your audience you can qualify for FREE complimentary space!
What can we expect for the first May 4th date?
Including but not limited to:
Fine Art Photography and Prints, Gypsy Luxe & Bohemian Luxe Jewelry, rock and roll Inspired accessories for Men and Women, Bold Ethnic Organic Fashion Accessories & Cake Toppers, Vintage Fabric Handmade Bowties, Vintage & Reconstructed Stylish Apparel, Esoteric Fusion Apparel & Jewelry, Afro-centric Tee & Tops, ‘Metal, Gypsy, Grunge’ infused Silver Jewelry, annnnd some delicious Belgian Waffles and French Crepes!
Contact artistandmakermarket@gmail.com for more info on free space or vending details!
Follow the HDSID on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Shout out to the awesome Groove on Grove Sponsors: Orale Mexican, Indiegrove, Helen’s Pizza, Raval, Roman Nose, WORD Bookstore, My Gym, YuFixit.com, Zeppelin Hall, Weichart, Left Bank Burger Bar, The Digest, JCI, Hudson Reporter, Delforno, Saigon, Choc O Pain, Tails on Trails, Toll Brothers, CarePoint Health, NJ Health, Coldwell Banker, European Wax Center, Modera, Verizon, JC Medical, Modern Family Dentistry, Squeeze’d, Key Elements, JCity Realty, Baonanas, More, DRS Medical, Storage Blue, Saint Peter’s University, Swim Star, Discovery Toys, Runway Clothing Truck.
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