Interviews and NYC

Yesterday, I had the privilege of interviewing two very talented New Jersey musicians.

In the morning, I met Chris Rockwell at the Terrace Bagels & Cafe in Freehold.  There, we (ate delicious bagels with flavored cream cheese spreads like sun-dried tomato and blueberry, and) chatted about his upcoming performances with the Charm School Dropouts (there’s one this Friday at Bands on a Budget on Mattison Avenue in Asbury Park), as well as his new solo album coming out in the fall.  Information about this Friday’s show and other upcoming events can be found via Chris Rockwell’s  facebook page.  I’m certainly hoping to check out Friday’s show.

Later on, I spoke with Tom Brislin who is hard at work in Nashville, TN writing songs for his first solo album. He has turned to the Kickstarter campaign to fund his project, and you can read more about my interview with Tom Brislin on Notes on the State of New Jersey.

Today, I’m off to visit our neighbor, NYC, with some Jersey friends for lunch and a play in Central Park.

Hope you have a great day!

~Melissa
The Jersey Girl

Tom Brislin is back in New Jersey this week!

YESTERDAY

Tom Brislin, a native New Jersey musician, songwriter and producer is currently living in Nashville to work on his music, but he is back New Jersey for a limited time!

For many years, Brislin was known as part of the NJ-based indie-rock band, Spirling, and now he is recording a solo album and performing solo gigs.  He performed last night at the Barron Arts Center in Woodbridge, and I was lucky enough to get reservations for the “sold out” performance.  Brislin describes his music as, “pop songs with special features” and has worked with legendary artists like Yes, Debbie Harry, Meat Loaf, OK Go, Josh Kelley, Renaissance, Glen Burtnik, and many others.  The house at the Barron Arts Center was packed, and dedicated fans, as well as new ones like me, enjoyed a lively and thoughtful show.

Brislin’s music is available on YouTube and he will be performing one more show here in NJ before he leaves to go back to Nashville again for a while; you can check him out this Friday, April 8th, at the Rockin’ Joes in Kendall Park.

TODAY

I’m taking it easy today…Trying to get caught up with paperwork and email and maybe, just maybe, actually make it over to the gym.  It looks gorgeous outside and as soon as I can peel myself away from this computer, I’m going to get out there and enjoy the nice weather!

TOMORROW

The Jersey Shore Restaurant Week fun continues for me with the Great Jersey Shore Martini Contest at The Mill in Spring Lake Heights.  It’s an afternoon event, and tickets are $40 at the door ($30 if you get them in advance).  They’re boasting that along with the martini samples, there will be “martini food” to taste; I’m looking forward to find out exactly what that means!

Enjoy your Saturday.

~Melissa
The Jersey Girl

Not Too Busy For Good Food

What should I do?

Every school year is busy for me, but for some reason this year schoolwork seems to be keeping me busier than usual!  It seems like there is less time than ever to find time for writing.  I’m thinking that if, perhaps, I got the iPad 2 I might be able to post a little easier on the go.

Anyone blogging from an iPad out there?  How do you like it?

Even with a full-time (and then some!) schedule at school, I can always find time for good food here in New Jersey.  In the last few days, I’ve visited some of my preferred casual dining spots like the Wasabi House in East Brunswick for my favorite Tapple Roll (tuna, spicy mayo, and apple – yum!) and the Americana Diner in East Windsor (Jersey is known for our diners, after all).

The Americana Diner in East Windsor (photo from http://www.americanadiner.com)

Later this week, I’m looking forward to visiting the grand opening of Elan’s Catering, a new wedding venue in Lodi – and I’m sure there will be plenty of great food to sample there!  Then next week brings a relaxing evening at the Barron Arts Center in Woodbridge for a performance by Tom Brislin.  Can’t wait!

What are you up to?

~Melissa
The Jersey Girl