‘JC Fridays’ puts Jersey City’s art and music scene on full display

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Jersey City became an art mecca on Friday night with over 40 different events ranging from “pop-up artist markets” to “New Orleans brass ensembles” which was all made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State and by the Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Murch Church Brass Band

By Michael Rodriguez/Hudson County View

Hudson County View choose to spend the the day with Walter and Margo Parks at “The Statuary,” located at 53 Congress Street.

This event was an art and music celebration, which ran from 7 p.m. through 11 p.m.

When asked what the ongoing event series, known as JC Fridays, can bring to the community Walter stated “We are trying to change the art community, broaden the audience and open value to the neighborhood.”

Walter has attended numerous zoning board meetings dealing with the arts and venue locations, trying to bring a different perspective to both the arts and general communities.

The crowd seemed lively, upbeat and thankful for the experience they were having, which occurred inside a safe place to enjoy live music and spend quality time with family.

Wilbert Gutierrez, a Union City resident, stated “events like this brings out artists you wouldn’t see otherwise. This is my fourth event and I wish this stretched through Hudson County.”

The quaint venue leaves no room for isolation and forces a sense of community upon one another, leaving patrons conversing and making new friends.

During the main performance, around 9 p.m., The Statuary was filled with listening ears and tapping toes as Andrae Murchison and the Murch Church Brass Band filled the room with New Orleans-style Jazz.

Dancing, laughing and brass steadied the narrow hall of The Statuary for the next two hours while conversation and a neighborhood food truck tended to hungry guests near the fire pit set up outside the venue.

After his performance, Andrae Murchison was asked what he thinks this program is doing for the community. Andrae stated, “This program is great; seeing a community come together and genuinely enjoy each other’s company is what music and art is about.”

Every artist at the venue believed that events such as JC Fridays are molding a brighter future for the community by creating a sense of “togetherness” during what many believe to be times of struggle.

All events were hosted free of charge to patrons and donations were accepted on behalf of the artists and musicians.

Stay connected to www.JCFridays.com for more information on future events and opportunities.


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