Tag Archives: music

Garden State Living, Scene & Heard

Life’s Better in the Garden State

Here in New Jersey, we got it all, great entertainment, night life and of course the Jersey Shore! What more could you ask for when living on the east coast? Here are some of our favorite things about the living in the Garden State!

Diners
There are over 500 diners in this hungry state, all including late night specials, a menu filled with every styled burger and fries you can imagine and great service! So, if you’re finishing a night on the town or just up for an early bird special, odds are you’ll end up at a diner.

Full Service Gas Stations
New Jersey is the last state standing with full service gas stations, and we aren’t complaining one bit. When sitting in the car, mid-winter and saying “20 regular cash” to the attendant, we are all reminded of one of the many reasons why we love Jersey.

Four Seasons

You’ll experience all four seasons when living in the Garden State. So, if winter white is what you want, we got it. We have hot summers, perfect for beachy days. Autumns are cool with beautiful trees changing to gorgeous hues. As for spring, the conditions are perfect for blooming plants – they don’t call it the Garden State for nothing!

The Shore

Last but never least, the Jersey Shore. This is easily one of our favorite places in New Jersey. Our beautiful beaches attract the masses. A day the Garden State beaches basking in the sun or walking a nearby boardwalk, will get you a bronzed glow in no time.

Location

When living in New Jersey we get to enjoy many of the perks of New York City without having to be stuck in the hustle of loud noises, honking cars and flashing lights. Looking to have a fun night out on the town? Going out has never been so easy, New York City is just a hop skip and a river away.

Nature

Along with its views of city skylines, there are many ways to pass time out in the nature of the Garden State. Whether you’re into hiking, climbing, boating, or fishing, there are many opportunities to get out and enjoy the outdoors in Jersey.  

Nightlife & Drinks

New Jersey is filled with bars, pubs and all things nightlife. A night out with friends can include bar hopping, a pub crawl, catching a show or just dancing the night away. If the nightlife isn’t enticing enough for you, Jersey also has some great wineries and breweries.

Pizza and Bagels

Though the debate on Taylor Ham versus Pork Roll may not be settled, we can come together and agree that New Jersey’s bagels and New Jersey Pizza are a breed of their own. So, if you love carbs, Jersey is the right place for you. 

Atlantic City
You might know it as the backdrop for ‘Boardwalk Empire’, but here, the locals consider Atlantic City as our mini Vegas. Located on the southern tip of New Jersey, Atlantic City has many attractions, and not just for not just for the high rollers; there’s the boardwalk, shows, dining, nightlife, shopping and more.

 

Nikki Lane
Toast of the Town

Nashville Entrepreneur Nikki Lane

While on a recent trip to Nashville, #HipNJ chatted with Music City singer/songwriter Nikki Lane! Not only is Lane an artist, but she’s also an entrepreneur! 

Lane wrote her first song at the age of 25, after a breakup and says becoming a songwriter was “one of the most selfish things” she’d ever done. During her early songwriting days, her main line of work involved working in fashion.

Once she got a record deal, she moved from NYC to Nashville, where she grew her music career and business, High Class Hillbilly. Lane explains that the road to success hasn’t been a clear and steady one, but because she persevered, she ended up where she is today.

Lane says, “Getting those no’s and getting those rejections in the field you want are just kind of pushing you to be more creative and a better version of the type of project you’re trying to do and so, just try little harder”. 

High Class Hillbilly is based in Nashville, TN. The items they sell are vintage, hand picked from places all over the US. The vintage boutique is filled with hats, vintage boots, fashion pieces, fun pieces and leather goods. 

Make sure you check them out to complete your favorite vintage look!

 

 

Entertainment, Events, Garden State Living, Scene & Heard

“Pac The House” Second Season at HACPAC

The Hackensack Main Street Business Alliance and the City of Hackensack are proud and excited to announce the return of the “PAC The House” at the Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC). This is the second season of the event, set to include John Pizzarelli, Elijah Bland, Amy Helm, Flor De Toloache and Marc Cohn. 

On Friday, October 5th, John Pizzarelli, a Paterson Native, starts the series off. Pizzarelli has over 20 solo albums, and has also performed on songs by Paul McCartney, James Taylor and Rosemary Clooney. In the recent years, he’s toured North America, South America, Asia and Europe, performing shows centered on Frank Sinatra’s centennial, the songs of Johnny Mercer, Paul McCartney and Nat King Cole. 

Elijah Bland is next, on Saturday, November 3rd. Bland is a self taught musician, who began playing the piano at 5 years old. He found his own voice, which led him to become an independent recording artist. Bland has performed at B.B. King Blues Club, SOB’s, 54 Below, New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), and DC’s historic Howard Theater with artists like  Stanley Clarke, Yolanda Adams, Lenny Williams and George Duke.

On Saturday, February 2nd, Amy Helm takes the stage. Amy is a singer-songwriter who served in her father Levon Helm’s Midnight Ramble Band, as a backing musician. Amy is currently about to release her second solo album, “This Too Shall Light”, on Sept. 21 and tours year-round. 

Then, on Saturday, March 9th, the all-female Mariachi band, Flor de Toloache, will be performing. The band is named after the flower used in Mexico as a love potion and was formed a decade ago. Their critically-acclaimed debut album received a Latin Grammy nomination in 2015 and they are currently touring in support of their latest album “Las Caras Lindas.” 

Finally, on Saturday, April 6th, Grammy-winner Marc Cohn closes out this year’s “PAC The House” series. The singer-songwriter hit the music scene in the 90s when his debut album went Platinum. His most recent work, “Careful What You Dream: Lost Songs and Rarities,” was released in 2016 and he has toured recently with Michael McDonald. 

This event is sure to include some first-class entertainment that you do not want to miss! Tickets are on sale now. Get ready to see these artists “PAC the House”!