A fun and helpful blog to let you know what is new, hip and noteworthy around the Midtown Direct line. With close attention to Maplewood, South Orange, Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair and Summit areas.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

2nd Annual Maplewood Art and Music Festival!

With all this wonderful weather we are experiencing, today is the perfect day to gather the family for a fun and cultural day in Maplewood. Today marks the second year that Maplewood will close some of its streets and open it to the walking public. You can expect a lively crowd enjoying the arts of nearly 40 local artist, jewelry makers and photographers. In the background local bands will perform while you shop. 

This event is great for the entire family. Children can enjoy some face painting, chalk mural art, cotton candy and a bunch of other activities sponsored by Geralyn's Art Studio, Children's Community Mural and Village Trattoria.

This yogi recommends you live it up! 

And if you want to shop for a new home while you are in town, make sure to call me - 646-206-9066. Lots of Maplewood and South Orange open houses today! For other Open Houses, visit my webpage: http://www.njhomesbysonia.com.kwrealty.com/ and don't forget to Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sonia-Quintero-Homes/214567271947463

Here is the schedule:

MUSIC AND SPECIAL PERFORMANCES

Ricalton Square Cafe – Grab a bite from one of the participating restaurants and enjoy live performances from in Ricalton Square:
- Noon – Jazz Trumpeter Bruno Lee
-1:00pm GUMWALL
One-hundred-percent local homespun indie Rock with a surprise kick like a midwestern mule
-2:00pm REBECCA TURNER & FRIENDS
Local chanteuse on the loose bringing the songs, the stories, and the Jerseygrass flavor
-3:00pm HIPPO 
Maplewoodian trio melds Jazz and Rock into a thundering yet graceful musical animal
-4:00pm FELT
Jersey-fresh, garage-stained, and ready to throw down their big,  joyful noise.
Baker Street 
-12 to 4 pm Performance Violinist Joseph Tornquist Make sure you turn the corner, visit Baker Street and enjoy this CHS phenom.
The After Show Party – at Highland Place/Crane’s
- 5 pm The After Show Party – at Highland Place/Crane’s don’t miss the “After Show Party” at HPC! Live music by local favorites Mood Ring, passed apps and cash bar. We’ll present the Best of Show with a $200 cash prize and the runner up with a $100 gift certificate to award-winning Restaurant Lorena’s!

ACTIVITIES

On Baker Street 
-Sidewalk Chalk Graffiti at Lotus Petals Floral Design
-Childrens’ Community Mural – sponsored by Geralyn’s Art Studio 2 to 4 pm
-Face Painting & Kid’s Paining Area – sponsored by Geralyn’s Art Studio
- Artist Stalls
On Highland Place
-Sand Art Activity – sponsored by the Girls Scouts
-Children’s Community Mural – sponsored by Geralyn’s Art Studio 11 am – 1:3pm
-Community Art Project – build a mini village made from recycled goods at Little One & Co.
-Pictures at Mona Lisa – take your pictures in the giant frame
-Popcorn at Perch Home
-Artist Stalls
On Maplewood Avenue
-Glitter Tattoos at Scriveners
-Face painting at Strawberry Fields
-Tattoos at Maplewood Deli & Grille
-Balloon Sculpture from Noon to 3 pm sponsored by No. 165
-$1 Cotton Candy at corner of Maplewood Avenue and Inwood Place – all proceeds go to Village beautification projects; sponsored by Village Trattoria 

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

The Northeast Film Festival in Maplewood

Toronto is having their big film festival so why not Maplewood? With so much talent in and around the area, I am surprised this didn't happen sooner. The important thing is that it is finally happening and you can be here to witness, and be part of the first annual Northeast Festival. 

Here is what you can expect: 


The Northeast Film Festival will be held from 13-15 September 2013 at the Maplewood Theater in NJ. The Northeast Film Festival (NEFF) showcases top independent films and TV pilots from celebrated filmmakers, as well as new talent. The diverse array of films, selected by a committee, includes features and shorts from all genres, as well as documentaries. 


AWARDS WILL BE GIVEN IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:

  • Best Feature Film    
  • Best Director
  • Best Actress (Feature)
  • Best Actor (Feature)
  • Best Supporting Actress (Feature)
  • Best Supporting Actor (Feature)
  • Best Screenplay
    • Best Short
    • Best Director of a Short
    • Best Actress (Short)
    • Best Actor (Short)
    • Best Documentary
    • Audience Choice Award
    Get your tickets now! 
    Click here to purchase and see official nominee clips: http://www.nefilmfestival.com/NEFF.html

    Sunday, September 8, 2013

    The Sweet Smell of Success

    Julie Pauly(right) at work
    If I could bottle one of the most delicious and inviting smells, it would be the first deep inhale of decadent goodness which pervades the small, yet quaint little Maplewood bakery, The Able Baker.  As a matter of fact, if I could make this post scratch and sniff, I would---it's that intoxicating!

    The owner, Julie Pauly has taken her passion and ran with it and we local Maplewoodians are very happy about it. Every morning she delights us with new, creative and scrumptious scones (Currently, my favorite is the coconut-cranberry scone, but really, they all make my eyes roll, in the good way...), cookies, cupcakes, pies - Oh my!


    This is a great place to bring your computer or iPad (free wifi) and reply to some quick emails if you can find the space. The vintage decor boasts only 4 tables and about 10 seats, total. Community seating is a must, as this sweet place is always busy.

    Don't have time to sit and gain some empty calories sniffing the sweet smell of success? Pick up a scone and some of the best coffee around, to go. They brew up a perfect blend every time. No need for Starbucks when you can have La Combre Corsicca blend drip and Monaco Reserve or Nizza blend for the espresso drinks. Take my word for it, it is smooth yet strong enough to wake you up, so you can do your 100 yard dash to catch the Midtown Direct train to NYC.

    For more information and visions of beautifully designed cakes and cookies, visit their website at www.theablebaker.com and make sure to Like them on Facebook.



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