"Our goal is to provide an outlet and fair environment for the brightest emerging talent," says John Vargas, the creator of OriginalSessions - "an outlet [where they can] take their careers into their own hands." Vargas, a Hoboken native, hopes to provide a warm, welcoming venue where performers and artists can showcase their talents.
OriginalSessions Art House makes its debut this Friday, April 16, at 32-34 Newark St., in the space recently occupied by The Cage (formerly Hennessy's). On tap for the opening night: a screening of Zatôichi, a Japanese samurai flick; live music by area bands Movers & Shakers, BonBomb, and The Sex Slaves; and sets by DJ's Serv and William.
In addition to the offerings listed below, Vargas plans to schedule weeknight events including an acoustic open-mic night, regular appearances by a DJ spinning soulful house music, and reggaeton nights featuring a musical blend of hip-hop, reggae, and salsa out of the ghettos of Puerto Rico.
OriginalSessions also presents a film and music series at Opaline in Manhattan. Both the OriginalSessions in New York and the new venue in Hoboken grew out of LoveSexy - which started in 1991 as a one-night party at Live Tonight, a club at First and Washington streets in Hoboken. Back then, LoveSexy offered dance parties for clubbed-out trendoids, underground house and disco classics, and live original music.
LoveSexy moved to Signore's lounge at 104 Hudson St. in 1994 and held sway there (with a small "LoveSexy" neon sign under the huge '70s-style Signore's banner) until the building was demolished in 2002. Then LoveSexy hopped across the river, making a stand at LoveSexy NYC above Show World in Times Square until it lost the space to a big-money Los Angeles comedy club. Before finding a place at Opaline, OriginalSessions held events at various lofts and performance-art spaces around the city. And now it's opening a second outpost where it all began . . . in Hoboken.
Artists interested in being part of the OriginalSessions Art House should contact John Vargas at OSarthouse@aol.com or (201) 795-1878.
Friday, April 16
6 p.m. film screening: Zatôichi
This 1989 Japanese film is the 26th installment in a series of blind-swordsman epics that were first made in the 1960s. Zatôichi- written by, directed by, and starring Shintaro Katsu - is said to be an inspiration for Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill series. Miramax will release a new Zatôichi film in June. 8:15 p.m. live original music: Movers & Shakers
Out-there, accordion-driven indie rock.
9 p.m. live original music: BonBomb
Members of this Jersey band played the old LoveSexy as Ded Life DV8.
10 p.m. live original music: The Sex Slaves
Just back from a tour of Tokyo. Also headlined the opening bash at this year's Slamdance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.
11 p.m. to closing: DJ's Serv and William
DJ Serv serves up classic R&B, hip-hop, and disco. DJ William spins house.
Saturday, April 17
6 p.m. film screening: Zatôichi
9:30 p.m. to closing: live original music from Start the End, The Forever Endeavor, überfunction, and What Exit
Friday, April 23
TBA: Film screening: Hoboken Lou. Made by Hoboken brothers Christian and Charles DeFazio, Hoboken Lou tells the story of Lou LaCascia, a bartender and aspiring actor who refuses to settle for the ordinary.
Live original music: TBA
DJ's Serv and Alo
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