This weekend, the Arts Center on First Street – more famously known as “The 111 Building” – is hosting The Regurgitation Show, an art and music extravaganza featuring a collection of radical young artists, including more than 40 musicians, dancers, visual artists, performance artists, film and video artists, and DJs from the Tri State area.
Alex Leonard, a graphic designer and musician who has a studio in the 111 First St. building, organized the event. Using his own money and the help of fellow artists (some from the 111 building and some from the surrounding area) Leonard began organizing the event six months ago, and refers to the investment as a “labor of love.”
“I felt the time was right for the arts community in Jersey City to manifest itself,” Leonard said last week. “There is a lot going on and a lot of energy in Jersey City right now. So, this is the right moment for the folks at 111 to start spreading their wings.”
The expo will kick off on Friday night (March 23) at 7 p.m. with a “Rock vs. Hip Hop Slam Jam Bam Spam ‘n’ Eggs-travaganza” showcasing some of the area’s hardest rock bands and upcoming hip hop artists. Some of the musicians performing will include Child, a North Jersey-based hard rock group; SpySociety99, whose sound blends big band, lounge, punk rock and psychobilly music; Groobo, deep urban soul music that combines electronic sounds and hip hop; and Hudson County’s very own prog-rock metal band NEU SPORE.
The Art Show portion of the expo will be held on Saturday, March 24 beginning at 3 p.m. The exhibit will feature a diverse array of film, video, sculpture, paintings, installations and performance art ranging from avante garde choreography to bungee ballet to spoken word drama. Some of the visual artwork featured will include the installations and fashion designs of Jersey City-based artist Tina Krause; Eric Sophie’s Lego sculptures that have wowed art lovers at both Hoboken and Jersey City Art Studio tours, and the psychological paintings by New Jersey City University graduate Mohammad Yaghooti. Candidate for Jersey City City Council president Guy Catrillo will also be exhibiting some of his etchings.
Later that evening will be more rock and hip hop, along with live electronica and experimental jazz. Check musicians like the signer/songwriter Catherine Moon, The Vigilante Cowboys and Nyqwill.
The Regurgitation Show is free. And while refreshments will be available, BYOB is recommended. For more information check out the expo’s web site at http://regurgitationshow.com.