One of Hudson County’s largest festivals returns to the streets of Jersey City this Friday. JC Fridays, a citywide celebration of arts and culture, is a quarterly event that welcomes thousands of guests to the city at the start of every season. Organized by Art House Productions, dozens of local businesses participate by hosting art installations and live music, or by offering great discounts on everything from cocktails to handmade jewelry.
The citywide festival has more than doubled in size since 2005.
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This season’s festival falls on Sept. 11, and hopes to provide a “perfect backdrop for the community to unite on this significant and historical day.”
The many highlights of the festival include an exhibition of Angelo Rusciano’s paintings, “Twin Powers,” which captures the sadness and beauty of the tragic attacks, while a comedic journey through one man’s life is on display in the performance, “A Life in America.” And don’t forget to bring the kids – children’s activities like face painting and snacks are offered at locations throughout the city.
The festival is sponsored by the Hudson County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, the Hudson Reporter Newspapers, Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy and the Jersey City Municipal Council, the Division of Cultural Affairs, the Jersey City Museum, the Historic Downtown Special Improvement District, the Jersey City Urban Enterprise Zone Program, and the Department of Housing, Economic Development and Commerce.
See sidebar for events. For a complete list, a map of all event locations, and more details, visit www.jcfridays.com.
Just a sampling of JC Fridays events
Central Avenue
HELLO AGAIN VINTAGE: Art, 1 to 8 p.m., handmade jewelry and clothing from local artists. 120A Bowers St. (201) 401-9163.
Exchange Place, Paulus Hook
IRON MONKEY: Art, music, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., artwork by Irene Kotinsky. 99 Greene St. (201) 435-5756.
SUN BLOSSOM LIBERTY CONDOS – Art, 4 to 9 p.m., Sept. 11-inspired artwork by Angelo Rusciano called “Twin Powers.” 208 Washington St. (646) 342-9288.
Grove Street
JERSEY CITY CULTURAL AFFAIRS: Art, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., presents “Rotunda Gallery Exhibition,” featuring new works by Katrina Bello and Loura van der Meule. Located at City Hall, 280 Grove St. (201) 547-4333.
GROVE STREET BICYCLES: Art, noon to 7 p.m., presents “Photographs on Wheels,” a collection of photographs by Rob Dolecki. 365 Grove St. (201) 451-2453.
ARTIFICATIONS and SAVA POLISH DELI: Art, music, 1 to 11 p.m., presents “The Art of David Ribyat.” Musical performances by Lloyd United and Las Vandelays. 346 Grove St. (201) 451-1901.
ARTS IN ACTION: Art, 2 to 8 p.m., presents “Creative Grove,” featuring art installations, an outdoor lounge, music, and locally handcrafted and designer goods. Located at the Grove Street PATH Plaza on Newark Ave. (646) 573-7164.
Hamilton Park
THE STOCKINETTE: Art, 6 to 10 p.m., presents “A Life In America,” a comedic journey throughout the span of one man’s lifetime. 581 Jersey Ave. (551) 226-3632.
GRASSROOTS COMMUNITY SPACE and RAILROAD STUDIO: 6 to 11 p.m., presents “The Grassroots Variety Show,” a multimedia showcase of classes and activities. 54 Coles St. (917) 254-0573.
ART HOUSE PRODUCTIONS and X8 DRUMS: Music, 7 to 9 p.m. presents the “JC Fridays Drum Circle.” 1 McWilliams Pl, 6th floor. (201) 915-9911.
Journal Square
BRIGHTMOMENT: Music, 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., presents DJ Derajja and Belly Sancer Emeline! Journal Square Café, 2881 Kennedy Blvd. (347) 789-7508.
Liberty State Park
LIBERTY HOUSE RESTAURANT: Music, 7 to 11 p.m., jazz of “Joisey Bounce” by George Glassen and Richard Connolly. 76 Audrey Zapp Dr., (201) 395-0300.
McGinley Square
IMAGO BEAUTY GROUP at the BASILICO: Art, 1 to 7 p.m., presents a collection of artwork from local artists. 673 Bergen Ave. (201) 332-6100.
Newark Avenue
LITM: Art, from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., presents Lau Gallico Klohe: “People You May Know.” 140 Newark Ave. (201) 536-5557.
JACK’S TOY SHOP: Art, 6 to 8 p.m., activities to commemorate the heroism of firemen on Sept. 11. 528 Jersey Ave. (201) 332-TOYS.
Newport
ART HOUSE PRODUCTIONS and COSI CAFÉ: Art, from 6 to 8 p.m., present an Opening Reception for artist Manya Kotlin. 535 Washington Blvd. (201) 963-0533.
Port Liberte
THE POINTE AT PORT LIBERTE: Music, 7 to 11 p.m., presents the Alan Quinn Duet. 2 Chapel Ave. (201) 985-9854.
Van Vorst Park
A SOUND START: Music, art, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., presents a fall open house. 489 Jersey Ave. (201) 200-1342.
GRIGORY GUREVICH ART and DESIGN STUDIO AND GALLERY – 6 p.m. to midnight, presenting a printmaking demonstration. 282 Barrow St. 2nd floor. (201) 451-4862.