Brought to you by the people behind LoveSexy – an offbeat part of the Hoboken scene from 1991 to 2002 – this weekend’s launch of Original Sessions Art House in Hoboken will present film screenings, live original music, painting, sculpture, photography, performance art, burlesque, stage readings, and theatrical productions.
“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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