The streets of the Union City are overcrowded with traffic and pedestrians walking around shopping. The Latino experience has overtaken the city affecting its culture and economy. While the pressures of urban life continue to abound Union City, a hometown kid is working as hard as he can to turn the city into a cultural haven.
Actor and singer Lucio Fernandez has been documenting and entertaining local residents and audiences nationwide with his charisma and musical talents. After working with the city on a variety of artistic projects and becoming the director of the Grace Theatre, Fernandez was recently hired by the city to assist Mayor Brian Stack with cultural and artistic endeavors in the city.
"The administration is very mindful of the needs of the community and what the people want," Fernandez said.
Sounding more like a politician than an award-winning actor, Fernandez now talks about urban planning, cultural renaissances, and city renewal. But when he is not implementing Stack’s vision, Fernandez sings lead for his fusion band CuJazz. They recently performed at Havana Bay Coffee at 3101 Kennedy Blvd. in North Bergen. CuJazz, which came out with a CD a few months ago, is a triumph for Fernandez. The independent album, Volver A Ti, features eight tracks of covers and originals. On "Besame Mucho," Fernandez’ vocals shine brightly, capturing the essence of the popular Spanish tune, which was also covered by The Beatles. On "Nuestro Olvido" Fernandez serenades his ballad with honesty and a sense of urgency.
"The band is my outlet to set my poems to music," Fernandez said.
In addition to CuJazz, Fernandez is presently hosting the popular local access show "Ensalada (Salad)" and "Live On Stage" on Cablevision. "Ensalada," a bilingual "man-on-the-street" show based in Union City, began two years ago and Fernandez has been asking people hard-hitting social questions about life in the city. On the lighter side, "Live On Stage," is a more candid show where Fernandez follows an independent group around and videotapes them performing.
"We’ve received excellent feedback from the shows," he said.
He is also co-artistic director of the non-profit Hudson County company, the Grace Theatre Workshop, Inc., which for the past three years has been offering the children of the county free classes in the performing arts. It also features a poetry contest for kids. Last year’s winner, Jaimee Chasmer, won by submitting a poem about the Sept. 11 attacks.
Musicals
In the early ’90s, Fernandez traveled the world with several Broadway shows, including West Side Story, A Chorus Line, Guys and Dolls and Jesus Christ Superstar. For almost four years, he was a lead actor at The Spanish Repertory Theatre in New York City. He has worked with artists like Marc Anthony, Tommy Tune, Shirley MacLaine, Gene Kelly, Lorna Luff, Susan Lucci, and Liza Minelli. He has appeared in films, on television, and in countless commercials and voice-overs.
"Acting is who I am. I’ve been trained in the arts, and I enjoy performing on stage," Fernandez said.
But working full-time for Union City and the mayor as the deputy director of the Department of Public Affairs has put some of his acting projects on hold. His civic jobs include being president of the Union City Public Library Friends, Inc. and a member of the Union City Day Care Board of Directors.
"Working for the city gives me the opportunity to make an immediate difference in the community," he said.
Fernandez’ latest goal is to put the art scene in Union City on the map. There’s a group of artists who left Hoboken and Jersey City several years ago that have now found a home in Union City. Renowned award-winning sculptors, photographers and painters have toiled and endured obscurity (with minor exceptions) at the Silk Factory at 540 39th St., also known as the Union Hill Arts Building. This version of Jersey City’s 111 First St. is a haven for indy artists with a purpose.
Within the urban landscape and depressed parts of the city, more than two dozen brave artists will open their studio doors on Oct. 25-26 from noon to 6 p.m. for an open tour. It will be a week after Hoboken’s annual artists studio tour.
"Our small art scene has grown. It is not publicized so much, but we’ve had tremendous shows recently in the building," said Event Coordinator Katharina Castiblanco Grammer. She, like many of her peers, had a studio in the mile-square city and even took part in the Hoboken studio tour for several years.
"The cost of living went up too high, and I was forced out," she said.
Fernandez is working with Grammer and other artists to ensure that the Union Hill Arts Building keep growing.
Despite their location, their works have been seen by many people.
Last year, Dahlia Elsayed showcased her paintings and poetry at the Jersey City Museum. The show received outstanding media coverage, and Elsayed eclipsed her competitors with her talents.
Other people at the Union Hill Arts Building are William Vaseles Charas, Emanuele Cacciotore, Marcus Williamson, German Rodriguez, Francisco Garcia, Pixie Alexander, Santiago Cohen, Nelson Alvarez, Irwin Goldman, Keith White, Adam Bateman, Geandy Pavon and Wendy Setzer.
"We’d like to think we’d see a tour in this city. It can happen if our shows are successful," Grammer said.
The delicate art scene in Union City is in the very early stages. Residents are slowly finding out about them.
Fernandez said he is certain more artists will move into the city so that they can begin an urban renaissance, much like Jersey City’s.
There’s an open reception Oct. 24 from 7:30 to 11 p.m. and the studios will be open Oct. 25-26 from noon to 6 p.m.
"The arts will prevail in Union City," Fernandez said.
For information on Fernandez visit www.LucioFernandez.com. For information on the art show call (201) 902-9690 or visit www.union-management.com. q