Egyptian National Folkloric Dance Group Will Also Perform as Part of Entertainment Series

Jersey City, NJ, January 20, 2010 –Award-winning blues singer Shemekia Copeland, blues guitarist Debbie Davies and Doo Wop favorites the Duprees will headline a diverse entertainment lineup presented by The Provident Bank Foundation and Jersey City Magazine at Journal Square's landmark Loew's Jersey Theatre.

Recent performances by local Doo Wop favorites Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge, and blues legends John Hammond and the Duke Robillard Band, drew enthusiastic crowds who experienced the grandeur of the historic theatre, internationally recognized artists and the entertainment, dining and shopping scene in Jersey City's Journal Square District.

"When the Loew's Jersey opened in 1929, it was called 'the most lavish temple of entertainment in New Jersey ', and Journal Square was one of the great entertainment destinations in the State.  Since being saved from the wrecking ball and re-opened as a non-profit arts center, the Loew's has been renewing that tradition,” said Colin Egan, Director of the Loew's. “We've built a reputation as one of the best places in the Metropolitan Area to enjoy classic film and alternative rock -- attracting patrons from throughout the region.  Now, by working with our partners in this series, we are broadening that mix, bringing even more patrons to the Loew's, and adding even more to the great things happening in the new Journal Square," he concluded.

The concert series' promotional partners include the Journal Square Restoration Corporation, Friends of the Loew's, the City of Jersey City and Square Ramp Parking. The United Jersey Blues Network is the music partner for the concert series. Media partners include The Hudson Reporter Newspapers and WFDU-FM. The concerts are funded with contributions from the Journal Square Restoration Corporation (JSRC) and the Jersey City Urban Enterprise Zone program. 

Jordan Galatz, Chairman of the Journal Square Restoration Corporation's board of trustees, noted that the concert series builds on the JSRC's successful outdoor summer concert series in the Square, in addition to the wide range of programming presented by the Loew's, and that additional events are being planned through this partnership. “These performances are a great way to connect Jersey City residents and other visitors with the incredible history and the ongoing re-birth of the Square as a great entertainment destination -- with the Loew's as a cornerstone and linchpin between the history and future,” Galatz added. “We believe people will be attracted by all of the great things that Journal Square has to offer, including a safe and welcoming environment, convenient and affordable parking plus excellent mass transit connections via the PATH Station at Journal Square .”

Loew's Down Blues

On February 19th, blues singer/guitarist Debbie Davies, nominated for “Best Contemporary Female Blues Artist” in the 2008 Blues Music Awards, will bring her band to the Loew's along with Sugar Ray and the Bluetones.

On April 16th, Shemekia Copeland will demonstrate the powerful and soulful voice that has earned her comparisons to noted blues singers like Etta James, Ruth Brown and Koko Taylor. Copeland has opened for the Rolling Stones, headlined at the Chicago Blues Festival, earned critic's choice awards from both The New York Times and The Times of London and has shared the stage with artists like Buddy Guy, B.B. King and John Mayer.

More Doo Wop

A Doo Wop extravaganza on Friday, March 12th will feature The Duprees plus Kenny Vance & The Planotones. The Duprees are known the world over for their smooth vocals and romantic interpretations of some of the most beautiful love songs ever written. Formed in Jersey City by the late Michael J. Arnone in the early sixties, The Duprees big band-style arrangement of Jo Stafford's 1950's ballad “You Belong to Me” was the group's first million selling record.

Affordable, Convenient Entertainment, Parking & Mass Transit

Tickets are available in advance (Preferred Seats $27.50; General Admission $22.50) and a t the door (Preferred Seats $35.00; General Admission $30.00). Advance t tickets can be purchased at the Loew's Box Office, 54 Journal Square, on Saturdays from 12 noon to 3:00 PM, and at the Journal Square Operations Office, 4 PATH Plaza, Mondays through Fridays from 11:00 AM till 3:00 PM. Tickets are also available online at www.thenewjournalsquare.com and www.loewsjersey.org and by calling 800.440.7654. The cost of parking for ticket holders will be reduced for the event to just $5.00 at Square Ramp Parking, located directly behind the theatre.

JERSEY CITY 'S TAPESTRY OF NATIONS

Egyptian National Folkloric Dance Group

The Egyptian National Folkloric Dance Group will make a rare appearance in the United States on Sunday, February 28, 2010, as part of the “Tapestry of Nations” series. The colorful costumes, traditional dances and music combine to make this a special event for the whole family. The performance is being co-sponsored by the Consulate General of Egypt in New York .

Advance tickets will go on sale soon (General Admission $20.00) and at the door (General Admission $25.00). Discounts will be available to children under 12, students with ID and seniors 62 and over with ID for $10. Discounts will also be offered to groups of 10 or more, also for $10 per person. Purchase the discount tickets by calling 800 440-7654.

For More Information

For more information about the concert series, call the Journal Square Restoration Corporation at 201.795.1854 or visit thenewjournalsquare.com. For more information on the Loew's Jersey Theatre call 201.798.6055 or visit loewsjersey.org.