Recently I stopped by the #LBOT in the Franklin Park Neighborhood of Trenton NJ.  Before the winter is hard upon us I am going to repaint this piece to freshen things up a bit.

While visiting I dropped off a few dozen books and magazines from various sources.  Hard and soft covers including Romance, Philosophy and Youth items picked up from Championship Bar located at 931 Chambers St., and periodicals; Architectural Digest, Highlights for Kids and Quest for Boys donated by www.MagazineLiteracy.org

I have received requests for several boxes recently so stay tuned as this organic effort to address literacy expands!

Have a look at some of images that were captured.

The day started with a leisurely ride through Eastern PA heading to our destination.

We stopped along the way and met some very friendly horses not in the least bit camera shy.

https://goo.gl/photos/b7epsATub3X9aLBu9

Rolling through Intercourse PA we observed the downtown area and then stopped for lunch at Hand In Hand Vol. FD.  They were having a fundraiser lunch that included all you can eat chicken pot-pie.  Where I grew up this recipe was called chicken and dumplings.  The meal was accompanied with fresh baked rolls, side veggies, fresh iced tea, lemonade and dessert.  The kind of meal that “sticks to your ribs.”

During lunch I captured images around the FD and chatted with locals “Danny” and the Fire Chief.  Religious rules prevent posing for images.  We chatted about our respective cultures.  I learned that some religious sects differ in the Amish community.  Some churches prohibit the riding of pedal powered bicycles but allow the use of scooters.  We also chatted about the challenges of finding volunteers to drive the fire trucks.

After the satisfying meal and conversation we were given a tour and saw the process of making our meal then off to Lancaster.

Have a look at some of the images captured from the first portion of the trip.

https://goo.gl/photos/GTthLtAdrz9iHaAX7

Well done National Public Radio #npr

Today's tribute to Muscians who have departed in 2016 was awesome!

Starting with #Prince's "Lets Go Crazy" those words "Dearly beloved we are gathered here today...." brought back the memories of my life in 1983-84.

The segment covered a diverse genre of music created and performed by those who have moved on from this plain and made me realize why I love the Art of Music.

As I grow in my appreciation of Music as an Artform, I will continue to share the talent I see, hear and appreciate through my programs,
The Trenton 365 Show and ABRMS The Amans Brindled Regional Music Show as well as Lifestyle By Amans Brindled.

I hope you will join me on the journey to build a better community for everyone through civic engagement.

http://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2016/12/29/507146995/when-departed-stars-become-digital-saints-on-music-and-collective-grief-in-2016

When I think back to my grade school education I regret not exploring the Performing Arts more.

I remember Earl Carhart telling me to consider the stage, unfortunately my interests were elsewhere.

Fast forward to my adulthood, where I am using my access to be a cheerleader for all genres of Art.

Earlier this year I met Filmmaker Katherine Elisabeth Clark while promoting her Pop Up Anthology film viewings.

http://www.popupanthology.com/

Later Katherine introduced me to the Roxey Ballet based out of Lambertville NJ.  I visited the studio for the series "BEER AND BALLET" FRANKENSTEIN sneak-peek.

Have a listen to my chat with Founding Director Mark Roxey

https://soundcloud.com/trenton365/mark-roxey-of-roxey-ballet

The open studio event gave visitors a chance to see and hear a bit about the forthcoming performance while enjoying some light refreshments.

I hope you will attend one of the performances and here is a little motivation.

The following images were captured by Kevin Duddy Photos

Music at Snipes Farm 

"In and Out of The Garden We Go"

June 10-11, 2016

I was really excited to cover this one, since I hadn’t been to a Grateful Dead anything since 1995. I’m not the type of person that likes to go out in 90°plus heat for 10 hours. However, this I was not willing to miss.

I guess I should tell you that I’ll be getting my Medicare card soon, along with a lot of other deadheads. So that fact was not deterring me. There were many others of my type at this festival, but the thing that really surprised me was...it was a family affair!

It was three generations of family affair!

There was a father who was wearing a full “Indian headdress,” that went right to the ground. He was bending over talking so sweetly with his four-year- old daughter as they walked off to buy ice cream. It was a wonderful thing to see three generations dancing, singing, playing, and just hanging out on a beautiful summer day for 10 or 12 hours to enjoy what for me…was a blast from the past.

There were food vendors and food trucks with what seemed to be reasonably price, if you did not bring your own faire. In addition, there were craft vendors: tie-dye, candles, incense and all those other cool things you would expect at an event like this.

It was a two-day festival and Snipes Farm had accommodations for camping out Friday night. There were people sleeping in anything from a pup tent…to pop up, pop out… air-conditioned campers. Ahhh those deadheads, that people said would never amount to anything. But I digress.

The lineup of music went from… can’t sit down, got to dance... to let me just sit here and stare at all the cool special effects lighting, as some obscure instrumental (to me anyway) is being played.

Also, in the tradition of any Grateful Dead festival there were no incidents.

And a good time was had by all!

MLP

(Mary Linda Perry is Trenton 365 Contributor who enjoys good food, good company and good conversations)

https://soundcloud.com/trenton365/sets/music-at-snipes-farm

The following images were captured by Kevin Duddy

The following images were captured by Amans Brindled

Have a listen to my chat with Patchwork Pandemic

What is Pork Roll?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pork_roll

My earliest memories of pork roll go back to my childhood growing up in Ewing Twp. NJ.  I remember the smell of sweet smokiness filling the air as my Mom, Dad or siblings fried the German Sausage in the black cast iron pan.  I remember asking why 3 to 4 small slices were placed around the perimeter.  “That’s to prevent the slice from bubbling.” In those days my sandwich was on white Wonder Bread with ketchup.

As I grew in age and responsibility my cooking efforts of pork roll included the addition of sautéed onions, peppers, carrots, topped with cheese on wheat bread.  This is what my Mom enjoyed.  I now call this the “Phoebe Lee.”

In college pork roll was a staple and enjoyed throughout the day; breakfast with eggs, lunch as a sandwich, dinner on a plate with sides and of course late night snacks making up any and all options.

2016 marks the 3^rd Edition of pork roll festival(s) in New Jersey’s Capital City of Trenton.  During one of our many chats, brainstorming sessions etc., Scott Miller, Owner of Exit 7A Studios told me he was thinking of having a Pork Roll festival.  I thought the idea was awesome and encouraged him to move ahead with planning.  He did and held the 1^st Pork Roll Festival at TC Nelson’s location Trenton Social.  The first event was very well attended and probably a bit overwhelming for all involved.

After the event Scott decided he wanted to take the event in another direction.  This led to a series of actions by both parties and now we have 2 Pork Roll Festivals.  That history is very public and easily accessible via an Internet search, if you have interest.

Scott Miller’s – The Original Pork Roll Festival (registered trademark)

http://www.porkrollfestival.com/

TC Nelson’s – Trenton Pork Roll Festival

http://www.trentonporkrollfestival.com/

Each festival offers plenty to see, do and enjoy, they are also quite distinct in styles.  I suggest you visit the websites of each festival for details. 

In the interim here are a few items I would like to highlight.

The Original Pork Roll Festival

• ·      Located in a public park, which can easily accommodate 1000’s of visitors.  The park layout offers lots of space for attendees to walk around the location of the Battles of Trenton
• ·      Pork Roll Queen competition
• ·      Pork Roll Recipe Contest

The Trenton Pork Festival

• ·      Takes place at Trenton Social, a thriving brick & mortar business that has become a hub for live music, art and various gatherings in Trenton NJ. 
• ·      The Pork Roll Out Bike Tour
• ·      VIP Area

I suggested and would like to see(n) a friendly competition between the businessmen where Pork Roll became(becomes) the official meat of Trenton NJ.  Think of Philadelphia and the cheesesteak competition between Pat’s and Gino’s.  I can see it now, “Pork Roll Purveyor’s Case and Taylor’s to decide which festival they will sponsor.”  “Pork Roll Festival Creators to announce this years theme at the Annual Pork Roll Event Announcement and Block Party.

In closing I consider Scott and TC my friends, I support the efforts of both men and know they want to have thriving businesses in Trenton NJ.  We have lots to see, do and explore in the Capital City of Trenton NJ and I encourage you to visit.  If you would like, get in touch and I will personally help you with the coordination.

trenton365show@gmail.com

www.trenton365.com

As a kid of the 70’s my Pop Culture included Wrestling.  My favorites were 

Tony Atlas,

Mil Mascaras 

Superstar Billy Graham

Chief Jay Strongbow

and the Grand Wizard of Wrestling

I’ve lost touch with “WRASTLIN” but Trenton 365 Contributors Will Foskey and Dan Regan are connected. 

Will Foskey is a Content Provider of various disciplines, for Trenton 365 “Deshair” has handled the Artistic Direction for a fashion event, captured images and leads the MLK Day Social Clean Up.  Have a listen to some of our chats.

https://soundcloud.com/trenton365/sets/will-foskey

            By Will Foskey

On the “Road to Wrestlemania”, the WWE brought their top tier Professional Wrestling Company to the

Sun Center in Trenton, NJ, to entertain an electrifying crowd. 8 Days away from the biggest event of the

year, WWE Superstars, Stardust, Sin Cara, Kalisto, Bray Wyatt, The Social Outcasts, Ryback, and more,

took this opportunity to strike fear in their opponents, while giving it to the crowd.

I’d like to take a moment to explain the difference between a WWE Televised Show and a WWE House

Show, and why fans should experience both.

On March 21st, I had the pleasure of attending WWE Monday Night Raw at the Wells Fargo Center in

Philadelphia. The show was televised, meaning you’ll see the most popular wrestlers they have to offer.

Televised shows have storylines to follow and directly affect their monthly PPV events.

On March 26th at the Sun Center in Trenton, NJ, this is what you’d call a House Show. House Shows

aren’t televised. Being entertained by the most popular wrestlers isn’t guaranteed. However, there’s an

advantage House Shows have over Televised Shows: Talent to Crowd Interactions. If you’re loud enough

to gain the attention of the wrestler you love or hate the most, chances are, they’ll stop wrestling and

address you. As WWE Superstar who wants to be fed more, Ryback, displayed.

Ryback has been plagued with being a doppelganger of WCW Legend, Goldberg. So Trenton let him have

it. “GOLD-BERG, GOLD-BERG,” they screamed. Please remember, when the WWE Universe makes this

chant at a televised show, Ryback ignores the chant, focusing on the match at hand. But on Saturday

night, not only did Ryback let the crowd know how he felt about their chants, he went on to perform at

least 4 moves from Goldberg’s move list, before winning the match and giving an audience member in

the front row, “The Bird.”

Did we receive top tier talent? No. But were we entertained? YES! Stardust versus Sin Cara opened up

the show with an excited match full of old-school grapples and high flying artistry. “The Bulgarian Brute”

Rusev versus Kalisto captured the crowd with its “David vs. Goliath” approach, cashing in on numerous

near falls (kicking out of a pin) and emotional reactions. And the headliner, The Wyatt Family (Bray and

Rowan) vs. The Big Show and Kane closed the show on a good note, playing towards the crowd, even

tagging in who the crowd wanted to see in the ring.

Overall, it was a good show that the WWE Universe in Trenton, made a great experience.

Dan Regan is a Comedian who shares his “Rants” with the Trenton 365 Audience.  You can expect to here him covering all segments of current events through his Twitter handle Social Mime.

Have a listen to some of our chats.

https://soundcloud.com/trenton365/sets/dan-regan

This past Saturday March 26th I attended the WWE "Road to Wresltemania" event at the Sun National Bank Center in Trenton. The 2 tickets were courtesy of Jacque Howard and WIMG 1300AM radio station. I took my wife who has never been to a wrestling match before but she endures my weekly wrestling shows of RAW & Smackdown and my commentary on it. The one thing that persuaded her to go was the chance of seeing her favorite wrestler Roman Reigns <see attached photo> (no idea why she likes such a puny, homely looking guy) but as you can see in the photos her face when she found out Roman wasn't there. I have to say the seats were fantastic and the show was entertaining, so much so that my wife agreed to go to a live taping of RAW when it comes around again, although I think she wants to go just to see Roman but hey I will take it. Thanks again Jacque & WIMG for a night of fun!

Review of the Fifth Annual Bierfest hosted by The German Society of Pennsylvania

In the land of Benjamin Franklin, a stone’s throw from the statue of Edgar Allan Poe’s raven, a

wonderful, glorious event took place on a day which was just as magnificent. The German Society of

Pennsylvania’s Bierfest. For those of you who want a quick recap, here it is:

Atmosphere: There were four main rooms that were serving beer and had all the action, which explains

why they are the only ones I know of, and why I wouldn’t know of more. There were happy people in all

of them, and some of those people were even in lederhosen and wearing drindls, which definitely

helped get to get a person in the spirit. Also, maybe because they sold a limited amount of tickets and it

was a lovely day outside, none of the rooms were overcrowded. This is a plus, because there was less of

a chance of spilling the precious nectar of the Gods.

Entertainment: In the PA Beer Hall, there was a Bluegrass band playing. It’s not my favorite genre of

music, but it was good. It didn’t make me want to drink more to forget it, so that’s good. In the German

Beer Hall there was a (brass? Not an entire one, just a trombone and some other nice instruments) band

playing a nice variety of songs, some German and some not (they played Sweet Caroline and other songs

like that at one point). In my opinion, the German beer hall definitely had the better entertainment.

Variety of Beer: There was a room filled with local, Pennsylvania brewers. And then another filled with

German beers. There wasn’t an enormous amount of them, but there were more than me and my

stepdad could handle. Plus, who needs and enormous amount of names when the beer is unlimited?

After a once through, you could start at the beginning again and they’d all taste different because your

insides would be halfway through fermenting.

Quality of Beer: Excellent. Which is another reason why the variety and range of selection didn’t matter

as much. You could stick with one brand get way more than your money’s worth.

Food: The food was excellent. There were sausage sandwiches and potato pancakes and other delicious

treats. My only problem with it was that there was not enough. It was free, which is probably why they

were small servings. There was a food truck right outside of the main entrance, but it was a little

inconvenient, for me at least, to take time out of my tour of my PA and German beer sampling spree to

leave the building to go buy food.

Price: When I first saw the price of the tickets, I was on the fence. But then I arrived, and readers, the

beer was free. All of it. As much as you could drink. Even with that amazing caveat, I did not see one

person lying on the floor. The attendees were either actually pacing themselves, or were some special

breed. Or they were smart about their beer drinking and somehow made themselves stick to one type

and didn’t do an entire taste tour of PA and Germany.

Overall grade: B+

Not a perfect A, because it wasn’t a month-long celebration and there wasn’t obvious access to water so

I could drink more.

Samantha Jade Thompson for Trenton 365 / Lifestyle By Amans Brindled

www.trenton365.com

https://www.facebook.com/amansbrindled/?fref=ts

Coverage from the 2015 Philly Bierfest

Lifestyle By Amans Brindled

WICKED FAIRE ‘16

The website for Wickedfaire describes it’s Creator Jeff Mach like this:

Jeff’s heart was captured at thirteen by The Rocky Horror Picture Show. He was fascinated by how much you could change the seemingly ordinary world of a movie theatre, and create a strange, wonderful new home for people whose interests were outside the norm. He’s dedicated his life to creating those places.

As a singer-songwriter, Jeff’s work ranges from wry takes on Steampunk, tales of Faeries and their kin, and what happens when you get locked inside a dream factory. As a playwright, Jeff’s plays and musicals tend to take familiar subjects and look at them from odd angles.

Jeff was born January 27th, 1975. He’s a practicing Pagan whose chief patron is P’tah, who is either the God who created all things, or the inventor of miniatures – depending on which mythology you read. He’s also dedicated to Coyote, Eris, and Dionysus.

I met Jeff a few years ago at another event he Created, The Steampunk World’s Fair.  More on that in the near future!

The Wicked Faire billed as The Final Wicked Faire took place in Princeton, NJ at the Hyatt Regency.  As of November 15, 2015 more than 3 months in advance the hotel had completely sold out!  That alone should tell you a bit about a Jeff Mach Event and the loyalty he has of attendees, vendors and supporters. 

It’s pretty well known that I keep my eyes and ears open to new experiences and my first trip to Wicked Faire was no different.  On this excursion I was joined by Journalist Mary Linda Perry and Photographers Jodi Walker of the Bat Factory and International Photo Journalist Kevin Duddy.

Mary Linda had this to say about her experience.

Feb 19, 2016           Winter Faire

The moment we drove into the parking lot I knew we were not in

Kansas anymore. The Hyatt Regency in Princeton had been

transformed to another time…and another place. The first creature I

ran into was, Puck from Midsummer Night’s Dream, followed by

Professor Severus Snape, Darth Vader, and Joan of Arc. You get the

picture. We had stepped into the 11th annual Wicked Faire.

Each persona was more elaborate than the next. As I sat at the bar

drinking ale with these creatures I couldn't help but think that these

beings were probably managing my portfolio in their normal everyday

life.

Next we had the vendors.  High craftsmen leather goods including

long coats, capes, vests and more. The best as I have ever seen!

There was creative jewelry, include exotic earring wraps, cuffs

bracelets. In addition, there are elaborate copper masks, light S&M

toys, teas and absinthe shops and more.

There was minstrel singing, and Cirque du Soleil types of

entertainment. The evening ended with a burlesque show.

It was late. I was tired, and under the influence of some strange

alcoholic beverages. We walked back to the parking lot, got into the

car, and we were back in Kansas. The next morning when I woke up, I

thought… Did that just happen?

I often attend events and see people I know and this was no different.  Friends Kate Holster Ivchenko, Toni Kerschner McGovern and spouses Alex and William noticed me from the balcony.  We then connected for laughs, adult beverages and I learned the perspective from Veterans of Jeff Mach Events.

We strolled around the multiple floors chatting with people, capturing images and audio, viewing the items available for purchase from the numerous vendors and attended some live performances including a wonderfully done Burlesque Show, opening night was done for our crew.

Day 2

As Jodi and I walked into the Hyatt we were greeted by dozens of costumed people.  I was asked if I wanted to write or color on a lightly dressed bikini top woman, of course she was tagged with “Trenton 365.” 

Jodi a veteran of “Cosplay” helped to educate me on the scene, characters etc.  We connected with Kate, Alex, Toni, William and Photojournalist my “Buddy Kevin Duddy” to get started. 

Saturday was considerably more crowded and vibrant with more performances including Egyptian Belly Dancing from Audie and her troupe as well as Marylee Morinelli and the team she is a member of; Coveilance Dance Project led by Kimberly Dickenson.

In my opinion no event is complete without a live performance, “Frenchy And The Punk” are a new favorite!  They came highly recommended by Artist/Educator Kate Holster Ivchenko.

Made up of Samantha Stephenson (Frenchy) and Scott Helland (The Punk) this 2 piece is as lively as it gets, showcasing their varied musical interests to the delight of the crowd.  The performance included Vocals, Percussion, Drums, Piano, Guitars, Live Looping and more.

The music evokes movement and energy not only from progressions but the rhythms and vocals.  Frenchy encouraged the audience to dance and move as the rhythmic drums and electrified guitar guided us.

The song “Dark Carnival” reminded me of Siouxsie And The Banshees specifically “Peekaboo” from the inaugural 1991 lineup of Lollapalooza.

Add Frenchy And The Punk to the list of bands to see before you can’t afford to.

I neglected to mention Jessica Star.  We chatted briefly after her set and have since connected via social media and I look forward to hearing more from her and the 3 piece band which goes by her name.  

I believe "Mystical" is a good word to describe Jessica.  Hailing from California and now residing in NYC.  To me her voice has undertones of Blues and Folk with a rock edge.  Listening to either her electric or acoustic songs it is apparent she is feeling and sharing a passion!

In closing Jeff Mach and his team have done it again, his effort continues to impress me and I look forward to his future events!

A list of vendors we connected with:

Utopia Armoury by Bill McCall (Audio)

www.utopiaarmoury.etsy.com

Tea & Absinthe by Daniel Myers & Pacita Prasarn (Audio)

www.teaandabsinthe.com

Industrial Dis-Ease Toys LLC (Audio)

“Keeping the kinky in sensation with one inclusive toy”

http://www.idetoys.com

Agreeable Agony (Audio)

“Toys for pleasure toys for pain”

http://agreeableagony.com

Horror Show Jack Fangs

https://www.facebook.com/HorrorShowJackFangSmith

Kest Schwartzman

www.vagabondmetalworks.com

Ian Randal Strock

www.fantasticbooks.biz

Father Evil

www.fatherevil.vom

Pendragon Costumes

“Custom leather clothing for men and women”

www.pendragoncostumes.com

Egyptian Belly Dance and Folklore by Audie

www.bellyrhythm.net

The Shoe Guy

www.theshoeguy.com

The following images are the property of Kevin Duddy Photos - kevinduddyphotos@gmail.com

Jessica Star

Jessica Star

The following images are the property of Jodi Walker - jodiwalker212@gmail.com

The following images are the property of Amans Brindled - amansbrindled@gmail.com