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Post by lisas84 on Apr 12, 2008 17:57:31 GMT -5
As many of us are aware, Freehold Borough is home to a successful home concert series hosted by Mark and Elaine Costanzo. A friend emailed this notice to me, as apparently, the Costanzos' website is enduring technical difficulties. I am happy to post it here for anyone who may want to attend. SUNDAY APRIL 20TH SHOW WITH THE WINTERPILLS $20.00 POTLUCK TO FOLLOW MARK & ELAINE COSTANZO 732 462 4828 www.winterpills.com www.markcostanzophotography.com |
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Post by admin on Apr 13, 2008 8:58:31 GMT -5
Good info, Lisa, thank you for the reminder
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Post by admin on Apr 13, 2008 9:01:48 GMT -5
PS- I went to the Costanza site and it appears to be up and running
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Post by quidproquo on Apr 15, 2008 0:13:39 GMT -5
look at the web site, this is a private home. Do you need a zoning variance to have a commercial photo studio located in a private residence. Is this Jackson terrace property a commercial or residential ratable. What gives anyway, this is a residential street yet this homes is used for business? The web site saids they hold concerts, charge $20.00, and includes a pot luck meal. This an illegal restaurant or had there been a license to serve food issued? What about health code that applies to food services? did the costanzos pay to play?
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Post by quidproquo on Apr 15, 2008 0:21:01 GMT -5
"successful home concert series "Concerts in a private home? Whats wrong with Main Street space. Thats where this belongs. WTF
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adefonzo
Junior Member
If I can see further than some, it's because I have stood on the shoulders of giants
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Post by adefonzo on Apr 15, 2008 5:55:41 GMT -5
look at the web site, this is a private home. Do you need a zoning variance to have a commercial photo studio located in a private residence. Is this Jackson terrace property a commercial or residential ratable. What gives anyway, this is a residential street yet this homes is used for business? The web site saids they hold concerts, charge $20.00, and includes a pot luck meal. This an illegal restaurant or had there been a license to serve food issued? What about health code that applies to food services? did the costanzos pay to play? I think these are very valid questions. In particular, the town can not go after restaurants operating illegally to feed the illegal immigrants in town, and not go after this operation just because they are offering a nice concert to go along with it. The law is the law...it applies to everyone. So now the question is, do they have or need the proper licensing or health code inspections to continue their operation? |
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Post by lisas84 on Apr 15, 2008 6:44:09 GMT -5
Quidproquo: Why don't you call Mark Costanzo and ask him? I'm sure he'll tell you. I'm sure he did his homework with the borough.
I'm pretty sure that He and his wife only host a handful of these at most a year. It's not for hundreds of folks, maybe the size of a big family party. Unlike an illegal restaurant, which is open every day with a steady stream of people going in and out of a private home -- this is more like a the occasional gathering/party that most people have at their homes.
In addition, and I can't cite this from memory, the concept of small and intimate concerts at homes have been a gaining and steady activity. I went to one in upstate New York to see a singer/songwriter named Jesse Winchester. It was a beautiful huge Victorian home and there were about 30 of us. We all brought some food and enjoyed talking about his music.
The point of this post was help the Costanzos generate a little interest among true music lovers.
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Post by novillero on Apr 15, 2008 7:28:52 GMT -5
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Post by lisas84 on Apr 15, 2008 7:59:01 GMT -5
What's the biggie about bringing food over to a house? Isn't that what people do when they visit after a funeral or for a barbeque or party? I often make things to bring over to friend's parties for everyone to enjoy.
If you're so concerned about violating health codes and do not have a license, then you should not have the occasional celebration or festive gathering at your house.
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Post by admin on Apr 15, 2008 8:34:10 GMT -5
I think the key word in this is potluck. Definitely different than the Mechanic Street Bistro.
Either way, as good as what this guy is doing appears to be, it is not wrong for others to question it a bit. Costanza may be legit, but somebody else could get ideas and seek to really push the limits of what is good and what is not.
I for one, am planning my own home concert. It will be held in my 6 by 8 shed. It will be BYOB. All attendees will be required to bring a six pack of suds, a bottle of the hard stuff and a bag of chips. I will then get out my electric guitar and serenade attendees with songs by Metalica from their early years.
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Post by admin on Apr 15, 2008 8:35:27 GMT -5
The point of this post was help the Costanzos generate a little interest among true music lovers. It is a good point and a good reminder for those who may be interested in attending. Thank you Lisa. |
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Apr 15, 2008 8:44:10 GMT -5
I knew/know one of the adjoining home owners, and they did complain. Their house is now up for sale. I hope the Open House Sundays do not conflict with the "Concert" Schedule. Comparing this to a tupperware party or a family BBQ House Party is a stretch. I am confused, do the guests bring the food, or is food prepared by the Concert Hosts? Big difference. Pay the $20.00 and in exchange the guest receives a CD, Entertainment, food and they chose to do all this as a none for profit. This exchange of currency is known as a "cover charge". Why don't they just use the Center Street Play House. God knows our Downtown and the greater community would benefit by all this? The Article is below..., He said hosting the concerts is a lot of fun and he would hate to see it go away. Costanzo said he contacts artists who may be interested in performing in such a setting. He said he does not advertise the concerts and compared hosting a concerts to people who host Tupperware or other housewares parties. Board member Danielle Sims had a different opinion about the advertising. She said Costanzo's Internet Web site includes information about the house concerts and states that the musicians receive a donation for their performance. Sims said she sees this as promoting a business. Costanzo said the artists do receive a donation for their performance, but said he does not receive any money. Code Enforcement Official Hank Stryker III, representing the borough, said he saw the concerts as a fire hazard and a safety hazard. He said the number of people attending a concert in the garage space could be a problem. "But this is my home," Costanzo responded in a surprised manner. "It's a party in my home." Among the people who have performed at the Costanzos' home have been John Eddie, Willie Nile, Marshall Crenshaw, Jim Babjak and the Gripweeds, Graham Parker, Garland Jeffreys and the Smithereens. Board members asked Costanzo if there had ever been any complaints from neighbors about noise or the music. He said no one has complained about noise. The concerts, which are acoustic, are held on Sundays between 3-6 p.m. Board member Adele Ehlin asked Costanzo if he would address the fire safety issues. He said he would add fire extinguishers, but is not in a position to make major changes to the structure. Kevin Coyne is Costanzo's neighbor and has attended many of the house concerts. He offered support for the Costanzos and said the concerts bring new quality people to the borough. He said a new interpretation of the ordinance is needed because the current law did not anticipate house concerts. |
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Apr 15, 2008 8:55:59 GMT -5
Brian, when is this, I 'm bringing my Washburn HOB, my Ibaneze 12 string, My Gorilla Amp and all 6 of my effect peddles. You and I talked about a starting a Heavy Metal Mariachi Band. BTW you need to clean out the "still" form your shed first! I think the key word in this is potluck. Definitely different than the Mechanic Street Bistro. Either way, as good as what this guy is doing appears to be, it is not wrong for others to question it a bit. Costanza may be legit, but somebody else could get ideas and seek to really push the limits of what is good and what is not. I for one, am planning my own home concert. It will be held in my 6 by 8 shed. It will be BYOB. All attendees will be required to bring a six pack of suds, a bottle of the hard stuff and a bag of chips. I will then get out my electric guitar and serenade attendees with songs by Metalica from their early years. |
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Apr 15, 2008 8:57:19 GMT -5
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Post by lisas84 on Apr 15, 2008 8:59:11 GMT -5
Fiber,
Using the Center Street Playhouse to host musicians is an excellent idea for the downtown!
How could this be accomplished?
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Apr 15, 2008 9:15:21 GMT -5
Fiber, Using the Center Street Playhouse to host musicians is an excellent idea for the downtown! How could this be accomplished? You can try clicking the heals your Ruby slippers and chant something mystical like,..."There is no place like the boro, there is no place like the Boro" and then the Costanzos will magically appear with a Greenwich Village recording artist from "Kenny's Castaways", like being tele-transported to Bleeker and McDugal Streets. |
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Apr 15, 2008 9:16:10 GMT -5
Fiber, Using the Center Street Playhouse to host musicians is an excellent idea for the downtown! How could this be accomplished? You can try clicking the heals your Ruby slippers and chant something mystical like,..."There is no place like the boro, there is no place like the Boro" and then the Costanzos will magically appear with a Greenwich Village recording artist from "Kenny's Castaways", like being tele-transported to Bleeker and McDugal Streets. |
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adefonzo
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If I can see further than some, it's because I have stood on the shoulders of giants
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Post by adefonzo on Apr 15, 2008 9:24:43 GMT -5
There is one glaring difference between tupperware parties and backyard bar-b-ques versus what the Costanzo's are doing, and that is the fact that they are charging admission.
I have no issue with backyard bar-b-ques...we had a pig roast last year at our house, and will certainly be having some bar-b-ques this year. But the fact that they are charging an admission price, I think, makes this a different type of situation. Again...this is something that someone with a better understanding of "the law" will have to chime in on.
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Post by lisas84 on Apr 15, 2008 9:36:37 GMT -5
Costanzo got approval for this from the zoning board. End of story.
Now, whether it be the Costanzos' home concerts or the Playhouse as Fiber suggested, who would you really love to see?
I would LOVE to see Jesse Winchester and Gordon Lightfoot.
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Post by novillero on Apr 15, 2008 11:19:11 GMT -5
As long as they are not bothering anybody, who cares?
According to the article, there were no complaints about the "Concert series". Although that testimony was from Mr. Costanzo, Hank Stryker was at the meeting and apparently he had nothing to say about complaint (as that did not make the paper).
Again, assuming he is not violating a noise ordinance or safety ordinances or interfering with someone's enjoyment of their property, who cares?
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adefonzo
Junior Member
If I can see further than some, it's because I have stood on the shoulders of giants
Posts: 308
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Post by adefonzo on Apr 15, 2008 11:27:04 GMT -5
As long as they are not bothering anybody, who cares? According to the article, there were no complaints about the "Concert series". Although that testimony was from Mr. Costanzo, Hank Stryker was at the meeting and apparently he had nothing to say about complaint (as that did not make the paper). Again, assuming he is not violating a noise ordinance or safety ordinances or interfering with someone's enjoyment of their property, who cares? Be careful Novillero...how much were the illegal restaurants really "bothering" anybody? As long as he is complying with the local laws and ordinances...no problem...and from what people are saying here, he seems to be doing just that. But we can not simply say that if someone is doing something and they're not bothering anyone, there's nothing wrong with it. |
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apple
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Post by apple on Apr 15, 2008 11:41:10 GMT -5
" who would you really love to see?" I have a long list of who I would enjoy seeing performances by Carbon Leaf Buffy Saint Marie Dry Vally Gamblers Alix Dobkin Fresh Air Joe Hickerson Stig O'Hara Marshall Brickman The Ballingers Nigel Tufnel Frank Tim Krekel Beth Orton Derek Smalls Clause Nomi Liam Clancy Leonard Cohen Lucas Silveira Fairport Connection Brandi Carlile The Saw Doctors Mary Philbin Dirk McQuickley Amy Ray Tegan and Sara Tom Paxton David Wolfenberg George Wyle David St. Hubbins Neil Luggin OK, you can call me eclectic but these are all very talented artists worth while to enjoy. |
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Post by lisas84 on Apr 15, 2008 11:57:51 GMT -5
Apple, how wonderful! Be proud of your eclectic taste in musical talent -- opens the doors for us to explore too!
You made me realize I forgot to mention a great blues-rock talent Susan Tedeschi.
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ka19
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Post by ka19 on Apr 15, 2008 12:08:47 GMT -5
What kind of music/crowd do these house concerts draw? Are strangers welcome? How many people? How big is the house? Where in the house is the concert held? Sounds like fun.
Bottom line: Zoning board has made its interpretation that a house concert with a cover charge and bands and pot luck is a party, not a business. For those who disagree with the interpretation, it is far too late to appeal. Their only avenue to change the status quo is to ask the mayor and council to revise the ordinance to prohibit house concerts.
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Post by admin on Apr 15, 2008 12:23:56 GMT -5
I am confused, do the guests bring the food, or is food prepared by the Concert Hosts? Big difference. I have attended several of the concerts, and can state with authority that the guests bring the food. That is why it is called a "potluck," btw. Calling it a "cover charge" implies that the hosts are monetarily profiting in some way. The entire ticket price goes to the artist. Because the Center Street Playhouse is not theirs to use? Cheryl, Good feedback. It is one thing to read about an event, another to experience. Your commentary provides good insight. I am glad Lisa put this up, I may try to attend one of these shows. It sounds like a good time to me. |
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Apr 15, 2008 12:30:56 GMT -5
I have to think on that, but I wouldn't call you eclectic..., Its Klaus Nomi, and he/she's been dead for 25 years Mary Philbin Is a silent screen star, dead for 15 years Dirk McQuickley? From the Ruttels??? David St. Hubbins? From Spinal Tap??? Neil Luggin? Anyone hear of Neil Luggin, nothing comes up when I google...! Interesting list APPLE, let us all know when they are in town please...you bring the "POT"luck, I'll bring my air guitar  " who would you really love to see?" I have a long list of who I would enjoy seeing performances by Clause Nomi OK, you can call me eclectic but these are all very talented artists worth while to enjoy. |
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Apr 15, 2008 12:53:15 GMT -5
What kind of music/crowd do these house concerts draw? Are strangers welcome? How many people? How big is the house? Where in the house is the concert held? Sounds like fun. Bottom line: Zoning board has made its interpretation that a house concert with a cover charge and bands and pot luck is a party, not a business. For those who disagree with the interpretation, it is far too late to appeal. Their only avenue to change the status quo is to ask the mayor and council to revise the ordinance to prohibit house concerts. I have a thing about strangers coming to my home, I would consider working out an arrangement with the local Recording Studio on Main Street, or again looking for an available Sunday afternoon at the Playhouse. Out of respect for my neighbors, I would also be concerned, especially for the families with little children. But thats just me respecting my neighbors. Lisa is correct about these type of venues in upstate NY, but they are held in homes that have acreage surrounding them, not a home on city street. Also in upstate NY, there may be variation on "POT"luck too! ;D As they say, a mans (and womans) home is their castle! I will admit, I have been hoping that a few people in the boro with guitars would like to get together somewhere, once a month maybe, for an open guitar jam session. How about Veterans Park Saturday evenings during the summer? Bring a guitar, blanket or a lawn chair and a picnic pot luck cold dinner and the family (and get the kids off the d**n play-stations)? Hummm, or how about this....in place of Kruse Night...Open Band Night at each of our pocket parks through out the Borough??? Nhaaaa, never mind...,  |
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