Film Tribute of George Mesterhazy

Video Pays Tribute to Cape Pianist George Mesterhazy

Ocean City resident John Thornton produced the 21-minute film.

John Thornton — the Ocean City Homes resident who recently completed a four-part film series on the effects of Superstorm Sandy on the island and its inhabitants — recently completed a new film.

In his words:

One of the real legends of Cape May County was the brilliant jazz pianist George Mesterhazy, who presided for years at the piano in the Merion Inn in Cape May. George and his romantic partner, Vicky Watson, owned and ran the Merion Inn.

George was a fixture at his piano bench when he wasn't traveling the world with such legends as Shirley Horne. Anyway, George died suddenly last April at the tragically young age of 59. More than 3,000 people attended his memorial service. I was looking at some old hard drives and started watching clips I had shot of George over the years and thought it would be a good idea to make a film to remind people of what a rare treasure we had living in our midst.

His musical talent seemed boundless as was his love of jazz and his fellow musicians. Everybody loved George. I don't usually cry when editing my films, but it was impossible not to, as I watched these old clips I took of George Mesterhazy — in his room.

 Video Pays Tribute to Cape Pianist George Mesterhazy - Ocean City, NJ Patch

Bruce and SS Johnny to Present Music History

http://www.aphistoricalsociety.org/west-side-music.html

“Where the past meets the Future.”

Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny Lyon and two prominent West Side Asbury Park musicians will discuss the city’s unique vocal harmony music scene during a special, never-before-seen video presentation being given by the Asbury Park Historical Society on Saturday at 2:00 pm.

Bobby Thomas, of the famous Orioles singing group, and well-known West Side vocalist Nicky Addeo joined Springsteen and Lyon on April 2, 2011 in a panel discussion on Asbury Park’s vibrant West Side music scene and how it affected their lives and their own music. The Historical Society will show the video to the public for the first time ever in association with the Light of Day events also planned in Asbury Park that week.

“When we speak of Asbury Park’s West Side, we’re referring to the once thriving black business and entertainment thoroughfare of Springwood Avenue. Located just a short walk from the boardwalk and beach, the West Side was a world away culturally,” said Charlie Horner. Horner and his wife, Pam, are recognized by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum as premier experts on vocal harmony, or doo wop, music and both the Horners will attend the showing of the video.

“Asbury Park’s historically segregated, pre-civil rights-era society gave rise to an area across the tracks that produced unique and noteworthy music. Long before Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny and Bon Jovi, the West Side had a jumping musical scene, with nightclubs like Leo Karp’s Turf Club, Cuba’s the Madonna Club, the Orchid Club, and Big Bills, forming the foundation for Asbury Park’s later musical glory. As we honor Asbury Park’s musical legacy, we must remember its socially diverse roots,” Charlie Horner said.

In the video, both Springsteen and Lyon discuss the influence the West Side musical scene had on their own careers. Author Daniel Wolff moderated the panel discussion.

The video will be presented at the Atonement Lutheran Church, where it was originally taped, at 2:00 pm on Saturday. Admission is free. The church is located at 308 First Avenue and is within easy walking distance from the downtown or boardwalk. www.aphistoricalsociety.org

Bob and Bubba

                                                                      Bob and Bubba

God Bless Bubba.