Photo courtesy of Chris Fry/Jersey Digs.
This week in Hudson County, Jersey City lost a local legend, an old staple tavern in Hoboken is getting a documentary and a beloved sub shop in Kearny has reopened. Read all about it.
Jersey City’s “Monticello Queen” Has Passed Away
Ruth Moore, the beloved owner of Moore’s Lounge, now called Moore’s Place, passed away on Aug. 16. For over 50 years, Moore was the driving force behind Moore’s Lounge on Monticello Avenue in Jersey City.
She created a safe space within the lounge for people to eat, drink and embrace the cultural jazz scene.
“When small businesses folded under pressure, Ruth kept the music going. When the pandemic nearly crushed everything, she and her children Allan, Mark & Janice refused to quit. That fight wasn’t for money it was for history, for culture, for the soul of a neighborhood,” said a Facebook post honoring Moore.
The lounge, also known as Bill & Ruth’s, is also known for its Friday Fish Fry jam sessions where aspiring future jazz professionals join their jam session and enjoy the fish fry made from Moore’s “legendary” recipe.
At the start of the pandemic, Ruth’s granddaughter and her husband helped her renovate and create a new and improved Lounge. Last year, a GoFundMe was started to help the business which faces financial difficulties.
Moore is survived by her grandchildren Brianna, Aida and Taylor.
“This woman stole my heart at hello. She worked like a machine to keep the magic of music alive on Monticello. We need to name that intersection after her. She was a giant presence in the kindest of ways, a constant rhythm, improvisational, energetic …she was just like Jazz,” one user commented on Facebook.
Remember Maxwell’s Tavern In Hoboken? They’re Getting A Documentary
Maxwell’s rock club in Hoboken closed its doors back in 2018, but before their closure, the establishments drew bands like Nirvana and the Pixies. Now they are getting a documentary.
“Maxwell’s wasn’t just a club — it was a community. It was a proving ground,” said Paul Rachman, who will be directing the doc. “It was where music scenes collided, friendships were forged, and bands found both their audience and their soul.”
The documentary, “No Backstage at Maxwell’s,” will feature interviews with owners Steve Fallon and Todd Abramson, Jack Antonoff (who played there with his band Steel Train), Hüsker Dü’s Bob Mould, fans and more.
The tavern, which was located at Eleventh and Washington streets, was loved by many for its food and welcoming environment for fans and bands. Maxwell’s also had the bands Yo La Tengo and Big Star playing for standing-room-only crowds in the back.
Producers are looking for submissions of videos and photos from fans and any patrons or bands who played at Maxwell’s.
“Your memories could help preserve the legacy of this legendary space for generations to come. We’re asking for help from those who lived it,” said Claudia Sullivan, former music executive who will be producing the documentary.
If you would like to submit to the documentary, all materials can be submitted to [email protected].
Volunteers Needed To Help The Pershing Field Garden
Help your local community plant, water and weed the Pershing Field Garden located at 201 Central Ave. in Jersey City.
The work will be done every Saturday in September from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Gloves and supplies will be provided, plus you can earn service hours!
More information can be found on their Instagram page: @pershing_field_garden_friends or email [email protected] for more information.
Interested In Learning Self Defense? Then These Free Martial Arts Classes Are For You
There will be free martial arts classes in the Lincoln Park Hank Gallo Center on Sunday mornings beginning Sept. 9.
The free classes are intended to help level up your fitness, confidence and self-defense skills.
What You’ll Get:
- Expert instruction from passionate, qualified martial artists
- A fun, supportive environment for all ages
- Real skills in striking, defense and discipline
- A great way to get fit and energized for the week
No experience is needed to participate. Classes are available for kids starting at two years old all the way to adulthood.
Time slots for the classes:
- Toddlers (ages 2-4) 8:30-9:00 a.m.
- Beginner (ages 5-8) 9:00-9:30 a.m.
- Advance (ages 5-8) 9:30-10:00 a.m.
- Beginner (ages 9-13) 10:30-11 a.m.
- Advance (ages 9-13) 11:00-11:30 a.m.
- Open class (teens and adults) 11:30-12:00 p.m.
You can register here.
Good News Foodies! Big Stash’s Has Officially Reopened In Kearny Under New Management
The beloved Big Stash’s Sub House is back and ready for business after undergoing renovations under new management. The shop located at 131 Kearny Ave., has been a staple local spot for years.
Paul Serrano and his brother Frank, who were raised in Kearny, took over the Big Stash looking to help continue its tradition of being “the best sandwich shop in town.”
“We take pride in keeping traditions alive and know how important it is to maintain an established business. We are current owners of 70+ year old pizza shop in Williamsburg Brooklyn and have been successful maintaining that. We intend on keeping Stash’s a hero shop as it was before serving both Hot and Cold sandwiches to the residents of Kearny,” stated Serrano in a Facebook post.
“I hope that you all continue to come in show support for us. We hope to see everyone soon thank you.”
