New Jersey-based band Wyland is performing at The Citizen (332 Second Street) this Saturday 3/26 at 7pm to celebrate the release of their new EP In A Sea of Things Unsaid. Supporting acts include Hey Anna, Bounders, and Cold Weather Company, and the cover is a mere $10.
Wyland was founded in New Jersey, and this will be their first concert here after arriving home from SXSW. I caught up with Ryan Sloan to get the low-down on the band and the sound. Back in 2014, Ryan had written songs using his piano and guitar but knew the types of instrumental sound he needed to make the music come alive. He first posted an ad on craigslist to find a guitarist.
John & Jill Sabochick in front of Blair Urban’s mural in their Jersey City Fish Stand shop (and behind their daily dips for customers to try)
John and Jill Sabochick moved to Jersey City in 2015 and noticed that there was something lacking: “We wanted fresh fish but couldn’t really find what we were looking for,” says John. It sparked the idea of opening a fish market, “but first we wanted to see if other people wanted this, too.”
Some offerings on my weekday afternoon visit
The power duo teamed up with partner Kevin Pipchick and decided to test the idea by working the 2015 season at the Jersey City Farmers’ Markets and discovered that indeed, there was a Jersey City fish need. After their sales success last market season, John, Jill, and Kevin opened Jersey City Fish Stand, located at 508 Jersey Avenue, this past December.
The brick-and-mortar Jersey City Fish Stand shop is the go-to for all of your pesce desires (supply varies depending on season and demand), six days a week at market prices. Walking into the store, you are greeted with a bright, clean and cheerful ambiance; decor includes a wall mural by local artist Blair Urban and a display of fish-hook themed merchandise.
The fish that the Sabochicks stock comes from all over the world, and they work with small vendors and big distributors in Hunt’s Point. “We bring in daily deliveries of fresh fish and then go off recommendations of what’s wild, what’s fishing and what’s coming in season—so we always have a lot of variety and our menu rotates every day,” says Jill. “That is our model,” adds John. All products are sold or repurposed into prepared foods within 48 hours.
Filet selection the afternoon I visited, 3 hrs to closing. Pretty sure everything sold by then.
Since they do run out of varieties or the quality/ season deems the product not worth buying to sell, “We try to have enough items so we have the type of thing you’re looking for,” says John. “You may want a white fish or a richer-flavored fish or a whole fish, so we offer alternatives for whatever you want to cook.”
Spice Blends to assist your fish prep
Additionally, Jersey City Fish Stand offers advice on how to care for and cook your fish, and they sell spice blends and meal starters in partnership with Bread & Spoon. “We don’t just provide the ingredients, but walk you through how to put a meal together,” says Jill.
It’s a pretty brilliant concept—at least I think so living in the hustle and bustle that is Jersey City—for those of of us non-chefs crave simplicity but want to eat well. And, as John points out, “Some people get intimidated by new and different types of fish.”
Even better, Jersey City Fish Stand sells delectable treats from Jersey City Sweets that you can enjoy after dinner, taking the leg-work out of having something for the sugar-toothed loved ones around the table.
The quarterly culmination of extraordinary Jersey City art and music is back! JC FRIDAYS, hosted by Art House Productions, is a city-wide full day of free events here in Chilltown.
Local businesses collaborate with artists in a celebration of culture. Events include art openings and exhibits, live music, film/video screenings and performances.
Jersey City Ballroom is introducing monthly dance parties—and the kick-off is this Saturday night, February 27th at 5:30pm.
Put on your dancing shoes and start your Saturday night off right with a whirl, a twirl, a tango and a sashayed prance. No need to bring a dance partner. Learn new moves from instructors and fellow students alike. Wine and light snacks will be provided.
Becoming single allowed me a few hours of free time per week, and I had a random afternoon off without any friend or family time planned, no business engagements, and not feeling like working on my 18-zillion projects, so I decided, on the suggestion of the “Jersey City Guru,” to check out the new AMC Loews Newport Centre 11 at the mall. I was sold on the idea of the reclining leather seats. “You feel like you’re in a private movie theater in your home!” said Guru. “People start yelling at the screen because they get so comfortable that they forget they’re in public!” she gushed.
Enter the mall, yes we know the Simon Newport Jersey City Mall. It is what it is. Nothing fancy, but fulfills your Vicky’s, Sephora & LUSH needs, the inexpensive trendy chains, plus major deals to be scored at the major department stores.
Walk to the third floor as you observe the random crowd and get on line for your movie ticket—or not. Skip the line and go via machine with card. OK, this automated machine is as annoying and complicated as the PATH or metro system: They all ask too many questions and take too long. Which takes me to my next point:
New Jersey-based band Wyland is performing at The Citizen (332 Second Street) this Saturday 3/26 at 7pm to celebrate the release of their new EP In A Sea of Things Unsaid. Supporting acts include Hey Anna, Bounders, and Cold Weather Company, and the cover is a mere $10.
