A Rockin' End To A Crazy Year In Jersey City

Some of my favorite memories of 2010 came courtesy of "Dancing" Tony Susco, the guru of the Jersey City indie rock scene. From Groove on Grove events all through the summer to the Halloween costume party at Harsimus Cemetery, to the Christmas bash at the Barrow Mansion, and finally to "One By One," a New Year's Eve party at 58 Gallery in downtown Jersey City. All of Tony's events benefit charity; the New Year's bash raised over $2000 so that the 58 Gallery can acquire the licensing it needs to become a legitimate music venue - something downtown Jersey City badly needs, especially with the loss of the Iron Monkey/Automata Chino in 2010. The place exploded with the sort of energy you only get on New Year's Eve, and the music was provided by the inventive multi-instrumental craziness of Thomas Francis Takes His Chances, a group of local musicians who played the Replacements' classic "Tim," and Wyldlife, who took to the stage right after midnight and cranked things up with a megadose of adrenaline, sweat, and testosterone that had the packed crowd going nuts in the first minutes of 2011. If this year turns out to be as much fun as it started, we're in for an excellent time. (Story and photos by Jim Testa)

Wyldlife will be appearing at NJ Underground and Jersey Beat's artist showcase at Maxwell's on Thursday, January 27, with the Front Bottoms, Washington Square Park, and Camden.


Thomas Francis Takes His Chances

Wyldlife