Will the Iron Bar get permission to open the Iron Bistro on South Street? With the same closing time as other Morristown bars?
We may know the answer after Wednesday’s hearing in town hall. It starts at 6:30 pm on July 16, 2014, in the first floor council chamber, at 200 South St.
Many downtown residents are hoping the Bistro gets shot down; they contend the area is saturated with watering holes.
Others say a jazz/blues club would add a touch of class to the town’s nightlife. One of those testimonials, from Rob Paparozzi, a great blues harpist, is below.
If you could not attend the first marathon hearing, on June 4, 2014, we have the audio for you.
The first half includes testimony from native son John Ginty, a keyboard ace who has toured and recorded with the likes of Robert Randolph, Santana and the Dixie Chicks.
Part 1 of the Iron Bistro hearing, June 4, 2014
Part 2 of the Iron Bistro hearing, June 4, 2014
After that hearing, Morristown Medical Center and the Vail Mansion Board of Directors asked for removal of a promotional video made by the Iron Bar. The organizations said the video wrongly implied their support for the Iron Bistro application.
Musicians Rob Paparozzi and Bernard “Pretty” Purdie have no problem with their inclusion in that video, however.
If you are not familiar with the former member of Blood, Sweat and Tears, here he is performing at last year’s Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival. He has played in each of the first three jazz fests here.
FROM ROB PAPAROZZI:
To whom it may concern:
My name is Rob Paparozzi. I was born in Newark, NJ, in 1952, and I am a Full time Local and International Musician.
I had my first performance in Morristown in 1969 at “The Thirsty Ear” with my Blues Band.
Subsequently, in the ’70s and ’80s I brought my Bands with my partner Bernard “Pretty” Purdie to places like “The Recovery Room” and “Townhouse on the Green.” The Town never stopped providing great venues and clubs to play at.
As my career progressed I have traveled the world with “Blood Sweat & Tears” and “The Original Blues Brothers Band”…..I found myself AGAIN returning to the wonderful cultural mecca known as Morristown! We played with “BS&T” at The MPAC center and also a Tribute to the Great Bernard Purdie from Aretha and Steely Dan’s band, to perform and raise funds for The Morris Museum.
More recently, the last two years I have been performing at Mayor Tim Dougherty of Morristown’s request at The Jazz & Blues Festival in August on the Green, and last New Year’s Eve 2013, I headlined at the amazing FIRST NIGHT show.
I am hoping that people like Paul Viggiano (and his team) a master Chef and Musician can have the opportunity to continue that FIRST CLASS example of excellence that The City of Morristown provides for all residents of NJ young & old. Lovers of the arts will never stop frequenting the state’s first capital! Continued success…..
Thank You, all the best.
Rob Paparozzi, Performer
Bernard Purdie, Performer (Partner)
