“Second Tuesdays Sinatra Films” Series Debuts Oct. 13, 7 p.m., with Sinatra Idol Documentaries at Hoboken Historical Museum, with support from Projected Images of Hudson County
The Hoboken Historical Museum is pleased to launch the “Second Tuesdays Sinatra Films” series on Oct. 6 at 7 p.m., as part of the companion programming for the exhibition, "Frank Sinatra: The Man, the Voice, & the Fans," a celebration of the centennial year of Hoboken's most famous native son. Projected Images of Hudson County, which co-sponsors the Hoboken Movies Under the Stars series with the City of Hoboken, is a co-sponsor of the Second Tuesdays Sinatra Films series, which will screen films about Sinatra, as well as feature films starring Sinatra and other related films.
The first screening, on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m., will feature three short documentary films shot during recent Sinatra Idol Contests, an annual event sponsored by the Hoboken Cultural Affairs department. Two of the films are currently on view in the exhibition, “Sinatra Idol Contest” by Nicole Pometti, a student enrolled in the Media Arts Department at New Jersey City University, and “Sinatra Centennial Celebration” by Justin Dolan, who works for MTV and as a freelance videographer. The third is called, “To Be Frank,” created by Tony Parente and Micki Pagano-Parente, who operate an award-winning video production company called Branding Shorts, based in Hoboken. The filmmakers will be present to discuss their films, and a Sinatra Trivia Contest will round out the evening’s festivities. The event is open to all, and a donation of $5 is suggested.
Then, a special screening will take place on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m., for the documentary by Jim Burns, Jimmy Van Heusen: Swingin’ with Frank & Bing. The film, which aired in 2014 on PBS, tells the story of the songwriting genius that produced four Academy Awards for Best Song and scores of timeless melodies for the Great American Songbook, such as “All The Way,” “Come Fly With Me,” and “Love and Marriage.” One of American music’s most prolific and colorful composers, Van Heusen was a fighter plane test pilot and legendary bachelor – even by Hollywood standards – and he forged a longtime friendship and musical partnership with Frank Sinatra. The film features appearances by major figures from film and music including Tony Bennett, Shirley MacLaine, and Frank Sinatra, Jr.
The screening will be followed by a talk by the film’s director, Jim Burns. With New York-based Burns Media, he produces and directs long and short form documentaries, as well as multimedia programming for advertising and major live events. Burns is currently in production of New York Nights: Hot, Jitterin’ Jazz, a film about five exceptional young artists who are electrifying the music scene for an equally young fan base. Jim will be joined by Charles Granata, music historian and author of “Sessions with Sinatra: Frank Sinatra and the Art of Recording.” Granata is also the producer of “Nancy for Frank,” the program hosted by Nancy Sinatra heard weekly on the Siriusly Sinatra channel on Sirius/XM Radio. All are welcome, and a donation of $5 is suggested.
Sinatra Centennial Exhibition on View Through July 3, 2016
The exhibition, “Frank Sinatra: The Man, the Voice and the Fans,” features interactive displays and videos, cherished fan photographs and other unique artifacts to illustrate the singer/actor's formative years in Hoboken, and memories from long-time fans. Visitors can enjoy his talents in a media lounge featuring vinyl albums and digital documentary films. The exhibition will remain on view through July 3, 2016, accompanied by related programming, including “First Sundays Sinatra Singers,” with support from the Hoboken Department of Cultural Affairs; “Second Tuesdays Sinatra Films,” with support from Projected Images of Hudson County; readings by noted authors; plus a big birthday bash on Dec. 12, 2015.
Also on December 12, the Museum will unveil a new bronze star plaque honoring Sinatra’s centennial, to be installed in the walkway by the Museum’s entrance at 13th and Hudson Sts. Event details will be posted at hobokenmuseum.org. The Museum is in the process of updating its “Sinatra Walking Tour Map,” for fans who wish to walk in his footsteps. Learn more at hobokenmuseum.org.