ENGLEWOOD – The annual Englewood Memorial Day ceremony and parade will take place on Monday, May 30 to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

The line up time 9:30 a.m., followed by the ceremony at 10 a.m. and then followed immediately by the parade.

The route of the parade is from the Soldiers Monument area, East on Palisade Ave., turning left on Dean Street, ending at Veterans Memorial Park. In case of rain, the ceremony will take place at the Bergen PAC Theatre on North Van Brunt Street at 10 a.m.

In attendance will be the two Grand Marshals Bravell M. Nesbitt, Jr., U.S. Army 1955-1958 with Honor and Richard Krane, U.S. Army 1957-1959 with Honor.

Also in participation are six artillery and colonial groups, Englewood Police & Fire Department, Paramedics, Englewood Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Englewood Churches, Korean Community Church, Korean Seniors, “Friend of Grace” Salvation Army, Caribbean Committee, Trinidad Steel Band, Shiloh Lodge, Ideal Lodge of Elks and Temple, Boy Scouts, Youth Groups, Blue Chip chorus, and more.

The town asks that everyone display the flag on Memorial Day weekend.

For more information, call Olga Mosciaro, organizer of patriotic events.

By Douglas E. Hall

For the ten years I’ve been writing this column, I’ve taken the opportunity to write tributes upon their death to some of the 300 show business personalities I interviewed back in the 1980s when I was producing radio programming and interviewing the stars who in one way of another made music in the preceding decades, particularly in the 1940s through the ‘60s.

Douglas E. Hall

Among the Hollywood stars I spoke with then was Jane Russell (May 10, 1988), who I am sorry to say died last month on Feb. 28 at her home in Santa Maria, Calif.  She was 89, which means she was coming into her 60’s when we spoke.

She looked good and had class and style and comported herself as the movie star she was. She was tall (5 foot seven, but statuesque compared to most of her contemporary actresses), which made her imposing, but she was a bit reserved and had to be drawn out a bit to keep the rolling recording tape filled with facts and tidbits of her glamorous career in Hollywood.

She also showed that she was a serious business woman, who was interested in talking about her then new line of lingerie especially designed for full-busted women.

Since the show I was producing was a musical magazine format that surveyed the musical hits of the past 40 years, I wanted to talk about her musical-comedy films with Bob Hope and Marilyn Monroe.  Of course we talked about both and her whole career, including the film that launched her at the age of 19 into the public’s consciousness and made her a star.  That was Howard Hughes’ controversial “The Outlaw.”  And yes, according to Ms. Russell, the multi-talented airplane pilot, tycoon and in this case film producer-director Howard Hughes did design a special bra she was to wear in that film, to show off her prominent bosom.  But it was for pure publicity as Ms. Russell said she never did wear that bra.

The movie exposed too much cleavage and too much skin according to censors of the 1940s.  The ruckus delayed the film’s release for two years and then resulted in a nine-week run in San Francisco in 1943, but postponed openings in New York until 1947 and a nationwide release that was further delayed until 1950.  Critics turned up their noses at this Western where Jane played a tough cookie to a sheriff and Billy the Kid.  But, as was so often the case in those days, the sexuality-related controversy guaranteed good box office.

Jane Russell found her stride in the better movies that showcased her talent when she teamed with Bob Hope in 1948 in a Western musical comedy, “The Paleface.”  She played Calamity Jane and Hope was the inept and cowardly dentist in the old West.  The movie included one of the biggest song hits of the year, “Buttons and Bows,” which featured Bob Hope singing to Russell.  Unfortunately the opportunity for a Hope-Russell duet was missed.

“They didn’t know I could sing then,” Ms. Russell told me 40 years later. Not only that, but Hope was a long established star of the first magnitude while Russell was getting her first real break in a first-class movie. The song won an Academy Award as best song of the year, and it was a big hit for Dinah Shore

Jane did sing in the sequel, “Son of Paleface” in 1952, but the songs were mediocre, and none became hits.  The movie was a hit with Bob and Jane paired again plus the addition of King of the Cowboys Roy Rogers in a supporting role.

The following year Jane did duets with Marilyn Monroe in the musical film adapted from the Broadway Carol Channing show “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”

Jane and Marilyn were those “Two Little Girls From Little Rock,” trying to gold dig their way to Paris singing an appealing show-stopper of the film, only exceeded by Marilyn’s iconic rendition of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.”

This greater exposure of Ms. Russell’s singing ability led to her landing a recording contract that produced an album of 78 rpm records, which today are quite collectable.  There is a CD currently available of Ms. Russell’s vocals from over the years.  With 21 selections, many of the tunes are forgettable, but there are some gems: “As Long as I Love,” “Body and Soul,” “Love for Sale,” “Until the Real Thing Comes Along,” A Hundred Years From Today,” “I Can’t Get Started,” “It Never Entered My Mind,” “You’re Mine You.”

In all, I found Ms. Russell a charming, down-to-earth person to interview, who I would say deserved a bigger career in both films and musical recordings.

Time marches on and 22 years have gone by since I did the last of these interviews when I was working in radio programming.  The stars and other performers I interviewed are aging and leaving us at a faster rate.  I missed commenting on Mitch Miller, when he died in July of last year at the age of 99, songwriter George David Weiss, who once lived in Fort Lee, who died in August of last year and Eddie Fisher, who died in September of last year.

Mitch was an oboe player who became a supervisor/creator of hit recordings, who became a leader of a chorus.  Who can forget “Sing Along With Mitch Miller?

Who can forget the hit songs of Mr. Weiss – “What a Wonderful Word,” “Wheel of Fortune,” “Lullaby of Birdland,” “That Sunday, That Summer” “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”?

Who can forget the hits of Eddie Fisher – “Oh My, Papa.” “Wish You Were Here,” “I Need You Now,” “I’m Yours,” “Anytime” “Dungaree Doll,” “Count Your Blessings.”

Someday, no one will remember.

By Robyn Nadel

ENGLEWOOD – The New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera is planning “Meet the Cast of Aida, 3-4:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 27 at 44 Armory St., in the city.

Entertainment will feature Verismo Opera’s principal artists from “Aida,” many of whom have performed at New York City’s Metropolitan Opera House, singing arias and duets from Giuseppe Verdi’s story of the gods and forbidden love thwarted by a jealous, vindictive Egyptian princess.

Opera supporters will be entertained with performances by cast members, including Steven Fredericks (Ramphis) of Tenafly, Ryan Allen (the King) of Fort Lee and Adam Klein (Radames), who have performed at the Metropolitan Opera House.  Other cast scheduled to appear are Sharon Azrieli-Perez (Aida) and Galina Ivannikova (Amneris).

Guests will meet the company’s artistic director, former Metropolitan Opera star, Lucine Amara; Stage Director Evelyn La Quaif, Chorus Coordinator Mary Ellen Rohon, Volunteer Coordinator Rita Tonitto and Costume Coordinator Catherine Mirabella.

Wine, cheese and non-alcoholic beverages will be available.

Suggested donation is $15. For information and to RSVP, call 201-997-8494.

Verismo Opera, also known as the N.J. Association of Verismo Opera, is the only professional opera company in Bergen. The company is recognized for providing up and coming performing artists with the training to enter a career in opera.

By Robyn Nadel

ENGLEWOOD – Upcoming performances scheduled at the BergenPAC, 30 N. Van Brunt St., in the city, are as follows:

Blood, Sweat & Tears including (l-r): Steve Jankowski, Bobby Colomby, Teddy Mulet, Jeff Lorber and Jens Wendelboe.

Blood Sweat & Tears: 8 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 16. Tickets are: $69, $49, $39 and $29. One of the most popular and bestselling bands of the ‘70’s, Blood, Sweat & Tears coined the term “jazz-rock” with their innovative techniques and horn section. Among the first in its genre, Blood, Sweat and Tears has been producing successful albums like, New City, New Blood, Brand New Day and Nuclear Blues with hits including “Spinning Wheel,” “You Made Me So Very Happy,” and “God Bless the Child.” The band donates money through its “Elsie Monica Colomby” music scholarship fund to deserving schools and students to boost music education across the country.  In 2008 the band was named Honorary Ambassador of Peace by Governor of Gangwon Province Republic of Korea, Kim Jin-sun.

Pink Floyd Experience

Pink Floyd Experience: 8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 17. Tickets are: $59, $49, $39, and $29. The Pink Floyd Experience has been doing a spot-on replica of Pink Floyd all over the world. Pink Floyd is rarely discussed without using words like “psychedelic,” “conceptual” and “provocative.”  Their shows are described as being theatrical with mind-blowing lights and unsurpassed sound.  The 1977 concept album Animals was a statement regarding the decline of society of the day.  While making the album did set in motion the discord that would eventually destroy the band, the subsequent tour for this release planted the seeds for what would become The Wall. Animals will be presented in its entirety along with their greatest hits including, “Money,” “Have a Cigar,” “Time,” “Comfortably Numb” and “Run Like Hell.”

Members include: Tom Quinn, band leader, lead guitarist, Gus Beaudoin, bass guitarist, Graham Heath, lead vocalist, Jesse Molloy, saxophone player, John Cox, a self-taught keyboardist, who began playing at age 9 and Stephen Shannon, drummer.

For tickets information call 201-227-1030.

By Robyn Nadel

HACKENSACK – In association with The Hackensack Cultural Arts Center (HCAC), the Teaneck New Theatre (TNT) is kicking off its’ 25 season with “Prelude to a Kiss,” by Craig Lucas at 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m., Sundays, Friday, Feb. 18-Sunday, Feb. 27.

Originally starring Alec Baldwin and Mary Louise Parker, this seemingly straightforward love story has an extraordinary twist. Here’s what happens: At the wedding of Peter and Rita, a young couple who are crazy about one another, the bride is kissed by an old man whom nobody knows. It’s not until the newlyweds are on their honeymoon that Peter becomes aware that something is amiss. He gradually realizes that the disturbing change in Rita’s personality is a result of the unknown man’s kiss. Peter also realizes that there is only a limited time to find the elderly man and undo the damage to Rita and to their marriage.

TNT’s production of “Prelude to a Kiss” features, in the area, Michael Hanson, Sr. of Hackensack, the Jamaican waiter, Hackensack resident Michelle Thomas-Hanson serves as stage manager, Timothy Meola as the determined Peter, Maria Pagoulatos as the changeable Rita, Harry Bates as the mysterious Old Man, Penelope Surgent is Mrs. Boyle, Rita’s mom, Rick Monaco plays Dr. Boyle, Rita’s dad, Jim Wirsz portrays Taylor, Peter’s friend, Mark Gordon is Tom, Rita’s friend, Brenda Sherman is cast as Aunt Dorothy, Martin Cohen is Uncle Fred, Jill Haas plays Leah, the Old Man’s daughter and Beatriz Esteban-Messina plays the minister.

Tickets for “Prelude to a Kiss” are $15; $12 for students and seniors; and $10 for theatre parties of 10 or more. Opening night only: Two tickets for the price on $15. For reservations and information call TNT at 201-692-0200 or visit: www.go-tnt.org.

By Robyn Nadel

ENGLEWOOD – A special Valentine’s Day weekend show is among the upcoming attractions at BergenPAC, 30 North Van Brunt St., here.

The Temptations and The Four Tops:  7 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 13. Motown rounds out during Valentine’s Day weekend when these musical giants are scheduled to perform. Tickets are: $99, $76, $59, $39 and $29.

The music of the Temptations’ has brought sweethearts of all ages together for five-decades with up-tempo love songs including “Get Ready,” “My Girl,” and “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg.”  The lovers’ weekend performance will feature “Just My Imagination,” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.”

The sweeties’ weekend concert features the Four Tops, performing mood music hits including “Can’t Help Myself,” “Reach Out/I’ll Be There,” “Ain’t No Woman Like the One I Got,” and “Baby I Need Your Lovin’.” The Four Tops was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, and both the Temptations and the Four Tops were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999.

Robert Wuhl: New Jersey native, actor, comedian and history buff, brings a stage adaptation of his one-man HBO special,  “Assume the Position,” at 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 12. Tickets are: $59, $49, $39 and $29. The show’s format puts Mr. Wuhl in the position of funniest social studies teacher giving a lecture to his class.  The audience travels with Mr. Wuhl through sagas of Americana known by heart and explores the lesser-known legends of the nation’s making. Mr. Wuhl has done stand-up comedy and co-starred in films such as “Bull Durham” with Kevin Costner, “Cobb” with Tommy Lee Jones and “Mistress” with Robert DeNiro.  Mr. Wuhl has two Emmy’s for co-writing the Academy Awards with Billy Crystal.

For tickets, call the box office at 201-227-1030.

By Robyn Nadel

TENAFLY – Kimmy Schwimmy   will be performing songs from her new CD entitled The Imaginary World of Kimmy Schwimmy at 10:30 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 13, at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, 411 E. Clinton St., in the borough. The CD is produced, engineered and co-written by Robert Duncan.

Tickets are $15 for members and $18 for non-members.

With her melodic voice and inspired lyrics, the songs featured on the CD educate children on themes such as animals, colors, the alphabet, vowels, numbers and even social skills.

Kimmy Schwimmy

Kimmy Schwimmy’s educational and entertaining musical style exposes a broad age spectrum to rock, R&B, New Orleans style funk, Latin, African and Jazz rhythms.  Blending these musical styles allows Ms. Schwimmy to appeal to the diverse group of children she teaches each day.  Aside from her catchy and upbeat music, her talents also focus on language and literacy, gross motor development and learning skills,

To purchase tickets call 201-408-1438 or visit tschweid@jccotp.org.

The Imaginary World of Kimmy Schwimmy is available on iTunes, Amazon and CD Baby.  For information log on to www.kimmyschwimmy.com and for updates become a friend on Facebook/kimmyschwimmy.