WESTWOOD—Downtown New Jersey will celebrate initiatives that have made a significant impact on downtown economic development in New Jersey during a luncheon awards ceremony at the 2023 New Jersey Downtown Conference on Thursday, Oct. 19 at The Vogel in downtown Red Bank.
Among the initiatives being honored: Music on the Avenues, Westwood’s summer series of more than 35 musical performances across 14 weekends that allows the community to engage and connect.
The program was reimagined in 2023 by partnering with the BIZhub committee (the local business information-sharing network we’ve been delighted to cover in these pages) to recognize local businesses as sponsors of the art community.
(Based on the success of Music on the Avenues and the organization’s other arts projects and programs, Celebrate Westwood launched the ArtsHub Committee to foster the expansion of the Westwood creative arts community.)
Each year, Downtown New Jersey (DNJ) recognizes New Jersey’s best downtown projects and initiatives, as well as individuals dedicated to downtown revitalization. Downtown Excellence awardees are considered exemplary models worthy of emulation.
This is the second time Celebrate Westwood has been honored by Downtown New Jersey. It received Downtown NJ’s 2020 Placemaking Award in the Early Action/Volunteer Organization category.
“With each passing year, we are more and more impressed by the dedication and creativity of downtown organizations and their partners in providing services, engaging new audiences, and promoting economic development,” DNJ’s executive director, Courtenay Mercer said in a press release shared with Pascack Press. “We are privileged and honored to recognize these efforts at our annual Downtown Excellence Awards ceremony.”
Tools of the Trade Excellence awarded to Celebrate Westwood for Music on the Avenues
DNJ said of Music on the Avenues, which is taking a Tools of the Trade Award, “This small town created a low-cost, high-impact event that rewards artists and musicians both artistically and financially and provides businesses with local and social media exposure. Several musicians return year after year, finding the program worthwhile for their enjoyment, pocketbooks, and musical aspirations, and some receive offers to play at local establishments.”
DNJ said “This successful program even drew the attention of Bergen County arts organizers who are using it as a template.”
It added, “Music on the Avenues contributes to the economic vitality of Westwood’s downtown district by encouraging residents and visitors to stroll a little further, linger a little longer, and spend a little more time than they may otherwise in a district that lacked live entertainment in the past.”
The organization said, “Residents look forward to the performances and seek outdoor dining options to enjoy listening to their favorite local musicians, an environment Music on the Avenues continues to encourage and foster.”
Westwood Councilmember Beth Dell said in DNJ’s statement, “The restaurants and merchants have been so pleased with the very positive results, and community members look forward to this summer program that brightens the days and nights of downtown Westwood for all!”
In 2022, Celebrate Westwood, chaired by RoseAnn Ciarlante and Lauren Letizia, said it believes in the special community building ability of small artistic performances. “By designating several locations downtown as outdoor performance areas, the Borough of Westwood has enabled Celebrate Westwood to help create a safe, inviting atmosphere in which to enjoy the arts, whether for a few minutes while shopping or longer while enjoying a meal or treat outside.”
In 2021, Westwood Avenue was filled with the musical talents of Arts on the Avenues newcomers Talia Green, Kyle Towey, and Steffani Bette along with veterans Gordo, Liv Lion, Theresa Abou-Daoud and jazz guitarist Sam Bernhardt.
Veterans Park was the stage for local bands Mama D & The Vexations, The Darla Hood Band and Dark Beauty as well as theatrical and musical productions from local theater groups.
Visual artists were invited to show their work downtown as well as participate in art fairs including Lunch on the Lawn and The Bergen County Arts Amble.
This year, Celebrate Westwood wrote Pascack Press, “It is with sincere appreciation that we write this letter of thanks to all those who helped kick off the summer with back-to-back events on June 9 and 10.”
“Thank you to the Kyle Towey Band for a high-energy performance on Friday, June 9. It was a perfect evening to enjoy music on the lawn of Veterans’ Memorial Park with residents and fans while celebrating the volunteers who have partnered with Celebrate Westwood throughout the year to bring events and programming to our community.
“The next afternoon as the town bustled with BIZhub Shop the Hub activity, Celebrate Westwood hosted a talented roster of local artists, artisans, photographers, graphic designers, painters, illustrators, and small businesses for the Third Annual Arts in the Park.
“Thank you to all the artists and to the students of Westwood Music Studios’ rock band program for treating attendees to an eclectic mix of classic rock favorites from the bandstand.
“Thank you to committee chair Kyle Lagatol and her team of dedicated volunteers who made this event possible by sharing their time and talents with our community. And thank you to the Borough of Westwood governing body, Westwood Department of Public Works, and Westwood Recreation Department for their maintenance and lending of our iconic public park.”
Downtown New Jersey’s 2023 awards include:
- Built Project Excellence for a Transformational Initiative awarded to Historic Downtown Special Improvement District for Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza.
- Excellence in Placemaking awarded to South Orange Downtown for the Village Plaza Triangle,
- Tools of the Trade Excellence awarded to The Hoboken Business Alliance and Main Street Pops for Through the Windows – A Hoboken Art Walk.
- Individual of Excellence Awarded to Melissa Hodge, Executive Director of Downtown South Orange.
DNJ received many exemplary award nominations. In the spirit of encouraging innovation among NJ’s downtowns, DNJ will also recognize the following projects and initiatives:
- Honorable Mention for the Built Project Excellence Award, recognition to the Washington Business Improvement District for Veteran’s Park.
- Honorable Mention for the Tools of the Trade Excellence Award, Recognition to the City of Bordentown and Arterial LLC for its Bordentown Streetscape and Parking Plan.
DNJ is a non-profit membership organization of individuals, businesses, developers, government agencies, and local and regional entities that are passionate about downtowns. Downtowns reflect our communities’ unique identities, provide a focal point, a convenient local place of commerce, and offer a sense of place where people can gather and truly be a community.
DNJ provides advocacy, education, and technical assistance resources dedicated to ensuring the vitality of our downtowns.