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Drive-In 'Bourne' Again
The state that introduced the drive-in movie back in 1933 in Camden had been without one since 1991. Now, however, the drive-in drought is over thanks to last weekend's re-opening of Vineland's Delsea Drive-In. Dormant since 1987, Dr. John DeLeonardis, a pediatrician by day, purchased the property to bring a touch of moviegoing nostalgia to several generations, and a new experience for today's youngsters. Many of my summer evenings in the 1960s were spent in PJs in the back of our family station wagon at the Atlantic and Absecon Drive-Ins. Packing a picnic dinner plus bug spray and towels (damp weather was predicted), myself, mom Barbara, nephew Garrett and his friend Jesse made the 35-mile trip from Ocean City to Vineland. The Delsea Drive-In sign has yet to be overhauled, but once we purchased our tickets ($6 adults, $3 kids) we parked in front of a pristine movie screen over 120 feet wide. Unlike the clunky old speakers of yesteryear, the audio plays through your car's FM radio. The concession prices are frozen at 1980 prices: $1 for a box of popcorn, $1.50 for a hotdog or nachos. Until construction is finished, the concession stand is portable, as are the bathroom facilities. Getting into the communal spirit, Garrett and Jesse found a couple of new friends and played frisbee waiting for the start of the double bill, The Bourne Supremacy and Anchorman. As dusk settled in at 8:45 we were encouraged by manager/projectionist/DJ "Crazy Bob" Madara to honk our horns, and at about 8:57 the feature started. According to DeLeonardis, what people enjoyed the most during the successful opening weekend was, "Going back in time." A great time was had by all watching a movie under the stars. (For my review of The Bourne Supremacy see movies).
-- Lori Hoffman
Delsea Drive-In, 2203 S. Delsea Drive (Rt. 47), Vineland, 856-696-0011; movie double bill starts at dusk nightly.
Temple Jazz
Ventnor's Congregation Beth Judah will transform its function room into a nightclub atmosphere Saturday night with a very special performance by NYC saxman Paul Shapiro. For one night only, the temple will become Club "J" Jazz Joint, with ambient lighting, candle lit tables and a cash bar set up for folks to enjoy a truly unique jazz act. Shapiro, a mainstay on the NYC jazz scene for a number years, has appeared on recordings by Lou Reed, Michael Jackson and Aretha Franklin. His latest CD, Midnight Minyan, released last year as part of the always interesting Tzadik label's Radical Jewish Culture series, displays Shapiro's creative take on Jewish music, incorporating elements of classic jazz, improvisation, r&b and even tango with traditional Jewish songs and prayers. The brainchild of congregation members Gregg and Ellen Lichtenstein, and sponsored by Beth Judah's Cultural Arts Fund, the event was planned to bring more music into the synagogue experience. "We didn't want it to be like just any other program," says Ellen. "We want it to be fun and interesting." Rob Huberman, spokesperson for the event, adds, "We're hoping people will be entertained and inspired." It should be a wild evening, and much different than any other temple-related music activity you may have experienced in the past. "There's a lot of limitations based on what you can really do in the synagogue as far as incorporating music and prayer," says Huberman. "So we've taken it upon ourselves to make some efforts to at least extend it in some of the other areas and this is music that people really have not experienced in this area." Come out and support this special Shore event. You don't have to love jazz and everyone's invited. Doors and cash bar open at 9pm; tickets are $15 advance, $20 at door. Call 822-7116 or email eflbj@aol.com for more info.
Take the Splash
Have a half day to tour some local landmarks? Then climb aboard a Splash of Atlantic City Trolley Tour. A $16 ticket ($8, kids) will take you to Lucy the Elephant, the Absecon Lighthouse and the Ocean Life Center. Your tour guide will also provide you with some insightful info on the city. For departure times and locations, and info on other tours offered, call 884-7392 or go to gatrolley.com.
"What's That?" answer
Artist Jane Golden's movie mural at the now closed Point 4 Theater on MacArthur Blvd. in Somers Point. Golden painted the mural in 1988.
