Arts & Entertainment .

If you know local music, you know Carmen Marotta. Son of Anthony Marotta, who ownedthe legendary club Tony Mart`s in Somers Point - where Bob Dylan found his band theHawks (later known as The Band), in August 1965 and where rock `n` roll prevailed withthe hottest bands around until the early eighties when the cabaret closed. It was at the endof the club`s colorful history when parts of the 1983 film Eddie and theCruisers were filmed there.

In late years, Marotta, who`s in the lawprofession and was formerly a Somers Point city councilman, has been really busy carrying thetorch from his Italian-born father into the 21st century. Putting on several areabenefit concerts as good as Tony Mart`s Reunion events, and booking the amazing SomersPoint beach concert series each summer, Marotta also started a Mardi Gras on theBoardwalk series in Atlantic City this past summer and tells Atlantic CityWeekly he`d love to give another Tony Mart`s if the circumstances wereright.

How long have you been a section of the local music scene?

As a new man growing up in Tony Mart`s my father employed many musicians. Manynights there were two and sometimes three or more bands at Tony Mart`s and the second orthird line bands were often local or regional. My brother Tony and I actually beganbuying talent for Tony Mart`s in 1977 and did so until it closed in 1982. We used manylocal bands in those years. Since that time we have had Tony Mart reunion parties, [aswell as] charity and civic events. As you know, I always try to admit some lively music,often local and regional musicians, in any case that we produce.

Who are about of the greatest talents you`ve worked with or heard that came outof this area?

Right now I am working directly with some of the greatest gift that I`ve ever seenin this area. Billy Walton is phenomenal. He has it all. He`s a large singer, performerand exceptional guitar player. He`s a big guy and he would surely have been aconsistent headliner at Tony Mart`s. There is a lot of great talent locally includingBobby Campanell who could get very well been a major international star if he had beenmore fortunate in his career. As you know, the last music business is very tricky anddifficult and about of the big ones never do become famous. (And conversely, some ofthe famous ones are genuinely not that great! Campanell is a large pop singer. Danny Eyeris a great guitarist and so is Ernie Trionfo, who plays with Hawkins Road, one of myfavorite local groups with one of the finest rhythm sections around - Rich Kurz on bassand Jimmy Glenn on drums. Certainly the Jeremiah Hunter Band is one of the finest groupsyou can see performing live in the area. They were incredible on July 4 on the SomersPoint beach. Kenny Jeremiah is a virtuoso performer. Bobby Hunter is a wonderfulmellifluous singer with a beautiful range. With an incredible guitarist like Kit, theyare a true joy to see live. I could go on some more great bands. We are blasted with alot of large local performers.

There are less and less places for local bands to play. Why can`t the areaprovide more places for local musicians to bring in your estimation?

As I said, the last music business is very slick and difficult. A lot of restaurantand bar operators simply don`t recognize the last music business. Providing decentcompensation for the really good musicians is really hard for these types ofestablishments. That is why it is so significant that we demand more public and privatepartnerships to create venues. The Somers Point Beach Concert Series model needs to berepeated in other areas. We were successful in doing that at Mardi Gras on the Boardwalkin Atlantic City this summer. The most optimistic news is coming out of Atlantic Citywhere there is about money and cash flow for entertainment even though they`re stillexperiencing some difficulties. An Arts District centered on Mississippi Avenue is greatfor our future. Dante Hall is the form of venue we want to use for all kinds ofentertainment. I live there are models that would work. The Ocean City Music Pier has done an excellent job. That could be a viable venue for groups if the proper sort of showcases can be promoted. Ultimately, I would like tobecome involved with another regular venue. I live there are business models that wouldwork in a way that offer opportunities for local music. A new Tony Mart`s with theright sort of operation could be a big success and could leave the variety of venuethat you`re contemplating with this question. Again, I believe that Atlantic City wouldprobably be the better home for this case of venue. The most crucial component is to havea capable, experienced, well-financed operator with whom I could affiliate. I think wehave proved that mass will react to great live entertainment. A lot of money can bemade if it`s done right.

What`s one of the greatest local band success stories in late years?

The Billy Walton Band is a big success story. I have worked with Billy Walton andWilliam Paris, the excellent bass player and coach of that band, for nearly 5 years.It is gratifying to see Billy reach the point of success where he is regularly playingwith Southside Johnny and on stage with Bon Jovi. I love Billy and I am really proud ofour work together.

You`ve played a big a character in bringing gig opportunities to local acts; how canthis catch on with other local booking agents?

We want to gain the free entertainment and low admission model wherever we can. Ibelieve we are passing to cause significant success doing this in Atlantic City. Freeholderand entrepreneur, Frank Formica, is set to go with us to do more. He is a musicianand a true believer and we want more people wish him to fall forth and work togetherwith people like us to put together these models where the world and private sector andbusiness community generate great cultural events in the work of lively music everyone canenjoy. I am quick to do more with the proper set of circumstances and opportunities. I`velearned the laborious way that it isn`t worthwhile to pursue live music venues in areas wherethey are not welcome. It sure is time, however, that live performances and culturalevents are developed more sharply in our area. I certainly think that it would begood for everyone.

We are passing to make a gain for the lately deceased Joyce Marotta in Somers Point at the great and comfortable Fire House No. 1 on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010. Bobby Fingers will be featured and we`ll make more performers around him. Also, we want to do a profit for Bob Campanell, whose recent health problems demand our living and efforts to assist him. We`re running on another Mardi Gras [event] at St. James in Ventnor for the profit of Access One. This is tentatively scheduled to feature Jumpin` Johnny Sansone and [this writer] on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011. Charity events and public private concert series are the types of events that we can now plan and produce. As you know, I am ready and willing to do more. I do believe that we can make a lot more opportunities for local performers.

I don`t recognize that the old Margate or Somers Point strips will be revived in any way that even begins to estimate their old glory. However, I think that there can be many opportunities in Atlantic City and likewise in other communities. Successful resorts like Ocean City and Wildwood can create opportunities for free performances as they have been doing. With obedience to a group of businesses where live music is performed, I live there are some opportunities in other places such as the Union Beach area in Ventnor as good as the Dark Horse Pike in Egg Harbor Township and Hamilton Township. Downtown Hammonton has been doing some interesting things and I recognize there are some very good people in Hammonton who may be capable to do more. There also should be something more done in the Galloway area if the community is receptive.