Union Rocks Event Highlights Township’s Musical Legacy

UNION, N.J. — Union residents gathered at the Vauxhall Branch Library on Saturday afternoon for “Union Rocks: Meet the Musicians,” a panel discussion highlighting the township’s local music history and the musicians who helped shape it over the decades.Moderated by music historian and longtime Union resident Paul Reitz, the event featured local musicians sharing memories of garage bands, live performances, local venues, and the evolving music scene that once thrived throughout Union County.The panelists included Ira Spin, Rich Kublicz, Mike Andreola, Danny Solazzi, Dave Ross, Ian Smit, Gene O’Brien, Don Erdman, Ed Pryzby, Milt Janus and Marc Muller.Reitz, who has spent his retirement documenting musicians and historic music sites, said the idea for the event came from wanting to spotlight a lesser-known part of Union’s history. “Union has a very rich history in actors and athletes,” Reitz said. “But the one thing I’m not sure people really knew about were the musicians.Reitz partnered with Vauxhall Branch Manager Gabriel Ramos after discussing ways the library could expand its arts and music programming. “We came up with this program to do a music panel,” Ramos said. “[It’s] developing local history through music.”Throughout the afternoon, panelists reflected on how music connected communities in Union during the 1970s and 1980s, when local bands frequently performed at school dances, churches, recreation centers, and bars throughout the area. Several musicians spoke about how local music teachers, friendships, and neighborhood connections helped shape their musical journeys. Many of the panelists attended school together, performed in multiple bands with one another, taught fellow musicians over the years, and, in some cases, passed their passion for music on to their children. “You heard some noise coming out of a basement, some noise coming out of a garage,” Reitz said. “There [were] a lot of musicians that grew up in Union.”Panelists also shared memories of Battle of the Bands competitions, local music venues, and rehearsing in garages and basements while growing up in Union. Some musicians reflected on opening for nationally recognized artists, touring throughout the country, and continuing to record and perform music decades later.“It was like your little gang,” musician and retired Union High School teacher Don Erdman said while discussing local bands during his teenage years.The discussion also explored how the music industry has changed over time. While musicians today have greater access to home recording technology and online platforms, several panelists noted that opportunities for live local performances have declined compared to previous decades. “When we were kids, there were so many different bands,” Erdman said. “We played five, six nights a week.”Music samples and archival photos were also presented during the event, which served as both a celebration of local music history and a reunion among longtime friends and collaborators who continue to perform today.“A band is like a four-way marriage,” musician Mike Andreola joked while reflecting on the longevity of many local bands.Reitz said he hopes the event encourages residents to recognize the musical contributions made by people within their own community. “I want them to come away knowing they left a footprint,” Reitz said. “Their musical journey left an indelible mark on the history of Union, and they should be recognized for [that].”Due to strong community interest, Reitz said plans are already underway for a second panel featuring additional local musicians.