Please join us virtually on Thursday, November 13th at 7PM when Larry Basinski sits down with Bob Foster for our next episode of Hoboken Talks! This online program will be livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook.

Larry Basinski is the only son of two immigrants: his Irish mammy – Kathleen Breen Basinski, and his Polish father – Mack Basinski. Larry was born in 1952 at the Margaret Hague Maternity Hospital in Jersey City.

Larry’s family moved to Hoboken when he was 10 years old. Among several jobs they maintained to make ends meet, Larry’s parents stepped up to serve as Superintendents of the Elks Club on 1005 Washington Street. They held this position from 1963-70, and Larry assisted with the operations.

Larry is a graduate of Hudson Catholic High School Class of 1970 and has an MBA (Master of Besting Adversity) from the College of Hard Knocks. He is a proud union stagehand.

Arts, culture and especially live theater have animated Larry’s life trajectory. He played an instrumental role in rejuvenating Hoboken’s waterfront when the city was designated as part of the Model Cities Program under the direction of Executive Director Michael Coleman, which brought in an influx of federal funding into Hoboken in 1968.

Larry got involved by organizing cultural events through an early 1970’s local organization, called COCAMAMIE, which produced movies in the parks and outdoor concerts. A special highlight was when Larry, using all local Hoboken talent, staged and directed a production of the musical “Hair” at the Stevens Institute of Technology DeBaun Theater. This was shortly after it closed on Broadway in 1972. “Hair The American Tribal Love Rock Musical” was written in Hoboken by James Rado and Gerome Ragni. Larry has also lent his expertise by providing the sound system from Weisberg Sound Inc. NYC for the St. Ann’s Feast for many years.

Larry will have many stories to share. Tune in on November 13th!