One of Jersey City’s oldest Black-owned businesses is over two thirds of the way towards raising money that will keep the doors open at their Monticello Avenue space.
For those uninitiated, Moore’s Lounge has been a neighborhood fixture at 189 Monticello Avenue since 1968. Still owned by original owner Ruth Moore, the spot prides itself on being a place where people from all walks come together to experience live jazz in a cozy setting.
Moore’s Lounge is known for their Friday Fish Fry jam sessions and live shows throughout the years, but the business has fallen on hard times brought on by an aging building and COVID-19. The Moore family took out a hard money loan to repair the property in 2019 and the pandemic’s stay-at-home orders put the business deep into the red.
With the threat of foreclosure looming, assistant manager Christopher Perez and lead bartender Stephanie Jeter organized a GoFundMe for the lounge earlier this year. The effort has already raised over $10,000 towards keeping the lights on hopes to achieve their goal of $15,000.
“We would love to keep the celebrations going in 2024, including twice-weekly jazz parties with a consistently high level of musicianship led by world-class drummer, Winard Harper,” Perez and Jeter wrote in the GoFundMe. “It’s why we are asking the many fans and patrons of Moore’s to contribute anything they can afford and can give, with no gift too small.”
The effort to save Moore’s Lounge has seen two benefit shows pop up in recent months and is ongoing. Those interested can donate to the GoFundMe effort or stop up this weekend for their Friday and Sunday shows.
