SopranosCon: The Mob Lands in NJ.
The HBO hit series: The Sopranos
In 1997, HBO released the very first season of the hit Mob Series, The Sopranos. During that time, NJ became the central hub of all things mafia related. James Gandolfini, aka ‘Tony Soprano’ was phenomenal as he struggled to maintain his empire, his family and his emotional well being as he visited the local psychiatrist, Dr. Jennifer Melfi (played by Lorraine Bracco). During those eight years, Tony ran NJ and when the last episode ended….in Bloomfield, NJ, at the now famed Holsten’s Brookdale Confectionary, the world became heartbroken; distraught that it was over.
But hope is here…. The Sopranos are coming back to NJ…..via Sopranos Con.
Michael Mota with his Wife
On November 23rd -24th, 2019, the Sopranos will be back with over 35 cast members from the series for an experience unlike any other at the Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus, NJ. During this phenomenal weekend, ‘The Mob’ will be in full swing, with the Sopranos’ cast at the helm providing knowledge and wisdom about the movie world and their experiences in the field. Sopranos Con will be an event unlike any other as this convention is geared for the fans by the fans.
Region 99 had the privilege of interviewing one of the owners/operators of Sopranos Con, Michael Mota. Very focused, determined and humble, he was gracious enough to speak with us in regards to the biggest ‘Mob Event’ of 2019.
Michael Mota
Skyline at WaterPlace Park and the city of Providence presented the FIRST EVER of its kind NYE extravaganza in the city.
A former schoolteacher turned advertising and publicity expert, Michael Mota is a marketing genius in creating the biggest events for people. His venue, Skyline at Waterplace in Providence, Rhode Island is a true testament to his niche as he provides locals and others the biggest events for various occasions, especially New Year’s Eve; ‘I throw the biggest New Year’s Eve event in Rhode Island called NYEve ONE by Skyline’ , Mata declares. Former marketing associate for the Alex and Ani Brand, his marketing prowess helped contribute to the brand’s growth, going from $5 million in 2010 to $500 million 2016. His contribution to bringing the best and brightest in the entertainment industry is definitely shown as he is the perfect candidate for the arrival of Sopranos Con; “It makes sense for Sopranos to be here, it’s the perfect setting. We wanted to find the best space for this event and the Meadowlands is the best fit for this event”, Michael expresses. The Sopranos was NJ’s prime spot as HBO shot at various locations in creating some memorable locations in the Garden State. One of the most famous locations of all is 14 Aspen Dr. Caldwell, NJ aka Tony’s House. Currently off the market, the going price is a whooping 1.6 million dollars. The spirit of the Soprano home will, in my opinion, be a historic landmark very, very soon.
Sopranos Con, Why Not?
One of The Sopranos Hang Outs: ‘Bada Bing’ Strip Club
New Jersey is home to the Sopranos, so it’s only fitting that the event should be here. Sopranos Con will not only just host more than the 35 special guests of the show, they will also harbor a series of events that will have you in full ‘Mob Mode’. Attendees will experience exhibits, fan-art galleries, screenings, Q&As, trivia, costume contests, interactive games and more. Additionally, Sopranos Con will also have food vendors, tattoo artists, and a dance competition that resembles the ‘Bada Bing’; the famed ‘strip club’ that was one of the central hangouts of the Soprano’s crew (little known fact, the actual strip club is based in Lodi, NJ, known as Satin Dolls). Furthermore, Michael also mentioned that even though the convention is ‘Soprano related’, you can also dress up as your favorite ‘mob boss’ or ‘solider’. For me, my favorite mob boss characters would be both Ellsworth Raymond “Bumpy” Johnson and Meyer Lansky. Finally, there will also be a competition for the best dressed mob character.
Welcome to the Mob…Again.
Almost everyone loves the imagery that the mob provides. Money, Power, and Respect are some of the central tenets of the Mafia and when you add Sopranos nostalgia followed by Tony’s ‘frailties and failings of being human’, The Sopranos makes the Mob fantasy even more livable and lovable.
On November 23rd-24th, that love will be making a comeback and with ticket prices at a reasonable price point, you will get to relive your favorite episodes from a group of fans who strive to make, as the New York Times states, ‘The Sopranos the greatest work of American Pop Culture’ in NJ and in the Nation.
