Garwood, New Jersey, recently hosted a major film production at its local hotspot, Crossroads, a popular restaurant, bar, and music venue. The filming was for Song Sung Blue, a movie about a Neil Diamond cover band. Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, two Hollywood A-listers, were in town to star in the film, which is inspired by a documentary focusing on tribute bands that perform Diamond’s iconic songs.
According to Garwood Mayor Jen Blumenstock, most of the movie’s scenes were filmed at Crossroads, adding an exciting touch to the local community. “Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson were in town filming a new movie, Song Sung Blue, based on a documentary about a Neil Diamond cover band,” she shared on her Facebook page. The filming also involved trailers stationed at the nearby Westwood, further amplifying the buzz around this exciting production in Garwood.
Garwood Police Chief Douglas Stoffer praised the professionalism of the production crew, sharing his positive experience with TAPinto Westfield. “The production team was a pleasure to work with,” he said. After two days of filming at Crossroads, the project wrapped up, with the police department expressing their gratitude for the smooth cooperation. Notably, Police Officer Eriksen had the opportunity to meet Hugh Jackman, who made a quick visit to say hello to the local officer before leaving the set. “Thanks for stopping by, Hugh!” the Garwood Police Department posted on Facebook.
This filming is just one of several recent productions in the region, showcasing New Jersey’s growing prominence in the film industry. In nearby Westfield, The Beast in Me, starring Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys, was filmed at Tamaques Park last month, while Cranford has also hosted numerous projects, including Mother’s Instinct with Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain, and Dumb Money featuring Pete Davidson and Shailene Woodley.
Garwood, too, has become a key location for filmmakers, with Mayor Blumenstock noting that the town has big plans for the future. “NJ has become a huge player in the film industry,” she said, promising exciting developments to come. For now, locals and fans of the stars can reflect on the thrill of having such a high-profile production in their backyard.
New Jersey Locations in A Complete Unknown, the Bob Dylan Film Starring Timothée Chalamet
The upcoming film A Complete Unknown, which tells the story of Bob Dylan’s early rise to fame, is as much a tribute to New Jersey as it is to the music icon himself. Filmed across 20 towns and cities in New Jersey, the movie—starring Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan—brings to life the 1960s New York City and Newport, Rhode Island scenes, with the Garden State serving as a perfect backdrop to portray these iconic moments. Directed by James Mangold, the production transformed local diners, streets, and venues into key spots from Dylan’s early days, showcasing the state’s rich cultural history.
Filming took place from March to June, with the production team bringing to life some of the most important moments in the young musician’s career. New Jersey was essential in recreating the essence of the 1960s music scene. Here’s a breakdown of the notable Jersey spots you might catch in the film:
Hudson County
- Pulaski Skyway and Route 139, Jersey City: Featured in a driving scene with Bob Dylan’s station wagon in 1961.
- William J. Brennan Courthouse, Jersey City: Served as a federal courtroom in 1961.
- Snapdragon Coffee & Social, Jersey City: Represented a Village coffee house in 1962.
- Miss America Diner & White Mana Diner, Jersey City: Filming locations for a 1962 diner scene.
- Efe’s Grill, Jersey City: Used to recreate the Kettle of Fish bar in 1965.
Hoboken
- S&L Dental: Gerde’s Folk City in 1961, a key folk music venue.
- Moran’s Pub, Hoboken: Transformed into McCann’s Bar and Restaurant for scenes from 1965.
- 1130 Bloomfield St., Hoboken: Chalamet’s character’s apartment, which represents Bob Dylan’s early living quarters.
Passaic County
- Main Street, Paterson: Recreated Riverside Church, 1962.
- Uceda Institute, Paterson: Served as a movie theater for 1962 scenes.
Essex County
- Newark Symphony Hall: This venue stood in for a 1963 San Francisco concert.
- 1180 Raymond Blvd., Newark: Used to depict Columbia Records in 1961 and 1965.
Union County
- Echo Lake Park, Mountainside: This beautiful park stood in for the Monterey Folk Festival in 1963 and the March on Washington that same year.
- Ritz Theatre, Elizabeth: Filming location for Carnegie Hall and Town Hall scenes from 1963.
Warren County
- 952 Old School House Road, Blairstown: Used to depict Pete Seeger’s house in 1961-1962.
Cape May County
- Perry Street and Beach Avenue, Cape May: Recreated Newport, Rhode Island streets from 1965, as well as scenes for the Viking Hotel and Providence Ferry Terminal.
With its vivid portrayal of a young Bob Dylan’s rise to stardom, A Complete Unknown not only highlights the musician’s journey but also showcases New Jersey’s integral role in that story. From Jersey City to Cape May, New Jersey’s diverse locations served as a rich, atmospheric canvas for the film, bringing the 1960s music scene to life while shining a light on the state’s unique contribution to the cultural movement.
In honor of Día de Los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation acknowledged last year’s launch of an 
“The master list of obituaries in the compendium allows for searches by name, date, and cemetery location, while the StoryMap provides deeper historical context,” said Barilla. “One notable figure highlighted is Benjamin Franklin Hathaway, the designer of Orchard Street Cemetery, who pioneered the rural cemetery movement. His vision transformed burial spaces into peaceful retreats, influencing the design of other local cemeteries, including Warwick and Laurel Grove.”
