WHERE THE UNDERGROUND FINDS DIRECTION
Alternative Events Built Boldly. Experiences Built Different.
Setting the Direction
It starts with an idea and a community worth building around. We create live events and immersive experiences rooted in underground culture, brought to life through thoughtful planning and disciplined execution. From large-scale markets to curated gatherings, everything we produce is intentional, human, and built to last beyond the moment.
We bring structure to the unconventional, honoring the culture while delivering experiences that are professional, immersive, and unforgettable.
Principal Ownership
Photo by Jeff Crespi
Built Boldly. Built Different.
Joseph Kuzemka, the Principal behind True North Event Syndicate, is an award-winning, New Jersey-based Experience Producer and Creative Entrepreneur known for building large-scale, community-driven events rooted in underground and alternative culture.
Joseph is the founder of the (New Jersey) Punk Rock Flea Market™ and Darkside New Jersey Art & Oddities Expo™, two nationally recognized event brands that bring together artists, musicians, makers, and subcultural communities through immersive, thoughtfully produced experiences. With more than 20+ years of developing and managing large-scale events, his work ranges from intimate curated gatherings and traditional trade shows to professional conferences and multi-day arts and music festivals drawing tens of thousands of attendees, consistently balancing creative edge with disciplined execution. He is also co-owner of, along with his partner Meaghan, Out of Step Offbeat Boutique & General Store, Mercer County, NJ’s #1 gift shop, focusing solely on independent makers, artists and small businesses.
Joseph is also a founding member of Art All Night - Trenton, a landmark 24-hour, pop-up art gallery that shaped Trenton’s contemporary creative landscape. Under his 15-year leadership, Art All Night - Trenton grew from 1,000 attendees to 30,000+ attendees in a 24-hour period and saw more than 2,000 pieces of community submitted art annually.
Joseph’s roots in underground culture began early. He grew up in the NJ Hardcore and Punk scene starting at age 14. By 16, he had launched his own fanzine and record label, and spent time touring the East Coast and Midwest with various bands… experiences that deeply shaped his DIY ethos and lifelong connection to independent art, music, and community.
He is a former The Trentonian Newspaper Person Of The Year as well as the Trenton Council of Civic Associations Citizen of the Year, recognized for his impact on the arts, culture, and community-building in the City of Trenton. Joseph has also been recognized by the City of Trenton City Council, multiple Mayors of Trenton, NJ, The State of New Jersey, The New Jersey State Legislature as well as United States Congress for his efforts in community building and the arts.
Joseph lives in Trenton, NJ with his partner, Meaghan, and their dogter, Khaleesi.
Event & Business Portfolio
Punk Rock Flea Market™
The Beast Coast’s Largest, Independent DIY Marketplace & Arts Festival
www.punkmarket.com
Darkside Art & Oddities Expo™
New Jersey’s Home to the Weird, Odd, Strange & Macabre & The State’s Only Large-Scale Oddities Festival
www.darksidenj.com
Darkside After Dark Night Market
Darkside’s Wicked Stepchild. An evil-themed night experience for those that love the dark.
www.darksidenj.com
Out of Step offbeat Boutique
Central NJ’s Most Unique Gift Shop and Lifestyle Store
www.outofstepnj.com
