I saw Reggie Watts on Friday, who was an absolutely incredible performer. Both a comedian and a musician, Watts's performaces are improvised acts that blend stream-of-conscious storytelling with incredible beats and comedy. He used a looping machine and a piano, very quickly veering from a musical performance to comedic storytelling to everything in between.
As reviewed by Brian Eno: ""Reggie Watts is a most unusual talent: a huge vocal range, a natural musicality, and a sidesplitting wit. Is he a comedian? A singer? A performance artist? I've seen him a few times since then and I still can't decide. Whatever, he ain't like nobody else."
And that is how Reggie Watts is. See him if you ever can.
Showing posts with label New York. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New York. Show all posts
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Union Square L Train Platform Dance Party!
Happy Halloweeeeeeeeen.
Waiting for the L train last night at Union Square, I stood back to watch and capture the evolution of a mini-dance party, with blaring horns, mimes and other assorted Friday night revelers in various degrees of costume. This was all well before midnight, mind you. More pictures and video below.
Enjoy!
(The band, Moon Hooch, has a single, Take the L Train, that you can download for free)
Friday, October 29, 2010
Bike Basket Find: NYC 70's Flash Map
The other day I rode my bike into Manhattan to go to Yoga to the People. Located on St. Mark's Place in the East Village, it's a relatively quick bike ride for me from Williamsburg; and Yoga to the People is a donation-based studio that accepts any amount you wish to pay for the class, if any. (Yes, I paid; it is well worth it!) The typical class runs an hour long and you feel the workout. Nothing like a bike ride to wind down after some serious yoga stretches...
So I am generally unconcerned about my bike; as long as it's locked up, it's safe enough, though the deteriorating state of my bike seat seems to encourage people to mess with it more these days. And this time, returning to my bike after yoga, which was locked up on 3rd Ave by the Stomp theater, I found that my basket was overflowing with books. Okay, garbage in my bike basket I've seen, but books? What was going on?
A closer look revealed that they were all maps, from all over the world. My automatic response was to be annoyed that someone saw my bike basket as a place to discard their unwanted maps, but a closer look revealed that the maps were actually intriguing. I decided to keep only one: a New York in Flash Maps book from the 70's. Hopefully someone else picked up the other discarded treasures... Here are some pictures of the fantastically dated book. Note that it was only 98¢!
(Above: How many of these shops still exist? Note some of the classics, Like Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Ave and Tiffany's)
Interesting, there was the West Side, and Lower West Side, all above Chelsea. And so continues the constant evolution of NYC.
So I am generally unconcerned about my bike; as long as it's locked up, it's safe enough, though the deteriorating state of my bike seat seems to encourage people to mess with it more these days. And this time, returning to my bike after yoga, which was locked up on 3rd Ave by the Stomp theater, I found that my basket was overflowing with books. Okay, garbage in my bike basket I've seen, but books? What was going on?
A closer look revealed that they were all maps, from all over the world. My automatic response was to be annoyed that someone saw my bike basket as a place to discard their unwanted maps, but a closer look revealed that the maps were actually intriguing. I decided to keep only one: a New York in Flash Maps book from the 70's. Hopefully someone else picked up the other discarded treasures... Here are some pictures of the fantastically dated book. Note that it was only 98¢!
(Above: How many of these shops still exist? Note some of the classics, Like Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Ave and Tiffany's)
Interesting, there was the West Side, and Lower West Side, all above Chelsea. And so continues the constant evolution of NYC.Saturday, October 23, 2010
Week/end Re-Cap: Art & Music Galore
First things first. There is a reason why I don't generally like going to swanky, pretentious clubs like Marquee: with $15 drinks, an odd mixed crowd, and a lackluster vibe, I didn't stick around for long. Oh well, you can't blame a girl for occasionally falling prey to the initial appeal .... that all-too-quickly faded.
So I decided to call it an early night yesterday. But before that, I had the fantastic opportunity to see a truly strong music set at Bruar Falls in Williamsburg. As part of CMJ, there was a free, all-day show at Bruar Falls, all bands promoted by KXSC Radio, Los Angeles. The band I went to see at 6:00 pm, Free Moral Agents, had a really perfectly appealing blend of angst, funk, and psychedelic. Quite a sound. With keyboardist Isaiah "Ikey" Owens from The Mars Volta, the band very adeptly mingles hip-hop, r&b and experiemntal stylings to create an addictive, well, psychedelic sound.
After that, I went with my friend to Taco Chulo, a really hip little Tex-Mex restaurant on Grand St. in Williamsburg, where I enjoyed tortilla soup, along with a large helping of chips and guacamole. Yum. If only I hadn't left the neighborhood for Manhattan last night, the evening probably would have gained rather than lost momentum.
And, speaking of staying around Williamsburg, here are some snapshots of my figure drawing sketches from this past Wednesday at 3rd Ward's Drink n' Draw.
So I decided to call it an early night yesterday. But before that, I had the fantastic opportunity to see a truly strong music set at Bruar Falls in Williamsburg. As part of CMJ, there was a free, all-day show at Bruar Falls, all bands promoted by KXSC Radio, Los Angeles. The band I went to see at 6:00 pm, Free Moral Agents, had a really perfectly appealing blend of angst, funk, and psychedelic. Quite a sound. With keyboardist Isaiah "Ikey" Owens from The Mars Volta, the band very adeptly mingles hip-hop, r&b and experiemntal stylings to create an addictive, well, psychedelic sound.
After that, I went with my friend to Taco Chulo, a really hip little Tex-Mex restaurant on Grand St. in Williamsburg, where I enjoyed tortilla soup, along with a large helping of chips and guacamole. Yum. If only I hadn't left the neighborhood for Manhattan last night, the evening probably would have gained rather than lost momentum.
And, speaking of staying around Williamsburg, here are some snapshots of my figure drawing sketches from this past Wednesday at 3rd Ward's Drink n' Draw.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Reflecting on NYC vs. Hometown, Pittsburgh
So I went back to Pittsburgh this last weekend for an old friend's wedding. The wedding, between Rhonda Taylor and Patty Taylor (née Whitaker), was not only the wedding of a friend I have known since the third grade, but also the first same-sex ceremony I have attended.
(Rhonda Taylor, left, and Patty Taylor, right. Congrats to the brides!)
While I was not a bridesmaid, I did have the honor of doing a reading, "Union" by Robert Fulghum. (The last lyrics were changed to just say "wife", clearly!) And, after the very touching ceremony, it was on to a delicious and debaucherous reception.
(Rhonda Taylor, whom I've known since 3rd grade, left, and myself, right)
Not one to spend much time in Pittsburgh since I left for college after high school, I have to say that I always find myself a bit nostalgic and enamored with the city when I visit, even if also slightly out of place and not entirely at home. During this particular visit, at Rhonda's wedding, I also ran into old childhood and high school friends I had not seen in well over 10 years, one of whom I was pleased to learn is even living in New York.
And this instant camaraderie with old familiar faces, as well as with many new friends and acquaintances I met during the wedding weekend, is only one of many aspects that endears Pittsburgh to me.
The spectacular foliage, especially in is autumn splendor, the overall cleanliness and quaintness of the city, the laidback, friendly vibe, and of course that sense of history and easy familiarity with the city that I have, all appeal to me. And so Pittsburgh will always have a special place in my heart, clichéd as that sounds.
The irony is that some of what makes Pittsburgh endearing also makes it off-putting to me. Even airline staff at the Pittsburgh International Airport were wearing Steelers jerseys. Such hometown sports pride is endearing, yes, but is not exactly how I roll (sorry, I'm not a hater, just not a sports enthusiast!). And when we landed in NYC, as passengers gathered around the doorway of the plane to collect tagged luggage, thereby blocking the exit of passengers behind them, the girl in front of me aptly remarked to her boyfriend, after loudly announcing, "Excuse me!" to the gathering crowd, "How Midwestern."
And, like this girl, I find that I too straddle the line between Pittsburgh and NYC, between hometown, small-town friendliness and lackadaisical lifestyle and large, metropolitan "center of the universe" New York attitude.
(Rhonda Taylor, left, and Patty Taylor, right. Congrats to the brides!)While I was not a bridesmaid, I did have the honor of doing a reading, "Union" by Robert Fulghum. (The last lyrics were changed to just say "wife", clearly!) And, after the very touching ceremony, it was on to a delicious and debaucherous reception.
(Rhonda Taylor, whom I've known since 3rd grade, left, and myself, right)Not one to spend much time in Pittsburgh since I left for college after high school, I have to say that I always find myself a bit nostalgic and enamored with the city when I visit, even if also slightly out of place and not entirely at home. During this particular visit, at Rhonda's wedding, I also ran into old childhood and high school friends I had not seen in well over 10 years, one of whom I was pleased to learn is even living in New York.
And this instant camaraderie with old familiar faces, as well as with many new friends and acquaintances I met during the wedding weekend, is only one of many aspects that endears Pittsburgh to me.
The spectacular foliage, especially in is autumn splendor, the overall cleanliness and quaintness of the city, the laidback, friendly vibe, and of course that sense of history and easy familiarity with the city that I have, all appeal to me. And so Pittsburgh will always have a special place in my heart, clichéd as that sounds.
The irony is that some of what makes Pittsburgh endearing also makes it off-putting to me. Even airline staff at the Pittsburgh International Airport were wearing Steelers jerseys. Such hometown sports pride is endearing, yes, but is not exactly how I roll (sorry, I'm not a hater, just not a sports enthusiast!). And when we landed in NYC, as passengers gathered around the doorway of the plane to collect tagged luggage, thereby blocking the exit of passengers behind them, the girl in front of me aptly remarked to her boyfriend, after loudly announcing, "Excuse me!" to the gathering crowd, "How Midwestern."
And, like this girl, I find that I too straddle the line between Pittsburgh and NYC, between hometown, small-town friendliness and lackadaisical lifestyle and large, metropolitan "center of the universe" New York attitude.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Upcoming This Weekend: Bowie Ball, Click and Drag, Mister Saturday Night & More!
It's only Wednesday and I am already fantasizing about what the weekend holds in store.
So Saturday night is a mysterious indie throwdown dance party deep in Brooklyn, hosted by Mister Saturday Night. The party details have not yet been released, but you can take a peek at the space!
On Sunday is the infamous Bowie Ball, the "ultimate glam-rock revolution" at Santos Party House. Hello, long weekend!
I am posting the info below from the Santos Party house mailing list. It gives more details for Bowie Ball, as well as information on a fabulous-looking Saturday party:
So Saturday night is a mysterious indie throwdown dance party deep in Brooklyn, hosted by Mister Saturday Night. The party details have not yet been released, but you can take a peek at the space!
On Sunday is the infamous Bowie Ball, the "ultimate glam-rock revolution" at Santos Party House. Hello, long weekend!
I am posting the info below from the Santos Party house mailing list. It gives more details for Bowie Ball, as well as information on a fabulous-looking Saturday party:
Click and Drag 3.2: Age Of Aquarius
Save $5.00 on each advance ticket you purchase. Enter discount code: BrainDeath at checkout
Saturday, October 9, 11PM
21+ // $20.00 Adv. / $20.00 Door
The pioneering "Cyber/Fetish/Gender-Hacking" party CLICK + DRAG, which ushered out the 20th Century in style and was reborn in 2008, announces its third annual Future-Spectacle for October 9. Two of Click's founding producers - director and visual artist ROB ROTH and nightlife impresario CHI CHI VALENTI of http://www.jackie60.com/
The Age of Aquarius - the Utopian "New Age" of unity and love - has either begun or is beginning, depending on which astrological sages one believes. Regardless, the Aquarian themes of humanism, peace, rebellion, idealism and philanthropy are already ascending, by way of computer networks and other new tools and in the growing acceptance of non-traditional religions and belief systems. As the brutal, materialistic Age of Pisces draws to an end, values shift towards spiritual rebirth and planetary harmony. To the CLICK + DRAG producers, the Aquarian ideal compliments the neo-tribalism of many Click participants and the mixing of masculine and feminine traits into countless unique new genders, a recurring theme of this spectacular "gathering of the tribes".
With this Utopian brew as inspiration, CLICK + DRAG 3.2 will feature multimedia works directed by ROB ROTH with light shows by SETH KIRBY and BROCK MONROE of the JOSHUA LIGHT SHOW and the contributions of dozens of creative collaborators. Highlights will include performances by neo-burlesque performance artist NARCISSISTER, RUMI OF THE FABULOUS COCKETTES!, vocal she-goddesses AMBER MARTIN and LADY RIZO, neue cabaret troupe THE PIXIE HARLOTS, and Method Go-Go icons including bodybuilder (and Click 3.2 cover girl) ROXANNE EDWARDS and costume cultist FALON. The evening also features costume design by longtime Click couturier GARO SPARO and a futuristic soundtrack that runs the gamut from sixties psychedelia to electro house.
A STRICT CYBER/FETISH/TRIBAL DRESS CODE WILL BE COMPLETELY ENFORCED: WEAR AQUARIAN FLOURISHES, GLITTER BEARDS AND MERKINS, RESPLENDENT RAGS, PAGAN CHIC, WATERFALL HEADDRESSES, TURQUOISE PAINT, GODDESS OR TRANS-GODDESS, BODY-ADORNED or CYBER, FETISH, TRIBAL, GENDER-HACKING, FAERIE, GOTHIC OR BRILLIANT BLACK. ABSOLUTELY NO STREET CLOTHES OR MUNDANES - NO EXCEPTIONS.
|
 Bowieball: The Glam Rock RevolutionSunday, October 10, 8PM 21+ // $10.00 btwn 8-9PM with RSVP / $15.00 // TICKETSRSVP: bowieball@gmail.com An intricate production with a simple idea, Bowie Ball is “The Ultimate Glam Rock Revolution,” a tribute to Ziggy Stardust and to the era of space-age pan-sexual liberation. The event is assembled by Deryck Todd, ambassador of nightlife and fashion, has been throwing this legendary party yearly and it has been declared a “rousing success” by the Village Voice, and according to the New York Press, “resurrected old New York.” The line-up features nightlife’s most influential DJ’s, live music, cabaret performances, glam make-up and hair make overs, costume contest and a screening of The Hunger at 8pm. A portion of proceds donated to the Northern Westchester Shelter for survivors of domestic abuse. LIVE PERFORMANCES BY: Taylor Mac, Bridget Everett, Michael Cavadias, Reni Lane, David Riley (Mirror Mirror), Keanan Duffty (Slinky Vagabond), Carolyn Tauro, Michael T, Lady Rizo, Militia, The Ones VARIETY SHOWS: CHERYL, Little Brooklyn, The Daisy Spurs, T Wau and Vic Thrill MAIN FLOOR DJ's: Jake B, Michael T and Rich King. DOWNSTAIRS DJs: June D, Prince Terrence and Jess. HOSTS: Elllie Conant, Shien lee, Zachary David Palmer and Simcha Photos by Maro |
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
LivingSocial Deal: Miss Abigail's Guide to Dating, Mating and Marriage
Oh, yeah, I did succumb to an online bargain yesterday. Only it wasn't the massage. It was a LivingSocial discount for tickets to Miss Abigail's Guide to Dating, Mating and Marriage.
An off-Broadway show starring Eve Plumb, who played Jan Brady in The Brady Bunch, and Manuel Herrera, the performance is a comedy about "the story of Miss Abigail, the most sought-after relationship expert to the stars (think Dr. Ruth meets Emily Post), and her sexy sidekick Paco, as they travel the world teaching Miss Abigail’s outrageously funny 'how-to's' on dating, mating and marriage!"
Hmm, now to book the performance date and figure out who I'm going to see this comedic show with!
An off-Broadway show starring Eve Plumb, who played Jan Brady in The Brady Bunch, and Manuel Herrera, the performance is a comedy about "the story of Miss Abigail, the most sought-after relationship expert to the stars (think Dr. Ruth meets Emily Post), and her sexy sidekick Paco, as they travel the world teaching Miss Abigail’s outrageously funny 'how-to's' on dating, mating and marriage!"
Hmm, now to book the performance date and figure out who I'm going to see this comedic show with!
LivingSocial, Lifebooker and Groupon! Deals... Or Else!
Ok, so I haven't joined Groupon yet. I feel a little inundated as it is with offers from LivingSocial (Downtown, Midtown and Brooklyn!!) and Lifebooker Loot... but it is tempting. A little too tempting, because I already have several outstanding purchases to redeem from both LivingSocial and Lifebooker. And I am sooo tempted to buy Lifebooker Loot's special today, which is a 65 minute massage for only $49. But I still have two pre-purchased massages yet to redeem, one from Spa Week (ay, yet another all-too-irresistible bargain) and one from LivingSocial.
Anyway, moderation in moderation, I guess...
I've reviewed LivingSocial, Lifebooker and Groupon on Suite 101: The Online Bargain Scoop: LivingSocial, Lifebooker and Groupon. In between pampering myself, I am, after all, trying to develop a writing portfolio here!
Anyway, moderation in moderation, I guess...I've reviewed LivingSocial, Lifebooker and Groupon on Suite 101: The Online Bargain Scoop: LivingSocial, Lifebooker and Groupon. In between pampering myself, I am, after all, trying to develop a writing portfolio here!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
My Cultural Tastes Wait for My Health...
I had grand plans for today. I was going to go to the Dumbo Arts Festival and wander around galleries all day, getting lost in the art, the music, the vibe of a warm fall Saturday in Brooklyn.
And then I was going to go see the Eels tonight at Terminal 5. It was to be an event- and culture-filled day.
Sadly, instead I spent the day inside, wiping my nose and lying in bed. I woke up with a wretched head cold today, ironic because I've recently been taking Vitamin C, antioxidants and echinacea regularly, among other supplements. Maybe that is some anecdotal evidence warning me not to put too much faith into supplements. But then again, I've always been exceptionally susceptible to colds.
So, I have been taking it easy, and who knows, if I am well enough, I may even make it to the Dumbo Arts Festival tomorrow. I remember exploring this festival in previous years, and it really is fascinating to randomly explore large buildings with gallery after gallery as well as to find art tucked away in corners and in the park, lurking everywhere, waiting to be consumed by passer-by.
Sigh. In the meantime, I have been reading all about how to craft a perfect pitch letter, lesson-planing for my classes and watching bad comedy.
And now, for my sleep, which together with all the cold medicine I've been consuming, will hopefully have me in better health and better spirits tomorrow.
And then I was going to go see the Eels tonight at Terminal 5. It was to be an event- and culture-filled day.
Sadly, instead I spent the day inside, wiping my nose and lying in bed. I woke up with a wretched head cold today, ironic because I've recently been taking Vitamin C, antioxidants and echinacea regularly, among other supplements. Maybe that is some anecdotal evidence warning me not to put too much faith into supplements. But then again, I've always been exceptionally susceptible to colds.
So, I have been taking it easy, and who knows, if I am well enough, I may even make it to the Dumbo Arts Festival tomorrow. I remember exploring this festival in previous years, and it really is fascinating to randomly explore large buildings with gallery after gallery as well as to find art tucked away in corners and in the park, lurking everywhere, waiting to be consumed by passer-by.
Sigh. In the meantime, I have been reading all about how to craft a perfect pitch letter, lesson-planing for my classes and watching bad comedy.
And now, for my sleep, which together with all the cold medicine I've been consuming, will hopefully have me in better health and better spirits tomorrow.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Rocking, Biking, Hanging and Shopping: Another Delicious NYC Weekend!
It has officially been a NYC weekend for me.
My weekend has featured everything from seeing of Montreal (with an opener by the fabulous Janelle Monáe) on Friday to partaking in a wonderful housewarming party in Park Slope Saturday, to catching up over cocktails and shopping in the L.E.S. today.
Janelle Monáe, as always, was a soulful, sci-fi diva with mesmerizing dance moves ranging from skat to seizure-like break dancing moves. And Of Montreal put on a top-notch, trippy performance, with lead singer Kevin Barnes in a buttless skirt for the first half of their show. Alien-like creatures abounded, and though, unlike a prior performance I had seen, there was no live horse on stage, they did bring out a horse-muppet-dragon creature with Barnes striding on top.
Of Montreal's show featured a heady mix of classic songs and tracks from the newest album: it was definitely a hyped up dance party at Terminal 5. Though I have to say I prefer the intimacy of smaller venues, it was incredible to be a part of the massive energy at Terminal 5 on Friday.
Friday's show ended with several covers of Michael Jackson songs, with Barnes on vocal, and a crew of dancers onstage, including Janelle Monáe.
The funny thing is that the next night, at around the same time as the previous evening, the house party I was at featured a slew of old school Michael Jackson songs. MJ time, apparently. My 45-minute bike ride to Park Slope was well-worth it for the experience of mingling to MJ music at my friend's gorgeous new apartment. When people ask me my line of work these days, I am beginning to add "writer" to my list; hopefully I will shortly be not just a writer but a published one! I am finding conversations with new acquaintances and social networking to be more meaningful now that I am seriously pursuing my writing. I love meeting friends of friends in this city.
So I definitely had apartment-envy on Saturday. My friend's Park Slope apartment features two balconies and the master bedroom has its own bathroom. Meanwhile, I am sharing a bathroom with two guys, in my run-down apartment building in Williamsburg! But, now I know I am a 45-minute bike-ride away from my friend's Park Slope place... It's a small world, NYC, especially on bike.
And today I spent the morning writing, then met up for my weekly writing workshop with my new friend (who I met at the mediabistro personal essay class I attended!). Spending the afternoon over a cocktail at Schiller's Liquor Bar in the L.E.S., discussing writing and life, I felt like a true New Yorker. And of course, I ended my afternoon jaunt in the L.E.S. with a splurge at Steven by Steve Madden! Hello, sale! Funny, and the writing piece of mine that we discussed this afternoon is about how I am learning to balance being thrifty with indulging.
And, in thriftiness, I returned to Williamsburg the way I had arrived into Manhattan earlier today: by bike. And there was my NYC weekend.
My weekend has featured everything from seeing of Montreal (with an opener by the fabulous Janelle Monáe) on Friday to partaking in a wonderful housewarming party in Park Slope Saturday, to catching up over cocktails and shopping in the L.E.S. today.
Janelle Monáe, as always, was a soulful, sci-fi diva with mesmerizing dance moves ranging from skat to seizure-like break dancing moves. And Of Montreal put on a top-notch, trippy performance, with lead singer Kevin Barnes in a buttless skirt for the first half of their show. Alien-like creatures abounded, and though, unlike a prior performance I had seen, there was no live horse on stage, they did bring out a horse-muppet-dragon creature with Barnes striding on top.
Of Montreal's show featured a heady mix of classic songs and tracks from the newest album: it was definitely a hyped up dance party at Terminal 5. Though I have to say I prefer the intimacy of smaller venues, it was incredible to be a part of the massive energy at Terminal 5 on Friday.
Friday's show ended with several covers of Michael Jackson songs, with Barnes on vocal, and a crew of dancers onstage, including Janelle Monáe.The funny thing is that the next night, at around the same time as the previous evening, the house party I was at featured a slew of old school Michael Jackson songs. MJ time, apparently. My 45-minute bike ride to Park Slope was well-worth it for the experience of mingling to MJ music at my friend's gorgeous new apartment. When people ask me my line of work these days, I am beginning to add "writer" to my list; hopefully I will shortly be not just a writer but a published one! I am finding conversations with new acquaintances and social networking to be more meaningful now that I am seriously pursuing my writing. I love meeting friends of friends in this city.
So I definitely had apartment-envy on Saturday. My friend's Park Slope apartment features two balconies and the master bedroom has its own bathroom. Meanwhile, I am sharing a bathroom with two guys, in my run-down apartment building in Williamsburg! But, now I know I am a 45-minute bike-ride away from my friend's Park Slope place... It's a small world, NYC, especially on bike.
And today I spent the morning writing, then met up for my weekly writing workshop with my new friend (who I met at the mediabistro personal essay class I attended!). Spending the afternoon over a cocktail at Schiller's Liquor Bar in the L.E.S., discussing writing and life, I felt like a true New Yorker. And of course, I ended my afternoon jaunt in the L.E.S. with a splurge at Steven by Steve Madden! Hello, sale! Funny, and the writing piece of mine that we discussed this afternoon is about how I am learning to balance being thrifty with indulging.
And, in thriftiness, I returned to Williamsburg the way I had arrived into Manhattan earlier today: by bike. And there was my NYC weekend.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Cabinet of Wonders at Le Poisson Rouge Tonight!
Yes, blog and blog follower(s), I have neglected you. Work and personal life has been a little consuming. I have had time to enjoy the culture and nightlife of NYC, but I haven't had the time or focus to blog about my adventures (and misadventures) lately.
Just have to say, Massive Attack at Terminal 5 was amazing, as was Chelsea Handler's stand-up at Radio City!! In some ways, they were both commentaries about society being fucked up, yet seeing life as still somehow beautiful and funny.
And now, tonight, I am going to see John Wesley Harding's Cabinet of Wonders at Le Poisson Rouge.
The event features
Just have to say, Massive Attack at Terminal 5 was amazing, as was Chelsea Handler's stand-up at Radio City!! In some ways, they were both commentaries about society being fucked up, yet seeing life as still somehow beautiful and funny.
And now, tonight, I am going to see John Wesley Harding's Cabinet of Wonders at Le Poisson Rouge.
The event features
John Wesley Harding and His Band, The English UK
w/ Janeane Garofalo , Robbie Fulks , Paul Muldoon , Eugene Mirman , Buffalo Tom and Kristin Hersh.
I am not familar with any of the names, with the exception of Janeane Garofalo
... but I can't wait. I need some more comedy in my life right now...
The event has been tagged as "alternative indie comedy new york folk singer-songwriter blues alt-country country" - should be interesting - well, more than interesting!! It should be entertaining.
w/ Janeane Garofalo , Robbie Fulks , Paul Muldoon , Eugene Mirman , Buffalo Tom and Kristin Hersh.
I am not familar with any of the names, with the exception of Janeane Garofalo
... but I can't wait. I need some more comedy in my life right now...
The event has been tagged as "alternative indie comedy new york folk singer-songwriter blues alt-country country" - should be interesting - well, more than interesting!! It should be entertaining.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
The Circus: Featuring Britney Spears
Don't judge.
I went to see Britney Spears last night at Madison Square Garden, as part of her tour, "The Circus Featuring Btitney Spears." Knowing it would be a full-scale circus act, I decided I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see such an icon, as mixed as Britney's publicity has been.
Britney also plays tonight at tomorrow! And, I believe, owing to the recession, shows are not sold out. (See the Ticketmaster site here.)
So, to sum up the show: I was both more impressed and more disappointed than I had expected to be.
Britney had two openers, Kristinia DeBarge and Jordin Sparks. I didn't expect Britney to begin until 10 or so, though it was a Monday. The 20-minute countdown for Britney began at 8:40 pm; at 9 pm, the Circus began, but Britney's appearance, of course, was later, after the crowd had built up its anticipation even further.
Britney truly gave a strong performance, with stunning -- and scandalous -- outfits, stunts and dance moves. What impressed me was how confident and happy she appeared; of course, it is her job to give off that charismatic aura, but she sincerely appeared to be loving every minute of it. What disappointed me was that there were many circus interludes and her stage/performance time was only a fraction of her actual show. Surprised, no, but a little disappointed, yes.
Yes, it was definitely a circus. Which is not to say that it was appropriate for children; parents, next time, leave your kiddies at home when you watch a scandalous show such as Britney's!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
My Current TOP 10 Favorite Free Things in NYC (SUMMER Edition!)
I have greatly depleted my funds in the past few months, as I work in education and have been traveling in Peru for most of the summer. So, I've been more money-conscious and looking out for the free/cheap way of life recently! Below is my current Top 10 List. Enjoy!
10) Using my neighbors' wi-fi networks. Free internet from the comfort of my home. All the better to read up on the latest cultural and news events, job hunt and update my blog! Alternatively, I enjoy hanging at the free wi-fi cafes in Williamsburg.
9) Myopenbar.com - free drinks, free events, free mingling, free people-watching! - There are seven open bars listed in NYC for tonight alone!
8) Museums. And galleries. Many are free or low-cost, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History, which both offer a suggested donation. See a more comprehensive list here.
7) Art gallery openings, such as this one. (Leo Kesting) Free art and complimentary drinks, maybe even snacks too! Also good for people-watching.
6) PARKs - especially the free events, such as Hudson River Park's RiverFlicks and RiverRocks. Tonight they are screening Sex and the City, and tomorrow Yeasayer and Amazing Baby are playing. Both are at Pier 54 (located at the West Side Highway and 14th St). See here for the full Hudson River Park events calendar. They even have free yoga!! Also see New York Magazine's list of free and cheap movies. (Lots of parks offer free film screenings!)
5) Speaking of yoga, I really need to go back to Yoga to the People, which offers free yoga classes every day, throughout the day. (Classes are by donation, and mat rental is $10 if you need one.) They now not only are in the East Village but also offer classes at studios on 27th St. and 38 St. (See directions here.)
4) Even more convenient exercise, and an animal-bonding time, is volunteer dog walking with BARC (Brooklyn Animal Rescue Coalition) Shelter. They need volunteers from 9-12 pm and 5-8 pm every day. It's a great excuse to stroll around McCarren Park! You also get to meet and play with some lovely pooches in need and maybe some interesting doggie-lovers in the beighborhood as well! (See volunteer info here.) They also need volunteers for the cat loft!
3) The GBH and Shaw Promotion parties. I am still an addict for NYC nightlife. Many events are free or cheap with RSVP (or if you simply know the party promoters' names or get to know the doormen). A lot of large acts play and/or DJ at these parties, and they have fantastic indie dance parties at swank, and not-so-swank, venues around the city.
2) The beach. See the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation for a list of beaches.
1) And, I must admit, my favorite free activity: riding my bike around NYC! Just too convenient -- it's a great form of exercise, active commuting and sightseeing. And check it out: NYC is having its fair share of bike share demos -- maybe bike share in the city will one day become widespread here! And downtown Manhattan is offering free bike rentals, through September: http://www.downtownny.com/bikearound.
So who said living in NYC has to be expensive? Or that you need lots of money to enjoy the city?
See also NY Mag's "78 Days of Fun: The best concerts, outdoor events, and culture happenings of summer 2009."
10) Using my neighbors' wi-fi networks. Free internet from the comfort of my home. All the better to read up on the latest cultural and news events, job hunt and update my blog! Alternatively, I enjoy hanging at the free wi-fi cafes in Williamsburg.
9) Myopenbar.com - free drinks, free events, free mingling, free people-watching! - There are seven open bars listed in NYC for tonight alone!
8) Museums. And galleries. Many are free or low-cost, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History, which both offer a suggested donation. See a more comprehensive list here.
7) Art gallery openings, such as this one. (Leo Kesting) Free art and complimentary drinks, maybe even snacks too! Also good for people-watching.
6) PARKs - especially the free events, such as Hudson River Park's RiverFlicks and RiverRocks. Tonight they are screening Sex and the City, and tomorrow Yeasayer and Amazing Baby are playing. Both are at Pier 54 (located at the West Side Highway and 14th St). See here for the full Hudson River Park events calendar. They even have free yoga!! Also see New York Magazine's list of free and cheap movies. (Lots of parks offer free film screenings!)
5) Speaking of yoga, I really need to go back to Yoga to the People, which offers free yoga classes every day, throughout the day. (Classes are by donation, and mat rental is $10 if you need one.) They now not only are in the East Village but also offer classes at studios on 27th St. and 38 St. (See directions here.)
4) Even more convenient exercise, and an animal-bonding time, is volunteer dog walking with BARC (Brooklyn Animal Rescue Coalition) Shelter. They need volunteers from 9-12 pm and 5-8 pm every day. It's a great excuse to stroll around McCarren Park! You also get to meet and play with some lovely pooches in need and maybe some interesting doggie-lovers in the beighborhood as well! (See volunteer info here.) They also need volunteers for the cat loft!
3) The GBH and Shaw Promotion parties. I am still an addict for NYC nightlife. Many events are free or cheap with RSVP (or if you simply know the party promoters' names or get to know the doormen). A lot of large acts play and/or DJ at these parties, and they have fantastic indie dance parties at swank, and not-so-swank, venues around the city.
2) The beach. See the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation for a list of beaches.
1) And, I must admit, my favorite free activity: riding my bike around NYC! Just too convenient -- it's a great form of exercise, active commuting and sightseeing. And check it out: NYC is having its fair share of bike share demos -- maybe bike share in the city will one day become widespread here! And downtown Manhattan is offering free bike rentals, through September: http://www.downtownny.com/bikearound.
So who said living in NYC has to be expensive? Or that you need lots of money to enjoy the city?
See also NY Mag's "78 Days of Fun: The best concerts, outdoor events, and culture happenings of summer 2009."
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