People are hopping, skipping, tip toeing and leaping in the streets today. This is not typical New Yorker behavior. The reason everyone is so spritely are the gi-normous puddles of slush covering the sidewalks and creating an expansive and treacherous radius of mushy-wetness around each street corner. It looks like someone took one part white cherry slurpee, one part ash, mixed it up and dumped it in the streets.
It is the fear of being attacked by this ash-slurpee mixture that has the locals doing their silly little snow-dance in the streets.
Oh, and remember not to stand too close to the curb when the cars are driving by... cars act like catapults and the slush will get you.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Joshua Radin/Webster Hall
Concert #5 of 5 was Joshua Radin at Webster Hall... Which is really the concert that sort of inspired Marathon Live Music Week 2009 to begin with.
Joshua Radin's career kicked off when his buddy Zach Braff out one of his songs on his hit TV show, Scrubs. I discovered Joshua Radin from the "Catch and Release" Soundtrack. And now you can discover him from this blog post (just doing my part to support the arts).
Josh:
A brief note on Webster Hall as well, which is another iconic venue, this time on the Lower East Side. It's been around since 1886 - the site for socialite balls, prohibition era speakeasys, protests, rallies, recordings, plays, concerts, nightclubs and intellectual circles. It's difficult to imagine packing anymore character and history into a single building.
No Envy, No Fear:
Vegetable Car:
Thus ended Live Music Marathon 2009. Good times were had, I think we'll make it a tradition.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Robbie Gil/The Bitter End
I've seen Robbie Gil a couple of times now. He's a fun local artist, so I still go out to see him when I can.
This is Robbie:
But what really made this show (Concert #2 out of 5 during marathon live music week) rockin' was the venue.
The Bitter End is a famous Rock 'N' Roll Club on Bleeker in the West Village. It's been around for almost 50 years... and that's a long time in a city where restaurants often don't stay open for more than a year.
The Bitter End was one of Bob Dylan's hangouts, not to mention the launching pad for some of the greatest artist of our generation.
To name a few:
Tori Amos
Blues Traveler
Vanessa Carlton
Tracy Chapman
David Crosby
Miles Davis
John Denver
Neil Diamond
Bob Dylan
G.Love & Special sauce
Hall & Oates
Indigo Girls
Etta James
Norah Jones
Billy Joel
Patti La Belle
Lisa Loeb
Sarah McLachlan
Joni Mitchell
Van Morrison
Linda Ronstadt
Carly Simon
James Taylor
Joe Walsh
Stevie Wonder
Neil Young
I was impressed.
The Bitter End is a famous Rock 'N' Roll Club on Bleeker in the West Village. It's been around for almost 50 years... and that's a long time in a city where restaurants often don't stay open for more than a year.
The Bitter End was one of Bob Dylan's hangouts, not to mention the launching pad for some of the greatest artist of our generation.
To name a few:
Tori Amos
Blues Traveler
Vanessa Carlton
Tracy Chapman
David Crosby
Miles Davis
John Denver
Neil Diamond
Bob Dylan
G.Love & Special sauce
Hall & Oates
Indigo Girls
Etta James
Norah Jones
Billy Joel
Patti La Belle
Lisa Loeb
Sarah McLachlan
Joni Mitchell
Van Morrison
Linda Ronstadt
Carly Simon
James Taylor
Joe Walsh
Stevie Wonder
Neil Young
I was impressed.
Amos Lee/The Jazz at Lincoln Center
Without a doubt, seeing Amos Lee at The Jazz at Lincoln Center goes down as one of my top ten nights in New York City.
Floor to ceiling windows overlooked Columbus Circle with a view straight down Central Park South. The stage was a small raised platform in front of the wall of windows. Oh, and then we were taken to our seats in the THIRD ROW, and that's when I squeeked with joy and amazement and almost passed out. We were able to sneek the above picture before the camera-nazi patroller scolded us and informed us of the no-picture rule.
Melissa called every day for a month, but there weren't any tickets available... until about 3 hours before the show, there was some rushing, an argument with a cab driver and a frantic scramble for the box office, but she was ultimately successful. I maya have started dancing in my cubicle when I heard the news, but since there aren't any witnesses, that can't be confirmed.
In the same spirit of boldness adventuring, we found a new restaurant on the Upper West Side for dinner - Calle Ocho, really good Cuban food, I highly recommend it - and the promptly made our way over to the venue.
A shiny elevator operated by a nice man in a maroon uniform took us to the fifth floor of the Time Warner Center. I was rendered speechless when we walked into the room.
Floor to ceiling windows overlooked Columbus Circle with a view straight down Central Park South. The stage was a small raised platform in front of the wall of windows. Oh, and then we were taken to our seats in the THIRD ROW, and that's when I squeeked with joy and amazement and almost passed out. We were able to sneek the above picture before the camera-nazi patroller scolded us and informed us of the no-picture rule.
He's a great live performer and it every minute was spine-tingling. And since this was concert #3 in my marathon week of live music, I have a solid fram of reference.
The artist, himself:
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Fuerza Bruta
In English, it means "brute force," and right now in New York City, it is the title of a very unique production being put on at the Daryl Roth Theatre in Union Square. We went on Saturday, for my friend Kristin's birthday.
So... Here's the fun part where I get to try and describe an indescribable experience.
The audience is standing through out the entire show. This is essential because the audience is also moving through out the entire show. The audience must move because very large objects, from people sized to small-house sized are moving through, about, above and around them. Bright lights flash, confetti flies, gigantic fans send bursts of wind, water rains down, and the sub woofer is so loud it reverberates in your chest.
The show begins with a man on walkway, walking at first and then running as he forces his way through obstacles. He gets knocked down, and continues to claw his way forward. Eventually he is joined by several other depressed and bedragled looking people in business-suit attire looking deeply unsatsified and otherwise oppressed by "the man," that faceless corporate force of evil. A series of other elements are incorporated in, and with each one the man, occasionally joined by his companions, begin to shed their culturally imposed boundaries and get down to raw humanism. At one point the audience is enveloped by a metallic sheet while aerial performers run back and forth flipping and cartwheeling. Later on performers appeared in a glass bottom pool of shallow water above the audience. The pool decended as the performers danced, splashed and skidded inches from the heads of the audience. In the end the audience and cast dissolved into a full out dance party that can only be described as an unfettered celebration of the chance to be alive.
It was very artsy, other-wordly and a truly unique experience.
So... Here's the fun part where I get to try and describe an indescribable experience.
The audience is standing through out the entire show. This is essential because the audience is also moving through out the entire show. The audience must move because very large objects, from people sized to small-house sized are moving through, about, above and around them. Bright lights flash, confetti flies, gigantic fans send bursts of wind, water rains down, and the sub woofer is so loud it reverberates in your chest.
The show begins with a man on walkway, walking at first and then running as he forces his way through obstacles. He gets knocked down, and continues to claw his way forward. Eventually he is joined by several other depressed and bedragled looking people in business-suit attire looking deeply unsatsified and otherwise oppressed by "the man," that faceless corporate force of evil. A series of other elements are incorporated in, and with each one the man, occasionally joined by his companions, begin to shed their culturally imposed boundaries and get down to raw humanism. At one point the audience is enveloped by a metallic sheet while aerial performers run back and forth flipping and cartwheeling. Later on performers appeared in a glass bottom pool of shallow water above the audience. The pool decended as the performers danced, splashed and skidded inches from the heads of the audience. In the end the audience and cast dissolved into a full out dance party that can only be described as an unfettered celebration of the chance to be alive.
It was very artsy, other-wordly and a truly unique experience.
The Blender
There is a funky lookin' little theatre across the street from my office called The Blender. I've always wanted to go there, because it's funky, little, and across the street from my office.
So when I found out that a band I had actually heard of was playing there, I immediately recruited my musician friend to go concerting with me.
As it turned out, the band we actually went to see didn't play. Go figure. But the bands that did play weren't half bad, in fact they ranged from quite talented to down right entertaining. One of the bands even led the audience in a - get this - Punk Rock Congo Line. that's right, the base player jumped right off the stage and took a congo line of enthusiastic audience members on a little fieldtrip up and around the auditorium.
The band here is called Patent Pending, the originators of the Punk Rock Congo Line...
The venue itself was actually a rockin' little venue.
I'll be your office doesn't have rock concerts across the street.
So when I found out that a band I had actually heard of was playing there, I immediately recruited my musician friend to go concerting with me.
As it turned out, the band we actually went to see didn't play. Go figure. But the bands that did play weren't half bad, in fact they ranged from quite talented to down right entertaining. One of the bands even led the audience in a - get this - Punk Rock Congo Line. that's right, the base player jumped right off the stage and took a congo line of enthusiastic audience members on a little fieldtrip up and around the auditorium.
The band here is called Patent Pending, the originators of the Punk Rock Congo Line...
The venue itself was actually a rockin' little venue.
I'll be your office doesn't have rock concerts across the street.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Yeehaw!
So here's something I never expected to see in New York City: a RODEO. But sure enough, in the City that has everything, the Professional Bull Riders came to town, and I'm telling you, Madison Square Garden has never seen so many Stetsons.
So of course, me being a fan of Wranglers, and cowboys and cowboys in Wranglers... I wasn't about to miss this.
Dirt. Covering the floor of MSG...
Rustin was appropriately attired, belt buckle included...
Me and Kamla, getting our cowgirl on...
Half the ward was there, and by half, I mean seriously, half...
So of course, me being a fan of Wranglers, and cowboys and cowboys in Wranglers... I wasn't about to miss this.
Dirt. Covering the floor of MSG...
Rustin was appropriately attired, belt buckle included...
Me and Kamla, getting our cowgirl on...
Half the ward was there, and by half, I mean seriously, half...
If you've never seen bull riding, here's your chance...
YEEHAW.
Doughnut Plant
There is only one thing that is worth getting up at 8 am on a Saturday morning in the winter and treking down to the Lower East Side. It is the Doughnut Plant.
Featuring little bits of deep-fried-joy in such flavors as Pistachio, Coconut Creme, Creme Brulee, Brooklyn Blackout, and Peanut Butter and Jelly.
Some of them are even mind-bendingly square...
I would never have discovered this little place, were it not for Dave, who organized this little adventure. (Here with Kathryn and Jess.)
Yummy.
Featuring little bits of deep-fried-joy in such flavors as Pistachio, Coconut Creme, Creme Brulee, Brooklyn Blackout, and Peanut Butter and Jelly.
Some of them are even mind-bendingly square...
I would never have discovered this little place, were it not for Dave, who organized this little adventure. (Here with Kathryn and Jess.)
Yummy.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Rental Cat
I came home the week before Christmas to be greeted by Roommate Katie with a very sheepish look on her face. A very suspicious and sheepish look.
"What? What is it?"
"Well, I did something that you might not like."
"What is it?"
"I'm really sorry, because I should have asked you first, but I kind of had to make a decision quickly and..."
"Katie, what is it?"
"Well, I kind of have a cat in my room."
"..... Huh?"
"My friend is going out of town for a month and she asked me to look after her cat, and I could have left the cat over there, but I just thought it would be so much easier to keep her here so I don't have to go over there everyday, but if it bothers you guys, I can take her back and feed here over there, its no big deal...."
"Katie, relax. I like cats. Especially ones that I get to play with but don't have to take care of."
...Thus began the era of the Rental Cat. And technically we are babysitting, not renting the cat, but since the cat has some silly name like Trixie or Twinkle, I gave it a nick-name that seems to have stuck: Rent-a-Cat! And honestly, its great. Rent-A-Cat sleeps with me and cuddles up next to me when I'm sitting on my bed reading. She runs up and down the hall and makes the galloping noise before she skids into the doorway at the end of the hall... I find this endlessly amusing. All of this and I never have to feed it or clean the litter box. All of the perks with none of the hassle.
Rent-A-Cat. It's the new thing.
"What? What is it?"
"Well, I did something that you might not like."
"What is it?"
"I'm really sorry, because I should have asked you first, but I kind of had to make a decision quickly and..."
"Katie, what is it?"
"Well, I kind of have a cat in my room."
"..... Huh?"
"My friend is going out of town for a month and she asked me to look after her cat, and I could have left the cat over there, but I just thought it would be so much easier to keep her here so I don't have to go over there everyday, but if it bothers you guys, I can take her back and feed here over there, its no big deal...."
"Katie, relax. I like cats. Especially ones that I get to play with but don't have to take care of."
...Thus began the era of the Rental Cat. And technically we are babysitting, not renting the cat, but since the cat has some silly name like Trixie or Twinkle, I gave it a nick-name that seems to have stuck: Rent-a-Cat! And honestly, its great. Rent-A-Cat sleeps with me and cuddles up next to me when I'm sitting on my bed reading. She runs up and down the hall and makes the galloping noise before she skids into the doorway at the end of the hall... I find this endlessly amusing. All of this and I never have to feed it or clean the litter box. All of the perks with none of the hassle.
Rent-A-Cat. It's the new thing.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Still lovin' Randy
Remember that guy I heard on the subway once upon a time? Melissa and I still go to see him as often as we can, but even 20-something's can only handle being out so late, so it's not as often as I'd like. We did make it this week however, twice.
He's still making the best music I've heard in the city, and coming out with his first solo album in about a month. I've hear him play a couple of the tracks, and some of them you can download off of his website... www.randystern.info. You should pick up the album, because he's going to be famous one day and you'll wish you had. And even if he doesn't make it big, he's a great songwriter and a talented musician and you'll just enjoy listening.
Getting to know talented and passionate people like Randy is another thing I love about New York.
He's still making the best music I've heard in the city, and coming out with his first solo album in about a month. I've hear him play a couple of the tracks, and some of them you can download off of his website... www.randystern.info. You should pick up the album, because he's going to be famous one day and you'll wish you had. And even if he doesn't make it big, he's a great songwriter and a talented musician and you'll just enjoy listening.
Getting to know talented and passionate people like Randy is another thing I love about New York.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
L'Arte Del Gelato
Last month-ish, I was out with my friend Tony and he insisted upon going to this gelato place that he'd been to before. Lots of iphone mapping and two phone calls later we located L'Arte Del Gelato on Bleeker and 7th Ave.
Holy Cow.
Such fantastic gelato-y goodness has never before been seen outside of Rome itself, and I know because I've been to Rome.
To my faithful blogees who one day plan on visiting my beloved city: this is must-eat destination.
Mmm.
Holy Cow.
Such fantastic gelato-y goodness has never before been seen outside of Rome itself, and I know because I've been to Rome.
To my faithful blogees who one day plan on visiting my beloved city: this is must-eat destination.
Mmm.
Fat Cat
So Melissa has been telling me about this place in the West Village for awhile, and we finally made it there this Saturday. It's called Fat Cat, and I can't wait to go back (slant rhyme unintentional).
Basically Fat Cat is three parts:
1) Bar. Whatever. As long as I can get a Diet Coke
2) Live music. Mostly jazz. Live music is always cool. And let me tell you, the West Village can scare up some decent jazz muscians.
3) Games. Ping Pong. Pool. Fooseball. Checkers. Chess. Scrabble. Shuffle board. Tons and tons of games.
Melissa and I listened to the jazz quartet for a bit, and then she kicked my butt at fooseball, which I was very disappointed by, having been the reigning fooseball world champion the last time I checked.
New favorite thing to do on a Saturday, or a Wedensday, or any other day ending in Y.
Basically Fat Cat is three parts:
1) Bar. Whatever. As long as I can get a Diet Coke
2) Live music. Mostly jazz. Live music is always cool. And let me tell you, the West Village can scare up some decent jazz muscians.
3) Games. Ping Pong. Pool. Fooseball. Checkers. Chess. Scrabble. Shuffle board. Tons and tons of games.
Melissa and I listened to the jazz quartet for a bit, and then she kicked my butt at fooseball, which I was very disappointed by, having been the reigning fooseball world champion the last time I checked.
New favorite thing to do on a Saturday, or a Wedensday, or any other day ending in Y.
Progressing 2009
This was possibly the best New Years Eve ever. (Except for that time that Michelle and I drank two bottles of Martinellis, ate half a pan of brownies and watched Freddie Prinze Junior movies all night... THAT one is tough to beat.)
But what puts this year above a brownie induced sugar coma and the blissfully un-realistic world of cheesy teen movies? We called it Progressive Party 2009, organized by my fabulous friend Tony. (He's the same one that taught that Broadway dance class a little while back. I'm telling you, if you ever move to the city you WANT to be friends with Tony.)
How did it work? Well it was kind of like a Progressive Dinner, but party-style, in three stages...
Stage One... Games and appetizers at the Boys' Place. We milled around and chatted and examined all of the "Best of 2008" lists that Tony had posted on the walls.
Stage Two... Dance Party and Resolutions at Peter and Greg's place.
Could we fit more people into this apartment? I doubt it. 
Dance sing favorites include "Single Ladies"... Why the guys sing along to that I don't know...
There was much mingling in the hallway as a result of the packed dance floor. Me and Eric...
Anne and Tony...
The resolution board (Do you know anyone trying to get on Broadway this year? My friends are AWESOME.)...
Stage Three... Cram 50+ people into Valerie's living room to watch the ball drop, toast, dance and eat waffles!
Yes, 50+, I counted...
Balloons, for festivity...
CHEERS!
CHEERS!
Happy New Year!
Mistletoe Attack
The night before I left for California, as I was packing and Roommate Sarah was telling me stories about the boys that she Nannies for... we recieved a mysterious knock on our door and opened only to be Mistletoe Attacked by our friends Jeff and Russell.
That's right, wearing Santa Hats with mistletoe attached to them, they rushed in our front door and tackled hugged and then kissed us... on the cheek of course.
There was a lot of blushing (that was me) and a lot of laughing (that was Sarah) and a lot of slighty mischievious but also sheepish grins (that was them).
MERRY Christmas indeed!
That's right, wearing Santa Hats with mistletoe attached to them, they rushed in our front door and tackled hugged and then kissed us... on the cheek of course.
There was a lot of blushing (that was me) and a lot of laughing (that was Sarah) and a lot of slighty mischievious but also sheepish grins (that was them).
MERRY Christmas indeed!
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