Rihanna Rocks The Bells | 3

AGAIN!  She did it again!


I can't get enough of her style.  Hmm... I think I pull something like this off. As always Just Jared is the best place to see more pics.

NYC Music Scene | Rob Lewis

Rob Lewis is a well-respected and sough and sought-after music producer, composer, arranger and musical  director for such names as Christina Aguilera, Leona LEwis, The Pussy Cat Dolls, NKOTB, and my personal favorite, Sasha Allen to simply name a few. Rob can also now add TV personality to his growing resume having appeared on Diddy's MTV show "Making His Band". Here Rob served on the judges' panel. This is Rob Lewis the public persona and his resume is endless. The Rob Lewis I wish to briefly highlight is the one of the Big Dreams.

In the years that I have come to know Rob, I can't think of a time when his brain is not working overtime. He has a gripping determination, is extremely inventive - ahead of his time - a visionary of dreams. He exudes a lot of energy - a constant seeker of the next big thing. Actually, I am thoroughly convinced he never sleeps (this may explain the mystery behind the shades). He is outspoken - never afraid to voice his opinion - actually it borders on "extra".  I am allowed to say that, right? My humble opinion: it makes me nervous at times because where do you draw the line of divulging to much.  But I soon realized it is his passion that fuels him and he speaks as he feels.

This passion and drive has gained him an army of faithful Blockhead followers (that is NKOTB followers in case you didn't know), also now endearingly dubbed his 'Army of Dreamers'.  They are incredibly supportive - It's crazy the type of encouragement they bounce of each other. Yet despite a great support system it was interesting to learn what else fueled that soul: "It's important that a Dreamer has a blueprint, a plan, he says. And while having a plan is mandatory, execution is the key. And as one executes, from the smallest goals to the big accomplishments, you should celebrate. It is this necessary celebration throughout the Dreamer's journey that fuels the Dream. It lets you know that it's actually WORKING, Its' actually HAPPENING, and that if you keep going, never giving up, it WILL happen."

You see Rob's most recent endeavor has him looking to nurture his own solo career. With his background and connections one would think this would be easy but in fact it is a hell of a lot more difficult and frightening. The music industry is sometimes unforgiving. He tells me..."I've seen the good, the bad, and the ugly of the game. It makes it very hard to trust anyone, because everyone has a motive. And that motive man not always include YOU. Everyone says they believe in you, but most only believe on you for the moment, or for how they can benefit from you, and how you can aid THIER agenda. Out of close to 15yrs in the game, i've come across a handful of industry people who actually believe in Rob's Dream." It sure makes you think, doesn't it?

Is failure and option? "Failure is always an option. It happens if you ask any advanced Dreamer, they will tell you that they have failed many, many times. But a Dreamer has to have the attitude that ULTIMATE FAILURE is not an option. You CAN make it happen. I may take a lot of time, and many attempts, but with every failure comes the knowledge of what you did wrong, so you can fix it and make another attempt, and WIN."

ANd so it begins. His single "Brokenhearted" is already available for download on iTUnes. As for his upcoming venture; well, he recently learned he will not have a back-up band at his disposal as initially planed... and yet he's not deterred. No, instead he's revisited the drawing board and is now gearing up to introduce Rob Lewis, the one-man show. He's scheduled for some small intimate shows at local clubs around London. 

So are you ready to receive him? Because he's on his way with a vengeance! Here is to you, Mr. Lewis. You give those of us that may have given up Dreams a reason to believe once more. 

Cheers.

In The Name Of B&W Art

Good Lord! I post this simply in the name of Photography.  *smile*
May you have a delicious day!

Oh Penélope | 2

Penélope Cruz is the type of beauty that just makes me jealous.  It's graceful, effortless and flawless.  She's on the cover of the next Vanity Fair and looking as beautiful as ever.  I can't wait to pick up the issue.

Rihanna Rocks The Bells | 2

Here again is my favorite Style Girl, Rihanna!

Love you RiRi - you've inspired my short hair and it ROCKS! Your blond streaks on the other hand I'm not quite feeling.  But then again, you ARE Rihanna so you can almost do no wrong.  By the way, loving the shoes.  For more photos like these visit ImNotObsessed

NYC Music Scene: Friends on iTunes

This is my Music Link Time Post.  

I dedicate this to my musician friends. Click and shop for some real good music.

Sasha Allen:  Her voice gives me chills, literally.  I am in awe of her skills.

Singles: One Of Us  & Fly Away

Aquarius (HAIR -The New Broadway Cast Recording)

White Boys (HAIR -The New Broadway Cast Recording)

  

Aurora: I've been patiently waiting for her to post this.  It's my new lullaby.

Single: Bring on the Fire 

Rob Lewis:  This man is a musical genius and a Dreamer of Dreams.

Single: Brokenhearted

Cheryl Pepsii Riley - She's a legend.  Her voice is just SICK!
Album: Let Me Be Me

Inaya Day - Just plain POWER.  She keeps you on your feet and on the dance floor.

Caleb Hawley - This album takes you through a full range of emotions. 

Album: Greatest Hits 

SinVerguenza MalaCara: Reggaetton is not always my thing but I can get down to this.

Album: Tras La Fama

Marina Franklin Tickles Me Pink

Comedy shows are not really my thing.  I mean, I don't ever go out of my way to see a show... as I would for a concert.  Of course this doesn't mean I don't appreciate it.  I'm good friends with the owners and staff of the Comedy Cellar, and so as a perk I've had the opportunity to see Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, and Darrell Hammond (I missed Chappelle twice and that pissed me the hell off). The big names usually show up unannounced to try out their new material.  The Comedy Cellar is like going back home for most of them.  No judgements.  

You  can also always count on a great lineup with regulars like Dave Attell, Colin Quinn, Jim Norton and many more.   This leads me to Marina.  I LOVE MARINA! I can never really have a straight conversation with her without hyperventilating in laughter.  And we do a mean Karaoke duet of "Last Dance." She's always on the road somewhere so its cool to randomly catch run into her.  I had no idea about this but I seems she's partnered with Jay Leno's new show for a segment called, "Marina Franklin - Change in Harlem".   LMAO!!!

NOT a Promo for JM or JT

I didn't have time to draft something for today blog so I will leave you with this interlude of JT's "I Think That She Knows" as played by John Mayer.   

I've always loved the interlude to this song... I think it should stand alone.  Enjoy!

Oh, Glee How I Love Thee | 1

Natalie this is for you.  

I now feel like busting out some Karaoke.

Jose Feliciano Introduces His Personal Line of Guitars

Known as the world's "Greatest Living Guitarist", Jose Feliciano has been hard at work in the development of his own personal line of guitars.  With a scheduled appearance on QVC for Tuesday the 22nd at 6:30 PM (EST), Mr. Feliciano is now ready to personally introduce us with his work.  I say way to go Mr. Feliciano! It's about time. 

The acoustic guitars will be offered in two types of finish: "New Moon Ebony Black" and "Purely Natural Blonde."  Also included will be an easy-to-follow instructional work shop along with other fun goodies.  (I'm wondering if he's going to include the strum patterns for "Feliz Nividad"?  There's plenty of time to get it right before Christmas...I digress.)

For more details on what to expect you can visit his page here or just watch QVC on the 22nd to get the real deal.  Congratulations Señor Feliciano!

The September Issue | Is She Really a Devil in Prada?

There was an unexpected human side to this documentary that I found refreshing and insightful.  I enjoyed it and I recommend it.  Simply go see it and then tell me what you think.

xoxo

Jah

Rihanna Rocks The Bells | 1

I freaking LOVE Rihanna!  I love her Rock & Roll Punk style.  I'm not going to lie, I take a lot of style cue from her.   For more pics like these go to Just Jared or click here and here.

Fun Find: How To Run Away For $9

Ever have that feeling where you just want to run away?  Like just run to the nearest airport, book a random flight, not tell a soul then simply hide and just be... if only for a weekend?  

Boy I have those moments a lot... then I wake up... check my bank account, remember my bills, sulk and cry.  It sucks not being a baller!  *sigh*

But then I learned about Spirit Airlines $9 Fare Club.  Yes, I said Spirit Air now pay attention because this is good stuff.  Excited that this may be the answer to my little I need to run the hell out of here episodes, I get to investigating and here is what I learned:

As a member of the $9 Fare Club, you have the ability to purchase our incredibly low, member-only fares, sometimes even as low as a penny! Here are just a few of the benefits included with your membership:

1. Guaranteed access to exclusive, member-only fare sales (at least once every 6 weeks).
2. Passengers on the same ticket will receive member prices too (member must be booking).
3. Private offers on hotels, rental cars and other travel necessities.

Join today and start saving - enroll in an annual membership for only $39.95. Your membership will be renewed automatically each anniversary from your date of sign up. You may cancel at anytime within your FREE SPIRIT profile.

I say SCORE!  The thought of possibly purchasing a fare to anywhere and for as low as a penny is just thrilling to me.  Spirit flies to The Caribbean, Latin America and of course, the U.S.   I'm sining up!

Happy Anniversary to The Cheap Chica's Guide to Style

Happy Anniversary to The Cheap Chica's Guide to Style.

You've come a long way baby and you have even further to go.

Be sure to visit Cheap Chica's daily this all week-long as she promises tons of goodies.

I can't wait!

Rachel Zoe Is Shutting It Down

OMG these videos are bend-over-and-slap-your-knees funny!!!  

I think I peed a little laughing so hard.  Amy Phillips is brilliant!  She is Shutting it down like Studio 54, where everyone got AIDS.  Driver, are we in a car? I Die!

Real Moments with Rachel Zoe - watch more funny videos

Rachel Zoe Outtakes - watch more funny videos

John Mayer Gives a Sneak Peek

Yesterday John Mayer twittered (of course) the artwork for his new single, 'Who Says' and simply wrote, "I want so bad to play the single for you but I still have to wait.  So here's the single art in good faith..."

His upcoming 4th album, Battle Studies, is scheduled to be released November 17.

I'm looking forward to this new album.  I LOVE Continuum and was slightly addicted to the track 'Stop This Train'.  I whimper each time I hear it.  'Say' from the motion picture 'The Bucket List' also made my list of obsessions. But none more so than his cover of one of my favorite Tom Petty songs ever, "Free Falling".  Ugh, it was sick, sick, sick how much I played that song... still do.

But now I'm more than pass due for a new Mayer Music fix.  All I have to go by right now is this video I came across on youtube and me likey a lot.  The lyrics are pretty damn funny and written in his usual witty manner.  The song actually starts of with "who says I can't get stoned...."  I have a feeling this is going to become one of those catchy phrases we're all going to incorporate into our daily life.  Something like what we did with Amy Winehouse "Rehab" or Rihanna's "Umbrella".

Despite all his weird and annoying media antics the man always knows how and when to deliver good music.  So I'm not hating.  I have each and everyone of his albums and love them.  I have no doubt that it will be love all over again with the release of  Battle Studies.

Fun Find: Mil Besos Ruven Afanador | YUMMERS!

My friends can attest that I'm often quite flighty when it comes to what creative mood I happen to be exploring at the moment.  My most recent, aside from maintaining this blog, has been photography.  A friend recently sold me his used NIKON D40X camera and I've been in heaven since (OK, so I haven't picked up the camera in like 3 weeks - flighty). 
I don't know a damn thing about photography, proper lighting, the correct lens settings, focusing etc. But somehow I manage and I'm actually not so bad. I seem to have an eye for it... if I do say so myself.  

Occasionally a photograph captures my attention and I just stare endlessly.  I seem to favor high-fashion photography and looooooove black and whites.  While sifting through my latest issue of Marie Claire's 'Things that make us love October' I was held captive by the glorious image that you see here. Of course I immediately googled Ruven Afanador's work and committed to adding this to my coffee table book collection.  The book becomes available on October 1st.  I can't wait to own it.  It's simply divine!

Sasha Allen delivers... Time after Time

A combination of laziness and slow news reporting day, I now leave you with my new favorite video of the Fabulous Miss Sasha Allen and friend, Michael James Scott. ENJOY!

Fun Find: A Vampire Cocktail That Bites!

I'm still a little slow after an awesome night out at Paladar celebrating Polo's birthday - Happy Birthday Polo!  It was filled with great company, fantastic cocktails and plain ol' good times! 

Although birthday boy was definitely the center of attention, I have to admit that the highlight of my night was discovering the awesomeness of the culprit that today has me slightly twisted.  Appropriately named "Vampiro" this sucker (pun intended) bit me back each time I took a sip and I LIKED IT!

Vampiro is made up of margarita with hibiscus flower nectar served straight up with a spicy, salted rim.  

You can try your luck at creating one on your own or go directly to Paladar for the real thing.  By the way, aside from their awesome cocktail menu, Paladar also boast delicious cuisines by celebrity chef, Aaron Sanchez, former co-host of the Food the Food Networks' "Melting Pot". Cheers! 

NYC Music Scene: Best Open Mic NYC Style

By now I'm sure you've noticed my fascination with music.  I'm not necessarily musical but I've got a really good ear music.  I know maybe 4 chords on a guitar and can manage chopsticks on the piano without any incidents.  My love for music is inclined more towards the vocals.  I can sing, but this is something you will only witness under the influence of two shots of tequila... or more.  (no, choir and karaoke does not count)

Despite this, I have toyed with the idea of perhaps ONE day, being able to summon enough courage to finally do an open mic.  So in preparation of that day (ha!), I've gone ahead and compiled a list of some of the best open mic venues in NYC.

1. Ron Grant World Famous Sunday Night open mic - Village Underground
2. Black Velvet Mondays with Cheryl Pepsii Riley - Village Underground
3. Thursday Night Open Mic - Sugar Bar
4. Pete's Candy Store Open Mic - Pete's Candy Store
5. Vivaldi's Open Mic Night - Caffe Vivaldi
6. Cafe Wha? Open Mic Night - Cafe Wha?
7. Nuyorican Open Mic - Nuyorican Poets Cafe
8. Soul 4Real Open Mic - Shrine World Music Venue
9. Postcrypt Open Mic - Postcrypt Coffeehouse
10. Sidewalk Cafe Open Mic - Sidewalk Cafe

*These are in no particular order.

* Some are weekly | a few are monthly

I'm sure you will find a place that's to your liking.

Congratulations Selena Gomez!

Selena Gomez and her Wizard of Waverly Place costars took home the award for Outstanding Children's Program at the 2009 Primetime Creative Arts Emmys!  
Felizidades, Selena! Eso!

Kings Of Leon - Simply Rock & Roll

I know a hand-full of songs by Kings Of Leon... certainly not enough to categorize myself as a hardcore fan.  But after last night I may just have to rethink that one.

There's nothing I love more than "live"music and in a time where - in my opinion - it all seems so synthetic and unoriginal, its refreshing to be able to experience a band that can still deliver that raw and edgy sound.... you know, the type where musicians actually "play" their instruments and "sing" their songs. No pre-recorded track here thank you very much.

Their performance last night at the Nassau Coliseum was intense and unforgettable. Bands like Kings of Leon are the ones that are keeping rock alive today. Keep on rocking, KOL!

Beyoncé Thank You For Being a Class Act.

You Are Truly a Lovely Woman!

Oh Penélope

Penelope Cruz

Simply Enchanting

UPDATE: MAC Cosmetics | What's New | Look for blog later today

(model: Denise G.)

A little delayed in getting this to you but I guess late is better than never, right? So here's a little recap of my adventure from last night:

1. Met up with friends at 34th St around 7-ish (Meet & Greet with Mr. Jay at H&M ). There's a line.  I don't do lines 
2. Decision, decisions: On to Henri Bendel for Nicholas King trunk show or on to MAC for preview of new line?
3. At MAC because makeup is so much more fun (MAC Style Black Collection is a way of life!)

I'm loving the new MAC Style Black Collection!  It screams Independence, mystery,  rock & roll, new London goth and Draaaaaama.  You Rock It.  You Own it!

The line officially launches in two weeks but thanks to makeup artist extraordinaire Matthew Militello, we got to play dress-up just a little earlier.  The man is GENIUS.  He's not working the tents for nothing you know.  By the way, Matt promises behind the scene stories from fashion week so stay tuned.  Check out Matt's work above and below.

Did you see all that pretty?  You don't waste the pretty.  Where to next? We soon found our way to AMBER Music House Production party!  (I love the British!) We rocked out to an electronic music type band "Fall Into Your Soul." (Fun band but I'm still googling trying to find them.)


Wrap up:  Sometimes your plans don't turn out as you originally intended.  Sometimes the unexpected is so much better which is what happened to my friends and I.  We couldn't have asked for a much better night.

**************

Look for my blog on MAC Cosmetics latest collection.  

UPDATE! I Like Derek Jeter

Still loving that tight Yankees butt.  Hmmmm....I digress.
Today, Friday 9.11.09 Jeter became the Yankees career hits leader by surpassing Lou Gehrig's hit record.  Jeter now touts 2,7222 hits.  
Go Jeeeeeter!!!
(By the way this is as far as I go with the sports update.)

*********************


I like Derek Jeter's butt in a uniform much better! *wink*

Today Jeter tied Lou Gehrig's hit record.  That's a total of 2,721 hits in a Yankees uniform.  CONGRATULATIONS JETER!

For When You're Just NOT in the Mood

I am really at a lost for words trying to explain this, so I'll let the article I came across do it for me.

Is Ellen Forever American Idol's Girl?

By now we've all heard the news.

Ellen will be replacing Paula on American Idol!

Can you say GENIUS?

I'm so excited and I just cant hide it.  I'm about to lose control and think I like it. 

(gotta love the Pointer Sisters)

I can't wait for next season's AI.  FINALLY a reason to watch again! I know there's some apprehension about this but people, think about it.  Think about Ellen and all that energy she exudes.  Think about how music has always been a constant with her that its become a huge part of her own show.  In my humble opinion I think Ellen will bring back that excitement and new car smell that, admit it, AI has been slowly loosing.

PS.  Paula, I love you.  You're still "forever ma gurl"

NYC Music Scene: Bobby Long

Last nights’ venture for new sound took me to Arlene’s Grocery for an hour of indie singer songwriter type music.  There’s something about this sound that always strikes me; it’s raw, soulful and vulnerable. There’s also something quite intriguing about a sexy, lone, dirty-hair-looking British man and his guitar wailing his emotions to a small crowd.  Yes, my trip to Arlene’s Grocery was to see Bobby Long. 

But first a little background on how I came to discover Bobby: see I too have fallen victim to the Twilight phenomenon and damn it I’m not ashamed to admit it! If you are familiar with the movie then you're likely also familiar with the soundtrack. Two of the original tracks on the album are sung by Robert Pattinson and co-written by friends Bobby Long, Sam Bradley, and Marcus Foster whose show I also caught earlier  last month.  The friends are connected through their love of music and often played together in London's underground Open Mic nights. It was a struck of luck, the craziness that is Twilight, and Robert's involvement in the movie that most people came to learn about the boys.   

Having said that, the minute I learned Bobby would be in town, I armed myself with as much information and eagerly made my to Arlene's Grocery to check him out.  Bobby was already in the middle of a song by the time I got there. And so I sat back and enjoyed as he maneuvered his way through sounds that were a mix of folk and blues music... with a somewhat gospel-y feel to it.  

Bobby’s voice is strong and wounded.  It has that damn sexy I-just-finished-my-first cigarette-of-the-morning type voice.  Think about it... yeah, that’s the one. The songs all seem to tell a story that you somehow find yourself connected to.  It’s not the type of music for dancing or bopping your head.  No, this is music to sit back... relax... make yourself a part of the lyrics... sip your beer and take it all in.  “Left to Lie” is the one song I eagerly awaited to hear as it’s the one I am most familiar with.  It was pure and honest and in no way misleading.  I’m always weary of hearing a recording and getting the live version but this was the real deal. 

Bobby put on a great show! In between he entertained us with witty little anecdotes of his experience in NYC.  He's quite funny and doesn't skip a beat - he's on point. He's also tall and quite handsome.  Luckily he’s scheduled to be in town for a bit longer.  With upcoming shows at the Bitter End and again at Arlene’s Grocery, I’m sure you’ll be able to catch him.  I encourage you to check him out.  

And if by chance you miss him this week, well, he’s back again in a couple of weeks.  Click here for a full line up of his schedule.

PROMO? GAGA For Fashion Week

It must be the Promo Exec in me but I just had to share this.  As you all know its fashion week and all the faaaaabulous people are strutting their stuff all over New York City.  A day filled with catwalks, air kisses, and champaign often lead to, well,  faaaaaabulous after parties.  This is where it gets good:  V Magazine is giving you the opportunity to mingle with, the beautiful people, the beautiful people *singing Marilyn Manson* by giving away TWO INVITATIONS to their V Magazine/Marc Jacobs after-party on Monday.   SWEET!!!


There's only one catch.  You have to create a one-of-a-kind-bad-ass Lady Gaga artwork, who by the way will be performing.  So, to my ad world peeps - put those AD skills to good use.  I need to see a PDF first thing in the morning!  Visit this link for more information and if you decide to participate... and win, take me with you!   Good Luck!

NYC Music Scene: Martha Redbone

Last night I went to check out the Native Music Rocks showcase at the Hard Rock Café in busy Time Square.  Ugh, Time Square!!!  I was there specifically to see Martha Redbone and to meet up with my friend and fellow Gem, thekatalist.

Before heading over I wasn't too sure what to expect so I did a little homework on Native Music Rocks.   The NMR, I learned, is an initiative designed to celebrate and support contemporary native music and its musicians.  It's a fairly young but great and encouraging platform. You can read some more on them here.  They are currently towards the end of a busy summer tour schedule... Martha Redbone being a part of their line up. 

On Martha: I first caught an earlier performance of Martha about a year ago, but it was in a more intimate setting with simple acoustic backing.  This time around though she had a full on jamming rock band!   To describe her music I would have to say is a fusion between funk, rock and soul... and of course with some Native American elements added.  You hear it and you can't help to just smile and bop your head to the beat.  It was a great and energetic show!  The closing song,  my favorite, was a fun high-energy tune with sprinkled reggae beats and rapping, that it just made me wan shake mi batty!   

I have to say that for having no expectations I was pleasantly surprised.  My only disappointment was that it was a short set.  For now it seems that Martha is also about to wrap up this tour but you can certainly check back for updates by visiting her webpage, www.martharedbone.com. 

She Wolf Shakira

I just found some pics of Shakira's latest Vanity Fair shoot.  These were my favorites. YAY!

Tiny but Mighty Fashionista

I had a surprising reencounter with a shiny black sequence vest given to me as a gift well over 10 years ago.   Surviving never being tossed much less worn, I was ready to forget its existence for another decade, when I suddenly realized that I actually have a little style treasure on hand.  Now where did I recently see something about shinny things and vest?  Ah yes, The Cheap Chica’s Guide to Style of course!    In my intro blog I mentioned how I draw inspiration from my friends.  Well, here is a little something on Lilliana Vasquez: style expert, accessory designer, fashion and style correspondent for the Better Philly morning show and the blogger behind The Cheap Chica’s Guide to Style.

In a time when we are all budget conscious and fashion still rules, Lilliana has the vision to offer us a blog that allows us to be both stylish and smart with our money.   The Cheap Chica's blog has something for everyone: from news on the seasons latest trends, what's hot in accessories, getting that designer look for less,  age appropriate fashion tips, to discounts and fun giveaways.  One of my favorite Q&A with Lillian is offered by glamour.com who most recently named her as one of their newest Blogging Babes.  

I can go on and on about Lilliana but I’m sure I won't be telling you anything that’s not already out there… she’s after all googable, folks!   I will say that I count her amongst one of my heroes - I really do.  She’s a hard worker, knows what she wants, and is not afraid of going after it.  


To see Lilliana at this stage of her career and still rising is really not a surprise.  One of her most admirable traits is her confidence and her no nonsense edge (it’s the Latina in her).   She’s a tiny little thing but mighty as hell!  I encourage you to visit and take a tour of The Cheap Chica’s Guide to Style blog, and be sure to make it a part of your daily must have.

NYC Music Scene: Aurora "Rory" Barnes

Lately I’ve taken to checking out NYC’s local music scene and loving every minute of it! I’m having such a good time doing so that you can expect to see more blogs like this one. The following is my experience with Aurora's show on August 31st.

Aurora (Rory) Barnes

Aurora and I met through a mutual friend, Sasha Allen (more on Sasha later) but oddly enough actually became friends over Facebook before ever meeting in person.

I was always aware of Aurora’s talent as a singer/sonwriter but never had the opportunity to catch any of her live shows until just recently. I was very excited making my way towards the Nuyorican’s Poets Café in the Lower East Side where she would be performing.  Once there we managed to chitchat a bit before show time -- she was a bit apprehensive due to a lack of rehearsals and some sound-check glitches from earlier.  I assured her she would do great once on stage and that I couldn’t wait to finally see her in action…and she did not disappoint.

Her band was made up of a classical bass, acoustic guitar, drums, and an old bare-boned piano that when combined melts into an authentic natural sound.  She opened with a sweet acappella version of “Would You Like to Swing on a Star”, (which seemed to be a little shared secret between her and some of the audience members).  She then slowly moved through her  selection of songs each a reflection of an important point in her life.  I’m immediately stricken with how mature her voice is.  She gives the impression of an old soul who has experienced many troubles.  Her beautiful easy flowing vocals reminds me of the times I would sit with my grandma and watch old Dean Martin or Fred Astaire & Ginger Roger musicals.  I loved and cherished those moments!  Her music, her sound, and her delivery, has a way of transporting you to the very meaning of the lyrics.


I’m so glad I finally caught up with Aurora and I have every intention of becoming a groupie.  For starters, check out these youtube videos.  And for more on Aurora and a schedule of her upcoming shows, you can check out her myspace and facebook pages here and here.  

Bad Ass Kate

I have my moments about Kate Moss.   That "waif" look back in the 1990s was a little unnerving... thank God she's since then discovered a sandwich or two.  Anyway, I like Kate Moss.  She's fierce working the camera.  I'm loving this one shot right now.

Four Fun Finds

While researching for blog content I came across some Fun Finds I just had to share.

UNO: Gimp.org
HELLO!!!  Did you see the lovely header of this blog page? I designed that ALL BY MYSELF! That's right!  And I did so by downloading this neat software called GIMP, an image-producing, photo-retouching program similar to photoshop.  But best of all, it's FREE!  HELLO!!!  Thank you Oprah!


DOS: Free MAC Lipstick
I think this one should fall under the "It's the thought that counts" category.  For every 6 empty MAC containers you return to MAC, you get a free lipstick of your choice.  Not bad really, but I apply the war paint on an almost daily basis and I can tell  you that I'm in no way ready to exchange 6 empty MAC containers, to MAC, anytime soon.  Something about the number and the required timeframe to replace your makeup (you know hygiene and all) just doesn't compute for me.  But if you can manage 6 empty containers at once, well then its FREE lipstick for you, honey!  Click here for more info.


TRES: Free at Hard Rock Cafe - TODAY!
This is a showcase designed to support Native American and Native American music.  I'm thinking it should be fun.  I'm going.  And again, its FREE!  Thanks for the heads up thekatalist.  I'll see you there!  Click here for more info.

CUATRO: Um, there's shoes in that vending machine

All I'm saying is, damn it why couldn't I have thought of this?  Ok, so it's not free, but it certainly is a Fun Find and its cheap!  I'll let Cheap Chica's explain it to you better.  Thank you Cheap Chica!

My First Blog: A Little Something About Everything

Hello and welcome to the Chattering Gem Blog.  I've toyed with the idea of a blog for some time now not quite knowing what will be my focus.  As a Gemini this has proven to be a constant struggle *smile*.  As a Gemini I'm also very social, have a lot to say, and never quite know when to shut up!  As expected, my interests tend to vary but  I've always found creativity and entertainment arts fascinating.  It's what I blindly and blissfully gravitate towards.


Drawing additional inspiration for this blog came easy as I didn't have to look much further than my own circle of friends.  A benefit of living in NYC is that you're constantly exposed to the arts.  I consider myself privileged to be a part of a community where I am surrounded by an amazing array of talented individuals who I can also call friends.  Look for more on them later.  In the mean time you can also check out the sidebar for direct links to their sites.


My wish for this blog is for it to evolve into a witty and entertaining source of information; a fun journey of my personal experience with music, movies, arts, fashion, celebrities, photography, culture, travel, and of course gossip... boy do I love a good hollywood gossip!


I hope you enjoy taking this ride with me and that what I deliver finds a way to peek your interest, or at least entertains you on some levels.


Siempre tuya,

Chattering Gem (aka, Jah)