NYC Music Scene: Bobby Long 2

Another Bobby Long adventure. This time I bring you videos and photos from his show at The Bitter End. See my previous post on Bobby here. Hope you enjoy the goodness I'm about to unleash on you.

Bobby Long ~ In the Frost 

Bobby Long ~ Left to Lie

Fun Find | Shopping For a Good Cause

Too bad I just got this considering the month is almost over. 

In honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Bloomingdales has partnered with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation: by simply charging $15 - 100% of which goes towards breast cancer research - on your Bloomindales Insinder card, you will automatically be enrolled in the cause GIVE PINK, GET MORE. 

Visit the site for more information; you can also enter to win the Little Pink Bag Sweepstakes.  Happy Shopping!

NYC Music Scene | Paulina Rubio "La Chica Dorada"

The first time I saw Paulina Rubio perform was at People Magazine 50 Most Beautiful cocktail party:  She was in dire need of a cheese burger with chilly fries. The second time was this year during the Upfronts:  She had the cheese burger but forgot the fries. The third time was last night at the Nokia theater: This time she had the fries (no chilly). She looked good.  She looked healthy.

Known as "The Golden Girl" and "Queen of Latin Pop" Paulina Rubio is a Mexican, singer, actress, Grammy/Latin Grammy Nominated and 6 time winner of the Latin Billboard Music Award.  She's an all around Entertainer who has practically grown up in the spotlight.


I can't say I know much about Paulina and I've never really cared for her music.   I struggle to recognize just 3 of her songs and when I do I can only manage the hooks.  However, despite my apprehensions (whatever these may be), I cannot ever say that she doesn't put on a great show.  The woman is entertaining, energetic, and captivating. 

She's good!  She'd damn good and last night she rocked the show.  She danced around in super micro sequence minis, toasted on stage, played a little guitar, and even painted on a canvas - instant art anyone?  And I will forever give her extra kudos for actually singing her songs live.  I was impressed and definitely gained a new found respect for her.  I honestly had a great time!  So  I guess this means that three times is the charm with Paulina.  Girl, you are officially OK in my book.  I promise to download those 3 songs I recognize (baby steps you know).   

PS. Thank you for the outstanding VIP treatment, Natacha!!

Movie Review: Law Abiding Citizen

Law Abiding Citizen = An unjust double murder, unfocused greed, a burning man,  years of manic pain and revenge towards a failed system.  

Thanks to Veespot, I was able to catch the screening of this exhilarating action movie staring Gerard Butler and Academy Award® winner Jamie Fox.  Both men delivered an exceptional performance as they showed how sometimes the things we are thought to trust, more of often than not failed us in inexplicable ways.

The movie opens in theater across the country on Friday, October 16th.  Trust me, you won't want to miss this.

Orlando Bloom ~ **EAT SHIT AND DIE**

Aaaah, my first British crush, Orlando Bloom. Le Sigh!

No matter how many times I've watched this I always end up in a fit of  giggles. It's too funny and too realistic how far some fans and their unrealistic fantasies will go.

I follow many blogs where the focus today is on a new Brit boy and I can assure you, not much has changed in the world of the crazies.  This ish is funny!

'A Song For You' ~ Christina Aguilera

Many artist have recorded/performed their version of the classic 'A Song For You', but only two have managed to captivate me in a way where I feel the song is given its appropriate justice.

Of course there is the incomparable Mr. Donny Hathaway - no discussion there - and then there is the more recent version performed during the 2006 Grammy's by Christina Aguilera and the great, Mr. Herbie Hancock.

It's pure bliss.  It honestly doesn't get any better than this.  Mr. Hancock on the keys just makes me want to curl up in the fetal position and cry of pure joy.  And Christina... it's the note that builds starting at the 2:15 mark that kills me all the time. All the time!  I'm on a XTina kick right now and so I leave you with this.

NYC Music Scene: Vampire Weekend

I'm signed up to just about every entertainment related email alerts you could imagine.  I usually take time during the weekend to sift through content I feel would be relevant enough to share on the blog but sometimes it can be a real drag.  I'm sure I've missed out on some really good stuff because I get so annoyed.  For example, this one almost skipped right by me but two words caught my attention immediately: 'Vampire' and 'Free'.

It's almost too good to be true!  This great little discovery of mine (although I'm sure I'm late with the discovery part) includes all the things I've been lately obsessing about: new music, free downloads, vampires and entertainment.  Er, score!

I've pretty much just tripped into discovering the band 'Vampire Weekend', a four member indie rock/pop band from NY that first got together in 2006.  A quick wiki search tells me the band is influenced by African popular music and Western classical music, describing their sound as "Upper West Side Soweto".  They've had pretty good success since the release of their self tittle album back in January 2008.  They peaked at 15 on the UK Albums Chart and 17 on the Billboard 200 chart.  

Vampire Weekend's sophomore album titled, "Contra" is now scheduled for release on January 12, 2010.  So here's the FREE part:  The first track of their new album "Horchata" was released as a free download on the band's website!  Er, double score!!

So what are you waiting for? It's free music, and best of all it's really good music!  I don't think I've heard anything quite like it.  There really is an authentic ethnic type sound to it.  I listen and I get this visual of movement, brilliant colors, percussion, claves, marimba and rain sticks.  The sound travels through your senses... now that's music.  Enjoy!

I am Not My Hair

I think Adam Lambert and I have the same hairstyle :-/

Should I be concerned? Oh whatever. I look better with it that's for sure. ;-)   

xoxo
Jah

How to Karaoke with Oprah

I don't know what about this contest makes me want to run and hide.  Like really.  Ok, I do know... I think I have been pigeonholed and I have no one to blame but myself.  LOL!!! I'm laughing, I am... but I'm also partially crying.  

You see my answer to wrapping up a perfect night following dinner, partying or drinking is to end it with Karaoke.  If I as much as remotely overhear someone mumble "what next?" Oh, I will jump up and down suggesting, "let's do Karaoke".  Oh the shame.  The shame.  Don't get me wrong.  I KNOW how to sing. I can sing my butt off.  It's just that I've become 'that girl'.  It's like my own personal GLEE moment (love that show). 

The kicker shame here is that one of my mentors (I may never hear the end of this) actually emailed me the info saying, "Oprah is looking for "the best karaoke singer".  Go to the website to find out.  You can participate or upload a video.  You never know!!"  I DIE! I die laughing, but I DIE.

So yes, Oprah is looking for "the best karaoke singer" or should I say Oprah AND BeBe Winans (great, more pressure).  Click here for the official rules and requirements.  The prize is you get to sing your song on Oprah!  Let's think about this for a second: sing karaoke in front of millions of people and oh yeah, there is Oprah taking it all in.  I can't breathe. 

NYC Poetry Scene: Lemon Andersen's 'County of Kings'

"New York, New York. Big City of dreams, but everything in New York aint always what it seems." The cryptic line comes from the opening lyrics of "New York, New York" by Grandmaster Flash.   It's also famously recognized as DJ AM's final Tweet message.

  

I reference these lines because it reminds me the real life story of a boy's struggle growing up in Brooklyn, with an addictive parent, a hostile environment, and a not so promising future.  I bring your attention to 'Lemon Andersens' 'Country of Kings': a one man show biographical account of his life.  I encourage you.  I beg you to go see it.  Lemon is phenomenal in his storytelling, so much so he literally transport you back to that time in his life.  It's a beautiful touching story of hope, dreams, passion, strength and perseverance.  Perhaps you should read the New York Times review and truly understand the brilliancy that is this show.   

New York indeed is not always what it seems but to understand Lemon's struggle... perhaps if you were to ask him... is New York is the City of dreams? Well, you'll just have to go and see 'County of Kings' for the answer.

'The County of King' is on a six-week run showing at The Public Theater.  Be sure to check for availability and show times.  I guarantee you will not regret this.  Break a leg, Lemon.  We are all so very proud of you!

Kristen Stewart is Fierce

It has been a slow couple of days for blogging.  I hope to pick up some speed this week - there should be some interesting things to report.  In the mean time I leave you with these Black & White photos of Kristen Stewart.  I've already shared my love for B&W and of course Twilight so this here is a great combo.

"New Moon", the second installment of the Twilight book series is opening on November 20th. To say I'm anxious and excited is an understatement.  Again, I love these shots.  Kristen is FIERCE and the photos are exquisite.  I'm inspired which is good... especially since i've decided to enter that W Magazine contest I posted earlier.

Anyway, these are just a couple of my favorites.  If you wish to see more simply visit Interview Magazine.  Also included is a excerpt of the actual interview conducted by Dennis Hopper.  I Die!  The issue comes out in mid October.  Enjoy!

PROMO: Gem Behind The Camera?

My friend Jahdi beat me to the punch in spotting this promo by W Magazine. It's called The Art Project.  The requirements, in their words are as follows:

"We're searching for inspiring camera work that depicts the concept of Obsession.  The winning photographer will receive a grand prize package that includes: Voltz Clarke agency consultation, Nikon^™ Professional Grade DSLR camera, Photoshelter Pro website and W Magazine promotional feature."

Jahdi tells me I should enter because I have a "good eye".  She's being quite persistent...pushy even.  She bribes me and says, "do it do it do it!!! I will be your muse if you want to "create" a shot!" She's wicked.  And she's good because I soon find myself actually toying with the idea.  I'm okay at photography... for me it depends mostly on luck and my mood.  My mood has a lot to do with what I'm seeing through that little window.  

So I'm now checking out the rules and see that I have about two months to shoot materials and submit by early December.  I was getting pumped until I read that I can only submit ONE photo!  WHAT?  Just ONE?  I have two months to torture myself and I have to round it down to one?!?!  Ugh, I'm already stressed.  

When Food Goes Missing

I couldn't help myself.   This sh*t is just too damn funny not to share. And if you work in an office you KNOW this really does happen.

Ironically, I received this from one of my colleagues.  I wonder if she's trying to tell us something? (thanks Rossie, this is the highlight to my otherwise bleak day). Enjoy.