Friday Night in El Barrio February 10, 2012
Posted by famenycmageditor in Entertainment, Going Out, Music, NYC.Tags: Afro-Latin Music, Antonio Ocasio, ¡WEPA!, El Barrio, House Music, House Music Parties in NYC, Joann Jimenez
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My earliest memories of people gathering together to enjoy good vibes and good music was probably the tenement parties I witnessed as a small child. Now blotchy memories – more sensations than recollections – my brain paints pictures of water colored visions, a grill cooking hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken, the smoke rising as high as the project buildings, hip folks passing joints and sipping on drinks in brown paper bags, elders talking, people playing cards and dancing. As I think about those images, what resonates the most is the feeling – a feeling that settled into my tiny soul only to be resurrected at certain times. That was my first taste of going out – a sip if you will. As I got older the block parties got replaced by house parties. Small basement settings replaced the open spaces of the courtyard. Silhouettes of perspiring bodies outlined by blue and red light bulbs created heat and energy while folks tried not to bump the makeshift DJ booth.
And these reflections are the makings of me and countless others who walk under the beam of the moonlight to enter venues where electric pulses blast out of speakers and open the doors to our souls, where baby powder is sprinkled on the floor to transcend. These reflections are also the makings of Joann Jimenez and Antonio Ocasio, the life force behind ¡WEPA! a monthly party held at Bar 13, located at 121 University Place. Both Joann and Antonio are staples on the underground house scene and are New Yorkers from Afro-Latin descent. With ¡WEPA! they have orchestrated the quintessential homage to their roots. They are the pied pipers and we are the children of the night happily following them along their musical and visual journey.
The last Friday of every month people of various ages and backgrounds venture to the third floor of Bar 13 and enter into an entire universe to itself – a time capsule of classic and contemporary. Flags and myriad articles of clothing hang on a line, cigars are rolled for a quick excursion to smoke on the rooftop, live percussionists, artists and visuals are mixed in with the best in Afro-Latin rhythms to create the spiciest soul session fit for consumption today.
Jimi Hendrix asked the question, “Have you ever been experienced?” Well, I can now say I have, but what would be more appropriate would be to say that I’ve been re-experienced. I’m an old dinosaur that vividly remembers the golden era of nightclubbing in New York City. Nothing like the water-downed, table service driven parties of today, the ¡WEPA! experience evokes the spirit of old NYC nightlife with a vengeance. Under one roof are elders, circle dancers, prancers and people just enjoying the scenery. The amalgamation of the intimate party vibe and laid back fun from the block injects ¡WEPA! with a dose of freedom and community, the likes of which I haven’t felt in ages – it is the very essence of home.
Everyone knows the expression, “Thank God it’s Friday!” Well, I would like to revise that antiquated sentiment and say, “Thank God for final Fridays!” ¡WEPA! turns every final Friday into a holiday – a blithe fete that culminates the end of each month. Without at doubt, it’s the best $15 party in the Big Apple (RSVP to muzikbutrfly@gmail.com to receive the reduced price of $10).
But don’t just take my word for it FAMERS take a look for yourself by clicking, www.wepanyc.com or www.youtube.com/wepanyc.
Photos and video courtesy of Joann Jimenez and Antonio Ocasio
A Blizzard of Savings February 9, 2012
Posted by famenycmageditor in Entertainment, FAME, Going Out, NYC.Tags: Broadway, Off Broadway, Season of Savings, Theater District
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Well, the weather outside isn’t so frightful. But the savings are still delightful. The new Seasons of Savings booklet is out and offers discounts of up to 50% for shows, parking, hotels and attractions around the theater district.
Published twice of year, Seasons of Savings makes Broadway and Off-Broadway more accessible by providing amazing discounts to the hottest happenings in Times Square – the Superbowl is over, pick up a guide, run your fingers through a winter land of savings and warm up with a show.
To learn more or view the booklet, click http://www.seasonofsavings.com/.
Grand Re-opening…Grand Closing? January 21, 2012
Posted by famenycmageditor in Entertainment, FAME, Going Out, NYC.Tags: 40/40 Club, Jay-Z, Warren Buffett
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On January 18th Gotham’s hottest celebrities and Warren Buffett came out to celebrate with rap mogul Jay-Z. And it was not to celebrate the birth of his daughter Blue Ivy Carter; it was to officially announce that 40/40 Club was re-opened for business. Or is it? Yes, the Flatiron nightclub, located on West 25th Street, received a $10 million overhaul, but apparently that wasn’t enough to get the club a passing grade with health inspectors and was closed again a day later.
According to the Post, the health inspector gave the club 69 violation points and a “C” grade, and in case you are unsure what that means, that is bad. The health inspector found perishable food at dangerously warm temperatures inside the walk-in refrigerator, “hot” food left out on the counter and a worker mixing salsa with bare hands.
The grade will be adjudicated at a hearing next month. Ron Berkowitz, spokesman for 40/40 Club, stated to TMZ that the grade was a still pending. Since news broke of the club’s closing a day after its star-studded re-opening, some have rushed to various websites to question Jay-Z’s business acumen. But even “The Donald” has had his share of bumps along the road. I’m sure HOV could’ve oversaw the details of re-opening of 40/40 Club with a platinum tooth comb to ensure no hiccups like this would happen, but I believe Jigga has much more on his mind as of late. Wouldn’t you agree?
Photo: Theo Wargo/Getty Images
Lady Gaga Top Artist For 2011 January 21, 2012
Posted by famenycmageditor in Arts, Entertainment, FAME, Music, NYC.1 comment so far
Whether she was born that way or is just a brilliant creation – an ingenious splice of Grace Jones, Madonna, Elton John, David Bowie, Donatella Versace, Andy Warhol and a host of other musical, cultural and pop icons of the 70s and 80s, there is no one that can deny that 2011 was the year of Gaga. She is all those influences, stirred the melting pot of New York City and poured out for the world to admire. And doesn’t hurt that the girl can truly sing and bang out on those ivories.
Already becoming an icon in her own right, Lady Gaga cemented her status as the Grand Dame of pop music when she released Born This Way in May 2011. The album debuted in the top five spots in every major market and sold 1.108 million copies in the first week. The album’s title track became the fastest selling single in iTunes history. By year’s end, Born This Way had sold over 8 million copies and received three Grammy Award nominations. As she stood with Mayor Bloomberg to drop the famous Times Square ball on New Year’s Eve, legions of “Little Monsters” wait on bated breath to see what Mama Monster will do this year. What ever it will be, I’m sure she won’t disappoint them, her detractors and the rest of the universe.
Here is a look at the best of Lady Gaga’s videos for 2011:
Lucky Guy Top Off-Broadway Musical For 2011 January 16, 2012
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It was the Best Little Whorehouse in Texas blended with A Star Is Born; Lucky Guy was loads of rootin’-tootin’ fun. Besides, who could ever resist Ms. Varla Jean Merman?
To view F.A.M.E NYC’s review, click http://famenycmagazine.com/2011/05/07/off-broadway-gets-lucky/.
Rent Top Off-Broadway Musical Revival for 2011 January 16, 2012
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After many incarnations, Rent returned to its Off-Broadway roots. Still as powerful as ever, Jonathan Larson’s rock opera and its new cast brought me to tears. Long live Rent!
To view F.A.M.E NYC’s review, click http://famenycmagazine.com/2011/09/14/a-testimony-for-rent/.
Diary of a Madman Top Off-Broadway Production For 2011 January 16, 2012
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Ah, Geoffrey Rush! What more can I say? Watching him on stage was bliss. He may have descended into madness, but I was lifted watching one of the greatest actors of the late 20th century perform his craft.
To view F.A.M.E NYC’s review, click http://famenycmagazine.com/2011/02/26/oscar-nominated-actor-geoffrey-rush-reprises-madman-one-last-time/.
Clifford Chase’s Winkie Top 59E59 Production For 2011 January 16, 2012
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The theaters of New York City are like my second home. But there is one that I resided in more than any other in 2011. I was at 59E59 Theaters so often that I was thinking of moving in the area, and therefore I had to give the Off-Broadway theater its own category this year.
I viewed myriad shows, from theater companies from all over the country and abroad. Most were gems, a few were cut glass. Out of all the productions I viewed in 2011 my top would be Clifford Chase’s Winkie. I loved the idea of a stuffed animal coming to life and experiencing all the evils of the world and still having the capacity to love. What a lesson we could learn from Winkie!
To view F.A.M.E NYC’s review, click http://famenycmagazine.com/2011/03/25/and-justice-for-winkie/.
Top Event For 2011 Harry Potter: The Exhibition January 16, 2012
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The Harry Potter Film series may have come to an end, but before it did the movie magic of Harry Potter made a pit stop at Discovery Times Square. I have yet to see all the films, but even a muggle novice like me can appreciate the lavish details it took to bring the J.K. Rowling series to the big screen. After touring Hogwarts, I wanted to get a wand and cast a spell. Abracadabra!
To view F.A.M.E NYC’s review, click http://famenycmagazine.com/2011/04/09/gettin%E2%80%99-muggle-wit-it/.
F.A.M.E NYC’s Top 2011 January 13, 2012
Posted by famenycmageditor in Arts, Entertainment, FAME, Fashion, Literature, Music, NYC.add a comment
Happy New Year FAMERS! I hope the first two weeks of 2012 have been marvelous for all of you. And it is my sincerest wish that all the resolutions and goals you have set for yourself are achieved. Last year I was the first time I felt the true speed of time. It seemed as if I had just been toasting the year in when it was time for beach season; I blinked my eye and we were back at the holiday season again. Whew!
As I looked at the posts for 2011, I noticed that I lived in the theatre. Perhaps it was because last year I realized a goal and wrote the first play I intend to put into production (more to come with that little tidbit). And there is no way I could start the New Year without give you my Top of 2011. So, let’s take one last look at 2011 shall we?
