Author Archives: famenycmageditor

Theater

View the Tony Awards in the Heart of Manhattan

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If the five boroughs are the veins of New York City, than Times Square is the heart.  It moves at a pace of 200 bpm and carries the electricity of a bolt of lightning.  For the first time the Tony Awards will allow viewers to be able to watch the stars of Broadway on Broadway.  The 64th Annual Tony Awards will be simulcast live to Times Square on Sunday, June 13th.  This event is a collaboration between the Tony Awards, iXP Corporation and Times Square Alliance.  The simulcast will air on a Clear Channel Spectacolor HD Screen.  In addition to the live simulcast of NY1’s pre-show On STAGE’s Red Carpet to the TONY’s, the Times Square simulcast will feature special guests throughout the evening, including a special appearance by Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child.  The simulcast starts at 5:30 p.m. in Duffy Square and seats 1,000.  FAMERS go to Times Square and be a part of Tony history.

Entertainment, Going Out

The Roots of House Music Are Alive at Cielo

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Wednesday has been considered “hump day” ever since the 40 hour work week was invented.  But for those of us who live to rejoice under strobe lights while the sounds of House music filters from the speakers and fills the atmosphere, Wednesday has taken on another moniker.  Wednesday is a night that is all about Roots.

One of my greatest moments while working as the Entertainment and Lifestyle editor at Caribbean Posh Magazine was interviewing Louie Vega and his wife Anane.  Louie is one of the architects of House music and a living legend.  His DJing and mixes have provided the soundtrack to my life and many other house heads’ lives around the world, and have been responsible for baby powder residue littering the floors of many venues. 

For those of us who live and breathe this music and culture, it is more of a creed than a lifestyle choice.  When I wrote my article about the Grammy winning DJ/producer, I dubbed him an archbishop because that is simply what he is.  Every leader must have a home base and in New York City Louie’s resident house is Cielo, located on 18 Little West 12th Street in the Meatpacking District.  The weekly Wednesday night party known as Roots is the seed of Louie Vega and Kevin Hedge of Blaze, another House music legend and high priest in his own right.  During its six years, quite an epic feat for an underground party, the stems of Roots have grown to become one of New York City’s staple parties.

Because House music is so engrained in the fiber of their beings, Louie Vega and Kevin Hedge provide the patrons of Cielo with sermons that are sure to guarantee a perspiration drenched t-shirt, aching bodies and refreshed souls.  When Louie is traveling, Kevin holds the party down solo.  Even Anane and Antonello Coghe (Nulu Music) spin on occasion. 

House music is not a genre readily found on top 40 FM.  It does not sell out arena sized venues and because it does not appeal to the masses, the future of my culture and its music is always in a precarious state.  Parties like Roots ensure that New York City, the cradle of House Music, will continue to have a voice as the underground dance scene moves into the next decade of the new millennium.

 Photos:  F.A.M.E NYC Editor

Arts

The Radiance of a Rainbow

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A journey begins with a single step.  When someone steps passes through the threshold of Raandesk Gallery to view the exhibition of South Korean artist Jihay Kang’s A Single Journey, the caravan one embarks on is one of canvases bursting with prisms of color. 

Jihay Kang’s artwork is a potent concoction of materialism and subtle statements in bold multi-hues.  Her use of color is the catalyst that draws the viewer in, but it is her use of iconography that keeps the viewer’s feet glued in front of her paintings.  Her use of color is extremely whimsical and feminine, which is the component that makes her work a refreshing take on contemporary art. 

One would be hard press to view her work and not become flooded with feelings of happiness and nostalgia.  Her use of stenciling gives her work a rich texture and reminds me of the patterns found in my mother’s lace curtains.  But it is the application of the Mickey Mouse silhouette that made Jihay Kang’s A Single Journey an excursion worth taking.

The clever appearance of the iconic Disney character’s silhouette shows how much pop culture dominates our world.  The Disney brand is recognized as a multimedia conglomerate, but it also can be seen a vehicle for mass consumerism.  Looking at Jihay Kang’s art allowed me to remove my jaded adult contact lenses and look at the Disney brand with the same exuberance I had when I was a child watching Fantasia and Cinderella.   Jihay Kang’s art is the visual equivalent to eating a bag of Skittles – full of color and lots of fun.

 

Jihay Kang’s A Single Journey is on exhibition at Raandesk Gallery, 16 W. 23rd Street, until June 11, but you can also view Jihay Kang’s work online at http://raandeskgallery.com/artist.php?artistId=43. 

 Photos:  F.A.M.E NYC Editor

Entertainment, NYC

F.A.M.E NYC Remembers Lena Horne

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Monday was Memorial Day and with remembering our fallen servicemen and women as well as reading about the deaths of Dennis Hopper and Gary Coleman over the weekend, I began to think about another icon we lost in May, Lena Horne.  Lena Horne was a New Yorker, phenomenal performer and the true definition of a legend.

When I first saw Lena Horne she had already been an international superstar several times over, but in my six-year-old eyes, she was Glinda the Good Witch of the South in The Wiz.   There she was larger than the Milky Way, residing in the heavens with babies as stars.  She guided Dorothy through her odyssey in Oz and gave her the keys to go back home when she sang “Believe in Yourself.”  And the way she sang it, you could hear the fight to never give up in her tone.  She commanded that not only Dorothy but all of us believe in ourselves.  She stole the entire scene and brought tears to my eyes.  Even when I see the seen as an adult, I am still moved to tears.  But the fact of the matter was anytime Ms. Horne was in a scene; she became the center of attention.

Unfortunately I would come to learn that the list of Lena Horne movies was extremely short.  The sad fact was when she came to Hollywood Hollywood was not ready for the beauty, talent and grace of Lena Horne.  Because of her skin color she was generally relegated to performance feature spots where her parts could be edited out when the film was shown in southern theaters.  It was Hollywood’s loss, performances such as “Stormy Weather” in Panama Hattie proved why she was so magnetic.  Movies such as Cabin in the Sky and Stormy Weather allowed her to showcase all her talent, but her abilities as a vocalist is what she was most famous for.  Very few people could sing a standard like Lena Horne.  She was a multiple Grammy winner, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Grammy in 1989 and winning her last Grammy in 1995.  She also received a Tony Award, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, as well as a Kennedy Center Honor. 

Although I am sure Lena Horne did not go to Hollywood to become a pioneer, she broke new ground in Tinsel town nonetheless.  Lena Horne made Hollywood realize that black women could me more than just maids.  If it was not for Lena Horne stars like Dianne Carroll, Dorothy Dandridge and many others would have had to work much harder for their success.  And her pioneering efforts did not just lend themselves to the stage.  She was a civil rights activist.  Even after she was blacklisted in Hollywood in the 50s for her political beliefs, Lena still choose to fight the good fight working with Eleanor Roosevelt to pass anti-lynching laws and performing and speaking at NAACP rallies as well as the March on Washington.

Appearing on shows such as The Cosby Show and The Muppets Lena Horne continued to be relevant, introducing herself to new generations and creating a fan base out of Generation Xers like me.  As she grew older she became the epitome of grace, style and ageless beauty and her “tell it like it is” demeanor was Brooklyn to the core.  As the 80’s reemerge in fashion and music, it seems that the downside of reliving the decade of my youth is the passing of stars that I idolize as a child.  Hearing about Lena Horne’s death on May 9 was like losing an aunt.  I would like to thank Lena Horne for teaching me to be classy and gracious regardless of the circumstance life may hurl at you and to never give up.  Most of all, I would like to thank her for telling me with vigor to believe in myself.

Entertainment, NYC

Luck of the Draw

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Question, when did putting on used shoes and rolling heavy balls down the lane to score points become chic?  The answer is when Lucky Strike Lanes and Lounge came to Manhattan.  Luck Strike isn’t the type of bowling alley I remember as a child, it is a hip outing complete with an awesome lounge décor and great drinks, snack food and music.  Oh, and if you want to bowl, you can do that too.

Last Friday I ventured out to 42nd Street and 12 Avenue to attend the Models International press preview for the MTV Hired episode that features the bi-coastal modeling agency.  MTV Hired is a new show on the music network that features young adults trying to land their first gig in unique industries.  Models International is one of several high profile companies featured in the series.  Other employers included Steve Madden and American Rebel. 

The preview was held in the Luxe premium suite.  Every space of the room was utilized with people drinks and hand dancing, taking pictures, bowling and playing pool.   The DJ was spinning a set of the best in Hip Hop and R&B as the televisions overhead showed the episode.  The event was a good way to start a Friday night.  Kudos to Models International for selecting such a fashionable venue, next time you have a hankering to go bowling, I would definitely recommend making a night of it at Lucky Strike.

To learn more about Models International, MTV Hired or Lucky Strike, please visit www.mi-agency.com, http://www.mtv.com/shows/hired/series.jhtml, www.bowlluckystrike.com.

Photos:  www.bowlluckystrike.com 

Logo: www.mi-agency.com

NYC

Dancing In the Streets

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The dancers of New York City were called and they answered with great force.  The fourth annual New York Dance Parade was held May 22nd and was a great kick off to the unofficial start of summer.  Over 160 organizations and 6500 dancers joined together to revel in streets of the Lower East Side for one major mash-up of expression. 

Parade goers were entertained by over 60 different styles of dance which included swing, ballet, contemporary, Brazilian Zouk and belly dancing.  Everyone knows that Manhattan is an exquisite tapestry of different cultures.  But New York City is also the birthplace of Hip Hop and House music and the dance styles that are associated with it.  Both Hip Hop and House performers participated in this parade.

Starting at East 21st Street, the dancers partied their way down Broadway, past St. Marks Place and down to Tompkins Square Park where a post parade dance festival was held.  On the main stage performers dazzled the crowd again with diverse styles of traditional and contemporary dance.  House music icon Jellybean Benetiz, one of the four grand marshals for the parade, served the crowd with a set of sizzling, soulful House music as people moved their arms, legs, hips and feet in celebration of a day that is all about individual expression.

Dance Parade Inc. is a non-profit organization.  According to their website, their mission is to promote dance as an expressive and unifying art form by showcasing all forms of dance, educating the general public about the opportunities of dance, educating the general public about the opportunities to experience dance, and celebrating diversity of dance in New York City by sponsoring a yearly city-wide dance parade and festival.  The sponsors for this year included Fela! The Musical, Pacha NYC, Flavorpill and the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council among others.   FAMERS, you can also contribute by texting ‘DANCE’ to 20222 to make a one-time donation of $5 that will be added to your mobile phone bill or you can make a donation via Pay Pal at www.danceparade.org. 

As a member of New York City’s underground House community, dance is an intricate part of my life.  Dancing is not only a way to express myself creatively; it is also my spiritual release.  It is my conversation with God, my connection to my ancestors, a fluid form of meditation and the most divine form of exercise that I have ever found.  Through Dance Parade Inc. I have learned that in 2006, a New York State Supreme Court ruled that dance is not a constitutionally protected form of expression, which is a fact I find shocking.  One may not possess the talent to create music or be able to bring dialogue to life, but the gift of movement, whether trained or not is something that we all possess.  Dance is one of the most genuine forms of expression we have.  Every culture or ethnic group that has ever existed had a way to express themselves through harmonious motion.  New York City has many parades, but the Dance Parade is the only parade that gives a vibrant voice to all New Yorkers instead highlighting one particular segment or group.  Watching the diversity of Manhattan communicated through dance is not only riveting, but very necessary.   I hope to see all my FAMERs next year.

Photos:  Marcus Simpson

 

     

Entertainment, FAME

Sex and the City Mania Begins At Midnight

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FAMERS it is time to break out your most fierce pair of stilettos, create your best ensemble and get ready to sip on a few cosmos.  Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda are back!  Sex and the City 2 opens nationwide in theaters at midnight.  But Manhattan has already gotten carried away.  The New York City premiere was held at Radio City Music Hall on Monday May 24.  Legions of screaming fans showed their support as the cast and other celebs such as Brooke Shields, Liza Minnelli, Ashanti, Whitney Port and Vanessa Williams made their way into the legendary theater.  There was even a special Sex and the City bus.  The countdown is almost over.  Stay tuned for F.A.M.E NYC’S special Sex and the City feature story.

Photo courtesy of Corkery/Daily News

FAME, NYC

Bring On the Seamen, the Navy Takes Over NYC

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May 26 marks the official start of Fleet Week 2010 in New York City.  Fleet Week is a US Navy, Marine  Corps and Coast Guard tradition that spans over 70 years.  Fleet Week began in New York City in 1984.  Each year active military ships deployed in overseas operations dock in the Hudson Harbor for one week, releasing tons of US approved beefcake loose on the streets of Manhattan.  Besides the sight of all those lovely sailors walking about in their Navy dress whites, Fleet Week is filled with lots of fun free activities.  Below is a list of the 2010 Fleet Week Events.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010:

8:30 am
Parade of Ships
Where: Hudson River on Manhattan’s west side

7 pm
USMC Flyover at NY Mets game
Where: NY Mets Field

Thursday, May 27, 2010:

8 am-5 pm
Free Ship Tours
Where: Pier 88, 48th St/West Side Highway
Where: Stapleton Pier, SI

7-9 am
USMC display
Where: USS Intrepid (Please Note: this is not a free event)

8 am-6 pm
F-18 Flight Simulator
Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Display
USCG Static Displays
Where: Pier 88, 12th & 46th St
Where: Homeport Pier, Staten Island (Static Display)

9-9:30 am
Flag Raising & Morning Colors
Where: New York Public Library

10 am-noon
USMC MAGTF Air/Ground Demo
Location: Coney Island, Brooklyn

11 am-noon
SI Blessing of the Fleet
Where: SI Piers

11 am-1 pm
USCG SAR Helo Demo
Where: NY Harbor near Homeport Pier, SI

6-8 pm
Marine Forces Reserve Band Concert
Where: Central Park Band Shell

Friday, May 28, 2010:

8 am-5 pm
Free Ship Tours
Where: Pier 88, 48th St/West Side Highway
Where: Stapleton Pier, SI

8 am-6 pm
F-18 Flight Simulator
Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Display
USCG Static Displays
Paramount Top Gun Video Kiosks
ONR Static Display
Where: Pier 88, 12th & 46th St
Where: Homeport Pier, SI (Static Display)

9 am-4 pm
USMC Day in Times Square
Where: Times Square

11-11:30 am
USCG SAR Helo Demo
Where: NY Harbor near Homeport Pier, SI

2:30-6 pm
USMC MAGTF Air/Ground Demo
Where: Orchard Beach, Bronx

5-6:15 pm
Navy Band Northeast performs at Times Square
Where:  Times Square

Saturday, May 29, 2010:

8 am-5 pm
Free Ship Tours
Where: Pier 88, 48th St/West Side Highway
Where: Stapleton Pier, SI

8 am-6 pm
F-18 Flight Simulator
Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Display
USCG Static Displays
Paramount Top Gun Video Kiosks
ONR Static Display
NRD NY Static Display
Where: Pier 88, 12th & 46th St
Where: Homeport Pier, SI (Static Display)

9 am-4 pm
Marine Day
Where: Battery Park

Noon-1 pm
MWR Intrepid Cup Sports Tug-O-War
Where: Intrepid Pier

1-3 pm
Navy Band Northeast Concert
Where: Staten Island Pier

Sunday, May 30, 2010:

8 am-5 pm
Free Ship Tours
Where: Stapleton Pier, SI

8 am-5 pm
USMC Static Display
Where: USS Iwo Jima

8 am-6 pm
NRD NY Static Display
Where: Staten Island Piers

8 am-6 pm
USCG Static Display
Where: Homeport Pier, Staten Island

9:30-11:30 am
Catholic Mass
Where: St Patrick’s Cathedral

Noon-2 pm
MWR Intrepid Cup Jousting Competition
Where: Intrepid Pier 86

4 pm
Pier 88 Static Displays
Where: Pier 88, 12th & 46th St.

6-7:15 pm
Navy Band Northeast in Times Square
Where: Times Square

Monday, May 31, 2010:

8 am-5 pm
Free Ship Tours
Where: Pier 88, 48th St/West Side Highway
Where: Stapleton Pier, SI

8 am-5 pm
USMC Static Display
Where: USS Iwo Jima

8 am-6 pm
F-18 Flight Simulator
Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Display
USCG Static Displays
Paramount Top Gun Video Kiosks
ONR Static Display
NRD NY Static Display
Where: Pier 88, 12th & 46th St
Where: Homeport Pier, SI (Static Display)

9:40-11 am
Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Day Observances
Where: Soldiers and Sailors Memorial, Riverside Dr & 89th St, Staten Island

10am-4pm
Raising Citizens: Meet & Greet with US Military
Where: Children’s Museum of Manhattan

10am-4pm
Sailors and Marines at the Bronx Zoo
Where:  Bronx Zoo

11 am-2 pm
Kings County Memorial Day Parade
Where: 3rd Ave & 87th St, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn

11 am-2:30 pm
Allied Veterans Memorial Day Parade
Where: Ridgewood/Glendale, NY

11 am-6 pm
Staten Island Memorial Day Parade
Where: Hart Blvd/Forest Ave

12-1 pm
Manhattan Memorial Day Parade
Where: Broadway/Dyckman Streets

2-5 pm
Memorial Day Parade: Bronx City Island
Where: City Island, Bronx

Tuesday, June 1, 2010:

8 am-5 pm
Free Ship Tours
Where: Pier 88, 48th St/West Side Highway
Where: Stapleton Pier, SI

8 am-6 pm
F-18 Flight Simulator
Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Display
USCG Static Displays
Paramount Top Gun Video Kiosks
ONR Static Display
NRD NY Static Display
Where: Pier 88, 12th & 46th St
Where: Homeport Pier, SI (Static Display)

8 am-noon
USMC World Trade Center Run
Where: Federal Hall to Ground Zero

3-4 pm
USMC Reenlistment / Promotion Ceremony
Where: WTC Site

7 pm
Karaoke Party at the Hard Rock Restaurant
Where: Times Square

The ships and service members will depart from the harbor on June 2.  Happy Fleet Week, and to all the single ladies of Manhattan, happy hunting!

Theater

Tony Awards’ Host Promises To Be a Riot

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Hosting an award show can be a daunting task.  He/she should be funny without being too offensive, possess great style and have the ability to keep energy of the event high.  This year the Tony Awards could have no better host than Sean Hayes.  The Broadway rookie has been announced to be the host of the 64th annual award show that toasts the best of Broadway.  “I am absolutely thrilled to be hosting the Tony Awards,” said Hayes. “As the new guy on Broadway, it’s an honor to be included in the established alumni.”  While Hayes is a new comer to the Great White Way, he is definitely comfortable being center stage.  Sean Hayes was a comedic sensation as Jack McFarland in the hit show Will & Grace, which ran for eight seasons on NBC.  Currently he is wowing audience-goers at the Broadway Theatre in Promises, Promises.  Witty, charming and full of liveliness, Sean Hayes should fare well as he joins the pantheon of legends that have hosted the Tony Awards.  June 13th  promises to be quite a night.

Arts

NYC Gets Naked

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Lisa Dinhofer, Barbara Reclining, 13" x 18", unframed, 20" x 25" framed, graphite and chalk on paper, 2004

The Roger Smith Hotel, located at 501 Lexington Avenue, played host to the Great Nude Invitational.  The Great Nude Invitational was an inaugural exhibition held in New York City from May 13 to May 16 that showcased the works of 27 international, burgeoning and well-known artists all of whom are dedicated working with nude subjects.

Meredith Bergmann September 11th 18" x 10" x 12", Bronze, 2001

Using traditional and contemporary styles and mediums, these artists explored the complexity of emotions associated with being comfortable in one’s own skin.  The exhibit proved why the human body has been a subject of fascination for artists and patrons alike for centuries.  What made this exhibit so powerful and unique was that the common dominator was nudity.  Although nudes can be found in most museums I have never been to an exhibit that focused just on nudes.  It was interesting to see how different artists viewed and displayed the body.  The Great Nude Invitational was provacative and compelling.  I look forward to seeing it grow.

Scott-Goodwillie, The Comforts of Home, 24" x 36", Oil on Canvas, 2010

The Great Nude Invitational’s stay was brief, but you can still see the works of these talented artists.  To learn more about nudes in art, the Great Nude Invitational and the Great Nude TV, visit http://thegreatnude.tv/.

Photos courtesy of The Great Nude TV