Category Archives: Entertainment
Alycia Keys Top Artist for 2012
Ms. Keys (or should I say Mrs. Swizz Beatz) career has been sizzling ever since she dropped her first studio album, Songs in A Minor, in 2001. Eleven years later, her blaze still smolders and now she is declaring that the girl is on fire, literally. On November 27, 2012 Keys released her fifth studio album Girl on Fire. The Hell’s Kitchen native is always in an “Empire State of Mind” and is NYC through and through. Her songs are a source of inspiration for many. There could’ve been no better choice to close the 12/12/12 concert at The Garden than Alycia Keys. Philanthropist, mother, wife, actor, composer, musician, ravishing beauty…looks like her star will continue to burn bright in 2013. Flame on!
Photo: Michelangelo Di Battista
¡WEPA! Top Party for 2012
¡WEPA! just celebrated its anniversary – a testament to how great this gathering is. If dance were my religion, I would subscribe to the movement of house, scouring to find underground temples the way Coptic Christians climb mountains to worship. Thanks to Joann Jimenez and Antonio Ocasio I know that the last Friday of every month will end in good vibrations, even better than anything The Beach Boys were singing about. ¡WEPA! preserves the best of what is glorious about the New York underground dance scene. Someone pass the baby powder!
To read more about the ¡WEPA! experience, click https://famenycmagazine.com/2012/02/10/friday-night-in-el-barrio/.
Photos courtesy of Joann Jimenez and Antonio Ocasio
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Top Performers for 2012
I leap at any opportunity to see these uber talented dancers combine beauty and strength on a Manhattan stage. For some dance is a religion. AAADT is Mecca. I can’t wait to make my yearly pilgrimage to the City Center so these artisans can rock my soul again.
To view F.A.M.E NYC Editor’s review of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, click https://famenycmagazine.com/2012/12/10/alvin-ailey-american-dance-theater-ambassadors-of-time/.
Photo: Paul Kolnik
Ring In the New Year with Hot Wings and Hot Girls
Since the apocalypse didn’t come, you might be looking for something to do on New Year’s Eve. Thousands of people will be in Times Square, but that might be a little crowded. Instead, how about saying hello to Baby New Year on W.56th with jugs of beer, hot wings and jugs? Bid farewell to 2012 at Hooters on Broadway. You might just start of your new year with a kiss from a Hooter’s girl. If not, there are always the boneless wings.
Photo courtesy of Parenteau Guidance
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Ambassadors of Time
In Interview with a Vampire, the vampire Armand chooses a companion from the current century in order to transition into a new era thereby keeping himself relevant. So if you are one of the most recognized dance companies and global ambassadors of the arts, how do you maintain your dominance? You take a page out of Armand’s book. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has cultivated a reputation for excellence in dance and this season AAADT continues to stand on top of the Pantheon of modern dance companies by showcasing the future while continuing to preserve the best Ailey.
This season Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater premiered six productions at the New York City Center, two of which were new, three were company premieres and one a world premiere. Along with staples such as Revelations, Night Creature, Minus 16 and Urban Folk Dance, AAADT confidently prances into the 21st century with athletic grace.
With the exception of the iconic Revelations, I was privy to view a night of firsts for the company. On December 5, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performed Memoria and The Evolution of a Secured Feminine for the first time this season. I also was fortunate enough to witness the world premiere performance of Another Night.
Memoria, choreographed by Alvin Ailey in 1979 and dedicated to the memory of his friend Joyce Trisler, is classic Ailey on display. The work is celebratory and poignant, evoking spirits and emotion in each move. To add a modern twist, members of The Ailey School, dressed in vibrant colors, joined the members of AAADT on stage bringing a zephyr of effervescence to an already powerful ballet.
Like most of works performed by AAADT The Evolution of a Secured Feminine is a piece that is layered in sentiment, athletic perfection and sheer beauty. Also, it possesses the potential to become iconic. Choreographed by Camille A. Brown and performed by only one company member, Rachel McLaren, The Evolution of a Secured Feminine is a glorious narrative about love and loss from a woman’s perspective.
Another Night truly captured the essence of AAADT’s ability to fresh and contemporary. Kyle Abraham is a rising star in the dance world, and after viewing this work I’m certain that he will take his place amongst dance royalty someday. Set to Dizzy Gillespie’s “Night in Tunisia”, Abraham takes a timeless jazz tune and breathes new life into bebop with moves that remain true to Ailey’s Horton roots, but also carry the aesthetic and energy of New York’s underground dance scene. Another Night reminded me of the countless nights I participated in circles, sprinkling baby powder on the floor. When one of the dancers broke into a duck walk, I knew they were working for the children (of the night that is) and getting their life on that stage. I wanted to get up and dance with them. This season AAADT also bid farewell to Renee Robinson, her last performance with the company was December 9. It was bittersweet to see her dance in Revelations one last time.
The role of an ambassador is to represent his/her country or sovereign. With Robert Battle now adding new chapters to the legacy Alvin Ailey built over 50 years ago, no one can deny that AAADT has represented their medium of the arts with unparalleled passion and will continue to not only remain majestic, but ageless as well.
Photos: Andrew Eccles, Nan Melville, Paul Kolnik
The Lamb’s Club and Cast of Golden Boy Creates Winning Combo
In boxing, having a big power punch is always a good tool to have in one’s arsenal when looking to land a knockout, but generally it is a consistent set of combination shots that wears an opponent down and ultimately wins the fight. Last Tuesday, The Lamb’s Club, Serino Coyne, Lincoln Center Theater and the cast of the revival of Golden Boy delivered a 24 karat TKO during their buzzmaker event.
Members of the press were invited to visit one of Times Square most elegant eateries and learn more about Golden Boy, now in previews at the Belasco Theatre. While munching on succulent appetizers from The Lamb’s Club dinner menu such as, Yellowfin Tuna Tartare, Spicy Veal Meatballs and Pork Belly with Puff Rice, bloggers, journalists and photographers were introduced to cast members Danny Mastrogiorgio, Danny Burtstein, Brad Fleischer, Karl Glusman and Seth Numrich (who plays Joe Bonaparte). Also on hand, were sketches of the costumes designed by Catherine Zuber, which included a blue dress that pays homage to the actress haunting the Belasco Theatre.
The pre-performance event possessed a buoyant atmosphere as cast members answered questions, shared their training routine as well as engaging anecdotes about how they became a part of the 75-year-old revival. Golden Boy features a glimpse of New York City in the 1930s and the sophisticated, metropolitan ambiance of The Lamb’s Club bar made the perfect compliment to an already blithe and dashing affair. Outside of meeting the cast, the highlight of my evening was the discovery of my new favorite cocktail – The Gold Rush.
Chef Geoffrey Zakarian and partners have created quite a dining gem in the heart of the theater district. Along with its swanky décor and exceptional cuisine, The Lamb’s Club possesses an affinity for the arts. The restaurant hosted an event for the cast of Chaplin the Musical in August and features live jazz at the bar on Wednesdays. And for hungry audience members looking to get a bite to eat before or after attending Golden Boy, The Lamb’s Club is across the street from the Belasco Theatre and offers pre and post theater dinner options.
All and all this buzzmaker event was a sparkling start to an evening that also included a great night of theater. Golden Boy premiers December 6 for a 10-week run at the Belasco Theatre, I suggest taking a note from the past this holiday season by getting dressed to the nines, having dinner at The Lamb’s Club at six, catching a performance of Golden Boy at eight and treating yourself to a good old-fashioned night of dinner and a show in the city. If you are feeling particularly lucky, you may want to enter Golden Boy’s Pinterest contest, http://pinterest.com/lctheater/golden-boy-contest/.
To learn more about Golden Boy or The Lamb’s Club, click www.lct.org or www.thelambsclub.com/.
Photo and Slideshow: F.A.M.E NYC, Golden Boy Poster courtesy of Serino Coyne
Trout KOs Pre Fight Dinner
In ancient Rome the celebrities and gladiators of the day provided thrills and chills for the screaming mob at the Colosseum. In New York, artisans and athletes of today make themselves immortal at our version of the legendary Italian amphitheater – Madison Square Garden – and they’ve been doing so for decades. Madison Square Garden known as “The Mecca for boxing” has hosted plenty of epic bouts. On Saturday Austin Trout, WBA light middleweight champion, intends to retain his title and have a break out performance that lives up to the awesome boxing spectacles The Garden is known for. But before Trout defends his title against four-time world champion Miguel Cotto, he made time to do something essential for all champions – he ate.
On November 28, Trout was the guest of honor at an intimate candlelit meal at Courgette Restaurant & Bistro, located at 204 W. 55th Street. Courgette, the French word for zucchini, features Mediterranean cuisine with Italian and French twists and has a sexy basement speakeasy that includes a state-of-the-art sound system and karaoke room. The champ and guests, who included designers, press, entertainers and other athletes, savored on a tasting regale of the restaurant’s staple dishes. The event was a feast that quenched all the senses and provided a scorching hot alternative to the frigid temperatures outside.
The man of the hour was as cool as a pair of Ray-Bans as he greeted guests and shook hands with an affable flair that is indicative of all great champions. He stated he was looking forward to today’s weigh-in and admitted he had no intentions of losing his title tomorrow. If the 25-0, undefeated pugilist’s fight plan is as killer as his style and personality, then he should have no problem shutting up the pro-Cotto mob at The Garden as he hands Miguel his fourth loss.
Photos: Greatest Entertainment (www.greatestent.com), Tom Casino/Showtime
Happy Holidays the Ailey Way
November and December are two of my favorite months to spend in New York City. Not because of the brisk temperatures, holiday windows, Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center or tons of tourists and shoppers littering the streets, but because it means that Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is in town at New York City Center. And yes – it’s that time of year again folks – time to see athletic splendor and dance perfection on stage (and of course, Revelations).
November also marks the third anniversary of F.A.M.E NYC! And to thank all our FAMERS for their support I would like to share with you an interview with Aisha Mitchell, a feature dancer with AAADT, and give you the opportunity to see her and the rest of the phenomenal dancers of Alvin Ailey Dance Theater in December. To enter type, “I Love F.A.M.E NYC!” in the comment section below. The giveaway ends on Cyber Monday at 12:00 a.m. AAADT’s performances begin at New York City Center on November 28.
Enjoy the interview and good luck!
1. You will be dancing several key roles throughout the season, is there any one in particular you look forward to performing?
I’m really looking forward to performing Ulysses Dove’s Vespers this season. It’s a work I’ve always admired growing up. I think it visually showcases the many facets of being a woman from elegance and poise, to power and strength. It’s an incredibly affirming journey to perform that piece with five other women from the company; it’s almost as if we’re dancing as one.
2. Revelations resonates with people regardless of ethnicity, age or cultural background and is Alvin Ailey’s most seminal work. Could you tell us your thoughts about dancing in this iconic dance masterpiece?
We perform Revelations a lot. It would be so easy to become numb to doing the same steps over and over. But it’s more than just steps, more than just a dance – it’s theater – living art that we are creating on the stage. Mr. Ailey’s choreography and the way he conceptualized the memories of his upbringing in the Baptist church for the stage is masterful. It speaks to people on a level that they can relate to and that’s why the piece is still relevant after all these years. I perform three roles in Revelations, in the sections “Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel”, “Fix Me Jesus” and “Wade in the Water”. These are iconic roles in the dance world. We are so lucky to work with living legends on a regular basis. Often Judith Jamison will come into rehearsal and work with us on mastering the nuances of the “Umbrella woman”, a role that she is famous for. And our Associate Artistic Director Masazumi Chaya is in rehearsals daily. He knows most of Mr. Ailey’s work, he’s like a dance encyclopedia, it’s incredible having them around to keep the legacy alive.
3. You have performed to several genres of music, but what genres, artists or songs personally get your dancer juices flowing?
I really love all music and my musical education is forever continuing. I play Michael Jackson at the gym, and sometimes my tour roommate and I crank out Dirty South Hip Hop at 8 a.m. to energize our day! Any time we travel to a different city, if there’s time, I try to catch some live music at a local spot. It gives touring its own little soundtrack and makes some cities more memorable too.
4. You are a New Yorker, but which city is your favorite to travel to when performing?
Hopefully this won’t sound too cliché, but I’ve fallen in love with Paris. I’ve been there twice now with the company and we’ve done three to four week runs. It’s such a beautiful city, so rich in history and culture. I could really get used to that lifestyle; sipping on a café in the morning with some leisurely reading, performing in historical opera houses and having a glass of Bordeaux to finish the evening. Perfection!
5. Whether it’s going to practice or hanging out with friends, what three beauty items can you not leave home without?
Definitely lip balm, Nivea hand cream and mascara!
Photos: Richard Calmes, Andrew Eccles
Spring Ahead…Fashion Week Is Here
It‘s September, the humidity festival is winding down and you know what that means FAMERS – that’s right –it’s Fashion Week! The Spring 2013 collections are sweeping the city and Lincoln Center is the hub of all things new and trendy. Fashion Week started yesterday with Fashion’s Night Out, featuring scores of discounts and in-store events and ends on September 13. There are lots of designers that don’t show at Lincoln Center and F.A.M.E NYC’s pledges to show you its favorite shows for the upcoming season. I hope you will enjoy the slideshows and videos. Now enough chatter…Let’s Go!
F.A.M.E NYC Magazine 