Instead of attending an event last night, I went to work at the public house at which I am employed part-time. Towards the end of the evening, I tripped on a step coming upstairs from the kitchen and took a nose dive onto the landing. The top of my left foot crashed into the very unforgiving cement step. Needless to say, I have a big, swollen bruise on my left foot and I am walking with neither poise nor grace presently. Today, I came straight home from work to rest and ice the foot. Hopefully by tomorrow the golf ball-sized bruise will look more like a marble. This minor setback will undoubtedly put me a couple shows behind this week, but I will make them up!
Confirmed upcoming events:
May 3rd: AC bus trip with the Ale 'N 'Wich pub
May 8th: George Clinton with Parliament/Funkadelic at the Stone Pony
May: Cry Baby at the Marquis Theatre
June 28th: Love by Cirque du Soleil in Vegas
30 April 2008
27 April 2008
7 - The Niagaras
The Niagaras
Stout
26 April 2008
I don't know how to describe The Niagaras. Actually, in between sets, I got a chance to sit down with the drummer Dylan Wissing who has been with the band for about four years, and even he had no idea how to describe the band. He likened the lead singer, Robert Whaley, to a cross between James Brown and Iggy Pop, but as far as their musical stylings, he had a hard time putting them into words. The press is a little confused as well. Their descriptions of the band include: pop, rock, ska, Oingo Boingo-esque, and Zappa-esque. As other more eloquent people have tried and failed, I won't try to describe them, and frankly, I don't think a description would really help capture their sound anyway. I would definitely recommend giving a close listen to some of their lyrics though.
To add to the show, the band has the lead singer. Robert Whaley is not just a vocalist, he makes his own little party on stage. He shimmies, he shakes, he croons, and by the end of the set, he strips. He starts off in something similar to a zoot suit and ends up in socks, a hat, perhaps a tie, and his skivvies. He has done this for years.
The Niagaras have been around for more than twenty years, and somehow, they haven't lost their energy. If you are ever in the mood for some aerobics with your gin and tonic, go see them.
Stout
26 April 2008
I don't know how to describe The Niagaras. Actually, in between sets, I got a chance to sit down with the drummer Dylan Wissing who has been with the band for about four years, and even he had no idea how to describe the band. He likened the lead singer, Robert Whaley, to a cross between James Brown and Iggy Pop, but as far as their musical stylings, he had a hard time putting them into words. The press is a little confused as well. Their descriptions of the band include: pop, rock, ska, Oingo Boingo-esque, and Zappa-esque. As other more eloquent people have tried and failed, I won't try to describe them, and frankly, I don't think a description would really help capture their sound anyway. I would definitely recommend giving a close listen to some of their lyrics though.
To add to the show, the band has the lead singer. Robert Whaley is not just a vocalist, he makes his own little party on stage. He shimmies, he shakes, he croons, and by the end of the set, he strips. He starts off in something similar to a zoot suit and ends up in socks, a hat, perhaps a tie, and his skivvies. He has done this for years.
The Niagaras have been around for more than twenty years, and somehow, they haven't lost their energy. If you are ever in the mood for some aerobics with your gin and tonic, go see them.
25 April 2008
6 - Mythical Creatures burlesque
We were nine strong last night and proud of it. Thank you so much to Elaine, Brett, Ashley, Amisha, Keith, Amy, Jessica, and Michelle for accompanying me to the Slipper Room last night for an evening of mythical creatures produced and hosted by the adorable and sassy, winner of a Golden Pastie for the Best Newcomer to Burlesque, Miss Precious Little , and the venerable and notorious queen of burlesque Miss Nasty Canasta.
All of the dancers embodied mythical creatures for their performances including GiGi La Femme and Anita Cookie as the sexy twin Sirens, Legs Malone as the gorgeous Driad, Clams Casino as the beautiful Naiad, Nasty Canasta as the lovable Jackelope, Tigger! as the handsome Merman and Precious Little as the magnificent Phoenix.
During this show, not only was I floored by the performances, I was also completely amazed at the beautiful and creative costuming. I can't even begin to imagine how much work must go into every show. Between the choreography, costuming, make-up and glitter, these women and men must spend countless hours preparing for each event. Let me get up on the soapbox for a minute and say as a resident of this great city and a burlesque-aficionado, I would like to extend all of New York's gratitude and appreciation for making Gotham a more glamorous place. Cheers.
Poster designed by Jeremy Newman
100 in 6 budget: $61
All of the dancers embodied mythical creatures for their performances including GiGi La Femme and Anita Cookie as the sexy twin Sirens, Legs Malone as the gorgeous Driad, Clams Casino as the beautiful Naiad, Nasty Canasta as the lovable Jackelope, Tigger! as the handsome Merman and Precious Little as the magnificent Phoenix.
During this show, not only was I floored by the performances, I was also completely amazed at the beautiful and creative costuming. I can't even begin to imagine how much work must go into every show. Between the choreography, costuming, make-up and glitter, these women and men must spend countless hours preparing for each event. Let me get up on the soapbox for a minute and say as a resident of this great city and a burlesque-aficionado, I would like to extend all of New York's gratitude and appreciation for making Gotham a more glamorous place. Cheers.
Poster designed by Jeremy Newman
100 in 6 budget: $61
23 April 2008
5 -Revealed
Revealed
Under St. Marks
22 April 2008, 22:00
This evening I saw a beautiful, seductive, sexy, classy, sensual, breathtaking performance at Revealed, produced by GiGi La Femme and Doc Wasabassco. Revealed is, "More Burlesque than you've ever seen before" as the Myspace page puts it. You see, unlike the more familiar burlesque where performers striptease down to pasties and skimpy panties, by the end of each performance at Revealed the dancer is completely nude. The event tonight was hosted by Bastard Keith who really encompasses the classic variety show emcee persona and happens to be as funny as a barrel of monkeys to boot. I was invited to the event by Miss Precious Little and sat with Madame Rosebud of the Peach Tartes and Miss Scarlet Sinclair. Thank you for passing along the invitation, ladies.
And thank you to the wonderful and wonderfully talented performers tonight who I have so much admiration and respect for: GiGi La Femme, Harvest Moon, Clams Casino, Peekaboo Pointe, Ruby Valentine and Kobayashi Maru.
100 in 6 budget: $56
Under St. Marks
22 April 2008, 22:00
This evening I saw a beautiful, seductive, sexy, classy, sensual, breathtaking performance at Revealed, produced by GiGi La Femme and Doc Wasabassco. Revealed is, "More Burlesque than you've ever seen before" as the Myspace page puts it. You see, unlike the more familiar burlesque where performers striptease down to pasties and skimpy panties, by the end of each performance at Revealed the dancer is completely nude. The event tonight was hosted by Bastard Keith who really encompasses the classic variety show emcee persona and happens to be as funny as a barrel of monkeys to boot. I was invited to the event by Miss Precious Little and sat with Madame Rosebud of the Peach Tartes and Miss Scarlet Sinclair. Thank you for passing along the invitation, ladies.
And thank you to the wonderful and wonderfully talented performers tonight who I have so much admiration and respect for: GiGi La Femme, Harvest Moon, Clams Casino, Peekaboo Pointe, Ruby Valentine and Kobayashi Maru.
100 in 6 budget: $56
20 April 2008
4 -NY Comic Con
NY Comic Con
Jacob Javits Center
20 April 2008
Today my alter ego, 100x6, attended the NY Comic Con with my partners in all things geek, Skogger and Johnny ThunderCock. S and I were blessed with a set of passes for today's events by Pete and Carlos of the MTV network thanks to our superb waitressing skills on Saturday night and because the guys' wives wouldn't let them go to the Con both days this weekend (sorry fellas). I arrived before the dynamic duo, S and JTC, could get there. By the time they showed, which was only an hour after I did, I had managed to buy my way through half of the convention center floor.
My first purchase was a fabulous cd by Bro Kin Haylow produced by Jacob "Zukhits" Buchanan, CEO of a group called Fat Boy Hits Music Group. Celsius, one of the four artists that make up Bro Kin Haylow, explained that the group was different because they create music that is a blend of hip hop, reggae, rock and pop without the use of derogatory language. He was playing some of the tracks off of their CD and the beat was enough to make my hand reach into my wallet and pull out a few bills to secure myself a copy.
Onward and upward! I visited Midtown Comics' booth and purchased the graphic novel 'Lucifer' vol. 1: 'Devil in the Gateway' by Vertigo. There are too many artists, writers, colorists and letterers to list them all, but the characters were all based on characters created by Neil Gaiman (swoon!).
Next stop...Baby Tattoo Books. I picked up a beautiful book titled, 'Visions From Within the Mechanism: The Industrial Surrealism of Jeffrey Scott(1019).' I don't have the words to describe his work. Some people don't have the stomach for it, but I think his art is incredible. Check him out here and decide for yourself.
Last stop in my homage to commerce was the artist's alley. There were so many prints I wanted to pick up, but I decided to shorten my arms and lengthen my pockets by settling on just one by Erik Jones. My print is of a tattoo-clad woman standing topless in front of a wall of old timey tattoo sketches. S also purchased a print of a very pouty blond holding an one-eyed teddy bear (she is pouty because she accidentally ripped one of the bear's eyes out before the drawing was made according to Mr. Jones). There were so many other artists there that JTC and I couldn't hold S back, and she ended up taking home three other prints. I would have loved to pick up something by Molly Crabapple or Susan Heidi, but alas, I am supposed to be on a budget.
We refused to leave on our quest for cheese fries and beer without witnessing a live lightsaber battle between the Jedi and the Sith though.
Mission accomplished!
I even met my upstairs neighbors at the show! What a coincidence, yeah? Those of you who have crashed at my place and heard the incessant clanking, banging, stomping and furniture moving at 3am already know my friends the storm troopers!
100 in 6 budget: still $36
100 in 6 incidentals budget: $63
PS - This little gem will absolutely be in my 100: Click me
Jacob Javits Center
20 April 2008
Today my alter ego, 100x6, attended the NY Comic Con with my partners in all things geek, Skogger and Johnny ThunderCock. S and I were blessed with a set of passes for today's events by Pete and Carlos of the MTV network thanks to our superb waitressing skills on Saturday night and because the guys' wives wouldn't let them go to the Con both days this weekend (sorry fellas). I arrived before the dynamic duo, S and JTC, could get there. By the time they showed, which was only an hour after I did, I had managed to buy my way through half of the convention center floor.
My first purchase was a fabulous cd by Bro Kin Haylow produced by Jacob "Zukhits" Buchanan, CEO of a group called Fat Boy Hits Music Group. Celsius, one of the four artists that make up Bro Kin Haylow, explained that the group was different because they create music that is a blend of hip hop, reggae, rock and pop without the use of derogatory language. He was playing some of the tracks off of their CD and the beat was enough to make my hand reach into my wallet and pull out a few bills to secure myself a copy.
Onward and upward! I visited Midtown Comics' booth and purchased the graphic novel 'Lucifer' vol. 1: 'Devil in the Gateway' by Vertigo. There are too many artists, writers, colorists and letterers to list them all, but the characters were all based on characters created by Neil Gaiman (swoon!).
Next stop...Baby Tattoo Books. I picked up a beautiful book titled, 'Visions From Within the Mechanism: The Industrial Surrealism of Jeffrey Scott(1019).' I don't have the words to describe his work. Some people don't have the stomach for it, but I think his art is incredible. Check him out here and decide for yourself.
Last stop in my homage to commerce was the artist's alley. There were so many prints I wanted to pick up, but I decided to shorten my arms and lengthen my pockets by settling on just one by Erik Jones. My print is of a tattoo-clad woman standing topless in front of a wall of old timey tattoo sketches. S also purchased a print of a very pouty blond holding an one-eyed teddy bear (she is pouty because she accidentally ripped one of the bear's eyes out before the drawing was made according to Mr. Jones). There were so many other artists there that JTC and I couldn't hold S back, and she ended up taking home three other prints. I would have loved to pick up something by Molly Crabapple or Susan Heidi, but alas, I am supposed to be on a budget.
We refused to leave on our quest for cheese fries and beer without witnessing a live lightsaber battle between the Jedi and the Sith though.
Mission accomplished!
I even met my upstairs neighbors at the show! What a coincidence, yeah? Those of you who have crashed at my place and heard the incessant clanking, banging, stomping and furniture moving at 3am already know my friends the storm troopers!
100 in 6 budget: still $36
100 in 6 incidentals budget: $63
PS - This little gem will absolutely be in my 100: Click me
3 - Earth Day
Today was the second day of the Earth Day Fair at Grand Central Station (thanks to Michelle and Shannon for the tip about this one). The fair is supposed to make NYers savvy about environmental issues and more informed of the carbon footprint that we are all leaving behind and how to minimize it (Find out about the size of your carbon footprint here). Not only did I enjoy the live music the Earth Day Fair organizers had arranged, I also got to pick up some leaflets about improving air quality, the innovative ways the MTA has pitched in, and where I can buy environmentally friendly soaps and shoes suitable for vegans. Strangely though, almost all of the booths were handing out flyers...printed on paper (albeit recycled paper)...lots and lots of paper...which comes from trees...which I thought we were trying to protect as a way to help the environment, no? Anyway, it was a beautiful day outside and listening to live music at a fair to promote a wonderful cause was the perfect way to spend it. I was able to catch five performances: Spiritchild, TKwonder, The Real Live Show, a woman named Eliza Havah (this is spelled as I heard it pronounced, but I can't find any information on her so my apologies if I am completely off), and Honey Larochelle.
Spiritchild's music can be described as rhythmic poetry. The artist is from the Bronx, is the founder of the Movement in Motion artist and activist collective, and usually performs with a band called Mental Notes. I already looked up Mental Notes, and they sound fantastic. Unfortunately, I was only able to catch the end of his performance, but what I did get to hear was awesome.
TKwonder Electric Baby's music is a mix of electronica and hip hop. She was part of a two person group today called GAEA. The DJ provided an excellent beat while TKwonder sang and rapped so quickly I was tongue-tied listening to her. I particularly enjoyed her song titled 'Racism', which featured clips of speeches given by Martin Luther King Jr.
The Real Live Show was the only name I recognized on the bill today. I am not a huge hip hop fan, but this group was exceptional. I have already looked up other places where I can see them perform and informed a couple of friends that they will inevitably be accompanying me.
Eliza Havah (sp?) performed only two pieces. Her songs were topical, poignant, and beautifully sung. I only wish I had more information though, so that I could look her up and find out more about her.
Honey Larochelle, who is singing at Blue Note as I type this, was a burst of color and energy. Her music is a smooth blend of jazz, soul and R&B. I thoroughly enjoyed her performance and, if I hadn't had to work tonight, would have probably went to see her perform at Blue Note.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!
17 April 2008
2 - Hostage Song
Tonight, I saw a show called Hostage Song, a Horse Trade production, which is playing at the Kraine Theater on E. 4th St. until next Saturday. The Kraine Theater (which conveniently has a bar on the second floor, or more accurately, the KGB bar located on the second floor has a building which happens to have a theatre in it), much like the Zipper Factory Theater or the Interart Theatre Annex on the west side, is a quintessential New York off-off-Broadway venue. There are seats, or at least some sort of cushiony surfaces with backrests that could pass as seats when not being used as carving boards or steamer trunks, squeezed into every corner of the room, which is oblong with somewhat obtuse walls painted black. These theatres look like rooms taken straight from a Dr. Seuss book, which makes them absolutely wonderful, and I love them for it. They are fabulously kitschy, cozy, and provide the perfect atmosphere for an off-off-Broadway production. If only those walls could talk, I am sure they would have some terrific stories to tell.
I heard about Hostage Song from my friend Abe, who happens to have a role in the show (and does a fantastic job if I may say so). The website presents the show like this, "Bound and blindfolded in a war-torn country, two hostages take refuge in music, memory and each other in this new indie-rock musical." There were times when you could relate with the characters, moments of laughter, and moments when the imagery and emotions were so intense that the audience was completely motionless. I really enjoyed the show (and so did my bag of sweaty gym clothes which was my company for the evening), but since I am not a critic per se, you can read the New York Times review here. Thank you to the actors, band, and production crew for putting on a super show. Cheers.
100 in 6 budget so far: $36
I heard about Hostage Song from my friend Abe, who happens to have a role in the show (and does a fantastic job if I may say so). The website presents the show like this, "Bound and blindfolded in a war-torn country, two hostages take refuge in music, memory and each other in this new indie-rock musical." There were times when you could relate with the characters, moments of laughter, and moments when the imagery and emotions were so intense that the audience was completely motionless. I really enjoyed the show (and so did my bag of sweaty gym clothes which was my company for the evening), but since I am not a critic per se, you can read the New York Times review here. Thank you to the actors, band, and production crew for putting on a super show. Cheers.
100 in 6 budget so far: $36
16 April 2008
Revision 1
It is just barely the next business day, but already I think I have to revise my rules.
Concerts:
1. I am not going to count mega-shows the same way I am counting the rest. If I go to events like Ozzfest, Bonnaroo, or the Warped Tour, I will have to revise my counting method. These events, although brilliant, will make me feel like I have cheated in some way, and you know how I am with the Catholic guilt.
2. I have decided to count opening acts and shows with multiple bands not as full 'shows' but as partial events. Openers will count as 1/2 a show, and I will count each act as 1/2 a show in events with multiple acts. Otherwise, one trip to Arlene's and I could have four or five shows down in a go.
Burlesque:
1. While the women and men of the burlesque community deserve each of their performances to count as 100 shows, I will be counting burlesque events as only 1 'show' each.
I know that this isn't the world's most impressive undertaking. I know that it isn't impossible, and I am sure that there are many people who could do it in less time. For me, working two jobs with long hours, having a Smother*, wanting to maintain friendships, and having other obligations makes for a hectic life already, so this will be an interesting adventure.
*Smother is a term an old friend used to describe my mom. It is a combination of 'smother' and 'mother'. Sorry mom.
Concerts:
1. I am not going to count mega-shows the same way I am counting the rest. If I go to events like Ozzfest, Bonnaroo, or the Warped Tour, I will have to revise my counting method. These events, although brilliant, will make me feel like I have cheated in some way, and you know how I am with the Catholic guilt.
2. I have decided to count opening acts and shows with multiple bands not as full 'shows' but as partial events. Openers will count as 1/2 a show, and I will count each act as 1/2 a show in events with multiple acts. Otherwise, one trip to Arlene's and I could have four or five shows down in a go.
Burlesque:
1. While the women and men of the burlesque community deserve each of their performances to count as 100 shows, I will be counting burlesque events as only 1 'show' each.
I know that this isn't the world's most impressive undertaking. I know that it isn't impossible, and I am sure that there are many people who could do it in less time. For me, working two jobs with long hours, having a Smother*, wanting to maintain friendships, and having other obligations makes for a hectic life already, so this will be an interesting adventure.
*Smother is a term an old friend used to describe my mom. It is a combination of 'smother' and 'mother'. Sorry mom.
15 April 2008
1 - Dana Fuchs
The first concert in the series.
Dana Fuchs
Highline Ballroom
12 April 2008, 20:00
I don't think it is possible to squeeze more sex appeal into one performer. This woman oozes it...well, her and her infinitely long legs and her fabulously wild hair. The concert was incredible. She opened with Love to Beg followed by most of the tracks from her Lonely for a Lifetime album, plus a rousing rendition of Lovelight and an encore of Helter Skelter. The concert was made even better by the company, so thanks to Sharon, Warren, Jillian, Dan and Robert for accompanying me and starting off the 100 in 6 undertaking.
I saw her perform live for the first time at the Fest for Beatles Fans in March, but I knew her name from her performance in "Across the Universe" and in the off-Broadway hit "Love, Janis." For the record, I have had her album on repeat since Saturday. This show was an excellent way to start my journey.
That is 1 down and 99 to go. Keep posted. This might get a little crazy.
Dana Fuchs
Highline Ballroom
12 April 2008, 20:00
I don't think it is possible to squeeze more sex appeal into one performer. This woman oozes it...well, her and her infinitely long legs and her fabulously wild hair. The concert was incredible. She opened with Love to Beg followed by most of the tracks from her Lonely for a Lifetime album, plus a rousing rendition of Lovelight and an encore of Helter Skelter. The concert was made even better by the company, so thanks to Sharon, Warren, Jillian, Dan and Robert for accompanying me and starting off the 100 in 6 undertaking.
I saw her perform live for the first time at the Fest for Beatles Fans in March, but I knew her name from her performance in "Across the Universe" and in the off-Broadway hit "Love, Janis." For the record, I have had her album on repeat since Saturday. This show was an excellent way to start my journey.
That is 1 down and 99 to go. Keep posted. This might get a little crazy.
Photo courtesy of Robert D'Elia...and his press pass.
The Idea
Idea: 100 shows in 6 months
Time line: 12 April 2008 - 31 October 2008 (so it's a little over 6 months)
Shows: any performing arts show - dance, opera, concerts, theatre, readings, etc. or what would be considered an "event" - conventions, day trips, museums, etc. Movies are not included
Info: multiple acts at one event count as multiple 'shows'...sorry, I might be motivated but I am neither rich nor the embodiment of Wonder Woman
Help: Please send me ideas for shows, info, comments, and let me know if you have an extra ticket you need to get rid of!
Time line: 12 April 2008 - 31 October 2008 (so it's a little over 6 months)
Shows: any performing arts show - dance, opera, concerts, theatre, readings, etc. or what would be considered an "event" - conventions, day trips, museums, etc. Movies are not included
Info: multiple acts at one event count as multiple 'shows'...sorry, I might be motivated but I am neither rich nor the embodiment of Wonder Woman
Help: Please send me ideas for shows, info, comments, and let me know if you have an extra ticket you need to get rid of!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
