Monday, December 13, 2010

Street Books - Madame Bovary Gustave Flaubert


Found - Central Park
Picked up because - Its a classic
In the days of high speed Internet and cable T.V. its hard to realize how monotonous life was back in the 1850's. In France at the time there was a big difference between everyday life and the popular novels. Gustave Flaubert wanted to point out this fact in his first novel "Madame Bovary." In this story a young Doctor marries an older widow his mother picked out. Then he becomes a widow himself, ah such is life. When he meets the young Miss Bovary she marries the Doctor. He moves from one small town to a slightly bigger town in northern France, near Rouen in Normandy to please his new wife. The book is told through his "eyes" till this point. Then the reader gets into Madame Bovary head. She wants luxury and romance, but gets bored with her not so sharp husband. Walk with her down the wrong road of infidelity and debt. This bestseller of the 1850's was put on trial when it came out for "offenses against morality and religion." The story of longing and seduction is considered a masterpiece. Reading it now over a century latter the themes seem to echo forward. After all life might be different but the struggles of love are the same.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Get Ready to See Red - Its SantaCon NYC


Every December there is one day when all the the crazy Santa dressed people get drunk and jolly. Tomorrow is NYC's SantaCon and be ready to see red and white all over the city. Here is the run down, Santa's meet and go out to drink the day away and then split up into subgroups. This goes on long into the evening. In there own words "Santacon is a non-denominational, non-commercial, non-political and non-seniecal Santa Claus convention that occurs once a year for absolutely no reason." So get a suit find a hat and get a ho ho ho'in.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

PHIL SPECTOR In All His Crazy Glory Once More at the Film Forum


In life there are ups and downs, highs and lows, agony and ecstasy. This is true for everybody. Some weirdo geniuses have very high ups and the lowest lows. Does Agony bring the genius that gives ecstasy? Phil Spector was a musical savant. He came up with a sound big enough to be called "The Wall Of Sound." Everybody wanted to find out his secret that brought hit after hit. ( "He's A Rebel" "Then He Kissed Me" – The Crystals, "Be My Baby" – The Ronettes, "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling'" – The Righteous Brothers, "Imagine" – John Lennon, "Do You Remember Rock 'n' Roll Radio?" – Ramones ) Not just hits, songs that are different but still linked with that "thing." This music that Phil heard in his brain he had to mach with what came out of the studio. How was he able to produce pure magic? Know one may ever know. He is not the first to be loved for one thing but despised for another. His music changes peoples lives even now 40 years latter. He helped shape Rock-n-Roll and forever changed the way people listen to the radio. Lots of good things come from bad people. This film shows that maybe Phil is not bad, just misunderstood like the Rebel in his songs. This exclusive interview done during his second trial for the murder of a struggling actress seems like a "I told you so" from Phil. In it he is as funny as he is serious. This interview is stuck together with courtroom footage, news reports, and vintage video from the 60's and 70's. The music with the muted courtroom in the background is Enough to look at without the subtitles to read. This makes one miss the point of one if not all three. Other then that, this is an eye opening documentary for the BBC. Just what the music public wants, history with dirty laundry. This time he gets off, but the next time he goes to court he gets19-years-to-life in prison. We know he did not write it but "He Fought the Law and the Law Won."

FILM FORUM
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND - 1 WEEK ONLY!
NOW TILL TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14
http://www.filmforum.org/films/spector.html

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

25% off at the Lincoln Center



NYC youarehere wants to see you Jazz it up at the Lincoln Center this holiday season. The Red Hot Holiday Stomp is how cool cats celebrate. And how! In the Santa's red and white will be Wycliffe Gordon and other friends of Jazz at Lincoln Center. So get balled up, find a doll and head up to the Rose Theater between December 9Th and 11Th. Use the link to Save 25% on tickets with code “Red Hot 25”!

Tickets start at $15 with your discount!
Link: http://jalc.org/concerts/details309a.asp?EventID=2353

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Jean-Luc Godard's Breathless is back!!

There are lots of Turkey Day traditions. For the film buff going out the theater on ThanksGiving is the whipped topping on the pumpkin pie. This last Thursday while celebrating with a late show at the Film Forum this New Yorker picked up a postcard for Breathless. Back by popular demand this 1960 classic of the French New Wave will be playing through December 7th.

When one thinks of New Wave men with strange hats and whips come to mind. "Whip It" was Devo's biggest hit and was a part of American New Wave. But long before this strange video the French New Wave was brought out in film. Jean-Luc Godard is one of the most recognized directors of the French wave. When he collaborated with fellow director, François Truffaut on Breathless 1960. They brought out this new style with beauty and a "Cool" all its own. "À bout de souffle" in French literally means "at breath's end." The way the characters breath seems to be connected to the meaning of the film like when Patricia "sighs", or when Michel "huffs." He has got some problems with the cops but is as cool as a cucumber, his only worry being how this American girl has him falling for her. Michel played by Jean-Paul Belmondo is Godard's homage to Humphrey Bogart, with his fedora and suit. More then that Jean-Paul hits it on the head he is the French "Bogie." He is sexy, slick and troubled. He might be nothing but trouble for Patricia who sells the New York Herald Tribune on the streets of Paris with dreams of being a journalist. This love story is played out on those streets. What a ground breaking film that it seems to be get more and more praise every year.
http://www.filmforum.org/

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Take Over Manhattan With The Muppets



This weekend take over Manhattan with the Muppet's. The third of the original feature films starring Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo and the rest. In this movie the Muppet's take their musical show to New York in hopes of making it big and becoming stars. They make friends in the big city, but have little luck in breaking into Broadway. Will they stick it out in the Big Apple? The film is directed by Frank Oz who also plays Fizzier Bear, Miss Piggy and Animal. The creator of the Muppet's artist Jim Henson plays many different roles including Kermit. This was Henson's final film before his death in 1990. He started creating puppet characters in 1954 and gave us not only The Muppet Show, but other T.V. shows like Fraggle Rock, Muppet Babies and Sesame Street. He also brought us into his imagination with films like the Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. So go out and hit the town with the Muppet's in "Muppets Take Manhattan" playing at the Sunshine Cinema at Midnight for four days this weekend.
http://www.landmarktheatres.com/market/newyork/newyork_frameset.htm

Monday, November 22, 2010

Must See in NYC - John Lennon's Imagine Circle

John Lennon lived in NYC for the last years of his life. He worked on his solo material and lived the family life with his wife and child in the Dakota Apartments on the Upper West Side. It was outside the well known building that Lennon was gunned down in December of 1980. Many fans would come to mourn for the loved Beatle in front on West 72ND Street. So many that the city of New York had to make a memorial. "Strawberry Fields" and the Imagine Circle designed by Bruce Kelly was opened on what would have been Lennon's 45Th birthday, 9 October 1985. A grassy hill on the west side of the park is "Strawberry Fields" The Imagine Circle in just inside the opening to the park at Central Park West at West 72ND Street. This triangular pathway with a round mosaic of inlaid stones with the word "Imagine" at the center is black and white but is always covered with colorful flowers from fans. The mosaic is a reproduction of one from Pompeii. A city near modern Naples that was completely destroyed and then buried by the volcano Mount Vesuvius. This is not just a beautiful part of Central Park its a gathering place for lovers of John Lennon and his message of peace.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Katz's Delicatessen





Katz's is New York's landmark eatery in the L.E.S. This Delicatessen has been on the corner of Ludlow and Houston for over a century. Only moving once from the east corner to the west corner because of subway construction. They are now known for there famous pastrami sandwiches which are Huge. One can get a half pastrami sandwich with soup, not as intimidating. This pastrami is tasty enough to be on the food channel but before TV it was their Knackwurst and Bean special that was a big neighborhood tradition. Tradition is definitely important to Katz's. As Billy Crystal says in When Harry Met Sally, "There's nothing more New York then Katz's." Don't miss the hustle and bustle of Katz's Delicatessen.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest


This film is the last saga in the Millennium Trilogy. In it the audience gets to fill in the blanks of the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo past. She spends most of the film sitting on her hands as the rest of the characters take the action where its going. This story as in the second one is more of a conspiracy then a mystery. Director Daniel Alfredson has a suspenseful take on Stieg Larsson story line. It starts out in the hospital, goes to jail and ends in a Court room. This whole ride has been exciting and now its almost at an end.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Morning Glory - Rachel McAdams, Harrison Ford & Diane Keaton

A Morning Glory is a flower that blooms early in the morning and recoils in the evening. This early riser is a tough little vine. This is a fitting title for the new romantic comedy written by Aline Brosh McKenna (The Devil Wears Prada, 27 Dresses) and staring Rachel McAdams. This is a work place comedy based around a clumsy workaholic. Working in TV and broadcasting can take over ones life. It takes a lot to bring you the Morning News. People wake in the middle of the night to get to work before the sun. The news show Daybreak is in fourth place and has been known as kind of a joke. When this young rambling producer comes in to save the show she has her work cut out for her. The long time host played by Diane Keaton laughs off her new spunky boss. Harrison Ford comes in as a mean old news man that forced into Morning News because of his contract. Keaton has wonderful comic timing and Ford plays a great bitter drunk. They compliment each other. The love story seems pushed to the back of the action with Patrick Wilson playing a journalist that has the hots for our crazy young producer. The premiere last Sunday, Nov. 7, at the Ziegfeld Theater brought stars out to the red carpet, and Morning Glory hopes to bring couples into the theaters.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Roger Waters The Wall at MSG

The two shows in early October were not enough for New York or Roger Waters. No he had to come back to fill up the garden for two more nights. This year he has brought back a fan favorite, The Wall. The Wall is the eleventh studio album from Pink Floyd. This was one of the English rock groups best albums. A concept album that deals with themes of personal isolation. Its tells how when life falls apart one puts up a block, a brick, "another brick in the wall." This double album had a film that came latter. The stage show has most of the visual effect of the film. High points being songs like "Hey You" and "Comfortably Numb." There are two more shows in the North East in Philly. A quick train ride and one can be transported into the mind of Roger Waters behind The Wall.



Thursday, November 4, 2010

Records Are Art!!

In Brooklyn WRecords By Monkey have been making bracelets and other jewelry out of reclaimed Records for more then 5 years and now they are trying their hand in Fine Art. They unveiled the new concepts at a gala opening last week at Sustainable NYC in the East Village. See how its possible to make Art out of the worst Music. This show is in the back of the shops wonderful coffee and dessert bar. Sustainable NYC is the new green store on Avenue A and is all about making old new by Sealing recycled, re-purposed, and local goods. A new place to shop for gilt free gifts.

Sustainable NYC-139 Avenue A New York, NY (at 9th St) East Village
WRecords By Monkey:
http://www.wrecordsbymonkey.com/

Saturday, October 30, 2010

NYC Haunted Spots to Visit on Halloween

Its the time of year to dress up, have fun and see something scary. This city is an old one. So there is no shortage of haunted spots to check out. Here are a few that may just surprise you. Starting with the oldest haunt in town "The Bridge Cafe." This is in a building that dates back to 1794. Believe it or not this was a old pirate bar and brothel. In what was The Fourth Ward this bar was in a hood that was no joke. "A travel guide of the day called it the most violent street on the continent." If you messed around in this place a 6-foot-tall Irish bouncer would bite or cut off an ear and pickle it in a jar above the bar. Her name was Ms. Gallus Mag, a woman not to piss off. Then there is "The Death House" on West 10Th. It is said that 22 people have died in the house. This was once Mark Twain's old stomping ground and he is said to haunt the stairwell of the house. Then in 1987 Joel Steinberg beat his 6-year-old adopted daughter Jessica Steinberg to death. Just walk by and feel the death coming out the windows. Some spots with ghosts are places people walk passed every day. Like Empire State Building where there has been 14 suicides from the Building's observatory. Five in 1947 alone. Also in 1945 a B-5 Bomber crashed into the building killing 14 people. It is said if one was to walk by at Midnight screams can be heard from above. Then Washington Square Park was once a potters Field where the poor bodies that were unwanted by the church were put to rest. Most of the graves were not deep enough and reports of stepping on crushing bones were made. In the 18Th century the park was used for hangings. It is said that the large tree in the northwest corner of the square is Hangman's Elm, but there is some evidence that the tree was where the fountain is now. In 1825 the cemetery was closed. So when walking through this park that is now a tourist attraction think about the people hung there and the 20,000 bodies that remain under foot. Happy Halloween!!

Bridge Cafe
279 Water St
The House of Death
14 West 10Th Street (near Fifth Avenue)
Empire State Building
350 Fifth Avenue
Washington Square Park
West 4Th Street and MacDougal

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Can a Little Trash Be Good For You?

In a big city like New York maybe a little trash could be good for you. The Trash Bar in Brooklyn that is. This Rock and Roll dive bar in Brooklyn is a place to go if your down and out or just out. They have got live music, a pool table, and a gritty kind of wisdom. Like the all-knowing, the all-seeing, Trash Heap from Fraggle Rock. "I'm orange peels, I'm coffee grounds, I'm wisdom!" The trash bar knows their are trash and are proud of it. Every now and then one should wonder into Brooklyn for some loud music and good times. You might get there and find a divine truth or just get drunk. There is even some rat like cheaters around the bar like the Muppet's Philo and Gunge. On Sundays they have small music acts for hardly a cover. Last Sunday the line up started with an open bar before nine. On the stage first was "Slide FX." A DC band that has a blond in front and a Classic Rock/Alternative Pop sound. Kim Cameron has a professional voice backed by a tight band. Her voice can sing bubble pop and pull out some blues. If someone was a songwriter that needs a pop sound to cut a demo get "Slide FX" for the recording. There own songwriting need some work, but the sound is good. Next to set up was "The Never Evers." New transplants of Brooklyn from Canada. This band has bad Youtube videos but are really good on stage. Also with a chick up front, but with a garage rock trio behind. This is like "The Yeah Yeah Yeahs" without the Art Rock. The Punk tunes work with the hot chick singer. These Canadian kids know how to Rock, EH? They would be a great warm up band for any young crowd. Next up a Industrial duo with a light set up, feed back and looped radio broadcasts. Its dark, its creepy, it works. They are "Food Stamps." The guitar was thrashing and he was singing with her in the background. This would sound good in headphones and is a sight on stage. Last was an all dude trio from Switzerland, "Stevans." In town for the CMJ's, they played this last night before going back over the Atlantic. This brit pop band kicked ass during a kinks cover. Other then that there was a football game. It was Sunday night. So If you are into new bands, are in a band that wants to play a trashy bar, or are just into getting drunk and watching football without all the frat boys, go down and see Trash Bar on Sundays. You'll have a good time and maybe learn that a little trash isn't a bad thing.
Trash Bar
http://www.thetrashbar.com/
Side FX
http://www.sidefxband.net/
The Never Evers
http://www.facebook.com/pages/the-Never-Evers/329915225481
Food Stamps
http://www.myspace.com/foodstampsspace.com/foodstamps












Stevans
http://www.stevans.net/

Friday, October 22, 2010

Night of the Living Dead a Full Moon and The Thriller!!





This weekend New York will be host to many creepy events. The Moon will be full and this makes the cool October night even more strange. Friday and Saturday night the Sunshine Cinemas on Houston in the LES will run "Spooktacular!!" With "Night of the Living Dead." the first feature-length film directed by George A. Romero. "They're coming to get you, Barbra!" This is what Zombies are all about!! Also on Saturday they will creep and crawl across the land, they will make you want to shiver. Their sliding and dancing might prepare you for "THE THRILLER." The world will fill with half dead fans of Michael Jackson for a dance off. So in the next two nights with Halloween still over a week away you might just see some clumsy and staggering beings that are not the normal New York drunkards.

http://www.landmarktheatres.com/Market/NewYork/SunshineCinema.htm
http://www.thrilltheworldnyc.com/


Monday, October 18, 2010

New York Philharmonic's Night With Brahms


This last Saturday was a night full of fall colors and winds. Lincoln Center was alive with people dancing in the courtyard to a free concert that ended just in time for all to find their seats at the Opera or Symphony. The New York Philharmonic, lead by Conductor Alan Gilbert, had a full evening of Romanticism. Starting this concert with Passacaglia, op. 1 from one of Schoenberg's pupils Anton Webern. This was Anton's last piece completed while working with Schoenberg. This Passacaglia uses the basic late-romantic complements of instruments of a standard orchestra. This "passacaglia melody" is made up of eight-measure phrases that repeat through the piece in one way or another. This passacaglia theme is also heard in Brahms 4Th Symphony that rounds out the evening. Then Pinchas Zukerman a world-renowned violinist that studied in the 60's at the Juilliard School came out on stage to play Brahms Concerto in D major for the Violin and Orchestra, Op. 77. This was Brahms first Violin Concerto. He had the pleasure of working with the top Violin around in the 1850's Joseph Joachim. Who helped his good friend with this composition. On this night in October 2010 Pinchas Zukerman chose to play Joachim's Cadenza, the over-embellishment that Joachim played when performing this concerto. After a standing ovation and a small violin encore of one of Brahms lullaby's there was a intermission before the main event. The Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98, was Brahms last Symphony and is considered one of the masters best works. In 1872 Brahms Said he would never write a symphony. He went on to finish 4 very different pieces in this medium. The forth shows opposing emotions. This is a bittersweet piece that evokes many different feelings. With a intense first movement and a second that seems serene. Then the third seems to build and fall to build again and leave you ready for the finale movement where we see the passacaglia. This symphony takes forms of a romantic love affair that is striking, then easy, then faltering to end in a over emotional build up of unconditional love and discontent. This is what romance is and always will be.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Win Tickets to a New York Movie Premiere!!

There is a new thriller in town and its name is "Kalamity." This high suspense indie film is having its Premiere at the Village East Cinema here in New York City on October 22. We at NYC youarehere want You to be there. We have two tickets to give away for the premiere and two tix to give out for the rest of the run. The first two people to email bleyer@gmail.com will win the tickets. It's that easy to get a free thrill ride at the movies. This film has a young cast of talented players including Jonathan Jackson, Nick Stahl, Alona Tal and former GUSS Girl Beau Garrett. Check out the Trailer and be one of the first to see the film. NYC youarethere!!

http://www.kalamitymovie.com/

Thursday, September 30, 2010

A Look Back on Poverty In Harlem


This picture of Poverty In Harlem became a "representation of urban poverty" in 1969 and was put into history books and encyclopedias. Check this report on the family now.

http://www.citylimits.org/news/articles/4151/a-poster-child-for-poverty-in-harlem-speaks-back?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+citylimitsorg+%28City+Limits+News%29

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Hipsters, Hustlers, and Handball Players: Leon Levinstein at the MET

Leon Levinstein is an American photographer that's life's work is the New York City Streets. "In my photographs I want to look at life—at the commonplace things as if I just turned a corner and ran into them for the first time." "I want my photographs to be spontaneous rather than contrived." After moving to New York in the Forties he became obsessed with strangers and real life moments. He spent 35 years snapping photos of this fine city. The MET has over forty of his photographs on display till October 17. These show has Pimps, long-hair's and Hustlers. It also has families at Coney Island, lovers, young people, old people..its New York in black and white.



Hipsters, Hustlers, and Handball Players: Leon Levinstein's New York Photographs, 1950–1980

Monday, September 6, 2010

Max Manus at the QUAD CINEMA


Max Manus is a film about the German invasion of Norway. Max Manus was a saboteur and part of the Norwegian resistance movement. During the World War II occupation the Norwegian people where controlled by the Gestapo, and the Gestapo wanted Max. He showed determination and cunning, crossing the Swedish border many times and blowing things up. Keeping the Germans on their toes. Never giving up, knowing that the war could be won. In real life Manus' finished two books after the war. His books have been translated into English twice where the names have been changed. Manus never changed any names in the Norwegian text. He was a hero, and lets face it everyone loves a good Nazi movie.

Max Manus
In Norwegian, English, German, Russian and Finnish with English subtitles
Also at the QUAD CINEMA
More killing of Nazi's, this time its the French Resistance to Nazi occupation.
Army of Crime (L'Armée du Crime)
In French with English Subtitles

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Blondie August 31st, 2010

This is New York and sometimes that makes all the difference. A lot of music got its start right here in the Big Apple. Great acts like The Ramones and Blondie that span time with hits that rock forever. At this show on the last day of August the hits just keep on coming. "Debbie" Harry has still got it belting out one after another "Call Me,""One Way or Another," "Tide is High," It was nice to hear "Maria" the first single from 1999 reunion album. When you get to see a new york band in the city they always tell the best stories. Harry was happy to tell us about when young kids came down to CBGB's painting graffiti and took the band uptown, "across the border." That night that inspired "Rapture." So the band that formed here in 1974 came back on a Tuesday and played a kick ass set-list for all the hometown fans. Including a string of covers for a extra long Encore.

Blondie Encore -
Pet Cemetery - Ramones
See No Evil - Television
Can't Put Arms Round a Memory - J Thunders
Havana Affair - Ramones
Jet Boy - N. Y. Dolls
and Heart O Glass (*of course)

Thursday, August 26, 2010

The Extra Man



An “extra man,” is a escort for women that live longer than their men. They have the need for a man to fill the extra seat. You see, in society there is boy-girl-boy-girl seating at a table. This makes a need for a intellectual. A man with class to bring to dinner parties, the theater, or art openings. Kevin Kline plays Henry Harrison a character right out of a F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. “I’m not extra, I’m crucial, filled with wit and intelligence.” In this film as in most of Fitzgerald's writing there is a partially involved narrator Louis Ives played by Paul Dano. This young man moves to New York to find himself and become a writer. He seems to belong to a different time, with old clothes and soft speech. He shears a apartment with Henry who is a little off his rocker. This eccentric man brings new meaning to young Louis's life by teaching him the tricks of the city. The neighbor Gershon is something of a big foot played by John C. Reilly. The only thing that seemed out of place was Katie Holmes as Mary. Mary works with Louis at a environmental magazine. She plays a very green and hip photo editor that is more then selfish. Holmes is the only one in the cast that is "acting." She squirms through her small part not portraying exactly what Louis needs as a crush. Co-writer-directors Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini's made you love most of the cheaters in "The Extra Man." Just as they did in "American Splendor," the story of the late Harvey Pekar. An "extra man" is not needed to go to see Kevin Kline in this movie.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

The Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald


This great work of Twentieth Century American Fiction was not so well known in Fitzgerald's life time. The first printing that came out in 1925 was over 20,000 copies and sold out. The second printing (3,000) sat on the shelves of a warehouse for 15 years. Only after the news of his death did the last of the second printing finely sell. His novel is not just a social history, but is a pleasure to read. The Jazz Age, that great party before the depression. This is what is represented with the bigger then life characters in the Great Gatsby. The twenties was a time of bootleggers, flappers, and self made men. Fitzgerald knew how full and just how empty these characters lives could be. "The Jazz Age, it was an age of miracles, it was an age of art, it was an age of excess, and it was an age of satire." Gatsby is the man of the Jazz Age. He Has "some heightened sensitivity to the promises of life...an extraordinary gift for hope, a romantic readiness." This is a story about life, love and money from the 20's. It is also a story about New York, Long Island and how even back then young people flocked here to be where the actions is. The narrator Nick Carraway comes from the Midwest to find himself before being married. His story is told by reconstructing events in Gatsby's life from his own prospective. This Tall Tale is not just Gatsby's, or Nicks, but it becomes yours as you form your own prospective. "I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life." Nick lives next door to Gatsby on Long Island. On the Island rich people have big parties, nice cars, and huge estates. In Contrast some of the story goes on inside Manhattan, in small apartments, city streets and train stations. Nick's NYC is a big bustling place full of surprises. The whole book has a dark feeling that is heightened when in the city and lifted, if only slightly, within the excess of Long Island. But this is a vale, a fake cover for people that want to run from not through life's twist and turns. A must read for any New Yorker.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Weekend of BBQ at The Bell House



Labor day is just a couple of weeks off, but The Bell House is BBQ crazy already. They just got there license to have drinks and food out front and are celebrating with Happy Hour free Burgers and hot dogs. That's right FREE BBQ outside one of Brooklyn's favorite music venues. Happening this Friday the 27Th from 5pm to 7pm. They have Veggie burgers too, but get there early because the Veggies go fast. Then go inside and get great $3 drink specials. Its is Happy Hour you know. Stick around for HAPPY HOUSE at 10pm (also free) with resident DJ's Mister Disco, Danaskully and Enginesatsea. That's not all, if Friday is busy and there is no time to get down to Brooklyn, don't sweet it. This BBQ goes on all weekend with more free meat on Saturday from 6pm - 8pm and drink specials too. So sit out side on their new outdoor tables, drink in the sunlight, drink up some beers, and chow down for free. Stay on Sat. for RELEASE THE BEAST. Rock out with a guests DJ's from Philly Billy W. and Ryan T. and resident DJ's Fucci and Bryan Blackout will be on hand to help get everyone Rockin & Rollin. Its not a weekend with out Sunday and on Sunday the BBQ is not free but cheap enough not to care. Sunday from 1pm - 5pm The Bell House is helping NYC Daily Deals turn two. That means $2 drafts and well drinks and $2 BBQ. Whats a Birthday with out gifts? The Bell House is giving the gifts to customers with a raffle that is said to have so many prizes you are almost guaranteed to win. So this weekend go out to Drink and Eat, inside and out at The Bell House.

Check out these other events at The Bell House!!!
FRI 9/10:
Dead Flowers Productions presents
LALA BROOKS with
JENNY DEE & THE DEELINQUENTS
WED 9/22:
ANTI-FLAG
SAT 10/2:
VAN DYKE PARKS
CLARE & THE REASONS
SAT 10/2:
THE VIBRATORS That's right the Vibrators!! 70's Punk in the new Millennium!!
http://www.thebellhouseny.com/
http://www.nycdailydeals.com/

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Invited Underground by Baker St.

Going underground on a Friday night is easy at the National Underground. This Roots Rock Americana Music Bar owned by Joey DeGraw and Gavin DeGrawin in the LES is a hopping good time. From the honky-tonk upstairs to the bands "underground" in the basement this place is worth the trip downtown. With good drinks, cheap beer and great hamburgers you can make a night of it on Houston St. Yes, its on Houston St. the strip between the east Village and Lower Manhattan. Baker St. is a street somewhere..anywhere USA, but in NYC Baker St. is a Band with a good sound and a great attitude. This band is one part Indie Rock, one part 90 Rock, and the rest Singer Songwriter. The slow/fast pop songs are so much like the music of our high school years. The song bird at the helm is Michelle Hutt, who not only has a voice but plays her original songs on the guitar. With Mike Kennelly on Bass, Kevin Oshinskie on Drums and new guitarist's Jimmy Nugent the Band is now complete. Some more time with the second guitar is needed to make the music sound like it does in Michelle's head, but when they put on a show thet kids pile in to hear not only the music but also the banter.

Baker St's next show is Sunday the 29th at Trash Bar in Brooklyn. They also have a show At Ace of Club's on 9/10.

Baker St. --
http://www.bakerstband.com/ (Under Construction)
www.reverbnation.com/bakerst (MP3s, Photos and Videos available)
Check out their EP - Distroy The Internet
National Underground --
http://www.thenationalunderground.com/

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

The Girl Who Played with Fire


The movie The Girl Who Played with Fire is the second novel in the Millennium Trilogy, written by Stieg Larsson and has the same charters as the first, but different directors. This is another great film that happens to be in a trilogy. The first films mystery is cut and dry. This new story is more conspiracy then mystery. Girl With the Dragon Tattoo was directed by Niels Arden Oplev. The Girl Who Played with Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest are directed by Daniel Alfredson. One can tell the difference a director makes. The first film was slower with a way about it that made it creepy, it had a presence. The second film was faster with quick cuts and more action, it was exciting. Noomi Rapace plays a great part perfectly, one feels that "The girl" has gotten a little older and wiser.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Hungarian Modernism at Shepherd & Derom Galleries


It is a good summer for fans of Cubism, Expressionism, and Abstract Art. There are big shows at the City museums and smaller gallery exhibitions that focus on art from these schools. Right now the Shepherd & Derom Galleries on East 79Th Street has a wonderful mix of artiest from Hungary. This is "a survey of Modernism in Hungary by artists who began their careers between the 1910s and 1920s and lived and worked through the turbulence of the century." In 1925 French, Dutch, German, Italian, Russian, and Hungarian artists were just coming on to the world stage with the Art d’Aujourd’hui exhibition in Paris. Hungarian Artists went to the city centers to cultivate this new kind of thinking. In this show are some beautiful examples in painting, drawings, and sculpture. The Shepherd & Derom Gallery has been the place for major museums and private collections to acquire works of 19Th century art since 1966. In 1977 they started a center to help museums and private collectors with maintenance and preservation of fine art. They have more than 2,000 European and American period frames. The exhibit has been extended through August and walk in's are welcome.

The Hungarian Artist --
István Beöthy (1897-1961), József Csáky (1888-1971), István Fárkas (1887-1944), Béla Kádár (1877-1956), Anton Prinner (1902-1983), László Moholy-Nagy (1895-1946), Alfred Reth (1884-1966), György Román (1903-1981), and Hugó Scheiber (1873-1950)

58 East 79Th Street - New York, NY 10075 - Tel: 212-861-4050 - Fax: 212-772-1314

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Fred's Amsterdam Ave & 83st.

Dog and cat lovers alike will enjoy a bite from Fred. A bite to eat that is... Fred's is a warm and welcoming bistro on the Upper East Side. This place is all about mans best friend and is asking people to come, sit, and stay! This is driven home with pictures of dogs in all shapes and sizes decorating the subbasement dining room. Don't like walking downstairs to eat, then sit outside at one of the many tables on the sidewalk. The friendly Wait staff will come out to take your order.Their burgers are under $11 and come with fries and a side-salad, no skimping here. If salad is your "thing" then take notice of the many different salads full of more then the normal ingredients with signature dressings. With delivery and take out you can pick something up when walking your pup or order in within the "Leash Length." (66Th to 100Th st. Riverside to Central Park West)

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Winnebago Man


In this day and age a man can be world famous and not even know it. With the help of the Internet and Youtube any-stupid-thing can be seen by 20 million people. This is what happened to Jack Rebney. You might not know him by name but he is the foul-mouthed RV salesman that has become an Internet sensation. Some people know him as the "Angriest Man Alive" or just as the “Winnebago Man.” In the 90's VHS tapes surfaced of outtakes from a promotional video for the popular motor homes. Without Youtube that might have been the whole story, but this new way to share Video clips made Jack a star. Who is this guy? What is he doing now? How has this effected Jacks life? These are the questions filmmaker Ben Steinbauer set out to answer. This is a funny look at not just Jack Rebney, but at how America has changed and will continue to change with technology.

Here is the clip...there are some funny, but very bad words that Blogger does not like so check it out on youtube --
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDQQfBrSUs0

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Peruvian Jazz at TUTUMA Social Club

Jazz is alive and well in the big city. Here In New York Jazz can be heard when strolling through Central Park. One can see Jazz programs at Lincoln Center or Carnegie Hall, but small Jazz clubs around the city are the best place for a music lover to experience Jazz in the Big Apple. TUTUMA Social Club on 56Th Street is one of these sweet spots for lunch or dinner, drinks, and Jazz. The heavy handed bar tenders make great drinks, and with no cover the music is always free. Free is good and they know it. That's why they have a fun little raffle after every set giving out a free drink or dessert to the lucky name pulled from the box. The music and food are a fusion of Perúvian and American style. This Afro‐Peruvian Jazz music gives us a link between contemporary Jazz and black music of coastal Perú. Trumpet player Gabriel Alegria's Afro-Peruvian Sextet plays every Sat. and Sun. thorough July and August. Gabriel Alegria is not only the Music Director at TUTUMA, but also is the Associate Director of Jazz Studies at New York University. His love of the arts started young and he went into music right out of high school. His family have been active in the arts in Perú for generations with a novelist and an acclaimed playwright, and now the family can be proud of this young composer. Check him out along with all the other ensembles at happy hour or late night downstairs at TUTUMA Social Club.








TUTUMA Social Club -- "Rising Stars" Mondays, Guitar Night Wednesday's, and Family Night Sundays with the Gabriel Alegria Afro-Peruvian Sextet:
http://www.tutumasocialclub.com/

Friday, July 16, 2010

The Agony and the Ecstasy of Phil Spector


In life there are ups and downs, highs and lows, agony and ecstasy. This is true for everybody. Some weirdo geniuses have very high ups and the lowest lows. Does Agony bring the genius that gives ecstasy? Phil Spector was a musical savant. He came up with a sound big enough to be called "The Wall Of Sound." Everybody wanted to find out his secret that brought hit after hit. ( "He's A Rebel" "Then He Kissed Me" – The Crystals, "Be My Baby" – The Ronettes, "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling'" – The Righteous Brothers, "Imagine" – John Lennon, "Do You Remember Rock 'n' Roll Radio?" – Ramones ) Not just hits, songs that are different but still linked with that "thing." This music that Phil heard in his brain he had to mach with what came out of the studio. How was he able to produce pure magic? Know one may ever know. He is not the first to be loved for one thing but despised for another. His music changes peoples lives even now 40 years latter. He helped shape Rock-n-Roll and forever changed the way we listen to the radio. Lots of good things come from bad people. This film shows that maybe Phil is not bad, just misunderstood like the Rebel in his songs. This exclusive interview done during his second trial for the murder of a struggling actress seems like a "I told you so" from Phil. In it he is as funny as he is serious. This interview is stuck together with courtroom footage, news reports, and vintage video from the 60's and 70's. The music with the muted courtroom in the background is Enough to look at without the subtitles to read, you find your mind missing the point of one if not all three. Other then that, this is an eye opening documentary for the BBC. Just what the music public wants, history with dirty laundry. This time he gets off, but the next time he goes to court he gets19-years-to-life in prison. We know he did not write it but "He Fought the Law and the Law Won."

Held Over through August 3 Only!

THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY OF PHIL SPECTOR at Film Forum -
http://www.filmforum.org/films/spector.html