DJ Babaloo and Salsa @ South Street Seaport

I really hope all of you are taking advantage of the summer season by going out there and enjoying the city. Can't emphasize enough on how many free things and events there are to do.

I was recently told about free salsa lessons and dancing at South Street Seaport, by Skipper's Bar, at 7PM on Thursdays and Saturdays throughout the summer (last day is 9/1). Whoa what?!

When the night started, the host introduced the crowd (all 7 of us) to beginner's salsa dancing. After convincing a few shy but brave souls to demonstrate, the party got started. As the night came upon us, the host let DJ Babaloo take over. By that time, a few more people gathered on the pier. Then DJ Babaloo ripped the dance floor (or pier) with classic Latin music. More and more people couldn't resist the urge to jump onto the dance floor! There was a mix of expert dancers and novices. The pros would offer to dance with the newbies and teach them a few steps. Love it!

DJ Babaloo knows how to make the atmosphere alive according to the crowd's needs. He kept us on our toes all night. It didn't matter if you had a dance partner or not, DJ Babaloo will get you in the mood! Before I knew it, the floor was filled and the bar seats were empty. We even got a treat from the East River. Fireworks!

Alexander McQueen's Savage Beauty

Yep. I did it. I did the wait. It was just half the fun! Whatever it's worth to you, you will make the wait. Man, was it breathtaking. Absolutely breathtaking.

One of my friends noted my procrasination by pointing out my waiting until the last day of the exhibit to go. It builds up the excitement! ...Did that excuse work?

Music to Know Festival 2011 CANCELLED

...WTH??

Well, things happen. Music to Know was supposed to go on from August 13th to the 14th. There were a few recognizable names in the line-up such as Vampire Weekend and Ellie Goulding. Looked like a great idea...but I guess it was better on paper than in reality.

Another issue was that Music to Know was scheduled just a week after another Hamptons concert (Escape to New York). How many times did you expect people to pay $110 to go all the way into the Hamptons for a concert one week after another? This ain't Dave Matthews Band!! No disrespect...

Hopefully they'll have better luck next year.

Deer Tick

Really? Deer Tick? My first impression. Actually, that included some goosebumps and squirming because I'm not a huge fan of parasites. Even the word gives me the heebie geebies. But get past that and get to the music!

Deer Tick made their TV debut on David Letterman during the summer of last year. Don't let their young age fool you. They are all folk and bluegrass with a modern twist. They consider themselves a rock and roll band. It's a very interesting sound and more loyal to bluegrass than rock. I absolutely love their song, Baltimore Blues No.1. Who would've thought!? Then I found out they covered one of Sammy Davis Jr's songs. There, you got me.

Deer Tick consists of the founder, John McCauley, Ian O'Neil, Rob Crowell, Christopher Ryan and Dennis Ryan. They hail from Providence, RI. Yep, this is where all those mansions are! And beautiful beaches. Anyways, there's been many changes in the line-up of Deer Tick over the years. Let's hope they finally got it right. Their latest album, The Black Dirt Sessions, came out on June 8, 2010.

They'll be performing at the Hudson River Rocks (NYC) at Pier 54 on Monday, 8/8/2011 @ 7. It's a free concert! What else are you going to do on a Monday night? See you there.

RESCHEDULED!!! FYI, I've just been informed that Deer Tick's performance has been rescheduled to THURSDAY, 8/11/11, @ 7 PM @ Pier 54. Ok, so...hope your Monday night goes well anyway!

Ellie Goulding @ Union Square 7/2011

This past Saturday, Ellie Goulding performed at Best Buy at Union Square in NYC. And I got there 1.5 hours early to see her! I would've been there earlier if it wasn't for the infamous MTA verse, "We are delayed because of train traffic. Please be patient," blaring into my ears for over an hour. I find it hard to believe that no one has gone nuts on one of these subways by now. #$*&^%!@*.

Anywho, I picked my spot, got my CD and a nice wristband to meet Ellie after the show. Ah, living the moment as a groupie. I totally went head over heels a while ago when I first heard her dance song, Lights, and her beautiful ballad, The Writer. Her heavy British accent shines so brightly through every one of her words. You and I know we love it! Finally the moment has come.

Ellie first sang her hit dance song, "Lights." Acoustic. Girl can sing her lungs out! The CD does her no justice in displaying the power, strength and rawness of her voice. I was very surprised. Seeing her live changed everything.

Most of her songs are electropop and dance. She has the appeal of Kylie Minogue, the humbleness of girl-next-door Cheryl Cole, and the powerful lungs of Natasha Bedingfield. But Ellie is an absolute original. Just listen. I must also add that you should not trust the pictures. Ellie is even more stunningly beautiful in person.

This UK powerhouse has been touring in the States and will be one of the headliners at the concert, Music to Know in the Hamptons in August. Ellie started her career in 2009 with her debut single, "Under the Sheets." It hit the top of the UK charts. Her debut album, Lights, came out in March of last year. One of my favorite songs is "Salt Skin." She sang it on Saturday as well. But after taking a load of pictures for the first 10 minutes, I had to put away all my shenanigans and ENJOY the performance.

Class Actress - I want to "Keep You"!

It's amazing what the human memory can go on with nothing but a silhouette, a note or a dance move as a reminder.

Some friends invited me to join them at one of the Hudson River Rocks show, last night. Yes, I totally missed this information before! Thank goodness for friends. They wanted to go see Class Actress. The name didn't ring a bell with me and I didn't have time to look up who this band was before I headed there. I was walking onto the packed Pier (let's just say I thought I was in Williamsburg) just as Class Actress started to play, "Let Me Take You Out." Holy mackerel freaking goodness. Then I looked up at the stage. I was far, far back but I KNOW that dance and silhouette of the singer, Elizabeth Harper.


I first saw them at Bowery Ballroom as an opening act! Probably about 2 years ago. Things has changed since then and for the better, I see. I thought they were pretty good back then but never had a chance to catch their name. Now I finally know and will remember it!

Class Actress' songs are heavily synth and electro that are softened by Elizabeth Harper's smokey but strong voice. They focus strongly on a music style best described as a very mod 80s. This music sounds like the journey of a girl in a big city trying to figure out her glamorous path amongst everyone. And nothing will get in her way towards finding it.



I'm liking their new song, Keep You, more and more. Yes, more than the songs from their last album! The band sounds more confident in their style in this new song. It's like hearing, "Yes, this is me. This is what I am!" in the background. The new album is named Rapprocher and will be out on October 18, 2011. I'm looking forward to hear what incredible beats, styles and lyrics Class Actress has to offer.

27 - Tears Dry On Their Own

On Saturday, I was enjoying a scrumptious Maine seafood meal when my friend broke the news to me. Thanks to 3G. Amy Winehouse has died.

On Monday, I received my copy of Spin magazine in the mail. It was a special tribute on Nirvana and Kurt Cobain.

On Tuesday, the media started to ping Amy as a member of the unfortunately glamorized 27 Club. It isn't. It is only all too tragic. Amy has joined Kurt there. All so gifted and all gone too soon. We were the lucky ones to be gifted with their unhindered talents. They weren't strong enough to conquer their demons in this life. Here's hoping that they are rid of them in the next.

R.I.P.

Trombone Shorty new single 2011!!!

Finally! The day has come!

Our handsome and talented friend, Trombone Shorty, will be debuting his new single on Facebook on Tuesday at noon. Cheeeck it out! His full album will debut on September 13, 2011. Trombone Shorty's tour list is growing and has been taking him back and forth over the Atlantic.

Shorty and his band are currently performing through France, Scotland and Germany. He will be back in the States to perform at the Newport Jazz Festival on August 6-7, though the Festival runs from the 5th to the 7th. Both performances will be at Fort Hood State Park in Newport, Rhode Island. Grab a chance and make your way there. No regrets!

I absolutely love his song, "Fallin." Guys, listen to him cause this is how you do it ;)
Here's a clip of one of his performances from last summer! Swooon.

Shout out to Louisiana Music Factory down in New Orleans for introducing him to me!

Jane Lui in Dr. Horrible's Sing-A-Long!

So what has our friend, Jane Lui, been up to these days?

Acting, of course! I'm so excited to see Jane play a lead role in a production of Dr. Horrible's Sing-A-Long! This show is based in San Diego and made possible by Chinese Pirate Productions.

I love Neil Patrick Harris a.k.a. the original Dr. Horrible. Who doesn't? During the Screen Writers' strike in 2008, the Whedon brothers wrote the tragicom, Dr. Horrible's Sing-A-Long. Well, tragic for mere humans but a victory for evil! Mwahaha!

There are 4 main characters. Dr. Horrible (NPH), Moist, Captain Hammer, and Penny the love interest. Jane will be playing the sweet Penny. For those of you lucky enough to be in San Diego, get your tickets here!! The play will go on from July 16th to the 30th. Tickets are $30 online and $35 at the door. Do you know what this also means? You can get double the fun by heading towards Comic Con (7/20 - 24) as well! Get your Dr. Horrible on!

Dr. Horrible's Sing-A-Long
July 16 - 30
10th Avenue Theatre
930 10th Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101

Click here! Vlog by George Ye.

Summer concerts in the Hamptons

A pair of weekend festivals will be playing in the Hamptons in early August! One will be in East Hampton and the other in South Hampton. Cute.
Both festivals are featuring indie bands with no overlap. But PLEASE check out the music before you buy. There are all day and single passes still avaliable. Don't drive. Take mass transit.

Escape to New York (August 5-7)
www.escape2ny.com
South Hampton
On the Shinnecock Reservation

Music to Know (August 13 - 14)
www.musictoknow.com
East Hampton
Runway 4

I'm excited to see that Mates of State is a part of the line up for Escape to New York! Hopefully, Kori will have time to update her blog, Band on the Diaper on the Run, with this experience.

Another name that made me go "Ooooo" is Ellie Goulding. This succesful young British electropop star is just that. A star!! Ellie has been recieving awards and nominations in her native UK since 2010. Her debut album, Lights, pretty much smashed the UK charts last year. And I love it! Ellie will be performing at Music to Know on Saturday's line up. She'll also be touring the rest of the U.S. until the end of the summer. Check the schedule!

FYI: Ellie will be performing at Best Buy on Saturday, July 30, in Union Square (NYC) at 2 PM!

End of an Era

This week I was all about Harry Potter. I've been reading it since the first book came out in the late 90s. The movies were just putting our imaginations into reality. This isn't just about the "hype." There's a reason why the books became so popular. There are many life lessons entwined into this magical story. And can you imagine the things that goes on inside JK Rowling's mind!?

Anywho, so besides me oozing my HP fever into CNote, I want you to know the composer for HP7. The music was just absolutely AMAZING. Every note of the score accentuated the emotions that make us human. I have no words to describe it. I just know this music dove inside my heart and tugged on strings that have been left idle by my real world.

Who do I have to thank for this? Alexandre Desplat, a French film composer. His resume is filled with major French and Hollywood motion pictures such as Syriana, The Queen and Coco avant Chanel. Alexandre Desplat's awards include Golden Globes and BAFAs. He more then deserves to get nominations and awards for this work. Holy cow.

The last of the pianos 2011 (Pt. 2)

The home stretch. This was my last ditch effort before the Pop-Up Pianos from Sing for Hope were going to be shipped off (for a great cause). Armed with my Metrocard, flats and a list, I was ready.

My first stop was Long Island City, Queens. This piano was situated at Gantry Plaza State Park. It livened the place up, that's for sure.

A few minutes after I finished analyzing the piano, a child came up to me. He wanted to cover the piano back up in case it rained. He needed help. The boy wanted the piano to be safe. I helped him out a little bit because he insisted on doing most of the heavy work, haha. Awwh, New Yorkers DO care!

After I showed some of my pals my collection of pictures...I got in trouble for not visiting them while I was here! Now they have an I.O.U. that's good for a drink!

WARNING: If possible, avoid wearing a flowy skirt on a windy and humid day while trying to cover up a piano. It was a tricky act to try to cover EVERYTHING with 2 hands.

I spent more time trying to cover this piano, in Court Square, than I did taking pictures of it! I was using some ninja moves, with one hand grabbing the tarp, hook and skirt and the other just holding things down, when an extra pair of hands arrived to help me...with the piano's tarp! The gentleman was curious about the piano and also came over because of my struggling dance. Just in time. I was about to face plant onto the ground. He was excited to be able to speak to someone who knows why this piano was there! The gentleman then thought that maybe he can catch a few pianos around the city as well.

Staten Island Ferry! This girl is a pro. So is her friend that played after her, and the next friend that played after her! Goodness. I was surrounded by this group of young and talented musicians. Nope, nope. You do not want to hear me play. Not after them, haha. I love the colors and designs of this piano. It's very playful and beachy.

Staten Island Ballpark. I was so excited when I was walking towards this piano. Because there was a game going on, too! S.I. Yankees vs. Aberdeen Ironbirds (June 30, 2011). I haven't been to a baseball game in a while and I just love hearing the announcer's voice. It's usually overdramatic and HAPPY. This piano was right at the front entrance of the Ballpark.

Apparently, I spooked someone while I was taking this picture! Well, I was hiding behind a pole...

The spookee turns out to be a bag piper who just performed at the opening ceremonies at the game and is also an alumni of the NYC Sanitation Dept (NYC's Strongest!!). We chatted for a long time about pianos, education, games, the future, family, music and just had an awesome conversation! He asked me to play a few notes. I asked him if he was sure. Yes, of course. Then I'm going to apologize first. I haven't played the piano in years. Just never had the room for one.

After a few notes, I saw him still standing there...smiling and really trying not to squirm and laugh. I thanked him for not running away, haha.


Ending note: And so my 2011 piano hunt comes to a close. This was one "project" that will be unforgettable. I started out my hunt with just a mission to see all the different designs of these beautiful pianos. I never expected to meet so many people from so many different walks of life. I not only have a collection of photos but I have an even bigger collection of great stories and wonderful memories. Music truly is the language that brings everyone together. Thanks!

Folk Festival, Newport, RI 2011

I LOVE SUMMER. We're already half way into it so don't waste the rest of it away! For my locals who want to go somewhere just for a weekend, check out Newport, RI for seafood and the beautiful mansions on the beaches.

And for those who could care less about the mansions, there's still tickets on sale for the Newport Folk Festival from July 30th to 31st! This will take place at Fort Adams State Park in Newport.

This year the Folk Fest will be featuring bands that include the Decemberists, Elvis Costello, Tegan & Sara and our very own P.S. 22 Chorus!!! They are scheduled to go on at the Harbor music stage on Saturday, July 30th from 11:30 - 12:15 AM. Enjoy!

The last of the pianos 2011 (Pt. 1)

I tried my best. I barely made it to 20 of the 88 in the city. Maybe next year I'll hit 30! As of July 2nd, all the pianos are being shipped off to new homes in schools, libraries, community centers, etc. I'm pretty sure that these pianos will bring just as much joy to its new home as it did to all New Yorkers during the past 2 weeks (even the stolen one).

This piano was easy to find. It was right in front of the Alice Tully Hall. I reached for the tarp at the same time as a pianist did. I didn't even see him until then. We took the tarp off together (yay, team work!). I just sat there and watched him play a few classical pieces, while there was a cocktail party of some sort going on behind the glass walls of the Hall. It was a shame that the party wasn't able to hear what I was listening to.

This area was easy. There are 3 pianos within mere blocks of each other. I guess being the Lincoln Center has its perks!

When I got to this Diane Von Furstenburg designed piano, I saw a group of friends surrounding it. One was trying to play something. Anything. But he has been away from a piano for way too long. The other friends were encouraging him to continue. It will come to him. According to them, it would definitely be better than their attempt at it.

Not bad. After this impromptu performance, all the friends made it clear that they were proud of their very own pianist.

This is one of the designer painted pianos that will be auctioned off! The money from this auction will provide "under resourced NYC public schools" in the arts. But the memories and stories this piano provided to so many, are priceless.

This lovely lady grand was just sitting pretty in the David Rubenstein Atrium. I must've walked past this block 2-3 times before I found the slither of an opening to get in! It was lovely with a garden and a cafe inside. This place was very tranquil. And so freaking quiet. No wonder no one played on this piano.

Back from weekend

Hope everyone had an awesome time celebrating America's birthday! After all the BBQs, fireworks and fun...it's back to work, people!