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. 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.

Who would steal a piano?!

NOT. RIGHT. AT ALL.

It was just reported, by Gothamist and Daily News, that someone stole a pop-up piano from the Bronx! The culprit not only stole from the public but also the children that were supposed to recieve it after July 2nd. Argh. I'm sad to see that the 88 pianos have been reduced to 87. It's a lost key. Let's hope the guilty would be found...or get a concscience.

UPDATE: A local community group, Friends of Oval Park, will be replacing the piano! Here is the announcement. It's unfortunate to say but this time, please lock it up!

Pianos 6, 7, 8...and more!

Well, I went hunting again. Enjoy!

This guy was playing "Lean On Me," when I walked up. He had help from 2 singing vendors working nearby! @ Astor Place

Sometimes in our lives
We all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on me
When you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

Battery Park! I had a hard time looking for this one. I figured since the Park isn't THAT big I'm sure I can find it...within an hour or so. As I walked along the waters I took in the view of my beloved Lady Liberty, the fishermen and the tourists (well they were in my way, lol). I walked all the way to the end and still, no sign of a piano. I stood for a minute and then I heard tinkering. A lot of tinkering. I turned around and BAM! 20 feet from me a man was brushing up his skills.


I gasped when I took off the tarp on this one. It has the official logo of the event! Yay for Sing for Hope! And it is so shiny. But I seriously wished it was at a less smelly place. It was kind of close to a restaurant's side door. This piano was stationed at the beginning of Coenties Alley. I haven't been back in this area for brunch in a long time.

I love flowers =) This one was hiding in City Hall Park behind City Hall. I was sad to see that this piano had gotten pretty worn from the weather. It's music books were still soggy from the rain probably the day before. A biker came up to me and said he was surprised that this piano was still able to carry a tune! We both agreed that this poor thing has been through a lot. After my photo session I covered her back up.

This trio was IN THE ZONE. The rest of the city was just background noise for them. I was lucky that they stopped for 2 seconds. Enough time for me to ask permission to take a picture of them (but the piano was the star, lol). CLICK. Trio resumes discussing their next piece. Latin dance.

CHINATOWN. I had to pay attention to the detail of this design. It was so simple but so nice. It's a brush drawing of a rabbit (for the rabbit year) and the iris is written over with the characters for sun and moon. I was in Chinese music central when I got here. Columbus Park is filled with old Chinese people singing opera, pop, old school music, playing chess or just chillin. On the other side of the park, you can spot a few basketball games going on. Ah, what a beautiful day. The group, to the right of the piano, was singing "My Heart Will Go On." I haven't heard that song in years and would've never expected to hear it here! Bravo! It was definitely fun to chat with the older people. They looked on as I took off the tarp of the piano. Of course I carefully wrapped it back after I was done. I was explaining to a few of them the purpose of it being here. The piano definitely belonged in this music haven.

Pianos 4 and 5 (2011)

Yes, I realize the picture to the left is not of a piano, but of a furry purple koala. The lovely lady was in a koala costume promoting a Broadway show while standing in a potted tree. I took this picture after I felt something bump into the back of my head which resulted in me freaking out a little bit and my good friend, Cauliflower, to laugh at my encounter. It was Miss Koala's ear that hit me. Hey, it could've been bird poo. Phew. Apparently Miss Koala got out of the tree and joined us at the piano (Broadway and 45th Street) when someone was playing it. Yay, to music bringing people together!

Onto the next one! Cauliflower and I made our way to the Library at Bryant Park. To our delight, we got there at the same time as a musician did. Craig Greenberg, just started belting out his songs. I'll have to check his music out, soon. While the rest of the surrounding people and we were enjoying Craig's music, a lot of commotion was going about. Then I realized that they were filming scenes for...White Collar! Ohmigoodness, I really like that show! The staff just started to build the set around us and asked if we can move back but offered to let us watch it on their monitors. The set was built in about 10 minutes. It was like watching Nascar. I saw Mozzie!! And Pete and Neal. Oh, Neal.

Oh, yes. Back to the piano. So Craig played a few more songs (which the White Collar staff stopped to listen to as well!) and then decided to head off to another piano. We stayed for a bit more to watch the action. Before we left, we covered the piano back up with its blue tarp since the gray skies were going to arrive soon.

I love the painting on the lower part of the piano that depicts a subway. Classic!

Pianos 2 and 3 (2011)

This darling is like a funky auntie. All bright colors and snazz yet comforting and trusting. I found her under the Archway of Manhattan Bridge. She is styling a knit cover that will also survive our summer showers under the Bridge. Give her a visit!

I was so upset when I was walking towards this piano at Shore Road Park. Why are you covered?? Can I help?? I went straight up and tried to uncover it so it can enjoy the sun!

But before I even tried, I heard "Nyet! Nyet!" I responded, "Da! Da! This is not supposed to be covered today!" The old man thought I was going to vandalize something. What?? Does this face look like it belongs to a troublemaker!? ...

Then I found a note on the blue tarp. "Sorry, this will be a rainy week so keeping covered!" Oh, phooey. You're only here for 2 weeks! I walked away in defeat. Sigh. Maybe I'll give it another try next week.

Come Out and Enjoy Make Music New York 2011

Tuesday, June 21st will be the longest day of the year. This is also the annual date for Make Music New York! Make Music New York is a NYC sponsored event that turns the city into one big music festival...for free! On this day, there will be hundreds of bands playing all day from 10 to 10 (depending on neighborhood noise permits) all throughout the 5 boroughs. Most of these bands will be playing outside businesses, parks and community spaces. Please check the link for schedule and locations!

And the longest performance of the day goes to British electronic musician, Nick Franglen. Nick will be performing at the Archway of Brooklyn Bridge (Brooklyn side) from midnight to midnight. That's right, for 24 freaking hours. This uninterrupted and improvised 24 hour piece is called "Hymn to Manhattan Bridge." Nick will be counting on passing pedestrians and cyclists to make an imprint on his piece. So, I might actually be able to catch this one.

Nick also made a similar piece last year called, "Hymn to London Bridge." You can guess where that one was created.

Pick a neighborhood, a venue or a genre and go enjoy!

Piano 1 (2011)

Found one of the 88 pianos from Sing for Hope! This baby was sitting in Times Square on Broadway and 42nd Street. I found it being covered by Cookie Monster, Spongebob and Minnie Mouse. Only after I approached the piano did others realize that it was there. I hope all of you get a chance to show off your musical skills on one of these!

One down, 87 to go!

Gaga Invasion

Look at who greeted me during lunch time... Yes, sometimes I travel to get my meal!

Pianos Taking Over!!

Hot town, summer in the city!

Now if I can only find someone who can play this on one of the 88 pianos that are hanging out on the streets of NYC. This was brought to you by the non-profit organization, Sing for Hope. From June 18 to July 2, these beautifully painted pianos will be here for your pleasure. There will also be many impromptu performances by local musicians/artists. Check out the schedule and locations here! This is the second year for this program and I hope it will be for many more years to come. After July 2nd, all the pianos will be donated to local schools, hospitals and other community organzations. Have fun!

How many can you find??

Happy Weekend!

It's Friday and clock is about to hit 5PM...
For those who need a little brain candy, here's a bit humor to get the weekend started!



Happy weekend, everyone!

Music Frees All Festival - June 1-3, 2011

From June 1 to June 3, check out the Music Frees All Festival in NYC! This Festival will feature funk, afrobeat, soul, hip hop and reggae tunes. Each night will be held at a different venue with a different line-up. Admission tickets are from $5 to $10. The most important night will be on June 3rd, when all admission proceeds will go to the Scotty Hard Trust. Scotty Hard is a music producer and performer who was hit by a stolen vehicle in 2008. His friends and family made a trust fund to help with Scotty's medical expenses. The making of this Trust shows how influential and how many lives he has touched around him, especially in the music world.

June 1: South Paw (125 5th Ave., Park Slope)
Featuring - Turkuaz, Melanie Charles & the Journey, Top Shotta and Super
Osei & Money Jungle
Admission - $5
Doors @ 7:30PM, Show @ 8PM

June 2: Public Assembly (70 North 6th Street, Williamsburg)
Featuring - Ikebe Shakedown, Gato Loco, Brooklyn Soul Survivors and
Underground System Afrobeat
Admission - $10
Doors @ 7:30PM, Show @ 8PM

June 3: Drom (85 Ave. A, East Village)
Featuring - Mago (John Medeski/Billy Martin), EMEFE, Ben Perowsky's
Moodswing Orchestra, Mokaad, Nyle vs Naysayers, DJ Afro-Marc and more
Admission - $10
Doors @ 7:30PM, Show @ 8PM

Hope y'all come out to see the amazing line-ups!! My personal favorite is Melanie Charles & the Journey. She'll be on the stage on June 1st. Her vivid and brilliant voice earns her an entry into the jazz sphere.

We can all use a little soul in our lives.

Jane Lui - FREE Album Download Ends Tonight!

FYI - Jane Lui's free music download of her CD, Goodnight Company, will be ending TONIGHT! Get your free music now at her site!

National Memorial Day Concert 2011

For many, Memorial Day represents the beginning of the summer, meticulously planned barbecues and of course, remembrance. As we enjoy our time with our family and friends, let us also give thanks and remember the men and women who have given and sacrificed more than what many of us can even comprehend.

On May 29, the day before Memorial Day, there will be a National Memorial Day Concert held on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The Concert will be hosted by Gary Sinise, and will feature musicians and actors which include B.B. King, Kris Allen, Forest Whitaker, Pia Toscano and many more.

The National Memorial Day Concert will be broadcast live on PBS at 8:00 EST.


~Empire State Building in red, white & blue~

50% off at Pop Market at their Pop Up Shop!

For all the music lovers out there, here's a deal offered from Pop Market at their pop-up shop in the East Village. That's a lot of pops. For a limited time (today!!) get a 50% off coupon to use at the shop for free! You can get vinyls, box sets, books, posters, t-shirts, etc. The coupon doesn't expire until 6/24/11. Get it here at this link now!!

Pop Market
313 Bowery
New York, NY 10003

Parachute or Parachute?

Well, well, well. Last year, the Britsh pop star, Cheryl Cole, had a chart topper with "Parachute." Her tango-inspired video was glamorous, sexy and frilly. Cheryl shows how much she needs her Prince Charming to be there for her. I also can't deny how much I was staring at Derek Hough. *Girly sigh* This is the epitome of a pop video.

Recently, my friend, who is currently up in Beantown, shared a video with me...that I am SHOCKED that I have not seen before!!! One of the writers of "Parachute," my home girl, Ingrid Michaelson sang her own interpretation of the song. And I mean "home girl," literally, because we're from the same 'hood(!). Anyway, Ingrid's take on this song is just more sultry, intense, mysterious and confident. And all she's wearing is a black tank top and lip gloss! No frilly dresses or massive eyeshadow needed here. She doesn't need to wait for anyone. But she knows her Prince is waiting for her!

Here's Cheryl...



Here's Ingrid...



Which is your favorite version?? Comment below!!

Search Amazon.com MP3 Downloads for cheryl cole parachute

NYC Free Concert Season Begins ...

Although, I am sure there are plenty of concerts that has happened and are happening in our lovely city, I just thought I'd mention the Black Eyed Peas and their upcoming free concert. I hope you like this word as much as I do...free!

The BEPs will be performing on June 9, 2011 in Central Park to benefit the Robin Hood Foundation. The Robin Hood Foundation specifically funds programs that are most effective in fighting poverty in NYC. The BEPs also started an arts school in New York which will, hopefully, offset the cut to the arts programs in New York's public school system.

This concert is might also play as an introduction from BEPs to NYC announcing that they will be here for some time. I wasn't sure how and where the money is coming from since the concert will be free, but it is mentioned that VIP seats will be sold online. There will be about 50,000 tickets that will be given away online! Good luck! Maybe you can take a nice stroll across the Park that day, too. =)

College Broadcasters Inc. - Minute of Silence

. . . . .

What's that you hear? That's right. Nothing. Just a few minutes ago, at 12 PM Central and 1 PM Eastern time, a minute of silence was held on college radios all across the country. This effort was organized by College Broadcasters Inc. (CBI) in protest of the rising sales of college radio stations. CBI is an organization that represents students in media ventures that commits to education and student involvement. This protest was prompted by the recent sale of the radio station from Rice University (KTRU) and the pending sales of University of San Francisco (KUSF) and Vanderbilt University (WRVU). These sales will mean a decrease in the already small number of local outlets a community has.

College radio stations plays a great role, if not the most important role, as a voice for students and the local community. The voices that are fortunately still being heard nationwide are in support of those that have been silenced.

Here are some words from CBI's President, Candace Walton.

"This minute of silence is just the first step in a broader effort to make the nation aware of how critical student stations are to localism in broadcasting.

Many Americans, including members of Congress, have complained that consolidation, voice tracking, syndication and automation have left communities without a true local radio station. Student stations are often the last locally-focused radio outlet in their community.”

Click here, www.askcbi.org, for more information.

Drake and Robot

It's nice to see and hear famous people use their names to make their audience aware of certain matters...even if it's done in weirdly ways...

The clip below, from Funny or Die, shows Drake getting disturbed by a suspicious robot. And the only reasonable thing to do is to punch its lights out!! Down it goes!

The message this is trying to get across? "Be a real man. Real men don't buy girls." Yeah, I still don't know where the robot comes from but it definitely got a few giggles out of me, hehe. Oh, how you make the ladies swoon, Drake. Besides that observation, I am very happy to see Drake participate in this campaign (headed by Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher - www.demiandashton.org) against child sex slavery. This atrocity does not only occur in third world countries. It happens here in the U.S. as well. There is an estimated 12 million men, women and children, across the globe, who are sold into sexual slavery. About 300,000 of these souls, are in the U.S. There are things that you can do to help. But the most important thing (if not anything else) is to be in the know and also educate others about this. Thanks!

Veterans' Day

Today is Veterans' Day. Thanks, to all of them =)