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!

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.

Nick Franglen underneath our Bridge!

I first heard about Nick Franglen when I was browsing through the Make Music NY 2011 site. His piece is called, "Hymn to Manhattan Bridge." What attracted me to his performance was his schedule. 12 AM to 12 AM. It was no typo. I had no excuse to miss this. I had 24 hours to make a visit. Nick is a British musician who's career spans from the early 90s to today. Nick has collaborated and written music for films, movies and other artists such as Bjork and Hole. His first album came out in 1997 when he was part of a duo, Lemon Jelly. Today, Nick is part of the electronic duo, Blacksand. They have performed in places that are seriously off the beaten path, like the inside of a submarine and abandoned facilities.

I guess it's no surprise that Nick chose to perform underneath the Manhattan Bridge for Make Music NY! Nick had a similar technique in creating a piece for the London Bridge during Fall of 2010 called, "Hymn to London Bridge." These pieces are also reliant on the footsteps of passing pedestrians and cyclists.

I found Nick talking to curious passerbys underneath the Archway of Manhattan Bridge. I photographed one of the pop-up pianos as I waited my turn. I also followed him out to see him pointing at the wires that were dangling up to the Bridge's walkway. Whoa.

Finally, it was my turn to speak with Nick! He is a lovely person. Very welcoming to everyone who wanted to speak with him about why he was there. He was running on the excitement of the day's event! Nick told me that there is a huge difference between the Hymns of London and Manhattan Bridge. Ours is much more abrasive and loud (why am I not surprised, haha). London's Hymn is more cuddly, soft and relaxing. After chatting about his music and how he liked his trip to New York, we finally bid adieu. And so the Summer of 2011 begins.

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!