Elizabeth Peyton David Hockney, Powis Terrace Bedroom - 1998
Oil on board 9-3/4 x 7 in.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
What I'm Listening To...
Hang With Me (Starsmith Remix) - Robyn - Hang With Me (Remixes)
Swoon (Lindstrøm & Pines Thomas Remix) - Chemical Brothers - Another World EP
Why Does the Wind? (Morgan Geist Remix) - Tracey Thorn - Why Does the Wind EP
Disco Life - Basement Freaks - Disco Life EP
Happy House (Radio Edit) - The Juan MacLean - Happy House EP
Time to Move (Chromeo Remix) - Carmen - DJ-Kicks
Alive (Tensnake Remix) - Goldfrapp - Alive (Remixes)
Fire With Fire (Asprins For My Children Remix) - Scissor Sisters
4th of July (Fireworks) - Kelis - Flesh Tone
Get Outta My Way - Kylie Minogue - Aphrodite
Happy House (Radio Edit) - The Juan MacLean - Happy House EP
Time to Move (Chromeo Remix) - Carmen - DJ-Kicks
Alive (Tensnake Remix) - Goldfrapp - Alive (Remixes)
Fire With Fire (Asprins For My Children Remix) - Scissor Sisters
4th of July (Fireworks) - Kelis - Flesh Tone
Get Outta My Way - Kylie Minogue - Aphrodite
Monday, August 30, 2010
Kylie Minogue - Les Folies Tour 2011
Kylie is coming back for more!! I was ecstatic to hear the news today that Kylie Minogue will bring her upcoming Les Folies Tour 2011 to the states! I was fortunate enough to see her last year when she brought her For You, For Me Tour (her first North American tour EVER) to New York…and it was WELL worth the wait! The concert was incredibly unexpected as she crammed an arena sized show into the Hammerstein Ballroom…lit a match…and let the sparks fly! The super sexy ball of energy served up a show of all shows for the crazed crowd; entering on a giant shiny silver skull, like an alien from another planet, she showed America what we’ve been missing…a true showgirl!…not to mention her gaggle of god like dancers…ouch! It was definitely the highlight of my year, I was bouncing of the ceiling for days after that show! So, I was more than excited to read that she will bring her upcoming tour to support her latest, and in my humble opinion, most poptastic album, Aphrodite, to North America.
Here’s what she had to say:
“I’m coming back,” Kylie told Access on Wednesday, at a rehearsal for her “America’s Got Talent” performance. “Next year, 2011.” Kylie, who toured the U.S. for the first time ever in her over-20-year career in Fall 2009, said American fans are “unbelievable.” “Touring here was one of the best decisions,” she said. “There was so much love in the room – the fans were amazing.”
Bring it on, Kylie…America misses you!
Here’s what she had to say:
“I’m coming back,” Kylie told Access on Wednesday, at a rehearsal for her “America’s Got Talent” performance. “Next year, 2011.” Kylie, who toured the U.S. for the first time ever in her over-20-year career in Fall 2009, said American fans are “unbelievable.” “Touring here was one of the best decisions,” she said. “There was so much love in the room – the fans were amazing.”
Bring it on, Kylie…America misses you!
Summer Camp
Who knew a little slice of rooftop craziness was happening every summer Sunday in Hell’s Kitchen? Yesterday I found myself at Summer Camp, a super gay clusterf@#k of drunken messiness happening at Highbar in midtown; a truly unexpected Sunday afternoon surprise! The liquor fueled carrying-on had campers dancing, drinking and ushering in the sunset atop the beautiful 16th floor patio…and on a gorgeous night like last night was the views were quite spectacular. There was some free/open bar vodka thing happening every so often. I really had no idea what was going on, but every hour or so I found myself with a free drink, so I didn’t ask questions. The DJ was dealing with a mad case of ADD, or else he was cracked out because he played everything from house and disco to Dolly Parton and vintage Whitney…it was all over the place! However, it was a prefect match for the colorfully confused and sweaty crowd. All I know is that my friends and I managed to have a drunken gay time (we gotta get all these roof top parties in before the season is a distant memory)! I’m just mad I discovered this gem of a soiree so late in the summer…oh well; at least I can start planning for camp next year!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
You Better Work...
A few years back I worked with a beautiful middle-aged African American woman. It was a mindless cubical job, one that neither of us enjoyed very much, but for some reason we connected. I could tell at the time that she was thoroughly over her life and hated our 9 to 5 existence. She was rude, sarcastic and sometimes just plain mean to customers. But to me she was charming, worldly and super cool. I always wondered what path led this true beauty to where she was at the time. I could see the frustration in her eyes, the feeling that she was above such mindless work; but not in a pretentious way, in a truthful and honest way. I remember one day someone telling me in passing that she used to model. But since the word “model” can take on so many forms, especially these days, I really didn’t pay much thought to the idea. It wasn’t until years later when I was thumbing through photography books at a local bookshop that her secret was revealed to me. I came across a very handsomely bound photography book on Halston’s life and work. The book contained amazingly glamorous photos from an era I only wish I had been a part of. As I flipped through the super chic images of Halston from the 70’s and 80’s, a look and style that I have always loved and in my opinion can never be duplicated, who did I find staring up at me with a huge full-of-life smile but none other than my mysterious office beauty, Alva Chinn. There she was effortlessly strutting arm in arm with Halston in a bright red jersey jumpsuit. This woman I saw everyday, who up until now had just been another lost soul living her life of quiet desperation was splashed across the pages as one of the chosen ones, part of the “it” crowd, a beauty to admire and envy and fantasize about. I kept turning the pages to find glamorous photo after glamorous photo of this super chic goddess living life to the fullest and, from the looks of it, loving every minute of it. Candid shots of her and Halston partying and living a life of excess reserved only for fashion royalty. I couldn’t believe it was her, how happy, young and bursting with energy she looked. I of course started researching this Miss Alva Chinn the minute I left the store only to find out that not only was she the lead “Halstonette” but an integral part of the fashion world at the time who helped pave the way for all African American models in the industry.Alva Chinn was part of a defining moment in fashion history which took place on November 28, 1973 on the stage of the Opera House at the Sun King's Imperial Chateau in Versailles. Five American fashion designers were invited to show their work along with five French couturiers and for the first time ever the American designers included African American woman in their presentation, something never before seen on a Paris runway. According to NY Daily News photographer-Bill Cunningham, "The bejeweled Paris audience was stunned by the showmanship of the black models from America. The aristocrats were even thrilled.”… not to mention she was the first black woman to purchase a red Ferrari (not sure where that story came from or if it’s true, but its too fab not to include!)…AND Oscar De La Renta is her son’s godfather! So, needless to say the fact that I knew none of this, that she managed to keep her past a secret from me made me love her even more. I don’t know why she did, maybe she was embarrassed about how her life ended up, maybe for her those decedent memories weren’t fond ones, or maybe she was just a truly humble person who wanted to keep her past private. In any case, I never looked at her the same way again.
All of this has come to the forefront recently because of a new documentary about Halston called Ultrasuede: In Search of Halston (http://www.halstonmovie.com/). In the few preview clips available on the website there was my partner in crime, the ever glamorous super model Alva Chinn. I was instantly reminded of the story above and my brief obsession with this fascinating woman and her secret past. I’ve seen her a few times over the years on the street in passing. I never mentioned to her that I unlocked her secret, I didn’t need to. It had now become my secret.
Herbert List
I recently came across the incredibly beautiful and modern photographs of German photographer, Herbert List. Born in Hamburg, Germany in 1903, this incredibly prolific and, at the time, avant garde photographer ushered in much of the modern black and white photography we know today. His influence can be seen through the work of such artists as Herb Ritts, Bruce Weber and countless others. His love of the male figure is evident in his homoerotic photographs which capture both the romanticism and the innocence of youth. List was also fascinated with quasi-surrealism which can be seen in his experimental use of double exposure and surrealist imagery. Having traveled extensively throughout Italy and France shooting for such notable publications as Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue and Life List finally settled in Greece at the outbreak of WWII, which is where he shot some of his most beautiful work. There is a curious innocence to his photos that draws the viewer, or at least this viewer, in to his world, into the world of his subjects and in turn into the world of our own desires, dreams, fears and sexuality.
In the Morning - Athens - 1936
Playing in the Ammersee - Ammersee - 1950
Ritti with Fishing Rod - Vietznau, Vierwaldstaett - 1937
Young Men on Naxos - Naxos - 1937
Sheppard in front of Orco.Mostro in Park Palazzo Orsini - Bormazo, near Viterbo - 1952
Statue von Antikythera - Athen, National Museum - 1937Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Yummy!
Thanks to an amazing deal through Gilt City (http://www.giltcity.com/) some friends and I enjoyed an incredibly boozy brunch at the super cool hotspot B.E.S. (BOUTIQUE EAT SHOP). Located in West Chelsea on 22nd & 11th in the heart of New York's Gallery District, this super lush and inviting restaurant not only offers knock out cuisine but also a super stylish and artistic environment to enjoy it in. The deal we got through Gilt City included one of the eat shop's signature cocktails; I opted for the Patrick III, an intoxicating blend of Cava, Gin, Grapefruit and Elderflower. The brunch selection was small on choice but big on flavor and presentation. I couldn’t resist the Croque-Madame, a delicious plate served with a romaine and red onion salad drizzled with a delectable Lemoncello dressing. But dare I say the best part of the offer were the two bottles of Prosecco included with the meal. You can’t go wrong with a signature cocktail, a mouth watering meal AND two bottles of Prosecco all while lounging in the incredibly lush and friendly surroundings that B.E.S. effortlessly offers up. I highly recommend this artsy gem!
B.E.S.
BOUTIQUE EAT SHOP
559 W. 22nd St.
New York, NY 10011
212.414.8700
Hydrate, Mary, Hydrate!
Disco, glam rock fierceness was in full force at Terminal 5 last night as the Scissor Sisters rocked the stage in their first of two NYC concerts to promote their amazingly discotastic new album Night Work! What a show!! They are such a cool and unique band and they bring such an amazing energy to their live performances! I had seen them once before when I lived in London at the O2 and still remember how electric they were on stage! It’s funny what a HUGE act they are in the U.K. and throughout Europe, but for some reason they haven't really caught on in the U.S. I guess they’re too “queer” for conservative America. As expected, the show wasn’t as big of an extravaganza as their U.K. concerts tend to be. However, you could tell they were happy to be home and were living for the reaction from the (mostly gay, surprise, surprise) crowd. However, what they lacked in production they made up for in performance; the stage was bursting with fun, sex and unwavering energy! Because I’m a homo and because Jake Shears is such a hottie all of my attention is usually focused on him and his hot ass. However, last night was ALL about Ana Matronic! What a fierce bitch she is! She stole the show for me (Jake’s skintight bodysuit came in a close second)! She was definitely the “front man” last night, she was funny, sexy, crazy and oh, so much fun! Decked out in a black rubber dress, six inch stilettos and a blood red 1940’s style hairdo she was the coolest thing since sliced bread! The whole band was electric and they had the crowd jumping up and down from the opening number until the last piece of confetti fell…and who the hell were those sexy back-up singers…those chicks were working it! Thanks for an amazing concert and an amazing night…Scissor Sisters rock my world…catch on America!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
The Philosophy of Andy Warhol
“Money is money. It doesn’t matter if I’ve worked hard or easy for it. I spend it the same.”-Andy Warhol
How do you say deee-licious, deee-lovely, deee-lectable, deee-vine?
Continuing on with subjects, people and music that have shaped, molded and broke me down since my youth…I give you the psychedelic, neo-disco, funkastic freaks from the global village…deeeeeeee-lite...Deee-lite! I was a silly, confused teenager with big bangs and baggy jeans who was just starting to learn what this crazy world was all about and where I might fit into it when Deee-lite released their first album, World Clique; the seminal album of my early teens! World Clique got me moving and grooving in a way I didn’t even know was possible. A crazy sound straight out of an awe-inspiring land called New York City, a place I wanted to be, had to be…and someday would be. Deee-lite opened my eyes and my heart to the pulse of NYC at a time when it was exploding both artistically and musically. Their sampladelic fierceness inspired me to research and explore(from afar) the ultimate cement jungle and to dream of someday trading in my life of picket fence suburbia for the urban realness that only a magical place like NYC can offer; to live that life, dance that dance and groove that groove…to be a part of the downtown global village! Consisting of diva, Miss Lady Kier and DJs DJ Dmitry and Towa Towa, Deee-lite, with their neon spandex and leopard platforms, served up the funkiest, freshest and most deeelightful grooves of the early 90’s. They frolicked and played and took their special mix of 60’s psychedelic, 90’s hip-hop and NYC downtown club kid realness and wrapped it all up into a cloud of crazy dust to be sprinkled all over the NYC downtown club scene. Some of that dust traveled west and landed in the bedroom of THIS 15yr old kid and I freely inhaled the entire cloud! I became an instant NYC downtown wannabe; I covered my bedroom walls with pictures of skylines, graffiti art, spaceships and smiley faces as Deee-lite’s highly infectious beats blared through my bedroom window until the entire neighborhood had the grove in their heart! Deee-lite's music and style inspired me to dream big, play hard and ultimately have good time. They are the reason I moved to NYC, they are the reason I stole my friend’s 10-inch bright green Vans platform sneakers and they are the reason I found my groove…because in the end...I just wanna hear a good beat!
Wherefore ART thou...
Ryan Mcginness The Lazy Logic of Ignava Ratio, 2009
acrylic on canvas, 96 x 144
Monday, August 23, 2010
Have you heard about the new pirate movie?...it’s rated ARGH!
Pirates took over the Hudson (for a few hours anyway) at the second annual Spank Boat Party! Our 150ft Clipper set sail around 11pm on Friday filled with fellow pirates, disco children and all around cool peeps as the theme from ‘The Love Boat’ accompanied us on our send off…and it only got better from there! Great weather, a great crowd, amazing views…and most importantly FIERCE music all culminated to make this one of the most unique and New York-centric events that I have attended in a very long time! Bravo and a big thank you to Spank DJs Will Automagic and Sean B for an incredible night! We pillaged, we plundered and we danced the night away under the watchful eye of Lady Liberty! Yo ho, yo ho, a pirates life for me…only in NY, kids…Here are a few pics from the party:
http://spankzine.wordpress.com/2010/08/23/spank-boat-party-august-2010-another-legendary-night/
The Philosophy of Andy Warhol
“In some circles where very heavy people think they have very heavy brains, words like “charming” and “clever” and “pretty” are all put-downs; all the lighter things in life, which are the most important things, are put down.” –Andy WarholYummy!
My commitment to trying new restaurants continued its successful uphill stride at Artisanal Fromagerie & Bistro. I stumbled across this lovely French bistro through a great offer on villagevines.com and I am happy to report that another great meal was had! First off I love anything with the word ‘Fromagerie’ in it, and this place definitely lives up to that title; boasting a one of a kind “cheese cave” which houses some of world’s finest artisanally-made cheeses. The restaurant, which opened in 2001, is a fabulous Parisian bistro (with a twist) offering up some of the best French bistro food this side of the pond; don’t even get me started on the fondue! Okay, get me started on the fondue, since that’s what we started our meal with. A mouthwatering pot of melted gouda & stout cheeses accompanied with bite size pieces of bread, of course, fresh apples and delicious kielbasa for dipping. It was some of the best fondue I have had in quite some time. After all that cheese I had to go with something on the lighter side, onion soup…topped with more cheese. Oh, come on, when in a French bistro! For my entrée I went with Mussels Frites…absolutely delicious, the broth alone was a meal in itself. After all of that delicious richness, just when I thought I couldn’t take anymore my inner glutton took control over my body and ordered the Profiteroles Sundae for dessert. Since I was already in a cheese coma from the fondue and the soup I take no responsibility for my actions…I didn’t know what I was doing. All I will say is…thank you inner glutton! All in all a great meal in a great space.Recommendations: You’ve got to try a Fondue Pot, Onion Soup, Mussels Frites…and the ever so powerful Profiteroles Sundae! Wash it all down with a lovely bottle of Sancerre! Yummy!
2 Park Avenue (32nd Street)
New York, NY 10016
Ph: 212.725.8585
http://www.artisanalbistro.com/index.php
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
Ahoy Mate!
Tonight I will be sailing the high seas with a bunch of drunk queens aboard the S.S. “Hey Guuurrrl”. Ok, maybe not sailing, but floating around the isle of Manhattan, does that count? I will be attending the Spank Boat Party 2010. I have spent many a memorable night shaking my grove thang at countless Spank parties in the past. However, this will be my first Spank party not on dry land; unless you count dancing in the bathtub at their last loft party. Anyhoo, it should be a good time. It’s a pirate theme…how original. I’m off to gather all the eye patches, shoulder parrots and cannon balls I can find. All aboard!
http://spankzine.wordpress.com/2010/08/13/spank-boat-party-friday-august-20th-tickets-available-now/
http://spankzine.wordpress.com/2010/08/13/spank-boat-party-friday-august-20th-tickets-available-now/
I Love NY
It’s funny how even those of us who are lucky enough to live in places like NYC can get stuck and find ourselves spending most of our time within a ten block radius. However, all it takes is a simple change of scenery to reinvigorate and remind us just how amazing this city truly is! Last night I met up with some friends for dinner in Murray Hill, a neighborhood that I hardly ever visit. I decided to walk down Park Ave from Times Square. Wow, what an amazing walk. I can’t remember the last time I strolled down Park Ave, one of the most beautiful streets in the city. Granted it was a beautiful evening as well, the sun was shining yet there was a light breeze, everyone on the street seemed so free and happy, such a change from my usual tourist trap surroundings of Times Square. I actually felt like the tourist in this neighborhood, gawking lazily at the buildings and the architecture, the little details that so often go ignored. As I ambled down the avenue in my hypnotized state I was stopped dead in my tracks by the overwhelming, majestic presence of Grand Central Station. Grand Central Station, an iconic staple of Manhattan history, culture and architecture…and a place completely out of my day-to-day radar. I treated me eyes and my memory to a taste of this impressive building. Again, wow, what an absolutely beautiful space; enormous, overpowering, yet familiar and welcoming…I was awestruck. As the hundreds of people shuffled past me to catch their trains home I just stood frozen in the center of the main concourse staring up at the beauty of it all. Within the span of an hour I had become one of those people I hate, a mesmerized tourist admiring what a great city New York truly is. Of course, I was greeted with hurried exasperation from the commuters rushing past me, but I didn’t care. I took that moment for myself…to remind myself how lucky I was to be living in such an amazing city. We get so wrapped up in the difficulties that living in New York brings that it’s nice to be reminded, especially in a non-expected way, just how truly unique and magical this place is!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
The Philosophy of Andy Warhol
"If a person isn’t generally considered beautiful, they can still be a success if they have a few jokes in their pockets. And a lot of pockets." -Andy WarholHail to the Queen...
So, I might as well make my virgin (pun intended) post about the ultimate icon, my favorite artist…my, dare I say it, pop culture idol… Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone. Madonna has been an important and integral part of my life from a very young age. From the time I lip-synched Material Girl at age thirteen in front of my entire Jr. High class, decked out in full drag; blonde wig, pink dress and heels…I seriously did, no joke (Of course, my 13yr old gay, clever way of getting away with it was to dress my two best girlfriends up as men to be my back-up dancers), to the opening day of Truth or Dare, the day I saw two men kiss for the very first time…ever…up on the screen, thirty feet tall and with no apologies…I new this chick was for me! Madonna helped me to not only accept my sexuality but to celebrate it, to be proud of it. Madonna made it ok, cool even, to be gay; and for a young kid living in conservative Orange County, California she opened my eyes up to the endless possibilities that living an honest and open life could bring. Not to mention the fact that she constantly challenged herself and convention, which is an incredibly brave and difficult thing to do. What other pop star at the height of her success would release a book about sex for no other reason than for the mere fact that she was interested in exploring her sexuality and didn’t give a fuck whether you liked it or not. So, she pushed a few buttons along the way and got people talking…that was the point! Don’t think I didn’t drag my 18yr old friend, who was a senior at the time, to the bookstore the day the Sex book was released since I was too young to purchase it. Releasing that book, no matter what your personal opinion of it is, was an incredibly bold and ballsy move, one that no other “pop star" would even dare to do; I was aroused, scared, disturbed, intrigued…wow. That book, hidden under my bed for years, opened my eyes up to a world of art, photography and erotica that I didn’t even know existed. Some of those images have stuck with me to this day. But all this wouldn’t be possible without her music…the soundtrack to my life, literally. Every song of hers is directly related to some sense memory from my past. If not for just the mere fact that since I have listened to her music throughout my entire life the odds of an event or experience coinciding with a Madonna song playing in the background are pretty high up there. However, more than that I feel her music helped me to grow up and was perfectly timed with where I was in my own life. I tend, as with her Sex book, to always like her more non-successful or critically panned work more than her mainstream successes. Erotica is still my favorite album, an incredibly underrated and underappreciated work. So brilliant and ahead of its time; poor conservative America didn’t know how to respond…and the list goes on, and on and on. Her songs are part of the American culture whether you like it or not; universal and timeless…just like a prayer. Then there are her live performances. The first time I saw her perform live I can remember thinking, wow, this woman is the real thing. Her hunger, be it for fame, attention or acceptance manifests itself as a tornado on stage, one that you cannot run from so you just have to allow yourself to be swept up into it. The fact that she has managed to release that type of energy and force during every single live performance that I have seen her do since is a true show of genius…of some truly unique, goddess like creature…a star. Madonna was the conduit that opened my eyes to the world of art, photography, pop culture, fashion, erotica, NYC, clubs, DJs, dance music…and plain ‘ol fashion fierceness. Madonna reinvented fierceness, fierceness done with a naughty sense of humor and a mischievous wink. I would usually feel quite stupid making all of these incredibly obnoxious statements about some silly pop star, but I have absolutely not qualms or embarrassment gushing the way I am because to me Madonna has been so much more than a silly pop star. She has been a force in my life on a very personal level. I know she will never know how her mere presence and ability to put herself, her body and her views out there in such a bold and non-apologetic way; to exploit herself and to laugh at convention, have truly helped me to understand myself and to not be afraid of who I am or what the world thinks of me. Madonna taught me to say “Fuck Off!”; which is one of the most important phrases an impressionable young gay boy can learn. I’m warning you now, there will be many more posts about the Queen of Pop in the future, because if I’ve learned anything from this bitch over the years it’s that she will keep on keeping on…and on…and on. Hail to the Her Madgesty!!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Mr. Ward
I’m making this post for no other reason besides the fact that I just started this blog and I want to try to include things that I have always liked, loved or had a life long obsession with. Hence this post about my one and only true crush from the moment my puberic juices started flowing…Mr. Tony Ward. Better known in the 90’s as one of Madonna’s fleeting boy toys as well as an accomplished model and not so accomplished actor (although check out Bruce LaBruce’s Hustler White, an amazingly twisted, funny and super sexy film). Mr. Ward has always held a special place in my heart. There is something about him, some magnetic sexual energy that makes me immediately revert back to my 15yr old wide-eyed self. I did run into Mr. Ward once in the Beverly Center; I had just graduated High School and was still living in California. I remember following him around like a 12yr old girl just trying to catch a glimpse...what was wrong with me? Anyway, whenever I come across a photo of him my heart still skips a beat. Oh, whatever happened to crushes??
Mr. Ward in a montage from the Bruce LaBruce film, Hustler White:
The Philosophy of Andy Warhol
"I really don’t care that much about “Beauties”. What I really like are Talkers. Talkers are doing something. Beauties are being something. Which isn’t necessarily bad, it’s just that I don’t know what it is they’re being. It’s more fun to be with people who are doing things." -Andy WarholYummy!
It’s all about Ramen in NYC these days, Totto Ramen that is! The NY-restaurant-of-the-moment, Totto Ramen in Hell’s Kitchen, feels like you’re stepping into an authentic back alley noodle house in the heart of Tokyo. This tiny, cramped and steamy eatery with a long bar, where you can watch the ramen magic happen, and four small tables in the back is serving up some of the most flavorful and authentic ramen this side of Mt. Fuji! Long waits, cramped quarters and the feeling that a yakuza boss will bust up the joint at any second is a small price to pay for this delicious soul warming treat! They only serve Sapporo, they only take cash and they only speak Japanese. Arigato, Totto Ramen!I recommend the Totto Chicken Paitan Ramen…and a Sapporo!
Totto Ramen
366 W. 52nd St. (Btwn 8th & 9th Ave)
New York, NY 10019
212-582-0052
http://tottoramen.com/
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Isn't it rich...
Bernadette Peters is currently hitting the musical theatre ball out of the mother f#@%9ing park over at the Walter Kerr Theatre in the revival of Sondheim’s A Little Night Music. Ms. Peters recently replaced Catherine Zeta Jones as the lead character, Desiree, a somewhat washed-up, aging actress in search of stability and true love. As expected, Bernadette pretty much wipes her a** with CZJ’s Tony Award winning performance. Bernie makes a joke of that award the minute she steps onto that stage; reminding the production and Broadway on the whole what a true musical theatre actress is; which is something much different than a Hollywood celebrity who can sell tickets. Her rendition of Send in the Clowns is both heartbreaking and illuminating; tears streaming down her face in the most natural, beautiful and vulnerable way that only Bernadette Peters can pull off on stage. She isn’t performing, she is living (can you tell I’m a bit obsessed with Bernadette Peters?). She raises the bar for the whole cast as everyone is on top of their game. You can tell that Alexander Hanson, who plays her male lead, is well aware of the force that is Ms. Peters and is so happy to finally be digging deeper into the characters and the text. One could hear a pin drop in their scene before Send in the Clowns…a truly astonishing theatrical moment.I’m not the only one who thinks so…
“...for theater lovers there can be no greater current pleasure than to witness Bernadette Peters perform the show’s signature number, “Send in the Clowns,” with an emotional transparency and musical delicacy that turns this celebrated song into an occasion of transporting artistry. I’m not sure I’ve ever experienced with such palpable force — or such prominent goose bumps — the sense of being present at an indelible moment in the history of musical theater.” – NY Times
Weetize Bat
A friend of mine is planning his first trip to LA…and no first trip to LA would be complete without Weetize Bat! One of my first literary obsessions, Weetzie Bat by Francesca Lia Block, is the coolest young adult novel ever written. Published in 1989 it coincided perfectly with my accent to high school and the multitude of questions and confusions that accompany that right of passage. The minute these kooky characters entered my life I felt like I had known them for years. Little did I know at the time that these characters WOULD be part of my life, my future and my own story. This book has stuck with me for years and it wasn’t until this friend of mine was sharing his research, planning and most importantly his excitement with me about his trip to LA that I was reminded of the amazingly wacky, totally touching and completely LA story that is Weetize Bat. I’ve shared this book with many people over the years and I always knew that the ones who got it would be the ones who would hold a special place in my heart. To give you an idea of how fabulous this book is…
The first sentence from the chapter titled…
Shangri-L.A.:
“Weetzie and My Secret Agent Lover Man and Dirk and Duck and Cherokee and Witch Baby and Slinkster Dog and Go-Go Girl and the puppies Pee Wee, Wee Wee, Tennie Wee, Tiki Tee and Tee Pee were driving down Hollywood Boulevard on their way to the Tick Tock Tea Room for turkey platters.”
This is the first book in a series; the collection is called Dangerous Angles. However, Weetize is the original…and she still is!
Read it!
The first sentence from the chapter titled…
Shangri-L.A.:
“Weetzie and My Secret Agent Lover Man and Dirk and Duck and Cherokee and Witch Baby and Slinkster Dog and Go-Go Girl and the puppies Pee Wee, Wee Wee, Tennie Wee, Tiki Tee and Tee Pee were driving down Hollywood Boulevard on their way to the Tick Tock Tea Room for turkey platters.”
This is the first book in a series; the collection is called Dangerous Angles. However, Weetize is the original…and she still is!
Read it!
The Philosophy of Andy Warhol
"If you see a person who looks like your teenage fantasy walking down the street, it's probably not your fantasy, but someone who had the same fantasy as you and decided instead of getting it or being it, to look like it, and so he went to the store and bought the look that you both like. So forget it." -Andy WarholLimelight...Marketplace...
I made my maiden voyage to Limelight Marketplace last night…wow, what a trip. Many a crazy nights/mornings were spent under the steeple of this church of iniquity and I wasn’t quite sure how I would react to it’s transformation into a specialty marketplace. Limelight was one of the first clubs I ever went to when I moved to NY in 1999. Although I had just missed the NY club kid scene (I’m actually kind of happy I did, I might have ended up dismembered, floating in a box in the Hudson), it was still alive and thriving in 1999. I went to Limelight for the first time on Halloween night…quite an introduction. I will never forget a group of cracked out angels, in wings and halos, leaning over the third story steal staircase laughing and ashing all over the gaggle of vampires, mummies and living dead below them (there were also a few people in costume). It was a surreal experience, one that I will never forget. Although I am older and wiser(?) now and my club days are behind me, I will always look back on the craziness that was Limelight fondly. So, cut to 2010 and the shiny cupcake colored Limelight Marketplace. I wanted to hate it so much, I wanted to look down at the pretentiousness of it all, but it actually made me realize that time is real and that time continually moves on. Everything comes to an end, and with good reason, and everything morphs and changes. The mirror covered mannequin disco ball might be gone as well as our secret pot smoking closet but among the overpriced hand bags and pink frosting the ghosts of Limelight still frolic. I noticed I wasn’t the only one roaming through the stores with one eye on the cool gold skull necklaces and the other searching for my youth among the pendentives.P.S. I did walk out wearing a skull necklace.
http://limelightmarketplace.com/
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