Ronnie Spector at south street seaport–christmas tree lighting
November 27th, 2011 by Mr. C
Probably more parts scrooge than festive usually, we landed the planet chocko mothership on the cobblestone streets of cannon’s walk by South Street Seaport to celebrate the OTHER more diminutive christmas tree lighting in NYC. The main attraction that really drew us in was the performance by the legendary Ronnie Spector (The Ronettes), NYC—East Harlem’s own! But, before we were served with Ms. Spector’s rock n roll with soul–christmas edition, we would be treated by the festive sounds of the Darren Wallis Jazz Trio who threw down some funky renditions of familiar holiday tunes. The School of Rock band from NYC would be next as they covered Nirvana (About a Girl), The Beatles (Because), & a Kinks song that escapes me right now.
The Big Apple Chorus would bat next as they added more fuel to the fire as they lit up the christmas tree with their wonderful harmonies & melodies in addition to a special guest…a scrooge singing on the top row of the chorus! They performed classic holiday music like Have yourself a merry little christmas, Feliz Navidad, Santa Claus is coming to town, Rockin around the xmas tree, Alvin & the Chipmunks’ (hula hoop), Little Saint Nick (Beach Boys), a Jewish hymn, & an Angel Hymn. It was really neat watching the chorus and their facial expressions as they sang! They really got into the performances! The Beach Boys, Alvin & the Chipmunks, & Feliz Navidad songs were my favorites!
Last but not least, the rock n roll bad girl herself–lead singer for The Ronettes from the 1960’s–Ronnie Spector graced south street seaport as she was decked out in glamorous claus wear! She still has the attitude, stage presence, & the soulful–piercing vocals! Chocko & I had last seen Spector perform in the summer at Lincoln Center’s Damrosch park to celebrate girl groups from the past! Before that, planet chocko would usually get treated to Ronnie Spector performing as a special guest at The Ramones’ birthday bashes at Coney Island High & the Continental in the east village! Boy, we miss those days!
Ronnie performed a 4 song set backed by the Big Apple Chorus to celebrate the Christmas Tree lighting at the Seaport as Santa Claus greeted her on the stage! She belted each tune out of the park as she sang Christmas once again, Sleigh Ride, Frosty the Snowman, & Baby I love you! I had a brief & smokey dream of Joey Ramone and The Boss joining her with the festivities!
If you guys haven’t picked up Ronnie Spector’s rendition of Amy Winehouse’s–Back To Black then you should! It’s a great cover & a wonderful tribute to Amy. All proceeds of the single will be donated to Daytop Village, a NYC-based substance abuse center.
Spector is scheduled to perform at the Cutting Room in NYC on December 16 & 17th! Get your tickets, folks! It’s gonna be Ronnie Spector’s best Christmas party ever! Literally!
(all pics by mr. c)
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