Super Saturday in Chinatown NYC – Lion Dance
February 8th, 2014 by Mr. C
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The 2nd Saturday after Chinese Lunar New Year is a day where the Lions come out and play, dance, and ward off evil spirits going door to door to local shops in Chinatown. In turn, the Lion dancers get red envelopes filled with money from each business as gratuity as they perform, eat lettuce, chomp on oranges, and some even get drunk to welcome in an auspicious new year! The Lion Dance is known to bring good luck and fortune to the business owners. The pre-Giuliani years even had the presence of firecrackers and fireworks in the mix of the Lion Dance ceremonies. Those days were buckwild! The 5th Police Precinct in Chinatown NYC holds a long history of this Saturday celebration with keeping order in the community. I usually see at least 2 officers walk with each lion dance troupe along their route. At least 15 martial art schools and local chinese guild associations make up the Lion dance teams and/or Dragon dance teams that perform on this day. This Saturday of lion dancing throughout the streets of Manhattan’s Chinatown is unofficially known as Super Saturday by the officers in the 5th who help with organizing the event. I look forward to this day even more than the organized lunar new year parade. I find it more festive and significant.
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(Crimson Kings)
(Golden Lion Club)
(Ho-nan Shau-lin Golden Dragon Team)
(Yee’s Hung Ga Kung Fu)
(Master Pedro Cepero (thumbs up) + Grandmaster Frank Yee (left))
(Chinese Masonic Athletic Association)
(Luen Hing)
(New York Hung Sing Kwoon)
(Shaolin Kung Fu Institute)
(Staten Island Lions)
(Wan Chi Ming Hung Gar Institute)
(Yip’s Dragon Style Kung Fu)
Tags: chiense new year, chinatown, chinese new year 2014, lion dancing
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Chiller Theatre October 2013
February 6th, 2014 by chocko
The next Chiller Theatre Expo will take place at Sheraton Parsippany in Parsippany, N.J. on April 25 – 27, 2014. It’s not just the best place to pick up horror collectibles and movies but it’s also a great way to meet some favorite stars of film and television. The first wave of guests were recently announced including Special Guest Zacherley The Cool Ghoul, actors from The Sopranos and Sons of Anarchy, actors from horror and b-movies, artists, musicians and former wrestlers. I’m looking forward to seeing Patty Mullin from the movie Frankenhooker, Bob McGrath from Sesame Street and former WWE Tag Team Champions, Demolition. The Planet Chocko crew is also ready to shake things up when Bobby Steele of The Undead hits the stage on Saturday night. Make plans and buy your tickets in advance and see you at the expo! Here’s a little recap of what went down last October on a spooky Saturday night. Pictured below are some of the many people dressed up in costume at Chiller Theatre!
Here are some lovely models straight outta The Witch’s Dungeon Classic Movie Museum which has been around since 1966 in Bristol, Connecticut.
Kenji Sahara (left) starred in many Godzilla movies in the late 1950’s and beyond made a rare convention appearance. Marty Wright (right) aka professional wrestler “The Boogeyman” looked ready to battle.
Left to right: Kevin Sean Michaels (director of documentaries about Vampira, Ingrid Pitt and Ted V. Mikels), Alexia Anastasio (actress and director of Adventures In Plymptoons!) and rockabilly musician, wrestling manager, and co-director of “My Breakfast with Blassie” Johnny Legend.
The walking encyclopedia of all thing Heavy Metal, Eddie Trunk. Check him out on TV on THAT METAL SHOW and on the radio live in the NYC area on Q104.3 during “Friday Night Rocks” from 11PM-2AM every Friday.
The master of the crane and the drum technique, The Karate Kid and all around nice guy, Ralph Macchio. Check him out in Wax On, F*ck Off.
I got an autographed photo from Caroline Munro. She has starred in many fantasy, horror and sci-fi films including The Golden Voyage of Sinbad (I remember seeing this as a kid thinking, “Damn, she looks good!”), Dracula A.D. 1972 and the James Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me.
Yukiko Kobayashi star of Japanese television and movies like Destroy All Monsters and Yog: Monster From Space made a rare Chiller appearance.
The 5.6.7.8’s were in town for Chiller and a show at the Bell House in Brooklyn. Many moons ago, me and Mr. C went to see them at a place in St. Mark’s called Coney Island High. It was good to see the ladies from Tokyo, Japan once again. I got a photo signed by the band and after recovering from some movie and collectible shopping, went out to eat then came back with the crew to catch some musical performances.
The Smithereens performed early during the Chiller Saturday Night Party. Pat DiNizio and the rest of the jersey gang including Dennis Diken on drums, Jim Babjak on guitar and Severo “The Thrilla” Jornacio on bass, performed some blistering, power pop classics including Top of The Pops, Behind The Wall of Sleep, House We Used To Live In and A Girl Like You.
The demonic horror hostess Skel-pira introduced Michale Graves to the stage who killed it, performing an acoustic set of monster mash tunes from his Misfits-era days including the crowd favorite Dig Up Her Bones, Crying On A Saturday Night and Scream. Newer tunes included the catchy and horrific Zombie off his new album titled Supernatural. Get it now!
We stuck around for The 5.6.7.8’s who people may know as the band from the movie Kill Bill and from their cover of The Rock-A-Teens song Woo Hoo. They performed a solid set of garage rock and covers while elegantly dressed in evening gowns making the rest of us zombies look like some hillbilly schmucks. Check out some videos from the show below if you dare and let the countdown for the next Chiller Theatre begin!
The Smithereens performing “Behind The Wall of Sleep” at Chiller Theatre
Michale Graves performing “Scream” at Chiller Theatre
The 5.6.7.8’s performing “Hanky Panky” at Chiller Theatre
The 5.6.7.8’s performing “Three Cool Chicks” at Chiller Theatre
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Tags: 5.6.7.8's, caroline munro, chiller theatre, horror, kenji sahara, michale graves, the smithereens, yukiko kobayashi
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Chinese New Year celebrations continue at The China Institute!
February 6th, 2014 by Mr. C
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Chinese New Year celebration continues as The China Institute on East 65th street helped keep things real festive as they kicked off the new year with a free lion dance and Choy Lee Fut Kung Fu performance on 65th street! The dazzling performers were from the New York Hung Sing Kwoon martial art school from Flushing,Queens. Choy Lee Fut kung fu is known to have a mix of graceful but deadly techniques from Northern China as well as having the powerful and crushing techniques from the South.
I only stayed for the street performance but the China Institute had a myriad of events going on inside including a dumpling making workshop, a gallery tour, a calligraphy workshop, and a paper cutting workshop. Fun, fun, fun for the whole family! Happy New Year of the Horse!!!
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(China Institute brass petting the Lion for an auspicious new year!)
(Kids having a great time petting the Lion!)
(Choy Lee Fut Kung Fu on display by the New York Hung Sing Kwoon!)
(The Steel Whip set)
(Spear)
(Sifu from the New York Hung Sing Kwoon)
Tags: china institute, chinese new year, lunar new year 2014
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Lunar New Year Celebration at the Bronx Museum of the Arts
January 26th, 2014 by Mr. C
(All photos & videos by mr. c)
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Planet Chocko kicked off the celebrations for the Lunar New Year – Year of the Horse at the Bronx Museum of the Arts earlier today! The New York Chinese Cultural Center based in Chinatown New York provided the means of the celebration as they brought the colorful costumed traditional folk dances, lion dancing, and the arts/crafts for the children. The NYCCC has been the pride of the Chinese community for 40 years now as they keep the traditional arts of dance, crafts, calligraphy, & martial arts alive for generations of Chinese americans to come as well as for those special people who appreciate chinese culture. It was NYCCC’s first time bringing their signature program to the Bronx and I wanted to be one of the first to experience it.
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(Diagonally across the street from the Bronx Museum on 166th/Grand Concourse lay the Mural of the legendary Kool Herc celebrating his stance in the birthday of Hip Hop – 40 years strong! Word up Tats Cru – nice job!)
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It was my first visit to the Bronx Museum of the Arts and it boasts a beautiful art space with a smiling staff including the security folks which is unlike most of the art museums in the city. We’ll have to keep an eye out for events happening at the Bronx Museum more often. I walked briskly through Tony Feher’s sculpture/installation admiring the visual aspects of everyday material in another light.
Also, lookout for the FIRST FRIDAYS of every month event at The Bronx Museum of the Arts for film and video screenings, art performances, concerts, and other events! And guess what – The Bronx Museum is where the ARTS and ADMISSION are ALWAYS FREE! See y’all there! From Chinatown to the Bronx and somewhere in between is where we’re usually at!
New York Chinese Cultural Center
390 Broadway, 2nd Floor, New York,NY 10013
www.chinesedance.org
The Bronx Museum of the Arts
1040 Grand Concourse Bronx,New York 10456
www.bronxmuseum.org
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(Miriam Tabb/Liaison of the Bronx Museum of the Arts welcomed us all to her home.)
(Cathy Hung, the Executive Director of the NYC Chinese Cultural Center explains it was her organizations first venture in the Bronx to celebrate the new year)
(Chinese Calligraphy of each guests name on a bookmark!)
(Traditional Chinese paper cutting)
(kids learning how to do the ribbon dance)
(kids having a fun time petting the Lion!)
Tags: bronx museum of arts, chinese new year 2014, new york chinese culture
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Bushwick Graffiti and Street Art
January 2nd, 2014 by chocko
All the photos below were taken recently in the neighborhood of Bushwick in Brooklyn, NYC. Some of the photos were taken around Waterbury Street but most of them were taken around Troutman Street and Saint Nicholas Ave, an awesome outdoor gallery also known as The Bushwick Collective. It’s really easy to get to via subway…take the L train and get off at Jefferson St. Walk around, grab some yummy food in the area and soak in the sights. The murals are spread out over a couple blocks, so give yourself some time to check out works by artists such as Never, Meres, MR PRVRT, Sexer, Adrian Sonni, Nychos, Buff Monster, Misery, Yok, Sheryo…there are way too many artists to name them all.
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Tags: brooklyn, buff monster, bushwick, bushwick collective, graffiti, murals, new york city, nyc, nychos, sheryo, street art, yok
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Comic Arts Brooklyn 2013
January 1st, 2014 by chocko
Last November, Desert Island presented the first annual Comic Arts Brooklyn which looked and felt a lot like last years now defunct Brooklyn Comics And Graphics Festival. The event which celebrates indie comic books, art and self publishing took place at the usual spot, Mt. Carmel Church in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Both floors were packed with exhibitors and comic book fans. I shuffled along in the late afternoon and perused the many books and prints for sale. There were art shows at Desert Island and Mishka, animation screenings at Spectacle Theater, lectures at The Knitting Factory and an after party at Union Pool. The following is just a little sample of what went down during the fun festival in Brooklyn.
2 talented artists you should know about…Heather Benjamin (left) and Alabaster (right). Heather’s work is graphic, twisted and not for the faint of heart. I picked up Alabaster’s Mimi and the Wolves Act I which is the first part in a dreamlike, epic tale that follows Mimi and her friend Bobo.
The latest work by Benjamin Marra is titled Blades & Lazers. His latest is a mini comic featuring two brothers that can slice and dice demons from outer space with no problemo. Benjamin’s comics are always a blast to read and this one doesn’t disappoint. It’s like Star Wars, Conan The Barbarian and Terminator all rolled in one. Out now on Sacred Prism.
Paul Pope was signing his new book, Battling Boy. I went a bit old school and got him to sign a kidrobot vinyl toy of Playboy’s Miss November 1978, Monique St. Pierre which he designed a couple years ago.
Françoise Mouly (Art Editor, New Yorker) and Charles Burns whose appearance at the festival also coincided with an exhibit at Desert Island of original cover artwork from his Nitnit comics and random ephemera.
Gregory Benton debuted his latest work, B+F on AdHouse Books.
Kicks Books was in the house with all sorts of hip pocket paperback on display including some Avi Spivak books which you should check out…Kicksville Confidential which documents the history of Norton Records and the music and comics ‘zine, Human Being Lawnmower.
Leslie Stein (left) the creator of the comic series Eye of the Majestic Creature which is now published by Fantagraphic Books. I love her work and I picked up her latest mini comic titled “The Desk” out on Oily Comics. The Chris Uphues table (right) featured a lot of smiley hearts.
On the CAB stage…an installation collabo by Chris Uphues and Erik Z.
Simon Hanselmann is seen here signing and drawing inside my copy of “Life Zone” which you should totally pick up via Space Face Books.
Representing California…Never Press with their new, eye-popping and awesome ‘zines and prints with Gabe Gonzales manning the table.
Charles Forsman and Melissa Mendes of Oily Comics, a micro-publisher out of Hancock, MA. A lot of great stuff at $1 a book…buy them all.
Legends in the punk rock and ‘zine world, Fly and Aaron Cometbus!
Downstairs at CAB…artists, punks, pirates, hipsters and scalliwags!
Kaz signing one of the latest publications to come out of Desert Island. It’s a newspaper featuring 100 unpublished Underworld strips. Been a super fan of Kaz’s cartoons that used to be featured in the weekly New York Press and Fantagraphics books. It’s been a long time and it’s good to see Kaz is still cranking ’em out. Get yours at Desert Island!
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Tags: art, benjamin marra, brooklyn, Comic Arts Brooklyn, comic books, desert island, indie, kaz, zines
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Bobby ‘Boogaloo’ Watts + Stan Hoffman at the Shadow Box Film Festival
December 9th, 2013 by Mr. C
Last weekend, we feinted our way in for a screening or two at the 2nd annual Shadow Box Film Festival held at the School of Visual Arts Theatre on 23rd street. I caught a notable documentary called Boogaloo which featured an obscure boxer from the 1970s who came from the hustling streets of Philadelphia. Prior to the feature, we were treated to a 20 minute trailer on a work in progress covering an old school flamboyant jewish boxing promoter and manager – the one and only Stan Hoffman from Brooklyn and the Bronx! You can say the two personalities from these two films couldn’t have been more polar opposites of each other but they were both very intriguing in their own way! Hell, I guess you can say Boogaloo needed a manager like Stan to attact more boxing bees to his hive!
First up was the feisty Stan Hoffman, a now 80+ year old lion of the boxing game and once tough city kid from the NYC. This future feature documentary was dubbed for now as – The Stan Hoffman Project. The doc is basically about the trials and tribulations of Stan and his dealings in the fight game as big city of dreams boxing manager of Hasim Rahman, James Toney, & other colorful characters from the boxing hood fraternity. You will see the multidimensional Stan the man talk about how boxing and the music game are basically the same and how he talked Chuck Berry into recording a record that would earn him a fortune. It will be interesting to see the final product of this film. Stan Hoffman was in attendance at the Shadow Box Film festival for the screening of the trailer but he bobbed, weaved, and was whisked away before planet chocko can interrogate the old master of the game!
(Bobby ‘Boogaloo’ Watts wanted to stick & move on Mr. C at the lobby of SVA Theatre!)
Bobby Watts was the subject in question in Boogaloo, a story about a humble upbringing of a country bumpkin from South Carolina who ended up moving northeast to the rough and tumble streets of Philadelphia at 10 years old. So wouid begin the unassuming ways of Boogaloo Watts and his strong desire to earn his keep through the art of sweet science! Philadelphia fighters were where it’s at and were noted to be some of the toughest breeds around. The fab 4 of middleweights in Philly during the 1970s were no exception. Willie The Worm Monroe, Bennie Briscoe, Eugene Cyclone Hart, and Bobby Boogaloo Watts were the Fab 4 and they were the stars of Monday Night boxing in Philadelphia’s legendary arena – The Spectrum! Bennie Briscoe and Eugene Cyclone Hart were the bruisers, the pure punchers, knockout artists of the bunch while Willie the Worm and Bobby Boogaloo were the tall, lanky, slick rick pure boxers of the four. The Quad would have good boxing careers in their own right but all basically faded away into the obscure sunset with Bobby Boogaloo being one of the most underrated and mismanaged journeyman fighter of the four horseman from Phila. Boogaloo managed to beat Marvin Hagler before he was Marvelous and never got the opportunity to fight for a title belt. Mind you the times were a bit different with less title belts, less divisions, more competition, and many deserving fighters that never got a chance to fight for the throne.
The documentary would feature interviews with the likes of Stan Hochman, Harold Lederman, Angelo Dundee, Bert Sugar, Charles Brewer, Al Bernstein, and the darth vader of promoters in some peoples eyes – the director of Monday night fights at the Spectrum – Russell Peltz! All different angles and words are thrown in the pot as to why Bobby Watts never had the recognition and fights that he deserved. All agreed that his style of fighting of sticking and moving, holding, and just having savvy ring generalship & technique in controlling his opponent was not conducive for exciting fights going toe to toe, tit for tat. Also the argument that fighting Watts would be too much of a risk to take to an upcoming boxer’s flight to success were viable. All guests did end up agreeing that Boogaloo was a very good fighter and most certainly deserving of a title shot at one point in his career. I guess Marvin Hagler could of attested to that, though the 2nd fight between Watts and Hagler did not help Boogaloo’s situation.
Boogaloo was a fun documentary paying homage to just no average joe in boxing, but it does prove that being associated with a more rambunctious manager/promoter could lead to other pots of glory and spotlight that might not otherwise be available. One thing is for sure, this was a feel good story that started with a ripple of positive family outlook and ended with a wave of family unity. It’s refreshing to see that not all boxers come from a train wreck background and noice to see that nice people flourish, too. Bobby Boogaloo Watts certainly danced and pranced to a different type of success. Bobby was in attendance for the screening looking mean and fit while donning his cowboy hat! I wouldn’t want to mess with that Philadelphia outlaw! Boogaloo, the documentary was tagged as a work in progress and I’m looking forward to seeing the finished product when it arrives!
(Bobby Watts getting introduced to the audience after the screening of Boogaloo!)
Tags: boxing, documentary, shadow box film festival
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DJ J-RONIN and GUEST MCs pack Black Star for Epic MC Cipher
December 1st, 2013 by chocko
DJ J-Ronin at Black Star (Harlem NYC)
The latest DJ J-RONIN mixtape dropped last week and it’s titled “Freestyle Files Vol.2” and it is pure fire featuring 50 emcees! An official In Store event also happened at Black Star (352 Lennox Ave) in Harlem, NYC. An MC Cipher was scheduled with DJ READY CEE on the wheels of steel providing the beats and instrumentals and when I walked in the building the freestyle session was just getting warmed up. Lyrical assassins, battle rappers, and hip hop legends all converged upon the shop to spit verses and at one point, things started getting hyped when indie legend Shabaam Sahdeeq got his mic swiped and had to school a young buck. Two female MCs represented which is always cool to see…Ms. Hustle and Harlem’s own, Ya Girl Nicolette. Lil Fame of M.O.P. was in the house along with a lot of familiar faces I’ve seen at hip hop shows and in stores from back in the days of Fat Beats. Mr. Beatz aka The MC on the MPC was seen on the microphone along with Brooklyn’s Sav Killz representing All Elements. There were too many MCs in attendance to name, but a few standouts were Karniege, Double A.B., Mic Handz, Team Homi and BK collective Bankai Fam. The night ended with the last MCs standing kicking it a cappella without a microphone and a beat. It was an awesome event and it just proves that hip hop in NYC is not dead but you do have to look and listen in the right places. Hopefully Black Star hosts more similar events and continues to thrive in the Harlem community…definitely support independent shops and don’t forget to pick up DJ J-Ronin’s Freestyle Files Vol 2 Mixtape. Out Now!
Skanks The Rap Martyr on the microphone
Peace to Mr. Beatz aka THE MC on THE MPC
Peace signs all around with Lil Fame of M.O.P. and Ms. Hustle
Karniege takes center stage and Double A.B. looks hungry for the mic
DJ Ready Cee on the turntables
Go cop that J-Ronin ish…Freestyle Files Volume 2!
Sav Killz brought along his latest..Bangers & B-Sides!
DJ J-Ronin getting smooth with the ladies too
Check out some videos from the In Store and All Star MC Cipher:
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Tags: all elements, dj j-ronin, dj ready cee, harlem, hip hop, lil fame, mr. beatz, new york city, nyc, sav killz
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Tara Mcpherson – Wandering Luminations
November 26th, 2013 by Mr. C
Unfortunately, this rad exhibition dubbed “Wandering Luminations” by Tara Mcpherson displayed at the Jonathan Levine Gallery ended a few weeks ago but we wanted to share the beautiful imagery and colors of her amazing artwork! All the work done with Wandering Luminations by Miss Tara were painted with oils on linen stretched over birch panel. Her paintings at this exhibition were displayed on black walls at the Jonathan Levine Gallery which really made the images POP into your grill! I believe all the paintings were spoken for already so if you like the artwork – poster prints, postcards, and perhaps T-shirts might have to do!
The vibrant colors that she paints with and the characters that manifests on her canvas often translates into mythical and mysterious beings that shimmers with power and innocense! Did I also mention her artwork sometimes conjures up seductive thoughts as well? Tara is not confined to just drawings,paintings, & poster art. She designs toys, too!
Catch more of Tara’s fever at her retail store called The Cotton Candy Machine in Brooklyn! See ya’ there!
The Cotton Candy Machine
235 South 1st Street (between Roebling and Havemeyer)
Brooklyn, NYC 11211
718.387.3844
Tags: jonathan levine gallery
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Photos From Outer Space 5
November 15th, 2013 by chocko
Chocko was in pooperazzi mode again with his dusty camera roaming the streets and clicking away. We dug into the archive that’s been piling up for the last couple of months. Here are some photographic odds and ends from in store events, galleries and theaters in no particular order.
After a screening of “A Band Called Death” at Cinema Village a couple months ago, the subjects of the documentary and straight outta Detroit, DEATH stopped by for some Q&A action and hung out in the lobby to sign posters and albums. The movie is a must see documentary about a family and a band from Detroit who predated punk music who never gave up on their dreams…a punk rock “Searching For Sugar Man!” Loved it.
Jim Jarmusch and Tilda Swinton swoop in on the New York Film Festival at Lincoln Center for a press screening of “Only Lovers Left Alive,” the new Jarmusch movie featuring hip vampires and a cool soundtrack.
The Opening Night of “Ricky Powell’s Funky Dope Maneuvers Photography & Slide Show” featured 30 images by NYC’s Street Photographer Ricky Powell (left). His photographs feature hip hop and rock legends, actors, artists and regular people that populate the streets of New York. DJ Stretch Armstrong (right) provided the cutting, scratching and the boom-bap beats for the party people at the pop-up gallery at Site 109.
Gary Numan is back with an album that has some of his heaviest material to date. He made a stop at Vintage Vinyl in Fords, NJ to promote his latest record, “Splinter.” He performed a set of six songs including his new wave hit “Cars” and signed stuff afterwards. Numan is a major influence on electronic music and countless bands including Devo and Nine Inch Nails. Check out his in-store performance of “Cars” HERE.
Wong Kar-wai brought his film, “The Grandmaster” to the Museum of the Moving Image. The movie is another story involving the Wing Chun grandmaster Ip Man. Skinnier versions of Chocko and Mr. C definitely enjoyed Wong Kar-wai movies in the early 90’s at Cinema Village and Film Forum to see “Chungking Express” and “Fallen Angels.” Classics!
Star of “Beyond The Valley of The Dolls” Marcia McBroom stopped by Anthology Film Archives to introduce the film during the Russ Meyer retrospective. The former model and actress of blaxploitation films is now a high school teacher in New York City! I dig her New York accent!
Greta Gerwig (left) made an appearance recently at Apple Store Soho to talk about her movie “Frances Ha” which just got released on Criterion – a great movie (co-written and starring Gerwig) about ambitions and friendships, shot mostly in NYC in black and white. Katey Sagal (right) of Sons of Anarchy and Futurama also stopped by to promote her new album “Covered” with a discussion and a performance. I never knew she could sing, but apparently she has been singing for a long time and has shared the same stage with Bob Dylan, Etta James and Bette Midler.
Joe Bob Briggs introduced the 80’s horror comedy film “Re-Animator” at The Alamo Drafthouse in Yonkers last week. He shared some stories, fun facts about “Re-Animator” and read his initial review of the movie which was published in a Dallas newspaper and got him in a whole heap of trouble back in the day. “Basket Case” and “Frankenhooker” director, Frank Henenlotter was also in the house for the 35mm horror gem.
NY Ink Tattoo artist, Megan Massacre was at the Re-Thrifted show at Sacred Gallery. Her art was displayed along with many other paintings by artists who took thrift store art and refurbished it. Show ends Nov 30.
Evan Rachel Wood and director Fredrik Bond were at the Apple Store Soho to promote their just-released movie “Charlie Countryman” a movie shot in Bucharest, Romania which looks like a fantastic, violent and twisted, love story. I can’t wait to see it. The films opens Nov 15!
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Tags: a band called death, chocko, evan rachel wood, gary numan, greta gerwig, joe bob briggs, katey sagal, marcia mcbroom, megan massacre, photo, ricky powell, wong kar wai
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-X- marks the spot! Tour De Bronx!
November 11th, 2013 by Mr. C
I’m a little late on reporting this event but better late than never I suppose! Two weeks ago on Sunday October 27th, we participated in an organized bicycle ride called the Tour De Bronx. This ride was in its 19th edition and it was my first time taking part in this particular sweep through the beautiful borough of the Bronx! I have rode in a few other free events sponsored by this same organization – Transportation Alternatives – such as the Tour De Brooklyn and the Tour De Queens but hands down – the Tour De Bronx takes the cake! Free bicycle helmets were being given out on a first come first serve basis as well as free T-shirts and a slice of pizza if you made it to the end game (finish line) at the Bronx Botanical Garden! There was less congestion and bottlenecking in the ride in the Bx as opposed to her more overly-hyped sister boroughs in Brooklyn and Queens. We rode in the so-called family friendly 25 mile ride but I found that my butt and my cramping muscles didn’t find it so family friendly! Though I must cry out that I haven’t ridden in quite a while. My training session was biking around manhattan on my foldup bike the week prior and that seemed to go pretty well, though the ride was all flatlands and lots of food stops! My sole savior in looking forward to finishing the ride was the jerk and candied chicken wings at the Bronx Ale House that we were going to treat ourselves to and what a reward that was!
All in all it was a great day of riding and enjoying the sights of the Bronx. We must of rode past dozens of beautiful neighborhoods & hoods, historic districts, parks, waterfront, and greenway paths that I never knew existed! The ride started at the Bronx County Building, a stones throw away from Yankee Stadium and we even had breakfast at a pre-Yankee stadium haunt of ours – The Banana Deli on 161st Street! We’re already looking forward to the 20th annual Tour De Bronx next year! Will you join us?
Checkout Transportation Alternatives – they’re our advocate on bicyling, walking, and public transit in the city! Think smarter, greener, healthier, and safer ways for alternative modes of transportation!
(It all began here as I await for comrade curry outside his doorsteps in the Bronx on the morning after a night of Chiller Theatre in NJ!)
(We’re planning to take MetroNorth to Yankee Stadium just a few stops over. Entrance to the Spuyten Duyvil station)
(The views by the train station.)
(5 minutes later we end up at the mecca of baseball in da South Bronx – Yankee Stadium!)
(after a quick and painless check-in for the ride, we arrive at The Banana Deli for breakfast and NO there’s no Yankee game going on today! )
(Breakfast for champions – bacon & egg on a roll before we roll!)
(The anticipation of the ride at the starting point at the Bronx County Building!)
(St. Raymond’s Cemetary)
(First rest stop at Crotona Park, the home of some great outdoor old skool hip hop concerts in the summer!)
(Next rest stop at the Castle Hill YMCA by the East River)
(Great view of the Whitestone Bridge from the Castle Hill YMCA)
(Next to final rest stop at the Pelham Bay Park nature center)
(This guy on the unicycle is surpassing me on the ride to the finish. No way, can’t let that happen!)
(The endgame at the Bronx Botanical Garden – I’m too pooped to get a slice of pizza but I make sure I get my free T-Shirt!)
Tags: tour de bronx
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Comic Arts Brooklyn is happening today!
November 9th, 2013 by chocko
Come on down to Comic Arts Brooklyn, the FREE annual festival of comics and cartoon art presented by Desert Island which happens in a couple hours on Saturday November 9 from 11 AM to 7 PM. It all goes down in Brooklyn, NYC at Mt. Carmel Church and the Knitting Factory. Click HERE for a sneak peek at the festival program. Bring your sketchbooks, purchase some art, buy some comics, check out some panels and have a good, geeky time. In the meantime, take a look at some of the photos I took at last years event and check out some drawings from my sketchbook done by some of my favorite artists.
there are exhibitors upstairs (pictured) and downstairs too
bring lots of dough because you will want to buy everything you see!
Gary Panther and Tom Kaczynski signing at the Fantagraphics table
it’s always cool to see the Providence Comics Consortium in the house
dope stuff by Johhny Negron. I should have picked up that book with the Heisenberg art. Fail!
the basement where one can find more crowds and a gallery of art
Jin & Jam comics and pins
left: the entrance to the festival, right: Chris Ware
Finnish comic books represent!
Here are a couple quick sketches (clockwise from the top left) by Heather Benjamin, Benjamin Marra, Lisa Hanawalt and Hellen Jo.
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Tags: art, brooklyn, cartoons, Comic Arts Brooklyn, comics, desert island, festival, indie, nyc, photos
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