Tegan and Sara played Starland Ballroom
November 8th, 2013 by chocko
Tegan and Sara at Starland Ballroom
Back in 2001, I saw Tegan and Sara play a free show at South Street Seaport in NYC. The Canadian twin sisters played catchy pop music on acoustic guitars. They were absolutely adorable and their quirky on stage banter was just as fun as their songs. I’ve been a fan ever since, picked up every album along the way and have seen them play in cities all across the United States, Canada and Europe. Their latest album “Heartthrob” have the ladies bum rushing the music charts with synthesizer heavy, melodic pop tunes, solid song writing and dance floor friendly beats.
Tegan and Sara recently played New Jersey’s Starland Ballroom to celebrate everybody’s favorite free form DJ, Rich Russo and the 5th anniversary of his “Anything Anything” Radio show. A couple dozen early bird ticket buyers got rewarded by Russo with early entry into the venue and a surprise meet and greet with the ladies. I tried not to freak out and hyperventilate while meeting them, we talked briefly about an upcoming television performance, Tegan dug my old school T+S jacket and they both signed two albums I brought with me. After getting a photo taken with Tegan and Sara, I set up shop in the pit, front and center for one of the most memorable nights of music to come along in a while.
The all-girl NYC area band, Plastiq Passion opened the evening with an energetic set of music which was influenced by new wave and post punk sounds. Willie Nile was next up and played songs off a set list that Rich Russo wrote up, so you know there were going to be songs heard that the band hadn’t played in ages. Willie played his distinct style of street tough blue-collar rock and roll to a growingly antsy crowd ready for the twins. Russo introduced the headliners and mentioned a Tegan and Sara remix that he is involved with which could have members of the E-Street Band and Melissa Etheridge performing some T+S. Speaking of E-Street Band…Steven Van Zandt was in the house. I also noticed members of Bern & The Brights in the audience…check out their music and recent cover of “Call It Off” a T+S song off their 2007 album, The Con.
Tegan
Sara
Tegan and Sara performed nearly the entire new album, starting off their set with “Drove Me Wild” and “Goodbye, Goodbye” and had the crowd singing along by their third song “Back In Your Head” shortly followed by a crowd favorite, “Walking With A Ghost.” They were backed up by four musicians including the veteran of many Tegan and Sara tours, Ted Gownans playing guitars and keyboards. For this particular show, Tegan and Sara didn’t really reach deep into their catalog, but did play a couple of older “pre-Con” songs including “Where Does The Good Go” and “Living Room.” I did notice when they played their shiny, bouncy new hit, “Closer” the crowd went nuts, fuhgeddaboutit…they took it to a whole new level. I may or may not have been fist pumping along and jumping around like a fool. Check out some videos I shot from the show below…”Nineteen” and “Call It Off.” Tegan had a little rough start with an out of tune guitar for “Nineteen” and Sara started poking fun at the situation and it’s those little imperfections in their shows and they way they pull it off with a sense of humor is what makes them endearing and always fun to watch. Tegan and Sara will be playing a bunch of dates during the upcoming months…definitely check out their website for updates. My next T+S show will be on December 14 at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY. See you there and bring your dancing shoes!
another Sara pic and the set list
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Tags: Anything Anything, Bern & The Brights, concert, live, new jersey, Rich Russo, show, Starland Ballroom, Tegan and Sara
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Henry Street Settlement – 11th Annual Open House New York
October 14th, 2013 by Mr. C
The 11th Annual Open House New York which happened last weekend is one of my favorite (mostly free and some at $5 admission) events in New York City that unlocks the city to New Yorkers, NJ folks pretending to be New Yawkers, tourists, and anyone disguised with a heartbeat in order to gain free access to hundreds of sites, lectures, tours, performances, and family events within the 5 boroughs of NYC. Open House New York is truly a celebration to appreciate the City’s architecture both modern and historical as well as to marvel about the design techniques. Private residences, historic landmarks, modern museums, cemetaries, synagogues, skyscrapers, and walking street tours are some examples of the rare access you will get at an event like this and largely for – FREE!
With my time constraints as of late, I opted to take a tour of the HENRY STREET SETTLEMENT, a historical landmark building in the Lower East Side of Manhattan offering social services since 1893 founded by nurse Lillian Wald. She dedicated herself in bringing nursing care, social education, and access to the arts to the immigrant poor in the lower east side of manhattan.
I have passed by the Henry Street Settlement buildings many a times en route to the FDR drive back to the dirty jerz. In desperate parking situations, I sometimes even park my car around the henry street area if I need to jaunter around to the LES chinese side of things or even to make runs at the South Street Seaport.
Today, the Henry Street Settlement still remains true to form with Lillian’s vision of providing social services, arts programs, and health care to the less fortunate. Some of you might know the sister building to the Henry Street Settlement – The Abrons Arts Center on Grand street dedicated to the performance arts. It plays hosts to many a plays, musical performances, dance, and art exhibits at affordable prices. As far as the 3 buildings known as the Henry Street Settlement with the one vacant Firehouse attached to the far right of 265 Henry Street, we were told that the City of New York is selling the historic firehouse to the Henry Street Settlement for $1. Plans to renovate and preserve the space is in the works. If you get a chance swing by 265 Henry and check out the really neat confines of this Federal architecture style building and get a taste of old New York with the pushcarts crowding the streets!
Henry Street Settlement
265 Henry Street NY, NY 10002
Abrons Arts Center
466 Grand Street NY, NY 10002
(Slideshow on the history of the Henry Street Settlement and Nurse Lillian)
(Beautiful Federal style architecture)
(Courtyard)
(Historic Firehouse to the right of the Henry Street Settlement)
(Martin Luther King jr. park/adjacent to 265)
Tags: open house new york
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Zombie Walk at Asbury Park, NJ – The Jersey Shore Lives!
October 7th, 2013 by Mr. C
We didn’t get a chance to rise up from the grave with the thousands marching on the boardwalk at Asbury Park, NJ for the Zombie Walk but my office space mate did and he kindly shared some photos with the rest of us undead! Thanks J-Strongbow!
Tags: asbury park, nj, zombie walk
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2014 Montclair Film Festival press release : April 29 – May 4
September 26th, 2013 by Mr. C
2014 MONTCLAIR FILM FESTIVAL
TO BE HELD APRIL 29 – MAY 4
Submissions now being accepted in all categories
Montclair NJ, 9/25/2013 – The Montclair Film Festival (MFF), quickly growing in stature as a regional stop on the festival circuit, will host its third annual celebration of the art of filmmaking April 28-May 4, 2014, showcasing work by emerging and established film makers, post-screening discussions and conversations with special guests including directors, producers and actors. Bob Feinberg, Chairman of the Board and Thom Powers, Artistic Director, made the announcement at the Festival’s downtown Montclair offices.
The 2014 festival will build on 2013’s success of more than 14,000 attendees who viewed over 80 films and events, including selected world and New Jersey premieres. A favorite category, New Jersey Spotlight, provides a platform for dozens of talented and up-and-coming filmmakers from New Jersey to exhibit new work as does its sister category, “New Jersey Shorts.” Other categories include “Music On Film,” a special Family section, “African American Stories,” Narrative Film,” “Documentaries” and “Comedy” among others to be announced when the Festival lineup is set.
Through the expert eye of curator/programmer Powers, who, in his role at the Toronto Film Festival, was recently named “A Kingmaker For Documentaries” by the New York Times, and Executive Director Raphaela Neihausen, the 2013 festival showcased many films that have since gone on to critical and box office success including 20 Feet From Stardom, In A World, Blackfish, The Spectacular Now, Concussion, directed by Montclair resident Stacie Passon, Gideon’s Army, a documentary from Montclair based filmmaker Dawn Porter and the Emmy® winning documentary Mel Brooks: Make A Noise, which had its world premiere at the 2102 MFF. Other highlights included Breaking Bad cinematographer Michael Slovis’ brilliant breakdown of the art of the show’s cinematography, the New York Times columnist David Carr’s provocative interview with the award-winning documentarian Alex Gibney and Oscar® winner Michael Moore leading a discussion on the current state of documentary film.
“We are so proud of how quickly the Montclair Film Festival has been embraced by the movie going public and within the film industry,” said Feinberg. Powers added “Its success clearly demonstrates that there is a passion for film in this town and the filmmakers who bring their movies to Montclair walk away with a true appreciation for their experience at the Festival – and are telling their friends.”
Submissions are now being accepted in all categories with all the information available on the MFF website, http://montclairfilmfest.org/submissions/. There are four key deadlines for filmmakers to make note of:
* Early-bird deadline: Dec. 20
* Regular deadline: Jan. 31
* Late deadline: Feb. 21
* Withoutabox special deadline: Feb. 28
About The Montclair Film Festival:
Montclair Film Festival (MFF) is a community-based non-profit, tax-exempt (501(c)(3) organization. MFF was created in 2012 to nurture and showcase talented filmmakers from around the world while creating a cultural focal point for the Township of Montclair, surrounding communities and the region. For information about MFF, or to become a member, visit www. montclairfilmfest.org/. Sponsors of the 2013 MFF included Audi, Chubb, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage (Official Realtor), Investors Bank, Neuberger Berman, RBC Wealth Management, Clara Maass Medical Center, Egan & Sons (Official Restaurant), Heineken (Official Beer), Whole Foods Market (Official Grocer) and Xerox. The festival is also supported, in part, by a grant from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel & Tourism.
41 Watchung Plaza, #345 Montclair, NJ 07042
973 783 6433 info@montclairfilmfest.org montclairfilmfest.org
Tags: 2014 Montclair Film Festival, montclair film festival
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KRS-ONE played SOB’s
August 31st, 2013 by chocko
KRS-ONE and DJ Predator Prime at SOB’s (photos by Chocko)
Tony Touch and D-Stroy
The Teacha, aka Blastmaster KRS-ONE recently performed at the NYC downtown club, SOB’s in front of a sold out crowd. His son, DJ Predator Prime accompanied the legendary MC on the turntables providing the beats and scratches. When we got into the club, Tony Touch was on stage ripping it up on the microphone and turntables along with Brooklyn MC, D-Stroy (founding member of The Arsonists). D-Stroy knows how to entertain with a combination punch of comedy, verbal acrobatics and wacky dance moves. Tony Touch is all about that real hip hop, so definitely cop his latest release Piece Maker 3 (Return Of The 50 MC’s).
KRS-ONE jumped on stage a little after 10 pm, firing on all cylinders. He started the set by freestyling for a few minutes then announced he would be doing a lot of classic material. The crowd responded by joining in on the verses of classic Boogie Down Production tracks such as MC’s Act Like They Don’t Know, My Philosophy, Criminal Minded, The Bridge Is Over and I’m Still #1. The Blastmaster also performed tracks from his latest album Never Forget. One of my favorite moments of the show was when KRS rhymed over some Vivaldi. Hip hop and classical music…mind blown! I would love to see that song performed live with a string quartet. That would be dope! The Teacha also took the time to share some knowledge and wisdom…the one thing that stood out the most was his lesson where he said “The mastery of one thing, can lead to all things.” Class was in session. I noticed fans like to bring their latest arts and crafts projects to shows…in the middle of a song, KRS-ONE grabbed a nice graffiti piece from the crowd and held it up on stage for all to see (pictured above). Somebody also took the time to make what looked like a bathroom rug with the letters “BDP” on them. The show lasted well over an hour, longtime collaborator Hakim Green of Channel Live joined KRS-ONE on stage for a track and the crowd got a bit zany when “I Can’t Wake Up” was performed. I’m sure you remember the chorus…”I’m A Blunt, getting smoked, and I can’t wake up!” KRS-ONE is one of the few MCs out there that can truly rock a mic and perform live and to see a show like this on Hip Hop’s 40th anniversary, made it an event that I will remember for a long time. Check out some videos from the show below!
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Tags: boogie down productions, d-stroy, dj predator prime, hip hop, krs-one, sob's, tony touch, videos
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Jamel Shabazz Street Photographer
August 8th, 2013 by chocko
When one thinks of photographers who have documented hip-hop prior to the crack era and its commercialization, Jamel Shabazz and his snapshots of hip hop street style and culture come to mind. Charlie Ahearn, the director of iconic hip hop movie Wild Style, shines a spotlight on Shabazz and his photos in the documentary Jamel Shabazz Street Photographer. The movie recently screened at BAM Rose Cinemas in Brooklyn, not too far from the locations of Jamel’s countless photos of the kids looking fresh in their kangols, straight legged jeans and Puma sneakers. Ahearn’s portrait of Shabazz features many stories behind the images with interviews with Shabazz himself, Fred “Fab 5 Freddy” Brathwaite, legendary MC and hip hop scholar KRS-One, street photographer Louis Mendes and graffiti artists such as David “Chino” Villorente. David’s scene in the movie is a memorable one in which he goes through the photos, recognizing the locations and artists in the photographs and speaking enthusiastically about obscure graffiti crews. It was also fun to see Bobbito García, aka Kool Bob Love wax poetic on a Shabazz photograph of classic sneakers on display in a store window.
Jamel always took photos at an early age, but it wasn’t until his return home to Brooklyn after serving in the military in the early 80’s, did he document life in the streets and subways of Brooklyn and Manhattan. Most people discovered Jamel’s photos in the pages of Trace Magazine and Source Magazine. I never knew about Jamel’s photos, but in 2001 the release of his first book of photography Back In The Days blew my mind. The photos were New York City time capsules from the early 80’s which captured my imagination…b-boys and b-girls in classic hip hop poses, boomboxes, graffiti and street fashion. I always wondered who snapped all those shots and who were all these people in those funky fresh photographs? Ahearn’s film answers these questions and also shows the viewer how Shabazz inspires and interacts with his various subjects. Definitely keep your eyes and ears open for future screenings.
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Tags: charlie ahearn, documentary, hip hop, Jamel Shabazz, photos, Street Photographer
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The Ballet played Spike Hill
July 19th, 2013 by chocko
The Ballet at Spike Hill (photos by Chocko)
NYC 3-piece synthpop band The Ballet played a rare show last month at Spike Hill in Brooklyn. It was a fun afternoon during the NYC Popfest and as a bonus, it was a free show! Did anybody notice the thousands of ants on the brick wall on the right side of the club by the stage. Nobody else seemed to care about it. I pointed the ant invasion to people next to me and they just shrugged their shoulders. I even feel a little itchy thinking about it again. It was all worth it to see The Ballet. They play brilliant and fun, melodic sad songs that you can dance to.
I haven’t seen The Ballet play since 2010 at another Brooklyn show at Littlefield. Their album Bear Life was for sale at the time and after finding out Kaki King sang and played on a bunch of tracks…sold! It was great to hear and see them again. The Ballet played a lot of new songs and songs from their out of print first album Mattachina!. They recently released their third album I Blame Society on Fortuna Pop. Definitely pick up their new album and go see them live if you get the chance…bring your dancing shoes! Check out some footage from their show at Spike Hill below including the new track “Turn You” from I Blame Society.
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Tags: band, indie, nyc, popfest, synthpop, the ballet
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A Look Back at Comic-Con International 2012
July 16th, 2013 by chocko
Comic-Con 2013 is about to go down at San Diego. It is the biggest pop culture event in the universe…bar none. Here is a super duper late look at last year’s 4 day (5 if you count Preview Night) comic book, sci-fi, gaming, anime, blockbuster movie extravaganza. Hope to see you at Comic-Con International in San Diego, California from JULY 18-21, 2013!
R.I.P. to the legendary Jim Kelly star of Enter The Dragon, Black Belt Jones and a many other kung fu and blaxploitation movies. I ran into him outside of the convention center and totally geeked out. I met up with Mr. Kelly later in the Autograph Pavillion and we talked about his movies, how he turned down a role in a Tarantino movie and his future projects. Jim Kelly unfortunately passed away at the age of 67 on June 29, 2013.
Shaquille O’Neal surrounded by fans along with comedian Jamie Kennedy after their appearance at the always entertaining Black Panel.
This is your typical scene on the convention floor…wall to wall people shuffling along at a slow pace, stopping to grab con swag or to snap photos of Lego Batman. It gets pretty stressful after a while but you just have to go with the flow, stay focused, remain calm and stay hydrated.
Kirk Hammett (left) of METALLICA and Ron English (right) at the Toy Tokyo booth, a great place to buy collectible toys and get stuff signed.
Jackie Chan made his first appearance at Comic-Con to discuss his new movie Chinese Zodiac. Seeing Jackie at San Diego was a Con highlight.
Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger at the Expendables 2 panel at Hall H. These guys were cracking jokes (mostly about their age) at each other a lot which made this event extremely fun to watch.
Kevin Smith (left) taking over Hall H is an annual tradition where he updates his fans with what’s up and takes questions from the audience. This event is a guaranteed good time and I always make sure to grab a seat. Rebecca Romijn (right) at the outdoors EXTRA stage. Yowza!
Playboy cartoonist Doug Sneyd surrounded by cosplaying Playboy Bunnies. Whatta lucky guy! I need to brush up on my drawing.
(l-r) Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal and Ron Perlman along with other members of the hit show about outlaw bikers Sons Of Anarchy sure know how to entertain. The actors from SOA hinted at the future season of the show while going in and out of character during the panel.
Biz Markie was goin’ off at the Yo Gabba Gabba! booth signing anything for his fans. I liked watching his Beat Of The Day segments on that show.
John Landis was seen on the exhibit floor signing his book Monsters In The Movies. He directed so many great movies – Animal House, Trading Places, American Werewolf In London and Coming To America.
Anthony Bourdain (left) was in the house to promote his graphic novel “Get Jiro” and RZA (right) of Wu-Tang Clan spoke about his directorial debut and homage to kung fu movies, The Man With The Iron Fists.
This Mars Attack figured called to me from its shelf at the Funko booth. Funko has one of my favorite booths to shop for SDCC exclusives.
Here are some photos of the out-of-control cosplay from the Comic-Con. More photos from a Planet Chocko transmission-post last year HERE!
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Tags: comic books, comic con, convention, san diego
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Joell Ortiz played Crotona Park
July 12th, 2013 by chocko
Joell Ortiz at Crotona Park (photos by Chocko)
You cannot beat all the free concerts happening during the summer in NYC. Joell Ortiz (member of the hip hop super group Slaughterhouse) performed July 9 at Crotona Park in The Bronx – the birthplace of Hip Hop culture. City Parks Foundation put on a great free show with RVSB (DJ Raff and Latin Bitman) opening up the evening. These DJs mix up hip hop with latin and electronic beats. I walked in while they were remixing some Wutang Clan – heads nodding in the huge crowd sitting on lawn seats and sipping nutcrackers and other cold drinks. I ran into the Clive Campbell aka legendary DJ Kool Herc who liked my St. Louis Vintage Vinyl shirt.
RVSB at Crotona Park
Joell Ortiz took command of the stage and started off the performance with “Sing Like Bilal” and “Hip Hop” from his 2007 debut album The Brick: Bodega Chronicles. Joell talked briefly about his life and struggles and then asked the crowd “Anybody out here rhyme?” 3 MCs emerged from the audience to get some time on the microphone. This was definitely a memorable part of the night, the dude from The Bronx representing 174th Street got the crowd amped. Joell also made the announcement that the next Slaughterhouse album was recently completed, so be on the lookout for that. A couple Slaughterhouse songs were performed solo including “Microphone” and “Hammer Dance.” The show was mostly rain-free, but towards the end heavy rains pounded down but Joell kept the show going with sick freestyles, a tribute to BIG PUN and ended with the crowd favorite “Nissan, Honda, Chevy.” Yaowa!
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Tags: 2013, crotona park, joell ortiz, slaughterhouse, summerstage, the bronx
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Smoke Signal #16 Release Party at The Newsstand
July 2nd, 2013 by chocko
Marcellus Hall, James Romberger and Josh Bayer at The Newsstand
The fine folks at Smoke Signal, a free quarterly comics anthology, recently celebrated it’s 16th issue last Friday at an awesome event at The Newsstand. The Newsstand is a diy subterranean pop-up shop located at the Metropolitan Avenue station in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The place got started by Lele Saveri of the 8-Ball Zine Fair and they sell independent publications, ‘zines, comic books, records…my kinda place! Marcellus Hall provided the music at the event singing songs and playing on the acoustic guitar and harmonica. Marcellus is also a contributor to Smoke Signal #16 and his comic strips “Bill Dogbreath” circa the 90’s are definitely a highlight of the issue. Other contributors from the recent anthology including James Romberger, James Ulmer and Josh Bayer worked on a mural while curious straphangers and comic fans hung out slurping free ice pops. If you missed the event, come on down to Brooklyn and pick up a free issue of Smoke Signal at Desert Island (540 Metropolitan Ave.) and while you’re at it, stop by The Newsstand before it’s gone. Check their website for more information and event hours.
The artists at work: James Romberger, James Ulmer and Josh Bayer
Gabe Fowler from Desert Island
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Tags: 16, artist, brooklyn, comic, comic books, desert island, james romberger, james ulmer, josh bayer, new york city, nyc, smoke signal, the newsstand
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EL-P + Killer Mike = Run The Jewels
June 26th, 2013 by chocko
Killer Mike + EL-P at Santos Party House 2012
The brand new album by Run The Jewels just dropped today on Fool’s Gold Records. After Brooklyn’s EL-P collaborated with Atlanta’s Killer Mike on R.A.P. Music in 2012, the dynamic duo took it a step further with their current project trading verses with guests Big Boi and Prince Paul. A full summer tour with Despot and Kool AD (Das Racist) is about to blast off. That tour should be off the meat rack! Chocko and Mr. C were at EL-P’s album release show for CANCER4CURE last year at Santos Party House in NYC. Check out the photos and a couple videos from that show (shot by Chocko) which looks like a precursor to what will be a dope 2013 hip hop tour. Chocko’s all about the deluxe vinyl edition, but if you want to download it, do it. It’s FREE in exchange for an email address!
Despot at Santos Party House 2012
Tags: despot, el-p, fool's gold records, killer mike, kool ad, run the jewels
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Austra played Other Music
June 21st, 2013 by chocko
Austra was in NYC to celebrate the release of their brand new, second album, Olympia, out now on Domino. They recently played a sold out show at Music Hall of Williamsburg. They also performed an in-store at Other Music where fans of the Canadian electro-pop band were treated to a set which showcased songs from the new album. Frontwoman Katie Stelmanis mentioned to the packed in audience that it was the first time for them to be play in a record store. Katie’s powerful and ethereal, operatic voice was in full effect along with synthesizers and live drums and bass in your face. Austra punctuated the evening with “Lose It” from their debut album Feel It Break. Katie stuck around after the set to sign albums and posters. Yes, I went into fanboy mode and got my CD signed. Go to Other Music (15 E. 4th St) or a record store near you, and pick up a copy of Olympia. Check out some videos from the instore event below!
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Tags: austra, band, canadian, indie, instore, katie stelmanis, other music
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