Men At Lunch – DOC NYC – New York’s Documentary Festival
November 8th, 2012 by Mr. C
Director: Seán Ó Cualáin
Men At Lunch was a very touching documentary ode to NYC & the blue collar workers that helped build the city vertically with the rise of steel and concrete. It told the tale of a rapidly changing New York City in the early twentieth century amongst the Wall Street crisis, high unemployment rates, and with the city banks collapsing. One of the most recognizable images of all time in NYC circa 1932 is a photo with 11 ironworkers sitting on top of a steel beam suspended 57 stories high with a Canyon of Manhattan underneath them, Central Park behind them, and the hudson river in the distance while the workers were casually having lunch! This simple yet audacious image represented the celebration of the legend of the working man. The ironworker earned $1.50 an hour which was a pretty decent living at the time with one major or should we say fatal drawback – death – 2% of the workforce annually would die working on the skyscapers. These 11 nameless iron immigrant workers symbolized the fabric of the poor and working class of NYC while simultaneously elevating the common man as a superhero while they perched in the sky!. In the 1920’s, the biggest Jewish, Italian, & Irish populations in the Americas were found in the big apple and they all had something in common – growing up in the school of hard knocks! The Irish, Mohawk Indians, Germans, and the Scandinavians were known to brave the dangerous work of balancing on steel beams to build the skyscapers of Manhattan.
Along with those brave enough to work on the steel beams suspended in the canyons of NYC were the crazy anonymous photographers doing similiar circus balancing acts while documenting the ironmen! Much thanks & credit have to be given to these photographers, for they gave the workers a grandiose aura about them in a still photo that otherwise they would have not possessed while on the ground mingling with stockbrokers, athletes, artists, & women in speakeasy’s.
The director of the film – Seán Ó Cualáin attempts to demystify the anonymous 11 ironworkers in the famous photo known as – Lunch atop a Skyscraper and perhaps provide a few answers that might lead us a little bit closer in identifying 2 of the workers in the photo which leads us to a pub in Shanaglish, Ireland. Other evidence stored at the Rockefeller Center Archives and the Iron Mountain Storage facility in PA will provide further proof of authenticity in the image.
The director does a great job in celebrating the tradition of the ironworkers and their importance in creating the foundation of the skyline of NYC as we know it today. Lunch Atop a Skyscraper is a true symbol of courage and resilience of NYC and the people that call it home.
Men At Lunch screens at the DOC NYC Festival on Saturday November 10th & Wednesday November 14. Check the DOC NYC schedule for more info here.
Tags: docnyc 2012, documentary, film
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Crucial Fiction + Young Puns 2
November 8th, 2012 by chocko
This Ron English mural featuring his character The Temper Tot recently went up on Mulberry Street between Canal and Hester in Little Italy, New York City. It’s English’s first Manhattan mural in more than two decades so be sure to check it out. The “Art Of Comedy” mural was completed to coincide with the New York Comedy Festival. Street artists Hanksy and Gilf! are also taking part in the project between Canal and Broome Streets. Keep your eyes peeled for some pop culture mashups.
Also, be sure to save the day for Ron’s show Crucial Fiction: Solo Exhibition at Opera Gallery NYC
Date: Thursday, November 8, 2012 to Thursday, November 29, 2012
Location: Opera Gallery NYC: 115 Spring St
Here’s another piece, done by NYC’s Hanksy who also has a show, Young Puns 2-Now with More Pun. It’s his second no holds barred solo exhibition which lampoons Tom Hanks and other celebrities such as Danny DeVito and Al Pacino. Stop by the Krause Gallery in the Lower East Side for some clever wordplay and cheesy, tongue-in-cheek art.
Date: Thursday, November 8, 2012 to Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Location: Krause Gallery: 149 Orchard St at Rivington
(photos by chocko)
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Tags: crucial fiction, graffiti, hanksy, ron english, street art, young puns 2
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Girl In A Coma played Lincoln Center
November 2nd, 2012 by chocko
Girl In A Coma (Nina Diaz-guitars + vocals, Phanie Diaz-drums and Jenn Alva-bass) rocked the David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center in New York City last Thursday, October 25, 2012. It was a free show and if you came, expecting some jazz guitar or the soothing sounds of a violin concerto…you came to the wrong place. With Halloween looming, the “Ghouls In A Coma” came to rattle your skull and do the monster mash!
I first saw the band at a couple of shows in Los Angeles opening for Tegan And Sara. They had me hooked with their intense punk attitude on their versions of “Ven Cerca” by Los Spitfires and “Do You Wanna Dance” made popular by The Beach Boys and The Ramones. Maybe it was the way Nina bounced around with her guitar and intense vampire-like stare and wailing vocals or the way the thundering rhythm section made me want to stomp around like Godzilla. I don’t know, but I have been a fan ever since and seen them play more shows than I can remember.
The fine trio from San Antonio, Texas recently won an Independent Music Award (IMA) for the Indie/Alt. Rock Album category and flew to NYC from Atlanta for one show in the middle of a tour with Cursive and Minus The Bear. They seem to keep getting better with every performance and record they put out. Their recent album Exits & All The Rest is out now on Joan Jett’s label, Blackheart Records and it is a perfect mix of post-punk with a dash of rockabilly, some Morrissey (after all, their name was inspired by a Smiths lyric!) with a heap of Tejano and indie rock.
Girl In A Coma performed a full set which featured songs from all four of their albums including a brand new tune “Invisible”, a captivating version of “Walkin’ After Midnight” the sultry and swoon-inducing “Monte” and a Spanish version of their newest single “Smart.” Check out some footage below of “Cemetery Baby” a Chocko favorite from the new album.
Here’s a video for “Smart” off their most recent album Exits & All The Rest…watch GIAC narrowly escape the danger of oncoming trains. Follow the girls as they explore creepy, abandoned buildings and then rock out!
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Tags: blackheart records, giac, girl in a coma, jenn alva, lincoln center, new york city, nina diaz, phanie diaz
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Treehouse of HORROR #18
October 31st, 2012 by chocko
It’s that time of year again for Bongo Comics issue of twisted terror featuring The Simpsons! The first story of this “48-page chill-tacular” is titled “Eerie Beery” and features everybody’s favorite animated family going on a vacation, taking a wrong turn and ending up in a dark cabin where Homer awakens evil spirits that turn the rest of the family into hungry zombies. There’s a twist ending and a chainsaw wielding Homer Simpson that will leave you gasping in horror. Awesome story and art courtesy of brothers Shane and Chris Houghton (Reed Gunther).
“Margemary’s Baby” is a supernatural homage to the classic horror movie Rosemary’s Baby. The art is by Phil Noto (Danger Girl) and the story was written by Gerry Duggan of Attack of the Show! The story starts with a young couple (Marge and Homer) looking to move into a Downtown Springfield apartment. They get introduced to their creepy neighbors, Monty Burns and Smitherina and the hellish nightmare begins. Will Marge hit it off with “Ol’ Long Horns” and spawn the son of Satan? Check it out!
“One Bart And Stormy Knight” is my favorite of the bunch! In Bartman’s latest adventure he battles Drunkzilla, Mr. Squishee, Kitten Delight and his evil nemesis, The Giggler a.k.a. Lisa. It looks like Bartman has finally met his match. Marge and Homer, looking like Frankenstein monsters join in on the battle royale and look ready to do some damage with the help of a large kitchen knife and a power drill. This is a fun read with a surprise ending. The art by Tone Rodriguez and Andrew Pepoy is spooktacular!
“The Bride!” is another homage to another classic horror movie classic, The Bride of Frankenstein. Jim Valentino (ShadowHawk) and Shannon Wheeler (Too Much Coffee Man) join forces to tell the story of some of Springfield’s regulars gathering at the local bar Moe’s and recalling the classic horror masterpiece. The latest Treehouse book is awesome and features a classic cover by Hilary Barta! His blog LimerWrecks is super fun and features limericks which mostly focus on film, but beware of spoilers!
Tags: 18, bongo comics, book, comic book, review, the simpsons, treehouse of horror
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CHILLER THEATRE EXPO – an appetizer ode to Halloween!
October 29th, 2012 by Mr. C
(All photos by Mr. C except for Sheraton Hotel & “It’s Chiller Time!”.)

(Chiller Theatre Expo was moved to the Sheraton Parsippany this year. We loved the medieval architecture of the hotel!)

(We thought the event was a pretty big success even though the NY Jets lost again that weekend!)

But before we begin this photo blog of undead and trashy proportions, I would like to summarize the event with a few words of un-poetic like grace. Here we go…may you R.I.P.
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Twas the weekend before Halloween when all through Chiller Theatre. Not a single human was stirring, not even their spouse;
Vampires, goblins, predators, & a zombie Ronald Mcdonald hung putrified body parts with care,
In hopes that Zacherly the Cool Ghoul would notice them there;We saw Hulk Hogan, the Mummy, Grim Reaper, & Nosferatu all snug in their creepy pose. They all looked like they had no pulse, hey – they could of been dead!
While visions of blood and Elvira danced in their head, hell we all knew all they wanted to do was to take her to bed!
And Jessica the Rabbit with her killer cleavage, and I in my aroused state,
Had just settled down, but wait that’s Mary Antoinette with her piece of cake?When out at the ballroom there arose such a tatter,
I sprang like Jackie Chan to see what was the matter.
Oh, we saw Tom Wopat, Joan Collins, & Bai Ling with her cute little accent thing.
Wow, my teenage crush on Samantha Fox blew me out of my socks as she singed?!
Away to the other rooms, I fled like Flash Gordon;
I saw the dude from The Warriors, the lady from Suspiria, and then I started to dream of Virginia Madsen;Chiller Theatre has always been a mixed bag filled with horror goodies, pop culture, & hollywood has beens.
The attendees all looked like they came straight out of a comic book and have committed lots of sins!
But the night was young and the obituary list was full,
so we were treated with a serenade of monster mash by Zacherly the cool ghoul!
Next came the Dead Elvi with surprise guest – killer keyboardist – Keith Emerson,
Following that was a tremendous performance on the vocals by Bebe Buell coupled with the possessed demonic guitar play of Cheetah Chrome from the Dead Boys – damn, he brought the noise!
For that was the highlight but the lowlight would appear,
Bai Ling came out to sing and she didn’t really care.
Up on deck was Taryn Manning from Sons of Anarchy as she took the mic,
she attempted to sing Beast of Burden which put a burden in our hearts for the rest of our life.
It was only a start as Smells like Teen spirit would arise from the dead,
She actually had a great stage presence and a killer bod is what I said!But all fun nights must come to an end. Chiller Theatre was a blast and the spring time version of the undead expo is just around the bend!
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(The VHS Preservation Society vendor always gets us. I bought a copy of China O’Brien, No Retreat No Surrender, Destroyer (Lyle Alzado), Raw Force aka Kung Fu Cannibals, & Tanya’s Island. Chocko had his own list of trashy titles that I’m sure he will share later!)

(Zacherly the cool ghoul– the host of the original Chiller Theatre on TV)

(Stephania Cassini starred in Dario Argento’s Suspiria)

(Bai Ling in the lobby of the hotel)

(Bebe Buell signing my copy of her Hard Love album – go get it!)

(Mary Antoinette and her cake was one of the winners of the costume contest!)

(The CyberAngels was one of the winners of the costume contest as well.)


(Go Ape Billy with their collection of movie props)





(Popetine and Darth Maul Ghoul was also one of the costume winners of the night!)

Tags: chiller theatre, costumes, horror, music, toy film expo
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Regressives + Cigarette Crossfire + Zoobombs played ABC No Rio
October 26th, 2012 by chocko

Regressives (featuring Joe, Brendan and Aron formerly of Stockyard Stoics and Early Gates of The Ray Gradys on drums), headlined a last minute show at ABC No Rio last Friday night. The band teased the small, intimate crowd with a snippet of a Stockyard Stoics (“City Lights”) song during soundcheck, but the set was dedicated to new songs. Lead singer, Joe took the time to introduce himself and shake everybody’s hand in the audience early in the high energy set which didn’t stray too far from the Stockyard punk sound and songs of revolution. There was even one about animals titled “Wildlife in America.” These guys are an awesome band to check out live. I hope they’re planning to put out some records!


Rising from the ashes of punk bands Life Giving Waters and Buried At Last, comes Cigarette Crossfire from Helsinki, Finland! They were also on the bill banging out some melodic punk tunes including an untitled track off their new limited edition tour 7″ which had no labeling or artwork. Their angry political songs with lead singer Jere’s gravelly vocals will get you pumped up and moving in the pit in no time. This show in the Lower East Side of NYC marked Cigarette Crossfire’s first show in a string of East Coast dates which conclude at the end of October in Florida for The Fest. I picked up their latest album, In Between The Cure And The Disease which features 10 songs recorded in 5 days back in 2011. I also picked up their purple tour 7″ and a single from 2010 which features 3 heavy tracks and killer art work by Maarten De With based out of Antwerp.



The psychedelic samurai rock and funk volcanic eruption that is Zoobombs opened up the night with an energetic set. This Tokyo band has opened up for The Flaming Lips and Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and have been kicking out the jams and blowing minds and eardrums since 1994. They describe their music as “Psychedelicdonutsrock or Punkfloyd.” As soon as the band plugged in and cranked up the amps, Zoobombs played like a band possessed with the charismatic DON Matsuo on vocals and guitar leading the fray. The rest of the lineup features Pitt on drums, Moostop on bass and Matta on keyboards who also handles the band’s art work including the Zoobomb’s mascot Kumaku a cartoon bear and president of Zbon-Sya. After their set I picked up their 10th album The Sweet Passion. Good stuff! Be sure to check out Zoobombs music and follow their wacky touring adventures on their various blogs.
REGRESSIVES + CIGARETTE CROSSFIRE + ZOOBOMBS at ABC NO RIO
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Tags: abc no rio, cigarette crossfire, regressives, zoobombs
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The Zen of Bennett
October 25th, 2012 by Mr. C

(Tony Bennett at IFC Theater on 10/24/12 to introduce the film – photo by mr c)
The documentary, The Zen of Bennett takes us on a behind the scenes look at Tony Bennett and what makes this legend tick even up to his gingerly age of 85 years young. From the onset of the film, Bennett preaches what he practices – that everything about yourself – your aura, your looks, your every move, your work should be about quality. No time should be wasted or vacated by anything less than being your best. So there begins the pace that the legendary singer sets as we follow him to various studios (NJ,London,Italy) for a recording session with some well known and talented musicians/vocalist in their own right including Norah Jones, Amy Winehouse, Natalie Cole, John Mayer, Lady Gaga, Michael Buble, Carrie Underwood, and legends like Willie Nelson, Andrea Boccelli, and Aretha Franklin. We get to see the amazing interaction between Bennett and the current artists of today – how he nurtures, compliments, and basically passes the torch from a lion like himself to the young pride! You would imagine Bennett and Aretha Franklin’s duet performance would of been the most explosive in terms of energy but it seemed like the Bennett – Lady Gaga combination was pretty darn earth shattering! It was also great to see Tony work his gentle demeanor and playfulness with Michael Buble and Amy Winehouse to ease the anxiety pains in the studio. It was very touching to see how Bennett was truly concerned for Winehouse and her battle with the demons. You can catch Tony’s Zen like magic (not in a religious way) as he coddles Amy Winehouse to make her feel more comfortable with her fidgety self in the recording session. Winehouse and Bennett teamed up for a smoky, down and dirty version of “Body and Soul”. Unfortunately thereafter, the tragic death of Amy would cause a ripple of sadness within Bennett.
Not everything is all peaches and cream & Zen like with Tony as we see some examples of being stubborn and cranky at times but hell – who’s perfect? Michael Buble’s interview with the media causes concern for Bennett as he misinterprets the message as being old. Another incident in Italy at Andrea Boccelli’s home/studio will question someones work ethic. Don’t even talk about rearranging the tempo and flow of the songs!
We also had the privilege to see the singing legend’s other passion – drawing and painting! It was fun watching Tony do a quick sketch of Willie Nelson in the studio. The Zen of Bennett, not to be confused with the religious aspects of Buddhism portrayed a quiet, compassionate, and tender side of our subject as he kept all things classy! I can easily see how this man remains young at heart, humble, & successful. It’s all because of family dynamics and the tight bond between them.
Tony Bennett fan or not, The Zen of Bennett will give you a different perspective with living/appreciating life to the fullest and will perhaps touch your tender button. At the very least it will bring the sexy back to wearing ties and with making sure that those shoes get polished correctly!
The Zen of Bennett continues to screen at IFC Theaters in NYC until 10/30!
Those that are fiending for Tony Bennett and the above mentioned artists & others collaborate, do yourself some justice and buy the DUETS II album!
(Tony Bennett and son – Danny Bennett)

Tags: documentary, ifc, tony bennett
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Marco Polo Festival in Little Italy/Chinatown New York City!
October 22nd, 2012 by Mr. C
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The Marco Polo Festival in NYC celebrated the harmonious co-existence of the Italian & Chinese communities in the Little Italy and Chinatown sections of Manhattan for over 100 years now! Outdoor cultural performances throughout the day lined the Hester Street stage located between Mott & Mulberry streets. Performances included traditional chinese opera (Chinese Opera Society), Italian tarantella folk drumming and dance, chinese folk music, traditional and modern chinese dance routines (NY Chinese Cultural Center), and classical/modern violin by the amazing Corin Lee! The 4th Annual Marco Polo Festival was sponsored by the Two Bridges Neighborhood council led by Victor Papa. The emcee of the event was John Leo, a representative from Con Edison and a former Director of Outreach/Relations at the Chinatown Partnership Development. Leo also provided excellent and comedic chinese (cantonese) translations for the chinese audience in attendance but John…stay away from the singing…please! It was such a beautiful day to celebrate Italian and Chinese cultures in the Big Apple! Thank you to the Two Bridges Neighborhood council for organizing such an event to bring people together to acknowledge & show appreciation for the rich and dynamic heritage of our communities!
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(Victor Papa – organizer of the festival – President of Two Bridges Neighborhood Council)

(John Leo – host of the Marco Polo Festival)

(NY Cultural Center-Chinese & Mongolian traditional with modern dance techniques)




Tags: chinese, culture, italian, marco polo festival, new york
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More New York Comic Con Cosplay 2012
October 18th, 2012 by chocko
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Tags: comic books, cosplay, fanboys, fangirls, movies, new york comic con, nycc
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New York Comic Con cosplay
October 16th, 2012 by Mr. C
The New York Comic Con came in on a quiet tip like Mary had a little lamb on preview night Thursday and went out with a bang like Dwight & Marv from Sin City! In between that was filled with a fun performance by Ben Folds Five, a band that I haven’t thought about since the late 90s and two panels that we attended which had the common denominator of being represented by musicians. Kirk Hammett (Metallica) was on hand for a discussison about his new book ‘Too Much Horror Business’ & obsession with collecting Horror memorabilia! The other panel was a very fun & informative panel: Hip Hop and Comics – combining cultures! Guests included Adam “Illus” Wallenta, Darryl DMC McDaniels, Eric Orr, Jean Grae, Johnny “Juice” Rosado, Kagan McLeod, Patrick A. Reed, Pete Rock, Ron Wilson, & Ronald Wimberly. Each guest talked about the meshing of Hip Hop culture with comics! We will provide more photos and information on these two panels that we attended later.
The real rock stars that made the comic con fun was the attendees who were adorned in their cosplay outfits! Most of the costumes we witnessed were amazing as well as the people & personalities behind the them! Enjoy, y’all!
Tags: cosplay, new york comic con
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Tinkertown Museum
October 11th, 2012 by chocko
On a recent journey to New Mexico, a definite highlight was a visit to Tinkertown Museum located on the Turquoise Trail in Sandia Park just 20 minutes from Albuquerque. Tinkertown features the amazing life work of the late folk artist Ross J. Ward. His wood-carved figures, animated miniature displays and impressive collection of circus and western memorabilia will take you back in time. The 22 room roadside attraction features walls made out of 50,000 bottles and if you explore it’s winding hallways, you will discover some of the residents such as Esmerelda the Fortune Teller and Otto the One-Man-Band. For a quarter, you can have your fortune told or be entertained with an old timey tune. The artist’s workshop can also be seen within the museums walls where countless hours must have been spent mastering his craft. Tinkertown is also home to a 35 foot antique wooden sailboat which went on a ten year voyage around the world. It was a real pleasure to chat with the friendly staff and especially to meet Carla Ward, Ross’ wife who continues to operate their museum which is a true testimony to an artist’s boundless creativity and imagination. If you’re ever in the area, be sure to stop by. Happy Trails!
“If you can dream it, you can build it and Tinkertown is my proof”
~ Ross J. Ward
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many people need it sorely. Broad, wholesome, charitable views cannot be acquired by vegetating in one’s little corner of Earth.” ~ Mark Twain
Tags: albuquerque, folk art, ross j ward, santa fe, tinkertown museum, turquoise trail
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Suzanne Vega at City Winery
October 10th, 2012 by Mr. C
One of NYC’s most underrated folk/pop singer/songwriters of our time- Suzanne Vega two stepped into the City Winery on Tuesday night for two performances to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the release of her most well known album – Solitude Standing. Vega’s vocals can be described as being gentle & soft, yet firm and clear to the bone. Some might even describe her voice as being monotone and boring but those who say that don’t truly understand the mood & artistic expression that she is trying to relay through by the use of her colorful palette amongst the words, metaphors, melody, & rhythm in order to paint a picture of her stories.
Suzanne Vega, an urban poet with clever uses of linguistics is not afraid to tackle topics like child abuse (Luka) or depression (Night Vision). She displays a side of humor and whim with Tom’s Diner and is not scared to show her softer side with a tribute to her love who moved back to England with the tune Gypsy. Another great song – Ironbound expresses her views on being bound and chained in the urban environment. Vega celebrated the Solitude Standing album by playing it in it’s entirety in the same order as released on the album. My favorite performances of the night included Tom’s Diner in the jazzy-funky arrangement, Queen and the Soldier, Solitude Standing, Gypsy, and Left of Center (Soundtrack from Pretty in Pink).
Some funny stories that Suzanne told that night included when the artist formerly known as Prince came to checkout her performance in the 1980’s at a club called 1st Avenue in Minnesota. Prince danced & pranced around to Luka which was the 4th song that she played that night and then Prince left the scene after Luka. Prince had asked later on if Vega wanted a private tour of his mansion!
Another story had Lenny Kaye (former guitarist of Patti Smith) and producer of Vega’s 1st two albums, trying to push Suzanne into finishing the writing for the Solitude Standing album in which he offered to write lyrics to some of the songs. Suzanne mentioned the lyrics he wrote were so bad, it motivated her to finish composing the album!
It was also very cool to hear SV belt out a song of her’s from the Breakfast Club soundtrack – Left of Center and another soundtrack (Tombstone) that she worked on in Eddie Murphy’s movie Haunted Mansion! These 2 tracks were some of the most fun and upbeat of the night!
Stephany Winters added a nice dimension to the sound with the cello and it was very cool to see/hear Hollywood actress Jil Hennessy providing backup vocals with one of the tunes! The guitar player was phenomenal turning it out on the remix of Tom’s Diner with some ambient and funky sounds coming out of his geeTar!
Big thanks to Jersey JoelNJdev for scoring some tickets to this celebration & benefit concert!
Set List
Tom’s Diner (acapella)
Luka
Ironbound
In the Eye
Night vision
Solitude Standing
Calypso
Language
Gypsy
Wooden Horse
Tom’s Diner (jazzy-funky remix)
Marlene on the wall
Left of Center (Breakfast Club)
Tombstone (Sound track from Eddie Murphy’s Haunted Mansion)
Blood Makes Noise
Some Journey
encore
Queen and the soldier
Rosemary
Tags: city winery, folk, suzanne vega
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