Lollapalooza
Currently listening to Mumford & Sons because they were a highlight at Lollapalooza.
Flew out to Chicago on Friday morning with Becky. Bought myself a wireless phone/ipod charger at the airport. It actually drained my phone battery worse and I'm now dealing with crappy customer service to return it. Anyway, arrived in Chicago, quickly dropped our bags and headed to Grant Park.
The musical portion of our day began with The New Pornographers who never disappoint. I of course like them in a more intimate setting but they're totally capable of putting on a great festival performance. Neko Case is one of my favorite humans on earth and I was obsessed with her sun hat. I, of course couldn't never pull such a thing off. Moving on, we listened to The Dirty Projectors while wandering around. I like them. Big shout out to Sweet Leaf Tea so delicious. Then The Black Keys came on who everyone has been raving about. We started walking to get food and (truly) accidentally stumbled into the VIP area. Mel looked at me like "do you realize what you just brought us into?" and I hadn't until I saw Tito's Vodka which is my favorite after going to SXSW for the first time. (They don't sell liquor at Lollapalooza, only wine and beer). So we headed over and got ourselves drinks and watched The Black Keys from VIP. They were good background music, I wasn't totally impressed.
We walked around, met up with friends and got situated for Lady Gaga. I'd been struggling between seeing her and The Strokes for months and finally decided to start with Gaga and then see The Strokes. I knew seeing Gaga was important as she's an icon of the century. Fun to see her - she's very talented and interesting and all. After a few songs we headed over to The Strokes who I thought were so excellent live. We really enjoyed them. After cell phones dying and all, Mel and I wandered around looking for a bar/restaurant and came across some place with yummy mac-n-cheese. We then went to the House of Blues for MGMT. Lovely to see Ed Droste of Grizzly Bear in the audience. We were so beyond exhausted that we only lasted for about 6 songs but they sounded great. I think the smaller venue the better, but good for them that they can sell out arenas and all.
Saturday morning everyone was very much ready to head to Stanleys for brunch. Bloody Marys (not for me) and BBQ (also not for me) but great mashed potatoes & excellent music (including Arcade Fire). After everyone stuffed their faces we headed to the fest. Stars started things off - and they are one of my faves. Always a great show with them. Afterward was what I was looking forward to - The XX. They are so good, I love them, I can't say enough positive things about them. The unfortunate things were a girl next to us passed out during the show and had to be carried out & they really belong in a small venue (hoping to get tix to see them at United Palace, greatest venue!) Grizzly Bear is great. Metric kept us totally entertained before we walked over to the madness within a ton of trees to see Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros. Same outfit, same performance, same fun sing-along. Moving along to see Green Day. Everyone said we had to see them and they were such performers so we did. They were fantastic, brought a young girl up on stage, it was just so fun. Phil and I planned to meet to go see Empire of the Sun so we did. Schlepped over to the woodsish area and it was a big techno dance party. Hmm, are they going to come on? They didn't come on when they were supposed to but they did and we were completely unimpressed and disappointed that we left Green Day. We ran back to Green Day and they were outstanding. I would love to see them again. So high energy. The night continued on with us hanging on the penthouse of a gorgeous apartment overlooking grant park, McDonald's Drive-Thru and Olas (THE divey-est bar I've been to in my life).
Sunday woke up to the wonderful Natalie and Karen making spreads and cutting fruit and running out to get bagels and such and being the best hostesses ever. We owe you ladies! We headed to the fest after a fabulous breakfast and were so pumped for Mumford & Sons. Ran all the way up to the front right to get a good spot. It was amazing, from the minute I heard their album, I fell in love. They were excellent live and I can't wait to see them again in November. Then went to see Yeasayer as I was telling Mel that bands really infrequently play songs from 'Dark Was the Night' they played Tightrope. Such a great start to an awesome performance. They're a great band I need to spend more time with. Walked over to listen to Erykah Badu - I wasn't totally impressed but we had a chill time watching and listening to her. Fun to see people go crazy over MGMT before a very laid back performance by The National. They're a band I've seen a few times, and like but haven't spent time with their albums. It's on my to-do list. Then was the ultimate performance. We found our spot between the yellow flag and the find-a-friend pole and were not letting people pass by or get in our way. Arcade Fire is unreal. One of my all time favorite bands and after seeing them at MSG last week I knew I was in for a treat, AGAIN. They just blow my mind. The new album is incredible. I am just in awe with them. Such an amazing performance closed with 'Wake Up.'
Stayed in Chi until Monday - slept in, did some music swapping and then headed to Seek Vintage - Audra & Chris' store that I'd be anxiously waiting to go to. It's amazing. Such a fabulous store with so many great finds. They keep it so organized, everything marked and in great condition. I highly recommend anyone going to Chi to check it out. We had a yummy Italian lunch before heading back to NYC.
Such a wonderful weekend filled with music & friends. Everyone was so accommodating and laid back and wonderful. Can't wait til 2011
Newport Folk Fest
Currently listening to 'The Suburbs' by Arcade Fire. The #1 Album in the US/UK. I just love it.
Here I go again, keeping so busy I don't have a few minutes to write about my experiences and end up writing two weeks later. I apologize but I'm just having such a good time.
Two weeks ago my parents and I headed to Newport Folk Festival for our third year. This year instead of dealing with traffic and stress being in the car, we chose to take the train to Kingston and take a cab to Newport. Great, stress-free decision. We reserved a car service to pick us up, and instead a limo showed up and our driver informed us that he had picked up Steve Martin before us. Off to a great start.
Friday night dinner was at Mama Luisa's which was the cutest Italian restaurant with absolutely outstanding food. Nicest, friendliest waitress and just a superb dining experience. Read more about it at Mind Over Stomach.
Saturday was a beautiful day and we were off to the fest. It seemed more crowded than the past years - and definitely a younger crowd. Makes sense seeing as it was a much younger lineup with more indie bands. We set up out chairs (we upgraded to chairs with foot rests - def the right move!) The day began with Nneka who we'd never heard of but got very positive feedback from the crowd. She had a fun sound. Then headed over to see Blitzen Trapper who I'd heard of but never seen and they were definitely a highlight of the whole festival. I need to check out their music. Brandi Carlile performed on the main stage and I had no expectations there. She was good, I like her voice and she covered 'Mad World' which is one of my favorite most intense songs. Loved her take of it. Note to self: find that on YouTube. Moving along to Calexico. They were just great, really enjoyed them. The day ended with Andrew Bird. I saw him at All Points West & SXSW and thought he was great. Mellow and talented, and does it all on his own. His new stuff doesn't blow me away, but when he played his old hits I was in my own zone. Really enjoyed that.
I just love the overall ambiance there. It's so chill, laid back. Nobody is shoving or in a rush to get anywhere. There's beer served but only in a designated area so it's not a drunken festival. They just really pull it all together so well. Arts & Crafts stands. Falafel. Pizza. Fries. Lemon Ices. Yes I'm listing all the things I ate.
Saturday night we went to dinner at The Grill at 41 North. What an establishment. On the water, with a very Miami-esque vibe to it. All the servers in all white. Neon lights. Very over the top. Not a very good meal....in fact we complained. Read more about our meal at Mind Over Stomach. As we walked out we called Mama Louisa's to make a reservation again for Sunday cause it was that good.
Sunday festival day began with Cory Chisel. We saw him at a Simon & Garfunkel benefit at City Winery and thought he was great. He and his band were really fun and folk-y. Next up, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings. I'm obsessed with her energy, and her dancing and the vibe she puts out there. The crowd just went dancey crazy for her. Saw a few minutes of The Avett Brothers - who were a huge hit amongst the crowd and to be honest, they don't do it for me. After a few songs, I made my way to see the Preservation Hall Jazz Band knowing that Jim James would probably be a surprise guest. He was - as well as Andrew Bird & Cory Chisel. Such fantastic performances. We saw the jazz band at Jazz Fest (as they're from New Orleans) and just loved them. Knew the crowd would go wild for Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros but didn't know it was be such madness! Everyone filled into the aisles and just as the crowd hoped they would go on, the festival had fire marshals come out and make everyone move. It was a bit of chaos and they definitely belonged playing at the larger stage. They're such a fun band. Alex in the same attire (white pants, white jacket, red scarf) as when I saw him last time at Webster Hall. Had a good time dancing to them in the midst of the chaos.
Such a fun festival. Closed out with dinner at Mama Luisa's - same meal, same deliciousness. I was thrilled. I love Newport, and look forward to going back again next year!
Let the Sun Shine
Currently listening to Cory Chisle.
Last Thursday I saw SATC2 - what a waste of time. I was honestly more entertained by the Israeli girls sitting next to me speaking Hebrew than I was the movie. It was NOT funny, not entertaining and overly stupid and over the top. Can you tell how much I enjoyed it? The costumes were fun - some of them. But overall, I will definitely not be seeing that again.
Friday night went to see Stars @ MHOW. I love that venue and always stand in the front right and have a great view. We had a wasted guy standing behind us spilling the double fisted beers he was holding all over us. I of course spoke up, and he responded "I'm sorry, I'm Mexican, I don't understand." I was in shock. You're wasted. You're singing every song lyric in ENGLISH but yet you don't understand? Wow. Anyway, the first set of the show was their new album - I enjoyed it. Second set was older stuff - much that I knew. Overall it was fun but it was not nearly as special and outstanding like their show last year at Terminal 5. I didn't even go in with high expectations but it was just nothing special.
Saturday morning woke up extremely (too) early to head to the Hamptons. My cab driver asked me if I was going away and I told him "yes, I need to get away from people." He of course proceeded to ask what I did for a living and when I said PR, he said "Ah okay, that makes sense." It's nice to get away every so often. And so I had a relaxing two full days in the Hamptons. Read 100 pages of Just Kids - a fantastic book by Patti Smith.
Monday night I went to City Winery to see the rehearsal for the Summerstage Benefit playing all Simon & Garfunkel songs. Olla Belle was the band for the night - playing a bunch of their own original material and then special guests came out and performed S&G music. Paula Cole & Shawn Colvin performed which was outstanding. Otherwise everything else was just okay - in two hours, we only saw 5 S&G songs....a bit disappointing. Some pics & video from the actual Summerstage show (that cost $500/ticket). Looks & Sounds like fun http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2010/06/simon_garfunkel.html
Can’t live without
Currently listening to "Cartwheels" by Patti Smith. Yes, I'm a bit obsessed with her.
I spent this weekend doing a whole lot of nothing. I was in the Hamptons. Eating. Sleeping. Tanning. Repeat. It was exactly what I needed. Very little communication with the outside world - other than my occasional tweetphoto of the food I was making. Follow me on twitter to see my food tweets: @harper22s
So in honor of my doing-nothing needed relaxing weekend - here are my top 10 things I couldn't live without in the summer (in no particular order):
10. Tates Chocolate Chip Cookies
9. ipod touch
8. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock
7. 2 person lounge float for pool
6. Thomas' Whole Grain english muffins
5. sarong from Australia
4. Labello classic lip balm
3. vintage sunglasses
2. Canon Rebel Xti camera (for pictures of the beautiful flowers blooming)
1. assorted magazines (music, fashion/beauty, home furnishings)
Happy Summer!
Spaghetti Fingers
Currently listening to Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros. What a fantastic album.
It's been a year since I was out in LA to visit my best friend so I decided to take a trip this past weekend especially since another best friend moved out there. Flew out there on Friday night and we had a really delicious meal at Pace before heading out for a pretty low-key night at Crown Bar. Saturday was spent having a yummy lunch outside, the car being left at the mechanic because the man said it was not drive-able and thankfully having the wonderful Brynne be the driver for the weekend. We went to the beach in Santa Monica, walked around Venice Beach, went gaga over the American Apparel Outlet and tried on silly things and bought classic items for next to nothing. We then returned to LA to stock up on food and drinks to bring to Hollywood Forever Cemetery. We stood on line for 90 minutes waiting to get inside and get an amazing seat to watch the Wizard of Oz. We went last year to see The Graduate but didn't have nearly as good a spot. The Wizard of Oz was so perfect for this setting - a little creepy, interactive (people screaming "Run Toto Run") and just a fun movie to watch with hundreds of people. When the movie ended we headed to Cocktails for a fun night of dancing. It was absolutely wonderful.
Sunday we went to brunch at Grub - one of the best breakfasts I've had in a really long time. Croissant french toast - yum to the yum yum. The amazing food prepared us for the Fairfax Reason. Other than best friends being there, I think that is the one THING that could convince me to move to LA. It's the most spectacular place ever. Tons of booths with vintage clothes, jewels, shoes, bags, sunglasses, books, furniture and the list goes on. I got amazing black vintage boots for $20 and sunglasses and some other wonderful odds and ends. We spent many hours there, and I could have spent many more days there if someone else was paying for me for all the things I wanted. Went to dinner with Mel & her gbf at Luna Park before heading to the airport.
My 48 hours in LA with two of my best friends was so wonderful but it all happened so fast and ended too quickly. I was not ready to leave...
Side note: I flew Delta roundtrip. The flight from NYC to LA I was shoved in the corner with the smelliest woman who didn't speak English and kept leaning over me to look out the window. The flight from LA to NYC, when I arrived at the airport my boarding pass said "seat reserved" even though I had an e-mail confirmation the night before saying a seat #. I then was one of the last people on the plane before they could confirm my seat. Internal problems that lead to stressed and unhappy passengers. How can airlines honestly get away with handing their passengers a menu with high priced food after paying hundreds of dollars for the flight. Unreal. Never again Delta. I'm sticking to my love - Jetblue and Continental on occasions.
Mama’s Day
Currently listening to Crosby, Stills & Nash. It's been a real CSN weekend.
If there were more hours in a day, or more days in a week I'd write more frequently but I simply don't have the time so my recaps are of the week vs. the day. Whatever.
Last Sunday, yes a week ago, went to see Peter Gabriel at Radio City. I never really knew his music until he released 'Scratch My Back' covering some of my favorite musicians songs. The album is magical and hearing them live was even more magical. He played the entire album from start to finish with a 54 piece orchestra. 'My Body is a Cage' by Arcade Fire was one of the most intense, special performances I have ever seen. It was up there with the Bon Iver show at Town Hall and Arcade Fire at United Palace. Just so special and unique. He took a break after doing the full album and performed his original music which is equally as great. I look forward to spending time with his music.
Thursday night went to see Beach House at Webster Hall. Saw them open for Grizzly Bear last year and just fell in love. The new album, 'Teen Dream' is truly a dream. The stage was set up with a bunch of silvery sparkle pinatas. It really felt like a high school prom. I have such a girl crush on Victoria Legrand who reminds me of a younger version of Patti Smith. She has messy dark brown hair that she flips around and lays it on the keyboard. Great energy.
Today is mother's day. The hallmark holiday and luckily my mom feels that way as well. Bought her pretty flowers and we went to Limelight Market to see what the deal was. We prepared ourselves for the Trader Joe's like madness and took a deep breath before walking in. Cool concept - keeping the exterior as is but turning the inside into a market. Tons of high end shops and boutiques. I immediately spotted a tea stand and went over to check it out. Miss Tea. Of course it was Israeli owned and delicious. Check out www.miss-tea.com. Then of course I fell in love with these Hunter - Amber sandals with a big (yet subtle) H on them. The sample fit me perfectly and they were so comfortable. A little out of my price range but I'm determined to get them! See here
Happy Mother's Day Mom - I couldn't imagine my life without you.
Make Music Not War
Currently listening to Broken Bells - who everyone has been raving about and for some reason I haven't spent time with until now.
The week before heading to NOLA was spent on weather.com checking to see if we were going to need our rain boots, sturdy umbrellas and yellow ponchos to bring down to New Orleans for Jazzfest. Flew down on Friday in rain, walked around Bourbon Street and had a great meal with great family friends.
Saturday woke up hoping that when I looked out the window that the sun was shining. Ha, not the case. Pouring, torrential downpour. Okay, okay, we can handle this. A few hours later after yummy breakfast, we headed to Jazzfest with rain gear on. The sun began to shine. Simon & Garfunkel. The one "old-school" act that I had been waiting my entire life to see and there I was front row with 100,000 people behind me and the weather completely cooperating. It was so special, it was exciting. Singing and dancing along. Art's voice wasn't doing too well but he pulled through (great review here)! Cecilia, Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes, Only Living Boy, Bridge Over Troubled Water and the 2 hour performance just kept going. Special show, very special.
Before heading to the fest that day, I went on twitter and searched "Jazzfest" and one of the first things that appeared was someone's tweet "heading to Jazzfest then Patti Smith tonight." Woah woah woah! Patti Smith? When/where whatttt! I googled it, called the venue (Tipitinas) and was told we got the last of the tickets. Amazing. I was so excited. After a wonderful day with S&G, we got our act together, de-mudified and headed to Tipitinas. I love Patti. I love her energy, her aggression, her honesty, her voice and her presence. Jeans, tshirt, blazer, boots and scraggly hair. I just love it. She talked about how she has an obsession with oral hygiene and there was a shirt for sale of her brushing her teeth, and also talked about her spitting on stage "problem." Highlight of the night was special guest Michael Stipe singing "People are the Power" with her. Just spectacular.
Sunday was more low key. When we arrived Jim James (from My Morning Jacket) was playing with Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Heart him. Wandered around the festival grounds - checking out the arts and jewelery and different tents (love the gospel) and saw a few acts I wasn't very familiar with. The day ended with the Allman Brothers. Not my typical music, a bit too jambandy for me but they're legends and their guitar playing was spectacular.
Monday was lowkey. Walked around NOLA. Did a little shopping. Ate delcious beignets at Cafe Du Monde. Had drinks at the Carousel Bar in Hotel Monteleone.
Overall, outstanding music weekend. I can't wait for 2011!
Old People Can Rock Too
Currently listening to "Too Drunk To Dream" by Magnetic Fields
Wow, this has been a rough past 10 days - I don't remember the last time I felt so sick and worn out like this. You know somethings wrong when I can't even listen to music because it gives me a headache. I had to cancel my trip to Chicago for the Seek Vintage store opening but I did send them yummy Momofuku Cornflake Chocolate Chip Marshmallow cookies to make up for my absence. Check out some of the amazing press they've gotten already in Daily Candy and TimeOut Chicago! Congrats!
Although I didn't make it to Chicago, I did make it on Saturday to one of two of my "old people" shows this week. Harry Spero & His Fabulous Friends performed at J&R Music celebrating Record Store Day. They rocked it, as always. Become a fan on facebook!
Tonight I went to see Young At Heart at St. Ann's Warehouse in Dumbo. I saw YAH at Newport Folk Festival two years ago and they blew me away - I cried, laughed, smiled, danced, ooh and ahh-ed over them. The elderly + rock music - what more can you ask for?
Honestly, the show was fun. They did a good job with the stage and moving people around and keeping people active and flowing while one person was performing but overall the performance was pretty inconsistent. There were high moments such as them singing Snow (Hey Oh) by Red Hot Chili Peppers and Theologians by Wilco and Too Drunk To Dream by Magnetic Fields but then there were too many depressing songs. I sorta felt like I was at a funeral for some of the songs - all about "Missing you" and "You're not here" But how can you not smile and love a 80+ woman in a leather biker jacket & a 75+ man with a huge bling peace sign around his neck. These people know how to rock and they're going to continue to rock on! If you haven't seen them or heard them, check out the trailer for the movie on YouTube
Three In One
Currently listening to MGMT's new album "Congratulations"
This is going to be a review of three music-esque things from this past week. Live music, a broadway show & a movie.
Broadway. Tuesday night I saw Green Day's, American Idiot on Broadway. With no expectations and only seeing what they performed on the Grammy's, I was quite excited. Directed by the same guy that did Spring Awakening - one of my favorites. I thought American Idiot was so well done. Incredible choreography, great voices and fantastic set. It was a cross between Rent and Hair but in the current generation. They really put a good story line together along with fantastic songs, and made it very engaging. I was very impressed and would highly recommend you go out and see it - whether you're a Green Day fan or not. Now I'm super excited to see them at Lollapalooza this summer.
Live Music. Thursday night after back and forth trying to get last minute tickets, I went to the Florence + the Machine show at Le Poisson Rouge. Annoyingly stood on line for a bit to get inside but luckily the minute we got in, the show was starting. What a fantastic venue and wow does she know how to perform. 24 year old Florence has energy similar to Karen O and just rocks the mic. She was taking shots of tequila throughout the show handed to her by the crowd. She was very into audience participation which made it super exciting. A nice perk to the show was I had just joined foursquare, checked in and was notified to tell the bartender that foursquare was offering a "buy one get one free" deal which when drinks are $11 is always a plus. Fantastic show, too short, and wish it went on for many more hours but I guess she'll need to write more songs and release more albums.
Movie. Last night I saw the movie The Runaways. Not knowing much about the story line, I figured it was worth seeing plus I'm a huge Dakota Fanning fan. It was a good movie, well shot, great music, great acting but definitely not the best movie I've seen. It was entertaining.
Now I'm getting super excited for August, I know, it's only April. I have Newport Folk Fest, Lollapalooza and the recently announced Wilco sponsored, Solid Sound Fest. Gonna be a great summer.
You know you’re dedicated to a band when…
Currently listening to Volume 2, She&Him's new album. Oh how I heart Zooey Deschanel. M.Ward too.
You know you're dedicated to a band when you travel to New Jersey to see them. Last night I realized I had only seen Wilco at outside venues outside of Manhattan-- McCarren Pool, Jazzfest & Key Span Park. So last night was a majorly different scene and I really, really enjoyed it. The Wellmont Theater is conveniently located near the train station and is an amazing intimate-ish venue. I was completely impressed by it's beauty and size and incredible sound. They made it VERY clear that cameras were not allowed by using a pre-recorded voice sounding like someone off xtranormal.com. The girl in front of me apologized in advanced if her bag swung at me while she danced - thanks lady. It was a short crowd which is always a perk especially when I'm wearing flats. As always, Wilco put on an incredible more-than 3 hour performance. There is not a single bad song, and every song has such charm to it. Amazing crowd, loving every second of the music. Halfway through the show, the roadies came out and did a set change -- made it more intimate, dimmed the lights and had some antiquish lamps on stage while they did an acoustic set.
Highlights were: Impossible Germany, Handshake Drug, Passenger Side and Shot In The Arm. It's always a special moment when the band asks the audience to sing along and thus Jesus, Etc. was great but I always like when the band sings -- that is what I'm there for!
I got stuck next to a mid-40s woman for a while who was completely tone-deaf screaming every lyric to every song and bopping around. I was not happy with her, but the show was too good to be stressed about her. Seriously, they are incredible performers, were such high energy, were quite funny between songs and it was definitely worth the schlep to Jerz.
As cameras weren't allowed, check out pics from Brooklyn Vegan.