Posts Tagged ‘New York’

Celebrate Brooklyn! Concert Series At Prospect Park

Sunday, June 13th, 2010

Celebrate Brooklyn!

This summer’s Celebrate Brooklyn! concert series began this past Wednesday kicking off with Norah Jones at Prospect Park. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it because I had grown-up stuff to do, like work. However, I did make it out last night to watch Allen Toussaint and Davell Crawford.

One of the true architects of New Orleans music and a national treasure, Allen Toussaint has produced, arranged for, or collaborated with everyone from Dr. John to the Neville Brothers to Irma Thomas (not to mention the Rolling Stones, Elvis Costello, and The Band). Performing on his own, “the generosity and grandeur of his melting pot vision…invokes nothing but joy.” (Down Beat) The electrifying piano player and singer Davell Crawford is a direct descendent—he’s often referred to as “The Prince of New Orleans.” – BRIC Arts Media

There’s a suggested donation of $3 and plenty of beer, BBQ chicken and southern comforts to fill you through the night. If you’re ever in town, here’s the complete line up for the summer. I’ve already marked my calendar down for July 11th – OkayAfrica with The Roots & Talib Kweli!

I love seeing all my Brooklynites coming out to enjoy the night. There were a few out-of-towners and I happen to be so lucky to sit in front of them. During the concert, I was blessed to be in the presence of their constant Spanish chattering, chain-smoke puffing and beer guzzling ways. To top it off, spilled beer, cigarette packets and piled-high trash just added to their charm. Next time I visit Madrid, I just might return the favor and poop in the Plaza Mayor.

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Housing Works: Hidden Treasure In NYC

Monday, May 3rd, 2010

Housing Works Bookstore

Buried between two large, busy intersections of New York City and hidden under scaffolding is the Housing Works Bookstore Café located on 126 Crosby Street. This bookstore’s mission is to fight AIDS – one book at a time. Everything in this bookstore is donated – records, CDs, DVDs, VHS videos – and everything is sold under its retail price. Most books I came across were $6-$10 – all in great condition.

All the employees volunteer and all the profits go toward fighting AIDS and providing housing to people with AIDS. You can donate or volunteer, buy a book and sip some coffee. It’s a great way to give back and perhaps, maybe even discover something new amongst the shelves. I usually like to grab a cup of coffee and spend the entire afternoon rummaging the bookshelves. Here is where I found Che Guevara’s Motorcycle Diaries for $5.

More info about Housing Works Bookstore Cafe:

Housing Works Bookstore Café has established itself as a New York downtown institution and tourist destination for the last decade. Special events and a fully stocked cafe make this a great place to meet friends, relax and shop the best book, movie and music selection in New York City. Our one of a kind space is available for rental and all of our merchandise is donated. We are staffed almost entirely by volunteers and 100% of our profits go to Housing Works, Inc.

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I’m Guest Bartending In New York City!

Monday, April 12th, 2010

Image by Michael van Emde Boas

I’ve been volunteering with FXB to promote this year’s World AIDS Orphans Day. On May 7th, FXB Action Network is bringing together young professionals to raise money to help AIDS orphans around the world. The event will be hosted at Overlook Lounge in New York City. I will be guest bartending that night. So for all you heavy drinkers out there, ahem Chris Richardson, bring your behinds to NYC and drink up the bar for a good cause!

We’ve reserved the entire second floor and the outdoor patio. Your $15 donation will earn you admission to the event and ONE FREE DRINK but it can also:

  • Pay for a child in Rwanda or Uganda to attend primary school for the first time in their life by covering the costs of school fees that they would otherwise be unable to afford
  • Provide uniforms to AIDS orphans in India, so they can attend school with the other children in their community
  • Purchase basic school supplies like notebooks, pens, and reading materials for children in Thailand.

There will be $5 drink specials all night. You’ll also get a chance to win prizes like:

  • One hour of open bar at the Overlook Lounge for you and 9 of your friends!
  • Free registration for a co-ed sports league and post-game parties at NYCSSC. Join a Kickball, Softball, Ultimate Frisbee, Flag Football, Bowling, or Inner-tube Water Polo team!
  • A one-month membership to New York Health and Racket Club, includes use of state-of-the art cardio and strength training equipment, indoor lap pools, sauna, steam Rooms, whirlpools, jacuzzis, group fitness and spinning studios with over 600 weekly classes, and racquetball, basketball and squash courts. Plus, access to yacht, VIP Beach Club in Westchester and Doral Arrowwood Golf Resort!
  • Designer purses, exotic jewelry, SwitchFlops, and more!

By purchasing a ticket, you are helping FXB change the lives of AIDS orphans and children in need around the world. Reserve your ticket now and be entered for a chance to win free registration with NYCSSC!

Come out. Show your support. Have fun and help change the life of an orphan left in the wake of the AIDS pandemic. We can even turn this into a NYC tweet up!  I hope you all can make it. I’ll see you at the bar.

Place: Overlook Lounge

Date: May 7, 2010

Time: 6PM to whenever

Location: 225 East 44th Street

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FXB is an international non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the needs of children affected by AIDS and poverty. For the last 20 years, FXB has worked around the world to empower AIDS orphans and vulnerable children, their caregivers, and the surrounding communities. FXB is currently working with communities in China, Myanmar, Thailand, India, Brazil, Colombia, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda. Visit http://fxb.org/ to learn more.

World AIDS Orphans Day is a grassroots campaign to draw attention to & advocate on behalf of the 15+ million children orphaned by AIDS, founded by FXB International and supported by a network of partners.

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Photo Friday: Central Park Charm

Friday, January 29th, 2010

Central Park In Sephia

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Only In New York

Thursday, December 24th, 2009

Scene: NYC M Line

Sitting across from me was a Hasidic Jew typing away simultaneously on his two Blackberries, a light skinned lady on the phone with her mom, a Chinese woman with her fifty thousand bags of groceries and a Mexican construction worker in bootleg Timbs, a hoodie and a NY cap covered in white dust.

The light skinned lady questioned her mom, in English, over the phone why she didn’t forward her any messages. Then she switches to Spanish and speaks fluently. Immediately, the drowsy-eyed Mexican construction worker perks up and turns his head towards her, looking over the Chinese woman who was napping, and stares shamelessly.

The light skinned lady switched back to English and said loudly, “Jeffrey is wanted by the FBI for tax evasion?!” The Hasidic Jew juggling his two Blackberries looked up with an,” Oh shit!” expression on his face and leans in to eavesdrop.

The light skinned lady gets off the train. The Hasidic Jew resumes thumbing on his Blackberries. The Chinese woman napping snorts herself awake, grabs her fifty thousand bags of groceries and gets off the next stop along with the Hasidic Jew, leaving the Mexican construction worker with a bench to himself. He and I got off at the last stop and carried on with our lives.

Only in New York. What else did you expect?

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9.11

Friday, September 11th, 2009

Photo by www.basuweb.com

To the faces I’ve never seen
And the names I’ve never heard
I bow my head, shed a tear
To pay respect with a prayer I hope you hear.

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