Frankly my dear, I don't give a f*ck
After a long day of trolling around SoHo I decided to make the trek over the bridge for Brooklyn Magazine’s Fall Issue Launch Party at Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. The venue alone intrigued me more than the free booze and ice cream. Yes, this is a rarity. Something else attracted me to an event besides booze and the artist performing. This party had more a laid back feel to it, more like a social. The music was of course great and if I’m correct I did hear Otis. *Salutes Hannah Rad*
Like the title says, “Fashion’s Night Out Was Ridiculous.” Initial thoughts were to start in midtown at Bloomingdales, but once I realized the drones of people that would be there and anywhere else we settled on Soho. Which was the smart choice considering all the stores are in walking distance, and plus I love Soho. As soon as I get out the car there are damn near 2,000 people in my vision. People dressed up and some dressed down, it was the dressed up people that of course caught my eye and did they show out!
More photos and everything else below.
Last Friday I had the pleasure of attending the 40oz. Van & Prohibit NYC release party. It was a celebration of the collaboration between the two. The event was held in the LES at Prohibit and there was a mixture of all types of people. You had cats from all over NYC downing heinekens (which were free) and bopping to classic 90’s hip-hop. If you were looking for some cutesy pop shit there, it wasn’t happening.
In typical fashion 40 brought out a bunch of females that were packing glutes. If you weren’t an ass man before, that night would’ve changed your mind. Outside of that it was a very chill environment. Indication of that. When they ran out of beer for the second time, people hit up the bodegas and came back with 22’s and 40’s. Also the event managed to move outside which is usually a sign of trouble but luckily things were all good. Although cats were drunks as shit.
Unfortunately I was having too much fun to actually take any pics so I had to snatch these.
Photos: StinkGrenade
Afro-Punk Festival
Sat. August 27th & Sun. August 28th, 2011
12PM-10PM
Live Performances by:
Cee Lo Green
Gym Class Heroes
Santigold
Janelle Monae
Fishbone
Toshi Reagon
Tamar Kali
Das Racist
Toro Y Moi
Kenna
Ninjasonik
Straight Line Stitch
Cerebral Ballzy
Rocky Business
+ More at Afropunk.com
+ The Bites&Beats Food Truck Festival
Featuring over 15 trucks with cuisine from around the world and the 5 boroughs
+ NIKE Presents The Battle for the Streets
Skate Contest Saturday Aug 27th
BMX Contest Sunday Aug 28th
+ Harley-Davidson Presents:
The Afro-Punk / Denim & Chrome Custom Bike Show
Calendar Shoot by Darius Vick
1st Place Prize: 1800CC Screamin’ Eagle
Twin Cam 110A Engine
FREE ADMISSION
Location: Commodore Barry Park
Brooklyn, NY 11205
For more info visit: www.afropunk.com
The party looked live as hell, but I be damned if I’m paying $200 at the door on a Sunday for a party. HBO and couch-surfing hardcore on Sundays.
Levi Maestro documents the events leading up to Nigel Sylvester’s release party at Hotel on Rivington. Lately, Hotel on Rivington has been the place for a lot of recent events. It is a dope ass venue though.
Last night Billboard had their summer blowout concert at a secret location (Pier 36). Tickets for this event virtually “sold out” within hours, and it’s a stretch to even say that. The event took place in this old airplane hangar and If I’m correct I did see a basketball hoop between the curtains, but that doesn’t matter, it was just a moment of impulse since I wanted to shoot around for a minute. Anyway, the space was decked out with flat screens with Billboard promos tuned in, a PopChips photo booth, two bar areas, and the bougie-ass VIP lounge where those bastards had free food. Later on I found out one of my people managed to finagle his way into the VIP lounge. Nice! There was only one gripe I had but I’ll get into that later. I almost forgot there was an Albie & Chris Manzo sighting. They’re shorter than I thought. *shrugs*
Let’s see some photos & videos.
http://vimeo.com/27559868
Check out my homie Justin as he interviews MTV Correspondent Suchin Pak about the creation of the Hester Street Fair in the Lower East Side.
Veteran journalist and MTV news correspondent SuChin Pak wears her unabashed love for New York City on her sleeve. Seeking an outlet to reinvigorate and appropriately represent a neighborhood so rich with local history, Pak and her production team, The Big Social, embarked on a challenge to open an innovative outdoor market that embodies the spirit and energy of the lower east side. And to ensure that the place would become a staple of the area that New Yorkers can rely upon for many years to come. Her creation would ultimately birth a weekly market place, where hand selected artisans could sell their wares in a friendly, cool setting. From freshly prepared eats to clothing to accessories to be brought home- this would become the Hester Street Fair.
LocalBozo.com headed down to the historic site of the Hester Street Fair for a one on one chat with SuChin Pak. We discuss the intricacies of scouting the location, putting on the Fair, attracting vendors, what we can expect for the rest of 2011 from summer’s favorite local outdoor marketplace and so much more. Listen in for details about the Fair’s biggest announcement to date, coming in the fall. The Hester Street Fair is open every Saturday from 10am-6pm.
http://vimeo.com/27165450
Yes, I’m mad I didn’t go.
We accompany rapper/chef Action Bronson as he judges NYC meat festival Meatopia. Pause. The segment concludes with a live Action Bronson from his show at Gramercy Theatre in NY on July 23, 2011. Enjoy!
The good people at The Downtown Diaries sent me a nice invitation to come down to RdV and party. Which I gladly accepted, considering that I’ve never been to that venue nor seen Pete Wentz perform. Basically I couldn’t say no. The “MusicMediaBuzz” event is the creation of Kristina Marino of The Downtown Diaries and Natalie Zfat of Poison Ivy.
The venue was dimly lit with a violet hue representing the HPNOTIQ Harmonie brand. Seating areas all had the VIP feel to them, so nobody felt bigger than the person next to them, which is a nice touch. There were about 200 or so bloggers and fans in attendance all chowing down on the endless supply of “Baked by Melissa” cupcakes. If you never tried her cupcakes you need to be slapped. They’re HIGHLY addictive. I probably ate about 10 or more, it doesn’t help that they’re bite-size and come in a variety thigh-fattening flavors.
HPNOTIQ Harmonie cocktails were provided and quickly drank by the patrons, myself included. The cocktails were aptly called Music, Media, and Buzz. I believe I tried all three but the two women pictured above kept feeding me “Music.” It really didn’t matter at the time since all the drinks were tasty and most importantly they were strong enough. Don’t let that violet fool you, when mixed with the right ingredients those drinks can put a Port Authority hobo to shame.
The only regret I have about the night is missing Pete Wentz and The Black Cards perform. I’m all about live music. At least the DJ played Shooting Stars by Bag Raiders before I left. No matter what mood I’m in that song makes me hype as hell. Don’t judge!
All in all, the night was a success. I’d like to thank Kristina and Natalie once again for having me!
Oh, you thought bad meaning bad, not bad meaning good? Kudos to whoever can tell me what song that’s from. Here’s Olivia Munn doing her best Sailor Moon impersonation. We all know the cartoon Sailor Moon would all get us sent to jail for having impure thoughts, but I’d take Olivia Munn’s version instead. Sorry nerds, I like my women real.
If you’ve been to any major NYC event, there’s a good chance Mel D. Cole was there flicking. The man is a “no holds barred” type of photographer who I’ve been following for quite some time. Next time you’re at an event, be on the look out. There has been times I woke up the next day after a event, checked his site, and was like “daaamn, I had a GOOD time.” The good folks over at SHHO (Student Hip-Hop Organization) chatted with Mr. Cole about being real to yourself and the art you’re trying to perfect.
Last night I had the pleasure of attending the HPNOTIQ Harmonie Launch Party hosted by Khloe Kardashian. HPNOTIQ’s new flavor called Harmonie is a premium French vodka infused with fruits, flowers and a splash of cognac. The festivities was held at the beautiful rooftop penthouse of the Dream Downtown know as PH-D Lounge. After checking in and smoozing it up at the red carpet, guests were escorted to a surprisingly spacious elevator that led up the rooftop. Once we stepped out it was ALL VIOLET EVERYTHING! I was greeting with a “Bubbles & Berries” cocktail before I could even reach the bar. At that moment I knew this night was going to be something to remember. It felt like I was on a VH1 reality show since guests like Simon Huck, Jonathan Cheban, Hank Baskett, Meeka & Speedy Claxton, and Kelly Bensimon of “Real Housewives of New York” were in attendance.
One question that lingered the whole night was “Why is Speedy looking at me like he knows me?” Weird.
Want to see some photos? Sure you do.
So last night Paper Magazine held their Sounds Like PAPER concert in the Williamsburgh section of Brooklyn at House of Vans and the venue was spacious needless to say. Guests were treated to free Coronas (in a can though) and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. First thing I had to get was a beer of course, then came the Cherry Garcia (super hyped!). People were scattered everywhere, blunt smoke was in the air, empty cans and Ben & Jerry’s cups painted the faux-grassy knoll area which my crew and I where located, and eventually the porter-potty line became enormous.
Ok, let’s see some pics and videos….
Monday night I had the pleasure of attending Katy B’s show — as part of Steve Madden’s Summer Music Series which was held at Le Bain (Standard Hotel’s rooftop). Let me first start off by saying that Le Bain is a GREAT spot to chill at during their weekly parties. The view of the Hudson is incredible. One thing I found odd but dope as hell, the pool in the middle of bar. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a picture but I’ll dig one up.
Back to the artist. Katy B hails out of the UK, her album On A Mission topped UK charts, and is making its way to the states. Monday’s show was her first in the US and she didn’t disappoint. She had EVERYONE up bopping and whatever else people do nowadays. The open bar gave a few people some of that “dancing” courage that you so often see. Even if they did look like fools, but they were having fun like all the attendees. Once Katy B started to perform the place went nuts. She belted out crowd favorites On A Mission, Broken Record, and Lights On. Honestly, it felt short, energetic, and leaving me wanting more. All which are fine to me.
Enough talking. Picture time. And her performance of Broken Record below.
If you know of Fool’s Gold then I shouldn’t have to say much about this store opening/reception. For those that don’t know read this…
Over the past four years, Fool’s Gold has established itself as a new kind of independent record company, one just as comfortable introducing once-unknown artists like Duck Sauce, Kid Cudi and Kid Sister to the world, as throwing sold-out parties where Kanye West and Drake just happen to stop by and hang out, or splashing their irreverent, eye-popping visual attitude across everything from vinyl sleeves to rubber ducks. Through the catalog of work and the family of artists they’ve curated, Fool’s Gold has become a name you can trust for new and interesting work in every context.
Their latest endeavor to proudly sport the gold bar logo is 536 Metropolitan, a top-to-bottom transformation of Fool’s Gold’s storefront office in Williamsburg, Brooklyn into a French bistro-inspired retail experience, featuring a wooden bar where the taps have been replaced by fully-stocked record crates, custom wallpaper and art prints, and an ever-changing selection of exclusive new merchandise alongside rare finds from the FG archives. Equal parts vinyl mecca, gallery space and clothing boutique, 536 Metropolitan launches as an instant must-visit for music fans of all kinds.
Sorry, I didn’t have time or patience to write all this in my own words. Just head over to Williamsburg, it’ll be a great time with good music and people.
Fool’s Gold Records
536 Metropolitan
(btw Union & Lorimer)
Brooklyn, NY
June 24th from 5-7pm
The much anticipated sample sale has begun. I’m going to keep this short since I have to get ready to head back there for Day 2, Nick Catchdubs is djing and frankly, he’s fucking cold. Anyway, the prices are SERIOUSLY low and they’re always restocking once something is sold out, meaning that there’s an endless supply of fresh clothing. The space is quaint but big enough to hold 200-300 people and 3 dogs. The sale has virtually everything from glasses, bracelets, winter/snowboarding jackets, shoes, etc. So if you have the money and time come to 150 Varick today at 5pm. Of course I’ll be there.
MOTHERFUCKING DOPE!! If you live in West Hollywood I’d strongly advise you to check this exhibition out.
Exhibition Runs: May 21 – June 18, 2011
New Image Art Gallery
7908 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90046
NewImageArtGallery.com
The Uninhibited 
