Common made Sense at the New Yorker Festival

Last Saturday night, my lovely colleagues asked me to cover a few events for their annual New York Festival. Not exactly considered work for number 1 fan over here. I ended up seeing singer Common perform at Le Poisson Rouge on Bleecker street. I’ve always been a fan of Common; through his soul-filled releases and poetic raps, but hearing him speaking (so intelligently!) and lay down his love for ‘the game’ was the perfect preface to a top 10 performance.

Ben Greenman, an editor for the magazine and may I add a dryly hysterical individual, engaged the rapper in an intimate Q&A on his childhood, inspiration (the great Muhammad Ali), and the future of hip-hop. Not surprisingly, Common credited Drake as the new face of the genre, breaking new ground with his talent. In response to Ben’s question on the evolution of hip-hop and what it is today (under the connotation that it has went south since the ’90′s), he answered that he has accepted the changing game and come to appreciate it’s many faces and what talent has done with it. Interesting. I wonder what Notorious B.I.G. would say?

Common followed the conversation with an audience-engaging performance. He laid down a 10-minute freestyle because he was inspired by the crowd on the word “revolution” (as proclaimed from someone in the audience on Common’s prompt). It was wonderfully poetic on the evolution of music and life and finding the motivation to change within yourself, ending with a line on society needing change and electing Obama. Along with about five songs, Common finished with a sort of ode to hip-hop rapping artists like Snoop Dogg, Notorious BIG, and more. The interlude was a “hip-hop” that the audience was shouting in unison by the end.

I’ve reinstated my fandom. I can’t lie that it was one of the best live performances in the CC-catalogue. When’s the next album, Mr. Sense? xxoCC

The New York Philharmonic

Friday evening, with a birthday gift from my parents, I attended my first live concert at the New York Philharmonic for a performance of Mahlers Sixth Symphony in Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center. I was a very dedicated flautist in my day, aspiring one day to be on that very stage touting my woodwind to a packed audience. Alas, my dreams fizzled but my appreciation for classical music still stands. Seeing it performed live though, my emotional reaction came as somewhat of a surprise to me. I didn’t realize how powerful a complete symphony was and the strong human connection it made. The performance at large boldly expressed a journey through the conflicts, in whatever form they may arise, we face throughout our lives and the affects they have on us in the short and long term. Powerfully expressed through music.

The impressive, impassioned conductor Alan Gilbert said of Mahler’s Sixth Symphony in his program note:

“Very rarely does a musical work conclude with a feeling of utter defeat. Throughout the world you can feel the desperate search for relief and happiness—and there are many opulent, lush passages in the symphony that are incredibly beautiful and seemingly optimistic—but, for me, there’s always the sense that it is on the verge of collapse. In the end, one is in fact left with a sense of total despair, the feeling that the gorgeous place we caught glimpse of during the symphony is closed to us forever.”

Take a listen here, as performed by the London Symphony Orchestra:

I’ve always been in awe of composers. Their instinctual ability to write a piece of music, hearing only in their own head what it will sound like. Pulling inspiration from life and translating that into a symphony, for different instruments to perform in harmony nonetheless. Is that the definition of genius or what? Mahler, what I would do to have spent a day in your brain.

There was a piece in a recent New Yorker article on the late musician John Cage and his exploration on noise (‘Searching for Silence, by Alex Ross in the 10/4 issue). Cage spent his lifetime experimenting with different types of musical expression, silence and instruments. Making me think what is yet to be discovered? What will the next generation of composers and directors do with the beautiful gift of sound? Maybe I’ll reconsider that career as a musician afterall.

Recaps on Common’s ill, intimate take on hip-hop and the impressive Malcolm Gladwell on the revolution of market sharing at this weekend’s New Yorker Fest. What can I say, I’m a fan. Peace out Vampsters!

Open My Eyes- My Contemporary Art Epiphany

Contemporary art lives under the very broad umbrella of any ‘art produced at this present point in time or art produced since World War II.’  I’ve never really been a follower of contemporary artists because, honestly and as you may agree from its definition, they confused me. I had a hard time grasping the message and point of view.  My appreciation though has grown ten-fold over the last year and, as expected, even more since my first visit to MoMA’s  Contemporary Art Center in Queens, PS1. On a recent visit, I wandered through the exhibitions gazing quite dreamily at all of the different ideas and perceptions people have of the world and their experiences in it. I used to think that good art had boundaries and should be properly expressed within them. But I was utterly wrong. Unique expression is art. Everyone has a different take on an event or a thing or a person. Experiencing that new type of creativity and forward-thinking infinitely changed my creative approach—and I hope, will continue to do so.

With that being said, PS1 was incredible. The energy alone made the trip worth it. Every piece had this innovative, cool vibe; well-curated diversity.  One room was filled with destructed press releases pasted around the walls, with string art throughout, and paint, and pictures—the intersection of reality and dreamworld perhaps. My favorite was a smaller piece, a woman’s pocketbook that she deconstructed with a robotic arm, never touching the bag herself. The end result: an intimate look into someone else’s personal life complimented with the strategy and effort behind its creation.  These were contained within the ‘Greater New York’ exhibition, so the New York thread of constant moving and action was apparent throughout.

Basquiat

While on the beat, I’m compelled to mention two documentaries–amazing documentaries– that have gotten some well-deserved attention in the last few months. Banksy’s “Exit Through The Gift Shop” and Tamra Davis’ “Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child.” The Banksy film was an interesting sort of behind-the-scenes take on graffiti. A bit of a mind-fuck though as I left the theater contemplating if this Mr. Brainwash character was simply another hoax of the infamous graffiti artist or he actually exists. After countless hours of clicking around, I am still at a loss (though leaning toward…yes?). ‘Radiant Child was a bittersweet look at one of the most influential art figures of our time. Basquiat took style to another level and seeing the footage of him creating, of his process was inspiration, sad, telling, I could go on.

Okay, i’m off to create some….ART.  -CC

Summer Style in the City

A few weeks ago, on an assignment from the magazine, I combed through the crowds at Coachella to snap some killer concert fashions. I loved seeing people’s personal styles and expressions—or rather, paying attention to them. Cool inspiring styles are everywhere, and in this bright lights big city, we certainly have our fair share of fashion addicts, style mavens, and trendy, trendy chickadees. So after this first true weekend of fun in the sun, I’m flexing my fashion muscles with CC’s hott looks for the summer (have to laugh at that one, c’mon now):

Post Script worked the Manhattan Vintage Show last weekend and I naturally showed up to support and scour the racks. The show was enlivening, as per usual, and upped my affinity for 70’s retro. Jumpsuits, patterns, flowy dresses and some vintage shades, and you are set! I love the skinny jean as much as the next person, but please oh please give me some flare!  I have about four pairs of bellbottoms on my “to buy” list right now.  This may also be a continuation of my dream of growing up in that time period.

Now that's what I'm talkin' about

On another note, and perhaps also a result of some vintage scores, I am loving polka dots this summer. They’re adorable and applicable in almost any scenario and so perfect for the warm weather. They work as a shirt, scarf, capri, bra, anything really, you can easily pair them and are just so sexy! On that note, color is the way to go this season- I’m personally in love with yellow right now. Blue is the hot color of spring, but I think a pop of color, in any regard, is just so fierce and can easily adds something to the outfit. Give me sunshine every day and the world is a better place.

And then of course, the cargo-army (very popular) trend I am obsessed with. Chunky green army watches, some camoflouge, and a cute cargo pant and I am one happy fashionista. I’ve fully been rocking some pieces straight out of high school. My own version of retro? Maybe not.

Vamped what is your summa favorites?! Off to go shopping (: -cc

Coachella ella ella

Coming to you fresh from Coachella, my first – but definitely not last- weekend of music, partying, and loving a music festival. With a lineup that could not be easily beaten, there was no hesitation in booking the trip out West with our very chill little crew. Jay-Z, Gorillaz, and Muse headlined 2010 and arguably they all showed up to do it right. La Roux, Phoenix, Jiggaman, Florence and The Machine, Major Lazer, Passion Pit, The xx, Julian Casablancas, MGMT, and Gorillaz were some of the highlights. Seeing them all live was inspiring. What incredible energy. Passion Pit tried, but their naturally high-pitched sound just didn’t translate well on stage. La Roux delivered this intimate, electro, radical performance with a very impressive two-step if I may say so myself.  At Phoenix we were so perfectly close to them it made the whole thing rock even harder. And Jay just kills it Every. Single. Time. My diamond is permanently up.

Phoenix

I went into the weekend seriously wishing it was 1969 and I was driving to the Woodstock festival with no shoes on, braids in my hair, and ripped up bell bottoms. I think we were all pleasantly surprised though at how well our generation represented.  It was such an energized field, so many good vibes, good-looking people (check out my fashion snapshot on W magazine’s Editor’s Blog), and the shared desire to let loose and just float. I loved that part of the trip. There was an unexpected honesty among the groups and groups of people. The weather was gorgeous, our hotel (staff) was truly epic, and the partying was so much fun. My senses are slowly falling back into place. Until next year… peace out coachelly. -cc

champion crew-- maggie, eak, j, moi

Optical Ancestry, Karel Funk and Marina Abramović

There are some sure-to-be phenomenal art exhibits- happening and upcoming- around the city right now! I’m getting excited. Walking out of Grand Central last weekend, coming back from the US Open, RB and I stopped off to check out the very cool optical display: “Eyewear from the Beginning to the Future- The history of eyeglasses from their invention in Italy to the latest trends.” Who knew there was art in GC?! The collection was surprisingly amazing showcasing 14th Century eyeglasses, styles worn by celebrities such as Elton John, and even a preview of what to expect from fashion houses like Chanel and Dolce & Gabbana. The timeless designs of some of the lenses were such an inspiration to add to my own collection! Monocles anyone?

The oldest pair of eyeglasses is on display at Grand Central

Urban artist Karel Funk will be showing his most recent work April 17-May 15^th at the 303 Gallery (547 W 21^st street). Inspired by the proximity to strangers on the subway, Funk exaggerates personal space, showing how it disappears in close quarters. His fascination with the unusual subject matter has shined through in his past work and I have no doubt this new exhibit will do the same. Interestingly enough, this is the first time the realist painter has depicted women and moves further into abstraction. If anything, his exhibit will give the brain a little stretch!

Karel Funk, Untitled #19, 2006

At the top of my list!: MoMA is hosting a collections of works from performance artist Marina Abramović with approximately fifty pieces over the last four decades—the first re-performances of Abramović’s works by other people ever to be undertaken in a museum setting. And in true groundbreaking fashion, Abramović will present a new, original work marking the longest duration of time that she has performed a single solo piece.  Cannot wait to check this one out. Marina Abramović: The Artist Is Present is on display from March 14–May 31, 2010. Hope you can all get out and enjoy… and maybe paint a picture in the process! CC

The Kitchen I—Homage to Saint Therese, 2009, pigment print. Artwork by Marina Abramović

The Angel’s Game, Carlos Ruiz Zafón

The Angel’s Game, master storyteller Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s highly anticipated prequel to The Shadow in the Wind, is a seductive novel set in the city of Barcelona, narrated by the intellectual, tough, and troubled David Martin. The Angel’s Game shows its teeth up front, unraveling a series of unfortunate twists, turns, love, passion, spirits, death! Oh do the characteristics continue and what a story Zafón tells…

The young writer Martin finds his life in the tales he is paid to tell. In a constant struggle to discover his purpose, Martin stays afloat with the help of a select few who feel it their duty to help him through the tribulations life throws his way. From the first page you know that Martin’s gothic sensibility will ultimately lead him into the hands of the bad guy: Mr. Andrea Correlli, the sophisticated, and invincible French publisher who has commissioned Martin to write a book for him- a religious doctrine, if you may. The characterization of the melodramatic Martin —the stories through which we learn about the doings of his soul, the very thing that drives each conflict—foreshadows the devilish plot that Zafón plays out throughout the second and third act.

This story yielded the somewhat childish joy of trust… surrendering to a story and letting it take you to another place, one that you could only imagine in your wildest dreams. Which is just what this story did for me. Minutes after finishing the novel I fell into a weirdly powerful sleep where the day I had just finished was twisted into a vivid adventure with a strong spirit of its own! The imagination is such an incredible thing and if an author can succeed in bringing me to a place where it rules my thoughts (childhood would be the easiest example in this case), I will happily devote my time and eyes to experiencing the journey at hand.

More Vamped book recommendations on our fab little ‘paperbacks page in the upper left hand corner. Speaking of, does anyone know of a good book club in NYC?!

Second to None Swagger

Nobody has swagger like Gucci Mane La Fleur. Nobody. Period.

The thing is, it’s not totally justified. He certainly isn’t the greatest rapper alive or dead.  His content is nothing new and he won’t fire bare knuckle verbiage like Big L or wind a whimsical street story like Biggie.  But Gucci don’t play that. The world according to Gucci says that Gucci is the hottest shit ever.  And you know what, I’m starting to agree with him. His swagger backed flow is one of a kind and is the driver to his commercial success. Admittedly, upon first listen it may not appeal to you.  But when you know his child-like and often silly rhymes are backed by a “I do me, fuck you” attitude, you have to begin to take him seriously.  Por ejemplo:

I heard that she dumped ya. Chose me then I dumped her, stanky like a dumpster, funky as an oyster.  Used to date an Oiler, I think he divorced her. He said he adored her but he couldn’t afford her. I don’t have to bore her, financially support her. He do all that lame stuff, I just keep it gangsta.

Pretty ignorant…BUT! the delivery is absolute fire.  Aside from Weezy (better overall), his cockiness has no equal.  Cam’ron is also pretty close; same jovial and non-sensical lyrical style but missing the “I just ate 3 rolls and smoked 10 blunts” mental state.

My words cannot do him justice.  One must listen to understand (and listen repeatedly.)

Shop W Style this Saturday!

Shame on me for slacking on my New York news and events! I’ve had so much to report in the last month and not a spare second to connect with my beloved Vamped. To make up for it, I can promise some fabulous updates throughout April—it’s a month jam packed with goodies.

But first, to end the lovely month of March, this weekend W magazine is spreading its chicness throughout the the Meatpacking District with a one-day shopping soirée! Shop W Style is this Saturday, March 27^th and will host a number of in-store events at over 40 retailers throughout the neighborhood, special offers (as in major discounts!), stylist-on-demand appointments, make-up application by Shiseido, and so much more!  And if you’re coming into the city from out of town, make it a Shop W Style weekend and enjoy 10% off the best available rate when you book a room at The Standard, New York. Just call 212-784-5530 and mention “Shop W Style.”  The options are endless!

My personal favorites: All day happy hour at the Brass Monkey (55 Little West 12^th Street), a chocolate-covered bacon tasting at Earnest Sewn (821 Washington) compliments of 675 Bar, and a free cashmere scarf with a $200 purchase or more at Vince (833 Washington Street). And if you find yourself in the Meatpacking District at 11am or 2pm, W market director Treena Lombardo will be hosting two intimate fashion forums with designers Catherine Malandrino and Chris Benz. Details and RSVP info at wdesire.com/shopwstyle.

Hope to see my Vampsters there! Stop by the Shop W Style Lounge in the lobby of The Standard for a shopping bag, detailed map and all event details! -CC

New York Real Estate: A Game of Epic Proportions

New York real estate is certainly in a category of its own. The space: teeny-tiny studios to penthouse suites; the location: mid-town east, west, murray hill, chelsea, flatiron, west village, tribeca, meatpacking; and the rent! A one-bedroom priced at what you could buy a house for only a few hours away, the rent control you’re insanely jealous of, and those fantasy deals you hear of but don’t know if actually exist. My lovely roommate had been looking to possibly purchase a place this past winter and the exploration has brought with it some interesting insights. And now, as we move into the process of finding a brand new space to call our own, our discovery of one of the most amazing brokers in New York!

My fabulous Vamped readers, I introduce real estate connoisseur and expert in all things NYC, Ms. Sydney  Blumstein. An Emory University graduate, Sydney was born and  bred in the big apple in the real estate business,  her parents both among the Corcoran Group’s Top 25 Brokers.  She has a passion for life that will only further your enthusiasm and motivation to find a new home and makes the often grueling process  not only exciting but appealing as well. Her breadth of travels (across 35 countries!) brings with it a certain confidence, assuring that if what you’re looking for is the best—which we all seem to be—she knows where to find it and will certainly deliver. Check out the Blumstein team at Corcoran.com and search their names for contact info, details and listings (an integrated new website of their own launching soon)! Also check out her Facebook page, “Real Estate Extraordinaire: Sydney Blumstein.”

As for the insight, I hesitate before going into detail as it’s a process you get a hold of once you begin. Manage your expectations. Know that you are searching for a home in the most expensive city in America and sellers and renters will take advantage! And of course, place your confidence in the Blumstein team for as I can vouch, they are one-of-a-kind and a very talented group.

Happy apartment hunting! I may just hop down to an open house myself. -CC