It's Our Anniversary!

On this day in 2008, in the wee hours of the morning, I got a crazy notion; start a blog! And, Quirky NY Chick was born! I had no clue what I was doing. I still don't! Would anyone other than me ever see it? Would I get bored after a few months and quit? Well, here it is 2016 and I'm still in my tiny corner of the internet. I never thought this little thing of mine would still be around eight years later. 

In my time here, I've been to some great shows, heard some great music and seen some great performances. I've photographed some great artists. I've met some great people. I've learned that blogging is incredibly time consuming. There have been times when I've considered not doing it any longer...not posting as often as I probably should. But then, I tell myself, 'you can't quit...you put a lot of time into this' so I keep on chugging along. 

Thank you to those that have visited my quirky little world. Thank you to the artists and their reps for providing me with loads of great stuff to post about. Here's to another year...cheers!

LaNita
October 15, 2016

Out With The Old, In With The New! My Year In Review...Or Something

In a few hours, 2013 will come to an end.  For the last couple of weeks I’ve been intending to post this and that but, I just never got around to it. Procrastination? Laziness? Who knows?  Most of my blogging year has been one long ‘I’ll get around to it,’  shoulder shrug kind of thing. Heck, several times, I even considered just quitting.  But hey, I celebrated QNYC’s fifth anniversary this year so, quitting seemed silly. Five years is a long time in the field of random blogs.

I meant to write a lot more this year.  I meant to do more photography.  I meant to go to more shows.  Yeah, that last one I really meant to do considering I blog about music! Off the top of my head I think I went to four or five, no six shows. I feel great shame, no, not really.  But, I feel like there should be some sort of shame or guilt or something!  

The shows:

John Michael Rouchell - One word, “Holler”.  John Michael, who released The Separation EP not long before this show, always puts on a good show.

Newport Folk Festival - It was sold out.  It was a day longer.  I got rained on.  I fell in love with the adorable Milk Carton Kids. I stood in the ladies room line with Nicki Bluhm (who did a great set by the way). I sat on the wall and said hey to several people...mostly really friendly, bearded dudes in bands. I got a grand kick out of Frank Turner, Michael Kiwanuka and several others.  I finally broke my Avett Brothers photography curse. And, I still don’t understand that which was Jim James’ set.

Newport Jazz Festival - I wanted to enjoy Natalie Cole (childhood sentimental stuff and whatnot) but,...we’ll leave it at that.  I meant to be more active photography wise but it didn’t work out that way.  I enjoyed Jon Batiste...everyone did.  I barely got to see any of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band’s set.  I enjoyed the sets of Gregory Porter and Dee Alexander. Robert Glasper brought his Experiment to the festival and it was weird, trippy, weird (yeah, I said that twice) and fun.  Wayne Shorter celebrated being 80 years young. 

Jazz In The Valley - More music by water but this time in Poughkeepsie, NY.  It was drizzly and muggy but had a nice river view.  Denise Thimes put on a great set though I couldn’t get a good photo of her to save myself.

U.S. Royalty - I hadn’t seen them since what, 2011?  They played stuff from their upcoming album Blue Sunshine...looking forward to that release.  They left it all up on the floor and exhausted me in the process just like rock ‘n’ roll should.

Jake Lewis and the Clergy - It was the first time I’d seen them.  Crammed into a tight space by the front door, they played a good set.  I got to catch up with my pal Katie who was drumming.  I had some wonderfully non-stingy drinks and a nice plate of fries. 

The records:

Wow, I liked a lot of stuff.  Some of it new, some of it just new to me.  Off the top of my head, I can only think of one release that I got kind of giddy over, pre-ordered even… That was the deluxe reissue of Wings Over America...yeah, y’all know my weak spot!

I spent a lot of time listening to He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister.  Yeah, I know their album, Nobody Dances In This Town, came out in late 2012 but I listened to it a lot and I mean A LOT this year.

I spent a ridiculous amount of time listening to Swear and Shake’s song, “The Light”.  

I fell in lust with Great Peacock’s self-title EP...still loving “Take Me To The Mountain”.

Mission South released Migration, Vol. 2...still grooving hard on that one.  And, I loved their video for the track “Peaches.”  I really need to make it out to see one of their shows!

Those Darlins - “Oh God” from their latest album Blur The Line.  This song was on repeat from the moment I got a hold of it.  Actually, a few songs from this album have spent time on repeat.

Nico Vega covered “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)”.  Not my favorite song but, I do dig their version.  It's a perfect fit for Aja's voice.  I’m looking forward to their upcoming record.  I haven’t seen them play in a while; I must rectify that.

Def Leppard released Viva! Hysteria.  I meant to write about this record but I couldn’t get excited about it.  I wanted to, but, I just couldn’t.  I realized that I would have rather have had a ‘Viva! High ‘n’ Dry’ or ‘Viva! Pyromania’ or even ‘Viva! On Through The Night’...then again, maybe not.  It’s not that I dislike Hysteria, it’s just not my favorite ‘back in the day’ Def Lep album.  So, as a result, a live track by track of it really didn’t work for me.  I’ll probably be hunted down and beheaded by angry Def Leppard fans but vocally, I had to check and see if I was still listening to Def Lep on a couple of tracks.  I thought I’d accidentally switched to AC/DC only to realize it wasn’t Brian Johnson I was hearing but Joe Elliott!  

I just realized that I can’t think of one major ‘mainstream’ album that caught my ear.  I'm sure there must be one but, I can't think of it.

There are a lot more records that caught my ear this year, however, I think my first paragraph pretty much sums things up.  I meant to put this post together earlier this month but, I just now sat down to do it...

I hope 2014 brings great things for everyone.  May you have much happiness, good health and lots of love.  Be safe my friends.

Happy New Year!

LaNita

Quirky NY Chick

Holy Cow, We're 5 Years Old Today!

Five years ago, in the wee hours of the morning, I got a crazy notion to start a blog.  Given my propensity to procrastinate, get bored and in general lose interest in things, I didn't expect to have a first anniversary let alone a fifth anniversary!

So, yay QNYC!  Happy anniversary to me.  This calls for cake and booze and music and cute men folk...perhaps not in that order.

Thanks to everyone who has contributed in some way to keeping my little corner of the blog world alive.

And, for the record, I'm still quirky...oh, and still female!

Cheers,
LaNita / Quirky NY Chick

Is New York Still The Cultural Capital Of America?

A question has been posed. New York has long been considered the cultural capital of America. Is it still? If not, where? This question has led to pondering on my part.

My first thought was, it's a place that is often taken for granted by those who live there. Visitors come from far and wide to experience the cities cultural delights. But, ask a New Yorker about certain things...certain places and you're likely to get a rant on too many tourists frequenting the location or, I can see that anytime. You become jaded by having so much at your fingertips. I've been known to be guilty of this myself. But, as much as I'm cranky, or complaining or just simply taking the city and it's offerings for granted, I spend just as much time, camera in hand in some dark venue capturing and enjoying all that she has to offer.

We have an unbelievable amount of cultural happenings at our disposal. There's something for everybody on any given night, in every price range, pretty much around the clock. This is something that is often not thought about until you're away from New York for a hot minute. You realize that you can't just hop on the subway and go from the theatre or the ballet to a late show at a club followed by an even later DJ set. You might not normally do any of those things but the minute you're away, you suddenly find yourself wanting to do, see and experience EVERYTHING! You notice when you only have a half a dozen or less options on a given night whereas in New York, it's a matter of what you want to do or see most on any given night. At some point, the inevitable happens; the words, if I was at home... comes out of your mouth.

But, it's not just the sheer volume of happenings in New York that makes it a special place; it's the quality. Now, don't get your knickers in a bunch. I'm not saying no other place has quality culture. I just think the amount of quality that's so easily available made New York the 'cultural capital of America,' a title I think it still holds.

2012 Great Arts Blogger Challenge

In New York: BID ON CULTURE Unveiled New Banner Designs

In conjunction with its celebration of Black Music Month, BID ON CULTURE unveiled the six winning banner designs in their third annual banner competition today. The double-sided banners are being displayed from Fifth Avenue to Morningside Avenue and from Broadway to 12th Avenue as well as 12th Avenue up to 138th Street.

Six designs, the work of five New York visual artists, were selected from 41 submissions.

The selected artists and banners are:

• Corine Campbell: Billie Holiday
• Misha McGlown: Jimi Hendrix and Josephine Baker
• Tomo Mori: Somos la Musica
• Soyca Mphahlele: New Colors
• Hubert Williams: True Colours

The winning banner designs are the work of five professional New York visual artists who responded to a Request for Proposals (RFP) released in April. The RFP sought banner designs that celebrate Harlem's musical legacy as well as personalities and venues closely associated with Harlem's contribution to the history and development of music in America.

Barbara Askins, President and CEO of 125th Street BID, said, "The designs, the colors, the creativity and concepts all began to define the culturally sensitive streetscape improvements that the BID is seeking to bring to Harlem's major commercial corridor. We are pleased to exhibit the work of great artists and, and we believe these banners will enhance the pedestrian experience of those who are walking across 125th Street over the coming year."

The annual BID ON CULTURE competition is spearheaded by a partnership of The 125th Street Business Improvement District, the Harlem Arts Alliance and Harlem Community Development Corporation to showcase the cultural vitality of Harlem along 125th Street, its primary commercial thoroughfare. Its objective is to promote recognition and understanding of Harlem’s unique and authentic heritage, its role as a vibrant center of culture and to help promote the continued revitalization of 125th Street as the economic and artistic heart of Harlem.

Prophecy Brings Smiles

At the end of December, I was on my way to a show. At some point during my subway ride, a group of young people got on. Three young men stood in the center of the car and a young lady stood off to the side by one of the doors. It was obvious that the young men were going to perform. I assumed the young lady was moral support.

One of the young men introduced them and they began singing "Ain't No Sunshine." They sounded really good. Then, the young lady, the one I thought was moral support, belted out her part. HELLO! I suddenly found myself glad I got on that train car. They're a talented group. They caught my ear so much that I'm telling you about them. Anyway, they were all polite, thanking the passengers and gave out their web address. I asked one of the young men if they had a card (I'm old and senile; I knew I'd forget if I didn't have a reminder) and he pulled out a business card and they went about their evening. As I was getting off the train, another passenger exclaimed how good they were and having missed their name asked me who they were. Here I am a few weeks later. I see the card sitting on my desk and type in the website. The group is Prophecy and consists of Kenyatta Blakely (Yatta), William Ferdinand (Will), Joseph Barret (Joey) and Titeanna Wright (Titea). Check out a video from their website below.

I have to mention that I'm not normally a fan of people performing on the train. I'm cool with people performing on the platform, but the trains, not so much. I don't like dodging tumbling hip-hop dancers, pole swinging, the guy with the keyboards or the mariachi guys. So, I thought to myself when I saw them, why did I have to get on this car? By the end of their song, I was not only pleasantly surprised but rather happy I got on that car.

Digital Photo Academy Offers Workshops To Fit All Skill Levels

If you've had a look at my little corner of the blog world, then you probably know I do my own photography. I've always had a camera of some sort and I enjoy taking pictures. It's both challenging and relaxing at the same time. It can also be frustrating sometimes. But now that we're in the digital age, we're no longer tethered to film and the processing of said film unless you choose to go that route. With digital, you can be dive in head first, learn, grow and delete the photographic evidence of your faux pas' from your memory card ... that happens a lot in these parts. But, I'm always looking to learn something new about the art of photography.

Enter Digital Photo Academy. They offer workshops dedicated to the art of digital photography and have locations in twenty-four cities. The workshops are tailored to fit the skill level of beginners, advanced photographers and everyone in-between. These workshops won't break the bank and are taught by professional photographers. This sounds perfect for someone like me who want's to improve in a hands on sort of way. So, if the visuals improve around here, you'll know I've taken a workshop! There are some upcoming workshops here in New York. For dates, times, more info in general on the workshops offered and locations, click HERE.

"DIGITAL PHOTO ACADEMY The organization offers digital photography workshops taught by professional photographers. Attendees should bring their digital cameras. If they have a laptop computer, lenses, and a flash, they’re welcome to bring those, also (see the Web site for materials recommended for advanced workshops). Reservations are required, and the organization plans to offer more classes for all skill levels in the future."

www.digitalphotoacademy.com

Pop Goddess Weekend On Fuse, Memorial Day Weekend

Fuse is devoting Memorial Day weekend to the divas of pop or as they like to call it Pop Goddess Weekend. The goddesses in question, Mariah, Beyonce and Gaga. It all kicks off on Saturday, May 29 at 11AM Eastern time. So, Fuse, when will there be a Rock Goddess Weekend? Hey, I'm just askin'! All of the details are below.

Fuse, Madison Square Garden’s national music television network, is dedicating a very special three-day artist takeover to today’s top pop divas during Memorial Day weekend. Starting Saturday at 11am ET, viewers can catch exclusive programming documenting the careers of Mariah Carey, Beyonce Knowles and Lady Gaga, taking viewers through a musical journey of what brought these ladies to where they are today.

Get down with Mariah all day Saturday with her Adventures of Mimi tour and a take a look back at her most sizzling moments in a variety of music videos, spanning her career. On Sunday, ring the alarm with a wall-to-wall Beyonce bonanza of videos, performances and a special documentary, all leading up to a scorching Monday packed with more videos, interviews and commentary from the one and only Lady Gaga. Three days and three iconic women all packed into one amazing weekend!

SATURDAY, May 29 beginning 11am ET

Mariah Carey: The Adventures of Mimi

Prepare for a true Fantasy ride as the sultry songstress performs top hits on her summer concert tour.

Loaded: Mariah Carey

Take a trip down Mariah Carey memory lane in this half-hour music video franchise solely dedicated to Mimi.

SUNDAY, May 30 beginning at 11am ET


Above & Beyonce

Fuse is going above and beyond to bring fans an all-out, hour-long compilation of Beyonce’s hottest videos. If I Were a Boy and Single Ladies are only the latest in a long line of bodacious, brilliant Beyonce hits.

Loaded: Beyonce

This hour-long music video franchise is solely dedicated to Beyonce Knowles. Her journey from Destiny’s Child to Sasha Fierce is sure to keep you dancing throughout the day.

The Beyonce Chronicles

This half-hour original series traces Beyonce’s rise to the top with some of her hottest music videos, full of tidbits and facts.

Beyonce: Shine

Beyonce's music is known around the world, her look emulated by millions of women, but still her personal life and marriage to rap star JAY-Z is a mystery. Get a glimpse into the life of Beyonce and find out what’s next for this dynamic performer in this exclusive documentary.

MONDAY, May 31 beginning at 11am ET


Loaded: Lady Gaga

Hold on to your seats as Fuse delivers an hour full of Gaga. Just Dance and her latest single Telephone are just some of the hits that will keep you glued to your television and wanting more.

Lady Gaga: On the Record with Fuse

You’ve seen her mind blowing performances and music videos, now get to know the chart topping pop icon in this exclusive one-on-one interview with Fuse host Toure’.

Lady Gaga: On the Record with Fuse: The Lost Tapes

In this extended interview, watch Lady Gaga as she opens up and chats candidly about her parents, her work, dance music in America and more.

The Lady Gaga Chronicles

Experience the Haus of Gaga in this half hour chronology as we provide you with the international superstar’s latest videos.

fuse.tv/music/popgoddess
fuse.tv/music/popgoddess/mariah.html
fuse.tv/music/popgoddess/beyonce.html
fuse.tv/music/popgoddess/lady-gaga.html

Jazz Treasures: Legacy, Legend & Heritage

Jazz Treasures: Legacy, Legend & Heritage Awards Ceremony: May 11 @ Schomburg Center For Research, New York, NY

To commemorate the 10th Anniversary of their Jazz In The Valley concerts, Transart & Cultural Services decided to celebrate the excellence of those in the field of jazz. The inaugural Jazz Treasures: Legacy, Legend & Heritage award ceremony took place Tuesday night in front of a who's who of artists, educators and pioneers, honoring those who do their thing in the field be it on-stage or behind the scenes.

The honorees ...

Jonathan Batiste, the 23 year old pianist from New Orleans, received the Jazz Heritage Award. Before being presented his award by Noor Rahman, he gave us a performance that showed why he's a cat to keep an eye on.

Jonathan Batiste

Carolyn McClair, the PR maven who hates the spotlight but is brilliant at making it shine bright on others, was presented the Cultural Luminary Award by WBGO's Dorthaan Kirk. McClair who works tirelessly providing clients with hands-on, personalized campaigns not only in jazz and entertainment but, corporate, non-profit and other industries as well. We (that would be me since I'm a one woman show) at Quirky NY Chick are exceptionally proud; during regular business hours we like to call this terrific woman, boss. Congratulations boss lady!

Dorthaan Kirk and Carolyn McClair

Carolyn McClair with Transart President and Founder Greer Smith

Les McCann, the feisty pianist and singer was presented with the Jazz Legend Award by pianist Randy Weston. After being presented with his award, he showed exactly why he's called a legend. McCann brought down the house, strong voiced, full of wit and charm with his classic "Compared To What." It was a performance that had those in attendance singing along and a treat to witness.

Les McCann

The evening's MC Sharif Abdus Salaam (WKCR-FM) and Randy Weston

The evening also brought about a Tribute to Abbey Lincoln. After a career retrospective video presentation to the legendary singer, songwriter and actress, she was honored in a musical tribute. The Javon Jackson Band (who also backed McCann during his performance) with Aaron Graves on piano led Melba Joyce and Jann Parker through a song each.

Melba Joyce w/Javon Jackson Band

Jann Parker w/Javon Jackson Band

Congratulations to all!

Jazz lovers, this year's Jazz In The Valley will take place on August 15. Sounds like the perfect reason to have yourself a little road trip.

Help Cobi Narita Fight Parkinson's Disease, 4/18, St. Peter's

Producer and jazz aficionada Cobi Narita has put together a concert to benefit Parkinson's Unity Walk. The concert will take place Sunday, April 18, at 7:30 PM at Saint Peter's Church. The 16th annual Walk will take place on Saturday, April 24 at Central Park, from 10 AM - 3 PM. Narita, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's six years ago, will be there heading up Team CobiJazz.

To donate online, log on HERE. Donations also may be sent directly to Parkinson's Unity Walk, PO Box 275, Kingston, NJ 08528; include a note on Memo Line: For Team CobiJazz.

To join the Walk, register on line at www.unitywalk.org and sign up to Team CobiJazz.

NEW YORK, NY – Join producer and jazz aficionada Cobi Narita on Sunday, April 18, at 7:30 pm at Saint Peter’s Church, 619 Lexington Avenue at 54^th Street in New York City, for a concert to benefit the Parkinson’s Unity Walk. The 16^th annual Walk takes place on Saturday, April 24, from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm at Central Park and Narita will be there in her wheelchair heading up Team CobiJazz.

The concert will feature Bobby Sanabria & Quarteto Aché, Terell Stafford Quintet, Doc Vollmer's Harlem Blues and Jazz Band as well as vocalists Tina Fabrique, Carline Ray and Jeree Wade, accompanied by the Frank Owens Trio. Produced by Narita, the concert will be hosted by the Rev. Dale R. Lind, Jazz Pastor Emeritus of Saint Peter's Church, and Narita’s husband, Paul J. Ash, President of Sam Ash Music Stores.

Narita, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease six years ago, chose Parkinson's Unity Walk because 100 percent of all donations goes to research through the seven major U.S. Parkinson’s disease organizations. Her goal is to raise $10,000, which will be her birthday present to Parkinson's research and a fitting tribute to Parkinson's Awareness Month (April).

To donate on line, log on to http://www.unitywalk.org/events/participant.php?memID=3764&eventID=1. Donations also may be sent directly to Parkinson's Unity Walk, PO Box 275, Kingston, NJ 08528; include a note on Memo Line: or Team CobiJazz. Once a check is received, it will be entered on Cobi’s Participant Page, for Team CobiJazz. To join the Walk, register on line at www.unitywalk.org and sign up to Team CobiJazz.

Representing the Afro-Cuban sound will be Bobby Sanabria & Quarteto Aché with Bobby Sanabria, drums, vocals, percussion; Peter Brainin, tenor & soprano sax, flute, vocals, percussion; Enrique Haneine, piano, vocals, percussion; and Alex Hernandez, acoustic bass, vocals, percussion. Performing with the Terell Stafford, trumpet, will be Jeb Patton, piano; David Wong, bass; and two surprise special guests. The Final Group will be Doc Vollmer's Harlem Blues and Jazz Band, with Joey Morant, trumpet; Art Baron, trombone; Fred Staton, tenor saxophone; Max Lucas, tenor saxophone; Bertha Hope, piano; Michael Max Fleming, bass; Buddy Henry, drums; and Ruth Brisbane, vocals. Joining Frank Owens are Lisle Atkinson on bass and Greg Bufford on drums.

Tax-deductible donations beginning at $25 and up will give music fans entrance to the dynamic event. Seating sections include:

• $500 or more: Platinum Circle
• $100 or more: Gold Circle
• $50 - 99: Silver Circle
• $25 – 49: Bronze Circle

All concert expenses will be paid for by Paul Ash, allowing his wife to donate every dollar to Parkinson's Unity Walk, which will distribute the funds to Parkinson’s organizations for continuing research.

The Parkinson’s Unity Walk, founded in 1994 by Margot Zobel, is an annual event where the entire Parkinson’s community gathers with the goal of not only raising awareness of the condition, but of raising donations for research. The Parkinson’s Unity Walk has made a significant impact on the Parkinson’s disease community since its inception, raising more than $7 million for Parkinson’s research by uniting the community under a common goal of winning the war against Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s Unity Walk raised $1.5 million in 2009. Support for the Walk has grown considerably each year – from 200 participants at the first Walk in 1994, to more than 10,000 last year. The event unites the strength and spirit of the seven major U.S. Parkinson’s disease organizations:

• American Parkinson Disease Association
• National Parkinson Foundation
• Parkinson’s Action Network
• Parkinson’s Disease Foundation
• The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
• The Parkinson Alliance
• The Parkinson’s Institute and Clinical Center

With 100 percent of donations given to research, the Walk provides the public with an opportunity to help the Parkinson’s community and change the lives of millions of people suffering from the disease.

For more information, visit www.unitywalk.org.

# # #

www.saintpeters.org
www.unitywalk.org

The Runaways

If you know me, then you probably know a lot of questionable things about me. But, you probably also know some basic things like, I haven't gone to an actual movie theatre to see a movie in about sixteen years and I've been a fan of The Runaways for well over half of my life ... a very long time for both! What does it take to get your resident quirky chick to think about going into a theatre after more than a decade? Yep, you guessed it, a movie about The Runaways called, The Runaways.

The movie based on former Runaway Cherie Currie's book Neon Angel (which has been updated & re-released) hits theatres tomorrow, Friday, March 19. Runaway and all around bad ass rock chick Joan Jett is one of the movies producers. It stars Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning as Jett and Currie. Both young ladies tackle their own vocals in the movie.

I'm sure everyone has a Runaway that they favor, me, it's Jett. Little rock lovin' me took one look at Jett, thought, she's pretty, she's got a guitar and she looks tough, like she has kicked a few dudes asses ... cool. So, in honor of The Runaways, both the band and the movie, I've got my media player rockin' The Runaways catalogue. And seriously, if you haven't experienced The Runaways, hop out quick like a bunny and buy some of their stuff. Check out the trailer below and head on out to see the movie this weekend to check out the story of the band that was The Runaways.

www.runawaysmovie.com
therunaways.com

Andy Rourke's Jet Lag Premieres On EVR.com

EastVillageRadio.com has announced that The Smiths bassist, Andy Rourke will debut his new weekly show. It will air tomorrow, Tuesday, March 2, Noon - 2:00PM ET.

EastVillageRadio.com is proud to announce the addition of Andy Rourke, bassist for the legendary band The Smiths, to its diverse roster of world-renowned and underground DJs. If you know Andy Rourke, then you know this is big. For those who don’t know — Andy Rourke is a badass. Expect his show to be badass, too.

Listen Live.
Andy Rourke’s Jet Lag
Premieres Tuesday, March 3
12-2PM ET
Exclusively on www.EastVillageRadio.com

Followed immediately by:
The Lillywhite Sessions, hosted by Grammy Award-Winning Producer, Steve Lillywhite

www.EastVillageRadio.com

Site Changes

If you've dropped by my little corner of the blog world for a visit then you may have noticed last weekend I started making some changes. Yep, this old chick gave herself a bit of a facelift. As with all good face work, the changes haven't been drastic, just a little nip here and tuck there.

A gal learns a lot when diving in head first without any knowledge of web design. So, it has all been a trial and error process and now, I'm peeling the bandages off little by little. If you've had a look around then you may have noticed there is now a separate page for additional MP3's. Most of the songs on the MP3 Grab page haven't appeared on the site before. I've also given my interviews their own little archive section. New interviews are in the works so keep an eye out. The list of tags are now in a pull down menu instead of that big ol' giant list that was taking up way too much space along the side of the page.

In the mist of my facelift I've "broken" some things! All of the streaming media that is hosted by me isn't working at the moment. Those will be fixed soon. And, while I backed up my site before making changes, I still managed to screw up things! Memo to me and any other do-it-yourself designers, make sure when you're making changes you haven't accidentally opened your back-up file. As a result, I lost my blog roll. Thank goodness that's the only thing I lost! I've added back what I could remember but if we've done a mutual link exchange and your blog isn't listed, let me know. The oversight wasn't intentional.

My facelift is still a work in process so there will be additional tweaks. But, if you hear an anguished scream and what sounds like a head banging against a desk, that'll be me having some mini-design disaster.

Cheers,

Quirky NY Chick

Studio Six To Perform ...the itsy bitsy spider... In Bridgeport, CT

New York based theatre group Studio Six will take their performance of ...the itsy bitsy spider... to Bridgeport's The AmFab Art + Design Center. For two weekends, the group will transform Easton artist Paul Kaiser's studio into an intimate setting for shows. The dates are Friday, March 5 and Saturday, March 6; they end their run the following weekend, Friday, March 12 and Saturday, March 12. All shows begin at 7 pm, doors at 6 pm.

...the itsy bitsy spider... is based on an original adaptation of Dostoevsky's "Demons." Studio Six premiered the play this fall in New York at The Baryshnikov Arts Center. Created specifically for Studio Six, ...the itsy bitsy spider... will be directed by Alexandre Marine, a nationally recognized "Distinguished Artist of Russia."

The play revolves around a controversial chapter of Dostoevsky's novel that was censored for decades in Russia. The events of this repressed chapter permeate the action and events of the entire novel - and has been the springboard for this production.

...itsy bitsy spider....by Studio Six
March 5th, 6th, 12th and 13th at 7pm
Doors open at 6pm
AmFab Art + Design Center
1069 Connecticut Ave, Building 4, 4th Floor
Bridgeport, CT
Free Parking
For more information or ticket purchases, call 800-838-3006, or purchase online HERE

www.studiosixnyc.org

Studio Six To Present ...The Itsy Bitsy Spider...

Fellow New Yorkers, the Studio Six Theater Company is presenting ...the itsy bitsy spider... Thanksgiving weekend! So, if you're going to be in town, like theater and want some form of entertainment that doesn't involve your Aunt Birdie Mae in a feathered head dress, trying to trade your Uncle Willie for a turkey leg, this might just be right up your alley.

...the itsy bitsy spider... is directed by Moscow Art Theater director, Alexandre Marine and featuring Sofiya Akilova, Jill Dion, Alesia Georgiou, Nicole Kontolefa, Matt Raines, Vasanth Santosham, Ben Sargent, Raphael Schklowsky, Taylor Sutherland and Karen Tararache. The production will run November 24 - 25 and 27 - 28 at 7 PM at The Baryshnikov Arts Center, 450 W 37th Street, between 9th & 10th Avenues.

...the itsy bitsy spider... revolves around a controversial chapter of Dostoevsky's novel, The Possessed, that was originally censored in Russia. Exploring fanaticism and ideals, revolution and conspiracy, Dostoevsky's tale is haunting not only because we know Russia's fate but also because the characters are startlingly familiar to us today. Moscow Art Theater director Alexandre Marine brings relationships and psychology to the fore, creating a moving image of a town torn apart by a few men and their mysterious pasts.

For more info, visit www.studiosixnyc.org or for tickets tinyurl.com/StudioSixSpider.

Happy Birthday Quirky NY Chick!

At 12:31 AM on this day, October 15, QuirkyNYChick.com was born.

When I started this blog, I dived in head first on a bit of a whim. I like to write and I like music. It made perfect sense for me to combine the two so I did. Thankfully, the water wasn't shallow and I didn't hit bottom and knock my quirky self out!

I claimed my little corner of the Internet and ran with it. I gave the blog a logo, a logo that has had more than one person say, 'the one with the big purple L' when I mention my blog name while out and about. So, I guess I chose something memorable. A good thing, right? I've learned a lot about putting together a blog and I'm still learning. With an enormous amount of anxiety and feeling completely out of my depth, I accomplished my very first Q & A. Thanks to James Love of Hot Seconds for helping me learn to swim in those waters. I guess that makes him my human equivalent of water wings. Also, thanks to those friends who talked me through the anxiety! My camera and I found ourselves crouched down in Irving Plaza at an Arc Angels show for my first official photo pit experience. As someone who has always loved concert photography it was exhilarating and terrifying and I couldn't wait to do it again. I headed to Newport, RI for QNYC's first official road trip to take in the 50th anniversary of the Newport Folk Festival. It was exciting, surreal and a wee bit daunting but an awesomely fun experience.

Here I am, a year later, continuing to dish out info and talking music in my oddball, or I suppose I should say, quirky way. I still like to write and I still like music. What's different? A year ago, I thought only my friends and my Mom would stop by once in a while to read. Imagine my surprise when I discovered otherwise! I've been challenged, overwhelmed and proud ... often all at the same time. I've tried to keep it interesting. I've tried to keep it fun. But, most of all, I've tried to keep it me.

It has all been a tremendous amount of fun and I often ask myself why I didn't do this sooner. I've met a lot of interesting people and I've seen a lot of great live music. Thanks to all of the artists whose work allows me to do what I do. Thanks to all of you who have dropped by to visit. To make my first anniversary a little more special, I discovered that QuirkyNYChick.com has been listed on ClickitTicket.com's "Top 20 Music Review Blogs on the Web" ... flattering and especially so for a blog that was a complete unknown just a year ago.

With one year under my belt, I say, "Cheers! Here's to many more years of discussing music in my own delightfully quirky way!"

L. R. Adams
October 15, 2009

The Crazies To Hit Theaters February 2010

I don't generally write about movies, because well, music is my preferred choice of entertainment and this is a music blog. But, I like the movie poster so I'll mention the movie.

The Crazies stars Timothy Olyphant, Radha Mitchell, Danielle Panabaker and Joe Anderson. It'll hit theatres February 26, 2010.

The plot ... a small, safe, happy, all is right with the world town is suddenly plagued with insanity and violence after some funky mysterious toxin contaminates the water supply. The funky water turns the towns normally law-abiding citizens into crazy ass killers. Alrighty then ... sounds like adventures in sci-fi land to me. The central characters, four friends along with a few others who remain sane, end up trapped in the town. Why are they trapped? The government decides the best way to contain things is to not let anyone in or out of the town whether they're infected or not.

If that sounds like your kind of thing, check it out when it opens.

Video: The Ropes - "Clubs In Europe Forever"

So, I was catching up on my email today and came across one recommending a band to me. That's not an unusual thing. Well, I opened up one sent to me by a street team member about a New York based band called The Ropes. See folks, street teams really do spread the word.

The Ropes, Sharon Shy (vocals/bass) and Toppy (guitar/drums/sounds), released a new EP titled Clubs In Europe Forever on June 2. The video below is the title track from the album and in my opinion, the best track on the record. After doing some digging around and checking out some of the bands other stuff, I can say I prefer their earlier efforts. I'd go for their 2008 full-length What They Do For Fun and their 2007 Cry To The Beat EP over the new one if I were making recommendations.

www.theropesonline.com
www.myspace.com/theropes

The Woodstock Experience

If you remember it, you weren't there. That's the line that has rolled out of many mouths in regards to Woodstock, the historic music festival that took place in the summer of 1969. Three days (August 15 - 17, though it carried over into the 18th) of peace and music took place at Max Yasgur's farm in Bethel, NY.

In celebration of Woodstock's 40th Anniversary, a new website has been rolled out as well as five classic 1969 albums recorded by festival headliners. These 2-CD packages known as The Woodstock Experience were released yesterday, June 30, via both retail and digital outlets. These albums couple the classic albums recorded in 1969 with the artists performances at Woodstock.

The Woodstock Experience titles are:

JEFFERSON AIRPLANE - THE WOODSTOCK EXPERIENCE

(Volunteers, RCA/Legacy 88697 48240 2, originally issued April 1969, as RCA Victor 4238) Disc One – Selections: 1. We Can Be Together • 2. Good Shepherd • 3. The Farm • 4. Hey Frederick • 5. Turn My Life Down • 6. Wooden Ships • 7. Eskimo Blue Day • 8. A Song For All Seasons • 9. Meadowlands • 10. Volunteers • (Recorded Live at the Woodstock Music & Art Fair, Sunday, August 17, 1969: PART ONE) 11. Introduction (previously unissued) • 12. The Other Side of This Life (previously unissued) • 13. Somebody To Love • 14. 3/15 Of A Mile In 10 Seconds (previously unissued) • 15. Won’t You Try / Saturday Afternoon • 16. Eskimo Blue Day.

Disc Two (Recorded live at the Woodstock Music & Art Fair, Sunday, August 17, 1969: PART TWO) – Selections: 1. Plastic Fantastic Lover • 2. Wooden Ships (previously unissued) • 3. Uncle Sam Blues • 4. Volunteers • 5. The Ballad of You & Me & Pooneil (previously unissued) • 6. Come Back Baby (previously unissued) • 7. White Rabbit • 8. The House At Pooneil Corners (previously unissued).

JANIS JOPLIN - THE WOODSTOCK EXPERIENCE

(I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama!, Columbia/Legacy 88697 48243 2, originally issued October 1969, as Columbia 9913) Disc One – Selections: 1. Try (Just A Little Bit Harder) • 2. Maybe • 3. One Good Man • 4. As Good As You’ve Been To This World • 5. To Love Somebody • 6. Kozmic Blues • 7. Little Girl Blue • 8. Work Me, Lord.

Disc Two (Recorded live at the Woodstock Music & Art Fair, Saturday, August 16, 1969) – Selections: 1. Raise Your Hand (previously unissued) • 2. As Good As You’ve Been To This World (previously unissued) • 3. To Love Somebody • 4. Summertime • 5. Try (Just A Little Bit Harder) • 6. Kozmic Blues • 7. Can’t Turn You Loose (previously unissued) • 8. Work Me, Lord • 9. Piece Of My Heart • 10. Ball & Chain.

SANTANA - THE WOODSTOCK EXPERIENCE

(Santana, Columbia/Legacy 88697 48242 2, originally issued August 1969, as Columbia 9781) Disc One – Selections: 1. Waiting • 2. Evil Ways • 3. Shades Of Time • 4. Savor • 5. Jingo • 6. Persuasion • 7. Treat • 8. You Just Don’t Care • 9. Soul Sacrifice.

Disc Two (Recorded live at the Woodstock Music & Art Fair, Saturday, August 16, 1969) – Selections: 1. Waiting • 2. Evil Ways (previously unissued) • 3. You Just Don’t Care • 4. Savor • 5. Jingo • 6. Persuasion • 7. Soul Sacrifice • 8. Fried Neckbones.

SLY & THE FAMILY STONE - THE WOODSTOCK EXPERIENCE

(Stand!, Epic/Legacy 88697 48241 2, originally issued April 1969, as Epic 26456) Disc One – Selections: 1. Stand! • 2. Don’t Call Me Nigger, Whitey • 3. I Want To Take You Higher • 4. Somebody’s Watching You • 5. Sing A Simple Song • 6. Everyday People • 7. Sex Machine • 8. You Can Make It If You Try.

Disc Two (Recorded live at the Woodstock Music & Art Fair, Sunday, August 17, 1969) – Selections: 1. M’Lady (previously unissued) • 2. Sing A Simple Song (previously unissued) • 3. You Can Make It If You Try (previously unissued) • 4. Everyday People (previously unissued) • 5. Dance To The Music • 6. MEDLEY: Music Lover / Higher • 7. I Want To Take You Higher (previously unreleased) • 8. Love City • 9. Stand! (previously unissued)

JOHNNY WINTER - THE WOODSTOCK EXPERIENCE

(Johnny Winter, Columbia/Legacy 88697 48244 2, originally issued May 1969, as Columbia 9826) Disc One – Selections: 1. I’m Yours And I’m Hers • 2. Be Careful With A Fool • 3. Dallas • 4. Mean Mistreater • 5. Leland Mississippi Blues • 6. Good Morning Little Schoolgirl • 7. When You Got A Good Friend • 8. I’ll Drown In My Own Tears • 9. Back Door Friend.

Disc Two (Recorded live at the Woodstock Music & Art Fair, Sunday, August 17-Monday, August 18, 1969) – Selections: 1. Mama, Talk To Your Daughter (previously unissued) • 2. Leland Mississippi Blues • 3. Mean Town Blues • 4. You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now (previously unissued) • 5. I Can’t Stand It (with Edgar Winter) (previously unissued) • 6. Tobacco Road (with Edgar Winter) (previously unissued) • 7. Tell The Truth (with Edgar Winter) (previously unissued) • 8. Johnny B. Goode (previously unissued).

It looks like I'll be adding more Janis and Sly to my collection!

www.woodstock.com