...you know what that means... Demolition time!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Friday, June 22, 2007
What to do Monday nights in midtown
I was in NYC early this week, and Monday was the only night that I could go out. As some of you out there know, I love theatre, and I try to go out to a play or a musical whenever I can stay in Manhattan or Central London. Sadly, Monday most theatres are "dark". Instead of going to see Phantom (now in it's 17th year!), one of my only choices, I did some research and found a couple of really fun things to do walking distance from my hotel at 43rd and 8t. I love NY!
Les Paul, the Iridium Jazz Club, 8 PM and 10 PM every Monday.
Yes, that's Les Paul, the inventor of the only guitar worth playing. He plays two jazz sets each night in a basement bar at 55th & Broadway. It's $40 with a $10 minimum. I sat with a guy who is a charter jet pilot. Les and "his trio" - a rhythm guitarist, bass, and piano, played a 1:15 set that consisted of jazz standards like Tennessee Waltz, Blue Skies, That's Entertainment, etc.
His playing was good, not perfect, but usually beautiful, with all the great qualities of the Les Paul guitar - lots of sustain, and the beautiful warm tone that fills the room with happiness and light. This is a must see. I forgot my camera, but here is a picture I found on the web:
http://www.iridiumjazzclub.com/les.shtml
Les Paul, the Iridium Jazz Club, 8 PM and 10 PM every Monday.
Yes, that's Les Paul, the inventor of the only guitar worth playing. He plays two jazz sets each night in a basement bar at 55th & Broadway. It's $40 with a $10 minimum. I sat with a guy who is a charter jet pilot. Les and "his trio" - a rhythm guitarist, bass, and piano, played a 1:15 set that consisted of jazz standards like Tennessee Waltz, Blue Skies, That's Entertainment, etc.
His playing was good, not perfect, but usually beautiful, with all the great qualities of the Les Paul guitar - lots of sustain, and the beautiful warm tone that fills the room with happiness and light. This is a must see. I forgot my camera, but here is a picture I found on the web:
http://www.iridiumjazzclub.com/les.shtmlJim Caruso's Cast Party, Birdland Jazz Club, most Mondays 10 PM - 1 AM
This is described as an "open mic night for Broadway". When I got to 42nd street, it was about 5 minutes before 10. It was pretty dark outside the club, and no one was walking in. I almost didn't go in. I walked into the club not really knowing what to expect, and found a room full of happy people, many in evening attire. $10 cover, $10 minimum.
Since I was alone, I just sat at the bar. The show started almost immediately. There was a long line of VERY good performers. Some had shows on broadway, many had shows around the city. Some performed covers, some showed up with their own originals to try on the audience. There was an amazing house band (keyboards/upright bass) Typical open mike stuff, except for the extreme level of the performances. Probably the most famous person there was Jazz legend Phoebe Snow. She came up and belted one out that totally rocked the house.
Here's a picture I found of a previous appearance by Phoebe:
http://www.castpartynyc.com/
Most of the people there were regulars, and everyone was very friendly. You can check out http://funnyjazzchick.com/ where one of the performers, Joan Crowe, posts videos of her performances. She's pretty funny.
This is described as an "open mic night for Broadway". When I got to 42nd street, it was about 5 minutes before 10. It was pretty dark outside the club, and no one was walking in. I almost didn't go in. I walked into the club not really knowing what to expect, and found a room full of happy people, many in evening attire. $10 cover, $10 minimum.
Since I was alone, I just sat at the bar. The show started almost immediately. There was a long line of VERY good performers. Some had shows on broadway, many had shows around the city. Some performed covers, some showed up with their own originals to try on the audience. There was an amazing house band (keyboards/upright bass) Typical open mike stuff, except for the extreme level of the performances. Probably the most famous person there was Jazz legend Phoebe Snow. She came up and belted one out that totally rocked the house.
Here's a picture I found of a previous appearance by Phoebe:
http://www.castpartynyc.com/ Most of the people there were regulars, and everyone was very friendly. You can check out http://funnyjazzchick.com/ where one of the performers, Joan Crowe, posts videos of her performances. She's pretty funny.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Friday, June 15, 2007
What We have been doing
Well, not so unusual, Rich has been on business travel a lot. Below you see pictures from Korea. Meanwhile, the kids and I were very busy with end-of-year shows, thank you parties, picnics and such. I rushed to finish the gift tote bags you see pictured for Siena's teacher, Ms. Britton. The students put their finger-and thumb-prints on the bags and I did my creative magic on it, with fabric paints and stencils. Then a potluck picnic for Siena's class and face-painting (which is very fun for me!). I then RUSHED off to fly to Las Vegas to join Rich, who was there on business, for a show (Spam-a-Lot), eating well, shopping and gambling in the Venetian hotel, and seeing a Picasso exhibit at the Bellagio. And, my favorite part, winning a great deal at blackjack! I love this game! The kids and I are now settling into our new leisure life since school ended Wednesday. I think we're going to do a lot of fun things this summer!
A few more pictures from LV
1.
Our room at the Venetian
2. Lobby of the Venetian
3. A shopping area inside Venetian
4. Good picture of Caeser's Palace
Our room at the Venetian 2. Lobby of the Venetian
3. A shopping area inside Venetian
4. Good picture of Caeser's Palace
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Korea, Take 4
I spent last week in Seoul once again. My fourth trip overall, this was my third visit in about a year, and might be my last for a while if I don't go next month :-)
Seoul skyline from "Seoul Tower". It's like it usually looks.
The emperor's room at the Gyeongbok Palace (http://www.lifeinkorea.com/Travel2/seoul/66).
A detail from the palace.
Here's an enormous traditional meal that the team order for us Americans. This is AFTER four starving men did their best to finish it off.
Seoul skyline from "Seoul Tower". It's like it usually looks.
The emperor's room at the Gyeongbok Palace (http://www.lifeinkorea.com/Travel2/seoul/66).
A detail from the palace.
Here's an enormous traditional meal that the team order for us Americans. This is AFTER four starving men did their best to finish it off.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Sunday, June 03, 2007
First Grade Author's breakfast
Siena reads her stories
She amuses the audience
Illustrations also by author
Ms. Britton, really great teacher
She amuses the audience 
Illustrations also by author
Ms. Britton, really great teacher
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