September 22, 2006

This week seemed to go by pretty fast. Two shows this week, both were pretty awesome. Tuesday night Ashli and I headed to the Knitting Factory for Cobra Starship and Gym Class Heroes. Now I will admit that I only know one song between the two bands (Snakes On A Plane (Bring It)) but Ashli had an extra ticket and offered it to me so I took it. Overall I had a good time and got to dance so no complaints. Cobra Starship rocked and the song was excellent. Gym Class Heroes were better than I thought they would be and they ended their set with a good cover of Under The Bridge by the Chili Peppers.

Thursday night Griffin and I made our way to CBGBs for The Dead Kennedys. Before the show even started I knew it was going to be a good night. One of the most influencial punk bands playing the most historic and important punk/underground rock venue. While I waited for Griffin outside the club I met a really cool couple who must have been in their mid-50s. They told me all these stories about when they used to be regulars at CBGBs and all the old bands they had seen back in the day. Then when Griffin arrived I got a phone call from Jen saying she couldn't make it so we sold her ticket to a guy named Noam. It was his last week in the US before he has to go back to Israel to join the army and he had some pretty cool stories. At a little after 8:00 we made our way inside and the first bands got started. The Welsh Boys were good. False Prophets was the name of the second band I think. They might have been the craziest band I have ever seen. Now I'm not sure of the "P.C." way to say this, but their drummer had a bad arm that he couldn't really move and he couldn't really walk without hopping, but he banged the drums like no ones business. One of the guitar players sounded like Ozzy Osbourne when he talked and the lead singer had hair similar to my length (beatles-esque) with the exception of one dred which went to his ass. They were quite the package. After that was The Generators, a punk band out of LA that I highly suggest if you're into that kind of music. They put on a really good show. Then it was time for DK. This by far had to be one of the best punk shows I've ever seen. The guys still rocked like it was 1981 and played with as much fury as I have ever seen. The crowd ate it up. One of the most insane pits I've ever witnessed. I spent the entire set infront of the stage, you can see the imprints of the lip of the stage if you want proof because they are still engrained in my thighs. I was pretty sure the building was going to explode the second the band went into "Nazi Punks Fuckk Off." Since the place is closing in about a week or two the band did lots of farewell stuff including their version of "Sweet Home Alabama" which was turned into "Sweet Home CBGB." After the show I got to meet the members of the band and turns out they're really awesome and down to earth. Who says punks are mean? The drummer even gave me one of sticks that he used during the show.

Overall a great night (and week) and probs my only chance to ever see a show at CBGB. Definately worth the years of waiting I've done. Such a shame that place is getting shut down. However, there are still a few more shows so if you can you should really try and see one there, just for the experience. The CBGB's website has a listing of the remaing stuff.

Hope everyone else is doing well and have a great weekend!!!

Keep it scene in the city.

September 18, 2006

This was one long and crazy weekend full of good and bad times, but mostly good. Friday was cold and rainy here in Manhattan and after a bad afternoon Mary, Margot, Sarah, and I went to an excellent performance of the Upright Citizen's Brigade. These guys were fantastic and have never disappointed me. For those who don't know, The UCB is a group of improv performers that do about four shows every night for about $8. Its really worth checking out and a guaranteed good time.

After having my room to myself for the first time since I've been at school I continued some me-time on Saturday with a shopping binge through Manhattan. Hit up H&M and Rugby and made some successful purchases. Then Mary and I were off to Columbia for Nick's birthday. All in all it was a good time and I met some really cool people and got to see a good friend on his birthday. I'll definately be making more trips up there in the future.

Sunday started at an early 9:00. We left Columbia made a quick pit stop at the dorm and then Kailee and I were off to Brooklyn for The Rapture video shoot. Apparently we got there wicked early, but still had a great time. The theme was one last summer roof top party in Brooklyn. With the amazing skyline behind us, we lived it up! There was free BBQ and drinks all day, and boy did I take advantage of that, a DJ, pool, and trampoline. Such a good time. The band was there and partied with everyone and they were really cool guys. Ashli came and met up with at some point and the three of just danced and partied the day away. I'll keep you all posted on the status of the video and it will be posted as soon as it's available.

Should be an exciting week ahead. Cobra Starship on Tuesday and The Dead Kennedys at CBGB on Thursday. Pics are posted below of the video shoot.

Keep it scene in the city.


Kailee and I.


The view from the roof.


Overall shot of the roof.


Tech crew working on a shot.


Keg Shot!!!

September 13, 2006

I knew today was going to be a good day, but I didn't know it would be this good. I had no classes today so it was pretty lazy, I stayed in the room and wrote my paper so I could go out tonight and see The Rapture. Now I must admit that until tonight I had never listened to this band, but they were playing a free show at the Apple store in SoHo so I figured why not? Best decision evsss!!!
Since the show was a first come first served event we figured we should get there early. We got in line at about 6:30 and were let inside the store at around 8:00. In total there were about 100-140 people at the show. We got in the last row of excellent comfy chairs and then some people filed in a few deep behind us. Before the show started I was looking around and noticed two guys up against the wall. I couldn't figure out who they were so Griffin went over and asked how we knew them. Turns out they were the chief editors for Rolling Stone magazine. Holy Shit!!! Then the band came on and played a breif thirty minute set and I got really into it. They were a great dance band and put tons of energy into the show. Since most of the audince were in seats everyone was kind of chilling out for most of the show, but at the end we stood up and just started rocking out to the great music. After the set a woman came up to us and told was she was with management. We thought we were about to get in trouble for something, but no. She was with the band's management and loved our dancing. She loved it so much in fact that she told us to come to the band's video shoot all day Saturday on some roof top in the city. Yes that's correct, I'll be dancing in The Rapture's new music video. WTF??? On our way out of the show I quickly went over to Joel Stein and Rob Sheffield, the guys from Rolling Stone, and told them how much of a fan I am of their magazine. They were impressed I recognized them and said thanks for stopping by. They seemed really down to earth. Well for the minute I talked to them anyway.
So this was one crazy night. One of the best Tuesdays in quite some time. Oh and it's fashion week here and my friend Sef got us on the list for the Diesel after party tomorrow night (no worries my camera will be in hand). Sometimes I can't keep up with this place.

Keep it scene in the city.

September 7, 2006

Today, by far, has been the best day in NYC weather wise. About 80 degrees and just gorgeous. So the walk from 55th to 71st was actaully pleasant. Mary, Ashli and I made the walk together and to add to the greatness we happened to pass this.
Yes, that would be the winner of the first season of Project Runway. I must admit that I didn't know who he was, but the second he passed us Mary and Ashli called everyone they know. I hope something like this happens everytime I walk to school.
On another note, I think one of the best feelings in the world (or atleast my new world of NYC) has to be seeing someone you know on the street. Walking to class is great because you're in the hustle that is Manhattan, but sometimes you do feel lost in the shuffle. There are seriously millions of people around you and all of them have their own destinations, and it's great to be one of those people. But at the same time it can be a very lonely feeling, and then all of a sudden someone you know will pass by and say "Hi" and you no longer feel so alone. It's simply great.

Keep it scene in the city.

September 6, 2006

Well I've now spent an entire week in the city and I must say I do love it. I miss home, but I know I can survive here. Especially since Mary and I saw Lance Bass from NSYNC yesterday walking down Lexington. So yeah, all is well.

Keep it scene in the city.