Darlene Love and friends played NJ Performing Arts Center
December 24th, 2012 by Mr. C
You might know Darlene Love as one of Phil Spector’s artists from the 1960s performing in a girl group called The Crystals or you might know Darlene when she provided backup vocals to Elvis, Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Dionne Warwick, Sam Cooke, The Beach Boys, and many others! Hell – some of you might even know Love as she played Danny Glover’s wife in all four of the Lethal Weapon movies! To this day, she continues to bless us with her voice as she remains relevant to her old and new fans alike! She also has been performing her signature christmas tune “Christmas – (Baby Please Come Home)” on the David Letterman Show on the last episode right before Christmas for the last 26 years!
(Darlene Love)
We had the pleasure to attend Darlene Love and friends annual Christmas Show at the NJ Performing Arts Center in downtown Newark last Saturday! And friends included powerhouse vocalists, Mary Wilson (one of the original Supremes) and Cissy Houston (Whitney Houston’s mom)! It was definitely one of the best live concerts that I attended in 2012. The show was so inspirational, uplifting, and fun especially when being performed within the confines of the beautiful and classy NJPAC structure which also holds a very distinct & warm sound.
Besides the smattering of songs to celebrate Christmas cheer, Darlene Love belted out some classic tunes such as He’s a Rebel, Da Doo Run Run, Boy I’m gonna marry, and I know where I’ve been – a song from the Broadway hit – Hairspray! One of my favorite parts of Love’s performance included the medley of songs she rattled off from Roberta Flack and Bill Medley/Righteous Brothers! Her tribute to Marvin Gaye also set the audience into a side to side mellow but groovy frenzy! Next, she introduced her friend who also appeared on the Shindig! musical show that aired on ABC-TV from 1964-1966 — Mary Wilson! Wilson dazzled us with her sparkly dress and powerful vocals! She proceeded to wow us with “I am changing”. Things got really emotional when Darlene Love sang a few bars from a hymn that Whitney Houston often performed- “Jesus Loves Me” before introducing Cissy Houston, Whitney’s Mom. Darlene and Cissy both recollected fond memories from when they worked for Dionne Warwick. Cissy Houston then went on to perform a spine tingling-hair rising rendition of O’Holy Night that got the audience up for an undisputed standing ovation at NJPAC! Cissy’s vocals were powerful and crystal clear, worthy as a voice that preaches god’s teachings with song. She hit the high notes such that it elevated the toupee from my skull! Their is no doubt where Whitney got her singing chops from. Houston’s performance was definitely one of the highlights of the night!
(Mary Wilson singing “I am changing”)
(Cissy Houston preparing to sing “O’Holy Night”)
All in all, the show was pound for pound one of the best collectives of powerhouse voices that I have seen in concert in a long while. Steven Van Zandt was scheduled to be one of the special guests as well but I guess he couldn’t make it. Darlene did sing a song that was written by Van Zandt – “All Alone on Christmas” which she sometimes performs with the E-Street band on special occassions. But yeah – Darlene Love + Cissy Houston + Mary Wilson – I won’t forget this performance!
(Darlene Love in a robe explaining what she does at 5am every morning!)
(Darlene Love shows us what she does at 5am — boxing-aerobics!)
(They are moving to the groove of “Blame it on the Boogie” by the Jackson 5)
(14 year old Ahsan performing “This Christmas”)
(Darlene Love + Ahsan with White Christmas)
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Setlist
Hark the Herald Angels sing
Ain’t that peculiar (Marvin Gaye)
You’re all I need to get by (Marvin Gaye)
Ain’t no moutain high enough (Marvin Gaye)
What’s going on (Marvin Gaye)
killing me softly (Roberta Flack)
where is the love (Roberta Flack)
soul and inspiration (Righteous Brothers)
Mary Wilson – I am changing
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
All alone on Christmas
Joy to the world (Band only)
Boxing Aerobics routine to – Blame it on the Boogie (Jackson 5)
Who’s gonna carry you
Jesus Loves Me (Whitney Houston)
Cissy Houston – O’Holy Night
(Classics)
Wait till my Bobby gets home
Da Doo Run Run
Boy I’m gonna marry
I know where I’ve been (Hairspray)
Ahsan – 14 year old Stevie Wonder prodigy
This Christmas
White Christmas (duet with Darlene Love)
Praise you
He’s a rebel
Christmas Baby please come home
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Tags: cissy houston, darlene love, mary wilson, music, phil spector
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Orlando Graffiti 2012
December 19th, 2012 by chocko
Here are some graffiti photos from a recent trip to sunny Orlando, Florida while taking a break from all the Disney stuff. This graffiti spot is located among some warehouses in downtown Orlando on Central Boulevard.
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Tags: downtown, fl, florida, graffiti, orlando, street art
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LIL FAME + TERMANOLOGY played S.O.B.’s
December 18th, 2012 by chocko
TERMANOLOGY
GRAFH
EA$Y MONEY
LIL FAME a.k.a. FIZZY WOMACK (when he’s producing) and Termanology played S.O.B.’s a couple weeks ago to celebrate the release of their new album Fizzyology. There were a lot of great MC’s on stage to start the show, but business didn’t really start picking up until Cool Hand Lukey hit the stage like a cyclone with his street team pumping up the crowd. The Coney Island MC definitely woke up the hip hop junkies and gave us a dosage of the gritty, good stuff. Termanology came out next along with Statik Selektah on the wheels of steel. The Boston duo of Term and Statik go by the name 1982. Term played some 1982 tracks and his solo material including “Goin Back” and “Watch How It Go Down.” Termanology brought out Queens rapper Grafh who performed a memorable freestyle and his club banger “I Don’t Know How To Act.” Term also brought out Boston MC and ST Da Squad affiliate, Ea$y Money for some time on the microphone to spit a couple of dope verses.
LIL FAME + TERMANOLOGY = FIZZYOLOGY
Term started the Fizzyology part of the show with the rapid fire song “Play Dirty” and was joined by Lil Fame of M.O.P. representing Brownsville, Brooklyn. They went right into “Too Tough For TV” and also performed “After Midnight” the first track and definitely a highlight of their new album out now on Brick Records. Go get it..grimey beats and lyrics-real hip hop! A lot of great tracks including “Play Dirty” produced by DJ Premier and featuring Busta Rhymes and Styles P. Other tracks feature Bun B, Freeway and M.O.P. The smooth, R&B track “Pray For Me” featuring Kira, comes out of left field. Congrats to Termanology for putting out another great album. Chocko’s been a fan of the Boston MC’s rhyming and lyrical skills since the 2005 underground album “Out The Gate” and it was great to see Termanology once again in New York City.
M.O.P. (MASH OUT POSSE)
The night was not over and the show went into extra innings with Billy Danze joining Lil’ Fame on stage for some M.O.P. songs including “Get Yours” from the 2011 album Sparta and the crowd pleaser “Ante Up” which got the whole place jumping and huffing and puffing soon afterwards. Just a couple of requests…a DJ Premier and M.O.P. collaboration album sooner than later and more hip hop shows at S.O.B.’s!
CORMEGA and STATIK SELETAH
A lot of familiar faces in the crowd including Cormega (left) and Statik Selektah (right) who manned the turntables during Term’s sets. Also in the building: Sav Kills, DJ Ronin, Tony Touch and Large Professor. Check out some videos below shot by the Planet Chocko Illegal Alienz Posse!
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Tags: fizzyology, hip hop, lil fame, m.o.p., new york city, nyc, s.o.b.'s, statik selektah, termanology
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80 Blocks from Tiffany’s (1979)
December 10th, 2012 by Mr. C
After some Planet Chocko pump fakes and a few schedule shot blocks, we finally posted up & drop stepped into Spectacle Theater in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn for a late & rainy Sunday night screening of cult-doc 80 Blocks from Tiffany’s. Spectacle is a grassroots DIY movie theater that seats around 30 people. Though small, the space is comfy with stadium seating and seats staggered just perfectly as to avoid pumpkin head blockage! Definitely do make your way down there! The programming at Spectacle often features movies of the offbeat & rare variety! Now back to BronxSploitation…
(Savage Nomad member – FLY with a fly jump kick!)
80 Blocks from Tiffany’s is a well baked, entertaining, & sometimes funny documentary depicting gang life in the Boogie Down South Bronx from the late 1970s. The crews that were profiled were mainly the Savage Nomads (latin and black members), the Savage Skulls (mainly puerto rican), & the Black Spades (African American). Some interesting personalities included president of the Savage Nomads – Crazy Joe, members – Fly, DSR, & Jamal. Frankenstein and Outlaw Manny from the Savage Skulls were also a trip and half! Not to be outdone were former gang members telling their tales of the street including Blackie, Commanche, and Heavy who even drove the film crew around as a personal tour guide! Police Officer Bob Werner who formerly served in the force at the Riverdale section of the Bronx would ask to be transferred to the South Bronx because Riverdale was too quiet and he wanted more of a challenge! Challenge he would definitely get as he ended up in the gang task force in the Boogie Down!
The beauty of this documentary is that the director lets his subjects shine on the screen by allowing them to tell their tales with minimal interjection from the film crew besides asking inquisitive questions.
From watching the film, the consensus from the neighborhood seemed to point fingers to the fact that some of the gangs in the south bronx helped to provide protection for the community and some of the storefronts. But then again, there are many sides to a story which in this case, we only saw one side of the coin. Did these businesses who were protected give any extortion money to these gangs for extra security? Were there ramifications or backlashings from these clubs if you were to speak against them in the movie?
The documentary failed to unearth the underworld of these ‘clubs’ but then again, we shouldn’t be expecting the gang members to spill the beans and incriminate themselves by peppering the film crew with their illegal doings. We did however, find out that the gangs would inhabit the abandoned buildings and sometimes would be paid by the property owners to burn down a building in order for them to collect insurance.
Other really neat footages from the film included riding along with an undercover police van in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx during the daytime to shine the light on the prostitutes and the excellent aerial & rooftop views of the Bronx to reveal the decrepit state and bombed out abandoned buildings. The outdoor block party sequence was also a great display of unity for the community providing food, drink, and dance with cameos by Officer Bob, the Savage Nomads, & other drama that might unfold!
Another fun, but thought provoking scene from the doc were the “reenactments” of real life day to day situations of the gangs like the scenerio when Savage Nomad member – FLY scaled three stories up an apartment building to an open window to steal merchandise as he hoisted down the freshly stolen product on rope to his friends below. I was beginning to think if they were going to show us a realtime stripping of a car that was freshly stolen! Thoughts had me going back to the 1988 movie “I’m gonna git you sucka!”.
All in all, 80 Blocks from Tiffany’s brought back a slap in the face slice of reality with living in the Bronx from the 1970s! If you want a retro boogie down slice without the hype, you have found it! Also, if you like the movie THE WARRIORS then you’ll know what to add to your playlist next!
Tags: bronxsploitation, documentary, mr c, new york
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Social Distortion played Roseland Ballroom NYC
December 8th, 2012 by chocko
MIKE NESS of SOCIAL DISTORTION
Legendary Southern California punks SOCIAL DISTORTION rocked the Roseland Ballroom on October 26th. Touring in support of their latest album Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes, Mike Ness (looking like a gangster from the 1930’s) and the crew played new and old songs including Machine Gun Blues, I Was Wrong and Ball and Chain. It was my first time seeing Social Distortion play live and I was beyond psyched to be in the crowd and close to the stage with all the older, gnarly looking punk rockers reliving their glory days. Ness is the only original member left in the lineup which also includes Jonny “2 Bags” Wickersham (rhythm guitar), Brent Harding (bass) and newest addition David Hidalgo, Jr. on the drums. David used to play in another influential West Coast band, Suicidal Tendencies and another interesting fact is his father is David Hidalgo, guitarist and lead singer of Los Lobos. The band is awesome live and their music is influenced by a lot of great artists from Johnny Cash to The Ramones. Their latest album is a straight up rock and roll classic.
LINDI ORTEGA
Canadian native, Lindi Ortega played before Social Distortion hit the stage and definitely won a lot of people over with her sultry voice and songs with country and rockabilly roots. Her set was full of energy and she definitely got the audience pumped up and paying attention during songs such as Little Lie and her cover of Nancy Sinatra’s Bang Bang. There’s more if you’re curious…on her latest album Cigarettes & Truckstops on Last Gang Records. You best believe I’ll be at her show when she comes back to NYC at the end of January. Don’t miss it!
THE BITERS
The Biters from Atlanta, Georgia opened up the evening with a set of party rocking tunes featuring pop-punk influenced by bands such as T. Rex, Cheap Trick and Thin Lizzy. They almost got me fist pumping like a fool. If you are into wild bands with matching Joan Jett haircuts and tight vintage clothes from the 70’s, then the Biters are your band. Rock on!
SOCIAL DISTORTION performing “Sick Boys” at Roseland (10.26.12)
SOCIAL DISTORTION At Roseland 10.26.12. SETLIST
I Was Wrong
So Far Away
Bad Luck
Far Behind
1945
Sick Boy
Machine Gun Blues
Cold Feelings
Bakersfield
Gimme The Sweet & Lowdown
Ball & Chain
Dear Lover
Pleasure Seeker
Black Magic
Company C
Don’t Drag Me Down
Ring Of Fire
Tags: lindi ortega, mike ness, new york city, nyc, punk, punk rock, roseland, roseland ballroom, show, social distortion, the biters
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South X South Bronx – Hip Hop Festival on December 14/15th
December 4th, 2012 by Mr. C
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Old and new hip hop head aficionados who are in tune with the origin of the 5 elements of this urban art form – you DO NOT want to miss out on this event! It’s the SOUTH X SOUTH BRONX – HIP HOP FESTIVAL! SXSBX is a two day festival where organizers and some of the artists that started hip hop culture will drop some knowledge in the classroom while also dropping some science onstage with some live performances by Grandmaster Caz, Grand Wizard Theodore, Sadat X, La Bruja, Rebel Diaz, YC The Cynic, Circa ‘95, Flaco Navaja, RDACBX artists, Boggie MICS Cypher, and plenty more I’m sure! The event will also feature conversations with Afrika Bambaataa & DJ Kool Herc! Best of all, South X South Bronx is FREE! The event will be held at Hostos Community College at 450 Grand Concourse in the South Bronx. For more information go to www.sxsbx.org . See y’all there on December 14 and 15th!
Workshops offered includes:
– History and Art of DJ’ing by Grand Wizard Theodore
– History of Hip Hop Dance by Popmaster Fabel
– Hip-Hop and Activism by Rebel Diaz
– How to make it as an Independent Artist- SkyhookRadio, Allhiphop.com
– Women Warriors: Mujeres en la Lucha- Da Urban Butterflies
– Hip-Hop and Social Media- Circa ’95
– Surviving the Police State- Take Back the Bronx
– S.P.I.T. (MCing/Spoken Word workshop)- Hipnotic
– Latinos in Hip-Hop- Cruz of RDBM & Vida Urbana
– How to Independently Publish a Book- Bonafide Rojas
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Tags: hip hop, south x south bronx
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Bush Tetras at Le Poisson Rouge
December 4th, 2012 by Mr. C
The Bush Tetras performed at Le Poisson Rouge last week to celebrate their “Happy” album release. We’ve seen them play last April at a free outdoor show at Barnard College in Manhattan and we had to get another live dosage of them again!
The Bush Tetras are a funkdoobiest, be like water blend of funk rhythms, punk, & say no to new wave backed with some heavy & distorted guitar riffs by the hands of Pat Place while lead vocalist Cynthia Sley snarls at you pacing back and forth with subtle dance moves that’ll get your bee-hind to feel her rhythm! As the ladies in the front occupies us, Dee Pop lays down the law on the drums in the back as he flows from groovy funk to outlaw punk while Julia Murphy is thumping us softly, dropping us with some fine bass lines! Though the album is named ‘Happy’, the lyrics are far from such and delivered with much visceral punch which makes me happy! The Happy album was originally recorded in 1998 but never released due to record label limbo and follies. Thanks to the Bush Tetras, producer Don Fleming, & ROIR – we get a 2nd chance to feel the funk and grit of a real NYC band! By the way, Don Fleming came out on stage and performed “You don’t Know me” with the Bush Tetras at this record release party. My favorite performances from the set were Motorhead, Page 18, & Can’t be funky!
yeah – Bush Tetras – If you don’t know, now you know!
Set List
Things that go boom in the night
You taste like the tropics
You can’t be funky
Stare You down
Making a mistake
Cowboys in Africa
Motorhead
Page 18
You don’t know me with Don Fleming
Nails
Ocean
Cold Turkey
Too many creeps
(all photos and videos by mr c)
Tags: bush tetras, music, post punk
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Shaolin Warriors in da Bronx!
December 3rd, 2012 by Mr. C
(Bronze masked warriors)
(photo courtesy of the Shaolin Warriors program)
Buddhist Monks from the Shaolin Temple in China rolled into Lehman College in the Bronx last Saturday to perform a dynamic show comprised of kung fu, prayer, control, superhuman feats, athleticism, & acrobatics! The Shaolin Warrior performance was a showcase demonstrating the martial arts of Shaolin and their deep dedication with preserving their art. The high energy show was complimented with a soundtrack that included hypnotic buddhist chants, traditional drumming, some holistic zen tunes, and dashes of electronica to speed up the adrenaline! The dazzling lighting that accompanied the sets added much dramatics to enhance the sequences. The theme of the stageshow “Shaolin Warriors” included a story line of a young boy training to become enlightened as a warrior and his eventual graduation. Of course to support the storyline, the main meat and potatoes or should I say vegetables (for the buddhist in you) of the show highlighted the techniques of Shaolin Kung Fu including the 18 legendary weapons of china, empty hand routines with the display of the animals (Tiger, Mantis, Cougar, Snake, Monkey), Drunken Boxing, fighting with empty hand & weapons as well as performing some amazing acrobatic routines! The troupe also demonstrated some awesome physical feats such as the monk laying on a set of broadswords who was then layered on top with another monk resting flat on a bed of nails topped off with a slab of concrete only to be demolished by a person wielding a sledgehammer! Then there was the monk who was showing off his internal strength by absorbing a few heavy log strikes to his abdomen as the log was forcefully rammed a few times by his mates. Another crazy feat was the monk who placed the tip of a spear under his collarbone as he bent the wooden shaft of the spear met by his resistance. My favorite one of the night was the monk who used a chinese cleaver to cut cabbage which was resting against his abdomen! There was no apparent blood spillage that I could see! This of course was not to be outdone by the monk who was resting belly down on 5 spears acting as stilts!
One of the funniest sequences of the night was when kids from the audience were invited on stage to learn a few moves! It was cute and hella-funny watching the kids mimic the moves and sounds of the monk!
(Kids on stage learning a few moves-photo by mr c)
Overall, the Shaolin Warriors performance was a fun filled show with great choreography and breathtaking imagery but more importantly, demonstrated the unity of zen with the martial arts. If you get a chance to see these Warrior Monks tour in your city, go for it! It’s an experience better seen live than in written form!
(Broadsword and Nail Bed sandwich topped with a slab of concrete!)
(photos courtesy of the Shaolin Warriors program)
Tags: kung fu, shaolin monks, shaolin warriors
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Bush Tetras playing (Le) Poisson Rouge tonight
November 29th, 2012 by chocko
Bush Tetras formed in the Lower East Side back in 1979 and played their crazy mix of new wave, funk, post-punk music in clubs such as CBGB and Max’s Kansas City. They’re probably best known for their song “Too Many Creeps” that climbed Billboard’s dance charts in 1981. Original members Cynthia Sley (vocals), Pat Place (guitar), Dee Pop (drums) along with Julia Murphy (bass) who joined the band in 2005 play with loads of energy and will definitely get you spazzing out in no time. Tonight they will be playing a record release party for their album Happy which was recorded in 1998! The show takes place at (le) poisson rouge in New York City. The first 50 through the door will receive a free copy of the new record. Show time is at 7:00 pm with opening act, Sediment Club.
We last saw Bush Tetras a couple months ago, rocking an outdoor show organized by WBAR Barnard College Radio. It was way uptown, far from the band’s natural habitat. Here are some photos and a video of the band performing “You Taste Like The Tropics” See you at tonight’s show! Look for Mr. C who most likely will be popping, locking and dropping it low.
BUSH TETRAS at the WBAR-B-Q XIX (Barnard College 04.28.12)
Tags: band, bush tetras, le poisson rouge, new york city, nyc. lower east side
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WRITTEN! The Lyrics Of Grandmaster Caz
November 26th, 2012 by chocko
We got this book in the mail recently from The Lyric Book Company. It is a fantastic collection and peek into the lyric books of GRANDMASTER CAZ, Hip Hop pioneer and Captain of the legendary Cold Crush Brothers.
Grandmaster Caz is also known for writing the lyrics to one of the most famous rap records of all time, Rapper’s Delight. Big Bank Hank of The Sugar Hill Gang borrowed Caz’s lyric book, recorded the song in 1979 using Caz’s verses and went on to fame and fortune while Caz never got credited for his lyrics or paid. The incident inspired Caz to write a song, MC’s Delight which is featured in this book along with 43 other songs.
Despite the “Rapper’s Delight” misfortune, Grandmaster Caz went on to appear in the 1983 old school hip hop movie Wild Style which featured an MC Battle on the basketball courts, The Cold Crush Brothers vs. Grand Wizard Theodore and the Fantastic Five. Cold Crush Brothers are also highly regarded as true pioneers of the hip hop genre and are still performing shows, rocking parties and educating new jacks.
Recently, Granmdaster Caz appeared in Ice-T’s 2012 rap documentary Something From Nothing : The Art Of Rap. In the movie Caz steals the show in every scene he is in and also receives much deserved props from many of the film’s subjects including Ice-T, Rev Run of RUN DMC, Rakim and Eminem who regard him as a major influence in their careers.
The book is an excellent addition to any hip hop book or music collection. Nearly every page is a facsimile lifted from the collection of Caz…lyrics written on legal pads, loose leaf paper, the inside of notebooks. It’s all nicely packaged in this book which features clever wordplay, songs that tell stories, and braggadocio lyrics all in the neat penmanship of a true legend of the genre. The book will be getting an early December release. Look for it at a book store near you or pre-order your copy HERE.
here’s a sneak peak inside WRITTEN! THE LYRICS OF GRANDMASTER CAZ
“My style ain’t free, I write and get paid for it
My title is Grandmaster I rhymed and DJ’d for it
Cats tried to battle me, lost and got slayed for it
There ain’t no downfall in sight, though cats prayed for it!!!
I don’t rap I rhyme none bitten and all Written!”
Grandmaster Caz
COLD CRUSH BROTHERS VS. THE FANTASTIC FIVE
GRANDMASTER CAZ in THE ART OF RAP
Tags: book, caz, cold crush brothers, grandmaster caz, hip hop, lyrics, review, the lyric book company, written!, written! the lyrics of grandmaster caz
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Angel Olsen played The Glasslands Gallery
November 26th, 2012 by chocko
ANGEL OLSEN at Glasslands
A couple weeks ago on a Monday night (Nov. 12) Angel Olsen played some tunes at Brooklyn’s Glasslands Gallery. The Chicago-based singer took to the stage after openers Magmana and Bird Call, armed with only an electric guitar. Her mesmerizing voice was at times subtle and relaxed but was able to convey betrayal and inner rage in a way that few singers can. She performed 10 haunting songs of heartbreak, doom and gloom peppered with some self deprecating banter. If I remember correctly, the young, talented chanteuse poked fun at her lyrics and spoke of eating too much garlic and perhaps having stinky arm pits. I first saw Angel play last year at an in-store event at a local record store, Kim’s Video & Music and was hooked. See a video from that performance HERE. Definitely go see her live at a venue near you and buy her music. Good luck finding her limited edition cassettes. You might be able to find her Strange Cacti LP. Definitely pick up her newest album only available on vinyl (get a turntable already!) titled Half Way Home on Bathetic Records.
BIRD CALL
MAGMANA
Bird Call were exciting to watch…heavy on the keyboards with jazzy, pop vocals. They made my head nod and bobble around. Magmana are a great Brooklyn band and I really enjoyed when the blending male and female vocals were in effect. A quick comment about the crowd…very polite except for the feisty NY Times photographer who appeared very cool at first, but when Angel hit the stage and it was time to clock in, it was like Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde. She got a bit verbally aggressive, and highly territorial with the crowd. Her cameras were also loud and distracting for such a quiet set of songs and she was taking photos the WHOLE time. C’mon now. It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice!
ANGEL OLSEN (GLASSLANDS 11.12.12)
Check out Angel Olsen at the following performances:
Dec 09 2012 Saki Records Chicago, IL 3pm with Foxygen
Jan 04 2013 Bootleg Bar Los Angeles, CA 8pm with Matt Kivel
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Tags: angel olsen, brooklyn, chocko, glasslands, new york city, nyc, review, show, the glasslands gallery
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Alan Lee’s Chinese Kung Fu – Wu Su Temple
November 20th, 2012 by Mr. C
(Grandmaster Alan Lee giving out degree holder certificates after the exhibition)
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Alan Lee’s Chinese Kung Fu – Wu Su Association is a non-profit Kung Fu school that has been a fabric of NYC for 45 years now. Founded and still led by the venerable Grandmaster Alan Lee, this temple teaches an eclectic mix of traditional chinese martial arts blending northern and southern styles of kung fu including weapons, grappling, & ground fighting. The unique fusion of training methods both traditional and modern techniques is what sets this school apart from other chinese martial art kwoons. Some of the senior teachers of the temple have been with the school since the 1970s and continue to pass on their knowledge and endless encouragements to their students.
We had the pleasure to attend Alan Lee’s Chinese Kung Fu – Wu Su Association’s 45th annual exhibition last Sunday with plenty of chi & adrenaline flowing throughout the show! The demonstration included fist form routines, fighting dancing (shadow boxing), internal forms, fighting, self defense, breaking, weapon routines, animal routines and fighting, and the nail bed discipline! The animals unleashed segment displaying the various animal styles including tiger, crane, snake, mantis, & eagle was one of my favorite portions of the exhibition as well as the various breaking demonstrations!
(Tiger vs Eagle)
If you are interested in learning more about chinese martial arts or just looking for a no-nonsense workout, go visit Alan Lee’s Chinese Kung Fu – Wu Su! There’s a reason why this organization has been around this long!
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(Concrete block break while suspended)
(Childrens class fighting atop concrete blocks)
(Broadsword vs 3 sectional staff)
(Internal form)
(Concrete slab break x 3)
(a battle royale free for all of sorts)
(Concrete slab break)
(Nail Bed Discipline)
Tags: alan lee's kung fu, demonstration, kung fu, martial arts
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