Check my review of Hollis, Queens emcee Monsta X:
http://www.brooklynbodega.com/2010/04/25/x-factor-monsta-x-mixtape-review/#comments
And the video for his debut single, “Goin’ In” :
Archive for the ‘Brooklyn Social Club’ Category
Built by Wendy Spring 2010 Picks
In Brooklyn Social Club, Feminista, The 'Ness, bright lines on April 6, 2010 at 7:01 amBuilt by Wendy Spring 2010 collection. Three pieces strike me right away:
Kahlo Dress
Linen Jumper
When it rains...
A Dose of Daily Candy
In Brooklyn Social Club on April 5, 2010 at 9:16 am| Follow us on Twitter | |||
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Brooklyn Bodega #1: Little Dragon Performance Review
In Brooklyn Bodega, Brooklyn Social Club, Feminista, Muses and Music, all that glitters, bright lines on March 29, 2010 at 8:45 pmHi Bright Liners,
I’ve started writing articles for Brooklyn Bodega, a website devoted to exploring Hiphop, art, culture, politics, as well as curating the annual Brooklyn Hiphop Festival. There’s so many forces in the conversation. I’d like to bring to the table the influences different genres of indie music have on Hiphop, interviews with artists and thinkers and creators who can incite dialog and shifts in the status quo.
Whew. For now, here’s a start. Little Dragon performed at The Music Hall of Williamsburg and Mercury Lounge last week, and I wrote a performance review for Brooklyn Bodega:
http://www.brooklynbodega.com/2010/03/29/little-dragon-nyc/
And check out Little Dragon’s video for “Swimming” off their new album Machine Dreams. Yukimi Nagano’s father, Yusuke Nagano created the vid!
photo courtesy of Matthew Drazin, www.shotsofrock.com
Daily Rotation(s): Toro y Moi
In Brooklyn Social Club, Daily Rotation, Muses and Music, nerdysexycool on March 11, 2010 at 5:17 amNot quite done with the lo-fi Daily Rotations for today’s installment. It’s this here warm spell in NYC. It’s a love jones I won’t name yet.
It’s Toro y Moi.
Musician Chaz Bundick’s project, by way of South Carolina-
Toro y Moi’s chill wave grooves are all about atmosphere, good times, kickin’ it, Spring Awakening, and shedding layers for smoother skin.
He’ll grace the Brooklyn Bowl stage with New Zealand psychedelic indie rockers The Ruby Suns on March 26th, 2010. Tickets are $5! Pretty voices, cheap tickets.
The video for “Blessa”:
and the boys playing with rockets in the video for “Talamak”:
Brooklyn Freestyle Sessions @ Rose Live Music
In Brooklyn Social Club, FG/CLlinton Hill/Bed Stuy, Muses and Music, The Talented Mssrs. & Mlles. I Know, Williamsburg, nerdysexycool on March 3, 2010 at 6:53 pm
Mobius Collective, every Thursday at Rose Live Music in Williamsburg, BK
Mobius Collective celebrates their 3rd anniversary at Rose Live Music this Thursday.
Saxophonist/director Troy Simms, along with staple cipher Omar Little (trumpet), Borahm Lee (keys), and David Bailis (guitar), the Collective features guest DJ’s and musicians each session. Last week amidst the snow storm, the house was packed full of folks ready to go on a trip. Guest DJ–brilliant selector–Deejay Obah–filled in the blanks between sets, seamlessly taking us from a recording of Fela’s “Yellow Fever” into the band’s supersonic rendition of it. Keyboardist Borahm Lee brings it full force, slapping at his keyboard, mapping out intricate solos, infusing the tune with an echo here, a reverb there–he’s a vision to witness in action. Jazz to warm you up in the beginning, dub to settle the whiskey in your bones (it’s cold outside, y’all), flowing into Afrobeat and Hiphop to get the people dancing.
There’s something to the venue too. The abuela wallpaper and jazz club stage has an old-timers vibe, a subtly complementary addition to the listening experience.
Mobius Collective, courtesy of the band's Myspace
Note about their name, “Mobius Collective,” it’s a reference to the Mobius Strip, a one-sided, single edged surface that has no beginning or end. This metaphor comes alive during their performance–the musicians contribute to the soundscape by carefully listening, evoking the continuity between them, between the genres they journey across in a few hours’ time.
Check it @ Rose Live Music, every Thursday!
What: 3rd Anniversary Party of Mobius Collective’s “Brooklyn Freestyle Sessions
Where: Rose Live Music, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, on 345 Grand St. @ Marcy
When: 10 PM to 3AM
Throwback–Raya Uhuru
In Brooklyn Social Club, FG/CLlinton Hill/Bed Stuy, Feminista, The 'Ness, The Talented Mssrs. & Mlles. I Know on February 23, 2010 at 12:05 amDress line I started back before the recessionista days:
Energy 2 Burn: Hip Hop, Weekend Edition
In Brooklyn Social Club, Muses and Music, Williamsburg on January 28, 2010 at 5:28 am
Alexis Mabille Spring 2010 Couture. Metaphor for Saturday Night.
A note from the party: (they’re pretty giddy, no?)
“Two vinyl-addicted dj’s are going to bring a bunch of true skool hip hop party records and breaks circa “88-’92 to Trophy bar and play them..and YOU are gonna come out and dance, sing along, “Jump Around” “Pass the Mic” move “Back and Forth”..you get the Pic!!”
Details:
Trophy Bar, 351 Broadway (btwn Keap & Rodney), Saturday January 30, 2010
11 PM to 4 AM
Red Baraat’s Record Release Party, 1/30
In Brooklyn Social Club, Muses and Music, The Talented Mssrs. & Mlles. I Know, bright lines on January 25, 2010 at 5:21 amRed Baraat, led by drummer Sunny Jain, is a dhol ‘n brass band, mixing North Indian bhangra beats with brass funk. Their debut record, Chaal Baby, has just been released by Sinj Records. Their release party is at Le Poisson Rouge @ 158 Bleecker St. $12 in advance/ $15 at the show
Check out their performance at the Ports 161 Fall 2009 fashion show.
I’ll even throw in the songbird and sweetheart of Pakistan, Nazia Hassan’s kitschy disco single “Aap Jaisa Koi,” from the film Qurbani (1980). Red Baraat covers the tune in the video (it’s the second tune, if you can tell…)
RIP Nazia Hassan نازیہ حسن (April 3, 1965 – August 13, 2000)
Apartment Show & the art of Andy Barrett
In Artz, Brooklyn Social Club, The Talented Mssrs. & Mlles. I Know, Williamsburg on January 25, 2010 at 4:51 amGallerists are turning homes into art space–whether it’s for reasons economic, aesthetic, and non-market oriented–creating intimacy, dialog, and accessibility for guests.
The Hooper Apartment Show’s opening reception is this Saturday, January 30, at The Lenora on Hooper St. in Williamsburg. Curated by Eric Laine, of bipolart, an eclectic group of artists are participating, including my friend Andy Barrett.
His “carton marquetry” work is composed of intricately collaged found-on-the-street cardboard. Everyday cartons are deftly translated into stories, colorful, absurd and fantastical.
Check out his portfolio at: http://www.andybarrettstudio.com/
images courtesy of artists’ website
Some of his work is at sale, including cardboard lamps, at Mc & Co @ 57 North 6th St. (btwn. Wythe & Kent)
Tonight–Live Art, Music & Haiti Benefit at Sucre in BK
In Artz, Brooklyn Social Club, FG/CLlinton Hill/Bed Stuy, Fort Greene, Muses and Music, Politickin' on January 24, 2010 at 12:08 am
Sun Protection!
In Brooklyn Social Club, The 'Ness, all that glitters on January 23, 2010 at 11:32 pmThis is my jam! Necessary, even when the winter sun seems weak–it’s still filtering through clouds, ready to zap you with UV.
This product, introduced to me by my dear, clear-skinned and organically beautiful friend, Ngozi–
This stuff is a mineral powder (that smells slightly of cinnamon and clay). The brush ‘n powder power duo is amazing for travelling to hot, sunny places
Eminence's Sun Defense Powder, in Calendula Spice. For dark tan to caramel tones.
Eminence is European y’all! And uses natural fruits, vegetables, and minerals! This mineral power is comprised of Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, which gives you that even coverage and sun protection. Vitamins A and E are sweet healers too! And to add a bit of dewy luster, use a tonique, named straight outta Eden–Sweet Red Rose or Wild Plum–
You can buy it here.
Miss Bruno New York’s ‘My So Called Scarf’
In Brooklyn Social Club, Feminista, The 'Ness, The Talented Mssrs. & Mlles. I Know, bright lines, nerdysexycool on January 12, 2010 at 8:24 amJanuary simply feels better when you’re tucked away under winter accessories. We’ve all broke down and bought a
Corner Store Lily
dinky pair of black $5 gloves off the street when it’s become unbearable, as well as those faux-ushankas and poly-blend scarves.
Be done wit’ all that!
The Artivist Scarf, model, Popular Thug, aka Sugar Aphrodite
Madame et Monsieur Bruno
The Highlife
Grinning and Bearing It.
In Artz, Brooklyn Social Club, Williamsburg, nerdysexycool on January 9, 2010 at 11:16 pm |
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Often, my Daily Candy mail makes me smile. Even if I can’t afford the countless clothing or travel and culinary destinations they tote on their website.
But this here, this is just pure furry genius. For all of you melancholics and pessimistic souls:
The Painkiller Below, Courtesy of
“Summoned via text message, Death Bear will visit your Brooklyn apartment to remove painful reminders of your past (direct him toward empty cigarette packs, pictures of the ex, dropped-crotch pants) and give you the chance to start fresh in 2010.
Aside from practicing the dark art of absorbing negative memories, the man inside the suit also leads Chinatown garbage taxidermy tours, offers free bouncy rides on subway platforms while wearing a fish costume, and has a candy crack delivery service on weekends ($1 per bag).
But the resolution service is free this Saturday and Sunday.
So grin and bear it.”
To make an appointment, text 347-742-2293. For more information, go to clubanimalsnyc.blogspot.com. To find out more about the man inside the bear, go to natehillisnuts.com.
Photo: Kevin Walsh
Also available are “Bunny Butterfly Kisses”–courtesy of “Blizzard” the honey inside the bunny (head).
Brooklyn artist, Sean Lewis
In Artz, Brooklyn Social Club, Fort Greene, bright lines on January 9, 2010 at 11:00 pmMr. Sean Lewis, a Brooklyn-based visual artist & reader of the bright lines, has recently come to my attention.
Below is “Crashed Porsche”, oil on canvas, 48″ X 48″:
Houndstooth prints, oil paintings and pen & ink drawings of cars in crashed states (perhaps an homage to his Detroit roots?). I imagine a man’s world–a porsche, a Houndstooth jacket, a walk with a lady in Fort Greene–revved up & re-imagined colorfully, hard lines and pretty designs.
Check out his portfolio here. His artist adventures are documented in his blog.
Mercedes Collage (digital print):
“Sean Lewis grew up in Detroit, Michigan where he developed a love of art early on. At a young age, he studied architecture, ceramics, drawing and photography. Although he continued to study art at the University of Michigan, Sean decided to master in architecture. It was not until after university that Sean took up oil painting. He immediately became devoted to the medium and moved to New York to pursue it. Sean has lived and practiced in Brooklyn, New York for 5 years.”
Johanna Heldebro @ 3rd Ward, 12/18
In Artz, Brooklyn Social Club, Williamsburg, nerdysexycool on December 18, 2009 at 4:38 am
Since we’re already on this Swedish tip…
Tomorrow’s the opening reception for Brooklyn artist Johanna Heldebro‘s “To Come Within Reach of You”
After following him to Stockholm, Sweden, she presents images and video documenting her father’s daily life (who pulled a disappearing act a couple years before).
Daily Rotation: School of Seven Bells
In Artz, Brooklyn Social Club, Daily Rotation, Williamsburg, bright lines on October 20, 2009 at 6:53 pmDang! I’m sooooo slow to purchase things, such as tickets, in a timely fashion. Snooze ya lose, I suppose. I really wanted to check out this trio, School of Seven Bells, aka SVIIB, who will be performing at the Music Hall of Williamsburg, as part of the CMJ Music Festival, this Friday, October 23rd. SOLD OUT, son. Along with them is the London based band the xx. DAAANG!
SVIIB is a three-piece band formed by Benjamin Curtis of Secret Machines, together with the dreamy-voiced & visaged identical twins Alejandra and Claudia Deheza. The music can be described as dream-pop, shoegaze (or nugaze), just plain indie, y’all.
courtesy of SVIIB's Myspace
Interesting fact: The band got their name afterwatchin a PBS documentary about the School of the Seven Bells, a mythical South American pickpocket training academy from the ’80′s.
Some insight into their debut record Alpinisms, from their record label, Ghostly International:
“Alpinisms is an electronically enhanced pop record of dizzying highs and claustrophobic lows, whose painstaking conception shows in its detail-laden crevices. On the album’s best tracks – the polyrhythmic dream-pop of “Face to Face in High Places,”“the nervous shimmer of “My Cabal,” the menacing lilt of “Iamundernodisguise” – Benjamin Curtis constructs layers of shoegazing, moire-patterned guitars, while sisters Alejandra and Claudia Deheza intertwine their near-identical voices like the fingers of praying hands. Throughout, the whole heavenly affair is tethered to the ground with a glitchy, tribal thwomp.”
Nervous shimmer? Moiré Pattern guitars?? Loves it!
Enjoy the video for “Half Asleep”
Amidst the bright lines, SVIIB, courtesy of the band's Myspace page
Fabrique of the Fall: Built by Wendy’s Fall 2009 Collection
In Brooklyn Social Club, The 'Ness on October 20, 2009 at 4:17 amOne of my ultimate favorite shops in Brooklyn/Manhattan is Built by Wendy. My first purchase was my beloved fanny pack, which got scuffled in a minor biking snafu (I use the words “minor” and “snafu” to counter embarassment, see?):
So Fanny it blends right into yo' jeans!
Get on the mailing list and get notified about SAMPLE SALES~ where you can buy the rather pricey goods for wholesale prices.
Designer Wendy Mullin draws upon an eclectic collage of inspirations, whether it’s a new take on Nautical or The Cocktail Dress, the colors are vibrant, the shapes tread between classic and hip. Below are some of my favorites from her Fall 2009 collection:
1.) Bourdin Cowl Dress, Red/Black
100% silk
2.) Marine Wool Dock Minidress
100% Water Repellent Wool
3.) Night Time Tiered Ruffled Minidress
100% Silk
If you’ve got the gumption to sew your own shapes, check it:
Do It Yo' Self! Learn to Sew & Design @ Home
CARNIVAL, a new monthly jam @ SPUTNIK, BK
In Brooklyn Social Club, The Talented Mssrs. & Mlles. I Know on October 19, 2009 at 7:22 am
I’m promoting this party thrown by my beloved friend, organizer, DJ, performer, Imani Henry. Sooooo…
Step Right Up if you happen to be:
Beautiful & Colorful Divas, Muscle Men, B-Boys, 2-Spirits, Amazons & Our Str8 Kin for a new monthly party.
DJ Ak-Right will be spinnin’ the best of Hiphop,Reggae, Soca, House and R&B. The first installment of CARNIVAL is on Saturday, October 24 @ Sputnik, 262 Taaffe Pl. @ DeKalb.
We’ve been distributing cards around Brooklyn, but check this facebook link out:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=272288515430&ref=mf
RSVP means you get a reduced admission of $7. Also true if you’ve got a flyer. I’ve been around in Bed-Stuy @ Sweet Revenge (on Franklin & Greene) and in Franklin Park Beergarden in Crown Heights, so look out for ‘em!
See you there!
Nonsense 10 Year Anniversary Party @ 3rd Ward
In Artz, Brooklyn Social Club, nerdysexycool on October 12, 2009 at 5:50 amStayed out ’til 5 AM las’ night y’all.
The Nonsense NYC Party at the 3rd Ward’s Morgan Ave. studio/warehouse = wonderfully orchestrated mayhem.
I arrived around 9 PM–early enough for the performance installation portion of the evening. After missing the Morgan Ave. B60 bus stop and walking 15 minutes in heels in a deserted wasteland that is East Williamsburg, I met up with my girl Marissa GV & her Bed-Stuy crew (plus a lil’ DC ‘n Paris flava). Everyone was given two tickets to attend performances that were taking place on each floor. The venue is enormous. Downstairs: a gallery showcasing Nonsense artists’ visions of a bright and weird future for art in the next ten years. (The soda machine’s last button actually dispenses $1 PBRs, but didn’t seem to accept our quarters or billz). Ushers were wearing gorgeous feathered chapeaux and black plastic spectacles. Didn’t much like being ushered around from performance to performance, so we didn’t bother to see more than a couple of the following:
We started the night with these furry fools: (They’re slowly uploading the night’s photos on their website, I’ll find ours soon.
Oooh! I just did.
Nandini Nessa and Jeff = Donnie Darko meets Bugz Bunny?
All I can say about the performances: I’m sure many of them were very good. But I got stuck in the spoken word room with some herb talking about being stuck in a bathroom in a cop–
Honestly I kept looking across the way at a long dining table set up. FOOD! I was starving. GRUB did a SEVEN-COURSE MEAL IN SEVEN MINUTES INSTALLATION (some of the courses were photos of food, but the wraps looked tasty) These are the folks that put together the community dinner on the first and third Sunday of every month at RUBULAD (in Bed-Stuy, 338 Flushing Ave, ‘tween Classon and Taafe Pl.)
GRUB'S 7 COURSES in 7 MINUTES
Tried to finagle a seat, but a gorgeous girl in a feathered cadet and sequined dress said, “DO YOU HAVE A TICKET THAT SAYS HUNGRY FOR MORE?” I answered no. She told me to get off her seat. I did so, before a full fledged femme brawl broke out. Hee hee.
WROUGHT IRON FIRE ESCAPE = SCARY AS SHIT IN HIGH HEELS. I walked on tip toes between floors all night.
Our crew starting a soul train style dance off in a Arab-music themed DJ room with a skate ramp style wall. After running up and down a few times–we dizzily grooved upward to the dance floor. @ 1 AM, when the dance party started outside and upstairs, NONSENSE NYC EDITOR JEFF STARK said, “Enjoy the 45 minute video about this party.” Before we could boo –salsa dancers from Piel Canela Dance Company in Chelsea busted out with some serious salsa. That would be enough for me to boo, since I’m no salsa queen, but soon the night grooved into very very good funk, hip hop, house & electro. I love DJ DIRTY FINGER:
DJ DIRTY FINGER
Check it: DJ DIRTY FINGER\’s \”The DIRTY FINGER ANTHEM”
and the RAYA BRASS BAND. Love those Balkan brass jams.
Noel, Piña, Jeff, Morgan, cool kids at Nonsense NYC
Making the :-/ face after some spoken wordherbness
Carrot 'n Cooch, crime-fighting duo?
Thaaaaaaaaaaat’s all folks!
The Bearhead Factory: Personal Talismans and Compasses by jewelry designer Erin Merriman
In Artz, Brooklyn Social Club, The 'Ness, The Talented Mssrs. & Mlles. I Know, all that glitters on October 9, 2009 at 8:29 amThe Bearhead Factory, jewelry by Erin Merriman.
The Bearhead Factory evokes images of ancient talismans offering divination, protection, luck, and love. Of course, it depends on the energy of the wearer. Once, back in 2008, when we worked together, shop girls at a women’s clothing boutique in Cobble Hill which shall remain nameless, I admired one of her dove necklaces. A pretty gold dove strung on gold chain–my first hints toward simplicity. I was digging the line between delicate and edgy that her jewelry (and perhaps she herself) straddled. Given my fiery vs. airy disposition, Erin suggested I go for a wolf or deer antlers instead–as these are animals bound to the earth, and I, well I can always use some grounding. She is an intuitive designer, attuned to the ways of the world of fashion trends,yet also the tenets of a New Age spirituality–the yogic, the karmic, the shamanic and the heart-driven.
For a list of shops where you can buy Ms. Merriman’s wares, click here.
She’ll also make custom pieces for you–with her arsenal of charms, crystals, corals, chains & ribbons–so if you want something in particular, go to her website: www.bearheadfactory.com
From her bio, everyday wisdom, which we often forget:
“Erin Merriman’s handmade jewelry is designed in her Brooklyn studio, giving each piece the same prestige as the relics and medals of honor that inspire them. They are a spiritual compass, reminding you to appreciate the inherent beauty of the body, the natural world, and all of life’s accomplishments.”
And, of course, below are some of her classic pieces. However, she has pieces not seen here. I bought a gorgeous bronze anatomical heart accented with pink coral. Pure heart chakra right there. But alas, i left my heart in Oaxaca. Hopefully a sweet girl found it in the hotel room and took it home with her. Sigh…
Fort Greene’s Finest Threads
In Brooklyn Social Club, Fort Greene, The 'Ness on October 7, 2009 at 10:14 pmThe selection in Fort Greene just gets better ‘n better. Here’s some of my favorite shops in the neighborhood, fresh selection of vintage and local designers.
- A concept shop, by the creators of Dossier Journal
244 DeKalb Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11205
nr. Clermont Ave.
Dossier, has a marvelous, handpicked selection of designers (local and vintage), jewelry, and gift items. Brought to the Fort Greene neighborhood by Dossier Journal’s Skye Parrott, Katherine Krause, and Molly McIver. The Dossier Journal is a biannual art-and-fashion magazine, with a striking layout and underground verve.
The trio opened the Dossier Shop in April 2009 on the bottom floor of a small apartment building, aiming to reflect the journal’s creativity and wide-ranging appeal in its wares.
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 12 Noon-7PM, CLOSED Mondays
Subway: C to Lafayette Ave; G to Clinton Washington
431 Dekalb @ Classon
Truly reasonable prices with occasional mint condition Members Only jackets, vintage belts and handbags. I found my winter jacket here in great condition–a vintage ’80 nylon jam in bright ceruluean:
Brownstoner Smurfette
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 12 Noon-7 PM; Monday 1 PM-8 PM
Train: G to Classon Ave.
COLLECTHER
306 Franklin Avenue @ Lafayette
- Located in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn, COLLECTHER is a vintage clothing store specializing in women’s fashions from and inspired by the 1960s to the 1980s. I found a wonderfully preserved pair of vintage Brazilian red leather pumps–for only $30~!
Collecther(s) checking out the fly goods
Hours: Thursday-Saturday 12 Noon-8 PM; Sunday 12 Noon-6 PM (Recessionista Sunday & Denim Dropoff!)
Train: G to Classon Ave
221 DeKalb Avenue info@thistleclover.com Store
You feel calm the second you walk down into this store, away from the light hubbub of Dekalb Ave. The price points at this store a higher than the aforementioned locations–but from the range of silk dresses, featuring designers like Eskell (think sexy secretary) or Dace (Vancouver, BC based designer)–it’s not the usual fare.
Hours: Thistle & Clover is open 7 days a week: Monday-Friday 12PM-8PM Saturday & Sunday 11AM-7PM
Train: C to Lafayette Ave; G to Clinton Washington
10/9/09 Nonsense NYC: Night of Underground Future Telling
In Brooklyn Social Club, all that glitters on October 7, 2009 at 5:58 pmFly way to celebrate the new era of underground art.
After years of composing a list of the best of indie in the city, Editor Jeff Stark brings all together for…
Nonsense NYC presents:
10
3rd Ward, 195 Morgan @Stagg St. 7p-9 Salon Style gallery; 9p-1a series of intimate performances/DJ's
“A one-night physical manifestation of the Nonsense NYC email list, celebrating 10 years of weird art and culture coverage in New York City. Featuring artwork by 75 artists and collectives, an all-night dance party, and performances every five minutes. With eight installation theater spaces and a spectacular spectacle on a brand new floor at one of the best venues in Brooklyn…”
Check it: http://www.nonsensenyc.com/special/
Instead of getting mired in nostalgia for things past, artists revision the NEXT TEN YEARS of art in the city. Advance tickets at Bluestockings Bookstore (172 Allen, Manhattan) or via Paypal on the nonsense nyc website. Door tickets not available until 1a night of the show; buy advance. Really.
Email for more info.
Love how the website says simply: ”This is a special night. Dress Like it.” Check Category “The Ness” for hints on places to get fine threads.
