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2020 Gift Guide Downtown’s Editor’s Favorite Wines

Table Design by Joel Robare

The Season for Giving is Upon us

This year will be a bit different but still, the desire to give has not wained.

While jewelry, sweaters, or books may be the classic present, receiving a superb bottle of red or a refreshing sparkling can be just the gift for wine enthusiasts. To help you we’ve rounded up some of our editor’s favorites to include in our holiday gift guide to make any wine connoisseur smile!

Meerlust Rubicon 2015

The Rubicon Stellenbosch, South Africa Vintage: 2015 is showing all of the hallmarks of a great, classic vintage of Rubicon. Incredibly dense purple-ebony core with very slight gradation at the rim. The nose is brooding, dark bramble fruit, cassis, plum, incense, and licorice, it is still very tightly coiled, slowly offering cigar box, crushed stone, and subtle oak spice. On the palate, the wine is concentrated yet restrained with dark fruit flavors of pastille, mulberry, and dark chocolate, all held in an intricate lattice of polished sleek grape tannin. Still very young yet approachable, this Rubicon promises a long future of maturation and enjoyment.

 

2020 Wine Gift Guide

 

Table Design by Joel Robare

 

 

2015 Enate Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Hugely expressive and intense on the nose flaunting red fruit aromas swathed in balsam
and spice. Pleasant hints of phenols and minerals from the Cabernet mingle beautifully with
toasted, creamy, and cocoa nuances from the new oak. Fat, dense, and meaty on the palate with mature and unctuous tannins, which signal excellent capacity for further aging in the bottle. A lingering and mouth-filling finish rounds off the tasting experience.

 

 

Torraccia del Piantavigna Gattinara 2015

Mattia Donna/Beppe Caviola Garnet red in color with a golden rim that develops with aging, the wine has a fine and pleasant nose, with a hint of violets. On the palate, it is dry and harmonious, with a lightly tannic aftertaste.

 

Tenuta di Arceno 2017 Gran Selezione Chianti Classico “Strada al Sasso”

Considered a legendary vintage with its small yields, 2017 produced an intense, concentrated wine with vibrant acidity. The 2017 Strada al Sasso has powerful fruit and incredible depth. On the nose, the wine demonstrates a playful balance of fruit and herbal tones with aromas of ripe cherry, violets, cedar, and herbs jumping out of the glass. The palate follows with flavors of blueberry, vanilla bean, and sweet mint. Soft tannins lead into the finish with tones white pepper tones, black licorice, and the unmistakable Tenuta di Arceno signature of orange peel. A perfect pairing to classic Italian delicacies like wild boar pappardelle, Asiago, Manchego, roasted chicken, and tortellini with Bolognese.

 

 

 

Dry Creek Valley | Sonoma County Inaugural Vintage The texture of the wine, its infinite range of aromas and flavors is all tangled up with soil and climate and history and culture, a spectacular mash-up of people and place, wit and wisdom and everyday life. The Sbragia family has been farming and making wine in DCV for over 100 years. Adam’s great-grandfather came from Tuscany in 1904 and worked in local wineries. In 2006, after 32 years as a wine-master at Beringer Vineyards, Adam’s father, Ed Sbragia, opened the doors to Sbragia Family Vineyards at the northern end of Dry Creek Valley.

 

Le Difese – Intense black fruit aromas and flavors as well as the vanilla and spice of oak in a full-bodied wine with supple tannins. Casual beef dishes such as steaks on the grill or hamburgers. Kobrand Wine & Spirits  Fruit for Le Difese is selected from Tenuta San Guido estate’s younger vines. Fermentation for both varieties takes place on the skins in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. The wine is matured in French and American oak barrels.

 

2020 Sparkling

 

Coppery-orange color. Expressive aromas of strawberry and very ripe wild strawberries. A full-bodied, structured, vinous palate that stays fresh. Length and character define this champagne. https://www.veuveclicquot.com/en-us

 

 

Sterling Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine is a glistening pale straw color in the glass with ribbons of fine bubbles. The aromas of green apple, lemon citrus, pear, and lemon cream are distinctive. We opened the bottle for a gathering recently and was pleasantly surprised, our guests requested its information.

 

Categories
Culture Music

Hip-Hop Legends Bun B and Mr Biggs Journey Through American History With “The Future Is Mine”

Still from "The Future Is Mine"

We try to douse the fire, it continues to burn/Like the Boogie Down Bronx, it continues to burn/Like that cross in the yard, it continues to burn/Can’t you see the fire, it continues to burn

The subject of American racism and violence is a heavy one to tackle, but two hip-hop legends take history to task with a harrowing recounting of injustice in a new music video/short film, The Future Is Mine. Clocking in just over eight minutes, the video is an oral history through time, documenting the arrival of Columbus all the way to the police murder of George Floyd. The art piece discusses everything from slavery, civil rights, Jim Crow, to the aftermath of the election of Donald Trump.

The Future Is Mine is is a triumphant collaboration. Mr Biggs, who performed with Afrika Bambaataa and the Soulsonic Force and one of the architects of hip-hop, enlisted the help of producer and longtime collaborator John Robie, who produced the track as well as directed the short film. Robie had worked on several records with Biggs in the past, including the legendary Planet Rock. Bun B lent his talent and performed the track with Biggs. The powerful vocals hammer the message with urgency, compassion and lamentation, all with the intent to get out the vote and make things right once and for all.

The video’s montage of archival photos by photographers Fred Baldwin and Wendy Watriss are peppered with animations by Celia Bullwinkel, illustrations by Mirella Moncheva, contemporary photographs by Alice Teeple, and choreographed sequences arranged by J Lyn Thomas). The project moved ZE Records founder Michael Zilkha to revive the label to help release the song and video.

The video has garnered much praise already from heavy hitters in activism, as well as the academic and entertainment worlds. Darryl Pinckney, author of Blackballed: The Black Votes and US Democracy, describes The Future Is Mine as “urgent and necessary, brave and consoling. The American history in the tough, inspiring lyrics, the dancing, the wit and poetry, the power in the images – especially in the black and white photos that capture the long road of struggle – the music video reaches out to us, and finds us, ready and in need of its healing beat.” Harry Belafonte describes the video as “a moving contribution to the struggle.”

The photographers of the archival stock footage used throughout the film have an entire page explaining the context of the images, which include photos of sharecroppers, Martin Luther King, and historical events. The photographers detail how the photos were captured, some in extremely dangerous circumstances involving the KKK.

“We have reached a pivotal point in history where artists not only have an incredible opportunity but a responsibility to use their talents to raise awareness and provoke change,” Robie told Rolling Stone, who premiered the video. “An aggressively old-school jam whose production was purposely meant to fit into a self-penned musical set in the Eighties became transformed by a covenant that Biggs and I have had for many years, to bring meaning and message back into music. To create something turbulent, timeless and timely. And when Bun B graciously joined forces with us to help spread the word, just like the movement to end racial inequality itself, there was no stopping us.”

Zilkha added: “The song itself offers a dark history lesson, but the film John directed transforms it into a work of anger, hope and even joy.”

This video is an intense experience, but a necessary history lesson set to a sick backbeat. The song is available for download through the site. The team behind The Future Is Mine is not only encouraging everyone to get out the vote, but also offering merch; net proceeds from sales will be donated to Fair Fight to support the cause.

May we continue to grow, learn, and do better.

VOTE.

 

Learn more about the project and the collaborators on the official The Future Is Mine release page with ZE Records.
Categories
Culture Entertainment Events Museums Music News Theater

A Celebration of Resilience, Resistance, and Hope

The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, where 13,000 Jews died fighting Nazi oppression –

in April and May 1943, it was the largest single act of resistance during the Holocaust. The Uprising was the inspiration for “Zog nit keyn mol” (Yiddish: “Never Say”), known as the “Partisan Song.”

 

A Celebration of Resilience, Resistance, and Hope
WeAreHere-IG-Timezones

The song, which exemplifies Jewish resistance to Nazi persecution, is inspiring a special virtual event this Sunday, June 14 –

 

“We Are Here: A Celebration of Resilience, Resistance, and Hope.” The concert – which will be live-streamed at www.wearehere.live – commemorates the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II and the 77th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, even as it speaks to the challenges of the current moment.

“We are all inspired by the example set in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. The Partisan Song, which begins and ends this program, speaks to the fight for social justice and fundamental human rights,” said Bruce Ratner, Chairman of the Board at the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust.

The Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene, Sing for Hope, and Lang Lang International Music Foundation partnered to organize the event, enlisting more than 100 organizations from across the United States and globe to present it at 2:00 PM EST on Sunday.

And they’ve enlisted a robust array of renowned actors, musicians, and civic leaders to participate. Among them is a four-time Grammy Award and National Medal of Arts-winner, star soprano Renée Fleming, who will perform the world premiere of a new work by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer John Corigliano based on a text by Kitty O’Meara.

Among the others participating are EGOT-winner Whoopi Goldberg –

Grammy Hall of Famer and Tony-winner Billy Joel, world-renowned pianist Lang Lang; the iconic Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Emmy- and Tony-nominated actress Lauren Ambrose, multi-platinum, Tony-winning Broadway star Lea Salonga, multi-Grammy-winning opera star Joyce DiDonato, and award-winning actress Mayim Bialik.

“Both the recent COVID-19 pandemic and the centuries-old pandemics of racism and antisemitism highlight the need for resistance and resilience,” Sing for Hope Co-Founder Camille Zamora said. Added Sing for Hope Co-Founder Monica Yunus, “As we seek to listen, learn from, and serve our communities in the days ahead, thoughtful organizational partnerships will be key. It is an honor to unite artists and stand together as allies with a global network that fosters resilience, resistance, and hope.”

National Yiddish Theatre Artistic Director Zalmen Mlotek –

and Executive Director Dominick Balletta noted that “In this time of rising antisemitism and global crisis, the themes of resistance, resilience, and hope are more important than ever, and the Partisan Song takes on even more resonance. The song begins with the words ‘Never say this is the final road for you,’ and ends with the words ‘We Are Here.’ It is the song that binds together those who fight for justice.”

The program also will feature an interview by The Forward Editor-in-Chief Jodi Rudoren with Nancy Spielberg, Roberta Grossman, and Sam Kassow about their film Who Will Write Our History, which chronicles the story of Oneg Shabbat, the group that daringly preserved the history of the Warsaw Ghetto.

You can view the list of all participants here. Local viewing times include 11 AM Pacific Time, 2 PM Eastern Time, 7 PM London, and 9 PM Israel.

Categories
Music NYC

Watch “Riff Lords” Streaming Now On Gibson TV; Learn How To Play Iconic Riffs With Phil X Of Bon Jovi And Richie Faulkner Of Judas Priest

NASHVILLE, TN (May 29, 2020) GIBSON TV, the iconic, American-made guitar maker’s first-ever all-original, worldwide online network–features original series from the world’s best storytellers.
GIBSON TV’s new series titled “RIFF LORDS” is a thoroughly epic and unique series which gives viewers the opportunity to learn their favorite riffs directly from the iconic artists who wrote them. Up close and personal, “RIFF LORDS” is a “how to” series that offers a once-in-a-lifetime guitar lesson.
All GIBSON TV original shows are streamed for free on Gibson.com (HERE); subscribe to GIBSON TV on YouTube and be notified when new episodes become available (HERE).
Watch and share the latest episodes of “RIFF LORDS” on GIBSON TV here:

Phil X with his Gibson Custom Shop 1964 SG Standard Reissue w/ Maestro Vibrola.

In this episode of “Riff Lords,” guitarist Phil X breaks down how to play some of the most iconic Bon Jovi riffs as well as riffs from his band Phil X and The Drills. Phil X is a prolific session guitarist, having played on albums by Tommy Lee, Methods of Mayhem, Avril Lavigne, Kelly Clarkson, Orianthi, Rob Zombie, Chris Daughtry, Alice Cooper, and many others. In 2013, Phil X began touring with Bon Jovi and became an official member of the band in 2016. For more details on Phil X be sure to check out: https://philx.tv/.

GIBSON TV offers an inspiring and powerful lineup of all-new exclusive, original shows, including: “THE PROCESS” a cinematic look at Gibson’s crown jewel, the main Gibson USA Factory in Nashville, TN, delves into the physical process of how a Gibson guitar is made as well as featuring the artisans who hand-craft these beloved instruments; “THE COLLECTION” host Mark Agnesi will take viewers on a deep dive into the extraordinary, personal guitar collections of music’s biggest artists; “THE SONGBOOK” an acoustic-driven, all-performance series featuring stripped down performances in beautiful spaces from world-renowned artists and up-and-coming musicians; “RIFF LORDS” a thoroughly epic and unique series gives viewers the opportunity to learn their favorite riffs direct from the artists who wrote them. Up close and personal, this “how to” series offers a once-in-a-lifetime guitar lesson; “ICONS” a longform interview series sits down with some of the most iconic artists, producers and music business pioneers; “BEHIND THE BOARD” an “in the studio” series which gives musicians and producers a chance to look back and discuss the recording process of their most ground-breaking and inspired albums; “THE SCENE” a travel and lifestyle series visits cities around the U.S. and abroad to find the coolest music destinations, and “MY FIRST GIBSON” an epic series where artists tell the story of how and why they acquired their first Gibson guitar, exploring their musical history, influences and playing style.

SEE MORE:
Categories
Culture Featured Music NYC

Dancing Between The Lines With Brooklyn Singer Lorelei Rose Taylor

Photo: Bonnie Nichoalds

Between my costumes and your heirlooms
All I’ve exhumed and your short fuse
It takes two to
Dance between the lines

“Venus with a vengeance” Lorelei Rose Taylor releases a magnificent EP, Versailles. The gorgeous, lush vocals of the Brooklyn songstress effervescently float between baroque rock, 90s alternative, and ethereal dream pop. Drawing inspiration from fellow chanteuses Jewel, Sinéad O’ Connor, and Florence and the Machine, Versailles is raw emotion buttered up with pure storytelling and rich vox.
The title track, Versailles, unfurls dark drama in a familiar landmark. ‘Versailles’ embodies a sort of cosmic dance between two people very much in love, but very toxic for each other – and everyone around them. The Palace of Versailles was a landmark in a near decade-long relationship for me, one which became a symbolic memory – a beautiful place to visit, but we couldn’t live there,” shares Taylor.
Versailles became the third demo Lorelei Rose Taylor ever recorded. After an initial spark of inspiration in the NYC subway, the single came together when Taylor joined forces with punk musician Robbie Grabowski (I Can See Mountains, Super American) on piano. The two took their time sculpting the song before presenting it to producer Stephen Kellner.

“I think it’s my favorite song,” says Taylor. “And I always stop myself before I say that, feeling guilty for loving one child more than the others. I guess I felt especially vulnerable when I wrote this; I let myself run back and forth through my emotions unhinged. I was livid and sad and proud and helpless all at the same time – but somehow, my tone is indifferent. There was a moment where I turned to the guys like, “Do I sound bored?” But I realized I was just exhausted. Exhausted and defeated – and I didn’t want to pretend I felt any other way.”

Photo: Bonnie Nichoalds
Another standout track on the album is When You’re Gone, an atmospheric, melancholy number that feels right at home in a David Lynch production. It is a highly emotional piece with gentle nods to doo-wop and uncannily evoking the mournful cries of the Cranberries’ Dolores O’Riordan.

The Texas-born songwriter grew up in upstate New York and penned her first song at just 11 years old. The precocious youngster took it upon herself to label her keyboard keys with marker and to emulate Jewel on acoustic guitar, sparking a lifelong passion for songwriting. In 2012 Taylor moved to NYC to attend college at FIT. From there, she pursued an Art History degree in Florence. By 2017 Taylor was back in Gotham, ready to write more music.

Reflecting back on the creation of the album, Taylor says: “Château de Versailles is home to one of the most electric eras of my life. For so long, everything was decadent – full of love and lust and excess. And then it wasn’t. The EP is about the party being over and the gardens being overgrown. It’s about returning to Versailles with the only set of keys and realizing the locks were changed – sure, I could break in, but would it still feel like home?”

Stream the gorgeous EP here:

SEE MORE:

Biig Piig Makes An Impressive “Switch”

KVASIR Unleashes A “STATE” of New York During The Era Of Covid-19

NYC’s Lesley Barth Hits The Sweet Spot With “Big Time Baby”

The Brilliance Shines Brightly At Rockwood Hall

Album of the Year: Civilian by Frank Tovey

​​

Categories
Culture Entertainment Featured Music NYC

Biig Piig Makes An Impressive “Switch”

Photo: Phil Smithies

Don’t care about who you know
Man, you’re old, you don’t scare me
Run down a rabbit hole
Your downfalls, I see you clearly now

Irish singer/rapper Jessica Smyth, aka Biig Piig, recently dropped Switch, her newest single from her recent EP No Place For Patience, Vol.3 (RCA). It is a banger.

Switch is percussive, glitchy, and dreamy, graced with Smyth’s ethereal vocals and a relentless bassline. The song defies any real genre, blending elements into an exciting new hybrid. Part confession, part resignation, and part determination, the song proved itself eerily prescient for a global lockdown.

Smyth got her artistic start in London with the NiNE8 Collective, a network of creatives which Jess founded with Lava La Rue. The name “Biig Piig” revealed itself when Smyth read it drunk off a pizza menu: a fitting origin story for an artist who displays continued optimism and determination whilst facing quarter-life crisis. The 22-year-old has since earned significant attention over the last couple of years. Billie Eilish is an ardent fan, and a strong presence on the British airwaves has launched Biig Piig into the limelight.

Photo: Districtmagazine.ie

“Switch is about the tension, helplessness and pressure that the world is under right now. The beat and lyrics to me represents the fast pace of how the world is falling apart, and the anxious undertone of it all,” says Smyth.

Although the lyrics feel as if they’ve been ripped from a diary, the chaotic backbeats and spirited energy drive the tune into uncharted waters. It is the calming cup of tea for a stress migraine.

The video for Switch, which recently aired on MTV UK, depicts a fast-paced, fiery car chase of Jess (and several Nine8 friends) zipping through a a darkened, dystopian city. The piece is a collaborative triumph by British illustrators Alice Bloomfield (character animation) and Jack Solomon Smith (backgrounds). The stunning piece of art works well with the hypnotic, frenetic sound of Biig Piig. Smyth sings the praises of Bloomfield’s vibrant work:

“Alice is an incredible illustrator, I’m so happy we worked with her on this one…The whole ethos of Nine8 and the theme of the song are so intertwined, and she captured that perfectly.”

Sit back and enjoy Switch!

SEE MORE:

KVASIR Unleashes A “STATE” of New York During The Era Of Covid-19

NYC’s Lesley Barth Hits The Sweet Spot With “Big Time Baby”

The Brilliance Shines Brightly At Rockwood Hall

Album of the Year: Civilian by Frank Tovey

Clan of Xymox Materializes At Le Poisson Rouge