Culture – Page 272 – Downtown Magazine

Debra L. Rothenberg is not your average Jersey Girl.

She is an accomplished and award-winning photographer who has worked in a wide variety of capacities in the media, but among her most memorable accomplishments are the photos she’s taken to document the career of New Jersey’s most prized possession—Bruce Springsteen.

Since 1980, Rothenberg has taken hundreds of priceless photos of Springsteen, and the best of the best are showcased in her brand new 200-page coffee table book, Bruce Springsteen In Focus 1980-2012.

Through images of more than three decades of concert tours in national and international arenas and stadiums, as well as his many Jersey Shore club appearances at the legendary Stone Pony in Asbury Park, the Rum Runner in Sea Bright, and Cheers in Long Branch, Rothenberg has created what the Hollywood Reportercalls “the ultimate look at a man who … is ‘always grinning’ whenever he is captured in his happy place – the stage.”

The book’s release has been timed to coincide with Springsteen’s hotly anticipated new album, High Hopes.

To celebrate the arrival of both, Rock Paper Photo will host a book signing and photo exhibit in New York City on Wednesday night at Gallery 151 in Chelsea. The exhibit will feature 276 of the most iconic photos from Rothenberg’s acclaimed book. A portion of proceeds from all book sales go to the Alzheimers Association, Parkinsons disease research, and breast cancer research.

Wednesday, Jan. 15 @ Gallery 151

Rock Paper Photo Pop-Up Gallery

132 W. 18^th St., between Sixth & Seventh Aves., NYC

Free and Open to the Public, 6 to 8 p.m.

—Marina Caputo

American icon Neil Young takes the stage at Carnegie Hall for a memorable four night stand.

With a career spanning nearly 50 years, Neil Young’s status as a musician is unquestioned and possibly unparalleled.

Last night this icon kicked off a four-night stand at an institution which is equally iconic and suitably worthy to host his performances—Carnegie Hall.

Young delivered a typically amazing performance to a sold-out crowd, playing more than 20 songs, from his nearly massive songbook ranging from his days with Buffalo Sprinfield, including the classics with Crosby, Still and Nash and studded with gems from his long solo career.

Neil Young ponders an incredible career. Photo from Live Nation

Song arrangements ranged from rollicking piano accompanied by blues harmonica, to orchestral 12-string acoustic guitar, to a combination of synthesizer and grand piano. However, the wonderful blending of an acoustic guitar with Young’s captivating vocals created the most memorable moments of the evening, including a rare acoustic performance of “Southern Man” that left the audience memorized.

Young recounted that his solo acoustic performances at Carnegie Hall in December 1970 were among the most important of his career. It is then no small coincidence that nearly a third of the songs from opening night were also on the set list nearly 45 years ago.

If Monday night is any indication what is to come, his remaining three concerts at Carnegie Hall are sure to be equally historic.

The performances are scheduled at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

For more information about Neil Young at Carnegie Hall or to purchase tickets, please visit: www.carnegiehall.org/‎

—Alejandro Ramos