Tag: Beyonce

Dining

3 Rooftop Bars Worth Checking Out Soon

Post author By Downtown Magazine
Post date April 18, 2017

Mr. Purple / Photo courtesy of Gerber Group

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3iYcn8T5Ko

When the weather is cooperative in Manhattan, one of the most fun things to do is visit a rooftop bar. New York has no shortage of rooftop bars, but Downtown had the pleasure of speaking with representatives from three of the city’s better establishments with rooftops:

Brenda Alvarez, Bartender at Mr. Purple

Kia Williams, Bartender at The Roof

Roman Tartakovsky, Beverage Manager at North River Lobster Company

How would you describe your rooftop bar to someone who hasn’t been there?

Brenda Alvarez, Mr. Purple: Mr. Purple gives great aesthetic pleasure to all who get to experience the space. It’s a very exciting rooftop bar and super fast-paced, not to mention the phenomenal views from our not one, but two terraces!

Kia Williams, The Roof: I would describe The Roof as a yacht in the sky, with its anchor right in front of Central Park. You can people watch, gaze out on the unobstructed view of Central Park, and catch up with friends, while enjoying a delicious cocktail made with market fresh ingredients.

Roman Tartakovsky, North River Lobster Company: The rooftop is probably one of the most unique rooftops in the city. It has two booth-style rows that run along the sides of the boat and a long communal table that acts like a spine in the center. There is some coverage from the sun towards the front and bar area however most of the deck is a sundeck. It’s a fun roof with basically nothing to block your views on all sides, considering you’re on the third deck you also have a sustainable amount of height off the water which I feel adds a little thrill. Wood tables and trim complimented by white railings and red/navy details give the look and feel of a New England lobster shack while still having some very nautical theming. Concept has a strong coastal community atmosphere while still appealing to the modern millennial with fun music and casual dress codes. You will catch families recluse from the heat inside as millennials bask in the sun on the rooftop with buckets of beer and glasses of rosé. All of this balanced out by quintessential North/East American fare really gives an authentic and unique feel to the vessel without being pretentious or overbearing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rY7OI6jG70

What’s your favorite item on the menu there?

Brenda Alvarez, Mr. Purple: My favorite item on our cocktail menu is the bottled Negroni. It’s our signature negroni recipe, but carbonated and bottled in-house. The bottle is absolutely the cutest, no ice is needed! From our food menu, I’d have to say the sliders with smoked gruyere, three to an order with fries — cannot go wrong.

Kia Williams, The Roof: My favorite item on the menu is the GG Old Fashioned; mine in particular (laughs). I haven’t been to many places that can compare.

Roman Tartakovsky, North River Lobster Company: The rosé is the best choice for me. There is nothing like a glass of Cloud Chaser after a long day at work. To be able to enjoy this on a boat is even more special considering the festive atmosphere and valiant seafood options to pair with. In reference to food I would defiantly go with a new England classic lobster roll. You truly haven’t experienced NRLC unless you have a nice tasty sweet and buttery roll here. The marriage of sweet lobster, creamy sauce and buttery roll really completes the coastal feel of the concept.

When not busy with work, how do you like to spend your free time?

Brenda Alvarez, Mr. Purple: In my spare time I study bees! One day I hope to be a full time beekeeper.

Kia Williams, The Roof: When I’m not busy behind the bar at The Roof, my husband and I check out other cool bars and restaurants around the city. People call us the Jay Z and Beyonce of hospitality.

Roman Tartakovsky, North River Lobster Company: Lately I’ve taken a huge liking towards photography. I never realized what an incredible release you get from immortalizing moments into frames. The patience in waiting for the perfect moment stabilized by the careful focusing of the lens. Holding your breath for that last moment as you begin to apply pressure to the trigger. The satisfaction of losing the visual for a split second and the sound of the exposure being captured. Finally releasing that pent up breath and looking at the preview of the exposure. It almost feels like elements of creation, I can’t explain it with anything less than a rush.

Finally, any last words for the kids?

Brenda Alvarez, Mr. Purple: Come by Mr. Purple to have a drink or two, and take some great, unforgettable pictures of our view!

Kia Williams, The Roof: When ordering a drink from your bartender or sever, I always recommend that guests look over the menu and first find their spirit of choice. I also suggest finding two cocktails that sound good and to ask your bartender or server to describe each one instead of asking, “What’s better?” Taste is subjective.

Roman Tartakovsky, North River Lobster Company: North River Lobster Company is an interesting product in the sense that we aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel but give you the best possible wheel we can give you. There isn’t a huge menu or a crazy amount of things to choose from. Just the right things to choose from to make you feel as though you have been transported on a mini vacation. With all the hustle and bustle in the city it’s hard to forget your in Manhattan. However, on The Destiny it can really feel like you’ve been taken away for a bit.

Tags Beyonce, boats, Brenda Alvarez, Cloud Chaser, cocktails, Gerber Group, Jay-Z, Kia Williams, Mr. Purple, Negroni, North River Lobster Company, Old Fashioneds, Photography, Roman Tartakovsky, Rooftop Bars, rooftops, rose, The Destiny, The Roof

Culture Entertainment Music

Q&A with “And The Writer Is” host Ross Golan

Post author By Downtown Magazine
Post date April 10, 2017

A Chicago native who studied music at the University of Southern California, Ross Golan has worked with many of music’s biggest artists. His credits include Maroon 5, Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, Michael Bublé, Keith Urban, One Direction, Idina Menzel, and Linkin Park. Ross has also had multiple record deals as an artist, and is the writer of Ovation Award-winning musical The Wrong Man, which will soon be recorded and released by Interscope Records.

Those credits would be enough for most artists, but Ross is also the host of the And The Writer Is podcast. Launched in January, And The Writer Is — as produced by fellow hitmaker Joe London (Thomas Rhett, Jason Derulo, Pitbull) — features exclusive conversations with other notable songwriters. The first episode, for example, featured Benny Blanco, as known for his work on Ed Sheeran’s “Don’t,” Ke$ha’s “Tik Tok,” Maroon 5’s “Moves Like Jagger” and Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream.” In turn, listeners get to hear great creative minds talking shop and plenty more.

Ross can be followed on Twitter via @RossGolan, while more on his podcast can be found at www.andthewriteris.com.

How did you wind up in the co-writing game? When did you realize it exists?

Ross Golan: There are two kinds of songwriters — the ones that were artists and the ones that want to be artists. Both Joe and I were in bands. We had been collaborating with other musicians for years but you get in the game when someone introduces you to the game. For me, it was Evan Bogart and Ryan Tedder. Evan, who wrote “SOS” for Rihanna and “Halo” for Beyoncé, was my booking agent and Ryan, lead singer of OneRepublic, and I played shows around L.A. While I was handing out CDs at shows one club at a time, their songs were getting played around the world. Songs tour faster.

What was your first cut that had you excited?

RG: I co-wrote a song called “Here Comes Trouble” for the band Honor Society. They were opening for the Jonas Brothers during their prime arena days. They named their headlining tour Here Comes Trouble. That was like getting called up to the pros from the minors and pinch hitting a single. In itself, it didn’t move the needle much. But it assured me that with enough at bats, I might be able to hit one out.

When it comes to songwriting, do you treat it like a day job where you can do it anytime? Or do you need to feel inspired?

RG: Amateurs look for inspiration. If you’re an artist, you can do whatever you want. But if you want to be a professional writer, act like one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NSZ2-aajsI

How many songs a month do you write on average?

RG: Depends on the month. Anywhere from one to twenty. But never zero.

What was the impetus for this podcast? Has there been a highlight for you so far?

RG: I have a book that everyone signs at the end of a session. It’s basically my yearbook. It has signatures from Bon Jovi to Michael Buble and Lamont Dozier to Max Martin. These people are fascinating. What are the odds that a kid from the north suburbs of Chicago would end up in a room with them? I suppose that’s the question I’m trying to answer. So, in that sense, all of the interviews are highlights.

Podcast aside, what’s coming up for you career-wise?

RG: The Wrong Man, my musical, signed to Interscope at the end of last year. We’ll be recording it this summer. That’s a 15-year project that keeps on ticking.

When not busy with music, how do you like to spend your free time?

RG: I’m a husband. I have a pug. I play ice hockey and golf. I eat. I drink. I feel like there’s a concept in all that.

Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?

RG: Morimoto, if you’re paying.

Finally, any last words for the kids?

RG: The ONLY thing in the music industry that matters is a hit song. You get that, and all of the other things will follow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHTzhBKTFug

Culture Entertainment Music

Frances on her Mar. 27 show at Joe’s Pub, her new album for Capitol Records & what’s coming up

Post author By Downtown Magazine
Post date March 7, 2017

2016 was a breakout year for critically-acclaimed singer/songwriter Frances in her native England. Following the success of her 2015 single “Grow,” Frances was nominated for both the BBC Sound Of 2016 and the BRITs Critic Choice Awards. She also performed at major music festivals and her music was streamed over 100 million times.

2017 is shaping up to be Frances’ United States breakthrough as last month brought the release of her contribution to the Fifty Shades Darker soundtrack, “What Is Love?” Mar. 17 is the release date for Frances’ debut full-length, Things I’ve Never Said, as featuring collaborations with Greg Kurstin, Jimmy Napes and Howard Lawrence. In support of Things I’ve Never Said, Frances returns to New York for a Mar. 27 performance downtown at Joe’s Pub.

Downtown had the privilege of conducting Q&A with Frances in advance of her U.S. return, getting to learn more about the artist behind the music. More on Frances can be found at www.francesmusic.com.

Will this Joe’s Pub performance be your first ever gig in New York?

Frances: I’ve played a couple of shows there before. At Rockwood [Music Hall] and the Mercury Lounge. They’ve made me so excited to come back and play again because I find New York such an inspiring city!

Have you ever traveled to New York for pleasure?

Frances: Sadly, no. But it is a serious plan! I absolutely love it. I could definitely live there!

Is there a New York destination you hope to visit on this trip? Any favorite restaurants here?

Frances: I’m going to have to wander down Fifth Avenue, that’s a must. I’ll stop into Katz’s Deli — it would be rude not to — but I really want to do The High Line walk!

At what point in your career did you become just “Frances?”

Frances: At the very beginning, I think. My full name is Sophie Frances Cooke. But I really wanted a one-word artist name, and I felt “Sophie” looked a bit young on paper — lots of curly letters! Whereas Frances is more angular and I found it really fun to have a different name to walk onto stage with. It helped with stage fright at the very beginning.

Do you have a favorite single-named musician?

Frances: Gosh. Adele, Prince, Beyonce, Björk — the list goes on!

Do you have a favorite song on Things I’ve Never Said?

Frances: Probably “Grow.” It’s the first song I ever released so it feels very special to me. But I also love it as a song because I’ve never written a chorus melody like that since. It’s quite bizarre but works somehow!

What was the first song you recorded on Things I’ve Never Said?

Frances: I think that was also “Grow,” because I recorded it for my first EP. But of the new songs on the album, I think we started with one called “Don’t Worry About Me.”

Are there leftovers from the Things I’ve Never Said sessions? Around how many songs were written for the album?

Frances: So many leftovers! I think I wrote somewhere between 100 and 150 songs in the end. There are a couple that I’ve already put aside for my second album, though. I loved them but they were a little too mature for my first album. When I wrote them I knew straight away that they were for my second album!

How did you wind up working with Greg Kurstin? Was that an introduction from your label? Did you know of his band The Bird And The Bee?

Frances: It was an introduction from my label, yes. A very lucky introduction indeed! It was one of my favorite writing experiences ever, he’s just incredible. And yes! Not until after our session, but I absolutely love the music. I think my favorite is “Will You Dance?”

Touring aside, what’s coming up for you in 2017?

Frances: I’m touring a lot, which is very exciting! I’m also doing some writing for other artists, which I absolutely love. I’m working on some potential collaborations which is seriously fun. I’d love to write for some more movies after my 50 Shades Darker experience, and I’ll be scheming for my second album! It’s going to be a fun year, I think.

When not busy with music, how do you like to spend your free time?

Frances: Hilariously, music! I always play music in the house, whatever I’m doing really. My family have some beautiful dogs so I love spending time with them, and my family, of course! I love going to the theater, watching movies, watching 10 episodes of Criminal Minds in one sitting. I love cooking, too. Normal stuff, really!

What was your favorite album on 2016?

Frances: Oh, that’s tricky. I love the 1975 album, Chance The Rapper, Beyoncé, Drake, new Radiohead. So many. If I had to pick one, it would probably be Lemonade.

Finally, Frances, any last words for the kids?

Frances: Stay in school and follow your dreams!

Events

Trip.com’s TripPicks This Week: Monday, Jan. 16 – Monday, Jan 23

Post author By Trip by Skyscanner
Post date January 16, 2017

Trip.com is an innovative planning tool that tailors recommendations for places to stay, eat and play to your specific tastes. It also allows you to share your great experiences with people who have the same interests as you; people in your “tribes.”

Trip.com’s TripPicks This Week feature empowers you to discover and take advantage of great events, openings and exhibits throughout the city each week.

Here are some exciting events and sites to check out this week in Downtown New York, courtesy of Trip.com. Visit the Trip.com site or download the app for more upcoming events.

Outsider Art

Metropolitan Pavilion (Chelsea)

Thursday, Jan. 19 – Sunday, Jan. 22 (check site for times)

Sometimes coloring outside the lines makes for great — and some would argue pure — art. The Outsider Art Fair brings together artists from across the world who share one defining quality: the guts to march to the beat of their own drum. Tickets start at $20.

Scotch Walk

Check site for complete list of locations

Saturday, Jan. 21 from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Nose, sip and savor six different scotches at six different downtown bars during NYC Scotch Walk. Whether you like yours neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of water, you’ll meet plenty of fellow scotch enthusiasts to share a drink with. $55.

Photo: Kenny Holston/Flickr — Photo: AK Rockefeller /Flickr

TV and Society

Strand Bookstore (East Village)

Friday, Jan. 20 at 7:00 PM

We all indulge in a little binge watching, but is the entertainment industry’s fantasy world the source of our societal problems? The answer may surprise you. Think Olio presents, “Inside the Entertainment-Industrial Complex: How Guilty Pleasures Take the Edge Off Reality” with J. Ward Regan. You may want to cancel your Netflix subscription…$20.00, with complimentary drinks.

NYC Vice and Murder Walking Tour

Corner of Chambers and Centre St. (Civic Center)

Sunday, Jan. 22 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Last Vegas may be sin city but the original sinner is New York. Join New York Local Tours as they take us through the streets of New York on a History of Vice and Murder Walking Tour. Explore the seedy past of Lower Manhattan and the legendary gangsters, “crooked cops” and “corrupt politicians” that shaped the city’s history and identity. Tickets are $25.

Brunch-n-Burn

Ludlow Studios (Lower East Side)

Saturday, Jan. 21 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Trillfit’s annual Brunch-n- Burn event is a wellness party where participants sweat it out in two Trillfit classes (a“Beyonce-worthy” cardio dance class followed by a yoga class with a live hip-hop and R&B soundtrack by DJ Nick Bishop) then enjoy a complimentary spa treatment and close out with fancy brunch bites. Don’t forget the gift bag on your way out! $50

Hot Chocolate Festival

Ladurée Soho (SoHo) – Wednesday, Jan. 18 from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Check site for participating stores: Saturday, Jan. 21 – Sunday, Feb. 5

The Valrhona Hot Chocolate Festival KickOff Cocktail party ($35) this Wednesday will preview “all of the festival’s inventive hot chocolates, along with savory bites.” After that, stop by FIKA NYC, Lafayette Grand Cafe & Bakery, La Maison du Chocolat, Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery, BAKED, Almondine, Sugar and Plumm, Dominique Ansel Kitchen, Epicerie Boulud, The St. Regis New York and Patisserie Chanson to try out unique hot chocolate concoctions and help raise funds for Valrhona Clean Water Project.

Culture Entertainment Music

Storm Large is ready for 54 Below on Dec. 19, talks about Pink Martini, The Limelight & more

Post author By Downtown Magazine
Post date December 16, 2016

Singer, songwriter and author Storm Large first found notoriety as a finalist on the singing competition show Rock Star: Supernova. In the 10 years since her reality TV tenure, things have been non-stop for the Portland resident. Beyond touring with Pink Martini, Storm has become an in-demand vocalist with many of the world’s top orchestras, performing recent engagements with the New York Pops, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Houston Symphony, RTÉ Dublin, and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. She has also released three full-length albums and a plethora of singles since appearing on CBS.

The theatrical world also embraced her, as she starred in Portland Center Stage’s production of Cabaret with Wade McCollum. Such led to a touring version of the show playing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Adelaide Festival in Australia, and Joe’s Pub in New York. Around that same time, Storm’s 2012 memoir Crazy Enough — a Simon & Schuster release — was an Oprah’s Book of the Week and was awarded the 2013 Oregon Book Award for Creative Nonfiction. Thus, success in music, theater and literature.

In support of her Dec. 19 show at Feinstein’s/54 Below, Downtown had the opportunity to do some Q&A with Storm. Not only is Storm talented and driven, but she is also very personable. Her Manhattan show is set to include holiday favorites — including “2000 Miles,” “Hallelujah” and “Sock It To Me Santa” — and, as she hinted at, some special guests. Storm can be followed on Twitter via @StormOf69 and visited online at www.stormlarge.com.

A lot of people first learned about you from Rock Star: Supernova. The aftermath of that show was said to be a disaster as far as the supergroup went, but was it a pleasant experience for you?

Storm Large: It was an insane experience, but I learned a lot in those three months. I still have a few fans — here and there — from that show, but thankfully, the fever pitch of intense TV fame I had has passed. That is some scary energy, television fame.

Since a lot people discovered you from the CBS show, but you now do a lot of work in theater and with orchestras. How did you bridge the gap from rock to a more upscale world?

SL: I had been a rock/cabaret performer for 15 years before the show –hashtag: old — so the theater wasn’t much of a leap. Symphonies were a surprise turn because of the amount of music education I lack. I cannot read music, only have an anecdotal understanding of theory, would rather listen to The Clash than Cole Porter, etc. If I had to guess, it would be my experiences on club stages, telling stories and being a natural ham type of showman gave me the gall to step in front of my first orchestras. Then it took people smarter and more talented than I — Thomas Lauderdale, James Beaton, Leonard Slatkin, Steven Reineke, Michael Feinstein — telling me I was actually great in the genre, and need to keep exploring it.

Pink Martini is said to be one of the harder gigs for a vocalist, given all the genres and languages involved. What sort of audition or test was needed to get in with them?

SL: (laughs) Audition? Thomas MADE me do it! I told him at least 17 times, “NO, I can’t, too hard, China [Forbes] is brilliant, I can NOT do what she does,” and so on. However, China had injured her vocal cords, and the band was in a serious situation. I only did it, at first, because I love China and Thomas. I did it as a favor, thinking I would be a miserable failure, China would get better, come back and we just could chalk it up to a learning experience.

So I learned…crammed, actually…10 songs in five languages in four days, for my first ever concert with them. Four sold-out shows at The Kennedy Center. Never was I more terrified as a performer. I don’t remember much, but afterwards, Thomas asked me to be a lead vocalist, swapping tours with China.

You sing, you act, you write…How do you usually go about describing what you do for a living?

SL: I usually say, “I sing, and talk a lot of shit.”

What do you remember about the first show you ever performed in New York? Where was it?

SL: Limelight, 1989, sang “Happy Birthday” onstage to my friend Tommy — who was playing that night — and the place went nuts. Afterwards the owner nicknamed me “Janis” and I never paid a cover there again.

For your upcoming show at 54 Below, what should be expected? A mix of songs from your career?

SL: Yup, plus some new holiday favorites, and some snazzy guests if I can talk them into singing on their night off…

Do you have a favorite song to perform live?

SL: It changes all the time. Right now I’m loving a French song Sean Lennon wrote for the film, A Monster In Paris. The song is “La Seine.”

Beyond the show at 54 Below, what’s coming up for you in your career?

SL: Flights, snacks, naps, SING! Flights, snacks, naps, SING! I’m taking some time off next year to write and rest a bit, reset my creative head/heart. I’m due to write another book. I am also writing lyrics and some music for a musical about a storied brothel in Chicago at the turn of the 20th Century. True story about a gentlemen’s club run by women called, The Everleigh Club.

Is there a field you haven’t yet worked in but still hope to?

SL: Politics.

When not busy with your career, how do you like to spend your free time?

SL: Get some sleep, do some yoga, get laid…Not easy seeings as my only free time happens on airplanes.

What’s been your favorite album of 2016?

SL: LEMONADE — OMG — LE.MO.NA.DE. Ungh!

Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?

SL: Currently, I’m a huge fan of Blue Ribbon Bistro, but also love Epistrophe and Ippudo.

Finally, Storm, any last words for the kids?

SL: If you can’t be a good influence…at least be a good cautionary tale. Follow the yes, you little bastards.

Events

Trip.com’s TripPicks This Week: Monday, Dec. 12 – Monday, Dec. 19

Post author By Trip by Skyscanner
Post date December 12, 2016

Trip.com’s TripPicks This Week feature empowers you to discover and take advantage of great events, openings and exhibits throughout the city each week.

Here are some exciting events and sites to check out this week in Downtown New York, courtesy of Trip.com. Visit the Trip.com site or download the app for more upcoming events.

‘00s Dance Party

SOB’s (South Village)

Friday, Dec. 16 at 11:45 PM

Dust off that Juicy velour suit and come party with TRL! The live cover band will be playing the best of the aughties hits from Outkast, Britney Spears, Jimmy Eat World, Maroon 5, Beyonce and many more! This party is full of energy, so come prepared to dance! Tickets start at $15.

Stuffed Croissants

Union Fare (Flatiron)

Bakery Hours: Monday to Friday from 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM; Saturday to Sunday from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM

We are sorry it took us this long to visit Union Fare, because the bakery in this latest sprawling gastro-hall is doing magical things with croissants! While we are partial to the matcha cream stuffed croissants, most people are losing their minds over the stuffed birthday cake and red velvet versions. Are they worth the hype? YES! Oh, and there is a candycane croissant, special for the holidays. Better come down here fast before we eat them all!

Cocktails in an Igloo

230 Fifth Rooftop Bar (Flatiron)

Daily from 4:00 PM to 4:00 AM

Rooftop drinking is not an exclusively summer activity, not when 230 Fifth hoists PVC igloos on their heated rooftop deck and serves seasonal cocktails like spiced whiskey martinis and rum-spiked hot apple cider while you enjoy the city views! Grab some friends and head up for the coolest chill-out in the city.

New Year’s Eve Underwear

260 Sample Sale (SoHo)

Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, Dec. 14 to Saturday, Dec. 17 from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM; Sunday, Dec. 18 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

A long-standing New Year’s Eve tradition, Italians don red lingerie and underwear in hopes of inviting more passion into their lives. The La Perla sample sale is a good excuse as any to stock up on lucky underwear for the coming year.

New Nordic Spot

N’eat (East Village)

Sunday to Thursday from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM; Friday-Saturday from 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM

When the weather is cold we tend to crave foods from those parts of the world that know real winter. East Village’s newest addition N’eat offers curated, elegant Nordic dishes with in season ingredients in a casual setting. We loved the braised short rib with berries and marrow, the fried turbot with cauliflower and tarragon and the poached egg yolk with Brussel sprouts and gammel knas. But, the real treat is the strangely refreshing dessert of Icelandic skyr yogurt, dill, cucumber, and white chocolate.

Boombox March

Washington Square Park (Greenwich Village)

Sunday, Dec. 18 at 6:00 PM

Lead by composer and sound artist, Phil Kline, the night will be far from silent as hundreds descend on Washington Square Park for the annual Unsilent Night. If you are lucky, you can get your hands on an old school boom box and if not, download the track and bring your own sound gear for a synchronized music march to Tompkins Square. We hope it will drown out Santacon. Check site for complete details. FREE.