Tag: Interview

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Beauty Culture Featured Health Lifestyle Uncategorized

An Interview With The Chin Twins!

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All photos by Nigel Barker.

Downtown had the opportunity to talk with Cristen and Kimberly Chin about their new show: The Chin Twins! The show follows Cristen and Kimberly as they show us how to cook some of their favorite family recipes while they teach us how to love life and stay balanced in such a crazy world! From visiting local shops and restaurants to learning natural beauty hacks, The Chin Twins has something for everyone! Read on to see what they have to say about their new show, the importance of food and family, and much more!

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You both practice yoga. How did you start? How has it helped you during the pandemic? Do you have any tips or advice for beginners?

Kimmy: We grew up dancing. We’ve always used our bodies as an art form. We did ballet, tap, jazz, point. And we were pretty athletic. We were swimmers. We tried to do diving; it didn’t quite work out. 

It began with a Bikram studio. And that’s the very hot, pretty regimented type of yoga. We started out being drawn to the physical practice of yoga. It deepened after we became parents, when we became pregnant. We did prenatal yoga, Mommy and Me yoga, with our babies. Yoga has evolved with us as we’ve aged. 

And then we both did our teacher training. We wanted to share it with other people, so we both teach, we both practice. 

Crissy: The pandemic was a huge shift. I for one love to go into studios; I feed off the energy of all the other yogis in the room, and I love breathing together or flowing together. Everything just came to a halt. 

It was a forced change to our practice, but it did deepen it in a different way. That is one time I needed yoga the most just because of the anxiety and the unknown, having two kids at home trying to do homeschooling. Yoga shifted, and it was amazing the way you can find what you need from your practice under different circumstances. You find ways to carve out a space in your home. It was a struggle, but I think it deepened my relationship with yoga. My practice is definitely more restorative, more calming; I go to it for that. 

Kimmy: There’s just so many types of yoga, and yoga can meet you wherever you are. The best advice is don’t try to compare yourself to anybody else, even when you start in a classroom because yoga looks different to everybody. Yoga can be doing things mindfully, it can be meditation. There are so many different classes and styles. Just keep searching and find where you fit. 

Crissy: Try as many different styles as you can until you find one that suits you, and that might change. Just keep an open mind. And that suits all points of your life like being a student, being a mother. That’s a healthy way to approach all things in life. 

And I think that’s also why Kimmy and I created this show, The Chin Twins, to introduce some of the more lofty, complicated yoga philosophies in a more day to day way. Ways to use everyday activities in your home to kind of emulate these larger yogic principles. That’s really what the show’s about. 

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How do you use food to stay connected with your family?

Crissy: It’s a human, primal desire to be able to care for people, and food, for us as mothers, definitely plays a role in that, for caring and nourishing. And connecting, to gather, to commune. 

Kimmy: When you’re cooking, when you’re nourishing, you’re putting a little bit of heart into your food and sharing it with your family. In the show–we filmed it all in Woodstock where Crissy lives–we went out and embraced the community like little local shops, and that also strengthened the community. 

Crissy: I love to explore different cultures through food. So my friends and my family will have a themed night, like it’s Moroccan Night and we’ll have the tajin out and the couscous, so I love using food to broaden and teach. 

Kimmy: Like when we’re having Italian Night, I put on Italian bistro music. You bring Italy to you, especially during the pandemic. Everybody got so experimental. I think it was Christmas Eve and I said, “Let’s go get snow crab legs.” We’ve never had that! We were just trying to bring the world to our kitchens because we couldn’t get out and travel. 

 

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In the episodes that have aired so far, you visit quite a few local shops in Woodstock, NY like Harana Market and Three Turtle Doves. What do you love about shopping local, and why is it important for you and for us to support local stores in our communities? 

Crissy: Small businesses got hit so hard during the pandemic, and they struggled to stay open and keep the foot traffic going, and, as Kimmy mentioned we haven’t been traveling as much, so I really feel like I’ve reconnected with my small town. And not that I didn’t appreciate them before, but every little community…there’s so many treasures in our own backyard. It’s amazing to be able to visit them and to really sit and hear their stories. I go in and out of shops everyday, and it’s nice just to connect with the owners. It’s really special to be able to share that with our audience. It’s a real gift that we can go and help share that with the world. 

We visited Tinker Taco, which I go to all the time, and I love their tacos. But I had never watched him make them by hand. And he really starts with the kernels of corn and soaks it and grinds it and presses it. 

Kimmy: It’s nice to appreciate what’s in your own backyard. And when we support our local businesses, they really look out for us too. The community, if we need something, they’d be the first ones to bring food to your house. And you know where your food is coming from. 

Crissy: It’s important to know where that tortilla came from! And now it makes me want to go and make my own at home. 

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The first episode talked about staying grounded and having a solid foundation, and we saw that one of the ways you do this is by cooking. What are some other ways you have found to stay grounded? 

Crissy: Outside of the physical practice of yoga, it’s just taking a break. Stopping. Sometimes we get very caught up in the to-do list or the kids or whatever is happening. Just take time for yourself. It’s very helpful in staying grounded. And surround yourself with grounded people.

Kimmy: Something easy no matter where you are is your breath. It’s probably the easiest tool anybody can use to ground themselves. You can be in an airplane, in the grocery store waiting in line, driving…just taking a long, deep breath…there’s so many simple breathing techniques. Your breath is the quickest, easiest way to ground yourself. 

Crissy: Or taking a walk in nature. Just taking a walk connects you with the solid foundation, the ground.

Kimmy: Or music. And what ground me might not work for you. You kind of find that, what does it for you. 

Crissy: There is such a thing as being too grounded. Like if your root chakra is overly active, then you’re sluggish. You’re not motivated; you feel stuck. There’s being in tune with your energy centers, and your mood just helps you know that you’re too grounded, that you need to elevate. Finding tools in your tool kit that help you find that balance. It’s a journey. 

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What helped you most during the pandemic, and what advice do you have for people who are struggling to build a solid foundation in their lives?

Crissy: Sometimes you have to tune it out. Turn off the news. Be aware but don’t leave it on in the background. You have to carve out time where you’re safe in your environment with your family. Or doing things that you enjoy, and that bring you creativity. Don’t let the outside world bog you down to a point where you can’t hear yourself anymore. 

Kimmy: I think a big thing that can bring peace to people is surrendering. As humans, we feel safe when we’re in control, or when we think we’re in control. But really we’re not in control of anything at all, especially the big things happening all over the world. So being okay with not being in control, which is just surrendering. Trusting the universe. And that’s a practice. 

Crissy: Anxiety is with us all the time. We have to surrender or find ways to assert control over how we deal with things, how we process it. Pick out something small. What can I do on a small scale that is going to help? There are little things we can do.

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Do you have any funny twin stories for us?

Crissy: When we were little–this is an example of how Kimmy and I, to this day, will tag team and get the job done and use our strengths to enhance the others weaknesses–we went to a Catholic school and wore uniforms. And our teachers were nuns, older nuns, that didn’t have great eyesight. So on days where there were two tests, I would study for math and Kimmy would study for history, and then she would take both history tests and I would take both math tests. And we never got caught!

 

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The Chin Twins airs Wednesday nights at 9/8c on The Design Network. To watch the episodes that have aired so far, check out The Design Network’s YouTube Channel!

 

 

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Categories
Featured NYC

When I Fall in Love, with Gregory Harrington

Love, what is the meaning of love, and why do we use it so often? I love my new scarf, I love chocolate, I love the morning sun, I love you! Why do we use this word to describe a feeling, thing, or action?

When researching the word love, we found 4 different kinds of love. Actually, we found some that say there are six. For this post, let us stick with 4.

Because love can be applied in many circumstances, ancient Greeks divided the concept of love into four different types of love.

1. Philia, the love of friends and equals

2. Storge, love one has for their children or family

3. Eros, an erotic, passionate love

4. Agape, the love towards mankind, something we all need to do more of

February 14th is the day that we celebrate love, and this year it could not come soon enough. This is a special year for many, some grateful to have those loved ones around to celebrate with, while many are feeling the hard reality of the loss, for those we loved.

We wish you all a beautiful day of love, and we hope that this post brings beautiful memories to you and your loved ones.

Gregory Harrington

When we heard the newest album from Gregory Harrington, we wanted to once again, work with Mr. Harrington on a very special gift to you, this Valentine’s Day.

Showcasing our love of his talent, and music, while focusing on the album’s lead song “When I Fall in Love” (originally by the late great Nat King Cole).

We knew the album was fantastic, now we needed just the right location was this was key for us. After weighing all of our options, we went with one of the most beautiful and meaningful beacons, of New York City, the World Trade Center.

Paring Gregory Harrington’s love of Violin, with the man who forged forward to rebuild our beloved area after 9/11, Mr. Larry Silverstein, we chose 3WTC. Designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, 3 WTC is instantly recognizable by its iconic “K” brace, the building’s external steel framing, while seamlessly integrating into the triumphant community of World Trade Center architecture.

WTC, downtown New York, is a place of constant reinvention, and Downtown with leaders like Mr. Silverstein, have been raising the bar for NYC neighborhoods for the last 400 years.

Shooting at WTC never gets old, each time we discover something new, or a piece of history comes to light. We worked with a great team, videographer Michael Robayo Production, Photographer Gus Hobbs, and styling and grooming by a long time, and dear friend Christo.  A big thank you to our chair board Dara Mcquillan for making this happen!

We had a chance during the shoot to catch up with Gregory, what he was planing for V-Day, why he wanted to shoot this video, and how his industry is fairing during COVID -19.


Presented by Downtown Magazine New York City, Music performed by Gregory Harrington Director & Editor: Michael Robayo Production: Site B Studios Photographer: Gus Hobbs Styling: Christo Fifth Avenue Wardrobe provided by Reiss Watches provided by Omega Piano provided by Steinway and Sons Location: 3 World Trade Center / Silverstein Properties (79th floor)

DTM Why did you want to make this video
a) What do you hope the viewers will take away from this video? 

GH: I have always had such a special affinity for Downtown Magazine over the years and I wanted to create a work that showcases and combines fashion, music, style, and elegance with that black-tie feel – it just seemed to be a wonderful combination. The more I thought about it, “When I Fall In Love” from my previous album “Without You” was a perfect musical choice to connect it all together. And we worked in association with Omega watches and Reiss clothing to create the look.  I am hoping that viewers can take away that blend of wonderful music in a visually stunning setting where they can sit back for 5 minutes and be transported somewhere else.

DTM: Tell us about your recently released album?
a) how do you create an album?

GH: My current album “Glass Hour” debuted at #3 on the Classical Billboard charts and comprises the music of Philip Glass for violin and orchestra.  I recorded it with conductor Mark Shapiro and the Janacek Philharmonic and reviews have been great. I remember listening to the movie “The Hours” and being enthralled by the score so I wanted to write and create a work for violin and orchestra based on the movie.  It’s such a really beautiful piece and I’m so proud of it.  The album involved years of planning and meticulous dedication as I was the producer of everything from the orchestral parts to licensing and arranging to all the logistics. We had two days to record in the Czech Republic and it was truly fantastic having the sound of the Philharmonic behind you. It is an experience that I will always treasure!

DTM: What does Valentine’s Day mean to you, and being from Ireland, do they celebrate as we celebrate here in the US?

GH: Valentine’s day is a holiday that exemplifies the romance, the love, and the care that you show to those whom you love. I feel that there is very little difference between how it is celebrated here in the US as opposed to in Ireland.  It’s all about showing those qualities to your partner every day and doing a little something extra on Valentine’s Day.

 

Gregory Harrington Steinway & Sons 3WTC

 

DTM: What can we expect coming from Gregory Harrington and his music in 2021?

GH: For 2021, I have changed my focus from live concerts to more online performances.  It will take my industry a long time to get performers successfully back into concert halls where there are full audiences.  Therefore move the focus to online concerts and music videos.  And stay in front of my audience that way.  For the coming year, I’m planning to record some online shows and a Christmas show as well along with a series of music videos based on popular movie themes set in iconic locations around Manhattan.  The is also so much unknown about what lies ahead so I feel being flexible and adapting what presents itself is also important.

DTM: Has COVID affected your work/industry, if so how have you stayed relevant?


GH: As a musician and performing artist, our industry was really hit hard as we rely on full houses to be profitable and earn.  So many are unable to work and the effect will last for most of the ’21 and into ’22.  My last live show was 12 months ago in Amsterdam in the middle of February! Feels like forever! I feel that it’s going to take audiences a long time to regain the confidence in sitting indoors to watch a live performance again.

DTM: Your talent is exceptional, what are your favorite pieces to play and why?

GH: Thank you! There are so many wonderful works and composers – it’s so hard to say. Rather than a specific composer, I prefer to say that I love performing works where I feel I have something individual and personal to communicate to an audience that they might not have heard before. It could range from the Beethoven violin concerto which I adore playing or my arrangement of Nine Inch Nails / Johnny Cash‘s “Hurt” as it has such emotional drive.   Currently, I am loving the music Victor Young created “When I Fall in Love” from the video!

 

Gregory Harrington 3WTC

 

DTM: What are you planning this VDay, for your sweetheart?

That’s a surprise! 🙂

 

GH: Shooting at WTC/Silverstein Properties, was it what you expected, and share some of your favorite events that day?

What a visually stunning location!  Looking out over Manhattan from the 79th floor of 3 World Trade Center gives you such a birds-eye view and special perspective of this wonderful city of New York, out across New Jersey and as far as the eye can see.   A few years ago, I had the beautiful experience of meeting and performing for Mr. Silverstein when he opened The Four Seasons so that was a lovely personal connection for me being in his building beside the stunning vistas that provided the backdrop to create a music video.  There were admittedly so many special moments recording this – every floor to ceiling window on the floor had such a special view of a different area of New York.  From looking down on the Brooklyn Bridge to out across the Statue of Liberty – to call that your “office” for the day was wonderful!

Gregory Harrington 3 WTC

From Downtown New York City, Silverstein Properties, Downtown Magazine, and Gregory Harrington, we wish you a beautiful 2021 Valentine’s Day!

Categories
Featured Fitness Health NYC

Cabin Fever? Decorated Personal Trainer Paul Kostas Weighs in On How to Get Your Sweat On During a Pandemic

Paul Kostas; Photograph by Catalina Kulczar; @catalinaphotog.

As retail shops, restaurants, and gyms shutter to prevent the spread of COVID-19, countless fitness fanatics have bemoaned the idea of missed workouts. Thankfully, there are many effective fitness routines to engage in from the comfort of your own home. To get a better picture of how to keep active, we sat down (virtually) with Paul Kostas, the Director of Personal Training at Brooklyn Athletic Club (BAC), for some insight into how he is keeping his clients, the BAC community, and fitness lovers healthy.

A highly decorated personal trainer, Kostas’s certifications and continuing education include: USA Olympic Weightlifting Sports Performance Coach; Certified Clinical Weightlifting Coach; Bio-Signature Modulation; Catalyst Athletics Level 1 Weightlifting Coach; and Functional Movement Specialist—just to name a few. And while the Williamsburg, Brooklyn-located BAC serves the purpose of every other gym—it is quite unique in its make-up—infrared saunas included. A fitness gem amidst the ubiquitous chains lining every other street corner, the BAC not only has an inspiring community of people determined to lift each other up, but every fitness instructor at the gym boasts a wish list of certifications, awards, and more. For now, enjoy Kostas’s tips and tricks, but don’t forget to place BAC on your list of gyms to hit—let’s hope that time is soon!

Paul Kostas; Photograph by Catalina Kulczar; @catalinaphotog.

Downtown: Now that every gym in New York—and various other states—are mandated to close for the time being, what steps are you taking to continue to advise your clients on exercise routines?

Paul Kostas, Director of Personal Training at Brooklyn Athletic Club: As soon as we decided it was for the safety of the community to close our doors, we immediately went to work creating workout programs to be done at home. We are using social media and email lists to alert our members that we are posting workouts on the Train Heroic app.

Downtown: We love the idea behind TrainHeroic! When and how did that originate?

PK: We’ve been using Train Heroic for our Semi-Private Training sessions for about 4 years now. It’s fantastic—we can create training programs that can be accessed remotely. The app also allows us to include detailed instructions and link demo videos. The feature I most appreciate right now is the message board where everyone can comment on the workout.

Downtown: How many workouts do you plan on posting a week? Can you share an example of one legs or arms workout?

PK: Right now I’m posting a workout everyday except for Sunday—everyone should rest once a week. As demand increases, I am thinking of posting two different workouts a day—a cardio-based one and a strength-based one.

#6: Legs- perform all exercises for set numbers or reps back to back. Rest 2–3 minutes between sets. Repeat for 3–5 rounds.

  • Forward Lunge + Squat Jump x 20 total reps
  • SL RDL + Reverse Lunge x 10 reps per side
  • Squat Jacks x 20 reps
  • Hip Thrust or Bridge x 20 reps

#7: Arms and Back 10–1 For Time

  • Triceps Push-ups
  • Tote Bag Hammer Curl (use a towel)
  • Bent Over Rear Delt Fly (use a wine bottle)

Downtown: What has the response been like? Can anyone join in? If so, how?

PK: I’m blown away by the response. Over 225 people have joined in the last 48 hours. There has been constant interaction with all the members and everyone really appreciates it.

It’s free and open to everyone. Download the Train Heroic app (ios/android)—team name is Stronger Together and the access code is bactogether.

Downtown: What have you learned about the importance of a workout community? How can you continue to share with a community while apart during these times?

Photograph: Jon Johnnidis.

PK: Our community at BAC has always been so special and amazing. It was heartbreaking to close our doors and the ability to still stay in constant contact with everyone through the workouts and social media is getting me through the day.

We’re encouraging people to record and post their workouts to IG and tag @brooklynathelticclub & @paulkostas so we can repost as well so everyone still feels like we’re all doing this together.

Members are commenting on the workouts in the app, and on IG, and we’re using that to try to facilitate interactions and continue to cultivate community.

Downtown: Can you share with our readers what is so particularly special about BAC and its trainers + members?

PK: I really think it starts with our coaching staff—everyone is incredibly knowledgeable and personable and that helps to attract and retain an amazing client base. Everyone truly gets along and respects each other. We take fitness very seriously but we have a ton of fun doing it together.

We’ve been hosting competitions and parties throughout the years and Tasha Hunter, (coach and digital communications director) has started hosting Ladies Night workouts, so we now have the strongest and most badass group of women in NYC.

Downtown: What is your advice for those who have never been into home workouts—what tips would you offer to self-motivate?

PK: Now more than ever we have to keep a routine of self care and health a top priority. I personally am not a fan of home workouts, but having 30 minutes a day to move, and knowing over 200 others are doing it with me, is going to keep me sane. We’re taking what we have right now and making the best of it while trying to stay positive—keeping a workout routine is a huge part of that. I do think this is as much or more of a practice in mental and emotional health then physical health right now.

Downtown: Why should we not underestimate a low-impact workout?

PK: We’re managing reps schemes, tempo, and rest intervals in order to keep the low-impact workouts challenging.

Downtown: What kind of low-impact workouts are great for legs?

PK: Avoid jumping if you need to keep it low impact. Focus on slowing down the movements and maintaining tension in the target muscles. Squats, lunges, step-ups, and of course, stretching.

Downtown: How often would you advise someone who took frequent workout classes to participate in a high-impact workout?

PK: This varies to the individual but start with 3/week and build from there.

Downtown: How possible is this with minimal equipment?

PK: Get creative! We have tote bags full of canned goods in the training program as a “weight”, wine bottles, jugs of water, a backpack full of books, etc.

By using higher rep schemes, slower tempo, and short rest periods we’re able to make the workouts effective.

Downtown: My only exercise equipment right now happens to be a resistance band. What can I do to exercise my core, legs, and arms?

PK: Join our team Stronger Together on Train Heroic and let us take it from there!

Downtown: For those of us with studio apartments, how can we get our cardio in with minimal space?

PK: All the workouts are designed with exactly that in mind.

Downtown: What have your favorite workouts been?

PK: I have seven workouts published and I really like how they work together in a unit—each targeting different muscle groups on different days and the variety between them.

Honestly, my favorite part about writing these workouts is the challenge of being creative and not making things complicated.

Downtown: What will be your first workout when you are able to head back to the gym?

PK: Put a barbell on my back and squat as heavy as I can!

 

Categories
Events NYC

VOLTA NY Brings A World of Art to Metropolitan West

VOLTA NY Brings A World of Art to Metropolitan West
Photo courtesy of VOLTA

VOLTA NY brings some of the world’s greatest contemporary art to one of the greatest cities in the world. With new leadership, new ownership, and a new venue, Downtown Magazine caught up with VOLTA’s director Kamiar Maleki to find out about what is new, and what attendees can expect.

Downtown Magazine: What excites you about being the fair director for VOLTA 2020?

Kamiar Maleki: 2020 is a great new chapter for VOLTA and it’s very exciting to lead this year’s fair. VOLTA has showcased in New York for 15 years and this year we are returning with new ownership by Ramsay Fairs and a new venue at Metropolitan West. It’s exhilarating to be back in New York City for 2020 and to experience the energy and art community of New York. VOLTA has always been about discovering art and emerging galleries and that’s one of the main reasons I love being part of this fair as fair director. 

DM: What does Ramsay Fairs bring to the table for VOLTA 2020?

KM: The beauty of Ramsay Fairs is that it is such a large family. Ramsay Fair operates over 15 art fairs and has a huge team across the world. Having such a strong group allows everyone to really concentrate and invest in the fairs we are creating. It’s an exciting time to be part of Ramsay Fairs and VOLTA and to share Ramsay Fair’s passion for art with the world. 

Courtesy of VOLTA

DM: What is a big change which you are excited for returning attendees to see?

KM: The biggest change that we are seeing this year is the change we’ve made to our solo project mandate. This new change will allow galleries to showcase multiple artists and have the freedom to create and prepare presentations similar to what they would stage at their home galleries without the solo project restriction, resulting in a more balanced fair. 

DM: What is something which you are excited for newcomers to discover?

KM: VOLTA is a very engaging fair and we want each new gallery to have a personalized experience. As a director, my job is to create a platform for artists to showcase their art in the best possible way. We want them to fully experience the staff and incredible team we have here. They have worked hard to create this platform in an exciting new venue. We have worked to focus the entire fair on the artists and their works and are looking forward to welcoming several new galleries this year. 

DM: How will debuting VOLTA 2020 at the Metropolitan West affect the atmosphere of the event?

KM: Metropolitan West is a very intimate venue and we are confident that this new location will promote an immersive fair experience and encourage fairgoers to interact with the galleries and spend time learning about the artworks. Fairs can become overwhelming quite easily. Debuting the fair at Metropolitan West this year creates a peaceful atmosphere that allows attendees to appreciate the art at their leisure. 

DM: What makes VOLTA culturally important? 

KM: The root of VOLTA is discovery and in any industry, discovery is what makes something culturally important. This year, we are excited to welcome a dynamic group of galleries from five continents that are showcasing artists from 22 nations. It’s incredible to give these international emerging artists a space to showcase their work in one of the world’s largest cities. 

DM: What should attendees know before arriving?

KM: Come in and enjoy! We encourage attendees to take their time and observe what artwork they connect with and speak to the artists and galleries. The fair is built on artistic discovery and we hope that guests are able to learn something and enjoy their time at VOLTA. 

If you are interested, check out more information at the link here.

 

Categories
Events Featured NYC

Doris Dear Decks the Halls: An Interview with Raymond DeForest

Doris Dear and Lisa Yaeger bring the house down

All photos by Kristen Blush

2019’s Doris Dear Christmas Special may have ended just a few short weeks ago, but creator Raymond DeForest is already hard at work dreaming up his show for Christmas 2020. This is the fifth year for the special, which features host Doris Dear, played by DeForest, joins a cast of performers to share diverse holiday traditions and stories. For us at Downtown, it is a favorite annual treat. 

Each year, the show has raised money for “The Longest Day” initiative with the Alzheimers Association, selling custom-made enamel pins and cookies. The character of Doris Dear was inspired by DeForest’s mother, who passed away a few years ago from Alzheimer’s.

As the new year passed, we got a chance to learn more about the Doris Dear Christmas Special with DeForest–Ms. Doris Dear herself–and a peek into the creative process behind the show. 

Downtown: How do you prepare for your infamous holiday show?

Raymond DeForest: I start thinking about my next show in January after I have had time to relax and come down from the absolute enjoyment I feel from doing my three-night run of “The Doris Dear Christmas Special.” It starts with an idea, usually sparked by a memory of growing up in Staten Island with my family that I then run by my director, Lina Koutrakos. I am usually inspired by a certain moment growing up like when my sister and I would lay on the floor, staring up through the Christmas tree at the lights. Then I start looking at music and songs; I try not to repeat what was done the year before. That’s not easy. It’s a holiday show, and there are some songs like White Christmas that, for me, seems to say “Merry Christmas” better than anything. There is always a balance between giving my audience a nostalgic feeling through songs and stories mixed with more modern takes on the holiday to keep current.

DT: Who were your guests for this year?

RD: This year’s guests were, as one audience member exclaimed to me, “AMAZING!”. Lina Koutrakos, my director, has a permanent spot. She is a bluesy rock gal that does a song like no one I know. “Those Girls” are a girls group that brings a nostalgic, yet modern take on some great songs (“Jing-A-Ling” is an audience favorite). Patrick DeGennaro, my musical director this year, wrote a brand-new song just for us, and it was so wonderful and holiday spirit-filled. Ari Axelrod was a new addition, and he was charming and funny. Not only did he sing a beautiful rendition of “The Nearness of you” but also played the conga and charmed us with his stories of Hanukah. Sean Harkness is another permanent guest in the Rumpus Room. When Sean plays guitar, the audience swoons.

Doris Dear, Ari Axelrod, Those Girls, Lina Koutrakos, Sean Harkness and Steve Count

DT: How long does it take you to rehearse?

RD: I start rehearsing myself around mid-summer. I am constantly writing and refining my material as I rehearse the songs, so the stories and songs feel seamless. I don’t stop that refining until the show closes! The cast comes in about a month before the shows, to work with the musical director, director, and I, going over parts and script.

DT: Do you add new guests each year?

RD: Each year I try to change the talent slightly. About 50% of my audience are repeats, so providing them with new talent is important.

DT: Tell us a little about your piano player and his song, which he performed this year.

RD: My piano player/musical director this year was Patrick DeGennaro. We had worked together on my new solo show, “More Gurl Talk,” that I performed at The Music Theater of CT, NYC, and the historic theater in Fire Island. I wanted him to do something special for the show, so he decided to write something for us. The song, “I Know It’s Christmas” was perfect and Doris Dear was in it!

DT: You have a lot of guests at your show. What do you attribute this to?

RD: This was my fifth year doing the show. The shows sell well and attract an audience that is not the usual “cabaret” audience. It has a wider reach, so talented singers and musicians want to be a part of the show. I am very honored that I have that rich talent on my stage. When I sit back on the side of the stage and listen to these artists, I think to myself, “wow, how are you so darn lucky!”

Doris deaar, Lina Koutrakos and Patrick DeGennaro

DT: Where does your talent come from, and when did you know that you were going to be a performer?

RD: My talent comes from the very deep pool of amazing singers and musicians that are here in NYC. These are world-class performers. As I said, I am truly a very lucky girl to have them in my “Rumpus Room.”

I stepped on stage in college and new that very minute that I wanted to do this as my profession. I am honored to say I have been a full time working actor/singer for 42 years!

DT: What can we expect next from your work?

RD: I am always looking for ways to bring my message of family and love to a wider audience. At 61 years of age, I only do the work that is authentic and real for me. If I am not going to enjoy the work, I turn it down. The character of Doris Dear has opened up a whole new way of storytelling and performing for me. I am in talks with a major studio about bringing Doris Dear to a wide TV audience as well as bringing my shows to Universities and also teach students about the “art” of character development and storytelling. It’s very exciting for me to share my experience of the past 42 years in the business.

I also work on several committees with the SAG-AFTRA union and can help new actors coming into the business with maneuvering the real world. We live in such a strange world right now. There is so much hate coming from so many places. When my audience walks into my “Rumpus Room,” I want that feeling of a tough world left outside. I want my space to be one where all people can come and have a good time. As one reviewer from your magazine said…“ … I LEFT THE PLAY WITH A SMILE FROM EAR TO EAR AND THAT WARM AND FUZZY FEELING OF A LIFE FAR LESS COMPLICATED THAN THE FAST-PACED ONE OF TODAY. THANK YOU, DEAR DORIS!” – DOWNTOWN MAGAZINE

DT: Every year your show gets us ready for the holidays, and now you are hitting an even younger generation, who know nothing about the 1950s/60s. Does this lack of direct connection and experience worry you?

RD: It doesn’t “worry” me as much as it keeps me aware of what I am writing. I try hard to reference nostalgia without being so “old fashioned” that I lose anyone under 50 years of age!! LOL. This year I had several children come to many of my shows. Many stopped by after the show to tell me how much they loved it and especially the character of Doris Dear. As one beautiful girl said to me …” You are the aunt I always dreamed of having”. That’s the best compliment I could get. So, I guess that makes Doris not only the “Perfect American Housewife” but also the “The perfect crazy aunt”!!!

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Categories
Culture Featured Music

Blake Charleton Keeps It Fresh

Blake Charlton Keeps It Fresh

By Alice Teeple

Photos by Alice Teeple

What sounds blare from passing cars as you walk down the street? The wham-boom of eardrum-shattering bass. Monotonous mumble rap. The prefab autotune wasteland beckoning erstwhile partygoers. The dreamy music of Blake Charleton (Akudama, Poison Party) is a melodic breath of fresh air.

Charleton is currently one of NYC’s most prolific songwriters, a one-man Tin Pan Alley, who performed a gorgeous set this fall at Downtown’s World Trade Center music festival. The genial, energetic Charleton is responsible for a staggering repertoire, ranging from mythology-inspired folk, to psychedelic disco, to Baroque pop. He is a master of his craft and The tarot’s Fool, incorporating choirs, musique concrete, and samples from classic films.

“My biggest influences are Paul Simon, Lindsey Buckingham, Karen Carpenter, the Gilberto family that recorded The Girl From Ipanema, even the Wu-Tang Clan,” Charleton notes.

Blake Charleton has been pursuing music since age eleven, after discovering an ability to remember lyrics to songs from movies and the radio.

Blake Charleton

“I grew up very isolated,” he muses. “I would feel emotion, romanticism, and desperation in melodies. Music was the only thing that made me feel those feelings, and as a lonely child it was comforting, almost like an imaginary friend.”

Charleton made good on his childhood ambition. He penned songs for his four bands, as well as eight solo albums. As is the case with most geniuses, however, Charleton endured his share of struggling artist tropes. His music frequently explores darker themes with the veneer of Old Hollywood. Charleton oozes authenticity and pathos, with a sonorous bass reminiscent of Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy.

He once found himself shocked by the power of his own voice: “I was playing a house party, and two of my peers had begun striking each other in the face. This brawl was getting bloody, fast. I screamed into the mic for them to stop, and without missing a beat, the two boys paused. I felt completely control of my surroundings. It was intoxicating.”

Charleton admits working democratically can be challenging but rewarding, and welcomes collaboration. “Creativity comes from all people, not just from the famous or those considered to be talented,” he adds.

“I take long breaks and step away from songwriting more often than not. I don’t ever seem to find myself working on something big, like a concept album. I’ll wake up with a melody in my head, and then add music to it, feel it out, write lyrics, and voila! It becomes something.”

What’s next for Charleton? Film scoring. He admits to being an avid people-watcher.

“I can see an expression on someone’s face and hear a melody, “ he says. “My mind works in mysterious ways when dealing in music. I love seeing someone noticeably happy, just on top of their shit, alongside someone that struggles to smile or keep it together. I start to create a story in my mind of what their private life must be like.”

But he’s in no hurry to jump into the next phase. “I’m just taking it one day at a time, kinda stepping back and letting life unfold.”

Blake Charleton is completely independent and his entire solo magnum opus is available for purchase here.

Blake Charleton

Videos:

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