Tag: little italy

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Featured Music Technology

D’Angelico Guitars To Introduce New Line of Products For 2020

Attention all D’Angelico Guitar fans, you’re in for a treat. The 88-year-old Manhattan guitar manufacturer is in the midst of a modern resurgence, offering new designs and a new line of gorgeous products for 2020.

D’Angelico has a storied history since its 1932 inception in Little Italy by master luthier John D’Angelico. The company’s devotees include guitar virtuosos Eric Clapton, Pete Townshend, Chet Atkins, and Bootsy Collins as fans of their instruments. In 2011, guitars by D’Angelico were included in the ‘Guitar Heroes’ exhibition at the Met. These guitars are absolutely gorgeous as well as being vessels for some of the most noteworthy music to come out of the last eight decades. Original D’Angelico guitars are considered prized collector’s items. Relaunched in 2011 by Brenden Cohen, John Ferolito Jr., and Steve Pisani, the brand blossomed into 125 partnerships in the United States with an additional 200 international dealers just three years later.

Here is the official press release from D’Angelico for the exciting new developments:

The Premier Series will see a refresh on all five of its acoustic models, plus the addition of a new “LS” variation – a satin mahogany option priced at $299.

Tammany LS

The popular OM Tammany will be available in all variations for the first time.

The Premier Series also welcomes the all-new Premier Mini DC – an ergonomic double cutaway semi-hollow, featuring a 14″ wide body perfect for players looking for a lightweight, easy-to-wield instrument.

And, coming off its triumphant first year in the Deluxe Series, the Bob Weir Bedford signature model is now available in the Premiere Series. Featuring the unique combination of two stacked P-90s and a middle single-coil controlled by a 5-way blade and blender knob, the Premier Bob Weir Bedford hosts an unbelievable range of tones.

 

Mini DC

In the long-standing Excel Series, 2020 welcomes new archtops for the first time since the re-launching of the brand. The Excel Series Throwback Collection hosts vintage-inspired takes on the flagship EXL-1 and the fan-favorite Style B. Features include the new Throwback scroll-style headstock, ebony headplate and pickguard, Throwback f-holes, ebony fingerboard, Seymour Duncan electronics, and Jazz Age finishes.

Also joining the Excel Series is the Excel Mini DC, an undersized double cutaway semi-hollow featuring Seymour Duncan 59 humbuckers and coil-splitting push/pull tone knobs.

 

 

Premier Bob Weir Bedford

The reimagined Deluxe Series is built to inspire – featuring Limited Edition takes on all four solid body designs, as well as the semi-hollow DC, SS, and 175. Across humbucking models, the Deluxe Series introduces the all-new Seymour Duncan Seth Love A4 – a pickup with remarkable depth, response, and richness in tone.

Meanwhile, the offset Bedford is now available in a stunning new variation. The Deluxe Bedford SH- a semi-hollow solid body featuring a unique modern f-hole window – adds an edge of acoustic warmth to its unique electronics configuration – two STR-52s and a Mini-Humbucker.

 

Limited Edition Deluxe Models are available in Matte Black, Matte Wine, and Matte Rose Gold. Only 50 pieces each.

D’Angelico will also debut the opening of its new USA Custom Shop and debut the shop’s first ten instruments at NAMM 2020. For the first time in brand history, solid bodies and semi-hollows will be built to spec in the USA, run by renowned luthier and longtime D’Angelico collaborator Gene Baker. Media outlets can contact jessica@dangelicoguitars.com to schedule an online interview and demonstration at the 2020 NAMM show.

All models will be officially available to select dealers on 16 January 2020.

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Categories
Lifestyle Living

24 Hours In Downtown

There is no better way to get a fresh look at our home city than by seeing it through the eyes of a tourist. It is all too easy to visit the same restaurants and bars and have the same nights out, so now is the time to shake things up and try something new!

Why not channel your inner tourist and visit that art gallery that you have been intending to go to and try that new restaurant that you have always passed by — but have never gone into. Imagine that you have just 24 hours to spend in downtown NYC; here, we’ll show you how to spend your time wisely.

Bearing in mind that you’ll probably eat a lot throughout the day, why not start it off with an invigorating run before breakfast. One of the most popular routes for tourists to run in Downtown is over the Hudson River Greenway, which is also a favorite for dog walkers, runners, and cyclists alike. The pathway takes you from The Bronx all the way down to Battery Park where you can enjoy the city’s best sights while en route.

Made it through your run? Congratulations! Now you can take a well-earned rest and relax in one of the best coffee shops in Battery Park: Inatteso Café. While you’re there, treat yourself to a delicious cinnamon roll or a cheddar-thyme scone with a cup of coffee and take a break from it all to watch the world go by.

How about a stroll down to SoHo and Little Italy where you can visit some of the many interesting shops. Make like a tourist and head to It’s Always Christmas in New York, a Christmas-themed shop that is open all year round. And don’t forget to pick up your novelty bauble, too, as every good tourist knows souvenirs are everything!

Speaking of tourists, did you know that there are some New Yorkers who have never made the trip to visit the Statue of Liberty? If you have never been, don’t write it off as just another tourist attraction, it’s so much more than that.

For lunch, head over to Eataly, which aims to bring a little piece of Italy Downtown. Choose from either a classic pizza or go for a coupling of fine cheese and wine from one of the many cafes and eateries within this bustling market.

Sure, it’s a little cheesy, but what jaunt through downtown doesn’t include a brief sojourn on one of New York’s finest sightseeing tours? All you need is a bus buddy and you’re ready to hail a ride on a downtown tour, which takes you through the likes of Greenwich Village, SoHo, the Financial District, Chinatown, and the Lower East Side. Hop on and off as often as you like, and don’t forget to people watch. as well as take in those iconic sights!

After a delicious dinner at Kosaka in the West Village, have a drink at Brass Monkey — an incredible rooftop bar with amazing views of the Hudson River. From there, don your tux or little black dress and head to one of the Downtown casinos or poker rooms where you can expect to mingle with some of the city’s top rollers.

Looking to have some fun? Of course, you are, so what better way to end your day than by having a couple of drinks and do a little dancing? Le Bain has it all: cocktails, dancing, and of course, breathtaking views of the city from the rooftop bar.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Categories
Culture Living

Keltie Knight on “The Insider,” hosting the “Thanksgiving Day Parade Live” on CBS & more

Keltie Knight

Keltie Knight
Keltie Knight

For many dancers, the dream is to be a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall. In the case of Keltie Knight, being a Radio City Rockette for six seasons was only the beginning of an illustrious career. Since 2012, Keltie has been an anchor for the syndicated CBS show The Insider. Keltie’s Insider duties regularly have her covering events all over the world, working the red carpets at the Grammys, the Primetime Emmys, the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, the People’s Choice Awards, and Cannes alike. Her bubbly and fun personality has also been seen in Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! and as part of the 2016 Miss USA Pageant.

This Thursday, Keltie returns to host the Thanksgiving Day Parade Live On CBS alongside Kevin Frazier of Entertainment Tonight. Keltie spoke to Downtown about what is to be expected from this year’s parade, which will include performances by Sting and Miranda Lambert. The parade is also set to feature appearances by the casts of the Broadway musicals The Color Purple, On Your Feet! and School Of Rock.

Keltie Knight can be visited online at www.keltieknight.com. She can also be followed on Instagram and Twitter, where she is known to post fun multimedia content.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKUtO9N4OSY

You started off as a dancer. Now, you’re a TV host. How exactly did that transition happen?

Keltie Knight: Much to my teachers and choreographers’ disdain, I was the loudest, chattiest and craziest dancer ever. When social media began, I was obsessed with sharing my behind-the-scenes experiences working with huge stars like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé with my followers, and I usually got in trouble. I started a blog so people could follow my journey and it got so big that eventually the TV world took notice. There are bruises, major rejections, and some pretty epic hairstyles in between those 10 years, but here I am!

Looking back, is there a highlight from your dancing career?

KK: Taking my first little tap step on stage as a Radio City Rockette. A lifelong dream for me.

Was it always the goal to doing what you are doing now?

KK: I’ve always been a performer and I’m naturally very curious. I couldn’t have dreamed a dream THIS big, so I’m honestly shocked and still have to pinch myself daily.

How did the opportunity to host this year’s Thanksgiving Parade come about?

KK: Speaking of shock, I was totally shocked when CBS asked me last year, I am friends in real life with the longtime host Kevin Frazier, and we’ve always had amazing, natural chemistry. Last year was the highlight of my year, and to be asked back again was the ultimate compliment. Also, my husband HATES to be in front of the camera, and at the end of the parade we bring out our families, so I am really excited to see him turn all red and shy again this year!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9DAWbT6t74

Any idea who will be performing at this year’s parade? Anyone you’re especially excited to see?

KK: Well, we have Sting and Miranda Lambert— no big deal. (laughs) The fact that these major superstars want to spend their Thanksgiving with us is incredible. Do you think I can ask for an autograph? (laughs)

You’ve been part of The Insider for almost five years. What is a typical production day like for you?

KK: I wake up at 4:30 AM and head to the studio, do hair and makeup and look through the show. We film starting at 7:00 AM, and I’m usually out the door by 11:00 AM to run around Los Angeles to do various interviews. In the evenings I am often at Red Carpets, or screening upcoming movies. I work VERY hard. There is an incredible amount of research and preparation to do. I also am on a first-name basis with all the American Airlines flight attendants because I spend half of my life on the airplane to New York and back.

Do you have to travel a lot for the job?

KK: I have almost one million miles THIS YEAR alone. That girl yelling into her phone, running through the airport in sneakers — it’s me! Side note, can we all please sit down until our boarding zone is called? We are just boarding a plane, it’s not The Hunger Games, everyone!

What is your favorite part of working on The Insider?

KK: I would be lying if I didn’t say I really enjoy wearing the fancy gowns and borrowed diamonds! But, beside the material things, being in places like Cannes, France with George freakin’ Clooney one on one, knowing I am having a once in a lifetime experience, is what keeps me going.

Keltie Knight
Keltie Knight

Is there anyone you haven’t yet interviewed but still hope to?

KK: My two bucket list items: covering Paris Fashion Week, and Michelle Obama!

Do you have any upcoming projects besides The Insider and hosting the upcoming parade?

KK: Yes! This year I co-created a podcast called LadyGang with actress Becca Tobin and fashion designer Jac Vanek. We are almost one-year old, and the response has been incredible. We have launched our site www.theladygang.com, and LadyGang Emojis, and a LadyGang subscription box- trying my hand at multimedia mogul. P.S. I need a nap!

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

KK: My ideal day off is waking up for a late brunch with my husband, a massage, cuddling with my doggie and then watching extended marathons of Fixer Upper on HGTV.

Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?

KK: My 100% fav in the WORLD: Paesanos in Little Italy. I’ll be eating my Thanksgiving dinner there this year with friends. It’s so small, cozy and the best food in New York City.

What about a favorite neighborhood?

KK: I’m really partial to Greenwich Village in Manhattan, because that’s where I lived in New York City. It was before it was as fancy as it is now, and I have tons of memories of spending my last $100 on BINGO night at Tortilla Flats drinking margaritas. There is so much magic in that area of the city. If you want a kick, read A Freewheelin’ Time by Suze Rotolo. She shared her time being Bob Dylan’s muse in the Village in the 1960’s — you’ll never see that area the same.

Finally, Keltie, any last words for the kids?

KK: It’s certainly a time of uncertainty and change, but I would want them to know that your life truly is what you make it. I have a Gwyneth Paltrow quote on my office wall that says “give yourself permission to be everything.” We have to work hard to make our dreams come true, and fight hard for what we think is right. Don’t give up the first time a door slams in your face, or the tenth time things don’t go the way you thought they would.

Categories
Culture Events Music

Buckcherry’s Keith Nelson on his Sept. 20 gig at The Playstation Theater, New York City, Astroglide and more

Buckcherry

Buckcherry
Buckcherry

Several years after forming in 1995, the band known as Buckcherry hit it big with its self-titled album. Hits like “Lit Up,” “For The Movies,” “Dead Again” and “Check Your Head” were big on rock radio in 1999 and 2000. The band’s second full-length for Dreamworks, Time Bomb, yielded a few singles but did not fare as well. When three of its five members quit in 2002, the band went on hiatus and few people thought that Buckcherry would ever be heard from again.

In 2005, frontman Josh Todd and guitarist Keith Nelson reformed Buckcherry with three new members and, quite honestly, few people took it seriously; Josh had released a solo album and he and Keith had nearly become two-fifths of Velvet Revolver during that hiatus. But everything changed in 2006 with the release of Buckcherry’s third album, 15. 15 turned out to surpass the success of Buckcherry’s first major label effort through hits like “Crazy Bitch,” “Sorry,” “Everything” and “Next 2 You.” 2008’s Black Butterfly bought more hits, as did 2010’s All Night Long, 2013’s Confessions and 2015’s Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Now a decade since Buckcherry’s relaunch as one of America’s top rock bands, the quintet — which also includes guitarist Stevie D., drummer Xavier Muriel and bassist Kelly LeMiuex — is paying tribute to its long-standing fans by playing the entire 15 album on its upcoming tour. That U.S. run includes a Sept. 20 stop at New York’s PlayStation Theater. In support of the Sept. 20 gig, Keith spoke to Downtown about what else is coming up for Buckcherry.

The Los Angeles-based group can be visited online at www.buckcherry.com, beyond keeping up accounts on Twitter and Facebook.

On this upcoming tour, you’ll be playing all of 15. When you were recording the album, did you have any idea that some of those songs would be hits?

Keith Nelson: We recorded at the now-defunct Mad Dog Studios in Burbank, California. We did it in 15 days, that’s where the title comes from. We didn’t know we had hits, but we knew it was good and different than anything else that was going on at the time.

Do you have a favorite song on 15?

KN: So many favorites from that record, it’s been fun to revisit them all on this tour. This week my favorite it “Brooklyn.” I’m sure next week it will be a different one.

Besides 15, will you be playing songs from all of your other albums at the PlayStation Theater? Or will 15 be the majority of what’s played?

KN: We will play 15 in its entirety and a few others people may know.

Where was the first gig that Buckcherry ever played in New York City? What do you remember about it?

KN: I do believe the first gig we every played was at the Bowery Ballroom and we shared the bill with Honky Toast from New York City. We became friendly with Richard and Eric from the band as a result.

Had Slamhound or your pre-Buckcherry band ever played in New York?

KN: Josh was the frontman for Slamhound and I’m certain they played New York. I do believe the song “Brooklyn” is an account of part of that trip.

Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?

KN: It’s all about the pizza. Lombardi’s in Little Italy or L&B in Bensonhurst.

How did the tour pairing with Candlebox come about? Prior to this tour, had you ever played alongside Candlebox?

KN: We have played a few festivals and a rock n’ roll cruise or two with those guys. Great guys, great band, and thankfully no pre-recorded tracks running!

Prior to joining Buckcherry, Kelly was not only in Goldfinger, but also on the L.A. scene with the Electric Love Hogs. Did you or Josh ever encounter him back in the Sunset Strip heyday?

KN: I never did, but I was well-aware of him and his skills. I know Josh, Stevie, and Xavier were all a part of that scene and knew him.

After this tour wraps, what’s ahead for Buckcherry?

KN: Focusing on making another record and getting back on the road.

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

KN: I like to be on two wheels. Motorcycling and bicycling are two passions of mine that I actively-pursue.

I had the pleasure of interviewing you in 1999 or 2000 when your self-titled album was starting to do well. My closing question was “any last words for the kids?” and you recommended using Astroglide, as based on the advice of Steve Jones. Is that still applicable advice?

KN: (laughs) I remember that quote. It still applies. 17 years later and I’d say always stay true to what you believe in and try to surround yourself with good people. It’s a challenge in this business but not impossible.

So finally, Keith, any last words for the kids?

KN: It’s all about the songs. And develop a sense of humor — you’ll need it to survive out here!

Categories
Dining Events Living

The Feast Of San Gennaro Returns From Sept. 15 to 25th For Its 90th Anniversary Celebration

Courtesy of the Long Island Weekly

Courtesy of the Long Island Weekly
Courtesy of the Long Island Weekly

The beloved Feast of San Gennaro, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, is an annual festival presented by Figli di San Gennaro — which translates to “the Children of San Gennaro” — a not-for-profit community organization dedicated to keeping the spirit and faith of the early Italian immigrants alive.

This annual Feast is one of New York City’s largest and longest running festivals, attracting more than one-million people from around the world each year to take part in the religious processions, colorful parades, free musical entertainment, and a wide variety of authentic Italian cuisine. The Feast has ultimately grown from a one-day street festival to a 11-day event.

The first Feast in New York City took place on Sept. 19, 1926, when newly-arrived immigrants from Naples settled in what is now known as New York City’s Little Italy neighborhood. Residents have decided to continue the tradition they had followed in Italy to celebrate the day in 305 A.D. when Saint Gennaro was martyred for the faith.

More information about this year’s events can be found at www.sangennaro.org.

Categories
Culture Entertainment Events

Marco Polo Festival, October 17

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Photo: Courtesy of C1.staticflickr.com

Next Saturday, October 17, the 7th annual Marco Polo Festival will march through Little Italy and Chinatown in a celebration of both Italian and Chinese culture.

Starting at 62 Mott Street, the parade begins at 11 AM and will be celebrating the unique intersection of Asian and Italian cultures. There will be large-scale Marco Polo and Kublai Khan marionettes and a Silk Road banner made by local youth. Ending at the Grand Street Stage (between Mott and Mulberry Streets), the parade will culminate in musical and cultural performances including traditional Chinese and Italian Opera, folk dancing, music and more.

This year, author Denis Bellieveau will be creating a pop-up Silk Road museum with artifacts from his Emmy nominated documentary In the Footsteps of Marco Polo. The pop-up will be held in a Yurt tent and will include items from Central Asia and China.

Headed by the Two Bridges Neighborhood Council, the festival will be showcasing the best of both cultures with food, music and more.

For more information click here. 

-by Kari Sonde