OCTOBER 23RD, 2021 MARKED THE FIRST EVER WAVY AWARDS SHOW, the name making a play on digital audio WAV files. The show is a celebration of “historically excluded talent,” including musicians that are women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities. As each presenter took the stage at Abrons Arts Center, they leaned into the mic and described themselves — their hair color, outfit, or personal aesthetic — for blind audience members and nominees. The awards also featured two American Sign Language interpreters who took turns interpreting the speeches and performances. For the brainchild of Blonde Records Founder Rebecca Autumn Sansom, The Wavy Awards marked an ending, as well as a new beginning, in her career.
Sansom never intended to get into the music industry. She considers herself a “filmmaker trapped in an artist’s body.” She was at Stanford doing performance and theater when she met “M the Myth,” an artist, collaborator, and then undergrad. “I’m a filmmaker, so I’m drawn to captivating subjects. So really, I would just film these people. And then I realized after helping M with their music video campaign for ‘Let’s Get Drunk Anyway,’ that cheerleading artists, filming them, and encouraging their careers is a job called management.” She formed Blonde Artist Management in New York City, named after Marilyn Monroe, with whom she identifies and felt might have lived with different support and management.
For five years, Sansom ran Blonde Artist Management. This past year she also founded and ran Blonde Records and Blonde Music News, a weekly NYC music podcast. The Wavys were a big step for Blonde and its mission, but also for Sansom, who is the first to recognize her own privileges and those whose lack of privilege often leaves them out of the spotlight.
The Wavy Awards was always going to be a pivot point for Sansom. “The Wavys was going to be my last grand gesture,” says Sansom, “and then I was going to gather information and see what the next steps were for Blonde.”
Wavy Awards 2021. Photo by Stephanie Aguello.
The ball started rolling in December 2020, after a year of weekly Blonde Music News episodes. “I told (my team) about this idea and how we have enough people, enough artists to have a pretty robust pool to glean from.” There were eleven people at the first meeting. Then the team started expanding, with partnerships with organizations like Rampd (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities), local news website Scenes from the Underground, and Shira Gans from the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. By the time the event actually happened, Sansom and partners were staring down a full house.
The response was overwhelming. The Wavys have gone from a one-off event, into an annual awards show. It helped Sansom find a new direction; she will continue to support her coterie of artists, but the Wavy Awards has become her flagship effort. Blonde Music News, for example, has rebranded as Wavy Music News. “New York is the creative capital of the world and draws a lot of diversity,” says Sansom, “I think creating accessible spaces is the most important thing we can do right now, with the momentum that we have.”
In addition to the Wavys, Sansom has a film, Reckoning with the Primal Wound, coming out in 2022. It has already been accepted into seven film festivals.DT
For more information on The Wavy Awards, visit thewavys.org.
Kris Bowers performs at Steinway & Sons' first SPIRIOCAST.
Photo: Chronicle Media Lab/Monic Félix
Steinway & Sons recently made history with its first public SPIRIOCAST. During the launch, Steinway artist and Oscar®- Emmy®- and Grammy®- nominated composer Kris Bowers performed a short set at theirBeverly Hills location, and his performance was enjoyed remotely, in real-time, in the recital room at Steinway Hall New York City, along with dozens of other locations around the country.
Photo: Erin Clendenin
This “live” cross-country performance signaled the next step in the evolution of the piano with Steinway & Sons’ SPIRIOCAST, high resolution, live broadcast from one SPIRIO | r, the world’s finest high-resolution player piano, to another.
Following the SPIRIOCAST premiere, Kris Bowers said, “I am delighted by the possibilities that SPIRIOCAST offers me both as a pianist and as a composer for moving my music forward.”
“Steinway & Sons has always represented the high note in craftsmanship and the Spirio line of player pianos are just a continuation of the brand’s history of excellence,” says Deb Martin, Editor in Chief, Downtown Magazine. “The new iteration, SpirioCast, is brilliant because besides being an acoustically perfect instrument, it also brings concert-level performances right into your home. What could be better than that? It’s exciting to think that a vast catalog of musical performances is literally at your fingertips.”
Fall is in the air and let’s get ready for all the festivities at Eataly Downtown, begin!
As the temperature begins to drop and the leaves change color, we’re welcoming the autumnal season with a Harvest Food & Wine Festa! Join Eataly on Friday, October 22nd from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Eataly Downtown as they celebrate the bountiful fall season all’Italiana.
Showcasing more than 20+ wines from various regions of Italy, their Festa will be centered in the heart of their stunning marketplace where you can eat, drink, dance, and learn directly from Eataly’s producers and experts. Enjoy live music while you sip along and indulge in a selection of authentic Italian bites. From fresh pasta and savory paninis to housemade cannoli, this Festa is the perfect way to celebrate the end of the season – get your tickets now!
Fall Festa with Eataly Downtown
Note: this is an in-person event, and tickets will be limited allowing more space for social distancing. Proof of vaccination is required to attend this event.
It’s simple –
1. GET YOUR TICKETS
These events sell out quickly, so be sure to buy your tickets online in order to secure your spot. All-access bracelets are $75.
2. PICK UP YOUR ALL-ACCESS BRACELET
On the day of the event, you will receive an all-access bracelet at check-in, which will allow you to explore the various stations located throughout our marketplace. Early check-in will open on their second-floor landing at 5 p.m.
3. TASTE AWAY
There is no limit – taste as many dishes, wines, and cocktails as you’d like. If you like a particular dish or drink, go back for more!
4. LEARN WITH EATALY’S EXPERTS
Curious to know more about a dish or wine you’re tasting? Just ask their many experts during the event. We believe the key to learning about food is tasting it, and there is no better place than one of our favorite Italian locations, Eataly Downtown.
Fall Festa with Eataly Downtown
This event takes place at Eataly NYC Downtown, located just steps away from the Oculus at 4 World Trade Center, 101 Liberty Street, Floor 3, New York, NY 10007. Questions? Contact us at 212.897.2895 or dt-privatedining@eataly.com.
Welcoming Jenna Chrisphonte as Director of Civic Alliances
As of July 6, The Ronald O. Perelman Performing Arts Center welcomed its new Director of Civic Alliances, Jenna Chrisphonte. She will work under the leadership of the theater’s Artistic Director Bill Rauch and President Leslie Koch. Chrisphonte will serve as the liaison between the PAC and “community-based organizations, NYCHA residents, community boards, immigrant groups, marginalized populations, cultural institutions, and elected officials”, according to a press release.
Support from Artistic Director Bill Rauch
“I am so thrilled to welcome Jenna to our team, given the vast experience, passion, and energy that she brings to this new role,” said Rauch. “The work of the Director of Civic Alliances is core to our mission of making connections between artists and communities from across all five boroughs of New York City.”
Chrisphonte’s new leadership is not the only change being made at the PAC. The theater, located at the World Trade Center, is under renovation. The improved establishment “will celebrate life and humanity, redefining Lower Manhattan as a cultural destination and serving as a living testament to the power of the arts to inspire and unite,” according to the statement.
President Leslie Koch Cheers Her On
“The PAC aspires to be a shared space for neighborhood residents and workers in Lower Manhattan, New Yorkers from throughout the city, and visitors from around the world,” said President Leslie Koch. “Jenna will be building relationships well before we open, introducing our new center to the city and world.”
Much like Chrisphonte, the PAC will match the energy in versatility and will create and present performance in many forms. It will be a sanctuary for dance, music, and chamber opera.
Chrisphonte was born in Haiti and got her education in New York City’s public schools. Her impressive background is multifaceted. It begins with her B.A. and J.D from the University at Buffalo, and branches into her experience as director of community engagement at the Dramatists Guild of America. She also served as the Assistant District Manager at Manhattan Community Board 4 and worked at the Consulate General of Canada in New York City. She now resides in Douglaston, Queens.
Jenna Chrisphonte Director of Civic Alliances
“It is an honor to join the PAC, said Jenna Chrisphonte. “Helping New York foster new relationships and opportunities to come together in peace and art is a privilege that I am excited to share with everyone.”
Meet Seth Kessel, the rising rockabilly artist we’ve been craving since the dawn of icons like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Roy Orbison. Kessel marries a modern sound with this nostalgia for yesteryear. Having been a band member, producer, and studio engineer, he is a true musical veteran, and now he’s started his own band. Kessel just dropped his latest album, “Ride on Through”. Leading up to his record release with Gotham Easy at Berlin on July 17th, we had a chat with him about his career, inspiration, and everything in between.
Join Seth Kessel and Gotham Easy on July 17th at 9 pm at Berlin on 25 Avenue A, NYC 10009.
Downtown: Who/What are some of your major musical influences? Seth Kessel: Some of my influences include Chuck Berry, The Misfits, Johnny Cash, and Tom Petty. I’m also really attracted to artists from various genres that have a “rawness” to them.
DT: This isn’t your first rodeo with music. You’ve been in the industry for a while, as a band member, a producer, and a studio engineer. What made you move toward being a solo artist? SK: It wasn’t really a conscious decision, I’ve always written songs, and starting my band was just something I sort of gravitated towards that felt right.
DT: Through listening to your music, it is clear that there is this sense of nostalgia for classic, rockabilly style music. What made you want to put more of this vibe back out into the world? SK: I’ve been heavily influenced by a lot of the original purveyors of rock and roll and it filtered through these songs. With that being said, these songs have one foot in the present time lyrically and emotionally.
DT: What sets your album, “Ride on Through” apart from other work that you’ve done before? SK: “Ride on Through” is the most legitimate record I’ve made so far in my career. I’m a control freak and had never felt comfortable giving so much freedom to someone else working on my songs. My producer Steve LaRosa, made this record cohesive.
DT: We love that you’re a Brooklyn native. Has your birthplace saved as a vessel of inspiration for you? SK: I believe everyone’s hometown influences them whether they realize it or not. Being in Brooklyn, I was able to have the freedom to attend Punk shows and be exposed to many environments that most people who don’t grow up in New York aren’t.
DT: What do you love most about NYC? Where is your favorite spot to perform? SK: What I love most about NYC is the people. You never know who you’re gonna meet and NYC has all walks of life here. My favorite spot to perform would be Skinny Dennis in Williamsburg.
DT: If you could travel back in time, and perform with an idol of yours, who would it be? SK: Bad Brains. I think they’re the greatest band of all time.
Join Kessel and Gotham Easy on July 17th at 9 pm at Berlin on 25 Avenue A, NYC 10009.
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.
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!
