Check out a performance here:
I created this blog to help my fellow New Yorkers that live on a budget truly enjoy all that NY has to offer. From concerts, to travel, restaurants & bars, contests, Broadway and off Broadway shows...I hope to help others live the life in NY while doing it on a budget. In addition, I also have a passion for music, charity & fundraising. I will post reviews, videos, topics for discussion and links for discounts. Enjoy!!
Friday, February 22, 2013
Idina Menzel at Carnegie Hall
Check out a performance here:
Emeli Sande at Webster Hall
Here's an acoustic version of my favorite song ("Next to Me") as well as her most popular hit:
Aly Tadros at Rockwood Music Hall
Aly Tadros performed at Rockwood Music Hall on January 15th. What a show!! I had previously heard Aly sing at a YPC (Young Professionals Committee) event for Musicians On Call and everyone fell in love. Her voice is mesmerizing. The show at Rockwood was a free CD release party but I would've paid full price!
Here's her song "Sweet On Me":
FOREVER DUSTY
I went to see Forever Dusty all by myself two weekends ago. It was my first show alone and not only did I get an autograph, I got a picture with Kirsten (see above). I only paid $20 for my ticket having arrived 20 minutes before the show for Off-Broadway's 20at20 promotion. My seat had a partial view of the stage but there wasn't anyone next to me so I was able to see perfectly by leaning forward. Kirsten Holly Smith (Dusty) was wonderful and and Christina Sajous (Claire) was magnificent!! Legendary songs such as "Wishin and Hopin", "Tell Him", "The Look of Love", "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me", "Son of a Preacher Man" and "I Just Don't Know What to Do With Myself" were all part of the show. Superb voices!!!
Go see it if you get a chance!!
THE HEIRESS
My #broadwaybuddy (Jill) and I went with three friends to see The Heiress on January 8th. After waiting months to see this play, when we got there we realized that Jessica Chastain wasn't performing this night but the play itself was so enjoyable it didn't matter. David Strathairn (Dr. Sloper) was fantastic and I really enjoyed Judith Ivey (Lavinia Penniman). Dan Stevens (Morris Townsend) & Mairin Lee (understudy Catherine) were very good too. Unfortunately, it closed on February 9th.
Blue Ribbon - Midtown West
A group of us went to Blue Ribbon (308 West 58th Street) sushi a couple of weeks ago and it was DELICIOUS!! While it wasn't cheap, it's worth it if you truly love sushi.
Shecky's Girl's Night Out
Katharine and I went to Shecky's Holiday Night Out for some last minute shopping before the big day!! I love going to these events. Not only are there great & unique vendors, there's free booze, a lot of free products in the goodie bags and the music the is always great. Usually I go to this event at the Puck Building but this year it took place in a loft (82 Mercer). Guests were able to get their makeup done, have an eyelash consultation and get their nails done. I know I walked out of there with a new wallet, six necklaces, two bracelets and a pair of earrings. HAPPY SHOPPER!! Can't wait till next year!!
City Crab - Gramercy
Katharine and I went to City Crab (235 Park Ave South) to watch Sunday football. Random but smart!!! We were both craving seafood and our favorite spots don't have TV screens so I had remembered that City Crab has several TVs and a nice large dining room. We had half price martinis, half price oysters & mussels and a few other 1/2 price lite bites. How can you complain? Any place with half price anything is a place I'll go back to!
Pigalle - Times Square
Pigalle (790 8th Ave) a French brasserie is always a good spot to get a small bite to eat or a drink before a show. We go to this bar often and rather enjoy it. Check it out if you're in the neighborhood for a show.
To check out the menu, click this link: http://pigallenyc.com/menu.aspx?mid=306
Chicago at B.B. Kings for Musicians On Call
On November 19th, the legendary band Chicago graced the stage at B.B. King Blues Club for a fantastic & thrilling live show. This was the second year in a row that Chicago performed a benefit concert for Musicians On Call and it was every bit just as amazing!! Guests and sponsors of the event enjoyed an open bar, passed hors d'oeuvres, an auction of two signed guitars and a killer concert.
For more information on this event, check out this link: http://www.musiciansoncall.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=5661
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Stella Artois Tasting Table Event
AKA Doc Pomus - Benefit for Musicians On Call
On November 27th, Musicians On Call hosted a screening of AKA Doc Pomus At Tribeca Cinemas. It was a super successful benefit having raised over $13,000!! This film was near and dear to my heart as I grew up listening to all of these songs with my father. I shed a few tears at the very end because this man lived in the shadow of some of the greatest rock & roll songs of all-time. I had no idea he was behind hits such as "This Magic Moment", "Save the Last Dance for Me", "Sweets For My Sweet", "Viva Las Vegas" and "A Teenager in Love". I almost fainted when Ben E. King spoke to me and I got a glimpse of Lou Reed as well. If you're a true music lover, I recommend seeing this documentary!!
To read more on this wonderful event, check out this link: http://www.musiciansoncall.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=5665.
To watch a clip on this movie, watch below:
MURDER BALLAD
If you want to hear a little teaser, watch the video below or click on this link for another taste.
JERSEY BOYS
On November 6th, I went with my childhood best friend to see Jersey Boys. Even my parents saw this
show before me and I see A LOT of Broadway shows. We loved it!!! I would've loved to see have seen the original Broadway cast but I thought this group was amazing. Being a Jersey Girl, I was so excited to hear the names of so many towns, restaurants and people that I was familiar with. The music was PHENOMENAL and the dancing was on point. This show was worth every penny!! If you're looking for discount tickets, check out this link:
BroadwayBox: http://www.broadwaybox.com/shows/jersey_boys_musical_nyc_tickets.aspx
Check out a performance from the Tony Awards in 2006...sounds just as good live!!
PETER AND THE STAR CATCHER
On August 7th, Jill (#broadwaybuddy) and I went to see Peter and the Star Catcher and we loved it!! Each and every Tony Award was well-deserved. I can't say enough about it and I'm so happy that it'll just be moving theaters and not disappearing for good. Matthew Saldivar (Black Stache) and Adam Chanler-Berat (Boy) were my two favorite cast members. The costumes & set were great.
I highly recommend this show!! It's for people of all ages as it'll have kids & adults laughing out loud. Beginning March 18th, you can catch it at New World Stages!
DOG FIGHT
On August 15th, a group of us went to see Dog Fight with Lindsay Mendez. I've seen Lindsay perform at least a half dozen times and she's amazing!! I knew if her name was tied to the show that I'd end up loving it and I did. I had never seen the movie version but I was familiar with the storyline. The cast was terrific and who can complain when you're sitting 4th row. I didn't want it to end!!
People Mag's Sexiest Man Alive Party
On November 14th, Alicia and I went to the Dream Hotel for People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive party. I love these events!! How can you complain about an open bar with top shelf liquor, tasty food, good music and a good looking crowd? And, it didn't hurt that Jordin Sparks was there with her man Jason Derulo.
BRING IT ON
Bring It On was the shock of the year for me. I went in with only negative thoughts and came out loving this show. Could it have been that my #broadwaybuddy Jill hooked us up with near front row seats? Could it have been the high flying stunt? Could it have been the songs (Lin-Manuel Miranda)? Or, the fact that Neil Haskell from So You Think You Can Dance and West Side Story was in it? I'd say all of the above. This show was beyond fun!! I recommended it to so many friends and all who went reminisced on love & high school but truly appreciated the show. My favorite cast member was Bridget played by Ryan Redmond. We're going to see a lot of her off and on Broadway. She was freakin hysterical. Adrienne Warner who played Danielle had a great voice and fit the character perfectly. Having dawned the uniform back in middle & high school, it brought back a lot of memories. Unfortunately, it closed on December 30th but I'm really happy that we went to see it.
IF THERE IS I HAVEN'T FOUND IT YET
On September 18th, a group of us went to see If There Is I Haven't Found It Yet. It was great!! I'm not going to lie, Jake Gyllenhaal was the main reason we went but we were not disappointed by the show itself. Annie Funke (Anna) played the perfect roll of a bullied overweight teenager whose parents pretended like nothing was wrong in their daughter's life. Props to the creative team!! Rain, water, floating objects...brilliant!
Alabama Shakes Concert & Ardesia (Hell's Kitchen)
On October 4th, I went to see Alabama Shakes with my friend Kat. We made a little pit stop at Ardesia for a few glasses of wine and some food before the show. This band is TOP NOTCH!! I can listen to their album from front to back. The lead singer (Brittany Howard) has a voice like no other. It's raw, gritty, powerful and simply AMAZING!! Terminal 5 ate every bit up as did I.
I've attached a video of their most popular song "Hold On". Please check them out!!
WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF
My #broadwaybuddy Jill and I went to see Who's Afraid of Virgina Woolf? on October 16th and it was wonderful!! I read the book years ago and I know there have been a few productions of this show, but I'm happy that I waited to see this particular cast. By far, Tracy Letts (George) was my favorite part of the whole production. I sincerely enjoyed the entire cast but Tracy blew it out of the park. Amy Morton (Martha) was great. I had seen her previously in August Osage County. Carrie Coon (Honey) had me cracking up with her drunken antics. It ends on March 24th so go see it!! If you need a discount, check out these links:
BroadwayBox: http://www.broadwaybox.com/shows/whos_afraid_of_virginia_woolf_nyc_tickets.aspx
TheaterMania: http://www.theatermania.com/broadway/discount-tickets/whos-afraid-of-virginia-woolf_180600/
ANNIE
On December 13th, my #broadwaybuddy and I went to see Annie. I was sooooo excited to see this show as it was my absolute favorite as a child. In fact, "Tomorrow" was the first song I taught myself to sing after watching the original movie a million times, I'm adopted and my mother bought me a porcelain black Annie doll. This production was a lot of fun even with an understudy as Annie. My favorite performer was Anthony Warlow as Daddy Warbucks. I wasn't thrilled with Katie Finneran but I didn't think she was as bad as her reviews. I guess I'm just used to Carol Burnett's brilliant comedic timing. The orphans were adorable and I commend the kids for owning the stage. I recommend this heartwarming show for kids of all ages. To get cheap tickets, check out this link:
BroadwayBox: http://www.broadwaybox.com/shows/annie_nyc_tickets.aspx
Monday, February 11, 2013
Dave Matthews Band & The Lumineers
On Friday, December 12th, three of us went to Barclay's Center for the DMB & Lumineers show. Honestly, not too many people were into The Lumineers but I couldn't wait to hear them. I was shocked by the amount of people talking, drinking & texting. I stood the entire time, sang along and dance. Right before DMB went on, my friend was able to get us into a box and we were literally on top of the stage (as you can see from my picture below). I've seen DMB too many times to keep track and I'll continue until they stop touring.
Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
On Friday night, Jill and I went to see Grace Potter & The Nocturnals at Beacon Theatre. Can you say girl crush? This girl was fantastic. Her voice was sick, she looked amazing, her energy was a 10 on a scale of 1 to 10 and you could feel her love for her music. I would pay to see her a million times!!
NEWSIES
My #broadwaybuddy Jill and I went to see Newsies on August 31st. We waited for what seemed like forever to see this show. Our seats were pretty high up but they were perfect. A good amount of the acts take place on top of "rooftops" and we thought it was a great vantage point. GO SEE THIS SHOW!! The dancing and songs are fantastic. You don't have to see the movie to understand what's going on. We were lucky enough to see Jeremy Jordan before he left to film SMASH. Plus, some of our favorite So You Think You Can Dance dancers were in it so we loved it. It's well worth every dime and you can get discount tickets using using these sites:
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