What's in a Name?

I am a bit frustrated currently by recent developments on the Newsday front. It seems that the paper has made the decision, without approval by the reviewers, to take off our full names and ages from the reviews we write. Sod our ages, it's better that it is off if you ask me, but my name? All that will appear now is "Jennifer, Syosset." As someone attempting a freelance writing career, it is important that my name be attached to what I write. I can understand making this decision if we were all teenagers, but some of us are probably older than the editors there. We all knew what we were getting into and if someone is having a problem, they should stop. Since this news, I considered quitting myself.

The reason for the change is that "a couple" of reviewers have "received letters and/or phone calls because of their reviews." That must suck, I agree, but if you can't handle it- stop. When they offered me the position they said I would be like a staff writer (without the pay). I don't see any other staffer on Newsday whose last name has to be removed. Anyway, if they are so concerned with people being harrassed, shouldn't they take off where we live instead?

Sorry, this just royally sucks and I am feeling a bit demeaned and misled at the moment.

In other news, this is what I would look like as a South Park character:


Kinda accurate huh?

Love Doesn't Exist in a Vacuum, It Exists in a Context

Yesterday, I was walking around NoLita with Laura, chatting, shopping, yada yada, and she asked me how it was living in the city. "I don't really like it" was my reply to which I received a gasp and an outburst of "WHY NOT?!" Laura then launched into all the ways that living in the city was so convenient and yes I agree. It is convenient, I'll give you that, but in general I feel that my quality of life has diminished. I haven't stepped on grass for near on two weeks, I am constantly berated with garbage and bus fumes, I can't leave the house in sandals without coming home with my feet blackened and today, half a dozen people bumped right into on the street. This isn't good. That's not to say I don't like New York City but living here isn't really my thing. Maybe in another two weeks I'll be writing something different but right now I am talking with Sea about going to Spain for three weeks in September and buying a one-way ticket isn't sounding like the craziest thing I have ever done.

I'm not sad or depressed or anything. I've moved here to see what the big fuss is about, check out what I've been missing, and soon it may be time to move on is all. Going out all the time is great but walking on the beach during a sunset, riding your bike, and greeting friends on the street has its pluses as well.

There are some lovely things about New York that I think I would miss though. Particularly all the random and beautiful things that can happen to you. A few nights ago, I was walking home from the Lower East Side at about 2am when I passed by a car parked on the street. The car had its windows down and old fashioned salsa music was playing while on the sidewalk an elderly man and a middle aged woman danced. I stopped and watched them twist and twirl with two other people and walked home smiling. I like helping foreigners too. Last Tuesday I helped a limo driver barely able to speak English find "A famous Bowery bar?" by pointing him down the street to the Bowery Ballroom, wondering who in the band he was set to pick up that night. I give directions, help people with luggage and guide tourists to the subway. It's a way to connect with people who also may feel a bit disjointed in this concrete jungle that, on most days, makes me feel claustrophobic and trapped.

On another topic. You know those first inklings when you think you may like someone and that they might like you? Yeah. That's nice. It's nice, but I'd also like to take advantage of some of the NYC convenience while I am here, if you know what I mean.

I feel like I had other random things to talk about...

Sunday night I went to see Band of York, which is always good. I don't think I am being biased when I say that, I just really enjoy their music. It's fun, heartfelt and everyone in the group is really talented.

Welcome to America

A sucker's born every minute. That being said, anybody have a bridge they'd like me to buy?

Yesterday, I received a phone call from Brook. What a fool I was to get excited when I saw his name flash on my mobile; thinking that he was in town and giving me a ring to get together. It took me a second to recall, however, the email I had received, and ignored, two days prior from him. An email asking if any of his New York City friends would be willing... oh hell, I'll just paste the email:

My friend Yuba--who guided me through the Himalayas in Nepal--is arriving in New York this weekend with two classmates. They're studying at the University of Bridgeport but don't have housing yet. I'm going to help them find an apartment but I'll still be in Hawaii when they land Friday afternoon (or possibly Saturday afternoon) so I'm hoping someone can volunteer to A) meet them at the airport and/or B) give them a place to sleep until I can meet them Sunday or Monday.

Yuba and his friends grew up in a tiny mountain village and this is their first trip away. This will be one of the most exciting and challenging moments of their lives and I’m hoping one or two of you can help them with it.

Think of all the bad things you’ll be able to do this month and still be able to call yourself a good person.

Eventually, our chat came upon the question, "So, what are you doing tomorrow?" Like the fool I am, I told him "Nothing!" And that is how I got guilted into meeting three Nepalese at the airport. I even stood there with a sign that said Yuba on it. I might as well have been holding one that said "SUCKER." But even though I did get suckered into doing this, I must say that Brook was right, it did feel karmically good- even though it ended up that me being there was completely unnecessary.

It took me a little over an hour and 7bucks to get to JFK. I stood at the international arrivals gate for an hour holding my homemade sign, slightly cursing Brook's name while sort of loving being in an airport (I love airports) at the same time, when finally I see a young guy looking over and gesturing to his friends. It seems I had made contact. I gestured for the lot of them to come around to the to the waiting area and then noticed that we seemed to have gained a Nepalese. Apparently the random relative that Yuba told Brook may or may not meet them came through. That meant, thankfully that I wouldn't have to put them on a bus at 9pm tonight and they could stay with the relative. The relative didn't speak much English either but at least he was willing to spring for a taxi to take the three guys with three years worth of luggage back to his apartment. I felt like my grandma when I went to visit her for the summer and the evening I would arrive, she would have me call my mom, when I dialed Brook's number and held the phone up to Yuba so he could talk to him. Yuba thanked me again and again and kept saying "I am so happy." I couldn't help but feel happy too. Even on the 2 hour journey back to Manhattan, I held a smile on my face. It was an afternoon well spent, greeting someone on their first arrival to America. I know how happy I was when I arrived in Skopje to see Kiril. It was like I was held in suspension between two worlds and then suddenly, walked into the arms of someone I loved welcoming me into the new one. I was happy to give that feeling back and happy, for once, to be the person who actually could speak the local language.

Oh, I'm Ready For It

From Junk Magazine taken by all around awesome individual, Brad Walsh on August 10th at The Annex. You can read my entire review of the show this was taken at on TheMusicSlut. It was an interesting night. The people throwing the party/show acted like we should be a lot happier to be there than we actually were. Matt Pinfield was even there introducing the two "secret" bands we were suppose to be excited to see. I was more excited to see Matt Pinfield (I'm doubly excited that in the thumbnail pictures of this night on the magazine site, mine is next to Matt's). But at least I discovered an amazing new band because of the hoopla, The Head Set. Not only is their music amazing, they are really nice guys to boot. I'm trying to convince them to come out and play The Music Slut's December 2nd show, mainly because I am selfish and want to see them again. Download The Head Set's 'Enemies' and rock out.

In other news, my review of the Murray Hill bar Tonic is up on Newsday. Someone has already made a nasty comment. My review is rather harsh I confess, but I promised my sister I would be very critical. You see, Tonic is right across the street from her flat, the one I am currently subletting. They play their music too loud and obnoxious "bridge and tunneler's" stand outside on the sidewalk talking loudly. It does get annoying and it drives my sister crazy. Not to mention, there is a large, red neon sign on the side of the bar that glares right into the apartment. It's not on the level of Kramer and the Kenny Rogers' Roaster's sign, but it does linger on the border.

Also, I seem to have gotten a rather steady freelance job. An artist has hired me to draft proposals and cover letters for two exhibitions he is trying to create. I've completed work on one but just need him to sign a contract before I hand it over. It also seems that I am worth double what I thought I was. Maybe all this education isn't completely worthless afterall.

You live and learn. At any rate, you live.

I've lived in New York City now for a week and four days. While my sister's fiance is away on tour, I am subletting their apartment in Murray Hill (my sister is living at her artist studio in Queens where she has a bedroom). I love New York, but besides the ease it affords me with going out, I don't see really any real advantages to living here. I suppose this might sound unfair or stark but so far, it's true. If I wasn't going out nearly every night of the week, living here I think would prove not really worth the bother. What the city does offer me in addition to entertainment (which includes seeing friends by the way) is a job in the field that I want that pays me more than I would get in any other city. Oh, and there are about 2 million more men to choose from than in Scotland.

I don't know what I'm trying to say. I guess I'm just saying is all. I suppose that I have seen how it is, or could be, living other places and so far, NYC hasn't been the best of the lot. While The City isn't as dirty or dangerous as people think, it still doesn't have the ease of smaller towns, the beauty of mountain villages or the sense of belonging that I've felt elsewhere. But it has only been a week- I'll be here all month and part of September. It's just that lately, I can't get Espinosa de Los Monteros out of my mind. This September will be their 1000th year anniversary celebration when townspeople young and old will be dancing in the streets until dawn. The King of Spain will be making a special appearance and I can imagine the excitement running through the village as everybody scrubs their houses and shops. How the float decorators will be making a special effort this year and music will be floating through open windows as the bands for the family groups practice. I think I yearn for that place more than anything at the moment. And right now, I am finding it silly that I ever thought living in NYC could replace my desire to live in Espinosa.

Now onto jollier thoughts and a very good reason to be in NYC this summer, the McCarren Pool Parties.


Sunday, I ventured into the wilds of Brooklyn to meet up with Matt and Greg (seen talking in the distance there) to see the weekly free concert at McCarren. This weekend was Beirut and Deerhoof. I went mainly because Beirut has been getting so much buzz and I wanted to see what it was all about for myself. I wasn't enamoured with the mp3's I had heard but the Editors have taught me that sometimes, it is all about the live show. This was the case for Beirut. Fucking brilliant in person and only 19. Doesn't information like that just make you sick?

Greg with Jagger the dog, whom I've now seen twice there with his very hip owners. I adore this picture.

McCarren may be a concert, but it's also the hipster equivalent of cruising "the strip." If McCarren was really smart, they'd set up a dating service right there because at the pool, it's all about seeing and being seen (and for many, the first time in daylight). I love it though. I especially love that because of my silly music blog, I get vip passes and get to be seen by even more people all day by being able to sit behind, next to or on stage and drink free water and redbulls (my life has to have one perk doesn't it?).


Besides hot hipster boy watching, McCarren is best for plain old people watching. I loved this guy playing whiffle ball with these two cute little boys.

My posse hanging out on the side of the pool: Matt, myself, Diana (official Pool Party photographer), Sarwat (random girl I knew in school that Laura brought) and of course, Laura.

Matt sitting in the photo pit. My first time ever in a photo pit! See, another first for me...

Diana and Laura with more balls than Matt and I, getting all up on stage during the show. Plus, they have fancy cameras and we'd just look like idiots who got on stage with our small digitals.

Beirut (not the city...obviously)

Beirut fans doing as they are told with their hands in the air (like they just don't care)

Questlove, of The Roots, on the turntables all day rocking the crowd

Greg and I (taken by Matt)

I turn my back for one second and I see this girl hool-a-hooping. Like HARDCORE hool-a-hooping, leaving everyone else in the dust and doing so like it was the easiest thing in the world.

Deerhoof were the closers for the day. They were interesting but nothing I'd write home about. After they were through, we lingered for a bit and then Sarwat and I left, fighting the crowds as we all tried to push through the single tiny entrance. It was a fun day. I came home exhausted but happy and spent the rest of the evening blogging the day for The Music Slut and watching Family Guy.

This is Not My Beautiful Bar

August 5th,

Tonight, Matt and I made our way over to the newly opened Union Hall in Park Slope. I had to review the place for Newsday and Oppenheimer was playing so it worked out rather perfectly. In the hall, outside of the music space, was sitting Rocky of Oppenheimer nursing a Corona. We, being the music sluts we are, couldn't help but introduce ourselves. It ended up it was Rocky's birthday. "21?" asked Matt (honestly, I thought he could be 19). "No, 24, everyone thinks I look younger." confessed Rocky. "Never a bad thing" I said.

In my experience, the Irish love to talk and are generally an outgoing and congenial bunch. Rocky was no exception. We talked all about his tour, how they djed at Don Hill's the night before and it took them 3 hours to get back to NJ, about his mates waking him only an hour after he had gotten to bed at 5am with a birthday pizza and where the name Oppenheimer comes from (they just liked how it looked and Shaun, the lead singer, wanted something German sounding since they originally wanted to be a bit more like Kraftwerk). I also got a staggering bit of information, Edie from Art Brut is engaged to one of the girls from The Chalets. My dreams of marrying him myself have been crushed


Due to a member of staff at Union Hall being rather daft and instead of just telling Matt on the phone when the bands would go on, asked Matt when he wanted the bands to go on and then ended the conversation with "Well you know bands!" click. We couldn't stay for Oppenheimer. The 9pm set time was actually 11pm when we got there and we were set to meet up with members of Band of York in Times Square at 10pm.

Before hopping the train to midtown, Matt and I sat in the Union Hall bar and had a drink whilst watching people play bocce ball. First off, none of these people knew how to play (obviously not Italian) and second, they were all preppie wall street types obviously transplanted from Long Island/Northern Jersey/Westchester. About half of the crowd wore wedding rings and there was even a pregnant woman sitting up front. Though the drinks were fairly cheap and the setting was really rather beautiful, this was not our scene (please note picture above).

This is my review from Newsday:

Leave Your Skinny Ties At The Door

Jennifer Kellas, 25, Syosset

I really wanted to like Union Hall. Located in hip Park Slope, they have a concert venue with some fairly popular acts making stops there in upcoming months. And they have two, count 'em TWO, bocce courts. There was only one problem that had me choking on my decently priced drink: the crowd. Young marrieds mingle in the subtly ironic decor as Arcade Fire pumps out over the sound system. Union Hall is the kind of place hipsters go to retire and this hipster has yet to turn in her Converse sneakers.

I got a nasty comment about it on the Impulse blog. Rock. Check it out.


The escape to the newly opened Sweet Caroline's in Times Square was no less of a culture shock. Full of tourists requesting Elton John and paying for over-priced drinks, it was a bit dingy but fun. Since we knew the piano player, Paul Leschen- keyboardist from Band of York, we had some fairly good tracks thrown our way "This one goes out to The Music Slut.org" he yelled before launching into 'Take Me Out.' I drank one very large Long Island ice tea and sat there for three hours singing my voice away to Guns n Roses and the Beatles. The best was knowing that all the tourists there left thinking that they got a real, NYC experience. Bless.

Matt, Boyfriend Billy and Dieguito- singer and guitar player in Band of York

It was a fun night and when I finally emerged from the club basement, it was such a lovely evening that I decided to just walk home back to my apartment. I sort of love walking home along 3rd Ave. 3rd is full of bars and on the weekends, patrons spill out into the streets smoking, snogging and talking obnoxiously loud. I find great amusement in watching these theatrics and comfort in knowing that I will never have to be a part of it.

It's All Fun and Games Until Someone Loses Their Virginity

It has been a few weeks of big firsts...

July 30th

Let's finally talk about The Music Slut's party.

Maybe I should elaborate first about what it was for and how it was conceived. Well, I love throwing a party. Most of you already know that. The anniversary of The Music Slut was on June 6th and to celebrate I just wanted to throw a big party with all my friends and favourite groups playing. So Matt found the place, I made a poster, we each picked the bands that was basically that.

Matt and Laura figuring out the dj equipment before the party started

I had so much fun that night, I'm surprised I didn't pass out from happiness. I arrived on the scene with Deb, a tray of brownies and my homemade banner in tow at 6:45pm. Matt and Billy followed soon after and before I knew it, the place was filled up with the opening band members, friends and our dj, Miss Modernage (aka: Laura, my mate from school).


The first band was We Are Americana fronted by DJ Jess. Doors opened at 7:30pm and the first band was slated to go on at 8pm, so of course W.A.S. hit the stage at 8:30. But before they did, Matt and I jumped up there and introduced ourselves, thanked the crowd and introduced the band. It was awesome. And then WAS blew me away. It was the first time I had seen them in person. In addition to being a great guy, Jess is a great singer with a great stage presence. He not only fronts a band, he works as a professional photographer and dj in The City was well. Triple hipster threat.


Next up were friends and lovers, Band of York. This was my third time seeing them and I just absolutely adore their music. Thank god for that too. Can you imagine hating the music of your best friend's boyfriend who is also now a close friend? Nightmare.


Download 'No More Being Alone' here.


The second song of the evening was 'Miss Modernage', a, sort of, ode to Miss Laura.


She looks like she is enjoying it.


There is Kristin, my sister, and Jose. Jose came all the way from Virginia to support me, it was amazing.


What made this night doubly awesome was that the venue gave us free drink tickets to use. Matt and I had three each but I didn't even use my last one, I gave it to Ross of The Gaskets at the end of the night.

Hello sexy.

Matt and I introducing The Gaskets and doing a fun give-away that included the Dirty Dancing record. Matt was very clever and gave the free dosh to whomever could give him a penny and a dime because The Gaskets have a song titled 'Pennies and Dimes.'


Are Teddy and Ross Gaskets not the cutest? I was D-R-U-N-K at this point. I just pray I wasn't too all over Ross when he came off stage. I know I grabbed him for a hug. I just love the above picture because the boys look so happy.


Do yourself a favour and download 'Hold Steady (Hot Weather)' and then fall in love with it and go buy the entire album. You won't regret it.


There's Gretchen and her friend she brought. I wasn't taking very flattering pictures of anybody. As previously stated, I was D-R-U-N-K.


Matt grooving with roommate Linda. That's Igor, The Gaskets' manager, in the burgundy cowboy shirt.

"Our boys" Gretchen calls them.

D-R-U-N-K

The top of my head, Gretchen looking adorable and Greg looking like the sexy bitch he is.

Miz Mod striking her signature: "Yes, I know I am gorgeous" pose.

My sister looking like she just stepped off a cat-walk as per usual

As a new part of the show, The Gaskets brought someone on stage to heal them. Seeing as Laura is small, pretty and was standing right up front- she was the prime candidate. They asked what her ailment was and she told them "The shakes." You can read more about her take on the show and her new favourite band on her site.


The final picture of the night, my two best girlfriends, Deb and Sea, with Kristin sandwiched inbetween. Sea also came all the way from Maryland. A true blue friend. After people had left, Sea, Deb and I packed up my banner and plate that had my brownies on it and walked to the subway. I was D-R-U-N-K and only later learned that I did a fair amount of raving on the walk back. We all were staying at Deb's flat in Astoria that night and the trains don't like to run to Queens at proper hours of the night, so we did a fair bit of walking, which was probably a good thing in my condition.

So that was my first try at throwing a concert over with. It wasn't at all that painful to organise and a TON of fun to have. The next one is on October 14th and the one after that is scheduled for December 2nd.

BowlHo

I love living in the city for one reason only: It is so damn easy to go out and do things. All kinds of things, concerts, movies, parties and, Monday night, bowling.

Sunday, I received an email from man about globe Brook saying that he was in town and asking if I was free Monday night. I was, so I called him Monday morning afternoon when I woke up and made plans to meet up with him and his friends at Bowlmo off of Union Square. 10pm-2am on Monday nights is all you can bowl at Bowlmo and by golly, we were going to get it on.


Brook was staying in the city with Katie, on right, this time around. Katie brought along her long term Bowlmo afficionado friend, Kristy. Kristy doesn't always dress in a black cocktail dress and pearls for bowling, she was just off something called work. But I wouldn't really know what that is. She manages "an awesome restaurant in Tribeca" according to Katie.


Brook arrived to the scene already drunk. This I foolishly thought would give me a slight advantage since I know that he is competetive in all sports. I can get pretty into sports too but bowling just really ain't my thing. It's not that I have a particular problem wearing shoes worn by 10 million other people or sticking my fingers into holes that I'm sure have seen their fair share of nose pickings and ball scratches- it's just that I suck at it.


Katie was the score mistress of the evening and she insisted that everyone pick a funny bowling name. As a special shout-out to all my peeps at Melville, I chose my pirate name, Red-handed Jen. The rest of the evening I was simply known as Music Slut. Katie was cleverier than I though. She was Busty LaRue and something like Big Boobs Magee.


I know that is a really awkward pose I took a picture of Brook in but really, I was trying to capture his professional bowling backward swept leg. I mean the guy is drunk and still he looks like he bowls in a league every Friday night with his buddies.


There's Katie looking much more like I did when I slowly chucked that ball down the lane. I think my pins just fell over from dispair and exhaustion rather than the fear I was trying to instill. Regardless, I did get a fair few spares and broke a hundred twice.

Katie and I three pitchers of beer into the night.

All along the wall with the pins were big screens playing movies. We were there for a hell of a long time and watched the Karate Kid twice and the Lost Boys. The movies were on mute so that we could hear the dj who spun some fun classics we could all sing along to like The Mighty Mighty Bosstone's 'Knock on Wood.' Remember that one? I used to freaking love that song.


It was a really fun night. The next day, however, was not. I must really have been bowling wrong because the next morning my right arm was in agony. I had to take advil to dull the pain for two days. I told you I was bad at bowling.

Famous People I've Seen Lately

Eugene Hutz (Gogol Bordello, Everything is Illuminated) on the street in SoHo.
Josh Radnor (How I Met Your Mother) at The Boy Least Likely To show.
Danny Masterson (The 70's Show) at Be Your Own Pet

Good Weekend

Actually, a damn good past six days.

Wednesday was the kick-off of my concert marathon. That evening, I met Matt at the Warsaw in Brooklyn for the Ali Forney benefit concert curated by Antony (of the Johnsons) with guests CocoRosie and Matmos. The Warsaw is a great venue. Not because it's small or has great sound or anything, but because they sell cheap Polish beer and hot homemade perogies. It is an unwritten law that when you go there, you must arrive hungry and be fed by old Polish women. Well besides the consumables, the show was pretty great as well. The strange, beautiful, hairy, lesbian, sisters of CocoRosie are my new obsession. At the show, we randomly met friend from the past (but now once again in the present) Andy whom was there with a guy Matt knew in college. Also spotted was Michael Jurin from Stellastarr* in the crowd (I think he may be stalking me).

Thursday night, I was back in The City to see Think About Life and headliners The Long Blondes at Knitting Factory. I was without my ever present Slutty companion, so for the first hour I flew solo whilst waiting to meet up with fellow NYC blogger, Chris. Going to a show solo really isn't as bad as I feared (I've been to the theatre, dinner and whole countries by myself people, I'm no wimp, but there was something about standing around at a concert alone, dancing alone, that really did not appeal to me). It's much easier for men to come up to you when you are alone. It was a really great night, and the bands weren't bad either.

Exhausted Friday afternoon, I met Debbie and Betty in SoHo for lunch before heading to Chelsea to see an acoustic Editors performance in the band's publicist's offices. All the usual blogger suspects were there, Laura, Amrit, Jerry, Chris and of course, my Matt. The first picture was taken by dj/photographer Brad Walsh for his site. Cute huh? And I took a small video of the adorable Editor boys playing 'Bones.'Despite the loads of shows going on in the city that night, I surprised the blogger mafia by opting out and going home instead. I threw up my hands, said "I've had enough" and went to my car, picking up Kristin and Greg in Murray Hill on the way home.


Saturday, it was back to Brooklyn to catch up with Matt for Bloc Party supported by Mew and Secret Machines at the McCarren Pool. The night was hot and sticky and the water bottle I brought ran out way too soon, but still it was a great night. All three groups are definitely worth checking out. Especially Secret Machines, whom rocked my face off. Bloc Party's stage present was amazing. I jumped and sweated and didn't care that I looked like I ran through a sprinkler by the end of the night.

And Sunday, well Sunday I'll leave until I can actually keep my eyes open enough to write a proper post.

BTW: Just flipped to Rockstar Supernova on CBS. Ryan Star is performing. Ryan is a fellow Strong Islander whom I saw perform at Pianos a few months ago. After the show, I had a long chat with Ryan's manager and exchanged a few emails with Ryan. Ryan is not someone I'd typically gravitate towards but honestly, his rendition of 'Losing My Religion' just now was so stunning I had tears in my eyes. He is pretty damn amazing.

And a bonus for my readers, download 'Good Weekend' by one of my favourite bands, Art Brut.