Playing Catch Up with March: Savoir Faire

March 1st, Matt and I 'djed' the César of The Lisps party at Fontana's. I put dj in quotes because we didn't so much dj as play our itunes. My fancy dj program wasn't working, it sucked.

But whatever, it was fun anyway. Tons of my friends showed up, which warmed my heart. I bought people drinks, drinks were bought for me, Erin took some amazing pictures and I drank too many whisky sours (of course).

César Alvarez of The Lisps and MusicisFreeNow.org is my new favourite person. This was a fantastic show and a wonderful night.

The first band of the night was The Subway Band, a Latin inspired cover band that really was surprising with some beautiful renditions (all of which escape my mind, did I mention the whisky sours?).


Fontana's is a great spot right on the edge of Chinatown and the LES. The upstairs is gorgeous and new while the downstairs maintains that air of NYC, slightly dirty basement venue. The bartender Patrick is lovely and the soundguy Dave is so friendly.

Next group up was Bell, fronted by the adorable Olga. Her music is a lovely little romp around love and the urban jungle. Though a bit dull at times, Olga's voice and charm overcomes this well, though it is not always the best of ideas when the Skee-lo cover you do outshines the rest of your set.

My dj set included 'La Camisa Negra' by Juanes (that went out to The Subway Band), Primal Scream's 'Get Your Rocks off' (for Jill), Fox's 'Sssingle bed', 'Making Love in the Sunshine' by Maxi Geil and Playcolt and LCD Soundsystem's 'Daft Punk is playing at my House' amongst others.

Third band of the night were The Lisps, whom have taken over the spot of most beloved NYC band that not enough people know about. Their brand of fun, folk, country-rock is endearing and their enthusiasm, infectious.

A few songs in, people were inspired to waltz and suddenly the front of the room filled with dancing couples. It was one of those New York moments where you realise, 'oh right, so this is why I live in this city.'

To end the night, Scary Mansion, um, minus the Mansion, got up to play. I felt rather bad that by the end of the night, most people had left and many who were still there were chatting in the back as Leah Hayes performed. 1am on a Thursday night onstage is not a good place to be. If I were more sober and less tired, I could see how I would have enjoyed her more but at the end of the night, my attention certainly had waned.

At the end of the night, we sat around shooting the shit until the bartender kicked us out. César gave me a t-shirt that was a bit small for my chest so that the words The Lisps stretch out all awkwardly. I love it though, I wore it skiing. "Wait, skiing you say?" It's true, I went skiing for the second time. How about I tell you about that in another post?

Last Last Last...Weekend

Friday, February 10th

I have had a series of very good weekends since the beginning of the new year.

On Friday February 9th, Brook invited friends over to his apartment for our inaugural monthly poker and home-made meal night. He made his mother's curry squash and chickpeas over rice, we brought the beer. After dinner was poker and like always, I started off strong and then lost. Brook and I bickered before and on what the pot should be. I said everyone should put in 5 to play and then there would be a second and first place prize, this is how I used to play in Scotland with my boys. Brook wanted a $10 buy in, he insisted that people would then play harder because they would be more concerned about the money and this way, people could cash out if need be. I of course relented, even though I was right.

Katie, Jason, Akshay, Jill, and Jill's funny ass friend from college Ryan all played. Beginner's luck shined down on Ryan, and he had the big win for the evening. I walked away with 6 of my 10 bucks.

After the poker, some of us found a bar down the street and played beer pong. Since I was driving home, and because I royally suck at beer pong, I just watched the game and took pictures. I should have documented the skirmish over the rules when Team Katie and Ryan threw the ball over at Brook and Jill's cups and Brook inadvertently knocked the ball into his own cup. It was more intense and awkward than funny actually, with Ryan whispering in my ear “Should I leave, should I apologise, I don't know what to do!” while Brook fumed drunkenly at Katie.

The evening ended with Jill going home with the still tight lipped Brook and me driving the silly drunks, Katie and Ryan to a different Upper East side bar. I went home tired and quiet, how I usually feel after a night with people I enjoy spending time with, but I still don't feel entirely myself around yet.

The next weekend, February 17^th

Jose and Sea made a spur of the moment trip up to visit. They drove at breakneck speed Friday night to be able to make it to Brooklyn for the Rapture mini set at Studio B. We were all glad they did, because even though the group only played three songs, it was a heart pounding, screaming, acting like a crazy person three songs. Anytime where the lead singer of a dance group crowd surfs, you know it is a good show.

Saturday, I had an unexpected interview at the Anton Kern gallery in Chelsea for the position of assistant to the director. It's been a long time since I wanted a job this badly- the people interviewing me were so lovely and the gallery was simply gorgeous. I thought I had made a rather good impression, but somehow, I didn't get the job. It always amazes me how this happens. I have so much education, I am certainly friendly, easy-going, quick and even kinda cute. If only one of these places would take a chance on me, I think they would see that I was quickly the best employee they've ever had- if I can be that person in jobs that have nothing to do with my passions, imagine me in a role I actually like performing. Wow, I digress.

After what I thought was stupendous interview, Jose, Sea and I headed to Rub nearby. Rub is one of the best barbecue joints in New York and just about the only place where I will cave and eat meat. I think we must have eaten a week's worth of calories over that one meal of pulled pork sandwiches, chili-cheese fries and beer. I was completely satiated.

The three of us then headed over to Union Square where we shoe shopped and sat chatting in Dean and Deluca over coffees while we waited for Happy to finally get her butt in gear and meet us for dinner with new boyfriend Vincent. It was the first time we had all met Vince and thankfully, we all really liked him. There is really nothing that can kill a friendship quite like hating the person your friend is dating. I have suffered rather arduously through Jose dating a creepy, older, moron and Kim dating, well, just a creepy moron.

The five of us went across the street to a pub where Vince and Happy got food and Jose and I proceeded to drinks copious amounts of Sam Adams Winter. Sea and Jose got quite randomly into a round of pool with a couple of girls and then some of the rather attractive guys hanging out near the table.

Happy and Vince

We turned in rather early, despite an invite to Brooklyn for a smoke.

The next day was spent drinking bellinis over brunch at Schiller's on the lower east side before Jose and Sea left for home. I stuck around the city and took a nap like a homeless person in my car before meeting up with Erin, Dave and miscellaneous others for Kramer's birthday at Lederhosen in the West Village for dinner and liters of beer.

Birthday girl Katie demonstrating what not to do with a knife because it could be dangerous when you fall asleep

After dinner, we all made our way to Kettle of Fish a few blocks away to meet up with those not at dinner. Katie had a few friends in town from Colorado, including the adorable Greg. If only I had any sort of flirting techniques. Katie's friend Matt still asks me if I hear from “that really tall guy at Katie's birthday.” The answer is no Matt, NO.

Katie, Katie's friend Pete from Boston and I shut down the bar sometime after 4am.

More weekend updates to come. I'm telling you, I haven't had a bad one since 2006...