SceneTracker New York

Walking On a Dream... Mostly

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 10:47:00 -0400

We're not sure what it was that made Governor's Ball so exciting.

Possible guesses: It may have been the culture of electronica: candy-colored strobe lights refracting kaleidoscopic visuals and accompanying states of mind. Add to that the anatomy of a festival: braless, shoeless, the assumption of lawless--people hatching out of their own skin. Personalize that to the unexpected picturesque weather on Saturday (despite the stormy forecast, the day was clear enough to admire the orange-balloon necklace dancing in the clouds), with spires from a cast away land in the distance - just far enough from the city to forget, just close enough to remember. It was likely the sum of the above and the festival lineup forced the painted, flowered, feathered, and unencumbered off their feet June 18th, for twelve starbursting hours of Governor's Ball 2011.

The crowd, a mix of 16-25 year olds and the occasional pocket of teens, wore enthusiasm from headress's (a nod to Empire of the Sun) to soiled feet at the gates of the ferry, where festival goers queued up for what felt like hours on New York Harbor's Pier 11. The line wasn't enough to stop eager partiers, however, as the holy bag-check area (final check point before boarding the boat) was a graveyard of empty beer and liquor bottles. Not bad. The ferries were timely and the crowd was neon, which probably had less to do with the United Colors of Electronica, and more to do with off-the-grid safety en route to the unsynthesized island-world.

At the mouth of the island, ragers were greeted by a three-man jazz outfit, joyously sweeping the herds to the ticketing line with the expedient subtlety of an airport skyway. Ticketing and festival flyering were peppered with the occasional costumed zealot or the up close "rawk n' rolll" type wail from a spirited tweaker. Passing through the gates soon after, the seen of the circus was vast. A white-tented cafeteria of sustenance lined the perimeter while entertainment of the crafty variety held the center.

Though the day began modestly, or how do the kids say, "chill," the mood turned from picnic to party with the standard accumulation of munchies and buzzes. The timing was uncanny; just as the mass of psychologically-enhanced wanderers flooded the DIY burrito line, and just as the requisite passed out guys curled up fetal position in the weeds--the big acts took stage.

An abbreviated note of the worthy:

One could say the music was a mix of indie/rock, pop and electronic beats. Essentially, electro music for the hipsters. The Australians proved to be at the forefront of this rendition with Empire of The Sun stealing the show. Using slow guitars, keyboard and the synth (oh, that synth!), this duo from Sydney produced psychedelic beats with a catchy, pop backdrop. Itching to dance to this music is a given. But it's the "high-on-life" feel that's more astounding. A euphoria that finds no verbal expression and can only be translated in a "you had to be there" - where everything outside that very moment loses relevance. Affix the scandalous wigs, spandex in every color, outrageous makeup, and synchronized dancing of women in pleather pink bodysuits and you have a whole lot of perfection. That right there, is Empire of The Sun.

It's Aussie counterpart, Miami Horror, usually a pro of this same musical genre, didn't quite make the cut on this occasion. Perhaps they played too early (4 p.m) and the audience was still in picnic mode, perhaps there was too much sun and too little beer at this point. But Miami Horror fell short. Their songs are grand and usually quite catchy, but the energy was low. Their sound was off. Even as frontman Josh Moriary, wearing a Napoleonic-style velvet red blazer, climbed the high railing on stage--one hand holding on to dear life, other on the mic--his attempt to get the crowd rallied up proved unsuccessful.

Big Boi--the only hip hop act in the front liners-- proves that somewhere beneath all the mellow, acoustic guitar, let-me-tell-you-my-sad-story layers of indie rock, there is always a taste for some sweaty popping, blocking and grinding.

We expected Girl Talk at Governor's Ball to be a mashup on steroids. Whereas Gregg Gillis is normally known for his ability to stir up dead air, he seemingly did more on Saturday to create it. This may have stemmed from the unfortunate fact that he had the first show just after the wowing performance by Empire of the Sun, but Girl Talk junkies had a right to be underwhelmed. In what seemed to be a last ditch attempt to put on a "show," Girl Talk populated it's stage with hundreds of randoms from the crowd. Ask anyone sunk on the green below though, this just gave the appearance of flailing limbs on a
raised club stage, and with the lackluster tracks he picked for the late night set, there little to look at.

We took the good with the bad but in the end, a rave's a rave. The music, better at some times than others, no doubt shook the islanders for half a rotation around Earth (12 hours, delivered as promised). And the crowd, who walked nearly 1,000 yards throughout the alternating stage policy, did cause some to question the value of 'no overlapping sets' (but overlap they did not, as promised). Governor's Ball - well done sans a few faux pas, and we're looking forward to it's sophomore year.

Laura Steiner contributed to this article.

New York's Best Speakeasies

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 10:31:00 -0400

What for some was thirteen years of prohibition, for others it was thirteen years of clandestine encounters and nightly escapades of booze-fueled gatherings. The USA suffered a dry spell for over a decade after alcohol was banned starting in 1920. But people found their way around Prohibition Law. Oh, did they. Al Capone and Dutch Schultz, amongst other famous American gangsters, managed to supply copious amounts of illegal liquor to underground establishments around the country. These covert establishments, known as Speakeasies, became grounds for nights inflamed by liquor and radical fun. New York being the epicenter of unconventional thought was at the forefront of this new nightlife. Fast forward to 2011 and these Speakeasies are still some of the city's coolest spots! Check out our tops choices:

PDT (Please Don't Tell)

PDT has been around since 2007 as a signature speakeasy in the East Village. To enter you must walk in through Crif Dogs and enter a wooden phone booth (originally from the 1940s) where you will pick up the phone and wait for someone to answer. After they will do a little check up on you (they have a secret camera installed in the phone booth) and, if you pass the test, the hostess will open a secret door. Lo and behold you will find yourself in a quirky (taxidermy decor), little private bar (only seats 45) with some of the most innovative cocktails (buttered-popcorn rum) in the city. The downfall of PDT is the waiting time, which can be anywhere between one and two hours. We recommend you check this place out during a weekday!

113 St. Marks Pl

East Village

New York, NY 10009

212-614-0386.

Milk & Honey

True to its very own type, Milk & Honey takes the prize for being the most hidden speakeasy on this list. You can only go in if you are either a member or have a reservation. Having said that, this bar is intended to mock celebrity culture and New York's most pretentious night life culture, so getting a reservation is pretty easy. Just make sure you call in advance! All drinks run for more than $16, but they are all well worth it. Tell the mixologists what you are in the mood for (i.e. carrot, ginger and a beachy feel) and bam! they will come up with an alcoholic masterpiece. All cocktails are custom made based on your mood and cravings. We recommend you go to Milk & Honey with a small party. Great place for a date!

134 Eldridge St. (at Broome St)

New York, NY 10002

Little Branch

This West Village little hideout is brother to Milk & Honey, having mixologist Sasha Petraske as its founder. Still true to its Speakeasy vibe, its facade is a simple metal door where you would never guess a world of liquor hides behind. However, the general feel seems to be more relaxed, with warmer decor and an occasional jazzy trio that sets the mood. Drinks are equally as amazing--and creative-- as the ones in Milk & Honey.

22 7th Ave S

(between Carmine St & Leroy St)
New York, NY 10014

The Back Room

The Back Room might be one of the most creative concepts in New York. Cool as they come, this actually used to be a speakeasy back in the prohibition era. The clandestine feel is still there: located in a dark street, enter through a run down wooden door, and the bartenders are all wearing bow ties. The points for creativity come from the decor: oil paintings, old mirrors and drinks on tea cups and mugs. Of course times have changed and this old speakeasy now has hipsters jamming to electronic music. Hey, we think it's a great combination!

102 Norfolk St

(between Delancey St & Rivington St)

New York, NY 10002

Neighborhood: Lower East Side

The Hamptons June 24th and 25th

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:32:00 -0400

Temperatures keep rising and the events at The Hamptons just keep getting better. Here's the scoop of everything you must attend this weekend!

Friday June 24^th

Sitara Naghavi

Naghavi’s Gallery of Sculptural Jewelry and Functional Art is a recent newcomer to Southhampton. The official gallery opening will take place this Friday with a ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. by Mayor Epley, followed by a champagne reception.

When: 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Where: 60B Job’s Lane, Southhampton, NY

Bonnie & Clyde Screening

For all you Bonnie & Clyde fans, The Silas Marder Gallery will be having a night screening of the famous crime movie. Nothing like some glorified murder scenes under the stars.

When: 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Where: The Silas Marder Gallery, 120 Snake Hollow Road, Bridgehampton

Comedy Night at Hotel Indigo

Enjoy big laughs at Hotel Indigo courtesy of Haft 2 Laugh Productions. The $25 entrance fee includes one drink. Reservations are required. Call 631-369-3325.

When: 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Where: Hotel Indigo East End 1830 West Main Street, Riverhead

The Beach Bar Hampton Bays Summer Kick-off

Dance to DJ O'Mara's tunes. Go before 11:30 p.m. for special prices on drinks.

When: 9:00 pm - 2:00 am
Where: The Beach Bar Hampton Bays, 58 Foster Avenue , Hampton Bays, NY (map

Saturday June 25^th

Martini Launch Event

Join the Stylecaster team at the Sole East Resort for the launch of MARTINI’s new wine: Moscato d’Asti. Join for some fun in the sun and summer’s tastiest cocktails!

When: 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where: Solé East Resort, 90 Second House Road, Montauk, NY

Live Music at Bedell Cellar and Corey Creek Vineyards

Join Bedell Cellars and Corey Creek Vineyards for live music and wine tasting. Band will be playing pop/rock and jazz. Performances are free and wine tasting ranges from $5-$15.

When: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where: Bedell Cellars, 36225 Main Road, Cutchogue, NY

Opening Reception for Clifford Ross at Guild Hall

Don’t miss the opening of this photography exhibit by one of the most talented contemporary American artists, Clifford Ross. These pictures are part of his “Mountains and Hurricanes” series. Ross’ work has been displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Whitney and the Guggenheim.

When: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Where: Guild Hall, 158 Main St., East Hampton

Steve Aoki at SOUTHPOINTE

One of the world’s most celebrated DJs will be turning tables this coming Saturday at South Pointe.

When: 10 p.m.

Where: South Pointe Nightclub, 125 Tuckahoe Road, Southhampton, NY

Big Drop Opening Party

Big Drop is launching its first store in East Hampton and this is a celebration you shouldn’t miss. Drinks on the house and Big Drop’s latest collection, this is a fun way to chose you’re perfect outfit for Saturday night.

When: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Where: Big Drop, 66 Newtown Lane, East Hampton, NY

Artists Against Abuse Gala

Artists Against Abuse is a domestic violence agency that offer support for women and children in need. Join them in this event in the Great Hall yacht for cocktails, dinner and a silent and live auctions. get your tickets here.

When: 7:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Where: Great Hall at Ross School, 18 Goodfriend Dr, East Hampton, NY

Annual Heart of the Hamptons Ball

This event aims at raising funds for the American Heart Association. You will enjoy delicious food and local wines in one of the most beautiful locations in the Hamptons.

When: 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Where: Hayground School, 151 Mitchell Lane, Bridgehampton, NY

Cheetah Outreach Benefit

Are you an animal lover? (Or just a party lover?) Put on your best Cheetah Chic attire and join this event to help protect South African cheetahs. Buffet and drinks will be included as well as African Drummers and Music by DJ Twilo. Plus you can join a raffle for 12 day Southern African Safari!

When: 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Where: Private Residence, 120 Laurel Valley Dr, Sag Harbor, NY

Cheetah Outreach Benefit After party at AXE LOUNGE

When: 11:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.

Where: 1181 N Sea Road Southampton, NY 11968

And if you're already planning for 4th of July weekend...

Cirque Hamptons Presents: The Electric Circuit

If you're looking for something different on fourth of July weekend, check out The Electric Circuit! Cirque Hamptons brings you aerial performances, electric jugglers, contortionists and eye mesmerizing light manipulation set to techno and house music.

When: July 2nd & 3rd

Where: East Hampton Studios, located at 77 Industrial Road in Wainscott, NY.

Doors open at 7:00PM and there will be plenty of food, booze and music leading up to the show at 9pm. There's also a Sunday matinee performance, starting at 2:30PM, for the tamer crowd of families and children of all ages.

More info: www.cirquehamptons.com

Reservations: 631-965-0050

Friday Night: Sebastian Ingrosso + Alesso

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 17:15:00 -0400

Come out to Pacha on Friday night with Sebastian Ingrosso, Alesso and Richard Grey. It will be, without a doubt, one of the best parties on Friday night! Get tickets now because it's sure to sell out. Tickets are only $10 (a steal!) before midnight, so get there early.

When: Friday June 24. Doors open at 10pm.

Where: Pacha NYC, 618 W. 46th

Table Reservations: 212.209.7500

Buy Tickets

New York's West Side Becomes Rainbow City

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 13:44:00 -0400

Rousing matches of kindergarten-level board games (hopefully) didn't end in a nice, cold beer for the champion. Traveling through Gum Drop Mountain and Candy Cane Forest has, however, recently been taken to the adult level at The Lot, a new (and temporary) public plaza below the High Line. Visitors wind through a Candyland-reminscent art installation called Rainbow City to find a new beer garden, The Lot on Tap, on the other side. All in celebration of the recent inauguration of Section 2 of the High Line, the old freighter tracks turned spectacular urban space is the place to be to celebrate the summer.

Section 2 of the High Line extends the existing section ten blocks, from West 20th Street at 10th Avenue to West 30th Street. The structure-- designed in collaboration by James Corner Field Operations, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, and planting designer Piet Oudulof-- begins at Ganesvoort Street in the West Village and runs for one mile. The Lot is located at West 30th Street, with Rainbow City at the 10th Avenue Corner. Presented by AOL, Rainbow City is comprised of large inflatable sculptures by FriendsWithYou, an artistic think-tank based in Miami. In a soft and comfortable urban playground, the sculptures in Rainbow City oscillate between adorable and creepy, with dotted eyes and thin-line smiles grazing their bulbous forms.

Lines stretching outside the portal of Rainbow City are not only for access to the playground, but also for entrance to The Lot on Tap. The boisterous beer garden has been packed during evenings. Brought to the High Line by Colicchio & Sons (one of celebrity chef Tom Colicchio's New York restaurants), The Lot on Tap is a unique place to drink a variety of local beers and domestic wines this summer. Included on the drink list is the Brooklyn High Line Elevated Wheat, a brew made exclusively for the High Line by Garrett Oliver of Brooklyn Brewery. Drinks are reasonably priced, with wine costing $9 and beer $7.

The greatest permanent feature of Section 2 of the High Line is the 23rd Street Lawn. A lush gathering space for sunbathing and picnicking, the 23rd Street Lawn is innovative for the High Line. Since it's opening, the High Line has been an abundant green space, but the 23rd Street Lawn allows visitors to interact with the greenery instead of merely observing it. Complete with staircase seating, the 23rd Street Lawn has already proved to be a popular hangout for a diverse array of loungers.

A number of food vendors are selling their delicious treats on the High Line and at The Lot. You can choose between La NewYorkina and People's Pops' icy goodies, tacos from The Taco Truck, lobster rolls from Red Hook Lobster, and ice cream sandwiches from Coolhaus.

The High Line is open from 7am to 11pm daily.

The Lot is open daily through the summer from 11am to 10pm Sunday through Wednesday, and 11am to 11pm Thursday through Friday.

Rainbow City will be open until July 5th.

Cirque Hamptons Presents: The Electric Cirquit

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:50:00 -0400

If you're looking for something different for fourth of July weekend in the Hamptons, The Electric Cirquit is a must-see. On Saturday, July 2nd & 3rd ,Cirque Hamptons brings you aerial performances, electric jugglers, contortionists and eye mesmerizing light manipulation set to techno and house music. The visual experience includes surreal black lights, computerized LED lighted costumes and sparkling lasers.

Notable acts include the Spinning Cube, where performers orbit the stage while pulling off gravity-defying somersaults inside a light sphere. The event will be held at East Hampton Studios, located at 77 Industrial Road in Wainscott, NY. Doors open at 7:00PM and there will be plenty of food, booze and music leading up to the show at 9pm. There's also a Sunday matinee performance, starting at 2:30PM, for the tamer crowd of families and children of all ages.

For more information, visit www.cirquehamptons.com.

General Admission tickets begin at $25. VIP seating available.

Looking for Lovers: TAJ II

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:04:00 -0400

The Taj Mahal was built to immortalize one man's love for his late wife. It's no wonder then why TAJ II, the Flat Iron District's swanky Indian restaurant and lounge, is calling on all aspiring lovers or monogamous darlings this week for a chance to win a very sexy prize.

TAJ will be accepting applicants until June 24th for a chance to win $100 worth of tantalizing American and French inspired Indian dinner and complimentary bottle service for 2 at the opulent Flat Iron District lounge. Sexy turns sexier after dinner when the chosen two relocate bar side for some of TAJ's famously exotic cocktails (try something with Elderflower).

With the imported decor, carved woodwork, and liberally spaced dancing deities, this give-away is more of a get-away! What does it take to wine and dine like a mogul on the house, or on the palace rather? Write down your name and with whom you plan to share your hot date here for a chance to win this ornamented occasion.

TAJ II

48 W 21st Street

New York, NY 10010

212-620-3033

Party Under the Stars: The Museum of Natural History

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 22:51:00 -0400

I remember going to the Museum of Natural History as a kid. Like most young lads, I was fascinated by the fact that dinosaurs once existed, and yearned to see them in action. When Steven Spielberg unleashed the blockbuster Jurassic Park, it just peaked my interest in the extinct creatures even more. Unfortunately, it was just a movie and as far as I can tell, I will never walk foot by foot with a brontosaurus.

The Museum of Natural History, on 79th and Central Park West, however, is as close as I will ever get, and that's just fine. Because as I've gotten older, seeing ancient dinosaur bones just doesn't do it for me the way once did. I can't be the only one who feels this way, as The Museum of Natural History has been reaching out to a 21 and over crowd recently. The efforts come in the form of One Step Beyond, a monthly dance series at the Rose Center located in the Museum’s Planetarium.

This upcoming Friday, the 24th, the Rose Center hosts another installment of the party with what they're calling "the most explosive party this side of the Milky Way." This week’s act includes the DJ combo of Nadastron featuring Sable.

Now it’s a beautifully rare experience to party and dance next to a giant meteorite amid the splednor of such intergalactic decor. During the party, guests get to enjoy movies screened on the 360-degree ceiling movie theater. “Cosmic Collisions” seems to be a crowd favorite. (Nothing like bumping and grinding while planets are exploding into each other, perhaps a foreshadow of what the night might hold, hubba hubba).

Beer and wine are your beverage choices, but without a standard full bar of booze, I would recommend some major pre-gaming before attending. The party caters to the 20-30 year old crowd but anyone looking to shed the week's stress and sway out of orbit for a while will have a cosmic good time regardless.

Tickets for the event run at an even $25 dollars and should be purchased in advance. Party starts at 10 p.m. and runs through approximately 1 a.m. Check it out--because the music, drinking, dancing, and dinosaurs is a mix that will send you flying to a Land Before Time.

Partying Old School

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 15:48:00 -0400

If we had told you back in 5^th grade that one day you would be able to (lawfully) drink in school premises, you probably would not have believed us. Well, it’s true. Drunk.Brunch.Party, a seven-course brunch with lots (and lots) of alcohol is taking place this Saturday in the playground of an old Nolita schoolhouse. Chef Sarah Simmons of City Grit is in charge of this epic brunch. Paying homage to her southern roots, Simmons is an expert when it comes to preparing fried chicken, collards and her ultimate specialty: grits. Add a hard-boiled egg and a sausage to that, and you will not only be accomplishing childhood dreams, but having the ultimate mouth-watering experience. Finish up with a strawberry-champagne popsicle and go for a round of hopscotch. We dare ya!

Tickets go for $45 and you can buy them here.

Where: 233 Mott (at Prince)

Rights to the Roof: 5 Fab Accessible Rooftops

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 11:32:00 -0400

When you live in a town with over 8 million residents and just 300 square miles of land, there's only one way to go: Up. And what better way to be. For there''s something about defying the limits of our otherwise earth-bound selves that turns us loose as the neighboring birds. Whether it's the change in atmospheric pressure, the invincibility we feel on the fringes of the world's most recognizable skyline, or the memory job of a middle school 3 a.m. "rooftop rendezvous," partying where we're not supposed to is great, just great.

With Manhattan itself home to nearly 2,000 bar and restaurant establishments-- where exactly should one climb to indulge mightily with the Gods? If the options may seem endless it's because they are, but endless to whom is a different story. Listed below is Joonbug's Summer 5 most Accessible Rooftop Bars for summer 2011:

1. ME Bar (@ the La Quinta Inn)

Quietly situated atop an unassuming venue for romance, the low-budget La Quinta Inn Koreatown, Me Bar guarantees an aerial buzz, butterflies and an intimate view of The Empire State Building, without the dreaded sight of worn "Lonely Planets" either. (you know what we mean-- that pluralized T-word) The area, otherwise known for nightlife of the karaoke variety, is unmatched for after work, rooftop martini haunts-- so call ahead to ensure they've got space as private parties have been known to snag up space in the past. And tempting as it may be to snap a photo of the unexpected views, remember, we love the locals-only vibe... and want to keep it that way. 17 W. 32nd Street (212) 290-2460

2. AVA Lounge

We're big fans of DREAM Hotel. "Part Riviera, Part Rome, with inflections of South Beach" decor is as sexy as the views it envelopes. From the Hudson River to Time Square, with a special line of Broadway which rest 15 stories below, AVA is sure to impress. If reasonable cocktails, no entry fee, minimally outfitted waitresses, and DJ's who spin out the stars until 4 a.m. sang your attention, then Ava's for you. If you're in the mood for classical New York sights, in the privacy of an upscale party deck, Ava's definitely for you. 210 W. 55th Street (212) 956-7020

3. 230-Fifth

Worldwide recognition. Open 365 days a year. Palm trees, fountains, a velvety aesthetic, and safari animalia... 230-Fifth is New York City's largest outdoor rooftop garden and enclosed penthouse, and there's little not to love. No cover policy, no reservations necessary, no haughty rules about bottle service and guest list. The place, quite simply, was designed to accommodate the all-seasons, all-reasons, all-hours, all-welcome kind of buzz. It's 230-Fifth and no less than 22,000 sky-tickling square feet of fun. 230 Fifth Avenue (212) 725-4300

4. Ravel Hotel Rooftop Bar

If you're of the kind who doesn't leave your neighborhood, you'll want to jump to #5. If you're willing to hike over the bridge, however, for a majestically candle-lit, open-air rooftop palace--home to some of the most stunning panoramic sights this city has to offer, you will find yourself in Long Island City's Ravel Hotel Rooftop Bar. It's fun too. With themed booze nights and pitchers of cocktails that need muddled, not stirred, Ravel makes the trip to Queens worth it, where you can gaze from afar in style. 8-08 Queens Plaza South, Long Island City. (718) 298-6101

5. Bookmarks Rooftop Lounge (@ the Library Hotel)

Cerebral folk and wannabes can get into grammatical debates all summer long at the lovably demure classic, Bookmark Rooftop Lounge. Between the enclosed greenhouse, outdoor terrace, fireside cocktails and mahogany-tinted interior, sophistication is for the taking. Employ high-minded language only whilst sipping The Hemingway, or don your most velvety smoking jacket please when lighting that cigar--the foliage, cobblestone, and castle-like cuts of this lounge give an elegant Old English feel to a dizzying swarm of city life below. Contemplatively stare at the pitfalls of modernity like Tolstoy too; views are magnificent. 299 Madison Avenue (212) 204-5498