Philinthecircle.

So as of late, I've officially become a youtube person. How? Why? It's a mystery. I don't really know how it happened really, but as evidence in my previous post, I've been watching way to many videos.

The only way I can think of to make myself feel less of a viral loser is to point out the enrichment quality of my recent giga-snacks. Improv Everywhere was kind of inspriring and thought provoking, not as much however, as my new obsession. His name is Phil Hanson.

I think that I may just name him my favorite artist of all time.

Phil creates art from unconventional mediums. Be it matches, pine cones, chewed up starbucks pastries or even 500mL of his own blood, his peices fascinate me.

A few years ago, Phil embarked on a project. Hs goal was to use unconventional art mediums every month to create a temporary work inspired by different themes.

"This is to help me be more creative and spontaneous," he said on his website. "Boodbye art means that I get rid of the piece when it is finished, usually by destroying it or letting nature destroy it."

I couldn't begin to tell you about this. Making portraits out of oreos is just something you have to see for yourself.

Observe:

http://philinthecircle.com/

Improv Everywhere

Imagine walking around in your local Home Depot in an oh-so-everyday quest for eco-friendly lightbulbs when all of a sudden, 225 of your shopper buddies go slow-mo. A ten-second step with the left foot, and a ten-second step with the right. Five minutes later, the phenomenon stops and everything's back to normal - for five minutes. Then, after a brief stream of normalcy, the 225 who freaked you out a moment ago decide to take it to a stand still right where they're shopping in synchronyzed blink.

It's not a protest, it's not a sudden epileptic plague, and oh my gosh your not an extra on a new episode of the twilight zone. (even though your dissapointed) Unknowingly, you've been a witness to one of the many missions of a large-scale acting troupe called Improv Everywhere.

Improv Everywhere is a group of improvisational artists headed by a man named Charlie Todd. Prior to the Home Depot headlock, the group of 225 "agents" probably met in a park where Charlie adressed them via megaphone and they synchronized their watches so that all would go as planned on their secret "mission." Stopping time in superstores however, isn't all they do.

On their website and on YouTube.com, there are documentations of dozens of missions where masses of seemingly ordinary characters in ordinary places do out of the ordinary acts. They create scenes in subway stations, (a surprise birthday party, the no pants project, and an interactive wedding proposal) food courts (where they did an all-out spontaneous musical production - which hold the title as my personal favorite) and even places like public fountains and fast food restaurants.

Recently in my history class, we examined one of thier missions. It was called "The Best Gig Ever." The idea of the mission was to take an unpopular, nobody, never-happening band from Vermont and give them the feeling of having the best gig ever at their predetermined "lame" Sunday night show in a New York City club.

To accomplish this mission, the troupe prepared before the show by making t-shirts, reving up their dance moves and memorizing all the words to the songs on the album. At the show, the throng of fake fans acted as if they were the bands biggest fans. EVER. Shouting out requests, jumping on stage, and shouting out lyrics.

The band had no idea. They we're still under the impression that their dreams had come true. Fans from a place they don't habitate, a packed night club and autographed CDs. They'd waited their whole lives for a feeling like this.

Weeks later, courousing through the web of wireless, they found the disclaimer: Improv Everywhere had staged everything. Their excitement went to the backlash. They finally felt like they were going somewhere and now everyone knew they were a joke.

It brought up the question of whether or not what they had done was artistic display of support and a wish granted unexpectedly, or a massive insensitive prank. It seems harmless and it made the band feel good- which was thier goal. It was a good idea at the time, but I think that the consequences should have been considered a little more carefully.

Although the fame-high was nice for a week or so, the end result was painful and humiliating. I'm still out on what I think of the whole thing. It was a good idea in theory.

Anyway, no harm was done by the agents who only wore their underpinnings on the subway.
Improv Everywhere: I approve.

*for additional procrastination, check out the links

Under my couch... there's a film festival!

It seems like every weekend there's a new film festival to attend in the tri-state area.

In the very recent history(April 2008):
-The Garden State Film Festival (Asbury Park, NJ)
-The Hitchcock Film Festival (Manasquan, NJ)
-The Tribecca Film Festival - (going on now in New York, NY)

Coming up soon to add to the list-

The Wall High School Film Festival! (Wall High School, the place)

With recently extended deadlines, the film festival is seeking submissions from students. So, if you're interested, get behind a lens and start shooting! Don't even worry if you don't have the right equiptment because Mr. Hewitt (TV production) has offered to loan out his cameras to students working on projects for the fest.

ahead of the press

Recently, I wrote a feature on the local gig ticket scam concerning local artists and their fair treatment on the music club scene after reading a blog by jersey shore musician Don Lee.

Today, I found that I was not alone. The Asbury Park Press had a VERY similar inclination to turn it into a story as well. They too, read the blog and interviewed Mr. Lee.

does this make me cooler or less cool?

i've yet to decide.

check out their take:
http://app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080425/ENT06/804250430/1300/ENT06

Unethical dillemma

Ethics. The rights and wrongs and moral standards that apply to everything you'll ever do. Just like every career, journalism as well has its own code. Journalists have a responsibility to respect and protect the subjects/sources of their articles, their publications, and their personal reputations as presenters of honest and unbiased coverage of the world around thier audience.

In the arts (especially entertainment) field of reporting the news, very often these ethical guidelines of respectable journalism are crossed.

Open a celebrity magazine. National Enquirer. People. In. Every one is polluted with celebrity gossip stories. Some are fine, and highlight good things about the few who stay off Ganseevort Street at 2am and avoid shaving their heads on a binge of impulse. But many of these gossip articles are just that. Gossip. Tiny fabrications that build into mini-mayhems. But there is a point when purile gossip becomes unethical and painful.

In early February, the world (myself included) mourned the sudden death of beautiful bohunk and talented actor, Heath Ledger. The story hit the news on television, blogs and papers within the hour.

Continents away, Heath's loving parents had yet to be formally informed about what happened in New York that afternoon - until, of course, they turned on the news station. How awful! Turning on TV to find out that millions of people know about the death of your child before you were formally notified. I think that this instance steps beyond ethical guidelines.

In my own encounters with journalism ethics in the art field, I also find that being credible is sometimes hard with the amount of activity I have in the arts. For example, because I'm a member of the National Arts Honor Society at my school, I couldn't write a publishable story about the Teen Arts Festival. A few of the entrants were members of the society as well as my artist friends.

Hello Blog

Instead of spewing weightless excuses about my unexcusable non-bloggeration over the past while, I'm not going to cover it up. I'm simply going to hug it with a "sorry" and try to make up for it.

That being stated, allow me to fill you in on a few events that should have been present. How about a top 5?

5. Garden State Film Festival:

The Garden State Film Festival is a weekend event in Asbury Park that took place from April 3rd to the 6th this year celebrating its 6th anniversary. The film fest is host to an array of films creatd all over the world, mainly independently. This year at the festival, eager movie buffs, student filmmakers, actors, directors, writers and other varieties of human intellegence gathered and paid their $8 to festival volunteers to be able to see a total of 2 hours per ticket. The weekend included an award ceremony in which individual awards were given to films in categories involving all films from all over the world. The favortie and most saught after however, is the "Home Grown" award that is presented to films made in New Jersey. The win ended up a tie between "Greetings From The Shore" by Greg Chwerchak, and "Rock The Paint" by Wren Court Films' Dallas Mitchell Brennan for a feature length films.



4. Alfred Hitchcock Film Festival:



The Alfred Hitchcock Film Festival is a several week long event held at the ALgonquin Arts theater in Manasquan. During the festival, the theatre screens old Alfred Hitchcock films and has experts on Hitchcock's films discuss the films with the audience. Over the past few weeks, they've screened Notorious (1946), To Catch a Theif (1955), and North by Northwest (1959)



3. State Radio played a sold-out show at The Stone Pony:



State Radio, a popular band amongst highschool/college kids and "people of the beach" recently sold out a show on April 12th at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park. The show was attended by tons of eager fans. The band has a very loyal following. (a friend of mine has made his way to some 20+ shows and came all the way from boston for the night to see them play) What many concert-goers enjoyed most was an unnanounced stage visit from Dispatch's own Pete Francis! (a band popular amongst the same circles) I was pretty upset that I couldn't make it. Everyone that I talked to said it was incredible - and I'd believe it.



2. Elle Bee Studio Opens in Manasquan

Elle Bee Studio, a jewelry store/gallery opened April 3rd off Main street across from Squan Tavern in Manasquan. The store was created by Wall High School grad Lauren Leblanc and Brian Manser from Manasquan. The store looks awesome! They sell a unique mix of unique locally-crafted jewelry and other "curiosities."
Shameless self promotion: My jewelry line "Objects" by Megan Pearce is also on sale in the store, so if you get the chance - it's worth stopping by.

1. GSA hosts Rock Away Hate 2008

The Gay Straight Alliance held Rock Away Hate 2008 night at Wall High School April 18th. It was a music and entertainment event that helped to promote tolerance of the different sexual orientations of peers. The event, held in the cafeteria, was host to the musical talents of Chemtrail, Mr. Wilson and Dr. Calmes and Mr. Neil.

Mr. Candy man can... and he did.

Skittles.

They're tiny. They're round. And now they're chocolate?

chicka- whaa?

For real?

yes.

I couldn't believe it myself. Though its not completely on topic here, I think it is arguable that the creation of such an object is one of culinary and confectionary artistry. Naturally, I was positively floored with curiousity.

They're skittles... but they're chocolate... but are they made of chocolate?... but skittle? ... Squishy M&Ms ...?

These I needed to try.

So i embarked on an endless (and friutless) hunt for the little devils. Drug store after drug store, cashier after cashier, I left empty handed, with disbelieving employees giggling behind my back. I was nearly at the quitting point. Surely I had been fooled.

But hark! Weeks into my search, I received a phone call from my sister who is touring New England in search of colleges. At a ramshackle snack stand in "the middle of ishkabibble, nowhere" she had finally found the little brown skittles package which was the container for the beautiful creatures. Finally it was the moment I had been waiting for. The moment of truth.

As soon as I got my hands on the little thing, I savagely tore through the wrapper, however paid special care as to not destroy it completely so i could save it as evidence of Chocolate Skittle existence.

They came in different flavors. Vanilla, S'mores, Chocolate Pudding, Brownie Batter, and i believe there was another.

The first one I tried was the chocolate pudding. I placed it on my tongue and much to my surprise, it was not made of chocolate, and was in fact, of skittle consistency. But it tasted JUST LIKE chocolate pudding!!!

I tried every one. I'm still out on my decision to say that they were anything more than interesting. I honestly couldn't say whether or not they were pleasant or unpleasant. I definietly think that they're too confusing to gain much popularity though. Especially when the only place you can buy them is "ishkabibble."

Teen Arts

The Monmouth County Teen Arts fesival was held on Monday, with a student festival that took place on Tuesday. Students from Wall attended the festival and displayed visual art peices as well as performances from students in the beginning guitar program.

Workshops were held throughout the Brookdale campus for students. I didn't go, but I heard it was tonsss of funnnn.

From Wall, six peices were selected as winners that will move on to a state level showcase. yay!

A fierce victory

Last Wednesday night at 11pm marked the end of yet another stitching season of Bravo TV's Project Runway. This year's group had to have been far the fiercest competition yet.


I never could have told you who was going to win. I could have speculated in the beginning, picked out my bet, and even if they won every challenge of the competition i probably still would have been wrong in the end. I think that's why so many people watch Bravo's competition shows.

Recap to prove: First there was underdog Jay McCarrol coming out over super-star Kara Saun, and the malitious momma who was Wendy Pepper a la season 1. Then there was Chloe Dao, the boring (in my oppinon) pattern maker win over the eccentric Santino Rice and cutting edge newbie Daniel Vosovic - that no one expected in season 2. And season 3 was host to four finalists from witch the judges (Victoria's Secret supermodel Heidi Klum, Elle Magazine fashion director Nina Garcia, and legendary designer Michael Kors) chose the rebelious Jeffery Sebilia out of the pool to win over German gone Miami beach Uli Herzner, chic hip-hopper Michael Knight, and New York City's own red-headed baby-boomer Laura Bennet. When it comes to the winners there really is no pattern.

This season, the final three contestants left to present their very own 12-peice collection at the prestigious Bryant Park tents at New York fashion week were Jillian Lewis, Rami Kashou, and winner, Christian Siriano.

Why it was collectively, AWESOME:
1. Posh Spice was a judge.
2. Christian won.
3. All of the collections were actually good.
4. Rami did NOT win.
5. Tim Gunn announced he is running for office in the 2008 election. (I wish)

In sum, Project Runway is a good show, and it ended well.

indie, defined.

Independent. Differnt. Straying from "the norm."
These are all words people think of when they hear about "indie music" or "indie films."
Some people get it. Some people are offended by the use of it.
But what does the word "indie" actually mean?

Urban Dictionary quotes: "The term: Short for independent rock. In terms of music it would be independent of major labels/mainstream stuff."

Scrolling down the definitions, I see alot of almost rants, like this one, that are particularly tied to indie music, explaining it as something of a sub-genra of alternative rock and examples of bands are given. All the bands listed have a similar type of sound. Can hip hop music not be indie then?Can not jazz? or even pop?

Even indie movies have the connotation of being ones that no one has seen, and have a "trippy" quality to them that give them a particular flavor. But do all indie movies really have to involve some type of drugs? Does the main character always have to be depressed? Do all indie films need to be shot in the heart of Sarcasticteenagerville?

In reality, the term indie means neither of these connotations. When something is categorized as being indie, (i stress not characterized) it means quite simply that the product was created by an independant process, on grounds from an independent idea. It doesn't matter in terms of where you see it or hear it, or what it looks like or sounds like at all. The term can not (and should not) be removed by any amount of popularity or success either. There are no standards of the product itself in its quality, presentation or sound.

In years prior to the myspace revolution, this definition was known and accepted. Since then, it has been merged, added to, and twisted to follow oppinions of people who claim to "like all things indie." The term indie has grown to be more of an idea, with a whole new set of rules and reguations. Today, people often say:

"oh that band isn't indie! They played MSG last summer!"
"Pshh, man that isn't as indie as it used to be."
"I used to like Little Miss Sunshine back when it was an indie film."
"I hate rap. I'm more into indie music now."

Used in these terms, the word "indie" seems to describe some type of jaded term people use to describe things so that they might sound "cooler" or more "unique" than someone else. Our culture has become obsessed with people trying to have their own ideas and like something different than the rest of the (to quote Julia Styles in 10 Things I Hate About You,) "meaningless consumer-driven world." And the even greater obsession? -Trying to get there first.

Independent artists have accidently and innocently been used as a crutch in this recent stirr of pop-culture madness. Independence in art is something well, to say it correctly, independent of the factor of popularity. It has nothing at all to do with its consumer and the way in which it is received. Independence lies rather, within the origin of the art. Some of the most popular forms of entertainment art are independent. The line between what separates Independent and not isn't necessarily as vague as culture makes it seem.

So, I hope this has been informative, and helped to untangle the knot. Don't leave it up to Susie McMyspace to tell you what's indie. Its out of her hands and beyond her ethical authority. Consider the artist. Consider the art. Consider the idea.

Sufjan Stevens is ACTUALLY, FINALLY making an album about my state!

I was sitting at my kitchen counter Monday afternoon skimming the pages of New York Magazine, (which earns the number one spot on my list of the greatest things to ever come out of mailboxes) and I don't know how i missed it. I must have been distracted, or perhaps fell to a temporary fit of relative insanity. Either way, it took me until about 4:17pm today to realize that my life was about to change. I report:

After having completed already Michigan and Illinois, melodic mastermind Sufjan Stevens is ready on his way to achieve his goal of recording an album inspired by every state in the United States.

Being a massive fan of the pure glory that is his being, I am sooooo excited that...

oh my goodness...

Sufjan Stevens is currently working on an album for none other than...

NEW JERSEY!!!

whoo-hoo!!!

I absolutely cannot wait. Sufjan is a personal favorite. His sweet, almost lofty voice backed by an acoustic guitar, a horn or two and the more than just occasional banjo (all played by him) feels like a calming breeze in the shade. (listen to "Chicago [acoustic]" or "That Dress Looks Nice On You")

New York explains his fascination with the New Jersey Turnpike, and the beginnings of his inspirations.

New Jersey loves you, Sufjan!
Check out the article here

"Getting a text from Bono is the biggest thing that can happen to an Irishman."

Oh the Academy Awards...

Whether boredom had the best of me, or I convinced myself to be interested, I somehow landed myself in front of my television yet again to watch another entire Hollywood award show. I hadn't planned on watching the 8oth Anniversary Academy Awards, but after my recent Grammy experience I suppose I thought "why not?" and tuned in all the way from the Gary Busey/Jennifer Garner surprise attack hug to the final credits. Expecting to be left with the generic guilty satisfaction of having viewed such a program, I was surprised to find that what I ended up with was a different product all together. I'm hopeful.

Being an actress, an artist and a prospective filmmaker myself, I have alot of respect for the film industry. Whether it be feature dramas, comedies, documentaries, whatever, i indulge in watching. Unfortunately (maybe) for me however, I guess I missed most of the front runners this year. "No Country for Old Men" - missed it. "There Will Be Blood" - missed it. "Michael Clayton" - missed it. "Atonement" - it's on my list. "La Vie en Rose" - can't wait.

Although they were the big winners of the evening, I think this year's Oscar celebration was the year of the lesser known. That part kind of excited me. Indie films are on the rise. "Juno" was nominated for best picture, had star Ellen Page up for best actress, and even won best original screenplay! Months ago, it wasn't even intended for viewings beyond a few stops at theaters who specialize in indpendant film.

Marion Cotillard in “La Vie en Rose” won best actress. The surprise and excitement on her face was thrilling. She's young, French, and you never see her or hear about her in people magazine. To win such a prestigious award for her first big role in an American acclaimed film you could tell was truely an honor.

On front closer to home, best documentary or short subject film was taken by a little movie called "Freeheld" which is about an infamous court case that took place involving a homosexual couple of female police officers from Point Pleasant, New Jersey. Cynthia Wade and Vanessa Roth took home the prize.

My favorite small star moment was when Glen Hansard (to whom I quote for the title of this blog) and Marketa Irglova accepted their award for best original song for "Falling Slowly" in the movie "Once." What an incredible moment for independant artists! Not only was it an absolutely fantastic movie, (that I highly reccomend) but it was shot on a budget of i believe less than $100,000. (which makes "Little Miss Sunshine" look like "Pirates of the Carribean") It beat out three nominations for the colorful and commercial movie "Enchanted," as well as "August Rush."
Glen and "Mar" are best friends in real life and wrote all the songs for "Once," which they also starred in as the nameless lead roles of "guy" and "girl." They weren't originally even going to act, but they decided to as a favor of their director/friend, John Carney. (who was a member of the band The Frames, with Glen Hansard) They are artists who stay true to their craft and have and incorporated such honesty into their work. I was awed by their genuine delight in receiving the academy's recognition. I think everyone else must have been too.

The startled Glen Hansard took up most of their time allotted for their accepatnce speech and they "played the music" before Marketa Irglova got a chance to get a word in. Thankfully she was given special permission to come back out on to the stage to finish. (which is rarely done for award recipients) When she skipped back to the microphone, she sweetly delivered a speech expressing her immense grattitude for being able to recieve the award and its meaning to her as a truely struggling artist. You could really feel her sincerity in her encouraging tone, and she didn't waste a second of her oppertunity by saying "thank you" to every person she's ever become aquainted with.

With the writer's strike this year that put a cork in the bottle of big business blockbusters, the world of indie film saw a serious boom. The competition for companies to buy smaller, low budget, independant films at festivals like Sundance in Park City, Utah was more feirce this January than ever before. So what does this mean, really? Perhaps nothing, although I'm optimistically pondering that it means a turn around from the popular and ordinary to a realm of something a little more left of center. Entertaiment is growing from every angle.

Perhaps next year, the little gold man will be presented with his arms unfolded. I'm very optimistic. Martin Scorsese could be up against Lance Hammer for best direction. Maybe George Clooney will face the competition of Lou Taylor Pucci. Best actrice - Natalie Portman vs. your aunt Sally from Wall, New Jersey. It's a stretch - but hey, It might just be anybodys game.

"Every artist was first an amateur."

Ralph Waldo Emerson, a great American writer said once that every artist was first an amateur.
This is true in many respects and I think thats why its so important for young people to get involved in the arts.

Every year, the Monmouth County Arts Council hosts the Teens Arts Festival, a two-day arts festival held at Brookdale Community College that is open to the public in order to celebrate and encourage young artists. They've scheduled the event to take place this year on Tues., March 18th, and Weds., March 19th!

I can't wait to check it out!
I'll follow up.

info @
http://www.monmouthartscouncil.org/taf.php

I watched the Grammys in my Jammys

I'm not one for chewing into celebrity gossip and award shows, so events like the Grammys are normally ones that I watch in and out of my living room, between trips to my fridge and during commercial breaks on other channels (mainly because media tends to focus more on outfits, and a popular product more than the artisticly valuable acts the artists are being awarded on, if even it's appropraite to rate artists and award them in categories at all - album of the year stuff just kills me, but anyway...) This year, I was sitting in a hotel room in Boston with a good friend and we decided to watch the whole thing.

I was surprised. Most of it wasn't terrible. I enjoyed alot of the performances actually.

I can't exactly call myself a fan of hiphop music, but honestly I dig Kanye West. Come on now, who doesn't? He's a pretty cool guy, and not going to lie, his performance totally pumped me up. His astro-worthy apparel (light up glasses - that, i must add i still haven't quite figured out yet - and blazer) were a nice touch to the space-ship stage setting where he performed "Stronger" and followed up with a touching tribute to his mamma who passed away earlier this year.

Another favorite of mine was Tina Turner performing with Beyonce Knowles. It was tons of fun and I danced and sang into my minty pink toothbrush through "Proud Mary." Not only are the two incredible voices and personalities (I believe we call them divas) it was pretty cool to see them together. How old is Tina Turner anyway? Geeeez! Gramdma's doin' good!

It was also nice to see Feist perform. Even though most of America only knows who she is because one of her songs was in an iPod commercial, she's got a very pretty, refreshing voice. I suggest listening to more of her music to those who aren't familiar with it.

As for the performance done by the aging "rock legends," all I got out of it is that Little Richard still scares me.

whoa. (still thinking about it)

Kid Rock's performance with the older woman who's identity is currently blocked from my brainwaves due to the previously stated, was also good. I don't really know why they would have chosen Kid Rock, but I thought it was well done none the less.

However the ending had me a little confused. They chose to finish the 50th anniversary show with a performer who wasn't actually there...? I don't have a problem with Amy Winehouse, and rather admire her artistic talent and movement towards a more oldfashioned sound, and would have enjoyed seeing her perform the Grammys had she actually been in the United States that night. However, she was off in the UK and they imported her performance in from there via satelite. Even if she hadn't looked as bedraggled as she had, and had made an effort to at least make herself appear that she wanted to be there, it still would have been a werid ending.

In sum, the 2008 Grammys were eh... good. Perhaps it would be better to leave it at interesting.

Brookdale Guitar Show 2008

Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, New Jersey held its 11th annual guitar show Sun.,Feb. 17th. I planned on going to the event, but could not make it much to my dissapointment.

The Brookdale Guitar Show is an event where people who like guitars, like guitar music, and this year even play the popular Guitar Hero video game can go to buy, sell, trade, listen, play, compete and take workshops with established musicians and others familiar with the music industry.

The event drew massive crowds this year. "Guitar people" from all over New Jersey came out to share their love of the instrument. When they weren't shopping and admiring venders' booths stocked with new and vintage guitars, enthusiasts gathered around the fireplace or hung out downstairs to listen to local acts including Jo Wymer & The Itty Bitty Band and Jeremy Korpas and The Green Tag Sale.

Also, the event was host to a new attraction this year. Game Stop sponsored a special video game tournament where contestants battled it out playing Guitar Hero® III: Legends of Rock.

Girl Power!!

If it was still 1998, I would probably still be dressed up as Baby Spice, playing with my Spice dolls, and having a dance party in my sister's bedroom to "Spice Up Your Life," jumping from bed to bed in platform Sketchers, while trying not to fall on the 23423-peice spice puzzle i would have done while I was rewinding my Spice World VHS tape between my 3pm and 6pm viewing of the film. Oh yes, obsession would not even close to cover it. The Spice Girls were more than that to my six-year-old self. I had girl power. Girl power had me - from the hair, to the lollipop, to the pink mini-dress - to mom and dad's wallet. I wasn't alone either.

A decade ago, the Spice Girls were a pop phenomenon. This winter, the long separated Ginger, Posh, Scary, Sporty and Baby re-banded for a sold-out reunion tour that landed itself at Izod Center (formerly Continental Arena) in New Jersey Weds., Feb. 13. I was there to witness all the glory.

Being the disgustingly avid Spice junkie that I am, I showed up to the show fully ready to royally rock it out. My friends and I dressed up as the band. We went all out. While most were in flourescent leggings and sequins thinking they looked pretty sweet, I was there fully decked out in a snake skin print get up complete with Scary Spice signature afro, six-inch platform boots and rediculous floor length fur coat. We looked awesome. I've never been stared at that much in my entire life - nor been treated like such a celebrity. We posed for at least 357 random pictures, (it literally took us an hour to get from the door to our seats because people stopped us at perpetuem) and we even got our picture taken by an editor in Ellegirl Magazine! check it out in her blog > http://blog.ellegirl.com/blog/2008/02/if-you-wannabe.html
(4th picture down at the bottom - clearly we look the best!)

My personal accomplishments aside, the concert was actually very good. They sounded great and put on quite the show. I sobbed and shivvered in my Spice boots uncontrolably for at least the first 25 minutes of the performance, but once I regained composeur and ended my pre-teen display of emotion, i joined the rest of the crowd in relative sanity and jumped along to my favorite oldies.

My ONLY complaint about the show (which accounts for viturally nothing) was the songs the girls sang solo, or the lesser known songs they sang without Geri Hallowell (Ginger Spice) that were written during the band's falling out that were performed in the middle of the show. I'm all about the unity and girl power, and sat down for some of that. (mainly because I couldn't feel my feet - but I was also making a statement)

The Spice Girls pulled it together at the end big time though, covering "Celebrate Good Times" and "We Are Family" and singing to the crowd that "that's the way uhh-huh uhh-huh we like it."

They left the crowd screaming in the dark arena for an encore, and after about five minutes (which seemed like an hour the way I was crying again) they jumped back on stage to perform a final goodbye with their mega-hit "Wannabe."

I can't speak for everyone, but personally, it was the single greatest night of my human existence.

Nicole Atkins and the Sea

This Valentine's Day, Nicole Atkins and her band the Sea graced the stage of the Algonquin Arts Theatre in Managquan, NJ to play an intimate local show to prefix their upcoming six week tour. Atkins is a local singer-songwriter from Neptune.



Finding out about the show itself back in late January was harder than scoring my front row center tickets, however the crowd seemed more than decent as the 540 seat theatre was cozy with friends and fans. Regardless, whether audience members showed up with their sweetheart or went dateless with their mom (like me) a good time was enjoyed by all.

The stage was set up in an almost erie, but still very cool ornamentation of broken antique picture frames and colored stage lights made pictures of hearts on the black velvet curtain that hung as a background to the dimly lit stage.



Opening for Atkins, the mood was set by an awkwardly carismatic Michael Leviton, who sang and played the barritone ukelele. His songs were mostly about an almost familiar loveless, lonliness that was endearingly dorky. (His album is appropraitely called "My Favorite Place to Drown" and it has a Beach Boys-esque sound - if they were singing to a deflated beach ball in December)

He certainly came off shy and made some nervous at first, but had everyone laughing along with him by the end. Maybe I'm being partial, but I think the whole crowd wanted to go home, cut him out a little paper heart, and give him a big Valentine's hug. He continually appologized for his lack of happier love songs on the holiday, but tracks like "Summer's The Worst" made all the singles in the crowd feel a little less alone, and the couples greatful to be there together, and happy they weren't in his shoes.
My favorite track of his performance was a little ditty called "If Sense Were Really Common"



Nicole Atkins, who follwed shortly after is gallons more than just a pretty face who can sing a little. This girl can belt it out. Fond of elongated notes with a particular bellow, she opens her mouth and an incredible sound just pours out and pleasantly rolls through the air like soft, heavy velvet. (it makes sense when you hear it in tracks like "Neptune City" and "The Way It Is")

Her music gets alot of play on Brookdale Public Radio (90.5) and is popular amongst coffee house kids. However, Akins' music is taking off quickly. She has an American Express commercial on television and was recently named one of Rolling Stone's top 10 artists to watch. (My mom, who was paralyzed with her jaw open in awe the entire show, exclaimed nemerous times that "that girl will be singing at the Grammys in two years tops!")


Overall, Atkins put on a stellar performance. To lighten up the room and bring some Valentine's cheer to her usual set list that has a semi-dark, "love-sucks"- she joked - feeling, she whistled and sang a pretty version of "Dream A Little Dream Of Me." She finished with an encore and a standing ovation.

After I bought Leviton's CD in the lobby, I went back through the theatre so I wouldn't have to elbow through the crowd to get out the door. Just as I was walking back in, Atkins was just jumping off the stage in her bright red tights and vintage-looking red velvet heels and was more than happy to jump in a picture with me. (and my mom) She was so sweet! She thanked me in her tired, post-show voice three times for coming - as if I had been the one singing to her all night.

http://www.nicoleatkins.com/
http://www.michaelleviton.com/news.php

feature

http://www.prefixmag.com/features/nicole-atkins-amp-the-sea/bowery-ballroom/17016/

This feature is about local singer/songwriter Nicole Atkins, from Neptune, NJ.
Atkins will perform a show at Manasquan's Algonquin Arts Theatre next Thurs., Feb. 14

scenes from super tuesday

Tuesday night, history classes belonging to Mr. Joe Martin and Ms. Nacarlo gathered in the Wall High School Library to hold out the results of the Super Tuesday presidential primary elections. There was a surprisingly large turnout of students who have been following the cut throat 2008 election process and the room was filled with enthusiasm. Students even got creative with their interest. Mr. Martin and Ms. Nacarlo were decked out in Super Tuesday "fight night" T-shirts, and political themed desserts were a theme.

Overall, the teachers (and even the students) were impressed with the interest and turnout in the event, which was a complete success.

When Mr. Martin was able to take a breath and control his excitement, he said that he was proud to be amongst such intersted young people, and thanked everyone for coming.