Monday, June 25, 2018

{#MusicMonday} #TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ Celebrating @PaquitoDRivera 70th Birthday @BlueNoteNYC + through June 30 Blue Note Jazz Festival Presented by @Sony and #Inglot

I have eclectic taste in music, fellow eclectics will tell you they have a lot of everything, something from pretty much every genre but rarely listen to the same artist for prolonged periods of time, rotating from various gems in their extensive music collection.

There are some artists I have in every format that music has been produced in: 8 Track, Vinyl, Cassette, CD and now digital.

Paquito D'Rivera is one of those artists.

Last week I got to celebrate his 70th birthday at the iconic and legendary Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City and it was EPIC!

Now through June 30th the Blue Note Jazz Festival which is being sponsored by Sony and Inglot, is bringing a ton of great artists to the Blue Note Jazz Club.

Photo Highlights:


Above: I just had to nab a shot of the stage before the crowd rolled in!

Above: Reserved Table Baby! Look who's high rolling and on the list! :)

Above: Each table has its own Gold Star, sort of like the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Jazz, my table was Illinois Jacquet. Jean-Baptiste "Illinois" Jacquet was an American jazz tenor saxophonist, best remembered for his solo on "Flying Home", critically recognized as the first R&B sax solo. (He was a skilled improviser and he also doubled on the bassoon!)


Above: After soaking up the vibes it was time to order a nice libation and I was so stoked to see the "Plum Razz Martini" on the menu as I love Plum Sake!

Plum Razz Martini Cocktail:

Stoli Razberi
Umeshu Plum Sake
Fresh Lemon Juice


Above: 'The Paqman' performing at Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City. From 6/12-17 he performed 12 sets, all different repertoire, there was little something something for everyone!

Above: While this was not my first time seeing Paquito D'Rivera perform live it was my first time seeing him perform at The Blue Note Jazz Club!

Above: I love when musicians banter with the crowd and one of my favorite moments was when the band was about to perform some brazilian music when Paquito asked if anyone was from Brazil in the crowd, an audience member said she was, and that she saw him perform there as well.

Above: We were surprised with a Meet & Greet! This is Cheryl Goodman, Head of North American Global Communications for Sony who I captured at the precise moment when she was pointing to me and telling Paquito "I was so cool!" I think I love this picture even more than my photos with him, because I will NEVER forget this moment!

Above: As you can tell by the laughs Paquito is very down to earth. I seriously have no idea how artists have any energy left for meet and greets after a performance.


Above: A forward facing one, you know for insta!

MY TAKE:

Last year I told you guys about the launch of Sony Square Space, (linking you to my Square Space coverage in case you missed it) and this year it's Sony Hall. While the concert I attended was in the West 3rd venue, Sony Hall, equipped with Sony's technologies is integrated throughout a 12,000 square-foot venue owned/operated by Blue Note Entertainment in the heart of New York's Theatre District (at the Paramount Hotel). Offering a full-service restaurant and bar with a capacity of 1,000 standing and 500 seated.

There is a reason why live plays trump movies and concerts trump CD's, nothing beats theatre or music being experienced live.

I do not know how Paquito D'Rivera has so much energy. At 70 I am probably going to want a nap for my birthday! LOL

Note that the West 3rd venue is quite intimate and it's shared tables so for this venue you really want to round up a bigger crew so you will be seated with folks you know. If you are a smaller group be prepared to share your table. I only mention this as that night I observed a couple on a first date, and they seemed a bit over-whelmed at having folks so close up and personal.

But as a music lover you are also getting a great chance to connect fellow music lovers which can be fun.

We enjoyed quite a few shared apps and a variety of the drinks and everything was great including wonderfully attentive service. But finding a drink with Plum Sake was such a pleasant surprise. And I am going to have to get a bottle of this brand because I really liked it. I personally would use regular stoli and let the plum sake do the talking but I wasn't mad at the stoli razberi!

And I have to admit my Nikon did its thing considering the low lighting. I played around with a few of the photos using my photo editor and did some sepia and black and whites that I didn't include here, I will use those for a Wordless Wednesday because they impart such a totally different mood/vibe that they would be perfect for the day that the interwebs focuses on photos.

One of Paquito D'Rivera's best collaborations was on "Another Kind of Blue: The Latin Side of Miles Davis, featuring Conrad Herwig and Paquito D'Rivera" you definitely want a CD of music that was recorded live at the blue note as a memento of your experience. There is a gift shop on the second floor, so be sure to hit it on the way out.

I am literally posting about last week out of order, so stay tuned for an upcoming Travel meets Tech post next (it's actually where I was during the day that day, this performance was in the evening)!

Readers Sound Off: Who is your favorite Jazz Musician? Have you been to the legendary Blue Note?

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FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a monetarily compensated Post, but it certainly should be. This is not just my passion project, it's my business/brand. This is an event recap and passes were provided for Editorial Consideration. All opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

GLAM + Ambition = Glambition™ Check out the highlights from Beauty Night Out 2018 #GBNO18 #KnockingDownWallsInHeels hosted by @Google

Above: I rarely a start a post with a 'see what I did there?' but I cropped out the person I took this picture for just because I loved the idea of her silhouette juxtaposed against the event signage. I have been really into getting more creative with my Photography. This was shot with a Canon Rebel, I have since switched to Nikon.

In 2016 during Women's History Month I got to attend a very special event called "GLAMBITION Women Think Big". An event intended to help empower and inspire and explore the many roles we play both in life and in business. (Linking you to it just in case you missed it.)

This year Glambition returned to NYC in a different venue, Google's NYC offices in Chelsea. On the day of this event many marches were being held for the #MeToo movement. I actually did not know that but discovered it that day when tons of women participating in the rally in NYC boarded the MTA Subway Train I was on with their signs in tow. 

I love that Glambition events have aligned with significant dates of importance for women.

If you have a bit of GLAM in you and a ton of Ambition then Glambition™ events are definitely for YOU!

There were panel sessions that helped to empower entrepreneurs - women in business who are doing big things and are willing to share the journey so you can learn from their mistakes and be inspired by their triumps! 

Photo Highlights:




Above: Google Neon Sign, NYC HQ Lobby



Above: Google was all about empowering entrepreneurs, and this butterfly was there to soak it all in!



Above: Salud Para Todos greeted guests with their Moringa Detox and Wellness Tea which was perfect because it was freezing outside and it tasted great! I also happened to be the lucky winner of their raffle and won a cool gift basket full of products that fit in perfectly with my personal and blog focus phrase for 2018 'self-care'. So you will see more on this soon, and I hope to partner with them to bring something fun for my butterflies that focuses on self-care. Which is something I have always been saying most of us do NOT get nearly enough of! Take care of your body, it is the engine that drives you daily.





Above: Photo 1: Left: Esmeralda Cruz, CEO of EC-OPS and in the second photo I couldn't help but get a close up of 'Big Lashes Lead To A Big Life'.




Above: Honor Thy Sweets treated guests to cupcakes! NOM NOM NOM



Above: Model Citizen's booth had fun t-shirt swag! They had pretty neat raffles too, I guess I can't win them all, but will post a pic in my tee for a wordless wednesday or on insta, so be sure you are following me there as well.



Above: And with my love of animal prints I spotted this super cute clutch from Faces Beautiful by Gail Sagel across the room! This is so ME! I am an avid travel lover, and I pride myself on being able to anywhere with just ONE carry on and my purse, and that's it. One thing I always like to pack is a clutch so on evenings out or a day just at the hotel I just carry essentials, this clutch is so packable and while it is meant to carry your Faces Beautiful Makeup, you can leave the makeup in the room and use the clutch for an evening out or have this as your makeup travel case. More to come, and they have also been invited to come back and doing something fun. I am also working on an animal print accessories round up and this is definitely going in there as well.



Above: You guys know I am obsessed with Plum Sake (just search my archives - my favorite is Gekkeikan Plum Sake), so when I discovered Plush Vodka - a plum flavored Vodka I was definitely trying it out and the signature cocktails too! They were also invited to do something fun - so stay tuned.



Above: As if Plum Vodka and signature cocktails weren't enough, the fine folks at Bartenura were offering a very nice selection of wines including a very nice Rose and Pinot Grigio!


Above: Dee Rivera, Founder of Dee and CO Group.


Above: Angelina Darrisaw, C-Suite Coach, providing affordable and accessible coaching and career content to millenial professionals with diverse backgrounds.



Above: Aisha Taylor Strategic Partnerships and Program Lead at Google. Aisha launched and oversees Google’s new Digital Coaches Program to equip and empower women and minority-owned small businesses with digital marketing training across 9 U.S. pilot cities (Atlanta, Austin, Bay Area, Chicago, Detroit, LA, Miami, NYC and Washington DC).



Above: Building Beauty is an Asset Panel. Don't let Social fool you, getting rich via Instagram and Blogging is not happening for everyone, and certainly not as easily or quickly as social makes it look. Whether you made or are still trying to make your first 'insta-millions' taking control of your finances is the best way to be sure you have a comfortable future. How to build assets with a Life Insurance was helmed by the team at New York Life Insurance.



Above: Building a Viable Brand Panel



Above: Panel discussion moderated by Hello Beautiful Style & Beauty Editor and Founder of Model CitizenDanielle James. Left to Right: Sarah Perez (CEO of SALUD), Vera Moore (Founder, Vera Moore Cosmetics), Jane Carter (Founder, Jane Carter Solution), Kim Baker (Founder, Glamazon Cosmetics)

Check out the video coverage of these panels here: https://hellobeautiful.com/2976193/glambition-beauty-night-out-speakers/

MY TAKE:

I love supporting women in business and women owned businesses! I love meeting women who are willing to share their journey. No one has an easy rise/ride to the top, it takes hard work and a ton of guts to make it to the top of your industry.

I like how this event came at Entrepreneurship from all sides, the triumphs, hardships and obstacles that other successful female entrepreneurs have faced, and a reminder that getting a grip on all facets of wealth building and equity including being insured, are important foundations to your success.

Follow your gut instincts, and never second guess yourself was one of the greatest takeaways for me.

Readers Sound Off: What is YOUR GLAMbition?

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FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a monetarily compensated Post, but it certainly should be. This is not just my passion project, it's my business/brand. This is an event recap and passes were provided for Editorial Consideration. All opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

#WordlessWednesday recap coverage from @BellaNYCMag The #Beauty Issue with @MsAlexaJoel Cover Launch Party @LaPulperianyc

NOT COMPENSATED!


Happy Wordless Wednesday!

It is Wordless Wednesday across the interwebs - a day where you say it with pictures!

And I have just the set of pictures for your eyeballs today butterflies

A few days ago I attended the cover launch of the May/June 2018 Beauty Issue of BELLA New York Magazine with Alexa Ray Joel at the 57th street location of La Pulperia New York City Restaurant and it was LIT!

Me and my new Nikon are still getting acquainted so a mix of my best shots and some pro shots are included below:



Above: The Red Carpet Arrivals! Alexa Ray Joel being interviewed by ET - Entertainment Television - Photo Credit: Staten Arts Photography (BTW, Alexa's hair was done by Angelo David Salon - and you can search my archives to see just how much I love them!)



Above: Alexa Ray Joel holds up The May/June 2018 Beauty Issue of BELLA New York Magazine  - Photo Credit: Staten Arts Photography

Above: Left: Avanti Gupta, Bella Magazine's TV host interviews - Photo Credit: Staten Arts Photography

Above: Left: Alexa Ray Joel with her fiance Ryan Gleason (Right)  - Photo Credit: Staten Arts Photography

Above: Alexa Ray Joel and her mom Christie Brinkley remind me of me and mama butterfly! Just a regular day in NYC hitting the scene!  - Photo Credit: Staten Arts Photography
Above: You know I am loving this shot for the mix of posed and candid - I love how Alexa's mom Christie is taking her own photo on her cellphone. - Photo Credit: Staten Arts Photography

Above: Christie Brinkley outside of La Pulperia Restaurant in New York City  - Photo Credit: Staten Arts Photography

OK Butterflies, let's move away from The Red Carpet Arrivals and delve into the event details and venue a bit!


Above: Had to nab a shot of the pretty flowers - table settings included flowers, candles and copies of the May/June 2018 Beauty Issue of BELLA New York Magazine! And this shot was nabbed by me!

Above: We need to go over this Bar Menu because they were great! Prosecco DOC Prosecco, Beso Del Sol Sangria, White Sparkling, Rose Sparkling and Rose Still - these were sweet and normally my palette runs dry but I really liked these! I can see these complimenting so many picnics in the park this summer! Batiste Rhum (I rarely cheat on Bacardi - but this is definitely cheat worthy!), Reeds Ginger Beer and 1907 Water. The Drinks and service at La Pulperia were equally amazing.
Above: Gotta be quick to nab an appetizer in NYC!

Above: I didn't earn my nickame as #TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ for nothing, I can't hit an event without taking a good DJ shot, here is a shot of DJ MUVEE in action! NY Editors can sometimes play cool at events, but I can tell you booties were moving, so props to the DJ!

Above: By the way I was not as close as the photo makes it look, so YAS to upgrading my camera and my lenses!

Above: I was totally living for Jonathan Calixto of BELLA New York Magazine's look, that jacket and those pants were FIRE! You can find Jonathan on Instagram at: @ThisisJCali




























MY TAKE

Events are mainly work for me, and half the time is spent trying to nab shots worthy of publication - this one brought me back to hanging out with friends just for fun and I had to remind myself I was technically at 'work'! and that is a very GOOD thing.

I met so many super nice folks and my only regret was not asking Alexa for a photo, I rarely do it, but she seemed super approachable and I was looking particularly cute that night and have no photo proof because I took none of me!

Readers: Pick up your copy of the May/June 2018 BELLA New York Magazine at your favorite news stand or check them out online at: bellanyc.com

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FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received, and all opinions are 100% my own!  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.