Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts

Friday, May 3, 2019

@NYBG Celebrates Lilac Weekend and Plein-Air Invitational May 4-5 and this butterfly will definitely be there! #plantlove

New York Botanical Garden Celebrates Nature’s Love Letter to Spring with Lilac Weekend and Plein-Air Invitational


With its floral clusters, sweet fragrance, and heart-shaped leaves, the lilac is nature’s love letter to spring. The Burn Family Lilac Collection at New York Botanical Garden takes the spotlight as we celebrate this American garden favorite in all of its glorious forms, colors, and aromas (both spicy and sweet!) with plein-air painting, music, guided tours, and talks. 

Lilac Weekend and Plein-Air Invitational programming includes:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Fourth Annual Plein-Air Invitational Saturday, May 4 from 11 a.m.–4 p.m., various NYBG grounds locations Every year, to help mark the Garden’s rites of spring, distinguished plein-air artists from throughout the Northeast gather across the grounds in a public display of painterly talent and nature appreciation. Led by plein-air master James Gurney, participating artists work in various media while engaging with Garden visitors. Also joining will be artists affiliated with the NYC chapter of Urban Sketchers, an international nonprofit dedicated to fostering a global community of artists who practice on-location drawing. 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Plein-Air Drop-In and Draw Saturday and Sunday, May 4 - 5, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., various NYBG grounds locations Draw inspiration from the Garden as a plein-air artist would. Drop in, grab a stool and materials and create an image of the Garden to take home. Instructors offer guided tips every half hour. 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Lilac Garden Tours with Q&A Saturday and Sunday, May 4 -5 at 11 a.m., 12, 1, 2, & 3 p.m., at the Lilac Collection Deanna Curtis, NYBG’s Curator of Woody Plants, will be on hand to share her expertise on this historic collection. 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Live Music among the Lilacs Sunday, May 5 at 1, 2, & 3 p.m., at the Lilac Collection String Quartet by so&so (symphony orchestra and select others) is a curating collective whose symphony-centric performances feature young professional, top-caliber musicians from all over the world. For its debut season, NY-based so&so has partnered with several organizations, including The New York Botanical Garden, to present a variety of projects such as symphony performances, opera and original ballet. 

For a complete schedule of events, visit https://www.nybg.org/event/lilac-weekend/

WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, May 4 - 5, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. 

WHERE: The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, New York

My Take:

I am looking forward to visiting New York Botanical Garden for Lilac Weekend, this is definitely a wonderful idea as an early Mother's Day Gift for mom, make a day of it!

READERS: Are you finally seeing signs of Spring? What is your favorite flower?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post and all opinions are 100% my own!  The love however is genuine, NYBG is one of my favorite places in New York City! 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.

Friday, October 23, 2015

I closed out #HispanicHeritageMonth with an @HBOLatino special screening of #POETOFHAVANA - Check out my #Photo Highlights!

HBO LATINO closes out Hispanic Heritage Month with a Private New York City Preview of the film, The Poet of Havana


HBO LATINO closes out Hispanic Heritage Month with a Private New York City Preview of the film, The Poet of Havana starring Carlos Varela Produced by Ron Chapman with a talk back moderated by Manny Ruiz
LEFT: Ron Chapman, Producer, MIDDLE: Carlos Varela, Musican, RIGHT: Moderator Manny Ruiz
I recently had the opportunity to attend an HBO LATINO private preview of the award-winning music, The Poet of Havana which chronicles the career of the internationally renowned Cuban Singer, Songwriter and Lyricist, Carlos Varela - celebrating his 30th anniversary as an artist. The film was directed and produced by Ron Chapman and was filmed throughout Havana, Cuba with footage that included interviews with Music and Media Personalities including: American Folk-Rock legend, Jackson Browne, Actor and Movie Director, Benicio del Toro (Benicio actually does much of the narration in the film), Salsa Sensation, Luis Enrique and Brazilian Musician, Ivan Lins.

The film won Audience Selection BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILM AWARD in the Gasparilla International Film Festival in Tampa, Florida.

The NYC Private Preview included Spoken Word Perfomances and a 'Talk Back' with Carlos Varela and Ron Chapman which was moderated by the Founder of Hispanicize, Manny Ruiz.

Here are my Photo Highlights:

Founder of Hispanicize, Manny Ruiz, event emcee and moderator
ABOVE: Founder of Hispanicize, Manny Ruiz, event emcee and moderator!

Spoken Word Performance by Puerto-Rican Actress, Poet and Activist, Caridad De La Luz, AKA 'La Bruja'
ABOVE: Spoken Word Performance by Puerto-Rican Actress, Poet and Activist, Caridad De La Luz, AKA 'La Bruja' (which translates to 'the witch')

Spoken Word Performance by Odette Casamayor-Cisneros, Cuban-born Scholar and Writer
ABOVE: Odette Casamayor-Cisneros, Cuban-born Scholar and Writer

Hip-Hop Artist and Film-Maker, Frank Antonio López
ABOVE: Hip-Hop Artist and Film-Maker, Frank Antonio López

Hip-Hop Artist and Film-Maker, Frank Antonio López
ABOVE: Hip-Hop Artist and Film-Maker, Frank Antonio López

Carlos Varela Surprises Guests with an Impromptu Acoustic Performance!
ABOVE: Carlos Varela Surprises Guests with an Impromptu Acoustic Performance!

ABOVE: Carlos Varela Surprises Guests with an Impromptu Acoustic Performance! You know I had to get jiggy with angles just to mix things up a bit!


ABOVE: LEFT: Rebecca G. Torres of Lifestyle Remix and RIGHT: George Torres aka Urban Jibaro of Sofrito for your Soul

Guests in attendance got a chance to mingle after the talk back and I was happy to see George as we met very early on in the Digital Influencer space here in NYC and his good energy is always infectious! This was my first time meeting Rebecca! Their signs - orgullo latino - translates to 'Latino Pride'. I hope he doesn't mind me sharing, but when George shared his photos online, he said something super poignant that I felt a strong need to share as the words truly resonated with me - that Hispanic Heritage should be celebrated year round not just September 15th - October 15th.

I love taking photos of people but try to avoid the camera myself, but everyone egged me on so here is mine:


ABOVE: Your very own Ascending Butterfly holding the signs 'Amor/Love'

MY TAKE:

ah Butterflies, today for the first time in a long while, this is the part of my story that I dread. There are very mixed feelings as I write 'My Take' today. 

My previous experience with HBO Latino was for last year's Carlos Santana, Santana Corazon: Live from Mexico Live it to Believe It Special, I shared my sneak peek of it HERE. I couldn't possibly say enough about how much I truly enjoyed this event. (The press line was a bit manic - but they always are, in NYC you have to have thick skin to stand in a press line and have super tall men knocking into you and shoving you to get a shot).

But this event, sadly, I didn't love. It didn't feel as welcoming or warm as the feelings that abounded during the Santana event. These events were night and day and you wouldn't think the same team was behind them.

I got there and was told I was not on the press list, then they couldn't find my name at all. When my name was finally found (mostly by MY ability to read and spot my name in small print upside down) it was not on a press list. I rode the elevator with Ron Chapman who must have had trouble at the door also, I saw them on my way in, and then caught up to them by the time the elevator arrived. Not a good start. When the auditorium got seated I chose a lower down seat that had NO marking on it whatsoever and was rudely told to 'Move so 'real' press could have that seat'. I pointed out that it was NOT marked reserved and waved my DSLR at her, informing I was invited to Blog about the event. That didn't seem to matter so I moved, and told her pointedly, 'the way I am being treated is the coverage you can expect'.

So as promised I am sharing the good, the bad and the downright ugly. That my friends was the straw that broke this camel's back. The moment this happens at an event I shut down. I was truly furious at their rudeness.

I was considering not covering this event at all as a form of protest, so brands can learn they can't call us 'press' when it's convenient and then treat Digital Press like crap during an event - but it didn't seem fair to Carlos Varela or Ron who were nothing but nice to everyone. So I have opted to make my time worth something since they are certainly not paying me and I have absolutely nothing to lose by being honest.

I want to see more films about Latinos on screen and the way to do that is to cover them. The more exposure and the more demand, the better the quality of film-making about the Latino Community will be. But the lack of cohesion between what was being presented and the warm and fuzzies they wanted us to have and the poor way I was treated is quite a dichotomy. And therein my friends lies the rub.

The movie airs Friday, October 23rd on HBO LATINO at 8pm/7 Central and you can follow the action on social using the hashtag #POETOFHAVANA - the movie, EXCELLENT, the subject matter fascinating - watching a decades old embargo come to a close and what is going to happen now is an amazing time in Latino History - the way I was treated at this event however - Not So Much......

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FTC Disclosure: All opinions are 100% MY OWN. This is an event recap. No Compensation has been received. 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.

Friday, June 5, 2015

Nominate a Special Dad for an @NYBG Father's Day Concert + Frida Al Fresco Experience in New York City! #FridaNYBG

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Neon Sign at Cantina in The New York Botanical Garden

I think we all know by now and can all agree that Dad does not want a tie for Father's Day right?

Tired of the same old Father's Day Gift Ideas?  How about an experience instead?

Since May I have been sharing my coverage of Frida Kahlo: Art. Garden. Life at The New York Botanical Garden. I have taken more photos than I can possibly fit into one post so I will create a Pinterest Board that will be a work in progress of the experience to date. (I already made one for the Mastercard Priceless Experience with Chef Aaron Sanchez that occured at The New York Botanical Garden, if you missed that one click HERE). 

Remember when I told you all this coverage was leading up to something special for YOU? As promised, I come with a Special Giveaway!

Do you think Dad would like an experience that combines nature, art, music, and dance in a very special setting with a fun concert too?

I shared my coverage of the Media Day for the exhibition, but what I haven't yet shared and will do so now is the opening weekend of the 'evening version' of the exhibition called 'Frida Al Fresco' where the Garden comes alive after hours!

There is MUSIC:

Contemporary Mexican Ensemble Group, The Villalobos Brothers, Musical Artists in Residence and are performing at The New York Botanical Garden, Music, Live Concert, Outdoor Concert
AboveContemporary Mexican Ensemble Group, The Villalobos Brothers are Musical Artists in Residence and are performing at The New York Botanical Garden in conjunction with the Frida Kahlo - Art. Garden. Life Special Exhibition

Contemporary Mexican Ensemble Group, The Villalobos Brothers, Musical Artists in Residence and are performing at The New York Botanical Garden, Music, Live Concert, Outdoor Concert

Above: Look who joined in on the fun, a dancing Frida!

Contemporary Mexican Ensemble Group, The Villalobos Brothers, Musical Artists in Residence and are performing at The New York Botanical Garden, Music, Live Concert, Outdoor Concert

Contemporary Mexican Ensemble Group, The Villalobos Brothers, Musical Artists in Residence and are performing at The New York Botanical Garden, Music, Live Concert, Outdoor Concert, Alberto Villalobos
Above: I asked The Villalobos Brothers to sign my CD! Left: Alberto Villalobos.
 Mariachi Flor de Toloache performing live outdoors at The New York Botanical Garden for Frida Al Fresco Evenings

Above: Mariachi Flor de Toloache performing live outdoors at The New York Botanical Garden for Frida Al Fresco Evenings

There is ART:



Paper Mache Mask Sculpture designed by Alberto Villalobos of The Villalobos Brothers on display at The New York Botanical Garden
Above: Did you notice these masks were onstage during The Villalobos outdoor concert in the photos above? There is a very significant reason for that, this mask was designed and created by Alberto Villalobos himself. (By the way he also handcrafted one of the violins being used in the concert also!) I can see why they are 'Artists in Residence' - for both their artistic and musical talent it seems! Color me blown away!

7 ft tall paper mache sculpture entitled “Quetzalcoatl” (inspired by the Aztec deity and creator of mankind, and coming from the Nahuatl language meaning "Feathered serpent”)
Above: In addition to the Paper Mache Masks, there was also a 7 ft tall paper mache sculpture entitled “Quetzalcoatl” (inspired by the Aztec deity and creator of mankind, and coming from the Nahuatl language meaning "Feathered serpent”) on display, but I wasn't able to nab a shot of it.

There is DANCE:

Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden
Above: Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden

Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden




Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden
Above: Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden

Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden




Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden




Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden




Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden
Above: Calpulli Danza Mexicana at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden. They finished their performance to great applause! I took video, as soon as I upload it to YouTube I will be sure to add it!

Dancing Frida Kahlo performs alongside Mariachi Flor de Toloache at The New York Botanical Garden Frida Khalo Art Garden Life Exhibition
























Above: This dancing Frida performed alongside Mariachi Flor de Toloache. Do I get props for capturing this motion without blur or what?

Dancing Frida Kahlo performs alongside Mariachi Flor de Toloache at The New York Botanical Garden Frida Khalo Art Garden Life Exhibition




Dancing Frida Kahlo performs alongside Mariachi Flor de Toloache at The New York Botanical Garden Frida Khalo Art Garden Life Exhibition


Dancing Frida Kahlo performs alongside Mariachi Flor de Toloache at The New York Botanical Garden Frida Khalo Art Garden Life Exhibition




























Above: The person behind me who saw the preview of this shot on my camera was blown away as I was literally holding my camera up above the crowds head to get this shot! I may have been on my tiptoes the whole time so the fact the camera didn't pick up my movement and I didn't get much shake in the shot is something I have to admit that I'm kinda pleased with myself about. Maybe my calling is really to photograph dancers?

There is FOOD and DRINK:

Above: Warning, the lines for this truck are usually a bit long, but the food is prepared fresh, and is so worth the wait! Don't pass up a chance to grab some eats from La Casa Azul Food Truck! If you can't stand the wait try the Hudson Garden Grill which has a special menu in conjunction with the exhibition.

Above: This pic was actually taken with my phone because I posted it to instagram. I got quite a few likes for this one, you guys really love your food! I highly suggest the fish tacos from La Casa Azul Taco Truck!

On Father's Day there will be a special 'Canciones de mi Padre' (Songs of My Father) concert - the top selling non-English album in American History and this special performance of her landmark album of traditional Mexican folk songs will be performed under the stars by The Villalobos Brothers and Humberto Flores at The New York Botanical Garden and I want YOU to take your Dad!

MY TAKE:

I have been enjoying the exhibition and love that no two experiences have been the same. Frida Al Fresco during the evenings was such a fun and laid back way to meet new people and if you check out the event schedule they are truly mixing things up so that each visit will really offer up something unique for the visitors. 

I wanted to give you a few tips to maximize your experience:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The Paper Dresses are in Ross Hall, Ross Hall doesn't stay open late so if you are going for Frida Al Fresco during the evening, but want to see the Paper Dresses, plan to arrive a little earlier so you can hit Ross Hall first!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Photography is NOT permitted in the Art Gallery

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Large Backpacks will not be permitted on the grounds and there is no coat check, so please plan accordingly

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - La Casa Azul Taco Truck is AWESOME, the food is prepared while you wait that is why the average wait time can be very long, so if it is not to crowded when you arrive, HIT THAT before a line forms.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Your advanced admission includes a complimentary cocktail which you pick up at the Cantina. The Cantina is to your left when you walk past the ticketing. Same tip applies here as above, if it's not to crowded when you get there, get your drink then so you don't end up losing time in lines.

WIN IT:

Nominate a Special Dad (can be your Dad, Grandpa, your Husband, Your Brother, Uncle - the choice is yours) by telling us what makes him special. Is your Dad gone? If you would like to take along a special Adult Grad instead, tell us something about your special Grad.

Use the rafflecopter widget below to enter (if the widget seems 'stuck' just refresh your browser, it might have 'fallen asleep while you were reading!):

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please Note: This giveaway is only open to those 21 years of age and above. The Frida Al Fresco evenings tickets come with a complimentary Modelo Especial Draft Cerveza (beer) OR a Jose Cuervo Tradicional Margarita. (Ascending Butterfly will NOT be held responsible if you are denied access to the event or bar because winner or guest is not of age, there are NO subsitutions to this prize)

The Prize: This giveaway includes one pair of passes to Frida Al Fresco (one winner and one guest) which will allow you to enjoy the Father's Day Concert as well 2 copies of The Villalobos Brothers "Aliens of Extraordinary Ability" CD - one for you and one for your dad (this will be sent to you directly). It does NOT include airfare, hotel, parking or any additional expenses.

Who will you nominate to win this special experience? Your Dad or an Adult Grad? Why should your Dad or (adult) Grad win?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, 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.

Monday, September 1, 2014

Take it from #TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ your music is only as good as your audio player! Try the @DenonAmerica #DenonHEOS

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Press on the Image Above to Purchase the Denon HEOS 5 directly via Best Buy
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Has your phone or Smart Device replaced your home theater system? C'mon Butterfly be honest, when is the last time you actually listened to an actual CD? I personally can't even remember, but I do know your music is only as good as the device that you use to play it on!

Our friends at Best Buy want you to love the way you listen and even though Audio Fest is coming to an end you can count on Best Buy to offer you quality Audio at great prices year round!  Single girl apartment living means small spaces, but that doesn't mean that I don't want the best quality in Audio available to me.

Let's just say my 'home office' moves with me from room to room and my music is spread out on multiple devices, I don't have room for a big old receiver and a million components, so for me portability and strong sound are not just key, they are both a *must*.

I will spare you my DUH moment with setting it up that actually resulted in me needing a glass of wine (perhaps setting it up while you are cooking is not the best idea), and instead I'll give you device deets:

Denon HEOS 5 Multi-Room Wireless Sound System, Portable Speaker, Music System











ABOUT

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - APP: Your Smart Device becomes your remote with the FREE HEOS App

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Multi-Room Capable: Hook this speaker to your home network and stream music in one room while your actual playlist can reside anywhere!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Your Tunes, Your Way: Stream from your favorite music service including Spotify (my personal fave), Deezer, Tunein, Napster, Pandora, Rhapsody - stream music stored on your IOS or Android Smartphone or Tablet. A USB Jack and Auxiliary Input Jack on the back of the unit allow for easy setup. You can also stream tunes from your NAS Drive or Computer! (There is an ethernet Jack as well if you want to go 'old school' and be all wired and stuff.) Supports MP3, WMA, AAC, MPEG4, FLAC and WAV files.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Buy based on room size: HEOS 5 is ideal for medium to large rooms, The HEOS 3 for smaller rooms and The HEOS 7 is ideal for large spaces.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Bass and Treble Control - Now if you need to give it a little more cowbell, I leave that up to you, LOL

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Class D Digital Amplification: With 4 channels of Class D Digital amplification the HEOS 5 offers high efficiency, low distortion and wide dynamic range. It offers a 5 Driver Speaker System, 2 precision tweeters, 2 mid-woofers, plus 1 passive radiator which provides additional base augmentation.

See and hear it in action:

MY TAKE:

The HEOS 5 truly offers amazing sound, and that my butterflies is priceless. I do have a few nit picky cons that keep it from a full 5 star rating from me, I'm a bit spoiled with my portable speakers, to date, all of them have had a remote control, since I'm jacking in the device where I keep my music/spotify not having a remote is a bit annoying as my phone is jacked into the HEOS speaker, and it also does not charge the phone while playing which is something I've grow accustomed to with my previous dock style portable speakers. I guess since you download the app, the device is technically the remote, but the jack is not very long so if you have it setup far from your desk and want to skip a track that can get a bit annoying.

I wish it were truly wireless, it has a pretty big charger cable that you plug into the wall, a bluetooth truly wireless option would have made this one absolute perfection for me.

Denon partnered with the experts at Waves Audio to embed very sophisticated DSP sound enhancement software and audiophile level synchronization into this little beauty and the labor of love does pay off, it's sound is very rich and with the app pushing new updates and upgrades to the device it's a breeze to maintain and it won't become obsolete anytime soon. It's definitely a 'sound' investment (no pun intended) whether you are looking to replace outdated Audio equipment or just want to stream your existing music to another room, you can't go wrong with the Denon HEOS.

What is your favorite portable speaker Butterfly?

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FTC DisclosureThis is a Sponsored Post in conjunction with Best Buy, I am a Best Buy Brand Ambassador and WOLF Blogger. A Denon HEOS 5 review unit was sent to Ascending Butterfly for Editorial Consideration and Affiliate Links are used in this post All thoughts and opinions are 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, March 26, 2014

{#Photos} Behind the scenes of @ledisi Autograph Signing of 'The Truth' @BestBuy #WCW #WordlessWednesday

As promised here are my photos from the recent Ledisi Autograph Signing of her newest release 'The Truth' at my local Best Buy! This album is BANGING folks, so if you haven't purchased it, you need to get on that!

Ledisi The Truth CD
Ledisi's newest release is called The Truth (I'm  sure you have heard the first track by now, Blame You)

Ledisi holding up her newest release The Truth, Autograph signing, Magnolia Theater Best Buy
Ledisi holding up her newest release "The Truth" - Autograph Signing at Best Buy! Photo Credit: Teri Bloom

Ledisi signing her newest release The Truth, Autograph signing, Magnolia Theater Best Buy
Ledisi signs autographs at Best Buy - Photo Credit: Teri Bloom

Ledisi Autograph Signing for Album release The Truth, Autograph signing, Magnolia Theater Best Buy
I got to meet Ledisi! Photo Credit: Teri Bloom

Ascending Butterfly shakes Ledisi hand at The Truth Album Signing at Best Buy
Got my CD signed by Ledisi! Photo Credit: Teri Bloom

Ascending Butterfly and Ledisi at The Truth Autograph Signing at Best Buy
It was super cool meeting Ledisi in person and getting my CD signed by her - I have David Medeiros of www.heyjoenyc.com to thank for nabbing this great shot!  He also posted a recap of here: http://concertblogger.com/2014/03/photos-ledisi-signing-best-buy-new-york-city/


Bloggers you are always welcome to comment below with the link to your Wordless Wednesday so we can hop over and say hi (just please NO Giveaway links here, thank you.).

Happy Wordless Wednesday + Women Crush Wednesday!

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FTC Disclosure: I am a Best Buy Brand Ambassador. This allows me to share information, sales, product reviews and deals on a regular basis! This is NOT a compensated post, I have not been compensated to share this event recap. 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 visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Get your FREE @ledisi latest CD, The Truth today only at @BestBuy NYC & get your wristband for her autograph signing this Friday!

#ad: Ascending Butterfly is a member of Best Buy's WOLF Blogger Program and this is a Sponsored Post. Compensation in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or product/services at no or reduced cost has been exchanged, as always, all opinions are my own!



Just thought I'd add some more info to yesterday's post! I visited the Best Buy at 1880 Broadway for a Magnolia at Best Buy Home Theater Demo, at the end of the Demo I was given Ledisi's newest release The Truth, and a wristband that will grant me access to her autograph signing this Friday at the same store!

Her new album is the bomb, here is a video I took during my demo so you can hear not only her new album, but just how good it sounds off those MartinLogan Theos 8" Floor Speakers:




If you stop by today and watch the demo, you leave with a free CD and a wristband that will get you access to the autograph signing this Friday. The CD's are only free today, but you can purchase one at the store before the signing and still get a wristband, but hurry because there will only be 250 wristbands distributed!

I am digging both my new CD and those sweet MartinLogan Theos Speakers! My home theater is due for an upgrade and getting the chance to demo the sound on these speakers in an environment that truly mirrors a home system setup and have experts answer all my questions was super helpful!



Hopefully I get a picture with Ledisi during the Autograph signing later this week, if I do, I will definitely post it here! And you can check out yesterday's post for more detailed info on what is going on Best Buy for March Audio Fest HERE.


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FTC Disclosure: I am a Best Buy Brand Ambassador. This allows me to share information, sales, product reviews and deals on a regular basis! I took a home theater demo and received a CD and wristband, this post is non-compensated. 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 visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information. There are affiliate links in this post.

Monday, March 10, 2014

Save at #AudioFest @BestBuy + here is the scoop for two hot New York City Based Events THIS week! @BestBuyWOLF #ad

#ad: Ascending Butterfly is a member of Best Buy's WOLF Blogger Program and this is a Sponsored Post. Compensation in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or product/services at no or reduced cost has been exchanged, as always, all opinions are my own!

March Audio Fest Best Buy


As #TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ on Twitter, and a lifelong Music lover and all things audiophile, when hot Audio and even hotter music combine it's got MY name written all over it! From March 2nd through MY BIRTHDAY, 4/4, Best Buy will feature one month of audio specials and deals, events and more!

The month of March is when you will find the best offers on Audio Products at local Best Buy locations, and there will be in-store demonstrations that will teach you to upgrade your Home Audio with the latest and greatest for your space! Come on down and HEAR the difference for yourself! In fact I will be doing just that myself as there will be a demo in New York City at the Best Buy Store at 1880 Broadway starting at 10am (between 61st and 62nd Streets!) on Tuesday, March 11th. And if you attend the demo, you will get a wristband that will allow you to come back on Friday for a Ledisi Autograph Signing! She is an 8 time Grammy Nominated Singer/Songwriter (and actress, WERK honey!). You need that wristband to get her autograph this Friday, so don't forget to stop in for your Audio Demo on Tuesday! I will be there so if you see me, please don't be shy, come say hi! :-)

Offers by Week:

Week of 3/9 (THIS Week):

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 2x points on Sonos Home Theater
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - All AVRs on Sale
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -All iPod touch on sale
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Save $80 on Samsung Blu-ray/Soundbar Bundle

Week of 3/16 (Next Week):

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 2x points on all speakers
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - BDi Furniture (3/7 – 3/23) Save $200 on any Home Theater Cabinet
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - All-on-sale Car Audio Speakers + 50% off speaker installation
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - $50 Savings on Sony MDR10 Headphones

Week of 3/23:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - $30 savings on BEATS SOLO™ HD ON EAR HEADPHONE - DRENCHED COLORS
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Save 25% on all Sennheiser HD 500 Series Headphones
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - All Logitech Computer Headsets on Sale
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Save $50 - $150 on Select Energy audio products (3/9-4/5)

Week of 3/30 (FINAL Week):

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -All Insignia Computer Speakers on Sale
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Save $100-$200 on select Definitive Technology Floor Speakers (3/23-4/5)
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Save $50 - $150 on Select Energy audio products (3/9-4/5)
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Save $150 - $300 on Select Jamo Speakers

Guess who pimped my Music?



My friends at Best Buy sent me the JBL Flip Stereo Speaker and I'm totally digging on this Bluetooth wireless system for smartphones and tablets. It has two 1-5/8 inch (40-millimeter) drivers and a built-in bass port that delivers the exceptional bass sound that JBL is known for in a totally portable package! With this little wonder I can get up to 5 hours of playback time with it's built in Li-ion rechargeable battery which connects wirelessly to any Bluetooth-equipped device. It's a big sound, with great portability at a fantastic price! Right now it's $89.95 at Best Buy which is $30 lower than a leading competitor has it, just saying! (With Mother's Day coming up soon, and Dads and Grads month in June, buy it now at the sale price and tuck it away, I can't imagine who wouldn't be excited to get it!)

Great Giveaway Alert:

Fellow My Best Buy Members, enter your My Best Buy Member ID HERE to enter to win a trip to see Kings of Leon - Mechanical Bull Concert in one of my favorite cities, NEW ORLEANS! If one of my butterflies win, I totally hope you bring me with you! One of my fave bands playing in one of my favorite cities, it's music nirvana I tell you!

My Take:

I for one can't get enough when it comes to my Music! My home theatre surround is due for an upgrade and I definitely want a 'Smart TV' for my living room so I'm totally looking forward to checking out the demo at my local store and learning about the latest and greatest in Home Audio!  And I have to admit I'm already nerding out about getting to meeting Ledisi this Friday at my local Best Buy in New York City (1880 Broadway). If you were thinking about any Home Audio Updates, right now is the time to take advantage and do it at a great price!

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FTC Disclosure: I am a Best Buy Brand Ambassador. This allows me to share information, sales, product reviews and deals on a regular basis! This is a compensated campaign brought to you by Best Buy and JBL who provided the Flip Wireless Bluetooth Speaker 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 visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information. There are affiliate links in this post.