Showing posts with label New York City. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New York City. Show all posts

Friday, May 26, 2023

Gardens & Works by Ebony G. Patterson …things come to thrive…in the shedding…in the molting…begins May 27 at New York Botanical Garden #EbonyGPatterson #EbonyGPattersonNYBG

Happy Memorial Day Weekend Butterflies!

For my New York City Butterflies, here is a memorial day weekend recommendation for you!

Visual Artist Ebony G. Patterson, Courtesy of the artist and Monique Meloche Gallery, Chicago; Photo: Frank Isman

Contemporary Visual Artist and winner of the 2023 David C. Driskell Prize, Ebony G. Patterson's latest exhibition "things come to thrive…in the shedding…in the molting…" is set to open to the public starting May 27 and run through September 17th, 2023. 

New York Botanical is showcasing creative women of color twice in a row, first with this year's Orchid Show with designer Lily Kwong and now with this exhibition by Ebony G. Patterson - and I am entirely here for it!

Ms. Patterson is the first visual artist ever to embed within the institution for an immersive residency. She worked directly with NYBG's gardens and collections to form a new body of work that brings her unique perspective on formal gardens to life within the 250-acre National Historic Landmark Landscape.

Visual Artist Ebony G. Patterson, Courtesy of the artist and Monique Meloche Gallery, Chicago; Photo: Frank Isman

Gardens tend to be celebrated when they are in full bloom, when they are fragrant and colorful. They don't get the same love when they are dormant or worse still decaying. But they are nonetheless an important part of the process and life, and this is what is explored in this new exhibition.

The exhibition reflects a deep engagement with the concept of gardens as human-made interventions in nature while shedding new light on the Botanical Garden. It aims to provide new pathways for engagement with the garden and the natural world. It explores that the processes of molting, shedding and decaying are actually revelatory processes that give way to healing, regeneration and ultimately beauty. Are gardens really burial grounds for history?

Outside of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory there are hundreds of vulture sculptures each doing something different but many are focused on flowers, flowers that include zinnias, sunflowers, and cosmos rendered in blood-red hues, with ruptures that are being tended to by the vultures.Vultures remove dead and decaying animals from the environment. Patterson reveals that while they don't have the most glamorous job in nature, their work is nonetheless important. She refers to their essential ecosystem service as an "act of care".

 

In addition to the glitter encrusted vultures, there is also a monumental peacock sculpture! Patterson's work explores the entanglements of race, gender and colonialism while inviting visitors to contemplate their own relationships with gardens and the natural world.

Pricing:  

Adults: $35

Students (with Valid ID) and Seniors (65+): $31

Children (2-12 years of age): $15

Children under 2: FREE

Patrons/Members: FREE

Wednesdays all day grounds access pass is FREE to NYC residents! Remember that Grounds Admission does not include admission to the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, Special Exhibitions or Tram Tour. Visit nybg.org for more information on event calendar and ticket pricing.

MY TAKE: 

As a butterfly lover I have always marveled at Nature's ability to transform itself. A butterfly starts out as a caterpillar. Not the prettiest creature, but it transforms itself into a thing of delicate and graceful beauty. As you explore, make it a mindful meditation on ways you can shed what no longer serves you to emerge into a more beautiful version of yourself. (inner beauty and grace, not just outer!)

Readers Sound Off: What are your weekend plans?

Also, are you NYC central or will be this summer? If you would like me to host a giveaway for tickets to this exhibition, let us know in the comments and I will try my best to make it happen!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored/compensated post. 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, check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. 

If you like this article treat me to a coffee, a caffeinated writer is a happy writer! 

paypal.me/TracyIglesias or https://cash.app/$ascendingbutterfly or Venmo: Ascending1


Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Catch Kusama: Cosmic Nature at the New York Botanical Garden + Giant Pumpkin Weekend at @NYBG THIS WEEKEND!

On a super cloudy and overcast day I finally got the opportunity to check out the Kusama: Cosmic Nature exhibit at New York Botanical Garden. I had been wanting to catch this exhibit all summer, but with a surgery early in the summer and some smaller procedures following, I needed time to heal.

Description: Contemporary Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is one of the most popular artists in the world, drawing millions to experience her immersive installations.

Exclusively at NYBG, Kusama reveals her lifelong fascination with the natural world, beginning with her childhood spent in the greenhouses and fields of her family’s seed nursery. Her artistic concepts of obliteration, infinity, and eternity are inspired by her intimate engagement with the colors, patterns, and life cycles of plants and flowers.

My apologies to my local readers, as this post is normally accompanied by a ticket giveaway, I will work on something hopefully for the holidays. I am ramping up slowly and working on some fun surprises for our annual holiday gift guide which will have some gift suggestions that are sure to please!

The interconnectedness of things is a theme explored in this exhibit, and I was first greeted by this installation: I want to fly to the Universe (I took tons of photos as usual, but I plan to space them out!)



ABOVE: Original, un-edited Photo, I want to fly to the Universe by Yayoi Kusama, October 2021 taken at New York Botanical Garden. Photo Credit: Tracy Iglesias

I am partnering with a very unique Photo Editing Software this year (hint, hint - stay tuned for something fun for YOU very soon!) I am testing out the software and after photo editing this shot, I was able to add some brightness and make the photo appear less overcast.













ABOVE: Same Photo edited using On1 HDR 2021 software

The enhancements are slight but make a world of difference, especially on the tree on the right hand side. My blog template is a little weird, so feel free to press on each photo individually to make them larger, you can hit escape to get back the article after you have viewed the photos. My template accepts JPEG photos so I have to convert the RAW files. I find the RAW files show more detail, but you can see the difference that the Photo Editing Software On1 made with this photo. (I will feature more photos from this exhibit counting down to Halloween). 

If you hit the New York Botanical Garden THIS weekend, you would get a chance to enjoy final days of the Kusama: Cosmic Nature Exhibit and also Giant Pumpkin Weekend. It would literally provide all the fun photo opp goodness you need in your social feed life right now! Here is me dorking out the last time I visited during Giant Pumpkin Weekend, check out this post HERE. (I was so focused on catching the different elements of this exhibit and the Farmers Market that I forgot to visit the Pumpkin Patch while I was there!)

NOTE: You must provide proof of vaccination along with your tickets upon entry. For a completely contactless experience have your app with proof of vaccination (yes you can show the actual card too but the app saves you time checking in and provides a more 'contactless' experience) and have your tickets handy on your phone also ready to be scanned. You will be given a time to visit the Kusama exhibit which means you won't have to worry about too many people around you, which I have to secretly admit I greatly appreciated! I also was asked to show my tickets to the exhibit to enter the gift shop so please note that just in case so you are not caught off guard.

Readers Sound Off: If you are visiting this weekend, please tag me on Twitter or on Instagram so I can see your cool photos! (@Ascending1 on both Twitter and Instagram and also use the Garden Hashtags and tag them as well @NYBG) Which photo above did you like best, the raw un-retouched version or the one I edited using On1? Also, what Photo Editing software are you using? (Did you know you can utilize On1 on both your computer and your phone, both Apple and Android? and the latest version also plays nicely with software you may already be using like Lightroom or Corel - for full disclosure I use multiple software!)

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post. 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. On1 Photo Editing software and passes to the exhibit were provided for Editorial Purposes but no compensation has been received.

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

#WordlessWednesday This one is for you #Squirrel Friends! #Photography #NikonD3300

I thought things couldn't get worse after the Fourth of July fire, last night I found out that my Aunt passed away, so for the first time ever, I am very much truly wordless!

This photo was taken by me using a Nikon D3300 DSLR Camera.

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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.

Thursday, December 14, 2017

{FLASH #GIVEAWAY ALERT} Find out more on how to win a Family Four Pack of Tickets to @NYBG New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show via @Ascending1 #AscendingButterfly #HTSnybg #spon

♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ This is a Sponsored Post on behalf of New York Botanical Garden. All opinions are 100% my own.

Happy Holidays Butterflies!

I attended the Media Preview Day for the New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show and was blown away with how much they improved the show this year! It literally felt like a whole new show, here is my coverage from last year's show: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2016/01/last-chance-for-nybg-holiday-train-show.html

I took so many pictures that there is literally no way I can optimize and watermark them all before the holidays!

I did actually start the process, here are a few photos I've done so far:

@NYBG New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show 2017 #HTSnybg
Above: You know I like to walk you through an event in order, check out the entrance, tres festive right? You can press on the image to see it bigger and then hit back to come back to the post!

@NYBG New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show 2017 #HTSnybg, Holiday Wreath

Above: Had to do a close up on that wreath, I am actually using the RAW file of this image as my computer wallpaper right now, for the blog I use jpg format, but I always keep the RAW version of every photo I take as well.

@NYBG New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show 2017 #HTSnybg, event signage
Above: Had to nab a shot of the event signage!

@NYBG New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show 2017 #HTSnybg, train wall mural
Above: My Die Hard, true blue, long time butterflies, will know exactly why I took this shot! Look at the number on the train! Enlarge it and find the number actually appears twice. 

22, 222, 2222 - these numbers always appear to me daily!

@NYBG New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show 2017 #HTSnybg, Macys Herald Square Flagship Store
Above: The iconic Macy's Herald Square Flagship Store is the first thing you see when you come up the stairs, dig how I captured that train even though it was in motion with very little blur?

@NYBG New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show 2017 #HTSnybg, Chrysler Building, Buildings reflected on water
Above: Captured another train in motion and I am loving the reflection of the buildings on the water in this shot!

There are so many more so I will get them done as time permits and post them via Pinterest, when they are ready, the word pinterest in this sentence will be clickable!

WIN IT:

For the first time ever I am hosting a social channel only giveaway! I am hosting a Family Four Pack of Tickets to the New York Botanical Garden Train Show, but you do not enter here, you enter directly with Ascending Butterfly via Instagram!

MY TAKE:

Kids of all ages will be amazed by this show! All the buildings are made with organic material, plant life, coconut shells, and comes to life with special surprises both by day and by night.

As a single girl in the city I normally host a giveaway for the Night Only more adult oriented Version of most exhibits, but this year I really wanted to share this with all my butterflies and make this one a family friendly giveaway! So instead of The Holiday Train Show by night, this giveaway is for a family four pack instead, date will be based on availability to be determined by Sponsor.

Spill Butterflies: Have you ever been to the New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show? If so, which was your favorite iconic landmark? If not, what is part of your family's favorite holiday tradition?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, 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 & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fun - really I'm such a *simple girl*.

Friday, October 20, 2017

Check out Giant Pumpkin Weekend THIS WEEKEND at @NYBG #NYBG #NewYorkBotanicalGarden

Wishing all my butterflies the richness and comforts of Fall and a bountiful harvest at your table!

To all my New York City Butterflies and those of you who might be in town this weekend, I have a fun way to enjoy the colors of Fall and enjoy some awesome photo opps that are definitely Instagram worthy, it's Giant Pumpkin Weekend at NYC landmark New York Botanical Gardens THIS WEEKEND ONLY! It's also your last chance to catch the Dale Chihully Exhibit that I have been featuring on these pages all summer! (We gave away a pair of tickets to Chihully Nights at the Garden HERE - remember that giveaway is now CLOSED, and I featured the exhibit again when I realized after perusing my photo collection from the Media Day that my outfit actually matched one of the installations in the exhibit HERE) Here are some great shots from the last wine tasting I attended at NYBG, HERE.

I normally try to arrange a giveaway, but there was no time this time around so I will try to work on something for the Train Show.

What you will see:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Record-Breaking Pumpkins, Squashes and Gourds - arranged in collaboration with the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth, the recognized standard of weights, measurement, and fairness of competitive growing. This year’s North American record breaker, weighing 2,363 pounds, was grown by Joel Holland from Washington state. Also on display will be the world’s largest squash at 2,118 pounds from Rhode Island; the largest European pumpkin, from England, at 2,269 pounds; and the longest gourd in the United States, from Wisconsin, at 143.75 inches.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Meet the Growers - You can ask questions and get tips directly from these talented growers!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Giant Pumpkin Seed Harvest - Members of the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth will be opening these monstrous gourds and actually climbing inside to harvest their impressive seeds.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Whole Foods Market Trick-or-Treat Trail - Wear your favorite costume, decorate a bag to collect wholesome goodies while you enjoy this weekend of hands-on activities and special events.

Everett Children's Adventure Garden, New York Botanical Gardens
 Above: Everett Children's Adventure Garden, New York Botanical Gardens


Speckled Swan Bottle Gourd

The sign reads:

"Speckled Swan Bottle Gourd" (Lagenaria Siceria)

Look at the silhouette of this uniquely shaped gourd to see features reminiscent of a swan's neck
Ghost Bush
Above: Isn't this the CUTEST Ghost Bush Ever?
pineapple-o-lantern
Above: He's a unique sort of 'pineapple-o-lantern' isn't he?
LARGE pumpkin
Above: That is quite a LARGE pumpkin!

Above: I have no idea why my blog template makes this shot so small, please press on it to see it a big bigger and capture more detail on the rock.
Enjoy butterflies you all know just how camera shy I am!
Above: More jack-o-lantern spooky cuteness!


Pumpkin Patch
Above: I love how that ray of sunlight on the left just breaks through the greenery and looks like it's pointing at the pumpkin patch!
Not just one, but TWO shots of me in one post, SHOCKING!

WINNER ALERT: Our lucky winner for the 24 count of assorted truffles from Elements Truffles is Julie Waldron, entry #621! Congrats Julie! Don't forget to reply to your winner's email with your address for prize fulfillment! She won from an extra credit entry, I always encourage entrants to do more than just the main entry, see it really pays off! (Just a warning we validate entries, so if the randomizer picks someone for example for following on twitter or Instagram, we are going to make the sure the person actually did it before we validate them as a prize winner - you can't cheat the system). Enjoy your truffles Julie!

What are YOUR Halloween Plans? If you do visit New York Botanical Garden for Giant Pumpkin Weekend this Weekend, please tag us so we can see your photos! @Ascending1 for both twitter and Instagram!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored or compensated post. 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, February 24, 2016

{#WordlessWednesday} #SundayBrunch @Theos_NY Restaurant and Oyster Bar in #NYC with @955PLJ @toddandjayde

Free Time isn't exactly flowing, but every now and then when I have a spare moment online I like to enter a contest or two. I am born under the zodiac sign of Aries and we tend to be 'risk takers' at heart.

Well my gamble paid off with a local radio station contest win for Sunday Brunch at Theos Restaurant and Oyster Bar in the Trump Plaza in Manhattan!


Above: I couldn't resist nabbing a shot of the custom menu and place holders at the table!


Above: 'La Dolce Vita' Specialty Cocktail: Prosecco, Pom Juice and House Infused Dolce Mix and Pom Seed (Let's face it, what's Brunch without Bubbles?) A #Pomsecco (yes I am going to make a 'thing')


Above: There were sweet parting gifts too! Decisions, Decisions on the menu!


Above: Lobster Bisque one of the choices for Course One of this Three Course Prix-Fixe Tasting Menu


Above: Lobster Citrus Salad was my choice for Course One with bits of Avocado and lemongrass


Above: Maine Lobster Benedict was one of the choices for Course 2!


Above: My Choice for Course 2 was the Steak and Eggs!


Above: Sadly they were out of my dessert choice by the time they got to me, and didn't have any alternates so this is pretty much fruit and whip cream but I can't get mad at it.


Above: The chef came out to take a photo with the Radio Station Personalities Todd and Jayde and the WPLJ Blown Off Brunch Contest Winners! Can you spot the butterfly? :)

I am never totally Wordless on 'Wordless Wednesday' but it is photo heavy, that counts right?

Readers Sound Off: What Dish catches your eye and tempts your taste buds? Where do you 'Sunday Brunch'?

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FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a sponsored/compensated Post I WON a Radio Station Contest and was under NO obligation to post my experience. 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.

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

{Now Playing} Is @JoyMangano a Cicada? I ended my year with JOY, @JoyTheMovie that is! #JoyMovie #Movies #Cinema

The last movie I got to see in 2015 was a SAG Screening for JOY The Movie, so I like to say I ended my year with JOY!

Happy New Year Butterflies! While I did post to social over New Year's Eve, this is my first official Blog Post of 2016. And being the Ascending Butterfly that I am, I wanted to start with something inspirational that focuses on an Entrepreneur whose products are probably already in your home.

Joy (the Movie) which was released on Christmas day, is based on the true story of Joy Mangano, the Miracle Mop Inventor and entrepreneur.

The weird question I open this post with - Is Joy Mangano a Cicada? - is actually based on one of the most poignant moments in the movie. In the scene, Joy is reading to her daughter about Cicada's, which live and mature underground anywhere from 13 - 17 years in total before they emerge. - She painfully realizes that is exactly how she feels and where her life is at. (This butterfly can certainly relate to sometimes feeling like I am still very much trapped in the cocoon and ready to bust out!)

At this point in her life, her ex-husband is still living in her home, her mother who was an almost recluse hiding from life in her bedroom since her husband left her, Joy's children and then her philandering Father who comes back to home to live with her (brought to her door by the mistress he left his wife/her mother for by the way) and her job opts to change her shift to nights as they are making 'cut backs' - needless to say at this point she is under a tremendous amount of pressure. That kind of intense pressure and *ish* that makes you re-think every choice you've ever made, wonder where are you going and how much longer you can go on with circumstances the way they are. You know, 'the little stuff''.

ABOUT:

JOY is the wild story of a family across four generations centered on the girl who becomes the woman who founds a business dynasty and becomes a matriarch in her own right. Betrayal, treachery, the loss of innocence and the scars of love, pave the road in this intense emotional and human comedy about becoming a true boss of family and enterprise facing a world of unforgiving commerce. Allies become adversaries and adversaries become allies, both inside and outside the family, as Joy's inner life and fierce imagination carry her through the storm she faces. Jennifer Lawrence stars, with Robert De Niro, Bradley Cooper, Edgar Ramirez, Isabella Rossellini, Diane Ladd, Virginia Madsen, Elisabeth Rohm and Dascha Palanco. Like David O. Russell's previous films, JOY defies genre to tell a story of family, loyalty and love.

"I want you to remember something, because a lot of times people get nice things and they start to think differently, we got here from hard work, patience and humility, so I want to tell you, Don't ever think that the world owes you anything, because it doesn't. The world doesn't owe you a thing." ~ Joy Mangano, JOY The Movie

TRAILER:



MY TAKE:

I am curious as to why this bio-pic was released while the real subject is still very much alive and well. Bio-pics are tricky enough when the subject has passed, nevertheless when they are still alive.

It is not the most flattering depiction of her family that's for sure with a few exceptions - her grandmother (played by Diane Ladd), and surprisingly her ex-husband (played by Edgar Ramirez) prove to be her truest allies as well as Neil Walker of QVC who gave Joy her first shot in the home shopping television retail experience (played by Bradley Cooper) . But her mom (played by Virginia Madsen), dad (played by Robert De Niro), half sister (played by Elizabeth Rohm) and Dad's Girlfriend (played by Isabella Rossellini) were more of a hindrance than a help and there is one scene in particular that made me want to smack her Dad AND his girlfriend;s teeth out their face! (So I guess they were playing the part quite well! LOL)

A surprise stand-out was Melissa Rivers who played her mom Joan in the QVC scenes, it was so spot on it was almost eerie! And I have no doubt her mom would be proud.

But while the story was compelling, I am sad to say that I don't feel this was Jennifer Lawrence's best work. You would think 'Katniss' could pull off playing a strong woman who overcomes the odds against her to build her own empire (I mean really right, sound familiar?), but she doesn't. Jennifer didn't do the role any justice in my opinion. It felt like she was 'walking through it' and I wasn't quite sure if it just didn't resonate with her, but she kind of has this vapid, valley of the dolls type of expression on her face most of the movie that didn't really fit what was happening to the character. Joy went through some deep lows to get to her ultimate high, a high that from what we see at the end is a bit bittersweet, and Jennifer just didn't convey what was happening in a way that hit home.

As this is a bio-pic, even in my 'pro film critic' days (have I mentioned how that was one of my favorite times ever as a professional writer?), I can't comfortably give a review on this movie - this isn't a ticket or skip it type of movie - this is a true story that is still un-folding, I can only comment on the acting and how the family on the whole is portrayed in the film. I wish Jennifer would have put the life she puts into her performances in the Hunger Games movie franchise into this movie. Katniss isn't real, Joy Mangano is - and in many ways she is just as tough as Katniss - but Jennifer just doesn't give you that.

The movie is an inspiration to all entrepreneurs, Joy overcomes tremendous odds - both from the outside world and her inner own circle and fights hard to achieve her success. And even in the face of financial ruin, picks herself up and goes to bat again, while the movie was released over Christmas it is such an empowering story that it's perfect to catch this first week of the New Year when you are pumped up, armed with your list of goals and resolutions and raring to go! (I may be singing along to Mary Mary's Go Get Your Blessing Right Now!)

What female entrepreneur do you most admire and why? Do you own a Joy Mangano Product? (I love her huggable hangers and I haven't yet tried the Miracle Mop but I would like to!)

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FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a compensated/sponsored Post, All opinions are 100% my own! Advanced/Press Screening Passes Provided for Editorial Consideration. 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.

Thursday, October 22, 2015

{#TheatreThursday} Check out this @SoRmusical interactive 360° #Video for School of Rock - The Musical! #Broadway #ad

This post is sponsored by The 7th Chamber

Alex Brightman and the cast of School of Rock, Photo Credit Timmy Blupe
Alex Brightman and the cast of School of Rock - Photo Credit: Timmy Blupe
School of Rock - The Musical will begin preview performances at Broadway's Winter Garden Theatre in New York City on Monday, November 9, 2015 - with an opening set slated for Sunday, December 6, 2015

And guess what? You're In The Band! Based on the 2003 film of the same title, School of Rock, the Broadway Musical will feature music from the movie in addition to an original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Glenn Slater.

The film was hailed by The New York Times as an 'irresistible comic postscript to the rock revolution." and went on to gross more than $130 million WORLDWIDE. Those are some impressive numbers!

ABOUT:

School of Rock - The Musical follows Dewey Finn, a failed wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. Completely disinterested in academic work, Dewey decides to create his own curriculum, turning his class into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band.

FIRST OF IT'S KIND 360° MUSIC VIDEO OF "YOU'RE IN THE BAND" FROM "SCHOOL OF ROCK - THE MUSICAL"



This video was shot in an actual New York City classroom and was designed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and School of Rock book writer Julian Fellowes utilizing 360° technology that lets you navigate all angles of the classroom - so you can bring a bit of Broadway directly to you in an immersive, engaging and interactive way!

Other Ways to Watch:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - On Your Mobile or Tablet (YouTube): goo.gl/vr/sor360

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Watch on Facebook via Mobile or Tablet:  fb.me/sor360

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Watch on YouTube via your Desktop - the video embedded in this post or you can go directly to YouTube here: goo.gl/vr/sor360

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - To watch via Facebook on your Desktop: fb.me/sor360


Alex Brightman and the cast of School of Rock - Photo Credit: Timmy Blupe
Alex Brightman and the cast of School of Rock - Photo Credit: Timmy Blupe
Get Social:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Instagram your Experience and connect with the show on Instagram HERE
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tag @SoRmusical and use the hashtag #YoureintheBand
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Say hi on Facebook

MY TAKE:

I was super surprised when I first heard this was in development, for some reason I just couldn't imagine it adapted for Broadway so I am looking forward to seeing this show and seeing how they adapted the movie for the Broadway Stage! The 360° video is certainly a unique way to promote it and I am glad I got the chance to see it and share it with you today!

Readers Sound Off: Did you see School of Rock - the movie? Will you see the Broadway Version? What do YOU think of the interactive 360° technology that was used to create this video?

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FTC Disclosure: All opinions are 100% MY OWN. this is a Sponsored/Compensated Post. 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.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

{#TheatreThursday} The Rhythm is Gonna Get You! Go see @OnYourFeetBway #OnYourFeet #Broadway


On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan, Play, Plays, Theatre, Theater, Broadway, Musical, Musicals
Photographer: Chad Griffith
Remember when I shared that I have been stalking the new Broadway Musical On Your Feet!? If you don't remember, check out my post HERE! - I finally got to see it - and I have to tell you, The Rhythm is Gonna Get You!

Each year I can't help but pick a play that was my favorite, last year it was Kinky Boots! 

On Your Feet!, The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan, is a Musical directed by two-time Tony Award Winner Jerry Mitchell of Hairspray AND KINKY BOOTS! (Three-time Tony nominated Scenic Designer, David Rockwell also worked on Kinky Boots - you can check out my review of Kinky Boots HERE). I left On Your Feet! feeling as uplifted and happy as when I left the theatre after seeing Kinky Boots and I have a strong feeling that On Your Feet! is going to be my front runner for my favorite play/musical of 2015.

Even mega fans will find this is the story that they both know and DON'T know, it is touching, heart-warming and triumphant, everything a Broadway experience should be! ~ Ascending Butterfly
Making her Broadway Debut is Ana Villafane as Gloria Estefan (Ana looks so much like Gloria). Josh Segarra (who may you know as Billy Cepeda in the comedy series 'Sirens' on the USA network), plays Emilio, both were hand selected by Gloria and Emilio respectively. Alexandria Suarez plays 'Little Gloria' (her voice is AMAZING by the way - she is going to be one to watch!) and Eduardo Hernandez plays both Little Emilio and Nayib (Emilio & Gloria's son). Alma Cuervo (whose NYC credits include: Allegro, Road Show, Cabaret, Beauty and the Beast, Titanic, The Heidi Chronicles and more) also put in a strong performance as 'Consuelo' (Gloria's Grandmother/abuela) - honestly there really isn't a 'weak link' in the cast, everyone truly 'brought it'.

MY TAKE:

I have been following the progress of this show since I first heard about it, and well before I was even approached to consider writing about it. It definitely lived up to my expectations and I hope to see it soar. To finally see not only Latinos on stage, the story of a Latino power couple no less that overcame tremendous obstacles to see their music done their way - but most importantly a Broadway show for Latinos BY Latinos for me will always be absolutely priceless, and the joy of watching fellow members of the audience of ALL ages and races dancing in the aisles, singing along to every word, and even watching people be moved to tears during the more sentimental moments is something I won't soon forget. I highly recommend On Your Feet! (It is certainly an amazing date night experience or just a girls night out! And for my fellow cocktail lovers, there are signature drinks for the show you can enjoy, my personal fave was the "On Your Feet A Rita" which includes Sauza Tequila!)

"The American Dream" doesn't come wrapped in a cute box with a pretty bow, it is something that often comes with great sacrifice and struggle, while our faces may be different, our dreams are very much the same - wanting a better life for our families, wanting to enjoy creative self-expression and personal and professional fulfillment. The Estefan's road to the American Dream comes with many relatable highs and lows. There were moments that brought the audience to tears (a touching scene with Gloria and her Father), and moments that are incredibly heart-warming (the wall of thousands of fan letters that were written to Gloria after her horrific bus accident while she was on her road to recovery) and triumphant ones (When Emilio gets in the face of a record company Executive who thought they should stick to the 'Latin Market' and he exclaims: "This is what America looks like." - there were literally people cheering out loud!).

What I wrote on the My Take for my pre-coverage of this show very much still stands:

"THIS is exactly the story about our culture that we want out there, that we are passionate, focused, driven men and women with so much to contribute. Let's put aside the where a Latino/Latina is from nonsense - the country of origin separation thing does more to hurt our community than help, that's not what is important, this is a human story, an inspirational and powerful story, and one we should rally around seeing be told, and being told BOLDLY on the Broadway Stage no less." (I normally don't quote myself so much in a piece, but I couldn't quite help myself this time!)

I have two small 'cons'

(1) I suggested a Latino/Latina Bloggers themed night, particularly since the show is still in previews, but I never got a green light, I think a Q&A with the cast and the Estefan's by NYC based Latino/Latina Bloggers would have been amazing!

(2) They don't yet have a show soundtrack (I am hoping that post previews this will be remedied!) - there are two songs in the musical that are original to the show and I want them so I hope a soundtrack is coming.

On Your Feet! is currently in previews at The Marquis Theatre in New York City and opens November 5, 2015.

****I do hope to be able to bring you all a tickets giveaway as well, so please stay tuned!****

In the meantime get social with On Your Feet! The Musical here: and don't forget to use the hashtag: #OnYourFeet

Twitter - @On YourFeetBway 
Facebook - On Your Feet The Musical
YouTube - On Your Feet Bway
Instagram - OnYourFeetBway

What is your favorite all time Play/Theatre Production/Musical? Do you have a favorite song from Gloria Estefan, if so which one?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, monetary compensation has been received, however 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.