{#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.

Like hot #technology, Great Deals and getting gift cards back for your purchase? Then read on! @BestBuy #BBYShoppingEvent

#ad: Ascending Butterfly is a Best Buy Brand Ambassador and 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!

It has been technology madness in New York City! I owe you guys a recap of Get Geeked, and this weekend is Engadget's ExpandNY Technology Conference, (which is where I spent my day today!) looks like wearable tech is gaining popularity, and as New York prepares for the annual Rockfeller Center Tree Lighting, stores are prepping for holiday sales with great deals that you don't have to wait until Black Friday or Cyber Monday to enjoy!

In fact our friends at Best Buy are hosting a Holiday Shopping Event and YOU are invited! Here's the skinny:

Date: Saturday, November 8th

Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm

What: Preview and shop the Holiday Collection from the hottest brands including Apple, Microsoft, Samsung, Sony and MORE! With Experts on hand to answer all of your questions and help you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list (except the naughty folks of course! LOL)

NOTE: This one-day event is offering IN-STORE only exclusives that will NOT be valid online, including:

Press on the image above to purchase an Apple MacBook Air directly at Best Buy!

Apple - Get a $100 Best Buy Gift Card when you buy any Apple MacBook Air 1,2

Apple - Get a $50 Best Buy Gift Card when you buy the new Apple iPad Air 2 or iPad Air 1,2

Geek Squad - Get FREE Geek Squad Smart Device Online Setup with the purchase of Geek Squad Protection.

Geek Squad - Get 20% off Geek Squad Protection with the purchase of any Geek Squad TV Installation Service!

Press on the image above to purchase the Surface Pro 3 128GB

Microsoft - Save when you bundle the Surface Pro 3 128GB, with a Type Cover and Microsoft Office 365 (I LOVE my Surface Pro 2 and the Surface Pro 3 is high on my holiday wish list!)

Click on the image above to purchase a 55-inch Samsung HD TV at Best Buy

Samsung - Purchase a 55-inch Samsung HD TV for only $799.99

Samsung - Receive 3X My Best Buy Points on ALL Samsung Curved UHD TVs (if you are not already a member a Best Buy Associate can sign you up at the event!)

Note: My Best Buy Members will NOT get 3X points if they select promotional financing (6, 12, 18, or 24 months)

Press on the image above to purchase a Sony UHD TV at Best Buy!

Sony - Save $200 when you purchase a Sony UHD TV with a Sony Playstation 4

Playstation 4 - Select Playstation 4 games on sale for $24 (regularly $39.99)

My Take:

My visit this year to the Magnolia at Best Buy Home Theater experience was in fact super helpful. Being able to ask the experts those technical questions BEFORE you invest just plain makes sense. And for those of you who prefer shopping brick and mortar over online I think it's pretty neat to have discounts and offers just for YOU, and just in-store. There are some things I am willing to buy online, and others I just have to see and touch and try for myself before I buy! You can ask compatibility questions, how to keep your new tech up-to-date and any other questions you have in mind!

Which Deal Cited Above Do You Plan to Take Advantage of In-Store Butterflies?

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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!  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. This post may contain affiliate links.

Want to improve the quality of your #WordlessWednesday #photos or take a more stellar #Selfie? Try the @Sony #QX10 on for size!

Remember my Mom 2.0 Summit Conference recap post where I referenced a cool device that 'wowed' not only my fellow Best Buy Blogging Ambassadors, but also everyone who hit the Best Buy Booth? (If you missed my conference recap you can check that out HERE), but as promised I wanted to give you the full 'T' on the Sony QX10!

I have been trying to get better at keeping my Wordless Wednesday's truly 'Wordless' but since the point of the day is to showcase stellar photography from across the blog-a-sphere I thought a device that can help you take your phone and turn it into a DSLR might just Pique your interest.

You can press on the photo above to purchase the Sony QX10 at Best Buy!

About:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Image Resolution 4896 x 3672 (this number speaks to image 'clarity')

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 10x Optical Zoom (the Optical zoom is the lens 'true' zoom capability, basically the greater your optical zoom the closer you can get to what you are taking pictures of)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Optical Image Stabilization (not all phones offer Image Stabilization - this is one of the places that the QX10 will 'shine')

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Self Timer

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Micro USB and USB 2.0 for file transfer + Memory Stick + wifi enabled

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - CMOS Imaging Sensor + Tripod Mount

See it in Action:

I tested out the QX10 on a Samsung GALAXY S III and I wanted to share a photo comparison of the same shots taken directly with the camera phone and then the same shot taken with the QX10 under the same lighting conditions and angle, ALL of the shots are entirely un-retouched:

Here's another collage comparison, also with a still subject with slightly better lighting conditions on both shots, again entirely un-retouched:

My Take:

As you can see the QX10 captured more detail and were brighter on their own. Remember the QX10 is an attachment device to your cell phone, so it has no flash and no LCD viewer.

Pros:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - It excels for macro shots and outdoor shots

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Not lugging an actual DSLR - PRICELESS - it is an ultra-compact point and shoot. And it's definitely ideal for those looking for an entry level intro to the DSLR world. It makes your phone photos better, particularly for those using their tablets to take photos. (This will totally make sense to my fellow bloggers!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Versatility - Does make it easy to capture 'awkward' shots or angles you may not be able to capture as easily with a bulkier camera. When I am at event or crowded venue I have become the queen of the 'overhead' shot, this device is certainly easier to hold over a ton of heads in a crowded space and shoot pointing down. And yes it does help to make Selfies a bit easier to capture!

Cons:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The software is a bit slow and still a bit buggy, this lag may cause you to miss 'action' shots, there is no burst mode.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The bigger your device, the harder your 'snap fit' experience may be. With my Galaxy S III it isn't a totally secure fit and would sometimes depress the button that puts my phone in standby. So be careful not only with your placement, but also be sure you remember it is a detachable lens so don't make any 'jerky' movements while it's attached to your phone as you could inadvertently knock it off and drop it.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - A microSD needs to be inserted to store photos and the attachment also has it's own battery - you need to be sure you are keeping both your phone and the attachment fully charged.

If you have already been researching this unit, the QX10 is specifically geared toward entry-level shooters, it offers mid-range optics (way better than your cell but not the same manual control over the creativity of your shots as a full on DSLR offers) and the other model from Sony the QX100 offers a stronger 20.2 megapixel sensor and a 'stronger' lens so obvs a bit higher price point, but I have a feeling that once you are considering the QX100 you may end up opting for a full DSLR to get more control and creativity in the outcome of your photographs.

Extra Reviews for your Reference:

Here are some reviews from fellow Best Buy Brand Ambassadors for your perusal! It's always great to read what bloggers who are always mobile and in this case are also savvy and discerning tech wise think of the same product:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Kitty Bradshaw

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Sassy Mama in LA

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Mommy Maestra

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Sunshine and Sippy Cups

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Being Alison

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Just Short of Crazy

Happy (Not So) Wordless Wednesday - Bloggers as always, leave us a link to your Wordless Wednesday Photos so we can check them out too, just remember, no giveaway posts please!


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FTC Disclosure: I'm a Best Buy brand ambassador and received the Sony QX10 for review purposes. No other compensation was received. 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.

The #Smurfs2 @CitiPrivatePass #FamilyFun 'Blue Carpet' NY Screening held @LighthouseIntl #celebs #photobooth & more!

Since I wasn't able to join their super fun screening in Chicago (as I didn't hit BlogHer 13 this year), our pals at The Moms were kind enough to refer us to over a Special 'Blue Carpet' Screening of The Smurfs 2 right here in New York City! The screening was held at Lighthouse International, an organization that is helping to fight vision loss through prevention, treatment and empowerment.

You know Smurfs couldn't walk down a red carpet, so they used a Blue Carpet instead! Smurfs and Celeb guests Christina Ricci, Hank Azaria, and Anthony Edwards enjoyed meeting the press, bloggers and special CitiPass Members who were given special seating at the screening.

My apologies, this was supposed to go up yesterday for our Wordless Wednesday, but despite spending my morning at the Global Launch of the new LG G2, my technology wasn't playing as nice back at the ranch and my scheduled post never launched!

Check out some of the celebs on the Blue Carpet:

Actress Christina Ricci (voice of Vexy) walks the blue carpet at "The Smurfs 2" New York Blue Carpet Screening at Lighthouse International Theater - Photo by Craig Barrit/Getty Images

Hank Azaria (Voice of Gargamel), Hal Azaria and Katie Wright attend "The Smurfs 2" New York Blue Carpet Screening at Lighthouse International Theater - Photo by Craig Barrit/Getty Images

Anthony Edwards attends "The Smurfs 2" New York Blue Carpet Screening at Lighthouse International Theater in New York City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images)

ABOUT/SYNOPSIS:

Smurfs 2 is the sequel to Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures Animation's hybrid live action/animated family comedy The Smurfs. Evil Wizard Gargamel creates a couple of mischievous Smurf-like creatures called the Naughties that he hopes will help him harness the all-powerful magical 'Smurf-essence'. But he discovers the hard way that only a 'real' Smurf can give him what he wants, and only a secret spell known only by Smurfette can turn the Naughties (Vexy and Hackus) into real Smurfs, so Gargamel kidnaps Smurfette and brings her to Paris leaving it up to Papa Smurf, Clumsy, Grouchy and Vanity to return to our time and reunite with their human friends Patrick and Grace Winslow and rescue her.

GET SOCIAL:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - "Like" Smurfs 2 on Facebook
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @SocialSmurf on Twitter and don't forget to use the hashtag #smurfs2

My Take:

Oddly, I liked this one more than the predecessor! Smurfs 2 is family friendly fun that brings me back to the nostalgia of childhood and the original television series. For those of you that remember, Jonathan Winters was always the voice of Papa Smurf and team butterfly was definitely saddened to hear of his passing.

So Butterflies, have you seen Smurfs 2 yet?

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FTC Disclosure: This is not a compensated post. No compensation has been received to share our recap coverage of this event. Nor did we receive any type of swag. All opinions are 100% my own.