NYC TOP 5 VENUES LIST

It's that time again where the Life of a New Yorker shouts out the most notable venues in NYC!

If you would like your venue featured on the list email details and location to jherelleb@gmail.com

NYC TOP 5 VENUES

1. Saturday Mass Mic @ Nicholas Brooklyn

Every Second Saturday of the month Nicholas Brooklyn opens it's doors to poets, musicians, and performing artists of all kinds. The scent of healthy delicious dishes and incense mingle with creative vibes and to top it off, they have free wine! Shop for some jewelry, natural products, cultural garments, books and more while being entertained and be sure to get there early for a spot on the open mic list!

 570 Fulton St, Brooklyn NY 11217

Nicholas Brooklyn Website

2. Babble
"Founded in 2010, Babble in the Bronx is an open mic series that provides artist a platform to come and share there talents to a live Bronx audience in an intimate venue located in the Castle Hill Section of the
 Bronx."

Babble in the Bronx Spoken Word Open Mic Series

3. Brooklyn Swirl
Brooklyn Swirl claims they have "the best frozen yogurt in Brooklyn" and it's up to you to choose from various flavors of yogurts and smoothies to prove them right or wrong. They also hold events and host kid parties from time to time at this unique venue located in the heart of Bed Stuy.

445 Marcus Garvey Blvd, Brooklyn NY 11216
http://brooklynswirl.com/

4. FIERCE
Fierce is an organization dedicated to building and developing the leadership power of LGBTQ youths of color in NYC. According to their site, " FIERCE is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of social justice movement leaders who are dedicated to ending all forms of oppression." They host and participate in several events every month.

147 W 24th St. New York, NY 10011
http://www.fiercenyc.org/

5. Sugar Cane
This spicy restaurant near downtown was voted "Best Caribbean restaurant in New York" according to their website. The food is delicious but it is a little on the pricey side so come prepared to spend plenty U.S dollars if you plan on wining and dining at this spot. They also have a full bar and event space available.

238 Flatbush Ave. Brooklyn NY 11217
http://www.sugarcanerestaurant.com

Relle Independence Day Performance

Relle the Poet opens for Hip Hop Legends Digable Planets on Independence day 

In NYC

Check out her FB page: Facebook.com/relle.the.poet

Featured Artist: Taylor Flash

Taylor Flash

Have you ever had your soul captured so uniquely by a photographer that you didn't even recognize yourself ?

The Life of a New Yorker Presents the most recent featured artist: Taylor Flash. To call him a talented photographer would be an insulting understatement to say the least. Taylor is an original. With all the so called photographers appearing on the "scene" someone with an eye for natural beauty, respect for the art, and actual talent is much appreciated.

Photo Taken by Taylor Flash

Taylor has been taking photos for about 2 1/2 years and says people are his inspiration. " People inspire me through hearing and seeing their work everyday. Channeling their energy is what allows me to portray them. It makes me happy when people see the end result image and through that , see a spirit in themselves that they previously might have not saw. Its almost like giving back." - Flash

Taken by Taylor Flash

Landscape by Taylor Flash

While Taylor is well versed in portraits, and studio photography he is also well known for his landscapes and has most recently added videography to his list of credentials. He charges anywhere between 100$ - 200$ per photo shoot depending on the situation. For the high quality photos he can produce his prices are always very reasonable.

Taken by Taylor Flash

Working with Taylor was an honor and a pleasure. If you are looking for a professional, affordable, talented, and original photographer, Taylor is your man!!!

Check out his fan page: https://www.facebook.com/Taylorflashphotos

and Portfolio: http://www.wix.com/taylorflashphotos/astoryofakid

Top Five Venues List

The time has come again for The Life Of A New Yorker's Top Five Venues List! below you will find some of NYC's most intriguing and useful venues.

1. Jambox Recording Studios

Jambox Entertainment offers professional recording services at this top of the line studio equipped with all the essentials for song writers, demos, mixes, mastering and more!

352 7th Avenue, New York NY 10001 

www.jamboxstudio.com/‎

2. Village Underground Open Mic Night

Join an undoubtedly talented group of artists as they come together every weekend to indulge in a night of entertaining live music.

Reoccurring every Sunday evening at 9:00pm

130 W 3rd St, New York, NY 10012

thevillageunderground.com/‎

3. YoungMikeyTV.com showcase/ Music Concert & Open Mic

"The .com Community music Concert takes place July 12th @the .com community Lounge. If you're a poet, rapper singer or comedian and take it seriously this is place to showcase your talent."

 Date: July 12th 2013 (Reoccurring every month)

1760 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn NY 11226

 http://www.youngmic-keytv.com/

4. AFRIKART Custom Garments

Custom Garments made and African Fabrics available for all occasions.

295 Livingston St, Brooklyn NY 11217

Website Coming Soon...

5. Perfections Gentleman's Night Club

"The Most trendsetting gentleman's club in Queens, New York with more than 100 exclusive female entertainers hand picked and selected."

 6205 30th Ave, Woodside NY 11377

 clubperfections.com/

Hostile Take Over; The Land of The Youth by Jherelle Benn

This is a HOSTILE TAKE OVER...

Check out the latest video poem by yours truly, Relle the Poet.

Directed, Edited, Produced by Duane Ferguson

Written by Jherelle Benn

Shot in Brooklyn NY

Featured Artist: Danny Matos

The Life Of A New Yorker is proud to present an astounding, raw, talented, and intellectual soul as the newest featured artist. The poet performing in the video above is none other than Daniel "Danny" Matos.

Danny Matos

He is a beloved member of the Inspired Word Family, powerful spoken word artist, talented poet, acclaimed 2013 poetry idol, and The Life of New Yorker's most recent featured artist.

Matos shortly after winning the title

On April 24th of this year Danny competed along side 3 other finalists for the title of Poetry Idol. He worked hard to generate, memorize, and deliver an original poem each week of the competition and clearly his hard work paid off. Danny says he is grateful and appreciates the opportunity however he knows he has a long way to go. It's true we could all leave room for improvement but as Danny continues to remain humble even in his success it is clear he has already touched so many hearts with his powerful words.

Danny can be contacted by email: dmatos105@gmail.com

Or by Facebook: www.facebook.com/danny.matos.144

He can also be seen performing nearly every week at Micheal Geffner's Inspired Word Open Mic series and sometimes making guest appearances at the Nuyorican Poet's Cafe.Where ever you are lucky enough to see this expert poet in action you are sure to fall in love with him, his words, and his rare open honest soul.

Featured Artist: K Da Loctician

Kdaloctician

Kelly-Ann King (Also known as K the Loctician) is a passionate hair stylist who specializes in Dread Locs and natural hair care but is versatile and talented enough to meet any challenge. 

Her relationship with natural hair began at the young impressionable age of 9 years when she perfected her first braid. She fell in love with that very first braid and since then it was clear that this was her calling.

"I couldn't imagine myself doing anything else. This is where my heart is" K admits.

Kdaloctician hard at work

With 5+ years experience under her belt she explains "You have to have the love and drive for locs. You must love and nurture them so they can grow healthy and strong." This impassioned drive as well as her ability to master her craft, branch out and create unique styles, sets K apart from other stylists who simply "do" hair.

Currently K's shop is located downtown Brooklyn at 295 Livingston St, Brooklyn NY. She can be reached at (347)-735-7764 or visit her site http://www.facebook.com/pages/Locs-of-Royalty

Original Styles By K Da Loctician

Locs of Royalty

Featured Artist: Keon Torres

Young, talented, ambitious, energetic, enthusiastic, phenomenal, and ecstatic. Who am I describing? The Life of A New Yorker's latest feature; The Hip Hop sensation and Lyrical artist  
Keon Torres.

Artist Keon Torres Making Magic in the Studio

I had the pleasure of first seeing Keon performing at the prestigious open mic series, "The Inspired Word". His ballistic energy was contagious as he delivered one of his more recent singles "My Direction". By the end of his performance I was both thoroughly impressed and entertained by the young MC.

Torres performing at 116 Macdougal

Born and raised in Harlem New York, 20 year old Torres made his official debut performance at the age of 19. His relationship with the stage only developed further as he continued performing at various open mic venues in the city. A year later Keon made the decision to advance his musical career by releasing his first album, a mix tape entitled "Mixing Universal sound in Control LP". To listen and download tracks from this album for free visit datpiff.com. Torres is currently working on his sophomore project, another album featuring his latest and original songs, entitled "1412". Look forward to this dynamic album release in Spring 2013!

You can catch this talented and youthful spirit performing live most days all around this great city of New York. Or simply follow his fan page here at----> Keon Kudo Torres

Be sure to look out for the release of "1412" coming soon!!!

Torres performing at the Funkadelic Studios

Whose Working at the Pyramid Tonight?

The Brooklyn Pyramidz Recording Studio also know as "The Pyramid" is most humbly defined as a myriad of  wonders.

 



Featured: Melvin Mescudi Photographer: Marvin Photog

Have you ever been to a party, recording studio, photo/video shoot, performance, and open mic all AT THE SAME DAMN TIME (At the same damn place)? Well, this venue located in East New York with the clever nick-name wraps all of the above in a successful multi-family package. The Life Of a New Yorker salutes The Pyramid for uniting imaginative and talented New York artists one event at a time. And having a phenomenal night while doing it!

 Working at The Pyramid isn't always trippy fun. In addition to ensuring experienced engineers and top of the line equipment/software (Pro tools), this unique studio also offers artist friendly rates of 35$ per hourly session



Don Montage

Located at 1313 Sterling Place Brooklyn, The Pyramid Recording Studio is just a brisk walk from the 3 train (Utica Avenue). For Bookings: CALL 1 (347) 971-8466 And for exciting upcoming events check out their web page directly ---) The Pyramidz

Top Five NYC Venues List

The Life of a New Yorker.com presents the "Top Five New York City Venues" List. Looking for a sleezy titty bar in Brooklyn? How about a sophisticated open mic in Greenwich Village to showcase your talent? Or what about a bite to eat? All of the above and more are included in this week's top five venue list.

 

The Inspired Word

#1

 

Category: Open Mic Series/Live Music

Where: One on One Nexus Lounge / 116 Macdougal St, New York, NY

When:Every Monday and Wednesday Night

Site: inspiredwordnyc.com/

 



 

Webster Hall

#2

 

Category: Night Life/Club/ Concerts

Where: 125 E 11th St, New York NY

When: Weekends (Thursday night = Ladies night)

Site: http://www.websterhall.com/

 

Uno's Bar & Grill

#3

 

Category: Restaurant

Where: 89 South Street, New York NY

When: Monday-Sunday

Site: www.unos.com/

 

 

Cafe Wha

#4

 

 

Category: Night Life/Live Music/Restaurant/Bar

Where: 115 Macdougal St, New York NY

When: Every Night of the Week

Site: cafewha.com/

 

Pumps Bar

#5

 

Category: Night Life/ Adult/ Exotic Dancing

Where: 1089 Grand Street Brooklyn, NY

When: Weekends

Site: pumpsbar.com/



The "Inspired Word" of NYC

 "Looking for a special open mic in downtown Manhattan?

Come to one of the hottest open mics in the country - a stage graced by Grammy nominated singers, HBO Def Poetry stars, American Idol finalists, Golden Globe Award-winning actresses, and poets from The Best American Poetry anthology." - The Inspired Word Blog

Deemed the "country's top venue of the year" by the annual spoken word billboard awards, the Inspired word is an elite open mic series open to all NYC performing artists. Michael Phillip Geffner (founder, producer, and director of the series) has brought together a family of lyrical, poetic, and musical artists in the tri-state area of New York to create this authentically fulfilling open mic experience.

The Inspired Word Family 10.01.2012

This weekly open mic founded in 2009 lives up to it's name. Performing with the Inspired word family has been continuously educating and inspiring. Several times a week I am provided with the opportunity to show case my talents, network with fellow artists, gain exposure, and perfect my craft/ stage presence.

Performing at the Inspired Word 09.19.2012

My first encounter with the Inspired Word family was on Wednesday, September 19th at their weekly venue on 116 Macdougal St (between Bleecker St and Minetta Lane). It was a cozy little cave in Greenwich Village, equip with a small stage, scattered seating, and full bar. The environment reminded me of a speakeasy,  invoking the feeling of revolutionary secrecy. I had done a little research on Geffner before attending the event and he gave me a firm and pleasant hand shake when I walked in and signed up for the open mic.

The show and overall evening was well worth the 10$ cover charge. I nervously sipped on affordable cocktails and wine from the bar while awaiting my turn to perform. The talent was more and more engaging and amusing as the night went on. There were performances from polished comedians such as David Rey Martinez and Pierre Fontenelle. I was in awe of the amazing featured artists of the night, award winning Mariposa (Maria Teresa Fernandez) and Sandy McIntyre (aka Astmaat). Blown away by the energetic performance by musical artist Keon Torres, I realized I might be closing out the show. Turns out I actually was the very last performer of the night, but I was met with friendly and encouraging applause before and following my performance.

Since that first time I have been faithfully attending the Inspired Word open mic events and performing weekly with my Inspired word family. I can honestly say that I have grown as an artist and a performer by being involved in this series and anyone with 10 bucks and something to say can equally benefit from participating.

The Inspired word weekly venues currently include; 

• 116 MacDougal Street (between Bleecker Street and Minetta Lane), Manhattan NY -- Every Wednesday night 7 - 10pm NO AGE LIMIT.
• One and One / Nexus lounge, 76 East 1st Street (corner of 1st ave), Manhattan, NY -- Every Monday night 7-11pm NO AGE LIMIT.
• Nuyorican Poet's Cafe, 236 East 3rd Street (between Avenue B and C), Manhattan NY - The FIRST Tuesday of every month, 9pm - Midnight NO AGE LIMIT.
• The Gallery at LPR (le Poisson Rouge), 158 Bleecker Street (Between Sullivan and Thompson), Manhattan NY Please check the website: http://inspiredwordnyc.com/ for more info and dates of this venue.
• Soho Playhouse: Titillating Tongues erotic series, 15 Vandam St Manhattan NY. Certain Tuesdays of the month (Check website) 7:30pm - 8:00pm 18+++

There is a cover charge for each venue and for more information visit the inspired word website; http://inspiredwordnyc.com/ or blog; inspiredwordnyc.blogspot.com/

Photo taken by Michael Geffner

We love him for his ambition!

Hunter college is best known for it's prestige. Being a senior college within the City University of New York (CUNY) system there are high expectations for academic success. As stated in the official college mission their goal  "is to encourage the fullest possible intellectual and personal growth in each student". While education is clearly the main focus of the young students the college still manages to boast an exciting and engaging student life.The Hunter Events Calender can be found here and is frequently updated with a variety of events ranging from cultural entertainment, theater, career services, athletics, musical performances, dance, and the arts. This spring the USG (Hunter Student Government) pulled together to present the Spring Concert Extravaganza which featured WALE and his band.

Hip Hop Artist Olubowale performs at CUNY Hunter College

Olubowale Folarin (most known by his staged name Wale) is an self claimed "ambitious" MC recently signed to the record label Maybach Music Group. His popularity steadily increased after the artist began his career in Washington D.C and gradually rose to stardom. Notable for his popular tracks such as "Dig Dug (Shake it)", "No Hands" (Along side Waka Flocka), and more recently "Lotus Flower Bomb", "Ambitious", and "Bag of Money" featuring Rick Ross. Nominated best new artist in the 2010 soul train awards Rick Ross seems to think highly of Wale claiming "Wale is a hustler. I feel he’s one record away from being the next nigga. He’s just a naturally fly nigga. Slick talking nigga. That’s right up my alley".  Apparently Folarin concurs with the statement and honestly believes he has what it takes to play the part of best new artist and relevant addition to the Mayback Music Group. In his recent single Ambition Wale states "They gon love me for my ambition. Beautiful music, painting pictures that be my vision."

 The Kaye Playhouse of Hunter college typically hosts concerts and other musical engagements however not many of the previous musical concerts can match the epic experience the DC native MC was prepared to deliver on the evening of Saturday May 12th. Wale's performance was greatly anticipated by the eager young crowd of Hunter students. When he finally began his set after an hour pre-show the response was deafening. 

Wale's energy was contagious as he sang from his hit list of popular tracks. Running through the crowd on several occasions, giving hand shakes to every audience member, and encouraging everyone to sing along to the lyrics. We were totally engaged by his presence. His powerful unwavering voice and inspiring relate-able lyrics meshed with the piercing screams of hundreds of insatiable fans. Performing singles from both his present and past albums, he made sure to change it up keeping the crowd on their toes. His accompanying band and vocalist followed suit and the passionate performance was without a doubt a massive success. Cost of admission for this event was 10$ for Hunter College Students and 15$ for non students.

Ambition Album Cover

Visit Itunes to purchase "Ambition" or any of Wale's single tracks. And be sure to check out the Hunter College Events Calender for upcoming concerts and other events you wont want to miss!

Featured Artist: Supriya Pava

Supriya Pava: Photographer, Fashion Designer

New York has a lot to offer when it comes to culture, diversity, and simply enjoying the arts. There is a ridiculous variety of artists who are creating and shaping pure art with their unique craft everyday in this city that never sleeps. I am talking about youthful, ambitious, and talented individuals whose vision and work line the walls of  galleries in Manhattan or are spray painted rebelliously upon the upper scaffolding of every other building in East New York, Brooklyn. This week the spotlight is on a truly amazing artist, fashion designer, and colleague of mine; Supriya Pava, an established photographer born in New Delhi India but currently based right here in NYC. 

I had the honor of working with Pava for some portfolio work and she made me feel more comfortable than I ever thought imaginable under the lens of her camera. She not only possesses talent, expertise in her craft, and professionalism but also a vision that allows her photos to radiate with creativity and artistry. I am not a model. Needless to say I was nervous that I would be inadequate. It was more than getting my picture taken; I was trying to allow someone to capture my fearless beauty when I was at my most vulnerable and feeling far from fearless! I'm glad that person was Supriya! She saw something in me and knew exactly how to utilize her gift and mold  realty to bring both her vision and that part of me alive through her photographs. After our very first session I needed less direction and it became almost mutually effortless.

 

Supriya is always interested in new subjects and offering her photography services for reasonable and appropriate pricing. She specializes in fashion, portraits, and reportage photography. Pava can also provide more artistic styles and has experience with tasteful nudes, black and white, and abstract photos. With her inner eye and one of a kind vision, amateur and experienced models alike could undoubtedly benefit from working with her. I recommend Supriya for any task that calls for a talented and professional photographer as she is more than qualified.

Supriya is not only a photographer but also a budding innovative fashion designer whose clothing line; "DEZAINA" will be hitting NYC boutiques by Summer 2012. Once again applying her artistic vision along with a natural born talent, the combination is a brilliant and colorful clothing line. DEZAINA includes women's clothing (dresses, blouses, etc) and a beautiful selection of eccentric jewelry (necklaces, bracelets, and rings). The clothing featured is originally designed and manufactured by Pava herself and are fun, fashionable, and diverse. Currently Supriya is in the process of developing an official website however more information on DEZAINA or her Photography can be obtained by contacting her via email.

"In photography, creative inspiration can come from almost anywhere. I am inspired by New York City at large. The life around me compels me to look through the lens and capture a fleeting moment. I'm interested in both documentary and studio photography. One day  I am taking photos on a subway and the other I'll be shooting a model portfolio. I enjoy diversity.

Currently I am working on a "Skyline project", the idea is to photograph NYC skyline at different times of the day in the period of 12 months.

You can check out Supriya's photography at pavaphotography.com, it is currently under construction until May 2012." -- Supriya.

Email Supriya Pava at "pava1@earthlink.net".