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

Survivor Feast In Red Hook Brooklyn

 What is a community? Is it simply a group of individuals who share a neighborhood? Or is it an ever-growing family of people immersed in connectivity, diversity, and inspiring/uplifting each other towards betterment?

This Saturday, October 24th 2013 Red Hook, Brooklyn sets an example of what a community should be as it's residents come together and feast to commemorate the 1 Year Anniversary of Hurricane Sandy.

Open to Red Hook families, buinesses and affiliates.

Bring a dish, bring a song, or a poem..Most importantly bring yourself.

Nichole Acosta's Epic XII takes over NYC

"When I say EPIC, you say TWELVE! EPIC! TWELVE! EPIC! TWELVE!!!!"

Welcome to the wonderful world of poetry where similes are as frequent as smiles and "wordplay is a poet's foreplay" (Nichole Acosta). In this world there exists a hub where poets, musicians, storytellers, dancers, and performing artists of all kinds are offered a mic, a stage, and a home. The Inspired Word in it's four year history has encouraged and inspired (as it's name suggests) many many talented individuals including, Nichole Acosta, the Collabo Queen.

Acosta with mentor, Mike Geffner (founder of Inspired Word)

Nichole Acosta, a published author and performance poet, began frequenting the Inspired Word about 2 years ago and earned the title of Collabo Queen after accomplishing her goal of collaborating with 25 other performing artists this year and founding the group: The Epic XII. The Epic XII is "a quarterly changing cast of 12 performers of various genres bridging gaps in a divided world through collaboration."

 When asked, why 12? Nichole stated, "12 was the cap for me. The number that made sense. I saw it everywhere. 12 months in a year, average about 12 likes on Facebook posts, 12 apostles. It felt right. Epic 12 the name stuck. In the span of two months, artists who never met before became a forever family of collaborators and put together a successful show of all our work."

 

Epic XII Cast Season 1

Since their debut showcase performance in July of this year at the sidewalk cafe, the Epic XII has been an expanding and evolving force, fueled by Acosta's dedication and constantly feeding off the positive energy of the Inspired Word. The Epic XII has sneak peaked and featured at notable NYC venues such as Tammany Hall and most recently Local 61 on Bergen St. Downtown Brooklyn and many of their performances and behind the scenes videos can be found on Acosta's YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb9BNSkyq9U-Fe8kaR9Zu2A?feature=watch

"Working with so many people has really really helped me grow as a person and artist, to see through others perspectives more often and write every day and just come out of my shell fully with an open heart" - Nichole Acosta.

Mix of Epic XII cast Season 1-3 after Poetry Showcase @ Local 61

Despite the success of Epic XII, Nichole still pushes herself to higher heights by taking on the role of Director of community relations for The Inspired Word,  adding members of Epic XII seasons 3 and 4, publishing her first chap book entitled, Field of Fireflies, and traveling overseas to teach poetry workshops and perform in Singapore this month. Nichole says, "No one can say for sure the exact path the Epic XII will go but I am certain we are headed in the right direction. Some things that will stay constant: We'll  always have a live band, speak on various topics, have performers of all art forms and collaborate, collaborate, collaborate, not just with me but with each other."

Catch the last sneak peak of Epic XII before the season two November showcase this Saturday at Nichole Acosta's Book release Party.

Where: Funkadelic Studios
When: October 12th 2013
9:00pm - Midnight
Cost: 10$ gets entry and signed copy of book
RSVP HERE



And be sure to see the magic of collaboration live with the Epic XII led by the Collabo Queen herself on November 13th 2013!

RSVP HERE 

For more information on Nichole Acosta, The Inspired Word, or The Epic XII, check out the links below:
www.inspiredwordnyc.com
 http://nicholeacosta.wix.com/poetry#!__epic-xii
facebook.com/theepic12
instagram.com/theepicxii

NYC Top 5 Venues List

The time has come again for The Life of a New Yorker (.com) to select 5 venues in this grand city that are worth mentioning.

Remember if you have a venue you want to see on the list send an email and we'll be happy to check it out.

It's all about NY all the time!

NYC'S TOP 5 VENUES

1. Abiodun's Open House Sundays

Legendary Abiodun Oyewole, founder of  The Last Poets, has opened his home to musicians, poets, and creative thinkers alike each and every Sunday to share and learn in a open and positive environment complete with salmon croquette and constructive critique from the legend himself.

110 Morningside Dr, New York, NY 10027

The Last Poets

2. Tammany Hall

A restaurant and performance space on Orchard St. in the city that can only be accurately described as  fancy. "The venue features an expansive main floor with a 24-foot modular stage, classic big bar and banquette-style seating. A mezzanine overlooking the main floor is ideal for listening and mingling, and is equipped with its own private service bar."

Tammany Hall hosts a variety events regularly, for instance the Inspired Word will be featuring tomorrow (Wednesday Sept. 17th 2013), flexing their musical wings and displaying some of the most talented musicians in NYC!

 152 Orchard St. New York, NY 10002

tammanyhallny.com 

https://musicallstarsnyc.eventbrite.com/

3. 6th St. & Avenue B Community Garden

Photo by Michael Phillip Geffner

This community garden is a piece of history as it has been around since the 80s. "Today the garden serves as an anchor of local community garden groups and as a working model of preservation for an energetic greening movement." The garden hosts a variety of free events and workshops which their website gives detailed information about.

Photo Taken by Michael Phillip Geffner

 Corner of 6th St. and Avenue B New York, NY

http://www.6bgarden.org/

4. Don Pollo Restaurant

Exotic Peruvian cuisine, always fresh and always delicious! Taste the savory flavors of Peru right here in the big city!

83-02 95th Ave, Ozone Park NY 11416

http://www.donpollonyc.com/

5. Dassara

Brooklyn restaurant specializing in a variety of noodles/ramen dishes at an affordable price in a cozy little space.

271 Smith St. Brooklyn, NY 11231

www.dassara.com/‎

Top Five Venues List: Brooklyn Edition

Tis the season for sweaters and cuddling....As fall approaches and summer takes it last bow, The Life Of A New Yorker is happy to present The Top Five Venues List once again. 

This is a very special edition of the Venues List as we have decided to honor a very important chunk of this glorious city that makes a constant significant contribution to the culture, population, and popularity attributed with NYC.

 Where Brooklyn at?! Where Brooklyn at?! 

 According to Wikipedia, "Brooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, with about 2.5 million people and the second-largest in area. Brooklyn has played a major role in various aspects of American culture including literature, cinema and theater. The Brooklyn accent is often portrayed as "typical New York" in American television and film". 

Thanks Wiki for that heartfelt description!

Now lets really give credit where credit is due. Brooklyn is more than a cliche television accent from a 1980s mobster, which is actually rarely heard in most Brooklyn areas.

Brooklyn is alive like the blinding lights and vibrant colors on every building and every block. Brooklyn is Cobble Hills, and projects, street art, and West Indian/ Mediterranean/ Latin and Fast Food. Brooklyn is EVERYTHING you could possibly think of that is diverse and inadvertently represents NYC culture. 

Now with that out the way lets get to our Countdown and explore some of these Brooklyn Gems.

BROOKLYN VENUES LIST

1. Nicholas (Brooklyn)

Nicholas Brooklyn is a "cultural one stop shop" that has been serving up a variety of bath/body items, books, jewelry, apparel, and much more since 1974. Located in the heart of downtown Brooklyn on Fulton street, Nicholas provides a unique shopping experience, smells of scented incense, and often hosts open mic poetry/music events. 

570 Fulton St, Brooklyn NY 11217

www.nicholasreggae.com

2. Red Hook Initiative

Red Hook Initiative (RHI) is a non profit organization located in the neighborhood of Red Hook (South Brooklyn). RHI was the center for the community during Hurricane Sandy, which devastated Red Hook as well as other parts of Brooklyn. The organization is open 5 days a week; Monday through Friday and offers a variety of useful information, programs, resources and services to individuals and families of all ages in the community.

767 Hooks Street, Brooklyn NY 11231

718-858-6782

rhicenter.org

3. Kota Cafe

 

 Kota is an eccentric cafe located on Atlantic Ave downtown Brooklyn serving up Vegan cuisine, fresh juice and smoothies for the power boost. They also host a weekly open mic called The Sun Set, "
A weekly spiritual teknowledge party for the wholing of the nation".

 444 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn NY 11217

http://www.yelp.com/biz/kota-cafe-brooklyn

https://www.facebook.com/events/579085825463814/

4. Community Voices Heard

"Community Voices Heard is a member organization of low-income people, predominantly women with experience on welfare, building power in New York City and State to improve the lives of our families and communities." CVS is currently working along side RHI to push for funding in areas devastated by Hurricane Sandy (Red Hook and Coney Island) and improve maintenance conditions/repairs for low income NYCHA residents.

www.cvhaction.org/‎

5. Local 61

Local 61 is a quaint little Bar/Lounge/performance space in Cobble Hill Brooklyn. Their website boasts, "We're a public house - celebrating locally crafted food and the people who make it. If you're interested in the community, we've got your back". They often host events in their upstairs event space like, Brooklyn Poet's YAWP (poetry class and open mic) and will also being featuring a Poetry showcase by the up and coming Artistic Collaboration Team; The Epic XII in September. 

 

 

61 Bergen St, Brooklyn NY  11201

www.61local.com/

 

Only a minuscule area of Brooklyn has been brushed over..barely. 

I guess you'll have to tune in next time to see what more The Life Of A New Yorker (.com) has to offer.

If you are a New Yorker and would like your event or venue featured on the site feel free to email jherelleb@gmail.com with information.

Brooklyn Poet's "YAWP"

There is poetry brewing in Brooklyn.

"Brooklyn Poets is a non-profit literary organization celebrating and cultivating the poets, poetry and literary heritage of Brooklyn, the birthplace of American poetry." Brooklyn has been known to breed some of the world's most notable poets. This dedicated organization holds several events and workshops to engage Brooklyn poets and bring together a community of artists in a safe and inspiring environment.

Every 2nd Monday of the month Brooklyn Poets holds "YAWP" which is a monthly poetry writing class followed by an open mic. For 5$ you can experience both the poetry writing class (taught by a Brooklyn Poet's member or guest poet) and the open mic. 

The next Yawp will be held on September 9th at 61 local on Bergen St. taught by Jeff Simpson and begin at 7pm. The open mic will follow at 8pm and the list fills up fast so visit  http://brooklynpoets.org/events/yawp/ to sign up early and reserve your spot!

The experience is memorable and will definitely keep you on your toes regardless of your experience as a poet. For more information visit the Brooklyn Poets website: http://brooklynpoets.org/

Taken from brooklynpoets.org

Happy Writing!!!

Top Five Venues List

Good Day New Yorkers (and troublesome tourists who we love oh so much). It's that time again where The Life of A New Yorker.Com explores various New York City venues in a top five countdown.

NYC'S TOP 5 VENUES

1. Joe's Pub

 "Joe's Pub at Public Theater is a nightclub that hosts live performances regularly." Drinks are affordable and the evening is always enjoyable at this reputable NYC venue.

425 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10003

www.joespub.com

2. Dixon Place

 "Dixon Place is an Obie Award winning, Off-Off-Broadway New York City theater devoted exclusively to presenting original pieces of theater, dance, performance art and literature that are works in progress"

 161 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002

dixonplace.org

3. Paint & Poetry

"A collaborative effort of all things art." Paint and Poetry is a unique monthly event created by Mojo disco featuring underground artists in NYC; poets, Emcee's, and musicians, giving them a chance to showcase their talents.

https://www.facebook.com/PaintAndPoetry

4. DALLAS BBQS

A well known family restaurant serving up giant specialty frozen drinks and that southern corn bread just like mama use to make!

241 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036 

 180 Livingston St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

 www.dallasbbq.com/

5. Locs of Royalty

 Located in the heart of downtown Brooklyn, Locs of Royalty is a natural hair care salon brought to you by Kdaloctician.

 295 Livingston St, Brooklyn NY

https://www.facebook.com/Locs.of.Royalty

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

Top Five Venues List

1. The Inspired Word Presents; The All-Star Showcase

The Inspired Word series presents the start of the brand new All-Star Showcase! The best of the best comedians, poets, musicians, and storytellers from the Inspired Word.

 **Beginning Thursday, June 20th (Re-occurring the third Thursday of every month)**
BareBurger Restaurant 85 Second Ave, New York NY 10003
http://inspiredwordallstars.eventbrite.com/

2. Club Allure
Lets get grown and sexy! Club allure is a spacious and classy club in Long Island City. Hold your birthday party or event here or just come out to enjoy a Saturday evening with friends.

33-02 Queens Blvd. Long Island City, NY 11101
http://www.cluballurenyc.com/

3. Rimes of The Ancient Mariner Monthly Open Mic

Every Month the legendary Ancient Mariner Phillip Giambri offers this exciting open mic series open to all performing artists in NYC. Admission is 7$ and there is a 21+ age limit.

 **First Thursday of every month**

Identity Bar and Lounge @ 511 East 6th St. New York, NY 10009

https://www.facebook.com/events/417345091686612/

4. The Brooklyn Pyramidz
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

 1313 Sterling Place Brooklyn NY 11213
https://www.facebook.com/brooklyn.pyramidz?fref=ts

5. Club Amnesia
Club Amnesia has over 35 Spacious V.I.P sections, a state of the art sound and lighting system, & 7,000 Square feet to party in. Located in West Chelsea, Club Amnesia combines non-stop energy and entertainment that give guests an experience not felt in NY nightlife.

 609 West 29th St. New York, NY 10001
amnesianyc.com

The Land of The Youth Poetry Event

This is a HOSTILE TAKE OVER...

Come out the evening of Saturday April 13th downtown Brooklyn to the

 VIDEO SHOOT of the new Digi Poem; The Land of the Youth.

295 LIVINGSTON ST. BROOKLYN NY

11:00PM

• Photo Booth Will Be Set Up
• Live Musical Performances
• OPEN BAR UNTIL MIDNIGHT

FEATURING...

Keon Torres


TRAP SABBATH
http://trapsabbath.com/

L.A.V

RO WILLIAMS
https://www.facebook.com/iamrowilliams

RELLE THE POET

 AND MORE....

For more information on this event call: 646-673-1189

We are told Mistakes by our elders;

Painful Memories Daddy don't want for me.

How DARE they forget once dancing in our place!

Liquor burning, Bodies Writhing, Soft Whispers, Loud Moaning

TO BE YOUNG IS TO BE FREE