Two of my favorites. One evening. One stage. It was hella fun with more dancing and sweating than the night before when we were out on the town.
Diddy was in the house dancing out of his seat. Ceelo made a guest appearance that was killer. I could not have asked for more. Correction: I could really ask to go up on stage for a NERD-y dance party.
“The best arena to rock in is one that houses your family (on being on the road)” – Rev. Run
I keep forgetting to share this.
From: Brandon Gross
Sent: Thursday, September 11, 2008 4:45 PM
To: Mary Caldwell; Joy Zhu
Subject: FW: Shelf Talkers – Wynns Market
Cindy called me about these, and I kid you not, this was the conversation:
Cindy: Hi Brandon. I’m looking for nametags.
Brandon: I’m sorry, what?
C: Nametags.
B: Like the stickers you put on your shirt?
C: Well, that’s what I thought. But now Annie tells me that they are stickers with the names of products.
B: Do you mean shelf talkers?
C: Are those stickers with the names of products?
B: No. Do you mean repack labels? Those are stickers.
C: I don’t know what I mean.
Pause.
B: Okay…so…what do you want me to do?
C: Do you put shelf talkers next to items on olive bars?
B: Yes.
C: Then that must be what I need.
B: Okay…so send a request to marketing.
C: To you?
B: No, to marketing.
C: To Mary?
B: Sort of. Send it to the marketing group email and we’ll all get it. Mary, Joy, and myself.
C: Who’s Joy?
B: She took over for Varun.
C: And she needs this too? I thought Mary was marketing.
B: Marketing is an entire department.
C: Oh. So I send it to the Marketing email address and just ask for the nametags?
B: Yes, but don’t call them nametags…call them shelf talkers…that’s how this whole thing started, remember?
C: Yes, right. Okay.
B: Bye.
I love the playfulness of summer time, the livelihood of spring time, and the serenity of winter time. But there is something about the fall, that simply sweeps me up and away into a golden utopia every time I step outside.
I don’t know what it is, it’s always around this time of the year, that conjures up the most nostalgia. Be it the first chill you feel getting out of your bed in the morning; that first cup of cocoa you make in the office; or that first day you had to wear a jacket out, I’m not sure about you, but everything that signifies the beginning of this season gives me the butterflies in my stomach.
Maybe it is just me. The second I witness that first fallen leaf kiss the floors of the New York City streets, my heart melts, and memories start to dance in front of my eyes like a bitter sweet symphony.
Bitter sweet. That’s how I’d describe it. Like the sunset – autumn embraces the beauty of an end, but most importantly, uplifts hope for a better tomorrow.
I Got My – Static Major ft. Weezy
Slide Show – T.I. ft. Mr. Legend
Never Give You Up – Saadiq ft. Stevie Wonder & CJ
If U Leave – Musiq ft. MJB
The 6th Sense – Common & Bilal
Who Run This – Jadakiss ft. Hov
Mr. President – LL Cool J ft. Wyclef
Just Dance – Lady Gaga ft. Kardinal
By My Side – Jadakiss ft. Ne-Yo
You Won’t See Me Tonight – Nas ft. Aaliyah
To be born twice. First to suffer. Then to shine.
That is precisely what Fela Kuti did through his life as an artist, a composer, a pioneer, a human rights activist, a politician in his own right, and a son whose mother was just as brave and powerful a force.
I went to see Fela the off-Broadway last night at 37 Arts. It’s been on my list of things to do for the longest time. Walking distance from my office, I finally had some time during lunch to purchase a ticket. I think I got the last ticket of that night.
Immediately upon entering the theater, I can’t help but break a smile as a band jams on with drums and horns, setting the mood before anything started. The walls closed in with colorful tribal images and murals. Then the show starts, with an amazing entrance of ladies grooving onto the center stage. Very African. Very 60’s. Very captivating.
Then the party begins. As we, the audience, becomes part of the last and biggest fiesta in Nigeria. Belies all the singing and dancing, it is a show with a purpose, one with serious messages that offer insight into the history, the tragedies, and the truth of one man and his country. We get to learn so much about him, about how he pursued his passion in music, and how he followed his mother’s example to fight for justice, independence, and freedom. All with the tunes of the rhythmic Afrobeat.
It was not Fela’s biography told by him, however. The show is more real than you can imagine. Fela, played by Sahr Ngaujah, engaged us from the very beginning and successfully revealed to us the inner journeys of his thoughts on music, dance, politics and life.
I love how he lit up a smoke not once, but twice during the show. And I love the voice of Fela’s mother, Funmilayo, played and sung by Abena Koomson. Most important, far above and beyond the artistic set and costume designs, I love the issues that are subtly addressed in this beautiful production, all of which are still relevant today. You should go check it. I promise it is a magical experience.
Random: I saw Fiona Apple at the show. She doesn’t sound/look as tough as her songs, but rather timid.
