Media Junkie NYC

Always Shine - Robert Glasper feat. Lupe Fiasco + Bilal on Letterman

Love (a Valentine's Day post)

Saint Valentine's Day (commonly shortened to Valentine's Day) is an annual holiday held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions. The holiday is named after one or more early Christian martyrs named Valentine and was established by Pope Gelasius I in AD 496. It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). The holiday first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished -- from WIkipedia

I've never been one to get into the whole V-Day thing. I don't quite get the whole idea of it all; showing your proposed love by giving cards and gifts on one identified day of the year. It just seems a bit forced to me, and unauthentic. But if you have a Valentine today, I hope you're enjoying and making the best of it.

Leaving you with a couple of songs that come to mind on this day.

Phyllis Hyman - What You Won't Do For Love

If you've been reading my blog for awhile you may know that I absolutely adore Phyllis Hyman. She had a magnetic personality, a superb voice and lots of class. Every time I see a video I miss her more. Anyhow, here's something for you from one of the best to ever do it...

Free Concerts in City Hall Park, NYC - J&R Musicfest 2008, Aug 21-23

Its that time of year again. J&R Musicfest (once called Summerfest, I think) has come around again. This concert series usually features artists with recent or forthcoming albums. This year the line-up seems stocked with big-name, and almost big-name, artists. Take special notice of Thursday, August 21 concert where Terrence Howard (Oscar nominee) will be performing.

Artists will meet with fans and autograph items after the show at J&R (with the exception of Joe).

[More details and artist information]

Info:
Held at City Hall Park (across from J&R Music & Computer, 23 Park Row)
Show starts at 5:00 p.m daily

Schedule:

Thursday, August 21
Solange
Michelle Williams
Terrence Howard

Friday, August 22
Aaron Parks
Esperanza Spalding
Caribbean Jazz Project feat. Dave Samuels
Roy Hargrove

Saturday, August 23
Joe
Nicole Henry
Jo De La Rosa
Naturally 7
Ashanti

[More details and artist information]

Dwele / Chauncey Black at South Street Seaport TONIGHT

98.7 Kiss FM Summer Soul Nights Concert Series presents neo-soul star Dwele and former member of Blackstreet, Chauncey Black Noel Gourdin at the South Street Seaport tonight at 7 p.m.

From the almost record number of page hits today it should be packed, so get there early.

Who's going?

UPDATE: So Chauncey Black did not perform. Noel Gourdin ("The River") opened and did a good job. Sorry for the incorrect information. Hey...I work with what I have. Hope you guys enjoyed anyway. Pic-Links coming soon.

Related Post: 98.7 KISS FM Free Concert Series @ South Street Seaport

Christopher Williams and Montell Jordan @ South Street Seaport

The Seaport was jammed packed last night for the 98.7 Summer Soul Concert Series. Music blasting, with oldies (and even caribbean music) from DJ Pleasure, the scene was just one big party. Portable chairs, people lines on the stairs and the group always on the left of the stage doing the K-Wang (or Can't Wang) dance - it was such a familiar environment, yet the numbers in attendance seemed a bit larger.

I guess with Christopher Williams and Montell Jordan on the bill, that could be expected. With a record number 258 page views of my 98.7 Summer Concert Series posting, yesterday alone, I should have expected it.

Anyhow, Christopher Williams still sounded good, although he didn't do as many of his own songs as he could have. He questioned the crowd as to whether Jaheim was "the new Teddy Pendergrass." Some answered yes although I don't think they got what he was trying to say. He started with a few oldies but goodies and led into Marvin Sapp's "Never Would Have Made It." Included in his set were "Every Little Thing U Do," "Come Go with Me," "Promises, Promises" and he closed with "I'm Dreaming."

Montell Jordan performed a few hits as well including "Falling," "Let's Ride" and his 1995 #1 hit "This is How We Do It." On that last song, the crowd went crazy and I'm sure the party could be heard from New Jersey.

Both artists announced forthcoming albums in the next few months. I will be waiting for them.

Next week will be the final week of the concert series. Scheduled to perform is neo-soul star Dwele and Chauncey Black (of Blackstreet)

BTW: My partner took some pics that should be released on his blog. Check back with me for the link.

STILL MORE FREENESS: MLK Jr. Concert Series

The 26th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Concert Series at Wingate Park, Brooklyn, NY
Monday Nights at 7:30 p.m.
Wingate Field: entrances on Brooklyn Avenue (Between Rutland Road and Winthrop Street)
BYOC (Bring Your Own Chairs) because seating is very limited.
Come in peace!

• JULY 21  /  JOHN LEGEND / Estelle
• JULY 28  /  ANNUAL GOSPEL NIGHT
  • Mary Mary, Tye Tribbett and Greater Anointing, Ricky Dillard & New Generation
• AUG  4  /  ERYKAH BADU
• AUG 11  /  JILL SCOTT
• AUG 18  /  CARIBBEAN NIGHT
  • Beres Hammond, The Mighty Sparrow, Bunji Garlin & Asylum
• AUG 25  /  PATTI LABELLE

More>>

BY CAR

From Manhattan:
Take Manhattan bridge to Flatbush Avenue. Drive straight on Flatbush Avenue, approx. 3 miles, until you reach Rutland Road. At Rutland Road take a left. Continue straight on Rutland Road until you reach Brooklyn Avenue. The park and field are on your right.

From Long Island and South Brooklyn:
Take Belt Parkway to Exit 6N. Flatbush Avenue North. Take Flatbush Avenue approx. 5 miles to Rutland Road. At Rutland Road take a right. Continue straight on Rutland Road until you reach Brooklyn Avenue. The park and field are on your right.

By Subway:
Take the number "2" or "5" trains to Winthrop Street. "5" runs rush hour only. Walk 2 blocks east.

More>>

MORE FREENESS: City Parks Concerts

City Parks Concerts by the City Parks Foundation. Sponsored by Verizon. All performances are from 7 p.m. 8:30 p.m.

MANHATTAN

East River Park - In the Bandshell (Cross FDR Drive at Delancy St. walking bridge)
Thursday, July 17 - The Fiery Furnaces
Thursday, July 24 - KRS-One ("South Bronx" "You Must Learn") / Hosted by "Uncle Ralph" McDaniels (Video Music Box)
Thursday, July 31 - Willie Colon / DJ Lucho

Highbridge Park - 174th St. & Amsterdam Ave.
Tuesday, August 12 - Toby Love / DJ Lobo
Tuesday, August 19 - Shino Aguakate / DJ Lobo
Tuesday, August 26 - Tulile / DJ Lobo

Jackie Robinson Park - In the Bandshell, 147th St. & Bradhurst Ave.
Wednesday, August 6 - The Chi-Lites ("Have You Seen Her" "Oh Girl")
Wednesday, August 13 - Slick Rick ("Hey Young World," "Teenage Love," "La Di Da Di")
Wednesday, August 20 - Donald Lawrence ("Bless Me") / Dewayne Woods ("Let Go") / The Murrills

Marcus Garvey Park - In the Amphitheater, 124th St. & Mt. Morris Park
Thursday, August 7 - Eclectic Ride Presents a live musical tribute to the originators Stevie Wonder & Prince
Thursday, August14 - Big Daddy Kane ("Smooth Operator") / Hosted by "Uncle Ralph" McDaniels (Video Music Box)
Tursday, August 21 - Rahsaan Patterson ("Feels Good") / Lizz Fields

QUEENS

Springfield Park - 184th St. & 147th Ave
Thursday, July 31 - Marvin Sapp ("Never Would've Made It")
Thursday, August 7 - The Chi-Lites ("Have You Seen Her" "Oh Girl")
Tursday, AUgust 14 - Main Ingredient feat. Cuba Gooding, Sr. ("Everybody Plays the Fool")

Queensbridge Park - 41 Ave. Bridge Plaza, Vernon Blvd & East River
Tuesday, July 15 - Felix Hernandez Rhythm Review
Tuesday, July 22 - Naughty By Nature ("OPP" "Hip Hop Hooray")
Tuesday, July 29 - The Delfonics ("La-La (Means I Love You") / DJ Hank Pollard

STATEN ISLAND

Mahoney Playground - Beechwood Ave., Crescent Ave., Cleveland St. & Jersey St.
Wednesday, July 30 - The Delfonics ("Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)")
Wednesday, August 6 - Chubb Rock ("Treat 'Em Right") / Hosted by "Uncle Ralph" McDaniels (Video Music Box)
Wednesday, August 13 - Barbara Mason ("Yes, I'm Ready")

BRONX

Crotona Park - 173rd St. & Crotona Park East
Wednesday, July 9 - Johnny Pacheco Y Su Tumboa / DJ Louie JR
Wednesday, July 16 - Lovebug Starski & Friends
Wednesday, July 23 - Lisa Lisa ("I Wonder If I Take You Home") / Tony Touch

St. Mary's Park - 146th St. & Ann's Avenue
Tuesday, July 8 - Orquestra Broadway / DJ Louie JR
Tuesday, July 15 - Ray Castro Y Su Cojunto Classico / DJ Louie JR
Tuesday, July 22 - Frankie Morales & His Mambo of the Times Orchestra / Angelo Y Su Cojunto Modelo

BROOKLYN

Von King Park - In the Amphiteather / Lafayette Ave., Marcy Ave., Tompkins Ave. & Greene St
Thursday, July 3 - Felix Hernandez Rhythm Review
Thursday, July 10 - Whodini ("One Love," "Friends," "Funky Beat")
Thursday, July 17 - 21:03 / Kurt Carr ("God Great God")

Brower Park - Brooklyn Ave & Prospect Park Pl.
Wednesday, July 9 - Brand Nubian ("Slow Down," "All For One") / Hosted by "Uncle Ralph" McDaniels
Wednesday, July 16 - Richie Spice ("Youths Dem Cold")
Wednesday, July 23 - Bahamadia ("Uknowhowedu")

Red Hook Park - Bay St. between Henry St. and Clinton St.
Tuesday, August 5 - Jungle Brothers ("I'll House You")
Tuesday, August 12 - BT Express ("Do It ('Til You're Satisfied)")
Tuesday, August 19 - Michael Stuart

98.7 KISS FM Free Concert Series @ South Street Seaport

98.7 KISS FM Summer Soul Nights at 7:00 p.m. July 10th - Jeff Fox Band / Algebra July 17th - Jeff Redd / Horace Brown July 24th - Montel Jordan / Christopher Williams July 31st - Dwele / Chauncey Black Directions From West Side Take West Street Southbound. Follow signs to FDR Drive. Take underpass, keep right: use Exit 1 at the end of the underpass. Turn right on South Street and go six blocks. From East Side Take FDR Drive South to Exit 3 onto South Street. Proceed on South Street about one mile. Parking Information Parking There are over 3,000 paid parking spaces within a 6 block radius of the South Street Seaport. For more information please call 877-ParkFast. Public Transportation By Subway www.mta.info 2, 3, 4, 5, J, Z, or M to Fulton Street A or C trains to Broadway-Nassau; or E train towards Fulton Street. Walk East on Fulton Street to Water Street. PATH Train www.panynj.gov/path To World Trade Center stop. Downtown Connection http://www.downtownny.com/?sid=19 The Downtown Connection® bus route connects South Street Seaport with Battery Park City, making stops at many important destinations from river to river. It's the most convenient way to explore Downtown's businesses, shops, restaurants and attractions. And since it's FREE, you can hop on and off as often as you like.

Going Way Back

Radio and Television host, Talent, presents a throwback concert on Saturday June 21 at 8 p.m. The show wil feature Naughty by Nature, Full Force Family, H Town, Positive K, Nice & Smooth, Case and a few other special Guests. Music will be by DJ Mister Cee.