The New York City Summer Blog

A place for people who love New York City in the summer!

Archive for August, 2007

KRS-One

Posted by nycsummer On August - 21 - 2007




KRS-One Videos

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KRS-One is a Hip Hop legend. He is widely regarded as an example of a true MC.From Wikipedia.com:

Lawrence Krisna Parker (born August 20, 1965), known as KRS-One, is an American hip hop MC of Trinidadian and Nigerian descent from South Bronx. Over his career he has been known by several pseudonyms, including “Kris Parker,” “The Blastmaster,” and “The Teacha.” KRS-One is a significant figure in the hip hop community, and is often credited by critics and other hip hop artists as epitomizing the “essence” of an MC and for being one of the greatest rappers to hold the mic. [1]

This concert proved that last statement to be true. What an incredible performance this was. If you have every been to a KRS-One concert you know what I mean. If you have never been to one take a look at the videos to get a taste of the energy he and the audience puts out. KRS-One’s lyrics are full of positive and politically charged messages. He does not use excessive profanity or abusive words or ideas.

Towards the beginning of the concert KRS-One asks for Break Dancers to come up on stage and dance while he performs. It’s mayhem as each dancer vies for audience reaction as they battle each other. Even those with questionable Break Dancing skills get on stage for a piece of the action. This was entertaining to see, you never knew what the next person was going to do to top the last one.

At one point during a freestyle rap KRS-One paused to tell the story of how he and some friends use to sleep on the very stage he was performing. He goes on to tell how he used the “Law of Attraction”, which he calls creative visualization, to see himself ‘rocking this park’. At one point he says, “I’m in my dream right now!” He is obviously moved by the fact that his dream has become his and our reality. It’s like I went to a Hip-Hop concert and came away with a lesson in the use of “The Secret.”

I’ve seen a lot of concerts around New York City. They are almost always fantastic. I have never left one feeling as inspired as I did when I left KRS-One in the very park, on the very stage where he use to sleep as a homeless person. I have a new found respect for KRS-One.

Enjoy,

Nycsummer

Popularity: 1% [?]

Angelique Kidjo and Zap Mama

Posted by nycsummer On August - 13 - 2007




Angelique Kidjo and Zap Mama Videos

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Today’s concert featured Afro-pop sensation Angelique Kidjo and a group in a class by themselves, Zap Mama. The weather was warm and beautiful. The people were friendly and partying. And, the music was rhythmic and unique. We got to the concert towards the end of Angelique Kidjo’s performance. I’ve been a fan of Angelique every since I first saw her many years ago on a Public TV world music program called Mahogany. I was always impressed with her catchy rhythmic dance music. When I got up to the front of the stage there were many members of the audience, most of them kids, on stage with the band having a party. The videos give a good sense of the party atmosphere.I first saw Zap Mama on another Public TV music special called ‘Doing it A Capella’. Their musical style has changed a bit since then. When I first saw them they were an A Capella group with unique Pygmy infused vocal harmonies. They have now evolved into a musical band with varied styles that include Acid Jazz, Calypso, Zouk, and some of their original Pygmy inspired vocals. There latest CD, Supermoon, reflects these styles. The group does have a wacky side to them. How many performers do flips or running leaps in the air during their performances? Zap Mama does! They are a lot fun to watch and listen to. You wait in anticipation of what they are going to do next. They do not disappoint.Enjoy,

Nycsummer

Popularity: 7% [?]

Spanish Harlem Orchestra

Posted by nycsummer On August - 6 - 2007




Spanish Harlem Orchestra Videos

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Today I saw another incredible Latin concert at Central Park SummerStage. I have to say that of all the concert venues I attend, SummerStage is my favorite. They have great performers and allow the audience to get close to the stage.The Spanish Harlem Orchestra is a 13 piece band that embraces the heart and soul of classic Salsa music. As a matter of fact they won the 2004 Grammy Award for Best Salsa/Merengue album for their “Across 110th Street“. Their new Album, “United We Swing” continues that tradition. As I mentioned the music is sweet classic Salsa in the tradition of the great Tito Puente. But, they even threw in a nice Latin Jazz piece that they like to play at Jazz Festivals. The three lead singers have fun belting out the tunes and dancing in unison. And, are enjoyable to watch. Check out the videos for a taste of great Salsa music from the Spanish Harlem Orchestra!Enjoy,

NycSummer.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Chrisette Michele

Posted by nycsummer On August - 3 - 2007




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I did not know what to expect when they introduced Chrisette Michele at BAM’s Rhythm and Blues Festival at Metrotech in Brooklyn, NY. The band started playing, she walked on stage, began singing, and I was impressed. She started the set with an energetic R&B grove called “Let’s Rock”. What impressed me the most was her voice. It has a smoky, jazzy, raspy quality to it. Chrisette’s voice reminds me very much of Billie Holiday’s. Check out the videos to see, and hear, what I mean. A later piece, called “Best of Me”, has a sweet melody, that made me wish I’d gotten more of it on video. Another of the many highlights came when Chrisette sang a song she wrote for her father, who was in attendance, called “Love Is You.”Hearing this lady sing made me want to hear more and more of her. Her debut CD, entitled I Am under the Def Jam label, is available at Amazon.com or on iTunes. She has appeared on David Letterman and is opening for several other acts in the next few weeks. Click on her home page below for more info. Her music is wholesome and entertaining. This amazing singer is on her way to stardom, perhaps in the vein of Nora Jones. I love her music and her voice.Chrisette, you’ve made me an instant fan.Enjoy,

Nyc Summer.

Popularity: 1% [?]

About Me

I love Summer in New York City. There are a gazillion things to do, from free concerts to street fairs, from outdoor dance parties to live performance art. The city is buzzing with activity. This blog captures the fun and energy that is New York City during the summer months. We attend all the coolest events in and around the city. I attend Summer Stage, Celebrate Brooklyn, PS1 Warm Up, Globesonic in Riverside Park and any other chill happenings. Whether it is Reggae or Reggaeton, Hip Hop or House, Salsa or Samba, Compas or Calypso. Whatever the style, we are there to enjoy it and share it with you. Jimmy Cliff, Raphael Saadiq, KRS-One, Kat Deluna, Ozomatli, The Wailers, Nile Rogers and Chic, Angelique Kidjo; these are some of the amazing acts we\'ve covered and there are many more to come. With a name like NYC Summer Blog you might think that everything goes on hiatus when it gets cold. Not so! It is always summer at NycSummer! Look for past NYC shows and other special events from other parts of the world, even when the temperature drops here in New York. So, browse the Gallery Index and enjoy the sights and sounds that is Summer in New York City! Terry

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