Things that makes me happy... Club Harlem

Things that makes me happy... Club Harlem @ the Apollo Theater


Club Harlem is a variety show type performance set at the Apollo theater directed by Maurice Hines, older brother of the late Gregory Hines. The show recreates the atmosphere of 1930s and 40s Harlem with nightclub styled seating on the lower level of the theater (yes they removed the normal chairs) an servers bring food and drink to the tables.  The audience dressed up in the attire of the day while being entertained by a 16 piece Jazz orchestra led musical director David Berger and the conductor Daryl Waters,

The show feature jazz singers, dancers and the was led by the multi-talented Maurice Hines. At over 70 years of age, Hines still command the stage with his comedy, singing, and yes dancing. Just like his contemporary, Sammie Davis Jr., this triple threat performance was well worth the money.

Maurice Hines

Dee Dee Bridgewater

Pros
1. A fun night out experiencing what life was like in 1930s Harlem
2. Great performers including singing, dance, and comedy
3. Maurice Hines at 70+ is an inspiration... and still can entertain an audience

Cons.
1. Apollo wasn't meant for service so the drinks and food was a bit slow
2. The show was a limited run at the Apollo but they may feature at a theater near you in the future.



S.F. Guru

Things that make me happy... Electric Zoo Festival

Things that make me happy... Electric Zoo Festival

There are so many things to do in NYC on Labor Day weekend, US Open, West Indian Labor Day Parade on Eastern Parkway, and for those able and ready.... the Electric Zoo Festival.

I've done all sorts of music festivals in my life, but Electric Zoo (aka the Zoo) is definitely one of the most unique events for those that want to sweat and dance to the beats of Electronica under open sky.

The Electric Zoo Festival is a three day event on Randall island that feature top dance music djs from around the world. This year featured David Guetta, Pretty Lights, Axwell, Benny Benassi, and the international sensation Tiesto. Watching 90k plus people sweating it out with the NYC skyline in the background is one of the best ways to spend a long weekend. This year Tiesto was the feature DJ on the main stage on Sunday and night and rocked the crowd to many of his favorites.

Tiesto

The best parts of this year show had to be the 4 venues with live music and the energy of the crowd. No drama... just people have fun. All ages, all types moving to the same beat... almost.

David Guetta Opening Night

Tiesto Closing Night

Skrillex - Promises

Some random video from the Zoo...

Pros
1. Great Music - and the best open air music system I've ever heard.
2. Fun venue - Randall Island
3. Fun people watching and the best outfits

Cons
1. Better be ready for a crowd... When the music is pumping the crowd is jamming.
2. Be ready to sweat... It's hard not to dance to this music.... and yes dubstep rocks!!

So for anyone around next Labor day weekend and want to check out something different... Check out NY other famous Zoo... on Randall Island.

SF Guru

Things that make me happy... Greatest Father & Daughter Dance Ever!!

Things that make me happy today... Greatest Father& Daughter Dance Medley Ever!!

Father & Daugther Wedding Dance Medley

 

So what's happen in online media today... This has got to be the best Father & Daughter Wedding Dance Medley I've ever seen. Period!! Make sure you watch the entire thing. This medley of songs. Amazing!! And the daughter... beautifully and very happy. And the Father... on his game!!

Kudos to this family!! And way to represent for you baby girl dad...

S.F. Guru

Things that make me happy... Sundae Sermon in Harlem

Things that make me happy today... Sundae Sermon in Harlem!

Part of a fun things to do in NYC series...

House music yall. The real stuff.  Yes... I spelled it right, Sundae not Sunday. What is Sundae Sermon?  Simply put... Good Music for Good People.  This is series of Sunday parties in the Morningside Park in Harlem, NY.  If you like house music and dancing in open air with a few hundred new friends this is the place for you.  As you approach the park, you can hear the beats from blocks away. Then you see the people. Old and young. Gay and straight. White, black, latino, asian -- all getting their dance on... old school style to mellow house beats. I mean real House Music. ala NY legends Frankie Bones, Louie Vega, and Rich Medina (If you don't know-- Google them!!). For more information on Sundae Sermon check out site link...

http://sundaesermon.com/index.php

So... This Sunday was the last set of the summer. No more till next summer but I will defintely check this out again. What I liked most was the people just enjoying themselves in the park. Dancing. Relaxing. Just having fun with neighbors.  Good times.

PS... You want a some good eats with good music before heading to the Morningside Park for some dancing. Check out SIPS NYC near the corner of 110st and Amsterdam. Live DJ playing great music (look for Roots, Tribe Called Quest, World Music, eclectic). He is actually broadcasting on the internet live from his pirch above the bar. Only in NYC.

A couple of videos of Sundae Sermon...

This was another great summer with more great finds of things (some free) to do. So as my summer in NYC comes to a end I got a great day in the park with some good people enjoying good music.  Look for it in 2012!!

S.F. Guru