I leave you this to ponder as F.I.B leaves this town to go somewhere most likely even hotter... THE SOUTH! Will be back sometime next week but if I were around I would probrably spend both Saturday and Sunday at Coney. It's gonna be hot and it is definitely least 15 degrees cooler by the shore. After a day at the beach you can take in some hysterical burlesque game show fun on Friday Night with the Great Fredini and Julie Atlas Munez with This or That. On Saturday night it's a screening of the uber fab film Barbarella at the Coney Island Film Society and then there is "Ask the Experts" at the Coney Island Museum on Sunday afternoon.
And of course the freak shows go on all day and night all weekend. With a special "this weekend only" appearance by the Lizardman! He's got a forked tongue! You are COMMANDED to click on that link! Freaky!
* This is one of those photos that F.I.B took with a real FILM camera and DEVELOPED all by her lonesome in a DARKROOM! I *WORKED* for this image honey!
Looks like the "batcave" building over near 3rd and 3rd got bombed over the weekend. Nice to see some quality messages after all the downright bad grafitti (particularly around the Carroll Street bridge) that has been around the Gowanus of late.To whomever did this (the building not this awful fence), I salute you! You got skills!Many thanks to the keen eye of Brian Berger for the photos (except for the first one that one is mine! and is what i see from the front of my house, reminds me of Minor Threat "in my eyes".)
*"He's the world's greatest sinner. I said the world's greatest sinner. As a sinner he's a winner. Honey he is no beginner. He's rotten to the core. Daddy you can't say no more. He is the world's greatest sinner!"
Brian Berger, the editor over at that nutty, persnickety, non-blogading blog Who Walk in Brooklyn has thrown yet another B movie at me to review. B as in Brooklyn baby! This time it's "The World's Greatest Sinner" written, directed and starring Brooklyn native Timothy Carey in 1962.
* Lyrics by a young Frank Zappa and brought out of obscurity and recorded by one of F.I.B's favorite Brooklyn rock & roll combos The A-Bones on their EPIC Daddy Wants a Cold Beer album! Curious?! Listen to it here!
The Acme Flea Circus "The Most Miniscule Circus in the World" rolls into Sideshows by the Seashore at Coney Island this Sunday. ONE SHOW ONLY and ABSOLUTELY NO DOGS ALLOWED!
From the press release: The show, the Acme Miniature Flea Circus, is an authentic Victorian flea circus that features trained fleas Midge and Madge who perform spectacular circus stunts as seen before (and on top of) the crowned heads of Europe. Midge and Madge will perform their star turn at Coney Island's historic Museum.
Details magazine called the show "One of the top alternative circuses in the country." The New York Times said "The appeal is irresistible... Gertsacov is every bit the fantastical impresario, in his purple top hat and cash-register voice, introducing us to the wondrous insects itching (sorry) to perform" And the Los Angeles Times says that "Professor Gertsacov holds the audience (and the stars of the show) in the palm of his hand."
Also! The Freakbar at the Museum is now pretty much done and open! Fisherman Trio is having a "Love Luau" party on Friday and the Coney Island film society is screening "Taxi Driver" Saturday night at 8pm. Who needs Manhattan? Always something going on at Coney. Fisherman Trio also plays pretty much all day on Saturdays at the Freak Bar for free.
Joe Heidecker sculptures The opening I mentioned at The Moeller Snow Gallery the other night was phabulously phantasmagorica!! Both the art (of course I'm biased but the general consensus of the attendees was the same!) and also the space. Just loved the hot pink floors, a nice change from the usual gallery bland tastefulness. Go see this show! Click here for the details. Blah Beautiful red door (just don't put any graffitying on it! ) at East Village Indian Restaurant where the after party took place.Ended the night at my favorite bar in all of Manhattan, the Mars! And there's that pink again!
P.S- Please support the Mars Bar, they need your business and they are sadly COMPLETELY dwarfed by the ugliest condos on the planet at 2nd Avenue and 1rst Street. I'm sure the clock is ticking and it will be yet another sad blog post on Jeremiah's Vanishing New York. Enjoy it while it's here. Dig?
This is turning into quite the nautical summer as F.I.B took another boat trip. This time the trip had a destination to to Island of Staten, where I got lost for about 2 hours, practically doing a complete circle around the island on the S51 bus. Eventually I got to where I needed to go, The Alice Austen House which is a little bit of heaven in what I was calling at the second hour of my journey, Satan Island. For some reason I don't think the energy on this ship is "golden".
Alice Austen was a photographer in the Victorian era, a real rebel girl for the time, biking around Staten Island and Manhattan with over 50 pounds of photo equipment! This nationally landmarked house is sort of victorian/gothic and hosts revolving photo exhibits. It's a great spot and there is a shaded lawn overlooking the harbor, where on a clear day, which this day at temps in the 90's and humid was not, one can see the Manhattan skyline. The beach is also a nice spot, lots of sea glass from old bottles. Someone told me that sea glass is becoming extinct because there aren't as many glass bottles in the world anymore. Not at THIS beach honey, this place was sea glass mecca!Once again my camera konked out and this is just about the only photo I got of the actual house. Anyway, if you get it right and take the 10 minute rather than the 2 hour bus ride from the Staten Island Ferry Terminal this is a nice little getaway. It's a peaceful spot amongst the Victorian homes of Staten Island. Fortunately for F.I.B every bit of this trip was FREE, ferry (from where, if you crane your neck you can see all four waterfalls at once!) and all. Even the bus was free because the fare box was broken! (making up for all those useless Metrocards I have with 5 cents left on them, does that piss anyone else off as it does me?)
My friend Joe Heidecker is in this group show opening tomorrow night at the Moeller Snow Gallery in Manhattan. That's one of Joe's images on this card. Phantasmagorical! (I think I've got a new favorite adjective!) If you can't make the opening try and check it out during regular gallery hours, should be a good one.
A shot in the dark but hey my sister got some work through my plug for her!
Do you have any job leads for F.I.B? Whose summer art teaching job fell through?
If anyone has any leads on *anything* please contact me at the email address to the right.
Work Experience: Teacher, Special Event Design and Production, Film (Art Dept: set dressing/props/scenic), Floral designer, Administrative assistant, Errand runner, Seller of vintage things, Writer, Receptionist, Amusement Park Ride Operator, Textile designer, Showroom Manager and Co-ordinator.
Two big free Brooklyn shows were going on last night. Brian Wilson or Deerhoof? Brian Wilson or Deerhoof? Brian Wilson BABY!!! A no brainer. I love summer in NYC, we are truly privileged to get to hear so much fantastic music, many from the originators, many for free. Although Brian Wilson (the mastermind behind the Beach Boys) was five bucks, it was priceless.
I didn't know what to expect. I heard the stories about Brian Wilson. His mental instabilities, his years under a Doctor's care where he took too many anti-psychotic medicines, his stage fright, y'know all that bad stuff that helps create a legend. The crowd at the show was decidedly BROOKLYN. As in Sheepshead Bay, Brighton Beach, Midwood, Flatbush. Marty Markowitz was babbling on stage for at least 45 minutes listing off EVERY SINGLE musical act that ever played at Asser Levy Park and even some that never did, it was unbelievable how he just rattled on and on. Exactly at 8pm the band took the stage and Brian was front and center behind a keyboard. The music is really beautiful and so complex but as I sat there looking at the old greasers going wild, I distinctly heard the doo-wop influence. Just think about "Help Me Rhonda" (which was their final Beach Boy song of the evening.) Brian was a bit stiff in the beginning and seemed cranky but a funny kind of cranky. It was a bit surreal to hear him sing "When I grow up to be a man" but he was a lot more loosened up toward the end, I actually saw him crack a smile during "Good Vibrations". Maybe being beachside under a full moon was the right vibe for Brian because he came out for a second encore and did a number from his upcoming album, a ballad called "Southern California". I'd say they played for about 90 minutes, which from what I understand is a long set for him. Below is my cheap camera video, it's more for the sound than the visuals and the song is "Heroes and Villians". Just hit play and stare at that ship photo I found in my closet! I ALMOST made it to the end of the song but security made me put my camera away.(please sing that last sentence to "Fun Fun Fun"!)
And tomorrow night ANOTHER fantastic free show. By another originator.
Mary Weiss of the Shangri-las! The Nouvellas The Lost Crusaders 6:30pm at South Street Seaport
Well one of the benefits of "clearing the clutter" of my closet has already appeared. I found a shopping bag full of old black and white photographs that a friend gave me years ago. Just WHY I have NO recollection of the images is bizarre. They are beautifully shot and well developed. The photographer must of been a war correspondent stationed in the South Pacific. There are photos of Hawaii, Japan, California, some Europe and New York City. I have over 200 of them. From what I can figure out the photographer's name is R.Raffius and was from New York. The only info I can find out thus far about him is that the The Calilfornia Museum of Photography has some of his work. I am showing you just a smattering. Also in the bag are beautiful vintage postcards from all over the world. Everything is in excellent condition. What an interesting life this guy had. If anyone out there knows anything about this photographer I would love to hear about it.OH Popeye! Coney Island? This looks like it is probrably Coney Island in either the late 1920's or early 1930's judging by the bathing suit styles and the straw boaters on some of the men. Would you think that anyone would go to a beach this crowded today?Is this a Volkswagon?"Don't forget your fez and keep your nose clean!" This one was sent from Honolulu in 1934. There are a lot of photos of Hawaiian "natives" and surfers also. (And also Japanese geishas walking the streets of Tokyo!) Anyway the postcards are great, this is like a big puzzle. From what I have figured out so far, the addressee on the postcard, Edward Mels, was also a photographer as there is a smattering of his work in this bag too. He seemed to be taking photos up in Alaska. Could this be the man, R. Raffius himself?
Well one of the benefits of "clearing the clutter"of my closet has already appeared. I found a shopping bag full of old black and white photographs that a friend gave me years ago. Just WHY I have NO recollection of the images is bizarre. They are beautifully shot and well developed. The photographer must of been a war correspondent stationed in the South Pacific. There are photos of Hawaii, Japan, California, some Europe and New York City. I have over 200 of them. From what I can figure out the photographer's name is R.Raffius and was from New York. The only info I can find out thus far about him is that the Berkeley Museum in California has some of his work. I am showing you just a smattering. Also in the bag are beautiful vintage postcards from all over the world. Everything is in excellent condition. What an interesting life this guy had. If anyone out there knows anything about this photographer I would love to hear about it.OH Popeye!Coney Island?This looks like it is probrably Coney Island in either the late 1920's or early 1930's judging by the bathing suit styles and the straw boaters on some of the men. Would you think that anyone would go to a beach this crowded today?Is this a Volkswagon?"Don't forget your fez and keep your nose clean!"This one was sent from Honolulu in 1934. There are a lot of photos of Hawaiian "natives" and surfers also. (And also Jappanese geishas walking the streets of Tokoyo!) Anyway the postcards are great, this is like a big puzzle. From what I have figured out so far, the addressee on the postcard, Edward Mels, was also a photographer as there is a smattering of his work in this bag too. He seemed to be taking photos up in Alaska.Could this be the man, R. Raffius himself?
Now you know. FIB has a lot of stuff in her closet. So much that I couldn't find anything or open the door any wider than that first picture. That has started to change. My sister, Eileen Cunningham, is a professional organizer. She decided that I was a feng shui disaster and offered emergency help. Check it out! A WINDOW!
Mind you we only did this one corner and we have 3/4 more of the closet to do but the fact that I can find the window and open the door all the way has me feeling strangely better.Eileen sat with me and we went through years of papers, artwork and handbags (FIB is a bag freak). I got rid of a lot but she didn't give me a hard time when I wanted to keep such things like my GI Joe doll that looks like Nicholas Cage was used as the facial model for or some truely embarrassing teenage art. I don't know much about Feng Shui but I do know that it's supposed to be good to have nothing behind your door. (Like, I think you are suppose to be able to open it!) Let's see if this helps simplify my life. Anyway, Eileen's company is called Less is More Organizing Solutions and works her magic in NYC and the Hudson Valley area. We did this corner in about 4 hours. I have been procrastinating for about 4 YEARS to do this so I am pretty happy!
And get this, she actually said she can't wait to do the rest of it! I would rather eat glass so I'm happy for her enthusiasm.
Lots of places to celebrate the storming of the Bastille and the end of the French Revolution, I will give you two suggestions....the first one is 7th Annual BASTILLE DAY ON SMITH STREET!
Here's the details as per an email from the S.B.D.L.C: "The Seventh Annual Bastille Day Party and Petanque Tournament on Smith Street in Brownstone Brooklyn's "BOCOCA" (BOerum Hill, Cobble Hill, CArroll Gardens ) Neighborhood welcomes you to enjoy a great New York experience with us. For some unknown reason our part of Brooklyn became home to the third largest French Expat population in the U.S. And of course, Smith Street being a street that "Loves To Party!", when they came to us seven years ago asking for a Bastille Day Party, we said -- "Pourquoi pas?" "Voila!" a tradition began.
This is truly a neighborhood affair -- beginning with the arrival of the sand in the morning, brought and donated by local resident and city-wide business owner John Quadrozzi (of the Concrete Mix Trucks Company). It is quite a scene to see it’s arrival on the street via a big yellow redi-mix truck ambling down Smith Street and “feathering out” spurts of sand along two blocks, followed by spreading and smoothing, then separating into 14 playing courts. The Petanque Contest is organized by Bar Tabac, using the expertise of fellow Frenchman Bernard DeCanali (Robin des Bois). Tournament Competition is limited to 80 Teams. There will be trophies, T shirts, baseball caps and more as prizes. As the field narrows in the afternoon non-competition courts will be available for families and friends to play and practice. " When: Sunday July 13th, 2008 -- 12Noon to 8PM Where: Along Smith Street from Bergen to Pacific Streets, centering on Dean F or G Train to Bergen Street
Les Sans Cullotes at Freddy's at the F.I.B Birthday Party.
Then on the ACTUAL day which is Monday, it's my fave group of french ex-pats living in Brooklyn, Les Sans Cullotes! They are crossing the river and playing at new hotspot Santos Party House. Dig the email from zee band for zee details!
"Citizens! Les Sans Culottes, the proud disposers of the House of Bourbons and the jeroboam of Armagnac are making a special Bastille Day show in New York City's Tribeca District (triangle below Chanel), Monday July 14th @ 10 pm at the Santo's Party House, 100 Lafayette St, near Walker.
Also, dj's spinning French musique w/ Jaiko Suzuki, Time Warren (Crypt Records) and Jonathon & go go dancing w/ Anna Copacabana, Hula Hoop Harlot Melissa Anne, etc. "
The stylish ladies feet! (see post below!) It doesn't really look like it but this was taken on an extremely crowded NYC street at the height of lunch hour. Mysterious! My Mom used to wear "Capezios" like this in the 1950's. BRAVO LADY!!!
I don't know about you but when I see people walking around in this heat (over 90 degrees with a humidity factor that can kill!) with TIGHT skinny jeans and TIGHT T- shirts (really not an attractive look,no matter how skinny you are) I start feeling their discomfort. But then I have to remind myself that when I was a young girl, I used to stomp around NYC in black tights and combat boots in a 100 degree weather (and don't forget the heavy eye makeup!). Anyway digressing as usual, I was struck by this lady's style last week on 8th Avenue in Manhattan.
This photo was taken with a real film camera and developed in a darkroom by moi!
Lots of new people have been dropping by FIB in the last couple days from all over the world due to getting picked as Blog of Note. It's wild to me as I am accustomed to just NYC readers in general. I'm getting lots of private emails on top of the comments from homesick Brooklynites who live all over the world. I even got an email from Jerry Lawson, the original singer from the Brooklyn do wop group The Persuasions! A weird factoid about the Persuasions is that Frank Zappa helped them get their first recording contract! Click here to read about Jerry's new project.
I want to urge everyone new here to check out my "blogarama", I'd say it's 95% NYC based and you will be entertained for hours!
I got to hear some NYC musical history yesterday over at McCarren Park Pool. Since there are many who don't know this who are reading today, McCarren Park pool is a huge public swimming pool in Greenpoint Brooklyn built during the WPA era of the 1930's that hasn't had water in it for years. The pool is drained and the audience hangs out "in the pool". It's been used as a concert venue for the past few years, the acts are up above on the "pool deck". Usually it is packed with hipsters who like to do things like play dodgeball and go on the slip and slide but as the hipsters don't really go to the "oldies" shows (they have no idea what they are missing!) yesterday was not that crowded (with "hipsters").
Ronnie Spector, former Ronette, a total Goddess and Phil Spector survivor played many of her early gigs in Brooklyn. Check out my video of Ronnie singing "You Can't Put Your Arms Around a Memory" (written by Johnny Thunders of the NY Dolls) which she dedicated to Joey Ramone who produced the album "She Talks to Rainbows" that she performs this song on. How's THAT for NYC rock and roll history?! ANYWAY, lyrically speaking this is one of FIB's favorite songs ever so I was thrilled. (It's a really sad song but regular readers know FIB is a sappy sentimentalist!) Guitarist and legendary local producer, most notable for the Ramones, Daniel Rey, wasn't too shabby on guitar either, love that twang!
This is red, white and blue right? Wow, is it the 4th already? Last year I wrote quite the cynical post on the 4th of July. Read it here. My views haven't changed all that much, civil liberties are still disapearing, healthcare and affordable housing are still luxuries. We've had a President that has run our country's reputation into the ground, where blood for oil is more important than rebuilding New Orleans, a city in his OWN COUNTRY! Don't get me started.....
But since my grandparents emigrated here for a better life and got it (sort of), it ain't all bad here, the other night on that boat ride when we passed the Statue of Liberty, The Fleshtones stopped and saluted her, and it did mean something to me. My grandmother's story of coming to New York alone at the age of 16 always flashes through my mind.
I hear that America's most notable trait is it's optimism so with that in mind I wish you a Happy 4th of July, at least we invented rock & roll right?
Last night I saw those crazy waterfalls everyone is talking about. And guess what? They look like waterfalls! I took a fab boat ride around the East River last night with The Fleshtones and the Anabolics and the people who love them. My camera, once again, konked out. This is a snippet shot with my cel phone of some Greenpoint Pride from NYC native sons The Fleshtones, it will give you an idea of the vibe on the boat. I felt priviliged to be there, bravo to former Magnetic Field owner Lee for putting this gig together! The Fleshtones opened up appropriately with "Sea Cruise" by Frankie Ford but in this very brief video are performing that smash Brooklyn hit "Greenpoint U.S.A"! You GO Peter Zaremba!!!
Here are those crazy waterfalls. Soundtrack by the Hollies. I found the night sort of surreal. Between the motion of the boat, the scenery and the music, it was like an acid trip (or maybe my beer was dosed!).
Apologies for the erratic film style but that boat was rockin' in more ways then one, so much that my escort K could not board the boat!!! She deserted me at the dock! But I was OK, falling on people makes starting up a conversation just SO much easier!
P.S.- F.I.B. has bust out of Brooklyn and has gone NATIONAL! It is today's Google's Blog of Note!!!! (and I don't even have google ads, go figure!)
In the age of flat screens and Ipods, televisions and "boom boxes" are becoming obsolete. I have always loved drawing them. I can show you many a drawing going waaaay back. Anyway this duo plus car fender was found on Bond Street.
I leave you this to ponder as F.I.B leaves this town to go somewhere most likely even hotter... THE SOUTH! Will be back sometime next week but if I were around I would probrably spend both Saturday and Sunday at Coney. It's gonna be hot and it is definitely least 15 degrees cooler by the shore. After a day at the beach you can take in some hysterical burlesque game show fun on Friday Night with the Great Fredini and Julie Atlas Munez with This or That. On Saturday night it's a screening of the uber fab film Barbarella at the Coney Island Film Society and then there is "Ask the Experts" at the Coney Island Museum on Sunday afternoon. 
Posts
