Live New York

Gérard Mortier To Head New York City Opera

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

Gérard Mortier is headed to New York to run the New York City Opera, a move that has caused it’s share of trepidation. Mortier has been known for putting on shows that scandalized patrons before, and the City Opera faces a number of unprecedented challenges.

For his part, Mortier doesn’t see what all the fuss is about.

“It brings me back to the beginning of my career, working in smaller houses,” he said. “I will be 65 this fall, and I didn’t want to run another big international company. I like the house and came very often. I brought singers from City Opera, like Samuel Ramey and Carol Vaness, to Germany. I support the company’s basic precepts. I want to bring change, but not change everything.”

The City Opera will be on the move for over a year until renovation is complete on the New York State Theater.

For more information: NYC Opera

Posted in Arts | No Comments »

New York Taxi Drivers Thanked

New York taxi drivers tend to get a bad rap, and many people would say it’s well deserved. But people got to see a side of the New York taxi driver which is rarely mentioned, when a violinist performed for 200 taxi drivers at Newark Liberty International Airport.

“The atmosphere is very interesting, to say the least” Mr Quint told The Times. “Right now, it really feels I am among my friends.”

Mr Quint, 34, promised to give the unusual performance after Mohamed Khalil, a taxi driver, returned the 1723 Antonio Stradivari “ex-Kiesewetter” — on loan from a wealthy philanthropist — when the musician left it behind in his taxi.

The violinist and his girlfriend climbed into the car driven by Mr Khalil at Newark airport shortly after midnight on April 21.

Of course the taxi driver returned the violin, and the rest is history.

Posted in New York Living | No Comments »

Celebrities Still Making Big New York Real Estate Deals

The word “recession” is bandied about every day, and certainly it applies to lots of people in the United States. But don’t forget there’s a super-rich upper class of people known as “Celebrities”, and the recession is hardly putting a dent in their aspirations. In fact, New York real estate deals involving celebrities are on the rise.

The New York Observer, The New York Post and The New York Daily News have all published recent stories about celebrity real estate transactions in the city, as have real estate Web sites such as Curbed.com and the Real Estalker blog.

Celebrities such as Scarlett Johansson, Carole Burnett, Madonna, and Bono have all been involved in truly massive sales in Manhattan in recent months. The asking prices are high, but the celebs have been getting their money. It seems safe to surmise that the recession isn’t hurting the folks with big money.

Posted in New York Real Estate | No Comments »

Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers At Madison Square Garden

You know it’s summertime when Tom Petty rolls into town.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers will play at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday June 12, 2008. Steve Winwood will also perform. The show starts at 8:00 PM, but guests are urged to arrive at least an hour early since all packages, including pocketbooks will be inspected prior to entry.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Robert DeNiro And Jane Rosenthal Talk About The Tribeca Film Festival

The Tribeca Film Festival was founded by Robert DeNiro and Jane Roenthal after the 9-11 terror attack.

They both take a moment to discuss their motives behind the newest film festival that celebrates mainstream and independent film makers.

The Tribeca Film Festival runs through May 4, 2008.

Posted in Entertainment | No Comments »

Deluxe New York

Deluxe New York has opened its’ doors. Deluxe New York is a project which should help stimulate the film business in New York City.

“We are thrilled that Deluxe is making a commitment to our city and our economy, and I welcome them,” Bloomberg said.

Deluxe, which owns facilities around the world, is a subsidiary of MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings, for which Ronald Perelman serves as chairman and CEO. Perelman and Deluxe president/CEO Cyril Drabinsky also participated in Thursday’s ceremony.

New York State is preparing to boost the below-the-line tax credit for film and TV productions to 30%, plus an added 5% for New York City projects.

The new facility in the West Village houses a full-grade movie studio. Mayor Michael Bloomberg was on hand for the opening.

Posted in Entertainment | No Comments »

Bruce Springsteen Performing At Giants Stadium

Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band will be performing live at the Giants Stadium on Monday July 28, 2008.

The show starts at 7:30 PM. There will be no cameras, lasers or video recording allowed. Tickets for the concert cost $65.00 or $95.00. Anyone age 2 or older must have a ticket for admission. There is a 4 ticket limit for the GA Pit and an 8 ticket limit for the rest of the house.

Tickets are now available at all Ticketmaster outlets.

Posted in Entertainment | No Comments »

“My Bloody Valentine” To Perform At ATP New York

“My Bloody Valentine”, known as a UK-alt band, will perform at ATP New York this September. ATP New York is a three day festival, occurring on September 19th through September 21st of 2008. “My Bloody Valentine” will be one of 15 acts scheduled for the festival.

Three day passes can be yours for $225.

Check out “My Bloody Valentine” playing “Only Shallow”.

Posted in Entertainment | No Comments »

Tribeca Film Festival Opens Tonight

The Tribeca Film Festival is opening tonight, even though some skeptics think the festival will have a tough time attracting attention. It seems that film buyers are not that excited about the event in Tribeca. There are plenty of reasons to be excited about the 2008 Tribeca Film festival, though, insist others.

In contrast to Tribeca’s documentary-heavy slates of previous years, the 2008 edition will see a number of buzzed-about scripted features make their debut to buyers as the fest increases its narrative efforts under new hire Genna Terranova.

Among the scripted films that have risen to the lips of distributors as acquisition targets are James Mottern’s family drama “Trucker” and the William H. Macy dramedy “Bart Got a Room,” both produced by the New York shingle Plum Pictures. Also high on radars are the Mariah Carey road-trip drama “Tennessee”; “Eden,” a relationship drama from “Once” producer Samson Films; and “The Caller,” a corporate thriller starring Frank Langella and Elliott Gould.

In the past, the Tribeca Film Festival closely associated with documentaries, but this year you can expect to see a ton of different entries, including top-notch dramas. This is the sixth annual Tribeca Film Festival.

For more information: Tribeca Film Festival website.

Posted in Entertainment | No Comments »

Jimmy Buffett At Madison Square Garden

Okay. So New York isn’t exactly what you’d call Margaritaville, but on June 12, 2008 Jimmy Buffett will be bringing his island music to Madison Square Garden.

Jimmy Buffett and his Coral Reefer Band will take the stage at 8 PM. Guests are advised to arrive at least an hour early because all packages including briefcases and pocketbooks will be inspected prior to entry.

Tickets for Jimmy Buffett are now on sale at all Ticketmaster outlets. Mezzanine level tickets cost $51.50 -$61.50, Promenade 300 level seats are $61.50- $101.50, Promenade 200 seats are $101.50 -$151.50, Floor seats are $201.50, Loge seats are $151.50-$201.50, Promenade 100 seats are $101.50-$201.50. The concert is wheelchair accessible.

All tickets are subject to additional venue charges.

Act fast to get the best seats in the house for this island getaway in the heart of New York City.

Posted in Entertainment | No Comments »