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All day Le Poisson Rouge

My favorite venue in NYC, "Le Poisson Rouge".

I was lucky enough to see "Afropean" artists (that's what they like to call), Les Nubians last night!! I went there straight from work....I was so tired and hungry, but I needed to see them.

Why is French Rap soooooooooooooooooo cool??? I have no idea what they are saying, but it just sounded so sexy!!!!

After this fabulous show, I had another work to do with Old-Soulz....party. (it was really a work.lol)

Freedom Party at LPR won the Paper Magazine's Nightlife Award's ""People's Choice" Award for Best Party 2010!

(Photo credit: Indeep NY)

As usual...Pesu is using his magic hand to paint....

But this time Concep is using his magic hand as well....two of our artists were live painting together. Doop. PERIOD!

I LIIIIIKE.

Good music, good arts, and good people make me so happy and make me wanna live up.

I am getting used to my new job along side of my job with Old-Soulz Ent. and pretty excited about how my life would be.

Social Network

So I have been neglecting my blog, which is not cool for someone who used to wrote her diary every single day. which is me. I used to did since I was in a middle school.

I guess it's because I'm in this new era of SNS. I don't have to write the whole story about what I did for last a couple of days. If I wanna tell my friends what I did or what I discovered, I can just simply either tweet or update my status. Although I'm thinking about quitting Twitter, I can't imagine the world without this virtual communication.

I watched the new movie about Facebook founder, "Social Network". If you think about how one person can change the entire world, I think it's incredible in a good way or a bad way.

Broadway Musical Awesomeness

I love broadway musicals. I was hooked when I first came to NY and saw the beautiful show which is no longer on Broadway, "Beauty and the Beast" in 2005. That was my first time experience, and I still remember how much I was moved and impressed.

Since then I saw "Chicago", "The Phantom of the Opera", "Lion King", etc....to name a few. I can't imagine the life of being a part of musical staff. They don't have one day off, people....it's a serious business....they perform 8 times a week for god knows how long!?!? During that performence, they have rehearsal, practice, and training, maintaining, and their own private life.....and don't forget about the orchestra people...they are fucking amazing each performance, and I am simply impressed by their professionalism!!!!

Million Dollar Quartet is a relatively new on Broadway.....it's about the first time and last time jam session with 4 greats....Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins. I got to meet the casts after the show (all thanks to my favorite intern company!), and I got to hear how their life has been. Ahhh the guy who is acting Elvis does really look like and sound like Elvis!!!

MUST WATCH #1 LIST!!!!

FELA!

"I LOVE IT!!!!"

It's about this talented man from Nigeria who can sing, play, conduct, and can have as many wifes as he wants!lol

I won't say much about this, all I gotta say is just go watch it! You will be so energized after watching it, and you don't even need any redbull shit.

AWESOME NEW MUSICAL RIGHT HEREEEEEEEE......

You have no idea how many American people love Green Day.

Not only the teenagers who wants be a punk kids, but also there are so many older people who really love them!

I'm not a rock or punk music fan, but I liked American Idiot album, because they actually made an complete "Album" with meanings not just putting all the songs in a one place.

People don't buy albums in our generation anymore,

reason 1: the artists don't put enough effort to make good albums.

reason 2: people only buy a song online.

reason 3: people don't listen to albums and listen song by song in their iPod shuffle.

well there should be more reasons, but anyhow Greenday album was made so well, and now it's on the Broadway show, and I think it's a great thing!

They meant to make a story in their album, so the music director of the show did really really well on transforming the punk/rock tunes into musical flavored tunes without losing any intensity and energy.

When I went to see the show (for free once again, thanks to my ex-cowokers....), the main vocalist of Greenday, Billie was happened to be on the stage. I didn't know he would be there, so that was a good surprise, and I really enjoyed every scene.

Come Fly Away is now closed, but I'm very glad that I could see it!!!! (with Student Discount!)

They used All Frank Sinatra's music, and there is no single dialogs. They performed with only their facial expression and fabulous dance moves. Only thing I hated was all the dancers were too good, way too good. I couldn't focus on one dancer and missed so many good moves...

New York City...

I cannot be impressed enough.

8 Months Since I Left

Last week, I finally went back to Minnesota...

to see my gay cat, my girl friends, and other people I missed.

Besides I left quite a lot of my belongings when I moved to NY, so I needed to come back to get them anyways. lol

Ms. Kitty (apparently she is he according to the vet, but we still call her Ms. Kitty anyways.) looked fabulous as always, and I realized how much I missed her...I had love time with her, took a nap with her, and hugged her until she "meowed" at me.

Look how cute she is in J's messenger bag!!!LOL

She enjoyed the bike ride with him that day.

I also visited the Tom's farm where I worked over summer last year.

I met all the animals, and Tom and I had a fabulous brunch together. I wish I could spend more time there. :( and this is the egg plant we found from the garden. Awesome.

I spent most of my time with my dearest girl, Fabiana and Meghan.

They let me stayed at their place, and we catched up a lot of things...we could go on and on...you know how girls talk. I really really missed that kinda time. Since I moved to new place, I never felt like talking openly to anybody. Those two girls are my sisters and family, so it's really hard for me to be away....but life goes on. We can't be together forever although we are sure connected no matter where we are.

Thanks to all my friends in Minnesota...much love.

Be in South Asian Cultures

ヨガな雰囲気たっぷりのイーストヴィレッチにあるカフェ。（The Bhakti Cafe）

メニューはすべてベジタリアン＆オーガニック。

壁紙は仏教の神様達。

とある日の夜にここでポエムリーディング、いろんな民族楽器の生演奏、ダンスパフォーマンズにライブペイントが行なわれていた。

ヒッピー達に囲まれておだやかな空気。

ヒッピー文化にはそれほど興味はないけど、彼らの生き方はラブアンドピースでいいなって共感する。ポエムとかもゆきは全然理解できないけど、こうゆう空間を共有するのは好き。

マイガールのメグともこうゆう場所にはよく一緒に行った。

こちらはクイーンズにあるネパール料理屋。

ネパール人達に連れられてネパール音楽の生演奏を聞きながら食す。

ネパール料理ももう慣れたけど、料理の名前が全く分からない。分かるのは大好きなモモだけ。笑。いつもとにかく食べてみなと言われて食べるけど、とにかく辛い！

それでもアメリカに来て随分と辛いものに強くなった。

カレーでさえ甘口でわさびは死んでも食べられず、キムチなんて見ただけでダメだったのに、今となってはキムチは好物、コチュジャンはなんでも入れちゃうし、ジャークチキンもモリモリ食べるし、ハラペーニョもかなり食べられるようになった。もうちょっとでわさびも克服できそうだし、なんだか大人になったのかな？密かに嬉しいー。笑。

Friendship

When someone says "miss you", most of people automatically reply "I miss you, too."

Does it really have a meaning? or you are just saying it. I don't know.

But I know for sure whenever this guy says "miss you", he means it.

It has been about 3 years since I met him and he has been my soul mate since.

We still talk about the first night walk we had and say how special it was. Most of the memories I have with him are so ordinary and nothing special, but somehow I miss them all.

So I told him "I don't know why but I think I miss you the most." He said to me

"coz our friendship is genuine."

His word really touched my heart. I truly believe in friendship, so this conversation was so priceless.

INSPIRED BY MOS DEF

I just found this documentary video, and I'm totally inspired by one of the BEST hip hop artists, Mos Def.

Mos Def in Japan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnPWFtxGlnA

He is not only the sickest rapper, but also he is the smartest guy who I can truly respect.

This video is quite long, but it's really worth to watch.

You can see his artistic perspectives of his music as well as many Japanese cultures through his eyes.

In his interview, he is mentioning something like this....

"You can't stop history.

You can't stop the determined soul.

Don't stop, coz you don't wanna be the wrong side of history.

You don't wanna be on side of the history that poses the opposition to those spirits.

You wanna be on the history that cultivate on the spirit."

(Those are not the exact words, but he's saying something like this later in this video....)

I always tell myself.

Always, be inspired.

Don't get used to it.

I'll add his words into my dictionary from now on.

最近の生活

しばらく更新を怠ってた。

毎日がめまぐるしく過ぎていって、気がつけばもう８月。

忘れたくないから書き留めておきたいのに、あまりにもいろいろあるとどこから書けばいいのか分からず書けずにいた。

NYでの生活には半年以上すぎてもやっぱりまだ慣れてないし、まだまだミネソタが恋しくてむこうの友達としょっちゅう連絡を取ってみたり、みんなの生活が変わってきていることに違和感も感じる。自分は変わってないと思うけど、それでも周りから見たらゆきの生活は変わってきてるって思うんだろうな。でもそれでいいんだと思う。変わっていないといけないんだと思う。

ずっと続けていたバイトもきりをつけて、今はまた別の仕事を始めた。

毎日刺激があるし、自分が必要とされているのを感じるからやりがいもあるし、今後これがどう繋がるかはまだ分からないけど確実に得てるものはたくさんある。先日もその仕事関連でボストンに出向き、まさかの世界の松坂選手に会える機会をいただいて、彼と一緒に食事までさせてもらえた。今までもいろんな有名な人にも出会ってはきたけど、彼は本当に器の大きな気さくで素敵な人だった。一流の人はやっぱり違うなあと思ったし、すごくいい刺激にもなりモチベーションもさらにあがった。

大学を卒業して、インターンシップを終えて、学生から社会人へのステップを少しずつ上がっていて、今はとにかく可能性を広げるためにネットワーク作り。今までの経験が確実に役に立っているし、そこらの同世代の人よりはずっといろんな経験を積んできている自信もある。どこに行ってもそれは証明されているし、今までやってきたことが無駄じゃないんだなと日々感じることもできる。目先のお金よりも今はとにかく経験。お金はないけど、とにかく人として社会人としてまだまだ磨かないといけないから、まわりに無駄だと言われようがなんだろうが、今は潜伏期間だと思って頑張るのみ。

就職もまだできていなくて、日本にいる同級生達からは遅れを取ってはいるし自分の生活を誇れるわけでもないけど、それでも自分は着実に前には進んでいるはず。

いつもギリギリまで切羽詰まって、追いつめられてそこから這い上がってきた。

今もかなり追いつめられてはいるけど、ここまできたら自分を信じるしかないし、ここで容易に諦める事もできない。まわりと自分を比べていてもしょうがないから、ゆきはゆきらしく。

NMS: New Music Seminar

I went to help the company where I worked as an intern for the event called New Music Seminar at the Webster Hall yesterday. Even though my official intern period is over, I still help them whenever they need some extra hands. I appreciate the fact that they still like me and call me up like yesterday.

It was a great opportunity for me to know people and companies in the industry. I met some cool people...I even got to see Swizz Beatz! I have never seen him talking....I couldn't really see the talking part since I needed to be at the booth, but still I enjoyed it.

Dave Matthews Band Concert @ Citi Field

Last weekend, I went to the Citi Field (which is also called Mets Stadium!) for the first time.

I was one of the volunteers for the NPO, REVERB. (http://www.reverb.org/index.php)

This organization is deeply rooted within the music and environmental communities, and they educates and engages musicians and their fans to take action toward a more sustainable. (from Reverb website)

I like music and like to be eco-friendly as much as I can, this was a perfect opportunity for me to do something good.

This is the tent where Reverb named "Eco-Villege". There were recycling boxes everywhere, and they have been doing this work for not only with Dave Matthews Band, but also with Maroon 5, Jack Johnson, Cold Play....and many other artists.

My job was to get donations from fans for CO2 offset. We also tried to tell everyone to encourage to use reusable water battles for reducing the wastes of plastics.

It was mad hot that day, and I probably walked more than 10 laps all around the stadium asking people to donate.

But good thing about doing this volunteer is that you can see your favorite shows free! lol

I mean you work for free, so you deserve it. Besides this kind of big act shows are usually expensive, and I wouldn't pay for it. By the time the opening acts end playing, you are free to see the entire show. I got a VIP wrist band, so I could go anywhere.

I'm not a huge fan of Rock music, but I love his band.

Their music is a mixture of rock, soul, jazz, contemporary, alternative.....it's hard to categorize.

And they played hard core. There was no small chat or what so ever, they kelp playing one to another for over 3 hours. It was a great experience, and I'd sure to support them.

By the way, I started working with one company as an intern. I still help out my previous intern as well, so I've been working everywhere for free. I love doing this, but I feel like I should start looking for a job where I can get some money for my efforts and skills. lol

Jimmy Cliff @ Central Park Summer Stage

Last week, one of my favorite (Top 5) artists came to NYC.

Jimmy Cliff is definitely one of the very first Reggae artists who spread the awareness of Reggae music and Jamaican culture early 70s. He is the only currently living musician to hold the Order of Merit, the highest honor that can be grande by the Jamaican government for achievement in the arts and science.

Oh how I love New York....I still can't believe I saw him LIVE.

There were 600 people outside of this space who couldn't get in since it was a free concert at the Central Park main stage.....I was at the front row waited for over hour under 90 degree heat!

Trevor Hall from South Carolina

Victor Deme from West African country, Burkina Faso

Jimmy Cliff

Over the decades, he still has same energy, same voice, and same passion for Reggae music. He sings as he talks. He sings for world peace and love. That's what Reggae music supposes to be, and this is why I love his music.

I was damn ashamed to donate a dollar at the door after the concert.

This performance was just so priceless and should have donated more than a buck.

Happy Independence Day

Happy Birthday to America!

First of all, I missed the fireworks AGAIN this year. Not so cool to be honest.

I clearly remember that I was in LA last year with my Korean buddies doing Korean style BBQ at the backyard. I begged them to take me to somewhere so then I could see the fireworks, but no one seemed to care about fucking fireworks and said "Yuks, everywhere is jam packed, and it's too late to get a good spot. Don't worry we can see it from here."

Yes I saw the tiny little sparkles in the sky on that day.

Anyhow, I was so ready to see the fireworks first time in New York.

I had a couple of invitations from several people, but I didn't really feel like going any of them.....obviously I knew them and knew that they are good people, but all my best friends who I really want to celebrate this day with were unfortunately not here.

So I decided to celebrate this day in MY WAY. I asked my girl friend to go to the music festival in Brooklyn spending all day listening to good Reggae and Hip Hop music. She is my concert buddy (I'm a concert freak, so I always need concert buddies) , so I was glad she came with me!

It was ridiculously HOT.

The event was held at the large parking place down south in Brklyn.

There was no shades under 35 degree Celsius. A rasta man who was next to me was like

"feels like you are in Jamaica right? Ha ha ha."

So we decided to go easy this time.....usually I would go to the front row and dance all day, but we sat on the small shades and laid down and just chilled for most of the times. There were some vendors and foods, so my friend and I had delicious oxtails stew (my absolute favorite), goat curry (yum), rice and peas (of course), festivals, red snapper.

....oh man I was there for over 10 hours from 1pm to close to midnight, and I don't even know how much I was dehydrated.... CRAZY HOT DAY. The sunset was gorgeous and every part of the sky had different colors. It was a best moment ever.....beautiful sky, good music, good food, and good time. It was just so priceless. (well I did pay for the ticket, so it was all paid off. )

The main performer was supposed to be Shaggy, but who knows? He performed some of his popular songs and I thought that was pretty hype, however, the audience wasn't so excited for some reason.....I had no clue what was wrong. Out of blue he just disappeared from the stage in very awkward way.......I really don't know the reason.

I think Yellowman (in the picture above) and Shabba Ranks were pretty good that night.

Lady Saw was doing her thing as always.....crazy lady.

Overall, the performance was not so great compare to the other reggae events, but I surely had a great time chilling out. I really wish Beenie Man can come to America soon.....stupid government!

Common Live + Harlem + Gay Pride Parade

Common showed his love at the Fort Greene Festival in Brooklyn!!!

It was such a good festival....good music, good food, and good people with good vibes.

His freestyle was absolutely mad. wish he was on stage longer!!

I also met a sweet girl who is writing a fashion blog. She took a photo of me that day, so check it out. ----------->>>>> O.M.O Writes by Samantha: http://omowrites.blogspot.com/

Next day, I decided to get up early and go to the church to hear some gospels.

I went to one of the most famous church, but there was a endless line outside of the door. I was hoping to get in but decided to change the church. I met a girl from Switzerland who has been backpacking for 6 months. She was so sweet and wanted to hear gospels as well, so we walked around Harlem together trying to see where else we could listen to some good gospels.

We went in one of the super local tiny church around 140th St. There were about 10 people there singing together....it was soulful, but it was not what we expected thus we quietly left.....

We ended up going to the Greater Refuge Temple on 124th St. This church was much larger, and the choir was amazing.

After the service, I hit the K-town (Korean Town) with the Swiss girl to check out the Gay Pride Parade. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the gay parade, and I've never missed it for last a couple of years.

This was my first time seeing this parade in NYC, so it was exciting and fun to watch happy people.

My Get Away

Subway station in Queens.

It looks sort of ...Ghetto, but it's not too bad. I love the cultures in Queens and Brooklyn, and I've been exploring different areas. It's just different from what you know about "New York where all the lights are shining in concrete jungle".

What a cute Pepsi Ad! Super Classy. By the Gantry Plaza State Park in Queens.

This is where you can have the best view of East River from Queens side.

You can see the whole view of Manhattan without any crowds, noise, and dirty air.

My get away.

It's a beautiful park right by the river, and there are tanning chairs, hammocks, cute red chairs for people who want to read. There are even the pianos (2 cute painted pianos!) for street musicians.

Some people are playing soccer, kids are running around the sprinklers, and I go here and just lay down looking at clouds for making up tons of food and animals and aliens.

Mobile Photos

Cutest Ads!! Everywhere in New York now.

Toy Story 3 will hit the town soon.

In Harlem. The street in front of Apollo Theater.

Inside of The Apollo Theater. The amateur night was one of the most unique live shows I have experienced...

I found this flyer in a cafe in New Orleans....I wish I could be there today!! (Isn't it illegal, no?)

My cute vintage shoes! Those look blue in this picture, but it's actually purple. Thanks vintage! A pair of cute shoes for $10!? I can take that.

Erykah Badu Concert in NYC

Finally.....one of my biggest dreams came true.

I've always wanted to see her not just because I love her music but also her professionalism and attitude as a strong woman. Erykah Badu. She was something else, and I don't even know how to describe.

The opening DJ was ALSO my favorite, Questlove!

He is a genius drummer for the Hip Hop group called "The Roots". He is also known as a skillful DJ. I have to say his music selection was the best of all as far as I experienced. He played a lot of old school hip hop and R&B, and mixed with Reggae rhythm.

AND HERE SHE IS. Janelle Monae!!!!!!!!!!!

She was absolutely adorable and tiny but ridiculously energetic.

She had a great stage appearance with her originality and many surprises.

Yes of course she dived into the audience at the end of her performance, and she was 3 inches away from my hands....how clooooose.

After while, The queen was on the stage.

I just couldn't believe this was happening to me. I've seen many artists and saw them as persons, but not this time. She had this remarkable aura, and it took my breath for a sec.

She slowly walked on a stage with her personal water bottle (it was one of those kid's water bottles with rainbow stripes. lol) and poured the water and sipped it super slowly. Just think about it. She just took a sip of her water, but it was not like anybody's behavior. It was Erykah Badu!

She performed most of the songs from her new album but also many of her old songs as well. She even rapped probably 5 songs....Oh my god, her professionalism as an artist was insane. It almost reminded me of Michael Jackson. If she pointed, every single band performer did what she wanted to do. They just knew. The light, the sounds, everything was perfect. Every detail was planned so well, and there was no mistake. Her voice was as good as her CDs (well better than CDs). The craziest part was that I was in a FIRST ROW. (I was even late, but somehow I made it) HAHAHA. She even came down the stage and we all sang together.....what a unforgettable live performance. I'm so inspired now. Watch out.

And this was me. I tried to show her some respect. lol