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!