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

Carole King can make me cry.

One of my favorite songs. Carole King has so many great songs but this song is totally about how I feel right now.

So far away
Doesn't anybody stay in one place anymore
It would be so fine to see your face at my door
Doesn't help to know you're just time away

Long ago I reached for you and there you stood
Holding you again could only do me good
Oh, how I wish I could
But you're so far away

One more song about moving along the highway
Can't say much of anything that's new
If I could only work this life out my way
I'd rather spend it being close to you

But you're so far away
Doesn't anybody stay in one place anymore
It would be so fine to see your face at my door
Doesn't help to know you're so far away

Traveling around sure gets me down and lonely
Nothing else to do but close my mind
I sure hope the road don't come to own me
There's so many dreams I've yet to find

But you're so far away
Doesn't anybody stay in one place anymore
It would be so fine to see your face at my door
Doesn't help to know you're so far away

By Carole King

RUN☆CAT

This is why I love cats.

His name is RUN☆CAT. not gonna lie....he is gigantic.