Living like a ROCK STAR!

filed under NEWS on June 23rd, 2008 There’s a new book on the way. It’s authored by entertainment journalist/author Carrie Borzillo-Vrenna. It’s called ‘CHERRY BOMB’.

It’s an A-Z reference for everything awesome a girl needs to know, including the obvious (style, beauty, dating, and sex tips) and the not-so-obvious (how to prepare absinthe, how to sneak backstage, how to hit on a celebrity).

A girl guide with a rock and roll twist- Cherry Bomb: The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Better Flirth, A Tougher Chick. and a Hotter Girlfriend, and to living life like a Rock Star(Simon and Schuster’s Simon Spotlight Entertainment). In stores August 5th.

Cherry Bomb

There will be a NY Book Party-  Tuesday, August 19th….

So I left ‘The Upstairs’ a little early last night as I had my artist April Hill performing at SOL VILLAGE.   The place was packed.  Lots of anticipation for the really strong line up of artists.   Initially I didn’t want April going on first - but….The crowd was thick and ready for the first act to embrace as Eric Roberson at this point was freestyling and entertaining the crowd.   Opportune time for April to hit the stage- as the audience was engaged and eager.   I loved the intro- how Eric called April to the stage- it was a beautiful entertaining beginning of a very exciting show — in other words-  APRIL ROCKED it!   She performed 3 songs.  ‘The Search’,  ‘Manipulation’ which the crowd was chanting to and a  house remix version of ‘Wanna Be Free‘.   People went crazy!

http://www.aprilhill.com

Up next was MANCHILDBLACK who is always effervescent and high energy live.  Very entertaining…

The third act was very talented but quite honestly- wasn’t the right fit for the night—  the crowd thinned out a bit.  It was an acoustic almost Tracy Chapman/Corinne Bailey Rae vibe which is excellent but not suited after April Hill, Eric’s intro’s and Manchild-   Her name - MICHOU.   It’s normally each artist showcases 3 songs.  I think Michou must have done 6 at least.   A few minutes in to her last couple songs- we saw picket signs/poster boards being walked through the venue with the words   ‘ TL CROSS FOR PRESIDENT’.

Well- I must say– the crowd was thick again- packed- lots of ladies– it’s obvious that TL Cross has a huge fanbase of very pretty girls- well- watching TL perform- you’ll understand why.  He brought it back— to the 80’s- the hit covers and the audience went wild!  Lots of camera phones in the air.   He of course performed his own hits.  T.L has been on the scene a few years now so he’s no stranger to the industry or spotlight… With his dark shades and hat-  he looked very mysterious but even covered up- he lets you in and is very endearing.

It’s always tough for a last act to go on because audiences lose attention after a while.   Madafi who is fabulous- I discovered her when MC’ing the Nu-Soul Series at Frank’s Lounge.   She performed 2 songs– had a great attitude even whilst realizing that 3/4 of the room emptied out.

I encourage you all to check out Madafi.  She’s an amazing force of talent.

http://www.myspace.com/madafi

Special shouts to Jube who hooked it up as always and to the wonderful Eric Roberson.  Shouts to Alex D for pushing April’s name.

This past Wednesday- April 30th was the kick off to a new weekly residency at The Renaissance Hotel Times Square.  ‘ The Upstairs’.

An after work- kick back hang out and chill listening to great musical vibes, interacting with beautiful and friendly people in a gorgeous atmosphere.    The interiour lounge/bar and design is breathtaking.

We had signature cocktails by  Sagatiba Cachaça.  This is every Wednesday.   Milk Honey designed the cocktail list.

Light fare from the restaurant Chop Suey-    Chop Suey has one of the best views in Times Square.  Come over and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

Musical treats provided by the wonderful chemistry/synergy of Dhundee and Moni.   People were going crazy with the musical selections this past Wednesday.  Dancing, vibing and heads bopping all night.

The place was packed.

Shouts to Soul Commune, Ubiquita and Fusicology for spreading the word and the love and of course as always your support.

To Human Photography for coming through on the last minute.

Hoping he’s our resident event flicker

http://www.flickr.com/photos/humanphotography/sets/72157604826526784/show/

Everyone from MTV, Spike TV, The U.N, BET on -air crew, Media Bistro, The Hilton, McCann Erickson,  Rhapsody, The Orchard, ADA, SESAC,  Bill Bragin, lots of DJ’s including OP, Carol C, Geology, DJ Parler, Michael Adasco, Kind B and others.

We had actors, MC’s including Pharoahe Monch,  Manchildblack, Filmmakers, fashion designers, bloggers, photographers and trend setters.  Davey D was even in the house!

Words can’t describe how beautiful this first time event was and that it’s shaping the way The Renaissance does business going forward and the overall experience and re-branding.  A cultural make-over-   The heads of Marriott were there taking notice- making observations.  Fingers crossed we keep it up– build the momentum even more and keep bringing new people- making introductions and increasing bar/restaurant business.

So that’s just an idea who came through last week.  So don’t miss out- don’t get left behind-  join the party!   You won’t be sorry.

You’ll love it!!

It’s Ebenezer’s birthday- May 7th-  of World Up and it’s Aiko Tanaka’s birthday 2 days later.   More reasons to celebrate.

See you there!!

Hipping you to a very talented and dope artist/performer and also producer behind LIBATION -  Manchildblack.

His last EP was released on the legendary West End Records  ‘Awake In A Dream’.

This latest work also an EP ‘My Mind’s I’ is being celebrated at a release party at Joe’s Pub on Monday, May 5th.

This project is a body of work that’s a heartfelt collection of soulful songs.

http://www.myspace.com/manchildblack 

Come out to Joe’s Pub.   Congratulate him- have a few drinks and celebrate!

$12.00

9:30PM

Oh- and make sure you buy his EP too.