"Echo" at Madison Square Park

Although "Starbucks" is still keeping everyone awake and the Statue of Liberty never tires from holding onto her torch, change is ny's favorite pair of socks. 

Indeed shops open, shops close. Indeed, park benches and resting areas/relaxation areas are blinked into being without any post-it notes that say, "whaddya think?"   The downtown building murals keep changing... And even the homeless eventually move on.

With that said, there are two changes I would like to highlight. The current sculpture that's featured at Madison Square Park (Until August 14.) that seems like an illusion, and the "Corner Shop Cafe".

When I first saw "Echo," the sculpture by Spanish artist, Juame Plensa, I thought it was a representation of the varying cultures that can be found in New York. Then, while still there at the park I read the sculpture information which stated that "Echo" was created in the likeness of Plensa's nine year old neighbor from Spain.... I prefer that explanation rather than my own theory.  

After reading what the New York Times said about "Echo," I jotted down two lines: She is "the nyph of Greek myth, condemned by Zeus to repeat the words of others." And, "Many times we talk and talk, but we are not sure if we are talking with our own words or repeating just messages that are in the air." (Both quotes are from Plensa.) The second quote continues, but let's leave it at that for now.

The "Corner Shop Cafe" was a place that had mis-matching tables, a chandelier that was made from some poor animal's antlers, red curtains that had some sort of pattern on them, and framed pictures on the walls that didn't seem mass produced.

Although the menu is the same the "Corner Shop Cafe" is now sporting uniformed tables. Is it because "many times we talk and talk, but we are not sure if we are talking with our own words or repeating just messages that are in the air." ? There was always a wait to eat at csc, especially on Sundays for brunch. So why have we changed it?

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Nah, don't boycott. I can't stay sad for long and neither should you. The Creme Brulee French Toast is a must if you have a thing for sugar. And if you go, I have one request... Leave an unsigned note that says, "Sometimes I miss what passed."

the ferrari

This photo was taken yesterday. (26/07/2011 at 2 something.) .. It wasn't there today. I guess that's just how it goes. 

Zigmat

Zigmat is a Spanish flavored electronic rock band that rose up out of Brooklyn. 


Their latest song is: Beautiful Takes The World. Is a song about shallow waters or about being caught up with materialistic needs. Which I'm sure that no-one can relate to. 


Although the parents of Zigmat’s lead singer and instrumentalist, Monica Lionheart wanted what everyone's parents want for their children, reasonable trousers that are usually accompanied by financial security, Monica decided to say no to beige and yes to the voice from within.

After graduating from Boston’s Berklee School of Music, Monica moved to Brooklyn where she met fellow alumni, (Whom she hadn’t met until that night.) Stephen Yonkin, a bassist who was also trying to put together a band during that period. 

For that next year Monica and Stephen combined ideas, wrote music, and made plans/goals. The result of that year proved that hard work rewards since Zigmat released their first album, Sounds of Machine in 2008, as well as being singled out by a Brazilian music producer after playing a set at an East Village bar, Nublu. “It was like from a movie,” said Monica Lionheart about that evening.

That set in the East Village lead to a school of opportunities like a contract with Brazilian record label Ultra Records, another contract with Spanish record label Actua, and a Grendene shoe commercial starring Gisele Bundchen. Along with those checks on the – I did it – list are a slew of television and radio appearances and song pickups. 

Since Zigmat became a band they went through a few members, but the two pillars that hold them together, Stephen, who produces and plays bass, and Monica who is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and singer have remained. When other hands and minds are needed individual musicians are invited on. 

When Monica Lionheart was asked if and how Zigmat has evolved since 2006 her response was, “We’re older now, we’re a little more sophisticated with the technical stuff and we’re aware of what matters more.” Monica also contributed her personal experience since 2006, “When we started I was the in your face girl, the girl who can’t be stopped. I still have a little debris from that chip on my shoulder, but these days I feel smoother and relaxed.”

Indeed Zigmat is currently re-visiting Brooklyn. Those who missed them at the Celebrate Brooklyn show on July 8^th can hear them at Nublu on Oct 4th or Oct. 18th. For further concert dates and locations visit their website.

Also, Monica has started a solo project, for more information on that go say hey to MonicaLionheart.

today in nyc

iphone photo

A business looking man dropped his blackberry. A man who was delivering food noticed, retrieved the phone, and handed it back to the man in the suit. It all seemed like one movement. 

&

There was a man leaning up against a wall. He didn't have any instruments or anything that would hint to a show, yet he had a box at his feet with a sign sticking out of it that read: "Tips." I thought: Tips for what? Then I laughed.