Dick Cavett and Raquel Welch

On February 11, 2012 when singer Whitney Houston was breaking on through to the other side at one of my old haunts in Los Angeles, 3000 miles away in New York, history was also being made – but on a happier note.  All weekend at the Walter Reade Theatre, the Film Society at Lincoln Center has been paying tribute to one of the goddesses of the silver screen – Raquel Welch.  When Raquel was getting her start in the 1970s, she appeared on Dick Cavett’s popular TV talk show.  If you’ve ever seen her appearance (and it’s available on DVD – so seeing it is a must!), you saw the sparks fly between Dick Cavett and Raquel Welch.  All these years later, the pair reunited for an in-person interview that was conducted prior to a screening of “The Three Musketeers,” starring Ms. Welch.

Raquel Welch

My first thoughts on getting the chance to see history being made before my eyes was my hope that Dick Cavett and Raquel Welch would reminisce about Raquel’s first appearance on the Dick Cavett Show because in addition to Raquel’s appearance, another one of my goddesses was on the show that night – Janis Joplin!  As my incredible luck would have it (and don’t worry, I’ll be passing this luck on to you, my dear readers), the first thing they talked about was Janis!  From that point on, you could knock me over with a feather, but the hour long interview was just like being at a taping of Cavett’s legendary show as he interjected his witty jokes in between questions and answers and Raquel Welch was more than happy to open up to fielding questions from all aspects of her incredible career.

Dick Cavett

Raquel looked absolutely stunning as the sex siren is 71 years old!  She attributes her great body to her daily routine of Yoga and staying out of the sun.  She joked that it takes her 9 hours to get ready every day.  They also talked about the fact that Raquel has been voted the number two sexiest woman of film (with number 1 being Marilyn Monroe).  Raquel said she never got a chance to meet Marilyn and that her and Monroe were nothing alike – though they are often compared to each other.

Dick Cavett and Raquel Welch

As I mentioned before, a video will be coming soon of Dick Cavett and Raquel Welch talking about Janis Joplin, so stay tuned.  I am still in awe after seeing these two legends in this format right in front of my eyes!  Thanks Dick and Raquel for a night I will never forget!

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Cate Le Bon

On February 9, 2012, Welsh singer Cate Le Bon performed at New York’s Mercury Lounge.  Telling the audience how much fun she was having seeing us “hot pieces of asses,” Cate Le Bon played an hour long set that featured songs from her records “Me Oh My” and 2012′s “Cyrk.” If you are unfamiliar with Cate Le Bon’s music, here’s a brief primer.  First off, she’s not related to Duran Duran lead singer Simon Le Bon (ha!)  Musically, she is a folk/pop singer who has a unique, haunting and powerful voice (think Florence Welch mixed with Bjork) and her subject matter is dark and is heavily influenced by her young experiences of pet death.  She’ll be playing in Hoboken, New Jersey tonight and invited everyone to come “on tour” with her, so check her out if you are in the area!

See the set list after the jump.

Cate Le Bon Set List. Now property of the G Archives.

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Deborah Harry at WIP wearing a "Jesus Looks Like Me" T-Shirt!

In the wee hours of the morning of February 8, 2012, Deborah Harry stopped by the club WIP in New York to perform with Miss Guy of The Toilet Boys, whose new video was premiered tonight.  In other amazing news, the Toilet Boys will be opening for Guns N’ Roses at their shows this weekend in Manhattan.  Back to tonight - Deborah Harry performed 2 songs including the disco classic “New York Groove” with Miss Guy.  This was my first time at WIP and the club is really cool.  I saw art from several street artists including Dick Chicken on the walls and the crowd were dressed to the 9s in a scene reminiscent of the old Studio 54 days.  The nearly impossible to get into show was also served as an unofficial kick off party for Fashion Week.

Miss Guy and Deborah Harry

Deborah Harry - Dropout Poster

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Little Barrie

On February 6, 2012, Britain’s Little Barrie performed a very intimate VIP only gig at Rose Bar in New York City.  The hour long set was performed for the likes of music industry royalty such as Andy Roarke from The Smiths (and of course myself!)  Taking place at the swanky Rose Bar, the venue was a nice lounge with a great sound system and an upscale hipster vibe.  If you don’t know the music of Little Barrie, you’re in for a treat.  Their songs ROCK!  It’s so refreshing when you think of the bands of today and the limited musical vocabulary of the public to see a band that just gets up there and reminds you of the good old days of Rock and Roll where the band looks like rockers and delivers the goods when they are on stage.

Barrie Cadogan of Little Barrie

Lead singer Barrie Cadogan has a raspy rocker voice and plays the hell out of his guitar.  On drums is Virgil Howe (Steve Howe from the band Yes’ son) and on bass and vocals is Lewis Wharton.  Little Barrie played songs such as “Surf Hell” from their 2011 record “King of the Waves.”  They will be releasing new music very soon, so stay tuned to Little Barrie’s official website for more details.  Thanks for rockin’ guys!

See the setlist after the jump.

Little Barrie Setlist

Geoffrey Dicker and Little Barrie. Photo by Ray R.

Thanks again guys!  That’s rock and roll!

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Joan Rivers

What can you say about Joan Rivers that hasn’t been said before?  Her career has outlived most of us and will last for as long as she chooses to perform and make public appearances.  She’ll continue to be the brunt of jokes as people will never be able to get over her plastic surgery.  Also, people will never be able to get over her sharp tongue.  Her performances take hilarious jabs at both celebrities, the audience as well as herself.  I saw her perform at the Laurie Beechman Theatre in New York on February 1, 2012 and she’s amazing in every way.  She brushed off getting caught on camera smoking pot (and in a much funnier way told everyone to get over it!) and she talked about the numerous charities she donates her time and money to.  After the show was over, Joan was more than happy to sign autographs and talk to fans as she always does.  Considering how many times in her career she’s gone through this situation (and from personal experience, I’ve met Joan Rivers at least 10 times in my life), it warms my heart to see a true Hollywood legend live up to their name.  Thanks Joan!  You rule!

Joan Rivers is performing at the Laurie Beechman Theatre in Times Square on Valentine’s Day, so make sure you go see her!

Joan Rivers and G

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