Posted by The G on March 8, 2011 under G Reviews | 
Photos by G.
Sandra Bernhard and Justin Vivian Bond
When the incomparable talents of Sandra Bernhard and Justin Vivian Bond join forces, you know whatever they’ve got cooking up is going to be great. This was definitely the case when I saw a reading of their new musical comedy “Arts and Crafts” at Joe’s Pub on March 7, 2011. I cannot remember a time recently where I’ve laughed so much and each progressive scene kept making me laugh harder. The all star ensemble of “Arts and Crafts”features lyrics by Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters (who is currently on tour) and a cast that includes the amazing talents of Cole Escola, Anthony Holds, Jeremy Gender and Amber Martin.
Anthony Holds, Jeremy Gender, Amber Martin
I’m not going to lie, I snipped the synopsis off the press release. I have to admit, I was laughing so hard, at times I couldn’t even hear what was being said. So here’s what “Arts and Crafts” is about: Bernhard and Bond play country cousins whose lives have led them in very different directions. One went from being a rock chick to born again motherhood in the Midwest and the other from small town gay to urban art world sophisticate. When the two meet up again at a family wedding they set off on a journey rediscovering their authentic selves and learning that ideology doesn’t mean much when stacked up against art love and really good acid.
Cole Escola
In between hilarious dialogue and insane situations, the cast broke out into song which included original songs as well as covers of Stevie Nicks’ “Edge of Seventeen” as well as Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar On Me.” It’s unclear what the touring schedule for “Arts and Crafts” is going to be, but I recommend seeing it.
At the afterparty, I spotted Casey Spooner of Fischerspooner, director John Cameron Mitchell, singer Jay Brannan, singer/performer Bridget Everett and DJ Jon Jon Battles. I had the chance to talk to most everyone after the show and unanimously everyone back stage was buzzing about what a triumph “Arts and Crafts” is. Pictures from my encounters with Sandra Bernhard and Justin Vivian Bond will be coming soon, so for now enjoy another picture of Sandra and Justin as well as an afterparty photo featuring Jay Brannan, Cole Escola, Bridget Everett and Jon Jon Battles, after the jump.
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Tags: 2011, Amber Martin, Anthony Holds, Arts and Crafts, Bridget Everett, Cole Escola, Images, Jay Brannan, Jeremy Gender, Joe's Pub, Jon Jon Battles, Justin Vivian Bond, New York, Photos, Pictures, Review, Sandra Bernhard
Posted by The G on May 2, 2010 under G Reviews, G Videos |
Photos and video by G.
Isengart!
On May 1, 2010, German cabaret singer Isengart and his band The Diplomats played a sold-out show at Joe’s Pub. I’ve seen Isengart perform many times, and he’s truly amazing every time. Tonight we were in for a special treat as this night marked Isengart’s first solo show at the legendary venue. To make the night extra spectacular, Isengart sang from the songbook of the king – Elvis Presley!The singer has one of the most beautiful voices around and he changes the arrangements of songs from cabaret to new wave to gorgeous sweeping ballads that have been known to make grown people weep (and it happened again tonight. I saw it!) For those who have not had the chance of hearing Isengart, today is your lucky day. Below, you’ll see a video clip of him singing “Heartbreak Hotel,” in German! But before we get to that, he sang a big-band style version of “Hound Dog,” “Are You Lonesome Tonight” (in German), funky renditions of “A Little Less Conversation,” and “Jailhouse Rock,” plus gorgeous piano versions of “Love Me Tender” and “Unchained Melody.”
Isengart, are you lonesome tonight?
He changed outfits several times and jumped into the crowd to spread the love in the room. Isengart is dripping with a sexy swagger and a fantastic body that he struts all over the stage. Sadly for all of us single ladies, he is taken, but when he sings and looks into your eyes, he takes you to heaven in a way that no roll in the hay ever could. He received well deserved thunderous applause after every song and he had to come back and do two encores as the screaming crowd would not let the show end. When he finished his final number, he was carried off the stage and an announcement was made: ”The queen has left the building.” Oh what a night! Spotted in the crowd were New York legends Penny Arcade and Raven O. Isengart let me know that the very popular “Foreign Affairs” will be starting up again soon and you’ll have to be quick on the draw for tickets as the show sells out week after week.
See some more pictures of the deliciously sexy Isengart as well as a video of him singing “Heartbreak Hotel” in German!
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Posted by The G on April 30, 2010 under Artsy Fartsy |
Photo by G.
Isengart!
New York! If you are looking for something cool to do on May 1, 2010 (May Day!), look no further. German singer Isengart is performing Elvis Presley songs on May 1, 2010 at Joe’s Pub (at 9:30 PM)! Isengart’s voice is definitely a gift from the gods as he will take you on a musical journey from cabaret to new wave and back again. I’ve seen Isengart several times live, and I think he’s really fantastic. Get your tickets here immediately as the show is sure to sell out! You will not only be entertained, but you will definitely leave with a huge smile on your face. Tell him G sent ya!
Posted by The G on February 13, 2010 under GNN |
Photo by G.
Diamond Life - A Tribute to Sade - Tonight!
Last year I went and saw the first annual, Diamond Life – Tribute to Sade show. It was really awesome. Members of Hercules and Love Affair have rebranded themselves Jessica 6 aka Diamond Life for this twice in a lifetime show. The show is tonight, so get your tickets immediately! Now that Sade has just come out of semi-retirement and released a new album (which is fantastic, by the way), I wonder if the audience will be treated to any of the new tracks? Let me know!
Posted by The G on February 12, 2010 under GNN |
Photo by G.
Skye Edwards of Morcheeba
Exciting news for Morcheeba fans. Former lead singer Skye Edwards is reuniting with the band after a 7 year hiatus! She’ll make her return to the band on stage at Switzerland’s Caprices festival on April 9. Afterwards, the band will hit the studio for a new album which is due out later this summer!
I saw Skye perform a solo show at Joe’s Pub in New York City in 2007 and it was really incredible. While Morcheeba sells out huge venues all over the world, the show at Joe’s Pub was only about 3/4 full. When Skye asked the crowd to sing along to some of Morcheeba’s biggest songs, there was a stunning silence that fell across the crowd. It must have been a really humbling experience. I was having a Kathy Bates in Misery moment where I had to control myself from looking out at the audience and saying “HAVE YOU ALL GOT AMNESIA?!?!” But Skye played it off and the show was excellent. I met her backstage after the show and she signed 5 cd covers for me and was super-duper nice. I’m looking forward to their return.
