Winter Break

For winter break, I went to visit the old roommate, Shannon, who now resides in Denver, CO. I had no idea what to expect. Seriously, I think I even forgot that Denver was surrounded by mountains and that people essentially live or move out there because of these mountains. I know, I know....I'm a nerd. But what a learning experience !

I think I am scared of mountains....Maybe that's not true. I think it may have more to do with a fear of heights. It's just that mountains are so massive. I lose my sense of space. An example of this could be the day we went snow mobiling. We basically followed this trail to the top of some mountain and were able to enter into this huge space, called the Corona Bowl, where we could "play around." I was a little freaked out so I stayed put and rested for a while, but then, I took time to take in the scenery surrounding me. What I saw was truly majestic. Excepting the sound of the snow mobiles, all was quiet. Something I have rarely experienced living in New York City.

Anyway, the rest of the trip was great. Denver not only offers an extensive amount of outdoor activities, but it also has a lot to offer in the realm of cuisine and night life. Which is definitely my forte :) We ate at a Brazilian steakhouse called Rodizio's and went to a bar that served vodka in carafes. Well, you can guess what that led too.....(check out pictures on my flickr link!)

Above all, I want to thank Shannon for being a wonderful host ! She showed me a wonderful side of Denver. I experienced everything from good food to adventure and she has a wonderful group of friends ! I look forward to visiting her again...maybe for a little concert action at Red Rocks ?

Arcade Fire

When I try to remember how I first heard of the Arcade Fire, memory escapes me. All I know is that somehow the music from their first album, Funeral, ended up on my ipod and I have been listening to tunes like Rebellion and Wake Up for at least two years now. Once thing is certain, there was a buzz surrounding this Canadian band that led me to research what they had to offer. I have to admit that the aforementioned buzz did build me up and I expected to be transported by their music…which can often happen on a first listen. This was not the case for myself though. Up until last week, I’m not sure I ever had a “must listen” moment. But please do not misunderstand me! I liked what I heard. I knew that what they had to offer musically was unique and incomparable, and despite all that, even catchy! But truthfully, I wasn’t wholly taken in.

Something easily solved with a live experience.

Due to the pending drop of their second studio album, Neon Bible, the Arcade Fire recently played a series of five consecutive shows at the Judson Memorial Church in Greenwich Village. That’s right, a church, something that I admit, immediately intrigued me. Upon arrival, we studiously took our places as the last in an ever-growing line of individuals who we thought were regular ticket holders like ourselves. It didn’t take long to find out that this was a line for people who had no ticket! They were standing in the freezing, brisk weather in the hopes that someone would have an extra ticket or just not show up! Did I forget to mention that all five nights of the show were sold out? Well, as you can imagine, it was music to our ears to be able to skip this whole “line thing” in favor of walking straight to the entrance and entering the church without a hitch.

As I entered the main room of the church, I took in my surroundings. There were the usual stained glass windows and a choir loft above us. Ahead, there was a simple stage cluttered with various instruments: an accordion, keyboards, guitars, a violin, and a neon sign of a book, that reflected on the wall above the choir loft, a “neon bible” I presumed. The crowd consisted of the mature, professional type which was why I was pleasantly surprised when the concert began and this same mature crowd had no qualms about dancing, pumping their fists and singing along to a set list that ranged from the new (first single of the new album Black Mirror) to the old (Neighborhood #1(Tunnels)). Arcade Fire has a reputation for building up a song gradually to a crescendo and this night was no exception. With each passing song, the crowd became more consumed as did the band. It was gratifying to see a group of performers who actually enjoyed the music they were playing. Without knowing one single song from the new album, I find myself anticipating it’s future release of March 6, 2007. Arcade Fire truly is a trip to the unexpected.

anticipating....

going to see the much anticipated Arcade Fire show tonight...one in a 5 show stint...this is the third ! the venue is small so i am lucky to get the tickets...i've heard nothing but good things about the live show....will post more about the concert later.

oh and also, I saw Avenue Q (finally !) last night. It was actually just what I needed right now. The show centers around young adults/young adult puppets, who are trying to find their purpose. This happens to be a main topic of conversation at my place of employment right now so I really related to what the puppets had to say. Unfortunately, they didn't have a very good answer...("sometimes you never find your purpose"...what???). Obviously, they have not seen the Oprah show about "The Secret".....

Spring Awakening

For my first "official" post, since the last was only an introduction, I've chosen to highlight my love of "Spring Awakening." It's a new musical on Broadway with music by Duncan Sheik and lyrics by Steven Sater. The truth is, I don't know that I expected this musical to have the affect on my life that it has. I must say in my defense that this is something that is not within my control, and I am not ashamed that I have seen it three times since it opened this last December ;)

I originally heard about it from my friend Joey, who I count as my one friend who is at the cutting edge of what is happening in musical theater. He's not always right...well, I should say that I don't always agree with him, but in this instance, I am so thankful that he put the idea to see "Spring Awakening" in my head. He was actually supposed to go with me to see it on my birthday, but plans changed and I decided to go see it by myself. I spent the entire day by myself, and despite that, it just might have been the best birthday I've ever had.

The show is, essentially, about adolescence. It's about the confusion and ecstacy of beginning to find out about who you are. However, it is not without conflict. Instead, it realistically explores what it is like to enter that stage in life where you realize that things are really deeper than you think they are. Adolescence is, after all, a journey, isn't it ? Into what makes you who you are ? And discovering that our connections to each other are more than what they seem ? And it's about the fear that accompanies these realizations....

I don't want to give away too much about the show, but I will say this: It can be counted in that category of things which have changed my life. "Spring Awakening" has brought about an awakening in myself...one that is much needed for a girl who is on the cusp of turning 30.

a new day

I have to say that I am very pleased with myself. The simple act of sitting in this chair to create my blog is an achievement all it's own. Part of which was due to the laborious task of picking a adequately creative blog name and title. (Thanks Giao !) But it's done and I couldn't be happier ;)

I like to think that it addresses the various aspects of my personality and interests. The urban part of me that loves the fast-paced life of living in a city but also the small-town girl in me, who grew up loving her grandparents strawberry farm and the ideals and morals it represented. So, I hope that you enjoy the comments and "musings" i have to offer through this blog. I have many interests...namely music, reading, art...and I hope that whatever thoughts I have to offer are (if anything) entertaining. So stay tuned.