The Bridge Project brings great actors from the U.S. and UK together for a great performance of The Cherry Orchard. Photo credit: Nick Heavican (l), Ellis Parrinder (r)


With stripped down, nearly minimalist sets and a focus on performance, the new production of Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard, directed by Academy Award winner Sam Mendes, is both powerful and poignant to behold. The play is being presented as part of The Bridge Project, a 3-year collaboration between BAM, The Old Vic, and Neal Street Productions, and features talent from both England and the United States. Tony Award-winner Tom Stoppard’s new adaptation of the classic final work of Anton Chekhov feels very relevant in its questions of class, change, materialism, and ultimately what might be seen as the futility of our existence.

Anton Chekhov was 44 years old when the play first premiered on his birthday in Moscow and he passed away a few short weeks afterwards, so the play is understandably very contemplative on the nature of life and death itself. The story is based in part on his own life and the Cherry Orchard his family had to sell to repay their debts that was eventually cut-down to their dismay. The work is well known for its balance of humor and tragedy and this particular incarnation seems to handle the spectrum well. The cast of characters cover the gamut of personality making the work very accessible and the interaction goes one-step further as actors occasionally retreat from the stage through the aisles of the theater. The author goes as far as addressing the audience itself indirectly through Ranevskaya remarking that “people shouldn’t go to plays, they should spend the time looking in the mirror, at their grey lives and pointless conversations.”

With its few scattered pillows, chairs, and area rugs on stage, the actors become the focus and the ensemble rises to the occasion with striking performances. The transatlantic cast is wonderful, especially Richard Easton who is enlightening as Firs, the 87 year servant who longs for the clarity of the past in its clear social lines and expectations. Seasoned character actors Paul Jesson and Dakin Matthews are also fun to watch as Gaev and Simeonov-Pishchik, with their layers of old-world personality and unknowing humor. Ethan Hawke fits perfectly in the role of the overly intellectual Trofimov and his relationship with Anya, played by Morven Christie, represents hope in the future. The all-important role of Ranevskaya is well handled by Sinéad Cusack carefully balancing between reminiscent, bourgeoisie delirium, and occasional bouts of reality.

The Cherry Orchard is thought provoking and moving, forcing its audience to hold up a mirror at themselves as they watch a cast of characters who seem to avoid it at every turn. The performances run through March 8 at BAM’s Harvey Theater and its well worth the price.

Tim Needles

Location: Chelsea
Waldy's Wood-Fired Pizza and Penne
800 Sixth Avenue, btwn 27th and 28th Streets, Chelsea, NY 10001
Tel: (212) 213-5042



You might be horrified by the swank condos and mega chain stores that have taken over Chelsea's stretch of Sixth Ave, or you may hope to live there some day. Either way, there's no doubt that the new neighbors have brought with them a different kind of palate. Say goodbye to the greasy, oversalted and cheese-slathered pies of the good old days, and bring in the heart-healthy goodness of wood-fired ovens! "Fresh Fresh Fresh," they claim. "You're really going to love this." And they don't disappoint. Nestled cozily between Bank of America and HSBC (I kid you not), Waldy's welcomes both the people who wear jeans to work and those in suit and tie. For $8, order creative reimaginings like the Arugula, Garlic, and Sunny-Side Eggs Pizza and the White Clam Pizza with Garlic, Crumbs, and Ricotta. Or try their take on the oldies but goodies -- the pepperoni pizza comes topped with a substantive dose of broccoli rabe and fresh tomatoes. Beer and wine flow freely (but not for free), and are essential for a lunchtime wait that commonly tops fifteen minutes. Seating is limited, but even that doesn't stop customers from coming back for more of Waldy's local organic goodness. In addition to a steadfast commitment to high-quality ingredients, Waldy's gives back to the community by donating surplus ingredients to organizations like Table to Table, Days of Taste in NYC Public Schools, and The Food Bank for NYC. Finally, before you walk out the door, snip your own herb toppings from the living plants on the condiment shelf. It really doesn't get any fresher than that!

Lauren Wang

Friday January 30

Location: Tribeca, NYC
Film: Gogol Bordello: Non-Stop
Show time: 8 & 10:15 PM
Venue: 92nd Street Y Tribeca
Food: Pakistan Tea House
Drink: Mocca Lounge
Miscellaneous: Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

Get a closer look at everyone’s favorite Gypsy punks as Margarita Jimeno screens her new documentary Gogol Bordello: Non-Stop and see them from their early days as well as lead singer Eugene Hutz’s early gigs as a DJ to the world phenomenon they have become. Stick around for the afterparty, as it’s sure to be as insane as the band’s live performances tend to be. Nearby, Pakistan Tea House is a buffet style Indian restaurant where you can choose between chicken, meat, fish and vegetables. It’s affordable and very good. For drinks, check out Mocca Lounge. With a funky interior and a menu of Italian inspired fare, it’s also a bar with a large list of coffees with or without alcohol, beers, and frozen shots. Smack dab in the heart of Chinatown, the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory makes gourmet ice cream flavors like Black Sesame, Ginger, Durian, and more exotic flavors like Taro and Wasabi. Don’t worry, they have the go-to’s like Vanilla, fruits, and chocolate flavors too.

Friday January 30

Location: Midtown West, NYC
Comedy: Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! Get TicketsHere
Show time: 10:30 PM
Venue: Nokia Theatre Times Square
Food: Burger Joint
Drink: Bill’s Gay Nineties
Miscellaneous: Tafu

I swear to god, I can’t stop watching Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! On Adult Swim, which is a variety show of sorts reminiscent of public access TV shows with horrible acting and celebrity appearances including John C. Reilly and even Steven Speilberg. But thank god for creators and stars Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim who make some of the most hysterical nonsense on TV. Located in The Parker Meridian, Burger Joint serves up excellent burgers and milkshakes in its curtained off space inside the hotel. The theme at Bill’s Gay Nineties surprisingly is an ode to the speakeasies of the roaring twenties. With a second floor dedicated to the history of entertainment, it even has an autographed poster of Buffalo Bill. The history’s deep here and the drinks are stiff. If you want to get some sort of sanity back after this night, stop by Tafu for some premium Japanese teas and desserts. No chair throwing allowed!

Saturday January 31

Location: Park Slope, Brooklyn
Band: Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra
Show time: 9 PM
Venue: Southpaw
Food: Press 195
Drink: Union Hall
Miscellaneous: O’Connor’s

Get ready for a hip shakin’ good time as the Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra bring the party along with the funk when they play Southpaw. Catch these guys live as their records just touch on what this band is capable of doing in a live setting. The theme at Press 195 is pressed comfort food. A sandwich shop with quite the menu, they offer 30 types of delicious sandwiches like the turkey and fontina cheese sandwich with a cranberry and roasted pear chutney on ciabatta ($7.75). While Union Hall looks like a cabin at a ski resort with a fireplace, stone walls, comfy couches, and inexpensive drinks, you may want to stick around rather than barhop. A low-key bar in this hood, O’Connor’s is a hole in the wall where you can grab a cheap drink and watch the game on their TV, just like your grandpa sitting next to you!

Saturday January 31

Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Event: Army of Bjork
Venue Stain Bar
Food Chimu
Drink Sweet Ups
Miscellaneous Alligator Lounge

The Stain Bar hosts The Army of Bjork, their annual costume party dedicated to that Icelandic goddess Bjork. Come dressed up and enjoy one of my favorite beverages, Glogg (hot wine) and of course Bjork’s music. This could possibly get insane! If you’re hungry, head to Chimu. This Peruvian steakhouse has some of the most delicious food this side of Peru! Standout dishes include the ceviches and the chicken breast served in a creamy aji Amarillo sauce and peanuts, served over boiled potatoes with rice. Sweet Ups is a bar with décor that makes you feel like you’re in some romance novel. Red velvet wallpaper and black leather couches set the scene here, while happy hour buy-one-get-one free drink specials run from 5:30-8. Still hungry and thirsty? Head to the Alligator Lounge, where you get a free pizza with every drink. If that isn’t heaven, then I don’t know what is!

Sunday February 1

Location: Midtown West, NYC
Play: Hedda Gabler
Show time: Check website for dates and times
Venue: American Airlines Theatre
Food: Fat Annie’s Truck Stop
Drink: Stout
Miscellaneous: Jack’s 99 Cent Stores

Henrik Ibsen’s classic play Hedda Gabler is brought back to Broadway with Weeds star Mary-Louise Parker starring in the title role as an unconventional woman stuck in a conventional marriage who takes joy in other people’s misfortune. This time there’s a more modern take on the story, giving this classic even more meaning. Fat Annie’s Truck Stop offers truck stop style food oddly positioned in Herald Square. Burgers, chilli, po boys and pie are some options in this fun restaurant. Right next store, Stout may look like a sports bar but it has one of the largest selections of dark stout beers in the city. Yeah, it’s a 99-cent store but Jack’s is more like watching a train wreck happen slowly. The place is packed with people trying to get by, yelling, and elbowing each other. True the deals are great, but you’ll either find it hysterical or swear you’ll never go back.

Hot Lava turn the heat up. Photo by mercurialn





On a particularly frigid January evening, I trekked through the desolation of S. 2nd Street in Billyburg looking for Hot Lava, the latest electropop indie-rock band to hit the saturated scene. The venue was a drafty two-room plot called Death by Audio (DbA), easily recognizable by the blaring noise seeping through the unmarked door at 49 S. 2nd St. When I entered DbA, there was not a soul in the place except for the bands themselves and the old guy selling Pabst in the corner. In rock-n-roll fashion, the opener (Hologram) started horrifically late and, much to my chagrin, did not do the female-drummer-with-guy-on-guitar genre proud (check out Schwervon instead). The next band, Math the Band, was a fun indie trio-cum-duo since their drummer got stuck in Washington. Add two helpings of synth to a gallon of sweaty stage-presence and you get Math the Band. By this point the crowd developed into a bopping bunch, adding dimension to the random rasta colored zig-zag painting on the wall. With Hologram marking a valley and Math the Band designating a peak, one would expect this zig to zag, however... Hot Lava did not disappoint.

Without the abuse of a studio flanger, I was able to hear the crisp croon of lead singer/guitarist Allison Apperson, which was quite pleasant. Though the band has cycled through a myriad of guitarists and drummers, Hot Lava played a tight set with their most recent semi-permanent acquisitions: Jared Sosa (drums) and Matt Deans (keys/guitar). "Blue Dragon" was a delight with lyrics of veganism and spinach. My particular favorite is a little bit called "Apple+Option+Fire," a clever ode to 21st century fatal attraction (to Mac products and humans alike). With a background of drunken lyrics and GarageBand loops, Hot Lava is perfectly suited for success.

Nicole Velasco

Mercedes Ruehl stars in The American Plan.


Location: Midtown West, NYC
Theater: The American Plan
Show time: See venue website for dates and times
Venue: Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
Food: Swizz
Drink: Russian Vodka Room
Miscellaneous: Zip Burger

The American Plan takes place during the early 1960s in the Catskill Mountains, home of the Borscht Belt, where comedians were entertaining at every resort with a tennis court and a buffet. The story focuses on Lili Adler and her mother Eva who live across the lake from a busy hotel. When Lili starts falling in love with a stranger, her over-bearing mother tries to interfere, causing drama. Starring Kieran Campion, Austin Lysy, Brenda Pressley, Lily Rabe and Mercedes Ruehl. For fans of fondue, Swizz is where it’s at. Try the Traditional Cheese Fondue (serves two) with Gruyere and Emmenthal cheeses, served with cubed bread ($40). When it comes to making great vodka, at the Russian Vodka Room, the menu says it all as they offer 53 different vodka’s not including their 10 specially infused flavors like strawberry, ginger, and if you’re feeling bold, garlic, pepper, and dill. If your looking for a burger with lot’s of extra’s, then check out Zip Burger, where farm-raised, organic/grass-fed meat and poultry help them create a better burger. Burgers start at a mere $4.50 but can get dangerously expensive depending on your toppings.

DJ Signify
Of Cities
(Bully Records)








DJ Signify's Of Cities is like a soundtrack to a movie that has not yet been made, one that features a rogue post-modern industrial hero type doing his ‘me against the world’ on this largely instrumental release. The album sounds like the product of its named environment, a cold, steely city where neither sun nor stars show up and no one ever knows what to expect around the next corner. The album abruptly switches from darker, dark to semi-dark shades like subway travel. Aesop Rock rhymes on a few tracks and on “Low Tide,” he churns out a tough monologue to city living and working in a steady shadowy turmoil. On most other tracks the instrumentation merely offers you a palette at which to paint your own alternative yet darkened city-dweller scene. “Bollywood Babies,” gives way to more fantasy over heavy bass beats and an almost James Bond-esque whirl of orchestral violins. “Delight to the Sadist,” featuring Matt Kelly begins with heavy 70s bass thumps over a tightly ticking drum machine. “Costume Kids” is lighter and more freeform with a techno, slightly alternative rock leaning. Almost suffocating the man against machine scenario coupled with downtrodden ambient groove tracks, “Of Cities” romanticizes and strips down city life and portrays an underground grit still anyone can get lost in.

Chanda Jones


Lithops
Ye Viols!
(Thrill Jockey)






To attempt to define Lithops’ Ye Viols! as electronica or dance music would be an unjust oversimplification of a collection of dense, digital compositions that reveal more to the listener and become more palatable to the tender sensibilities of the ear with each passing play. The record is a selection of audio pieces by Mouse on Mars mastermind Jan St. Werner, originally utilized as the soundtracks for various visual art exhibitions. Even removed from their intended installation spaces, the recordings maintain both intensity and effectiveness. “Sebquenz” manages to weave into its web of chaos some genuinely catchy grooves, while the ambient, metallic nightmare of “Penrose Ave” segues seamlessly into the trippy spatial collage of “Inductech.” Buzzing and beeping like a cacophonic boardwalk arcade consumed by a robot orchestra, “Handed” may be jarring at first, but is ultimately a bizarre highlight of the album. It’s likely that at least some of the tracks – “Apps 1” and “Apps 2,” for example – could benefit from being experienced in their original context, but it doesn’t make them any less compelling when taken on their own terms.

Toney Palumbo


Pavement
Brighten the Corners: Nicene Creedence Edition
(Matador)






There’s been a lot of ink spilled on Pavement, so reviewing a reissue, even of a less-legendary album like Brighten the Corners can be a daunting task. At the time, many pundits found Brighten the Corners a solid if unspectacular effort from the seldom disappointing slacker gods of indie rock.

Brighten holds up to scrutiny, especially after listening through the last 11 years worth of albums by pretenders to Pavement’s ironic throne. “Stereo” still shines brighter than the rest, but the whole album plays well, with the possible exception of the intriguingly titled but lack-lusterly executed “Date W/ IKEA.”

Because it’s a reissue, The Nicene Creedence edition is accompanied by 32 songs worth of archival material. This daunting trove of mostly previously unreleased tracks will appeal to Pavement obsessives and completists. Though the occasional alternate take can shed some light on a song, the thrill here lies in giving the old album another listen, and reveling in the ageless beauty of songs like “Type Slowly.”

Nate Campbell


Various Artists
Bottle Rocket Short Film Soundtrack
(Fantasy Records)







Wes Anderson is well known for using eclectic, off-beat classic rock tracks in his films but with the release of the Bottle Rocket short film soundtrack, audiences can appreciate his taste in classic jazz as well. The 13 minute black and white film featuring Owen and Luke Wilson was made in the early 90’s and led to a feature film version, giving Wes his break in Hollywood and the soundtrack includes eight terrific jazz tunes. The album includes a wide variation of classics ranging from well known songs like Vince Guaraldi’s “Skating” (famous from “A Charlie Brown Christmas”) and Sonny Rollins improve of “Old Devil Moon” to “Stevie,” a momentous collaboration between Duke Ellington and John Coltrane. The soundtrack is almost like a beginners guide to old school jazz with its extreme scope of quick, bright tracks mixing together greats like clarinetist Artie Shaw, drummer Horace Silver, and saxophonist Zoot Sims. The collection is fun and upbeat with playful melodies and complex percussion. The soundtrack is an easy listen and the album’s release by Fantasy records coincides with the Criterion Collection’s release of the short film along with the feature film in a new DVD set.

Tim Needles

Location: Lower East Side, NYC
Bands: Cold War Kids Get Tickets Here
Show time: 10:30 PM
Venue: Mercery Lounge
Food: Katz’s Deli
Drink: Nurse Bettie
Miscellaneous: Ludlow Guitars

California’s Cold War Kids stop by the Mercury Lounge, as their in town to play Late Night with Conan O’Brien. Catch this indie band now, as you're not too likely to see them in a venue this small and intimate for a long long time to come. If you’re starving, I mean really starving, head over to Katz’s Deli. This old school deli packs on the pastrami a mile high. The portions are huge and the place is classic NY. For drinks, Nurse Bettie is a chic looking bar with exposed brick walls, paintings of 50s pinups, and offers an excellent cocktail menu. Stop by Ludlow Guitars if there’s time and peruse through some magnificent rare and new music equipment from inexpensive to guitars that you will have to save dearly to afford.

Location: Lower East Side, NYC
Bands: Morning After Girls + Black Swan Green + My Best Fiend Get Tickets Here
Show time: 9 PM
Venue: Mercery Lounge
Food: San Loco
Drink: Max Fish
Miscellaneous: Sugar Sweet Sunshine

The brainchild of Aussies Sacha Lucashenko and Martin Sleeman, The Morning After Girls create gorgeously crafted harmonies over psyche-pop. This band would have fit in perfectly with the Warhol crowd and they would have all been jealous! Joining them are Black Swan Green and My Best Fiend. Let’s face it, San Loco does not serve the greatest Mexican food ever. But it certainly isn’t bad. The prices are inexpensive, you can get a heaping amount of nachos for as little as $3.75, and telling by the heavy traffic, the place is doing just fine. What I like about Max Fish is that it’s a local bar for local artists. It’s walls play host monthly for art exhibitions, there’s a pool table in the back, and drinks aren’t pricey, like many new bars springing up in this neighborhood. For one of the best cupcakes in the city, Sugar Sweet Sunshine has 10 varieties, on top of cakes. Try the Sexy Red Velvet or the Bob, a yellow cupcake with chocolate almond buttercream.

LISTEN - The Morning After Girls – Shadows Evolve.mp3





Location: Soho, NYC
Theater: Sixty Miles to Silver Lake
Show time: See venue website for dates and times; Through February 8
Venue: Walkerspace-Soho Repertory Theatre
Food: Koo Sushi
Drink: Blind Tiger Ale House
Miscellaneous: Peanut Butter & Co.

Sixty Miles to Silver Lake tells the story of a father and son driving sixty miles from the kid’s soccer practice to the dad’s new apartment and the conversations that they have. Starring Joseph Adams and Dane DeHaan and directed by Anne Kauffman, this quiet play packs the drama into a four door sedan. A little known sushi joint, Koo Sushi offers affordable and fantastic fish with an impressive number of specialty rolls. For a bar that looks like any other, Blind Tiger Ale House offers an impressive number of beers including draught, bottled, cask and one called Louise’s Bloody Beer. Try it if you dare! If you’re in the mood for some comfort food, Peanut Butter & Co., offers some PB heavy hitters like the Elvis, a PB, banana, and bacon sandwich that tastes better than it sounds.

If I recall correctly, it was the summer just before eighth grade when my friends were all innocently experimenting poolside with bottles of “Sun-In,” and we all first learned the critical lesson of seeking professional assistance to achieve a desirable, naturally sun-kissed look. Those fortunate enough to not learn the hard way may imagine the Zabars-orange streaks that tend to result when the powerful “liquid sun” formula intermingles with chlorine). Clearly the artistry and skill involved in hair coloring are immensely complex, so who better to inquire about her experience working in this field than celebrity colorist and Redken Creative Consultant for Color, Tracey Cunningham? I caught up with her in between her Golden Globes and Oscar gigs to hear her thoughts on her work, upcoming hair color trends, celebrity clientele, and taking showers at Courtney Love’s house.

What do you enjoy the most about your job? The least?

I truly enjoy spending time with my clients; you can make many friends in this business! The thing that I like the least is not being able to spend enough time with my clients! I don't like when we are rushed and don't get to catch up.

How do you handle a situation where a client requests a certain look that you know is not going to be complimentary to their appearance?

The key to being a good colorist is being honest with your clients. Talk with your client to see what their needs are and what they are looking for. If they have jet-black hair and want to go platinum blonde you have to be honest and give them your expert advice. If you don't feel comfortable doing the color change, don't be scared to say no to doing it!

Do you think that a person's hair color says something about their personality?

Yes indeed! I don't think "blondes have more fun" but your haircolor does express your personality!

What hair color trends do you anticipate will be popular this spring?

This spring is going to be full of bold shades. Redheads are going to be rich, strong, shiny, bold reds. Blondes will have butterscotch highlights and lighten up their shade to play with the season. Brunettes will be lighting their dark winter shades and add caramel highlights and lighten the base.

Any products you consider "must-haves" for dyed hair?

A must have that I always recommend for my clients is Redken Color Extend haircare; it truly helps color treated hair and makes the color last longer.

Who was your first celebrity client and how did that session go?
My first celebrity client was Renee Zellweger. It must have went well because she is still my client to this day!

Whose do's did you work on at the 2008 Golden Globes and what is the typical preparation involved in working with a celebrity before an awards show like this?

I worked with Amy Adams and Jennifer Lopez for the Golden Globes. To achieve Jennifer Lopez's signature color, I highlighted and toned her hair with Redken Shades EQ 9N Café Au Lait and 9B Sterling. For Amy Adams, I customized a combination of Redken Shades EQ 8C Cayenne, 9NB Irish Crème, 9AA Papaya, and 7G Saffron. Typically we recommend 1 week before any award show to come and get your hair colored. That way it has 2-3 washes and looks full of shine with a rich shade!

How does your work with celebrity clients differ from working with non-celebrity clients?

It doesn't differ at all to me! Whether my client is an award winner or a schoolteacher, I want to give them both a beautiful shade, which they will love. I enjoy all my clients and treat everyone with respect!

Have you ever found yourself in a bizarre setting or having to fulfill any odd requests for a celebrity client?

One time back in the day, my assistant and I did a house call at Courtney Love's house. When it came time to wash her out, my assistant went in the shower with her to wash her hair. Of course they were both fully dressed but it was really funny!

I recently had my hair highlighted and, as the process is quite lengthy, found myself opening up quite a bit with my newfound hair colorist-slash-best friend. Do your celebrity clients open up and dish their personal lives to you the way the rest of us do when "under the foils?" How do you handle the more intimate moments involved with being a colorist to the stars?

All my clients talk with me about their life whether they are in a new movie or joined a new gym! We love to chat!

Jessica Stein

Pureology is the hair product line. I just spoke with a girlfriend who said, “Pureology has always exceeded my expectations for the price.” Not to mention that Pureology is indispensable for color treated hair and its maintenance. The formulations are carcinogen free and free of color stripping agents. Pureology Anti-Fade Complex Hydrate Shampoo has zero sulfate, which contains no salt to preserve color brilliance and maximize color retention. The shampoo is an aromatherapy blend of sandalwood and lavender. It produces a satin, natural sheen without build up. Upon application, it has a medium lather blend that makes your hair feel like it has been treated with a fabric softener (without needing a separate conditioner). The amount for application is nominal and one bottle can last up to six months. All Pureology products are vegan and not tested on animals. Pureology is rarely off the mark and their innovation continues with this shampoo.

Ashkan

Location: Soho, NYC
Art: How to Attract Men
Show time: Tues to Sat: Noon to 6 PM
Venue: Deitch Projects
Food: Nha Trang
Drink: Naked Lunch
Miscellaneous: La Esquina

How To Attract Men is an exhibition showing off the art of legendary pin-up queen Liz Renay, which includes original paintings she’s done that haven’t been shown in 50 years. Also shown are her collages, costumes, and artifacts from the Burlesque Hall of Fame. One of the best affordable Vietnamese restaurants in the city, Nha Trang is right near the downtown courthouse, making it a high volume place. Despite that, the food is great and the Pho (rice noodle soup) dishes are $5 and under. Named after William S. Burroughs novel, Naked Lunch is a cool and comfortable bar where local artists usually gather. No shooting up though! One of the best taqueria’s in the city, the Mexican food at La Esquina is authentic and to die for. While tacos will set you back $3, plates are in the $6 to $7.25 range.

EXTRAS: The Complete Series
(HBO)





If there was ever a TV series I wanted to see continue, but was just as glad it didn't, was HBO's EXTRAS. Unlike so many American comedy shows-hell, we even have a term for it: "jumping the shark”-EXTRAS never overstayed its welcome. Ricky Gervais and his co-creator/writer Stephen Merchant (the two worked on the original British version of The Office) created television gold, which has been collected in this box set EXTRAS: The Complete Series.

Season one we meet Gervais' Andy Millman, Millman's best friend (also an extra with him on movie sets and TV), Maggie, played perfectly by Ashley Jensen, and Andy's hapless lanky agent Darren, played by Stephen Merchant. Andy's slow rise to fame, his humiliations from directors and producers, his consistent shoving his foot firmly down his mouth, and plenty of mishaps produce some of the most cringe-worthy moments ever shown on TV. There are some priceless moments with celebrities too: a dirty-talking Kate Winslet, verbal sparring with Ben Stiller and script wrangling with Patrick Stewart. In fact, so many celebrities abound in the series that each episode is named after the celebrity featured in it.

The second season of EXTRAS sees Andy getting his own BBC series and finding and fighting the fame from the insipid TV show he creates. David Bowie, Daniel Radcliffe and in the very last show, none other than Robert DeNiro make appearances.

For me the jewel is the last DVD, "The Extra Special Series Finale." I'd be hard pressed to remember a more heartwarming hour and a half of TV, from the use of Kate Bush's "The Woman's Work" to Andy's speech to Maggie at the end, this is the gold standard all TV should work towards.

All four DVD's of the regular season include bonus stuff, dare I say extras? These include unused takes, hilarious outtake reels, and documentary featurettes.

EXTRAS really was one of those amazing, all too rare NOT politically correct TV series. Burning brilliantly for what amounts to little more then 12 half hours, this show made you laugh aloud, think, even cry a bit…and ache when it was over. Gervais, Merchant, and the rest of the talented people involved left us with no more extra than what you get in EXTRAS The Complete Series.

Ralph Greco, Jr.

Does Michael Lawrence make gold out of Krapp, 39?




I was lucky enough to catch another play at what is becoming one of my favorite off-Broadway theaters, the Soho Playhouse (15 Vandam Street). The play in question, Krapp, 39 is a one-man 80-minute intermission-less romp, a play of ideas more than performance. But that's not to say Michael Lawrence's performance (he also wrote the Krapp of Krapp, 39) wasn't solid, it's just that I felt the 'idea' of Krapp, 39 outweighed the Krapp itself.

Krapp, 39 jumps from the various birthdays of the main and only character, as he literally jumps from place to place on the stark stage. Taking his central idea from Samuel Beckett's Vaudeville Pantomime, where the main character turns older and reflects on his life with the aid of a tape called "Farewell to Love," Lawrence basically moves round the space under George Demas direction, rolling his rolling chair between two desks, walking to his wide screen video monitor, mugging for his handheld video camera and standing to play that same camera over the litter on his desk, showing on a big video monitor the pieces of his life, while they are talked about over 'taped' phone messages playing over the house speakers.

Confused?

Well that's kinda the point here. The state of mind of Michael Lawrence's character (who is him, not really a character) becomes increasingly disjointed as he works through his ambitions and mortality, his mom’s death, some hilarious minutes with a dialect book, his need to pull off this monumental feat of taping himself to then…well, I won’t give it away, but again, the 'ideas' of Krapp are pretty cool and Lawrence’s execution is mostly solid.

The last twenty minutes of the Krapp in Krapp, 39 really sparkle though. We finally see into this guy's head-which is the point I know-with some genuine moments of real revelation from Lawrence.

Does one go to see a play for the last twenty minutes, or because the theater is neato or because the ideas of a play is so relevant and interesting they could outweigh the actual meat (or Krapp) of the play, that it is worth seeing? Or because, in this staid season of musicals and the over Disney-fication of New York Theater stuff, Krapp (if you will allow me) like Krapp, 39 is worth seeing for the very fact that it is interesting and different and has a solid idea at its heart? I don't know the answer to those questions, but go see Krapp, 39 and decide for yourself.

Ralph Greco, Jr.

Check out prog rock legend Eddie Jobson and his “One Night World Tour” with his new band UKZ at Town Hall, NYC Sat. 1/24.




Eddie Jobson has played keys (and electric violin) with such luminary classic rock outfits as Roxy Music and Jethro Tull, was one of the principals of the brilliant band UK, has released a slew of innovative solo albums, runs two labels, writes countless jingle and TV scores (he has a few Clio awards under his belt) and when he has time, conducts the Bulgarian Women’s Choir. Not that he isn’t busy enough, but for the first time in 27 years Jobson is stepping on stage (Town Hall this Sat, the 24th at 8pm) for the “One Night World Tour” with his new band UKZ. I talked to him about the band, the show, the new UKZ Radiation EP…and about his life.

First and foremost, it’s wonderful to hear new music from you, at least in a band setting. Tell me about the process of picking out a band from You Tube auditions? That’s a pretty unique approach.

That’s just the way it is these days, with the whole structure of the music business having just collapsed. You don’t have the management or the agents the way you used to get. Now it’s just yourself and the Internet. So I got these great players from around the world. *NOTE: The band is Aaron Lippert on vocals, the infamous Trey Gunn on ‘Warr’ touch guitar (wait ‘til you hear him play this thing!), Alex Machacek on guitar, and the amazing Marco Minnemann on drums (with Jobson on keys and violin, of course).

Do you have a philosophy or concept this time around with UKZ?

I wanted to be relevant and contemporary. One of the key parameters for me was that what we were doing had to be contemporary.

Can you tell me a little about the custom $80,000 keyboard rig you’re using for the Town Hall show?

Well I’m not sure about $80…well maybe with all the computers. The modern way to do anything on stage these days is with computers and computer software. And they are great, but then again I have a fear that I’ll hit a note and nothing comes out or the wrong sound comes out (laughs).

Does it really feel like 27 years since you played with a band like this?

I can’t believe it’s been that long, I feel like no time has passed. I keep getting hit with reality, when I hear people say “well your generation….” Other than a brief show I did with King Crimson last year, I haven’t been playing like this since I was on stage with Jethro Tull at the LA Forum in 1981.

King Crimson? They just played here before Xmas actually. That must have been quite a challenge to get up and play with those guys after all that time off stage.

Yeah, I was on stage playing with them for over 1000 people in this huge open air festival. We played all instrumentals that night and I was standing center stage playing my violin.

Why Town Hall for the “One City World Tour”?

Well this is the “One City World Tour” and New York is the capitol of the world. I have people flying in from all over the place and New York just seemed like the most central place to do it. I wanted to play in a theater just because I don’t see UKZ as a club band and Town Hall is perfect. By the way, they tell us we have the biggest light show they’ve had in a hundred years.

As I was watching the video for Radiation on YouTube and I was hoping for the violin, and was tickled to hear it, how much of a part does it play on the UKZ EP?

My approach to the violin this time has been a little bit different. It’s almost like a guitar riff approach. For instance, on Radiation you don’t really know when the violin takes over the guitar solo. The song has been downloaded in over 17 countries and I’m getting emails where people are responding that they don’t know what instrument is what…unless you see the video of course. That happens a lot with this group.

Being the crusty-old prog head that I am, I have read rumors of a UK reunion. Is that going to happen?

No. There was. I have been trying to make it happen since 1993. I’ve gotten close a few times. At this point, in many ways, UKZ is the result of failing to get UK back together, but there was too much baggage really and I’ve come to the realization that this is much healthier.

Being a long time fan, I have many favorites of yours, in fact one of my sister’s most favorite albums is your solo album Green. She actually bonded over that with her husband; it was something they found they had in common when they first met.

It’s an amazing thing, even when you don’t think about it, but every album ends up being the most important album for someone, representing a part of the life. That’s really the wonderful part for me, when I hear that someone has been touched by my music that way.

When does the UKZ EP Radiation come out?

It will be released on March 24th, but you can buy it from my label’s website and other prog rock sites as well.

To see Eddie Jobson and his new band UKZ at Town Hall tomorrow, Saturday January 24 at 8pm for the “One Night World Tour” you can get tickets Here

Ralph Greco

Will Ferrell brings Bush to Broadway


Friday January 23

Location: Meat Packing District, NYC
Bands: The Whitest Kids U' Know Get Tickets Here
Show time: 8:30 & 10:30 PM
Venue: Comix
Food: Spice Market
Drink: Plunge
Miscellaneous: Little Pie Company (located at 407 W14th St.)

NYC sketch comedy troupe The Whitest Kids U’ Know, made up of Trevor Moore, Sam Brown, Zach Cregger, Timmy Williams, and Darren Trumeter begin their new season on IFC but first bring their act to the stage of Comix. For dinner, if you can get a table, check out Spice Market. Chef and owner Jean-Georges Vongerichten converted this HUGE space into one of the sexiest Asian restaurants in NYC. Serving up exquisite dishes like the onion and chili crusted short ribs with egg noodles and pea shoots ($22), Spice Market impresses. If you choose not to stay at APT for drinks, close by is Plunge. Located at the top of the Hotel Gansevoort, this rooftop lounge offers stunning views of the city. If dessert is your thing, stop over at Little Pie Company, where pies are baked on premises. Whether you’re in the mood for sour cream apple, southern pecan, or Mississippi mud pie, you can’t go wrong here.

Friday January 23

Location: West Village, NYC
Bands: Mos Def
Show time: 8 & 10:30 PM
Venue: Blue Note
Food: Tortilla Flats
Drink: White Horse Tavern
Accessory: Magnolia Bakery

Getting the chance to see hip-hop artist Mos Def perform at a small venue like Blue Note is not something that happens everyday. Plus he plays with a live band. For dinner, check out Tortilla Flats. The food is Mexican and delicious, but it’s the insanity within (bingo and hula-hoop nights) that is the real calling for this place. For drinks afterwards, hit the White Horse Tavern, a great bar and the old haunting grounds for Dylan Thomas. If you somehow have time before all of this, stop by Magnolia Bakery for some of the best tasting cupcakes in the city.

Saturday January 24

Location: Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Bands: Dig Deeper Get Tickets Here
Show time: 10 PM
Venue: The Five Spot Soul Food Supper Club
Food: ICI
Drink: Moe’s
Miscellaneous: Tillie’s

Mr. Robinson and DJ Honky spin old soul 45s and present The Mighty Hannibal, a soul singer from the 1960s who will be making his return to the stage backed by the Sweet Divines and the Divine Soul Rhythm Band. Creating a seasonal menu filled with fresh and locally grown ingredients along with wines from small interesting local wineries, ICI creates innovative dishes like Wild Striped Bass with shitake mushrooms, fennel butter, and fennel slaw ($25). An eclectic bar in Ft. Greene that has absolutely nothing to do with The Simpsons, Moe’s offers a decent beer selection, a neighborhood vibe, and big windows to people watch. For coffee and a place to just sit and relax, Tillie’s serves a great cup of joe, while consistently having performances, and serving excellent baked goods and vegan food.

Saturday January 24

Location: East Village, NYC
Bands: Oxford Collapse
Show time: 7 PM
Venue: The Studio at Webster Hall
Food Minca
Drink Ace Bar
Miscellaneous Le Gamin Café

Ever since Webster Hall opened up The Studio, which is the downstairs smaller venue, they have given fans the opportunity to get closer to acts like Oxford Collapse, who’s indie-rock music will fare much better in this intimate environment. Close by is the ramen noodle bar called Minca. After recently trying this place, I’d highly recommend it. The ramen noodles are made fresh and way better than those you’d buy and boil. What makes the soups here great is the broth. Take the Minca Ramen, a mild broth with pork, chicken and dried seafood ($8.50), it has impeccable flavor that hits the spot. Plus it’s way less expensive than other ramen specialty restaurants and just as good. Right across the street from Minca is the Ace Bar. Sort of divey, it’s also where you’ll find people playing skeeball and shooting pool, while drinking some decent beers on tap. For dessert and coffee, Le Gamin Café is the place for crepes.

Sunday January 25

Location: Midtown West, NYC
Theater: You’re Welcome America. A Final Night with George W. Bush
Show time: See venue website for dates and times
Venue: Cort Theatre
Food: Vinyl
Drink: Cellar Bar
Miscellaneous: The Bryant Park Hotel

With the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president, what will you remember about now ex-president George W. Bush? Will Ferrell’s limited engagement play You’re Welcome America. A Final Night with George W. Bush takes as many jabs as it can as Ferrell impersonates the man, the myth, and the legend that is Bush in his one-man show that will no doubt leave you in tears of funny. If your hungry, check out Vinyl. At this rock and roll themed restaurant, the menus are made of old album covers and the food is a mix of American and Thai. Don’t forget to check out the bathroom, each one has a music icon theme. With vaulted ceilings and a mostly red and cream interior, the Cellar Bar, located in the Bryant Park Hotel, is one gorgeous place, creating a sexy atmosphere. The drinks are pricey, but worth the stopover. For kicks, take a little walk through the Bryant Park Hotel. This chic boutique hotel, designed by British architect David Chipperfield, not only has the Cellar Bar but the Koi Restaurant, a fantastic Japanese spot.

Tuesday was a big day for America - perhaps not as big as Aretha Franklin's hat, but awe-inspiring and historic nonetheless. This incredible day was broadcast to every corner of the planet - via the powerful satellite on Aretha's head. Yes, today I am truly proud to be an American once again. We finally have a president who not only espouses a very real belief in freedom and democracy, but also knows how to spell these big words.

Even though I wanted to begin this weekly blog with my usually sarcastic worldview, this is a time to celebrate. I have been riding high on a wave of jubilation all day - especially when I saw George W. Bush get on a plane and head back to Texas. Sure, those kamikaze birds missed a perfectly good opportunity to give the old cowboy a little turbulence, but at least he is gone. Mission accomplished. When they rolled Cheney into the inauguration in his wheelchair, I thought to myself, 'Gee, what is Mr. Potter doing here? George Bailey better watch out!'

(Bon Voyage, Mr. Potter!)


The Bush years were so depressingly bad that I seriously contemplated leaving America. I could go to Paris and sit in cafes, reading philosophy books and smoking like a bitter expatriate. My father was a Vietnam veteran who taught me the important lesson that government and politicians in general were crooks, so Bush's evil reign of power only confirmed and deepened my cynicism. As far as I am concerned, I trust politicians to be honest with the American public like I trust Sarah Palin to be honest on her Mensa application.

And yet Obama even inspires someone as cynical as me. How could my generation not idolize a man like this? He is the epitome of cool, with great intellect, spirit, determination, a genuine love of his country and supremely kick-ass taste in music. When I saw Bono sing 'Pride (In the Name of Love)' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ1t06Ytp1E) on the steps of the Lincoln Monument, in the same place where my parents heard Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream so many years ago, something stirred in me. Excuse my corny sentimentality, but I think the real America is ready to wake up and dream out loud again.

Adam J. Rodriguez

Location: East Village, NYC
Theater: Twelfth Night
Show time: See venue website for dates and times
Venue: Pearl Theatre
Food: Minca
Drink: Common Ground
Miscellaneous: Beard Papa Sweets Cafe

Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night is brought back to the stage telling the story of a shipwreck separating twins. But where there’s tragedy there’s also comedy as they wash up on the shore of a land filled with a cast of joyful and melancholic characters. If you’ve never been to Minca for dinner, go right now! This small noodle bar makes some amazing ramen noodles from scratch. Try the Minca Ramen, a mild broth with pork, chicken & dried seafood ($8.50). One of the newer bars in the East Village, Common Ground has a dark wood interior, a relaxed atmosphere, and excellent cocktails like the Blueberry Pie. If you like pastries filled with cream, check out Beard Papa Sweets Café. They offer cream fillings like earl grey, green tea, coffee, and the standard vanilla, chocolate, strawberry among others.

Anya Marina
Slow and Steady Seduction, Phase II
(Chop Shop Records)







Singer-songwriter Anya Marina’s second full-length album Slow and Steady Seduction, Phase II features a cadre of short, catchy, sassy songs that truly embody the title of the album, and serve as a great follow up effort to her first album, Exercises in Racketeering, which won the San Diego Music Award for best local artist. The album offers nothing revolutionary or new, but is just very easy listening and very consistent. As one of the few artists from the newly formed Chop Shop Music Label, Anya was first featured on Grey’s Anatomy with her first hit song, “Miss Halfway.” Her vocals are raspy and breathy - a more upbeat Cat Power if you will.

Anya’s creative career has taken many twists and turns, including work as an actress, comedian, and most recently and for the longest tenure, as a disk jockey for several music stations in San Diego. The first track on the album, “All the Same to Me,” is probably the strongest song on the CD. The one criticism may be that many of the songs sound too much alike.

Paul Kim


Conor Oberst
Conor Oberst
(Merge Records)







Folksy acoustic music rarely has a place in mainstream contemporary music but Conor Oberst’s self-titled album, released via Merge Records, allows listeners to appreciate the genre. Oberst spent the better part of the last decade in the musical vehicle, Bright Eyes, before embarking on a solo career.

His new album is chock full of fun and thoughtful songs. One of the notable tracks, “Danny Callahan,” reads like an ode to a young boy, who despite having bone marrow looks to the brighter side of life. Another great track is “Lenders in The Temple,” which reminds me of early Bob Dylan with politically provoking lyrics and a catchy chorus. All in all this is a good album by a great folk artist.

Corey Crossfield


Rodriguez
Cold Fact
Light in the Attic







Add Sixto Diaz Rodriguez to the list of legendary lost artists worth discovering. His brand of socially conscious folk/rock is reminiscent of Donovan’s psychedelic imagery and Dylan’s poetic pessimism, sung in a voice that mirrors James Taylor. Although Cold Fact was released in 1970, Rodriguez doesn’t dwell in the optimistic hippiedom of the time. His music is visceral and dark, tackling drug addiction, poverty, violence, and ruinous romance.

Rodriguez’s songs are as varied as his gritty life experiences. An eerie wheezing synthesizer blankets the downcast slum blues of “Sugar Man,” while “Crucify Your Mind”’s double-edged lyrics are matched with condemning horns. “I Wonder” has a bouncy bass and a bright vocal that belies its sexual sarcasm, and “Inner City Blues” swings, slick and cool, like The Beatles “For You Blue.”

Rodriguez left the music scene after his second album, disappearing into the biker bars and inner city dives he wrote about. As the decades passed, his music became an inspiration to South African’s struggling against apartheid, which led to his rediscovery stateside. Raw, ranting and radical, Rodriguez’s music tells it like it was in the 70s – and like it is now.

Michael Jefferson


Julieta Venegas
MTV Unplugged
(Sony International)






Julieta Venegas is known as the number one Mexican female rock artist these days. She really came on the scene in 2003 with the release of her album Sí, a cute pop album with infectious music and musings on love as beautiful as they are real. Since then, Julieta's released several other albums, including Limón y Sal (2006), which has more of a Mexican flavor than Sí and now the well-produced Unplugged album, containing many of her great hits in years past plus a few new ones.

I've seen Julieta in concert twice, and this album is testimony to her sweet performance. The music has all of the live energy and warmth she brings with her to each show, and there is an added bonus: several singers join her. These include Marisa Monte, one of the most famous singers from Brazil, who sings a duet with Julieta called "Ilusión," a new song that gets better every time you listen to it. Additionally, two-time Grammy winner Gustavo Santolalla accompanies her on the banjo during the song "Algún Día." Perhaps one of the best unplugged renditions with added accompaniment is "Eres Para Mí," featuring Mala Rodriguez's hip-hop intro.

On stage, Julieta is not as much a spectacle as she is a friend. There is an honesty and beauty in her lyrics and performance that make you cheer her on as everyone else is doing on the record.

Christine Thelen