Auntie and I firmly believe that one person’s neurosis is another’s saving grace. A very good friend of mine, alias, Savvy Brown acknowledges “I’m a little obsessed with how things work, how things are made, how things grow and how they affect us.” Trust me, she is. And luckily for me, she is a never ending resource on being a freelance artist, buying/renovating a brownstone and finding the best (natural) beauty products. FINALLY, she has released her blog, “Savvy Brown”.

There’s already a whole plethora of articles to read. The first ones I’ve bookmarked are “A Better Way to Clean” and “10 Cheap Things to Clean Your House Naturally“. Even Speakeasies are interested in being “green”, especially as my patrons and their parents get older, and I begin to see a correlation between our health and what products we eat and are exposed to.

Take a look at her site and revel in how obsessive she can be. You’ll thank me later.

One of the greatest highlights of 2009 was meeting the Queen…Queen Esther that is. She and I were introduced by one of the finest, intelligent filmmakers I have yet to meet (Yea – that’s her being loud at the beginning of the Joe’s Pub clip – see video below) and clicked instantly. In true Auntie Carrie type fashion, we quickly resorted to cocktails, bountiful meals and deep conversations about art, love and life. And then – and then … I heard the Queen sing. And I needed a seat. As surely my feet might give way, lulled by such emotion and desire she expresses in one note.

Queen Esther is a multi-layered talent. Like my other favorite performers, it would be amiss to categorize her to “jazz”, “blues” etc. To give you some idea, she is described as “Edith Piaf, if she were young, black, Southern and had spent a lot of time wandering backwards through the Hoagy Carmichael songbook and listening to Ella Fitzgerald.” However, to have the best idea – it is in your best interest to see her perform live.

Queen Esther and the Hot Five will be in NYC on Thursday, February 4th, 2010 to share songs from her newest CD, “What Is Love”. The CD cover photograph was proudly shot by yours truly.

Information on the February 4th show:

Jazzmobile at Gospel Uptown Presents Queen Esther and the Hot Five
Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 7pm. One 90 minute set.
Tickets: $17.00 – Ticket Annex – 866-388-4TIX
Reservations: Call Gospel Uptown – 212-280-2110 – $20 Food & Drink Minimum
Address: 2110 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd (7th Ave & 125th Street)

Auntie’s nip to whet your appetite:

Auntie’s Advice: Before the Queen is too famous to touch, hire her for your next Speak Easy event a la The Salon at The Player’s Club.

Lastly, you may not be as fortunate as I to throw down some Martinis with homemade poundcake with the Queen, but to indulge in some of her charm and humor, do check out her blog:
“This Rock n’ Roll BlackGrrl’s High Life”

Mother's Day by Bob S Martin

Dad just sent me this link to James Frey’s blog. One of Dad’s paintings are on his site for Mother’s Day. Life is so deliciously random. PS. If you haven’t already (shame on you!) look at some of Dad’s other paintings online.

Flash forward many years later and we have that potential expressed. One excellent blog, worthy of a RSS feed, is “Harlem World”. Its a pretty content rich blog/magazine centered on Harlem. What caught my attention was just how much is focused on the arts. I just happened on the blog today (late to the party, I know) but greatly enjoyed this article on the “Negritude” exhibit at the Exit Art Gallery.

A taste:

“Harlem resident Greg Tate presents a three-room “Black Mystery Anti-Panopticon,” envisioning Négritude as a “place” for mystery and funk, music and soul. A DJ shrine, created by Tate and the artists Xaviera Simmons and Arthur Jafa, will provide a site for weekly performances; a raised stage outfitted with a drum kit, microphones, and amps will be used for occasional live music; and an exhibition of visionary black artists – including Thornton Dial, Jr., Thornton Dial, Sr., and Lonnie Holley – coupled with laminated pages from the books Souls Grown Deep: African American Vernacular Art, Vols. 1 and 2, will create a “conjuration room where willing spirits can come to get toasted, roasted, and lit the fuck up.”

Harlem World Blog also encourages “citizen journalists” to send interviews, photographs, news stories etc to: hwcontact@yahoo.com

Photo is of course James VanDerZee’s “Couple in Raccoon Coats”, which I believe is at the Studio Museum of Harlem.

Ah. Sign of the times (cue Prince). I have been getting requests about “how to throw a networking party”. My first thought was I’ve never thrown a networking party – but wait! Correction – all of my parties are potential networking parties. The deal with a networking party is, unlike other events, it really is up to the participants to make it work or not. You are the facilitator but the truth is, a really crafty intelligent “networker” can find a business contact while riding the M34 crosstown or shopping for chew toys at Pet Smart.

They (aka Superstar Hustlers) are naturally inquisitive, approachable, proud of their work (thus it rolls off their tongues with ease and NOT as a sales pitch). If you feel you need to enhance your networking abilities, a must read is “Never Eat Alone” by Keith Ferrazzi. Its an easy read with plenty of brilliant ideas. Keith also has a blog online offering plenty of insight.

I can be a pretty hardcore networker. However, I spend most of that networking energy on being the best Connector a la Malcolm Gladwell (with a “minor” in Event Planning Maven) and get great pleasure out of connecting people with similar business or personal interests. Thus all of these parties. So how would Auntie Carrie and I have a Networking Party? With that as our primary intent? This is what comes to mind:

1. Call it ANYTHING other than a Networking Party.
When you discuss the event, create your invites, send out press releases etc, you will naturally mention that 100 (or whatever number) of people from the fields of medicine, fashion, business (fill in the blank) will be attending. Encourage people to bring business cards, their reels etc. However I would stay far far away from calling it a Networking Party. It just sounds so lame. And the few that I have attended felt lopsided: for example, 85% actors and 15% producers/directors etc. Far more people hungry for a job and a small few with any ability to offer a job. So what do you call it? A Birthday Party, Toga Party, Brunch Party, Girls Night Out, Karaoke Night, Cinco de Mayo (hmmm) etc.

2. 50/50 Rule Must Apply.
Using the above example, you will want 50% actors or film job seekers to 50% producers/directors etc. I’ve mentioned before that, for me, 50% of the number of people I’ve invited actually attend. So if I’d like to have a film party totaling 100 people, I’d invite 100 actors/crew and 100 directors/producers.

3. Advanced Notice:
So how can you make sure you keep to my 50/50 rule? All your attendees should be excited about your event. Give advance notice to those directors/producers/execs about who else in their “pool” will be there. That way, they won’t feel alone. Their peers will be there. And do your research in advance in regards to their personal needs. If an invitee has a cushy job already, do an advance “cyber-intro” (email, FB, LinkedIn etc) with another friend of yours who could help them sell their apartment, help their elderly parents find assisted living in their home town, share their vegan chocolate cupcake recipes. Those personal nuggets matter. That way everyone has someone they are excited to meet.

4. Activities: Repeat. NO NETWORKING activities.
Nothing overt. In my not so humble opinion, I would stay clear of name games, passing out head-shots. Ugh. Nor would I just throw everyone into a room and help them get drunk. If you are having a karaoke night for example, you, as the facilitator can chose who sings with whom. Parties centered around a major sporting event are instant bonding. Start $1 bets. Make your own sushi at half time. Get these strangers to know each other as human beings, as good interesting, honest, fun, human beings and they will naturally want to keep in contact. There was a great interview with Richard Anderson, CEO of Delta Airlines, in the New York Times where he explained his hiring practice. I paraphrase: everyone has a solid resume, went to the right schools etc, so he asks questions about their family, what books they’ve read to better assess if they will fit into that corporate culture.

4A. Consider No Liquor / Daytime Activities
Organize a boat trip, ultimate frisbee, picnic, brunch or something like “bring your daughters” on a spa date event. Take your dog hiking. Although they may think otherwise, most people are not as charming or intelligent after 4 Gin & Tonics. And by the time you hit age 30, chances are you look darn tired by 10pm. Certainly on a Friday.

5. Invite Chaos:
Even the best facilitator needs the random element to help people find work or a vendor etc. In addition to all of the people who work in your select and related fields (film industry party example: directors, producers, crew, actors. Related fields: television, theater, fashion, music), invite a good number of people completely unrelated. I promise you that the Physics teacher you invite, the Civil Engineer or Linguists has an Uncle whose girlfriend used to baby sit Susan Sarandon’s daughter. And, oh, did you know she is looking for someone to help her on her directing debut? Worse case scenario, if the “random” people you invite truly have no connections, they will still be a HUGE breath of fresh air to your party attendees. Excellent example of introducing the random element into your life is Brian Grazer. A lot of media folks tease Brian about his “cultural attache” but I dig it. Its so easy to become isolated in Hollywood and this tactic led to “A Beautiful Mind” and “American Gangster” .

6. Host Your Butt Off
Keep circulating during your party. Drag one person away to meet another. Wall flowers are not allowed, nor are cliques or groupings by race/sex/whatnot. When introducing people, give everyone a glowing review. Toot their horn. Embarrass them with their accolades. Mention what these two strangers have in common and all of the other wonderful coincidences (which means you have to know these details). Refill their drink, offer a canape and then get the hell out there and on to your next match. Check on your groups every so often and shake them up again. Look fantastic. Be relaxed, happy and delighted.

7. Stir and Repeat Plan on another event in the next 3 months. What could have been an awkward moment between strangers at the first party becomes a private joke at the second.

8. Say Thank You

This past Thursday, I first attended an HBO screening of the Oscar nominated documentary, “The Final Inch”. One of the producers of the film, Tom Grant, is a dear friend and I was all too happy to see the film (incredible yet staggering account of the fight against polio in India). Although this post is about the Speak Easy that I visited afterward, I have to mention the screening where I experienced the most extraordinary piece of customer service ever. And it deserves some attention. As mentioned, the screening was at HBO on Sixth Avenue. It was a wonderfully catered affair. I enjoyed the shrimp ceviche, the baked brie (maybe enjoyed that too much) and the Pinot Noir. While I was chatting with Tom, a waitstaff came over to us and offered a small dish of mac n cheese. I was beside myself. Mac n Cheese is my drug of choice. As I reached for it off her serving tray, she continued “yes, Mac n cheese, with truffles (yum) and bacon (oh no!)”. At the mention of bacon, I returned the dish to her tray and said I did not eat meat. No big deal. I came to the screening to see the film and support my friend. It was all good.

About 15 minutes later, I am chatting with some new friends and a different waitstaff comes towards us. It looks like she is carrying crabcakes (yum! I’m fine with seafood). Yet, I notice her looking at us yet still keeping her distance. “Whatcha got there?” I asked. To which she immediately replied that she was so sorry but she was serving meatballs but there were plenty of different vegetarian options on the main table and again she was very sorry. Astonishing. In case you missed why my amazement: there were at least 150 people there and somehow in a matter of minutes, the other waiters were made aware that I was a vegetarian. Wow. I was honored.

Ok. After HBO, I took the A Train (sing if you wish) to Bed Stuy, a Brooklyn neighborhood brimming with black artists and entrepreneurs. Once there, I walked about 4 blocks from the subway station, made a right, entered a gate and used the side door to a lovely brownstone. Even before entering, I could hear the lively thump thump of music playing and saw the warm glow of the interior lights. Zero drama at the door. My friends were DJing: a nice blend of African jazz, 70s soul. The bartender poured me a glass of Makers Mark and I made my rounds. An intro here and there. There were only about 20 people there which was fine by me. The previous week, I heard, was jam packed, but I was in the mood for some music, bourbon and an easy chat with friends.

I played a few games of pool, watched some of the Utah v Minnesota NBA game on the flat screen and prepared for my leave.

The vibe was exactly what I desired. What I loved about my Speak Easy was that people could come and go as they pleased, early before another party or late late before heading off to bed. Get a quality glass of nip (their bar is very well stocked. Plus there was some tempting looking cupcakes). Meet some new friends. Girls looked stylish. Men had their shit together. Play a game of pool, chess or cards. Relax like it was your basement or living-room.

If you are interested in attending The Get Together Speak Easy, email my friends. There is no cover (a Speak Easy that charges a cover is a scam and should be ashamed) however, the space is limited. Its in your best interest to rsvp and tell them how many people are in your party. Ideal spot for a birthday party, a reunion with some good friends, maybe even a film wrap party.

Just tell them Auntie Carrie sent ya.

ps That image is an oil painting I did inspired by another Speak Easy of sorts.

Every once and awhile, someone asks my advice about throwing a Toga / Ancient Greek or Roman party. I usually shrug, turn up my nose and offer a different theme for their party. A Toga party just always sounds so cliche. Such an “I ran out of ideas” idea for a party. However, this morning, I was inspired. I am a creative girl. How would ACSE do a Toga Party? This is what I came up with.

First of all, of course, follow my basic steps on How to Throw a Party. This is what I would do to be Toga/Antiquities specific:

There are two ways to go: Either a Toga Party as inspired by the movie “Animal House” or a Toga Party as inspired by Romans/Greeks. Regardless of which direction you go, you and your guests can have fun with their wardrobe & hair, the signature food and beverage and extra gimmicks. For invites for either type of Toga Party, I’d suggest playing with some Latin. Such as “Re vera, potas bene“. (Say, you sure are drinking a lot.) or “Romani quidem artem amatoriam invenerunt” (You know, the Romans invented the art of love).

Animal House

Wardrobe & Hair: Certainly friends will come dressed in togas. However, also encourage other friends to come dress circa 1978, the year the film was made. This opens up the opportunities for your guests to wear something fun and that they feel comfortable in. Your more exhibitionist type friends can come “au natural” in a white 300 count sheet. And others can come as geeky college students in Corduroys or Afro bell bottomed student protesters. Women can have their hair bone straight and parted in the middle a la Katherine Ross.

Drink: I would keep with the college frat boy feel. However, even though the night will be juvenile your taste buds will not. First up is a keg. Several. Make your friends tap the keg when a new one is needed. Someone will fail miserably and beer will spew everywhere. Eschew the Pabst Blue Ribbon for a delicious local micro brew. Also, add a punch. Yes punch is evil but it is a necessary evil. Be kind to your guests and swap out the grain liquor for a Cava or top shelf vodka.

Food: Pizza. Of course. And serve your friends straight out of the box. Either a quality cheese, pepperoni etc or go classy with goat cheese, sundried tomatoes etc.

This idea I loved: Also, order Chinese food and have your friends eat directly out of the take out containers. As if, they were crashing your party and raided your frig.

Watch the film or the trailer on YouTube for ideas on gimmicks and entertaining guests. Some ideas that come to mind are stupid college drinking games (Twister, Quarters) or Poker. Now that we are older, all of the drinking will be fun but not the end all be all. I might set up a photo booth or a game of pool. Ideally, you will have a lawn. Make up a frat name and decorate your home with the letters. A friend of mine from High School had a t-shirt that said “Tappa Nu Kegg” for instance.

Grecian / Roman Party

Wardrobe & Hair: Apparently, togas were worn only by men of Ancient Rome. Ah – I want you to keep your party authentic but only to a point. Women can either rock the Stola or wear a Toga (which is much more fun). “In ancient Rome, it was considered disgraceful for a woman to wear a toga; wearing the male garment was associated with prostitution.” Ooh goodie!

Please note: One detail I found extremely interesting in that Wikipedia article was that not all togas were white. Your guests can be come traditional, authentic and in purple. Makes for better photos than everyone in white (IMO). Hair should be well coifed, back in a bun, respectable. Maybe a small hair wreath of gold leaves.

In Ancient Greece, the people wore the Chiton

Other variations: friends could come dressed as Roman soldiers or artisans or visiting Egyptian tradesmen or politicians. Sandals, Birkenstocks or bare feet. Maybe a silver anklet.

Food And Drink: Wine. That was easy. I immediately started thinking about the Roman God, Bacchus, the God of Wine and Intoxication (someone has to be). This introduces a more hedonistic nature into your party. Another blog I found online gave me some scintillating ideas for a Bacchus like event. If you can stick to traditional regional Roman food (just google “Roman Food” and a number of recipes pop up). If not, just go Italian. Although Pasta is fine, I would indulge in generous servings of meats, chunks of Parmesan, big wooden bowls of fruits, dates, figs and savory olives.

A more interesting route would be to skew your party towards Ancient Greece. I found some useful ideas for an elegant Greek Dinner Party.

I also love the simplicity of a Minted Greek Wine.

If I were to throw a toga party, I would be particularly interested in hosting a political debate as part of my toga party. My friends are all (hipster) nerds so they would enjoy that. Here is a rather dry yet informative article about the uses of wine, including political life, in ancient times.

In terms of thematic gimmicks and entertainment, a servant boy in white linen loin cloth (careful how you do this) feeding people grapes, keeping guests cool with a ridiculously large sized fan. If the slave boy is too much, make your friends do this for each other. I have this visual of a Roman bath so would suggest some form of water: a pool, jacuzzi, have your event near a stream or lake or just a champagne fountain. Maybe fun touches like finger bowls so your guests can clean their hands. Rose petals in the water of course.

Auntie’s Advice: Any theme party can be banal or exhilarating. The difference is in your research and originality that makes for an unique experience.

“Everyone played the Apollo. I remember leaving school early on Wednesdays and standing on line to get in to see James Brown, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry or the Moonglows. In those days you could sit through and catch a second show which we did often.

A lot of our neighborhood friends performed at the Apollo. with groups like the The Chantels (”Maybe”, “Will you Love Me Tomorrow” and our favorite “The Plea”), the Limelighters, the Cadillacs and others. Sometimes the singing groups would gather outside one of the side doors to see if they could get on stage that day and do their thing.

Our Dad introduced us to the Apollo, where he once played. (Jazz big band that won “Amateur Night” ) It was our Broadway and sometimes Sinatra or Bennett would travel north to sit in with one of the bands.

One of the greatest shows I ever saw, was the Arthur Prysock Singing with Red Prysock’s band, followed by Machito. This was followed by an outrageous jam session with the two bands joined together playing Dizzy Gillespie’s Caravan, like I had never heard it before.

I can recall going out on a first date to see Bill Cosby and embarrassingly crying with laughter and following up the next week to see the complete Motown Review, all for less money then it takes to fill a gas tank.

The Apollo turns 75 and it’s been a miracle that it is still alive.”

Post script – I found this beautiful photograph from the site, BlackPast.org.

This weekend, I will be exhibiting 15 new oil paintings at the first of the Collective Art Shows.

Details:
February 27th, 2009
7 – 11pm
Music & Refreshments
45 Main Street
Suite 1200
DUMBO

Saturday Viewing from 11am – 5pm

For more information or to participate in future shows, email: collectiveart@generalparticular.com