Week of August 2 - August 8, 2010

The countdown for the end of Summer 2010 is here but there is still plenty of time to enjoy outdoor events, good music, good shopping, and maybe a movie premiere……we hope you enjoy this weeks GEM NYC listings.

If you would like to share some of your own GEM NYC finds or would like to drop us a few words please do so at gem@ulmedia.net

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MUSIC - NEW ORLEANS STYLE
FROM THE BIG APPLE TO THE BIG EASY

In commemoration of the 5th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, The Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute and Lincoln Center Out of Doors is Taking it to the Streets New Orleans Style . The night begins with a pre-party at the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute from 4pm to 6pm, the concert will kick off with an official authentic New Orleans Second Line, leaving at 6pm from CCCADI (408 West 58th Street, between 9th and 10th avenues) to Damrosch Park (West 62nd Street between Columbus and Amsterdam avenues). Move through the streets to the sounds of New Orleans, led by the Big Easy Apple Social Aid and Pleasure Club for a 7:30pm Lincoln Center Out Of Doors Concert, featuring the original The Wild Magnolias, Glen David Andrews with special guest Davell Crawford, and Soul Rebels Brass Band. Sunday, August 8th. For more information please contact Shantrelle P. Lewis at slewis@cccadi.org or 212-307-7420 ext 3008, or visit www.cccadi.org or www.lcoutofdoors.org.
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FUNDRAISER - CELEBRATING DIVERSITY?
A FUNDRAISER FOR ART FOR CHANGE AND MALDEF

This fundraiser is helping out all families being affected by SB1070 law in Arizona. Help children and families affected by American immigration policy and enjoy great atmosphere, great food, good people, poetry and music all at the same time. Hosted by Genesis Be...poetry and music by Mercedes Martinez, Shisty Nice, Auzriel and more. There will be tables set up with information on how YOU can help stop the law in AZ from going into effect. Pamphlets, brochures and donation boxes will be present. For those who want to help, but cannot attend... you can donate to Art For Change here at www.artforchange.org. Monday, August 2nd at Smiths NYC (44th street and 8th avenue). 7pm-10pm. Free, $10 suggested donation.

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SHOPPING PROMOTION
MADEWELL’S DENIM AFTER DARK EVENT

Bring a pair of lightly worn shoes to Madewell between 7 pm - 9pm, located at 486 Broadway and receive 20% off a pair of brand new Bensimon shoes. Bensimon is a French footwear company, famous for its simple classic design of the tennis shoe. All old shoes will be donated to soles4souls. Guests will also receive 20% off any pair of jeans during the event. Sweets and treats will also be served. Thursday, August 5th. 486 Broadway, NYC. www.madewell.com


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PARADE
DOMINICAN DAY PARADE

Grab your Dominican gear and flag and proudly represent at the 28th Annual Dominican Day Parade. Sunday, August 8th. Parade route; Sixth Avenue between 36th Street to 56 Street, in Manhattan. Parade hours 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Be sure to look out for the DEWARS/ “LA SOGA” float which will feature Dominican actor Manny Perez who will be promoting his upcoming movie “La Soga”.
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GEM FIND
YO SOY EXPRESSIONS

A couple of week ago I attended a Latina Style Business Conference here in NYC. As I surveyed the sponsor booth floor one in particular caught my eye because of the beautiful and colorful note card display. I had the pleasure of meeting Yo Soy Expressions President & CEO, Ivette Mayo, who with a very smart looking red business suit and great big smile lured me in. Ivette Mayo is a noted motivational speaker on such topics on cultural diversity, leadership and the entrepreneurial spirit. Yo Soy Expressions is a specialty note card business and online store – www.yosoyexpressions.com. The products are designed and inspired by the excellence of “la mujer Latina”. Card themes range from Mujer Existosa, Latina, Gratitude, Woman to Woman, Girlfriends, and Latina Love. You have the option of Spanish or English cards as well as personalizing with your own message. Prices range from $5 for 4 cards/envelopes to $65 for 100 cards/envelopes.
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FILM
“LA SOGA”

Don’t miss this great film starring Manny Perez and Denise Quiñones. La Soga is an edgy, action-packed thriller set in the Dominican Republic and New York City. The film follows the personal journey of Luisito a.k.a. “La Soga,” the son of a butcher turned government killer, who risks everything for justice. Inspired by true events, La Soga depicts corruption, brutality and one man’s struggle to find redemption. Check out the film’s trailor at www.lasogamovie.com. The film hits select tri-state area theatres on Friday, August 13th. For a list of theatres in your area click here, and check your local listings for showtimes.
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BOOKS TO READ
“A COUNTRY FOR All An Immigrant Manifesto”

In this timely book, award-winning journalist Jorge Ramos makes the case for a practical and politically achievable solution to this emotional issue. Ramos argues that we have a simple choice: to take a pragmatic approach that deals with the reality of immigration, or to continue a cruel and capricious system that doesn’t work, wastes billions of dollars, and which stands in direct opposition to our national principles. To purchase the book visit www.randomhouse.com. Paperback, List Price $14.





“Apartment Therapy’s BIG BOOK OF SMALL COOL PLACES”

Written by Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan, co-founder of the most popular interior design website, ApartmentTherapy.com. For years I have been an internet “peeping tom” checking out apartments of complete strangers online locally, nationally, and around the world to get my own decorating , space saving ideas. ApartmentTherapy.com will help you transform tiny into totally fabulous. You can purchase the book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Powell’s Books, and Indie Bound. Hard Cover, List Price $30.