Week of June 21 - June 27, 2010

EXHIBIT

ANDY WARHOL: THE LAST DECADE
The Brooklyn Museum is on a roll with one hot, “must-see” exhibit after another. This time the focus is on American artist; Andy Warhol (1928 – 1987). Warhol’s art defined popular culture with distinct images ranging from Campbell’s soup cans to portraits of Hollywood’s elite like Michael Jackson and Marilyn Monroe. Andy Warhol: The Last Decade is the first U.S. museum survey to examine the late work of the artist. One of my favorite Andy Warhol collaborations in the 80’s was with Jean-Michel Basquiat, whose painted words and graffiti-like skulls made a great contrast to Warhol’s interest in abstraction. Through September 12th.

Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Pkwy at Washington Avenue. (718) 638-5000.
For more information on hours and admission visit www.brooklynmuseum.org .


FWACATA!! LOOK AT MY HANDS
Featured as the visual art exhibition component of the Dominican Village at the Abrazo Interno Gallery. FWACATA!! Look At My Hands, is both a visual arts exhibit and a comic book, addressing Caribbean history through sequential art. Comic books were first published in the United States around the 1930s. By the 60’s it had become clear that they were not really all that “comic”, and that their artists were really graphic novelists creating what Will Eisner later called sequential art. The featured contemporary Latino comic book creators focus on hands, those hands that played the drumbeat of Caribbean history. Opening reception and comic book premiere, Friday, June 25th , 7p.m. – 11 p.m. Exhibit through July 9th.

Abrazo Interno Gallery at Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural & Educational Center
107 Suffolk Street, between Rivington and Delancey, New York, NY
(212)260-4080 or http://fwacata.blogspot.com. Free Admission.



MUSIC

BOBBY SANABRIA & QUINTETO OKOBIO
In the heart of NYC’s El Barrio is one of the true Latin Jazz GEMS in town; FB LOUNGE. Legends from lead vocalist Herman Olivera to Grammy Award winner Dave Valentin have graced the stage on any given night. Dance the night and your troubles away to Quinteto Okobio and multi-Grammy nominee Bobby Sanabria's explosive musical brotherhood as they explore jazz and Latin, Latin and jazz, and beyond. June 23rd.


FB LOUNGE, 172 E. 106 Street, between 3rd and Lexington Avenues. (212) 410-7292.
Doors open at 5 p.m., shows 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Dinner reservations (212) 348-3929. $10, $5 w/ student I.D. or WBGO membership card.



WATER TAXI BEACH
Don't let the idea of a summer stay-cation get you down. Summer in the city, unparalleled city views, and long summer beach nights are the perfect recipe for fun from sun to sunset. With locations in South Street Seaport, Long Island City and Governors Island, the Water Taxi Beach is easily accessible and the perfect sandy, “beach-like playgrounds” for 21+ crowd this summer. Check out the website for live performances at these various locations throughout the summer. www.watertaxibeach.com


CASTING CALL

“QUIERO MIS QUINCES”
Calling all Quiceañera's for new MTV Tr3s season of ”Quiero Mis Quinces”. If you're becoming a Quinceañera and you're planning to have the most memorable, incredible and special party of your life, MTV Tr3s wants to know about it. Email MTV Tr3s immediately at mtv3casting@mtvnmix.com and tell us why your party should be one of the select few featured on “Quiero Mis Quinces Season 5”. For more information click on this link http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1628234/20091214/story.jhtml .


CONFERENCE 


LAMC (Latin Alternative Music Conference)
The 11th Annual LAMC returns to New York City on July 6 - 10, 2010. As in past years, LAMC features panels and exhibitions, concerts, parties and art highlighting the best of Latin Alternative. LAMC is the only major conference geared towards the marketing of Spanish-language alternative music - the voice of today's Latinos. This five-day event providing networking opportunities with the genre's leading artists, label executives, journalists, managers, retailers and programmers, is the most extensive gathering. July 6th through July 10th. For conference event locations and time visit www.latinalternative.com. Online registration $99 through June 30th,after June 30th walk-up registration will be $299. 


Week of June 09 – June 15, 2010

Last week we had a blast shopping for the latest trends and eye-popping designs, just in time for the theatre debut of Sex and the City. Now that we’ve got our fashionista flair in check, let’s focus on what else is flourishing with the summer heat! This week, we found ourselves loving these rare GEMs.

------------------------

SUMMER GEAR:

These summer days are getting hotter and hotter by the minute, so why not visit your local pool, beach, resort or country club? Well, if you ate one too many hotdogs two weeks ago during the holiday weekend, you may feel a little inhibited. You should shake that feeling off – and revive your GEM-tastic flair with this fun and breezy “Geoffrey” drawstring tunic. This black and white swimwear coverup is the perfect length for petite or tall ladies alike (as you can wear it higher or lower on your hips. The shoulder and collar bone cutouts give you an air of elegance that’s sure to turn heads everywhere you go. Just don’t forget to wear matte “Diva” red lipstick, and a white large brim hat to top it all off this summer. For more information about the “Geoffrey” and for pricing information click here.


SUMMER RELAXATION:

Yoga at the Great Lawn – aaahhhh, peace and relaxation. As a free event, on Tuesday, June 22, 2010, more than 10,000 yoga-lovers will gather on Central Park's Great Lawn. With such a high attendance, this event could become the largest event of its kind in yoga's history.

The class, starting at 6 PM, will be taught by Elena Bower, who has trained celebrities like Naomi Watts and Christy Turlington. Free yoga mats, courtesy of JetBlue, will be given to all attendees. Also, the event will feature performances by Buddy Wakefield Wah!, O'Konsi Rhythms and others.

The event is open to all ages and skills level. But, unfortunately, to participate you need to register in advance for your chance to win your spot. Visit the registration page to do so; drawings will be held at random. For those of you who live outside of the metro NYC area, you can win a trip to this event, courtesy of Flavorpil by registering before this Wednesday, June 9th here.

FOOD:

In both decor and spirit, Industria Argentina may be New York’s most thoroughly modern Argentine steakhouse. The presentation begins with a miniature flaky empanada delivered as an amuse-bouche—it’s more artful than it sounds. The tuna “Tiradito”, often a rustic raw fish jumble at other places, is a delicate appetizer that layers frothy avocado puree atop silky tuna slices. Sliver-thin oven-dried tomato is added to a ramekin of oozing smoked provolone, making for another stellar starter. For the main event, the kitchen hews more closely to the classic steakhouse formula, serving flame-kissed steaks with chimichurri “picante”. Check out the Tuesday night “Parrillada” special, a mixed grill for two, featuring a platter of lamb chops, sausages, hanger steak and short ribs. Hours of operation are Mon–Sat noon–5pm, 6pm–midnight.

Industria Argentina - 329 Greenwich St (between Duane and Jay Sts ) - Tribeca | Map
212-965-8560 | Make a reservation
http://www.iatribeca.com

DRINK & BE MERRY:

There's no better way to cool off on a sweltering summer day than with an ice-cold drink – and this week GEM tried the White and Golden Sangria. The beauty of this simple White Wine Sangria recipe is that it is as delicious as it is easy, and it only gets better as you add your favorite fruits!

Prep Time: Less than 10 minutes

Ingredients:
1 Bottle of white wine (Riesling, Chablis, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc)
2/3 cup white sugar
3 oranges (sliced) or may substitute 1 cup of orange juice)
1 lemon (sliced)
1 lime (sliced)
1/2 liter of ginger ale or club soda (ginger ale for those with a sweeter tooth!)

Preparation:
Pour wine in the pitcher and squeeze the juice wedges from the orange, lemon and lime into the wine. Toss in the fruit wedges (leaving out seeds) and add sugar. Chill overnight. Add ginger ale
If you'd like to serve right away, use chilled white wine and serve over lots of ice.

Addition ideas: sliced strawberries, peaches, kiwi, a shot or two of gin, brandy or Dewar’s rum.

or club soda just before serving.
SUMMER HAIR:

Who to better represent versatile summer hair than Zoë Saldaña? To get this look, you’ll want the layering to look natural and blended in (not like your cut was planned layer by layer), so ask your stylist to slice in some invisible layers, aka – tousled layers. Most face shapes look best when the hair starts to angle right at the nose. For a rounder face, try going up a little higher closer to the eye. For more course hair consider a longer cut, and for thinner/straighter hair consider angling the layers up for a “lighter, tighter wave”.


SUMMER FUN – PARADAS LATINAS

The 2010 National Puerto Rican Day Parade will be held on Sunday, June 13, 1010. The parade kicks off at 5th Avenue in New York City. The day before, Saturday, June 12th, there will be a Music Festival in Roberto Clemente State Park in the Bronx. The music festival is a part of an all day event in the park called Juegos Boricuas, which begins at 9:00 a.m. For a schedule of activities, view the PR National Parade site here.

Urban Latino will be present at this parade, and the National Puerto Rican Day Parade 2010 will be aired on NYC's FOX 5 and WOR Channel 9.


MUSICA REVOLUTION:

Mexican-American hip-hop artist Mexia, the eldest son of Los Tigres Del Norte’s co-founder Hernán Hernandez, is like many Latinos in this country, frustrated over Arizona’s controversial SB1070. He exerts his opinions by writing his latest single titled: “Todos Somos Arizona” to which speaks of how the law that targets immigrants, specifically Latinos. According to sources, Mexia wrote the song in an effort to unite other Latino-Americans in this plight.

Via this song, Mexia raps "There's something wrong with that picture there/ No lo puedo creer, no lo puedo ver, tu forma de ser es lo de ayer/ And we’re Latinos on the rise like blood pressure yeah, trying to control us with fear.”

Mexia, who has dual American and Mexican citizenship, says, “I was born and raised here to think that this is the land of the free and the home of the brave, but now we have to watch our backs in our own backyard. It’s terrible to live in fear. Our grandmother was born in Jerome, Arizona, and we have other family and friends who live there. I think ‘What will happen to me if I leave their house without my wallet?’”

For more information about this song and to hear the track “Todos Somos Arizona” click here.


ARTE:

92Y Tribeca is proud to partner with Judios Latinos for a very special exhibition of work from emerging Latin artists. Based on the conflict that arises from belonging to two worlds at once, DUALITY showcases multi-disciplinary work from Mirta Kupferminc, Jessica Kaire, Denise Flasz, Karen Dana, Jennifer Renee Caden Merdjan, Liora Rimoch, Tamara Bogolasky, and Marcos Bucay. Exhibit runs from June 12th through Sunday, Aug 1.

Snippets about the artists:
Mirta Kupferminc is a Buenos Aires native awakening interest in the venerable art of etching. Her art is sustained under the sign of a strong spiritual track and triggers essential questions about the order of the universe, the relationship of men among each other and with their God.

Jessica Kaire is a multidisciplinary artist born in Guatemala City and based in Brooklyn. She develops bodies of work which utilize sculpture and objects as platforms for dialogue, interaction and performance. Among these is the on-going project Confort, a fictional brand of objects seeking to offer a sense of protection and psychological relief to the consumer.

Denise Flasz is a young New York based visual artist and designer born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela. Her background is in illustration, visual communication and interactive design. With more than 5 years of experience in the creative industry, she has recently obtained her second Masters of Fine Arts, specializing in Design and Technology from Parsons The New School for Design.

Karen Dana’s paintings portray a sense of a charged psychological place while providing discrete spaces at their base for introspection. They give visceral and immediate impact to abstract dualities such as presence and absence, solidity and intangibility.

Jennifer Renee Caden Merdjan is an artist, designer, and educator. She and her artistic shoe sculptures were featured on Univision's Control. The sculptures are on exhibit in conjunction with the release of her book If Shoes Could Talk.

Liora Rimoch was born in Mexico City where she studied Graphic design at the Ibero University. She continued her studies in NYC, earning a Masters in Communication Design from Pratt and an Associate degree at FIT in Accessories Design. Liora currently lives in NYC working as both an accessories and applied pattern designer.

Tamara Bogolasky was born in Santiago, Chile. She became interested in photography at a young age and began exploring the possibilities of the medium. In 2004, she moved to New York to pursue a career in photography, studying at the International Center of Photography. Tamara’s work has been showcased in New York, Chicago and Santiago, Chile

Marcos Bucay studied Communications at Universidad Iberoamericana and the University of Miami. His short film, Free Jolito, part of this exhibition, has screened at film festivals around the globe.

Location: 92YTribeca
Judios Latinos - Feria Artistica: DUALITY

Time: Saturday, June 12th from 8:00-10:00PM
Adult Audience: 21 and over
Fees/charges: FREE
Directions: 200 Hudson Street, New York - (212) 601-1000

Week of May 11 – May 17, 2010

GEM had an excellent time last week with our Cinco de Mayo events, and now we’re ready to welcome May – and all of its wonderful spring weather. This week GEM would like you to kick off your April blues with the following GEM-tastic finds…

ARM-CANDY:
At $30 USD, we no longer need to consider if this accessory can make it to your current collection, it simply means you can buy-buy-buy it! This adorable Oversized Button Paisley Clutch is part of the super popular Ebisu Paisley line. You’ll enjoy the soft cotton with classic paisley print and accents of creamy tan vintage leatherette trim. The front flap opens and closes with a magnetic snap, and includes two open top pockets and one zippered pocket inside for your important treasures. To buy this awesome clutch click here.


The "Slim" is Acme Made's original laptop bag & laptop sleeve hybrid designed to fit most laptops including Apple, Sony, Dell, HP and Gateway. The streamlined design allows the Slim to be inserted into another bag or carried with or without its removable shoulder strap. While minimal in design, the Slim maintains a high standard of protection utilizing "Splash-proof" zippers and a quilted satin lining - all encased in a highly water-resistant, ballistic nylon shell. For more selection and styles visit Acme Made here.


FASHION:

You're the hottest salsa dancer to hit the floor, and your faithful followers are going absolutely loco for you! Dress to please yourself - and the crowd - in this flirty black dress! Its tiered sleeves give your dance moves a fiery movement, its split neckline shows off your collarbone, and its pin-tucked waistband keeps you looking slim and polished both on and off the dance floor. For more selection and styles, visit ModCloth here.



The Takoli Magic Print water short by Speedo™ is both classic and durable with a modern twist. The traditional board short has been given a funky update this time around with a a wide-brimmed drawstring waistline and sufficient stretch in the derriere area to keep them secure while surfing or simply swimming at your favorite beach. For more selection and styles, visit Takoli here.


MUSICA:

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be your own music mix-master? Well, these two Latino gents from around the block have created the perfect source for your learning needs. WinkSound.com was founded by Puerto Rican pop-music guru - Mateo Puig and Mexican mix-master Rick G in 2007. The goal of the site is to serve as a music resource hub and “logic-mix” social network for like-minded people interested in learning the technicals involved in the art of mixing. You’ll find many video tutorials that are quite helpful and clearly organized into “user-influenced” topics – such as (Garage Band, and Beat Making). The magic duo has now set up camp in Brooklyn, deeming it the perfect melting pot in which to stir their diverse pan-Latin, electro-rock broth. Visit Rick and Mateo here at WinkSound.com.

ART:

Art Without Borders, an exhibition curated by Andrea Arroyo, features seven immigrant artists from around the world: Beatrice Coron (France), María Dominguez (Puerto Rico), Felipe Galindo (México), Vita Giorgi (Italy), Bernardo Palombo (Argentina), Pei Sun (China) and Yasuyo Tanaka (Japan).


The exhibit aims to shed light on the many faces of the immigrant experience, as seen through the eyes of each individual artist. The event supports talented foreign-born, New York-based individual artists, by giving them the opportunity to exhibit and discuss their work. The group includes artists ranging from emerging to established, and who vary in age from their 20’s to their 60’s, making this event international and inter-generational in nature. The exhibit features an assortment of subjects and styles. Media includes painting, collage, drawing, paper cut, prints and mixed media. The pieces are now on display, and the exhibit closes on May 29, 2010.

WHEN: This month until Saturday, May 29th
WHERE: El Taller Latino Americano, 2710 Broadway, New York, NY 10025
Venue Website
COST: GRATIS! General Admission
MORE INFO: Event info


SOCIAL ACTIVISM:
Voto Latino, www.votolatino.org, is a non-profit organization founded by renowned actors Rosario Dawson and Wilmer Valderrama. In the wake of a new “anti-immigrant” law passed in the United States, the organization is condemning the SB 1070, and urges Arizona governor Jan Brewer to immediately rescind the law. The law encourages the racial profiling of individuals based purely on their physical appearance. With this new legislation, the almost 2 million Arizonans of Hispanic descent run the risk of being targeted and stopped by the police, giving these victims of unwarranted interrogation zero means of recourse against such actions. To make your voice heard, and for more information about VotoLatino’s stance visit them here.

Week of April 13 - April 19, 2010

FILM

LA MISSION

A new drama written and directed by Peter Bratt and starring his brother, Benjamin Bratt. La Mission is the heartfelt story of Che Rivera (Benjamin Bratt), a recovering alcoholic and former inmate, who struggles with the revelation of a gay son in the Latino macho-culture of San Francisco’s Mission District. This film project was truly a labor of love for the Bratt brothers who grew up in the Mission District. The film opened last Friday, 4/9 in New York and Los Angeles. Check your local theatre listing for time schedule.www.lamissionthemovie.com

11^th ANNUAL HAVANA FILM FESTIVAL

The Havana Film Festival continues to provide a platform for Latin American Cinema with genres ranging from comedy, thrillers, drama, film noir and children’s tales, as well as films and documentaries about the influence of music and dance. Be sure to check out over 40 films from 15 countries, screenings, special events hosted throughout NYC, and a special tribute to Cuban writer, director, poet, actor and dramatist Enrique Pineda Barnet. April 16^th through the 23^rd. www.hffny.com.

ART

Pablo Picasso fans can rejoice with a double dose, yet very distinct, Picasso exhibits to enjoy……

PICASSO: THEMES AND VARIATIONS

Featuring 100 works and explores Picasso’s creative process through the medium of printmaking, tracing his development from the early years of the twentieth century, with depictions of itinerant circus performers in the Blue and Rose periods, to his discovery of Cubism. Exhibit is open through August 30^th. Museum of Modern Art, 11 West 53^rd street, between Fifth and Sixth avenues. (212) 708-9400. www.moma.org.

CELEBRATING THE MUSE: WOMEN IN PICASSO’S PRINTS FROM 1905 – 1968

Featuring 200 works in a variety of print-making techniques -etching, drypoint, linocut and lithography. Unlike the aforementioned exhibit, this exhibit is far narrower in focus because it is all about the women in Picasso’s life from wives, mistresses, models, and mythological figures. It is said that Picasso battled with insomnia and spent many hours “studying” his subjects in their sleep. Exhibit is open through May 1^st. Marlborough Gallery, 40 West 57^th Street. (212) 541-4900. www.marlboroughgallery.com.

IPHONE APP

What do Apple and “Sneaker Heads” now have in common? The new MYSNEAKER application launches on April 13th and is available on the iTunes App Store. MySneakers houses all the essential tools that any novice, enthusiast or sneaker aficionado would need to find their perfect pair; a search engine referencing an extensive database of the latest and greatest styles, the blogs that review them, a rating system that allows you to leave your own and (with the GPS function in the iPhone enabled) the stores that carry those styles in closest proximity to the user. NILO Media Corp. and MySneakers have partnered with major and independent brands, including Nike, Converse, PF Flyers, New Balance, Vans, Puma, DC, and Creative Recreation. www.Nilomediacorp.com, www.mysneakersapp.com.

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT

GROANA MELENDEZ: FAMILY WORK SERIES

Melendez's photographs in Family Work Series, are a personal investigation of her family, the spaces they inhabit, and an intimate relationship between photographer and the sitter. In the process she explores issues of class, family relationships, and ultimately a deeper understanding of her own Dominican-American roots. In addition to the exhibit, don’t miss the chance to meet Melendez at her Artist Talk on Saturday, April 17th from 1pm to 2 pm. Exhibit opens April 14^th through September 7^th. En Foco at Aguilar Library/NYPL, 174 East 110th Street, between Lexington and Third avenues. (212) 534-2930. www.enfoco.org.

Week of March 16 – March 23, 2010

Welcome to the very first blog entry for GEM NYC!

ART: The Chicano movement invades the East Coast with an art exhibit titled "Phantom Sightings: Art After the Chicano Movement", opening March 24th at El Museo del Barrio. The exhibit features 100 works in all contemporary media, and includes video, performance, and installation art by 27 artists and collectives.


PHOTOGRAPHY: Explore the Boogie Down Bronx through the lens of acclaimed South Bronx, born and raised photographer, Joe Conzo and his exhibit “The Bronx: Mi Barrio, Mi Orgullo” on view now through July 2010 at the Center for Puerto Rican Studies, Hunter College.


FOOD: Restaurateur extraordinaire, Jimmy Rodriguez delivers another crowd pleaser with Don Coqui, located in New Rochelle, NY. Dishes like Casuela de Marisco (seafood stew with lobster, shrimp, clams, mussels, and calamari with coconut rice) and Pionono (ground beef wrapped in sweet plantains with pigeon pea rice)affirms why Don Coqui is referred to as the “shortcut to Puerto Rico”. For those of you hoping to sharpen your culinary skills, be sure to sign up for one of the weekly cooking classes.


A worthy mention goes out to the Brooklyn: Dine In Brooklyn promotion going on from March 15th through March 25th, and featuring over 200 Brooklyn restaurants offering a 3 course; $20.10 lunch and $25.00 dinner (does not include beverages tax or gratuity). Several GEM NYC blog staff favorites include Luz Restaurant (Latin American; brunch, lunch, dinner), Bogota Latin Bistro (Pan Latino; dinner) and Maria's Bistro Mexicano (Mexican; brunch and dinner).


BOOKS: The Park Slope Barnes and Noble gets a little Latin flavor with an appearance and book signing by Food Network star Daisy Martinez, “Daisy: Morning, Noon and Night: Bringing Your Family Together with Everyday Latin Dishes” on Thursday, March 18th at 7:30 p.m.


ONLINE PICK: Have a shoe fetish? You are not alone, check out MissMeanShoe.com, an online magazine devoted to women’s fashion footwear. Launched in July 2009 by Lizmarys M. Armiza, MissMeanShoe.com has become one of the top sites dedicated to shoes from Steve Madden to Christian Dior. Guys there is no need to feel left out, the recently launched MrMeanShoe.com is sure to satisfy the potential, if not established shoeaholic in you.


TELEVISION: HBO’s buzz worthy show “How To Make It In America” a.k.a the New York version of Entourage, will inspire you to fuel your hustle, maybe start your own business, and remember why AMERICA is the “land of opportunities”. Cast favorites include: Luis Guzman (from Carlitos Way and Traffic), Victor Rasuk (from Raising Victor Vargas), and Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi (Rapper).