Week of December 20 - December 26, 2010

Fellow GEM NYC blog followers, thank you for all your support in 2010! We look forward to bringing you many more GEMS to come in 2011!

Happy Holidays y Feliz Navidad

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NEW YEARS EVE PARTIES

OPAL

New Years Eve 2011 Ball Drop Countdown with music by NYC's Hottest DJs, hosted by MTV Tres own L-Boogs. Complimentary passed hors d'oeuvres from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m., complimentary party favors, one hour open bar, video of ball dropping, and champagne toast at midnight. Doors open at 9 p.m. Must be 21 and over. $25 advance tickets. For more information or table reservations please email info@soulatino.com or call (718) 796-7979. You can purchase tickets online at http://opal.eventbrite.com. Opal, 251 East 52nd Street and Second Avenue, NYC.

VIBRATIONS LOUNGE

Welcome the new decade, come celebrate New Years Eve with all your friends at Vibrations Lounge. Doors open at 9 p.m. Open all night until 6 a.m. Must be 21 and over. Guest DJ's Spinning all night. VIP Treatment: 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., $50 and includes; open bar and hors d' oeuvres (9 p.m. to 12 a.m.), and complimentary party favors. General admission 12:30 a.m. to 6 a.m., $25 and includes; drink and bottle specials. For RSVPs and table reservations, please call (917) 657-3373 or visit UrbanLatino.com. Vibrations Lounge, 116 Avenue C., between 7th and 8th streets, NYC.

SOB's 2011 TROPICAL PARADISE

This New Year's Eve, S.O.B.'s invites you to step into a Tropical Paradise, where the sultry sounds fill the air and the champagne and mojitos flow until sunrise. The sensational flavors of S.O.B.'s Nuevo-Latino pre-fixe menu will have your taste buds soaring and the midnight champagne toast is the perfect way to bring in the New Year. Come Celebrate the end of 2010 & the potential of 2011 at S.O.B's! Doors 8 p.m.,10:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. Admission $160.00, $60.00 & $30.00. For more information and reservations call (212) 243-4940 or www.sobs.com.

3 Packages Available
Platinum $160 p/p
8 P.M. ENTRANCE , LIVE PERFORMANCES, STAGE SIDE SEATING

Sangria Cocktail, FIVE COURSE DINNER

PARTY FAVORS, CHAMPAGNE TOAST, BREAKFAST AT DAWN

Gold $60 p/p
10:30 P.M. ENTRANCE (NON-SEATED)
LIVE PERFORMANCES, PASSED HORS D'OEUVRES
PARTY FAVORS, CHAMPAGNE TOAST, BREAKFAST AT DAWN

Silver $30 p/p
12:30 A.M. ENTRANCE (NON-SEATED)
LIVE PERFORMANCES, DJ SPINNING THE LATEST & GREATEST OF 2010, BREAKFAST AT DAWN

Featuring Live Music All Night Long:
The Sweet Sounds of Bossa Nova
The Sizzling Salsa of Bio Ritmo & Carimi's Haitian Heat
Plus NYC's Hottest Latin DJs: DJ Spike spinning House, World, Soul & Best Of '10

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LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY SHOPPING IDEAS

TECHNOLOGY

With the Samsung Galaxy Tab™, Sprint's first tablet powered by Android™, you are guaranteed to light up any room you walk into. Weighing in at less than a pound, this all-in-one 7-inch touch screen device takes multitasking to the extreme. Read a book, listen to hot tracks, take a picture, video conference, watch a movie, email, text, post in your favorite social media networks or surf the Web, you can do it all - no desk required. All for just $399.99 after a 2-year Agreement and a Tablet plan and $50 instant rebate. Visit www.sprint.com for more info.

BOOK

MAMBO DIABLO: MY JOURNEY WITH TITO PUENTE by JOE CONZO SR. with DAVID A. PEREZ

Joe Conzo Sr. and David A. Perez luminously recreate the life of widely acclaimed Afro-Cuban and Jazz musician Tito Puente in the biography "Mambo Diablo - My Journey with Tito Puente." The authors chronicle the life of the popular and combative New York Puerto Rican multi-talented musician and entertainer who climbed from his poor environment in East Harlem (El Barrio), New York to international fame and recognition.

Countless stories have been written about Tito Puente's percussive musical abilities, but rarely has the talent, intuition, mishaps and controversies been presented in a vivid and personal biography. Joe Conzo was Tito's close friend, confidant and chronicler for nearly 40 years - no one was closer to Tito or knew him better. Joe tells the story of a man and his music the way it has never been told. David A. Perez sets down Joe's personal recollections and fits them into the context of the social milieu and revolving world. Purchase hardcover, paperback or kindle on amazon.com, borders.com and barnesandnoble.com.

MEN'S FASHION

503 Lab presents New York-based VGB making their debut this holiday with their Holiday 2010 Gentleman of Leisure collection. Inspired by the globetrotting and gentlemanly lifestyle of the likes of fictional character James Bond, the style hopes to create something that will undoubtedly stand out on its own with the bustling market for menswear. Available now via Karmaloop.com.

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TELEVISION

NYC's SAZON RESTAURANT CHEF FRANK VS BOBBY FLAY

Chef Frank will be hosting a viewing party of Throwdown with Bobby Flay. Chef Frank appeared on the Food Network's Throwdown with Bobby Flay, challenged by celebrity Chef Bobby Flay to an Empanada dual. Three of the nation's top experts in Latin cuisine will judge the tasty turnovers and select who had the best recipe for this traditional Latino dish. Who will be crowned the King of the Empanada? Tune in on Wednesday, 12/22 at 9 p.m. to find out. Channel 97-Cablevision and channel 50- Time Warner. Private viewing begins at Sazon Restaurant at 7 p.m. Sazon, 105 Reade Street, NYC.Please RSVP for the private viewing with Svargas@ulmedia.net.

TAVIS SMILEY REPORTS DUDAMEL:CONDUCTING A LIFE

For his fourth TAVIS SMILEY REPORTS "Dudamel: Conducting a Life," Tavis Smiley gives viewers an extraordinary look into the life and artistry of the LA Phil's charismatic conductor. At 29, Dudamel is not only the youngest conductor of any major orchestra in the world, but is also being hailed by critics as the most exciting. Dudamel is instrumental in inspiring the launch of the LA Phil's Youth Orchestra Los Angeles initiative, which provides Los Angeles school children with music education. A student of an internationally acclaimed music program in his native Venezuela, Dudamel is committed to expanding music education in America. Tavis profiles some of the remarkable kids whose lives are being transformed by Dudamel's commitment to free music education for all. Tune in on Wednesday, 12/29 8 p.m. - 9 p.m. E.T. on PBS.

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Check us out on

www.urbanlatino.com

Week of August 30 - September 6, 2010

As you prepare for the upcoming Labor Day weekend and say ADIOS to another NYC summer we have been hard at work here at GEMS NYC rounding up a few good GEMS for you to look forward to this September. REMEMBER...we encourage you to share your GEMS with us, from events to your favorite NYC spots! Please email us at Gem@ulmedia.net.

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EXHIBIT

NUEVA YORK
Presented in collaboration with the New York Historical Society, this intriguing exhibition reveals the powerful role that Latinos and Spanish-speaking countries have played across four centuries to help shape New York into the most culturally vibrant city in the world. Art works, documents, printed books, artifacts, an installation by Puerto Rican artist Antonio Martorell, and a documentary by Ric Burns all serve as testaments to this dynamic history. Exhibit opens Friday, 9/17 through 1/9/11. El Museo del Barrio, 1230 Fifth Avenue at 104th Street, NYC. (212) 831-7272. For museum hours and admission information visit www.elmuseo.org.

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SHOPPING/FASHION

LEVI’S® NEW DENIM LINE: CURVE ID BINGO!
The All American denim brand has gotten the “curvaceous” jean fit right. The Curve ID line which focus on shape rather than size, were created as a result of studying more than 60,000 body scans and listening to women around the world of all shapes and sizes. Through this research, Levi’s® designers created a new approach to measuring a woman’s body and identified three distinct body types that account for 80 percent of women’s shapes universally. I am 5 feet 7 inches tall and typically wear a size 31” waist jean and found that the Bold Curve style fit amazing, it hugs in all the right places, no waist gap in the back area, slimming thigh effect and the perfect length for a mid to high heel shoe. Visit www.levi.com to shop this line. Prices range from $59.50 to $128.

• Slight Curve – designed to celebrate straight figures. 
Slight Curve is designed to define a woman’s waist, while accentuating her curves. If jeans usually fit in the hips and thighs but are too tight in the waist, a woman should try the Slight Curve.

• Demi Curve – designed to fit even proportions. 
Demi Curve is designed to flatter a woman’s waist, while smoothing her shape. If jeans usually fit in the waist, but don’t flatter the figure, a woman should try the Demi Curve.

• Bold Curve - designed to honor genuine curves. 
Bold Curve is designed to hug the waist, without gapping or pulling. If jeans usually fit in the hips and thighs, but gap in the back, a woman should try the Bold Curve.

FASHION’S NIGHT OUT
A Shopaholics dream come true……..an entire night dedicated to shopping and all it’s glory. The second annual; Fashion’s Night Out event is hosted by hundreds of New York City stores throughout the 5 boroughs and celebrates and supports the fashion and retail industries with full-price shopping. From designers to retailers, to fashion and beauty brands, all will incentivize you to shop with special treats from live performances, fashion shows, free samples, make-over’s and more. Friday, 9/10 from 6p.m. to 11 p.m. For more information and to plan your Fashion’s Night Out itinerary visit www.fashionsnightout.com.



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MUSIC

MARC ANTHONY
Friday, 9/10. Madison Square Garden, 7th Avenue and 32nd Street, NYC. 8 p.m. Ticket prices range from $59.50 to $179.50. To purchase tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com.

EL GRAN COMBO DE PUERTO RICO
El Gran Combo performs along with Andy Montanez and special guest Silvestre Dangond. Saturday, 9/11. Paradise Theater, 2403 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY. 8 p.m. Ticket prices range from $36.50 to $96.50. To purchase tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com or www.paradisetheaterevents.com.

SHAKIRA
Tuesday, 9/21. Madison Square Garden, 7th Avenue and 32nd Street, NYC. 8 p.m. Ticket prices range from $39.50 to $149.50. To purchase tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com.

SUPERSTAR D.J. RECORD FAIR
Here’s another great reason to visit the Brooklyn Flea Market for the third annual Superstar D.J. Record Fair, featuring dozens of D.J.’s, record labels and collectors selling their vinyl. Be sure to check out over 100 vendors of vintage furniture, clothing, collectibles and antiques, as well as new jewelry, art and crafts by local artisans, and last but not least try the delicious food. Sunday, 9/19. Brooklyn Flea Market, One Hanson Place at Ashland Place, Brooklyn. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Image: see attached image labeled “vinyl record.”

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FILM

LATINBEAT 2010
A film festival presented by The Film Society of Lincoln Center and featuring 16 films from eight different countries, Latinbeat’s 13th edition will offer some exciting special events not to be missed: Latin-O-American, a panel discussion co-presented with Cinema Tropical featuring up-and-coming, New York-based U.S. Latino and Latin American filmmakers; Women Leading the Latinbeat, a brunch and panel co-presented with New York Women in Film and Television celebrating the extraordinary work of Latin American women filmmakers in the series; a special screening of the aptly named Extraordinary Stories, co-presented with Film Comment Selects; and a special program of shorts celebrating the bicentennial of Argentina. All films are in Spanish with English subtitles except for the Argentine Bicentennial Shorts. 9/8 -18. For more information on film showtimes, locations, and tickets visit www.filmlinc.com.

MACHETE
Director and Producer Robert Rodriguez (Spy Kids and Sin City) is back with this action/crime/thriller titled, Machete. The cast includes Danny Trejo, Robert De Niro, Jessica Alba, Michelle Rodriguez, Cheech Marin and Steven Seagal. PLOT: The highly skilled Federale Machete is hired by some unsavory types to assassinate a senator. But just as he's about to take the shot, he notices someone aiming at him and realizes he's been set up. He barely survives the sniper's bullet, and is soon out for revenge on his former employers, with the reluctant assistance of his old friend Cheech Marin, who has become a priest and taken a vow of nonviolence. Opening Friday, 9/3. Check your local newspaper for theatres and showtimes.

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TELEVISION

STAND UP TO CANCER
A commercial-free, star studded, prime time television event to help raise funds for the fight against cancer. Support the fight against cancer by watching the show and making your donation. Four major networks; CBS, ABC, FOX, and NBC will air the show starting at 8 p.m. on Thursday, 9/9. For more information visit www.standup2cancer.org.

ROBERTO CLEMENTE: AMERICAN EXPERIENCE
American Experience presents Roberto Clemente, a one-hour documentary about an exceptional baseball player and committed humanitarian, who challenged racial discrimination to become baseball’s first Latino superstar. From independent filmmaker Bernardo Ruiz, Clemente features interviews with Pulitzer Prize-winning authors David Maraniss (Clemente) and George F. Will (Men at Work: The Craft of Baseball), Clemente's wife Vera, Baseball Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda, and former teammates, to present an intimate and revealing portrait of a man whose passion and grace made him a legend. Monday, 9/6 at 10 p.m. on PBS. For more information visit www.pbs.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).