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J Events: Sevyn Streeter and Mateo at SOBs

April 2, 2014January 28, 2024ayminor

Long overdue. smh

Last Monday, I finally got the chance to see a live performance by up-and-coming artist Sevyn Streeter. Though you may only associate her name with the hit single “It Won’t Stop,” Sevyn has been in the game for years after getting her start with girl groups TG4 and RichGirl. (Yes, TG4 that every B2k fan hated on the low…)

I could talk about how Sevyn didn’t come on until 10 after 10 p.m. on a Monday (I blame the venue more than anything), but I’ll just skip to my thoughts on her performance — I think she’s talented! She’s not a “sanger,” but she puts on a good performance nonetheless and I loved her choreography. She performed songs from her Dec. 2013 release Call Me Crazy, But… (including the most talked-about performance of the night), and a number of covers, among them “Stay,” and “Drunk In Love.” She didn’t immediately hit me as a superstar, but that sentiment may change as she finds her niche as a solo artist.

Sevyn’s opener for the night was one of my favorite underdogs, Mateo! Though very few people in the crowd were familiar with his music, his performance was well received. A crowd favorite — a song personalized for a fan he picked out of the audience, “Rina.”

J Music: 3 Upcoming NY Shows for $35 or Less!

J Travels: Visiting the San Francisco Zoo

March 30, 2014January 28, 2024ayminor

» The Reticulated Giraffe at the San Francisco Zoo | The smallest giraffe in the first frame (on the right) is only 6 weeks old! At the end of the video, you can see the zoo keeper on his way out to greet us.

On a whim, I decided to visit the San Francisco Zoo on the last day of my trip.

In coordination with the scheduled feeding, the zoo keeper spent over 25 minutes with us answering questions about the giraffes, and providing general knowledge about the zoo’s mission and how they care for the animals.

Though the zoo is small in size, it was the perfect mid-afternoon adventure.

A few additional photos:

J Photos: Trip to San Francisco

March 28, 2014January 28, 2024ayminor

“Your city is remarkable not only for its beauty. It is also, of all the cities in the United States, the one whose name, the world over, conjures up the most visions and more than any other, incites one to dream.”

~ Georges Pompidou

Read more about my trip here.

J Travels: If I had 4 Days in San Francisco…

March 28, 2014January 28, 2024ayminor

This picture captures so many elements of San Francisco — plummeting streets, sideways cars, and beautiful views of the water and surrounding cities

My trip to San Francisco was just the change in scenery I needed. I was able to visit most of the ‘must-see’ sites without adhering to a crazy, pre-planned schedule. For people who like to do short trips, I think 4 days, 5 nights is plenty of time to get a feel for the city and its unique culture. The fact that it is only 49 square miles makes it that much easier.

I will save most of my photos for another post, but for the people just looking for some ideas, my trip went a little something like this..

Day 1: Napa Valley, Golden Gate Bridge, In-N-Out, the Marina, Fisherman’s Wharf (Bistro Boudin)

The obligatory picture of the Golden Gate Bridge on our way to Napa Valley. We started with a tour of the Marina, and made a quick pitstop at In-N-Out for lunch right off Rt. 101.

Day 2: Tour of San Francisco | Haight Ashbury (Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery), Alamo Park, Painted Ladies, Full House House, Mrs. Doubtfire House, Ghirardelli Chocolate Marketplace, the Presidio, Ocean Beach

I’m smiling, but I was tight! The new Full House owners repainted the house and blocked the front view with a tree — Danny Tanner would not approve.

Sunny Day at Ocean Beach — Unbelievable view from Ocean Beach, almost no one else there. It looks dream-like here, but it was actually freezing!

Day 3: Ferry Building & Farmer’s Market (Mijita Cocina Mexicana), Saulsalito (Salito’s Crab House & Prime Rib), Street Car

Ferry to Sausalito — Great food on Day 3 — make sure you get to the ferry a little early to explore the Farmer’s Market. Even though we couldn’t get tickets for the Alcatraz tour, we got an incredible glimpse on the ferry back to San Francisco.

Day 4: The Crepe House on Polk, San Francisco Zoo, Americano Restaurant & Bar, Google San Francisco Office

Google San Francisco Office — After dinner, I ended my trip with a tour of the Google San Francisco office right by the water complete with two trips down the slide, selfies in the photobooth and a little ping pong.

Since my return to the East Coast, every time I hear “Not A Bad Thing” on the radio I close my eyes and I can almost feel the warmth of the sun on my skin as we cruised over the Golden Gate bridge. San Francisco, my little piece of paradise.

J Music: 3 Upcoming NY Shows for $35 or Less!

March 22, 2014January 28, 2024ayminor

Sevyn Streeter

Monday, March 24, 2014
Where | SOB’s
Doors | 7:30 PM
Showtime | 9:00 PM
$15 (age 21+)

Though Sevyn has had a few less than stellar performances in the last 6 months, I’m still holding out on a live performance to make a decision for myself. I know she can write, and the choreo’s on point, but what about the vocals?

Mack Wilds Ft. Mateo, GIZ

Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Where | Highline Ballroom NY, NY
Doors | 7:30 PM
Showtime | 8:30 PM
$15 in advance, $20 day of show
As a former 90210 fan, I was so happy for Tristan “Mack” Wilds following the release of his first album New York: A Love Story. Further incentive to attend the show? I may finally be able to see Mateo perform for the first time in 3 years!

Gavin Degraw Ft. Rozzi Crane, Parachute

Monday, April 7, 2014
Where | The Capitol Theatre Port Chester, NY
Doors | 7:00 PM
Showtime | 8:00 PM

$35

Not gonna lie, as much as I dabble in Gavin Degraw’s music, the main draw to the concert was the chance to see opening act, and up-and-coming artist Rozzi Crane do her thing! When I first came across Rozzi on YouTube, I instantly loved her tone, but questioned some of her song choices; I’m interested to see what she does with her set.

J Events: 6 Great Things about Social Media Week 2014

February 25, 2014January 28, 2024ayminor

1. All the big players in (social) media, technology and entertainment were there

Just to name a few: Buzzfeed’s CEO Jonah Peretti, 300 Co-founder Kevin Liles, Rap Radar’s Elliott Wilson and President of Lava Records Jason Flom, all made an appearance. SMW doing it big!

Jason Flom Lorde — Jason, who currently serves as Lorde’s manager, during my favorite interview from SMW. (Photo by @feistyfrank)

2. The scope of the seminars, events and vendors

PR, marketing, technology, nonprofit, music, writing, television, art — basically, SMW touched on everything I’ve ever loved. And because the scheduled events were so diverse, so was the crowd!

3. Revolt TV: Watch, Engage, Invent – Thursday Independent Event

Despite the trek to Dumbo from the SMW campus, I had thee best time at the Revolt event. Jake Katz, Revolt TV’s VP of Audience Insights and Strategy, provided some insightful commentary on the development of Revolt that led to a great discussion surrounding the fate of music television. The open bar was the icing on the cake.

Jake interviewed by Huge Inc’s Joe McCaffrey. (Photo by @christinaaa28)

4. Morning Yoga, hosted by Under Armour & Breathe Repeat

How many conferences do you know that incorporate a workout into the day? After only a few hours of sleep it was a struggle to get up at 7 a.m., but I was determined to make it to my first ever yoga class (late)!

5. Networking

Though I was only able to make it to SMW events 3 out of the 5 days, I still met so many other creatives! We were all so excited to connect, collaborate, and share events.

I was featured on themusicdiary.com after meeting site owner Vic-E at the Revolt event.

6. Free Stuff!

In addition to my free Under Armour yoga mat and sweatbands, I went home with a bottle of wine, tote bag, dry shampoo, morning glory muffin, two new journals, a headshot and a free Chipotle burrito! Whoop!