U.S.

Daniel Dillard LIVE! : A Concert You’ll Want to Tell Your Grandchildren About

So far, 2015 is proving to be colder than an icy stare from Downtown Abbey’s Dowager Countess. But fear not, fellow New Yorkers! There is no reason to sit at home kicking your steam radiator until you bruise your big toe–at least not tomorrow night, Wednesday January 14th at 7:30 PM.

That’s when Daniel Dillard takes to the stage of the Upper west side hot spot, The West End Lounge. There, he’ll perform some of his own music, as well as pop hits and selections from musical theater. Ok…calm down, queens, and do not sing along! Leave that to this talented Denver native/resident Manhattanite who will share the stage with a cast of hugely talented musicians and special guest stars including Marty Thomas, Jessica Burrows Van Kipp, and Abbie Getty.

Thomas, Van Kipp, and Getty are big freakin’ stage actors folks. Do you think they would waste their time collaborating with some putz who can’t raise the rafters and sing like an angel? They know good talent when they see it–and YOU need to see this up and coming singer-songwriter too! Tickets are only 20 bucks. Twenty. Dollars. That’s two slices of pizza in this town–and Dillard won’t leave you feeling broke and bloated!

For tickets and information: http://www.danieldillardmusic.com/new-products-2/an-evening-of-daniel-dillard-music

WHO: Daniel Dillard and other incredible folks

WHEN: Wednesday January 14th 2015

WHERE: The West End Lounge, 955 West End Avenue at 107th Street. Take the 1 train to 103 or 110.

Daniel Dillard. Doin' that voodoo he do so well. — Daniel Dillard. Doin’ that voodoo he do so well.

Late Summer- New York City Photography

by Mark Giarrusso

Late summer in New York is always a slightly bittersweet time. Autumn is always beautiful here but the days are shorter, the weather will soon cool, and the leaves will change color and fall to the ground. New Yorkers know how dreary winter can be weather wise and they are always looking to make the most out of every summer day. Here are some scenes from around Central Park of people doing just that.

Summer in the City — Wedding Day, Central Park, NYC, Photo by Mark Giarrusso, 2014

Southern Cuisine Your Forte? Try The Derby in the LES!

by Ryan Shea

With the ever popular presence of cuisines such as Thai and Italian dominating the Manhattan food scene, sometimes its good to go outside your comfort zone and try something new and inspiring. With Southern Hospitality attempting to make its mark in the foodie scene here in NYC, there is one new restaurant that is sure to make a stir in the Lower East Side and beyond. This restaurant is called The Derby, which boasts southern cuisine and even better… BRUNCH ALL DAY! They boast classic favorites such as Shrimp & Grits and Chicken & Waffles just to name a few, with yummy starters such as house-made buttermilk biscuits with jalapeno butter and jam to start (Weeeee!!!). I sat down recently with owner Rob Shamlain to discuss The Derby and its hopeful future.

The Derby, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: The Derby

How did “The Derby” get started?

We wanted to create a friendly environment with southern hospitality that was light-filled and bright for brunch, but also sultry enough for dinner and drinks when the sun goes down. I’ve always loved southern-inspired fare, and knew this was the perfect place for my concept to come to life.

How did you come up with the name for it?

The phrase, “If jockey’s could eat, they would race to The Derby for the mouthwatering organic fried chicken and bourbon cocktails” really stuck in my mind. Whether you care for the horses or the hats, The Derby was the perfect name for a place worth whiling away the hours with biscuits and bourbon… or both.

Tell me about the type of cuisine you serve.

While the menu is southern-inspired fare, this is no greasy spoon. The Derby re-imagines Dixie favorites using the freshest organic, local meats and produce, with a farm to table menu that has something for everyone. If the tender rib-eye steak is too rich for your palate, the light whole fish redolent with fresh herbs and lemon offers a lighter option.

What is your favorite dishes in all arenas- appetizer, entree and dessert.

The house-made buttermilk biscuits are a perfect appetizer and come with jalapeno butter and jam. Perfection! The Chicken & Waffles are certainly a stand out item not to be missed as the entree, and the thick slices of watermelon for dessert are the perfect end to the meal.

Do you think you can make this restaurant a big deal in the LES?

Definitely. We’re located on the bustling corner of Stanton and Orchard, with open mullioned windows and outdoor seating. We provide the perfect vantage point for the best people watching on the LES, and we’re already packed for brunch and warm summer evenings.

Do you have plans to open up other locations across New York City?

I always have new projects in the planning phase.

What are you hopeful for in “The Derby’s” future?

I hope to acquire a liquor license for the downstairs in order to serve people more efficiently and offer a space for after dinner cocktails.

The Derby

167 Orchard St

212-777-8469

Official Site

Traveling To Vegas? Check Out The New Adonis Lounge

by Ryan Shea

Sometimes when a good idea happens you just can’t keep it down. For the LGBT community, in particular the letter G in there, Adonis Lounge in New York City has become quite the popular spot for gay men to go, enjoy a drink and chat amongst some of the most beautiful men in our city. Kind of like an elevated gogo boy experience per se, except these guys actually have conversations with each customer as opposed to standing on a box and dancing to a repeating beat.

After a successful opening in the Los Angeles area, they are expanding even further into sin city itself, Las Vegas. Already known for its colorful city, lifestyle and personality, Adonis Lounge seems to be the perfect spot to plant itself in the midst of all the glory that Vegas has to offer. From the hot men to the awesome atmosphere, I have no doubt that third time will really be the charm for something that just started out as an idea a couple of years ago (article here). I recently sat down with headliner for Adonis Lounge Las Vegas, Xavier Muscle (@xaviermuscle on IG & Twitter) about the grand opening this coming Saturday, the business itself and what he sees for its future. Check it out.

What spurred the idea to bring Adonis to Las Vegas?

This has been an ongoing pursuit since I moved to Vegas 2.5 years ago. When I left NYC to move to Vegas, the plan was to come out and open up an ADONIS LOUNGE on the strip. Our original location and plans fell through so I shifted gears and hosted a BIG MUSCLE EVENT every Thursday at Share NightClub for about a year called “ALPHA THURSDAYS”. We featured the hottest muscle that Vegas had to offer every Thursday (lap dances and VIP rooms. From ALPHA THURSDAYS, I felt that I made a dent in the Gay Las Vegas market and decided (with the help of Tim and Matt) to launch the Infamous ADONIS NUDE PARTY right here in Sin City. This all lead me to where I am today – FINALLY ready to blow the roof off of Vegas with a weekly, Saturday, Adonis Lounge event at the HOTTEST AND BIGGEST GAY NIGHTCLUB IN VEGAS – SHARE NIGHT CLUB.

Known as Sin City, Vegas is already well known for its biggest male stripper attraction- The Chippendales. How is this experience different?

Chippendales is more of a show that showcases hot men that you can’t touch and can’t tip, not very interactive or even Gay friendly from what I’ve been told. On the other hand Adonis is TOUCH, TIP, TOUCH, TIP and in some cases you can even “touch the tip”.

You have danced at both the NYC and LA Adonis’. Have each location inspired this one in terms of the look and feel and the guys?

Boy that’s a tough one, I’ve gained so much experience and insight working alongside all the dancers as well as Tim and Matt. Each location is so different, I would say that Tim and Matt have adapted to their market just as I will adapt to Vegas. How can you not be inspired with all those hard bodies around you! Adonis has a tried and true method to their madness so it’s clear that I have a well thought out blueprint of success from those guys.

Adonis Lounge, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Adonis Lounge

Tell me about some of the guys at Adonis Vegas. What are they bringing to the table?

I don’t care what anyone says, Vegas is the new “Mecca of Bodybuilding”. I’m always scouting the gyms for fresh meat and these Vegas guys definitely stay in top shape and get their fair share of protein. Plain and simple, VEGAS = MUSCLESTUDS

What special things are happening on the first night?

Our grand opening is not only going to have Tim and Matt under one roof. Add in our headliner BIG MAX who stands at 6’2 and 290lbs and you have a muscle worshippers dream! I have never met anyone that size in our world of lap dances. He’s going to crush some laps for sure! If that’s not enough, our whole lineup consists of headliner quality men. A night that will go down in Adonis History for sure!!

What advice did my buddy Tim give you when you started this venture?

Tim’s advice? No joke, “you’ll find yourself on your knees and even sometimes on all 4’s, so learn how to take it and grow some thick foreskin”. Good thing I’ve got experience in the chaotic world he lives in or it might hurt like hell in the beginning!! :-O

Do you hope to follow in his footsteps?

I’ll have to bash Tim first before I give him some praise… Many moons ago, when Tim first reached out to me to do some Solo Video shoots for pennies on the dollar from what I was used to getting paid (I’m premadonaish sounding, I know) and then he wanted me to give him a referral fee on top of that… I thought, “what a bucket of sleeze”. A mutual friend then told me, “I met Tim and he seemed like a genuine nice guy”. I gave the sleezy NYer one more shot and danced at his little Adonis club thing. We clicked and began our bromance which has now lead to us getting in bed together. What does this have to do with following his footseteps? NOTHING…haha ok I’ll answer the question… YES TIM I WANT TO FOLLOW YOUR FOOTSTEPS!! For real though, Tim has created something huge out of nothing and it would be silly to not want to follow his VERY LARGE footprints.

Describe Adonis Las Vegas in 3 words.

Finally, an easy question… RAUNCHY, MUSCLEGODS and HANDSON (not an actual word)

Anything else to add?

The great part of being on a team with Tim and Matt is that we are ALL customer service oriented. Connecting with customers and being readily available for issues or perhaps someone wants to share their gratitude for an amazing experience. A prompt response and acknowledgement is a key component to a successful business. At any given time, you can reach Tim, Matt or myself via Email, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. No one else runs these accounts but us. It makes for a heavy work load but it’s important to me as well as the other 2 stooges. Vegas is now on the ADONIS map and I’m really looking forward to what’s to come…

Official website for more information!

New York Summer- Westhampton Beach

by Mark Giarrusso

Summer in New York City can be relentless. The heat off the concrete and asphalt can stifle you. So, where do you go? Jones Beach? Fire Island? Sure, that would work if, you want to brave the traffic. East Hampton or Southampton? Maybe, if you were a Kardashian.

West Hampton Beach offers all of the cool ocean breezes of the Jones Beach without all the glitz and glamor of the other Hamptons. There is a quiet beauty of the surrounding area outside the quaint village. Every New Yorker needs a respite in the summer and Westhampton Beach is the perfect way to take in some of the best of what Long Island can offer.

Westhampton 1 — Westhampton Performing Arts Center, Photo by Mark Giarrusso, 2014

Westhampton 2 — Westhampton Beach Barn, Photo by Mark Giarrusso, 2014

Westhampton 3 — Shinnecock Bay, Photo by Mark Giarrusso, 2014

Westhampton 4 — Butterfly Bush, Westhampton Beach, Photo by Mark Giarrusso, 2014

Westhampton 6 — Beaver Dam Creek, Photo by Mark Giarrusso, 2014

Broadway Barks: A “Fluff” Piece

by Ryan Leeds

Bernadette Peters and James Franco. Photo courtesy of Ryan Leeds

Tourists, residents, and Broadway aficionados all had reason to “paws” in the center of the theater district this past Saturday as celebrities and shelter animals took to Shubert alley for an event which left every spectator “feline” fine.

For the past 16 years, screen and stage star Bernadette Peters has spearheaded Broadway Barks , an event which raises awareness for shelter animals and encourages their adoption. Peters co-founded the organization with her long time friend and fellow celeb Mary Tyler Moore and was cheerfully present on Saturday afternoon, July 12th. She spoke briefly to Manhattan Digest, “It’s very important for everyone in the world to give attention where it is needed, and if something sparks your interest that needs help, I think you should try to do something about it.” Peters is the proud owner of a dog, Charlie, who apparently yodles at home with the songstress.While the rest of us beg, borrow, and steal to see this stage legend in concert, Charlie gets serenaded by Sondheim simply for showing up to food bowl- Lucky dog! Peters authored two children’s books based on her love for man’s best friend (“Broadway Barks” and “Stella is a Star”) and will release a third in Spring 2015.

Dogs weren’t the only four legged creatures hopeful to find a home. Bebe Neuwirth (Chicago) and James

Bebe Neuwirth. Photo courtesy of Ryan Leeds

Franco (Of Mice and Men) flaunted a “purr-fectly” adorable kitty, eager to live the rest of its lives (plural) in New York domesticity. Aladdin’s genie and recent Tony award winner James Monroe Iglehart was also on hand to aid in the cause. “This is my first year,” he told Manhattan Digest. “I’m a rookie, but I’m proud to be involved. I used to work at Memphis, which was here at the Shubert Theater, and I used to see the event happen. I thought it was so cool that they were doing it, so when they asked me to be a part of it, I jumped at the chance.” Iglehart is the proud owner of two finicky cats, Zoe and Missy. “They don’t even go outside when it’s cold. They just look and decide that they’ll stay inside to watch all the birds flying by.” Others, like Ciare Renee (Pippin) were there to show support , but were not pet owners themselves. “I don’t have any pets” she said. “I just pretend that Barnum (pictured below) is my dog.” When asked if she was taking any home with her, she said , “I wish! But I think my roomate would be mad!”

L-R Kyle Dean Massey, Ciara Renee, and Rachel Bay Jones with Barnum. Photo courtesy of Ryan Leeds

Zach Braff (Bullets Over Broadway), Jessie Mueller (Beautiful) , Justin Guarini and Mary Testa (Wicked) , Norm Lewis and Sierra Boggess (Phantom of the Opera), Audra McDonald (Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill) and many others offered their time and talents to the cause by performing at the notorious venue, located between 44th and 45th streets. While the summer sun poured onto the city streets, few found little to “growl” about as New York City shelters and adoption agencies found happy homes for many eternally grateful animals- and that’s no shih tzu! For now, this journalist must sign off. With all of these obviously tacky puns, this story has gone to the dogs. Groan!

Jessie Mueller. Photo courtesy of Ryan Leeds

Norm Lewis and Sierra Boggess. Phpto courtesy of Ryan Leeds

James Monroe Iglehart. Photo courtesy of Ryan Leeds

Manhattan Solstice- Capturing Manhattanhenge

by Mark Giarrusso

The Manhattan Solstice, or Manhattanhenge, occurs when the sunsets directly on the streets of the New York traffic grid. It happens twice a year, in late May and mid July.
Today’s Manhattan solstice was no exception. The sun playing along the NYC streets tantalized photographers who congregated at each intersection to capture the sun as it melted into the horizon in perfect view.

Manhattanhenge 3 — Manhattan Solstice, NYC, Photo by Mark Giarrusso

Manhattanhenge 2 — Manhattan Solstice, NYC, Photo by Mark Giarrusso

Manhattanhenge 4 — Manhattan Solstice, NYC, Photo by Mark Giarrusso

4 World Trade Center Photos

by Mark Giarrusso

12 and a half years after the tragic day of September 11th, 2001 the new World Trade Center has risen in the Financial District in New York City. These photos were taken this spring from 4 World Trade before the building was entirely open to the public. Does it replace what was lost? No. Can it’s mere presence erase that horrible day from history? It can and will not. But that is not its function. Nor should it be. With views that sweep across New Jersey, New York Harbor, the Freedom Tower, and uptown with the Empire State Building dead center on the horizon, it simply reminds us that We Will Rise.

Photographers note: All of the below photos were taken with an iPhone as I was unable to bring my camera into the building.

World Trade 7 — 4 World Trade, NYC, 2014 Photo by Mark Giarrusso

World Trade 6 — 4 World Trade, NYC, 2014 Photo by Mark Giarrusso

World Trade 1 — 4 World Trade, NYC, 2014 Photo by Mark Giarrusso

World Trade 2 — 4 World Trade, NYC, 2014 Photo by Mark Giarrusso

World Trade 5 — 4 World Trade, NYC, 2014 Photo by Mark Giarrusso

World Trade 4 — 4 World Trade, NYC, 2014 Photo by Mark Giarrusso

World Trade 3 — 4 World Trade, NYC, 2014 Photo by Mark Giarrusso

Richard Avedon: Digitizing a Legacy with a Brand New App

by Ryan Leeds

It’s no secret that theater, fashion, and culture are among the greatest NYC treasures. For years, they’ve been the singular alluring factors for transplants aspiring to careers in these fields. For natives like the the late, iconic photographer Richard Avedon, they were sources of inspiration for what they already knew existed here.

Photo courtesy of the Richard Avedon Foundation

Over the span of his sixty year career, Avedon captured the most beautiful, truthful, and vulnerable portraits from luminaries including Marilyn Monroe, Andy Warhol, Audrey Hepburn, Fred Astaire, Mary Martin, Ethel Merman, Zero Mostel, Humphrey Bogart, Paul McCartney, and countless others. While a large part of his work was centered around celebrity, his eye was also on the political and social pulse of the Nation. Avedon encapsulated the rocky era of the Vietnam War , the civil rights movement, and the strain of many working class individuals.

Earlier this week, the Richard Avedon Foundation announced the launch of its’ first mobile app for iPad: The RICHARD AVEDON app. Developed in partnership with the technology studio Potion, it contains over 1,000 images and a virtual guide to the photographer’s archives. As more of his work is digitized, the Avedon Foundation will continue to update this informative, user-friendly, and fascinating resource. It is divided into three major areas: Fashion, Portraiture, and Reportage. According to the press release from the foundation, “the RICHARD AVEDON app catalogues the output of one of the most influential photographers of the twentieth century and displays the arc of this extraordinary artist’s career.”

New Yorkers not only crave high culture of this caliber, but they also love a good bargain. This latest reference for visual history is free of charge and can be found on iTunes. More information is also available at http://www.avedonfoundation.org

“Never Forget” How Tacky This Is

by Ryan Leeds

Upon scrolling through the articles and postings by Facebook friends this morning, I came across an article from the Gothamist about the items for sale in the gift shop of the 9/11 museum:

http://gothamist.com/2014/05/22/photo_finally_you_can_buy_a_911_che.php#photo-7.

In a city known for hustling and making a fast buck, I find very little wrong with entrepreneurial endeavors and sheer capitalistic gain. In fact, this is what makes New York City so remarkable. Sure, there is competition–But there is also opportunity and drive which far exceeds the confines of unattainable growth and apathy found in too many places across our free country. This is why religious zealots hate us. So much in fact, that they attempted to cripple our nation on September 11, 2001. Al Qaeda partially succeeded, having killed approximately 3,000 individuals in Lower Manhattan, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania.

I didn’t fully agree with the prevention of rebuilding the space that occupied the World Trade Center. I am more than sensitive to the fact that family and friends lost one loved ones. Those left behind hoped that the space would remain vacant since it was a heartbreaking remembrance of tragic death . Given that the event occurred in the heart of the financial district, however, would make this infeasible. As difficult and painful as it is, life must continue and the business world must prosper-to reasonable extent. I will elaborate on this further.

In typical bureaucratic fashion, it took years of heated argument and discussion, until a decision was to be made about what would be built in its place. Architect Michael Arad’s concept of falling waters was simple and profound. It offered a quiet, pensive beauty, replete with solemnity and honor. The exhibit opened in 2010 and continues to be a fitting memorial where visitors can attend (free of charge), and read the names of those who perished. Much like the Vietnam and Korean War memorials, such places are intended to offer reflection, gratitude, and hope. And they succeed.

This week, the 9/11 Museum opened. According to its website it offers the following mission statement:

“Demonstrating the consequences of terrorism on individual lives and its impact on communities at the local, national, and international levels, the Museum attests to the triumph of human dignity over human depravity and affirms an unwavering commitment to the fundamental value of human life.”

The purpose of the memorial is well intended as it is extremely costly to maintain. The museums’ yearly operating costs are estimated at 60 million, and it receives no federal or state funding. However, the museum crosses the line of decency by incorporating a gift shop on the premises. In no way does this “attest to the triumph of human dignity over human depravitiy”. What it does attest to is the simple fact that museum owners can make an easy and quick dollar on the backs of voyeuristic tourists, which rather exemplifies human depravity. How does a cheese plate in the shape of the United States, or a stuffed animal puppy with a first responder vest—or even a seemingly innocuous coffee mug- help us to “Never Forget?”. Easy answer: It does not.

Having been a New Yorker on that horrific day and those following, I can unpleasantly recall the requests from visitors “wanting to visit Ground Zero.” It was not out of reverence for the event that had just happened, but rather a morbid fascination and a chance to tell friends and neighbors that they were there. This was all before the dawn of social media. Thirteen years later, you can believe that throngs of people will flock towards Chambers Street, posting selfies of themselves with friends and reassuring us with comments that they are “never forgetting.” After all, on Facebook, we can show the world just how much compassion and care we truly have. Politicians will continue to use this place as a platform for patriotism and will reassure us with their eloquent speeches that we are a “strong and resilient” people. Consequently, the intent and significance which the ground represents will be blinded by displays of self serving bravado and attention.

Carrying cheap tchotchkes to the heartland does not bring honor to anyone who suffered the devastation of 9/11. Carrying their memory in your hearts and minds does. Teaching your children tolerance and respect does. Rejoicing and expressing gratitude in our freedom does. Understanding that capitalism works, but not at the sacrifice of human life does. I will never forget the unspeakable tragedy that unfolded on that infamous day. As for the unspeakably distasteful gift shop—I’ll forget it.

U.S.

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