I'm goin' to NYC! Help me make this one hell of a trip!!!

kamakiriad7 · #1 06-26-2011, 08:28 PM

Well, my dream came true.

I applied to the Bass Collective's 4-week intensive program back in January, with great intention of going but due to the expense, never really thought it would happen. I did it primarily to gain experience in writing grant proposals and how to write project descriptions, budgets, etc. Many of the people who helped me with advice along the way informed me that it is a bit of a long shot, and I'll need some serious funding to cover the $3600 tuition costs plus living/travel expenses.

Lo and behold, I received a grant from the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council in May for $2800!!!

I've applied to other institutions for additional funding, both locally and federally, but whether they come through or not, I'm still going to go and eat the costs myself. It's too good of an opportunity to pass up.

Furthermore, a guitarist friend of mine is studying at Julliard in a masters' program and is letting my sublet his apartment for the time that I'm there (July 16 to August 18)!! It couldn't get any better!

Here is where I need your help. I'm really trying to soak up as much as I can while I'm there, and so I'm building an agenda/itinerary of concerts, clinics, shows, instrument showrooms, and so on. Tell me what you know! Of course, I'll be paying a visit to Roger Sadowsky and the Fodera shop, as I'm also planning on ordering a custom instrument later in the year, but more importantly, I'd like to see some great jazz shows. So far I'm definitely going to check out Hiromi's Trio Project in Newport, RI on August 7, but I'd like to try and make as much as I can over those four weeks!

Help a Canadian brother out! What is going on that you know of in the city? Or if you want to meet up for a beer let me know as well - I will gladly oblige. I'm a friendly Canuck!

Thanks,
Chris

MikeyFingers · #2 06-26-2011, 08:43 PM

Well, it depends on what kind of music you like. When anyone comes to NYC, my first suggestion is always to see a good concert. And if you're into Jazz, this is extremely easy. Pick a jazz club, look at their web site for the calander of events, and go. 90% of the time, all you need to do is call them and make reservations, then pay at the door. And there's tons of Jazz clubs in the city, so you're bound to find something you like.

---> edit: Just saw the OP where you said "I'd like to see some great jazz shows". Like I said, it's SO easy to find a good jazz show in NYC. There are tons of venues and if you'd like, PM me and I'll give you some specifics because I have a passion for this as well. I know all the spots

PS---When you say you're checking out Hiromi, do you mean Hiromi Uehara? Because if so, I will have to go check it out as well.

Aside from music, there's all the standard tourist stuff to do. Check out the sights, the museums, Central Park, the landmark buildings, etc.

I'm a huge fan of going to the extreme downtown areas in Manhattan, like even the financial district, and just wandering around. I'm a history buff, so I LOVE going to the historic sights in NYC and downtown Manhattan has some serious gems if you look around. PM me if you're into history and stuff like that. I could go on for hours so I'll reserve it for a PM if you like that sort of thing.

Also, 311 and Sublime are playing on July 22nd. The show is on Long Island (at Jones Beach), it's about a 40 minutes drive from the city and public transportation is available for this venue. I'm going, should be a great show. If you're into that kind of music, there are still tickets available and it's gonna be awesome.

fmoore200 · #3 06-26-2011, 09:00 PM

I drive a bus for the city and my route takes me along central park all day (it can be a nightmare) and I was talking with a coworker about how native new yorkers take all our city has to offer.

For instance, I've only seen the statue of liberty from a distance and have never been to the empire state building. When you come I encourage you to take in as much as you can. And bring a good digital camera!

As for the jazz scene, it is alive and well. The Blue Note is a personal favorite of mine - a little pricey (what isn't in nyc, lol) but I have never seen a bad show there. Ron Carter is a frequent performer there and he is amazing.

The mingus big band plays I believe every Monday at the Vanguard, but I may be mistaken on both the days and location.

That's just a small sample of the many great things nyc has to offer. Have fun!

PS - my friend went to the bass collective and had private lessons with John pattitucci. He grew as a bass player during that time like no other period in his development.

hotrodjohn · #4 06-26-2011, 09:12 PM

New York News, Events, Restaurants, Music Village Voice

RayG · #5 06-27-2011, 09:53 AM

Outstanding! You will be in town for the The 4th Annual NYC/International Bass/Beer Fest GTG. August 14, 2011.

OFFICIAL: The 4th Annual NYC/International Bass/Beer Fest. August 14, 2011

You will have a blast. You can take the LIRR train there from NYC. First cold beverage is on me. Congrats on your grant too!!

Regards-----------------

TripleDouble · #6 06-27-2011, 10:11 AM

As your Scotian neighbor who's lived in Boston and gigged a bunch in NY, I'd suggest the Blue Note, and if it's still there, Arthur's. Check out the Village and follow your ears, and Zebulon in Brooklyn. Stop and read flyers, and check the local events magazines. There's a website cfor The Brooklyn Jazz Underground that has lots of gigs with killer players that aren't huge names that wont cost a fortune. And I hope you see the busker who dresses up like Boba Fett, and theres some maniac who somehow carts a full upright piano around in the subway stations....

Ya, and make time to take in all the non-musical things too...have fun, ya Newf

edit: The Brooklyn Jazz Underground website is the wrong thing, I'll see if I can find the right one and post it...

kamakiriad7 · #7 07-07-2011, 05:56 PM

Thanks, all you guys! I'll definitely be at the bass/beer fest. Tripledouble those all sound like great things to check out, especially the Boba Fett busker... looking forward to that. I've been to Boston a couple of years ago to check out Return to Forever, what an amazing city. Loved the whole atmosphere. I'll be returning there next year maybe.

fmoore, thanks for the input also. Although Patitucci isn't teaching there these days, I really hope to improve a lot as a musician... I can't wait.

Eric Albany · #8 07-08-2011, 12:23 AM

Sadowsky Has a show room in NYC.

Richland123 · #9 07-08-2011, 10:34 AM

B. B. King's has lots of high profile acts perform in a great medium size venue.

B.B. King Blues Club & Grill, Lucille Cafe in New York City Times Square 42nd Street

bassgod0dmw · #10 07-08-2011, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeyFingers

I'm a huge fan of going to the extreme downtown areas in Manhattan, like even the financial district, and just wandering around. I'm a history buff, so I LOVE going to the historic sights in NYC and downtown Manhattan has some serious gems if you look around.

+1. Wandering around Manhattan is what I do best when going to the city. I just wandered around for the past hour on my lunch break. There is always something to see and do.

I'd recommend checking out: (touristy, yes. but cool to see)
Central Park
St Patricks Catherdral
Battery Park/Statue of Liberty
Intrepid
A Broadway Show (Jersey Boys is AWESOME)
Brooklyn Bridge
South Street Seaport
Flatiron Building
Empire
Ground Zero
Chelsea Market
Chinatown
Little Italy
St Marks Place
Bleeker St

You'll see Time's Square if you go to a Broadway show or BB Kings, but you wouldn't be missing anything if you didn't go there. It's just a huge amount of tourists walking around, overpriced chain restaurants, crazy people, and people trying to sell stuff to all the gullible tourists. I avoid it, but it does have a free public bathroom for when you've got to go.

MirrorRighty · #11 07-08-2011, 11:51 AM

Just to add 2 good jazz venues, I would recommend the Jazz Gallery (a non-profit focusing on up and coming players) and The Stone (owned by John Zorn, lots of New York alternative jazz).

Also, nytimes.com has a weekly listing of jazz shows, I find it pretty reliable. Village Voice is good too.

PS - Also look into NY bassists you like and see what they are up to, for example Anthony Jackson plays once in a while with Mike Stern at 55 Bar. Steve Jenkins is great (took lessons with him) and I hear Matt Garrison is also in Brooklyn now. I just saw Tim Lefebvre with Adam Rodgers at 55 Bar, he was great too..... lots of things to see/hear in NYC.

rob2966 · #12 07-08-2011, 12:43 PM

If you have never been to NYC before, soon after arriving (and if the weather is nice) I would recommend a day on the open-top bus tours. It is a very quick and easy way to get a sense of scale, history, etc for Manhattan. After that, you have plenty of time to head to the different neighborhoods and really check stuff out.

It is very touristy and I only ever do it once per city but I find it quite effective.

Later
Rob

kamakiriad7 · #13 07-12-2011, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeyFingers

When you say you're checking out Hiromi, do you mean Hiromi Uehara? Because if so, I will have to go check it out as well.

Yep, Hiromi is playing the Newport Jazz Festival with Anthony Jackson and Simon Phillips. I'll be doing the two-day pass I think! Let me know if you're planning on going.

thehess · #14 07-12-2011, 11:00 AM

+1 on 55 Bar. You can look up their calendar on their site (click "Who's Playing"). Go early, and sit right in front of the players. It's awesome (I've seen Mike Stern with Goines, Jackson, and others there.)

Quote:

Originally Posted by MirrorRighty

PS - Also look into NY bassists you like and see what they are up to, for example Anthony Jackson plays once in a while with Mike Stern at 55 Bar.

kamakiriad7 · #15 07-12-2011, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thehess

+1 on 55 Bar. You can look up their calendar on their site (click "Who's Playing"). Go early, and sit right in front of the players. It's awesome (I've seen Mike Stern with Goines, Jackson, and others there.)

Thanks for pointing me in that direction guys... Janek Gwizdala is playing there on July 27! I'll be checking that out.

Slowgypsy · #16 07-12-2011, 11:34 AM

Do catch a show at The Village Vangard in the west village. Yes, there are lots of tourists that frequent the place, but if you're into Jazz, this is a legendary venue.

zachoff · #17 07-12-2011, 12:21 PM

Definitely go to Rudy's Music Shop. Lots of cool basses in that joint.

Lowbrow · #18 07-12-2011, 12:32 PM

NOT TO MISS is 30th Street Guitars, 236 W. 30th. Street. The bass room is upstairs, and is home to a really nice selection of used gear and instruments - when I visited about 2 weeks ago I had the pleasure of playing one of shop owner Matt Brewster's own RUST Jazz clones through a V4B - very nice! A great selection of boutique pedals as well.

Also check out Ludlow Guitars, 172 Ludlow Street on the Lower East side.

bassksun · #19 07-12-2011, 12:45 PM

Download some Thelonius Monk and Miles Davis to your phone iPod or whatever. Get some decent earphones. Find your way to 125th and Broadway in Harlem. Ignore all of the stores. Turn on the music, walk down 125th past the Apollo Theater. Turn around, walk back to 125th and Bway. Go back to wherever you are staying. Enjoy the memory later.

groooooove · #20 07-12-2011, 12:55 PM

go to a jazz club! pat martino is playing at jazz standard on 7-21.. ill be there. let me know if you want to come.

look on the calendars of the village vanguard, jazz standard, smalls, fatcat, ext... see what youd like to catch. theres good music very often in manhattan. especially for us jazz heads.

edit- in responce to all the "go to rudys, go to manny," and that type of stuff..

IMO i wouldent make too much of a point to hit the famous NYC music stores, with the exception of David Gage's bass shop.