May 9, 2006 at 6:36 pm · Filed under Music
Caught the lovely Alison Goldfrapp yesterday at the Fillmore here in San Francisco — ooh la la. Her sweetly gorgeously voice and cool sass definitely impressed, from her opening “Utopia” and “Lovely Head” to SUPERNATURE’s latest club hits.
The night was one part glam, one part camp, and umpteen parts pure fun. Miss G. was flanked by two dancers on stage; together, they rocked crazy costume changes as much as they did the packed house, which included what seemed like the entire gay population of San Francisco! A group of white jumpsuit-clad bears jumped up and down next to us while Jesus joined us from above… yes indeed, Goldfrapp’s dancing violinist/guitarist/back up vocalist looked very much like Christ himself, with long stringy hair and beard, flowing robes and a gargantuan 80’s-style synth guitar.
There wasn’t a moment when my ass wasn’t shaking with the rest of the boys. As DJ Mak says, it was “high drama” — at its very best.
August 20, 2005 at 4:36 pm · Filed under Design, NYC
Listening to the advance of SUPERNATURE, Goldfrapp’s upcoming album. It’s brilliant. “Lovely 2 C U” is the story of my week… the descending synth line on “Ride A White Horse” should make Felix da Housecat positively dance his pantalones off… and for those shaking their head at Miss Alison Goldfrapp for turning more electro, be assured that “Let It Take You” is a gorgeous ballad that will not disappoint.
I was rocked, quite literally, yesterday at work. The building in which I work experienced a great explosion around 10 am; it shook the entire building and sent flames and smoke rolling through the Ralph Lauren store on the ground floor.
I was working at the top of the building on the 35th floor of 1 Montgomery Place when I felt the massive jolt whicih shook the tower from underground. One of my co-workers working directly across the street saw a woman blasted from one side of the street to the sidewalk on the other side — the explosion lifted up the concrete from underground. We were instructed to evacuate, but since the elevators were full of smoke, we rushed down what felt like the never-ending flight of steps. I could smell the smoke and heard the wail of sirens and ambulances down the street. The entire area was shut down and taped off by the police.
The whole experience felt surreal and took us all by total surprise. I was reminded yet again that one never knows what will happen in the next moment.
Another day, and life is remarkably different: quiet and blissful. Went to the DWR sample sale in SoMA with a new friend, then off to Boogaloo’s for brunch. Dinner tonight with some close friends — yay. NYC is on my mind, can’t wait to get back there in September. For those living there: mark your calendars for my friend Mandi Baumgartner’s gallery opening on 24th Street in Chelsea… he’s celebrating 25 years of pioneering the contemporary art scene in NYC. I am sad to miss this party, so you must go and enjoy it for me! It is sure to be a smash. Press release following:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
25 Years: Selected Solo Exhibitions, 1979 – 2004
(Part Two of Two)
Exhibition Dates: Sept 9 – Oct 12, 2005
Opening: Sept 9, 6 – 8 pm
On the occasion of its 25-year anniversary, Baumgartner Gallery is pleased to announce an exhibition of select artists whom Baumgartner has championed over the past quarter-century.
Part Two of “25 Years: Selected Solo Exhibitions (1979 - 2004)” features signature pieces by Lydia Dona, Jonathan Lasker, Fabian Marcaccio, Matthew McCaslin, Joan Mitchell, Malcolm Morley, Catherine Murphy, Stephan Mueller, Bruce Nauman, Thomas Nozkowski, David Reed, Tim Rollins, David Seidner, Andres Serrano, Ophrah Shemesh, Pat Steir, Tony Tasset, Danielle Webb, and Martin Wong. Taken collectively, the works on display form a self-portrait of the gallery–a testament to the consistency of Baumgartner’s vision beyond the fleeting styles, movements, and intellectual fads of the past 25 years.
Baumgartner Gallery was one of the first contemporary galleries to have a space in the Meat Market District on 15th Street. It opened with Brazilian artist Fernanda Gomes and closed in 2002 with an exhibition titled “Large Scale,” featuring work by Malcolm Morley, Cady Noland, Tim Rollins & K.O.S., Ugo Rondinone, and Danielle Webb.
It took two years to find an appropriate space in Chelsea at 522 West 24th Street. The new gallery was designed by architect Craig Shillitto of Weeve Projects. The inaugural exhibition was given to John Cage and George Quasha. Today Baumgartner represents such artists as Rainer Ganahl, Marcia Hafif, Danielle Webb, Dana Carlson, and Fernanda Gomes. It still organizes group exhibitions that include both established and emerging artists from around the globe and dedicates its program to contemporary art.
