The non-stop rain is reminiscent of August of 2003 when similar meteorological circumstances prevailed in New York City’s East Village.
Today, on 7th Street between A and B, and then on past St. Brigid’s, more rain was imminent from the early evening sky with its swirling gray clouds that might have made Coleridge’s Mariner take notice. The winds were strong, but invigorating with the warmer temperatures. Later, once the rain burst through though, slightly cooler spring weather had returned.
Recently, the new Cooper Union building removed it’s Third Avenue scaffolding to reveal its shiny, curvy (The Times says “sexy”) facade. It is pretty incredible – and much more appealing than the Cooper Square Hotel next door or the NYU-inspired Bowery Hotel down the street.
One can question whether the building designed by Thom Mayne of Morphosis belongs in the East Village in comparison to some of the architecture from the early 1900s, or the Ukranian church right next door. But, I like it. It’s a bit crazy, funky, a definite statement – kinda like the East Village is or was.
As modeled by the lovely Nicole (on the left) and Kristen of local East Village coffee shop The Bean, the new East Village Podcasts t-shirts have hit the streets.
The La MaMa Moves! Dance Festival 2009 is coming to Fourth Arts Block as the seminal East Village of NYC experimential theater company celebrates all that is innovative in the world of contemporary dance.
As part of their program set to run at their 74A East 4th Street location, La Mama is collaborating with NYU dance students past and present – many of whom are on the edge of launching their dance careers.
We caught up with one young choreographer, Bryan Campbell, at La MaMa’s Great Jones Street rehearsal space recently to get his story. Click below, to view the video:
Tickets for the La MaMa NYU collaboration performances on May 8, 9 and 10 are on sale through La MaMa’s website, www.LaMaMa.org.
Fortunately, Scott Vandervoort and his new elevator shaft design company, Lift newyork, provide an exciting alternative solution for the pulsing mechanical core of many New York City buildings.
EVP viewed Lift’s recently-completed shaft at 30 Bond Street, a classic, “old school” building especially when comparing it to Ian Schrager’s Herzog & de Meuron-designed, 40 Bond building next door. Who knew such a radical elevator core was lying within?
Click here to view the video:
The shaft’s seven-story painting offers artists (and potentially advertisers, too, says Scott) new site-specific opportunities within the construct of elevator design as tight space, movement and community are re-considered.
On Lift newyork’s team for the 30 Bond shaft were artists David Ellis & Doze Green who painted the long walls in July of 2007 and published the results of their elevator shaft artwork last April in a book titled “Shaft.” Fluid lines mingle with birds and beasts, and iconography that let’s you know, “Hey, this is the 3rd floor… we gotta get off.”
Scott designed the vator’s brushed metal car from North American Elevator with glass windows to reveal the painting on one wall and and the soaring, steel mechanics on another. The result is an elevator which becomes a building’s proud, common jewel as well as a location for the next cocktail party.
Despite the current real estate climate and U.S. economy, Scott still sees opportunity as the cost of revamping an elevator shaft is inexpensive compared to larger renovations that co-ops, corporate structures and even public housing might undertake. And, a re-designed shaft is something that the building’s inhabitants can share and enjoy everyday.
The next project is already underway for Lift newyork as artist Kenji Hirata is creating the mural for the a redesigned elevator shaft at the Chelsea Day School in New York City.
If you want to combine your company’s next purchase of company t-shirts with helping high school-ers find their creative mojo and potential career path, get a price quote from the East Village’s Works In Progress NYC, managed by the tireless Emily Clark, WIP’s Program Director.
EVP recently visited the production shop and interviewed the entire crew.
Check out the following video:
Works In Progress internships are offered each year to students who may have creative interests or find that traditional classroom settings aren’t a great fit. Students are taught all phases of the production process as it relates to silk-screening at the WIP offices at 59 East 4th Street in NYC’s East Village. T-shirts, bags and other printable wearables can be produced by the team of artisans at a competitive price.
Not surprisingly, many of the areas museums use Works in Progress NYC for their t-shirt business as the opportunity to give back to the community along with expert execution of designs is hard to pass up.
In the coming years Emily tells us that WIP hopes to expand the program to include more students, more space and, eventually, computers for participating students, too.
Fourth Arts Block, on which WIP resides, continues to evolve as companies and non-profits plot their growth strategies in spite of the domestic economy’s woes.
Cupcake cravings have been well-documented in the 5 boroughs of New York City as the sugar-hearted seek out their cakes, fillings and frostings of choice.
Though our interests do not drive us to Magnolia meccas, one of our favorite local, East Village coffee shops, The Bean, at 49 1/2 First Avenue (If you go to 49 3/4, you’ve gone too far) has provided a rotating selection of cupcakes that have filled “the craving.” For months though, our preferred sweet treat has been missing and then, last week, it reappeared as the the cupcake product line was refreshed.
And this time it was bigger and better than ever – the “Hostess” cupcake.
Checking in at $4, this cupcake packs a fairly large cup of cake and could be easily split between two who are calorie conscious.
For the calorie unconscious, why share?
The fascination is admittedly a bit odd. The original “The Hostess” is not the best cupcake in the world. Some might say its disgusting. For us, fond childhood memories flood the mind as we recall eating multiple cupcakes in one sitting while watching numbing, network TV comedy.
Getting To Know The Hostess
Visually, the cupcake we scarfed down had a slightly smeared squiggle. This was a little disappointing in that seeing a smudged squiggle is like seeing John Hancock’s name smeared on the Declaration of Independence.
Beneath the squiggle was a light chocolate shell frosting which contrasted with the gooey synthetic chocolate popularized by the real-life “Hostess.” Synthetic taste isn’t important for our Hostess craving. For some of you, processed ingredients may be required and therefore you will be underwhelmed by the Bean’s version which likely won’t make it through a nuclear winter.
How many of you used to peel that synthetic layer off and devour it? Not here! No never.
Shield Your Eyes
Next, we forked the cupcake and began digging for the ample creamy insides.
There is something satisfying about the creamy insides, isn’t there, dear reader? Hmm. (Roll the creepy laughter audio!)
Quickly, the creamy center appeared and was surrounded by a rich, moist cake just the way Mr. Duncan Hines always said it would be. After nearly two minutes, the fat cupcake became part of the fat belly.
The “Hostess” was our cupcake, again. And, will be again. And, again.
If you have ever found yourself caged in the audience of a particularly boring Broadway play or musical, the New York Neo-Futurists have the answer.
With plays lasting no more than 3 minutes tops, there’s bound to be something which will float your theatrical boat over the course of their whirlwind 60-minute production.
Need more? Ticket prices start at $11, so depending on how you roll one of their dice at the front door, your admission results in a per play cost of around 37 cents – an East Village of NYC theatrical stimulus package if we’ve ever heard of one.
Performing below KGB Bar in the Kraine Theater at 85 East 4th Street, the 14-member ensemble divvies up the responsibilities every Friday and Saturday night as 5-8 members take to the stage at 10:30 p.m. and perform an ever-changing roster of new, often humorous, plays.
NYNF members Rob Neill and Erica Livingston informed us that the theatrical troupe originated in Chicago 20 years ago and today’s East Village of New York City version started on the local stage 5 years ago. Future plans for the NY version include selling out (the theater) and expanding education in their subversive, Neo-Futurist ways. Diabolical!
Disclaimer: If you hate being pulled from the audience during a production to perform as one of the cast, not to worry. It will all be over soon, so suck it up.
With show dates running from February 26 to March 21, Miriam and actors Asta Hansen and Dale Fuller have been bending like Beckett in rehearsals for many weeks. The play itself involves the relationship of Willie and Winnie – and if we told you anymore, the Beckett estate might get angry. EVP was denied the right to film one second of the show in rehearsal. But, no problem – we can work with you Sammy.
Suffice it to say that any character that gets buried up to its neck will likely resonate with theatergoers in these economically and politically turbulent times. But, those looking for Richie Cunningham or the Fonz will be disappointed.
View the following video about the play’s participants and a Fourth Arts Block stalwart, WOW Cafe Theatre.
Though we enjoy vegetarian food, our cheeseburger interests have precluded any strict adoption of a more vegan lifestyle. However, if we were vegan, we’d start our shopping at the friendly confines of the 4th Street Food Co-op at 58 E. 4th Street in New York City’s East Village (actually, we’ll shop there regardless).
Lippe, the manager, and the Wednesday morning member volunteers including Virginia, Ken and Lea recently gave EVP a thorough tour of the store which is stocked to the ceiling with food of the Earth and an endless supply of anarchistic, community thinking.
Fear not, white-collar-former-Wall-Streeters-living-on-six-months-severance. This is good anarchy. Everyone has a “say.” So before you leave town, make sure to stop by for some hemp bliss (yeah, baby!), organic ricemilk or sunchokes. Tell ‘em, EVP sent you.
Click below for the video!
As Virginia told us, one of the key differentiators between this and other co-operatives, such as the baby strollerbot co-op in Park Slope, is that the 4th Street Food Co-op welcomes all shoppers to its on Fourth Arts Block location. There’s no “Co-op” cop at the door to shoo away non-members – just come right in and get your weekly supply of Turkish figs.
If you want to become a member for a small fee ($25) and partake in healthy discounts for healthy food, even better. Working members who put in a couple of hours each week receive 20% off, non-working members get 8% off. Check out the their website for details.
There are no more excuses for air guitar on Fourth Street in the East Village of New York City.
About two weeks ago, Rivington Guitars took its merry bandwagon of vintage guitars and headed north from its Lower East Side, Rivington Street location and moved into a sparkling, new FAB (Fourth Arts Block) storefront at 73 East Fourth Street.
A popular destination for locals, musicians, collectors and touristas alike, Howie Statland and Erik Simon – owner and manager, respectively, of Rivington Guitars – say that the symbiotic relationship between arts organizations, retail and the community on Fourth Street helped precipitate the move especially when compared to the dog eat dog world of Rivington Street.
Though East Village Podcasts knowledge of the vintage guitar world is limited, it appears Howie and Erik, who are ready to jam when you are, have packed the store full of classic guitars including, as you will see: a 1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins, a 1969 Fender Telecaster, a 1975 Les Paul Custom, a 1979 Les Paul Custom Silverburst, a 1918 Martin and a James Trussart, to name a few. The attractive wall display is like a guitar hall of fame. See them in the video!
Howie and Erik back up the collection with anecdotes and insight. Erik offers, “I noticed years ago that girls were buying electric guitars and wanting to be rock stars, and guys were buying acostic guitars and singing about their feelings. It really perplexed me.”
It’s not just about buying and selling guitars at Rivington Guitars, either. If your Strummer has lost its Joe, or needs repair, or you forgot how to play and need guitar lessons, Howie and Erik look forward to assisting.
Be warned about store rules, though. Do not turn a Stratocaster into an axe and bury it in one of the store’s speakers.. unless you want to buy them. And, in that case, enjoy.
Every other weekend or so, a bus parks in front of The Bean coffee shop on 1st avenue and Third Street. It’s not a wayward M15 looking for a free cuppa. It’s Bob and friends from Social Tees (visit their website), who in partnership with North Shore Animal League, brings animal rescue to the well-trafficked East Village corner.
To view a video from a recent Saturday afternoon “on the bus,” click below. Everyone is welcome to enter the bus and say hello to the animals.
Taken from the City’s kill shelters the day before they were scheduled to be euthanized, these dogs and cats are available for adoption for $75 and already come with medical care valued at $400.
According to Bob, the ongoing citywide program has resulted in the placement of nearly 3,000 animals each year. Bob also says applications are carefully reviewed in order to find a suitable home for each animal. As you will see, these animals are hard to resist.
And when the bus isn’t around, Social Tees is. Located at 124 East Fourth Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues, the unique storefront’s office hours are from 3-7 p.m and in additioin to its animal rescue mission, Social Tees offers custom printing and fund raising solutions.
In these challenging economic times, budgets for residents of New York City’s East Village may become restrained – and even require cutbacks in essential areas once thought untouchable.
Case and point: the dishwasher.
Some view the dishwasher as a water-wasting environmental nightmare that costs much more to buy, run and maintain than it ever provides in return.
In response, we give you the East Village dishwasher.
A furry creature with bonus fertilizer capabilities, this dishwasher will lick your dishes clean and not think twice about jetting to the Tompkins Square Park Dog Run.
A New York City native, Chef Stern and her staff – primarily her industrious husband and relatives – have crafted a perfect candy wrapper for her unique chocolates with the opening of the small but mighty East 4th Street store. Over-indulgence and cavities for many East Village residents are likely imminent, as is more business for the local dentist economy.
Ever bitten the head off a chocolate Buddha with gold-leaf trim? You will now. Surely, there’s a religious group in Denmark holding street protests in response. Nevertheless, we congratulate Chef Stern and look forward to more metal in our mouth.
To view the exclusive EVP interview with Chef Stern and the Bond Street Chocolate team, click below:
Chef Stern adds that she considered changing the name of her business to East 4th Street Chocolate but decided to remain with the moniker that is most familiar to her current wholesale chocolate customer base.
For more information on Bond Street Chocolate, visit their website. No Ecommerce on the website, yet. It’s all “coming soon,” says Chef Lynda.
Might be… Could be… Yes….. looks like it might be about an inch of snow before it all turns to rain. But, along with our apoplectic local weather people, EVP is holding out hope for white winter weather throughout the day. It’s the holidays after all, and the Mayor says we’re ready so let’s put him to the test.
Across the street from the Village View apartments, East Village residents scurried down Fourth Street to Key Food for provisions where Spam and head cheese remain in abundant supply.
Excited Christmas tree sellers in front of Rite Aid on First Avenue have discounted their trees to $10 per foot. 4 foot tree for $40! And, if you take the dead trees off their hands, it gets even cheaper. Want just a branch? Here, take two.
Local hardware store, Brickman’s, reported that shovels are not flying out the door, yet. They’ve got a special titanium shovel on sale that will allow you to enjoy East Village snow removal from the sidewalk to the hoods of limousines standing in front of your favorite East Village buildings.
Last but not least, the unofficial East Village of New York City snow meter is now showing close to one inch of accumulation with more expected unless someone cleans off the top of the newspaper stand.. then the counting starts all over again. (WAH-wah.)
2 Cooper Square is bubbling at the corner of 4th Street and Bowery and the walls around the foundation are in place – including the beams that appear to be holding up the north end of the pit.
Originally conceived by Atlantic Development according to the Villager from a couple of years ago and currently offered through Mogull Realty, this suh-weet looking building is just in time for the downturn in the NYC housing market.
Hey, how about Kim Mogull of Mogull Realty? The Sarah Palin of Real Estate? We see the similarity. Somebody get Tina Fey on this deal, stat!
The big question is… what will happen first: 2 Cooper Square will have its first tenant OR The Cooper Square Hotel will have its first real guest? (Oh surrrrrrre The CSH is going to open on December 11. Uh huh.)
No time like the present for an exclusive EVP poll:
If you want to open a restaurant, try the East Village of NYC or so says the data compiled by Zubin Jelveh of Portfolio.com. You’re more likely to get a media review – especially by Frank Bruni of the New York Times – by locating it here. Just not necessarily a good one. (See Kurve review.)
Portfolio.com’s Jeveh used data from the restaurant directory, Menupages, and was able to discover still more insights on the East Village’s leadership position.
The East Village “leads the league” in restaurants – period!
For CB3 committee chair, Alexandar Militano, and her State Liquor Authority & Department of Consumer Affairs Licensing committee, which includes former Board Chair, David McWater, this graph can’t be a surprise. Nor can it surprise District Manager, Susan Stetzer. But how about this?
We recently sent our East Village Podcasts research team into the field for a similar analysis of the East Village… into the “hookah zone,” as we like to call it.
The bar charts tell the story. The East Village is dominant in NYC when it comes to hookah bars.
Incredibly, the East Village dominates in hookah bars per square mile worldwide, too.
How about London beating Berlin? Good job, EVP research team.
East Village Podcasts visited the seat of New York City government to see if the excitement from this past summer’s public hearing by the New York City Planning Commission could be outdone. If cursory appearances were to be believed, the communities involved in the proposed rezoned area – and those who weren’t but wanted to be (Chinatown) – had less of a presence than before.
During the morning hearing, Councilmembers Rosie Mendez and Alan Gerson, who have their own Wikipedia entries, took a prominent role in guiding the proceedings. A council staff member suggested that the plan could come up for a vote with the City Council next week.
Outside council chambers, we were able to catch up with two people from opposing sides of the plan.
First, Daniel Squadron, the newly-elected State Senator of the 25th District, voiced his approval of the proposed rezoning effort. The literally fast-talking State Senate-elect has a future as an auctioneer should he leave politics. Squadron, in voicing his support, also indicated the need to include those who felt they were left out of the rezoning process in the first go-round.
Stanley Mark, an attorney from the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, expressed dissent for the plan and said that among the plan’s shortcomings was the affordable housing component which many of Chinatown’s residents could still not afford.
To hear Squadron and Mark’s views, click the video below:
Our teens are choking the East Village of New York City – or so says Style.com’s Matthew Schneier. Dang teens, dang ‘em!
In raving about natty rad CryWolf streetwear that retails for an economic slump f-u price of $287, Schneier shneers, “It’s nice to know you can get the East Village look without actually having to navigate the teen-choked East Village.”
Polite chest bump, Matthew. Meet you at John Varvatos for some serious head scarf discussions. No teens there and I promise to show you Joey Ramone’s puke stain, K?
