About 1000 Harry Potter fans lined 54th Street on Thursday afternoon, to get a glimpse-- and possibly some autographs-- from the stars of the latest Harry Potter installment. Some fans were dressed in robes, others wore wizards hats and others donned Harry Potter scars and black-rimmed glasses.
There is no archetype for a Harry Potter fan. Soccer moms, college students and small children were scrunched together in the barricades across the street from the Ziegfeld Theater. Some people had come from as far as Chicago to see the red carpet arrivals. One girl, named Marjorie, arrived at 5:15sm to get a prime spot. She was able to deliver a fan letter to Rupert who said "thanks mate."
In the hours leading up to the premiere, fans chanted "Dumbledore" and "Severus Snape." They also cheered if a car honked. The police who were monitoring the crowd seemed tickled by all the potter spirit. One officer took a few pictures of the crowd.
A little after 6pm the stars started arriving. Lance Bass, Vanessa Williams+daughter, Marcia Gay Harden+kids, Diane Sawyer+kids, Chevy Chase, Michelle Trachtenberg, Michael Gambon (Dumbledore), Kelsey Grammer+family, Ashanti, Dennis Leary, Gina Gershon and Eric Mabius all walked the carpet.
Bonnie Wright aka Harry's Girlfriend in the movie, was one of the first stars to arrive. She was dressed in a little black Prada number. While she did not come over to greet the fans, Daniel Radlcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint came over to sign autographs and thank the fans. Alan Rickman waved to the fans from the red carpet. He spent a quite few minutes chatting with Diane Sawyer and her daughters who were hanging around the carpet. Marcia Gay Harden also hung around the carpet with her small daughters, who were dressed like wizards. No star is above Harry Potter! Tom Felton snubbed the crowd only singing for a small group of Malfoy Fans.
Overall, it was a night to remember.
Friday, July 10, 2009
FALU: INDIAN MEETS ROCK (7/7/09)
"Falu" performed at Joe's Pub on Tuesday evening. The concert was sold out. A whole group of fans elected to stand by the bar in order to see the show.
The band "Falu" is fronted by lead singer Falu Shah. She is a classically trained musician from India, but she has been in the states since 2001. The band also consists of Gaurav Shah (flute and vocalist), Tewar (guitar), Borham (keys) and Justin (bass). They performed many of the songs from their self-titled debut album.
"Falu" is unique because some of their songs blend hindi and english verses ("Without You"), while other songs are traditional hindi songs "O Lal Meri." Falu has a great stage presence and a tremendous range. She also has an infectious smile.
Two special guests came through to play for the crowd. The first was Grammy Award winner Jason Miles and the second was saxaphonist Topaz. On the eve of Michael Jackson's memorial, it was fitting that Miles had worked with Jackson on "HIstory." Falu made a point of mentioning this to the crowd.
The band played a mix of light songs and up tempo songs. At one point audience members were dancing between tables. Overall, it was a great show.
"Falu" has slowly been building a following. They worked with Wyclef Jean on music for Angelina Jolie's directorial debut, "A Place In Time" and most recently Falu sang "Jai Ho" with A.R. Rahman at Time's 100 Most Influential People's Gala. Falu thinks that the success of the film "Slumdog Millionaire," and the soundtrack has definitely made her group more marketable, more in demand and more popular. M.I.A. and Timbaland are two acts that come to mind when one thinks of blending Indian flavored music with western sounds. "Falu" falls into its own category and you definitely look out for this band.
Here is some of the show/my interview with the band backstage!
The band "Falu" is fronted by lead singer Falu Shah. She is a classically trained musician from India, but she has been in the states since 2001. The band also consists of Gaurav Shah (flute and vocalist), Tewar (guitar), Borham (keys) and Justin (bass). They performed many of the songs from their self-titled debut album.
"Falu" is unique because some of their songs blend hindi and english verses ("Without You"), while other songs are traditional hindi songs "O Lal Meri." Falu has a great stage presence and a tremendous range. She also has an infectious smile.
Two special guests came through to play for the crowd. The first was Grammy Award winner Jason Miles and the second was saxaphonist Topaz. On the eve of Michael Jackson's memorial, it was fitting that Miles had worked with Jackson on "HIstory." Falu made a point of mentioning this to the crowd.
The band played a mix of light songs and up tempo songs. At one point audience members were dancing between tables. Overall, it was a great show.
"Falu" has slowly been building a following. They worked with Wyclef Jean on music for Angelina Jolie's directorial debut, "A Place In Time" and most recently Falu sang "Jai Ho" with A.R. Rahman at Time's 100 Most Influential People's Gala. Falu thinks that the success of the film "Slumdog Millionaire," and the soundtrack has definitely made her group more marketable, more in demand and more popular. M.I.A. and Timbaland are two acts that come to mind when one thinks of blending Indian flavored music with western sounds. "Falu" falls into its own category and you definitely look out for this band.
Here is some of the show/my interview with the band backstage!
SPOTTED: SERENA VAN DER WOODSEN aka BLAKE LIVELY (6/25/09)
The same day of the Vicio concert another star studded event was going on in the City! I read online that Blake Lively would be hosting the Swarovski Crystallized store launch in Soho. I tried to RSVP for ShainaTV, but the PR person respectfully said that the carpet was full. Since I was in the area, I decided to see if I could catch a glimpse of any of the people walking the red carpet. Since it was in the street, I just hung around with my video camera.
Blake Lively, Evan Rachel Wood, Lucy Liu and Chloe Sevigny all attended party. The small red carpet in front of the store (located on 499 Broadway) was packed with photogs. The sidewalk was nearly blocked off and the police were not happy. They tried to direct the flow of traffic, while PR assistants told onlookers that this was a private event.
Once Blake stepped onto the carpet everyone went crazy crying her name repeatedly. Lively, who hosted the party, was dressed in a backless Roberto Cavalli number (Gossip Girl Chic!). Swarovski teamed up with the charity "Water." 100% of the preceeds from the “Divine Rock" necklace will go to this awesome cause.
Lively was also wearing a Swarovski crystal heart bracelet. Shoppers can customize their own jewelry or pick up a piece from one of the designer collaborations. The trendy two-level store is definitely a must see!
Although I did not get to interview Blake I was able to get some awesome footage since I was standing a few feet away from her!! Enjoyyyyy!
Look out for the cast of Gossip Girl around NYU because many of the characters are headed to college there.
Blake Lively, Evan Rachel Wood, Lucy Liu and Chloe Sevigny all attended party. The small red carpet in front of the store (located on 499 Broadway) was packed with photogs. The sidewalk was nearly blocked off and the police were not happy. They tried to direct the flow of traffic, while PR assistants told onlookers that this was a private event.
Once Blake stepped onto the carpet everyone went crazy crying her name repeatedly. Lively, who hosted the party, was dressed in a backless Roberto Cavalli number (Gossip Girl Chic!). Swarovski teamed up with the charity "Water." 100% of the preceeds from the “Divine Rock" necklace will go to this awesome cause.
Lively was also wearing a Swarovski crystal heart bracelet. Shoppers can customize their own jewelry or pick up a piece from one of the designer collaborations. The trendy two-level store is definitely a must see!
Although I did not get to interview Blake I was able to get some awesome footage since I was standing a few feet away from her!! Enjoyyyyy!
Look out for the cast of Gossip Girl around NYU because many of the characters are headed to college there.
VICIO PERFORMS AT DON HILL'S (6/25/09)
A few weeks ago I attended a really awesome concert for this new band called Vicio. They were at "The Ultimate Prom," but I didn't get to interview them. Their manager David Waechter, who is also the CEO of Imagine Music, was nice enough to let us cover the event, which was hosted by Micah Jesse. Ally Shapiro Zarin (Jill Zarin's Daughter) from Real Housewives of New York City also came to see the concert with some of her friends. I hung out with the band before the show. They were chilling in their U-Haul truck, which serves as their tour bus (for now). They are all really nice people!
Vicio consists of Samira Ashley (lead singer), Rickardo Diniz (guitar). Matthew Rullo (drums)and Corey Hanna (bass). They are rock stars. They have "the look" and a great pop-rock sound. Their guitar rifts are catchy and get stuck in your head--in a good way! "I Woke" and "Knock One Two" are two of my favorite songs! Their live show was full of energy. Everyone in the room was dancing! Definitely look out for this band because they are about to blow up!
Check out my interview with the band:
Vicio consists of Samira Ashley (lead singer), Rickardo Diniz (guitar). Matthew Rullo (drums)and Corey Hanna (bass). They are rock stars. They have "the look" and a great pop-rock sound. Their guitar rifts are catchy and get stuck in your head--in a good way! "I Woke" and "Knock One Two" are two of my favorite songs! Their live show was full of energy. Everyone in the room was dancing! Definitely look out for this band because they are about to blow up!
Check out my interview with the band:
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Amreeka
A few days ago I attended a film screening for "Amreeka" (Directed by Cherien Dabis). I absolutely loved this movie and highly recommend it. The film is partially in Arabic and partially in English. It is about a Palestinian mother and son who receive a U.S. Green Card and leave Palestine to live with their family in Illinois. While this is a story about immigration, the conflict in the Middle East serves as a backdrop and propels the dramedy forward. Muna Farah, played by Nisreen Faour, is initially reluctant to leave the West Bank, but after guards harass her son at a checkpoint she decides maybe change could be good. Once in America, Munah and her son Fadi (Melkar Muallem) try to adjust to their new lives. They are broke because Muna lost all of her money at the airport. Muna is forced to work a menial job--although she is educated-- and Fadi begins to become more "American," which may not be such a good thing. Her sister Raghda (Hiam Abbass) and her doctor husband Nabeel (Yussef Abu-Warda) live in a small town and their family faces racism because their neighbors believe they are terrorists who work for Osama Bin Ladin. Fadi also struggles with being mistreated. Will this family overcome these hardships? You have to watch to find out!
"Amreeka" was screened at numerous film festivals including Sundance and Cannes.
http://www.amreeka.com/
"Amreeka" was screened at numerous film festivals including Sundance and Cannes.
http://www.amreeka.com/
Kevin Cossom
Yesterday I served as videographer for an interview with Kevin Cossom. Look out for it in the coming weeks on www.thesource.com! He is a talented songwriter who wrote "Go Getta," for Young Jeezy/R. Kelly. He also wrote Keri Hilson's "Knock You Down," which is his first number one hit! He is ecstatic. He got into the music industry when he was 17 years old as a songwriter, but he is also a singer and dancer. He is signed to jive records and hopes to hit it big with his debut album. I heard a few of the tracks from his album and they are really good! Look out for him!
http://www.myspace.com/kevincossom
http://www.myspace.com/kevincossom
Saturday, June 20, 2009
THE ULTIMATE PROM (6/5/09)
Last year St. Francis Prep kids enjoyed a star-studded prom with performances from
Akon didn’t perform, but he came to introduce the show and thank the kids for all of their support.
DJ Cassidy and O'neal McKnight also came to party with the lucky high schoolers. McKnight performed a little bit of “Check Your Coat” and “
Kat Deluna performed some of her biggest hits like “Wine-up.” She also got the crowd moving with “Dance Bailalo” and “Unstoppable,” which features Lil’
Finally, the kids went wild when Kid Cudi performed. He was supposed to be a surprise, but everyone knew he was coming. Rocking his glasses and a leather jacket Cudi put on a high energy show. He sang “Dat new New.” This was surely a prom to remember.
Look out for new artists Jimmy Robbins and Tina Parol:
Also check out my interviews with Connor Paolo (Gossip Girl), Katrina Bowden (30 Rock), Forever the Sickest Kids, Celebrity Chef Greg Grossman, and Ally Zarin & Victoria De Lesseps from (Real Housewives of
WALE, CHUCK D & DJ WEBSTAR ATTEND INTERNET WEEK’S: SOUNDCTRL (6/4/09)
Music industry professionals from places like “Lizard King Records,”— best known for breaking Santigold— and techies from startups like “8tracks,” mixed and mingled at the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,” to have a discourse about the convergence of digital media, technology and music. Panelist Chuck D (who is rehearsing with “The Roots” currently in Philadelphia) entertained the crowd with his insights:
“Once upon a time if you was an artist to get in the studio was a big big big big deal, to be able to get purchase order from a major record company to allow you to go in to studio and make more than two records.”
“I started out in 1995 in Madison Square Garden actually doing the first [live] webcast of the Grammys in MSG, and yes it was amazing being apart of that night, but I was more amazed looking at Tyra Banks.”
“The beautiful thing about culture is that it brings people together, the beautiful thing about the internet is that it brings like-minded people together, the great artist “Prince” said try to be on top of technology before its on top of you…you are the facebook, myspace, twitter, i-phone generation।”
Another panelist named Lisa Grey, who is a brand marketing executive at “Mountain Dew,” described the soft drink’s music venture. “Green Label Sound,” supports emerging talents to bring them to the next level. Artists post exclusive content on www.greenlabelsound.com and the label works to market them. Mountain Dew gives songs away for free on its website and tries get the singles on the radio. Green Label Sound also helped artists like “The Cool Kids” create a music video, which was played on MTV 2. Producer “9th Wonder” worked on one of the remixes for “The Cool Kids.” The label just started working with Inglewood rap duo U-N-I and their single “Land of the Kings,” is up for free download. Green label sound will also be working with Chromeo.
After the panel was over, D.J. Webstar performed “Chicken Noodle Soup,” “Money Dance,” and “Dancing on Me.” “I came here to display some talents, I’m working on two albums me and Jim Jones’ album will be in stores in August, and I have a solo project coming out in 2010. Also, the video for “Dancing on me,” is out now featuring Jim Jones and Juelz Santana.”
A new artist straight from Chile named Valentina Fel performed too.
I also caught up with Wale, who performed his highly buzzed about single “Chillin” featuring Lady Gaga. “
“Once upon a time if you was an artist to get in the studio was a big big big big deal, to be able to get purchase order from a major record company to allow you to go in to studio and make more than two records.”
“I started out in 1995 in Madison Square Garden actually doing the first [live] webcast of the Grammys in MSG, and yes it was amazing being apart of that night, but I was more amazed looking at Tyra Banks.”
“The beautiful thing about culture is that it brings people together, the beautiful thing about the internet is that it brings like-minded people together, the great artist “Prince” said try to be on top of technology before its on top of you…you are the facebook, myspace, twitter, i-phone generation।”
Another panelist named Lisa Grey, who is a brand marketing executive at “Mountain Dew,” described the soft drink’s music venture. “Green Label Sound,” supports emerging talents to bring them to the next level. Artists post exclusive content on www.greenlabelsound.com and the label works to market them. Mountain Dew gives songs away for free on its website and tries get the singles on the radio. Green Label Sound also helped artists like “The Cool Kids” create a music video, which was played on MTV 2. Producer “9th Wonder” worked on one of the remixes for “The Cool Kids.” The label just started working with Inglewood rap duo U-N-I and their single “Land of the Kings,” is up for free download. Green label sound will also be working with Chromeo.
After the panel was over, D.J. Webstar performed “Chicken Noodle Soup,” “Money Dance,” and “Dancing on Me.” “I came here to display some talents, I’m working on two albums me and Jim Jones’ album will be in stores in August, and I have a solo project coming out in 2010. Also, the video for “Dancing on me,” is out now featuring Jim Jones and Juelz Santana.”
A new artist straight from Chile named Valentina Fel performed too.
I also caught up with Wale, who performed his highly buzzed about single “Chillin” featuring Lady Gaga. “
-ShainaTV
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