Rubbing Elbows: My Brushes with Celebrities chapter 4

My Uncle Pat was a tall, dark and handsome guy. I grew up adoring him. He was the baby amongst his siblings, ten years younger than my mom.

We, in the family, all adored him. He was the sweetest most down-to-Earth guy you can imagine. Maybe too much so for his own good.

I revisit this to describe some family issues that affected me during my childhood and exist even now.

I remember doing my cabaret act at the old Duplex on Grove Street back in the 1980s. My uncle and my aunt, his wife, as did my mom and stepfather.

It was, after all, my mother I most wanted to impress. Isn't that the psychological motivation for most performers? To impress our parents?

After show, mom gave me a tacit "Great show," then looked around the room and added "If only Uncle Pat had your opportunities." If I had his opportunities? My uncle had more opportunities in show biz than I'll ever have in my lifetime!

As for my uncle, he congratulated me on my performance and loved my "Prate Johnny," a minor revision of the Brecht/Weill classic "Pirate Jenny" from Three Penny Opera.

During the '50s and '60s, it was common for male singers to have a name tag or description. For example, Mel Torme was The Velvet Fog. My uncles was The Golden Voice. Indeed, it was.

This uncle had a great, campy sense of humor and introduced me to films like Baby Jane, Homicidal and Psycho. One night, when he came to my bed when I was a kid, he brushed me with the long hairs from a plastic shrunken head. He also sent me a baby alligator in the mail ~ but that's a whole later story to be told.

This all influenced my formative years. later

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, it's said. And so, this experience made me defiant and guided me to be to be who I am today. I was an English major and always had strong writing skills I'm proud to say. This all led me to my celebrity blogging. Some things are just meant to be!

EXCLUSIVE Q&A with SO WHAT SO GAY Founder, Darren Melchiorre

Darren Dj Buddy Beaverhausen: Thanks for doing this interview, Darren. I look forward to your benefit night at Icon, NYC's hottest club, on Saturday, October 11! What can you tell us about it? Darren Melchiorre: The SO GAY SO WHAT campaign is all about recognizing and celebrating the role models in the LGBTQ community. People who participate in our photoshoots range from artists to celebrities to everyday people. We celebrate who they are, their individuality and their inspirational story! When I first went to ICON in Astoria, NY, I immediately felt like I was at home. Nick Lion, the owner, was so warm and gracious and greeted us. He got to know who we were which I haven't experienced at a gay club in years.  It reminded me what I used to love about nightlife: the community.  I was looking to highlight an LGBT club in the campaign for some time and I knew right away that Nick Lion and ICON were the perfect fit. They were ALL role models to me; Nick, the staff and everyone there. I didn't feel like I had to impress everyone. We were all stars that night, there to dance and have a good time. So the Oct. 11th party is about celebrating ICON! We have a whole week of the campaign planned to highlight Nick and the ICON staff! I cannot wait! DBB: When did you start up SO GAT SO WHAT  and why did you feel there was a need for it?  DM: WHAT campaign actually started by accident. I was working on an LGBT concert promotion and being the designer that I am, I needed something different to promote the concert and get people's attention. I thought, why not highlight the artists who are not afraid to stand up and be who they are.  I needed to get the ball rolling so I asked seven friends to be in the campaign and it snowballed from there, catching the attention of many prominent LGBT figures like Jason Walker, Ari Gold and Michael Musto. You know, today we get so caught up in celebrity hype with the Kardashians and reality tv that sometimes we forget who the true role models can be; everyday people. When I was coming out, I didn't know who I could tell or who I could trust. There were three people whom I will never forget who helped me in every step of the way of my coming out. It was my intention to always be that for someone else. So I wanted this campaign to be that, to highlight the everyday role models in our community who are proud of who they are in hopes of inspiring courage in others. We need to remind ourselves that role models don't necessary walk the red carpet. They are our all around us and in each other.  DBB: I know that you live in NYC? Did you grow up here? DM: I actually grew up in New Jersey, but I always found myself coming to New York City while growing up.  New York City is very much a part of my youth and to see it change over so many years (for the better and not) has really been a big part of my growing up as an artist. DBB: I'm a Jersey boy, too! From 20 miles outside. Same thing about my attraction to the City since I was a kid. Went to college in Boulder, Colorado, but rocks didn't do it for me. You're quite young still. How did you pull this all together? DM: I never sleep! Ask any of my friends and colleagues! No, seriously, if there is one thing about me that I love its' that when I am passionate about something, I will throw myself 200% into it, making it happen and making it shine. And I had a lot of help from my friends who also love the campaign. This campaign truly has my heart in it and I make an attempt to get to know the story of every single person who participates in it. Everyone who does the campaign is considered family and I didn't want it to be where you just came in, got your picture taken and that was it. No, I wanted to know what motivated them to do this. In the end, it is the person's story that I cherish the most and that is what is reflected in the photos. That is the heart of the SO GAY SO WHAT campaign. Nick + the boys DBB: When did you first know you were gay? DM: I first knew I was gay during my senior year in high school. High school was a rough time for me because I really didn't know what I was experiencing. No one talked about being gay in my high school and if people knew you were, you were teased and bullied. I put up with more teasing and bullying in high school than I want to remember.  In a way, I was very lucky I discovered I was gay at the time I did because I could go to college and really discover and accept my sexuality. Little did I know that more intense bullying would happen in college in the form of an extremely homophobic roommate. Thankfully, three people took me under their wings and made me feel safe while coming into my own at college. I will never forget them for that. DBB: What were your formative years like? Your growing up? DM:  I am the middle child in my family and I have complete middle child syndrome. I always wanted to be heard and then at times I would go into my own world and be quiet and creative. I was good at art so that was my escape. I was sick with really bad asthma growing up so I couldn't really participate in sports and do a lot of things because of my asthma. So when I was sick, I would either throw myself into work or go and create something, whether it was a drawing or building with Legos or anything. Who would have thought that would lead to a career in graphic design.  DBB: Favorite divas? DM: Wow! So many. I think my favorite divas are the people who stand the test of time, who create something and it's as fresh as it was 20 or 30 years ago. I am a huge Cyndi Lauper and Melissa Etheridge fan. Their music, especially their lyrics, kept me going in so many ways. I want to work with them someday!  DBB:  Who inspired you the most in your lifetime? DM: I am beyond fortunate to have the most amazing parents and they have inspired me for most of my lifetime. My Dad is the smartest person I know (and he still is) and he taught me to be smart, always ask questions and to discover new things. My mother taught me how to love, and I truly cherish that. DBB: Gay people have made many advances since Stonewall. How much further do you see our progress in the foreseeable future? DM: Oh, we have such a long way to go, even though I am so beyond proud of what's happening now, especially with so many states embracing marriage equality. On the other hand, as strong as our community is, we are our own worst enemy. We are the first people to come together and we are also the first people to tear each other down. And that's what has to change.  DBB: Any last shout-outs to the LGBT community around the world? We are one. DM: Yes! If you can be anything to anyone in this world, be a role model. The best thing you can do for someone is to be a role model for them. Take someone under your wing. Give them guidance and opportunities they may not be able to get for themselves. To me, that has always been a great privilege. DBB: Thanks, Darren, see you on October 11 and can't wait to meet. DM: THANK YOU!

The United States of Murder Inc.

I was introduced to the world of graphic comic novels this afternoon through a small miracle. Two of them were left on the subway's waiting bench on the Bay Ridge platform. I imagined them left by nerd tweens with ADD. Hence, why they were left. But I also expected the comix to be ADD-oriented and, hence, ideal entertainment for moiself!

Movies are made from graphic comic novels and series. Entertainment franchises are built! Money is made. Big money, lots of money! Tons and tons of money! Where can I find a graphic artist collaborator? Hullo??!

The comix I "borrowed" from the public space were The United States of Murder Inc. (Icon Publishing)  and Annihilator (Legendary). I will discuss the former tonight. It's out of Portland, written and created by Michael Lendis (who appears to be a middle-aged fellow!) and artist Michael Avon Oeming. Far from short-attention-span-oriented, this shit is deep!

I came into this story, in this issue, en media res. It's a Mobster soap opera with lots of intrigue. I found it fascinating. Lendis has undoubted storytelling skills. Up to this point, his protagonist, Valentine Gallo who operates a Vegas casino (natch), has already sent a package to a senator, containing a mail bomb that goes off, killing said politico. Then, dont'tcha know, turns out Val's mom was a double-agent in the Mafia, actually working for the FBI! She takes Valentine out of her will. This ain't Peyton Place. Even The Sopranos wasn't this chock full of action and plot twists.

In this installment, Val meets a sexy mystery woman who seems to also be working as an agent for the Mob. The story is riveting! The artwork is fabulous! Can it ever get any better? I'll have to check now to see if Barnes & Noble sells this in their graphic comics novels section. This probably goes well with a double-caffeine latte from the B&N Starbucks counter. I wonder how long before the next episode is unleashed! Hurry! Hurry!!!

Buddy Beaverhausen Remembers Joan Rivers

At my funeral, I want Meryl Streep crying in five different accents! -- Joan Rivers

In late August 2011, my mother went into the hospital for tests and possibly a simple procedure. She never came back to us. Things went badly, her kidneys began to fail, toxins traveled to all her internal organs and she ended up on life support. On October 1st that year, my brother called to tell me our mother had left us. I was devastated. I knew she'd go some day but not like that. And not at 81.

And so, Joan Rivers' passing at age 81 stirs up anew all the feelings from three years ago regarding my mom because of similar circumstances.  But I also mourn a comedy icon who I grew up with, watching her on tv since the mid-60s. I enjoyed her evolution through the years as age only made her more outrageous and audacious, especially regarding her no-holds-barred lampooning of celebrities. Nothing was sacred, ultimately, and she was as harsh on her own image and celebrity as she was on others.

In 2005, I went with my friend, Kevin, to see Joan live at a small, intimate, underground East Village club, Fez. "Here's where I'm at in my career right now," said Joan for her opening. "An old Jew having to work in a club named FEZ!" Her routine was brilliant and absolutely fearless. There were no sacred cows.

"I've been working for God's Love We Deliver for many years. Once I week, I deliver food to people with AIDS who need the assistance. Used to be if you had AIDS, you didn't live all that long. But with today's drugs, people go on forever. I've been schlepping food to this one guy's apartment on a 5th floor walk-up for over a decade! It's like, Die already!" Yes, she went there and the packed club full of gay fans went wild. As I recall, 9/11 humor was also on the night's menu.

But there was a backlash to Joan's black comedy by people who, in my opinion, want to hold comics accountable for being politically correct. That wasn't Joan. Her credo was much like Bette Midler's: "Fuck 'em if they can't take a joke." And, as I often say, "What good is comedy if it doesn't offend everyone?"

Joan's connection with the LGBT community was strong. She was an AIDS activist, she loved and catered to her adoring gay fans, and her campy sense of glamor appealed to them. Her frequent facelifts were a joke that even she appreciated, but she had a sense of undeniable divahood and didn't care when people criticized her for going under the knife because she was NOT growing old gracefully by any means.

I read her books (I Hate Everyone (Starting with Myself) was my fave but her last, Diary of a Mad Diva was also very good http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2014/07/joan-rivers-diva-diary.html). I highly recommend the warts-and-all movie documentary, Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work.

I must say, my co-worker, Trisa, took news of Rivers' death hard. Trisa has bought several fabulous fashions (clothing and costume jewelry that are quite attractive) from the Joan Rivers collection and watched her faithfully on Fashion Police.

One of my favorite Joan Rivers memories has to be the interview on her afternoon talk show with Leona Helmsley, who, at that time, was going through the whole tax scandal and facing jail time (albeit in a "country club" prison). Leona whined about her treatment by the press. She added something to the effect of "It's not like I murdered anyone!"

Irrepressible, Joan burst out gleefully: "Well, we don't know yet! They haven't looked through all your closets!"

The Queen of Mean was not amused.

RIP, Joan Rivers, who combined the comic joy of Robin Williams with the old-school glamor of Lauren Bacall. I thought you'd go on forever like the Energizer Bunny of comedy. You are missed but never forgotten.

But You've Got to Have Friends!

With a friend at the local pub

Bette Midler sang it and ain't it the truth!

Last Saturday afternoon, my friends Tracey and Merv came to Bay Ridge from Newtown, Connecticut. (Yes, where that tragic incident happened. Gun control, people, gun control.) And they came bearing gifts, not guns. A bottle of strawberry wine from Jones Farms, CT is always a treat. (And didn't last long; I had it with Sunday brunch at home!)

I last saw T&M in May to celebrate our birthdays as Tracey and I have ours a day apart. I was asked to bring up a painting by my second cousin, Jessica, who is Tracey's daughter. (Tracey once being married to my cousin; we share a long history together and are sort-of related through marriage.) The purpose was to frame the portrait as a birthday gift to me. Lo and behold, it came to me Saturday and I love this portrait and frame job. I just can't get enough of myself at times, I swear, sweetums! Ideal present.

I've been framed

Kevin, my good friend and downstairs neighbor, came up bearing strawberry champagne and fresh jumbo shrimp with cocktail sauce. See what kind of friends I have! Sensitive to all my needs! And into strawberry liquors, apparently. Popcorn popped up later, as well.

I provided the party music: the Chrissie Hynde album (I gave T&M a  copy), La La Brooks, Candi Staton. Not a Miley Cyrus or Rihanna track to be heard!

We moved on! To a Thai restaurant Kevin recommended. There was a waiting time, so we then went to a local, very old, very quaint pub for a beer before the eatery phoned us. What delicious food, great service, chic trappings and terrific time at MyThai Cafe with fabulous friends! Yelp reviewers yelped about this joint in a good way.

Subtle product placement

We returned home, this time stopping in Kevin's apartment before T&M headed home. They were invited to stay over but recently bought chickens they keep in a coop.Yes, like a modern day Ma and Pa Kettle, they were off to check on the chicks.

You have got to have friends. And it was worth how sore I felt Sunday morning from my intensive housecleaning for the occasion. But our little summer soiree deserved every drop of my elbow grease.

Saturday Night Fever and I: Bay Ridge Comes to Bryant Park

Bryant Park's free summer movies in NYC return this year on Monday, June 16. 1977's Saturday Night Fever kicks off the film festival that evening. Shot in Brooklyn and Manhattan, it's an iconic movie in many ways but, oddly, not a well-made or respected one by any means. I remember, when I first saw it theatrically on its initial release, being astounded by the sight of overhead mikes dipping into the shots. And the script (based freely on an article published in New York magazine) is very contrived, kind of a Rebel without a Cause Goes Disco.

SNF is best represented by and remembered for its soundtrack, for John Travolta's white suit and for evoking the zeitgeist of the disco era. That the movie celebrated disco music for mainstream movie audiences turned out to be both a blessing and a curse. It turned disco dancing into something more formalized, the music into something less soulful, forged stupid petty-bourgeoise fashions and hairstyles and disco culture itself into something ultimately overbearing. Every legit act that had been around for decades went disco in the wake of this film's success: Abbe Lane, Andy Williams, Ethel Merman! As if that wan't enough to put the nail in the coffin, there was that whole, ugly Comiskey Park (anti-gay, racist) Disco Demolition Night (akin to the Nazi book burnings; the Tea Party would have loved it).

The movie represents an era when young Brooklynites longed to move to Manhattan for the culture, the art, the money! Of course, this was in the time before Barclay's Center, DUMBO and Whole Foods. Travolta's character's escape plan was to get across the East River divide by hitting the disco floor in power platforms and an exposed chest adorned by costume jewelry.

I have a few Six Degrees of Saturday Night Fever: The disco is in Bay Ridge (Travolta's Tony Manero is from Bensonhurst); I now reside in Bay Ridge. The real-life disco it is shot in really exists; in the '90s and early 2000's, I'd travel out to Bay Ridge when it was a gay club, Spectrum. It was fabulously no-attitude; had great live acts like Hazell Dean and The Village People, great music, and that legendary flashing-colors dance floor from the film. My friend Allison's husband played John Travolta's feet! In the beginning, as Manero struts down the street near the elevated train, we see close-ups of his feet hitting the pavement. They belong to Allison's husband, foot double. Lastly, I'm gay and so, it turns out, is John Travolta. He always pinged our gaydar. Plus, we're both Jersey boys.

Saturday Night Fever, Bryant Park, on the big screen, starts @ sundown/ lawn opens @ 5 pm. Bring a blanket and a picnic basket if you wish. Alcohol ok.

Sikh & Ye Shall Find

Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh!!!

Got that? It was National Sikh Day in NYC on April 26 with a fabulous parade in Manhattan from 39th to 26th Streets & Madison Avenue.

This is an annual event organized by the Sikh Cultural Society, 95-30, 118 Street, Richmond Hill, NY.

"All FUN & Frolic events shall be there," wrote the organizers. "Keertan, Gatkaa, NAAM simran, Guru Kaa Langar (Community Kitchen). FREE VEGETARIAN FOOD & Non-Alcoholic Beverages FOR ALL. Many top ELECTED PUBLIC OFFICIALS and INTERFAITH leaders will be there!!!!
Please bring your family, friends, known ones & unknown ones. Please pass on this information to others too."

A lovely and peaceable event recommended for all in our city of diversity. Mayor Bill DeBlasio was prominently there to celebrate it! The event celebrates "Vaisakhi, the anniversary of the origin of Khalsa and the first Amrit initiation ceremony and takes place every April. The NYC Sikh Day Parade is hosted by the Sikh Cultural Society of New York. The annual Nagar Kirtan event includes a float bearing the Guru Granth Sahib the Sikh's holy scripture, floats and marchers representing by various gurdwaras, demonstrations given by Gatka troupes and langar, free vegetarian food and non alcoholic drinks for every one," according to its press. And, hey! You don't need to be Norma Desmond to put on a turban!

Happy Spring, Vaisakhi, Passover, Easter! We all celebrate life and rebirth together. Love, Peace & Happiness to All.

Dj Buddy B's Latest Diva Dish

We were on Spring Break! Did you miss us? Well, the divas are back, some with steaming hot scandals, so get ready!

Madonna's showing her age lately. I look better than she and I'm older than huh! (See pic at left. That's Madonna; not me.) Well, the dance-music diva turned off most of her gay fan base when she used the term "gay" in, like, a totally pejorative context.

According to WonderWall: Remember the '80s and '90s? Those heady times of unrestricted political incorrectness when high school kids used the word "gay" as a slanderous term (i.e.: "those mom jeans are gay, this 9th grade homework assignment is gay, my immature lack of respect for my fellow humans is soooo gay")? Not so surprisingly, Madonna seems to be stuck in that time period -- at least when it comes to language.

During a Buzzfeed segment that aired this week, she was asked to write down the first word that came into her head after hearing a variety of topics. The words kale and Vladimir Putin inspired her to write down "gay." An online firestorm ensued, with social media users pointing out that (duh) she was being pretty offensive. 

Putin = Gay? Big whoops, Madge! Were you trying to be ironic? Major fail.

"Saying kale is ‘gay' is meant to convey that she doesn't like it, so it is an insult. I am SO TIRED of people using ‘gay' in a negative context," wrote one user who was later quoted by ABCNews.com.

Helter-Skelter's li'l diva Squeaky (Lynette) Fromm is back in the news! The Charles Manson sidekick and would-be President Gerald Ford assassin's pre-trial audiotape from her psychiatric exam on the latter account is now being released, 40 years after the incident.

The Sacramento Bee "requested the tapes be made public, reports that Fromme spoke confidently about her ability to represent herself at trial and be acquitted," according to the Guardian UK. 

"'What would you estimate to be your percentage chance at this point of being found not guilty?' the psychiatrist James R. Richmond asked Fromme on the tape. 'Oh, I feel, I feel definitely I have probably a 70 per cent chance on the percentage scale,' Fromme said in response."Ah, Squeaky! Ever the optimist!

I love the 1997 bio from St Martin's Press by Jess Bravin. Still part of my home library. 

Cher doesn't have to walk alone! New dj-promo-only mix from Matt Consola and LFB via Sobel Promotions is, like, so gay! As in epic, make you want to dance! The premier club mix is far superior to the highly touted and overrated Tracy Young Ferosh Reconstruction mix in my humble opinion. The third single remixed off her latest album. Cher is currently touring and she arrives in Brooklyn May 9th (right around both of our birthdays)! http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2013/11/audio-beaverhausen-chers-closer-to-truth.html

By the way, I interviewed both Matt http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2014/03/exclusive-q-with-dance-music-producer.html and LFB (Leo Frappier) http://blabittobeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2013/11/exclusive-q-with-leo-frappier.html recently.

Also loving Tony Moran's GMC Mixshow Anthem & the Moran/Deep Influence remixes of Martha Wash's "I'm Not Coming Down." Martha will be appearing outdoor at Lincoln Center on July 3rd along with divas Linda Clifford and the girls from Chic! http://blabittobeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2013/12/queens-our-city-radio-exclusive-q-with.html

/http://www.marthawash.com/beaverhausen-im-into-something-good-martha-wash/

So, yes, Spring Break is over! The Divas are back -- on the dancefloors, in the news, in your face ~ and beyond!

The Barbara Sobel Birthday Social Exclusive Q&A

I'm eagerly anticipating my return to Icon, in Astoria, this weekend, to celebrate dance-music mogul Barbara Sobel's birthday. Club owner Nick Lion will be there   http://blabittobeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2013/09/q-with-love-goddess-and-icons-nick-lion.html; Dj Ian Ford (Fford) will be spinning http://longisland.ourcityradio.com/stations/dance-news/long-island-city-radio-presents-dj-buddy-beaverhausen-qa-dj-remixer-ian-ford. It should be a blast! 

Barbara is the head of Sobel Promotions, Sobel Nation Records, runs the Sobel Nation Network Radio Stations, and works for Our City Radio (Dance Channels)/ Queens Our City Radio and someone I've come to consider a personal friend (though I haven't actually seen her since December, at the Get Out! Awards at X/L). Most artists who work for Barbara Sobel feel part of her family and benefit from her guidance and generosity. It was a joy to have the opportunity to interview her ahead of the Icon birthday bash.


Dj Buddy Beaverhausen: You are a Taurus by my reckoning, Ms Sobel. I didn't realize we were born under the same sign. What Taurean traits do you have according to the zodiac?
Barbara Sobel: I don't follow the zodiac much, so I had to Google the traits. [Laughs.]  I do have to say the majority of traits I do not have. I am not self-indulgent (sorry, I am not a mani/pedi type gal), materialistic (No Gucci for me), or lazy (I work 365 days a year including holidays and haven't been on a vacation (and it was a working vacation) since 2007).  I am extremely patient, and have to be working with all the personalities and nuances of the music business, stubborn (as Julian Marsh can attest to), and possessive.

DBB: Well, all the best people are Tauruses in my opinion. Cher! Grace Jones! Bono! Adele! Queen Elizabeth! Me! What do you think we all have in common?

BS: I think that all those people are very open minded, liberal and believe in equality to all. They have all seen injustice against humanity whether it be towards the LGBT community, poverty, discrimination etc, and they didn't sit by quiet and actually did something. Not to mention they think outside the box, have had more haters than they can mention

DBB: You went to Hofstra and NYU, where you got your Masters in Social Work. Where did you think you were headed at the time?

BS: I am very proud to say that I am a LCSW-R, passing my State Boards. When I was in high school, my father, Robert Sobel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Sobel) installed in me the importance of an education.  I was one of the originators who worked with AIDS patients when the disease first came about, and was very active in ACT-UP.  I was known as the Angel Of Death in the hospitals.  When doctors and nurses saw me enter a patient's room, they knew the patients disease and knew that it would soon be time.  I have always wanted to work with the terminally ill and help them die (sorry, I don't sugar coat it.)  Nothing is more gratifying to be with a person at the time of their death.  I don't believe anybody should die alone, and we all know how many people did just that at the beginning of the AIDS crisis.

DBB: What influenced or directed you toward a career in dance music?

BS: I actually got my start with the band Culture Club, before they were famous. I started out writing fanzines, then message boards.... and slowly my career took shape as my work started to get noticed by the actual bands and they hired me.

DBB: When did Sobel Nation initially kick off?

BS: Sobel Promotions (www.sobelpromotions.com) kicked off in 2010. Yes, four years ago. I was working for another promoter and had a different view of how things should be run. I saw first hand the drama that was going on in this business and experienced it. Heck, when I started I had a two hour conversation with some people in the business who stated they will destroy me and went on to try to blacklist me, telling their friends not to associate with me. To this day, the 'clique' remains and I have even had Billboard Reporters who are part of the 'clique' say publicly they would not play anything related to me. I laugh at this type of behavior and it proves my point and why I started Sobel Promotions. To some, it isn't about the music. It is about the drama and the 'cliques.' After I started Sobel Promotions, we continued to grow with radio stations and a record label.  The Artists, DJ's, and Record Labels within my promotion company have formed a nation.... a family.  When one of us succeeds, we all succeeds, when one of us fails we all fail. We may have significant others in our lives, but truthfully, the only one who understands the craziness of this industry and lifestyle is another musician.  Sobel Nation is a family. We all have different personalities like any family. We have our quirks. We fight. We make up. Not all of us get along like any family. However, we are all respectful of each other. The oneness and family atmosphere which I have developed is exactly why I started Sobel Promotions, and quite truthfully, I haven't seen anything quite like us out there and I look forward to the continued growth and addition of new members.

DBB: Sobel Nation is on fire now! So many great dj promos. What do you think are some of your hottest recent remixes right now?

BS: Ah... I am not going to choose one, because if I promote it, the single is "The Best Of The Best." Every single is special in their own right, and I can't say that a House tune is hotter than a Trance tune. All my singles are hot, and all will make somebody out there happy.

DBB: Tell us about Sobel Nation Radio if you will.

BS: Sobel Nation Radio consists of Sobel Nation Radio which plays dance music and the Sobel Promotions Station which plays music only from the songs I promote. I may be the only promotion company with its own radio station. Some of the songs I promote may be difficult to place on mainstream radio, and I believe everybody in my company should get radio airplay.

DBB: You have a birthday bash coming up at Icon in Astoria this Sunday. Not everyone gets feted in such a grand manner by club owner Nick Lion, with Ian Fford spinning. Are you excited about all this? (Because I am.)

BS: I am very excited.  Not only is ICON the hottest club in Queens, but also because I get to meet Nick and IANNNNNN for the first time.... and Ian may not survive it :)

Barbara lays healing hands on dance-music artist eric Alan

DBB: Can't wait to see you on Sunday. We'll talk some more. Any shout-outs I can add to my piece?

BS: I would like to shout out to everybody in my promotion company. I am not going to single people out, because then I will leave somebody out and they will get upset I better give a shout out to my mother or she will kill me. I also want to always thank my vet Dr. Wyler at Trylon Vet Care,  and my best friend Karla Wallach. Without him I wouldn't be going to ICON because they take care of my cats. Also a special shout out to Priscilla Ragsdell. Look, Priscilla. You are now famous and I am doing all this to impress you. Ricky Clawson MJS and everybody loves Raum, Who is Chris Colby?, Joe Gillan send cat treats, Mike "Fa La La Jolly" I Love StoneBridge, Leigh Denyer stay away from sharks,and Mixgeselle..... just remember.  You will not be a part of any of this.

In all seriousness, a special mention to Julian Marsh, Leo Frappier, Ronnie Matthews, Kevin Unger, Gary Cannavo, you were there with me from the very beginning and stayed despite the craziness and didn't listen to the drama. 

In all further seriousness, thank you for all the people who believed in my vision of creating a family.... They believed that it should be about the MUSIC and supporting each other.  Not drama and high school games or 'cliques.'

I would also like to shout out to all the fans of the artists, DJ's and Record Labels within Sobel Nation. Without you, I wouldn't be here and neither would the artists. Keep listening and thanks for all the support!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_Sobel

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The Sobel Nation Network Consists Of:

Sobel Promotions, The Sobel Nation Network of Radio Stations, Our City Radio (Dance Channels), Queens Our City Radio & Sobel Nation Records
www.sobelpromotions.com

www.sobelnationradio.fm

My Epidermic Episode! Dj Buddy B's Harrowing True Story!

Not just my routine day when, just before 4:30 in the afternoon, I was abducted from Lexington Avenue in the Bloomingdale's Belt on the upper east side and forced to undergo dermatological treatment. I was on my way to the Sprint store at the very next corner when, suddenly, I found myself between two very tall Russian gentlemen (they were mumbling with accents) in black, fitted suits and sunglasses, who moved in on me with deft speed and ushered me into I Got You Over Your Skin, the epidermis shop! First time two big bouncers brought me into a joint!

Yes, it was a salon; a salon de beaute as a matter of fact! The walls and moderne furniture were all in white, and there I was, feeling schlubby amongst it all after a hard day's work. One of the Russian men suggested I sit down in front of an attractive, young woman in a short black dress. She sported long, hennaed hair and a full face of make-up on her pretty face. Since I smelled Brighton Beach mafia in the air, I tried to settle down on the plush furniture and make myself as comfortable as possible under the circumstances.

The woman told me her name was Tanya and, then, immediately launched into her pitch. It was all about Over Your Skin's fabulous products which were for application ~~ you've got it! ~~ over your skin! Gasp! Why, these weren't any ordinary moisturizers, cleansers and dermabrasive confections, they were made from minerals direct from the Dead Sea, wouldn't you know! Tanya explained it all to me in simple layman terms.

A side glance at the henchman, arms folded across his broad chest now and staring directly at me, suggested I could end up dead in the sea if I didn't continue to pay attention to Tanya. "Tanya," I squeaked sheepishly, "I have to get over to Sprint!" Why, Tanya wouldn't hear of it. It was time for a demonstration for her products' powers.

She pushed up my shirt sleeve and massaged exfoliant emolient on my wrist! I watched in amazement as all sorts of tiny scuzzies were rubbed away and cleaned off with a mere cotton ball. I felt reborn! Well, at least my wrist did. Dead skin cells removed by Dead Sea scraps. Imagine! Why, it was a miracle, I tell you! A miracle! Praise Sister Tanya!

Unfortunately, it was at this critical juncture that Tanya gazed at the messy cotton ball, sneered and asked me: "How often do you shower, dahlink?"

The cheek! I assured this chick I shower each and every morning. It's my exfoliated skin, bitch! What did you think it would look like late afternoon? Tiny rose petals?

She applied moisturizer under my eyes and shocked me by swiftly lifting a hand mirror to my face. After screaming, I wheezed, "Oh my God! Is that what my hair looks like right now??!" "Ve don't do hair, dahlink," Tanya said dryly.

She began showing me moisturizer but, before she could moisten me, I curtly cut her off. "How much?" I asked. "Only one ninety-nine," Tanya said. I handed her a five-dollar bill and told her I'd take a jar of each. "They're $199, not $1.99," Tanya spat out.

"Thank you but no," I said as I took my bill back. I got up, bid my personal infomercial host a thank you and turned to leave, looking the henchman in the eye with a don't-you-dare leer. Tanya grabbed my hand and slyly slipped something into my palm. Back out on the street, I looked at what she had given me: her business card and a sample packet of Over Your Skin hydrating lotion.

I tried that lotion on my hands tonight. Ah! Those Dead Sea minerals! To die for.

[Disclaimer: Names have been changed to protect the innocent.]

Broadway Beaverhausen: If/Then Not/Good

When you leave a Broadway musical, you should be humming the tunes, not bemoaning your time and money spent. When you leave a musical that makes you feel depressed and angry, something is terribly amiss. We left If/Then, giving up Broadway shows for Lent! The show began previews March 5th and now marches forth to its official opening on March 27th.

If/Then stars Broadway diva Idina Menzel. Or, as John Travolta likes to refer to her, Adele Dazeem. The show is, refreshingly, an original musical rather than a revival or jukebox musical. It reunites Ms Mendel with her Rent co-star Anthony Rapp. At times a rock/tribal musical, at times pop MOR, it's a total mess.

I know the show's in previews but, my God, I've never witnessed so many flubs in a single production! A backstage voice shouting out an actor's forgotten line over a microphone? (Don't they have ear pieces for that these days?) Stagehands still setting up props as a scene begins? Idina, walking into her apartment on-stage with Rapp, broke the fourth wall, exclaiming "Why are these men in my apartment?" The men didn't leave. They fumbled, trying to get a floor lamp prop to stand up. "Go, I'll take care of it," Menzel flippantly ad-libbed in full diva attitude. But, unfortunately, after her awkward dismissal, she was unable to solve the problem. The stagehands returned, removed the offending lamp, and the stars took the scene once again from the top. Finally. Never have I seen this sort of amateurism on Broadway!

The book is a disaster, its conceit poorly executed. Choreography is routine for the most part. Staging is clumsy. Hoping to be the new Rent, the musical is more like tv's Friends in its unrealistic representation of New York City life. The book by Brian Yorkey (who also wrote the lyrics) tragically presents us with one-dimensional and not completely believable characters, sitcom-like dialogue and clumsy expositions.

Michael Griff's direction is clumsy at best. The music by Tom Kitt is largely forgettable with few highlights. The cream of the show tune crop is the stirring tribal-rock number (nicely staged on a subway set), "It's a Sign," sung by LaChanze, who pretty much steals the show. The set design and changes are badly executed. And the storyline is a pointless, painful bore. Otherwise, I guess I loved it.

I knew there was a problem when my eyes left the stage during a production number to admire the theater's chandeliers.

As for Adele Dazeem, she merely needs to step out at the opening of Act I to receive thunderous applause. However, as the show cast its drowsy spell, audience enthusiasm thinned out. This is not Rent, this is not Wicked. This is a disaster despite a preview audience packing the house, largely because of the show's star. If there's no major overhauling before opening night (unlikely), Buddy B predicts there's no then.

To cap off my evening of contemptible all-singing/all-dancing, I shared a cab home with a friend. I saw our taxi going into the Holland Tunnel lane. "You know I'm headed to Brooklyn, not New Jersey," I asserted. Said my cabbie: "Yeah, I know! What are you? A fucking comedian?"

"Wait until you get my tip," I thought. "I get funnier." If/Then.

Exclusive Q&A with Club Dj/Remixer Steve Amoroso

Dj Amoroso was spinning at Icon on the club's opening in December. We said hello, but Steve was already busy spinning so there was really no time to talk. Therefor, I was so grateful (with special thanks to Barbara Sobel) to be able to learn more about the fabuloso Amoroso when he agreed to do this interview.

Dj Buddy Beaverhausen: Hi, Steve! It's such a pleasure to finally get to interview you since I heard your set at Icon's opening night. You're now resident dj there on Wednesday nights' Fierce. What can club goers expect from your sets, and are they indeed promised to be fierce?

Dj Amoroso: I’m glad you asked! Wednesday nights are indeed nothing short of fierce. Patrons can expect to hear something new and fresh or even classic at times. I believe music shouldn’t have rules, and being different is what makes a party memorable and unlike the rest. I believe most of us are tired of hearing the same songs over and over. I remember when people used to go out to discover new music, to hear songs they never heard before and fall in love with them. My fondest memories of some of my favorite songs is where I first heard them, usually at the nightclub with my friends dancing our asses off and screaming, “What is this track? Oh my God!” I don’t get the same enjoyment hearing music for the first time on the radio, tv, internet; it’s just not as special an experience. I look to recreate that experience as best as I can during each and every one of my sets. If I can make life long memories through my music or even one song for one person that night, then it was all worth it. Music-wise, you’ll hear a mix of all sorts of house music, with the goal of making everyone shake their asses off. I am also bringing in my very talented special guest DJ / producer friends now every week, who are both well-known locally and internationally, and that will turn you out each and every Wednesday.

I see that you live in Astoria, the neighborhood in Queens where Icon is located. Does that make your bringing your records and equipment to the club convenient; less of a schlep for you?

Records, no [laughs], it’s been a long time since I’ve brought out the milk creates with vinyl records but I would love to one day, especially since it is so close to where I live. I literally walk to and from Icon; it’s about a 15-minute walk and I’m not lugging records or CD’s any more. I recently went all digital spinning on USB sticks. All my music loads up just like a CD on the Pioneer CDJ’s at Icon and I can bring hours, even days, worth of music on one tiny stick.

How did you become a resident dj at Icon? What brought you there in the first place?

It’s actually been years in the making. One of the owners always really enjoyed my sets, and constantly compares me to Danny Tenaglia, who is my biggest influence so that’s the biggest complement anyone can give me. Since the first time he heard me, he always said, “When I open up my next club, you are going to be my resident.” The rest is history.

You're a native New Yorker, so you should know the score by now. Grew up in Brooklyn (where I currently live). What was it like growing up there and what music did you grow up with? What dance-music influenced you in your youth?

Growing up in Brooklyn was great! The block parties, backyard bbq’s/pool parties, Coney Island, and the pizza… fooogettaboutit! Since it is such a melting pot I was exposed to many different cultures and music growing up. From freestyle played by my Aunt and Uncle’s in the late 80’s, to hip hop and alternative music in the early 90’s, to dance hall / metal / industrial / dance music in the late 90’s. It was in the late 90’s that I was first introduced to trance, dance and house music, I was a big fan of Daft Punk which led me to the clubs. Shortly after, I was out seven nights a week in Manhattan. Armed with my fake ID, I headed to Roxy, Tunnel, Sound Factory, Exit, Lime Light, Centro Fly, World and Vinyl. My biggest influences dance music-wise during this time were Peter Rauhofer, Johnny Vicious, Jonathan Peters, Tony Draper, Erick Morillo, Danny Tenaglia, Green Velvet, Hex Hector, Junior Vasquez.

You have some remix work upcoming from Sobel Promotions. Can you tell us anything about that?

Yes! I’m currently putting the finishing touches on a remix I did with my record label partner John Spinosa for KC and The Sunshine Band’s latest track “I’m Feeling You." John and I are also collaborating on two other remixes for Sobel Promotions: aremix to a remake of “Baker Street” by RexKwondo, and a new song by Toca's Miracle singer Coco Star called “AC/DC.”

What was it like to dj at Cielo, as you did very recently, as that chic spot in Manhattan's trendy meatpacking district has become something of a legend?

Amazing, every time! I’ve spun at Cielo more times than I can count and every time is like the first. The vibe in there is unreal, the crowd is always the best, the sound system is beyond amazing, and the DJ booth… Mama mia! Cielo has been open for a little over 10 years now, and for god reason, it’s, as they say, “where house music lives” in New York City. Aside from DJ’ing at Cielo I have spent some of my best nights on that dance floor as a patron.

What do you feel sets you apart from other club djs on the scene right now? What makes an Amoroso set special or distinctive?

My sound has been described as very New York but has been praised internationally too. I’ve done it all from day parties, to night, to afterhours, to gay, to straight, to upscale, to underground, and I have never gotten pigeonholed because I believe most people can relate to my sound; even those that don’t usually listen to house music have told me that they love the way I do it. Genre-wise, I blend new tracks with that classic house sound, upbeat, in your face, latin and retro, lots of drums, and most recently I’ve gone back to my roots playing primarily deep b/c. That’s the music that’s inspiring me most right now. I also love throwing in classics whenever I can because some are just timeless, go so well with the new deep house coming out, and bring back so many fond memories. I guess most of all what makes my sound distinctive is that it’s so hard to describe, but it’s most definitely “house.”

Steve, when you have time off and you can just kick back, what do you like to do?

I love spending time with my 10-month-old daughter, she’s the most important and precious thing in my life. When I’m not working on music or DJ’ing, I love just spending time with her, taking care of her, watching her grow and making her laugh/smile as much as possible.

I think people can have very stereotypical ideas of what the "swingin' life" of a club dj is like but I know it can often be a lot of blood, sweat and tears. What can you tell us, from your own experience, about leading that life? And what day jobs might you have had to take on to help support your passion and true calling?
I haven’t had a day job for six years now. It’s been a struggle but I believe every artist needs a starving moment to test his or her true passion. I’ve done the ramen noodle and peanut butter and jelly diet, lived in a rented room in Queens not knowing when my next gig (paycheck) is coming in. The last couple of years have been great for me, though. I’m not rich but I make enough money to pay my bills while doing what I love, and that’s all I ever wanted. I have bigger aspirations and work hard every day to make a better life for my family. Most people think it’s just a party lifestyle, but there is so much work behind the scenes. I love what I do. My biggest reward is making someone’s night, having people dance/smile/laugh/carry on. Going out dancing is a release. My job is to have all these hard-working people in the club forget about their day jobs, their worries and their stresses. My job is to make the people on the dance floor forget about all that and dance the night away. You can’t put a price tag on that, and it makes all my hard work behind the scenes worth it.

Your views on the club scene 2014?

It’s getting better and better every day! EDM is on its way out, and deep house is on it’s way in. The quality of music had been a little dull and redundant in the EDM scene for a while now, the fact that Daft Punk took the GRAMMYs this year shows that dance music is going in another direction and the club scene is evolving rapidly. Most of all for me, the new club scene is a breathe of fresh air! If your readers want to see the future of dance music that’s blowing up in the scene, I’d tell them to Google, “Disclosure - F For You ft. Mary J. Blige.”

Steve, thank you for your time and cooperation in doing this Q&A with me. Before we conclude, what might you still like to say to our readers around the world?

I believe great music saves the world, keep your ears open, try new things, you never know when that one song might change your life or how you view things. Music has changed my life in a positive way. I am humbled and blessed to be able to share my music with you, and the rest of the world. Thank you for taking the time to read this Q&A with Charles and I. God bless.

Oscars 2014: Dj Buddy Beaverhausen Takes a Spoonful of Disney

Saving Mr Banks

Saving Mr Banks is Disney Studios' big Valentine's Day card to itself. In this film, back in theaters ahead of Oscar time (it is nominated for Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score), Emma Thompson portrays P.L. Travers, the author of Mary Poppins, as an insufferably high-strung, difficult curmudgeon which, by all accounts, is what she was. The story is about her meeting Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) at his office in Hollywood for the purpose of his adapting her children's novel to the big screen, Disney style.

Mr Hanks' fatherly, benign Walt Disney bears little resemblance to most biographical reports of this man's tyrannical business style. He also physically bears little resemblance to the iconic Walt Disney tv image, despite his make-up and spirited performance.

Thompson, who was nominated for an award as Best Actress in a Drama at the most recent Golden Globes, hands in a splendid acting job, though her character is a huge pain-in-the-ass to everyone around her. She then goes through an incredible, Jeckyl and Hyde-like transformation via her working relationship with Disney and his crew, saving herself decades of psychotherapy, overcoming her grandiosity, egomania, Electra complex and all other deeply rooted Freudian issues simply by relentingly signing over the film rights to her novel.

Nonetheless, this confection, with its serio-comic style, will emotionally manipulate most viewers with moments of heartbeak and humor, disarming sweetness and flawless style. When P.L.Travers attends the Hollywood premiere of Disney's Mary Poppins, seeing her childhood reflected on-screen, Ms Thompson pulls out all the stops in a genuinely touching and cathartic piece of acting brilliance that moved me to tears.

Colin Farrell, in a beautifully modulated performance, looking all cleaned up and as dashing as ever, generally steals the film as the author's loving but hopelessly alcoholic father. The supporting cast is superb, most especially Paul Giamatti in a fictitious and unlikely role, and Kathy Baker.

Like many a Valentine, Saving Mr Banks is sweet, affectionate and beautifully embroidered. In truth, according to IMDB, Travers never forgave Walt Disney "for what she saw as vulgar and disrespectful adaptation of her 'Mary Poppins' novels." But this is the Disney version of their story with its imperative happy ending. A spoonful of sugar for a bitter pill.

Hail, Caesar!

Sid Caesar (with Edie Adams) in It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World

Sid Caesar has died at the age of 91. Long live Caesar!

The New York Times called Caesar " a comedic force of nature who became one of television’s first stars in the early 1950s and influenced generations of comedians and comedy writers."

Without Sid Ceasar (a native of Yonkers, NY), it's difficult to imagine Saturday Night Live or the sketch comedy we see on contemporary tv. He was such a major influence in the world of comedy entertainment. From 1950 - '54, his tv series, Your Show of Shows, was a tremendous television hit that redefined contemporary comedy.

A list of Mr. Caesar’s writers over the years reads like a comedy all-star team. Mel Brooks (who in 1982 called him “the funniest man America has produced to date”) did some of his earliest writing for him, as did Woody Allen, wrote Mervyn Rothstein in his Times obituary.  So did the most successful playwright in the history of the American stage, Neil Simon. Carl Reiner created one landmark sitcom, “The Dick Van Dyke Show”; Larry Gelbart was the principal creative force behind another, “M*A*S*H.” Mel Tolkin wrote numerous scripts for “All in the Family.” The authors of the two longest-running Broadway musicals of the 1960s, Joseph Stein (“Fiddler on the Roof”) and Michael Stewart (“Hello, Dolly!”), were Caesar alumni as well. 

The 6'2" Sid Caesar had an athletic physique in his youth and a handsome but comically expressionistic face perfect for comedy. I best remember him (in Your Show of Show reruns) when I was in my college years. I saw him as a remarkable and impressionable talent.

The Times added: Under his manic exterior, he recalled in “Where Have I Been?,” his 1982 autobiography, he was distraught and filled with self-hatred, tormented by guilt because he did not think he deserved the acclaim he was receiving. 

He was also given to explosive rages. Mr. Caesar once dangled a terrified Mr. Brooks from an 18th-story window until colleagues restrained him. With one punch, he knocked out a horse that had thrown his wife off its back, a scene that Mr. Brooks replayed in his movie "Blazing Saddles."

R.I.P. Sid Caesar. A brilliant and seminal source of modern comedy.

Video Beaverhausen: "Carrie" The Remake

Stephen King's Carrie is American folklore at this point. It was an iconic Brian De Palma hit movie in 1976 that garnered Oscar nominations for Sissy Spacek in the title role and for Piper Laurie as her fanatical mother.  It was a 2002 tv-movie and a notorious Broadway musical. (I saw the musical's revival off-Broadway last year and still have the souvenir cap. http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2012/02/carrie-on.html ) I even saw an off-off-Broadway non-musical production featuring Sherry Vine as Carrie. (It was wonderful.)

When I spoke to Sherry at the Queens club, Icon, in December, she didn't have such great things to say about the latest screen version released here in time for Halloween. It was a box-office disappointment and the reviews and general buzz were, to put it politely, tepid.

Now available for streaming and download (including at Amazon.com), I must confess this newest Carrie, updated for the era of Internet and iPhones, impressed me. Chloe Grace Moretz made a very affecting Carrie White and Julianne Moore once again proved to be riveting in the role of monstrously sado-masochistic mom, Margaret.

Carrie resonates because it is a mythical menstrual bloodbath of a horror show and because it is rooted in the emotional realism of its characters and their relationships before all hell breaks loose in its bloody inferno of a climax. It was directed by Kimberly Pierce (Boys Don't Cry) who gives the film a very different feel from the De Palma-helmed classic. There is more sense of Carrie's growing awareness of her empowerment, more subtle emotional touches and, like Boys Don't Cry, as harrowing and ultimately horrifying as it is heartbreaking. In the original film, Tommy (Carrie's hunky prom date) is knocked unconscious by a swinging metal pale that contained pigs' blood. Carrie has gone into a trance-like state and begins her telekinetic rampage. In Pierce's version, Carrie bends down over Tommy, realizing he is dead before freaking out in a major way. That moment in the movie brought me to tears.

Nonetheless, the film's apocalyptic destruction sequence is unlikely to disappoint any viewers.

Wisely, the film bases its script by Roberto-Aguirre Sacasa (Glee) on the Larry Cohen treatment for the '76 film rather than returning to the novel for the most part. Julianne Moore's Margaret doesn't sell bibles door-to-door but rather runs a dry cleaning business. She is off the creepy-meter though Moore's performance is less strident than Piper Laurie's. Lines like "Ok, go to your closet!," "Take it off [Carrie's dress] and we'll burn it together and ask for forgiveness," "They're all going to laugh at you" and mentions of "dirty pillows" and that roadhouse whiskey are intact, as is her crucifixion by sharp kitchen utensils (direct from the Cohen script).

Judy Greer is wonderful as Carrie's supportive gym teacher, Ms Desjardin, who is this myth's earth-mother figure (as the character's name implies) and Carrie's surrogate good mother.

In sum, a great reinvention (rather than remake) of the De Palma film and the Stephen King novel, with its own style and distinct emotionally touching moments. Constructed in the manner of classic Greek tragedy, Carrie gives us the mimesis and catharsis that traditionally constitute satisfying drama along with plenty of shock value and thrills, and a little bit of camp. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish.

For anyone who ever felt "different" or alienated or discriminated against in high school, this is your story. For all of you who were in with the in-crowd and the popular people, as the ad says: "God Won't Help You." Carrie is the patron saint of high school nerds .

Subway Poem: # 31

Striata

above, the great grey sky

cold blanket

and the sidewalks

cloaked in snow

underground, warmth and refuge

riding in grey blankets

corner seats

fast asleep

grocery cart

of earthly possessions

as she rides and sleeps

and rides and sleeps

and dreams

 

Gaga and Other Divas

Lady Gaga offered fans a chance to win a trip to NYC for her sold-out concert at Roseland on April 7th, the historic venue's final performance before it closes for good. http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2013/10/beaverhausens-nyc-news-end-of-roseland.html Who just said "apres moi le deluge?" 

Here's the link to win a trip to see Gaga's ArtPop show:  http://smarturl.it/RoselandFlyaway

[Buddy B reviewed the ArtPop album last November on this blog, just fyi. http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2013/11/dj-buddy-beaverhausen-lady-gagas-artpop.html]

On this week's Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, La Ga's second dance single of the new album plummets after peaking at 7th place, to # 13. Not to be a party pooper, but my dear! Not so good. Especially since Spice Girl Mel B has reached # 5 this outing, upwardly mobile from # 9 last week, with her new club hit, "For Once in My Life."

Gaga, however, has other news to share, like her appearing in Yves St Lauren designer wear on the cover of March's Harper's Bazaar (see above). When she appeared in that magazine in October 2011, it was daringly without make-up. http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2011/09/natural-gaga-preview.html Now she's put her face back on (or at least someone has) but seems to have forgotten to put on her blouse for the cover shot. Inside, there are other images of the diva, frequently under-dressed for the occasion. In one picture, she is apparently topless and poking her neck through a giant doily.

"Bazaar quizzes her on the secrets of her survival—and finds out why nobody puts Gaga in a corner," the magazine says, hoping to intrigue. That copy bored the shit out of me but -- hey! -- different strokes for different folks! It's all for a good cause, however, as the rag hopes Lady Gaga's glad rags will benefit the pop star's Born This Way Foundation. "See photos from her exclusive March cover shoot and starting February 18th at 9pm EST, in partnership with eBay, you can bid to win Lady Gaga's cover wardrobe...," Bazaar tells us. I shouldn't imagine you'd be wearing these outfits to your day job or place of worship. Or anywhere else in polite society for that matter!

Just in case you don't find all that too exciting, last weekend, Gaga caught Britney Spears' show at Planet Hollywood in Vegas. Obviously, these divas bonded, as La Ga announced over Facebook: "And Britney's dad gave us homeade [sic] BBQ, it was one of the best things I've ever eatin' [sic] in my LIFE."

Back on this week's Billboard, Cher -- who, last time, was stalled in the # 2 spot with "Take It Like a Man" -- has now dropped a peg to #3.  In the numero uno perch? "Go F**k Yourself" by My Crazy Girlfriend. They sure told Cher off! Such disrespect! 

An electro-house number for the declasse Ke$ha crowd, the fact that "Go F**k Yourself" is #1 says something about the state of dance music at this time. Or maybe just something about the state of Billboard's dance-music chart and its validity (once more in question). Of course, I might twirl to this song were I to win one of those Gaga outfits to boogie in. 

Yeah, that's the ticket!

Blondie to Receive NME's Godlike Genius Award

The BBC has reported: US band Blondie are to collect an award for their life's work at the NME Awards in London later this month.

The veteran group, who are celebrating their 40th year together, will receive the magazine's 'Godlike Genius' award at a ceremony on 26 February.

"It's out of proportion, but it's nice to be recognised," said lead singer Debbie Harry.

"I find it particularly interesting that there aren't many Americans who've been given this award before, so that's flattering," added Harry.

Blondie last charted a number one hit in 1999 with their single, "Maria" from the No Exit album. "Maria" failed to be a hit in the USA, unfortunately, peaking at # 82 on Billboard's Hot 100. The song has a devoted cult following, however, judging by audience requests shouted to the band at Blondie's 2013 Roseland concert.

New Musical Express ("NME") is a British  pop/rock magazine published since 1952. It turns 62 in March.

Blondie, the NYC-based musical group, is best known for their songs, "Heart of Glass," "Call Me," "Hanging on the Telephone," "Rapture," "Atomic," "The Tide Is High" among many others.

Mike Williams, editor at NME, stated that the band was chosen in their 40th anniversary year and stated, "They rewrote the rule book in the late '70s by dragging punk rock to the top of the charts."
Williams added that Harry, 68, is "the most iconic front-woman rock 'n' roll has ever produced."

In 2006, Blondie was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and inducted into the Rock Walk of Fame on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood as well.

According to Wikipedia regarding Blondie's latest double-album: "Ghosts of Download" will be released in a 2-disc package entitled "Blondie 4(0) Ever" which will celebrate the band's fortieth anniversary with the new album and a collection of Blondie's hit singles re-recorded and remixed in 2013. The band's official worldwide 40th anniversary tour will begin in February 2014 and span many countries, shows and continents.

Accepting NME's Godlike Genius Award, Blondie will also perform at the ceremony February 26th at O2 Academy in Brixton, south London.

Remembering Karen Carpenter

February 4 is the day Karen Carpenter passed away in 1983 of heart failure due to anorexia nervosa. Her death brought heightened attention to eating disorders that, at the time, little was known about. After her passing, public figures from Tracey Gold to Princess Diana came out of the closet about their own experiences with the disorder. Over 1,000 mourners attended Karen's funeral including friends and singers Dionne Warwick, Petula Clark and Olivia Newton-John.

Karen was The Voice of The Carpenters and an incomparable, distinctive one (especially when it came to phrasing) at that. She was voted one of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time by Rolling Stone in 2008 and, posthumously in the fall of '83, The Carpenters received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The Carpenters' first international, smash #1 was the Bacharach/David "Close to You." Their many hits include "Superstar," "Rainy Days and Mondays," "We've Only Just Begun" and so many more. Their sound helped define contemporary pop ballads for an era.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Carpenters_discography

In 1979, Karen recorded a self-titled solo album on the A&M label with the late, legendary producer, Phil Ramone. It contained more provocative lyrics, had a disco edge to it and Ramone pushed Karen's upper register to good effect. Unfortunately, Richard Carpenter (Karen's brother, a piano prodigy who was record producer, arranger, pianist, lyricist and composer for the duo) pressured A&M CEO Herb Alpert to shelve the album. It was finally released in 1996.

Karen Carpenter remains, to this day, a beloved and influential recording star. Dj Buddy Beaverhausen respectfully remembers her.

Play a Carpenters song tonight on the anniversary of her passing and relive the beauty of those classic pop tunes illuminated by that extraordinary and timeless voice.

Below, The Carpenters on The Carol Burnett Show 1971, with Karen on drums.