the spirit of summer

spirit of summer by gazzara
as mixed by nicolas matar
2003 composition "journeys by dj: sundance"
nicolas matar has spent many a year under the Ibiza sun as resident at pacha, and even though he reigns at cielo in new york now, the island groove is still the driving heart of this mix.
influences: the look of love - burt bacharach

at the moment: watching summer come to a close...

going raw

raw food equals pure, fresh, vibrant, enzyme-rich, oxygen-rich, unadulterated, whole organic living nutrition. natural food which has been processed and/or heated to high temperatures where chemical changes have occurred and the food has changed from its original state to something which, depending on the severity of its treatment, can end up looking like a very pale shadow of its former self (think of spinach cooked and raw). what matters is not just what you bring into your diet but what you leave out.

Dreams of a sneaker fiend

Dreams of a sneaker fiend

I got a problem; a slight addiction, if you will, that I just can’t shake. It started off innocent enough… yet before I knew it, was way out of control. What, you might ask, is this slight obsession that has occupied +60% of my bedroom? Sneakers. I’m a certified Nike aficionado. Nike Sportswear, located at 21 Mercer (betw Grand and Canal, SoHo), will be choc-full with unique, vintage-styled, modern-tech gear, Dunks, Air Max 90’s and other current - 1977-styled obsessions. For those cool enough to attend the “invite only” block party on 8/21, (congratulations) at precisely 9:21 PM Roger Federer and Spike Lee opened the doors for the first time to the public. Marc Ronson DJ'ed while a seventy-five minute Video Zine featuring Tim McGurr, Heron Preston, Aaron Rose, Boogie, Cheryl Dunn, Nigel Slyvester, Hugues Lawson, Peter Sutherland, Kyle Demers, Yamandu Roos and Adam Weissman flashed on projection screens. The store opens to the public on 8/22.

I’m officially off the wagon.

Listening to: Marlena Shaw – California soul

geek chic

Can't live without your USB? Well, designer Laurent Hongisto has designed these colorful, geek chic Lisco USB Snake. You can just pull them out of your USB port and slap them on your wrist, making it easy to access files while on the go. Keep in mind that this is just a concept design so you won't be able to purchase this bracelet . . . not yet anyways.

Listening To: Something About Us by Daft Punk

Sweat Check

Sweat…Often did this time of year during the cross-town morning commute. If you craving something more organic, something deep and some official live deep house mixes check the SWEAT podcast. The SWEAT podcast features mixes from Michael Alan, Calvin Morgan and guest DJs from around the world. This duo is based out of Atlanta and the podcast can be found via iTunes by using the Search iTunes Store feature or for a more direct route check SWEAT.

Listening to: Let the Dollar Circulate - Billy Paul

weekend warrior

The fun begins tonight Wednesday, August 20th with A special birthday celebration for Soulgasm NYC Resident "The Wizard" DJ Brian Coxxw/guest DJs Julian Bevan, Joey Vega aka DJ Serve & Min1.Then the birthday celebrations continue...Thursday, August 21st, 2008 10pm ete d 'Amour w/DJs Timmy Regisford, Neil Aline & Jef K+ A special birthday celebration for REDness.com Then it's time to get nasty...Friday, August 22nd, 2008 at 10pm it's One Ol' Nasty House Party w/DJ Sting International... Saturday, August 23rd, 2008 Water Taxi Beach is back for another season of dance-music shenanigans on the banks of the East River, with residents Justin Carter, Probus and Todd Makinen joined by top guests from near and far... Put on your Sunday Best on August 24th with Fun’s Eamon Harkin, APT’s Justin Carter and Doug Singer from Brothers’ Brothers, along with a stellar array of guest DJs, spin house, techno and space disco every Sunday in the postindustrial wasteland–meets–bucolic setting of the Yard. This week’s guest artist is Parisian remix auteur and Tigersushi boss man Joakim, a great spinner who should shine in this setting. Giant Step teams up with the Hudson Hotel's swankified Hudson Bar to host a series of soirees devoted to chilled vibes and mighty fine music. Tonight marks the return of Ron Trent, a Giant Step vet who's ultradeep house beats run the gamut from R&B-based to tough and techy. Space is limited; R.S.V.P. (it’s a must)!

Listening to: Don't Stop (U Can Make It) by Anthony Nicholson

king britt takes connecticut

It's kind of unbelievable, but just about the time I decide to respectfully depart ways with my birthplace; Connecticut has decided to step their game up. Someone once described the Connecticut nightlife as "being awash with infants in socialization". I naturally took offense and gave this "someone" the appropriate heat for this comment. Several unentertaining and unfulfilling nightlife excursions later, these comments (which I will no doubt take heat for tomorrow) began to develop a level of credibility. In fact, several nights of being over twenty-five and single, overly stylishly dressed, and an unsatisfied perchance for good house music removed most Connecticut venues entirely off my "to do" list. Anyway, King Britt reigned over an exclusive "in the know" crowd at New Haven's newly re-vamped Elevate Lounge. King Britt's mixes were spot-on as expected. Avid fans and house heads danced till the wee hours of... 2am?! Well, I guess some things just never change. Oh well... "Connecticut caught my heart for the evening...kissed my cheek…moved in… and confused things… will it just sit back or come harder?"

Listening to: A Bierra Mar (Sao Benitez Lush Mix) by Ive Mendes

big game huntin in hell's kitchen

Going back to the Motherland easily said and easily done! How you might ask? There’s a new haunt in town called Braai. I suggest you give it a try. Braai is a South African barbecue oasis located in the heart of Hell's Kitchen, NYC. Freshly adorned with tribal accents and a bamboo ceiling which is strategically designed to pull in smoke. Braai's biggest boast? A private Brandy Room complete with seven different house-infused brandies. The culinary emphasis is on wild game; with such delights as oxtail or antelope. Ahh... the smell of Smokey BBQ and Brandy. Sipping Cognac and taking it back! GL likes that...

Destination: Braai/329 W 51st/Hells Kitchen NYC/Tel: 212.315.3315

janelle monae takes stage

Caught sleepin? Well I hate to be the bearer of bad news... but if you did not attend the Giant Step Summer Stage show this Sundae, you were definitely fast asleep!The Grand List was front and center for this event. Initially we just wanted to see the show to check out Giles Peterson and Jose James on the cheap (suggested donation: $5). Jose James is an incredible talent; Grand List approved for sho! (If you're unfamiliar with Jose James, you're snoozin', forget sleepin'!)

The Summer Stage lineup also included five artists everyone will know by the end of 2008, Little Jackie, Jamie Lidelle, and Janelle Monae. Janelle Monae was the unequivocal stand-out performer of the event. What can I say? This woman is a powerhouse! Janelle's stage presence and energy level is so intense, all other artists paled in compar... (well, let’s just say she shut it down).

Janelle Monae was seen with Purple Ribbon All-Stars via OutKast fame and has just recently inked a deal with Bad Boy Records (let’s just hope she does not receive the usual P-Diddy artist treatment). JM’s sound is soulful, yet futuristic with hints of Electronica & Afro-Punk. This woman is definitely one to watch for 2008 & beyond!

Although Janelle Monae was the show standout; the headliner, Jamie Lidell is a man who knows his roots. Not just a great blue eyed soul singer/performer but a great soul singer/ performer in general. This man and his band definitely took the audience on a journey of soulful ballads, urban funk and an impromptu beat production. After rocking out, Lidell's band mysteriously leaves the stage and Lidell starts beat boxing and working the MPC . Next thing you know, this guy is making beats on the fly. Can we say hot!? If you are not familiar with Mr. Lidell (again, in a slumber) "A Little Bit More" sans the Target commercialism (exploited). Nevertheless-ism, Jamie Lidell is all-the-way GL approved.

Quote of the Day: "You snooze, you lose!"

grand giveaway

The Grand List and Apresenta Concept have partnered to launch our biggest Fashionable Giveaway to date! One lucky blog reader will receive a $100 Tobi gift card. The Tobi gift card can be redeemed online at Tobi. Tobi is the source both men's and women's fashion. They carry a slue of luxury designers including, Helmut Lang, Mike & Chris, 7 Diamonds, J Brand, 18th Amendment and more. This contest is for a virtual gift card redeemable only at http://www.tobi.com/. Note: This is a virtual gift card only. It will be delivered by email. No physical card or certificate will be mailed to the recipient.

To enter, subscribe to the RSS feed for apresenta concept or the grand list by email. One entry per RSS subscriber and email. Using Random.org, winner will be chosen on Sunday, October 12th. Contest ends Saturday, October 11th at midnight EST. This giveaway is absolutely free!

weekend treats

this weekend packs a serious punch for lovers and purveyors of deep soulful house, jump start your weekend while taking in brownstone 08 at nublu. soak up the sun at water taxi beach's infamous turntables on the hudson party. like to get down? well then you'll want to boogie your way over to marques wyatt at deep. the same venue twice in a row? we think it's crazy too. but chicago's own spins booty shaking, disco-glittery house at the beach party at wtb on saturday. sunday check one of this summer's most highly anticipated summer stage events featuring little jackie, janelle monae, jamie lidell, and the legendary giles peterson. fadin as the last days of summer peel away? get off your butt and check out tonys 25 outdoor things to do before the end of summer...

get undressed with ursula

get undressed with ursula 1000 at apt on friday, july 25th in ny. visit dubai via brooklyn and listen to everything from hip hop to baile funk saturday, july 26th at the bushwick, bk. ain't nuthin but a house party goin on with jellybean benitez on sunday, july 27th at water taxi beach. extend your weekend at the herbaliser same as it ever was party hosted by giant step at the hudson monday, july 28th. the guest list is tight, rsvp is a must! and mark your calendar for fourth installment of the summer of soul series libation party featuring osunlade of yoruba records on thursday, august 14th at the sullivan room.

gator don't be a hater

What’s Grand? Giving props where props are due today’s props go out to My Man fifty grand Samuel Jackson aka Gator from Spike Lee's acclaimed Jungle Fever. Now I know a Sam Jack flick can be hit or miss, however I would have to say this is one of the GRANDLIST top 5 personal fav rolls of Sam Jack. It’s not nice to laugh at the afflictions of others; however Gator makes it so easy. So next you frequent your favorite local don’t forget to do the Gator dance in tribute - hey I’ve been doing it for years what more can I say...." I’ll do it I’ll do you know I’ll do it. If you dont know how to do the Gator Dance see the link below for further details.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTA3qGQouaU&feature=related

sunday stroll: cake of the day

Don't miss Brooklyn's Cake Man Raven Confectionery’s 8th Anniversary Celebration Day! Enjoy an honorary parade (starting at 2pm), complete with marching band, while indulging in slices of the Cake Man’s famous red-velvet wonder ($6) and Grillmaster’s ribs and chicken ($3–$5). Gospel and R&B performances begin at 4pm. FREE Cake Man Raven Confectionery’s 8th Anniversary Celebration Day. Fulton St at South Oxford St, Fort Greene, Brooklyn (718-797-2498). And when you've had enough cake head over to the Central Park Summer Stage to go b-a-n-a-n-a-s with Santogold and Diplo.

a tech pimp's dream

If you happen to be burdened with an overflowing bank account then you'll definitely want to pick up a gold-plated keyboard from Japanese designer Wazakura Koubou. These keyboards come with a couple of USB hubs and are plated with 99.9% pure gold! Currently only available in Japan, but eh we'll keep you posted (just as soon as ours come in)!

tortured soul... ain't it grand?

You know what’s GRAND?? Well I'll tell ya!!! Yeah I know I use that lead in too much!!!! But seeing Tortured Soul live is GRAND. TS is a live house music/soul/funk/jam band that has produced some very stable & dance floor worthy jams over the last few years... I could go on but I digress. The good news is that TS is back in town & will be performing at Southpaw in Brooklyn. Check out the TS MySpace page below show info below.

TORTURED SOUL (Thurs. 7/17)

featuring: N'Dea Davenport, Chris Annibel, and Luis Bario.

SouthPaw: 8 pm doors/9 pm show18+/$10 adv./$10 d.o.s

get your wig split

girlfriends are you tired of dealing with trying to maintain your fab hair-doo in light of the summer's constant humidity and ever increasing sun showers? tired of the ho-hum bar hopping in a cute top routine? well than it's time to officially get your a-game on and take a trip to Sunny's Hair & Wigs for further instuctions.

monday equals giant step

One of our favorite Bi-Weekly pastimes here at THE GRAND LIST is Giant Step presents at the (posh n cozy) Hudson Hotel. This event is invite only, but shhhhh you can easily gain entry by RSVPing at http://www.giantstep.net/ be sure to look for the events page. Seriously though were else can you go on Monday nights and just well to be honest listen to some of the best ground breaking DJs around. Entry is free the drinks a lil pricey, but ay it’s NYC. The next event is tonight 7/14/08 the party goes from 7 - 11. For venue info: http://www.hudsonhotel.com/

Some of the past lineups include:
King Britt
The Rub
Little Louie Vega
Africa Bambatta
DJ Spinna
4 Hero
Rich Medina

sunday stroll in east la

Sunday Stroll – This segment is in the works it’s designed for those who need a tame Sunday to get back on track & back to your senses before the beast aka grind begins Monday morning. It will include a location to relax, recoup, enlighten or drink away the pain.

After a bang up Sat night into Sunday morning, after church or after brunch stop by EAST LA located on 508 Washington St in Hoboken NJ and enjoy a pitcher of margarita to the face all while yuppie in training watching…sorry I meant people watching. At any rate this is $30 well spent these margs will leave you dazed & slightly confused. Being a marg/tequila coinsurer myself these babies are in my top 5. Pros a great place to take a date if you know what I mean and the foods not too bad. Cons - the interior well it’s an interior –hey where the decorator? See you Sunday!!!

violet stars happy hunting

With Metropolis Suite I: The Chase, the first of four highly anticipated album suites (out August 24), Janelle Monáe has found a way to innovate with subject matter and sound. The suite incorporates elements of electronica, hip hop, rock and soul and concerns an android named Cindi Mayweather, who is struggling for love and freedom in the year 2719.

go gourmet

Taste some people have it some people don’t!!! Well in today’s Taste segment I salute Gourmet footwear. These loud to subdued coloured kicks have been in the mix for a season or two. Basically they take all of your favorite retro Nike Jordan style kicks & imitate them with a tasteful canvas hipster appeal. Hey what can I say I copped the grey pair. Better late than never!!! Git some...Taste that is!!!

sexual chocolate

Whats Grand? Giving props where props are due today’s props go out the original player & OG Randy Watson. Many of you probably know Randy, but if not Mr. Sexual Chocolate himself from Coming to America circa 1986.

a fish in water

at 50 calories in a 2.5 serving size bottle it's pretty safe to say that vitamin water realy should be called vitamin juice, however just as we were about to toss off "smart" beverages as a dumb option we stumbled acorss an old friend. smart water, electrolyte ehanced and calorie free.

"i hear ya..."

what it really means: although i hear what you are saying i am really not listening anymore and would prefer to end this conversation. walk away. what they hear: oh great, you agree.

not getting the digits

why? because "see ya around" sounds so much better and we subscribe to the six degrees of separation theory. if you happen to be more pragmatic than prolific, because he's on myspace myspace, flickr, and you tube, she's on twitter, facebook, and xanga plus any anyone about anything is google-able.

a smaller footprint

calculate your carbon footprint using the online calculator at http://www.acrbonfootprint.com/ and learn how to reduce it and then offset your past emissions through one of the carbon offset solutions.

the alligator pear

the avocado, colloquially known as the alligator pear, rich with potassium, oleic acid, folaate and vitamin e is a fruit worthy of falling in love with. yes, we said fruit.

isn't that grand?

drama is bittersweet

whether it's falling in love, getting what you want or drinking yourself sober, bittersweet reminds us that all the dramas of life are even more worth the trouble, particulary when the backdrop is enjoyable, inspiring music.

napping in manhattan

who needs the beach? were taking our swimsuit, frisbee, and beach blanket to central park. why? because we're tired of the huge production. we just want to bask in the sun.

ain't that grand?

pinot for the people

good pinot shouldn't leave you out on the streets. and that's why we are so happy we have acquired a penchant for mark west winery's central coast pinot noir.

that's grand.

if the grand list were an animal...

it would be a boston terrier.

the boston terrier is intelligent, enthusiastic, affectionate and playful. this breed gets along well with other pets, dogs, and children. the breed has an excellent disposition and a high degree of intelligence, which makes the boston terrier an incomparable companion.

that's grand.