My only complaint about the December 18th Prince show at Madison Square Garden was how short it felt. It was under two hours. I would have gladly taken three. I thought for sure we'd get a nice chunk of extra songs in the 2nd encore, but instead we only got a nice chunk of extra celebrities. Not that watching Sherri Sheppard of the View, Whoopi Goldberg (also on the View), opener Sinbad, Spike Lee, Spike Lee's son, Jamie Foxx, Naomi Campbell, Alicia Keys, Professor Cornel West, Tavis Smiley, opener Larry Graham (who also had his bass), Questlove (who also drummed) (and whose afro and tweeting were unmissable from where I was sitting before he left his seat to get on stage), Busta Rhymes, John Leguizamo (who I also saw on the will call line when I walked in), Sheila E (who was already up there performing), Prince's amazing band and backup singers and others dancing around on the love symbol-shaped stage wasn't fun, but I would have gladly traded it for a few more songs.

And speaking of Larry Graham whose band Graham Central Station opened, he was very worth getting there early for. Graham was the bass player for Sly & the Family Stone, and he paid that band tribute with a five-song medly that Prince himself came out to play on. For an opener, the energy in the half-packed room was huge.

Sheila E's appearance during Prince's set, especially her performance of her hit song The Glamorous Life was another serious highlight, though unlike as advertised, it wasn't the only show on the "tour" she showed up for. She didn't play at the 12/15 Izod Center show, but she did play during the second of three encores (yes, they got three) at the 12/17 Izod show, and it has been announced she will play with Prince again at MSG tonight (12/29). The full lineup for tonight's show is: 7:30 - Mint Condition, 8:15 - Janelle Monae, 9:00 - PRINCE (w/ Sheila E). UPDATE: She didn't actually play with Prince on 12/29.

If you miss tonight's show, you still have one more chance on 1/18. Tickets are still on sale for that one (no openers have been announced yet though, that I know of). Janelle Monae and Prince were both spotted at Lauryn Hill last night, and will probably collaborate on stage tonight.

A few more mostly-encore pictures from the 12/18 MSG show, and some videos and the setlists from the last 2 shows, below...

Continue reading "Prince played Izod Center & MSG w/ lots of friends, plays MSG again tonight (pics, setlists & stuff)"

"There's nothing "normal" about New York Fashion Week, but if the incoming flood of models, designers, and celebs isn't cool enough, this might just make you gasp:

For LnA's first presentation in New York City, they're going all out, showcasing their trademark streetwear (including the famous, best-selling, NYLON approved Dani legging), while bringing along some special guests.

Besides a performance by Metric, LnA will have a special guest at their afterparty - Patti Smith. The singer, poet, artist, author, icon, fill-in-the-blank will appear onstage at Milk Studios during LnA's big Manhattan bash." [NYLON]

NYC band Preacher and the Knife have been "chosen to perform at famed designer Cynthia Rowley's runway show during NY Fashion Week, next Friday, February 12th at Gotham Hall. The band will also be performing on February 14th at the Cake Shop for'"Panache & Cake Shop's V-Day Love In.'"

Alberta Cross are performing Thursday in the John Varvatos store.

You can catch Amanda Blank, Ebony Bones & Daniel Merriweather at Hudson Hotel on 2/10.

Tickets are on sale for Naomi Campbell's Fashion For Relief Haiti at The Tents at Bryant Park (2/12).

What else?

Continue reading "NY Fashion Week kicks off (music events include Metric, Patti Smith, Nina Persson, Alberta Cross & more)"

an Ahmet Ertegun Tribute....

continued below....

Continue reading "Led Zeppelin reunion concert photos & setlist"