Badfish to End First Concert Season at The BEACH @ Governors Island!!!

Nothing reminds of me of summer like Sublime. With the breeze blowing through my crown and the beats ruffling my stola, the music of Sublime always seems to put me in that summer mood. And as we’ll see this Sunday at The BEACH @ Governors Island, their music is fit for rocking all year round. For the last concert of the BEACH's debut season, with opening act The Cannabis Cup Reggae Band, Badfish will pay tribute to these West Coast Kings.

Badfish is a tribute band dedicated to playing Sublime’s music. The group is named after a song from Sublime's 40 Oz. to Freedom album. Badfish formed in 2001, consisting of college-aged computer science majors. They toured on the East Coast and in the Midwest, mainly popular on college campuses. Over the years, Badfish’s popularity has grown nationally; they have done multiple national tours, playing 152 shows across the U.S. in 2006. In 2008, the band was nominated for Best Tribute Act in the Boston Music Awards.

Badfish's idols are an all-American, genre-surpassing, iTunes collection, staple. Hailing from Long Beach, CA and founded in 1988, Sublime has released three albums, 40 Oz. to Freedom (1992), Robbin' the Hood (1994), and Sublime (1996). Not easily described in under four words, most call Sublime’s music a blend of reggae, punk, hip-hop, rock, and ska. Although wildly popular throughout California and the West Coast, by 1996, Sublime was headlining tours across the U.S. including Vans Warped Tour, and finishing their third, but first major label, studio album. Sadly, in May of 1996, plagued by heroin addiction and destructive behavior, lead singer Bradley Nowell died of a heroin overdose prior to the release of their widely-acclaimed third album, Sublime.

Since Nowell's passing, there have been a few posthumous releases and even a spin-off band that includes surviving Sublime members known as Long Beach Dub Allstars (disbanded in 2002). As of September 2009, Sublime has reunited with a new lead singer and guitarist; they will play in late October at Cypress Hills’ Smokeout Festival, staying together indefinitely. Worldwide, Sublime has sold over 17 million albums, including about 10 million in the U.S. alone.

So come to The BEACH this Sunday to relive Sublime's greatest hits like “Garden Grove,” “Santeria,” and “April 29, 1992 (Miami).” Join me as I sip from a 40oz. and rock out to classic 90s Alternative Rock music.

Lovin’ is what I got. See you Sunday!

Lady Liberty

50 Cent – 50 Fest hits The BEACH @Gov_Island

You will usually find him in da club, but come Saturday night you'll find him on da Beach at Governors Island.

The man of whom I speak is of course non other than rapper, actor and super star 50 Cent, or as I know him, Curtis Jackson from Jamaica, Queens. Not only will Fitty headline the first so-called “50 Fest,” he is also the first performer to sell out The Beach @Gov_Island in its first year.

After canceling a free show that was going to take place in 50's childhood neighborhood just a few months ago, 50 was on the prowl to do something bigger and better: 50 Fest. Along with friends and fellow rappers Kid Cudi, Wale, Mike Posner, and too many others to name, this day-into-night long extravaganza will be the icing on the cake for The Beach's debut concert season.

50 Cent has not officially mentioned who will or will not be there on Saturday, but all I can say is that I expect the unexpected. 50 is a natural born performer, and on that stage, in this great city, with that many rappers, there will SURELY be a party at The BEACH.

Kid Cudi will bring the party from Cleveland with his hit single “Day 'n' Nite.” Wale will bring the cool lyrics from D.C. with his single “Dig Dug (Shake It),” and Mike Posner will bring the pop dance grooves from Michigan with his chart topper “Cooler Than Me” to make 50 Fest a truly eclectic Hip-Hop festival.

There may be a lot of hype and fear about a 50 Cent show, but I assure you that The BEACH @ Governors Island producers will host a safe and awesome night of the best Rap on the scene. Unfortunately for you procrastinators you will have to wait until next year's 50 Fest, but as for me, I will be doing the crip walk in the New York Harbor.

Your Hip Hop Diva,

Lady Liberty Dollar

Buckethead to melt faces at autumn concert on The Beach at Governors Island

This summer, I've enjoyed rock, hip-hop, jam, blues, trance and reggae blasting from The BEACH @ Governors Island, but no metal. That will all change when Buckethead brings his freakishly amazing guitar playing to The BEACH. In addition to creating another terrific musical performance on New York City's greatest outdoor stage, this outing with Mr. Buckethead will be an event like none other.

Buckethead's guitar virtuosity is considered to be one of the best on this planet, and on this night I will be privileged to witness his magnificent stage presence. Not only is Buckethead’s guitar playing simply superlative, but the addition of his wardrobe makes you believe you are actually at the main act of a three-ring circus instead of a rock show.

Buckethead's mystique is notorious. Nobody has ever seen his face, only his white mask complemented with his white bucket atop his head. Miss Liberty thinks that Mr. Buckethead modeled his mask in my reflection, stone-faced and smile-less, and I take this as a huge complement, and an example of Buckethead's very excellent taste in influences.

Buckethead has released 3 albums this year alone, which brings his total solo albums to 27! That's just incredible. Not to mention the countless other bands and artists with whom he has collaborated: Bootsy Collins, Bernie Worrell, Iggy Pop, Les Claypool, and Guns N' Roses. On top of that he's written and performed for several movies that include Saw II, Beverly Hills Ninjas, Mortal Kombat: Annihiliation, and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie.

This man, or ghost as some people say, will put on one of the most outrageous shows The BEACH has yet to host. Only 50 Cent may be able to top that! And the 50 Fest comes to Governors Island, Saturday, October 3rd. First, the mighty Mr Buckethead, then Mr. 50 and friends. What a season for this happy, music loving diva.

Rock on!

Lady Liberty

Lupe Fiasco Closes the Hip-Hop Take Over of The BEACH

This Saturday, Lupe Fiasco will be kickin', pushin', and boatin' his way over to The BEACH @ Governors Island to mesmerize the crowd with mellow Hip-Hop, cool lyrics and his well produced beats. Over the last half decade, Lupe has quickly risen to the top ranks of Hip-Hop's best artists and performers.

With the production assistance of superstar Jay-Z, Lupe's first album Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor became a household name due to the instant success of “Kick, Push.” This debut album brought a cool, laid-back style of Hip-Hop to mainstream culture, which turned out to be very attractive as a contrast to the heavy hitting club rap that continues to dominate the airwaves. 

As a New York gal, I've always preferred the cool aspect of Hip-Hop and cannot wait for Lupe Fiasco to hit the stage this Saturday night.

Lupe's second album Lupe Fiasco's The Cool, featuring “Superstar” with vocalist Matthew Santos, drove Lupe even higher in the ranks of Hip-Hop. Soon after its release, he formed the megagroup Child Rebel Soldier with Pharrell Williams of N.E.R.D. (another of my favorite visitors to The BEACH) and Kanye West.

This Chicago born star will be releasing his third, and apparently final, album at the end of the year titled Lasers. It's a three-disc album that features singles “Shining Down” (released in June 2009), “Army Girl,” “Ladies and Gentlemen,” and “2 Ways.”

I hope to hear the old and new Lupe songs that I've grown to love as Lupe closes the so-called “Hip-Hop Take Over of The BEACH.” It was a great, quick run, and an amazing way to experience the many variations of Hip-Hop music.

On Saturday I will feel like a superstar!

Lady Liberty

Your Hip-Hop Diva

Mos Def's Ecstatic Tour hits The Beach at Governors Island, NYC

Tomorrow, September 12th, Mos Def continues the Hip-Hop take over of The BEACH @ Governors Island by bringing his native New York City sound home with the long awaited The Ecstatic Tour. Born and raised in Brooklyn during “Hip-Hop's Golden Age” definitely shaped the young Mos Def into the incredible rapper, actor and poet that he is today.

When I look back on those days in the late 80’s to early 90’s, I think about all of the talent that I am privileged to have watched over and that I call my own: A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, KRS-One, Public Enemy, Erik B. and Rakim, Run-D.M.C. and The Beastie Boys just to name a few fellow New Yorkers. Damn, what a time.

Mos Def keeps the vibe and music from The Golden Age alive and well. The Ecstatic (2009) is his fourth solo album following the release of his first notable album Black Star (1998), which he co-created with fellow Brooklyn MC Talib Kweli.

With over 10 years of rapping and touring, and 18 years of acting under his belt, Mos Def is a prominent star in Pop and Hip-Hop culture. You may remember Mos Def from such films and as Something The Lord Made (nominated for an Emmy and a Golden Globe), The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, 16 Blocks, and Be Kind Rewind.

Mos Def's appearance at The BEACH will be one of this brand new venue's most memorable shows from the summer of 2009, and it will be the first to host a New York native. I miss the old school Hip-Hop scene, but Mos Def will definitely bring it back. So grab a 40, and let the beats move your feet.

Much love to Brooklyn!

Lady Liberty

New York City's Lost Treasure Hosts The City's 400th Anniversary

I've been writing about music and festivals all summer long, but now I would like to pay homage to the man who made all of this summer's shows possible. Four-Hundred years ago, the great English explorer, Mr. Henry Hudson discovered the New York Harbor and subsequently the greatest city in the world.

According to the September 3rd New York Post, Hudson, under contract to the Dutch East India Company, sailed across the Atlantic in search of a northern sea passage to the East Indies. Just like everyone else back in those days, he reached this great land instead of his intended destination. Just goes to show you, sometimes it pays to be wrong.

Or sail “the river not taken” to paraphrase the great American poet, Robert Frost.

So this inadvertant turn by Hudson's boat, the Halve Maen, led to the first settlement in the area – Governors Island, my brother island in the New York Harbor and home to The BEACH @ Governors Island, called the best place to see out-of-doors rock 'n' roll in NYC, by Music Critic, Dan Aquilante. See? You knew I'd bring up music, but I digress so let's get back to this important little history lesson.

As a Dutch settlement, Governors Island paved the way for the Dutch Republic to spread its culture into the New World, leading to the eventual settlement on Manhattan Island known as New Amsterdam.

Governors Island was originally labeled Noten Eylant (Nutten Island) by the first Dutch settlers because of its abundance of trees that littered the island with their nuts. Yet somehow the nuts from the trees were not the only nuts to call Nutten Island home.

According to “Our Local Correspondents: Useless Beauty, What is to be done with Governors Island” in the August 31, 2009 issue of The New Yorker, Nick Paumgarten writes, “In 1637 Wouter Van Twiller, The New Netherlands director, purchased it from the natives for two axe heads, some nails, and a string of beads. He pastured goats there, and planned a mansion for himself, but he was soon summoned back to Holland, on the ground of, among other things, incompetence. (He put up windmills directly in the lee of the fort, where the wind couldn't get to them.)”

Paumgarten also writes, “An early British governor, Lord Cornbury, Queen Anne's cousin, who reputedly like to dress in women's clothing, promised to build a fort, and, in order to pay for it, imposed a tax on wearers of wigs and pearl rings, and bachelors over the age of twenty-five. He used the proceeds, instead, to build a house on the island for himself, which became known as “The Smiling Garden of the Sovereigns of the Province.” Cornbury wound up in jail, and the island's resistance to both private dominion and public enjoyment persisted.”

The two examples above just go to show you that political leaders sometimes take advantage of their people, and every once in a while, a nice little rebellion like the American War of Independence is a very good thing.

Ever since its British control, Governors Island has been through the hands of the Continental Army, the State of New York, the U.S. Army, and most previously in 1966, the Coast Guard. In 2003, President Bush agreed to sell Governors Island to the State of New York for a mere 1 dollar, which is much less than the original purchase price of two axe heads, some nails, and a string of beads. A non-profit entity called the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC) has been developing and revitalizing this lost American treasure ever since.

This is a good thing for those of you who like a great walk in a park, or a free bike ride to see the very best views of yours truly. Come see me at sunset, and bring your camera because the Gov’, as I like to call it, features some of the best views of the New York City Skyline available. The beach shack serves a mean burger, and Liberty Event & HighLine Ballroom are serving up great music all summer long.

Speaking of beach parties, The BEACH hosts Armin van Buuren, one of the world's top trance DJs, who happens to be, you guessed it, Dutch, on Saturday, September 12th from 1-5pm. Armin van Buuren will entertain his native crowd, and any other American of any origin who is smart enough to take the free 7-minute ferry to the island, with his legendary trance/house beats.

Van Buuren has been voted #1 DJ twice by DJ Mag and attracts over 30 million listeners from more than 40 countries to his weekly radio show, “A State of Trance” - the most listened to radio show in the world. I believe on this particular day, there will be more than 40 countries represented in the crowd because that’s what New York City, and this country is all about.

In celebration of the early Dutch settlement and colonization of New York City, Governors Island hosts the New Island Festival from September 10-13 and 17-20 as a part of NY400 Week. The New Island Festival will feature over 150 Dutch artists, musicians, thespians, DJs, comedians, dancers, daredevils and acrobats.

Just like this French honey, the Dutch know how to have a good time. The New Island Festival on Governors Island will be a fun commemoration of the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's arrival in the New York Harbor.

I also hear that a dutchman by the name of Theo Botschuijver will doing the first waterwalk in the United States and paying me a little visit


Diva can't wait.

Eten en worden gelukkig,

Lady Liberty

N.E.R.D. Opens the Hip-Hop Take Over of The BEACH @ Governors Island

Next Wednesday, September 9th kicks off a ten-day span featuring three of Hip-Hop's best performers. N.E.R.D., Mos Def, and Lupe Fiasco will rule The BEACH @ Governors Island until September 19th.

Beginning this Hip-Hop stretch are N.E.R.D. with special guest Asher Roth next Wednesday evening at 6pm. N.E.R.D. has dominated the live Hip-Hop/Rock scene since their debut album In Search Of... exploded on the airwaves in late 2001. Featuring the singles “Lapdance” and “Rock Star,” In Search Of... transformed the production duo The Neptunes into Rock Stars as N.E.R.D.

N.E.R.D. consists of Pharrell Williams (lead vocals, piano/keyboards, rhythm guitar and percussion), Chad Hugo (lead guitar, piano/keyboards, saxophone and bass guitar) and Shae Haley (drums, percussion and backing vocals). But N.E.R.D. is grounded by the production ingeniousness that is The Neptunes.

The Neptunes (Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo) is a production duo responsible for many Hip-Hop and Pop hits of the late 90s and 2000s. Some of their famed work includes Justin Timberlake's Justified album, “Beautiful” and “Drop it Like It's Hot” by Snoop Dogg, and “Money Maker” by Ludacris. But producing was not enough for Williams and Hugo; they wanted to perform their music live instead of letting everyone else get all the credit.

N.E.R.D. will surely put on quite an energetic show on September 9th. These guys know and love music. They have been playing/producing since very early ages and have a superb knack for creating party music.

Aside from music, Pharrell Williams is a very passionate artist and has created an online social network where all kinds of artists may meet, share work and collaborate. www.ARTST.com showcases people's passion for art, music, film, dance, clothing, architecture, photography and much more.

As an ambassador to the greatest melting pot on Earth, I applaud Mr. Williams in his effort to create an artistic melting pot via the internet. I just hope to see this collaboration hit the streets of New York City so that I may once again witness the makings of the world's best art.

Peace ya'll,

Lady Liberty

Bad weather for Badfish, Reggae Beach party postponed until October 4th

When I heard that Liberty Event partnered with Water Taxi Beach and Highline Ballroom to create New York City's newest and best place to see out-of-doors rock 'n' roll in NYC on Governors Island, I could not be happier because I knew I would have the best and cheapest spot to watch the shows from my historic perch in the New York Harbor.

Unfortunately, this summer's weather seems to be on a different page than my favorite hard-working producers. Outdoor concerts are always tricky because of rainouts. So instead of taking the risk of a rainout, The BEACH @ Governors Island producers decided to postpone tomorrow night's Badfish show until October 4.

I was ready for a late summer Reggae party. Now things will be a little bit quiet this weekend. Guess I’ll be sneaking tunes from my ipod hidden in my tablet.

At least, The Barclay's Golf Tournament will give me something to watch, but it's no rock concert. If you miss me, check out The BEACH @ Governors Island website to see if you can spot me in one of the pictures. Here's a hint: look behind the stage.

Hopefully all the rain is gone for the summer and the remaining BEACH shows will go as planned. Next weekend will be a great family Labor Day Weekend with The End of the Line, a documentary film about today's fishing industry on Friday September 4, followed by Turntables on the Hudson's 11 Year Anniversary Music & Dance Festival on Sunday September 6.

I'll be resting up for next weeks shows, and all the other shows on the calendar:
 
N.E.R.D. w/ Asher Roth Sept. 9 
Mos Def w/ Jay Electronica & Medina Green Sept. 12
Lupe Fiasco Sept. 19
Buckethead w/ Hellzapoppin Sideshow Sept. 26
Brazilian Girls w/ Man Man & The Phenomenal Handclap Band Oct. 2
50 Cent w/ Kid Cudl, Wale & Mike Posner, Oct. 3 
And of course! Badfish w/ Easy Star All-Stars, The Cannabis Cup Reggae Band, Maui Waui & DJ I, Storm Oct. 4


Lady Liberty

Ya mon. Roll it, smoke it, and pass it to the left. Badfish, Easy Star All-Stars and others team up to bring Reggae to The BEACH

The BEACH @ Governors Island comes full circle this summer by bringing Badfish, Easy Star All-Stars, The Cannabis Cup Reggae Band, Maui Waui, and DJ I, Storm this Saturday August 29 for a night of Reggae, good jams, and herbal scents.

Badfish, a tribute band to Sublime, continues the legacy of this legendary 90s Alt-Rock group. It's upsetting that Sublime cannot play today, but Badfish is a fantastic substitute that keeps the music of Sublime alive and well. They always make sure to play Sublime's classic hits and  deep tracks in order to give their fans a truly Sublime experience. I'm not praising these guys just because of their graphic artist's excellent taste (he obviously has a thing for me), but because they are a great band that pays homage to some of my favorite California rockers.

Easy Star All-Stars are another tribute band, but in a very different way. They perform the music of Rock's greatest bands in dub Reggae. They have released three albums: Dub Side of the Moon (Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd), Radiodread (OK Computer by Radiohead), and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Dub Band (Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by the Beatles). They are excellent performers who know how to lively up a crowd with Reggae versions of some of my all time favorite songs.

Rounding out the bill are The Cannabis Cup Reggae Band, Maui Waui and DJ I, Storm. Each brings another Reggae Rock element to this show to make The BEACH the place to be in New York City this Saturday. 

So come join me for good vibes, good tunes, and good people.

Keep it easy,

Lady Liberty

The Barclays 2009 Golf Tournament: First of Four PGA Playoffs for the FedExCup, but Second of Two Premier Entertainment Events in Jersey City, NJ

Most people who get inside my head only see one side of my personality: New York City. They fail to notice that Jersey City is also just as important to me as NYC. Although I look out onto NYC, I am actually much closer to Jersey City than I am to NYC. I am about 3000 feet from Liberty State Park, and almost 2 miles away from the closest ferry dock on Manhattan. At times, I feel closer to Liberty State Park and Jersey City than I do to The Big Apple.

One reason why I feel so proud to be connected to Liberty State Park in Jersey City is because of the high profile events that occur here in order to offer visitors something special, The New York City skyline.

Starting today, The Barclays 2009, one of the PGA TOUR's Playoff Tournaments for the FedExCup, will be the first major golf tournament in my backyard. And when I say major I mean it. I am proud to host golf's elite players, including Jim Furyk, Sergio Garcia, Steve Stricker, and of course Phil and Tiger. This tournament is no joke, and neither is its golf course Liberty National. Tight fairways and sloping greens are sure to challenge the world's best golfers.

Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods have been dubbed PGA's ultimate rivalry. Both players are ranked numbers 2 and 1 respectively, according to Official World Golf Ranking. Tiger's return to golf this year has only intensified this rivalry, and I will be right there witnessing this spectacular moment as these players swing it out for The Barclays 2009 Tournament championship.

As I look forward to a week of professional golf, I reminisce about the other events that have taken place on (or near) the grounds of Liberty State Park. The NY/NJ International Boat Show used to bring boat enthusiasts from all over the east coast to showcase their prized possessions. And who could forget the All Points West Music & Arts Festival? Although only two years old, All Points West has undoubtedly become the East Coast's premier music festival.

The aforementioned events in Liberty State Park would not be possible without Liberty Event Management. They have produced these amazing events that put Liberty State Park on the map, and consequently opened Jersey City up for more opportunities, such as The Barclays Golf Tournament.

All Points West Music & Arts Festival along with The Barclays Golf Tournament are exactly what this side of The Hudson River needs; two prominent entertainment events that bring people together to enjoy the better aspects of life.

It's not too late to score tickets to The Barclays 2009. So come check out the skyline I wake up to every morning. In the meantime, I’ll be humming tunes from 2009’s All Points West bands like Fleet Foxes, Gogol Bordello, Vampire Weekend, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Arctic Monkeys, MGMT, Elbow, Echo and the Bunnymen, Jay-Z, Coldplay, and The National.

Maybe my humming will be the extra little something that Phil needs to edge out Tiger. Phil is way overdue.

Good luck, fellas. I’m fans of you both. But most of all, I’m a fan of good sports.

When you walk the tremendous par-4 508-yard 18^th and onto the final green, I’ll be watching. Remember what they say, boys. Drive for show, and putt for dough.

Love ya.

Lady Liberty

Music Lover, and Golf Fan