Singing and dancing in the Rain, and a short story about Miss Liberty's Spa treatment

There are certain times when Mother Nature just doesn't care about your well-laid plans, your lists, or the people you need to meet, and no matter how you pray, and wish, and beg, Nature just has her way.

It's sprinkling on my All Points West Festival early this July 31st. Looks like the Fleet Foxes will feel right at home on APW day one 2009, and in their honor, I'm listening to "Sun it Rises."

What’s up with all this rain? You don’t need to record the almost daily downpour in your diary to know this has been one of the wettest summers on record, and I have seen lots of summers to know.

What you really need is a waterproof wardrobe. So grab your super cool, breathable rain jacket, shoes that will keep your feet dry, and come over to the festival.

Miss Liberty (and her music loving friends) can handle the elements and forces of nature out here, but I miss the sunshine and I need a little attention. You girls know what I mean. It was about twenty-five years ago when they said it was time for me to get a little lift. I called it a much-needed beautification after a hundred years of neglect.

I said bring on the oil and deep tissue massages, give me my moisturizer! I am ready for a day at the spa with TLC.


Speaking of TLC, just wanted to applaud the beloved, and sorely missed, Lisa Left Eye Lopez for being my main girl and bringing Safe Sex awareness to the MTV generation. This Freedom Woman applauds strong girls with a mission. I know Lisa is dancing in waterfalls somewhere safe.

Back at the spa, my historic renovation was led by an amazing architect named Blaine Cliver. He restored my copper skin and strengthened my beautiful frame that I have maintained. Not to brag, but I have not added one ounce since I arrived in 1876. That was part of the deal when I left France. French Women Don't Get Fat.

Cliver claimed water damage had taken a toll; it wasn’t the sun or the late nights, it was the water.

Cliver removed my rusted torch and replaced it with a new torch made of solid copper and gilded with shiny gold leaf.

Then the spa workers busily peeled back my outer copper layer and replaced each of the 1,800 rusted iron support bars underneath, I can’t even tell you how great that felt. Calgon take me away.

The crazy thing about the rain and winds from the harbor is that they have also strengthened me. I say it is the magical healing powers of salt and water mixed with the mighty New York City air. Always reminds me of Chicago’s song “Another Rainy Day in New York City.”

In 1925, a New York Sun editorial stated: “Salt air has given ‘Miss Liberty’ her present sea-green complexion, so often remarked from passing liners. Deep-sea winds brawling up the Narrows from Sandy Hook have oxidized her copper and provided a weatherproof coating, which, her custodians say, will make her last forever … or as long as stone and metal hold together.”

Rain is also beautifully melancholy as demonstrated by Gary Allen in "About Rain."

I hope you like dancing in the rain

I'll spin you around and pull you back to me

I sure am glad you wore that dress

It reminds me of the night that we first met

Don't you love the evenings in July

when I'm staring at you with my blue eyes

And we could be fine

We could be fine, fine, fine

So roll the windows down and put the car in drive

It's starting to rain a little bit outside

And I've had you on my mind for some time

And why did you go

Why did you leave

I can't forget about you and me.

I'd like to leave you with some beautiful lyrics from my favorite Seattle songsmiths, Fleet Foxes, who I said previously, careful reader, will be very much at home in this summer's wet weather. Miss Liberty also appreciates the Foxes because they aren't afraid to show some love for our American Flag.

What a life I lead when the sun breaks free

As a giant torn from the clouds

What a life indeed when that ancient seed

Is a berry watered and plowed

What a life

What a life

What a life

What a life

What a life I lead in the summer

What a life I lead in the spring

What a life I lead in the winded breeze

What a life I lead in the spring

So don’t be soft. Come out and enjoy the great outdoors. With rain, or without, we will dance until the final song of this glorious East Coast Festival, All Points West.


You are mighty, beautiful and water-proof. I love you.

Lady Liberty
Official Music Conductor
All Points West Music and Arts Festival

Jersey City Gem - All Points West

Some of my music loving friends may be afraid to break out from their beloved boroughs and head to Jersey City.  Miss Liberty, by way of The New York Press has got you covered with some tricks to keep you feeling right at home.  Did I mention drinks?

Mama knows you're coming for the music, but you'll love the Art.

I've provided you a small virtual tour of last year's show here.

The picture above is Girl Talk aka Gregg Gillis rockin' the 2nd stage, and this year we've got Peanut Butter Wolf killing in the new dance tent.

The Divine Miss L is feeling her happy feet already, and I'm gonna see my boy Hova for a little soundcheck later this afternoon.

My torch will be bopping to the beat. Look carefully.  And listen to your mother.

XOXO

Miss L.

Follow my Directions to All Points West Music and Arts Festival

Hello, my little darlings. I'm a little stiff and tight from all the rubber necking I've been doing.

The team at All Points West is creating an art filled wonderland for all of you to enjoy the great musical artists this weekend. You better have bought your ticket 'cause yours truly would hate to see you miss the show everyone will be talking about come Monday after Coldplay closes the festival on Sunday night.

The tents are up, Production Offices are in, and there's about a thousand people running around talking on cellphones and walkie-talkies.

These are some helpful directions for you to visit me, and get to the show.

Over in my other favorite venue, The Beach @ Governors Island, Liberty Event and New York Water Taxi are hosting "Turntables on the Hudson." Today's show features DJ's Nickodemus & Mariano + Nappy G & Christian Rogers on percussion. Also, The Pimps of Joytime LIVE with Special guest DJ set Jovanotti with Soleluna's Saturnino and more! The place is crazy, jumping and I'm looking forward to another Motz Burger, and a cranberry tea.

Don't forget. I love you all, and I want you to come and celebrate the greatest music festival since Coachella. Bonnaroo has camping. Big deal.

All Points West has ME, and the New York Skyline. See you soon.

The divine Miss L.

I got 99 Problems, but a Headliner for All Points West ain’t one: Jay-Z confirmed for Friday at APW

As you all know Lady Liberty is deeply saddened about the recent news surrounding Adam ‘MCA’ Yauch’s diagnosis of glandular cancer. Yet, I am hopeful that his surgery will go well, and the Beastie Boys member will be back on the road, and maybe even perform at All Points West 2010.

However, the producers for APW have worked hard through the night and have secured a very special replacement for the Friday night headlining slot. The Beasties Boys fellow Brooklynite, Jay-Z is prepared to play his first and only scheduled US festival outing on July 31st.

I have watched Hova grow up from freestylin’ at the Marcy Projects to headlining Madison Square Garden. All I can say is that I feel honored to have the best rapper alive finally play in my Jersey City backyard.

Though this may be a very last minute announcement, Miss Liberty is convinced Jay-Z is a welcomed addition, and he has the power to truly make APW a leader in the US festival circuit.

I can only hope that my girl and Jay’s wife Beyonce will make an appearance at his set, getting all the single ladies riled up.

Though this is surprisingly Jay-Z’s first American festival appearance in his twenty-plus year career, he gained festival experience last year as he headlined multiple European summer festivals, most notably Glastonbury Festival in England. 

We can only hope Jiggaman brings the same energy and attitude as he did at that performance. I suggest you watch the video below of Jay-Z opening his set with Oasis’ “Wonderwall,” a direct response to the insults given by the Manchester group regarding a rapper headlining the traditionally rock oriented festival.

Jay-Z will headline All Points West Friday night July 31 amongst many of today’s most popular indie rockers including Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Vampire Weekend, Fleet Foxes and the National. However, more importantly, he will play amongst many other hip-hop artists including Q-Tip, Pharcyde, and Organized Konfusion. 

I am anticipating some interesting collaborations, or maybe some Queens vs. Brooklyn action between Q-Tip and Jigga.

Check his MySpace page to hear his new single “Death of Auto-tune,” a small preview to his upcoming album the “Blueprint 3.” Tickets are still on sale here, but hurry up since they are sure to go fast after this huge announcement.

Brooklyn Go Hard,

Lady Liberty

A killer ending to a phenomenal weekend of music and art: Coldplay closes All Points West

The biggest Pop Rock band in the world will be headlining All Points West on Sunday August 2^nd. No, not the Jonas Brothers, it’s Coldplay! This Grammy winning band from London, England has dominated the charts since their debut album Parachutes, featuring “Yellow” in 2000. Almost a decade later, Coldplay continues to be one of the biggest names in music.

It’s not worth it to me to describe Coldplay’s music because you cannot avoid hearing “Viva la Vida” from their latest album Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends, everywhere. I have been a bit out of the loop because my crown was temporarily closed, but after this past 4^th of July weekend I must have heard “Viva la Vida” 100 times as people’s ringtones. I’m telling you, those cell phone speakers are just as good as those 80s boom boxes that used to roll through my head.

This may be a bit of a stretch, but I feel a bit connected to Chris Martin, Coldplay’s singer. His wife, actress Gwyneth Paltrow, went to The Spence School for high school in New York City. I used to watch her strut her stuff walking down those New York avenues, and I always knew she would be a star. 

Chris and Gwyneth must really love the Big Apple, considering they named their first born daughter after my great city. In fact, I recently learned that Apple Blythe Alison Martin is not the only apple in the Coldplay bushel. One of the band’s associates’ daughter is named Apple as well.

Coldplay’s magnificent live performances are filled with mellow rock songs that instill their audiences with a spiritual feeling. This show combined, with myself and Lower Manhattan in the backdrop, will surely be one of the most memorial experiences in my 200+ years of statuing. I just downloaded 9 of their songs for free from their website and am psyched for this show.

Coldplay is the icing on the cake for what will undoubtedly be the best weekend of summer 2009. Thinking about what I just said, this weekend will be one of the best events that end the first decade in the new millennium. Joined by legendary Tool and Jay-Z  with 60 other fantastic musicians and comedians, Coldplay will cement All Points West as the East Coast’s premier music festival.

How did I get so lucky that all of this is happening in my backyard? Patience truly is a virtue.

Miss L.

Elbow elbows their way to All Points West

It seems fitting, as the ambassador to immigrants and visitors to the U.S.A., that I get to host bands from all of the world to perform at All Points West. Coldplay, Gogol Bordello, My Bloody Valentine, Arctic Monkeys, The Ting Tings, MSTRKRFT, Mogwai and Etienne De Crecy are some of the artists making the trip abroad to rock the stage in Liberty State Park July 31^st – August 2^nd.

In addition to this multinational lineup is Elbow. This British Alternative Rock band has been recording and touring since 1990, opening for Coldplay and U2 on numerous tours. Although Elbow has not received commercial success like their musical counterparts, they continue to play with passion and for the love of music.

Elbow has recorded and released four albums. Their latest, The Seldom Seen Kid, came out on March 17, 2008, and features the songs “Grounds for Divorce” and “One Day Like This.” They have a heavy tour this summer spanning all over North America and Europe. I always appreciate foreigners with a strong work ethic, considering their ancestors built this great nation. Don't think I forget about the thousands of ships that have sailed past my home in the harbor.

Elbow has a truly unique and sensual sound. Lead singer Guy Garvey's deep voice and strong British accent makes this rock band a pleasant listen. Guitarist Mark Potter, keyboardist Craig Potter, bassist Pete Turner and drummer Richard Jupp provide the powerful musical elements that will make their performance at All Points West on Sunday August 2nd a must see.

With only 2 weeks until the festival I'm getting antsy on my pedestal. I need some music to blow me off my stand and onto the park. See all of you soon!

Miss L

From the mountains to the City: Northwest Indie Folk Makes it's Way to the Teeming Jersey Shores

What? You don’t think that indie buzz cred makes its way all the way to yours truly?

Just because I soar the skies of New Jersey does not mean I do not know what all you hip kids are listening to. Last year, like everyone else in the blogosphere, I fell in love with Seattle, Washington’s very own Fleet Foxes. Combining elements of indie and medieval folk to create what they call “baroque harmonic pop jams,” the five-piece are quintessential dudes with beards and plaid group.

But the Foxes stand above the rest with their hauntingly beautiful multi-person vocal harmonies (a rarity in today’s music), unorthodox song structures that retain a pop sensibility, and engaging lyrics that stem from nature, family and personal struggle. Those lucky enough to have caught them live in their short touring history are well aware of Fleet Foxes’ addicting transcendent live performance.

In 2008, Fleet Foxes released both their EP Sun Giant and their first full length Fleet Foxes to high praised reviews from throughout the world. The Guardian named the full length “a landmark in American music, an instant classic.” After catching the attention of multiple media sources, Fleet Foxes went from a small club playing band opening up for other small indie bands to international headliners, that are close to the top of every festival bill they play. 

A must see band, Fleet Foxes have announced on their MySpace that their September 16 show with Blitzen Trapper in Paris will be their last until they finish recording their next album, of which I, like the rest of the world, am particularly excited to hear.

The long-awaited return of Fleet Foxes to the New York area commences July 31, 2009 at the All Points West Music and Arts Festival that features Coldplay, Tool and Jay-Z . For more information go the Liberty Event and APW sites and follow libertyevent on Twitter. Buy your APW tickets and tell EVERYONE you know that this truly is one of those not-to-be-missed performances at this year's number one East Coast Festival.  

I’ll be leading the harmonies, and conducting the Foxes with my torch!

Grab yourself a bottle of “pop” and come on down.  I'll be flying my flannel.

Miss Liberty