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.

All Points West -- Miss Liberty's helpful tips of Do's and Don'ts

As the All Points West Music and Arts Festival draws near, I am going to give all of you festival goers my 2 cents in regards to the do's and don'ts of what to bring and how to behave. Remember, I'm old enough to be your great-great-great-great grandmother, so heed my advice.

Here are some crucial items to make sure you do NOT forget:

• Sunglasses
• Sun block
• Bug spray
• Comfortable shoes and clothes
• Rain coat/poncho
• Bathing suit for the Do LaB
• Money for water, food, booze, water, water, and more water
• Prescription medicine PRESCRIBED TO YOU!!!
  
  

  

Here are some items you may want to bring, but are not necessary:

• Medium sized backpack
• Cell phone
• Beach towel
• Cameras
• EMPTY water bottle
• Recreational toys (ie. footballs, frisbees)
• Cigarettes
• Lighter
• Pocket flashlight
• Stroller for infants/toddlers only

And of course, what NOT TO BRING TO APW:

• Drugs
• Alcohol
• Tents
• Professional cameras (if it has a removable lens, it is not allowed)
• Chairs
• Food
• Coolers
• Weapons
• Fireworks/explosives/pyrotechnics
• Laser pointers
• Pets
• Blankets, but you can bring a towel
• Musical instruments
• Flags
• Umbrellas
  
  
  

Security is well aware of sneaky hiding spots (cigarette cases, backpacks, chapstick containers, etc.) so please leave your special goodies at home.

For helpful tips on how to get to and from the festival visit www.apwfestival.com/directions/. For a list of local hotels/motels visit www.apwfestival.com/hotels/.

I hope all of that info helps. I cannot believe the festival is less than 2 weeks away!!!

Now who's going to look after my torch for the weekend?


The very divine Miss Liberty
Music Conductor
All Points West Music and Arts Festival

Lady Liberty Loves the Friends of Liberty State Park

Miss Liberty wants to give a big shout out and an ever-loving Thank You to the Friends of Liberty State Park.

The Friends are a volunteer and non-profit organization that devotes their time to protecting, preserving and promoting Liberty State Park.

Without them there would be no beautiful setting to hold the All Points West Music and Arts Festival, no space for people of all ages to play and relax, no free, public park for the city dwellers to bring their families and picnic behind the worlds greatest symbol of freedom and democracy, which of course happens to be me, yours truly.

Throughout the 19^th and 20^th century, the land that is now the park housed the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal. The railroad played a major role in this region’s and our nation’s history. Two- thirds of the 12 million immigrants who went through Ellis Island came next to this hub to start their American lives where anything is possible.

However, the decline of the railroad industry brought on the fall of the Central Railroad and the land that is now Liberty State Park was reduced to nothing more than a desolate wasteland complete with abandoned, rail yards, decaying piers and piles of garbage.

Until a man named Morris Pesin came along with a vision. Miss Liberty considers him an American Hero for the gift he created for the public here in Jersey City.

The great Mr. Pesin had the idea to create the park on a traffic-filled day while taking his Jersey City family to visit me. He was struck by how close yours truly, Miss Lady Liberty, was to the derelict Jersey City shoreline.

A year later, with a reporter, he took a canoe ride from Jersey City to my island to dramatize our close proximity and to launch the campaign to make my eyesore neighbor into a free and green park with ferry access to me and Ellis Island.

He then spearheaded an 18 year citizens’ movement to establish the park which officially opened on Flag Day, June 14^th, 1976.

Today the park is an urban open space for picnicking and unstructured recreation, with miles of paths to enjoy.

In 1988, park-loving activists, guided by park pioneers Morris Pesin, Audrey Zapp and Ted Conrad formed The Friends of Liberty State Park. Yearly, from 2006-2009, their volunteers planted 60,000 flower bulbs and they spent $15,000 dollars on trees in an effort to beautify the park.

The Friends advocate for the welfare of the park and its users and have made it through some very difficult times, often needing to mobilize statewide coalitions to stop commercial plans such as a golf course and a commercial water park.

The park itself was a safe haven during the September 11^th attacks on the World Trade Center. On Arbor Day 2003, The Friends’ president, Sam Pesin, son of the park’s “father”, Morris Pesin, spoke at the dedication ceremony of the peaceful Grove of Remembrance, planted as a tribute to the New Jersey residents that were killed during the attacks.

Liberty State Park is a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday city living.

To stand in the middle of the 1,122 acres paths, water, green meadows, and recreational space and see me holding my torch high and to overlook one of the most inspiring city skylines in the nation is an incredible experience.

I would just like to recognize the Friends of Liberty State Park for the huge role they play in making that experience possible. And to thank them for their blessing of the wonderful All Points West Music and Arts Festival which I hope will happen for a hundred years to come ‘cause you know Miss L loves her music.

Long live freedom, democracy, and my blessed Rock n Roll

Miss Liberty

Cage the Elephant tramples their way to All Points West

At least once a week I hear a passersby say, “Rock n Roll is dead. It’s all about Rap and Electronica.”

Miss Liberty strongly disagrees because when I listen to Cage The Elephant, I believe Rock n Roll is alive and kicking ass.

Cage The Elephant comes from Bowling Green, Kentucky: a blue collar town where brothers Matt and Brad Shultz learned to love Rock n Roll. They later teamed up with Jared Champion, Daniel Tichenor and Lincoln Parish to form this powerful Rock entity.

Matt Shultz’s voice reminds me of Garrett Dutton (G. Love & Special Sauce) infused with Zach de la Rocha’s (Rage Against The Machine) raw energy. The guitar duo of Brad Shultz and Lincoln Parish remind me of John Frusciante doubling himself on Red Hot Chili Peppers recordings. And when the groove masters Champion (drums) and Tichenor (bass) lock in, Cage The Elephant jumps to the next level of Rock proficiency.

These guys released their debut album, Cage The Elephant, in the U.K. last summer and in the U.S. this past May. They’re already booked for several big festivals this summer including the recent Bonnaroo and the upcoming All Points West on Saturday August 1st, in my back yard, as well as Lollapalooza the following week.

I love watching new bands perform because it keeps me young and fresh. Yours truly has been around for a long time, I’ve seen music evolve, but nothing gets me more pumped up then when a young band comes into town ready to rock my beloved New York City shores.

Don’t miss Cage, people, or mama won’t forgive you.

I’ve got a Miracle ! Dark Star Orchestra headlines THE BEACH at Governors Island

I have been standing proud for generations, yet nothing gets my butt grooving like The Grateful Dead. To this lady, they are more than just a band.

You see, loyal fans such as myself see them as a forty-year-old musical tradition that inspired its own community, legends and a general way of life.  Miss Liberty is a patriot and a lover of American Folk-Bluegrass-Jamming music so the loss of Jerry Garcia in 1995 made her copper knees weak.

Thankfully, the tremendous talents of Dark Star Orchestra have kept up the tradition of heart-felt jamming alive since 1997. The group has been called a cover band, yet I will raise my torch in salute, then smack you down if you say that in my presence. DSO’s talent and uniqueness make them musicians in their own right.

Standing tall, I have the best view of any NYC and NJ stage, and have been subject to many concerts, whether I like it or not. (Just because I’m heavy and metal, doesn’t mean I always enjoy Heavy Metal)  So with this experience, I have a thing or two to say about a good show.

DSO does not just get on stage and play the tunes of the Grateful Dead. Rather, as the Denver Post claimed, DSO is "a perfection-oriented practitioner of homage.” The channelers of the once dominating band of hippiedom get on stage each night and play, to damn-near perfection, a complete set list found in Dead history, song for song.

Like any other band that successfully spread out their career over three decades, the Grateful Dead had distinct eras over the years, from changing keyboardists to their evolving sound.

Now here’s the magic of DSO that makes me jump for joy: When Dark Star Orchestra chooses a show from ’72, they will change instruments and tweak the sound to make it sounds like it is from that era. They do whatever needs to be done to make it feel and seem like you, the audience, are actually at a Grateful Dead concert.

My favorite similarity is the uncanny physical (and of course auditory!) resemblance of rhythm guitarist and vocalist Rob Eaton to a younger Bob Weir, the member of the Dead he so greatly emulates, except, of course, for his flowing mane of long blond hair. But we can’t blame the man for that, can we?

             Bob Weir

Rob Eaton

Dark Star Orchestra has played more than 1600 shows over an almost twelve- year career, and shows no sign of ending their career. They bring me back to my younger days, and are Miss Liberty’s recommended band to bring vintage Dead shows to your children and friends. July 11th marks the second year in a row that DSO will play THE BEACH at Governors Island.

They will be joined by the one-man jam band, and their good friend, Keller Williams, who is known for busting out a Dead tune in his own sets from time to time.

Warming up the crowd for both bands will be my man, Pete Francis and Barefoot Truth.  What a line-up!

Tickets can be found here, and more information can be found here and you can be the first to hear about newly announced Governors Island shows by joining Miss Liberty’s Twitter feed.  This concert series goes weekends till October.

As always, check out my personal favorite website named after me, Liberty Event, to see what amazing shows are coming up like the All Points West Music and Arts Festival rocking me and thousands of others from July 31st to August 2nd on the other side of the river in Liberty State Park featuring Coldplay, Beastie Boys and Tool.

As always, Miss Liberty wants to remind her Dead-loving friends that drinking water prevents cotton-mouth ; )    Hydrate.  Hydrate.  Hydrate.

I’ll see you soon, honeys.

Peace, music and jam sessions…

Miss L.

All Points West!

“All Points West!  Trains loading for All Points West!!!"

I used to hear the conductors in the main Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal yell this out to immigrants passing from Ellis Island to various places throughout the country.

  

I am glad that All Points West's co-producers Liberty Event and AEG decided to revitalize this important piece of history in the name of a super music festival. 

The flood of immigrants who came to America during the late 19^th century is what has made our country so diverse and great. I am proud to say that this time in history has been memorialized in the name of the largest music and arts festival in the Tri-State Area. For three days, yours truly, along with 40,000 urbanites of every conceivable origin, get to rock out to the finest tunes around.  

Honey, they don't call this the melting pot for nothing.

The All Points West Music and Arts Festival has one, well actually two major advantages over all the other music festivals in the United States of America.  

First of all, not to be modest or anything, but the spectators get to look at moi, Miss Liberty, the symbol for "freedom and justice for all," throughout the entire weekend. Second, they get to join me in the glorious view of New York City.  Take that Bonnaroo.

Nothing’s better than being completely taken over by the magnificent New York City skyline, and striking views of yours truly, Lady Liberty while watching top musicians and comedians on three stages throughout Liberty State Park.

2009 will be the second year of The All Points West Festival, the East Coast counterpart to Coachella. After a successful first year in 2008 that featured Radiohead, Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, Trey Anastasio of Phish, and a slew of up and coming indie rock bands, the festival is back and better than ever. 

I do not know who will be able to beat the sounds and lights of Radiohead last year, but I hear Tool puts on quite an impressive laser show. Maybe they can use this lady's beautiful figure as canvas on which to paint the mighty laser lights.

These glorious festivities occur July 31st to August 2nd. The lineup includes headliners Coldplay, Tool and the Beastie Boys, indie rock veterans My Bloody Valentine and Echo and the Bunnymen and once again rising indie starlets like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Vampire Weekend, Fleet Foxes, the Ting Tings, Artic Monkeys, and the Gaslight Anthem.  

This year, according to Billboard.com, “The producers have promised to improve the festival layout and transportation options from the first year, including adding additional ferry service at a reduced price from Manhattan, free rides on the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail trains for festival ticket holders, and larger concession areas with shorts lines at the concert.” 

Those who choose to drink at the show will now be able to buy more beers in areas with more lines and better views of the stage. 

Also, a portion of ticket sales will go to the Friends of Liberty State Park, who will use the funds to continue to restore, and expand my beautiful public park, a historic location where many people's parents and grandparents first stepped foot into America.

I am excited to know that during the second year of APW, my guests who need a break from the music and bright sun will have the possibility to join a laugh riot in the newly installed comedy tent. 

All Points West is thrilled to welcome comedy veteran Janeane Garofalo, State and Stella’s Michael Showalter, Cartoon Network characters Tim and Eric, Arj Barker and Eugene Mirman both of the "Flight of the Conchords" series, and "30 Rock" joker Judah Friedlander.  Thank goodness for freedom of speech.  These comedians need it.

For more information on All Points West go here, and for tickets go here. 

Liberty Event also co-produces the THE BEACH at Governors Island Concert Series, which will feature concerts throughout the summer including Dark Star Orchestra, Keller Williams and Pete Francis and Barefoot Truth on Saturday, July 11th.

Miss Liberty is excited for a very kick-ass summer concert season.  See you at the shows.


Love, peace, music, and freedom.

Miss Liberty's Backstage Pass to Liberty Event

When I turn my colossal head slightly to the left, a fact most people miss because they are either unobservant, or they do not take the time to notice, I see a talented group of folks making endless phone calls from a small production trailer near Liberty Landing Marina. 

This hard-working clan, few in number, quietly goes about its business producing corporate events and concerts of epic proportions.

Who are my friends that used my name as theirs? Why, it’s Liberty Event, of course!

Thankfully, dear friends, Liberty Event has added quite a lot of excitement to my twelve-decade existence.

As you might surmise, Miss Liberty enjoys watching all kinds of boat traffic and the sparkling lights of the big city, but it can sometimes get a little repetitive keeping watch over the New York Harbor. Not that I’m complaining, mind you, as Miss Liberty would never leave her appointed post, even if she wanted to.

Yet, since I have nothing but time as I hold my torch to welcome all who enter this historic gateway harbor, let’s look back and reminisce about some things Liberty Event has done to energize my watch and make these shores I stand on, well, teeming…

Little Liberty Event began life in 2001 with the creation of the Liberty Boat Show, and a twinkling in the eye of company founder, Ken Tesler. I guess he figured his office was in Liberty Landing Marina; he liked boats, so why not create a boat show.

The Liberty Boat Show had all kinds of boats. It had beautiful, romantic sailboats that glided by in a whisper, and a bunch of those really loud, go-fast boats. There were 100’s of boats, and something for everyone’s taste.

They even had one with three bedrooms and two baths which I believe is bigger than most New York apartments today.

Eventually, the folks at Liberty Event started to include jazz acts at the boat show to give their guests music entertainment. This experience in concert production as well as in large events in general, was a small glimpse toward a bright future booking larger musical events.

With the boat show’s success, word spread and companies like Fidelity Investments and City of Jersey City approached LEM to produce July 4th concerts inside Liberty State Park and the earliest New Jersey Jazz Festivals.

Soon, a west-coast, event-planning corporation, RA Performance, approached Liberty Event to help organize an exciting conclusion to their Mini-Cooper USA Rally.

Liberty Event created a classic New Jersey Boardwalk right in the middle of downtown Jersey City, and the finale of this exciting day, filled with very cool cars, was a free concert by Willie Nile (a fabulous musician who often plays with Mr. Springsteen) and Everclear.

In 2006, Liberty Event embarked on the momentous goal of bringing the first large-scale, publicly ticketed, rock n roll concert to Liberty State Park since 9/11 to celebrate the 30^th anniversary of Liberty State Park. This was no small task.

To successfully produce here in my park, you have to be very organized, do your homework, and receive permissions from just about everybody on up to the President of the United States. Well, not that far, but almost.

Being no fools, Liberty Event once again looked to yours truly for inspiration, and LibertyJAM was born.

LibertyJAM featured some of my favorite acts including The Smithereens, The Fab Faux, Patti Smith, George Clinton & P*Funk, and Cheap Trick. It rained a lot that weekend, but the concert went off without a hitch, and this 2005 multi-act rock festival was the pre-cursor to the All Points West Music and Arts Festival that we enjoy today.

A note about LibertyJam: When I heard that Cheap Trick’s manager and agent wanted their band to headline and follow the legendary George Clinton and his Parliament Funkadelic, I was shocked!

How could a classic rock band possibly match the craziness that ensues when George hits the stage, or match the funky grooves and rhythms of Funkadelic?!? If you looked closely that night, I swayed a little further than the 3” I do normally.

Needless to say though, Cheap Trick tore it up and brought the heat, and that crazy Rick Nielsen was sensational on all his wild Hamer guitars.

Did I mention that my one hundred and twenty-two years of modeling paid off? I didn’t? Ohh! Well, the Liberty Event crew has used me on their graphics for almost every thing since they started, but I was especially proud of the stage scrims used for LibertyJam.

Another historic event I witnessed was the Veterans Day Event for the Burn Advocates Network. Talk about an epic production challenge. 50 war veterans, volunteers and supporters pedaled hydro-bikes around little ole me to raise awareness about military burn victims, and the New Jersey Fireboat saluted them, but see for yourself. It was cool, and I was proud to be a part of it. I salute all veterans and soldiers who serve the greatest country in the world.

From my experiences watching and partaking in all the Liberty Event’s productions, I know that they put on a hell of an event. If you ever need a top-notch musical headliner or production support for your next event, Liberty Event is the place to call.

I’ll continue my eternal fist pumping (look really close at a picture of mine, you’ll know what I’m talking about) as I’m surrounded by the 2009 All Points West Festival, featuring Coldplay, Beastie Boys, Tool, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, My Bloody Valentine, MGMT, and so many more.

Also, I'll look for you at the Highline Ballroom presents THE BEACH on Governor’s Island, which kicks off Saturday, July 11^th and features Dark Star Orchestra, Keller Williams, and Pete Francis and Barefoot Truth.

My advice to you citified, huddled masses: go to these events!

Take it from someone who knows; there’s seeing a concert and then there’s seeing a concert with the New York City skyline as your backdrop, and yours truly as your musical conductor.

Peace, Love, and Rock n Roll : )