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.

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

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