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

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.

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

Hell yea! The Yeah Yeah Yeahs come home to NYC to play All Points West

Yeah Yeah Yeah's originated as a New York City alternative rock band right across the Hudson River from the All Points West concert site in Liberty State Park.

Some might say the band is evolving, but your rock n roll diva, Miss Liberty, is somewhat concerned that the chic Miss O would leave her urban roots and relocate to Los Angeles, the land of smog, insane traffic, and generally artificial everything. I hope you know what I’m alluding to without getting into specifics, but we’ve all seen Nip/Tuck.

Karen O has the same gritty attitude as Lady Liberty, so it threw me for a loop that she’s now creating music from the land of make-believe. What was she thinking?

I also must confess that it took me quite some time to get into the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. I never gave them a chance, until a friend insisted I give them a serious listen. Needless to say, It's Blitz has been repeating in my crown since its April release, and the triple Y’s are making great alternative music.

It’s Blitz is saturated with dancy synths but the band confirms to me that it, “still sound(s) like Yeah Yeah Yeahs.” Indie rock tastemaker Pitchfork calls their new dancy sound "compelling pop rock" made up of songs "in favor of detours, miniature grooves, and lengthy asides that produce the sensation of a band and a singer impulsively following their own emotional whims."

And you know how I adore anyone that follows their own independent spirit, and moves to their own damn drum beat.

I only have good things to say about Yeah Yeah Yeah’s third album, except maybe for its short duration.

Karen O is most known for her unique but stylish clothes. At this year's Bonnaroo, she was seen wearing tiger print tights and a bizarre kimono-like shirt with strange pink and blue patterns.


Regardless, she is still hot and easily today's Queen of Alternative Rock. I do believe Karen is taking her wardrobe cues from yours truly, but then again, who wouldn’t?

All Points West fans should expect more than just thrilling music from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs set this year. Besides the remarkable reviews across the spectrum of music journalism, Yeah Yeah Yeah’s were honored as musical guests on an April 2009 episode of Saturday Night Live where they played their new single “Zero” as well as “Maps” off their debut Fever to Tell.

Honestly, with all the attention the Yeah Yeah Yeahs has received in the last few months, I cannot wait for their performance on the first day of All Points West on July 31 at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, NJ.

Karen and the gang will be playing the same day as headliners Beastie Boys, as well as other indie starlets like the Vampire Weekend, the National and Fleet Foxes.

Don’t forget Tool and Coldplay headline Saturday and Sunday respectively. For more information go here, or here and follow us on Twitter. Buy your tickets here, and tell EVERYONE you know that this truly is one of those not to be missed concerts.

Karen, I implore you. Come back home. New York City considers you a hometown girl and I promise, I’ll look after you. Leave La-La land while you still can and while you’re still young. We want you back. But even if you stay in Los Angeles, we are thrilled you are playing All Points West.

See you at the show.

Lady Liberty

Miss Liberty shouts out to her BBV. Best Brooklyn Vegan!

Hey music lovers, the other day I was bored just standing here all day in the rain, so I decided to bust out the iPhone discretely concealed inside my twenty-three foot tablet.

I popped open up the Safari app, and went straight to Brooklyn Vegan, one of my favorite music blogs and concert announcement directories. They pretty much kick the most ass when it comes to New York area music news, as well as a prime source for all things All Points West.  How does one vegan go to so many shows a night?

So I was reading BV, and I stumbled upon an article that touched on a phenomenon in music trends that I have been considering myself. The blog references an article from Relix magazine, your source for all things jam bands. The article discusses how indie rockers should not completely distance themselves from the jam scene, even if they loathe them dirty hippies. 

Dreadlocked Hippie

I have witnessed my share of dreadlocks in my day, but also have been subject to some of the tightest jeans and shortest cut-off shorts at concerts on both sides of the Hudson. Though the fashions and attitudes may be on opposite sides of the spectrum, is the music really that different? 

Just your ordinary hipsters

I mean come on, is it really that much of a coincidence that Phish’s Trey Anastasio played the 2008 All Points West, a festival that primarily featured bands under the umbrella “indie rock” : Radiohead, Grizzly Bear, Animal Collective, CSS, etc…?

Trey Anastasio

Or, what about my friends at Liberty Event who co-produce the primarily indie-rock fest All Points West at the same time as doing primarily jam shows at Governors Island? This summer alone they will put some of the best indie rock at APW 2009 : Fleet Foxes, the National, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Vampire Weekend, etc… as well as the Grateful Dead tribute band Dark Star Orchestra and Keller Williams, two of the biggest representatives of jam rock at The Beach on Governors Island.

Yours truly has pondered this phenomenon for some time. Finally, thanks to the thorough investigative work of Relix magazine, there is proof that some indie artists have borrowed some aspects, here and there, from the jam band scene. Miss Liberty’s a little short on time so I will quickly highlight some APW artists who talk and show this cross-pollination.

MGMT will play All Points West on Sunday August 2 with Coldplay and the Black Keys amongst many others. Though known for being last year’s indie starlets, their music has clear psychedelic elements that stem from the Grateful Dead and arguably the long experimental jams of jam bands. The Relix article has a quote from their guitarist James Richardson, who says they once considered playing a 45-minute version “China Cat Sunflower” by the Grateful Dead.

Richardson – “"I think pretty much everybody in MGMT secretly loves jambands--well, not so secretly. We always have." (Relix)

MGMT

Or what about Vampire Weekend which plays on Friday July 31 with Beastie Boys, and many others? My fellow statue representing James Connolly in Union Park in Chicago spotted drummer Chris Tomson wearing a Phish shirt at the Pitchfork Media Music and Arts Festival, and according to Relix he did the same at Bonnaroo ’08. Relix also mentions how Tomson attended the first jam-oriented Bonnaroo ’02. 

Vampire Weekend

There may be nothing too over the top to make of all this, but it does make for an interesting discussion.  You know, the type of conversation that happens late at night, post concert, with a tall cold one.

Once again, thank you Brooklyn Vegan for the cool stories. I look forward to meeting the founding father of BV at All Points West 2009!  If you have not already been comp’d by my brothers and sisters at AEG, please contact Miss Liberty ‘cause this Rock n Roll Chica will hook you up.  I love Brooklyn and the mighty BV.

Peace and sunshine.

Miss Liberty