Dec 14
A Fabulous Night With Fresh 102.7 FM
Earlier this week, I enjoyed a girls night out at two of my favorite NYC venues.
My dear friend Sara and I met up at Pappardella on the Upper West Side. This cozy Italian eatery has long been a neighborhood staple with good reason–delicious, consistent fare and friendly service. We shared a caprese salad (with melt in your mouth fresh mozzarella) then enjoyed one of their signature dishes–pappardelle with wild mushroom ragu, white wine, truffle cream, roasted garlic & basil. Yummm.
After dinner, we walked over to the iconic Beacon Theater on Broadway. The event–Fresh 102.7 FM‘s first ever Winter Jam concert.
Fresh 102.7 FM’s Kim and Kane
I always start my day with Fresh’s Kim and Kane in the morning. So it was a treat to see them emcee part of the four-hour show, which featured an A-list lineup of pop artists. I’ve attended several radio station concerts over the years; this was far and away one of the best, most well executed productions. And we got to experience it all from fifth row center seats!
American Authors
The concert kicked off with American Authors, debuting a song from their upcoming second album and powering through “I’m Just A Believer” and “Best Day of My Life.” Spunky family band Echosmith were effervescent fun, closing out their set with “Cool Kids.”
Next up, Gavin DeGraw, who was as irresistible as he was when I saw him at an SPG Moments concert last year. He did older songs from his catalog like “Follow Through” and “I Don’t Wanna Be,” and newer classics like “Sweeter” and “The Best I Ever Had,” ending with his mega-hit “Not Over You.”
Gavin DeGraw (photo courtesy: Fresh 102.7 FM)
Daughtry performed an acoustic set, including a memorable version of “Home” dedicated to U.S. troops. It was fantastic to hear stripped down versions of “It’s Not Over,” “September,” “Battleship” and one of my all-time favorites, “Waiting For Superman.”
Daughtry (photo courtesy: Fresh 102.7 FM)
The evening ended on a very high note, with Train. Lead singer Pat Monahan demonstrated why Daughtry raved about him being one of the best pop vocalists today (not to mention, adept at taking selfies with front row audience member phones).
Train
So many great songs in Train’s catalog, and they performed most of them—including “Cadillac, Cadillac,” “Angel In blue Jeans,” “99 Ways To Say Goodbye” and “Calling All Angels.” They ended their set with breakout hit “Drops of Jupiter.”
A truly amazing night of great music and fun with a dear friend. One that reinforced something I’ve been feeling a lot lately – truly blessed to call this incredible city home.
Oct 8
An Epic Night On The Town
Saturday, I enjoyed a wonderful girls night out with my cousins Dana and Carla.
With Carla in Long Island and Dana traveling often for work, it had been awhile since the three of us were together. And we quickly made up for lost time with an action packed evening and delightful, soul soothing conversation.
The night kicked off at the UWS location of popular, lively brasserie The Smith. Over a delicious dinner, we talked about home makeovers (I’m about to undertake one), old flames and new beginnings.
Dana, Carla and me at NYC’s Empire Hotel
Our next stop was the Empire Hotel’s swanky lobby bar, where I savored a pear martini (okay, two…) and some nostalgic reminiscing.
Among the funnier recollections: our adolescent affinity for consuming entire tubs of Betty Crocker Creamy Deluxe frosting. Yes—an entire 16 ounce tub for each of us. In one sitting!
After saying goodnight to Dana, Carla and I paused to take in the majesty of Lincoln Center at night before heading over to a few places in my hood, the Upper East Side.
First, we visited Session 73, which was hopping with a great cover band playing 90’s tunes and current chart toppers. Then, we walked over to dive bar Stumble Inn for one last round of drinks.
As Carla and I made our way back home, I couldn’t help thinking how fortunate I am to have beloved cousins who are more like sisters to me. And, of course, how lucky I am to live in the world’s greatest city, a place where you never know what adventures and new beginnings are right around the corner.
