Metropolitan Palm Beach Nov/Dec 2021

PALM BEACH NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

LUXURY MAGAZINE

Elizabeth

PIPKO Model, Author & Political Activist

$20.00 USD Fashion | Luxury | Profiles | Features | Shopping | Travel | Art | Design | Auto | Food | Health

25A

The Nature of Jean 2

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

S

chlumberger.

November/December 2021

3

25A

4

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

November/December 2021

5

PALM BEACH INTERCOASTAL

25A

6

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

November/December 2021 7 Photographer David Scarola

25A

8

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

Palm Beach Models Photo by Tara Quinn

Jean Sclumberger bird perched on a Tiffany Diamond

Today, as an emblem of Tiffany & Co. and a figure who changed the world of jewelry, altering the possibilities of what can be designed from nature’s sight and transformed into emblazoning pieces, Schlumberger’s extraordinary wonders have continued.

November/December 2021

9

25A

David Scarola is a fine art and portrait photographer based out of Jupiter, Florida. He travels the world taking pictures of and for clients and adding to his various portfolios. David's inspiration for this work comes from his love of interacting with people, observing wildlife, experiencing different cultures, and exploring exotic and intriguing locations- as David simply describes it: "Working with cool people on cool projects in cool places." There isn't a day that passes where David does not feel grateful for the opportunity to combine his art with his livelihood, and that passion is evident in every image he produces. David believes that miracles, magic, and beauty are in search of voices and his photographs are some of their pronouncements. What a gift!

David developed an obsession with his father’s camera and photography very early in life. That Pentax MS-SLR went a great distance. Dad clicked out the Scarola family memories, eventually infusing his love for picture-making and his keen eye for symmetry and composition upon his son. Enamored with photography and technology, as the years progressed, david was constantly engaged in this creative pursuit. His talent has evolved into a vocation of commercial, portrait, and fine art photography that has yielded a gorgeous and admired body of work and a world-wide clientele. www.davidscarolaphotography.com 561.632.8316 11436 US-1 North Palm Beach, Florida 33408

10

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

Photographer David Scarola November/December 2021

11

25A

12

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

CUSTOM-MADE LUXURY CATAMARANS

Photos by Sunreef Yachts

November/December 2021

13

25A

RAFAEL NADAL'S 80' GREAT WHITE

THE 80' SUNREEF POWER Sunreef Yachts is the world's leading designer and manufacturer of luxury sailing and power multihulls. Each catamaran, motor yacht, and superyacht built is a bespoke creation. Every yacht is a vision brought to life, thoughtfully designed to deliver luxury, style and comfort.

14

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

GREAT WHITE

The new 80 Sunreef Power is a universal multihull yacht for long cruises in ultimate comfort. Taking luxury and seaworthiness to a new dimension, this dynamic and elegant craft enters the Sunreef Yachts range, redefining the authentic power catamaran design. The yacht’s dynamic hull and superstructure stretch the living spaces to the extreme, offering infinite options for a bespoke layout and décor.

November/December 2021

15

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

25A

16

"Bond, James Bond."

James Bond is back in “No Time To Die,” and fans of the long-running film series can't get enough.

A top “Bond expert” offers his take on Daniel Craig’s latest and last turn as 007.

“Diamonds are Forever” is an apt description of Tiffany’s Schlumberger treasures. We’ve got plenty of incredible fashion, music, travel, art, fine dining and much more to whet your appetite. Our cover star is model, author, and political activist Elizabeth Pipko. We’ve got a new take on Bitcoin and new insight into the artistic mind of Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler. From Manhattan to the Hamptons to beautiful Palm Beach, Florida, our editorial team is out and about talking with movers and shakers while providing our readers with cutting edge luxury content that inspires.

As the Holiday season beckons, we also offer a look at some of the inspirational folks involved with various important charitable endeavors, including our recent cover star Xen Sams who was the focal point of an amazing event and charity auction at New York's venerable Friar's Club. Making it even more special was the presence of two of our other wonderful cover stars, Mie Iwatsuki and Shani Grosz. Our Palm Beach Creative Director is orchestrating her vision to perfection, while Features Editor Jadan Horyn continues to file stories with flair and depth.

Enjoy & stay well and let's all look after each other!

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

©2021 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Franchises independently owned and operated. CT HIC #0657205. Photo: Stefan Radtke.

From simple to intricate designs, California Closets systems are custom designed specifically for you and the way you live.

californiaclosets.com

@caliclosetsnyc

GREENVALE 25 Northern Blvd, Greenvale 516.334.0077 CONNECTICUT 565 Westport Ave, Norwalk 203.924.8444

November/December 2021

17

EDITOR’S NOTE

25A

You don't need anybody to tell you who you are. You are what you are!

—John Lennon

The November chill swirls as the holiday season is just around the corner in Palm Beach, the Hamptons, and Manhattan.

The Halloween Parade in the Village was glorious and soon gives way to The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade as time marches on. New York City marches on too as we all do our part to stay strong, and be smart, like a family.

At the movies, Daniel Craig is Bond, James Bond. Reprising the role for the last time in No Time to Die. James Bond expert Garry Michael Kluger provides insight into the new movie. James Bond may have the Bond Girls, but publisher Chase Backer has our magazine's glamorous cover girls in Xen Sams, Mie Iwatsuki, and Shani Grosz who all showed up to support Xen's charity at a recent Friar's Club event!

The Beatles and Stones are both back in the news. The Stones are touring the U.S. and filmmaker Peter Jackson is unveiling a documentary of previously unseen film of the Beatles.

Kudos to our publisher Chase Backer for always being on top of what our readers are interested in. This issue offers music stories on some new voices and artists along with some old favorites like Aerosmith's Steven Tyler to The Grateful Dead and beyond. We hope the images and stories will strike a chord.

Enjoy!

Adam Kluger Editor in Chief Metropolitan/25A Metropolitan Palm Beach

18

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

WORTH AVENUE CLOCK Photo by David Scarola

November/December 2021

19

25A

IF YOU HAVEN’ T, YOU SHOULD Reimage The Art of Staying In

By Margaret Luce

Each issue I want to bring to you experiences both bold and benign, luxe and leisure, for long-time residents and transplants alike. South Florida has much to offer, and I want to be your personal guide. Follow me as we begin this journey together because if you haven’t, you should...

Reimage The Art of Staying In One of my favorite movie lines is “I want to be left alone” said by the great actress and mysterious recluse Greta Garbo - if only she were alive today her wish would be granted. I must confess that Greta and I have that feeling in common sometimes. What better place to find solace than in the comfort of your own home? Given the events of the past nearly two years, you must think I am crazy for suggesting you stay in, but I’ve learned there is a better way to curate your own luxe experience from a good sweat in a portable sauna spa, to getting an at-home blowout, to having your own personal in-home rave you can sweat, get dolled, up, and rock out all without leaving your own home.

Leisure The Higher Dose infrared blanket came at the perfect time. Higher Dose is an incredible company whose sales are soaring. It’s easy to see why, you don't need space just roll out on the floor, the sofa, or bed, and voila! Detox baby and boy can you purge toxins with this blanket. Their motto is "stay high on your own time." I have used infrared technology for over twenty years. I credit it with keeping my skin young, my joints healthy, and a quicker way to purge toxins.

This thing is so, so, convenient! Visit highredose. com no excuses!

Luxe You see I found a way to combat the blues by enlisting a good sweat, now a blow-dry is in order to fix that sweaty hair. Fortunately, Air Bar was only closed for a short time during Covid. Air Bar is my go-to blow dry bar. Nothing like a great blow-dry to perk you up. And they even come to your home.

Perfect for that night in. Now get in that closet and put on your best - those pleather Rick Owen pants 20

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

you bought on Net-A-Porter at 2 am (Guilty). After all, no one is looking and you might as well own your look.

Visit theairbar.com

Lit Josh aka DJ Supreme has been on the EDM scene for over a decade and is known to bring his infectious enthusiasm to any venue he headlines. He is a naval submarine veteran who loves DJing because it is a solitary experience with a crowd. Josh reinvented how people could experience club music during the Pandemic by hosting virtual house parties. Josh is also available for smaller house parties as we have gotten used to less being more.

Book Josh at supremeeventsfl@gmail.com 561-350-4949 I highly recommend relaxing with your own infrared spa, getting a good blow-dry, and then dancing the night away outside on your lawn. Burn calories, boost your endorphins, blow out your hair, and bust a move in those pleather pants. You have curated your surroundings and those that surround you.

Good vibes is my motto. Reimage the art of staying in and just love yourself.

Monthly Mantra I recently lost a beautiful girlfriend to cancer and my friend Rita suggested we write letters to Franchesca for her husband to read to her. I reflected on how little we can express ourselves to loved ones that are not in our daily lives but mean so much. Write to a friend that is living and let them know that you love them.

Let’s remember to love people while they are here. #MargaretLuceTip

November/December 2021

21

25A

CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2021

COVER ELIZABETH PIPKO

FASHION 28 32 34 36

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK MIAMI SWIM WEEK MELISSA HORNUNG TIFFANY & CO

ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 34

62 64 78 80 84 86 90 92

NO TIME TO DIE REVIEW THEY/THEM/US REVIEW IHEART RADIO MUSIC FESTIVAL STEVEN TYLER LAURA PALMER JERRY GARCIA ARE WE NOT MEN? WE ARE DEVO NOAH LEHRMAN

TASTE 48 EDGY MOCKTAIL 50 LE BILBOQUET PALM BEACH 51 MEAT MARKET 52 B'ARTUSI 91 HIGHCLERE CASTLE GIN

JET SET 40 74 75 76 PAGE 36 TIFFANY & CO

22

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

VERSANTE HOTEL THE LODGE AT PEBBLE BEACH THE VINTAGES TRAILER RESORT AUTUMN WEEKEND ESCAPE

Wealth.

It’s complicated.

We don’t think your goal in life is to live in constant anxiety over how to preserve and grow your wealth.

Yet for many wealthy individuals and families, it’s an all-too common fate.

Because with your wealth comes complexity.

Perhaps never more so than in today’s market conditions and political realities.

At First Long Island Investors, we understand this better than most. For over 35 years, with us in their corner, some of Long Island’s wealthiest individuals and families have been able to better enjoy what all wealthy people are really striving for.

A wealth of life. Not of worry.

To put First Long Island in your corner, it’s not complicated.

Just give us a call or visit our website.

516-935-1200 w fliinvestors.com

November/December 2021

23

25A

CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2021 PROFILE 44 DR. GLENN LOSACK 54 ELIZABETH PIPKO 98 JONATHAN AXELROD 109 EMILIE HEATHE 111 HENRY BUHL 116 KALAMAZOO OUTDOOR GOURMET 118 ANNIE WATT 121 PHILIP GREENWALD

ART FORM

PAGE 54

60 WARHOL! WARHOL! WARHOL! 100 ELENA ULANSKY 102 PATRICIA PEDRAZA 103 WALTER STERNLIEB 104 EVAN TAWIL 106 JONATHAN FELDSCHUH

SOCIAL 46 SAVE VENICE CELEBRATION 47 GREENWICH POLO 99 SAMUEL WAXMAN CANCER RESEARCH 108 BITCOIN CONFERENCE 2021 MIAMI 110 BIG DADDY CELEBRITY GOLF CLASSIC 114 ANN LIGUORI FOUNDATION 120 SOUTHAMPTON ANIMAL SHELTER GALA 122 XEN SAMS COVER PARTY 123 VETERINARIANS INTERNATIONAL PAGE 47

24

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

BLAZING WOOD.

BRILLIANT FLAMES.

AND A PRIMAL SENSE

THE GAUCHO GRILL

+1.866.781.3129

OF

CONNECTION.

K A L A M A ZO O G O U R M E T.CO M

November/December 2021

25

Publisher Chase Backer

25A

Editor-in-Chief Adam Kluger

METROPOLITAN

LUXURY MAGAZINE

Assistant Publisher Jaime Backer Creative Director Joseph Drake

SEPTEMBER 2021

Art Directors Jessica Lee; Lonee Telemaque Assistant Editor Willy Nichter Copy Editors Sean Buttimer; Whitney Thompson Lifestyle Editor Elizabeth Langevin

THE WOMAN BEHIND THE BRAND

$20.00 USD

Fashion | Luxury | Profiles | Features | Shopping | Travel | Art | Design | Auto | Food | Health

Features Editor Jadan Horyn Luxury Editor Stephanie L. Howitt Editor at Large | Art, Culture & Fashion Rachel Vancelette Fashion Photographer Matt Licari; Tara Quinn Profiles Editor Alexandra Appino-Tabone Social Editor Clara Morgan Food Editor Andrea Correale; Maribel Alvarez Digital Media Director Nancy Molina Make-up Peggy Mackey Contributors Rachel Vancelette, D.D. Rice, Paul Prince, Peter Elston, Johnny Angel, Harry White, Victoria Crosby Contributing Photographers Matt Licari, Rene Bernal, tama66, pixel2013, Michael Gaida, Benno Klandt, Michael Paniccia, Jay Mathews, Filip Shobot, Chris Carroll, Lenny Stucker, Patrick McMullan, MA , Tom Fitzgerald and Pam Deutchman, Sandy Ramirez, Jan Klier, Mitchel Gray, Paul Prince, Kristiina Wilson For advertisement info: 646-300-1852 Info@metmagny.com | metmagny.com Facebook.com/metropolitanmagazinepb | Twitter.com/metmagny Writers, models, musicians and photographers, please inquire.

© Copyright 2021 by Metropolitan Magazine, All rights reserved. Metropolitan is published eleven times per year. Reproduction without permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publisher and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as such and unconditionally assigned for publication subject to Metropolitan magazine’s right to edit.

26

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

Manhattan, NYC, Milan, Sardinia

November/December 2021

27

25A

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK’S EPIC RETURN

THE SHOW MUST GO ON

By Olga Sokolova Edited: Jadan Horyn

A

fter two very long years, we finally have the first complete fashion week. With strict rules in place, most designers opted to use outdoor spaces for their shows and make New York City itself a VIP guest. Designers used rooftops with city views, parks alive with verdant green, and gritty New York Streets to bring a unique vibe to the city.

The week began with an outdoor show by Prabal Gurung in Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park Australian Designer Bronx and Banco conquered the Spring Studio’s rooftop terrace with an influencer-themed showcase. Highlights include the “Don’t call me, I’m in the Hamptons” bags.

This fashion week had a few debuts, Brazilian designer Patricia Bonaldi presented her brand PatBO with flowing sexy gowns and cheeky beach dresses. The show was very well styled in Brazilian eco manners and closed by Brazilian Top Model Alessandra Ambrosio.

One of the main Gurus of American Fashion Michael Kors decided to do his show at Central Park’s Tavern on the Green restaurant. The show was attended by a lot of A-list celebrities and presented by A-list top models such as Irina Shayk, Gigi Hadid, and Kendall Jenner.

Models demonstrated sparkling dresses and bras in Kor's favorite colors.

November/December 2021

29

25A

30

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

Photo courtesy of Pat Bo Brazilian Top Model Alessandra Ambrosio 3 Photo's courtesy of Michael Kors Irina Shayk, Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner 1 Photo of Nicky Hilton

November/December 2021

31

MIAMI

25A

BODY POSITIVITY OR SIZE HYPOCRISY?

By Jadan Horyn

Beth Walkemeyer

I

t is no secret that human bodies come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Yet, the modeling industry until very recently has oscillated between two default aesthetics: impossibly thin and thinner; the distinction between the two is one of degree, not difference. As a new generation rises and social media platforms provide consumption power to millennials and gen Z, radical changes are occurring in fashion. Body positivity has moved from a social media pressure movement to a full-fledged participant in the fashion marketing ecosystem.

Further, like any radical change its manifestation within fashion treads a fine line between body positivity and the glorification of gluttony, between representation and tokenization, and between gendered expectations and sexist hypocrisy.

Much is to be praised in the body positivity movement.

It’s revolutionary yet innately unoriginal premise is that society ought to celebrate people of all body

32

sizes - by the very virtue of their existence. Simply put, discard unattainable ideals and accept reality.

But application of a simple idea is never so simple.

and quickly changing nature, maintains certain constants. Among these are the ecosystem of its industry and its standards of beauty.

It is self-evident that human bodies exist in an enormous array of shapes and sizes. It is equally self-evident that such diversity should exist when we see images of people projected back to us by the media. However, for the better part of humanity’s history, cultural expression of self-reflection has for the most part been idealized rather than realistic.

However, like all movements, body positivity has its dark dimensions. In positing an idea that all body types are to be celebrated, it states that even those unhealthy body types should be praised.

This in turn diminishes the very real health-related complications of obesity and offers a societal shield to those whose choices negatively affect their own wellbeing.

Cultures around the world have presented the desired imagery back to their own people. It is a symptom of the human impulse to perfect the imperfect. Western cultural expression has a long history of artistic expression presenting ideals only to be interrupted by brief periods of realism.

Fashion, a cultural expression noted for its fads

Metropolitan Magazine | 25Amagazine.com

This downside is ironically the mirror image of the unhealthy size disorders caused by the fashion industry’s obsession with thin. In seeking to radically overturn the systems of size oppression, body positivity has become the new handmaiden of unhealthy image enabling. It has become what it sought to end.

SWIM WEEK As it stands, body positivity as applied by the fashion and modeling industries also has to confront basic ecosystem realities. Sample sizes used by models are limited runs in a small variety of sizes by the designer so that they can showcase their art. Models are living clothes hangers for another’s art. As such, creating a multitude of sizes presents a logistical problem for designers and their suppliers. This simple limiting factor affects the ability to showcase different body sizes in the catwalk.

It is not, however, why there appears to be extreme selectivity in representation of body sizes nor in how gendered expectations are presented.

According to Australian model, Beth Walkemeyer(IG: @Bethwalkemeyer) with Genetic Model Management she states that the industry “celebrates large women models but still requires the exacting standards of beauty for traditionally sized models.” This size hypocrisy resonates across the industry as “I have to maintain my look or I am not cast for shoots, yet new entrants can yo-yo in size.”

Torren Lee (IG: @lee.torren) a long-time male model with Elite Model Management and ANTHM states that this industry representation is really tokenization and glorification to “profit off of unhealthy lifestyles.”

He sees the industry as subverting the body positivity movement for its own profit. But more than that, he sees the movement as problematic on its own.

“We celebrate fat, we celebrate poor decisions, we celebrate being unhealthy - how does this solve the problem of fashion creating social problems? It doesn’t. It only perpetuates them just to the opposite extreme.”

Tondalaya (IG @Tondalaya_) sees things differently, she herself has been tokenized and believes that however undesirable that is it is a step forward towards inclusion. Athletic women like her would never have been on a catwalk a decade ago. “I believe this movement is good. Women of all sizes exist and should be represented, some people are just curvier, we can’t all be stick thin.”

This focus on size diversity for female models was reflected on the catwalk during Miami Swim Week, but a glaring omission was the diversity of body sizes among men. This gendered size hypocrisy appears to be as much about sexism as it is about sensuality.

Cuban/French Model Gonzalo Calzon (IG: @ Gonzalo_gc) with NEXT Models Miami and UModels NY believes that lack of representation of male body sizes is because men are competitive and

aspirational “when a guy sees a more fit guy he wants to be like him.” Gonzolo reasons that “men are motivated to be better by those that are better, this is different than women who become critical of their own flaws.”

Brady Erwin (@BradyErwin) with CGM Models Miami and CESD in LA believes the idealized man on the catwalk is driven by a combination of two crucial factors. “Woman want to see handsome men since fashion is a female-dominated industry it makes sense...also many in the industry are gay men and they have high standards on appearance and the choice of models reflects that.” Brady would know as he has been in Vogue and Cosmopolitan and once did work for Abercrombie and Fitch, Moncler, and Armani. As a college dual-sport national championship athlete he understands the pressure models face in the industry.

This is a crucial point in understanding the relative absence of inclusive male body types. Men like woMen are sexualized, which is a truth most of society seems unwilling to admit. The dual inputs of male and female sexual desire create a powerful feedback loop to limit who can model and moreover exposes rampant sexism in the standards imposed on men. Moreover, standard expectations of male muscular development and its attendant sensuality belie the exploitative nature of sexualizing men.

Fashion trends come and go. Torren Lee believes body positivity is one of those trends. It remains to be seen whether the radical changes to fashion will continue past our current disruptive moment or will fade away to a footnote in fashion history.

Either way, the glaringly unequal body standards and representation between g e n d e r s , th e hypocrisy, and sexism, the tokenization and glorification will remain.

But so too will the redefinition of beauty, the acceptance of diversity, the expression of representation, and an endless search for a more authentic way to reflect the best of humanity back to ourselves.

Gonzolo Calzon

To look upon the mirror, and see that Truth is Beauty.

Tondalaya Smith

Brady Erwin

November/December 2021

33

25A

MELISSA HORNUNG

The Architect of Style-Setting Models gracing magazine publications in Palm Beach and giving to her community and charitable causes.

By Tara Quinn

M

elissa Hornung of Palm Beach Models is making decisions that will reshape fashion on Palm Beach Island, as well as promote local businesses on Worth Avenue and beyond.

Melissa has been a professional model all her life and ran a school of modeling. From her successful career, she’s learned how this field builds confidence in young women. This is her passion, and she quotes, “There is nothing more satisfying than the metamorphosis of bringing an enriched experience and discipline watching the models gain confidence,” which helps them find out who they are by reaching for their best selves and essence. “There is beauty in all human beings,” she effortlessly says, “and they realize the confidence and a new journey ahead of them post photoshoot or other experiences.” Her stance on the branding of PBM is classic beauty meets luxury. This is the nucleus of what we are building, creating life experiences for the models and serving our local community at the same time. Building young people’s futures beyond modeling is a social commitment to our beautiful island and the people of Palm Beach.

Melissa looks to expand into other markets, branching out to other agents and other industry professionals here and abroad, which gives us the opportunity to form new connections. It is not only a modeling agency, but a manifestation of a better society within the cities they serve.

MH: What is a Palm Beach Model?

Our Palm Beach Model is a unique individual who is not only beautiful on the outside but is multi-faceted. PB Models may be an athlete, a violinist, a pilot, bilingual, an atelier, and some have traveled all over the world.

34

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

MH: Being in Metropolitan Magazine of Palm Beach is such an honor. What a beautiful magazine to be featured in, a big thank you to the editors, Chase and Lonnie, for giving us this opportunity to share our platform, as we are extremely excited to support one another in the community and watch our businesses grow.

Palm Beach Models is extremely focused on giving back to the community. We are collaborating with certain charities, such as the Andre Agassi Education Foundation’s, a children’s literacy program, and Wings of Rescue that flies at-risk shelter pets from disaster areas and overcrowded shelters to safe havens.

Melissa is also engaged in the equestrian world a champion in her class of polo. She remains connected to the equestrian elite and will promote all luxury brands associated within the Palm Beaches. She was the cover artist for Dan’s Papers Magazine of the Hampton’s and was named by Dan Ratner as one of the top cover artists.

We at Palm Beach Models are honored to represent the future of men, women, and local celebrities.

Contact Palm Beach Models on Instagram @Palm Beach Models Website: www.pbmodelsic.com

Photos: Quinn Photography & Design Writer: Quinn Photography & Design Hair & Makeup: Sofia Beskasnova Editor: Danielle Harvey

November/December 2021

35

25A

Tiffany & Co. Celebrates JEAN SCHLUMBERGER FANTASTICAL DESIGNS

J

By Nicole Ashley Schubert

ean Schlumberger Sets Paris Elite Afire With His Emblazoned Jewelry, Now Piquing Interest of Today’s Sophisticated In-Circle’s Across Palm Beach

To Jean Schlumberger, Paris was a destination of romantic luster, beguiling with society’s elite whom he dressed in spectacular jeweled statements that were gilded in his creative impulses. It was the 1930s, and the aristocrats of the romantic city, which bore lamp post lit sidewalks and cafes adorned with bundles of pastel-colored tables and chairs, were eager to seek Schlumberger’s designs that were uniquely, and often times audaciously conceptualized. Once, he even famously transformed Messein porcelain flowers, found on an old chandelier, into elegant clips for his sophisticated friend circle. And to his delight, and to everyone else’s, they were an immediate hit. His fantastical jewelry designs, many of which were created from relics picked up from the Marche des Puces, Paris’s then popular flea market, quickly spread through the city, decorating the bon vivants of the in-crowds and soon finding word with designer Elsa Schiaparelli, who was allured by his natural talent, showcasing pieces that reflected dimension and life.

36

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

Here, it was the earrings Schiaparelli saw the Duchess of Kent wearing, which Schlumberger originally designed as a novelty. She was instantaneously mesmerized. And as a rising fashion designer whose fans spanned from conservative women to wives of diplomats, banker tycoons and visionary artists, Schiaparelli saw a perfect fit with Schlumberger, employing him as the lead designer on her accessory collections, including costume jewelry and suit buttons. He succeeded to reign supreme under Schiaparelli, understanding her vision for elegance, however bringing his own dissimilar flair to her already fashionable ready-to-wear that were afire with high society. Synonymous with the ultra-smart designer, who often embraced eccentricity in even the smallest of ways, Schlumberger pinned everything from exotic plants to glamorous displays of birds and hybrids of starfish turned into stars to suit jackets and sport coats. He was especially inspired by forms of animals, vegetables, minerals, fruits and insects and the opportunity of what they can evolve into.

“I try to make everything look as if it were growing, uneven, organic,” said Schlumberger.

“I want to capture the irregularity of the universe.”

“I want to capture the irregularity of the universe.”

From working with Schiaparelli, Schlumberger went on to create deeply imaginative pieces, many of which stemmed from his impressive and now legendary drawings, using ultrafine tracing paper, pen and India ink as his medium to create shapes and motifs that began as natural forms in the environment. However, it wasn’t until 1956, when he became an official icon in his own right, partnering with Tiffany & Co. as Vice President. Here, Schlumberger paved a new chapter for the brand, ushering in poised designs that flaunted unconventionalities and irregularities, all while set on rare-colored diamonds and gemstones, including both his Bird on a Rock and Dolphin clip, which joined Elizabeth Taylor’s revered private jewelry collection as a present from Richard Burton on the night of his 1964 premiere of the film, The Night of the Iguana.

Today, as an emblem of Tiffany & Co. and a figure who changed the world of jewelry, altering the possibilities of what can be designed from nature’s sight and transformed into emblazoning pieces, Schlumberger’s extraordinary wonders have continued.

Presently, they can be seen as a part of Tiffany & Co.’s 2021 Blue Book Collection, Colors of Nature, where his designs are once again united with the natural world, along with technicolor-tinted gemstones.

Much like the sophisticated high-society of Paris that delighted in Schlumberger’s jewelry, Tiffany & Co., suggests Palm Beach in-circles to bejewel themselves alike in The Croisillon bracelets, which were some of Schlumberger’s most desirable designs and remain just as coveted in today’s culture, reflecting the timelessly modern aesthetic that he is continuously celebrated for.

November/December 2021

37

25A

Tiffany & Co.

HONORS JEAN SCHLUMBERGER’S AFFINITY FOR THE NATURAL WORLD Where The Imaginable Becomes Attainable In A Symphony of Technicolor Diamonds & Gemstones

I

By Nicole Ashley Schubert

n today’s most elite societies and sophisticated in-circles,

was stung by a jellyfish while on vacation, enriched Tiffany &

whether in the historic, pastel-colored tropics of Palm

Co. with whimsy and wrote a new manifesto for the brand that

Beach or beyond, the legendary Parisian jewelry maker,

was unconventionally infused with wit and curiosity. Even the

Jean Schlumberger, continues to be revered for his

rare gemstones that he used represented provocative scenes

visionary authority on diamonds and deeply masterful

of nature, from abundant verdant landscapes manifested

creations that originally sparked instantaneous brilliance

through rare Colombian emeralds to azure blue seas and

at Tiffany & Co. in the 1960s. Celebrating beauty, glamour

electric color swatches of underwater fauna realized with

and taste throughout all of his unabashedly hard chic designs,

aquamarines, tsavorites and sapphires. In addition, even

many of which were dissimilarly audacious yet always baring

many of the sapphires chosen, baring hues of yellow and

fanciful details, what Schlumberger proved to be most

orange, captured the sun-lamped skies above.

powerful among his collections and remains to pique interest with aristocrats today, is his chromatic display of the natural

This season, synonymous with Schlumberger’s mesmerizing

world, bringing form to lush botanicals, underwater fauna and

statements, Tiffany & Co. is honoring the virtuous designer

sea animals that were initially inspired by his time spent at his

with a collection of bejeweled wonders that were illustriously

home on the French Caribbean Island of Guadalupe.

conceptualized by him and his drawings, including the intricately fashioned Floral Leaves Clip, Ladybug Pendant and

It was here, inside his reimagined oasis that was detailed

Peapod Brooch, each which are reminiscent of the designer’s

with naturalistic themes, that Schlumberger imagined some

fascination with the natural world and his time in Guadalupe.

of his most illustrious pieces, oftentimes escaping his abodes

Coined Tiffany & Co.’s 2021 Blue Book Collection, Colors of

to draw influence from the environment, striking an affinity

Nature, Palm Beach bon vivants can now seek the beauty of

for what nature’s beauty can unexpectedly be transformed

nature in its purest form, as seen through Schlumberger’s eyes,

into. According to Tiffany & Co., Schlumberger’s iconic Oiseau

transformed into diamonds, colored gemstones and rock

de Paradis clip, which is a mythical bird that glows with the

crystal. Here, four themes are showcased, Earth, Land, Sea and

kaleidoscopic colors of yellow beryl, amethysts, emeralds and

Sky, along with 70 creations that elevate the purpose of nature

sapphires, was one of the designers many creations that was

as it seems to be, while also bringing it a dose of avant-garde

influenced by his leisurely discoveries on the island. It too is an

that suggests the imaginable become attainable. Painted in

example, reflecting his innate ability to find something hidden

a technicolor symphony, the jewels are playful and majestic,

in the exotism of the outdoors and inject it with an imaginative

while organized in precision and conjuring Schlumberger’s

and always animative spirit. These decadently jovial creations,

above all willingness to take risks and turn them into elements

like the Oiseau de Paradis clip and others, including the Jellyfish

of the extraordinary.

brooch that was motivated by an anecdote of his friend who 38

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

"COLORS OF NATURE, PALM BEACH BON VIVANTS CAN NOW SEEK THE BEAUTY OF NATURE IN ITS PUREST FORM..."

November/December 2021

39

25A

VERSANTE HOTEL LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL OPENSByIN CANADA Peter Elston

Y

ears in the making and hugely anticipated, Versante Hotel — Greater Vancouver’s first new luxury boutique hotel in years, and the first hotel of its kind in the city of Richmond — finally opened its doors to the public. Every detail at Versante, from leading-edge technology to vibrantly colourful interior design, has been carefully considered to offer the most unique and captivating hotel experience in the region.

“Having spent almost 20 years managing boutique hotels in Canada and the US, I can’t overstate how special a property Versante is,” says General Manager, David Curell. “In a region crowded with branded hotels, we’re proud to be Richmond’s only independent boutique hotel, and locally owned and operated. Our guests are independent spirits who seek out fresh and innovative experiences everywhere they go.”

Here are some of the many reasons why Versante is Canada’s most remarkable new hotel experience of 2021.

ROOMS 100 guestrooms and suites boasting five bold décor themes – developed by Vancouverbased CHIL Interior Design – evoke a distinct personality. Wall coverings, fabric selections and furniture colours were customized to create an immersive experience within each room scheme. In addition to either two luxury queens or one king-size bed, each room features: • Contactless check-in/out, room entry and lighting controls via the Versante App. The app also allows for contactless room-service ordering, as well as connecting with the Versante guest-services team • Complimentary high-speed wi-fi with unlimited bandwidth • 24-hour room service

40

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

• Spa-like bathrooms featuring the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer, large rainforest shower with heated floor, and, in most guestrooms and all suites, a freestanding soaker tub with view window • Floor-to-ceiling windows in most rooms, offering expansive mountain and river views • Energy-efficient View Smart auto-tinting windows • State-of-the-art MirrorTM workout technology in select suites •Versante is the only hotel in Canada featuring bath amenities by Red Flower, a women-owned New York City brand whose acclaimed bath and beauty products are biodegradable, vegan, and cruelty-free.

LOCATION Situated in Richmond, Versante is only 20 minutes by vehicle from Downtown Vancouver, and mere minutes from Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The city of Richmond was cited by The New York Times as having the best Asian food in North America — so you can discover incredible culinary experiences just steps away.

World-class shopping, golf, recreation, gaming, and much more are also close by.

REJUVENATE In addition to a 24-hour fitness facility with Peloton bikes and Life Fitness cardio equipment, guests may retreat to the serene outdoor rooftop terrace with a saltwater pool and hot tub.

DINING Versante is home to an array of thrilling new dining concepts. Experience Mediterranean flavours at Bruno, or ascend to Alaïa and marvel at sweeping 12th-floor views. Versante Bar is a sophisticated lounge offering delectable small plates and classic cocktails by night.

For reservations and more information, visit: versantehotel.com.

November/December 2021

41

25A

INTERVIEW WITH

GEORGE HAMILTON AND GEOFF GREEN Aging, Longevity and Stem Cell Therapy

By Ann Lally GEORGE HAMILTON: Question: You have always been a very active person. What are some of the ways you maintain a healthy lifestyle?

My grandfather was a town doctor an I accompanied him on his rounds. He was a big influence.

The pursuit of health, in the holistic sense meaning body, mind and soul, has always been my primary quest. I have always been vigilant about what I eat and maintaining a balanced and healthy diet. I believe you must be selective, not just about what you put into your body, but also with your thoughts and emotions. You have to be positive and open, but also realistic. I try to exercise daily, especially as I get older, but I find it more difficult because of the injuries I’ve sustained throughout my career. These injuries have continued to bother me, so I am always on the lookout for alternatives to help with the inflammation and that promote healing.

Q: What modalities have you explored to help with healing your inflammation?

I was treated with stem cells at an early age for hearing loss, and I was amazed at how I recovered my hearing. Ever since that experience, I have continued to research and learn about cell therapies and the potential they may have to rejuvenate and repair the body. You have to prepare the body for these therapies with a receptive frame of mind, which will enable the body to better receive the therapeutic benefit. I have seen how much the field of stem cell research has grown. I am hopeful that products from companies like Longeveron will become commercially available in the United States in the foreseeable future so people will be able to access and benefit from this promising medical field. === GEOFF GREEN: Question: We hear that one of the very promising stem cell therapy technologies comes from Longeveron, a Miami-based biotechnology company Longeveron. Could you tell us a bit about the company?

Longeveron is a clinical stage biotechnology company and we are developing cellular therapies for aging-related and life-threatening conditions. The belief is that as we age, our repair mechanisms become less effective, leading to chronic disease and poor health. At Longeveron, we have been working to develop biological solutions for aging and aging-related diseases such as aging/frailty as well as cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Longeveron’s lead investigational product, Lomecel-B™, is produced using our company’s proprietary Longeveron Allogeneic Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (LMSCs). LMSCs, which are stem cells produced from young, healthy human adult donor bone marrow, and are multipotent regenerative and restorative cells that may help to modulate the immune system.

Also, Longeveron manufactures its stem cells in its cGMP-compliant facility in Miami, Florida.

42

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

(Please note: cGMP refers to the Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations enforced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Question: Is your product being tested in clinical trials and are there any results you can share?

Longeveron is currently conducting FDA-supervised clinical trials using Lomecel-B to treat Aging Frailty, and has five (5) clinical trials in the United States (clinicaltrials.gov), including for Alzheimer’s Disease and Aging Frailty.

While Longeveron is currently conducting larger scale trials to evaluate the effects of the cell therapy, the results of the preliminary studies have been published in peer-reviewed medical journals. Patients in those early studies showed improved physical performance, strength and mobility, increased walking distance, improved cognition, increased Sexual Quality of Life (females), and decreased inflammatory markers in the blood.

Question: Can people who don’t qualify for Longeveron’s clinical trials get access to its stem cell therapy?

Yes, Longerveron sponsors a registry in The Bahamas under the approval and authority of the National Stem Cell Ethics Committee. The Bahamas Registry Trial administers Lomecel-B to eligible participants at two private clinics in Nassau for a variety of indications.

While Lomecel-B is considered an investigational product in The Bahamas, under the approval terms from the National Stem Cell Ethics Committee, Longeveron is permitted to charge a fee to participate in the Registry Trial.

Question: Do all stem cell companies test their products in clinical trials in the United States?

No, the majority of stem cell products do not go through rigorous, US FDA clinical trials. This is why Longeveron is very unique. Everyone treated with Lomecel-B is enrolled in a trial or registry so all patient data is collected and reported to the appropriate regulatory agency. In addition, Longeveron has received grants from the National Institute of Aging, the Alzheimer’s Association and TEDCO, to conduct clinical trials. All of our data are published in peer reviewed journals to maintain the highest level of scientific rigor.

Question: If I wanted to get more information about Longeveron and its trials and registries, where would I find this information?

For information about Longeveron and the trials we offer, visit our website www.longeveron. com. Should you wish to speak with someone regarding trials, please contact Jessica Protenic, who will be happy to answer any questions. You can reach Jessica at jprotenic@longeveron.com.

77 WABC’S GREG KELLY SHARES HIS WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY WITH THE SKINNY CENTER

By Harry Brads

T

he Skinny Center of Westchester County is proud to announce partnering with Radio/TV host, Greg Kelly, heard on 77 WABC daily, 1:15pm-3:00pm.

Talking openly about his battle with weight fluctuation, Kelly started sharing his weight loss journey with The Skinny Center this past month, who is now a regular visitor to the exciting new medical spa, located in Harrison, New York.

“The Skinny Center certainly has its work cut out for them with me. I was once actually considered quite skinny. In 1989. But I’m on board and “all in” with these great people and experts who I know can make healthy weight loss my new reality”, says Kelly.

Although Kelly was exercising regularly while experimenting with various diet fads, he never reached his weight loss goals. Dr. Aaron Spingarn, Medical Director of The Skinny Center, will be working directly with Kelly using his modern, medical solution, targeting the root cause of his weight gain, while helping him achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Photo: The Greg Kelly Show/The Skinny Center

Dr. Aaron Spingarn of The Skinny Center very often identifies hormone-related health conditions, imbalances that interfere with our quality of life.

Tune in to The Greg Kelly Show, Monday through Friday, 1:15pm-3:00pm to learn more about his new, hormone balanced, lighter, energized, stress-free body and his visits to The Skinny Center.

Kelly is a television personality, journalist and military veteran who brings unique insight to the day’s news.

He spent nine years as a Marine Corps jet pilot, flying the Harrier jet, including missions over Iraq. In 2020, he began a prime-time nightly news and opinion show on cable TV, Greg Kelly Reports. Prior to that, Kelly was the co-host of Good Day New York on Fox 5 for almost a decade, reporting the news and interviewing notable figures from the world of politics, law enforcement, education, and entertainment.

For more information about The Skinny Center, go to Theskinnycenter.com November/December 2021

43

25A

ONE PHOTOGRAPHER'S JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD SHARES A POWERFUL MESSAGE FOR ALL

By Dr. Robi Ludwig

D

r. Glenn Losack is considered by many one of today’s most prolific photographer/ photojournalists. And he is on a mission to expand the way we see the world.

Hailed as ' the new conscience of photography', this modernday renaissance man knew after completing medical school, he was destined to live an unconventional life, which included seeing the world while practicing medicine.

Dr. Losack’s work impacts people worldwide. His images have graced National Geographic, Asian Geographic as well as the covers of multiple books.Fun Fact, Yoko Ono owns one of Dr. Losack’s favorite limited editions, titled YOKO, which also holds a special place in Yoko Ono’s personal art collection.

Ono even gifted him a rare personalized hand-written thank you note, alongside a black and white photo of her and John Lennon, to show her gratitude and appreciation.

Dr. Losack now has decided to share a compilation of his favorite uplifting photographic images, in a new coffee table book titled 'The Bonds We Share', published by Apollo Publishing. Luckily, it’s out just in time for the holidays!

During Covid-19, as a psychiatrist, Dr. Losack perceived an undeniably depressed, anxious, and hostile emotional atmosphere permeating the country. Instead of people joining together, there was a heightened focus on our differences. A blatant vitriol callously displayed towards one another. These omnipresent, discontented voices created a

44

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

divisiveness, making it far too acceptable to outwardly loath one another.

Dr. Losack felt the time was right to emphasize a truth, backed by science (of course), as human beings we have much more uniting us than dividing us.

In 'The Bonds We Share', Dr. Losack artistically attempts to underscore this healing message both visually and emotionally.

His photo-essay book, which spans his 40 plus years around the globe, is categorized into several chapters identifying the bonds we share. These include Journey, Resilience, Community, Devotion, to name a few and his images take the reader on a visual journey around the world, helping his audience see our shared universal humanity.

In this inspiring book, there are stunning images of India, Bangladesh, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Morocco, Tunisia, just to name a few, as well as his beloved hometown of New York City.

Dr. Losack has always found extremes interesting and uses his award-winning photographic eye to help others gain access to “the others’” experience. To quote Dr. Losack, “The world has its beauty and much unsightliness. There is beauty in both.”

Award-winning wine and travel writer, Alice Feiring said, “Dr.

Glenn Losack has an unprecedented ability to peer into the pain and find soul and beauty.” When asked if his psychiatric work influences his perspective as a photojournalist, he said though psychiatry and photography are two different mediums, the skills he has gained in practicing psychiatric medicine helped him to interact with his subjects, many who are themselves mentally and physically ill.

Much of Dr. Losack’s work, displayed on his Flickr website, probes and exposes the lost, the forgotten, the defenseless, the vulnerable, the mentally ill and those who have so little, they must depend on the generosity of others to survive.

Dr. Losack’s work invokes a social responsibility to help others who are struggling to survive. In his broader collective work on the streets of developing nations he aims to reduce the stigma of unsightly diseases, which at times are considered hard edge and difficult to look at.

He has spent his entire adult life traveling to over fifty nations. Dr. Losack's powerful experience has motivated him personally to help those who have no advocacy. He has donated to various organizations and his photojournalistic street photography has brought attention, education, and financial support to many important causes.

A portion of the proceeds of The Bonds We Share will go to Doctors Without Borders, an organization providing lifesaving medical humanitarian care to those around the world in need.

Photographer Dr. Glenn Losack

“THE WORLD HAS ITS BEAUTY AND MUCH UNSIGHTLINESS. THERE IS BEAUTY IN BOTH.”

November/December 2021

45

25A

YOUNG FRIENDS OF SAVE VENICE’S 50 CELEBRATIONS FOR 50 YEARS

By Ann Grenier

I

n honor of the 50th Anniversary of Save Venice, the leading American nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the artistic heritage of Venice, longtime supporters are celebrating the organization’s milestone by organizing commemorative events worldwide to support important restorations of masterworks of Venetian art and architecture. In place of the annual Un Ballo in Maschera held in New York each year, Save Venice’s global initiative, 50 Celebrations for 50 Years (50x50), aims to raise critical funds for Save Venice’s mission during its anniversary year at a time when large-scale events are only beginning to return during the pandemic.

The iconic yacht, HIGHLANDER, was the setting for the most recent dinner supporting this initiative by the Young Friends of Save Venice. Host, Mercedes de Guardiola, along with the Host Committee of Casey Kohlberg, Laura Day Webb, Cole Harrell, Clare Ngai, welcomed 24-guests to an intimate evening aboard Malcom Forbes’ most beloved vessel where he entertained dignitaries, Hollywood, and royalty. Designed in 1986 by the visionary Jon Bannenberg for Forbes, HIGHLANDER was relaunched in 2014 following a two-year refit by interior designer Joanne de Guardiola.

Lizzie Asher (Save Venice Board member and Chair of the Young Friends Steering Committee) and Young Friend Steering Committee members Skylar Pinchal, and Silvia Mella also descended to Sag Harbor, NY for a glamorous evening under the stars. Lizzie Asher and Mercedes de Guardiola spoke of the importance the evening and the 50X50 campaign. As Lizzie Asher shared with guests, “Venice is a treasure that speaks of the heights of humanity’s genius and ingenuity. While we have known of the floods that affect Venice, unfortunately climate change in increasing their frequency and devastating effect. It is our responsibility to help protect the best that our individual and

46

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

communal efforts have created in this jewel of a city for our posterity.”

Notable attendees included: Mercedes de Guardiola, Timo Weiland, Lizzie Asher, Casey Kohlberg, Cole Harell and Tai-Heng Chen, Laura Day Webb, Clare Ngai, Kevin Brotman, Skylar Pinchal, Silvia Mella, Bryan Ludwig, Serena Woodward, Alyson Cafiero.

Guests arrived via Donzi to HIGHLANDER for cocktails and an extravagant dinner underneath a resplendent full Buck Moon. Guests were treated to not only custom cocktails provided by Select Aperitivo and Macchu Pisco but also gift bags with rings from BONBONWHIMS, matcha from Sorate, beauty and body treats from Yves Saint Laurent, Santa Maria Novella, and Lili Bermuda. As the evening wound down and the prosecco swirled, Timo Weiland surprised guests with an after-party set DJing as the moon shone over the bay.

The Young Friends of Save Venice is an energetic group of young professionals who share dual passions for art and preservation in Venice.

Initially established in the early 1990s, the group was responsible for sponsoring specific restoration projects and for the growth of what is today known as Un Ballo in Maschera, held annually in New York.

For more information and about Save Venice and 50 Celebrations for 50 years, including how to be involved, please visit www.savevenice.org/50x50.

For more information about Save Venice and to discover the work of the organization, please visit www.savevenice.org.

Photos courtesy of BFA.com

EAST COAST GOLD CUP FINAL AT THE GREENWICH POLO CLUB

By Harry Brads

The Greenwich Polo Club, one of the premier polo clubs in the world, hosted the East Coast Gold Cup Final.

The tournament saw six teams, up to 16 goals, compete in the East Coast Gold Cup leading to the finale.

Altaris and Ellipse Polo Teams competed in the high goal tournament. Altaris defeated Ellipse by a score of 12-11. The final was the club’s last match for the June and July East Coast High Goal series. The Greenwich Polo Club also hosted the East Coast Open, the Greenwich Club, and the American Club.

Established in 1981, the Greenwich Polo club is considered as one of the top high-goal venues in the world.

Greenwich Polo Club runs 10 matches almost every Sunday through September.

Nestled in the beautiful backcountry of Connecticut, the Greenwich Polo Club has hosted many of the top tournaments in Polo, including the esteemed East Coast Open. It is also home to the acclaimed White Birch polo team, one of the most successful teams in history, having won the most high-goal polo tournaments of any team over the course of the past 25 years, including the US Open Polo Championship in 2005.

Legendary teams and players including Mariano Aguerre, Facundo Pieres, Hilario Ulloa, Nacho Figueras and many others, converge on the club every year to compete for some of Polo’s most prestigious titles.

Each Sunday match is attended by thousands of spectators flocking from New York City, Fairfield and Westchester counties, to witness the highest caliber of polo while enjoying an afternoon with friends and family. Greenwich Polo Club has also hosted many dignitaries and celebrities and in 2013 Prince Harry chose Greenwich Polo Club to host the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup. For more information, schedule and tickets, visit: www.greenwichpoloclub.com Photo credit Greenwich Polo Club November/December 2021

47

25A

SIPPING IN STYLE WITH AN EDGY MOCKTAIL

Top Tips for Stepping Up the Classic Mocktail or Cocktail

By W.A. Muller

Nonalcoholic or zero mocktails can be just as exciting and flavorful as having a cocktail! Whether simply quenching your thirst with a beautiful and tasty beverage or enjoying Happy Hour, Chef Ryan Rondeno offers a variety of timeless tips and bonus recipe for mocktails.

Mocktails are building as a nutritious trend that’s beyond an Arnold Palmer or virgin cranberry mocktail. Take a closer look at some valuable tips for transforming a beverage into an experience by using fruit purees, flavored syrups, sodas, and herbs.

1

Don’t shy away from using glassware.

Do away with the traditional glassware for the normal cocktails.

Mix up the glassware.

Use beer glasses for exotic mocktails. Tall Collins glasses and champagne flutes are a great choice as well.

48

2

Have Fun with Ice From large squared ice, spheres, or even soft crushed ice makes a beautiful presentation in a glass. If you like to be creative, make ice cubes with sliced fruit and fresh herbs.

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

3

Mix It Up with Mixers Dare to be different.

Use mixer that create a great conversation.

Infused juices, syrups, and sodas are great additions to a drink.

Seasonal fruit purees give the mocktail depth and flavor.

4

Add Fresh Herbs & Citrus for Flavor Fresh herbs are essential to giving the drink a unique feel. It doesn’t have to be mint or basil all the time. Explore with many herbs of the world. Citrus zest and juice add a punch that allow the drink to wake up the palate. If you want to create, consult your local farmers market for unique items.

5

Garnish How are you going to finish your drink? Fruit, herbs or edible flowers are great finishing notes that send your mocktail into completion. Garnishes can give your drink balance.

Use fruit to balance the sweetness of the drink.

Fresh herbs and edible flowers add a bright touch that’s picture perfect.

* Good Day San Diego * NY food & Wine Fest * Culinary Fight Club- LA, San Diego, Chicago (won 3 times and finished 3rd in national championship) Chef Rondeno is the founder and owner of Rondeno Culinary Designs and the Rondeno Spice Collection (Nola Creole Rub, Citrus Herb Rub, and Ancho-Chili BBQ Rub) designed to help cooks of all skill levels enhance the flavor of the dishes. His culinary focus is on the use of grass-fed organic meats and locally-grown organic produce.

FoodCulture App Chef Rondeno offers simple recipes that will bring unique and tasty experiences to the kitchen table with his FoodCulture App. “FoodCulture was created to embody a personal and unique approach of food and flavor in the kitchen. We wanted to create cost-effective and flavorful scratch recipes that didn’t break the bank. The App was also designed to have a one-on-one feel, as if I’m cooking with you every step of the way,” says Chef Rondeno.

SPARKLING PASSIONFRUIT RASPBERRY LIMEADE Description Try this passion fruit limeade you won’t be satisfied with anything else. Sparkling water makes this a sparkling limeade that everyone loves.

Cook Time: 10 minutes Serves: 1 Ingredients 2 oz. Passionfruit Juice 2 oz. Orange Juice 10 Raspberries, Muddled ¾ oz. Lime Juice ½ oz. Simple Syrup 1 oz. Sparkling Water Lime Slices for Garnish Raspberries for Garnish Mint Sprigs (optional) Instruction In a cocktail shaker, muddle raspberries for 10-20 seconds.

Add ice, passionfruit juice, orange juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds. In a glass, add ice. Pour limeade mixture into a glass. Top off with sparkling water. Stir. Garnish with raspberry and limeade. Enjoy!

Chef Ryan Rondeno Private Chef to the Stars, Ryan Rondeno, is a true master of his trade and is ready to shake up the restaurant industry by bringing elegant dishes, bold flavor, and simple technique to the home front.

His masterful cuisine has been relished at large-scale culinary events, gala dinners, and as a personal chef to some of the most notable names in the industry. * Diddy * Will Smith * Common * Tyrese Gibson * Robert Smith * Xhibit * Mercedes-Benz * Lamborghini * Will McGinest * LA Philharmonic

Find a sweet and savory collection of recipes, such as: brunch, salads, healthy dinners, easy snacks, comfort food, cocktails, plus many more added every month!

Chef Ryan is making his lavish recipes available to people across the U.S. as he offers some trade secrets, training through simple technique, tips and tricks, and revealing signature recipes for all ages. With a passion for French, Italian and Regional American Cuisine, his focus remains on local, sustainable cuisine with a strong emphasis on bold flavors—not to mention the love of New Orleans cuisine and fresh California flavors.

Most notably, Chef Ryan has also appeared on the following segments and placed in food competition for the following:

Download the FoodCulture App Today!

Save & Access Recipes Anywhere * Premium Video Recipes * Integrated Shopping List * Shop Our Store * Download the Free App Today Google: https://play.google.com/ store/apps/details?id=com.weapp. recipeapp Apple: https://apps. apple.com/us/app/food-culture/ id1538389448

* World Food Championships (top 10 finish) * The Jam TV Show * Atl & Co * Good Day Charlotte

Join the conversation with the “FoodCulture Community” Page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/310086614010323

Visit https://www. rondenoculinarydesigns.com for a Weekly Delivery Menu & to Purchase Spices & Rubs

November/December 2021

49

25A

Le Bilboquet Palm Beach French Vibe

By Carolina Camps

A

longtime favorite of New Yorkers, this elegant bistro opened its Palm Beach outpost on Worth Avenue’s charming Via Encantada, quickly becoming Palm Beach’s most coveted destination. The South of France vibe is carried throughout the restaurant from its exquisite menu with a new spin on classic French fare to the beautiful courtyard surrounded by climbing jasmine and lavender transporting diners to a hidden via in Provence. The understated elegance of the main dining area is surrounded by stained white oak and classic Maison Gatti rattan bistro chairs. The restaurant is run by its original creator and renowned French restaurateur Philippe Delgrange and the kitchen is helmed by culinary wunderkid and executive chef, Adabis Castro.

Signature lunch and dinner dishes include Chef Castro’s ‘ceviche du jour’ as well as Le Bilboquet’s favorite dishes

50

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

including Foie Gras Terrine, Poulet Cajun, Moules Frites, Tartare de Boeuf, Steak Frites, Crab Avocado, La Bouillabaisse and Bilbo Royale, their extravagant seafood tower.

Le Bilboquet will open its doors for breakfast this season. In addition to freshly squeezed juices, healthy smoothies and acai bowls, breakfast lovers may select from a delicious array of Viennoiseries including a variety of croissants and heartier options such as Bilboquet’s signature omelets, Eggs Benedict, Avocado Toast and Salmon Gravlax. There will also be a selection of the finest coffees and teas. And of course, a grab and go option.

Open 7 days a week. Lunch served between 12-3. Dinner preferred seatings at 6:30 and 8:30. Special Brunch served Saturday and Sunday from 12- 3 pm. Dress code enforced.

MEAT MARKET PALM BEACH RESTAURANT

By Maribel Alvarez

M

eat Market Palm Beach is a dynamic offering of what’s great now, reflecting cuts of meat, delicate seafood under the acute supervision of acclaimed Executive Chef Sean Brasel. Ideally located at 191 Bradley Place in the heart of Palm Beach, Florida, perfectly appointed 3,000 square foot restaurant with outside patio, features a variety of prime cuts, fresh fish and seafood, amazing sides and appetizers – all infused with an artful, contemporary spin combined with unmatched dedication to service and hospitality.

Palm Beach locals and snowbirds flock to Meat Market’s to experience the best steaks and seafood on the Island. The restaurant, known for its exclusive wine-pairing dinners, also offers an extensive wine list worthy of any wine connoisseur. Meat Market Thursday nights in the lounge are ‘de rigueur’ for locals in the know seeking an elevated night life. (DJ starts at 8 pm).

Another reason locals LOVE Meat Market? Best Happy Hour in town! Where else can you enjoy a chilled glass of Veuve Clicquot or a Classic Tito’s Martini any day of the week between 4-8 pm?

Not to mention their fabulous bar-bites menu!

Favored Meat Market’s appetizers include their signature White Truffe ‘American Style Kobe’ Tartare, Roasted Cauliflower, Crab and Lobster Cake and Roasted Truffle Rockfeller Oysters.

Meat lovers relish the 7-ounce Wagyu Filet Mignon or if sharing, the 30-ounce Wagyu Beef Tomahawk Reserve Cut Ribeye for two. Fish specials include Chilean Seabass with truffle mash and wild mushrooms and the Wood Grilled Scottish Salmon.

Meat Market is open daily from 4 pm till 11:00 pm.

Starting December 2021, brunch will be offered on weekends from 11 am to 4 pm.

For more information or reservations, call 561.354.9800.

November/December 2021

51

25A

B’ARTUSI OPENS IN THE HEART OF THE WEST VILLAGE

B

The team behind beloved West Village destination L’Artusi opens an intimate Italian restaurant and wine bar NEW YORK, NY, OCTOBER 27TH, 2021

’artusi, the new restaurant and wine bar from the team behind beloved restaurant L’Artusi, opens just down the block on a scenic West Village corner [520 Hudson Street, at West 10th Street]. Joe Vigorito, the long-time executive chef behind L’Artusi, oversees the kitchen at b’artusi and offers a seasonal Italian menu with dishes perfect for sharing, all created to complement the extensive selection of Italian wines curated by L’Artusi beverage director Anncherie Saludo. Designed by Carpenter + Mason, the 40-seat space features both bar and table seating with rich woods and vintage mirrors, lush greenery, and a gallery wall of art, as well as cozy and expansive outdoor seating.

TEAM b’artusi is from the team behind L’Artusi, the popular West Village staple that has been drawing crowds for their Italian dishes and wines for over a decade.

Restaurateur and Owner Kevin Garry and Executive Chef Joe Vigorito worked closely on the b’artusi menu, pulling inspiration from some of L’Artusi’s most popular dishes over the years. Vigorito, who has been with the team for over six years, is behind some of L’Artusi’s classic dishes that diners return for time-and-time again, and has been responsible for the restaurant’s robust take-home business that launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

L’Artusi’s longtime beverage director Anncherie

52

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

By Harry Brads & Norah Bradford Saludo, who has been with the L’Artusi team since opening, also joins Garry and Vigorito at b’artusi to help curate the expansive wine list, signature cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages as the beverage director.

with toasted croutons and pine nuts; and red-wine braised Octopus with romesco sauce. Dolci like a Warm Spiced Pear Crostata with maple walnut gelato, PB&J Tart with concord grape sorbet, and Affogato round out the menu.

FOOD Chef Vigorito’s menu consists of shareable plates that are ideal to pair with b’artusi’s breadth of Italian and French wines, beginning with a Crudo section featuring Black Bass Ceviche with melon, basil, and Calabrian chili and Wagyu Tartare with capers, Calabrian chili and shallots; Insalate e Zuppe including a Sicilian Chopped Salad with finocchiona, olives, fried chickpeas, and peaches; and Italian Wedding Soup with veal meatballs, roast chicken, and kale. Additional Piatti include Lamb Meatballs with hazelnuts, salsa verde, and spicy tomato sauce; Cockles in herb butter white wine sauce, served with toasted Pugliese bread; and Braised Short Rib Lasagna with red winebraised short rib seasoned lightly with horseradish and orange zest, layered with fresh pasta and mozzarella cheese. There is also a section dedicated to Verdure and Frutti di Mare, served in groups of one, two, or three and include Broccoli ‘Cacio e Pepe’ with pecorino and lemon; Spiced Carrots served atop cumin yogurt and drizzled with arugula pesto; Baccala with broccoli rabe pesto and farro; Sardines with golden raisins, burnt orange, pickled mustard seed, and endive, topped

WINE Saludo has curated an Italian French-focused wine list at b’artusi, specifically highlighting smaller and family-owned producers, as well as female winemakers, from regions such as Campania in Italy and the Loire Valley in France. Traditional, old world wines are featured alongside exciting selections from less traditional regions, like Biancolella from Ischia and Greco di Tufo from Avellino. Cocktails are named after works from local West Village artists, and include the Eleven AM with Dolin Blanc, Cocchi Americano, Italicus, and prosecco; Reigning Queens with Hayman’s Gin, St Germain, Green Chartreuse, and lime; Earth & Green with Yola Mezcal, Noilly Prat Dry Vermouth, and Suze; and Moon Woman with Old Overholt Rye, Cocchi Torino, and Montenegro Amaro.

There’s also a section for non-alcoholic cocktails, like house-made jasmine and grapefruit tonic, and chamomile lemon shrub. b’artusi is open for lunch and dinner from Noon-Midnight Sunday - Thursday, and until 1AM on Friday and Saturday, walk-ins only.

For more information, please visit bartusinyc.com and follow along at @bartusinyc.

T-BAR Southampton is ready to serve the best classic cuisines with a modern twist.

The menu features a wide range of dishes, ranging from mouthwatering renditions of classics to refined and inventive plates, providing the ultimate dining experience. It is no wonder that the restaurant has loyal followers from Manhattan to the local beach towns.

November/December 2021

53

25A

Elizabeth Pipko By: Mar Shall

E

lizabeth Pipko wants to change the world. “I know I’m a long way away,” she tells me with a smile, as we enjoy coffee a few minutes from her South Florida home where she spends her time when not in her native New York City. While listening to her speak I must remind myself that the young lady sitting in front of me is only 26 years old. She speaks with the insight and candor of someone wise beyond her years, all the while telling me she hopes to never grow up. “We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing” she reminds me. I enjoy how seriously she takes her own advice as she continues to make jokes throughout our almost two-hour conversation.

54

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

November/December 2021

55

25A

Elizabeth has enjoyed successes in more arenas than most have had the courage to enter into. She proudly tells me, “If nothing else, I am going to prove that I can do it all, and so can anyone else who puts the work in.” And put the work in she certainly does.

From early mornings to late nights, Elizabeth regularly tackles things like schoolwork, photoshoots, intense workouts, media appearances, and working on her second book, all in the same day. She proudly tells me how she wrote her memoir, “Finding My Place, Making My Parents’ American Dream Come True” (released last year) in six weeks, while sick in bed with pneumonia. “I knew I had a deadline” she tells me, without any hesitation.

Elizabeth’s work has taken her everywhere from the pages of top fashion magazines to the White House, but her proudest accomplishment she says, is her work fighting anti-Semitism.

Elizabeth’s family escaped the Soviet Union and came to the United States so she could live a life as a practicing and proud Jew, something she says she will never take for granted. Her work supporting Israel and the fight against anti-Semitism has been highlighted in publications like the NY Times, and by several major television networks where she regularly appears discussing issues related to anti-Semitism and the State of Israel. In 2019 she was honored by The Batsheva Organization, a Jewish Women’s group, with the Fearless Female Award for “lighting the way for women worldwide.”

Her advocacy work does not end there, as Elizabeth regularly speaks about other causes that she believes in and the many ways each of us can do our part to help. Elizabeth has herself volunteered for years at soup kitchens across the country and is currently running a social media project to support our veterans.

She hopes to one day run her own shelter.

Apart from her work in politics, media, fashion, writing, and much more, Elizabeth also has another passion she says has been with her for close to fifteen years. “It is something I don’t really like to speak about.

If we had the space in this interview I would

54

Metropolitan Magazine | 25Amagazine.com

probably try, but it would take hours for me to even begin to explain how this sport has impacted my life.”

Elizabeth began figure skating at the age of ten and admits that that was the moment she realized her life would never be the same.

“I still don’t understand exactly why or how I am lucky enough to be where I am today. But I do know that every part of myself that strives daily to achieve everything it is that I want to achieve, I discovered on the ice at ten years old.”

Elizabeth’s time on the ice has been plagued by injuries. “I’ve broken my foot, torn my hamstring, fractured my femur, torn my ankle, taken a skate to the head..the list going on and on” she says with a smirk. In fact, she has spent years away from the ice trying to simply heal her body, but today, finds herself back on the ice again. She credits this comeback with a new coach she says has changed not only her skating but her mindset.

“If you don’t know the name Olga Volozhinskaya, you should go and search her on YouTube right now. She’s one of the most talented people alive, and the only person who has allowed me a sense of joy on the ice again, something I’ll forever be grateful for.”

Where this comeback will lead to, Elizabeth says, might not even matter.

“I know what I’ve accomplished and how hard I have always worked, but nobody has any idea how much harder coming back to this sport has been compared to everything else that I have done. If nothing else at all, I hope I can encourage people to never give up, something my mother has instilled in me since I was in diapers.”

In fact, she may be right. Any setbacks she may have had in her life will these days only be dwarfed by her accomplishments.

At 26 years old Elizabeth has appeared in countless fashion magazines, worked on the winning 2016 Presidential campaign, published a memoir, won several awards, has given speeches to sold-out crowds, started her own organization fighting

November/December 2021

57

25A

anti-Semitism, is regularly seen on television and radio, and has no plans on stopping any time soon.

“I know the accomplishments are important, but it is the message behind them that I really want people to understand. I have been told by people for years that I would never be successful. I have been told that as a woman I would never be taken seriously. I have been laughed at on more occasions that I can count. I have been torn down for years by people who did not see my vision. But I know what I believe in to be true, if you are kind to everyone you meet, always fight for what you believe in, and work harder than anyone else, you can and will be successful.”

Elizabeth Pipko wants to change the world. I think she’s closer than she thinks.

Photographer: Sylvain Von K Glam: Peggy Mackey using Oribe products Styling: Kasia Johnson Producer: Matthew Dillon / MDPR Creative Director: Margaret Bastick Luce Interview: Mar Shall Location: Andros Isles

58

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

November/December 2021

59

25A

WARHOL! WARHOL! WARHOL! & Homage to Pop Art featuring Ray Gross Pop Art Porcelain

By Harry Brads & Norah Bradford

60

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

Disaster pictures, made the art world practically apoplectic, and the fame that resulted, coupled with his childhood obsession for movie stars, gave rise to a celebrity conscious alt-society that filled his inner circle. Luminaries, including politicians, movie stars, and more than one heiress flocked to him for attention.

In a recent New York Times article, Alice Cooper claimed that although he knew Warhol from the Manhattan club scene, they weren’t friends.

“Warhol’s group was too weird for me.” Cooper said.

In 1967 Warhol barely survived a deliberate gunshot at close range. The wounds affected his mental and physical health until his unexpected death 19 years later. By the time “Warhol” was inscribed on his headstone, at 59 years old, he had become the leader of the Pop Art movement. His was a household name, and this fragile kid from Pittsburgh had signature work held in significant public and private art collections around the world.

T

equesta, Florida; January 13 – March 23, 2022: The High Priest of Pop Art - Andy Warhol - is on exhibit at Lighthouse ArtCenter in Tequesta, Florida. The show, appropriately titled WARHOL! WARHOL! WARHOL! fills the entire Spencer gallery. This selection of original artwork from the private collection of Beth Rudin DeWoody includes early works that are rarely seen, as well as experimental pieces from later in the artist’s established career. The Schorr gallery features an Homage to the Pop Art Movement with Ray Gross Pop Art Porcelains including a life-size porcelain Harley Davidson.

The Schorr also shows metalsmiths and jewelers from across the country who responded to a juried nationwide call to artists for Warhol Inspired Pop Art Jewelry made exclusively for this show. These pieces cover one whole wall in the pop-up space while Paper Alchemy, an invitational exhibit, fills one of the smaller gallery spaces with unique works that introduce Thurmanite, a new sculptural medium.

The meteoric rise of Warhol in brief Andy Warhol arrived in Manhattan in 1949, carrying a portfolio filled with artwork from his days at Carnegie Institute of Technology and it wasn’t long before a family friend introduced the 21 year old to the art director at Glamour magazine. This shy kid with patchy skin and a slight build had artwork that was entirely unlike the polished pieces she normally used.

Tina Fredericks gave him his first freelance job creating fresh illustrations to be used in ads for I.Miller shoes.

Warhol grew up in WWII Pittsburgh, the steel town that considered itself the backbone of America, and given this opportunity to work with Glamour Magazine, his work ethic went into overdrive. He bore down on his future with ink and a brush, and painted for eighteen hours a day.

Destined to make a name for himself in the city, Andy’s commercial art career flourished when he reliably delivered high-quality designs ahead of schedule. But, it took over ten years for him to cross over from low to high art. It was 1962, when his first gallery show displayed the 32 iconic paintings of Campbell’s Soup. One for each flavor. The collection originally sold for a total of $1,000, by 1987 the soup cans claimed a page in history when they were purchased by MOMA for $11.7 million.

At the Carnegie he’d been taught to appreciate commercial art as well as fine art. Although Warhol did not invent the Pop Art movement, he certainly joined it in the late 50s and 60s when he made popular culture the focus in his original paintings. During a long stretch of his career he used silk screen as an unorthodox medium to create highly controversial, yet wildly collectible prints of Marilyn, Mao, and Elizabeth.

His later provocative pieces like the Death and

WARHOL! WARHOL! WARHOL! The art exhibition at Lighthouse ArtCenter, shows a wide selection of his evocative works, from those early I. Miller shoe illustrations to the late career experimental Oxidation Paintings made of urine and metallic pigment on canvas. Visitors can argue over the aesthetic value of his silk screen prints of lips, or they can take a walk on the wild side, back to the Red Hot Chili Peppers as they appear stitched together in six black and white silver gelatin prints created from 1976-86.

The compliment to Warhol’s genius: Homage to Pop Art featuring Ray Gross Pop Art Porcelain Although none of the Warhol pieces on loan will be available for purchase, when guests shift gears in the Schorr gallery they’ll find all of the art on exhibit for sale. This homage to Pop Art includes a life size Harley Davidson made of porcelain by Ray Gross, the celebrated ceramicist, who is known for his hand-built, hand-painted, hyper-realistic porcelain sculptures. His work depicts 3D items of everyday Americana, including utilitarian art objects such as paint cans, tubes, brushes, pencils, and other artist tools that have seized the attention of collectors, and are collected by private, public, and corporate clients worldwide.

The exciting results of a national call to artists for Warhol-inspired jewelry fills one large wall with oneof-a-kind pieces in a variety of media. The selection will challenge your imagination as it incorporates wit, and humor with fine craftsmanship. Last, but not least, Paper Alchemy, an invitational exhibit features experimental works by top-of-their-field artists who integrate a brand new medium called Thurmanite into beautiful high quality works that are ready to grace the best luxury collections. This exhibition is one for the history books!

November/December 2021

61

REVIEW 25A

DANIEL CRAIG IS JAMES BOND

62

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

By Garry Michael Kluger

T

hey say that there are only two sure things in life: death and taxes. Perhaps that should be rewritten to say: Since 1962 there are only three sure things in life: death, taxes, and a new James Bond movie.

In the nearly 60 years since James Bond first strode across the screen, in time to his classic theme, there have been 7 actors who have portrayed Ian Fleming’s ultimate gentleman spy (8 if one includes Barry Nelson’s James Bond in the 1954 television version of Casino Royal, which no one ever seems to do), and 25 movies. No Time To Die is the latest in this epic series and the final turn of Daniel Craig as the immortal Bond.

What has made this everlasting series so successful, to most observers, is the basic simplicity of the films themselves. From the 110 minutes of Dr. No to the somewhat bloated 163 minutes of No Time To Die, these movies have always been non-stop action surrounding minimal plots. Most times the themes seem to concern some vast criminal organization (the inimitable SPECTRE being the most popular of these groups), bent on world domination -- or a heretofore unknown megalomaniac resolved to either destroying the world or holding it for ransom. Though No Time To Die does have several side stories that deal directly with Bond’s personal life, it ultimately falls in the latter category of plots - though SPECTRE does raise its octopus head long enough to give Bond one last go-round in another failed attempt to kill him.

This particular story revolves around Lyutsifer Safin (Rami Malek), a bioterrorist in possession of a biological poison, so intricately designed, that it can be targeted to specific DNAs. And as most villains in spy movies are wont to do, this weapon of mass destruction is up for sale to the highest bidders. And, of course, it’s Bond’s job to stop the devilish Safin.

What truly seems to set No Time To Die apart from the other 24 films is Bond himself. He seems to have truly evolved from the unfeeling agent with “a license to kill” from 1962 to a full-blown human being, having all the same emotions as the rest of us in 2021, who don’t kill for a living. Though Craig’s Bond has always seemed more fraught with faults, foibles, and feelings, his last spin at this character takes these traits to their most human level in its 60-year history.

If there is one fault in No Time To Die, it would lie with the villain. Malek’s Safin, with his almost monotone delivery, is so cartoonish, that it’s hard not to laugh as the movie progresses and he gets more “evil.” But in Malek’s defense, aside from Joseph Wiseman’s Dr. No, Bond villains have always struggled to surpass one-dimensional.

As a whole, No Time To Die is a wonderful addition to the Bond Cinematic Universe, and if there were just one sure thing about this film, it’s that it is one hell-of-a-ride.

November/December 2021

63

REVIEW

25A

THEY/THEM/US

STARRING JOEY SLOTNICK & AMY HARGREAVES DIRECTED BY JON SHERMAN

By Robert Philips

B “

lending a new family will mean working through some kinks,” says the poster and They/Them/Us then delivers an unpredictable hybrid of the Brady Bunch with a slice of dangerous sex. That the film delivers a stronger emotional punch than one might expect is a tribute to director Jon Sherman (also a co-screenwriter along with Melissa Vogley Woods). They introduce us to two middle aged divorcees in Columbus, Ohio who meet through an adult entertainment website and try to make it work.

Charlie (Joey Slotnick) is funny and genuine. Lisa (Amy Hargreaves) is a cherished local artist and secret BDSM queen. She’s charming and emotional.

It’s a new persona for those who knew her from Homeland.

There are memorable scenes at a donut shop and another at a go-kart ride and a few moments late in the film that capture a certain middle-aged wistfulness, of potentially losing a last love. The film also has an excellent, propulsive soundtrack.

They/Them/Us has some awkward segments including a somewhat hurried ending that tries to quickly wrap up multiple plots. The kinky sex delivers some laughs yet does not always align with mood of the remainder of the film.

Yet in the end, the romance works.

They/Them/Us is now playing film festivals.

64

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

YOUR STORY IS YOUR LEGACY (AND HOW TO USE IT TO CHANGE THE WORLD)

By W.A. Muller

L

ike many families on New Year’s 2021, we spent the evening at home.

My in-laws drove in to stay with us and I wondered what we’d do with ourselves for a week, bottled up in the house.

Then my father-in-law announced, “I’m writing my memoir. Want to hear some?”

For the next two hours, I was transported to WWIIera Morton Grove, Illinois, an army base in Colorado Springs and into the offices of 1980s Proctor and Gamble (the Mad Men era), where my father-in-law ran a Health and Beauty division. My son (10), who we worried would have begged for a screen a few minutes into the reading, sat enraptured. We all came away from that night clear that the memoir reading was the highlight of the visit.

It turns out, we were not the only family experiencing a renewed interest in our elder family member’s histories. A recent study showed that 74 percent of Americans regret not learning more about their families’ stories.

Until our relatives leave us, we can minimize the value and specialness of our family lore. But every family has heroes and heroines worthy of a great novel.

If you feel the call to record and share your family’s story, here are some possible approaches: •The Family Autobiography: create a timeline of major events, then have family members contribute their portions in a shared google doc. Or have each member select five to ten images that represent their life story and create a legacy box.

• The Doc: Not avid writers? Instead of writing the story, film yourself or other family members sharing their favorite stories. Edit yourself on iMovie or a similar easy-to-use app, or hire a low-cost editor to put the stories in order or to music if you want to make a digital family oral history.

Feeling more ambitious?

• The Professional: some of my clients have written full length family memoirs and published them on Amazon. If you want to make your story compelling to people outside your family, try these tips: • Use the hero’s journey structure: focus on what others can learn from your life story and share the universal lessons.

• Show versus tell: Include descriptive language, sensory detail, dialogue, and scene. Look at your favorite books and emulate what they do.

• Work with an editor: an editor can help you pull the narrative together and take your story from raw materials to publisher-ready manuscript.

Story is said to be a great unifier, healer and transforming force. What ripple effects could we make if we all take what’s left of this quarantine and get those stories on paper, on video, and out into the world?

Sara Connell is a bestselling author and the founder of Thought Leader Academy. Want to write a bestselling book that changes lives in less than 3 months? Here is my roadmap: https://saraconnell.mykajabi.com/ writeyourbookmasterclass November/December 2021

65

25A

MARCEL DUCHAMP:

THE ART OF THE POSSIBLE–A DOCUMENTARY FILM REVIEW

By Jadan Horyn

Y

ou see a person from the work they produce. You see an artist from the art they produce. But you peek through a very secret window into the soul when you look at an idolized artist through the eyes of one of the most devout of worshippers.

The difficulty of doing a documentary on Marcel Duchamp lies in the central aspect of film itself - movies are a linear medium whereas Duchamp is a non-linear artist. Yet documentary filmmaker & director Matthew Taylor forged ahead crafting Marcel Duchamp: The Art of the Possible. One is disabused quickly of the notion that this would be an unconventional take on a bewildering artist. Iit is a straightforward documentary impressive in its historical detail and its array of interviews, yet it lacks a particular Duchampian quality that would have broken it open from the confines of its genre.

66

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

But perhaps the viewer and critic alike must look at this documentary of a transgressor - one who would have likely objected to being the subject of study - as transgressing the transgressor. In this most Duchampian of inversions, we take part in the subversion of the art world’s most notorious subversive. Duchamp becomes the subject of a linear narrative. Arrested by a medium and a classic historical storyline that explains his origins and evolution.

To the casual viewer, Marcel Duchamp: The Art of the Possible is a love letter to an artist whose work changed our conceptions of what is in fact art. Duchamp is the essence of conceptualism. In the world of Duchamp, anyone can create, because everyone has ideas. Art is judgment. To take Duchamp to his logical conclusion is that all human intentionality is at its inception, and its execution, art. It’s an absurdity even if it’s logical.

It is this notion one finds at the center of The Art of the Possible. The most Duchampian of methods to drive home the subversive point Director Matthew Taylor wants the viewer to see that Duchamp changed the Art world for good by taking it from the sophisticated elite and democratizing it.

In an era of global destabilization where everything that has come before is being questioned, we ask ourselves is Duchamp a liberator or an anarchist?

Did he plagiarize to create readymades or did he innovate? When it comes to art is there a difference?

Whatever answer one puts to these endless questions auteur Matthew Taylor wants us to see the preternatural artistic foresight of Duchamp saying: “It is possible...It is possible...It is possible.”

You can watch Marcel Duchamp: The Art of The Possible on Amazon: https://www.amazon. com/Marcel-Duchamp-Possible-Jeff-Koons/dp/ B07TN4TKK2 The documentary has been accepted to over 25 film festivals around the world. It won Best Art Feature at the 2020 Kyiv Film Festival.

simplydownproducts.com

25A

5

QUESTIONS FOR ROB SHUTER

68

Rob “Naughty But Nice” Shuter has worked with many of the biggest stars in the world - Jennifer Lopez, P. Diddy, Alicia Keys, Jessica Simpson, Jon Bon Jovi and even British Royalty. Now Rob’s first book, The 4 Word Answer – who are you in 4 words, is out today and it’s already been called “The Best Self-Help Book EVER” by OK! magazine.

By Adam Kluger

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

1

Explain what The 4 Word Answer is.

Every super-successful person I have ever met can describe themselves in just a few simple words!

It’s the most important question you will ever ask: “Who am I?” Only those comfortable enough in their own skin know the answer. And only those who know the answer will be successful.

I’m going to help you discover who you are in just 4 words!

2

3 4

One of the 4 words you say all your clients have in common is KIND. You don’t often think about celebrities as being kind.

Acceptance is the cornerstone of kindness and no one accepts themselves more than Jennifer Lopez.

Jen taught me how to be comfortable in their own skin.

Nothing is kinder than accepting yourself.

Jennifer doesn’t say cruel things to herself.

She has silenced the voice that tells us that we are “not good enough.”

Another word you say is essential for success is SMART. In fact, you have a whole chapter on being smart and Jessica Simpson.

Jess, like so many other successful people, believes that the only thing that makes anyone smart is their willingness to try.

Smart people think about winning, not losing – it’s a positive mind set.

Watering dead plants never brings them back to life.

Every smart person sets a deadline.

5

You write about how Diddy taught you to believe you are IMPORTANT. Diddy taught me that the most important person in your life is you.

When people don’t like you, leave.

He see’s rejection as a gift that guides him to the path that is right for him.

Most importantly I learned from Diddy that if you are not doing the work, you don’t deserve the results

I love all the celebrity quotes you have in the book. Do you have a favorite?

Diddy told me – “If you are chasing your dreams, you are not running fast enough.”

November/December 2021

69

25A

WORK ETHIC AND A WIN-WIN MENTALITY A CONVERSATION WITH GARY BRUSTEIN

By Whitney Thompson

G

ary Brustein seems to have a simple philosophy—Do your best and give your best, in business and in life. He is a dedicated father and husband and a good friend to the people in his community and all over the world. Gary is a giver. He’s learned that when you help people and give, the recipient’s response of gratitude is very rewarding.

Gary is well-known by thousands and reminds all who meet him how beautiful life is and how people can achieve anything they believe in. “I have known Gary for 27 years,” says Chase Backer, one of Gary’s close friends. “He stays connected to all his friends and asks for nothing in return.” He’s also known for his modest values. Brustein said, “People have forgotten abvout respect and values, morals and ethics. Too many people just want to take the easy way, lie or cheat. I’d rather work hard for my money and do what it takes to create something worthwhile. It’s so rewarding when you’ve built something properly and it starts to grow fruit and really help people, and we then personally get to enjoy eating from the monetary profit that comes from it.”

Gary is an entrepreneur passionate about providing services of value and catering to the specific needs of his clientele. He has been in the automotive industry for decades, having owned a number of luxury car dealerships in Long Island, New York and now President of Champion Motors International. His company, FlexWealth, is an alternative lending solution located in New York that allows people to borrow money despite credit issues or financial history by providing short-term loans using luxury assets as collateral. He has now expanded into the Palm Beach area, specializing in helping consumers repair damaged credit and also providing mortgage, insurance, and wealth management solutions.

Our very economy is based on credit, and if you are one of the millions of Americans who have had setbacks such as unemployment or health challenges, you might have struggled to secure the loans needed for basic essentials like housing, transportation, or small business needs. “The system is broken,” Gary explained. “If you have bad credit, you’re going to pay higher interest or even struggle to get approved in the first place. We can help people get what they need despite credit problems. It is necessary to get these consumers approved for loans in order to help stimulate the economic climate we’re in currently.” The coronavirus pandemic has only increased the need for these services as more and more Americans struggle to meet their financial obligations due to illness and job loss. “This is what is important—providing people with options when they’re struggling.” Gary’s certainly in the business of helping others. Long-time business partner, Rhonda Klch, said of Gary, “He loves to watch others succeed.”

70

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

“More than 70% of credit reports contain errors,” Gary said. His company Champion Credit Consulting Corp helps its clients dispute these errors and repair and build their credit. “By fixing your credit and improving your score, you will be able to achieve better interest rates, lower your monthly payments, and secure loan applications without the embarrassment and frustration of getting declined by creditors.”

Gary’s larger parent company, Champion Professional Partners, provides vital services such as insurance planning, mortgage refinancing, debt settlement, wealth management, and business planning to high net-worth clientele. “We provide solutions for unlocking a better financial future,” Gary explained.

When asked what drives him in his professional life, Gary shared, “I like to build companies where the employees love waking up and coming to work every day. I like to create businesses where the people that work for us gel well and all get along. We’re able to build a good inner circle and team atmosphere where people love who they work with and believe in what we’re doing as a company.”

He continued, “I’m a visionary and a realist. I see things that have happened or are happening, and I like to find a solution that will help people with their situations. I like building solid businesses that meet the needs of the consumer or client, that have value, and that I can be proud of.” Brustein’s companies have been instrumental in helping their clients cultivate stable and sustainable financial futures.

Not only a man of savvy and profitable business sense, Gary Brustein believes in honest hard work. “Many Americans want to take the easy way out. They want a shortcut. But that’s short-lived. I believe in establishing a solid foundation and building something that will last, that’s relevant and sustainable. Something that’s there tomorrow and the day after.”

Gary’s life goal is to build a legacy and be remembered as someone who made a difference in the lives of others. “When I’m gone someday, I want my children’s children to see that I’ve made a difference, that I was here and I helped others.”

Brustein certainly makes a difference. His admirable values and work ethic also extend into his personal life where he begins each day at the gym. He also enjoys playing golf, watching sports, and spending time with his family.

You could say that Gary Brustein is in the business of connecting people. In the roller coaster of business life, he has achieved great things with his contagious uplifting attitude.

Working with him promises to be a positive experience for everyone involved.

November/December 2021

71

25A

THE COMPOSER MOST LIKELY TO AFFECT MUSIC IN THE 21ST-CENTURY

By Paula Telander

B

lending pop/rock/soul/hip-hop/jazz/classical, African and Brazilian music into unique and extraordinary fusions, James Gardiner has been dubbed "The Quintessential Artist.”

LOOK Magazine noted Gardiner in a cover story on 50 gifted youths in America as “The Composer most likely to affect music in the 21st-Century.” Gardiner's vision inspires a new generation of listeners, a new catalyst, breathing life and light into music, keeping the industry fresh and alive through the 21st-Century.

Gardiner is an award-winning educator/composer/arranger/ orchestrator/producer/engineer with 2-Grammy-nominations and 42gold and platinum albums. Gardiner and business partner producer/ director/engineer Paula Telander, are the founders of Pajama Studios, Gardiner Music Mentoring, and Pajama Music Group.

AbsolutModerne CEO, Ivonne Camacho heads PR/Marketing.

Gardiner's now famous quote upon arrival on the international music/ film scene, let the vanguard know, that a gifted iconoclast has emerged from the academy, classically-trained and prepared to create new

72

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

sonic-landscapes: “If you tell people that you hear things, does that make you crazy? Not necessarily, but it may make you a composer.”

This perspective becomes the canvas in the trampoline-bursts of creative-thought that would become his emblem. Jazz pianist Herbie Hancock recommended Gardiner to be his replacement as Washington state's composer-in-residence. Gardiner conducted original compositions, taught high-school and college-youth, won "Top Prize” for his Grand-Champion Band three years consecutively at Reno International Jazz Festival. His early mentees were Kenny G, his music/director Robert Damper and producer/composer Philip Woo. Gardiner is featured in the film 'Listening to Kenny G' directed by Penny Lane and produced by Gabriel Sedgwick an HBO Music-Box original documentary series successfully premiered at 2021 International Film Festivals: TIFF-Toronto/Canada, CIFF-Camden/Maine and HIFFHamptons/NY. This November, America's largest documentary film festival DocNYC-2021 announced OPENING NIGHT film will be 'Listening to Kenny G', and in December airs on HBO/Max.

TRANSFORM YOUR ABILITY TO LEAD OTHERS WITH DR. KARYN GORDON’S NEW BOOK, THE THREE CHAIRS

By Elizabeth Darwen

W

orld-renowned leadership & relationship expert Dr. Karyn Gordon’s new book “The Three Chairs: How Great Leaders Drive Communication, Performance, and Engagement” is making a dazzling impact on people around the globe.

The CEO and co-founder of DK Leadership has taken her riveting principles of how to develop powerful leaders at work and the home and turned them into what is destined to be a top-selling book. With the publication of the “The Three Chairs” comes the introduction on how to obtain a status that will forever change your existence for the better.

“Working with Millennials, I realized that a lot of them struggled with self-esteem and confidence,” states Dr. Gordon. “I had dug into a lot of the research about the different power of attitudes and how that impacts decision making throughout the years. I really started seeing a pattern that comes down to three attitudes that people have. When you understand what these three attitudes are, you can start making educated guesses on how people make decisions, respond to situation based on what chair they sit in.”

In the framework of the text, she explains how she came up with the three chairs as a powerful visual. Each chair represents the three different attitudes that everybody has in life. Which chair you’re sitting in and which attitude you carry actually impacts your everyday

behavior (communication; relationships / friendships; goal-setting; decision-making, stress-management / wellness). The three chairs are a representation of those three different attitudes and people can identify and connect too.

The groundbreaking concept is not only helping shift dynamics for Millennials. It is also creating a positive work environment across multiple platforms. “Three Chairs” is a business book with an edge since it showcases applications to use in the office as equally as in your personal life.

“It is such an easy concept for people to understand,” the leadership & relationship expert explains. “People can quickly start seeing themselves where they sit and how it impacts their life. They can see themselves where their colleagues sit with their clients as much as with their spouses.”

The book, which includes a special forward from Shark Tank Investor Robert Herjavec, has already received rave reviews from dozens of leaders within the industry. The engaging publication is now available online and is a featured title on Amazon.

For more information and to purchase “The Three Chairs: How Great Leaders Drive Communication, Performance, and Engagement” please visit: dkleadership.org/the-three-chairs-book/ November/December 2021

73

25A

The Lodge at Pebble Beach

By Karina Y. Sotelo

S

ilently tucked away on the edge of a wildly breathtaking coastline on the scenic 17-mile drive, is this timeless award-winning treasure.

The Lodge at Pebble Beach Resorts is one of the most enduring and desirable hotels on California’s central coast, attracting glamorous guests—famous golfers, notable celebrities and not—since 1919. No question that is, in part, thanks to its distinguished golf courses, rich history, and stunning seascapes, but perhaps it is mostly because nothing else truly embodies the essence of Pebble Beach quite like it does. The centuries old property is unapologetically elegant yet inviting. Guests immediately feel important and pampered the minute they arrive, as they are ushered to the lobby by an attentive white-glove service staff. Interiors are bathed in old time glamour and modern decadent design with a neutral, but regal color scheme of grays, blues and sandy browns. Hallways are lined with an impressive collection of glass encased trophies and distinctive oil paintings that pay homage to the beautiful Monterey Peninsula.

THE ACCOMMODATIONS Guestrooms, all 161 rooms and suites, are opulent and spacious but manage to give off a super cozy and intimate feel—each outfitted in dark-wooden accents, fine decor, leather armchairs, gas-burning fireplaces and picturesque views of lush gardens and the sea beyond. Ocean view rooms are highly recommended especially if you want to wake up every morning to a scenery that is something out of a John Steinbeck novel: majestic cloud formations hovering over the mountain tops and fairways, the sound of waves gently clashing against the seawalls and, if fortunate enough, you’ll spot wild deer peacefully grazing on the pristine manicured greens.

74

Truly, a magical sight to behold.

THE FOOD & DRINK There are plenty of dining options to choose from.

For an artful culinary experience in a sumptuous and intimate scene, Stillwater Bar and Grill is the place to indulge. The menu is mostly California coastal with a seared sea bass, yellowfin tuna, and cedarroasted salmon as the highlighted dishes. If you’re looking for something a little meatier, The Tap Room serves high quality, sustainably-raised steakhouse fare in a dimly lit comfortable setting. But for a winedrenched evening under the stars and cozying up next to a warm firepit, The Bench is exactly where you’ll want to be. The restaurant has a chic, relaxed vibe and overlooks the 18th hole and Stillwater cove, the perfect ambience to sip wine or have a proper cocktail. Don’t leave without trying the lavender lemon drop martini, it’s certainly a thirst-quenching treat.

THE THINGS TO DO Though spending all your days golfing on worldclass and legendary links will be very tempting, you’ll want to explore the other side of the green grass, too. The resort has a world of top-notch services and amenities to uncover, including highend boutiques and shops, tennis courts, a heated outdoor swimming pool, and an award-winning spa. For something more adventurous and scenic, opt for the horseback riding excursions or any of the personalized guided tours. But whatever you decide to do, do not forget to take a leisurely ride down 17-mile drive—where you’ll travel through a dreamy forest of Monterey Cypress trees, white-sand beaches, historic landmarks and sweeping ocean views that are simply unforgettable.

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

THE VINTAGES TRAILER RESORT

By Karina Y. Sotelo

S

pend the night in a retro-chic trailer while exploring Oregon’s fabulous wine country. Surrounded by luscious rolling hills, orchards, and beautiful fields of grain, The Vintages Trailer Resort is an old-school American dreamland primely situated in the rich wine-growing region of Willamette Valley, just 35 miles outside the city of Portland. The 14-acre trailer resort, which neighbors an RV Park, is home to a stylish community of 35 refurbished mid-century travel trailers, including the iconic Spartans, shiny metallic Airstreams and candy-coated Shasta Airflytes. Think classic 1950’s style vibes and exteriors, where each trailer lot boasts a wooden deck and patio area that is complete with lounging chairs, striped sunbrellas, fancy propane grills, a designated driveway and perfectly manicured lawns that are randomly embellished with hot-pink plastic flamingo garden ornaments. Design-wise, all accommodations uniquely exude a homey feel but are given personality with era-themed touches and furnishings—honey-toned woodwork and cabinetry, aluminum trimming, overlapping patterns and fabrics, shag accessories and black and white framed photos that all simultaneously transport you

back in time. Needless to say, every trailer comes equipped with all the overnight glamping essentials you could think of: comfortable bedding, wet rooms with flushable toilets and eco-conscious bath products, televisions, air-conditioners, cozy portable fireplaceheaters, kitchenettes fully stocked with cookware, a microwave, and a refrigerator. Thoughtful extras include snug robes and slippers, premium pour-over coffee, hot cocoa, and—well, duh—two bottles of the finest locally produced wine. If you run out of your pinot gris or pinot noir, there is an on-site general store that has some more, they also have snacks and vintage glass-bottled cola refreshments just in case you get a little hungry. For fun, there is a swimming pool (located next to the super clean shower facility) and complimentary cruiser bicycles that guests can freely use to go on leisurely bike rides through the neighborhood. After spending the day wine-sipping at the local vineyards (there are 47 surrounding wineries), you’ll want to bring your mug full of hot chocolate and cozy up next to one of the three fireside pits where wonderful views of prolific vineyards and grain gently swaying in the wind beckon.

November/December 2021

75

25A

AUTUMN WEEKEND ESCAPE EASTON, PA.

By Jadan Horyn

T

he leaves had just begun to change as I walked the old colonial streets of my hometown. Draped from most historic buildings was a red, white, and blue flag similar to the famed Betsy Ross one but the blue star field and the red and white bars were flipped.

The Easton flag, a unique historic relic from the revolutionary era, serves as the municipal flag of a city seventy miles from Midtown Manhattan and sixty miles from Center City Philadelphia. Its downtown is sandwiched between three bodies of water; the Lehigh River and Bushkill creek from its northern and southern boundaries and the Delaware River to its east. The etymology of the bodies of water and place names speak to its history.

Founded to the east of Morvarian settlements in Bethlehem, the Penn family sought to have an English Quaker outpost north of Philadelphia and anchored on the border to the Provinces of New York and New Jersey. The name Easton derives from the Penn family estate Easton Neston in Northamptonshire, England. The word Lehigh is 76

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

a corruption of the german Lecha from the Lene Lenape word for forks. Delaware has its origins in colonial governance and the Bushkill suffix is familiar to New Yorkers as kil is Middle Dutch for water channel.

Easton rose in importance as a northern outpost and served as the meeting place for peace negotiations during the pre-revolutionary French and Indian Wars. The Treaty of Easton signed between the colonies of Pennsylvania and New Jersey along with thirteen native American nations provided lasting peace and a partial settlement to wrongs committed at the time.

So crucial was Easton that it was the site of one of only three original readings of the Declaration of Independence, done in its center square on July 8th, 1776. To this day the city follows the peculiar tradition of celebrating American Independence not on July 4th but on July 8th or Heritage Day where the town crier reads aloud the Declaration to all who gather to hear.

Steeped in rich colonial history that you can feel as you wander around its walkable city grid, Easton is small-town America. Yet it is so much more. The city is a microcosm of American history. Its waterways served to create the Delaware and Lehigh canal, of which the Smithsonian-affiliated National Canal Museum educates and commemorates its crucial role in pre-railroad industrial development.

Later, during the railroad age, the famed Lehigh Valley Railroad's main line ran to the south of its downtown. Its direct connection to New York City and its large immigrant population of Italians, European Jews, Maronite Lebanese, ethnic Germans, and British descendants earned it the moniker of Little New York. Then it declined in the post-war era like every other American city. Its newfound renaissance likewise mirrors national trends yet it has gone further.

I spoke with longtime Easton mayor Sal Panto on what the distinctives are. The city focuses on making sure it is “clean and safe.” It’s moving toward sustainability and investing in conservation and restoration to its many waterfronts. With miles of parkland and waterfront, an established restaurant scene that rivals any in the village in New York, an indoor community market and outdoor seasonal farmers market, art galleries, a large hotel, and a new boutique hotel the Townley, the city is must discover the treasure for New Yorkers tired of the same old of the Hamptons or Upstate and crave the history of small-town New England but closer afield.

CURA COLLECTIVE LAUNCHES NEW CHARITY INITIATIVE ABOARD YACHT VENTURA

By Elizabeth Darwen

T

he Cura Collective hosted a Sunset Cruise aboard Sailing Yacht Ventura, that left from the North Cove Marina to celebrate their newly launched Female Philanthropy Initiative.

Cura was founded in April 2020 by five friends (Lizzie Asher, Nora Boyd, Mercedes de Guardiola, Casey Kohlberg, Laura Day Webb) in response to the burgeoning Covid-19 pandemic, out of a desire to do more to help those most hard hit in New York City last spring. Last year saw Cura deliver tens of thousands of meals in the greater New York City area, originally to hospitals and expanding to support kids facing food insecurity.

With the rising threat of the Delta Variant, the Cura Collective wanted to recognize some of the women who did extraordinary work under the hardships of the pandemic last year. While we are celebrating the re-opening of the city, Cura hopes to also celebrate heroic deeds women accomplished that have gotten less recognition.

Under the gaze of Lady Liberty herself, all guests toasted the three honorees of the evening as they sailed past lower Manhattan into New York Harbor.

The evening featured designer Patricia Bonaldi of Pat.Bo, known for her work in her home country of Brazil for female empowerment. Her efforts nearly a decade ago led to the founding of a school in her hometown of Uberlandia where women were taught the art of embroidery and painting. Bonaldi’s school boasts today 400 artisans who are responsible for the couture craftsmanship of her eponymous line.

The arduous work of Susan Hale of Bellevue Hospital was also highlighted. Hale partnered with the Cura Collective team coordinating logistics of meal deliveries sourced from the Nomad Hotel to the hospital staff. Finally, Naila Amin, whose strenuous lobbying during the lockdown shepherded legislation that was adopted by the New York State legislature to ban the practice of child marriage under the age of 18, was heralded for her indefatigable work.

Guests were treated to red-hued cocktails concocted with gracious donations by Campari, Aperol and Macchu Pisco. As the sun set and crimson splashed across the sky, Lizzie Asher wondered if red should become the color of this initiative since “after all, without the passion of each of these women none of their transformational endeavors would have been possible.”

Notable attendees included: Lizzie Asher, Casey Kohlberg, Laura Day Webb, Nora Boyd, Patricia Bonaldi, Emily Godard, Alyson Cafiero, Francesca PopescuIfe, Naila Amin, Allison Kozak, Maggie Ewen, Christina Sciarro, Arielle Patrick, Alexandra Paul Zotov, Susan Hale, Francesca Vuillemin, Geeta Minocha, Michele Levbarg-Klein Rayden, Maddy Kohlberg, Kayla Brantley.

About the Cura Collective The Cura Collective is a new nonprofit aimed at helping communities rebuild in the wake of major disasters by partnering with local businesses, driven by a belief that the most powerful care comes through the compassionate people around us. Started by five friends who wanted to help care for “the carers” during the pandemic, the Cura Collective’s has worked with local restaurants to deliver meals to front line medical workers at major New York hospitals. Thanks to donations from Oars + Alps and the Peninsula Hotel, they’ve also delivered over 5,000 toiletries and wellness products to healthcare workers staying in temporary housing.

Photos: BFA

More information can be found at curacollective.org.

November/December 2021

77

25A

THE RETURN OF MUSIC FESTIVALS IHEARTRADIO MUSIC FESTIVAL LAS VEGAS 2021

By Jadan Horyn

L

arge music festivals have returned after nearly a two-year hiatus. iHeartRadio held its two-day music festival in Las Vegas with Coldplay, Billie Elish, and Nelly headlining the event. Metropolitan Magazine attended as a VIP with the generosity of Celsius Network to see the return to normal that festivals provide.

Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer for iHeartMedia had this to say “After being virtual last year, we’re excited to be able to celebrate the end of the year with artists and music fans across the country in person again.”

78

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

November/December 2021

79

MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

25A

AEROSMITH’S

STEVEN TYLER

Artist Eric Payson recalls getting up close and personal with the Rock Legend

By Adam Kluger

80

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

Eric, how did these amazing images of Steven Tyler come about?

When I used to work at MTV I became friendly with a bunch of the producers there and many of them went on to work with the biggest names in rock and my friend John Bendis who worked very closely with Tom Petty and Aerosmith invited me up to a recording session where they were doing Just Push Play in 2000 on the eve of the George Bush steal of the election. They put me up in a nice bed and breakfast outside of Worchester they had taken over, there’s a farm up there that’s also a recording studio, and people can stay for a couple of weeks and record their album. The Rolling Stones were up there when they recorded Goat’s Head Soup. So, Bendis brought me up there and Steven Tyler and I just hit it off immediately. We were fast friends. In

had his ups and downs and he’s battled his demons publicly. You almost get the sense that the famous rock star that he is isn’t who he wanted to be. It’s just who he became and he was cool with it but he’s a real artist and a real human being. I’m glad I got to see that.

STEVEN WAS A GREAT PERFORMANCE ARTIST A GREAT PIANO PLAYER, STORYTELLER.

PEOPLE ONLY SEE

THE ROCK STAR VERSION OF HIM BUT HE’S VERY HUMAN AND

VERY ACCESSIBLE AND FUNNY AND WARM AND WELCOMING - Artist Eric Payson

particular, he loved my impersonations he started egging me on to do my German impersonation and we saw a plane barnstorming up in the sky - we were all taking a walk, me, Bendis, and Steven and there was a plane barrel- rolling up above and we just pretended to be soldiers in World War 1 and we just started improvising for three days straight and it was kind of surreal but he really got me, he dug me, Steven was a great performance artist a great piano player, story-teller. People only see the rock star version of him but he’s very human and very accessible and funny and warm and welcoming and he was with me and he really opened himself up to me and I took some nice photographs of him that I’m very proud of. I had my “Almost Famous” moment with Aerosmith and I’ll never forget it. The band treated me liked royalty. They took us to a strip club. They treated me like family. I was really

honored and they loved my work and they were impressed by it. They were not above it. They were really just mensches. A bunch of working-class guys from Boston mostly who were not really fazed by fame and were still working. Funny, on one of the songs they were doing we were in the recording studio with the head of Sony Records, and right when they stopped playing I said, “you got to do that song at the Superbowl,” and they ended up doing it at the Superbowl. I was just dialed in with them it was a really good moment and I sort of captured that in a nice, interesting moment in time with my camera with Steven and there are a bunch of nice shots. That’s a good one. There was another really good one with him outside on a fence and it just looks like your older brother and another one under a tree and his hair looks like an extension of the branches. Steven was the real deal. I know he’s

Has Steven Tyler ever seen these incredible photos?

I really don’t know what he ended up seeing. I didn’t want to push the relationship just like over the years I’ve met celebrities and you have your moments with them and then you just sort of let them go and if they see it they see it. You know Steven Tyler sees a million pictures of himself so to me, they don’t care, their world is not about my pictures their world is about their music but I have those images and I commemorated that time with my own work.

Maybe someday he will maybe someday he has. I don’t know. I have a lot of stuff. I shot a lot of film.

I was shooting 120mm film both print and chrome.

Black and white and color. I brought at least 150 rolls up with me which is a lot. I was just working non-stop and I was really amped and they saw me and they welcomed it and they are real pros and they handled it all beautifully and they were very down to earth. They defied the image of spoiled wacky rock stars. They were like a family and they had their wives and extended family around there and it was very, very real. I don’t know if Steven ever saw the image. I hope he did. He will eventually.

What’s your creative process as a worldrenowned fine art photographer and artist?

I just combine a lot of factors very quickly. There has got to be some energy coming out of something that is still. Whether it’s light, shadow whether it’s human energy, a scene happening between people, or a person juxtaposed against an interesting form. Your daily world and in a 24 hour day there’s a different light. There’s light then there’s darkness. There’s artificial light, but there are all sorts of permutations and combinations of things happening. Understanding film. Understanding digital readings, understanding light, how to manipulate light to create your own voice, a dramatic voice is something that I learned how to do. How to compress the power over the way that light saturates so that it works dramatically and poetically for me. I can take something very powerful and make it very subtle. I don’t like to use the cliché painting by light but there is some of that you’re excavating, you are taking like a sculptor, you are taking rawness and you’re refining it through the various elements I see and I’m able to do that.

I often work on the fly out of a car-- I’m not using heavy studio equipment with artificial settings and I love what those artists do like William Wegman, Cindy Sherman, Bruce Weber. They are all doing that and I didn’t need to replicate that. I was finding November/December 2021

81

25A

YOU ALMOST GET THE SENSE THAT THE FAMOUS ROCK STAR THAT HE IS, ISN’T WHO HE WANTED TO BE.

something that was working for me and I was able to express myself in my own way. I kind of take the mundane from a very fluid world and give it dignity.

What is Paramedia? A theory?

It’s just a barrel of laughs, a lattice of coincidences between me and events in the media not unlike Zelig. Using some of my three-dimensional ESP to read into events. Narrating my own existence that is connected to something larger than myself.

It’s a theory and some people have seen some magic from it. I do fancy myself as somewhat of an illusionist. Everyone has their own ecumenical system that guides them. Mine is Paramedia. That’s the short answer.

How have you evolved as an artist?

I think I’ve taken more chances. Perhaps becoming more abstract while still keeping a very identifiable image. There is something more surreal or abstract as the years go on as the body continues to grow that is still concrete and real and identifiable and it’s important that the work that I’m showing somebody has something that resonates. I’m looking to create abstract forms that almost have human-like qualities to them. That speak, that are funny that are scary that are spooky that are epic even in their simplest form. I’ve shot so much over time, I’ve never stopped. It’s still something I do for hours and hours a day. I understand what the world can give me photographically, how things can come together if I use my intuition if I’m patient if I 82

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

take chances if I go out there and look for it a little bit. I love to drive around big, sprawling American cities and I would go out all night long in the center of the city and drive forever and learn cities and learn streets and by doing that I come upon images and by doing that I’m open to seeing how images can evolve and I can bring my own style to the moment and that’s something I’ve mastered I feel over time and that is how the work has evolved.

I think the spirit is the same. I definitely have taken more chances.

You are a larger-than-life figure in the art world. Everybody knows you and gravitates toward you at art shows, festivals, and art parties. Why did you choose the art world?

The energy of all those artists and the smartest most beautiful women in the world elegantly dressed looking for something new. It’s a place for me to perform. I usually go to the biggest openings at the biggest galleries and pretty much steal the show just by showing up. You’ve seen the power players stop what they are doing and come over to me. I always get respect in public. Walk with me through any of the art fairs people stop me every five feet. I’m a New Yorker. These are my streets.

This is my city I come from a creative empire with Warner Bros. and I have nothing to prove. I’m having a good time. The history of art and artists in New York is in those galleries and as buttoned up as they try to be to sell their work, when they are having openings it’s really a public thing and that’s

really where I do my thing. I started shooting and showing at some galleries in New York and they welcomed me. Marian Boesky Gallery and Mixed Greens. I got to learn the art world on my own terms. A lot of these artists are very self-reverential or quiet and guarded and I probably was just a little more accessible and didn’t take it all so seriously and I still don’t. There’s humor in my photography, my performances, and my impersonations. My performance art and persona and characters that I have created are equally as important to me as any of the photography, and people in the art world have noticed that. And people in the art world see me hanging around with the biggest dealers and directors and they know who’s in my circle and I’ve parlayed all that to create a little mystique in the art world.

One of your Steven Tyler photos was featured in a pre-pandemic show in Paris. What was that like to have art critics rave about your Paris show? Is that important?

The world-famous artist Gaetano Pesci got me that show. Gaetano is one of the great designers, architects, and artists of all time. And he became obsessed with my work. He sponsored the show and Basia the curator and I are planning to do another show. I was honored to end up in Paris because I didn’t have an easy time in New York and LA. I’ve had some moments. but I have a home now in Paris at that gallery and it’s all because of Gaetano. There’s a magic to Paris

"I’VE NEVER STOPPED FINDING NEW WAYS TO TAKE PICTURES. I’VE NEVER LOST MY JOY AND PASSION FOR CREATIVITY." from Jim Morrison to Hemingway and so many greats ended up there and showed there. I’ve shown in New York, Paris, Los Angeles, and Berlin.

Just doing it my way.

I’ve always felt from the first time I saw your photography in a New York Museum show that you were destined to go down in history as one of the important contemporary artists/ photographers of our time.

If widespread fame doesn’t happen, at least I’ve lived the life I’ve wanted to live on my terms and I continue to do work and continue to have a cup of coffee in the big leagues of art and I matter to my community I continue to work. I’ve used technology to my advantage I’ve moved with it and I’m ok with my place. Everybody gets a lot of things in life and there are other things that they never get and on balance I have a lot to look forward to. I’m 55, maybe I’m just beginning. But

I’ve had a good run. I’ve never stopped finding new ways to take pictures. I’ve never lost my joy and passion for creativity.

How are media and pop culture an intrinsic part of your art? You have gone from still images to studies of the media itself to photographic sculpture and now video art almost like the films of Stan Brakhage.

I feel like I’ve become a video artist and I love it.

I love the animation. I’ve done still images for 30 years and there’s always a sense of movement in those works but the smartphones and the Google software have allowed me to electrify those still images like Frankenstein and bring life to that stillness in a very subtle way and they are like instant moments of imagination or the subconscious that I am capturing. They are glimpses of reality that people recognize.

What’s your legacy? I’ve heard people in the art world refer to your photography in reverential tones...some artists even call you the Babe Ruth of photography...Do you agree with your diehard fans in the art world that you are, in fact, the best photographer of your generation?

Tough to say. I don’t think anybody has ever scratched what I’ve done. Yeah, I think I’m the best.

I think I’m the GOAT. I do. I don’t think anybody is close. And I hope I get that. I know it’s bold and I know it’s obnoxious but I’ll put my work up against anybody, anywhere, anytime.

If it’s the truth it’s not bragging, right?

I like these GOAT and Mount Rushmore conversations. They are obnoxious and annoying and in your face and they freak you out, irritate you but I like it. I like being in that mix at least. www.ericpayson.com November/December 2021

83

MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

25A

LAURA PALMER, SCREAMIN’ REBEL ANGELS

By Adam Kluger

S

creamin’ Rebel Angels’ unrelenting and hi-octane original music reimagines the legacy of rock ‘n roll, rockabilly, and rhythm ‘n blues into a contemporary sound. Their thrilling live performances are packed with primal passion and authenticity. The sound is unapologetically their own, and they take their audiences on an exhilarating adventure into an untamed world of dangerous women, broken hearts, courage and conviction.

Leading the band is Laura Palmer, a versatile multi-instrumentalist, song-writer, and producer.

Equally adept at slapping out the rhythm on an upright bass or picking on a big ol’ Gretsch, Laura Palmer’s on stage presence and powerful vocals have garnered international attention and acclaim, including earning the 2020 Ameripolitan Award for “Rockabilly Female of the Year.”

Add in stratospheric lead guitar and drums and the combination is a truly unique sound not to be missed. Screamin’ Rebel Angels regularly play like their lives depend on it throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe.

Q. Your recent touring schedule has been taking music, and make sure that they are represented you coast to coast this past Summer and Fall. How fairly on shows and festival bills. I want to be the has touring and live music changed since Covid? person that I wish that I had negotiating and asking for me, for my artists. I don’t exclusively work with Has is changed?

A. My first show back was at The Redwood Bar in women, but I am working with artists who are Downtown LA. I remember after I finished the first really inspiring to me, and I want to see them out song on my first show back, and how it just felt so there in the world working, and spreading their art completely perfect,. This wave of contentment and music. It’s a really hard thing that we ask of washed over me, and a little piece of me came back our artists sometimes, to become so vulnerable to to life that I had forgotten that I was missing, and the create something, and then to have to go out there and sell it too. I feel like this role is helping me to foster crowd felt it too. It was electric.

Preparing for the first tour was more stressful than an environment for more creativity by giving artists the tour itself. The worry about if we were doing the back the mental bandwidth that booking takes up, right thing, if we could do it safely, and if the whole and the support and sometimes strategy to keep crew and fans be safe really kept me up at night. moving forward.

We decided that we were going to move forward with the tours and festivals as safely as we could, Q. You just released a new Screamin’ Rebel Angels Brooklyn based Multi-Inbeing fully vaccinated, and taking tests before and single and Split 45 with Abby Girl & The Real Deal, strumentalist, Songwriter after, wearing masks indoors around the general how did that come about? & Producer Laura Palmer public. Live Music is just such an important part of of Screamin’ Rebel experiencing and enjoying life, and I am so happy A. Yes! Abby Girl and I shared the same musicians Angels. in our bands (my west coast line up, and her that it’s back permanent lineup,) and we were both playing Q. You recently started to work at Atomic Music Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekender, which is the Group as a booking agent, what made you decide worlds largest Rockabilly festival. I approached Abby to see if she would be open to collaborating to do that?

A. I want to be an advocate for more women in on this project, and she was really receptive to it!

84

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

I flew out to CA to record with the band, and we both recorded at the same time. Abby’s song was perfect, but the song that I wrote, I felt like it was 2 separate songs lyrically and musically, so I am saving that for another release. We were really tight on time, so I went back to NYC and planned on recording my parts at Studio G in Brooklyn, and then sending it out west for the guys to lay their parts down. However, when I was working on the demos in my home studio, I really started to love how it came together, so I wound up playing all the instruments on the song, and recorded half at home, and half at Studio G. The work flow came about out of necessity, and was a really vulnerable place for me to be in, where I had no one else to hide behind, it was all my playing, however it was still a cover of the 60s soul hit, “He’s The One That Rings My Bell.”

Q. I saw an announcement that you are working on a solo record, can you tell me more about that?

A. I have spent the past few years writing and recording a lot of music that doesn’t really fit into the Screamin’ Rebel Angels sound. I love creating lush soundscapes, and layering in orchestral instruments with 808s, I love experimenting with new big electronic sounds, or stripping things down to vocal layers and hand percussion. I have also been writing a lot of really emotional songs, sad songs, the songs that are really dark and painful, and I think I’m finally ready to have that conversation with myself and the world. I have not yet written my best songs yet, but they are ready to surface. I hope to continue to grow as a song-writer and producer with this record, and push to the uncomfortable places and do the things I haven’t done yet. I’m also planning on playing about 95% of the instruments on this, in addition to recording and producing, and to have the knowledge of how to do that, and also not be constricted by how much time I can afford in the studio, is going to really be freeing.

APRIL ROSE GABRIELLI’S SOHO RECORDS DEBUT SINGLE “DO YOU?” ENTERS BILLBOARD AC CHART AT #27

By Adam Kluger

S

inger/Songwriter April Rose Gabrielli’s debut single Do You? Released Soho Records & AWAL/Sony makes her Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart Debut at #27, in between Sean Mendes and The Weeknd.

“Do You?” is creating incredible buzz, also reaching #1 on the Mediabase Adult Contemporary Independent Artists Ranking, and is in the Top 25 on the Mediabase Adult Contemporary Chart.

“Do You?” is the debut single from alternative-rock singer, songwriter, pianist, producer and poet: April Rose Gabrielli. “Do You?” is the perfect musical introduction to April as it represents the way she often weaves poetic lyrics, powerhouse vocals and stacked harmonies into a rock track centered around catchy pop melodies. Thematically, using the words “Do You?” in a few different contexts, the lyrics touch upon the ways in which she has mastered the art of emotional deflection and indecision to “keep the peace” with those around her. The track was written and produced

by April Rose Gabrielli, with production, songwriting and engineering help from Kulick (Enci Records) & lifelong friend, Kevin Eiserman.

With her following growing; already at over a half a million song streams, monthly listeners and followers growing at a fast pace, April is growing a loyal band of fans who revel in a creative fresh, authentic approach to music and performance. In lieu of launching her solo music career, April Rose signed an exclusive songwriting deal with BMG Publishing as well as partnering with Casio Music Gear and Avantone Pro.

Watch the “Do You?” music video by April Rose Gabrielli youtu.be/S6ZTkogwDHQ Follow April Rose Gabrielli aprilrosegabrielli.com facebook facebook.com/aprilrosegabrielli

twitter twitter.com/aprilrosegabrie

instagram instagram.com/aprilrosegabrielli November/December 2021

85

25A

MEETING JERRY GARCIA

By Adam Kluger

Editor’s Note: Jerry Garcia was performing with the Jerry Garcia Band in the early ‘90s at Madison Square Garden and before the show, I was given a chance to tape a sit-down interview with him for CNN. As an entertainment writer/ producer for CNN for over a decade, I was lucky enough to interview hundreds of cool folks. Jerry was one of the coolest. Wearing a brown leather jacket, smoking a cigarette, Jerry laughed easily and told great stories. A golden moment I’ll never forget. Here is a short excerpt.

AK: Jerry, How is the music of the Jerry Garcia Band different from what you do with the Dead?

JG: The Grateful Dead is different. The Grateful Dead is not my invention. The Grateful Dead is equally invented by each member It reflects my taste in music and what I think is the way that music ought to be conceptually.

AK: How do you keep things fresh and interesting when you play with the Dead?

JG: I like for it to be flowing. In the event that it’s not flowing, then I try to throw logs on the fire and when everybody else in on, they throw logs on the fire you know what I mean? We’re all trying to get it to go somewhere AK: Lately you’ve been getting a lot of attention for your paintings and artwork.

JG: For me, it’s a little like music actually, the approach is pretty much the same. I start something and then it starts to turn into something and as it starts to get more complete I see it more clearly AK: You are about to turn 50. What would you like to do for the next 100 years of your life?

JG: I’d like to learn how to play the guitar before I die. Yeah, that’d be good (Laugh) 86

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

BROTHERLY DEAD

by Dan Bowen As a kid, I was fortunate to have six older siblings to help mold my musical tastes. At age 10 or so, I remember Santana's "Dance Sister Dance" playing loudly from the third floor bedroom of our big old house, accompanied by a smoky aroma i couldn't recognize. My two oldest brothers were hippie types. My brother Ken was 5 years older than I and was a hard-working guy and a dead head.

At fifteen, he got me some summer farm-type work building fences, throwing hay, falling trees and other cool stuff. He would play the Grateful Dead on the rides to and from work. Bluesy tunes like "Big Boss Man" and "Easy Wind" were my favorites. They were perfect to prep for hard outdoors work and for kicking back when the work was done. The Dead had a tune for every mood and a sound all their own. They were rock and roll, Blues, Country and more wrapped into a single band. They were authentic, playing tunes that could hurt your heart or make it sing.

In 1980, the Dead played Radio City Music Hall, and I was there with Ken. The playlist was a sweet mixture of old and new, and included an acoustic set, which was rare. The whole experience was mind-altering, There were beautiful young girls with painted faces dancing everywhere, free and wild. The cloud of smoke and smell of weed was everywhere, all-consuming. It was electric. For a few hours we were in another world, immersed in slow, sweet ballads like "To Lay Me Down” and rocking tunes like "One More Saturday Night". The outer world ceased to exist, and we were hypnotized by the tunes.

We left the show in a daze of sorts and grabbed a hot pretzel from a street cart. It was an awesome show and a sort of coming of age for me. My brother, and the Dead, made that happen.

MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

THE GRATEFUL DEAD

AN INTERVIEW WITH MUSICIAN DAVID GANS, HOST OF THE GRATEFUL DEAD HOUR RADIO SHOW

by Adam Kluger

D

avid Gans, The renowned host of the nationally syndicated, The Grateful Dead Hour radio show grew up in Northern California's San Jose area. Before he became a radio host, respected music journalist, talented musician, and subsequently one of the world's leading authorities on the music of the Grateful Dead, he was a teenager who was taught by his older brother how to put words to music with a guitar. A professional musician since 1970, Gans says his life changed when he started writing songs. In college at San Jose State, he reviewed records for a newspaper called the Red Eye. After following a young lady up to Berkeley in 1976, David wrote critically acclaimed music articles for a San Francisco music paper called BAM. Gans soon became a leading music journalist who was getting flown out to interview rockers like Joe Walsh. According to Gans, he got to interview Leo Fender and Les Paul and eventually signed on to Rolling Stone's Record magazine, and Mix magazine. He interviewed Neil Young, Pat Benatar, and Fleetwood Mac as Stevie Nicks was launching her solo career. BAM also put Gans on the Grateful Dead beat, a long strange trip he has never left.

November/December 2021

87

25A David, you've had a fascinating journey as a musician, music journalist, author, and radio host. Your life reminds me of Cameron Crowe's movie Almost Famous where your love of music led you to become inextricably connected to the Grateful Dead. Do you remember how that started?

I did an interview with Mickey Hart when he was in the hospital with a broken collarbone. I was sort of the guy covering the Grateful Dead beat for BAM and in August of '77 they flew me to LA to interview Bob Weir who was working on his second solo album at the time and I became friendly with Weir and started hanging out with him so that sort of led to the beginning of my social connection to the Grateful Dead, in addition to the professional connection. In November of '77, I interviewed Robert Hunter. In '81 I did an interview with Phil Lesh for Musician Magazine. Phil was not known for doing a lot of press.

The reason that he agreed to do it I think is that they told him I was a musician. I engaged with him as a musician and I understood what he was doing better than most journalists did and there were moments during the interview where Phil would interrupt himself and say "you really have done your homework haven't you?" So, I connected really well with Phil because I think he recognized that I was a journalist who maybe could help the world understand what the Grateful Dead were doing. So, my journalism career and my musical career kind of co-evolved.

When was the first time you saw the Grateful Dead perform?

The very first time I saw them was March 5, 1972, at Winterland. I didn't think I was going to like them. I thought that they were too loud so I didn't think I was going to care for the Dead. So, we wound up taking an immense dose of LSD. A friend drove us up 88

to San Francisco and we got there late to the show and sat in the last row. I came home with little bits of music etched in my consciousness, little licks and stuff here and there, and then I got the Skull and Roses record and American Beauty and Workingman's Dead, and right around then is when Garcia's Ace had come out.

What is it about a Grateful Dead concert?

Every Grateful Dead performance was honest in the moment of the performance of that song and it depended on everybody's mood that day because nobody was interested in playing it exactly right, they were interested in playing it for real right now. We wanted something new, we wanted a revelation, we wanted an adventure and that's what the Grateful Dead gave us, even as it became less inventive over time even as it became more of a ritual and less of a phenomenon...it still rewarded us enough to keep us coming back.

What was it about Jerry Garcia that was so special?

Jerry was an absolutely brilliant musician with a great open mind and a tremendous ear for songs.

He was a brilliant songwriter himself. He was a brilliant guitarist who was deeply committed to it and a smart and charismatic open-minded guy. I was with him in a lot of situations, with Jerry, and observed him obviously a lot.

He loved kids and he loved dogs.

He was really an unpretentious guy and unimpressed with himself so much that when you got into a conversation with him, he was really talking with you he wasn't trying to turn the conversation to himself, he wasn't interested in raving about what he was doing, he was just interested in stuff. He was just an open-minded interesting guy, charismatic as hell, and happened to be the focal point of this mind-blowing musical mission. Even though he wasn't the

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

sole reason for it he was the most visible and attractive aspect of it. Other people attached themselves to Bob Weir and became huge Bob Weir fans but Jerry was the center of this thing and just really a great talker and a pretty good listener as well... Jerry was always very friendly and encouraging to me...he was always very kind to me and encouraging because he recognized that I was a musician and that I understood what they were doing.

When did you first realize that Jerry Garcia was not just some other musician?

I remember sitting in that Berkeley Community Theater in August of '72, I'm not yet 19 years old and I'm a young musician and I am getting my entire genetic code recalibrated by these people and they all seemed like phenomenally magical people. What was coming off that stage was so deep.

Immediately I just knew this was something that I had to be part of, that wanted to be part of me.

It's hard to articulate what it was.

What is charisma?... Jerry had this voice that was not a strong voice but it was an amazingly expressive voice. He was a 100% no bullsh*t guy and there was no pretense in his performance at all. and I think that maybe that's part of it. You just knew that when you were watching him that you would get 100% of the real deal and the music was a pleasure to listen to. And so we begin to attribute great qualities to him because he was the channel for this amazing energy that came into our hearts.

What about Bob Weir and Phil Lesh?

Bobby was really the baby brother in that world for so long that I think it kind of bent him in a certain way. I think in the early days Phil Lesh was very high strung.

He was the educated musician in the group. He was the literate

one and I think his personality was such that I think that he was both intimidating and hyper-critical of Bobby. You know there was that moment in 1968 when they kicked Bobby and Pigpen out of the band for about three minutes and part of that was that they didn't think Bobby was working hard enough and Bobby to his credit went to work.

I firmly believe that at that moment they didn't really kick him out of the band cause they never played a gig without him. But I think he went to work that day to make himself a better musician.

Bobby developed somewhat of an arguably "overwrought" guitar writing style in a way in a response to having been put down so much by the older guys in the band when he was young I think he needed to prove a point to them and made himself into an amazing musician. He had a difficult job. His job in the jams was to suss out the musical conversation between Phil and Jerry, which was the main thread of Grateful Dead improvisations, and Bobby's job was to figure out something to do between what those two guys were doing that made sense and enhanced the music, and that is not an easy job. And so he made himself into that guy. He boosted himself so that he was qualified to be in that conversation. Phil and Jerry were inarguably musically superior to Bobby when he was a kid and he brought himself up to their level by creating a unique guitar style all his own.

How did you become the host of the Grateful Dead Radio Hour? My friends from college and I would get together regularly, like most Grateful Dead fans across America, to listen to your broadcasts that are always full of fun surprises, rare Grateful Dead recordings, and interviews.

I appeared as a guest on the

question there's so much of it and it's such a subjective thing, how to look at it, how to present it. I've often said I wouldn't want David's job as the pressure is insane. He's got to please this audience and he's got to bring in money for the stakeholders. I wouldn't want to be the guy responsible for choosing what to put out. I have spent 35 years curating an alternate path with that material.

KFOG Deadhead hour to promote my book on the Dead, "Playing in the Band". After contributing to the show the radio station invited me to become the host of the KFOG Deadhead Hour. Then a couple of other radio stations from around the country started calling to ask if they could carry the show. I told the band's manager I thought this could have some potential and was invited to a band meeting. I said "look some radio stations want to carry this show and I'd like to do it. It seems like it would be fun to do", and the band said," great do it... we trust you," Phil literally said to me, "you don't have to ask for permission to pay specific things we trust your judgment."

Gans suddenly had become the host of a nationally syndicated radio show, without ever having formed the intention to do so. It also gave him entree into one of the most sacred places in the Grateful Dead universe, The Vault. The place where almost all of the recorded Grateful

Dead shows are kept.

What's it like in the Grateful Dead vault where they keep all the taped shows. Sacred ground?

I got to go in the vault a number of times, in fact, the first time I went into the vault it was completely unsupervised it was before Dick (Latvala) had been hired to be the archivist and organized the vault, it was just a room a locked room upstairs. I had the run of the vault for a couple of months and after Dick became the archivist, we would wait until the band was out of town and we'd get together and I'd bring all my gear and we would set up three or four copying schemes and just get stoned and listen to Dead music for hours a couple of times a year when the band was out of town. Then I'd take all of those tapes home and listen to them and make radio shows out of them. Just walking barefoot through the vault with Dick was really fun.

Are there a lot more Grateful Dead shows still to come from the Vault?

Oh yeah. There are big gaps in various years like 1970. There's a lot of tapes missing and I don't know why. Apparently, because Owsley was in jail for part of that time and there apparently wasn't enough manpower to make sure that the tapes got made, that's my theory as to why some shows weren't recorded. But generally speaking, everything got recorded at least once and they have lots of stuff in there. You'd have to ask David Lemieux the proportion of unreleased stuff. I have a feeling they've gone through most of their multi-track stuff by now. But there are tons and tons and tons of stereo masters of soundboard tapes. David just put out his 37th Dave's Picks and he hasn't had one false step. All first-rate choices. The June '76 box set was a great concept. How you slice and dice this music is an interesting

So great that John Mayer has fit in so well with Dead & Co to keep letting the good times roll. Not surprising that you were asked to co-host some of the concert live streams too. As if you aren't busy enough!

In addition to my syndicated radio show, The Grateful Dead Hour, I am a co-host of Tales from the Golden Road, a ‪Sunday afternoon‬ talk show on SiriusXM’s Grateful Dead Channel. That’s been going on since January 2008, and we have a great time taking calls from fans - stories, questions, rumors… Gary Lambert and I are also hosting the nugs.net live streams of this year’s Dead & Company tour: we introduce the first set, and then come back between sets to do an interview. We call it Dead Air with Lambert & Gans. Our guests to date have included Cameron Sears of the Rex Foundation; Don Was, president of Blue Note Records and the bassist of Bob Weir & Wolf Bros; Mark Pinkus, head of Rhino Records; musicians Branford Marsalis, Mikaela Davis, Jeff Mattson, and lots more. These programs can be seen at https:// youtube.com/nugsnet

November/December 2021

89

25A

ARE WE NOT MEN? WE ARE DEVO

T

By Adam Kluger Artwork by Steven Gregory

he ‘80s were full of memorable concerts in New York City like The Go-Gos opening for The Police at MSG, The Pretenders at the Ritz, Adam & The Ants at the Pier, Talking Heads at Forest Hills, and on and on. I used to watch MTV all the time like most kids at my high school (Horace Mann) and write about the concerts we attended in a weekly school paper I edited called the Pop World Press. One of the best high school concerts I ever attended was with my friend Steve, who first introduced me to Talking Heads and The Clash, was a Halloween performance by DEVO at Radio City Music Hall for their New Traditionalists album. I was hooked on

90

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

DEVO the first time I saw their cover of the Stone’s song, “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction,” adorned in bright yellow hazmat suits, clangy guitars, electronic keyboards, and robotic movements, DEVO was cool and different and they were also music video pioneers. Mick Jagger, David Bowie, and Neil Young all dug DEVO and so did the fans. Songs like Whip It, Uncontrollable Urge, Gut Feeling, Goin Under, Time Out for Fun are just a handful of DEVO tunes that always get their diehard fans (“spuds”) jumping in their seats. Cool, ironic, intelligent, cutting edge, and fun, DEVO definitely deserves to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

POUR OVER LIBATIONS: HIGHCLERE CASTLE GIN

By Jadan Horyn & Margaret Luce

I

ts name evokes that grand British Edwardian period drama, and its packaging is equally dramatic. Highclere Castle Gin presents in a deeply royal purple glass bottle that would look regal on display in a home as well as behind a bar. Playing off the world-famous Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle Gin has much to live up to, and it pays service to its majestic namesake.

Highclere Castle is the seat of the Earl of Carnarvon and his family. Gin cocktails at Highclere date back to that early Downton presented era no doubt a bit of serendipitous nostalgia - in fact, the family’s archives mention the “Highclere Style” for over a century. The traditional method of indulgence involves a cocktail made with gin, tonic, a fresh orange squeeze, and peel, and finished with a rosemary sprig from the garden.”

So, it is only natural that the family would seek to distill their own gin to truly have the “Highclere Style” all their own.

The gin presents well, but it pleases the palette even more. Its botanical

blend sources from the castle’s own herb garden. More than a mere gimmick, the notes of the gin feature a crisp juniper, whose origins date from roman Britannia and grow wild across the sprawling estate.

Lavender, lime flower, and orange peel together with oats from high chalk soil below the property are incorporated delicately. The resulting taste is floral on the nose and creamy on the end.

Each element in the gin interplays to create the evocation of a first-rate London dry gin, yet it is contemporary and feels like an experience all its own. It shines even more in the versatility it offers in cocktail choices.

In the classic gin martini, its botanicals demur and its crisp juniper-pine essence punches through in a smooth finish of a super-premium spirit.

Highclere Castle Gin is on track to be the most awarded gin by the end of this year and is certainly worthy of the high style and class borrowed from its connection with Downton Abbey. It is simply a must for spirits sophisticate. Do tell.

November/December 2021

91

25A

DIVINE INSPIRATION

NOAH LEHRMAN MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

by Adam Kluger

WHAT IS THE CONNECTION BETWEEN SPIRITUALITY AND MUSIC? For me, both music and spirituality are about experiencing seeming oppositions - self and other, sound and silence, the holy and the mundane, the left hand and the right hand, flow and form - and integrating them to create meaning. Ultimately, they both are practices aimed at making oneself a vessel to bring down the divine flow and send it out to others and the world. And they both make you want to dance!

IS THERE SUCH A THING AS DIVINE INSPIRATION? When Moses asked to see G-d, the response was, “I will show you My back.” In Hebrew this can also be read as “I will show you Myself backwards”. The word we commonly use for G-d in Hebrew is HaShem, meaning “The Name” and spelled with the Hebrew letters “H-Sh-M”. Spell HaShem backwards and you get “M-Sh-H”, which spells Moses’s name in Hebrew (“Moshe”). Divine inspiration isn’t something that comes from outside - it resides inside us all and is revealed when we can see the divine both within ourselves and in others. As with spirituality and music, divine inspiration comes when we transcend the duality of self and other to become vessels for the flow.

92

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

MUSICAL INFLUENCES? My maternal grandfather Arthur was a classical pianist as well as a physician, and as a young child I spent many hours next to him on the piano bench as he played Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, Bach and Brahms.

My paternal grandfather Naftali and his brother Sol were actors who instilled a love of musical theater from Brecht and Weill, to Kander and Ebb, to Bock and Harnick, in whose shows they performed everywhere from Berlin to Broadway.My parents are jazz lovers who raised me steeped in the American Songbook, the arrangements of Johnny Mercer, the vocals of Sinatra, Clooney, and Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, as well as the time signatures of Dave Brubeck, to which I was conceived..My folks also lived in London before I was born and brought back a complete catalog of Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Who vinyl, along with Dylan and Baez. As a young teen I discovered Jane’s Addiction, Pavement, and the Grateful Dead, before my life’s course was set by Phish in high school and university. All this gave me a deep appreciation of composition, variations on a theme, emotional interpretation, and structured improvisation. Leonard Cohen and David Byrne showed me lyrics as liturgy and, along with Phish, existential imagery as well as the power and reach of art pop. As a drummer my

greatest influences have been Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Steve Gad, Kenny Arnoff, Babatunde Olatunje, Max Roach, Dennis Chambers, Mickey Hart, and Bill Kreutzman. Religiously, as a youth I was inspired by cantorial complexity, and later the prolific simplicity of Shlomo Carlebach’s work. Carlebach’s guitar teacher called him both her best and worst student - worst because he never practiced and only really knew four chords, but best because he took those chords and made so much moving music from them!

FUTURE PLANS? Last year I was fortunate enough to perform across the US, Ireland, the UK, Mainland China, and Hong Kong - I speak and write some music in Chinese - and I can’t wait to get back out on international tour and experience that immediacy of energy and connection with a live audience again.In addition to my solo work, I perform in Terrapin Chamber Ensemble - an acoustic project with members of Grateful Dead side projects Phil Lesh & Friends, RatDog, and JGB, as well as Dark Star Orchestra and a string quartet - which brings the music of the Dead’s cannon into unique sacred spaces. Our last pre-pandemic performance was in the main sanctuary of the National Historic Landmark Eldridge Street Synagogue Museum, which was an amazing spiritual experience for me playing on the bimah right in front of the Ark of the Torah, and I long to continue that journey. noahlehrman.com

MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

ADRIANNA MATEO

By Adam Kluger

Adrianna Mateo is a unique triple threat artist: solo violinist, singer-songwriter, and actress based in NYC. Elegant and edgy, her talent has led her to open for Alicia Keys, record her music at Jungle City Studios (courtesy of the studio), perform for more than 40,000 people at MCU Park, sing on MTV and the Late Show with Stephen Colbert, premiere a violin concerto written for her backed by a 50-piece orchestra, and even act onstage at the Metropolitan Opera with Anna Netrebko and perform solo violin at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in concurrent performance runs. For more info: linktr.ee/ adriannamateo & on all social media @adriannamateo Artist Statement: Whether performing on MTV, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Broadway, or at Carnegie Hall or conversing with my medical, frontliner family about the similarities between surgery, playing violin, and songwriting I’m always excited to harmonize seemingly unrelated worlds with my voice, mind, and heart.

November/December 2021

93

25A

MUSIC IS MAGIC

By Itamar SN

T

welve halftones that can create an infinite number of combinations can make people come together, fall in love, stop wars, and start fights. Music can change lives for the better and for the worse. I’m sitting in my living room in the Middle East, watching the Mediterranean Sea and thinking about the story of music that brought both hope and tragedy to my region.

Mashrou’ Leila is one of my favorite bands in the world. Above all, this Lebanese indie rock band makes amazing music. But this great music that brings together west & east, traditional & modern, has an enormous value-added because of the critical and satirical texts and its openly gay lead singer, Hamed Sinno. Maybe for you, in your democratic reality, it seems obvious, for in my region, outside my country Israel, it’s a revolution. The Arab people love them. When they had a concert in Jordan’s capital, Aman, many busses crossed the border, bringing Israeli Arabs fans. The public adored them in spite and because of their message. They want

free music and free love.

The regimes in the Arab countries, that was another story. They were banned from Jordan already in 2016 because Sinno covered himself in the rainbow flag given to him by the audience. A year after, the band that wanted to bring nothing, but hope faced a very dark hopeless night.

Tonight exactly, when I write this piece (September 22nd,), four years ago, Mashrou’ Leila gave an epic concert in Cairo, Egypt. Few people who thought that the music would be as armor for them waved the rainbow flag, feeling the sensation of freedom for just one night. A few hours later, they were arrested for acts of immorality or debauchery. One of them, Sarah Hegazi, suffered PTSD from the torture she suffered in her three months in prison. She committed suicide last year in June 2020 leaving a note explaining she can’t live with her trauma.

Mashrou’ Leila was banned from Egypt.

We must focus on the glass half full. The people of my region LOVE them, craving for their music, and stand behind their freedom and equality message.

The only revolutions that have success are the ones coming from the bottom up. Equality to my region!

I love you mashrou’ Leila…

94

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

LEILA PARI EMPOWERING PEOPLE THROUGH SONG

B

orn in California to parents of Persian, Colombian, Irish, Scottish, English & French descent - Leila grew up enchanted by philosophy, history, art and human expression. When she wasn’t frolicking around her grandparents ranch trying to build tree houses or play make believe, she was teaching herself how to play piano, guitar, choreography & composition. A self-professed underdog, she persisted in cultivating her understanding of music. Mesmerized by storytelling and curious about what it meant to perform and capture human attention, she spent her childhood writing about the world around her and finding ways to turn those stories into songs.

Leila, who had been homeschooled for four years, entered a public school for her senior year, where she found herself severely bullied. One day after one of these episodes she came home, sat on her bedroom floor, and with tears staining her cheeks wrote down the response she had wished she had the courage to say into a song. That song ended up becoming her anthem and in so doing awakened her to her purpose.

Leila yearns to empower people to live boldly & give underdogs hope that they have what it takes to shine.

Influenced by artists like U2, Coldplay, Ryan Tedder, and The Chainsmokers -Leila set out to write songs that center on real life. Longing, hope, love, challenges and the human existence. Her music transcends genre boundaries and she brings her stories to life through vibey pop songs that can soundtrack a dance party, exercise, or alone time. To date she’s worked with artists like Felix Cartal, Tahsan Khan, Erfan Paydar, Mossiman, N3wport, Eqric, & Lincoln Jesser. She’s performed in LA, New York and London and was being booked by ICM prior to the pandemic.t November/December 2021

95

25A

A NEW COLOR IN THE RAINBOW The Torso Trimmer Rides The Fitness High With Its Unconventional Method

By Nicole Schubert & David Luce

I

ts unconventional and it has the power to completely transform your abs. The Torso Trimmer, founded by Dr. Yasser Nadim and conceptualized by West Palm Beach’s own, Dr. Jose Echeverria, is the wellness industry’s newest core and cardio machine, cultivating more than the perfect physique, but relieving medical symptoms too, for those seriously affected from Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI), lower back pain and muscular imbalance. However, what makes this renown gym equipment especially buzzy and recently sought after among fitness enthusiasts across the globe, selling 200 machines worldwide, is its ability to provide cardiovascular stimulation and calorie burning at the same time, coining the only machine to successfully achieve this.

And if you’re wondering how Dr. Yasser Nadim and Dr. Jose Echeverria were able to develop this cutting-edge machine, which uniquely strengthens the pelvic floor usually next to impossible to train, the answer is in the Olympic Games, when Dr. Yasser Nadim was first inspired by watching the Pommel Horse routine. As an orthopedic surgeon, it instantaneously struck him that mastering this gymnastics feat was actually in direct result of using the muscles that make up the anatomy of the core. He then realized that he could create a fitness machine that reproduces the same functional

96

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

movements of the torso without demanding the rigors of attempting the real pommel horse routine, so those who are not super athletes can benefit from this challenging workout too.

“No other machine is core and cardio,” said Dr. Jose Echeverria to Metropolitan Palm Beach, who mentions that the Torso Trimmer is available for purchase on the brand’s home webpage. “If you use any other machine for the core, your heart rate will not go up. Your respiratory will not go faster. It is a stretch and release. So, you are stretching the muscle, but you are not stimulating your heart.

The Torso Trimmer is like running on a treadmill, while working on your core. That’s the beauty. This machine has the same cardiovascular effects and respiratory benefits, but also works the core. No other machine in the world does that.”

And today, since its initial launch 15 years ago, the Torso Trimmer is continuing to prove results and ride the fitness high, especially in South Florida. People are obsessed, especially those who are seeking new ways to alleviate SUI, which is increasingly prevalent in women, as research by the National Center for Biotechnology Information backs up.

In addition, the Torso Trimmer has enormously impacted professional and amateur golfers whose most common injury is lower back pain caused

from movement patterns, muscle imbalances and their swing, which can have direct effects on the spine. And according to Dr. Jose Echeverria, if golfers use the Torso Trimmer for 20 minutes and increase the resistance, their lower back torso muscles can benefit immensely, largely reducing symptoms of pain.

Nevertheless, if you’re looking to use the Torso Trimmer as a way to tone it up rather than for physical therapy, Dr. Kandace Kichler, Director of Bariatric Surgery of JFK Medical Center, remarks that it’s the perfect machine to target muscles you aren’t able to hit otherwise.

“After using the Torso Trimmer, I personally noticed more core and pelvic floor tightening, which is a major bonus after having a child,” said Dr. Kandace Kichler. “Bravo to the creators of this wonderful product. You need one in your home!”

It’s a redefining machine and a new color in the rainbow. “It’s not a different shade of a color,” said Dr. Jose Echeverria. “That’s the idea. There’s nothing like it.”

Follow @torsotrimmer on Instagram for more information.

DR. KANDACE KICHLER

How This Medical Chic Doctor Achieves The Ultimate Glow

By Nicole Schubert

T

his slimming surgeon is doing more than changing lives with Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery, but keeping her patients in fighting shape, with the ultimate glow up, as Palm Beach’s illustrious expert in health, wellness and beauty. The Medical Director of North Palm Beach Aesthetics, Dr. Kandace Kichler performs everything from Botox to dermal fillers and chemical peels, while also specializing in non-surgical facial rejuvenation, where she offers modern, high-tech skincare treatments and advanced techniques to enhance her patient’s already natural beauty and supercharge them with a boost. Showing them the way to looking their best and feeling their best through these groundbreaking and high-end therapies, whether it be in-demand beauty facials or cosmetic weight loss, Dr. Kandace Kichler is Palm Beach’s go-to medical chic doctor that’s in nonstop pursuit to present her patients with the dream of all dreams stretch and firming packages.

However, what most inspires Dr. Kandace Kichler, who is also the Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery at JFK Medical Center in Atlantis, Florida, is promoting a nutritious and healthy lifestyle, where she advocates for clean eating, weight loss and a daily activity regimen.

Long having been influenced by the evolving world of wellness since she was young, while growing up in Alabama, and seeing exercise and the gym as a vital priority to healthy living, Dr. Kandace Kichler is now dedicated to teaching her patients how to invest in their wellbeing. Here, she not only helps them achieve a totalbody tune up, but most importantly, shows them how to conquer eating well and embracing a well-balanced diet.

“Once someone decides that they want to lose weight and they want to improve their health or their appearance, then they start to invest in themselves,” said Dr. Kandace Kichler to Metropolitan Palm Beach, who is also a double board-certified General Surgeon and a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. “If you invest in yourself on the inside, having a procedure or taking medications to put the weight off, then you start to care about other things. You care about the wrinkles on your face. You care about the texture of your skin. You care about the way your clothes fit you. So, just wrapping up everything together,

whether I’m operating on the patient or performing a Botox injection, it helps them to feel good and look good at the same time.”

Advocating for the full package, tying both her surgical office and med spa together, Dr. Kandace Kichler is showing her patients that if you achieve certain habits, especially clean eating, then you can successfully make changes in your body. “We all want to reach for that candy bar or soda because in the moment, it tastes amazing, but if you actually tally it up and listen to your body, an hour later or less, you get sluggish,” explains Dr. Kandace Kichler, who also says that you won’t feel as good. “If you eat when you’re hungry and if you eat things that are less processed, your body is able to digest them more quickly. Your brain functions better.

You have natural endorphins.”

And while relearning how to nourish yourself with healthy meals, this med spa guru, along with columnist Margaret Luce of If You Haven’t You Should, suggests indulging in one of her popular cosmetic injections too such as the “Fat Burner.” The ideal tweak to achieving a pitch-perfect physique, this specially formulated injection will also bring a plethora of benefits, including burning fat, increasing energy and boosting your immune system. So, as you begin to create a new normal with Dr. Kandace Kichler and embrace the full package of wellness and beauty, conjure health and happiness too on the inside and out for the radiant days of fall ahead.

November/December 2021

97

25A

SPOTLIGHT WITH JULIANNE MICHELLE Jonathan Axelrod Showbiz Wonder and Democrat with a Huge Heart

I

great writer (his friends were writing Apocalypse Now and Taxi Driver while he was writing mostly what he considered to be “silly comedies”) and felt that he was better imitating than creating. Everyone loved his notes, and he critiqued the first drafts of some of the most famous films. Soon thereafter, Jonathan got an offer from ABC to be an executive and ran all series development for the west coast. He then worked for Columbia Pictures Television and New World Pictures.

had the pleasure of interviewing Hollywood mogul, Jonathan Axelrod, and asked him to share how his career ignited and what drives him in life.

One could say that Jonathan’s talent probably runs in his genes. His father was famed writer and producer, George Axelrod, who penned some of the most epic films of all time, such as The Manchurian Candidate, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Seven Year Itch, and Bus Stop. Jonathan was born in Manhattan, New York in 1955 and, through his father, was exposed to theatre and literature at a young age. He saw every play on Broadway, and before age 12 Jonathan was reading Twain, Faulkner, and Fitzgerald. He also read a myriad of screenplays and became familiar with its form.

In 1961, Jonathan’s family relocated to Los Angeles when Jonathan’s father was nominated for an Academy Award. At age 17, while Jonathan suffered from learning disabilities (not much was known about treatment at this time) and failed in high school, he wrote a screenplay entitled Sometime Chance and sold it to Warner Brothers for a lot of money.

Heavy hitters Barbara Streisand, George C. Scott, and director Michael Winner were attached, but the movie never got made and collapsed 3 months before shooting. However, this project put Jonathan on the map, and everyone wanted to work with him.

Julianne Michelle

98

Although he was clearly a very talented writer to sell a script to Warner Brothers at age 17 (plus he wrote the highly acclaimed A Star is Born and Every Little Crook and Nanny), Jonathan never considered himself a

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

Despite all his success, Jonathan grew tired of the executive role and wanted to produce. In 1992, he made a movie for HBO with John Frankenheimer called “Against the Wall”, chronicling the Attica prison riot. It was the highest rated movie he had ever done at that time. It starred Samuel L. Jackson and Clarence Williams III and garnered a Primetime Emmy Award and a nomination for a Golden Globe Award.

Another friend, John Widdoes, wanted to direct ½ hour comedies so he and Jonathan formed a little company called Axelrod Widdoes and churned out their first show, which was a big CBS hit called Dave’s World. They produced 9 comedies over 10 years and negotiated many deals with major studios including Fox, Universal, and Paramount.

Most of Jonathan’s TV shows were family friendly, and his work attracted the attention of the head of Hallmark.

Jonathan lived in Vancouver for 6 years and produced 28 movies for Hallmark. He was working 100 hour weeks and burned out. So he eventually quit, left LA and the business, and moved to Palm Springs. However due to much demand, Jonathan was persuaded to come back to develop for Netflix and Hallmark but at a pace he finds more conducive to a healthy work/life balance. Jonathan is developing projects from the comfort of his own home, so that he can finally pursue personal interests, as he acknowledges that his personal life suffered due to his intense work schedule.

What advice would you give to someone looking to do what you do?

Be passionate. Write something, whatever it is, put it on paper. It’s all about ideas. I wake up in the morning and think of ideas that become series.

How should one attempt to break into the industry?

The best way to get in now is try to get to know an agent with a big agency or a lawyer, someone who has connections, but you have to show them something, and the best way I know how to do that is on paper.

In speaking with Jonathan, I could sense his warmth and openness, and he told me that part of his success was that people liked him and wanted him to succeed. Being a people person is an integral part of selling. He conducted himself ethically and elicited trust. In one year, Jonathan sold 13 shows all on his own.

Jonathan is actively involved with the Democratic party. He has supported several candidates and worked on a couple of national campaigns. More recently, he made phone calls to get out the vote in support of California Governor Newsom. Eradicating poverty is an issue important to him. “Everything that is bad from violence to the foods we eat to health is because of poverty. Poor people are obese.

When you are obese, you are more likely to die from Covid.

78% of the people who died from Covid were overweight.”

Jonathan considers three factors contributing to poverty: Covid, mental health, and drugs. Jonathan is a proponent of subsidized housing for those who cannot afford it and believes that legalizing all drugs, which would eliminate gangs that sell drugs, could also be part of the solution to end poverty. Additionally, Jonathan supports more emphasis on mental health and erecting many more mental health institutions.

Jonathan married three times and has one son, who is 31 years old and works as a chef.

Julianne Michelle is an award-winning actress whose career began at the age of 5. She is currently playing Ms. Taylor in the Amazon series, Little Cupid. She is a graduate of Columbia University.

Instagram: @realjuliannemichelle, Twitter: @ julmichelle

SAMUEL WAXMAN CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION’S 17TH ANNUAL HAMPTONS HAPPENING

By Peter Elston

T

he Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation’s (SWCRF) was proud to hold the return of the one of the biggest charity events of the summer, The Hamptons Happening!

The 17th annual event was a celebration of health and wellness, and the culmination of The Global Walk to Flatten the Cancer Curve with SWCRF partner, Walk with a Doc. Event committee member Maria Fishel and Kenneth Fishel hosted the ticketed fundraiser on their estate in Bridgehampton.

This year’s honorees included HUGO BOSS, Fashion Inc represented by Rodolfo Esparza III; Dr. Kenneth Mark, Skin Cancer & Cosmetic Dermatology Expert; Natalie Cohen Gould, Co-founder of Come Back Cycle, Dir. of Wholesale, FP Movement; and Chef and Restaurateur David Burke, David Burke Hospitality Management. The event was cochaired by Mark D. Friedman of Brown Harris Stevens, Jessica Mackin of James Lane Post, and Randi Schatz.

SWCRF founder Samuel Waxman MD, along with event committee members Christine Arlotta, Antonella Bertello, Erica Fineberg, Maria Fishel, Jacqueline Frank, Norah Lawlor, Jamie Koff, Christine Prydatko, Suzanne Sabet, and Michael Snell were in attendance.

Notable attendees included: Dr. Samuel Waxman, Marion Waxman, Maria Fishel, Kenneth Fishel, Bradley Fishel, Rodolfo Esparza III, Dr. Kenneth Mark, Chef David Burke, Natalie Cohen Gould, Jamie Koff, Mark D. Friedman, Chris Wragge, Harry Carson, Ramona Singer, Marvin Scott, Jean Shafiroff, Randi Schatz, Ann Liguori, William T. Sullivan, Cesar Ricci, Michael Nierenberg, Elin Nierenberg, Jonny Nierenberg, Tori Chanenchuk, Ali Nierenberg, Jody Gorin, Allie Gorin, Matthew Gorin, Erica Fineberg, Steven Carter, Mario Pecoraro, Chris Arlotta, Philip Greenwald, Dr.

Nicholas Perricone, Michael Tadross, Matthew Yee, Vincent Wolf, Suzanne Sabet, Hormoz Sabet, Debbie Shlafmitz, Howard Shlafmitz, Sarah Shlafmitz, Craig Rivera, Cordelia Rivera.

The Hamptons Happening was a cocktail chef-tasting event featuring a dozen chefs and spirits from The Hamptons and NYC area providing samples of their favorite dishes, cocktails and mocktails. The event featured appearances

by VIPS like Chris Wragge, anchor of CBS 2 Morning News, Hall of Fame linebacker Harry Carson of The NY Giants, Ramona Singer of RHONY, and a performance by Freestyle Love Supreme, a Tony Award Winning Broadway Musical Improv Group.

After the opening performance by Freestyle Love Supreme, Emcee Chris Wragge welcomed guests to the Hamptons Happening. After a brief interview with founder Dr. Samuel Waxman, the honorees were awarded by William T. Sullivan, Executive Director of the SWCRF. Following another brief performance, the auction got underway. With tickets purchased and auction item bids, the event raised more than $400,000.

The delicious tastings stations were supplied by: A la Mode, Arlotta Food Studio, Bareburger, Beauty & the Broth, Bimble, Centro Trattoria, Chef Julian Medina, Chef Scott Kampf of Southampton Social Club and Union Sushi & Steak; Clarkson Avenue Crumb Cake Company, David Burke Hospitality Management, Golden Pear, Halo Sport, Herradura Tequila, Kurly Kurtosh, Magnolia Bakery, MarieBelle New York, Milene Jardine, Out East Rose, Pompette, Rust & Gold, Simple Vodka, T-Bar Steak & Lounge, Taub Family Companies, Woodford Reserve.

Sponsors included: Backal Hospitality Group, Guaranteed Rate, HUGO BOSS Fashions Inc., James Lane Post, Mann Publications, Modern Luxury, Newrez, Prime Meridian Moving. And dozens of in-donations provided

by Amali, Ani Private Resorts, Arlotta by Chris Arlotta, Arlotta Food Studio, The Baker House 1650, Bisous Web, Calissa, Covergirl, Chase William, Evolve East, Free People Movement, FR TEAM of Brown Harris Stevens, The Hidden Gem Café, HiWave, ISDIN, Kobi Halperin, Lawlor Media Group, Peter Thomas Roth, Regina Kravitz, Swoon.

The Global Walk to Flatten the Cancer Curve officially started on June 30th, 2021 and culminated at the SWCRF’s 17th Annual Hamptons Happening. The virtual walk raised international awareness and funds for life-saving cancer research. Participants logged their steps during the 11 days with the aim of accumulating 25,000 miles, enough to travel around the world. The virtual fundraising walk collected $100,000 for cancer research.

The incidence of cancer is rising around the world and advanced age is the most significant risk factor. More than 60 percent of Americans diagnosed with cancer are 65 and older. SWCRF, in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute and National Institute on Aging, is leading the way in funding the scientists who are working towards the next breakthrough in cancer treatments. Currently, SWCRF is funding 50 renown investigators on three continents, each working together to develop less toxic cancer treatments.

For more information, visit: www.waxmancancer.org/ events/hamptons/ Photos courtesy of Patrick McMullan, and Rob Rich Society Allure.

November/December 2021

99

25A

ELENA ULANSKY OF TETHYS ART REVITALIZES EAST END ART SCENE

By Lillian Langtry \ Photos Tethys Art

E

lena Ulansky is a managing partner at The Gorlin Companies, a single-family office, with more than 40 years of experience in investing and building companies in the biotech area. In addition, Ms Ulansky is a director of partner relations at Capital Geneve, a private swiss investment company. Elena is supporting several charitable efforts focused on facilitation of exchange in resources and information, to create new sources of income in “underprivileged” communities.

Elena received an MFA at the New York Academy of Art almost 10 years after completing her MF from Moscow State Linguistic University. Elena is involved in the world of fine art, both from the standpoint of a creator of artworks and helping to promote young upcoming artists. Elena is a draftswoman, printmaker, and painter.

Ulansky rooted in the investment world for over a decade evolved her taste and appreciation in visual art. She has been able to follow her passion and study art for 3 years while continuing to work fulltime in finance. After receiving her MFA, she embarked on a challenging journey. A passionate lover of art and supporter of creative efforts led by women Elena aspired to engage New York Community to look at the art gallery building with a fresh eye.

With a help of talented and successful female curators Indira Cesarine, Ludovica Capobianco as well as fellow NYAA graduate Dayana Beseinova, Elena has managed to organize and co-curate three art shows over the summer season of 2021 in Southampton, NY. The vision behind this project titled “TethysArt” was to show a different view, provoke and instigate dialogue on even the most controversial topics through art. Societal views are challenged and can be changed. The themes in each of the 3 curations of the summer 2021 season explore how culture and gender affect power, challenge dated social systems and biases, and explore larger notions of female constructs in contemporary society. They examine stereotypes and the behaviors of consumerism, unmask female (in)appropriateness, arousal, celebrity, and commercialism, and give a new voice to women.

100

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

From its inception in 2021 by Elena Ulansky and her co-founder Nitin Gambhir aimed to showcase art trends that bring together artists, art lovers, collectors, and curators alike. However, the idea reached beyond opening just another gallery. The team strived to create a place to trace lineages and establish connections between established contemporary artists and the upcoming “draft-choices” in the art world. The focus of the platform is to introduce new perspectives, facilitate discussions on controversial topics, and shine a light on art that could have a long-lasting impact.

The season was kicked off with a show titled From Keith Haring To The Screen Generation dedicated to the conversation between street and digital art. Acclaimed pieces by Keith Haring, Richard Prince, Pieter Schoolwert, alongside upcoming NFT artists Fawn Rogers, Pearlyn Lii, and Elisa Swopes. The 20th century is defined by the creation of mass culture, and its ability to share ideas that affect political, cultural, and social changes via television, and later, the Internet. The creation of such mass-generated ideologies allowed for the development of a counterculture as young individuals look for more and more radical ways to express themselves and technology becomes a larger part of our lives. While street art has found its way into institutional collections, the cultural revolution brought by the introduction of NFTs in early 2021 is just picking up speed. Digital art is nothing new; artists began experimenting with expression in the virtual realm in ’90s, but the increased accessibility to the Internet has created an environment for digital art to become mainstream.

Digital creators and their newly built virtual infrastructure challenge the traditional art world’s idea of “what art is.” NFTs have disrupted the physical art world in favor of a completely digital one, triggered conversations around issues of ownership and artists’ royalties attached to NFTs, and allow us to imagine the future of digital museums and what that might entail.

The VIP opening night celebration on June 12th offered cocktails for industry insiders, with even a few sweet pups present to show their support for the new venture. Socialites Luciana Pampalone and Jean Shafiroff were among those in attendance. Tethys Art certainly became a must-see for any East End visit.

The second show The Stars of Tomorrow was focusing on juxtaposing established artists who have achieved recognition relatively quickly with emerging artists whose potential is compelling, this exhibition explores the evolution of an artist’s practice, and aims to help collectors recognize these talents earlier in their trajectory.

Collectors today are faced with the challenge of filtering through a plethora of contemporary art in a rather oversaturated market. As an artist and a co-curator, Ulansky, knows firsthand the issues collectors are facing when navigating the art world. Tethys Art aims to guide new and established collectors in building and enlarging high quality art collections through a strong selection of artists and artworks. The gallery exhibits contemporary art that has aesthetical and conceptual strength, and artists who have strong support from the New York and global art community. Tethys Art was made to stand out against the rest and offer a new type of gallery experience. Ulansky created a space that showcases art history, new perspectives, and opens up discussions about controversial topics. The goal is to give recognition to great works that could have a long-lasting impact in the field. “We focus on collectors who are starting on their art journey. We want to bring them over and show them what might be a good place to start,” said Ulansky.

Les Femmes, a group show, which opened on August 21st and on view through September 6th is the 3rd and closing Summer exhibition presents the vision of several notable female artists including legendary artists Cindy Sherman and Barbara Kruger, pioneering feminists Robin Tewes and Grace Graupe-Pillard, and social media sensation Leah Schrager, as well as emerging voices including Fahren Feingold, Alexandra Rubinstein and Loren Erdrich. The theme of this show is especially close to Elena as she is aspiring to move into the artworld and gain respect from male counterparts. Les Femmes explores the contemporary narrative of the female gaze, while addressing the representation of women in contemporary culture and art. The selected artists are all at different stages of their development, from those who are making their first foray from art school and whose work has never been exhibited to those with a strong institutional presence. Tethys Art aims to make the collecting of art more accessible by navigating the art world for those who are approaching it for the first time to helping established collectors discover emerging artists that stimulate and complement their existing collections, which also evolve. “Through exhibiting a diverse selection of both established and emerging artists, we want to engage with our clients to create new connections to help you broaden your perspectives”, - says Ulansky.

We will work together with our clients to create new synergies, stimulate constructive dialogues, and exchange modern ideas.

The underpinnings of each exhibition reflect Elena’s core value, which is to curate quality art in a way that recontextualizes traditional constructs and generates new dialogues and synergies. www.tethys.art November/December 2021

101

25A

PATRICIA PEDRAZA

THE G DUBYA

Distance grants perspective. And absence makes the heart grow fonder. By leaving Manhattan, even for a few hours, days, weeks, — or months as was my case during the pandemic pandemonium — you see it’s magic majesty, and fall in love all over again. Bridges provide an “escape route” out of New York City, but also a magnificent portal that welcomes you back home to the greatest city on Earth. In my art, I am exploring New York’s bridges, and how they serve us individually and collectively; practically and philosophically.

Patricia Pedraza Artist-in-Residence Ridgefield Guild of Artists

102

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

WALTER STERNLIEB’S A IS FOR ART GALLERY OPENS GALLERY HOSTED THE HAMPTONS LAUNCH OF HIWAVE

S

By Elizabeth Darwen

outhampton is now home to A is for Art. Modern American artist and designer, Walter Sternlieb, has opened the Hampton’s hottest new gallery, and it is part of the village’s strong legacy with backing of curated collaborations in the community. Walter celebrated the opening at 60 Jobs Lane in Southampton, NY with cocktails amongst friends and art enthusiasts. The opening coincided with the launch of Philip Greenwald’s HiWave, the in-Person Networking phone sticker.

Some notable attendees included: A is for Art Gallery owner Walter Sternlieb, creator & CEO of HiWave Philip Greenwald, Jean Shafiroff, Leesa Rowland, Larry Wohl, Debbie Sroka, Neil Sroka, Bruce Lewin, Joseph Greenwald, Linda Greenwald, Alana Galloway, Jolie Moray, Sara Herbert-Galloway, Liz Lazar, Eduardo Sanchez, Sharon Joseph, Lockie Andrews, Sara Davidson, Amleto Mazza, Jan Juran, Adele Nino.

Located at 60 Jobs Lane, A is for Art brings to life the prolific vision of Walter Sternileib, who is known out east as a respected designer, builder, woodworker, and master craftsman. Now his latest title as industrial artist will only further plant his applaudable achievements. His charismatic work on display was brought forth by ingenuity and creativity. “I woke up one morning with this idea of a 3-dimensional flag, made a prototype of it, then built it, painted it and hung it,” states Walter.

comes from a special place in Walter’s personal history that many can relate to and why his artwork stands out as a popular choice to art collectors.

HiWave now makes it easier than ever to stay connected. By placing their sticker on the back of your phone or wallet, you can exchange any of your contact information with just a tap.

Whether you’re meeting someone at a business conference or making a new friend at a bar - just hold out your phone and let the other person tap your sticker. Your profile will open in their web browser. The other person doesn’t need an app or sticker of their own!

HiWave revamps the way you exchange information - whether you’re sharing your website and Instagram, or just your name and number. With a simple tap and a stylish sticker, HiWave is proving to be a game changer for real world connections - from business networking to meeting a friend at a bar.

HiWave lets you effortlessly stay in touch with the people you meet. And best of all? It’s free to individuals! While they charge corporate clients for custom stickers or large orders, getting and using a HiWave sticker is free for you. You’ll have a blast seeing people’s reactions to the sticker at work - and if you have the app downloaded, their intuitive technology organizes all your new contacts for you for easy access whenever you need to follow up!

The specific vision of the then novice artist led to a series that includes his iconic pieces “The Staircase,” and “5 Hearts.” Eventually he established a professional portfolio that was so large it took up all of his wall space in his home where he displayed pieces. The colorful collection impressed visiting friends and fans and eventually led to thoughts of opening up a gallery to showcase his work.

Founder & CEO Phil Greenwald has been at the forefront of the technology industry for almost 10 years. Before starting HiWave, Greenwald was the Associate Director of Technology and Lead Technology Advisor at Harvard Innovation Labs.

Walter’s expressive 3-dimensional paintings encompass powerful expressions full of rich color and bold design. The bright shapes are pops of color that bring bliss to anyone who uses them as part of the design of a home or office space. The dazzling and virtuosic collection

For more information, please visit https://hiwave.co/, or check them out on Instagram @ hiwave.co!

Event Photo Credit: Rob Rich Society Allure

For more information, please call (516) 356-1191 or visit the gallery in Southampton at 60 Jobs Lane. aisforart.us

November/December 2021

103

25A

ART WORLD SPOTLIGHT: EVAN TAWIL

Mega Dealer-Advisor is the Art World Insider’s Secret Weapon

By W.A. Muller

W

hen Metropolitan Magazine listed Evan Tawil among the Top Art Advisors in 2020 alongside the likes of hedge fund art advisor Sandy Heller, Tawil was humbly surprised. Having been an avid collector since the age of twenty-one and listed in ARTnews Magazine at the age of 26 as one of the top collectors under 30, Tawil’s roots in the art world run deep. Early memories such as long conversations with Annina Nosei who discovered Jean Michel-Basquiat as they toured her basement stacks of Basquiat inventory.

Then, the idea of a Basquiat canvas fetching $150,000 was a fantasy. Now they can sell for $10 million to $100 million. Tawil is a third-generation American though he shares the same Syrian heritage as other great art collectors/dealer families like the Nahmads and the Mugrabis. Tawil was approached by MOMA in his twenties to sell them a canvas he owned by a prominent African artist. He struck a deal with then curator Robert Storr for a promised gift of the painting. He shared the work with MOMA for the next 20 years.

Having grown up in Manhattan in a multi-lingual school and household, Tawil joined his father’s apparel firm at the age of twenty-three. Evan Tawil quickly built an impressive portfolio of relationships with major brands. Manufacturing children’s apparel under a dozen different licenses (Baby Dior, Juicy Couture, Kate Spade, VINCE, UGG, 7 for All Mankind, Marimekko & Disney among others). Evan Tawil also filled his showrooms with art of all mediums and periods and developed a community-wide reputation as an aficionado of high art. When the firm was sold in 2016, Tawil decided to pursue his passion for art dealing and advising. Evan still maintains a strong foothold in consumer products, and brands & acquisition deals, thanks to his enormous Rolodex and an ability to connect and transact honorably and graciously with nearly anybody on the planet. For Tawil, it is all about maintaining focus.

What does this kind of intense focus entail?

Genesis Tramaine Witnessing Grace, 2020 Acrylic, Oil Sticks, Spray Paint, Yeshua Private collection Courtesy of the artist and Almine Rech Photographer: Melissa Castro Duarte

104

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

Keith Haring Untitled, 1988 Acrylic on canvas © Keith Haring Foundation

“Trying to remain transactional and transparent with a phalanx of collectors, gallerists, dealers, private sales auction specialists, and art advisors throughout the global art world, “ Says Tawil, “It takes a village. What’s more, you need to meet with those villagers periodically.

If not, it’s out of sight, out of mind. Email, text, and Whatsapp are insufficient. The more face-to-face time and collaboration, the more deals come up.” Tawil has gained the trust of many of the top players in the art and business community. Many of them call Tawil to source material for them or to offer him material that will be handled sensibly and with care. While his average transaction size is around $600,000, his transactions range from $50,000 to $40 million. “I’m hyper-focused on what’s most actionable at any given time. What is someone ready to buy and what’s the amount they are comfortable deploying. It’s a transactional model which has also propelled the auction houses and galleries to break private sales records consistently” Tawil’s artworld colleagues agree that one of Evan Tawil’s greatest talents is his ability to communicate quickly and effectively with immediacy, a strong business acumen, sense of confidence, attention to detail, humility, and sense of humor.

“Evan was as kind to me when I was an entry-level cataloger as he is to me now,” says Christie’s Chairman Alexander Rotter. “We see him as one of the hardest working, people in the industry.”

Miety Heiden, Phillips, Deputy Chairman & Head of Private sales says: “Evan’s a fast learner. Very easy and transparent when needed. One of the people I’m dealing with on a regular basis and happy granting access to.”

Amy Cappellazzo, Chairman of Sotheby’s, “Evan is a passionate player in the New York contemporary art world and has been for more than 25 years. Literally, everyone knows him! His enthusiasm for both art and deals is a huge part of his success in the field.”

Jacqueline Wachter, Senior Vice President, Private Sales, Sotheby’s Los Angeles, “There is no one with a bigger heart or a stronger work ethic in the whole business. He will go to the far reaches of the universe to find you what you need, not sleep until he makes you laugh while he’s doing it.”

Photo by Eli Tawil

November/December 2021

105

25A

JONATHAN FELDSCHUH PARTICLES AND COLLIDERS

106

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

M

y new series Particles is an investigation into the interactions of subatomic particles inside an accelerator. It follows my Large Hadron Collider series of paintings of the machinery of the largest accelerator in the world, the LHC at CERN. The collider paintings were most recently exhibited at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. In the new series, I am attempting to depict the super-small world of high energy collisions, filled with virtual particles, quantum loops, and hadronic jets.

The paintings are executed in acrylic paint on transparent mylar, and feature splashes and splatters from a very dynamic application of the paint with large house-painter’s brushes. I work on both sides of the surface. There are subtle pencil and ink marks which I use to suggest three-dimensionality of the swirling particle traces.

I am at the beginning stages of developing a formal vocabulary for these

pieces, in which different parts of the theory of subatomic particles correspond to specific formal elements of the paintings. I have been reengaging with the theory of the Standard Model, and studying the technical results from colliders like the LHC. In this exploration I am aided by my original undergraduate degree as a physicist. Although a complete understanding of these theories requires a long journey of graduate study, I am still inspired to try to visualize particles in a new way.

Some of the paintings depict particle interactions that can be described with simple Feynman diagrams. Particles #20 (Beta Decay) shows a neutron decaying into a proton plus a short-lived W- particle, which nearly immediately decays into an electron and an electron neutrino. Other paintings suggest much more complex processes that might arise in the extremely high-energy collisions of an accelerator like the LHC, where the huge energies of the collider particles can allow the creation of many virtual particles, which then spawn jets of subsequent particles as they decay to more ordinary matter.

November/December 2021

107

25A

BITCOIN CONFERENCE 2021 MIAMI

By Jadan Horyn

S

outh Florida played host to the largest gathering of crypto enthusiasts yet assembled on the planet this summer. Bitcoin Conference 2021 Miami took place in Wynwood amongst the warehouse and hipster vibe one thinks appropriate given both are part antique and part disruptor. Bitcoin seeks to take the world of finance and currency - an old and staid industry - and revolutionize it for the digital world of the future.

Bitcoin Conference 2021 assembled Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency enthusiasts along with the ecosystem of companies that have sprung up in the space to cater to this new

108

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez

market. Entirely new modes of thinking have been employed in conceptualizing the companies and their business models. From Decentralized Finance - DeFi for short companies like Celsius and Blockfi, to NFT exchanges that protect the authenticity of a product, to Crypto exchanges - companies that facilitate the conversion of one token to another or out to liquid currency.

The conference was a menagerie of Burning Man types, traditional media and finance types, tech bros, and the countercultured all with vast new sums of wealth. Whole nightclubs were booked out by Bitcoin Whales (those with one thousand bitcoin worth roughly $19Million) Yachts filled the slips in

Jack Dorsey of Twitter

and around Miami as the new wealth flexed its muscle. Ubers, Hotels, and Restaurants were slammed with business. The infrastructure strained to handle the sudden influx of tenthousand people. Yet the conference and what it represents is the future. A future where finance is disrupted and democratized - often the vanguards of change appear different and anomalous to a normal person - yet their oddity becomes the new normal. This virtue of disruption to normalization is how the Bitcoin Conference crowd looks at the world. A world they are reshaping in real-time.

Today, Miami, tomorrow, Bitcoin.

Photos Courtesy of Bitcoin 2021

CONVERSATION WITH EMILIE HEATHE LIP ATELIER FOUNDER EMILY RUDMAN

By Jadan Horyn

On National Lipstick Day, boutique beauty line Emilie Heathe launched Lip Atelier: a semi-sheer buildable rouge à lèvres with built-in moisturizer. The line comes in five shades each with a punchy 90’s nostalgia name. The line is no throwback, however. It leans towards the future with brand distinctives such as layering to create new and varied shades, no-harm both in the testing and for the consumer and built-in lip care.

Metropolitan Magazine sat down with founder Emily Rudman to talk about the launch JH: Lip Atelier took years of development, walk me through that.

ER: I became a makeup artist to have my own brand. I didn’t become a makeup artist because my dream was to be a really famous makeup artist. I did that because I said to myself, if I’m going to create products for a beauty company it’s going to for my own company, I need to know how to use them. I need to know how to do this. And that’s why I became an artist. So I have a higher appreciation for what goes into that, the skillset, the learning, the creation, the creativity. I still, to this day. I’m doing a lot of creative makeup on shoots for editorials, training, and mentoring other artists as well.

And in some land on the other side, kind of like a branding perspective. I tell you if you think of a lot more, you know, as if like a master artist and also within like couture and fashion, and I was never like a fashionista, beauty was always my thing What’s in a name? Atelier has an especially vivid evocation, as a studio, especially for artists. What is it you are trying to convey to your consumer?

Fashion was very scary to me and very intimidating. But I felt drawn to beauty we worked with New York Fashion Week and other brands in that capacity. And I think that having beauty as much as fashion deserves to be considered its own art form in some respects. And then the other side of it is also the fact that for me now, while I’m not doing as much makeup artistry. My art form is actually creating products.It is creating creativity, creating the formulas, creating the shades, color-matched to that actually using nail polish in order. So we’ve crossed over it to use makeup as a medium for art.

Who is your target market?

Hopefully everyone now actually. But we’re looking for a discerning customer who really loves beautiful highperforming products.

When we did launch our nail polish, one of the reasons why I wanted to go to that category first was at the time there were no clean non-toxic nail polish brands in luxury specifically. And there were only a few sprinklings of ones that existed, like the premium space. So that was really important for me in terms of targeting,\ people who want

to clean products, and then it was something that we’d heard about a lot.

What are Lip Atelier’s distinctives?

First and foremost, obviously cares about packaging, design, and aesthetic. And then, you know, it’s like willing to try like that new brand or new thing. We really try to set ourselves apart with our affiliates and with our colors -. I didn’t want to have to sacrifice on performance and I didn’t want to have to sacrifice aesthetics.

How can people hear more about Emilie Heathe Products?

Our website, IG, and of course from you.

What can people expect next from the line?

Big things are coming.

How can people get the products?

They can purchase directly from https://emilieheathe.com

November/December 2021

109

25A

BIG DADDY CELEBRITY GOLF CLASSIC

T

his year’s much anticipated Big Daddy Celebrity Golf Classic at Oheka Castle in Long Island successfully exceeded expectations, despite a morning drizzle and major events that threatened the celebration concurrently in NYC.

Among the noteworthy celebrities to hit the links were host Rich ‘Big Daddy’ Salgado, Michael Strahan, comedian Tracy Morgan and actor Hisham Tawfiq of The Blacklist, to mention just a few.

Since 2010, Salgado has raised the charity event that draws a wide variety of celebrities from the worlds of professional sports, music and entertainment.

After an unfortunate COVID-19-related hiatus, it returned this year, while expanding its purpose through an established partnership with SHER women’s organization, founded by Anzhelika Steen-Olsen.

Subsequently, the typically golf-centric event boasted 125 strong women’s empowerment luncheon, followed by an evening gala. More than 300 guests were brought together in support of Rich “Big Daddy” Salgado and his co-host Anzhelika Steenolsen to raise money and awareness for MVP (Merging Veterans and Players); this year’s beneficiary. The not-for-profit was founded by Jay Glazer and Nate Boyer and pairs combat veterans 110

By W.A. Muller

with professional athletes through physical fitness programs and peer-to-peer support. They assist with the transition, promote personal development and show veterans they are never alone.

The inaugural luncheon “Women SHER”, sponsored by David Yurman, Dior/Bloomingdales Soho raised funds for this year’s charity. Along with key speaker and two time Emmy winning humanitarian, philanthropist and producer Lucia Kaiser, songwriter/speaker and activist Carol Maraj, Miss New York Andreia Gibau, WGA producer and director Judy San Roman, other notable speakers include Shama Dhanani, Asia Lee and Farzana Niemann.

A sublime entertainment portion featured special performances by Emmy nominated Broadway singer N’Kenge and violinist Rebecca Cherry.

Bejeweled in handmade, one-of-kind hats worn throughout the event, select guests supported the fashion of Leonora Bulychova of A-Elita, who’s creations have graced the covers of fashion and lifestyle magazines like Vogue and Bazaar.

“Our SHER events in many ways reflect our diverse world. When we come together and celebrate these memorably authentic moments with passion, ingenuity, and gratitude, magic happens”, Steenolsen explained. She expounded by saying,

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

“This platform allows women to share stories that represent them in the fullness of their humanity and vulnerability, while building a powerful journey and working in solidarity to create a more equitable and inclusive world.” She deeply believes in the power of story, as “everyone has one,” Anzhelika concluded.

Celebrity participants included Michael Strahan (Super Bowl Champion & TV Personality, Tracy Morgan (Comedian/ Actor), Hisham Tawfiq (Former US Marine & Actor NBC The Blacklist), Mike Tannenbaum (ESPN NFL Front Office Insider NY Jets & Former Dolphins GM), Dennis Seidenberg (Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins & NY Islanders Coaching Staff), Tony Richardson (Former NFL Full back), Andreia Gibau (Miss New York 2020), Marvin Washington (Super Bowl Champion Denver Broncos), OJ Anderson (NY Giants Super Bowl MVP), Jill Nicolini (Reporter), Ray Crockett (2x Super Bowl Champion Denver Broncos) and Marco Battaglia (NFL Veteran & Rutgers Hall of Fame).

Event sponsors include Empire Auto Group of NY, Dryvebox, Arizona Beverage Company, David Yurman,T-Mobile, Dior/Bloomingdales Soho, Delta, NIKE, Engineered Tax Services, Flowers by Brian, Vittorio’s Italian Steak House, Matteo’s Restaurant, and Cardinal Bakery of Carl Place.

A HELPING HAND UP A CONVERSATION WITH ByHENRY BUHL Jadan Horyn & Margaret Luce

F

or most New Yorkers the ubiquitous sight of people in red ACE shirts cleaning our trashridden streets and public places provides a welcoming sense of normalcy against the background chaos of this metropolis we call home. The helping hand each ACE client provides to our shared city came from a helping hand up provided by one humble man: Henry Buhl, who instead of giving a homeless man twenty dollars, got the man a job instead. An action that became an organization and a movement that continues to resonate across our city today. One that could provide an obvious solution to the homeless crisis gripping urban America.

His inconspicuous home is on a cobblestoned street in Tribeca framed by designer stores and replete with lululemon clad, latte clutching, twenty-somethings chattering incomprehensible unNew York jargon. A different tribe frequents this neighborhood than the one in which Henry recognized a self-evident need so many years ago.

Photos by Jillian Nelson

Edwina Sandys & Henry Buhl

I enter and stride to the elevators, a bit sweaty from the sunny day and collect myself on the ride up. I knock and am asked who I am. “Jadan Horyn - with Metropolitan Magazine, Margaret Luce our Creative Director and a

friend of Henry’s sent me.” A brief discussion behind the door, then it opens. Henry greets me with a smile and a look of bemusement. “Another reporter?” he asks. “Margaret sent me.” I say and he lights up, “Oh, yes, yes.”

Henry is advanced in age and moves with the slow gracefulness of someone who has much to do but is fighting the limitations of the years. His mind is no less sharp nor are his observant eyes. He sizes me up. “Margaret said you are smart. Margaret is so lovely.” I nod. “I was just with her in the Hamptons,” he says quickly, “is she not in the city?”

I smile and say, “No, she’s back down in Jupiter” He seems disappointed but recovers quickly. I explain to him that I typically write long-form pieces on interesting people. He gives a knowing half-smile and says am I an interesting person? I say well I googled you and Margaret says you are. He laughs heartily, and I laugh saying well you lived a long and interesting life and have done a lot with ACE - The Association of Community Employment.

“ACE takes homeless men and women who are currently living in shelters all over New York City and works with them with the objective of obtaining a full-time job and finding permanent housing.”

His eyes immediately narrow and he without prompting recounts the origins of ACE like muscle memory. No doubt he has done this countless times. The story begins in 1992 while Henry was still a famed photographer.

He had created a burgeoning business in SoHo with twelves photographers sharing the studio that summer. “When a street cleaner asked Henry for $20 bucks. Buhl had noticed the man sweeping Greene Street in the mornings and was often sleeping in a door well after lunch. Buhl asked why he should give the man $20 since he had a job. The sweeper told Buhl that he had just been fired and was homeless.”

What occurred next was understanding the basic economics behind how stores and businesses fund street cleaning along with how the slammer to streets cycle leads to chronic homelessness and a glaring gap in the support system for humans in need. The issue is that men and women who are released from prison may head to a program that feeds, clothes them, and provides medical care but the government assistance expires for each after two years and many migrate to the streets and become homeless because their criminal records make them unhirable by most employers. This leads to recidivism and cycles of homelessness and incarceration.

To break the cycle and provide a meaningful job for the men and women who paid their time and were looking for an opportunity, Henry founded first the

Sandra Sanches presenting Henry Buhl a surprise award

SoHo partnership, which spawned the Tribeca Partnership, Hudson Square, Lolita, NoHo, and many others. In 2010 Henry consolidated them into ACE. “Today, ACE has grown to serve more than 600 people each year with workforce development, Adult Basic Education and job readiness/life skills training in our vocational rehabilitation program, Project Comeback, lifetime support services and opportunities for career growth in our aftercare program, Project Stay, and access to affordable housing through one of our most recent initiatives, Project Home.

Since 1992, we have helped over 3,000 New Yorkers overcome homelessness, incarceration and addiction to find full-time jobs and start new lives.”

“Its cause is noble,” I say to Henry, but I am interested in a man that lives a colorful life yet gives back so completely to others who most simply ignore or pity. He looks at me and matter of factly states “the man asked him for money and it would be better for him to work than to beg.”

Opportunity, agency, dignity, and independence. That is what Henry Buhl has given to countless otherwise forgotten men and women in New York City.

He grabs a beautiful book from the table and opens to a blank page. He tells me to put my hand on the page. He takes out a pen and traces the outline of my hand. He says to me solemnly that hands tell you about a person. He signs his name on my hand and dates it. I close the book, Speaking with Hands: Photographs from the Buhl a pictorial compendium of the works in his hand collection that he donated recently to the Guggenheim. Henry has clearly spoken with his hands, we should all take note.

Anyone wishing to help NYC’s homeless men and women reclaim their lives and are grateful to ACE for keeping SoHo clean may donate to ACE. Contributions may be mailed to ACE, 598 Broadway, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10012.

Additional information may be found on the organization’s website, acenewyork.org November/December 2021

111

25A

RENOVATED HISTORICAL SAMUEL SLOAN ESTATE

WITH STUNNING COUNTRYSIDE VIEWS

By Peter Elston

A

150-year-old historical mansion, originally built for a railroad magnate, is merging the past with the future in an authentic and impactful way.

Built in 1864, the Samuel Sloan Estate is a 16+ acre masterpiece that provides incredible views of the Catskills, West Point Academy, and the surrounding countryside along the Hudson River. While the breathtaking property has always been noted for its beauty and design, it is now also a real estate treasure with remarkable Silver LEED® certification.

The ingenuity of the modernization is both poignant and dynamic for a homeowner looking for a planet friendly but luxurious setting.

112

The storied, fully renovated Philipstown estate is represented by Kenneth J. Moore, President of Classiques Modernes International Realty, who has listed it at $11.25 mil together with Richard Phan of Douglas Elliman. “The first thing that hits you is its impressive scale. The original structure had ballrooms that needed to be adapted to today’s more intimate entertaining style. The volume remains magnificent. But the new residence now enjoys both formal and casual living spaces.”

The new Greek Revival facade features a twostory portico with imposing columns serving as foreground to a full-width second floor loggia. The sprawling interior spans approximately 11,800 of

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

livable square footage. Additionally, the full-sized cellar and attic offer 10,000 sq. ft. of supplementary amenity, storage, and utility spaces. Six bedrooms, six full and three half baths, and a full floor allocated to entertaining and recreation ensure plenty of room for sumptuous living. The 3500 sq. ft. carriage house may also be transformed into a three-story auxiliary house for guest and staff suites.

Even among best-in-class properties, the home’s innovative Silver LEED® approved upgrades make it a rare gem. “It strikes an ideal periodic balance,” observes lifestyle expert and Classiques Modernes co-founder, Loy Carlos. “This house pays homage to its history, is equipped with the conveniences and

Originally known as Oulagisket, the railroad magnate’s house built in 1864 underwent notable transformations. In 1910 Samuel Sloane Jr. and his wife Katherine redesigned the home (renamed Lisburne Grange) from its original Carpenter Gothic to Italianate. At the same time Fletcher Steele, one of the 20th century’s most glorified landscape architects, was commissioned to augment the surroundings with beautiful gardens and lookouts.

Famous among remaining exterior structures include “The Ruins,” a “Forum-inspired” area complete with columns and a weathered fountain a la “Vestal Virgins,” which now overlook the newly built pool pavilion and the great lawn. But most unique of all is the 100-year-old swimming pool waiting to be restored or repurposed. “The grotto reminds me of Italian fountains and pools with water flowing from the dragon mouths at the top, down the edge over cupped hands, to the pool below,” says Moore.

Adds Carlos, “Some say it reminds them of Hadrian’s pool in Tivoli. It’s not as large, but perhaps just as dramatic and breathtaking considering where we are. It’s unforgettable.”

From entertaining to weekends away from New York City just an hour away, this estate–a stone’s throw away from Bear Mountain, Cold Spring and many other destinations–simply offers so much for the nature-loving, environmentally-conscious homeowner. This historical mansion, modernized with LEED® Certified upgrades, is not just about improvement. It serves as a stepping-stone to the future of real estate.

For more information, please visit www.classiquesmodernes.com.

luxuries of today, while exhibiting great care for the future. It promotes an evolutionary and principled lifestyle.”

Unlike most restored estates, new modifications have made operations both economical and practical.

This includes maintenance free roofing that will last 100 years. In addition, an energy recovery ventilation system optimizes air quality, filters out particulates, and delivers fresh air throughout. A rainwater harvesting system captures water off the roof and retains it for landscape irrigation. Solar panels provide onsite renewable power. The house also has a system that addresses natural radon emissions.

November/December 2021

113

25A Ann Liguori Foundation Charity Golf Classic Committee

By Elizabeth Elston 114

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

S

ports Broadcasting trailblazer and award-winning Talk Show Host Ann Liguori hosted her 23rd Annual Ann Liguori Foundation (AFL) Charity Golf Classic at the Maidstone Club in East Hampton, N.Y. The annual charity outing benefits notfor-profits that work in the field of cancer research and care including the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and East End Hospice.

Michael Bosso, Senior Vice President, Operations, U.S. Office Division, Brookfield Properties, was honored as the 2021 ALF Business Honoree, and Scotty Medlock, Hall of Fame Sports Artist, was honored as the 2021 ALF Sports Honoree Award.

Notable attendees included: Ann Liguori, ALF Business Honoree Michael Bosso, Executive Director of the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation William T. Sullivan, ALF Golf Tournament Coordinator Jean Skidgel, TV News personality Jane Hanson, Author Tom Coyne, former ALF Honorees David Kindbergh, Jim Halpin, Jim Donaghy, Bobby Catalano, Rob Bicocchi; Medical Correspondent for Channel 2 News Dr. Max Gomez, former Major League Baseball catcher Rick Cerone, Golf Personality Marty Hackle, Host of the Augusta Golf Show John Patrick, Scott Vallary, Nancy Stone.

“I am honored to have been selected by the committee to be this year’s

Photo: Neil Tandy

ANN LIGUORI CELEBRATED 23RD ANNUAL ANN LIGUORI FOUNDATION CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC AT THE MAIDSTONE CLUB

Business Honoree,” says Bosso. “I have supported the outing for the past ten years, and I have been amazed by the commitment from Ann and her team to raise awareness for cancer research.

Cancer is a dreaded disease and we need to stamp it out. The money that is raised from this charity tournament benefits many organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, to name a few. My hope is that one day we will find a CURE, and Cancer will be a disease of the past. This can only be accomplished by raising awareness supporting such great organizations like this. Ann and team, ‘thank you’ for making this your mission. I truly appreciate and support everything you are going.”

Tom Coyne, author of ‘A COURSE CALLED AMERICA,’ signed books. Each participant was fitted for a Doc Murphy custom-stitched belt, an IBKUL shirt or pull-over, a bottle of French Pool Toy wine, an Imperial hat, Volvik golf balls, a bottle of Biolyte hydrating beverage and a bottle of Ranger Ready Repellent.

incredible Mother, Cecilia, who passed away this past March. Her generous spirit and unlimited compassion will always be our guiding light.”

“We couldn’t have our annual charity golf tourney without the help of our amazing sponsors, golfers, donors and volunteers. And the golf community is so very generous, which we’re so grateful for,” adds Liguori.

Dr. Max Gomez, Medical Correspondent, Channel 2 News, Ann Liguori, Rick Cerone, former Major League catcher Jane Hanson, Author Tom Coyne

In addition to Ann’s philanthropic work, the broadcaster hosts a weekly ‘Talking Golf’ show on WFAN-NY, April – September, where she was the first woman to host a call-in sport’s show.

The ‘Hey Liguori, What’s the Story’ show aired every week for 24 years.

Ann was also the first woman to host her own prime-time show on The Golf Channel. Ann’s ‘Sports Innerview’ cable show aired weekly for 17 years as Ann interviewed the top legends in sports.

And the ‘Sports Innerview’ radio show airs Saturday morning’s on WLIW. Liguori is also the International Brand Ambassador for IBKUL Athleisure Wear.

Jean Skidgel is the Tournament Coordinator and Daniel Liguori, a fulltime college professor and musician, performed during the reception and award’s dinner.

William T. Sullivan of the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation spoke about the progress being made in research with various cancers.

Sponsors for the annual event were ABM, STRUCTURETONE, PLATINUM and Tommy & Shounda Foster. Donors for the charity tournament included BIOLYTE, Casa di Campo, Doc Murphy, Dooney & Burke, DORMIE Network Golf, Dune Jewelry & the Hamptons Rope Collection, FRENCH POOL TOY Wine, Greg Norman Apparel, Hidden Links, Hotel Indigo EAST END, IBKUL Athleisure Apparel, Imperial, Linda Hartough, Nancy Stone, North & West Coast Links Golf IRELAND, PEAKVISION Sunglasses, Podi & Mickey Palin, RANGER READY, TaylorMade, Tour Edge, and Volvik.

“This is a disease we are all too familiar with,” says Liguori. “We are all directly or indirectly affected by this dreadful disease and anything we can do to fight cancer has been a mission of mine for decades since our family lost my Dad to cancer in 1981. We also lost my brother to leukemia when he was 22. My sister Jean, brother Dan and I, are committed to this cause forever. And we dedicated this year’s charity tournament to our

For more info on Ann, visit www.annliguori.com

Michael Bosso, 2021 ALF Business Honoree, David Kindbergh (former Honoree), Jim Halpin (former Honoree)

For more info on the Ann Liguori Foundation, visit www. annliguori.com/philanthropy/

November/December 2021

115

COOKING SPOTLIGHT

25A

Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet with Grillmaster Russ Faulk

by Kian Stave

R

uss Faulk, Chief Designer and Head of Product at Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet, is something of a legend among grilling enthusiasts. A talented grillmaster and cookbook author, he is most known for creating a trilogy of gold standard grills that are second to, well, none. Working as chief designer at Kalamazoo has been a dream job, as his love of cooking and bringing to life the world’s best grills are nearly equal passions inspired by his parents. Russ attributes his keen ability to tinker to his father, a Navytrained engineer who instilled in him a spirit of doing things yourself. His mother was an artist, and the reason he went to design school.

When I ask Russ what his favorite product is there’s a dissonant pause. He does have one, however, and it’s the Gaucho Grill. “The Gaucho is a modern interpretation of an Argentinian-style wood-fired grill. I love it because it is so good at what it does, and it is such an engaging way to cook.

In an Argentinian-style wood grill, the cooking grates raise and lower above the fire so that you can control the intensity of the cooking heat. The Kalamazoo Gaucho is unique in that its built-in motorized rotisserie system is designed to travel vertically along with the cooking rack and function at any desired level.

Russ's passion for cooking also began at an early age, He remembers the first time his father let him cook the steaks unsupervised for Sunday dinner. Steaks were not frequently on the table growing up, which made him appreciate this ritual all the more. He was twelve at the time and his mother had three boys that she wanted to make self-sufficient. She insisted that the boys know how to cook, and all three embraced it. This enthusiasm for cooking has come full circle for Russ, and at the highest levels. Now, he is the person inspiring others to develop an affinity for cooking and is responsible for the development of products such as the Hybrid Fire Grill, which some have deemed the “Rolls Royce of grills.”

Another engineering feat that you can’t see is the Acme screw mechanism that raises and lowers the cooking rack. Traditional versions of this style grill typically have a simple mechanism for raising and lowering the cooking grate and a ratchet that holds the rack at the desired height. Russ wanted to design a product that overcame the need for two hands (one on the crank and one on the ratchet) and eliminated the need for the ratchet to keep the cooking grates in place. "Kalamazoo's mechanism eliminates the ratchet, is buttery smooth and rock solid. The rack is easy to move, simply by turning the wheel, but if the wheel is not turned by the operator, it would take several thousand pounds of force to move the rack down.”

A World-Class Design Philosophy According to Russ, his overall design philosophy combines a beautiful aesthetic and the very best performance to create products that endure the test of time. “We place a high priority on proportions and scale, and we incorporate architectural design cues to help ensure a Kalamazoo outdoor kitchen looks like it belongs as part of the home.” This is evident in the emphasis on horizontal shadow lines and highlight lines, as well as in how curves always terminate in a defined angle. “The other important philosophy is that form and function go hand in hand. We want our products to be beautiful without calling attention to themselves.”

The most popular Kalamazoo product is, of course, the Hybrid Fire Grill. It is what Kalamazoo is best known for, and is still revolutionary even though it was invented nearly twenty-five years ago. In Russ’s own words, “we call it Hybrid Fire because it cooks with any combination of gas, charcoal and wood. I firmly believe it to be the most versatile and capable gas grill on the planet.”

116

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

Creating a Better Kamado The Shokunin Kamado Grill is one of Russ's favorites - perhaps because he designed it from the ground up. “It is our most recent design and I am proud of the innovations it represents in the world of Kamado cookers. We basically tore up the notebook for Kamado grills to such an extent that the immediate reaction on social media was a bit of a backlash with many kamado purists exclaiming that our offering was not a true kamado grill.” The Shokunin design emphasizes and enhances everything that is great about Kamado cookers according to Russ. It uses a full two inches of insulation within the body and lid, making it the most efficient Kamado on the market. The direct result of this is long burn times, which are perfect for traditional American barbecue. During prototype testing, the Shokunin ran for 65 hours straight at 250 degrees Fahrenheit on just twelve pounds of charcoal. "That’s an incredibly long time, and I can’t think of any reason I’d ever cook for that long in one session. But what it means is the Shokunin is incredibly steady in temperature." One independent tester observed

that it holds a more consistent temperature curve than an indoor oven, fluctuating less above and below the target temperature over the duration of the cook. Though there are many enhancements to the traditional kamado design, one of the most striking differences in the Shokunin is its appearance. "The design is totally original and very pleasing.”

Russ’s Grillmaster Secrets According to Russ, the secret to great grilling is to use a Kalamazoo grill (of course!).

From a technique standpoint, he suggests working with a multi-zone fire. The easiest way to think about it is in terms of using a gas grill with all three burners set to high, but then adjusting them before cooking. Set at least one burner to low, or even turn it off entirely. This creates a safety zone, where you can place food to slow things down. "For a thick steak, set it over a very hot fire. In Kalamazoo terms, that means you might be cooking at nearly one thousand degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, you’ll want to get one zone as hot as you can on whatever grill you’re using. Once your steak has seared quickly on both sides, move it to a zone where there is no fire. Close the lid, and let that steak coast up to medium-rare inside." Russ likes to move steaks frequently while cooking, so he’ll come back to flip it and turn it at least every five minutes. Most often, he’ll sear for only one minute per side, and then move it to what is called the “indirect zone” for at least twenty minutes more.

The Grillmaster clearly loves to share tips with his customers, “I communicate directly with clients all the time. It is a joy to help them get the most out of their Kalamazoo cooking experiences and I find it especially rewarding when I can help a client master a specific technique. We’ve seen in clients time and time again that the capabilities

of the products we make really encourage them to raise their cooking game- taking on new challenges and mastering new cooking skills. It is something that makes all of us here really happy and proud.”

Of course, Russ loves to cook for his own family too. “My wife of thirty years (the only one I’ve had) is a Texan. So her favorite thing for me to cook is a ribeye cap steak with grilled asparagus on the side and a grilled bread salad to start. She also likes it when I cook a spatchcock chicken.” This technique opens the whole chicken up flat, then roasts it for thirty-five minutes at 500 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s a preferred method among many grillers as it turns out with crispy brown skin and succulent meat. Pizza on the grill is also a skill Russ has mastered. “My teenage son prefers Neapolitan-style pizza and will tell everyone that mine is the best. It isn’t, but he is justifiably biased. If I’m not using the Kalamazoo Artisan Fire Pizza Oven, then you’ll find me making pies on the Shokunin Kamado Grill using a two-piece oven stone. It works perfectly because of the way the interior curve of the lid radiates the heat back down on top of the pizzas. I cook them (one at a time) at 750 degrees Fahrenheit for two minutes.”

Discover the Kalamazoo Experience Russ Faulk is a passionate designer who won’t settle for second place. When musing about the legendary line of grills he’s designed, Russ says, “I think of them as tools, the very best tools for people who love to cook.” Now, that is an understatement when you consider the levels of sophistication and performance you get in a Kalamazoo.

Don’t believe it? Explore the full outdoor kitchen collection at KalamazooGourmet. com or use the online dealer locator to visit a showroom near you and see for yourself.

November/December 2021

117

Through the Lens

25A

ANNIE WATT

I am very excited to become a part of the Metropolitan Magazine Palm Beach family. Photographing events and introducing my associate photographers to these opportunities is what I do. Monthly I will be sharing meaningful images of people experiencing what South Florida has to offer. I’m looking forward to my first time visit to Art Basel in Miami on December 2-4th. If you haven’t been, put it on your calendar.

As a photographer and artist I’m excited to support fellow artists. In this my inaugural column I am introducing noted abstract expressionist J. Steven Manolis, founder of the Manolis Projects, which represents over 40 artists and provides private curation services, offering visitors an immersive behind-the-scenes view of a working studio and gallery.

This year for Art Basel Miami, Manolis Projects is proud to present “Hunt Slonem: The Early Years, An Art Rich and Strange + Manolis Projects Artist Group Show.” Hunt Slonem is an American colorist and figurative painter, best known for his large NeoExpressionist oil paintings of tropical birds, butterflies, and bunnies. Manolis Projects features a large collection of these rare early works, as well as his iconic salon-style Bunny Wall.

Also featured is artist Ron Burkhardt, the founder of Notism, a genre he describes as exalting the power of private thoughts expressed in hand-written text – its style, texture, intensity, dynamism, aestheticism, and the primal exuberance of precious memory recall. His works are easily recognized by their striking colors, bold shapes, and meticulous attention to detail.

anniewatt.com

118

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

ALA VON AUERSPERG KICKOFF FOR THE SEASON

FIVESTORY SOFT LAUNCH

FERN HOUSE BRUNCH

November/December 2021

119

25A

SOUTHAMPTON ANIMAL SHELTER FOUNDATION’S 12TH ANNUAL UNCONDITIONAL LOVE GALA

BY ANN GRENIER

Photo credit Patrick McMullan and Rob Rich Society Allure

T

he Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation’s 12th Annual Unconditional Love Gala returned to the Hamptons. The event took place under the tents on Pond Lane in Southampton, NY. After a paused year of in-person gatherings, the grand soiree was a highlight of the summer season. The annual gala was chaired by philanthropist, TV host, and author Jean Shafiroff, Georgina Bloomberg was the Honorary Chair, and supported by Junior Chair Katie McEntee, and Junior Cochairs Kingsley Crawford and Nathania Nisonson, Notable attendees included: Jean Shafiroff, Stephen Baldwin, Andy Sabin, NYS Assemblywoman Rebecca Seawright, Margo and John Catsimatidis, Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneidman, Martin Shafiroff, Patricia and Roger Silverstein, Dale and Renee Schlather, John Bradham, Beau Hulse, Katie McEntee, James Marzigliano, Missy Hargraves, Amy Cosman, Greg D’Elia, Patty Raines, Frederick Anderson, Cornelia Bregman, Lee Fryd, Elizabeth Shafiroff, Jacqueline Shafiroff, Dr. Peter Micholas, Lisa and Philip Crawford, Robert Lohman, Jessica Mackin, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Barbara McEntee, Janna Bullock, Kingsley Crawford, Nathania Nisonson, Craig Dix, Alex Hamer, Matt Rich, Jodi Giglio, Ann Liguori, Leesa Rowland, Scarlett Magda, Jane Rothschild, Bill Boggs, John Bradham, Kaseina Osheredko, Kathy Murphy, Ruth Miller, Nicole Salmasi, Brigid Fitzgerald and Michael Katz.

The annual event has been the most important fundraiser for the shelter for over a decade. The honorees for 12th Annual Unconditional Love Gala were philanthropists and animal advocates, Andy Sabin and April Gornik.

The fun-filled gala featured cocktails and a delicious, seated dinner, as well as dancing. In addition, a live and silent auction helped raise much-needed funds for the animals. One of the auction items was a Moke that was graciously donated by the Crawford Family. Another item was a sparkling tennis bracelet donated

by RuchiNewYork. Rosewood Baha Mar donated vacation package valued at

120

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

$20,000 complete with a massage, wine tastings, and a private chef. The Gala was sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka.

Proceeds from this event directly supported the more than 5,000 animals who enter SASF doors each year. The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, is supported exclusively by donations and grants from the community. From caring and finding homes for stray and abandoned animals to providing low-cost veterinary care and dog training so that animals can remain in their homes, the shelter has become a vital resource in our community.

Thank you to our host committee Antonella Bertello, Amy Cosman, Missy Hargraves, Randi Schatz and Robert Lohman; and auction committee Rolise Rachel, Carol Nobbs and Monica Reiner.

About SASF: The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that relies on the generosity of their donors and volunteers to care to for the homeless animals in its community, and to place them in loving “forever homes.” The number of animals in need of help is growing every day. The overpopulation of pets on Long Island is a major issue. Whether caring for strays found wandering the streets, rescuing neglected and abandoned animals, or saving dogs from the horrors of the puppy mill industry, the shelter is a safe haven for all animals and for some, a last resort. Without SASF, these animals would not be able to survive. The shelter provides a steppingstone for animals to find a loving home. It offers them housing, food, medical treatment, training, and rehabilitation when necessary. They not only take in community pets but also partner with other rescues and shelters, located on Long Island, New York and areas in the South including Puerto Rico, to save animals that are in dire situations.

For more information, please visit www.sasf.org.

seeing people’s reactions to the sticker at work and if you have the app downloaded, their intuitive technology organizes all your new contacts for you for easy access whenever you need to follow up!

Founder & CEO Phil Greenwald has been at the forefront of the technology industry for almost 10 years. Before starting HiWave, Greenwald was the Associate Director of Technology and Lead technology advisor at Harvard Innovation Labs, where he frequently lectured on technology, coding, and startup theory.

In the modern era, business cards are an outdated and inefficient way to connect. Greenwald realized this and set out on a mission to change the way people connect in the real world -- utilizing new technology that makes the exchange of information and follow up easy and effortless for everyone. Phil and his team designed Hiwave’s first product, the Hiwave sticker, utilizing Near Field technology (NFC) - a feature that is now integrated into most smart phones. “Our sticker that utilizes NFC is a much better alternative to the old and awkward ways of networking & meeting people in person,” said Greenwald. “People today are already used to QR codes for everything - but this is even easier and more seamless experience. You don’t even need to open your camera!”

PHILIP GREENWALD’S HIWAVE STICKERS KEEPS PEOPLE CONNECTED WITH JUST A TAP

H

By Harry Brads

iWave now makes it easier than ever to stay connected. By placing their sticker on the back of your phone or wallet, you can exchange any of your contact information with just a tap. Whether you’re meeting someone at a business conference or making a new friend at a bar - just hold out your phone and let the other person tap your sticker. Your profile will open in their web browser. The other person doesn’t need an app or sticker of their own!

HiWave revamps the way you exchange information - whether you’re sharing your website and Instagram, or just your name and number. With a simple tap and a stylish sticker, HiWave is proving to be a game changer for real world connections - from business networking to meeting a friend at a bar.

HiWave lets you effortlessly stay in touch with the people you meet. And best of all? It’s free to individuals! While they charge corporate clients for custom stickers or large orders, getting and using a HiWave sticker is free for you. You’ll have a blast

HiWave has partnered with premiere organizations, including charities, sales teams, conferences, real estate companies, and more who are committed to connecting their communities in a much more valuable and meaningful way, and are cobranding the stickers for additional brand visibility.

Organizations such as the Waxman Foundation have already showcased their custom HiWaves at their events, proving it to be a worthwhile investment for any company looking to upgrade their networking capabilities. HiWave is also set to release a suite of digital and physical smart products currently in development by the end of the year. Plus, because one sticker works for years and replaces the thousands of business cards an employee would normally use, enterprises and startups can save in the thousands of dollars when buying at scale.

HiWave also never sells personal data.

You can order a free HiWave sticker directly on their website. Businesses are also able to customize stickers with their company logo - which is perfect for sales teams, events, and conferences or to add value to communities and customers.

Don’t waste any more time digging through your phone trying to find the people you’ve recently met.

Don’t stress about having to carry 300 business cards to your next event. HiWave makes meeting people fun again.

For more information, please visit https://hiwave. co/, or check them out on Instagram @hiwave.co!

November/December 2021

121

25A

122

XEN SAMS COVER PARTY AT THE FRIAR'S CLUB

Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com

VETERINARIANS INTERNATIONAL Healthy Steps for Healthy Pets Walk-A-Thon

Veterinarians International held its 2nd Annual Healthy Steps for Healthy Pets Walk-A-Thon on September 25 at the Baker House, East Hampton and raised over $30 000 for vital programs. The event was hosted by Antonella Bertello, Christine Evangelista and Jennifer Frommer where guests walked with their pups to the beach and back followed by a reception at the Baker House. Sponsors included Paul Hastings Law Firm, the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island, Meringoff Family Foundation, the Baker House 1650, Dopo La Spiaggia, Chandon and Channè Rose. The goal of this event was to purchase a portable x-ray machine to help injured elephants and wildlife in Sri Lanka, as well as provide veterinary aid to pets in need in Kenya, Chile and Guatemala.

Those wishing to donate to reach the required $100 000 goal please visit www.vetsinternational.org or contact laurie@vetsinternational.org

November/December 2021

123

ENJOY THE SAFETY AND CERTAINTY

OF A PURELY

PRIVATE EXPERIENCE

Challenger 300/350 Jet Card

Jet Card is part of the Jet Card Ownership portfolio at Magellan Jets. *Image credit: Bombardier Aerospace

PURELY PRIVATE EXPERIENCE Jet Card Ownership

Öäêèïïäñ ö íè÷¡öóèæìĤæ óõòêõäð æòðèö úì÷ë ä choice of one of 10 most popular aircraft on the market. With a convenience of booking your ĥìêë÷ö úì÷ë íøö÷ ( ëòøõö ñò÷ìæè ĥü ïìîè äñ òúñèõ without headaches of aircraft ownership.

Membership

Jet membership provides guaranteed access to òñè òé $ æä÷èêòõìèö òé äìõæõäé÷ Îñíòü æòñùèñìèñæè ĥèûìåìïì÷ü äñç ĥü äö ðøæë òõ äö ïì÷÷ïè äö üòø ñèèç with the freedom to schedule on just 12 hours’ notice.

+1 866-257-3488

www.MagellanJets.com

The Magellan Jets Memberships are programs of Magellan Jets, LLC (Magellan Jets®). Magellan Jets (the Air Charter Broker) acting as an “Authorized Agent” for the Member (Charterer) shall; maintain non-owned aircraft liability insurance, and personal injury coverage, contract for transportation services with only FAR Part 135 Direct Air Carriers proprietary Magellan Jets Preferred Network of Direct Air Carriers that meet all FAA or CAA safety standards and additional safety standards established by Magellan Jets.

25A

THE NEW ROLLS-ROYCE GHOST Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC, P.O. Box 1227, Westwood, NJ 07675-1227 Tel: 1-877-877-3735 www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com © Copyright Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. The Rolls-Royce name and logo are registered trademarks.