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Times Square Magazine October 2013
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Times Square Magazine October 2013
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MASTHEAD Times Square Magazine | vol.2 n.4 | October 2013
Lorenzo Tartamella
Sarah-Louise Jean-Louis
Liz Belilovskaya
Joey Franco
Alex Zaglin
Anna Chiazzese
Deborah Jacob
Rich Monetti
Megan Lohne
Seth Walters
PUBLISHER LORENZO TARTAMELLA EDITOR IN CHIEF JOEY FRANCO MANAGING EDITOR DAWN BARRETTO ASSOCIATE EDITOR MARIA CHIAZZESE EDITORIAL ASSISTANT ANNA CHIAZZESE COPY EDITOR DEBORAH JACOB CREATIVE DIRECTORS LORENZO TARTAMELLA, JOEY FRANCO, SARAH-LOUISE JEAN-LOUIS, ASHLEY MCLEAN
COVER PHOTO MARC CARTWRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY SETH WALTERS, JOEY FRANCO LAYOUT DESIGN SARAH-LOUISE JEAN-LOUIS CONTRIBUTORS LIZ BELILOVSKAYA, ALEX ZAGLIN, SETH WALTERS, CARLOS ESCOBAR, MEGGY LOGNE, JONATHAN DE SUA, CARLOS ESCOBAR LORENZO TARTAMELLA, FOUNDER BROOKS WILLIAMS CRISTINA PARVU, LAUREN SACHS, GREG CHARLES TIMES SQUARE MAGAZINE
THE TIMESSQUARE.COM CORPORATION 303 W.42nd Street, Suite 603 NY, NY-10036 | 1-800-777-2323 info@timessquare.com
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CONTENTS
COVER STORY
12.JOE VULPIS
FROM GAGA’S RED & BLUE TO A & P
16.JEREMY LUKE
HOLLYWOOD HIGHBALLER
20.RICHARD LEWIS
THE 45TH FUNNIEST STANDUP COMIC OF ALL TIME
24.SHEMEKIA COPELAND
THE NEW QUEEN OF THE BLUES
28.MAN OVERBOARD
32.SHIPWRECK! PIRATES & TREASURE
AT TIMES SQUARE DISCOVERY
36.NEW YORK WISDOM BURT YOUNG
40 TIMES SQUARE TO DO LIST 44 BREAKFAST IN TIMES SQUARE 48 ACCESSORIES AND BEAUTY WOMEN’S AND MEN’S
54 PHOTOS AND EVENTS
Publisher’s Note
Times Square Magazine October 2013
We are pleased to bring you the Fall issue of Times Square Magazine. This issue is packed with information and interviews of New York notables: Hometown boy, Joe Vulpis, talks about his phenomenal success as a music producer including his hand in Lady Gaga’s success; Jeremy Luke describes his ascent to movie stardom and his ground breaking roles in Mob City and Don Jon; our very own Queen of the Blues, Shemekia Copeland, talks about her excitement at returning to her old stomping ground to perform; and Man Overboard shares with us the world of punk rock. Finally, don’t miss out on funny man, Richard Lewis, who will have you in splits just reading his interview. And if all this whets your appetite, check out the great breakfast joints in and around the Times Square area.
Enjoy!
Lorenzo Tartamella, Publisher Times Square Magazine / TimesSquare.com
Photos by: Seth Walters
Times Square Magazine October 2013
FROM GAGA’S RED & BLUE TO A & P Producer Joe Vulpis has been navigating the music industry for years, and is now the proud owner of A and P Music Entertainment. In the early 2000’s,Vulpis encountered a young artist named Stefani Germanotta in New York, and helped her produce some demos and an EP called Red and Blue. Stefani now goes by Lady Gaga, and Vulpis is in high demand as a producer for a variety of artists and genres. As the man who helped to launch one of the biggest names in the history of pop music, it might come as a surprise that he has not been in production for his entire career. In fact, his role as producer wasn’t one even he could have necessarily predicted. “I didn’t expect I would be doing production. About ten years ago, by default, I had written a song and became part of the process of recording. The people I was working for liked how thorough I was. Inadvertently, I became the producer!”
By Alex Zaglin
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Vulpis is a born and raised New Yorker, and he grew up in an Italian family who taught him the ropes of good business from an early age. “I was raised by parents who are so business savvy and taught me how to make a dollar at two years old.” Vulpis is a guitarist, vocalist, and accomplished pianist, and credits music for providing him a positive direction in life. “Music has been around since the beginning of my childhood; in fact, it was the only thing that kept me from doing crazy and stupid things that would have gotten me killed a long time ago!” Vulpis’ musical prowess landed him at the renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston to earn a degree in commercial arrangement and performance. “[My major], in itself, prepared me for challenging musical endeavors. It was also just as important to have the networking and the opportunities in the real world that existed within the school.” Vulpis places a huge emphasis on the necessity of networking, and the ability to produce such high-quality work with his professors and peers while receiving his education proved to be invaluable. “Within my first year, I was doing sessions, playing weddings with the faculty, doing film scoring, and working on commercials. None of that is stuff you can simply teach; you have to dive into it. Berklee afforded me the privilege to do all of that.” Vulpis is extremely grateful for his networking connections he made at Berklee, so he was happy to help college-hopeful Stefani Germanotta with some tracks to help her gain acceptance to NYU. Later on, when the future Lady Gaga was ready to record some serious demos, she knew exactly who to call: Joe Vulpis. “Stefani contacted me after doing a few demos for her college admission and said that she wanted to work with me. I did all of the Red and Blue Sessions that launched her career.” Some of the songs included in these sessions were “Words and “Something Crazy,” and the Red and Blue EP was sold at famed club The Bitter End in 2006.” Fastforwarding to today, Gaga has five Grammy Awards and has sold approximately 23 million albums. Vuplis admits, “I’m not the guy who is responsible for the current Lady Gaga stuff you see today, but I got her there.” Vulpis, who still refers to her endearingly as “Stefani,” still keeps in touch with the megastar and is a good friend of the Germanotta family. After realizing he had a profitable knack for production,
Vulpis became the owner of A and P Music Entertainment. So how did someone who didn’t expect to produce music come to own a production company? The answer is simple: good business sensibility. “If you don’t own your own production company, you’ll constantly get taken advantage of, and your best bet is to build and own your own studio. [Losing money] was never an option, so I built studios in Nashville, LA, and NY.” Today, A and P Music Entertainment represents a wide variety of artists from contemporary country starlet Lizzie Sider to harpist Suzanna Klintcharova. When it comes to exploring new musical acts, Vulpis is often approached. After all, the man who helped launch Lady Gaga to success must know a thing or two about what makes a hit artist! “People come to me with songs. Since Gaga exploded, I get called to cut vocals and put bands together. What I look for after I’m contacted is to see if there’s a hit song and a hit artist. If you don’t have a hit song, I don’t care what you’re trying to sell. Obviously, the artist has got to be an artist.” Vulpis is adamant about the importance of artistry. “So many people call themselves artists, but the difference is the effect the person has on you the second he or she meets you; you just know it’s an artist. I look for magic, and you have to have a killer product.” The man behind the artists and the business splits his time between New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville, and works 24/7. He often works through his vacation time, but he believes being busy is his best option. “If I don’t work, there’s going to be a problem because I’ll probably end up in the wrong place!” When he has a second to spare in his home state, Vulpis goes into to super-fan mode. “ I love baseball; I’m a baseball fanatic! Whether it’s the Yankees or the Mets, I’m OK with either. If they’re playing each other, I pick the Mets.” He also enjoys attending concerts and exploring the restaurant scene. “I go out to eat about five times a week. I can cook, but I love trying new things.” Vulpis has earned his way as a top producer, and his love for music is the fire that keeps him constantly moving forward. “Music is the only thing I do well enough to afford the next day of my life! I don’t mean that in an entitled or privileged way, it’s just the truth! I’m very passionate about it.”
Times Square Magazine October 2013
Photos by: Seth Walters
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Jeremy Luke is highly approachable, refreshingly humble and super easy to speak with. There’s just something charismatic about the actor’s frankness and go-with-the-flow attitude, but as a native New Yorker, he also possesses the characteristic city-bred boldness that undoubtedly contributed to his newly acquired success in Hollywood. By Liz Belilovskaya
Times Square Magazine October 2013
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Times Square Magazine October 2013
We will be seeing a lot of him in the next few months. His anticipated film, Don Jon, hit theaters on September 27th, and he will be starring in TNT’s Mob City debuting this fall, not to mention that he was just cast in Jersey Boys, which will be helmed by Clint Eastwood. Raised in Staten Island, Jeremy worked as a club promoter during his late teens and early twenties. His job left him “really stressed out, like all the time.” Searching for an outlet to deal with his growing frustration, he found one through acting. “It gave me a lot of joy in my life, and it gave me something else to do - something else to focus on, instead of going out partying all of the time,” he stated. In college, he realized that acting was something he wanted to do as a career, so at twenty-two years old, he “moved out west, and started studying hardcore.” Success didn’t come overnight; it was earned through hard work and unwavering dedication to the craft. “It wasn’t easy but - you know - after thirteen years, I finally got my steady acting gig in Los Angeles. I did every job under the sun. It was tough, it was really tough, but it is what it is, definitely a journey, that’s for sure.” It seems as if his efforts finally paid off big time. Frank Darabont, the famed Academy Award and Golden Globe nominated film director, screenwriter and producer, cast Jeremy as Mickey Cohen (1913-1976) in TNT’s original drama series. Playing the legendary but villainous gangster is a dream come true for the rising star. “Not only did I just get a series, which is like an ongoing thing, but to have a steady gig, especially working with one of the most innovative people in Hollywood, is boss!” he gushes. Being offered the role is one of the most exciting moments in Jeremy’s career so far. To prepare for it, the usually athletic actor is putting on a bit of weight to better resemble the gangster. He is also hitting the books to understand how Mickey fit into his environment and what life must have been like as an outlaw living during the first half of the 20th century. “Right before I really sat down with Frank, I watched a lot of biographies and then I started to read the script and figure out where he really fit into this world, since a lot of what I’m bringing to the table is my own interpretation.” he explained. But it’s the costume that really puts Jeremy in Cohen’s state of mind. “Once you get into the costume - which is unbelievable by the way, the production design is amazing - I get my Mickey juices flowing, then something else happens, which I can’t really explain! I don’t know what happens. It definitely has an effect on me,” he reveals, “I’m not a method actor, but something happens.” But before Jeremy makes his debut as a ruthless criminal, audiences will get to know him as Don Jon’s lovable, club hitting, women-loving “Guido” wingman. Jeremy describes his character as an immature and irresponsible clown, “In my opinion he hasn’t really grown up yet. He’s one of those guys - 30 years old, squandered all his money on BMW car payments while he lives in his parent’s basement. He’s a weekend warrior - goes out and parties like a rock star.” With a chuckle, Jeremy goes on to say that he did his preparation for the role between the ages of sixteen and twenty-five. “It wasn’t a big stretch from somebody that I was when I was younger. Now I’m thirtyfive years old and a lot more settled down, I got a girlfriend and it’s awesome, it’s a lot different now.”
He lights up speaking about his Don Jon co-stars, especially so in regards to Joseph Gordon Levitt who wrote, directed and starred in the film. “It was a real collaborative process. The thing is that Joe is a peer, but people don’t really know that he’s been on set for 25 years, he’s a peer in the sense that he’s my age, but he’s so well educated in what he does that he’s really superior to me in that way, and I trusted him right off the bat! Basically he knows how to treat an actor, he really gets it.” As per Joe’s physical transformation for the role, “He killed it, I mean this guy, he’s naturally skinny, but he really worked out hard to get that shape!” Jeremy also gave praise to Scarlett Johansson and Tony Danza. “I mean Scarlett Johansson, she does a fantastic job in the movie. She reminds me of J-Wow from Jersey Shore. Yeah and Tony Danza, I didn’t have scenes with him but in the film, Tony is back! He really steals the show. Wait till you see this, he’s hysterical! The movie is hysterical and it’s got a great message!” declares Jeremy. It seems as if Jeremy Luke has just begun to grasp the magnitude of his accomplishments, but he’s not cocky about them, rather he’s appreciative of the opportunities and excited about future possibilities in the industry. As someone who’s worked so diligently for a shot at the big time, we certainly think he deserves all that he has achieved. Whether Jeremy takes on film or a TV series, we await great things from Mr. Luke, and something tells us, we won’t be disappointed.
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h t 5 4 e Th iest n n Fu up d n Sta ic Of m o C e m i T l l A
s i w e L d r a h c i R : k c a r t g n i p e e k s ’ o h But w
By: Lorenzo Tartamella and Joey Franco
Times Square Magazine October 2013
R
ichard Lewis is hailed by Mel Brooks as the Franz Kafka of comedy. Love him or hate him, there is no doubt he is amongst the all time greats of standup. His raw, honest comedy is unapologetic. We had the unequivocal pleasure of chatting with The Prince of Pain, just before his stint at Caroline’s. Richard ranks 45th on Comedy Central’s list of 100 greatest standups of all time. We spoke about his preparation (or lack of it), Snickers, and three decades at Caroline’s.
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TS: You could probably play Pacino in a movie, you sort of look like him.
RL: His father called me the Jew-Al! Let’s start with that. Yeah, I’ve known Al for a long time, we’re not best friends but he’s a fan. I once got reviewed, I did a movie, an indie a long time ago- I played a junkie and some reviewer called me the Jewish Pacino. That was nice, I’m not, but it’s something. I don’t know why I thought of this but I was looking at the picture, and I’m from Brooklyn, I was born in New York- I moved out to Hollywood a long time ago. Anyways, my house is called the museum; I got married late in life, no kids, so the arts are really my life. Sounds like an old withering actress, drinking at 90, you know…
TS: Do you consider yourself a New Yorker? RL: What- are you crazy? I am a New Yorker!
TS: Do you write this particular material or does it just flow naturally?
RL: I have never written a joke in my life. It just pours out of me. I am also a writer and an author, but I always wanted to be a filmmaker. I wrote some scripts and that was painful. But jokes, they just flow out of me and I was never at a loss for any TV segment or talk show I was on. I never had to say, Oh my God, I need material for this particular show!
TS: Comedy is an art unto itself and Mel Brooks described you as the modern day Franz Kafka of Comedy.
TS: Haha! I meant Caroline’s
RL: I am on my 30th year at Caroline’s. I started the club!
TS: Since the 80’s, right?
RL: Yes. I started there with Jay Leno and Andy Kaufman, God rest his soul. I would do 3 to 4 shows a year and do a different set each and every time. Even Letterman, who was a recluse, came to see me and that was a big deal. This was at the old Caroline’s before it moved to Broadway. It has been so important to me and there were nights in the first 12 years where I had to bring notes on stage because I had so much material. Every three months it would be new material and thank God for the sheet on the piano or I never would have remembered everything. When I was in my early 30’s I wrote about 10 to 15 hours of material that I could use for the rest of my life for stage and talk shows.
TS: Is it a testing ground to….
RL: No, just getting on stage is a test and I never know what I am going to say as I ad lib about half of it. I don’t have an act. I am the act! So if the audience is on my side, then we will have a good time.
TS: If you get a heckler, what then?
RL: Well, I can handle myself, but if they get too out of control, the club will usually take them out.
RL: That’s very nice of him. Playing Prince John in “Robin Hood: Men in Tights,” I can’t walk anywhere in Korea or New Zealand without being swamped by children. They chase me through airports instead of the paparazzi to get Prince John’s autograph! My life is over…..
TS: Well, you are a lovable guy!
RL: Every kid in the world has seen the movie and then I was in a show called 7th Heaven and I didn’t even know what it was about! Then they asked me to be a Rabbi on it and then I watched a few episodes and it was on in about 90 countries. It was a lot of fun but it was not my targeted market, families sitting around and watching 7th Heaven. So at airports when children would point at me and say, “There’s the Jew,”I had to get used to it.
TS: I saw the last Snickers commercial and said ouch! Do you like doing commercials?
RL: I like doing anything that is sort of good and it takes a lot of work in a short period of time for a lot of money to get it done. If I ever did anything like be a hot dog in a bun with my face sticking out, my wife says we would be through! But the Snickers commercial was great fun and it ended up being a very successful ad that won some awards or should have. What tripped me out was that it first aired on the Super Bowl that year and over 150 million people saw it. Sometimes when the TMZ bus rolls around, people see me, a comedian who has been in the business for 44 years and they say, “Look! It’s Snickers the clown”!
TS: Ok let’s talk about Carolina’s...
RL: Carolina’s??? It’s not Carolina’s! You’re watching the Weather Channel while interviewing me!
Times Square Magazine October 2013
1626 BROADWAY | 212. 757.4100 | www.CAROLINES.com
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S
hemekia Copeland has music in her blood and blues in her soul. As the daughter of legendary blues guitarist Johnny Copeland, music was a prominent force in her life for as long as she can remember. Born in Harlem, the younger Copeland was compelled to sing at fifteen years old, and hasn’t stopped since. In 2011 at the Chicago Blues Festival, she was crowned the new “The Queen of Blues,” and is striving to keep the legacy of the blues alive in her music. She is prepping for a series of shows at the Iridium in automn and is looking forward to blowing the crowd away. By Alex Zaglin
Times Square Magazine October 2013
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Times Square (TS): What was your childhood like growing up with a professional musician as your father?
there I was like “What!?” Now I wish I could afford an apartment up there. (Laughs)
Shemekia Copeland (SC): It was great! My father sat around playing guitar when he was home, so when we weren’t playing music, we were listening to it—all different kinds. It was an awesome way to grow up because music is so influential. Musicians—even famous musicians who I didn’t know were famous until I grew up would come over all the time.
TS: What about your musical influences?
TS: Who else (aside from your father) were your biggest influences? SC: My mother! My mom taught me about self-love, and for me, that’s huge. It’s really important to have self-love here in this business, especially being female. TS: You were born in Harlem—how do you feel about the major changes the neighborhood has seen recently? SC: It’s very interesting. Even back then, I could see that happening because it was prime real estate. When I was living there it wasn’t a great neighborhood and there was crime, I could see that it was going to turn around at some point. Last time I went up
SC: As far as musical influences, the list could go on for days. People who have been really good to me in this business are Koko Taylor, James Cotton, Ruth Brown, and BB King. So many people have been so good to me. TS: What is your songwriting process like? SC: I consider myself someone who does everything; I don’t particularly consider myself a songwriter. I’m someone who writes songs and has good ideas occasionally, and to me, that’s different than being a songwriter. I think songwriters sit down and write songs, and I’ve never done that. I just write something down when it inspires me. TS: You just had a tour over in Europe-what were some of the highlights of that trip? SC: It’s always great going to Europe. Culturally, everything is different over there. The one thing that I love the most is that they have such great respect for Art and older things. In America, kids
Times Square Magazine October 2013
are always wondering what’s new, and they’re so obsessed with novelty that they never take time to look back to see what we have that already belongs to us. I feel like they’re able to do that more in Europe, and they have such a great appreciation for music and the arts over there. TS: What can fans expect from your upcoming series of shows at the Iridium? SC: It’s just going to be a ball! We always have a great time at the Iridium! All of us are originally from New York, so my guys don’t have to go too far for the gig. TS: How did you meet the guys in your band? SC: My guitar player has been with me fifteen years, and we met at a jam in New York. With all of the other guys, it just kind of evolved. I met my rhythm guitarist in Turkey of all places. I met my drummer through my bass player. The world of musicians is small; everyone knows everybody in some kind of way. TS: You have recently been titled the new “Queen of Blues”—how do you plan to carry out that title? SC: In my experience, people call you things, and if they’re good things, you embrace them. I’m honored to have the title, and as far as carrying it on, I’m just going to keep doing what I do. I don’t really know another way! TS: What are your plans for the rest of the year following your tour?
Davy
Know
les
SC: I’m going to chill! Last year I missed all of the holidays. This year, I’m going to enjoy Thanksgiving, run a marathon, and just do things for myself. TS: Do you have any plans for new music? SC: Not right now, but my mind is always churning. TS: What are your favorite things to do in New York City? SC: Walking through Central Park, visiting Harlem to see the changes, and eating the food! My favorite thing is the New York deli. We don’t have stuff like that where I live in Chicago, at least not on every corner. TS: What prompted your move to Chicago?
reth Sonny Land
SC: All the great blues clubs in New York closed down, and there aren’t a whole lot of places to play as far as blues are concerned. At the time, I just loved Chicago, and my husband is from here, so it was a pretty easy move for me. TS: What does music mean to you? SC: Music means everything. If I get down, I play music. If I’m happy, I play music. For me, it’s just a great way to live your life. Music makes me happy, and it can change you emotionally in any kind of way. It’s just so amazing depending on what you’re hearing. Music has been a part of my life for my entire life, and I just couldn’t imagine living with out it!
Nikki Hill The Iridium 1650 Broadway | ( 51st) 212.582.2121| www.Iridium.com 27
photo by: Alex Henery
Times TimesSquare SquareMagazine Magazine October June 2013 2013
By Jonathan De Sua 29
Timessquare(T.S):How does one “Defend Pop Punk”? Man Overboard(MO): That is open for interpretation .
T.S: What is the current climate of Pop Punk and music in general?
T.S: Do you feel a certain responsibility to educate the next generation to not only your style but also styles and artists who have come before you? Wayne Wildrick (W.W) :We encourage the next generation to just keep it real. Sure we want kids to know about all the bands we grew up listening to that inspire our sound but our influences are ever changing and we want kids to be evolving as well. Saves The Day is important to us the same way Rush is but they are in two separate worlds so it’s our responsibility to show people music is music and that we can learn so much from different genres. If we just focused on telling kids to listen to punk bands I feel that would be a disservice to the youth because there is so much music out there to be discovered. T.S: You guys have been rather busy in the studio for the past few years. Explain the difference (if any) between the group dynamic in the studio and the dynamic onstage. W.W: Our new album Heart Attack runs most parallel with our live dynamic. On our previous recordings things were a little cleaner and we wanted that because we grew up playing in trashy punk bands but our live show was always more intense. People always told us we were heavier live and we really wanted that to come across on the new album. The time we spent between our last record and recording this one was the most gruelling touring we had ever done as a band. Playing live so much when we got to the studio we wanted to capture all the emotions and sights we felt and saw around the world. T.S: Describe where you fit in the evolution of the Vans Warped Tour. What was it like to play the entire tour? W.W :To me Vans Warped Tour is the same tour it has always been. Back when I was going to Warped Tour there was equal bands that I wanted to see and bands that I didn’t care for. But it’s all good because that’s what the festival is all about, diversity. It’s a great tour to be a part of and it was by far the best summer of touring we have ever had. T.S: Do you have any good New York stories from the road? (feel free to throw each other under the bus, so to speak) W.W: We played an acoustic show at Angels and Kings and Mark Hoppus showed up. We all got to meet him and gave him a Defend Pop Punk shirt. This was like five years ago so I’m not sure if he still has it. But that was the probably the coolest thing that has ever happened to me in NYC. T.S: Do you subscribe to any New York vs. New Jersey Rivalry? W.W : We are Philadelphia sports fans so we hate the Devils. So therefore The Giants, Rangers, Mets, Yankees, Jets we got no time for that either. GO BIRDS! T.S: How has New York changed or stayed the same given your success? W.W : New York has turned into one of our favorite places to play. It’s the hardest city on earth to play and the fact that we can come here now and play for all these people is not something we take for granted. Same goes to for Long Island, they are always so good to us. We love New York!
W.W : The state of punk rock is always thriving. There is never a dull moment because it’s something that never stays the same. I feel the same way about music in general. People always talk about how much music sucks now and lacks substance. But there was an always terrible bands throughout music history. There are so many great bands out there that the radio isn’t playing, you just have to work to find them. If you want good music it’s out there you just have to want it. T.S: Has technology and a changing industry (i.e. power shift away from big record labels) given birth to the doit-yourself sentiment punk music embodied? How is this true for you? W.W : Punk Rock ethics were the same before major labels and now that major labels are falling apart punk rock is still operating the same way. That’s why Rock N Roll has outlasted any trend that major labels tried to put in front of us, because Rock N Roll is for the people by the people. T.S: Where would Man Overboard like to be in 5 years? W.W: Hopefully still playing shows and making records. T.S: What do you look forward to most? W.W: Going to some new places as well as our favorite cities across America. Getting to see friends in different cities is always a treat.
Times Square Magazine October 2013
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photos by Joey Franco
SHIPWRECK!
PIRATES & TREASURE at Discovery Times Square
Times Times Square Square Magazine Magazine October October 2013 2013
Do you love stories about pirates and hidden treasure? When you were a kid, did you spend hours obsessing over Black Beard or Captain Kidd trying to imagine what their lives must have been like? Have you traveled to a place that, you’ve supposedly heard, might house a secret map leading to a life of danger and adventure? Probably not, but chances are that at some point, pirates have peaked your interest. By Liz Belilovskaya
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photos by Joey Franco
Times Square Magazine October 2013
I
t’s almost impossible not to get enthralled in their insanely wild but also immensely dangerous stories, so when I got word about the SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure at Discovery Times Square, I immediately got excited. Pirates symbolize the ultimate freedom, willpower and adventure, but what most people don’t think about is the fact that for these liberties, many pirates have paid with their lives. It’s safe to say that their existence did not consist of endless fun and glory; many of them died young and broke, without admiration, without pride, without much of anything. But while they lived, they lived big. What usually became a life of piracy actually began as a life of privateering. Competing kingdoms and dynasties hired men to plunder the ships of their enemies, essentially paying them to loot the other guys. Needless to say, taking someone else’s belongings without their consent soon became addictive and privateers decided to stop working for hire, opting for self-employment instead. SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure highlight the lives of these ultimate rebels, showcasing their valuables and possessions, as well as the passions that led to their demise. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) estimates that there are over 3 million shipwrecks worldwide, but most of exhibits specimens come from the SS Republic, which was found in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean in 2003. Originally, the ship set sail from the New York in 1865, heading to New Orleans and carrying many necessary supplies intended for people affected by the Civil War.
Unfortunately, it never made it; severe weather caused the SS Republic to sink while its crewmembers were forced to abandon ship. For a while, it was thought to be lost at sea forever, but only 140 years later, The Odyssey Marine Exploration responsible for the documentation and artifact recovery from the ship finally discovered it. It uncovered a lot of valuable cargo like gold, silver, and fancy dinning utensils among other things. Because the ship sailed during a time referred to as The Golden Age of Quackery yes, it is exactly what it sounds like - items like snake oil, worm pills, and other types of mysterious - and likely ineffective - vials and elixirs were also found. These items are not only remarkably cool in their historic significance and rustic appeal, they are a rare glimpse into how people lived, what they valued, as well as what the pirates valued. More than plundering for treasure, leisure or status, pirates plundered for medicine, resources and supplies. Living a life of piracy often meant living an unhealthy life; it’s no secret as to how pirates spent their “days off. ” Visiting ladies of loose but coveted behavior often led to unwanted diseases, along with all of their less than appealing side-effects. More than gold, or silver, the pirates needed the vials and elixirs transported by ships like the SS Republic, which was one of the biggest reasons for piracy, aside from the treasure, which don’t get us wrong, is nice. So, check out SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure and Discovery Times Square, and see for yourselves.
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NEW YORK WISDOM SERIES COMING SOON JANUARY 2014
Ed Koch | Pet Bennett | Roslyn Kind | Jake LaMotta | Ron Gallela | Charles Fazzino | Burt Young | Frank Serpico | Mickey Rooney
www.NewYorkWisdom.com
Times Square Magazine October 2013
NEW YORK
WISDOM BURT YOUNG
interview by: Lorenzo Tartamella
photos by: Joey Franco
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Times Times Square Square Magazine Magazine October October 2013 2013
I had great parents. Big, big family—grandmas, grandpas, uncles, aunts—the only time I had trouble was when I left home. My growing up was wonderful. We didn’t act in those, we’d box. And I happened to be very good. Cus D’Amato was my coach, my manager. He was Tyson’s manager. In a way, that’s how I got to know Mike. I was the only actor in the first Rocky that didn’t audition. They auditioned Burgess Meredith—great, great actor. But the producers wanted me, and so did Sylvester. Well, I still love what I do as an actor. I’m very serious about it. Always been. It opened many doors for me personally. Freedom to explore scripts, and audiences, and people, and myself. It was an enabling process for me, my whole lifetime. Very nice. I try to melt into what the author wants. Sometimes I knew better than he does. I feel an actor should know that individual part better than the writer, ‘cause you’re diving into there. When I was about twelve I won a New York City art contest. My photograph was in the paper. They gave me an easel and some paint, you know... my father and mother both were very artistic. My mother was a dressmaker, papa was a sheet-metal mechanic, and... everything. He could do anything with his hands. Smack you, too. I’ve found that if you really love it [acting] enough, to take tons of disappointments. And you can only find that out by doing every cheap stage play, for no money. See if just the communication’s enough to give you a reward. And when you’re sort of— when you’re—you bounce off a wall, don’t try to ram through it. Go with it—where
you bounce, keep going. Whatever you bounce. I’m also even—with fundamental behavior. Just don’t try to crawl through, make an effort and expend yourself unnecessarily. I’ve had a swell life. Just swell. Okay. I get scared every new movie. Who meets new people? Every new audience for films. Who has that pleasure? It’s such a dangerous life. It’s swell. It’s great. I live in simplicity. I have maybe three or four buttons I use when I’m working in myself, with a heavy dose of relaxation and concentration. And similar, similar—the first thing when I get a script, I relax. As close to sleep as possible. I had children, I had fighting, danger, I had businesses. So I had a pretty hunk of life already, to me. We’re cursed by being intelligent animals. We know we have morality—on the dark side, for ever. And so... I’m in a rush. I—I wanna get things done. I wanna leave as many signatures as I can. I want our families to be prosperous. I can go to sleep doing everybody’s eating pretty good until they blew it, you know? New York is such a pretty place to get burned out, to get ambition. I never thought I was ever gonna make a check with the acting. I used to have the businesses, and I would do these plays. The first checks I got, I was shocked. And then I started asking for more money. Don’t forget the women in New York. Look at that! As pretty as you could... that’s a big motivator. Sometimes you get more fearful with success. You have a lot more to fall off from. Ability, finances, you know...
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TIMES SQUARE TO DO LIST By Megan Lohne
Times Square Magazine October 2013
+A Bar
Reunion Surf Bar, 44th and 9th This beach inspired hideaway located right off Times Square is a great place to put on your flip-flops and have some laid back cuisine. With interesting drinks like their Mermaid, a frozen mojito, and always-delicious tatchos (tater tot nachos) it’s not to be missed. Just don’t forget to shake the sand out of your hair before coming back to reality.
+A Hotel
Hilton Hotel Times Square, 234 West 42nd Street This Times Square favorite is where luxury and class come together. With a wonderful fine dining restaurant called Above and a bar that is frequented by tourists and locals alike, you will want to pack your suitcase and stay awhile. Located in the heart of the theatre district, it is where all the action is.
+A Book Store
The Drama Book Shop, 250 West 40th Street The Drama Book Shop, 250 West 40th Street Nothing is more theatrical than stepping into the pages of a play. This unique destination houses one of the most impressive collections of drama scripts in Manhattan. Whether you’re visiting or really want to find the perfect play, it’s a must see. It also hosts events frequently so be sure to check the calendar on their website!
+A Boutique
Roxy @ Quicksilver, 3 Times Square This surf inspired clothing store is a delight to teenagers and adults alike. Stop by and try on some beach inspired hoodies and board shorts. Located on the corner of 42nd Street, it’s definitely worth a peek.
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+A Café
Shake Shack, 691 8th Avenue This Times Square hot spot is host to delicious burgers. Make sure and order one of their Concretes with such flavors as Jelly’s Last Donut, and Pretzel! With its sit-down café atmosphere, it will delight your taste buds. One warning - beware of the lines that most times can be seen reaching down the street but once you’re inside you’ll be glad you waited.
+A Cheap Eat
Auntie Anne’s, 664 8th Avenue Nothing screams cheap and convenient like one of Auntie Anne’s classic pretzels. Grab and go one of their unique flavors such as cinnamon sugar or sour cream and onion or even snack on their bold flavored jalapeno cheese pretzel dog. If you don’t have time to sit and want to go light on the purse strings, there’s nothing better than this classic treat.
+A Fine Dining Establishment
Carmines, 200 West 44th Street This classic Italian restaurant, conveniently located in the theater district, serves exquisite Italian fare that has kept its name on the map for years. Try some of the garlic bread or eggplant parmigana, it’s delightful!
Times Square Magazine October 2013
+ATS ATTRACTION
Frames, 550 9th Avenue Bowling and dining come together at this Port Authority based bowling alley. Featuring a chef-select menu with such delights as a tender lamb burger and filet mignon you won’t need to leave. Just don’t forget to bowl while you’re there.
+A Family Attraction
Annie, Palace Theatre, 1564 Broadway Annie, Palace Theatre, 1564 Broadway This classic tale of the freckled-faced red-head orphan is always a delight. Playing now through January at The Palace Theatre, bring the whole family and sing along to classic songs like Tomorrow and Hard Knock Life.
+ A Good Deal
TKTS Booth, 47th and Broadway Native New Yorkers and tourists know this location well. One of the few places in NYC where you can score some half-price tickets to Broadway’s biggest selling hits! Make sure to get in line early because the booth is first come, first serve and different shows release tickets everyday. You’ll feel like a Broadway insider when you walk away with deals like these.
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BREAKFAST
in TIMES SQUARE Who can argue that breakfast is the most important meal of the day? I for one cannot start my day without my cup of joe and a delicious meal. Times Square is any food lovers paradise, it has everything from chic and pricy to cheap and simple. The common thread‌ everything is delicious. Breakfast is no exception as the district boasts a plethora of breakfast joints for any taste and price range. Here are three suggestions for breakfast in the square. by Joey Franco
Times TimesSquare SquareMagazine Magazine October October2013 2013
614 9th Ave ( between 43rd and 44th St.) 212.582.7661 Hours: 24h Serves: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner www.Westwaydinernyc.com Since 1988, Westway Diner has been a well known local favorite. Located on 9th avenue, the diner is family owned and operated. The location is open 24/7 and like many New York City diners, you will probably find something that will catch your attention on the menu. My favorite is the traditional two eggs sunny side up, bacon, hashed potatoes, and two whole wheat toasts ($5.79) with a tall glass of orange juice ($3.89). If eggs are a breakfast favorite, Westway is the place for you offering dishes such as a Lox & Onion Omelette ($10.79), Eggs Florentine ($8.79) as well as a selection of ten other varieties of omelettes. For something a little different from the grill, I would suggest the Monte Cristo Sandwich ($9.79), which is an open face French toast with Swiss Chese, ham and turkey. At Westway, the combinations are endless. From pancakes to fruit and pasteries, Westway is a sure way to go.
photos by: Joey Franco
Westway Diner
WESTWAY DINER
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N.Y.C. Midtown Gourmet Deli !
N.Y.C. Midtown Gourmet Deli 840 8th Ave (at 51st street) 212.586.6433 Hours: 24 H
Serves: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Located on 8th avenue, steps from the famous Broadway theatres, Gourmet Deli is the perfect stop before a matinee show. For a quick meal on the go, a one egg breakfast bagel ($5.95) with a double espresso ($3.25) is the perfect pick. For a healthier choice, egg white with veggies ($2.99). For a larger meal for a long day ahead, the French Toast with bacon stands out ($4.50). The deli is also open 24/7 and features a dining area which can accommodate about 40 patrons. It can get pretty hectic during peak hours so take out is also a great option.
Times Square Magazine October 2013
Breakfast cart
N.Y.C. Midtown Gourmet Deli ! Nothing says New York City like a street food cart. Breakfast is no exception to the rule when it comes to food carts. You will find these carts at many of the major intersections in Times Square and around Manhattan. All carts will sell items such as croissants, bagels, and pastries. Some carts will also sell warm foods such as egg and cheese sandwiches and a hot cup of coffee.
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Women’s Beauty and Accessories
1.PERFEKT
Skin Perfection CC Créme SPF 30
2.Sephora by OPI | Sephora Nail Colour
ITEM # 154440
ITEM # 1434729
$42,00
$12.00
Times Square Magazine October 2013
1. Marc Jacobs Fragance Daisy ITEM # 1128859
$79.00
4 1 3 2 3.LOFT Tate Cap Toe Flats
1.FOREVER 21 Classic Woven Scarf A woven scarf featuring frayed ends. Semi-sheer. Lightweight. Product Code : 1000050948
Glossy patent edging - and an always on point cap toe - glam up this color popped pair. Padded footbed. Textured rubber Style # 315346
$49.50
$6.80 2.FOSSIL Sydney Zip Clutch In a wardrobe’s worth of vibrant brights and necessary neutrals, our smooth leather Sydney clutch . COLOR: BRIGHT ORANGE
$65.00
4.AMERICAN EAGLE Aeo Mixed Metal Chronograph Watch Linked metal bracelet band Mixed gold & silver tones Chronograph face Graphic eagle on face STYLE: 0485-3449 | COLOR: 082
$17.70 49
1. Sunglass Hut
2. Billabong
BURBERRY
TRIPLE VISION HAT
The first name in British fashion, Burberry eyewear leverages the strength of its 150-year heritage, balancing classic and modern design.
Offering a new and different point of view, this twill snapback features a stripe tribal print underneath the visor. The front comes detailed with a 3D woven logo patch.
UPC# 713132576106
$395.00
$30.00
1 2 3.Levi’s Double Prong Striped Belt With smooth, rich leather and a nickel-finished buckle, this double-prong skinny belt is easily an everyday favorite.
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STYLE #771340754
$48.00 4.FootLocker Jordan Son of Mars Low - Men’s The Jordan Son Of Mars was
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birthed from the Spizike, which was originally inspired by the all the Jordan shoes made in collaboration with famous urban director Spike Lee PRODUCT #: 80603030 99
$139.
Times Square Magazine October 2013
Men’s
Beauty and Accessories
3. DOLCE & GABBANA The One For Men Deodorant
1. RALPH LAUREN Polo Red
ITEM # 1127588 SIZE 2.4 oz
$27,00
ITEM # 1528470
$75.00
2. LAB SERIES FOR MEN Maximum Comfort Shave Cream ITEM # 912527
$29.00
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photos by: Carlos Escobar
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Times Square Magazine October 2013
photos by Seth Walters
Times Square Magazine October 2013
Times Square Magazine October 2013
photos by: Carlos Escobar
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Times Square Magazine October 2013
photos by Joey Franco
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Celebrities
Around Town Raúl Esparza, Katie Finneran and Alec Baldwin were among the Broadway vets at NBC’s 2013 Fall Launch Party - hosted by Vanity Fair – on September 16 at The Top of The Standard in NY.
The party helped kick off NBC’s 2013 fall television season with stars from past and present shows. Raúl Esparza (currently appearing on “Law & Order: SVU”) congratulated Katie Finneran on her new show and shared a quick hug before Katie posed for photos with her cast mates from “The Michael J. Fox Show.” Alec Baldwin arrived with wife, Hilaria Thomas Baldwin, for a night out just a few weeks after welcoming their first child together, daughter Carmen Gabriela.
Times Square Magazine October 2013
Max Azria and Nicki Minaj pose backstage at the Herve Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2014 at The Theatr in New York City. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Ima Spring 2014)
e Leger By Max Azria fashion show during re at Lincoln Center on September 7, 2013 ages for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
Photo credit Jamie McCarthy/WireImage Photo credit Jamie McCarthy/WireImage
Max Azria and TV personality Giuliana Rancic pose backstage at the Herve Leger By Max Azria fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2014 at The Theatre at Lincoln Center on September 7, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for MercedesBenz Fashion Week Spring 2014)
Kinky Boots star and Tony-nominated actress, Annaleigh Ashford was spotted at The Empire Hotel on September 6. Photo credit: Dylan Patrick
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Times Square Magazine October 2013