Film buffs have heard of the quintessential film festivals like Sundance and Tribeca. However, our editors were in attendance at a rather special festivity this weekend called the New York City International Film Festival (NYCIFF). NYCIFF has the unique privilege of showcasing filmmakers and their work from all corners of the world. By embracing a broad cultural diaspora and integrating diversity into their mission statement, the organization is able to distinguish themselves from other big name festivals. Founder Roberto Rizzo had a few things to say about NYCIFF, “The beauty of our film festival is that it’s not just a place to see films; we’ve got special events going on for our audience and filmmakers every day. Some days we have up to 3 or 4 red carpet events and hold seminars for aspiring professionals who want to be in the business. We treat filmmakers and their films like kings with our small resources. We are putting in an incredible effort. We want to give our little push to new filmmakers in this very complex and competitive market of show business by giving them the chance to show their films in New York City.”
Some New Yorkers wouldn’t dare to go out above 42nd Street while other barely ever venture above 14th Street. The city in many ways becomes compartmentalized by neighborhoods and scenes but La Marina, all the way up on Dyckman Street, is making moves to challenge the preconceived notion that nothing good goes on the upper Upper West Side. La Marina occupies a 75,000 square foot stretch of parkland besides the Hudson River with stunning views of the George Washington Bridge. If you weren’t told you’d never believe that this New York City Park once held nothing more than a dilapidated tiki bar, a drug den in an oversized shed, and grounds littered with drug paraphernalia. Originally opening last summer, La Marina was severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy but has rebounded to become the ultimate in NYC summer destinations.
Inspired by the real NYC, Apt. 78 is a dope art gallery/lounge that has been known to throw some of the wildest and best parties uptown NYC has to offer. What makes Apt. 78 so special are the people. Somehow Apt. 78 manages to have the most fun crowd of any you will find in NYC. It is not uncommon to see girls twerking, guys actually dancing, and people crowd surfing. It also doesn’t hurt that their cocktails are fairly priced and they may have the most delicious sangria in NYC. Patron Lemonade Sangria, yes, they have that! Already famous for events such as Brunch Bounce, Que Lo Que and Summer BBQs, Apt. 78 will now heat up the summer with their Third Annual “Summer Series!”
Marco Ursino, the director of Brooklyn's Film Festival, an organization that promotes independent filmmakers by showcasing their movies and providing them with international exposure while bringing attention to Brooklyn as a significant intermediate for cinema. These movies can be seen at indieScreen, which is a multifaceted entertainment facility located in the infamous artsy Williamsburg, Brooklyn area. We caught up with Mr. Ursino during the festival, held annually in June, and watched an indie film that was pretty touching too.
Brews & Grub: SmorgasBar
Brooklyn Flea Market’s newly launched project, SmorgasBar showcases a dozen local food and beverage vendors, all curated by the world renowned BK Flea Market. Food vendors include Asia Dog, Blue Marble Ice Cream, Brooklyn Oyster Party, Brooklyn Soda Works, Landhaus (with grass-fed burgers), Milk Truck Grilled Cheese, Pizza Moto, and Red Hook Lobster Pound. Among the array of mouthwatering foodery, there are also two amazing bars, one on Front Street between Fulton and Beekman that will feature tasty brews, wines and spirits. South Street Seaport pairs SmorgasBar with an all-together art installation stage for movie screenings and music performances.
It’s a weekday afternoon, a beautiful 90 degrees outside in NYC, and you can’t stop thinking about lying on the beach, listening to some great music and checking out some hotties. Only problem is the nearest happening beach is two hours out in either direction. Your dreams of cocktails and tanning fade away. Enter the Dream Downtown.
Now open for its third season, The Beach at Dream Downtown and TAO/Strategic Group are launching a series of summer evening parties where you can dance to sets by the city’s hottest DJs, chill poolside sipping on specialty cocktails, enjoy bottle service and mingle with friends. Spanning 4,800 square feet, The Beach is filled with imported sand, private cabanas and Cote D'Azur-inspired chaise lounges. The pool at Beach features a partially translucent bottom, allowing guests to view the lobby below. The Beach is complimentary for hotel guests, while non-hotel guests can purchase a day pass or make reservations for a table.
Last night the Highline Ballroom was the spot to be at for NYLON Magazine's annual June/July Music Issue bash sponsored by Aloft Hotels and the guest of honor, was none other than the cover star, Avril Lavigne!
The party was hosted by NYLON's Editor-in-Chief Marvin Scott Jarrett and Publisher Jaclynn Jarrett. In true NYLON fashion, the party was a hit as guests enjoyed cocktails, a special performance by 2012 Project Aloft Star winners, HITS and rocked out during the headlining performance by our fave, Avril.Safe to say it was a pretty nostalgic night for us gals who have been fans since Avril's beginning. Wife beater tank and a tie, anyone?
Some of our fondest memories are of sleepovers with friends, both platonic and sexual. Remember the first time you got to sleep over that incredibly hot guy or girls’ house? At the end of the night the girl would change into her sexiest lingerie and slide into bed and just when things seemed to be getting steamy, bam! She would whack you over the head with her pillow and an all out pillow fight would ensue. OK, maybe that never came remotely close to happening to you. But it could happen now at Social Exposure’s Rooftop Lingerie Pillow Fight Party at XVI Lounge! 300 guests will enjoy cocktails, mingle and pillow fight in their hottest lingerie and finest silk boxers and robes.
The nautical theme was set and the DJ booth was spinning as people boarded SKYY Vodka’s luxury yacht to sail around the statue of liberty the night before Governors Ball Music Festival kicks off. We were curious about what was in store for us on this grandiose yacht and the night didn’t disappoint. Influencers in fashion, music and film came together to appreciate bands that will be playing at the festival throughout this weekend. We spotted comedian Aziz Ansari from Parks and Recreation sipping on a tasty Bay Breeze, one of the many artisan drinks concocted by SKYY Vodka for the night. Olivia Palermo, Chase Crawford and Anna Kendrick chatted in the VIP area together. Guests got to enjoy the luxury of playing glow in the dark ping pong on a boat, spinning a Vodka roulette wheel that had prizes in store for everyone and a photo station where you could pose with Captain hat’s and steering wheels. The food was mouth watering as guests feasted on chicken tacos, Asian pork dumplings, pigs in a blanket and (our favorite) the dessert tower!
Governors Ball at Randall's Island
It’s as if every weekend, a star-studded collection of artists are performing in NYC, and this weekend is no different. Governors Ball, NYC’s three-day festival on Randall's Island starts this Friday June 7th at 11am and ends Sunday June 9th, and you can go for one day or all three. Here you will find Kings of Leon, Pretty Lights, Icona Pop, Erykah Badu, Yeasayer, Beirut, Animal Collective, and this year’s headliner, the one and only Kanye West. Each day costs only $95 to see tons of incredible performers. It’s the perfect time for an outdoor music festival, and a great way to start your summer. For more information on tickets and location, visit the website.
They say Staten Island is the Forgotten Borough. The same could be said for the borough’s nightlife scene until now. With the recent opening of Above Rooftop on the ninth floor of the Hilton Garden Inn, Staten Island finally has an upscale, sexy and trendy rooftop nightspot to dance, enjoy a cocktail, have a private party or hang out for some after-work, happy hour relaxation.
The venue is large and has an amazing, upscale and trendy décor. From the moment you step off the elevator and onto the floor of Above Rooftop you are taken away from the Staten Island below and taken to a metropolitan, luxurious lounge fit for any big city’s nightlife. The huge main room is equipped with a huge TV screen, spotlights, an enormous liquor shelf and scores of glass bulbs covering the ceiling that all change colors harmoniously with each other to create an amazing aura unique to Above Rooftop. Below the enormous liquor shelf is an extremely long bar with plenty of bar stools and enough room for bartenders to take care of their guests quickly and efficiently. Those looking for bottle service should have no issue getting a table as the main room has plenty of comfortable leather sofas and tables scattered all around the room. If you’re looking to get away from the excitement and roar of the main room or just want to get some fresh air, you can head out to Above Rooftop’s beautiful outdoor terrace that wraps around the main room. The outdoor space is outfitted with heated cabanas for guests to relax and take in the great views and fresh air. There is even a private dining room inside for special events.
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Samuel Mercado,
Samuel Mercado,
Christina Nicole,
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David Wyche &
