KingSize-USA

Revolver Presents PEARL in NYC April 28

matt@kingsize-usa.com (matt hanrahan) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 21:35:00 +0000

Our friends at REVOLVER "The Worlds Loudest Magazine" have jumped in to present our upcoming PEARL concert in NYC.
http://www.revolvermag.com/features/post/revolver-presents-pearl-featuring-pearl-aday-and-anthraxs-scott-ian-li/

APRIL 28, 2010

REVOLVER PRESENTS

PEARL www.myspace.com/pearl

with
PLANESIDE www.myspace.com/planeside
MINDWALK BLVD www.myspace.com/mindwalkblvd

THE STUDIO @ WEBSTER HALL
E125 E11th St, NYC
www.websterhall.com/thestudio

GET TIX NOW !
https://www.etix.com/ticket/servlet/onlineSale%3bjsessionid=0E61E46681E9D7DE4C3F75B59213E44C?action=selectPerformance&performance_id=1219492&cobrand=websterhallstudio

PEARL

matt@kingsize-usa.com (matt hanrahan) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:07:00 +0000

All of us at KingSize are are beyond stoked to be a part of PEARLS team.

If you haven't already done so, please check out her websites and of course buy the album at a store, itunes, amazon, or get out to a show and bring one home along with a shirt!

www.cheersloverock.com
www.myspace.com/pearl

PEARL TOUR>
PEARL is coming to a city near you. More dates and on sale info being announced daily

Confirmed dates so far are:

April 17 Las Vegas, NV @ Cheyenne Saloon
April 18 Aspen, CO @ Belly Up
April 20 Kansas City, MO @ Aftershock
April 22 Minneapolis, MN @ The Rock
April 23 Appleton, WI @ Revolution
April 24 Rockford, IL @ Kryptonite Bar
April 26 Chicago, IL @ Double Door
April 28 New York, NY @ The Studio at Webster Hall
April 29th New Jersey @ Brighton Bar
May 1 Kingston, NY @ The Basement
May 2 Harrisburg, PA @ Dragonfly
May 5 Tulsa, OK @ The Otherside
May 7 Tempe, AZ @ Club House

Keep tuned for more info, new poster art, new merch, and more!

English Beat & Fishbone in NYC!

matt@kingsize-usa.com (matt hanrahan) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 23:59:00 +0000

Last summer i had the pleaseure of working with Angelo Moore of Fishbone on the Most Interesting Show in the World tour.
The guy is truly an amazing talent.

I havent seen fishbone or the english beat in ages, but i bet they still kill

still some tix left. get some while you can!

See The English Beat on 02/27/10 at The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza in New York, NY. Find The English Beat tickets on LiveNation.com.

English Beat/Fishbone
All Ages
Saturday 02/27/10 at 7:00 PM
The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza
New York, NY
http://www.livenation.com/edp/eventId/415418

Skank it up!

CALIGULA MAXIMUS!

matt@kingsize-usa.com (matt hanrahan) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:40:00 +0000

Coming Soon to NYC!

La MaMa etc, Alfred Preisser and Randy Weiner & KingSize USA Present:

CALIGULA MAXIMUS!
Thursday and Friday at 8:00 pm
Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Previews begin March 12th
Opens March 19th
Ellen Stewart Theatre
66 E. 4th St., between Second Avenue and The Bowery

Co-writers Alfred Preisser (Co-Founder, Classical Theatre of Harlem) and Randy Weiner (owner of the notorious night spot, The Box) have teamed up to create CALIGULA MAXIMUS, a new play that takes place on the last night of the notorious dictator’s life.

Presented by La MaMa, e.t.c., CALIGULA MAXIMUS is a project with Hammerstein & Weiner, LLC, Christopher McElroen, Alfred Preisser and Kingsize, USA.

CALIGULA MAXIMUS begins previews at the Ellen Stewart Theatre, 66 E, 4th St, in New York on March 12. Opening night is set for March 19th and the show will continue through April 3rd. Performances are Thursday and Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 8pm and 10pm.

With a cast that includes Ryan Knowles as Caligula, adult film star and Penthouse Pet Justine Joli, Lady Circus troupe aerialist Anya Sapozhnikova, award-winning competitive bodybuilders Myra Adams and Roxanne Edwards, Coney Island Sideshow tattooed muscleman Tim Dax, and an outrages collection of over two-dozen circus performers, wrestlers, showgirls and freaks, CALIGULA MAXIMUS audiences should expect “an entertainment” that will test their limits of human intellect and appetite.
Caligula sensing the encroachment of monotheistic religions (Christianity and Judaism) holds a phantasmagoric revival meeting in which he attempts to save the world by ushering in a new religion with himself as its principle prophet and god. As the revival meeting reaches fever pitch, his troupe grows weary of being used as toys, gains a sense of their own power and, bedecked in the war paint and leather costumes of barbarian invaders, descend upon him and murder him in mob frenzy. Six different languages will occur throughout the production in song and at the Coliseum.

Rounding out the cast in multiple roles are Alexandra Bernard, Luqman Brown, Angela Buccinni, Claire Buckingham, Eric Dorfman, Alicia Giangrisostomi, Jeff Goldfisher, David King, Jessica Krueger, Andrews Landsman, Channing McKindra, Ella Mische, Alexandra Petrova, Charletta Rozell, Alicia St. Louis, JerZ Short, Aaron Strand, Miriam Tabb, Jenny Weinbloom and Elian Zach.

With sets, rigging and lighting by Evan Collier, costumes by Laura Clarke, musical direction by Joe Shavel and choreography by Tracy Jack.

Tickets are $30, $25 for students and seniors and can be purchased online at
https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/715425 or by calling the box office at 1-866-811-4111.

For more information, visit www.caligulamaximus.wordpress.com.

Join CALIGULA MAXIMUS on:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=268693721712&ref=mf
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/CALIGULAMAX
Blog: http://www.caligulamaximus.wordpress.com

JAN 7 2010 FLYER!!!

matt@kingsize-usa.com (matt hanrahan) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 02:43:00 +0000

DRINK UP BUTTERCUP LIVE IN NYC JAN 7 2010

matt@kingsize-usa.com (matt hanrahan) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:47:00 +0000

It has been quite some time since we produced a concert for no reason other than the love of live music, and what better way to return to our rockin' n ravin' roots than with this stellar line up for 2010!

THURSDAY JANUARY 7, 2010

Proudly Presents:

DRINK UP BUTTERCUP -yep roc records
www.drinkupbuttercup.com

ALEX BLEEKER & THE FREAKS (members of REAL ESTATE)-
Alex Bleeker MySpace

PLANESIDE - surreal records
Planeside MySpace

WACHICHOO (members of The Nillaz)
WaChiChoo Free EP Download

DJ $mall ¢hange (WFMU / EastVillageRadio.com)
www.DJ$mall ¢hange.com

@

125 E 11th St btw 3/4 Ave NYC
www.websterhall.com/thestudio

DOORS 8PM
19+

BUY TIX HERE!!!

FOR MORE INFO:
212.505.8500
info@kingsize-usa.com

weird beard

matt@kingsize-usa.com (matt hanrahan) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 03:27:00 +0000

I tend to grow beards in the winter. well...i tend to GROW facial hair constantly, and yes sometimes i dont shave often...the perks of being your own boss I guess.
BUT
come winter, I likes me a beard. last year was my finest effort to date. i think it was like 7 months with nothing but a few trims. the beard became a part of me. a character in itself...anyways, its Dec 15th (HAPPY B DAY LORI!), its cold outside, its been a solid week or more since I have taken blade to face, Im headed to Oregon for 2 weeks, welcome back Weird Beard!

This time around Im going to keep track via photos of the growth and will share with you the quasi social (anti social?) experiment that I go through this time of year when I shag out.

babys butt me:

stage 1 beardo me:

the future me?:

Until then,

MH

METALLICA MSG NYC 11.15.09

matt@kingsize-usa.com (matt hanrahan) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:52:00 +0000

Metallica really tore the Garden a new one over the weekend. I was lucky enough to score pretty sweet seats and VIP passes to last nights show, which from what I hear, was the far better of the two night metal fest.

Metallica played "in the round" which was definitely a bold move for a band that usually brings a massive stage and production along with them. Ive seen the full show a bunch over the years, so this was a nice change, which felt almost made for the gardens sight lines although its a bit weird watching the guys backs at times.
A lot of people may not get metallica. they probably havent really heard all the songs and certainly have not seen them live.
When you stop and think about it, they are likely the best hard rock band in the game, and have taken it far beyond metal.

The setlist was definitely on point, with enough of the old, recent, and new to please all comers.
One of my favorite Misfits songs "last caress" and old gold like Dyers Eve and plenty of pyro had me screaming and pumping my fists all night. Nice work guys.

Brooklyn Vegan did has a good review and pics of the show here http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2009/11/metallica_playe.html

MOTORHEAD * REV HORTON HEAT 09.09.09 NYC

matt@kingsize-usa.com (matt hanrahan) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:32:00 +0000

YES the show was AWESOME
YES I havent posted in AGES
YES I am VERY hungover as I type this

Heres some pix from my brand new Blackberry Tour, my latest gadget. pretty sweet so far, but only time will tell.
Nice to finally return to the world of camera phones after over a year using the Blackberry World Edition (no camera).

I hope this gets me taking more pix and therefore posting more frequently, but we will see how that goes...

Lemmy & Co ruled as usual. Amazingly loud. perhaps the loudest club show I have witnessed although very cool that they broke into an acoustic jam towards the end of the set. You havent lived until you see Motorhead live.
Matt Sorum from The Cult, Guns n Roses, Velvet Revolver, Camp Freddy, (anything else?) was on drums. an odd choice in my book, but technically he really brought it.
www.imotorhead.com

The Reverend Horton Heat blew my mind last night.

If you haven't seen and/or heard the Rev, do not sleep.
He is an amazing performer, songwriter, and unique character to say the least. His cross of rockabilly & punk are right up my tattoo covered, booze fueled, alley.
www.reverendhortonheat.com

His new album "Laughin & Cryin'" Is out Now. Go git it!

It was a true pleasure to meet The Rev & Jimbo his upright bass player.
Much love to Scott @ Atomic & John their gracious tour mgr for making that happen.

NEXT UP: CHICKENFOOT AUG 14, 2009 NYC

Star Trek on IMAX!

matt@kingsize-usa.com (matt hanrahan) — Fri, 22 May 2009 01:38:00 +0000

What's with J.J. Abrams and time travel/alternate dimensions? Lost, Fringe, now Star Trek!

Even Felicity goes back in time!

It's a love-hate relationship with J.J. As much as I love Lost, it's been a heart-wrenching (Daniel Faraday's murder), frustrating (who is Jacob??), five-year, 100+ hour, tortuous path to figuring out the island. My Lost-based nightmares will be able to subside in 2010 after its final season. Thankfully, J.J. has created a self-contained, merely two-hour feature that is 2009's Star Trek. I've never been big on the series, but I enjoyed this film! This movie has tipped the love/hate scale in J.J.'s favor.

My favorite scenes were with Zachary Quinto and Leonard Nimoy as New and Old Spock, who gave great performances. (They appeared together on Jimmy Fallon's Late Night show, available online if you care to watch. Leonard is a funny old dude.) I won't give away any revealing details, but the film was definitely an exciting introduction to new Trekkies and included enough old school references to satisfy hardcore Trekkies. I have a newfound crush on emotionally-unavailable half-Vulcan half-humans, i.e. Spock.

Warning: Times Square AMC "IMAX" will rip you off. The screen is nowhere near as large as it should be. IMAX is associating its name with theaters that aren't actually IMAX. They can go suck it.

Star Trek Website

-Angela

NICE FACE Live at Don Pedro, Brooklyn

matt@kingsize-usa.com (matt hanrahan) — Thu, 21 May 2009 01:05:00 +0000

A big fan of the Brooklyn lo-fi scene, Nice Face opened for Crystal Stilts at Don Pedro on Thursday night, May 14th. The band is relatively new to playing live, but I would argue they're on par with the trendy lo-fi bands, i.e. Crystal Stilts, Wavves, Vivian Girls, etc. I had already seen Crystal Stilts and wanted to check out Nice Face, whose MySpace I'd been listening to over the past year.

Their songs are a perfect mix of warped vocals, grit, noise, and dark, catchy hooks. "FUBAR Over You" and "Hidden Automatic" were definite crowd pleasers. The band always has really great original cover art, which makes buying a hard copy worth the trouble. You can find their records here: http://www.sacredbonesrecords.com/. Don Pedro was the perfect venue for Nice Face's first live show in more than a year. The space is extremely small, so their performance felt very intimate, with the lead singer and guitarist standing face-to-face, ground level with the audience.

Nice Face's MySpace

-Angela

Charlyne Yi and Akron/Family Live at Bowery Ballroom, NYC

matt@kingsize-usa.com (matt hanrahan) — Wed, 20 May 2009 00:09:00 +0000

Charlyne Yi opened for Akron/Family at Bowery Ballroom on Wednesday, May 6th. I saw her walking out the doors as I entered and my friend and I gave each other a knowing glance... we've all seen and loved Knocked Up! (She was the super dorky, high as a kite Asian girlfriend of Martin Starr, who I will forever think of as Bill from Freaks and Geeks.) What I had thought was just a fun celebrity sighting ended up being much, much more. She performed live, singing charmingly off-key while playing multiple instruments (guitar, small harp, accordion), mixing awkward yet delightful comedy sketches with simplistic, sweet melodies and tons of audience participation.

Charlyne Yi's MySpace

Performance artist, musician, screenwriter, actress, comedian, on-screen and possibly real-life girlfriend of Michael Cera, Charlyne is my favorite celeb of the moment. I tried my best to look for Cera, but he was nowhere to be seen. Looking forward to seeing their mockumentary Paper Heart, which comes out on August 14th!

Paper Heart's Website

Although at times I felt I was forced into a hippie commune, dancing while participating in tribal chants, and though songs were frequently extended to the point of delirium, I found Akron/Family's enthusiastic energy to be refreshing and their music and vocals to very beautiful, meditative, folksy, experimental. There were impressive amounts of dead-on a capella, and also instrumental improv, not only by the three band members but by their backup wind instruments. Even the flute was badass!

Akron/Family's MySpace

Photos courtesy of SeanEdgar and Danfun's Flickr

-Angela

Friendly Fires and White Lies at Bowery Ballroom

matt@kingsize-usa.com (matt hanrahan) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 23:03:00 +0000

The Soft Pack, Friendly Fires, and White Lies played Bowery Ballroom on Friday, March 27th. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to catch the first act, The Soft Pack, my favorite band of the three.

I did get to see the lead singer of Friendly Fires, Ed Macfarlane--who definitely resembles a young, flamboyant Malcom McDowell!--and his spastic, gyrating dance moves. He was the highlight of my night! Plus, with a guitarist who brought a dustbuster to bang against his guitar strings for ambient effects and two sets of drummers perfectly in sync, they provided a performance worth my money. "Jump in the Pool" and "Paris" were most memorable. Their music is greatly appreciated when you need a little upper in your day, and if you want to dance at a show, check these boys out live.
http://www.myspace.com/friendlyfires

It was very fitting to see the goth-inspired, macabre White Lies dressed in all-black and no surprise to feel their somber stage presence. I have to say, their irritating light effects could have given a non-epilectic kid a seizure. The random, disorienting, bright-as-fuck flashes into the audience felt like some sort of blinding defense tactic a la Rear Window rather than dramatic effect. However, I was impressed by frontman Harry McVeigh's vocals--bold and on-key. The audience was very energetic, singing along. The crowd favorite seemed to be E.S.T., which stayed stuck in my head the rest of the night.
http://www.myspace.com/whitelies

-Angela

Work To Do at 112 Greene St Studio

matt@kingsize-usa.com (matt hanrahan) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 22:41:00 +0000

Street artists including Aiko, Bast, Dain, and Ellis G transformed the lower-level 112 Greene St. studio space into the vibrant, collaborative group show Work To Do, running through April 16th. Opening night, Thursday March 26th, featured deafeningly-loud 90's hip-hop and free beer and wine. Long lines wrapped along the block in the rain to get a first glimpse at the artwork!

My favorite pieces were WRONA's "Assorted Undead" series of acrylic and pen zombie creatures on cardboard. The undead suit was my favorite, but unfortunately it had already been sold.
http://www.myspace.com/death_wro

My next two favorites were available (the bawling half-head and hippie) and since I was a bit tipsy (open bars at art shows are genius!), I decided to just go for it with no qualms. I've purchased prints and small handmade crafts before (my tea mug from Etsy!), but this was my first gallery purchase. A real milestone! The show offers affordable works if you're looking to purchase art. Regardless, it's worth a browse.

-Angela

HAPPY ST PATTIES DAY!

matt@kingsize-usa.com (matt hanrahan) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:40:00 +0000

Once again the greatest drinking day of the year is upon us. Are you Irish? Are you wearing something green? Are you drinking something green? Are you naked and drinking something not green? Its all good either way, as long as you get in the spirit of thing in some way.

I thought Id take this time to suggest a few quality but surely not standard ways to enjoy your St. Patrick's Day:

Music - Tired of Black 47 & Irish Jigs? Here is a better way>

House of Pain -

maybe skip "jump around" but Danny Boy and co knew how to make it so.

U2 -

Ok so they probably get plenty of spins this time of year (and the rest of it) but its hard to resist some of their catalog after a few (too many) brews. go for "Bad", "Red Hill Mining Town", or maybe even "War" and you too (get it...?) and you may even get you some for once. points for anyone who sing these songs well. lord knows I try...

Thin Lizzy-Aaaahh the great Phil Lynott...what a sad loss to music. but thank god he was around loong enough to bless us with some amazing songs and performances in his short time. they just released "still dangerous" (more live cuts from "live and dangerous" which is probably awesome. I cant think of a better live CD moment off hand that rivals the huge moment where "Cowboy Song" (my personal fave) rolls right smack into "The Boys are Back in Town". I can live without "boys are back" no thanks to growing up on american radio, but you the moment is so awesome, I will roll with it anytime I can or at least on march 17th of every year until I croak...

Film:

State of Grace-

Ed Harris, Sean Penn, and Gary Oldman play Irish gang members in NYCs hells kitchen. yeh I know it sounds weak on paper, but the movie is awesome. John C Reilly (forever known to me as Chest Rockwell from Boogie Nights) makes a decent cameo as well. Apparently some of this movie is based on true people and events including the part where they keep a severed hand in a freezer to use for fingerprints on a murder weapon. genius.

also see: boondock saints

Blown Away-

Jeff "the dude" Bridges tries to catch & Tommy Lee Jones, an irish bomber who (while listening to U2 in tears) blows up everything in sight. good times. good rental. best with a cold Killians.

In the Name of the Father.

wow. anyone who ever wondered how Daniel Day Lewis got to be suck a big star and hasnt seen this work of art, should...see this work of art. DDL is pretty amazing in this true story about a young Irish lad who gets wrongly accused and jailed for being a member of the IRA.

also see: The Boxer, Gangs of New York (featuring DDL at his best as Bill the Butcher)

Now what would a list of St Pats things be without booze?

Beer:

For the record, I dont personally drink much Irish Beer, or Irish Booze in general. Anyone who knows me, knows I like my Whisky from Scotland, and my beer either mexican and sometimes blond, like me wife...But in the spirit of the thing, heres the path to stumble down:

Beer:

Guiness, Killians, Murphys, Smithwicks are all fine, but I"d say for this day, if you are drinking anything but Guiness, you are missing the boat.

Whiskey:

Jamesons is my choice here, but a good buddy of mine often recommends Pattys. Although he once asked me to pick him up some Pattys (Irish) whisky while I was in Edinburgh Scotland...so hard to really take that to heart.

Drinks/Shots:

Irish Car Bombs are the sure shot here. Guiness, Baileys Irish Creme, and Jameson Whisky. Whatever scientist invented this potent mixture surely deserved the nobel prize. You are kind of in jaeger bomb territory here, but for some reason, you feel a bit more classy doing it.

(classy...right???)

Alright then...enough out of me. now get out there, get drunk, feel the love and hopefully luck of the irish. if at all possible do it with class. like this gentleman below...

-Matty O'Hanrahan

Black Lips LIVE!

matt@kingsize-usa.com (matt hanrahan) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 21:06:00 +0000

Hello Friends!

Below is a concert review from my intern Angela Lee. I thought it would be worth sharing with you all. We hope to be bringing more reviews and current news in the weeks to come.

Enjoy,

-MH

03.10.2009

Black Lips Live

@ Brooklyn Music Hall

Brooklyn, NY

I had Huge Expectations for this show. Note the terrifying, hilarious shit show that went down: Black Lips' Letter to Indi a. (Has anyone else seen Locked Up Abroad?) Who else would you expect to get reprimanded by Indian polizei and flee the country?? Let's Wrestle and Gentleman Jesse & His Men opened for them, but let's be honest, they're a distant memory now because they were completely eclipsed by the wonderfully dirty southern garage rockabilly that are the Black Lips.

No pissing in mouths, nudity, fireworks, broken bottles, or band members making out this time. Just some beautifully sensuous guitar-licking, repeated vomiting by the sombreroed Cole Alexander while performing (didn't even miss a beat) and copious amounts of crowd surfing. Their records are amazing, and must be experienced live. The band performed a handful of crowd favorites like "Bad Kids" and "Cold Hands" as well as songs from their new album including "Drugs" and "Starting Over."

Let's get to the point: they are redneck gods and I hope they don't die early from their onstage madness and debauchery. They make me want to move south and save up money for gold grills. I couldn't have spent Tuesday night more wisely.

Vermont: the deep south only with snow...

matt@kingsize-usa.com (matt hanrahan) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 02:30:00 +0000

Vermont USA Dec 21-24, 2008

So I decided to test my manhood and venture up to Vermont for a few days of snowboarding with my friends.

A sudden snowstorm on the ride up made for quite a scary trip, but the pay off on the slopes was worth the risk.

The rugged road to Killington...

Bliss, Chopper, and the king of the mountain...

PS: Do NOT eat at Caseys Caboose if you can avoid it...

The Most Interesting Show in the World Tour

matt@kingsize-usa.com (matt hanrahan) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:52:00 +0000

The Most Interesting Show in the World Tour is finally complete!

All in all we did over 16 performances in over 15 cities around the U.S. in just over 6 weeks.

The variety show featured exotic dancers, contortionists, stuntmen, sword swallowers, lounge lizards, comics, aerialists, and even some very well trained dogs...

Thats me with the apple in my mouth and Jim Rose, the host of the show, with the chainsaw...

For more info on the tour www.dosequis.com/mostinterestingshow

Its a Boy!!!!

matt@kingsize-usa.com (matt hanrahan) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:31:00 +0000

As i mentioned in my last post, some dick helped themselves to my bike. so after a brief period of mourning, I got a new and better bike.

Ive named it Isaac Mac after the late bernie & hayes. RIP my brothers...

We are very happy together.

Come see us at www.bicycleforaday.org Sept 20 @ South Street Seaport

MY BIIIKKKEEEE!!!!

matt@kingsize-usa.com (matt hanrahan) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 20:56:00 +0000

today started off like any other day...I woke up a little later than the day before, stumbled to the shower, watched NY1 for the news and weather, walked the dog, then when I went to ride to work something happened...My beloved mountain bike was gone!

It hit me like a ton of bricks. I still cant believe it...Someone had taken my baby and rode off into the night (or possibly early part of the day).

A moment of silence for the loss of one of the few things in my life I actually care about.

I'll miss you little silver momma...I guess I should have been more like Pee Wee...

MISSING:

SILVER / BLACK GARY FISHER MOUNTAIN BIKE

HOO KOO E KOO MODEL (HKEK)

BONTRAGER WHEELS

LAST SEEN @ BANK & HUDSON ST NYC

CASH REWARD IF FOUND - NO QUESTIONS ASKED

info@kingsize-usa.com

SUMMER!

matt@kingsize-usa.com (matt hanrahan) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 22:13:00 +0000

Summertime! I love it soooo. Lots of people will tell you that NYC is no place to be in the summer, but they are WRONG I tell ya... Yes it gets VERY hot and VERY humid, but you have to know how to beat the heat. I find the best way to keep it cool and enjoy the big apple this time of year is to get down with Summer Drinks. Mojitos & pina coladas at outdoor cafes like cafe con leche (UWS) are awesome and not something I usually bother with any other time of the year.

Im also a big fan of the cafes along the hudson river like boat basin cafe (W79th see old post) as well as the riverside cafe in the 60s near the old ship loader. I usually go for a few Blue Moons with an orange wedge there. I ride my bike constantly and usually end up at one of these spots to balance the exercise with some brews.

In the next few weeks I will be taking a lot more pix as I finally bought a new camera and once again vow to keep this blog (somewhat) updated.

Up next: outdoor concerts, parks, ferries, upstate, and more!

Spirit of Amsterdam in NYC 05.15.08

matt@kingsize-usa.com (matt hanrahan) — Mon, 19 May 2008 17:32:00 +0000

Amstel Light / SPIN Mag

VIP Party @ West 79th St Boat Basin

Pete Yorn Solo on the Main Stage

2 Matthews: Modine & Hanrahan

DJ $mall Change droppin science

lets review

matt@kingsize-usa.com (matt hanrahan) — Mon, 12 May 2008 01:21:00 +0000

Been a minute since my last blog, so I should probably just give you the quick version or highlights of the last few months or so.

COMEDY:

doug benson

THE BENSON INTERRUPTION @ UCB

Doug Benson is pretty hilarious. Also pretty stoned. The Benson Interruption is a pretty funny stand up / improv thing where Doug has his comedian friends come on stage and basically cuts them off with whatever crazy shit goes through his whacked out mind. I went cus Patton Oswalt was the special guest, but have to admit that even though Patton was pretty on point, Doug blew him away and so did John Mulaney, who is my current favorite comic on the scene. Points to Anthony Jeselnik and Team Submarine who also cracked me up. Will have to keep an eye on them as well.

patton & posehn

BRIAN POSEHN @ COMIX

Brian is hilarious. Always makes me laugh out loud. I was lucky enough to meet Brian a few years ago through our common friend Scott Ian. Brian loves metal and makes fun of himself more than I do. You have to respect that. Brians set was really good and had me in stitches.
John Mulaney opened the show and killed. This guy is hilarious.

john mulaney

MOVIES:

IRON MAN

Thank God this movie didnt totally suck like so many of the other super hero flix, but just the same I have my gripes. lame "bad guy" scenario, product placement, pg - 13 *when is someone going o step up and do one of these in R??. otherwise I liked what I saw. Downey is great playing himself and I liked how they snuck Tom Morello from RATM/Audioslave in there, and lets face it, the whole movie looked great, but something just wasnt there. still I recomend it.

TRAVEL:

DC 4.17.08

Was down in the nations capital to produce an event a few weeks ago. i always like washington DC. maybe its the history, or just that Ive been there enough times to know where to go. and not to go...DC has an awesome metro system. kind of future retro style ala the BART in SF. a far cry from NYC. From where I was staying, you could really get around and see the sights easily but I didnt have any time . If you are ever in dupont circle, be sure to hit timberlakes pub. great food. had ribs one night and eggs chesapeake (poached eggs on crab cakes) the next day. yumzilla.

PHILLY 05.04.08

Ahh the city of brotherly love...spent about 28 hours in Philly a few weeks ago with John Trepp checking out this crazy scavenger event called City Chase www.citychase.com. 2 words: naked bowling. nuff said...I didnt really partake in the usual philly cheesesteaks n such, but did really get around town more than I have in years past.

MUSIC/LIVE:

ROAD TO RECOVERY BENEFIT @ nokia theatre nyc

Sitting through the horrible kid bands and TERRIBLE sound mix almost made this amazing show a nightmare, but once Slash, Jerry Cantrell, Tom Morello, Wayne Kramer, Sen Dog, and Perry Farrel finally got on stage and ripped a bunch of covers and their own hits, all was forgiven. Highlight? hard to say, but probably Slash & Cantrell doing "wish you here" acoustic, perry farrel doing a stripped down version of "pets", or sen dog rapping to "paradise city". saawweeettt!

BEASTIE BOYS @ Terminal 5 NYC

Scored a pair of tickets to the beastie boys live terminal 5 in NYC. my first time at the venue since it was a nightclub called Exit. Its a pretty dope spot to see a concert and with the B Boys rocking a good portion of their catalog live with and without instruments, it was a jam.

points awarded for the empanada bar instead of the regular club "food".

PICS:
Ive been meaning to include more "arty" photos that Ive taken. this is a favorite of mine that I sent my wife years ago. I think its keeper. just like her.

cabs whizzing down 5th ave

more pics and blogs soon. pinky swear.

aiiight then. talk soon.zub zub.

Starbucks Music

matt@kingsize-usa.com (matt hanrahan) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 02:42:00 +0000

Lately I have to admit that while waiting online at starbucks to get my fix, I have been checking out their music selections. I think they came out with what you would "expect" starbucks to sell, but little by little they have hipped it up a notch bby adding cool titles like Buddy Holly, James Brown, etc. Recent I saw they were selling the Vintage Country compilation and was curious enough to buy the CD while on the road working. yes, you heard it here, I bought a CD from starbucks! Anyways...The CD has great packaging, an impressive selection of songs and artists (not just the usual "stars") but what I actually got me writing this, was not the good, or the bad, but the UGLY! Get this: I pop the CD into my computer. import it to my itunes library, start reading through the booklet, etc..then I notice it: "only daddy that'll walk the line" by Waylon JACKSON!!! WTF? How do you fuck that up? Waylon JENNINGS!!, a legend, who's track is on the CD AND who's picture they use on the inside cover. The guy hung with Johnny Cash for god sake! He even brought country to the masses by way of Dukes of Hazzard. unreal...

They get it right on the package (twice), but some how they blow it in the encryption (or however they tell the computer which tracks are on the disc).

I figured there is no way Im the only who noticed, or at least the only one who wrote about it, but a quick google search proved that either nobody saw it, or nobody cared...well I do. Ive got yer back Waylon. This good ol boy will not let this stand man...

alright time to eat, drink, and sleep on this.

MH OUT.

Mr Hanrahan Goes to Washington

matt@kingsize-usa.com (matt hanrahan) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:27:00 +0000

White House Correspondants Dinner:

Bloomberg After Party 2.26.08

Wilhemina Models

DJ Jeffrey Tonneson / Will I Am (Black Eyed Peas & Pamela Anderson)

The Main Room / LED Walls with American Classics