FREE beer and a Barbadian cutie

I used to be really into music when I was younger, but I'm too busy to make as much effort these days to keep up with all the new artists, which is why I like the industry I'm in. By going to events, you can have fun (read: drink yourself silly) and stay in the loop with what's going on. My PR friend Heidi reads my blog (thank you thank you thank you!), and invited me to hear a private acoustic performance from a new Capitol Records artist, Jaicko last night. She knows how excited I get for free food and booze, and always jokes that it's the only reason I come to events. Oh contraire, friend.

Well, of course that's a small(ish) reason, but when Heidi invites me, I'm mainly going to see her. (Seriously, not kissing ass here--I don't even know how). She's really risen in the ranks in the industry, and she's probably one of the coolest and most laid back people I know. A lot of publicists are "on" 24/7, but that's not her style, and I really respect that. I admit, I kinda turn it "on" at times, but sometimes I just can't help it.

I got a funny look from the bartender when I took this picture, but who could blame me? Ice cold beer is a beautiful sight.



Here's Jaicko doing his thang. His first single was "Oh Yeah" and this song, "Fast Forward" is going to be the second one. I really like it--it has a fun beat and hellllo, homeboy's got mad vocal skillz. Singing acoustic is not joke, y'all.

I closed my eyes in the first picture we took together, and while this is a bad angle of me (who knew I had one?), I was too embarrassed to ask to take a third one. Jaicko was so sweet though--I'm sure he wouldn't have cared. Oh, and I forgot to mention earlier that he's from Barbados--I loooove accents! (As you can see, the birthday fairy has yet to get me my new camera. I might have one by the weekend though!)

Tiffany was with me, and we had a great time listening to Jaicko sing (yes, head bobbing and finger snapping was involved) and mingling with other industry peeps. Networking is another reason I go to events, obvi.

So tell me: What do you think of Jaicko's voice? And are there any new artists you're loving these days?

Birthday Recap

Even though I had very limited funds to do anything extravagant for Luke's birthday, it was a total success! (He said it was his best one yet, but I don't know about that.)

We started the night by going to a private performance by a new Capitol recording artist, Priscilla Renea. I admit, I was lured to the event by the promise of free alcohol and food, and I'm so glad I went. Priscilla was amazing and so cute too! See for yourself: 

                                                 

My apologies for the poor video quality and for cutting it off way too early. I had a hard time recording it over a girl's head that kept getting in my view, and then my camera ran out of memory! Anyway, I'd say Priscilla is a mix of Lauryn Hill, Regina Spektor and Erykah Badu all rolled into one. I loved her voice and how relatable her songs were. Later in the night she busted out her guitar—Luke was just as impressed as I was!

Next we headed to an Italian restaurant called Pepe Giallo for dinner. We sat in the back garden area—it was so cool! 

The atmosphere was low-key, and the food was good and cheap—just how I like it! While we sipped/chugged (jk!) our wine—white for me, red for Luke—we shared a simple, but yummy caesar salad. I don't remember the last time I had one!

I ordered the lemon chicken and broccoli for my entree and Luke got the pesto ravioli. Both were delish! 

 

 If I had to be nit-picky, I'd say my dish was a bit on the oily side. I need to start telling waiters to ask the chefs to go light on the oil. (Is that super-annoying??)

This wasn't one of those ravioli dishes where you finished still feeling hungry, wishing you had gotten something else. It was just right. We were actually quite full, but of course we made room for dessert! Here's Luke with a slice of flour-less chocolate birthday cake. Now you see it...

 

...and now you don't!

We left one bite to make us feel like we had at least a little self-control, but there wasn't much willpower or control happening in this situation—it was SO good. Question for you health experts (Rain, you reading?): What exactly does flour-less cake mean? It sounds healthy, but from the taste of this one, I don't think that's the case! I would just look it up, but I'm feeling lazy at the moment ;)

Oh and here is a pic of me in my new shoes. Aren't they hot? The heels are pretty high, but they actually weren't too hard to walk in. I love them!

 Last night was one of those moments when I looked around and thought, I love this city. New York's energy makes the simplest things so much fun. What a great night!

Tell me: What city do you live in? And what do you love most about it?