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?

Catching up with a friend

It's the best isn't it? It's crazy how in New York (maybe it's like this other places too, I don't know), that it's totally normal to go a a month or two, or even more sometimes, without seeing a friend. Before tonight, I hadn't seen my good friend Kasey in about three months, which was unprecedented for us—that's one record I never want to beat!

But before I get to my night with Kasey, I have to tell you about my cab ride over to the party I was meeting her at. (Yes, I took a cab there; I was running late, ugh!) As soon as I slammed the cab door shut, the driver started asking me how my day was, where was I going—a date perhaps? Homeboy was waaay too much up in my business, and it was very annoying, but I didn't have the heart to be rude or to pretend I was texting on my cell phone, so I entertained his questions. Then, out of nowhere he said, "You are very pretty." "Oh thank you!" I replied, hoping he would just leave it at that. He didn't. However, the next words out of his mouth were simply magical. "What are you, about 22-years old?" I could have crawled over the seat and kissed him I was so happy, you don't even know. Then, he started going on and on about how beautiful and amazing his wife is—it was just so sweet to hear the excitement in his voice when he talked about her, especially after 40 years of marriage. Wow. 

Ok, I'm totally rambling. Sorry! So Kasey and I arrived at a club called Cielo for an album release party for upcoming music artist, Jaicko. 

 Isn't it funny when you go out and get all kinds of stamps and bracelets on your wrist? I remember in college when I used to wear the multiple bracelets well into the next day—I thought it was cool. So not cool. The club had a fun vibe and was super-noisy, so I knew Kasey and I would have to just enjoy the music and catch up after. 

Jaicko put on a great show, and I really enjoyed his performance of his single, "Oh Yeah." Beware: The song is really catchy, so it might get stuck in your head all day! As much as I loved the music and the atmosphere, I was the most excited about the free food and drinks. (It's OK, my publicist friend Heidi is well aware of this). 

Pop burgers and chips were served at the event. Isn't it cute that it came on those little boxes?  I had already eaten my leftovers from Tuesday night's meal for dinner, but Kasey said the burgers were really good, so I snuck a box in my purse and two bags of chips! I got hungry later and ate a bag of chips. Have you ever tried Pop Chips before? These all natural chips are really good, and guilt-free too, at only 100 calories per bag! 

Afterwards, Kasey and I headed into a low-key bar that was playing the U.S. Open and having a two-for-one drink special. I wasn't in the mood to keep drinking, so I had a Diet Coke. It was probably a smart decision because Fashion Week starts today and I have a lot of events coming up! 

I hope everyone is adjusting to their work week after the long weekend. It's a weird transitional time, isn't it? I have a couple job prospects on the horizon, so things are looking up. Fingers crossed everything works out!