Chris Shiflett has been the lead guitarist of Foo Fighters — one of the world’s biggest rock bands — for over 15 years. Prior to joining Dave Grohl and company, Chris played guitar in No Use For A Name and Me First & The Gimme Gimmes. While the touring schedule of the Foos would be enough for most musicians, Chris always has a project in the works. Earlier this year, Chris released his third solo album, West Coast Town, via SideOneDummy Records.
In support of West Coast Town, Chris makes a return to New York on Apr. 6 at Rockwood Music Hall. Chris spoke to Downtown about his Rockwood gig and plenty more via e-mail. In the meantime, you can listen to Chris every other Monday as the host of the Walking The Floor podcast, which has hosted Dierks Bentley, Mike Ness, Brad Paisley, Matt Skiba, and Dwight Yoakam among its 57 episodes. Chris can be visited online at www.chrisshiflettmusic.com.
Where was the first gig you ever played in New York? Was it with No Use For A Name?
Chris Shiflett: It was at the Wetlands Preserve and yes, it was with No Use. Next time we came through was Warped Tour out on Long Island, and then the time after that was Coney Island High.
In New York, you have played both the smallest and largest venues over the years. Are New Yorkers different to play for than other city crowds?
Chris Shiflett: Well, New York is unlike any other city in the world, so yeah, I guess the shows there can be intense. Coming from California, I was always a little scared of New York when I first started going there but intrigued at the same time.
I remember your first solo EP came out under the name Jackson, which later evolved into Jackson United. Why did it take so long for your solo material to come out under the name Chris Shiflett?
Chris Shiflett: I never wanted to have it appear that those were solo records, but this time I just figured might as well. My friend Mitch Marine made me do it.
Who’s in your touring band?
Chris Shiflett: For this run of dates I’ve got Brian Whelan on guitar, Luke Adams on drums, and Muddy Stardust on the bass — a solid group of guys!
Chris Shiflett: We’ll probably play my entire new record and throw in a few covers to round it out. It’s kind of hard for people to have to sit through a whole show of songs they’ve never heard!
After your tour wraps, what’s coming up for you?
Chris Shiflett: Not sure exactly. There’s some summer Foo Fighter gigs. Gonna try to squeeze in a few more solo shows before things get too busy.
How has the experience of doing a podcast been for you? Is that something you can see yourself doing for years to come?
Chris Shiflett: I love doing the interviews. When else am I going to get a chance to sit down with Lucinda Williams or Merle Haggard and ask ‘em a bunch of fanboy questions? I’ll do it for as long as people want to listen.
I really enjoyed your podcast episode with Aaron Lee Tasjan. Are you aware that Aaron was in a band with sometimes-guitarist Rich Hinman called the Madison Square Gardeners?
Chris Shiflett: No! Small world.
When not busy with music, how do you like to spend your free time?
Chris Shiflett: I’ve got three young sons and they keep me pretty busy. I try to squeeze in a little surfing, boxing, soccer, and what-not when I can.
Do you have a favorite podcast beyond your own?
Chris Shiflett: There’s a bunch that I listen to: Jimmy Dore Show, WTF?, Intercepted With Jeremy Scahill, So That Happened, Ralph Nader Radio Hour, KPFA – Economic Update, Scheer Intelligence, Guardian Football Weekly — just to name a few!
Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?
Chris Shiflett: Not anymore, ’cause every time I go there, my favorite restaurants have closed and there are a bunch of new ones. I tend to just go where my wife says we should go.
BLVD86 is a brand created and sold in Beverly Hills. They specialize in elegant and high quality leather luggage with intricate details and bursts of colors.
The brand exclusively sells backpacks and overnight travel luggage, equipped with compartments on the inside for various gadgets and devices for the frequent world traveler.
In the ring, few are accomplished like boxer Abner Mares. As an amateur, he had 112 wins, 84 of which by knockout. As a professional, he has won 29 of his 32 fights, winning 15 by KO. Abner has earned plenty of gold as well, holding the IBF Bantamweight Title, the IBO Bantamweight Title, the WBC Super Bantamweight Title and the WBC Featherweight Title at different points; he was also a medalist at the World Junior Championships, Pan American Games, and the Central American & Caribbean Games. Abner’s next fight will be on Dec. 10 in Los Angeles against Jesus Cuellar.
Beyond the ring, Abner also manages to stay very active. He is a family man, which he explored further in our Q&A for Downtown. He does commentary and other television work, which he notably did for Telemundo as part of the Rio 2016 Olympics. The former three-division world champion boxer will be hosting his fourth annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaway on Nov. 20, consistently giving back to the California community he grew up in, Hawaiian Gardens.
Abner’s Dec. 10 match will be live on Showtime, whereas his other activities can be followed on Twitter via @AbnerMares.
Abner Mares: Boxing changed my life. It kept me out of gangs, gave me a career and I met my wife through it! What I love about boxing is the science and sport of it. From the strategy, to the fitness to the matchup of fighters, I’m proud to be part of the sport.
What do you wish more people knew about boxing?
AM: There is a science to it. It’s not just two men brawling. The training is very precise from the food to how much cardio and when, the importance of strength training and stretching. It’s a complete sport and once you start training in it you not only see the benefits of it, but the dedication you give it benefits your whole life.
Is boxing in New York different from boxing everywhere else?
AM: I think boxing fans are the same in every city — they are FANS. They love the sport, respect the sport and support the sport. I’m disappointed I couldn’t fight in New York and perform in front of my New York fans but appreciate them immensely.
What sort of training is needed in order to become an announcer?
AM: Well in boxing you need to first know the sport. I was honored to be part of the 2016 Olympic team for Telemundo/NBC Sports. It brought back a lot of memories for me from the Athens Olympics when I competed. Having that first-hand knowledge helps when you’re discussing it, and as a fighter, calling the fight is something that comes naturally. I also think that it helps to have a good team around you that can prepare you for being on-camera — it is about pacing, knowing your subject and working with your producers.
Do you have any aspirations to be anything besides a boxer or an announcer? To act? To be an entrepreneur?
AM: I love the sport of boxing, so I want to manage fighters and help develop their careers. I have acted, it’s not my thing. I do want to do more TV work — commentating, helping explain the sport to viewers.
Would you ever see yourself doing MMA?
AM: No, I’m a boxer. I watch MMA and have a lot of respect for those fighters, but it’s not my sport.
When you’re not busy with boxing, how do you like to spend your free time?
AM: I spend a lot of time with my family, my wife and two girls as well as my parents, brothers and sisters. I’m a family man — part-time dance team dad for my girls, biggest cheerleader for my wife and her business. My daughters are very active; dance team, the beach, movie night and school, most importantly.
The Los Angeles Guitar Quartet is a Grammy-winning ensemble that formed in 1980. Its current lineup of John Dearman, William Kanengiser, Scott Tennant and Matthew Greif — Matthew replaced original member Andrew York in 2006 — has toured around the world, playing everything from bluegrass to Bach. The ensemble’s worldwide acclaim has led to notable composers writing music for the LAGQ to perform, one recent example of such being by guitar hero Dweezil Zappa.
On Nov. 5, the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet makes a return to 92Y, a venue the group has a long-standing history with. This evening will feature a performance of the Pat Metheny composition Road To The Sun, which 92Y co-commissioned. Mr. Metheny will be in attendance for the event, which opens 92Y’s Art Of The Guitar series.
Downtown caught up with John Dearman, William Kanengiser and Scott Tennant for some Q&A about their Nov. 5 show, their personal histories with our city, and what else is coming up for the LAGQ. More info can be found at www.lagq.com.
What do you remember about the first time you ever performed live in New York? Where was it?
Scott Tennant: I don’t know if it was our first New York City performance or not, but I strongly recall our Merkin Hall debut. I remember walking up to the hall excited, not nervous at all. Couldn’t help but be energized by the New York musical vibe!
William Kannengiser: My New York City performance was at my Senior Recital upon graduating from the Mannes Conservatory Preparatory School in May 1977. I was a high school senior living in New Jersey, and I studied guitar, Music Theory and Ear Training at Mannes for three years, making the trek into the big city every Saturday. It was my first complete solo recital, and right in the middle of it a huge storm hit, replete with lightning and huge claps of thunder. Somehow I maintained my composure and got through it.
John Dearman: I think the first time we played in New York City was for the Concert Artists Guild competition held annually at Carnegie Hall. I remember that we stayed in a hotel across the street from Carnegie and someone told me that Van Cliburn lived in that hotel — not, like, stayed there when in town, but LIVED there! That impressed me, that a classical musician was living like a rock star.
And on the evening of our performance in the competition, just beforehand, I decided to stop in at the Russian Team Room, right next door to the entrance to Carnegie. And who did I see? Woody Allen himself — who famously was a regular there — with Mia Farrow. So, even being from L.A., I was pretty starstruck on my first visit to the Big Apple.
What’s to be expected from your upcoming show at 92Y?
WK: This would be the “troisiéme”, or third performance of Pat Metheny’s amazing Road To The Sun. Having gone through the first-performance jitters at the world premiere in Denver two weeks before, and with a ton of tweaks suggested by Pat and another performance under our belt in Santa Barbara, I’m looking forward to us just sitting back and enjoying the ride. It’s also going to be fantastic to work with Pat again on little details and having him in the house to inspire us.
JD: Well, it will of course be very special because of the Metheny performance with Pat in attendance. So we’re pretty psyched about playing there as it’s really one of our “home” concerts where we have a very loyal following. I think this will be something like our seventh or eighth appearance at 92Y.
Any restaurants or attractions in New York you’re hoping to check out while in town?
ST: My absolute favorite place is gone. You’ll think I’m crazy, with all the foodie shrines in Manhattan. But I always went to Big Nick’s on Broadway and West 77th! The flight from L.A. would always land at JFK [Airport] in the evening, and my routine was to check into my hotel across the street and immediately head to Big Nick’s for a huge Greek salad and a burger — usually around 11:00 PM or midnight. No matter what the weather was I would sit out in front under the seemingly-eternal scaffolding and eat while watching people walk by.
WK: My wife is celebrating a big birthday today, and in honor of her I’m planning on having a nice spinach and goat cheese omelet at the lovely Sarabeth’s Kitchen on Madison and 92nd. I’ve had many memorable breakfasts there with my wife and daughter when we’ve come to New York City to play.
JD: Eating and museums are always top priority for me when I visit. I always pay a visit to MoMA and then try to fit in something extra like the Frick or some galleries. Haven’t done my research on restaurants yet but one thing I’ve always loved about New York City is the abundance of great old-style Italian, so-called red-sauce joints, so I’ll try to hit one of those. Also have never been to Peter Luger’s, so I may head out to Brooklyn…
What is coming up for you after the show at 92Y? Other projects?
WK: We’re planning on a recording project featuring Road To The Sun as the centerpiece, as well as a piece recently written for us by Dweezil Zappa. In April we’ll be premiering a piece for LAGQ and guitar orchestra by former LAGQ member and acclaimed composer Andy York. We’re going to do a three-concert tour in Arizona with a 40-member orchestra of talented student guitarists from all over the state. It will be partly based on traditional Havasupai chants.
When not busy with work, how do you like to spend your free time?
ST: I will have a little dog soon and that will take over my free time. But otherwise I like collecting and riding odd recumbent trikes. I also like lifting weights. It focuses me and calms me down like nothing else can.
WK: I love to cook. I just made my wife some cast-iron seared sushi-grade ahi with a sesame, chia and nigella seed crust, topped with a soy, miso and olallieberry reduction, along with grilled Japanese eggplant and roasted Yukon gold potatoes with chives and crème fraîche. Cooking for others is a creative, relaxing and rewarding respite for me.
JD: I’ve got a serious motorcycle habit: three bikes including a restored 1973 Norton 850 Commando. Also, spending too much spare time — and money — on golf these days! Played in Ireland last summer when we were on tour there. Why do otherwise sane people play golf in the wind and the rain?
Los Angeles Guitar Quartet with Pat Metheny
What is your favorite album of 2016?
WK: I have two, but they actually share the same title. Sephardic Journey by Apollo’s Fire has some incredibly evocative early music from the Jewish diaspora, reminiscent of the work of Jordi Savall that inspired me so much in adapting our Don Quixote project. Sephardic Journey by the flute/guitar husband-and-wife team Cavatina Duo features world premiere recordings of new chamber works commissioned especially for this heartfelt CD. All the works are inspired by Hebraic themes, including wonderful pieces by my friends Clarice Assad and Carlos Rafael Rivera.
JD: Not sure about a favorite album…I’m on Spotify most of the time now. Listened to a lot of Bowie after his passing, in catch-up mode; I missed out on a lot of great moments from the past when I was obsessing about becoming a classical musician. One of my favorite new discoveries was Rene Jacobs, conductor/early-music specialists. I watched all the YouTube videos of a guy who has a channel called 80-20 drummer where he does lessons in how to play like Jack DeJohnette, or Mark Guiliana, Stewart Copeland, gospel licks, rap drummers — I’m kind of all over the place in my tastes.
Finally, any last words for the kids?
WK: It going to be quite a night for us, helping to realize Pat Metheny’s creative vision, with him sitting right there in the hall. It’s thrilling, inspiring, humbling and terrifying all at the same time!
Soup is generally associated with colder weather, whether it’s chicken noodle soup to eliminate your cold or some chowder to warm up and get comfortable. But FAWEN is out to change that with its healthy, drinkable soups. The New York-based brand — which launched in our market on Oct. 14 — currently offers three flavors: Beet & Cabbage, Broccoli & Cauliflower, and Sweet Potato & Red Lentil. All three of FAWEN’s offerings are organic, vegan, and ready-to-drink, beyond coming in colorful, fully-recyclable packaging.
Downtown caught up with Fabio Fossati and Amanda Bowen from FAWEN for some Q&A. Like their company, Fabio and Amanda live healthy and clean while aiming to give back. More on FAWEN can be found at www.fawensoup.com.
FAWEN’s Amanda Bowen & Fabio Fossati
Where did the idea for ready-to-drink soups come from?
Fabio Fossati: The FAWEN recipes were created by Amanda in her kitchen. We got the idea to create a ready-to-drink soup collection after Amanda decided to enjoy one of her soup recipes straight from the refrigerator one day. She loved that it tasted so refreshing served cold, and couldn’t drink it fast enough. We realized that bottling her healthy recipes would be a great way to offer people a delicious, and convenient power snack that they could enjoy straight off the shelf.
Amanda Bowen: Packed with pure plant energy and whole-food fiber, FAWEN drinkable soups provide extraordinary nutrition derived from organic and vegan superfoods like beets, purple cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and sweet potato. On average, FAWEN contains 73% less sugar per serving than competing products such as cold-press vegetable juices and fruit and vegetable blended smoothies. It’s the perfect snack to refuel in between meals or after a workout. The product is available nationally online at www.fawensoup.com.
How long do the soups keep for? Do they need to be refrigerated?
FF: FAWEN does not need to be refrigerated if unopened. Our state of the art packaging technology keeps the soup fresh for up to six months. We do not use any preservatives or additives.
The tetrapaks are very colorful. Who produced the artwork for them?
AB: We worked with the amazing creative team at Franklin 11 to develop our branding, including the artwork for the tetrapaks.
FF: If we had to pick a favorite, it would be FAWEN Broccoli and Cauliflower with Turmeric — it was the first recipe Amanda created, so perhaps we have a special attachment to this flavor.
Prior to launching this product line, where was your favorite soup spot?
AB: I’ve always been passionate about cooking and experimenting with healthy foods and creating my own recipes that are not only delicious, but offer maximum nutrition and healing benefits. So my favorite “soup place” was always my own kitchen.
FF: I grew in my family’s food business, and have an appreciation for cooking at home. Amanda’s soup are so delicious and different than anything I can find when I go out, so her creations will always fall at the top of my list of favorites!
AB: Yes, we do! Right now, we’re just excited about launching the first three FAWEN flavors. We’ll look forward to sharing news with you in the future.
What are you hoping to accomplish with the brand? Are there plans to make anything besides soup in the future?
FF: FAWEN is about enjoying life and being kind to our planet. From choosing whole, organic vegetables, to simple cooking that keeps FAWEN fresh without the need for artificial additives or preservatives, to the eco-friendly recyclable packaging, our goal is to do good for ourselves, each other, and the planet. It’s that simple! As far as our future plans, we are going to be focusing on soup for now, but are definitely planning to expand the collection with new flavors!
You two are New Yorkers. Is the soup also produced in New York?
AB: Our soups are produced in California. Our ingredients are picked from organic farm in California at the peak of seasonal harvest, and bottled within 24 hours to maintain the utmost freshness.
When not busy with FAWEN, how do you like to spend your free time?
AB: We love to enjoy the outdoors, taking walks and hikes and weekend roadtrips, and spending time with our dogs, Oscar and Scout.
Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?
FF: There are so many amazing restaurants in New York. We love trying new restaurants allover the city. Two of our favorites are Diner in Brooklyn and Angelica Kitchen.
Are there any upcoming concerts or events that you’re looking forward to attending this Fall?
Have you been feeling love in the air this week? Maybe it’s because this past week was New York International Bridal Week. This means fashion shows with new designers, new ideas and new wedding dress trends.
The dresses and accessories shown during this week will be what brides, bridesmaids, and everyone in the wedding party will be buying in 2017.
The highlight of Bridal Week is the NYC Bridal show which was held at Pier 94 this past weekend; did you miss it? No worries. Here are three designers to look out for:
Photo: Courtesy of Bonnie Turtur
Madeline Gardner
This past Sunday, Madeline Gardner unveiled her Spring 2017 bridal collection, called “Dress Come True.”
The collection is inspired by dreams, which anyone can see in the floaty fabrics and feminine, flouncy silhouettes. The dresses are made of sparkling tulle and crystals that evoke a fantastical feeling to them. Each dress is intricate, and feels like a traditional design with a modern twist.
Gardner says she chose these embroideries, beading and laces to make each gown more romantic. “The detail and dimension of this collection are unique to anything I’ve done in the past.”
Photo: Courtesy of Coded Agency (PR)
Erin Cole
After 20 years in California, Couture designer Erin Cole brought her fresh femininity to the East Coast to premier her Fall bridal show last weekend.
Her collection has an ethereal feel and is full of lace, light flowing fabrics and soft colors. The delicate materials contrast with the modern elements of off-the-shoulder necklines, deep bust lines and low backs.
Cole says, “Each piece in my premier collection is created with true artistic clarity, brilliant design, and is inspired by the modern woman of today.”
Photo: Courtesy of Randy Brooke
Isabelle Armstrong
Isabelle Armstrong’s new Fall/Winter collection, presented last Friday at Venue57, is a new direction for the brand.
Their previous collections were more focused on classic, romantic designs. With help from the new CEO & Creative Director, Remy Quinones, the brand is progressing, while keeping their signature detail-oriented, high-quality pieces.
As noted by the brand: “This fresh, renewed spirit is a breath of fresh air, informed by a modern sensibility and a timeless, sophisticated sentiment.”
The collection presents a juxtaposition between the bold and the soft.
Each of the 26 gowns is hand-crafted from delicate silks, laces and embroideries. The designers hope the dresses inspire the women who wear them as they walk down the aisle.
Even though the weather is getting colder, we can’t help but start planning for spring weddings! Devastated that missed the Bridal Show this weekend? Here are some more wedding trends and photos from the week to look for in 2017.
