Tag: Downtown Magazine NYC

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Featured NYC

When I Fall in Love, with Gregory Harrington

Love, what is the meaning of love, and why do we use it so often? I love my new scarf, I love chocolate, I love the morning sun, I love you! Why do we use this word to describe a feeling, thing, or action?

When researching the word love, we found 4 different kinds of love. Actually, we found some that say there are six. For this post, let us stick with 4.

Because love can be applied in many circumstances, ancient Greeks divided the concept of love into four different types of love.

1. Philia, the love of friends and equals

2. Storge, love one has for their children or family

3. Eros, an erotic, passionate love

4. Agape, the love towards mankind, something we all need to do more of

February 14th is the day that we celebrate love, and this year it could not come soon enough. This is a special year for many, some grateful to have those loved ones around to celebrate with, while many are feeling the hard reality of the loss, for those we loved.

We wish you all a beautiful day of love, and we hope that this post brings beautiful memories to you and your loved ones.

Gregory Harrington

When we heard the newest album from Gregory Harrington, we wanted to once again, work with Mr. Harrington on a very special gift to you, this Valentine’s Day.

Showcasing our love of his talent, and music, while focusing on the album’s lead song “When I Fall in Love” (originally by the late great Nat King Cole).

We knew the album was fantastic, now we needed just the right location was this was key for us. After weighing all of our options, we went with one of the most beautiful and meaningful beacons, of New York City, the World Trade Center.

Paring Gregory Harrington’s love of Violin, with the man who forged forward to rebuild our beloved area after 9/11, Mr. Larry Silverstein, we chose 3WTC. Designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, 3 WTC is instantly recognizable by its iconic “K” brace, the building’s external steel framing, while seamlessly integrating into the triumphant community of World Trade Center architecture.

WTC, downtown New York, is a place of constant reinvention, and Downtown with leaders like Mr. Silverstein, have been raising the bar for NYC neighborhoods for the last 400 years.

Shooting at WTC never gets old, each time we discover something new, or a piece of history comes to light. We worked with a great team, videographer Michael Robayo Production, Photographer Gus Hobbs, and styling and grooming by a long time, and dear friend Christo.  A big thank you to our chair board Dara Mcquillan for making this happen!

We had a chance during the shoot to catch up with Gregory, what he was planing for V-Day, why he wanted to shoot this video, and how his industry is fairing during COVID -19.


Presented by Downtown Magazine New York City, Music performed by Gregory Harrington Director & Editor: Michael Robayo Production: Site B Studios Photographer: Gus Hobbs Styling: Christo Fifth Avenue Wardrobe provided by Reiss Watches provided by Omega Piano provided by Steinway and Sons Location: 3 World Trade Center / Silverstein Properties (79th floor)

DTM Why did you want to make this video
a) What do you hope the viewers will take away from this video? 

GH: I have always had such a special affinity for Downtown Magazine over the years and I wanted to create a work that showcases and combines fashion, music, style, and elegance with that black-tie feel – it just seemed to be a wonderful combination. The more I thought about it, “When I Fall In Love” from my previous album “Without You” was a perfect musical choice to connect it all together. And we worked in association with Omega watches and Reiss clothing to create the look.  I am hoping that viewers can take away that blend of wonderful music in a visually stunning setting where they can sit back for 5 minutes and be transported somewhere else.

DTM: Tell us about your recently released album?
a) how do you create an album?

GH: My current album “Glass Hour” debuted at #3 on the Classical Billboard charts and comprises the music of Philip Glass for violin and orchestra.  I recorded it with conductor Mark Shapiro and the Janacek Philharmonic and reviews have been great. I remember listening to the movie “The Hours” and being enthralled by the score so I wanted to write and create a work for violin and orchestra based on the movie.  It’s such a really beautiful piece and I’m so proud of it.  The album involved years of planning and meticulous dedication as I was the producer of everything from the orchestral parts to licensing and arranging to all the logistics. We had two days to record in the Czech Republic and it was truly fantastic having the sound of the Philharmonic behind you. It is an experience that I will always treasure!

DTM: What does Valentine’s Day mean to you, and being from Ireland, do they celebrate as we celebrate here in the US?

GH: Valentine’s day is a holiday that exemplifies the romance, the love, and the care that you show to those whom you love. I feel that there is very little difference between how it is celebrated here in the US as opposed to in Ireland.  It’s all about showing those qualities to your partner every day and doing a little something extra on Valentine’s Day.

 

Gregory Harrington Steinway & Sons 3WTC

 

DTM: What can we expect coming from Gregory Harrington and his music in 2021?

GH: For 2021, I have changed my focus from live concerts to more online performances.  It will take my industry a long time to get performers successfully back into concert halls where there are full audiences.  Therefore move the focus to online concerts and music videos.  And stay in front of my audience that way.  For the coming year, I’m planning to record some online shows and a Christmas show as well along with a series of music videos based on popular movie themes set in iconic locations around Manhattan.  The is also so much unknown about what lies ahead so I feel being flexible and adapting what presents itself is also important.

DTM: Has COVID affected your work/industry, if so how have you stayed relevant?


GH: As a musician and performing artist, our industry was really hit hard as we rely on full houses to be profitable and earn.  So many are unable to work and the effect will last for most of the ’21 and into ’22.  My last live show was 12 months ago in Amsterdam in the middle of February! Feels like forever! I feel that it’s going to take audiences a long time to regain the confidence in sitting indoors to watch a live performance again.

DTM: Your talent is exceptional, what are your favorite pieces to play and why?

GH: Thank you! There are so many wonderful works and composers – it’s so hard to say. Rather than a specific composer, I prefer to say that I love performing works where I feel I have something individual and personal to communicate to an audience that they might not have heard before. It could range from the Beethoven violin concerto which I adore playing or my arrangement of Nine Inch Nails / Johnny Cash‘s “Hurt” as it has such emotional drive.   Currently, I am loving the music Victor Young created “When I Fall in Love” from the video!

 

Gregory Harrington 3WTC

 

DTM: What are you planning this VDay, for your sweetheart?

That’s a surprise! 🙂

 

GH: Shooting at WTC/Silverstein Properties, was it what you expected, and share some of your favorite events that day?

What a visually stunning location!  Looking out over Manhattan from the 79th floor of 3 World Trade Center gives you such a birds-eye view and special perspective of this wonderful city of New York, out across New Jersey and as far as the eye can see.   A few years ago, I had the beautiful experience of meeting and performing for Mr. Silverstein when he opened The Four Seasons so that was a lovely personal connection for me being in his building beside the stunning vistas that provided the backdrop to create a music video.  There were admittedly so many special moments recording this – every floor to ceiling window on the floor had such a special view of a different area of New York.  From looking down on the Brooklyn Bridge to out across the Statue of Liberty – to call that your “office” for the day was wonderful!

Gregory Harrington 3 WTC

From Downtown New York City, Silverstein Properties, Downtown Magazine, and Gregory Harrington, we wish you a beautiful 2021 Valentine’s Day!

Categories
Featured Lifestyle News NYC Restaurants

PRINT’s Official Urban Forager Dishes on her Unique Job

PRINT's official urban forager dishes on her unique job
Photo by Michael Fiedler

 

MEGHAN BOLEDOVICH IS one of New York City’s full-time restaurant foragers.

She recently joined photojournalist Michael Fiedler as she collected fresh produce for PRINT restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen.

MF- How would you describe what you do for a living?

MB- I truly would call myself an “urban forager” since I spend many mornings at the Union Square Market sourcing produce from the region’s unique growers. Oftentimes I can be found on the rooftop garden of PRINT restaurant tending to native plants and herbs that we use in the kitchen and bar program.

MF- Do you always find everything you’re looking for in the markets?

MB- Mostly, but every once in a while I get to escape the city and visit the farms we work with and learn more about their process and their stories.

It’s this mash-up of nature and urban landscapes that makes my position unique. From time to time I also go on actual foraging expeditions for wild edibles which is always an eye-opening experience.

MF- Why is that?

MB- Unlike farming, foraging is fully controlled by nature and you are working directly with the land and its untamed bounty. All of these combined aspects of my job help me to have a deep connection to the land, the farmers who work it, and the kitchen workers who clean and prepare it into nourishment for others.

MF- How does this approach help a large urban environment like New York City?

MB- Sustainability, with a low impact on our city and planet is an important endeavor we can all take a part in.

Personally, I am proud to play a role in this process for a restaurant that takes this mindset seriously.

MF- How can New Yorkers be more mindful and helpful with issues such as sustainability and renewable food sources?

MB- Whether it’s by donating excess food, separating our compost,
or sourcing from biodynamic farmers, there are myriad ways we
can strive towards zero impact.

We can always do more. I’m looking forward to the next decade where we will continue to feed people and spark joy sustainably.

By Michael J. Fiedler 

About Michael: I discovered my talent and passion for photography more than 30 years ago aboard a Navy aircraft carrier. While traveling the world and experiencing the diversity of many cultures, I was naturally drawn to chronicling the experiences of people, especially in their vocational settings, telling their stories through my images.

I have a distinct documentary style, often using available or low light, creating pictures with a more intimate, realistic feel. My photographs are visual representations of the message my client wants to convey. Whether photographing a CEO in a board room or a farmer in the field, I can capture their individuality and uniqueness of their lives.

A good photographer is curious, confident, and even a bit nosey. I interned with the accomplished Magnum Photographer, Hiroji Kubota. In traveling all 50 states with him, I learned that it isn’t so much the technical mastery of a camera that ensures a good photographer – but it’s the love of people, the sensitivity of the situation, and the drive to capture the story. This is what I strive to give my clients with every project.

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Art Fitness Health Nutrition NYC Wellness

Performing Artists

Performing Artists
By Nigel Barker

I sit here with sun rays beaming through my window, and I look out over the vast new luxury high-rises and newly present nooks and crannies that weren’t visible as recently as this time last year.

With every change of a season, as cliché as it may be, I’m always struck by how quickly time flies.

Then again, living in New York City, I’m also impressed with how much we can accomplish in such a short amount of time when we put our minds to it whether it’s calling for action from our political leaders, adding new architecture to our iconic skyline, or transforming an entire floor from a raw space into an artistic wonderland.

 

Performing Artists
Cover Fall 2017 By Nigel Barker

 

And then there’s the change you can make in yourself with hard work, dedication, and passion.

 

Read about our cover talent, shot by the incredible Nigel Barker, and learn how this man from a small American town was able to do what he loves with talent, a strong mind, and an even stronger physique.

 

The 2017 Art issue cover came about because of my long term relationship with the founder of DogPound Kirk Myers. First, he was my personal trainer, then he became Downtown’s first fitness editor and quickly turned into a dear friend, who had dreams of his own.

Preforming Artists
DogPound New York IG

We discussed how we could showcase artists, but artists and art come in many different shapes, sizes and forms, not just ones with a brush or camera but athletes.

 

Performing Artists
By Nigel Barker

 

Looking at him now, you wouldn’t think that Kirk Myers used to be overweight.

 

 

Performing Artists
Kirk Myers then and now

 

“I was uneducated about healthy eating,” he begins.

“I drank ‘skim’ chocolate milk and thought it was healthy,” he adds with a smile.

Now, knowing much better, he’s come a long way. He credits much of it to education and preparation. And that’s exactly why he’s taken on a more educational approach to fitness.

As the owner of the popular NYC and LA gym the Dogpound, Kirk Myers’ body is one of his most important tools. To work the hours he does training his clients and running a business in NYC endurance and strength are key.

“I think most people who have their own business understand that it doesn’t come overnight. It takes years and years of grinding and learning from your mistakes,” he says.

Performing Artists
DogPound IG Victoria Models

 

“You must also be open to change, open to feedback, and eager to improve your craft at all times, in every aspect. If your business is not growing, you are dying.”

And even though his business is growing, he keeps a focus on the individual.

For Kirk, it all comes down to training and making a difference for other people.

 

Performing Artists
DogPound LA IG

“You can really change people’s lives and the way they feel day to day,” he says. “That’s something that I can’t get enough of, it really is priceless.” Kirk Myers DogPound 

This article ran Art Issue Downtown 2017

Special thanks to for this shoot location to The Silverstein Organization; our incredible Board Chairman Dara McQuillan, Chief Marketing Officer at Silverstein, his guidance and belief in what we do here at Downtown each and every day is so vitally important to who we are as a brand.

 

Categories
Culture Featured Living NYC Theater

Paddington Arrives in New York and Gets in a Jam

Paddington Arrives in New York and Gets in a Jam

 

Paddington Arrives in New York and Gets in a Jam
Uncle Luigi & Gemma

Gemma is full of laughter, love and, like any 3-year-old little girl, she is full of wonder. When Downtown had the opportunity to view Paddington Gets in a Jam, playing in New York City, December 3, 2019 – March 8, 2020, many young and old lined up for these tickets. But we knew that Gemma would remember this experience for the rest of her life. So off Gemma and her mother went to see everyone’s beloved, literary character Paddington Bear.

 

Paddington Arrives in New York and Gets in a Jam
Paddington Bear

In Jonathan Rockefeller’s Paddington Gets in a Jam, Paddington is at home making his favorite marmalade jam, with the help of the Browns’ housekeeper Mrs. Bird, but they run out of sugar. Paddington goes next door to borrow some sugar, where he finds his ever-grumpy neighbor, Mr. Curry, in a panic, as he is expecting an important visitor. Paddington graciously offers to help Mr. Curry get the house ready for the visit, but in typical Paddington fashion, his good intentions lead to hysterical chaos.

Paddington Arrives in New York and Gets in a Jam
Padding Bear

“For over 60 years, readers have imagined what it would be like to meet Paddington, so our job is to ensure that Paddington is as ‘real’ as a marmalade-eating bear can be! This is a challenge in its own right. You won’t see puppeteers, which creates a daunting challenge in its own right, with choreography of the many, many props and puppeteer positions to enable the best puppet performance.

Our puppeteers are extremely talented miracle workers – it is an endurance test to hold your arms in the air for an hour, all the while crouched on a chair mounted on small wheels, saying your lines and picking up objects without looking.” https://theweekendjaunts.com/

Downtown asked Gemma what she thought of Paddington Bear and his Jam, and she said, “I really love Paddington, he tried to fix his Mommy’s vacuum. I want to take Paddington home.”

Paddington Arrives in New York and Gets in a Jam
Padding Bear Union Square
While the Broadway theater district may feature the most shows per area in New York, Union Square offers an abundance of Off-Broadway shows. One of New York’s most versatile neighborhoods, Union Square is home to Classic Stage Company, Daryl Roth + DR2 Theatre, Vineyard Theatre, and the 14th Street Y’s theater.
Last year, more than 75,000 people attended Off-Broadway shows at Union Square. With a diverse range of performances for all ages and interests, the neighborhood hopes to attract even more attendees this year.
Paddington Arrives in New York and Gets in a Jam
Paddington Bear Union Square
With great confidence from our adorable roving reporter Gemma, we highly recommend that before Paddington leaves town for another city full of happy children, go online purchase tickets, and take everyone to watch one of society’s favorite bears come to life.
It’s the perfect way to introduce young ones to the theater.

See More

D’Angelico Guitars To Introduce New Line of Products For 2020

Revisiting the Past At The McKittrick World’s Fair

Raising The Bar With Hank Fontaine

Giada Valenti Returns to New York, Love Under The Christmas Tree

Categories
Featured Fitness Health

Learning to Love your Body: 3 Simple Ways to Silence Your Inner Critic

Inner Critic
Olivia, a DOGPOUND LA trainer

by Olivia Poling, a personal trainer at The DOGPOUND‘s Los Angeles location

Photo Credit Bryan Espino

Ladies, tell me if this sounds familiar: you walk into your favorite department store wallet in-hand, ready to buy the PERFECT pair of jeans. You confidently stride over to the rack and sift through the piles until you find “your” size. Then it’s off to the dressing room – you know, that weird-smelling, slightly-disgusting little box with bad lighting – but no matter, with all the optimism in the universe you step into that “perfect pair” of jeans, pull them up, and start to button them.

But wait a minute… something’s not right…
“Are these tighter than last time?” 
Your heart begins to race. Panic sets in. 
“Oh my god. No, no, no… somethings wrong.  These have to fit.” 

But alas…after zipping and buttoning them closed it’s clear that on this day, at this moment, these “perfect” jeans are far from perfect…and a healthy dose of that confident optimism you had just a moment ago disappears in the blink of an eye.

But even worse… now you have to make the walk of shame.  You have to walk back out onto the floor and find the next number that accusingly reminds you of how “not perfect” you are. 

All the while your inner critic tosses out snarky little barbs from the sidelines of your mind. 
“How could I let this happen?” 
“What’s wrong with me? Am I’m not beautiful anymore?” 

This inner critic we all have living inside of us is an insidious monster that constantly nitpicks everything we do. 

UGH! No wonder this drives us half nuts. 

And this isn’t an isolated case either, according to dosomething.org approximately 91% of women report being unhappy with their bodies. 91%!

This problem is epidemic, but how do we inspire body positivity alongside a healthy lifestyle. 

Here are 3 small ways you can begin to silence your inner critic and learn to love YOUR body.

Inner Critic

1. Understand your body is part of who you are, it’s not ALL of who you are.

Your body is part of you, but it doesn’t define who you are. Don’t lose sight of the fact that our lives are rich and dynamic with a multitude of passions, relationships, talents, likes, dislikes, and values. 

Focusing on your whole self–not just listening to your inner critic tear you down–will help build your confidence, and confidence is always in style and it’s always sexy. No matter what you’re wearing or your size.

2. It’s OK to want to make changes, just make them for the right reasons.

On any journey in life, fitness, health, or learning a new skill, everyone travels at their own pace.  No one is better than you, some people are just further down the line on the journey. That doesn’t mean that you won’t get there someday.  So, stop comparing yourself to people who have been at this for a long time.  

Focus on YOUR journey.  Start with small steps and take a minute to reward yourself for each successive milestone – maybe start by adding more veggies to your diet, exercise a little harder or a few more times per week, drink more water, get more high-quality rest.  

Trust me: small, consistent changes pile up quickly and, over time, you’ll achieve (and even smash through) your wildest expectations.  

This won’t just help you physically–your mental health will thank you for this more rational approach as well.

3. Embrace the journey, while learning to love who you are.

Despite what our modern society tries to convince you of nothing ever happens overnight, the best things in life are worth the time and the effort you put in.  So, learn to enjoy the process. Be kind to your body and your mind. It not only will make you stronger on the outside but on the inside as well.

I promise you, if you’re consistent and remind yourself of these 3 simple things every day, you’ll notice changes in your body as well as your attitude towards yourself in all aspects of your life. 

And, it might just be enough to silence your inner critic once and for all.

See More

Fighting Addiction With a Brazilian Life Lift

The Business of Sport at The DOGPOUND

Monday Motivation: Walter Savage Talks Training

Take Control of Your Health With Personalized Nutrition

Categories
Culture Featured

Five Vacation Essentials You Always Forget to Pack

As we hit midsummer, many of us are packing our bags and heading off to various destinations for vacation. While vacations are supposed to give us an opportunity to get some much-needed RNR, planning, packing, and preparing for these trips can be quite exhausting! As we pack our bags in anticipation of escaping the concrete jungle, it can be too easy to forget some essentials. But don’t worry, Downtowners – we’ve got you covered. We’ve created a checklist for you travelers so that you won’t forget these five essentials that you must not forget for your next trip. Bon Voyage!

1. Water Bottles & Snacks

While this may sound obvious, so many of us forget to bring food and water with us whilst traveling. Whether you’re traveling via car, airplane, train, you name it, nourishment is essential for us to keep our energy up for our trip! It’s also great to have these things on hand in your hotel room, so that you aren’t charged insane amounts of money for eating the snacks supplied by your hotel, and so that you don’t have to leave the hotel room to grab a simple snack or drink.

2. Sunscreen

If you’re traveling somewhere warm and sunny, sunscreen is a must. We know, we know, you want to soak up all of the vacation glow that you can! But, sunscreen is an essential no matter what. There are many sunscreens to choose from, including reef-friendly for those interested in possible eco-friendly brands. Sun poisoning + vacation just don’t mix well!

3. Water Mist Spray

https://www.evianspray.com/shop/trio

Okay, this might not be an essential, but it’s surely nice to have. These travel sized water mist sprays are perfect for cooling off at the beach, on a hike, or wherever your vacation may take you.

4. Laundry Bag

Perhaps the item that’s easiest to forget whilst packing is a laundry bag. I mean, who’s thinking about laundry while packing for vacation? Unfortunately, laundry is an inevitable part of life (talk about first world problems!), and in order to keep yourself organized, bring a laundry bag to keep your dirty clothes in. This is an especially handy item to bring if you’re going away for a longer period of time.

5. Disposable Camera

Again, not an essential, but if you can fit one into your suitcase, it’s so worth it! As we move further and further into the Digital Age, taking photos is an act of instant gratification. But how cool would it be to take an awesome photo and not be able to see it until it’s developed? (I know, this is major millennial talk.) What’s even better is that this forces you to develop your photos, instead of just leaving them on your phone, which can be quite risky! (Losing your phone might mean losing all of your beautiful vacation photos!). Plus – the ~vintage~ feel of the disposable camera photos will fit perfectly on your Instagram feed. 😉