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Culture Music

Panorama Recap: Highlights From The Festival

Another NYC music festival has come and gone. This one was packed with excellent sets from some of music’s biggest names – Solange, Tame ImpalaNine Inch Nails and A Tribe Called Quest all treated us to performances on Panorama’s biggest stage, which featured stunning visuals displayed on a screen that stretched a whopping 170 feet. Local New York City restaurants, like Roberta’sEggloo and Salvation Taco, kept attendees full and satisfied throughout the three days of jamming. The elusive Frank Ocean also performed on Friday night one of only a handful of live shows since 2014. His performances are rare, but they give us just a glimpse into the breadth of his musical knack.

Frank Ocean‘s set tops our list of the best of Panorama, but his wasn’t the only impressive performance. Check out our full list of favorites below.

Frank Ocean

As mentioned above, Frank Ocean’s performances are rare, but they are a glorious treat. Instead of performing on the main stage, he performed his entire Friday night show on an extended leg that jutted straight out into the middle of the audience. Accompanied by the recently acclaimed instrumentalist (Sandy) Alex G on guitar, Frank Ocean made a festival crowd of thousands feel like an intimate gathering of friends at an indie show. He paced the skinny stage leg and performed hits like “Solo”and  “Nikes” from his 2016 record “Blonde.” While he was a bit soft-spoken when interacting with the audience, that did not diminish his mastery as a musician. His performance was gripping from start to finish.

Solange

Panorama Stage, Solange

Solange’s performance was without a doubt the most visually stunning of the festival. Reddish light bathed the stage as Solange and her troop of musicians, all appropriately clad in completely red or orange outfits, executed flawless choreography. While Solange is the definitely the master of her stage, the whole performance felt more like a shared story between herself, the musicians and the backup singers, rather than just a solo act. At two different points during the show, around 20 or 30 horn players also joined the magic on the stage.  Her set was full of hope and joy, and the Panorama stage and screen offered a sensational scape for her show. She performed older favorites like “Losing You” and “T.O.N.Y” as well as her newer songs like “Cranes in the Sky.”

Tame Impala

Tame Impala are the masterminds behind the 2015 revelation “Currents,”  one of three albums released by the Australian group, all of which were named “Best New Album” on Pitchfork. Few bands can boast such an achievement critically, but Tame Impala can, and without losing ground or losing themselves. Their Saturday night Panorama show was a spectacle, featuring psychedelic projections and acutely synthy beats. Their set, and their songs, were nothing short of musical perfection. They even performed a song from “Currents” for the first time ever live – “Love/Paranoia,” a treat for longtime fans.

Pinegrove

The subject of one of our Panorama previews (read the feature here), rock band Pinegrove gave an impassioned performance early Saturday on the main Panorama stage. Lead singer Evan Stephens Hall humbly and repeatedly thanked the audience for spending time at their set, one that needed no convincing for us to stick around for its entirety. Hall is a spirited lead singer, and Pinegrove lyrics are ardent in their storytelling. They’re a must-see for live shows, and thankfully they just announced another leg of their tour, so you still have many more chances to catch them on the road.

Mitski

Mitski, The Pavilion

While at first her music comes across as angsty, Mitski’s critically acclaimed songs are actually compilations of deep and moving stories. Some are indeed fraught with pain and anxiety, but the songwriter is a heroine of self-discovery and acceptance in the end. Her Saturday performance was passionate and dynamic. At one point during the set, Mitski took center stage to play a few songs alone, which encompassed some of her best moments musically. Her song “Your Best American Girl” is an honest sentiment describing her being torn between her immigrant heritage and wanting to be who others want her to be.

Future Islands

Future Islands, Panorama Stage

Future Islands lead singer Samuel Herring is a raucous romp on stage. He beats his chest, rolls on the floor and growls lyrics into the microphone. And it all makes for one of the most entertaining sets at Panorama this year. They released a new album this year called “The Far Field,” which is a telling name as that’s exactly where they are. Their music definitely swings somewhere stage left, but it’s wonderful in its uniqueness. They stand alone in the synth-pop genre because no one else sounds quite like them.

Tyler, The Creator

It’s only just August, but 2017 has already welcomed many of its best albums into the musical cosmos, one of which is thanks to Tyler, The Creator. “Flower Boy” was released last month and has seen rave reviews from both crisis and listeners. The rapper treated Panorama audiences to a lively performance on Friday evening. A vista of sunflowers served as background to his set. Only one other rapper joined him on stage, but they made use of the whole space. Tyler, The Creator is a performance pro and had the whole room jumping.

Photos courtesy of Panorama NYC

 

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Culture Music

Panorama Kicks Off Today With Music and Vendors

One of the summer’s most eclectic and varied festival lineups is coming to New York City this weekend. Festival gates are swinging open today at Randall’s Island Park.

Back for its second year, Panorama Music Festival kicks off today with music, attractions, food and drink.

Some passes still remain for the festival and can be purchased here.

Photo courtesy of Panorama

Solange and Frank Ocean are headlining today’s lineup with performances at 8 p.m. and 9:35 p.m., respectively. But the two megastars aren’t the only noteworthy aspects of the weekend’s festivities. Hosts of indie rockers, up-and-coming rappers and DJs, cult electronic groups and singer-songwriters will be taking over the four stages – the Panorama, Pavilion, Parlor and Point – over the next three days.

Other headlining artists include Tame Impala, Nine Inch Nails and A Tribe Called Quest. Glass Animals, Spoon, Future Islands and Tyler, The Creator are among other noteworthy acts throughout the festival. For a complete lineup and set times, visit panorama’s website.

If those names don’t mean anything to you, or if you’re just in it for Solange’s sure-to-slay set, there’s still more to Panorama, too. Even if you’re gung-ho for the music, you should still make an effort to get to the festival early. Don’t miss out on all your pass has to offer.

Several New York City favorites make up a food lineup that’s almost as impressive as the artist lineup. With vendors like Roberta’s, 2nd City, Ice & Vice, Salvation Taco and Eggloo serving up their best, you could find one of your NYC favorites inside Panorama gates.

Hungry for more? Panorama boasts a slew of other attractions. Record store Rough Trade will have a special Panorama pop-up store, Macy’s is hosting a pool party, and HP is sponsoring an interactive art lounge. Some of your other favorite brands are involved too: Bud Light, Sephora, Califia and Deep Eddy Vodka will all be on site.

Food, entertainment and great music? Check, check and check. Get to the festival early for the full experience, and check out the Panorama website for more information including the lineup, travel tips and set times.

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Culture Events Music

NYC Group Sofi Tukker Talks Panorama and Hometown Performances

Musical duos are few-and-far-between in indie genres. There’s Matt and Kim, Grouplove and Shovels & Rope, to name a few, but the duo structure is certainly not the most widespread for an indie group. Even rarer is an indie house duo.

So when one comes along, we must take note; especially if they’re from New York City, and they’re playing Panorama Music Festival this weekend. This pair is Sofi Tukker, comprised of singer/songwriter/percussionist Sophie Hawley-Weld and producer Tucker Halpern. They met while in school at Brown University and soon after released “Drinkee,” which received a Grammy nomination.

Now they have a new single out, and they’re playing Panorama this weekend. Originally hailing from New York, the musicians are thrilled to be playing a home show. This fall, they’re touring with ODESZA. Read our interview with Sophie and Tucker for the full scoop.

How did you two first start making music together? Did you always know your music would have this electronic, danceable sound that channels tropical house music, or did it just evolve that way?

Sofi Tukker: We started making music together when we were still at college. At first, Sophie was making bossa-nova inspired acoustic music and Tucker was DJing house music. It wasn’t until we collaborated and made something from scratch together that we found our sound! We still don’t know how to define it (nor do we want to), we just make what we want to hear! And yeah dancing is a favorite activity for both of us, so I think that will always have a strong place in the music we make.

How did you guys decide to remix “Dark Days” by Local Natives? Were you fans of the band before?

ST: They reached out and when we heard the song, we were really inspired. It’s such a beautiful song already. And the guys in the band are the nicest! We got to perform the song with them at Coachella. Love them and their music.

Who are your biggest influences?

ST: We are each influenced by totally different people. We are both really inspired by artists such as Stromae, our experiences, family, friends. Anything can inspire us really. Our shows and festivals play a big part in inspiring lots of the new music we have been making.

 Your first EP’s title was inspired by a Mary Oliver poem. Why did you decide to call it “Soft Animals?” Does literature often influence you?

ST: She has this beautiful line that goes: “You don’t have to be good… You just have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.” Soph is really into literature and always gets inspired by different authors and poets’ turns of phrases! Poetry plays a large role in our songs too because the Portuguese songs are all collaborations with Brazilian poets.

Having received a Grammy nomination so early in your career (for the hit “Drinkee”), how does that affect you going forward?

ST: It doesn’t really affect us much. We are still a young band making music and building out our live performance! There are more people that see what we are doing as legitimate now though, which is always nice! It was a huge unexpected honor, but we know we have such a long way to go and hopefully we can get back there one day!

You guys are from New York, so what does it mean to you to play a festival here? How are you feeling in the days leading up to your Panorama set?

ST: We loooove being at home! We could not be more excited. Last time we played in New York was in April and we have been excited to come back home and play ever since! We don’t get too much time at home

What’s your favorite song to perform live?

ST: We really love performing all our songs!! At the moment, our unreleased song “Batshit” is one of our favorites because we get to go especially Batshit Crazy!

What have been some of your favorite memories from touring?

ST: We have such a good time on the road. We travel with a small group and we spend most of the time laughing. One of our favorite memories was going to Brazil for the first time and getting to speak Portuguese to the audience and everyone knowing all the lyrics–probably better than we did!! Coachella was a standout couple shows as well. We love the small headline shows we’ve done as well!! Anytime people come to see us we feel excited and grateful!

For more info about Sofi Tukker, visit their Facebook page.

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Culture Music

Pinegrove Frontman Talks Panorama Fest and Songwriting

In the world exists a staggering amount of love songs. Yet within that abundance, very few modern songs are about non-romantic love. There’s a gap where the music about familial love, platonic love and friendships should be. Pinegrove‘s frontman Evan Stephens Hall noticed this inconsistency too.

“I didn’t have any songs I could listen to that could comfort me about topics like that, so I made them myself,” Hall said.

Pinegrove’s 2016 album “Cardinal” is bookended by two such songs: “Old Friends” and “New Friends,” yet the themes of brotherly love are laced throughout the record.

Following their 2015 compilation “Everything so Far,” the band, consisting of Hall, Zack Levine, Nick Levine, Sam Skinner, Nandi Rose Plunkett, David Mitchell, Josh Marre and Adan Carlo, released “Cardinal” last year to the tune of praise from some of music’s harshest critics.

NPR Music offered up a fitting description for Pinegrove and their musings on friendship and love, calling them “fresh and scrappy at the same time.” Pitchfork said the detailed record deeply focuses on one of the most important aspects of life: “how to make our friendships really matter.”

Riding this wave of success, Pinegrove’s been gaining fans and gaining ground. Now they’re set to play at Panorama Music Festival at Randall’s Island Park on Saturday, July 29, another opportunity for the group to enrapture a new audience, and maybe even initiate the wave.

“People are always so down to do the wave,” Hall said of music festival audiences. “But also I think there’s more a sense that we are playing to persuade some people. I like the challenge of trying to persuade someone that we’re worth checking out until the end of the song, and then persuading them to check out the next song and just measure by measure making it interesting enough for them and emotional enough for them to say ‘Oh I should stay here’ instead of checking out any of the bands they could be listening to instead.”

This opportunity cost is, for many Pinegrove fans, of no concern. The band’s current tour, which includes cities in the U.S., Canada and the U.K., has fans making the trip to see Pinegrove perform at headlining shows and festivals alike, and they linger for the whole set, too.

Much of Pinegrove’s appeal is due to their approachable lyrics and sublime songwriting. While their music has pleased both listeners and critics, the first person Hall must please is himself. At the core of the songwriting process is his own little shindig, but as listeners, we’ve all secured invitations.

“It’s exciting to have a wider listenership than ever before, but it doesn’t really change the process,” Hall said. “These songs have been really helpful to me and they’ve become an irreplaceable part of my emotional process. They’re a universe I’ve created for myself, but everybody’s invited.”

While it’s personal for Hall, he takes a simple approach to songwriting.

I think inherently it’s a process of simplifying the complex experience it is to be human,” he said. “It’s my philosophy that the more direct the better. And even though we might be trying to explore some sort of complex emotional moods or positions or even just ideas, I try to leave out any extraneous substance.”

Hall studied literature and English in college, which has given him extra insight into language and perhaps inspired the conversational tone of “Cardinal.”

“Studying literature helped me realize that there are melodies in dialogue and when we talk to each other we also sing to each other,” Hall said.

The band is currently recording a new album in an old house outside of rural Hudson, New York. Expect a lot natural and integrated sounds on their next work. They also just finished collaborating on a compilation of Green Day covers, all the proceeds of which will be donated to an environmental advocacy group.

“We’re going to put it out when September ends,” Hall joked.

Aside their projects as a band, the musicians who make up Pinegrove are busy in their own right as well. They push each other forward creatively and professionally.

“There are certainly a lot of contemporaries, not least of all my band members who are writing incredible songs and I find myself listening to them almost the most and being inspired by them,” Hall said. “It pushes me to do better.”

For passes to Panorama, visit the festival’s site. For Pinegrove’s tour schedule, visit their Facebook page. 

Categories
Music

Our Top Ten from the 2017 Panorama Lineup

Another month, another hot New York City music festival. In June we were treated to the fantastic lineup at Governors Ball, and a number of smaller festivals, like Celebrate Brooklyn! and September’s The Meadows Music & Arts Festival are on the rise too.

Now, it’s time for Panorama Music Festival at Randall’s Island Park. The festival’s second year rings in the last weekend of July with the promise of an unparalleled lineup with something for every taste. Headliners include Frank Ocean, Solange and A Tribe Called Quest, all of which are must-see sets. But there’s so much more beyond the bold print names at the top of the poster. We’ve lined up the artists we’re most excited to see at the end of the month.

Future Islands

Photo courtesy of Future Islands. 

This Baltimore, Maryland based band is enjoying a wave of success following the April release of their fifth album “The Far Field.” Fresh off sets at Coachella and Glastonbury, they’re storming through festival season with fans following steadily in the wake. Songs like “Aladdin” and “Ran” are shining hits from their latest album, and their song “Seasons (Waiting On You)” was named one of the best songs of 2014 by Pitchfork. Known for their entertaining live performances, Future Islands is sure to be a Panorama treat.

Mitski


Photo courtesy of Bandcamp

Mitsuki Miyawaki, a Japanese-American singer-songwriter, is having a good year. Following the release of her 2016 record “Puberty 2,” she received praise from across the critical board. She sings, in a beautifully personal way, about young adulthood, anxiety and feeling like an outcast. Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly and NPR Music have all offered their praises, her single “Your Best American Girl” making it to NPR’s list of the best 100 songs of 2016.

Pinegrove


Photo courtesy of Pinegrove 

This band has also been at the top of its game this past year, having been acclaimed by the rounds of musical critics. Last year they released “Cardinal,” a lovable eight-song record that’s as much of a rock album as it is refined. Most noticeable are their songs about friendship, like the album bookends “Old Friends” and “New Friends.” During their live performances, they playfully interact with the audience and support all-around good feelings. A smile from the lead singer and writer Evan Stephen Hall’s face is sure to leave you smiling as well at Panorama.

Solange

Photo courtesy of Solange Knowles 

You know her sister, and you probably know her, too. With Beyoncé as kin, it could seem like Solange would be always living in the shadow. But she’s doing anything but. Solange Knowles has been a fierce force in the R&B world since the 2000s, but her 2016 record, “A Seat at the Table” is something special. She bends genres and defies expectations, as she is sure to do the same at her Panorama set this year. Don’t forget to listen to the hit “Cranes in the Sky” before you go.

Glass Animals

Photo courtesy of Glass Animals

Sometimes being a human is tricky. We have emotions and intelligence – we’re not like other animals. Here’s a guide for the ups and downs: “How To Be A Human Being,” Glass Animals’ 2016 album. The indie group is known for superb mixings of pop, rock and synth sounds. On their most recent release they tackle an array of sounds and feelings with songs like “Life Itself,” “Youth” and “The Other Side of Paradise.” Their set is sure to be a colorful one.

Tame Impala

Photo courtesy of Tame Impala

Australia’s Tame Impala is the quintessential psychedelic pop band of the 2010s. Their 2015 album “Currents” is nothing short of musical mastery, as coined by leagues of critics and listeners. Tame Impala is seamless in their blending of sounds, genres and lyrics, and seeing them live is sure to be a spectacle. Get ready to check this one off your concert bucket list.

Noname

Photo courtesy of Noname

Fatimah Warner, or as she’s known by her stage name  – Noname – is a rapper from Chicago. She first gained fame when she appeared on Chance the Rapper’s “Acid Rap,” and you’ve heard her recently on his latest album “Coloring Book.” She’s featured in “Finish Line / Drown,” the joyful penultimate anthem on Chance’s uber popular album. She got her start doing poetry at open mic nights in Chicago, and now she’s taking the Panorama stage.

Angel Olsen

Photo courtesy of Angel Olsen

Angel Olsen is yet another star of 2016. Her record “MY WOMAN” soared to the top of critical listings, and now she’s touring the album. Olsen got her start performing St. Louis coffee shops as a teenager before collaborating with other artists and ultimately breaking into a solo career. She croons soft indie folk ballads, but they burst with feeling.

6LACK

Photo courtesy of LoveRenaissance

This Atlanta rapper is on the rise. His debut album “FREE 6LACK” was released just late last year, but he’s already hit the Billboard Top 40 and made a name for himself in the realms of rap and R&B. His single “PRBLMS” has over 60 million streams on Spotify.

Spoon

Photo courtesy of Spoon

Spoon are veterans of the indie rock genre, and they’re still putting out fresh music. Just this year they released “Hot Thoughts” which included the single “Can I Sit Next To You,” which was remixed by LCD Soundsystem’s Tyler Pope. If you know them from their “They Want My Soul” days, or if you’re new to the scene, Spoon is still sure to serve up something great at Panorama. Maybe they’ll even blow a “New York Kiss” out into the crowd.

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Business Fashion Music

Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin on her multi-faceted career in fashion, music and philanthrophy

 

Photo by Vital Agibalow
Photo by Vital Agibalow

There are a lot of reasons why Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin is one of the more interesting people that one may encounter. One reason would be that she has excelled in several fields that are entirely unrelated; those fields would be music, fashion, and philanthropy. Another reason would be that the projects she works on are usually ahead of the curve, striving to be unique and quality-oriented. Another reason would be that she is from an iconic New York family, although that is not something that Consuelo ever rests on; she is a seventh generation descendent of shipping and railroad tycoon, Cornelius Vanderbilt, and great-great-great niece of Consuelo Vanderbilt, the Duchess of Marlborough.

On the fashion end, Consuelo debuted the Homage line on HSN last year, a line inspired by family heirlooms. She is also a brand ambassador for the German-Italian shoe brand, Michela Rigucci, who is opening a showroom in New York this summer. In terms of her music career, Consuelo has performed live alongside Joe Cocker, Vanessa Carlton and Mya, and she has released a handful of Billboard-charting singles (e.g. “Body Needs,” “Feel So Alive,” “Naked,” “Here We Go”). Pairing up her business skills and her passion for the creative arts, she is in the midst of launching SohoMuse, a professional networking website for the global creative community. As if that were not enough, Consuelo also runs her own production company (C&R Productions), serves on the board of the Ovarian Cancer Coalition of Greater California, and recently co-chaired the American Heart Association’s Hamptons Heart Ball.

Downtown had the pleasure of conducting Q&A with Consuelo, who has plans to release I’m Just Me in the U.S. later this year. She can be followed on Twitter via @ConsueloCostin, while she keeps a website at www.costinmusic.com.

 

Photo by Vital Agibalow
Photo by Vital Agibalow

You have experienced success in music, fashion, and as an entrepreneur. When someone asks what you do for a living, what do you usually say?

Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin: I usually say “artist and entrepreneur.” In truth, my entrepreneurial endeavors are always of a creative nature, while my artistic pursuits contain a substantial element of business. Starting a music career is just like starting a company, you need to learn how to wrap your creative endeavor with a keen business sense. The same goes for when I started Homage and it also applies to SohoMuse. The creative ideas are always there but I needed the business plans as well. Thanks to your great question, I’ll consider a new response: “creative entrepreneur!”

Some of the work you do is rooted in being creative, while some of the work is rooted in numbers, marketing and promotion. Do you find it challenging to go between those different sides of your brain?

CVC: Always! The creative side of me reaches for the stars and doesn’t consider boundaries, while the business side of me keeps me rooted and fixed to the ground. I think that’s so important as an artist. You need the freedom to reach beyond what’s normal or comfortable so you can make real discoveries. Then you need the discipline to take those visions and set realistic goals and plans for achieving those goals. I am lucky enough to have both qualities, so they balance each other out. Although I will say, it has always been more difficult for me to compromise when it comes to my creative side; I’m a dreamer.

When people call you a “rebel heiress,” do you like that term?

CVC: The words individually, I’m not fond of -– to be a rebel is not something I aim for, and I think “heiress” sounds pretentious. What I “rebel” against is conformity, cow-towing to other people’s ideas of who I should be, and the shallowness of what is so often associated with the word “heiress.” But together they work, and in a way, are the perfect combination, so I am proud to be known as a “rebel heiress.”

Do you feel that there are any misconceptions about the Vanderbilt legacy? Or is there something you wish more people knew about the Vanderbilts?

CVC: Most people think of Cornelius, shipping and railroads — after all, the man helped build this country! While there were certainly a handful of playboys and socialites, many Vanderbilts continued to make important contributions throughout history.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWj6TmM_dBg

Is there a professional accomplishment of yours that you’re most proud of?

CVC: My video for “Feel So Alive” was banned in 10 countries. Does that count? In all seriousness, I am very proud of my album I’m Just Me, and the “Lose My Mind” music video. In all of my career these two things represent the most honest version of myself as an artist and human being.

You’re a brand ambassador for Michela Rigucci, which just opened a New York City showroom. How did you first get involved with the brand?

CVC: Two of the Michela Rigucci founders approached me after seeing me on a German talk show. I instantly fell in love with the vision and quality of the shoes and being that I am so passionate about fashion the relationship just made sense. Since working with Michela Rigucci, I introduced them to Malan Breton and they partnered together during fashion week. It was an incredible success and Malan’s was the third most tweeted-about show at New York Fashion Week!

You founded your own record label in 2010, C&R Productions. Are there any upcoming plans to release other artists besides your own music?

CVC: That is certainly a longer-term goal, but for now I have no immediate plans to release other artists on the label. That said, I am always looking out for new talent to collaborate with, and if it’s a good fit and someone I believe in, then I would definitely consider it. C&R is not only a label, but also a media and production company. So when the stars align, we will be well-positioned to help other artists with everything from music development to video production and promotion.

Do you have a new single or album in the works?

CVC: I released I’m Just Me in Germany, Austria and Switzerland this past summer, and plan on releasing the album here in the U.S. at the end of the year. I am constantly writing but have had to put touring on hold to focus on a couple of big projects…

So you are still involved with SohoMuse?

CVC: Absolutely! SohoMuse has been my greatest passion project and I am planning on launching the site and app towards the beginning of 2017, once beta testing is complete this year. I can say with pride and confidence that SoHoMuse will be THE trusted source for the global creative community.

Beyond the music, what else is coming up for you professionally?

CVC: Working with Michela Rigucci shoes, we’ve had some exciting developments in the U.S. and U.K. and we are getting ready to open a revolutionary 3-D virtual kiosk at the New York City showroom. I am proud and thrilled to be rolling out the SohoMuse Beta this year!

When not busy with all of your work-related projects, how do you like to spend your free time?

CVC: I love going out in the city and listening to live music, seeing a Broadway show or strolling through the galleries and museums. I enjoy spending time with my husband and dog, taking morning walks in Central Park, weekends in the Hamptons, and intimate dinners with friends.

As someone that has traveled all over and worked on projects everywhere, what is it that keeps you based in New York all these years later?

CVC: The energy of New York is like no other place on earth. It feeds not only my creativity, but my own energy and lust for life. I was born here and I’m proud to call myself a New Yorker…I feel blessed for every day I get to spend in this incredible city.

Do you have a favorite neighborhood within Manhattan?

CVC: That’s a tough one. I’m torn between the West Village, SoHo and Chelsea. Each one has its own charm and character, with tons of art and culture as well as amazing shopping, dining and a true New York vibe.

As we’re now in summer mode, are there any events or concerts that you’re especially looking forward to this season?

CVC: I co-chaired the American Heart Association’s Hamptons Heart Ball at the end of June, which was absolutely amazing. On the music scene, I’m praying to be in town for the Panorama Festival in late July. With bands like Arcade Fire, Alabama Shakes and LCD Soundsystem, it’s sure to be the greatest concert event on the East Coast! Then, to cap off the summer, I will visit my family property in the Adirondacks. I look forward to that all year.

Finally, Consuelo, any last words for the kids?

CVC: Dare to dream and find the courage to follow those dreams, no matter what anyone tells you!