Living with Legends: Hotel Chelsea Blog

Desperation Sets In as Developer Trys to Unload a Dog

The Penthouse at the old McBurney Y building is still on the market and has been price-chopped again! (The penthouse used to house the YMCA gymnasium which was home to one of New York’s longest running fencing programs, among other things.  You’ll recall that the private rooftop deck was where the Y used to hold “Membership Appreciation/Dallas Night.”) As you may also recall, the penthouse was put on the market in December for 7.4 million.  When we checked in on Feb. 15 the price had been slashed to 7.2 million.  And here we are again, just a couple of weeks later, and the developer has come down even further to $6,995,000.  How low does he plan to go?  Maybe he can rent it out to NYU as a dorm room.   

Despite recent reports to the contrary, items such as this serve to demonstrate that the housing market is still soft.  The apartments in all those new 6^th Ave. towers are obviously being warehoused.

By the way, prospective buyers, there is still no doorman in the Y building. And the unsightly Jag ad is still on the side of the building.  Hold out for a better deal. – Ed Hamilton

Street-Furniture Special

When our friend Robert Shaw from Australia checked into the hotel recently, he must have requested the Street-Furniture Special.  (see photo 1)  Yes, folks, that chair has only three legs, and when Robert sat in it, the results were predictable.  Requests at the front desk for a furniture upgrade were of course ignored, and so we took him down to the basement, confident that there would be no shortage of fine, sturdy chairs from which to choose.  In a surreal Chelsea moment, this is what we found.  (see photo 2)  Perhaps if we had searched more diligently, we might have turned up something a bit more functional, but the elemental spirit that lives in the basement warned us off, and rather than be caught up in the cosmic struggle between good and evil, we fled for the less supernaturally-fraught confines of the upper stories. 

Disparate (Albeit Strangely Complementary) Reactions to the Chelsea Hotel

Two junkies were walking by the hotel one February evening—a skinny man with a drawn, skeletal face, and a fat woman with no teeth—both bundled up against the extreme cold, the man pushing a shopping cart loaded with scavenged junk.  Suddenly the man let go of his cart and darted up to the side of the building, bringing his face close and squinting to see the print on one of the bronze plaques that hung there.  “It used to say ‘Sid Vicious’ on here!” he proclaimed, spitting out the words with disgust.

II

            Three teenage girls, two of them tiny and thin, and one, a couple of years older, heavier, more punked out with blue hair and multiple ear-piercings, were ambling by the hotel, ill-prepared for the cold in only thin jackets.  One of the younger girls glanced over and saw the sign.  “Look!  It’s the Chelsea Hotel!” she cried out, excitedly.  “Oh, the Chelsea Hotel!” the older one exclaimed sarcastically.  “The Chel-sea Hotel!”  She proceeded to drop to her knees—clad in ripped fishnet stockings—and then to prostrate herself fully, arms outstretched toward the building in an attitude of mock-worship. 
Ed Hamilton

Drug Bust of the Week

A reader e-mailed to remind us that we neglected to mention an important day in rock history last week. February 22, 1978, Sid & Nancy were busted for drugs at the Chelsea Hotel. If we start commemorating all of the drug busts that have gone down at the Chelsea that alone would be a full time job.

All Tomorrow's Parties: Feb. 26 - March 4, 2007

Wednesday, March 1, 10:00 - 6:00
Everybody is raving about the new Philip Taaffe show so head up to the Gagosian and check it out. You will not be disappointed.
Gagosian Gallery, 980 Madison Ave., NY NY

Thursday, March 1, 10:30 p.m.
Susanne Bartsch and Kenny Kenny say goodbye to Tuesday and hello to Thursday with Kino 41. Kino 41 starlets: Amanda Leopore, Lady Fag, Moondust, Furey and Andre J. Cine Sounds: Sammy Jo. Showing: VIP.  Admission Free All Night.  Life is Like a Movie. Stop by every Thursday for your close up.
135 West 41st, NY NY



Friday, March 2, 11:00 - 6:00
You must see Birgit Megerle's show before it closes tomorrow at the Daniel Reich Gallery. In Megerle’s work, planned spaces are inhabited by a lively human intelligence negotiating progressive machine age structures of monumental thirties style replete with the implied power of gold, luxury and size. Amid grand outdoor family arcades overshadowed by claustrophobic monuments evoking beauty and fear, this lively intelligence unravels facades crossing into the space of imagination leading persistently to the impending flexibility of the question mark.
Daniel Reich Gallery, 537 A, West 23rd St., NY NY


Saturday, March 3
The moon turns red tonight. Expect all sorts of weird happenings as a result.


If you have an event for "All Tomorrow's Parties," send an e-mail to [email protected]

Leonard Cohen "Famous Blue Raincoat"

Leonard Cohen performs "Famous Blue Raincoat" in Munich, Germany in 1979.

Last Day to View DiVA Street Art

Take our advice and ignore the seven art fairs that are going on throughout Chelsea and the city and stay hyperlocal. The Diva Street Art fair has a container at 23rd & 7th Ave and at 8th Ave and 24th St. At 8^th Ave and 24^th, I watched a video of two Asian women: one of the women held an otter in her lap, while the other one dangled a Cheetoe before the web-footed creature.  Neither of the women moved very much, possibly to avoid spooking the slippery beast, and I kept waiting for the otter to spring for the cheesy treat and mangle the poor woman’s hand.  Alas, the otter never did pounce, and after awhile I figured out that it was probably a fake otter, and the woman were in a video loop.  The show continues through Saturday, February 24^th at various locations in Chelsea, especially in the gallery district.  Thanks to Judith Childs for the tip.

How To Learn German in 25 Minutes or Less

We've always wanted to learn German, but it just seemed like too much time and effort.  Now we find   that it wasn't that hard at all.  Here we are, speaking fluent German on German Public Radio (download mp3), with nary a trace of an accent at all!  Here's a picture of our instructor, Martina Buttler, who taught us all we know of the language in the course of a 25 minute interview.  She's the best!

Orange Disaster and A Sizzling, Crackling Noise in Cherry Ramone’s Room

Australian writer Robert J. Shaw (aka Cherry Ramone) was taken to see Paul Morrissey’s Flesh at age 14, when even he knew he was too young.  Corrupted so early in life, is it any wonder he’s spent a lifetime studying all things Warhol?  “I spent six hours at MOMA today,” Robert says as soon as he steps into our room.  Three in front of Warhol’s gold Marilyn.  Until they chased me away!”  Robert remembers where he was when he heard the news of Andy’s passing.  Sadly, however, Robert will miss the 20^th Anniversary of Andy’s death—today—as he will be on a plane back to Australia and will cross the international date line.  But it’s no big deal in the grand scheme of things: there are many more anniversaries to come, as Andy will live forever.

What do you do back in Australia? I’m a writer/journalist in the fields of pop culture and Australian history. I specialize in the Australian Federation, the Constitutional Era, and in comparative constitutional studies. [Editor’s note: More importantly, Robert also specializes in Andy Warhol, and he’s contributed much on the subject to our blog. We will try to limit further discussion of the Australian constitution.]

What brought you to NY? The Hotel Chelsea, art, people, pizza. My favorite pizza place is 33 down the street by the movie theatre. What do you love about the Chelsea? It represents a cultural history that I love. And the people are fantastic. The hotel is relaxed and has lots of art. And I like to see good New York friends again. I’m addicted to the Hotel Chelsea.

Do you know of any of the Australian artists associated with the hotel? Yeah, one of my favorite Australian artists with a Chelsea connection is Brett Whiteley. His daughter Arkie grew up here. I met Arkie in a dark corner of a nightclub, and we had a relationship until she died. I still maintain contact with Brett’s widow. My favorite happy story about Arkie is sitting on the lawn and talking at the Lavender Bay House. Brett always painted that house and he loved to paint the view of the harbor. I suppose I should also mention Vali Myers. It’s nice to walk in her footsteps. I recently went to see Brett’s sculpture behind the gallery of New South Wales. It’s the matches: one ready to burn and one burned out. I tried to photograph them but one of the matches had been removed for repairs. The burned one. They had previously been ravaged by cockatoos. I know that sounds very Australian.

Has the Chelsea changed since the last time you were here a few years back? It’s quieter. And one elevator is closer to being renovated. It’s really more the neighborhood that’s changing around it. And I’ve changed a lot too.

Have any of your favorite places closed? HoJos on Times Square. I’m also sad that I have to miss the screening of Chelsea Girls on Wednesday.

How did you develop an interest in the Warhol crowd? I was taken to see Morrissey’s FLESH when I was way too young. Soon after that I saw an exhibition at New South Wales of “Orange Disaster” (which is a silkscreen of an electric chair) and it was a spiritual experience. It moved me like no other art work I’ve ever seen. After that I read From A to B and Back Again: The Philosophy of Andy Warhol. I also found a rare first edition of Jean Stein’s Edie book. This was when I was about 14 in the early 1980s. Too young to be seeing FLESH. The Morrissey movie was a very confronting experience at that age. It was very in your face and I wasn’t ready for it. I ended up growing up with Joe Dellasandro in Hustler as a sexual archetype.

Does Your mother read the blog? Yes, she follows the HC blog so she’ll know what I’m talking about all of the time.

Who’s your Favorite superstar? Brigid Berlin, for her strength of personality and the loyalty she showed to Andy. I adore Jackie Curtis, Candy Darling and Holly Woodlawn as well. Read the Craig Highberger bio of Jackie Curtis. Craig is a really good guy. He set me up to meet Holly on Monday and said to give her a kiss from him. [Editor’s note: Holly was, unfortunately, a no-show. The event was in the Gershwin Hotel, however--that pale imitation of the Chelsea--so who can really blame her?]

What do you think of Nico? Never interested me. Second runner to Edie. Although I applaud the Velvet Underground.

What’s your favorite Chelsea Girls scene? Two of the most notable moments for me are Brigid Berlin shooting up and Nico crying. I saw Nico in Bryon Bay shortly before she died. She was a wasted remnant of herself.

What do you think about Sid and Nancy? I love sex pistols and what McLaren did, but I resent the fact that Sid & Nancy overshadow this Hotel so much. It gets under my skin. This is the first time I’ve had the guts to stop on their floor. Senseless nihilism is contrary to what punk is about.

What does punk mean to you? Willfully standing on the outside of the mainstream and throwing rocks at it. Being true to yourself. And wearing good Vivienne Westwood clothes. I consider my punk identify more central than my gay identity. This is a line that pisses people off. Both gay and punk people. Have you seen the new Vivienne Westwood store on 18th? No, but I’m off right now! Keep my credit card for me. Vivienne is very subversive. She’s one of the absolute heroes of the first wave of punk. Vivienne and Malcolm stayed here at the Chelsea on their first trip to New York and signed up The Dolls. This was well before the Sex Pistols.

Any recommendations for a good gay bar? Easy pickups at Rawhide on 8th. Try to catch Mimi Imfurst, a fabulous up and coming drag queen.

Have you encountered any ghosts during your stay here? The elevator made an unscheduled stop on the first floor for Nancy to hop on and scare this catholic boy. I don’t part with my rosary while I’m in this building. There were no creepy noises at night, but bloody noisy neighbors. And the electric sockets make a sizzling, crackling noise. I’ll probably be electrocuted. When we were in the basement looking for a chair I really felt there was a dark presence down there and I was keen to get out. None of the ghosts up here bother me. I’ve not sensed anything in the lobby at all. It’s too busy, too much of a public space. But I really don’t like the first floor at all.

What’s the best thing that’s happened to you here? I’ve gotten to know myself a lot better and met some wonderful people. I feel validated here. Whereas at home I feel like a real oddball, here I blend in. This is truly the only place in the world I’ve felt a real sense of belonging.

What do you feel about the people who check into the hotel to kill themselves? I can understand how they feel, since I often think I’d like to have my ashes scattered here. Still, I wish people wouldn’t do that.

What’s the worst thing that’s happened to you here? Having to pack up and leave. And chairs collapsing under me! Not getting my favorite room on this visit. Worst of all, I haven’t seen Stanley yet. I want a 10% discount on my bill because I haven’t been able to experience Stanley’s grumpiness. Jerry is much too cheerful.

How do you like the pink cupcake across the street? A disaster. Not even good kitsch. It should be pulled down and posted to Las Vegas. By the way, I’m intimidated by the size of American food. Do you think the Chelsea has a creative spirit? Absolutely, beyond doubt. It’s intangible, but it manifests itself in the way people interact. There’s always a feeling that something exciting is about to happen. All of the art about the place emboldens you to go ahead and do your thing as well.

How was your first experience with snow? I was praying, literally, to see snow in NY. On Tuesday night I saw my first flake on my glove in Times Square and looked at it in absolute wonderment. The next day there was an ice storm and I went out and walked around and got wet jeans and decided I’m glad to live in a Mediterranean climate. But Moma’s sculpture garden in the snow is absolutely beautiful. And to go out and be as miserable as everybody else made me feel like a real New Yorker. How will you celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Andy’s death? I won’t have it. I’ll be on a plane and I’ll cross the dateline and miss that day. It makes me a bit sad now that I think about it. I’ll drink a Coke and think about Andy’s famous quote about Coca Cola. I remember when I was in my shop cleaning up and I heard news of Andy’s death come over the radio. I screamed. I started crying and put a sign in the window saying closed out of respect for Andy Warhol. When my boss found out that I did this, I almost got sacked. I knew I would never meet Andy and because of that my life seemed just a little bit emptier.

Tour Andy Warhol's Gravesite

A fitting homage on the 20th anniversary of his death.

V is for Vali Myers

Ed's article about the annual Valentine's Day party hosted by Tony Notarberardino to honor Vali Myers is online at Chelsea Now.  It was a great party and if you missed it this year, there's always next year. For those of you who couldn't attend here are a few pics.

Andrea Ho brought a mockup of a forthcoming memoir by Gianni Menichetti, Vali's lover of many years.
(Photo: Andrea and friend)

William Barton, one of the world's greatest didgeridoo players takes a break.
 






















Clayton Patterson, Tony N. and Scotty Diller share a laugh.

Emma in front of a Vali Myers print.

A copy of Vali's diary was available and made for some interesting reading.

The Best Superstars Are Dead or No Shows at the Gershwin

Our guy from Australia happens to be in NYC this week. You'll be reading more about him on this blog later.  Yesterday, he drug himself out of his cozy warm room to party crash the Warhol celebration over at the Gershwin.  OGFA writes, "As exciting as was, there isn't much to say just now except that I went to a reunion of some of the remaining Superstars and freaked out at the proximity. In all truth, the Superstars who interest me most are either dead or didn't show up." Plus, "the Gershwin is vile BTW- such a bad attempt at creating a sort-of-Chelsea but it's all ritzy and clean. Yuk."

That totally sucks that all of the best Superstars are dead!  Here are a few pics of the superstars who are still breathing and bothered to show up! (Photos: Lou Reed, Mary Woronov, Misc. Superstars, Ultra Violet)

Fly Trans-Love Airways:Today's High-Falutin' Hotel Guest Demands Modern Amenities

Now I read that you shouldn't use hotel coffee makers because they could have been used to cook up methamphetamine.  No such problems here at the Chelsea, I can assure you.  I remember when Dee Dee Ramone used to blow the fuse several times a day trying to cook up whatever mind-altering substance he was shooting or snorting or otherwise ingesting in the room next door to us.  I would be typing away on my computer, la de da, when, Pow! out go the lights.  And my computer too, since it was an old one and the battery was dead.  And every time, Mr. Green, our neighbor on the other side, would stick his head out his door and yell, "You can't have anything with a heating coil, Dee Dee!!!"  The wiring is so old, you see, installed in the middle ages or whenever the hell this place was built.  Come on, Stanley, let's rewire the building.  These high-paying, hoity-toity guests you're bringing in here demand modern amenities.  It's high time we move into the Brave New World of 21^st century psychopharmacology!  Ed Hamilton

All Tomorrow's Parties: Feb. 19 - 25, 2007

If you're not aready sick of Andy Warhol and Factory Girl, you will be soon!  The Gershwin Hotel is hosting events all week long to honor Andy. 

Monday, Feb. 19, 7:00 & 9:00 p.m.
The Word and the Image: Films of Peter Whitehead.  Many argue that Peter Whitehead created the first music videos. Tonight's presentations are: LED ZEPPELIN: LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL (1970); and THE FIRE IN THE WATER (1977, 90 minutes.) In this alchemical allegory, a filmmaker reviews his brief movie career in the highlands of Scotland while his girlfriend explores the countryside alone. With Nathalie Delon, The Animals, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Jimi Hendrix, David Hockney and John Lennon.
Anthology Film Archives, 32 Second Ave., NY NY

Tuesday, Feb. 20, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Writers on Warhol authors book fair. Authors including Mary Woronov (Swimming Underground: My Years in the Warhol Factory), Ultra Violet (Famous for Fifteen Minutes) and Victor Bockris (Warhol: The Biography) will be on hand to talk about the Warhol era and sign their books.
The Gershwin Hotel, 7 East 27th St., NY NY

Tuesday, Feb. 20, 10:30 p.m.
Susanne Bartsch , Kenny Kenny, Patrick McDonald and Eve Kitten invite you to the launch of "Le Dolce Eve Kitten," ... The Doll. Room Service Tuesdays. Hosting service: Amanda Lepore, Astro, Kim Aviance, Ladyfag.  Moondust, Theodora, Richie Rich and Furey. Music Service: Princess Superstar. Sounds in the Strip Tease Lounge: Michael Cavadias aka lily of the valley Show: BOB
35 East 21st St., Between Park & Broadway, NY NY

Wednesday, Feb. 21, 6:30 p.m. (FREE)
Scandinavia House presents a special opportunity to meet the next generation of Nordic filmmakers and see their latest work. The program features short films by five Scandinavian artists currently based in New York.  Mis pope, le by Anders Bramsen will be among the shorts screened. There will be a reception following the screening.
Scandinavia House, 58 Park Ave. between 37th and 38th Streets, NY NY

Thursday, Feb. 22, Readings 6:00 - 7:30, Reception 6:00 - 10:00
The Carrozini von Buhler Gallery will be hosting "Andy Warhol: In His Wake," to commemorate Warhol's death. The show is being curated by Cynthia von Buhler, Amy Cohen Banker, and Kevin Kushel and will feature works by Warhol stars Ultra Violet, Taylor Mead, Billy Name, and Ivy Nicholson in addition to seven other artists who either documented Warhol's activities or were inspired by him. The gallery will be decorated to look like the silver Factory and an evening of 5 minute readings, curated by Dorothy F. August, is planned on opening night with the title "Five Minutes of Fame." Scheduled to read are Dorothy F. August, Patricia Corragon, Greg Fuchs, Ron Kolm, Bill Kushner, Taylor Mead, Thad Rutkowski, Jackie Sheeler, Larissa Shmailo, Hal Sirowitz, and Carol Wierzbicki.
Carrozini von Buhler Gallery, 407 West 13th St., NY NY

If you have an event for "All Tomorrow's Parties," send an e-mail to [email protected]

Room Service Tuesdays

Here's part of what you're missing if you haven't been to Room Service Tuesdays hosted by Susanne Bartsch and Kenny Kenny.

Claw at Greasy Sausage Rinds

Wow, that basement must be swank!  We who live at the Chelsea are used to being barred from the downstairs club, but now it appears that not even fabulous Voice gossip columnist Michael Musto can get through the doors!  I guess he wasn't raucous enough.  Hey Michael, were you at least able to wash down your sausage rinds with a Red Bull from the outer-space-silver bar they set up in the hotel lobby?

 

Chelsea Hotel Universally Despised

By the gods, this is a singular injustice, and one that I’m afraid has finally caused me to lose my faith in human nature!  I’m referring of course to the recent American Institute of Architects survey ranking America’s most beloved buildings—in which, scandalously, the Chelsea didn’t even rank in the top 150!  As our illustrious proprietor Stanley Bard will be sure to tell you, the Chelsea is the most famous building in the world.  So what gives?

            Well, the number 1 most beloved is the Empire State Building, and that I can kind of see.  They do have a pretty good view there, to be fair, although I’ll bet they don’t have Peek-A-Boo Baths! But the Brooklyn Bridge at number 20?!  Hell, it’s not even a building, you crew of rocket scientists.  And the World Trade Center at number 19?  Nobody liked it at all before 9-11, so they must mean after.  So is it the pile of rubble or the hole in the ground?  Moving, disturbing perhaps, but beloved?

            Several hotels beat out the Chelsea: the St. Regis (16), the Waldorf Astoria (46), The Plaza (81), and the Royalton (133).  They must have only surveyed millionaires.  Were Bohemians specifically excluded?

            You know the fix was in when you read that the Apple Computer Store on 5^th Avenue ranks 53^rd, while the one in Soho comes in at 141!  (Have I mentioned lately that we have free Wifi in our lobby?  Who wouldn’t love that?!  Come on!)  But what really takes the cake is that the yet-to-be-built New York Times Building by Renzo Piano somehow managed to be ranked number 68!  Boy, people must really love the Westside Stadium!

            While I realize that self-centered writers and artists can be annoying, the Chelsea must certainly be universally despised if even non-existent buildings and smoldering ruins of twisted steel emitting toxic fumes rank higher!  But at least we beleaguered Bohemians can take a bit of solace in the fact that there are no Trump buildings on the list.  -- Ed Hamilton

Tourist Has Out of Body Experience at Chelsea, Enters Alternate Universe

Check out this recent review of the Chelsea.  This lady thinks we need a good scrubbing.  Doesn’t she know that bohemians are supposed to be dirty?  She also remarks that the place smells “like all different people’s dinner cooking at once.” The reason for this is because artists still live and work here, and, not being quite divine, have to eat once in a while. 

Judging from the photo of her room, she should thank her lucky stars, as she was the recipient of an increasingly rare gift.  This is one of the last of the unrenovated transient rooms left in the hotel!  A lot of them now look like something out of a W or other boutique hotel.  She was provided with the ultimate in Bohemian tourism. But she didn’t appreciate it. She tore that splendid comforter right off the bed! Hey, Stanley, don’t ever let her back in the hotel!  She wants to strip the 120 layers of paint from the woodwork!  Aiieee!!!!  -- Ed Hamilton

Betina's Magical Elixir

Longtime Chelsea Hotel resident Betina has a recommendation for us all: Papaya Enzyme.  If you’re in a lot a pain this is a good natural alternative to Tylenol or other medicine that may dull the senses or harm the internal organs.  Pineapple Enzyme also works well if you want to mix it up.

            So what we propose is that everyone in the hotel take Papaya Enzyme on a trial basis for a month and let us know how it works and then we’ll send in the results to the New England Journal of Medicine.  (Or hell, take pineapple, if you insist on being a contrarian.)  No physical pain, you say?  Well, perhaps it also works for mental pain.  Everybody has some kind of problem, so take it anyway.  Robert Lambert will serve as the control subject, consuming two Hostess Cupcakes per day.  (Chocolate, since you ask.)

            Betina also requests that you not sue her if the Papaya Enzyme doesn’t work.  It goes without saying that sometimes you are going to need something a bit stronger, so if your doctor has prescribed morphine for your terminal condition, don’t chuck it in the garbage just yet.  And don’t sue us either.

All Tomorrow's Parties: Feb. 12 - Feb. 18, 2007

Tuesday, Feb. 13, 10:30 p.m.
Susanne Bartsch & Kenny Kenny invite you to Room Service Tuesdays. Hosting service: Amanda Lepore, Astro, Kim Aviance, Ladyfag.  Moondust, Theodora, Richie Rich and Furey. Music Service: Alexander Technique. Sounds in the Strip Tease Lounge: Michael Cavadias aka lily of the valley Show:
35 East 21st St., Between Park & Broadway, NY NY

Wednesday, Feb. 14, 8:00 p.m.
Those interested in the life and art of Vali Myers are reminded of the Annual Valentine's Day Party held in her honor. Hosted by photographer Tony Notarberardino. 
Hotel Chelsea, 222 West 23rd St., NY NY

Wednesday, Feb. 14, 9:00 p.m.
Valentine's Day Guilty Pleasures show!!! A Saucy Bachanal of Revelry, Ribaldry & Romance, A Very Special, One Time Only Performance of NY's Most Romantic  BURLESQUE & VAUDEVILLE SHOW Tickets are available in pairs for what promises to be an evening of historic fun. Tickets are $100 pair, includes bottle of decent champagne, and a Guaranteed Brilliant Night Out.
Click here to make a reservation. or call 6464571467
29th Street Speakeasy,  130 W 29th St. NY NY

Thursday, Feb. 15, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Opening reception for artist Philip Taaffe.  According to the gallery, "Taaffe's oeuvre is remarkable for its visual exuberance and intricate craft. In a single work he combines the gestural impulses of action painting with the mechanical processes of silk-screening, as well as more archaic techniques, such as traditional gold-leaf illumination, relief printing, marbleizing, and subtle collage processes that are entirely his own innovation."
Gagosian Gallery, 980 Madison Avenue, NY NY

Friday, Feb. 16, 7:00 & 9:00, p.m.
Notes on Marie Menken, a documentary by Martina Kudláčekk includes previously unscreened archive footage, including a a camera “duel” for Bolexes between Menken and Andy Warhol. Click here to watch a trailer. Menken appeared in quite a few Warhol films, including The Chelsea Girls, The Life of Juanita Castro and Prison.
Anthology Film Archives, 32 Second Ave., at Second Street, NY NY


Saturday, Feb. 17, 11:00 pm
Relax and have a drink at Star Lounge, the new nightclub in the basement, that caters to, well, you know, stars. Let us know how that goes.
222 West 23rd St., NY NY

If you have an event that you want listed on All Tomorrow's Parties please e-mail [email protected] 

Rare Velvet Underground Acetate Now Digital

Songs from that supposedly rare Velvet Underground & Nico acetate which was for sale on E-Bay a few months back are now available on the internet.  The songs from the acetate are completely different takes from the officially released album, The Velvet Underground & Nico

A Night of Magic at The Chelsea: Annual Valentine’s Day Party to Honor Vali Myers

Annually, on February 14^th, Valentine’s Day, friends and acquaintances of the late artist and free spirit Vali Myers assemble in her old room at the Chelsea to commemorate her passing.  In no sense wicked, Vali was a witch who touched a great many lives with her vibrant spirit and optimistic outlook.  Vali was a champion of life and love in all its varied manifestations, and hence it’s fitting that her friends should gather on a holiday that has its roots in an ancient pagan fertility festival.
            The host of the party, Tony Notarberardino, a photographer and fellow Australian who knew Vali for ten years before her death, has maintained Vali’s room as it was when she lived there in the eighties and early nineties, assembling antique lighting fixtures and mirrors to provide a striking counterpoint to the vibrant reds, yellows, blues and greens of the walls and ceilings.  Hand painted by Vali herself, the room is a work of art.  However, “It’s not a museum,” Tony says, “but an organic thing.”  He adds to it occasionally, whenever he finds a piece that he thinks belongs.  Very well then, the room is a living work of fantastic art that has to be seen to be believed.

            Tony welcomes old friends and new to this year’s celebration.  Anyone with an interest in the life or work of this unique woman, or in learning more about her, is encouraged to attend.  Bring your   own stories, tokens or talismans of Vali’s life, if you have any, or your own magic objects—Vali’s life was all about magic! Guests will look at prints of Vali’s work, read passages from her unpublished diaries, watch a video or two, and swap stories of her life.  Maybe even have a few drinks as well!  In keeping with Vali’s living spirit, the party will not be a celebration of death, but of life. 

[The party takes place on Feb 14^th at 8 PM. at the Chelsea Hotel.  Anyone with a sincere interest in Vali Myers is welcome.  For more information, contact Tony via e-mail: notarberardino (at) earthlink.net]

Susanne Bartsch On The Catwalk

Susanne, classy as usual, on the catwalk at the Heatherette Fall 07 show at Bryant Park, 2/7/07.  Read what Susanne's husband David had to say about her in a recent issue of New York Resident.

Who Can Help?

Here's another e-mail we received this week from a gentleman who wants the Chelsea experience, but doesn't want to pay an arm and a leg.

Southern writer looking for information on living in Chelsea for a couple of months.  I am wrapping up a year in the Quarter in New Orleans and will be sidelined in Summitt County Colorado till April.

How would one garner a room at Chelsea for several months to work on my New Orleans project without having to spend thirty days times $195 or about $6,000 a month.  I would like to work from the Chelsea.

What advice can you give me?

Thanks

Glam Rock BBQ

The best stuff always comes to us from our readers, and so this week we're emptying out our inbox.  Check out this invite to a BBQ on the roof in 1982, sent to us by Michael Fellows.  The no doubt swinging soire was hosted by none other than Jobriath.  Jobriath, who as all good Chelseaites know, was the world’s first openly gay rock star. Back in the 1970s, he released two albums – Jobriath and Creatures of the Street and the glam rocker rocketed to success. In 2004, Michael hosted a party at Serena's-- the club in the basement of the hotel --to celebrate the release of Lonely Planet Boy, a CD compilation of Jobriath’s songs.  Jobriath's music was only available on vinyl until 2004. If you were fortunate enough to attend the rooftop BBQ drop us a line.  We'd love to hear more.  Jobriath, tragically died of AIDS. Photo: Jerry Brandt (Jobriath’s manager) and Michael Fellows at Serenas. The video of Jobriath is from Nigel Finch's BBC documentary about the Chelsea Hotel.

 

Much Ado About Edie

Last week, we asked a few of our readers why they thought that people are so interested in Edie Sedgwick.  Even the NY Times is puzzled. Here are a couple of replies.  If you have your own thoughts, offer them up.

Our Guy in Australia responds:

Y'know...   I've stopped to ask the same question.

I think that the ultimate answer is, sadly enough, that there are $$$$ to be made.  The story of Edie's self-destruction makes her an ideal martyr for morose teens to fixate on.  This, in turn, makes Edie a marketing opportunity.   Being dead, she can't sue or ruin the myth.  Edie left behind so little 'work' that she is an attractively esoteric idol to choose.

The supplementary question has to be why people want to buy the Edie currently on sale.  This is where I see more complex forces at work.  What strikes me is that Edie was real in a way that totally contradicts the contemporary notions of beauty and celebrity.

Starting at beauty, Edie was an individual and everyone wants to be one of them!  More importantly her beauty was 'natural', not the result of nipping, tucking, botoxing and all the bizarre modern beauty rituals. 

I don't think it's a co-incidence that this new interest in Edie has grown at the same time as reality TV and the 'Paris Hilton bratpack' of nouveaux celebs.  Edie, not to put too fine a point on it, would never have shown her vagina while disembarking from a taxi.  Edie was a pioneer of being famous simply for being famous and, as such, she is in a direct line to dear Miss Paris.  The substantial difference between Edie and Paris is that Edie understood the Wildean concept of living one's life as art and consequently projected a celebrity that is still dazzling today.  Edie did things, Paris just turns up places to collect a paycheck.

Edie was charismatic and supernaturally beautiful, neither of these things can be underestimated in her appeal.  I do think, however, that it was the genuine-ness of her celebrity that distinguishes her.  Andy presented Edie to the world and they lapped her up.  Even from what little footage remains, it is hard to deny that Edie had a special and rare relationship with the camera- she is compelling to watch to this day.

At my third point, I'd place the question in the context of the American Idol phenomenon that gives the impression of having democratised celebrity.  American Idol purposefully confuses talent with celebrity and the end result is the burdensomely bland.  Edie's 'ascent' into celebrity had nothing democratic about it- she was 'crowned' by Andy Warhol.  Edie never needed to employ a publicist.

Edie made her own eccentric way through her life and I really think that that is the core of her appeal.  She has all the appeal of an Ophelia model doomed heroine and her life story is something of a cautionary tale for our times.  Everything that Edie did, the beauty and the suffering, made her a very real person who, I gather, many people feel an affinity with.

Edie lived the dream that so many of us have to go to New York and 'become someone' but she destroyed herself in the process.  In this sense, Edie made herself a martyr to celebrity and we just love them! 

The Edie story has a grand arc to it that suggests the Edie myth will remain an active myth long into the future.  If Edie represents anything today it is a time that was more 'pure', a time before cosmetic surgery and American Idol became cultural touchstones.  Long after Paris Hilton is forgotten there will still be the Edie story there as one of the stories that builds our collective culture.


Jean Pearson, who took the photo below of Nat Finkelstein and Danny Fields at the Strand Book Store a couple of months ago to promote Edie: Factory Girl, weighs in.

I think that the Edie/Andy Warhol connection is ICONIC.  Edie was the "IT GIRL OF THAT PERIOD." Her fashion sense as well as style were quite brilliant.  Since Edie and Andy were such icons of a revolutionary period (the 60's) they both created a huge impact in our cultural history.  Also, Edie was a member of Warhol's factory - when it really took off in the early years.  She was such a symbol of 60's style - she was something so new, spirited, and fresh compared to the former 1950's stuffy, boring, and restrictive matronly fashions.  Her image took off like a meteor when she hit the scene!  She was edgy and over the top with tremendous spirit.  It's unfortunate that she had a history of family problems as well as acute addiction/abuse issues, etc..  She was very "Chelsea Hotel" and it's great that she once lived at

222 West 23^rd Street!

 

The Stepford Wives Take Over Madonna's Sex Room

Presenting Moet and Bouquet Sammy Jos’ layered

Pretty Plaid Meredith

Coral Bow Margie

Orange Swirl Sophie Under Salt Water Sophie with Laid Dovetail Coat
 

Doucette Duvall Fall/Winter Presentation at the Hotel Chelsea

All Tomorrow's Parties: Feb. 5 - Feb. 11, 2007

Monday, Feb. 5, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
In case you haven't noticed it's fashion week!  Doucette Duvall will launch their Fall/Winter 2007 line here at the Chelsea.
Chelsea Hotel, 222 West 23rd St., NY NY (Room 822)

Tuesday, Feb. 6, 10:30 p.m.
  Susanne Bartsch & Kenny Kenny invite you to Room Service Tuesdays. Hosting service: Amanda Lepore, Astro, Kim Aviance, Ladyfag.  Moondust, Theodora, Richie Rich and Furey. Music Service: Alexander Technique. Sounds in the Strip Tease Lounge: Michael Cavadias aka lily of the valley Show: TBD.
35 East 21st St., Between Park & Broadway, NY NY



Wednesday, Feb. 7, 6:30 p.m.
The Community Board 4 full board will meet to consider the General Theological Seminary's development plan.  After the full board meeting the plan goes to the Landmarks Preservation Commission where the Seminary is seeking certificates of appropriateness for its plans to make changes to its full-block campus that extends to Tenth Ave.
Fulton Center Auditorium on 119 9th Ave.

Saturday, Feb. 10, 11:00 - 4:00 p.m.
"The Magic Within: Paintings and Drawings by Herbert Gentry," opens today. The show runs through March 25.  The opening reception is scheduled for Feb. 17 and Mary Ann Rose will give a gallery talk on Feb. 25 from 3:00 - 5:00.
James E. Lewis Museum, Morgan State University,

Sunday, Feb. 11, 5:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Last chance to view Doug Aitken's Sleepwalker before it closes.  Gerald DeCock is responsible for that great looking hair. The project is the first to bring art to MoMA's exterior walls. Eight continuous sequences of film scenes will be projected onto six facades, including those on West Fifty-third and Fifty-fourth streets and those overlooking The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden.
Museum of Modern Art, 11 West 53 Street, between Fifth and Sixth avenues, NY NY

If you have an event that you want listed on All Tomorrow's Parties please e-mail [email protected] 

Jackson Pollock at 95

Jackson Pollock would have turned 95 on January 28, but it's never too late to celebrate. 
Take a look at jacksonpollock.org, which allows you to mouse around and create your own Abstract Expressionist masterpiece. (Be sure to click to change the color of your “paint.”)

The site was created by an artist named Miltos Manetas, who appropriated an earlier version of this Flash-animation application from a technologist named Michal Migurski, who appropriated his idea from, well, both Pollock and Etch A Sketch.

Who's Creepy?

Those girls wrote on their blog that the Chelsea is creepy.  Well, we may be creepy, but at least we usually have enough sense to put on our clothes when we go outside.  I've been telling you all along that nearly nude girls are constantly prancing around the hotel. Here's the proof!  sgoralnick's flickr

And, more proof! Are thse pantyhose she's wearing? I think I get it: Edie used to wear black tights, so now Sienna, in homage, wears tights as well.  But she's got the look all wrong.  And her purse looks like a giant calculator.  That movie had better be good.