I always feel like one of those crazy promoters who yells over the airwaves with a giant horn when I announce big events. TONIGHT at VAULT in Boston, Rhoaming Music Presents the Natural Bar Gang Release Party!  Tonight is the release of the “Monsters” video featuring the Famous Nobodies and produced by Stay Puft/CAVATA’s Pete Needy.  On top of this, you can be one of the first people to get your hands on exclusive BAR Gang X CAVATA apparel before they go on sale to the general public.  Lots of bands/musicians/rappers have merch for sale at shows and online.  These are not your typical run-of-the-mill merch tees!  Top quality materials, printed tags, woven hem tags, the works.  Natural puts 100% into every track, every collaboration, every video and now every piece of merch.  NO cutting corners for this team.  The last time CAVATA and Natural teamed up for an event at VAULT we shut the place down.  Need I say more?

The Vault

105 Water st Boston Ma

Music by: DJ Real P & DJ Alcide

21+ Proper ID required

No dress code

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There’s not a lot that I can say about the Boston Marathon Bombings that hasn’t already been said. What many do not realize is that even though the majority of Bostonians are getting “back to normal” many of us are still reeling from the devastation and have a long way to go to regain any sense of normalcy. If you’r reading this you know that CAVATA is a Boston-based brand but more specifically we’re from Dorchester, Boston’s biggest neighborhood. Martin Richard, the 8-year-old boy who lost his life that day, was from Dorchester and it seems every single person you run into around these parts has a connection to his family, including us at CAVATA.

Although no amount of money can change the events of April 15, 2013 we created our own, non-branded Boston Strong tee to raise money for the Richard Family.  Not only will they struggle to cope with the loss of their son but they will also face incredible medical bills and the challenges associated with the rehabilitation of Martin’s younger sister and mother.  All of the profits from the sale of this Boston Strong tee will be directly donated to the Richard Family Fund and I encourage all of CAVATA’s readers to dig deep to help this very deserving family.  Nobody deserves this, especially not this family.  We can’t change what happened but our donations can help them face the obstacles the future holds.  The Richard Family Fund is coordinated by friends of the family, with the approval of their representatives, to help provide an avenue of assistance for those who wish to contribute.  Donations are collected via WePay and deposited directly into a special bank account administered by St. Mark’s Area Main Street. SMAMS is a non-profit member of the City of Boston’s network of local Main Street programs devoted to helping the local community.  100% of the donations collected via this campaign will be disbursed to the Richards.

BUY YOUR BOSTON STRONG TEE SHIRT HERE

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A few years ago, a friend had an extra ticket and invited me to see All The Kings Men at The Oberon in Cambridge, MA.  I had heard about All the Kings Men (Boston’s premier gender-bending performance troupe) and always wanted to see a live performance but for some reason or another, I never had the opportunity. The troupe consists of 6 people, Petey Gibson being one of them, and they put on one of the most interesting, entertaining and memorable shows I have ever seen.  Of all the skits, without a doubt, Petey’s signature character of Mary Dolan made me laugh the hardest…so hard that I thought I was going to pee myself and double over with laughter-induced stomach pains.

“The electricity a room full of real live human beings can bring is some powerful shit. There’s nothing like it.”

I was introduced to Petey as one sixth of a performance troupe but that doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface.  She’s a personality that you can’t ignore, 1/2 of the Gibson/Antonellis Comedy Hour, a Groundlings, co-conceiver of MADCabaret, a recent LA transplant, a GO Magazine award winner, Cape Fear Comedy Festival participant, my favorite part of The Slutcracker and so much more.

THE GIBSON/ANTONELLIS COMEDY HOUR: ”Once I decided to move to Los Angeles, it was real do-or-die time for me and Julee since we had always wanted to create a show together. She had written a one women show, (N)everclear, and I was working with Bent Wit Cabaret and writing shows for Mary Dolan. At the time, we both worked at Cambridge Common (which has the Lizard Lounge venue below it) and the owners and staff were super supportive, so they just said… why don’t you use the Lounge? So we just met and met and met and made each other laugh and we came up with a show that I think really highlights us both as individuals and as a duo. We definitely have different styles of stand-up and both do our own sets in the show. Kelly MacFarland (from Comedy Central and NBC) had been a big supporter of us through our work in ATKM, and she came by and opened for us. It was a magical night, and sold out, so we booked it again a month later. And then THAT sold out. And then we kept moving venues- first to Davis Square Theater, and then to Oberon. Davis sold out and Oberon was left with just some standing room tickets. It’s been nuts…and really gratifying. The last two shows we’ve done we’ve written 3,000 miles apart over email, Facetime, Skype… it’s just silly but it works. We have a lot of faith in each other and we are both passionate live performers- we adore our audience, need that give-and-take. The electricity a room full of real live human beings can bring is some powerful shit. There’s nothing like it. We have the greatest audience in the world. My parents came from Florida to see a show, and Julee’s parents, aunts, and cousins have been at every one! It’s awesome.”

GROUNDLINGS: “The Groundlings are delicious. I am absolutely in the right place. I’m a fucking newb, but I am in the right place. In 2010, I started really thinking about taking classes and honing my craft- everything I’d done up to that point, with the exception of high school drama club, I learned onstage and from my peers. I wanted something more structured, I wanted to learn, and I also wanted to get more involved in the comedy community at large. I was ready for total immersion, I guess. And I thought about moving to LA, but also thought I was too old to start from the bottom somewhere… and then Bridesmaids came out. And it totally changed my life. The cast was full of Groundlings, each funnier and more compelling than the next, and these were people (mostly women) in their late thirties. And it was just…I knew what to do. I knew my comedy and character work would be a good fit at The Groundlings, and I came out in September of 2011 to audition to get into their school and got in. The morning I found out, I was in a lunch meeting with CBS, and Molly Shannon walked by our table. One of my absolute idiols. It was freakin’ kismet. Everything was rapidly clicking, and I decided to move out here. And I did. And I love it.”

LA STORIES:

-”The first earthquake happened about a month after I moved into my apartment. (Don’t worry.  I survived. I am a hero.) I legitimately thought my cat farted on my leg in his sleep, and shamed him. Later, when we found out it was a small earthquake, there were apologies and cat treats all around.”

-”Comedian Jenny Zigrino was touring out to the West Coast, and we had a night to hang out, and so her and I and my lady Natasha got tickets to see Tig Notaro at Largo, whom none of us had seen live, on a Facebook recommendation from my friend Robyn Giragosian, 3,000 miles away. (I love technology! Put out a simple, whiny “I don’t know what to do with myself tonight!” and someone across the country gives you a recommendation 5 miles from your house. So dumb. I love it.) Anyway, none of us really had the money for the tickets (like $20 or something) but we just decided… what the hell. This was early August, and this show ended up being her now-super-famous set about her breast cancer diagnosis, which was then followed by a 20 minute drop-in from Louis C. K. It was earth-shattering. It was the most brilliant, living, human thing I have ever seen. It totally changed my life. I still can’t believe we went on a random whim! I guess that’s how it goes.”

-”It’s funny being a queer in LA. It’s like everyone here in the industry is looking for their niche, for their selling point, you know? What makes them stand out. I wear a tie and it’s like, “Wow look at that! You’re really doing something edgy and different!” I find this hilarious because I’m used to being surrounded by dykes and queers in Boston. Wearing a tie is nothing. But hey- I’ll take it.”

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A few weeks ago I agreed to go to a fundraiser comedy show for my step-brother’s wrestling team.  Expecting it to be an incredibly tame school-related function, my expectations were low.  I got a drink, sat in the front row, wondered where the finger food was and waited for the show to begin.  As soon as it started, I knew my expectations were way off.  Meet Dave Russo. Dave was the fundraiser’s headliner and does one of the best non-verbal De Niro impressions I have ever seen. Recently named “Best Male Comic” in the city by the Boston Examiner, he’s been a mainstay of Boston comedy for the last fifteen years.

Dave and Henry Winkler

As co-host of NESN’s Dirty Water TV, he produces a regular comedy series in addition to reporting on the best of Boston night life. Not only has he appeared on The E! TV series “The Entertainer”, NBC’s “The Today Show,” FOX 25 with Gene Lavanchy & “The Phantom Gourmet,” he was hand selected by the producer of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” to perform on NESN’s Comedy All-Stars.  Most recently he was featured on BostonGlobe.com’s “Boston, A Comedy Capital” panel where he participated in a discussion of the history and future of Boston comedy!

It’s always a terrible experience to be an avid fan of a particular artist or performer only to find out that he or she is a total asshole  jerk face in real life.  Trust me, it’s happened to me at least twice before.  With Dave Russo, what you see is what you get…and that’s a good thing.  Not only does he perform regularly for the troops appearing with the U.S.O. at shows all over the country, he is also heavily involved in and supportive of a variety of local charities such as Denis Leary’s annual “Comics Come Home” to benefit The Neely House & The annual Rock & Jock Celebrity Softball Game to raise money for the Celebrities for Charity Foundation.  I could sit at this computer and tell you how great Dave Russo is…but why not see for yourself?  Do yourself a favor and check out www.daverusso.net and make sure to stay connected on Twitter and Facebook!

Dave and Denis Leary

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They’re finally here!  Watch all of the films from Boston’s talented student filmmakers online at

. The Boston Student Film Festival is produced by the Boston Student Arts Network (BSAN) to showcase student talent and help young people pursuing careers in the arts and entertainment industries. This free student membership organization provides showcasing opportunities, networking events and yearly support to some of the brightest and most creative minds in Boston.

This year, you can be part of the Fest from your very own living room. At the end of each film, you will have the opportunity to submit a rating and contribute to the “Best of the Fest: Audience Pick.”  Make sure to come see who wins at the Awards Screening and Reception on Thursday, April 11th!

Awards Screening and Reception

Thursday, April 11th, 2013
Kendall Square Cinema
Cambridge, MA

7:00 pm

Reception to follow at Tommy Doyle’s
Tickets are donation based.

The Fest fills a void in a community where thousands students reside and produce spectacular work. BSAN also provides support and guidance to the students in our community, offering new opportunities and ideas for members to grow in their industries. The BSAN strives to provide students with the tools they need to succeed and meet their goals and whether it be equipment, work/performance opportunities, crew, artistic advice, or general support, BSAN helps Boston students in a way few other organizations can match!

Make sure to check out some of the amazing films and cast your vote for your favorite. Forget Netflix, this is your new queue for tonight! Are you an aspiring filmmaker or know someone who is?  Get in touch with the the fine people Boston Students Art Network and get to work.

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If you haven’t followed CAVATA artist, @Natural617, on Twitter and Instagram by now, well, that’s just silly.  Our #1 representative landed in Texas yesterday for SXSW and has been documenting his meet ups, performances and general shenanigans for all of our loyal hip hop heads.  SXSW is just the beginning, though.  Right before he left he dropped a brand new single “Nothin’At All” which you can check out below.

A very special and sincere GOOD LUCK goes out to Natural and every CAVATA supporter headed to the Lone Star State!  I can’t help it, but every single time someone mentiones Texas I this of this.  Enjoy some of Natural’s photos below and follow him to stay up to date with all of his SXSW adventures.

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Working with non-profits and community groups has been incredibly rewarding for CAVATA and sometimes we’re lucky enough to get invited to their exclusive celebrations, listening/viewing parties and conferences.  Most recently, CAVATA was extended an invitation by The Music Drives Us Foundation to attend the Hard Rock Legends Memorabilia Tour at the Hard Rock Boston.  Delicious food + tasty drinks + a beautiful Boston night + an exclusive sneak peek at some of the most iconic ensembles worn by rock legends = quite an entertaining evening.  The Music Drives Us Foundation is a truly amazing organization that has helped countless kids and communities through their grants program and on behalf of the CAVATA team we are proud to be considered an MDU Partner!  Check out a few shots from the festivities below.  My favorite, by far, was Elton John’s stage jacket.  That man is the epitome of fabulousness.

Rolling VIP style

John Lennon’s white suit

Eric Clapton’s acoustic guitar

U2′s Bono’s snakeskin jacket

Steven Tyler rocked deep Vs before it was cool

My favorite piece: Elton John’s fabulous stage jacket

Queen guitarist, Brian May’s, axe – Red Special

Apparently this suit was worn by Shakira but it seemed oddly tall and not nearly hippy enough for her #hipsdontlie

Jimi Hendrix’s 1960′s scarf ensemble

An adorable rendition of Free Bird by St. John’s music students

And to close out the night, a lovely walk to the train through beautiful downtown Boston

THANK YOU, MUSIC DRIVES US!

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Guest blogger, Bianca Palumbo, talks about art, cupcakes and self-empowerment.

While reading some news on www.Artsnapper.com I was drawn in by an article with a photo featuring hundreds and hundreds of prettily frosted cupcakes.  My first thought…how is this art?  Its just cupcakes.  Have you ever seen anything like this before?  I know I hadn’t.  The more I read about this project, though, the more I realized just how creative, inspirational and truly artistic it was.

Leah Foster, of Dilley, Texas, has created astonishing art installations by baking tens of thousands of different-colored cupcakes and stringing them together.  The 24-year-old- an art student at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, New York – has baked more than 13,000 cupcakes for just two of her projects, but has lost count of the total number she has put in the oven.

This project is her idea of expressing “gender-based body image expectations” and it all came to life through her guilty pleasure of cupcakes!  ”I started baking the cupcakes as a way to explore gender-based body image expectations.  It started out because cupcakes were a guilty pleasure for me.  I’d bake them all the time, but never eat them. I really began to question the idea of the guilty pleasure. Was it for health reasons or for vanity?”

This particular project is aimed at girls with personal insecurities – helping them bake cupcakes and write down a fear, insecurity, or anxiety which would then be stuck into their cake, like a fortune cookie.  ”I asked all of them to decorate the outside of their cupcake with the way they present themselves to the world – such as bright, colourful, shy, quiet or classic.  A cupcake is almost everything I’ve been taught to be.  It’s cute, pretty, and petite, yet individual – not part of the larger cake.  I feel this is symbolic of the current situation of my generation.  Women are taught to be pretty on the outside and the inside, to be smart and attractive, to be individual and independent. For me, the cupcake represents this contradiction and duality.”

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Valentine’s Day has come and gone but it got me thinking about, you guessed it, love songs.  When you can’t find the right words and a cheesy Hallmark card just won’t suffice, a love song can help seal the deal.  They come in all forms, all genres and speak to everyone.  Many of us dread Valentine’s Day and the accompanying stress of making dinner reservations, buying gifts and living up to a significant others’ expectations but I think of this holiday as the perfect excuse to make the most perfect lovey-dovey mix for the one I love.  So, the big question is, what songs to include?  Here are CAVATA’s top 10 love songs determined by, well, us!  We have our reasons for selecting these jams (personal memories, classic hits, etc.) and this list, of course, is barely scratching the surface of the world’s best love songs but if you think we’re missing the mark, let us know.  Tweet us YOUR favorite love songs and we might just add it to the list!

10.)  Savage Garden: “Truly Madly Deeply”

9.) Joe Cocker: “You Are So Beautiful

8.) Boyz II Men: “I’ll Make Love To You”

7.) Al Green: “Let’s Stay Together”

6.) Journey: “Open Arms”

5.) Celine Dion: “My Heart Will Go On”

4.) Mariah Carey: “Without You”

3.) Sinead O’Connor: “Nothing Compares”

2.) Queen: “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”

1.) Lauryn Hill ft. D’Angelo: “Tell Him”

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I always have the funniest conversations with my grandparents; whether its showing my Nana how my iphone can take photos and send them to someone else or explaining to my other Nana how people buy our tee shirts through the internet, they always find a way to make me chuckle.  Because I have such a soft spot for seniors, I had tears rolling down my cheeks and strained stomach muscles from laughing at the hilarity of Breakfast at Sulimay’s on ScrappleTV via Stereogum.

Breakfast At Sulimay’s is a web video series in which three elderly music fans review indie and hip-hop singles over coffee at a Philadelphia diner. These latest installments include cranky critiques of Dan Deacon’s “Snookered,” Bat For Lashes’ “Glass,” and Bon “Eye-vur”‘s “Blood Bank.”  One actually gets a good review.  Check out the videos to find out which one it is!

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