BeChicMag.com

THEY STILL HAVE THE ‘RIGHT STUFF’

As a birthday present my cousin got us floor tickets to see New Kids On the Block at Madison Square Garden. And yes ladies, they still got it!

Before seeing NKOTB, we stopped by the ever popular Local West for cocktails across the street from MSG. Apparently we weren’t the only twenty-somethings getting ready to relive the greatest hits from our childhood. It seemed as if all the women at the cafe were there for the same thing: to see the New Kids. So we went to a low key pub a block away.

At first sight of Jordan Knight I was in complete awe. I’ve been to concerts before, spoken and hung out with celebrities but I’ve never felt a sense of nostalgia and admiration. When they performed hits like “You Got It (The Right Stuff)”, “Step by Step,” and “My Favorite Girl” I was taken back in time to fifteen years ago. I remembered thinking I was the coolest kid around with Jordan’s Ken doll. But it was Jordan’s “I’ll be Loving You Forever,” that made me love him all over again. Forget what you’ve seen in VH1’s Surreal Life. Jordan is not a ‘hasbin’.

Lady Gaga and Natasha Bedingfield opened up for the New Kids. Seeing Bedingfield sing what I consider to be my personal anthem, “Unwritten,” was an unforgettable experience and the best way to start off the concert.

It was a great way to end my birthday weekend, except for the bruises I woke up with the next morning from falling off the seats after trying to dance to their freestyle moves.

SO IS SHE, OR IS SHE NOT?

While at work yesterday my colleague showed me a photo that the Mohegan Sun sent in a blast email after Jennifer Lopez’s concert in Connecticut on Wednesday. So is she, or is she not? (I personally hope she is, and if so, I’m so happy for her!) What do you think?

LOUNGIN’ IN THE L.E.S.
The Lower East Side was hit with an exclusive live rock concert on Friday night. New York-based Irish band The Laborforce and vocalist Greg Kavanagh sold out the Connelly Center Theater with their four member band including keyboardist Ron Gozzo and his orchestra! And not to compare Greg Kavanagh to any other musician- but being that I haven’t been to many of these concerts- the night reminded me of a sold out 2003 John Mayer concert with a laid back Coldplay audience. Yet- Ron Gozzo’s solo saxophone concluded the evening in perfect harmony. This is definitely a band to look out for. They’re already a hit in Ireland. If you haven’t seen them perform, you should. Below are some videos of last night’s concert where all profits went to the Connelly Center for Education- a private school educating girls from low income families on the Lower East Side.*ms

You know you liked it! Check out the band on an Ireland TV show on YouTube.

To learn more about THE LABORFORCE, go to TheLaborforce.tv

I can’t say I have all his albums and follow his career, but what I do know is that I respect him as an artist and admire his voice, moves and of course his looks. Since his “Sexy Back” single this past summer my interest in Justin Timberlake has grown stronger. Walking home on Prince Street the day after the MTV awards I noticed a big black Escalade parked outside of Cafe Habana which meant someone “important” had to be in the restaurant. As I looked to my left I noticed that it was no other than Justin himself having lunch with what looked like some of his dancers. I’m not one to approach any celebrities especially while they’re dining, so I passed on my “opportunity”. Now I could only look forward to another chance to meet the dancing genius. Perhaps I’ll get my dance with JT this year- after all, he will be performing in Manhattan next month.

Justin Timberlake 2007 FutureSex/LoveShow.
February 7, 2007. 8 p.m.
Madison Square Garden.
thegarden.com *ms