Wednesday, February 27, 2013

ON MARCH 2, REFREOFRET VINTAGE GUITARS CELEBRATES "KALAMAZOO GALS"

 
Saturday March 2, 2013

 
5 to 8 PM
 
Retrofret Vintage Guitars
233 Butler St.
Brooklyn,NY 11217
 

On March 2, 2013 during Women’s History Month, from 5 to 8pm Retrofret Vintage Guitars will host an informal gathering, discussion and book signing to celebrate the women guitar builders of Kalamazoo and Mr. Thomas' book "Kalamazoo Gals – A Story of Extraordinary Women & Gibson's Banner Guitars of WWII."

This unique book event will be held at the equally unique Retrofret Vintage Guitars Shop in the historic industrial Gowanus Canal section of Brooklyn. Retrofret's Steve Uhrik (owner & master luthier) and Mamie Minch (head of repair) invite you to our shop from 5 to 8PM that evening.

 
"Retrofret is uniquely connected to the subject of Mr. Thomas’ new book, ”Kalamazoo Gals”, for many reasons: First of all we have quite a thing for old Gibson guitars! Retrofret is one of the few major guitar shops dealing exclusively in vintage instruments. Secondly, our repair shop happens to be run by a woman and our staff includes three female technicians handling most of the repair and restoration work. Finally, I just love the true stories behind the guitars - especially the little known ones." - Steve Uhrik
 

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

BACKSTAGE AT THE 2013 WESTMINSTER DOG SHOW



Does anyone remember back to 2008 when Uno, the beagle with rock-star qualities won the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show?  Such a great moment!  It was around the time that the indy film Juno arrived on the scene and became an unexpected hit.  So graphic designer and artist Mike Sorgatz did some funky photoshopping and came up with the above poster.  Pretty awesome, right?

Every year, we love to catch at least the final few hours of Westminster on television.  But after downscaling to basic cable channels, we were unable to watch it from our home this year. Not acceptable! Determined to be a part of the action, I took the A train to Columbus Circle and then cut across to Piers 92/94 way over on 12th Avenue.  For $25, I gained admission to two giant rooms which housed the dogs and their handlers (and probably some owners).

It was so interesting to see all the humans and dogs in one place.  Everyone, especially the people, looked pretty fried from the two days of competing (plus all the time and energy it took to get there, I bet.)  Still, it was fun to view the different breeds and watch the grooming rituals.

I saw this cutie (pictured below) get placed on a special dog-grooming table, where his fur was blown dry.  The groomer then used special doggy hair spray, and another person stepped in and used another product to make the fur stand out from his face.

I saw bags stuffed with what looked like doggy medicines/vitamins; a pup the size of a small pony covered in white dreadlocks; dental care products and treadmills designed for dogs.  The sweetest part was seeing handlers being affectionate with their dogs, and visitors taking delight in all the amazing breeds and their funny antics.

On the long walk back to the subway, a groomer gave me this tip for next year's show:  Come and see the smaller judging events for the breeds I like best, and then come visit the dogs and handlers once the judging is over so they aren't too concerned about us messing up the dog's fur.

By the way: the winner of this year's show is Banana Joe, and, like winners from years past, he got to go to the legendary Sardi's for a meaty treat following his victory!

TWIST ON THE THE TYPICAL PRINCESS PLOT IN MARCH 25 PARK SLOPE PERFORMANCE




Now here's a twist on the typical Disney princess plot:  In SPARKLE: The Princess Spectacular!
Cinderella, Tinkerbell, and Snow White work together to rescue Prince Charming from the Witch's evil spell.

The 40-minute musical, aimed at young folks ages 1-7, was conceived and produced by Brooklyn resident and mom Angela Sbano. In Angela's own words, "My goal is to provide young children with an exciting first encounter with a theatrical production."

The performers, presented by Elixer Opera, will include the actress-and former Disney princess, Victoria Rae Sook, and So You Think You Can Dance alum, Courtney Cholminski.

If you'd like to see the show for FREE, come on Monday, March  25th, 10 am at  Holy Family-St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 9th Street at 4th Avenue, Park Slope, Brooklyn. 

Everyone who comes to the show invited to dress in their finest royal attire. Afterward there will be pizza, a raffle for some great prizes, and pictures with the cast!  

For more information, go to   www.Facebook.com/SparkleThePrincessSpectacular