Events

Covenant House’s 50th Anniversary Gala – Ariana DeBose, Darren Criss, Audra McDonald, Rachel Brosnahan and More

Published

10 months ago

May 25, 2022

On Monday, May 23, Covenant House, the largest charity in the Americas helping homeless and trafficked youth, gathered supporters to celebrate their 50^th anniversary during their annual Night of Covenant House Stars Gala. The event took place at Chelsea Industrial in New York City. Rising to Tomorrow, the theme of this year’s event, highlighted Covenant House’s 50 years of service and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to preventing and ending youth homelessness.

Darren Criss Photo by Aaron Almendral

Ariana DeBose Photo by Aaron Almendral

Jason Ralph and Ariana DeBose Photo by Aaron Almendral

The event kicked off with a performance by Emmy Award winner Darren Criss , who opened the gala with a rendition of Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know.” Guests also heard from Oscar Award winner and Covenant House board member Ariana DeBose, who performed a mashup of Coldplay’s “Fix You” with Adele’s “Turning Tables;” singer Krysta Rodriguez who performed “What’s Up?” and” Don’t Worry Be Happy;” and singer and Covenant House Board Member Capathia Jenkins, who sang “What A Wonderful World.”

Krysta Rodriguez Photo by Aaron Almendral

The Kid Mero Photo by Aaron Almendral

Kayli Carter Photo by Aaron Almendral

“Desus & Mero” co-host The Kid Mero welcomed guests by sharing more about the organization’s connection to his hometown, the Bronx. He then invited Covenant House Board Member and Emmy-, Grammy-, and Tony Award winner Audra McDonald to the stage, who appeared twice during the program and highlighted the need to continue helping homeless youth. Actor Jason Ralph, who has been involved with the organization for years, spoke about Covenant House’s annual Sleep Out to End Youth Homelessness. The stars were also joined by Covenant House youth, who performed original music and shared stories about how the organization changed their lives.

Audra McDonald Photo by Aaron Almendral

Trailblazer and “Good Morning America” anchor Robin Roberts accepted this year’s Beacon of Hope Award in recognition of her dedication to ending youth homelessness. Roberts has been involved with the organization since 2014 and said, “When I meet the young people and alumni at Covenant House and hear their stories, I am inspired by their courage in the face of unimaginable fears; about the kind of perseverance that refuses to let go of their dreams, however unlikely their realization may seem at any given moment; about not allowing themselves to be defined by others or a circumstance but, instead, affirming and embracing their truth. We all need to hear these stories and share them. And, as a humble recipient of this Beacon of Hope, I am honored to be a bearer of your light.”

Robin Roberts Photo by Aaron Almendral

Former New Jersey Governor and US Senator Jon Corzine, who serves on the organization’s board, was also honored, taking the stage to accept the Board Service Award for his years committed to the organization.

Jason Ralph and Ariana DeBose Photo by Aaron Almendral

“You make it possible for 2,000 children and youth across 33 cities in six countries to sleep safely tonight under a Covenant House roof each and every night,” said Covenant House President & CEO Kevin Ryan to the overflow crowd of supporters at Chelsea Industrial. “Thank you for supporting our young people and our frontline staff through the worst days of the pandemic, enabling us to provide 700,000 nights of housing and shelter last year, and 3.5 million meals since March 2020. In the midst of a global pandemic, Covenant House added more than 900 beds, rebuilt or renovated facilities in a dozen cities, opened in 10 new cities, and added innovative programming for young people overcoming homelessness and human trafficking. You made that possible.”

Kevin Ryan, Robin Roberts, Ariana DeBose, Darren Criss Photo by Aaron Almendral

The evening ended with the Empire State Building lighting up in Covenant House’s colors. Earlier in the day, Emmy Award winning actress Rachel Brosnahan, who also serves on Covenant House’s board, took part in the lighting ceremony of the iconic New York landmark commemorating the occasion.

Rachel Brosnahan lights The Empire State Building in honor of Covenant House’s 50th Anniversary on May 23, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Empire State Realty Trust)

Prior to the gala, Covenant House celebrated the grand opening of their new purpose-built facility, the first in their 50-year history in New York City. The 12-story project features 60 bedrooms, closets, classrooms, computer rooms and a recreational center. The facility also includes mental health facilities, an on-site medical clinic, and a nondenominational prayer room. Throughout the building there are individual bathrooms and bathing facilities to accommodate the gender identity of all the youth who may come to Covenant House. United States Senator Chuck Schumer, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, and more participated in the grand opening.

Rachel Brosnahan lights The Empire State Building in honor of Covenant House’s 50th Anniversary on May 23, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Empire State Realty Trust)

Funds raised from Night of Covenant House Stars go directly to food, clothing, healthcare, education, job training, and short and long-term housing for youth overcoming homelessness at Covenant House across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America.

Rachel Brosnahan lights The Empire State Building in honor of Covenant House’s 50th Anniversary on May 23, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Empire State Realty Trust)

Accenture, Delta, Goldman Sachs, and Wealthspire Advisors served as sponsors for this year’s event. Covenant House is the largest, primarily privately funded charity in the Americas helping homeless and trafficked youth, providing 24/7 crisis care and ongoing support in 33 cities across six countries. In 50 years of service, Covenant House has never closed its doors.

Empire State Building, LED Lights.

For more information, go to www.covenanthouse.org

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Suzanna Bowling

Suzanna, co-owns and publishes the newspaper Times Square Chronicles or T2C. At one point a working actress, she has performed in numerous productions in film, TV, cabaret, opera and theatre. She has performed at The New Orleans Jazz festival, The United Nations and Carnegie Hall. She has a screenplay and a TV show in the works, which she developed with her mentor and friend the late Arthur Herzog. She is a proud member of the Drama Desk and the Outer Critics Circle and was a nominator. Email: suzanna@t2conline.com

Celebrity

The Glorious Corner

Published

8 hours ago

March 20, 2023

Suzanna Bowling

Carmine Appice and David Salidor

G.H. Harding

SIXX APPICE –— (Via Ultimate Clsssic Rock) Nikki Sixx spoke out against Carmine Appice’s claim that guitarist Mick Mars had been in dispute with his bandmates in the run-up to his retirement from Motley Crue. Mars’ departure was announced on the completion of their 2022 Stadium Tour, with John 5 named as his replacement soon afterwards. The official reason given was that Mars’ longterm illness had finally caught up with him – but in a recent interview, former Ozzy Osbourne and Vanilla Fudge drummer Appice suggested otherwise.

Motley Crue 1985 by Mark Weiss

“[Mars] told me, ‘When I was on the Stadium Tour, I was not happy,’” Appice told Ultimate Guitar. “Basically, everything was on tape; it was all planned out and ultimately a lot of crap. … The truth is that everything has been weird for a while with Motley Crue… Mick told me that people that came to see it could tell that it was all pre-recorded and that everything was on tape.”

Appice added that Mars “would travel alone on a bus while the other guys flew everywhere,” and continued: “He said, ‘Man, these guys are pissing their money away, flying to every gig.’ They were all busy still trying to be rock stars, and Mick just wanted to play the music. … [T]here were a lot of disagreements. I think he was just done.” When Mars was told about Crue’s World Tour with Def Leppard, Appice claimed, the guitarist told his colleagues: “You can do it. I’m not going out with you for this.”

Earlier this week Sixx appeared to refer indirectly to Appice’s comments, tweeting: “Love how people talk FOR us without talking TO us. This is why the media has lost credibility. Obviously by printing BS they make money off of advertising and we’re not into that clickbait game. When the truth comes out it will be FROM us.”

But he was more direct during a Twitter Q&A session last night. “A washed up drummer trying to speak for us? And bottom feeder media running with it to make money off of lies? Welcome to the sad new world of LOOK AT ME LOOK AT ME,” the bassist wrote.

He more or less repeated the same answer when asked: “Is what Carmine Appice said true?” Sixx replied: “A washed up drummer speaking for our band without any of the facts is as ridiculous as bottom feeder media running with stories without fact checking. When you hear the truth it will be from us.” He later commented: “It’s a funny money game.”

Crue will continue on the road through much of the year. Asked if 5’s status in the group was secure, Sixx stated: “Of course. He’s our guitar player. We have big plans.

Seems like there’s really a rumble in the metal-jungle. First off, I love these names … but, the name ‘Carmine Appice’ actually sounds pretty normal.

The metal world is a rough one for sure with fanzines named Blabbermouth; Louder Sound; Metal Edge; Metal Anarchy; Chaoszine; and Metal Injection. Remember, look before you leap!

The Longhorn

SHORT TAKES — Growing up, every Sunday night was family-dinner night at the steak-eatery The Longhorn in Rockville Center, Long Island. Sure it was a long-time ago, but the memory survives (as does the memory of our favorite waiter Tomas). Did you know that Micky Dolenz’s father George, owner and operated a restaurant in the heart of the Sunset Strip called The Marquis? The always regal-Alison Martino did a terrific piece on it, check it out here: https://martinostimemachine.blogspot.com/2022/02/the-marquis-restaurant-once-located-on.html?m=1&mibextid=uc01c0&fbclid=IwAR3wCiU_sgRmpjqWGpda_mEHthrj7OS1UfLOVkvYdbfVP_d5Iz0fO-KZbUw

Do you know the HLN Network? I really didn’t either, but it turns out its owned by CNN and Warner Brothers. This past weekend they ran a Fringe-fest, consisting of all the season of that show (2008-2013) which was one of my all time favorites. I watched most of it and it’s uncanny how well the show holds up. It features the wondrous John Noble; Joshua Jackson; Anna Torv and the late-Lance Reddick. The writing was just off the charts and more than being a sci-fi shows, it was about relationships. Just uncannily brilliant. Right up there with the X-Files and Lost …

Is it me or has the movie 80 For Brady dropped like a lead-balloon? There was a top-heavy PR-campaign before it came out and then nada. I’d still like to see it … HAPPY BDAY Andrew Freeman and Larry Yasgur.NAMES IN THE NEWS — Charles F. Rosenay; Jodi Ritzen; Jim Burgess; Richie Kaczor; Wayne Avers; Andrew Sandoval; Tom & Lisa Cuddy; Jodi Ritzen; Donna Quinter-Dolenz; Cindy Ronzoni; Kim Garner; Alan Rothstein; Crimshaw; Julian Lennon; Roger Friedman; Felipe Rose; Shep Pettibone; Mark Simone; Harvey Levin; Randy Jones; Bruce Haring; Andy Greene; and BELLA!

Events

Grace Jones, Bruce Hornsby Comes To The Blue Note Jazz Festival

Published

8 hours ago

March 20, 2023

Suzanna Bowling

The Blue Note Jazz Festival runs from May 31st through July 2nd.

On May 31st Grace Jones, singer, actress, author, traveller, artist and revolutionist will be playing at the Hammerstein Ballroom at 8pm. Her CD ‘Hurricane,’ received widespread praise. In 1977 Jones secured her first record deal resulting in a string of dance-club hits including “I Need A Man” and her acclaimed reinvention of Edith Piaf’s classic “La Vie En Rose.” The three disco albums she recorded, ‘Portfolio’ (1977), ‘Fame’ (1978) and ‘Muse’ (1979), generated considerable success in the market and established her as a major recording artist.

Jones also became a muse to Andy Warhol who photographed her extensively and created a series of iconic portraits of her.

Jones is equally famous for her motion picture roles in such features as “Conan the Destroyer” (1984) co-starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, “A View to a Kill” (1985) co-starring Roger Moore as James Bond, the vampire thriller “Vamp” (in which Keith Haring famously painted her body for her role as an undead exotic dancer) and “Boomerang” (1992) co-starring Eddie Murphy (for which she recorded the song “7 Day Weekend”).

On June 3rd at Town Hall Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers with special guests John Scofield, Kenny Garrett & Christian McBride.

Bruce Hornsby, pianist Bruce Hornsby writes powerful songs from the heart that touch on several distinctly American traditions: pop, jazz, bluegrass, and 1960s soul. He recorded with his backing band the Range. Hornsby ultimately rejected the musical mainstream, disbanding the Range so he could tour with the Grateful Dead in the early ’90s, then exploring a variety of adventurous musical fusions on his own that decade and with the Noisemakers in the 2000s. Along the way, Hornsby collaborated with everybody from bluegrass picker Ricky Skaggs to jazz musicians Christian McBride and Jack DeJohnette while also spending time composing scores for Spike Lee, but his real revival arrived in the 2010s when Justin Vernon cited Hornsby as an influence and invited the pianist to play on Bon Iver’s 2019 album I, I. Hornsby embraced the opportunities that arose with a series of electronic-inflected, unpredictable albums that ran from 2019’s Absolute Zero through 2022’s ‘Flicted.

Events

Time to Take a Trip on Amtrak From NYC To Washington DC For $20

Published

8 hours ago

March 20, 2023

Suzanna Bowling

The amazing cherry blossom trees in Washington DC are open, around April 4 and last as late as April 18. Now there is a really inexpensive way to see this remarkable site. New low fares now available on select Amtrak trains departing from 7pm – 5am traveling between New York City, DC and stops in between. Night Owl fares offer the same great coach service you expect on Amtrak, but at a new low price. Book today and save!

What to Expect Onboard

Large comfortable leather seats, with plenty of space and legroom to stretch out, or curl up.
No Middle Seats – ever.
Free WiFi and power outlets at your seat.
Bring up to four bags free – yes, two personal items and two bags – for free.
Easy downtown-to downtown service.
Arrive at station minutes, not hours, before departure for quick and easy boarding.
Looking to rest along the way? Grab a seat in the quiet car.

So, skip the hassles of airports and driving. There is no reason to catch a red eye when you can be a Night Owl.

*Please note Moynihan Train Hall is closed from 1am to 5am daily. Please plan to depart from or arrive at Penn Station during the hours of 1am – 5am.