Exhibit B: A Photo Series By Kareem Black

On Tuesday, September 7th, Street Walkers NYC attended Exhibit B: A Photo Series By Kareem Black.  Exclusively shot for Rouge 58 to coincide with New York Fashion Week, we were ecstatic to see what both Kareem and Rouge 58 had to offer.  We were definitely not let down.  The photographs consisted of legs and shoes in very interesting settings. According to the invite,  "Inspired by Guy Bourdin, his most favored photographer, Kareem collaborated with acclaimed stylist Harold Melvin to creatively direct seven images reminiscent of one of the greatest advertising photographers of our time."

A good time was had by all as music was spun by DJ's Valissa and Vida.  There was some light boozing, lots of socializing and delicious bite sized cheesecakes by BiteMe Cheesecake.

I was able to take shots of all of the images, the event and Kareem himself.  If you click on the"Read More" link, you will see more pictures of the event.

Features: Brandon "B.Alex" Durrette

I would like to introduce you to Music Producer/Remixer Brandon "B.Alex" Durrette...

I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with B.Alex for many years now. Brandon is a native New Yorker and we first met through Mike Milan when Mr. Milan and I both lived in Boston and I was working on a music project fresh out of high school. For many of you who know me, y'all have heard the name Brandon or B.Alex ring through the years. Now I'd like you to officially meet the self-made and well seasoned genius behind the music. Brandon has collaborated with some of New York City's biggest class acts such as Myspace phenom Jayms Madison, NYC performer Mark Villamaria, and Carlos Ricketts Jr. (who sang background vocals for Mary J. Blige herself). He has also graced us with many great remixes from Marvin Gaye to Janet Jackson to Kanye West and many many more.

So I'll stop there and let you indulge in the great Q&A I had with B.Alex himself.

SWNYC: So tell us a little bit about how music all started for you?

B.Alex: Music has always been an important component to my life. There are pictures of me wearing headphones at the age of two years old. I remember I used to carry a Fisher-Price cassette player and walk around my neighborhood with it. Eventually I upgraded and got something with a little more 'boom' in the speakers, but I was always that kid who had to have the latest single from every popular artist. If I couldn't afford it I would record it off of the radio! It wasn't until 1998 that I started creating my own music. I got a YAMAHA keyboard as a gift and started messing around with it. I never learned how to actually play it but it was a useful machine. The first remix I did was Brandy & Monica's "The Boy is Mine." I used a drum machine that I got from a family friend and made a dance hall beat to the acapella of the song. For a long time I never really saw making music as a talent or career option. Whether I recorded them via my keyboard or made them on my computer, my creations were just something I did for fun.

SWNYC: What's the process like creating music?

B.Alex: If it's a matter of me doing my own thing and making a track just for the hell of it then it usually stems from some sort of emotion or a particular "vibe" I'm feeling that day. A few of my favorite artists/producers are Prince, Michael Jackson, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, The Neptunes, and Quincy Jones. There are definitely times when I draw from their sound. Other times I'll create something totally random and see what comes about. If there is an artist involved I always try to get a sense of who they are no matter what genre they're trying to fit into, if any. I'm not the best songwriter but if I'm given some sort of melody or lyric I do my best make a beat to it. Sometimes the artist and I aren't on the same page but I at least try to stay in the same book!

SWNYC: With your remixes, what about the songs inspire you to re-create?

B.Alex: This may be surprising to know, but I don't listen to much popular music. They only time I listen to the radio is in someone's car or at a bodega. I'm sure if you asked me to name 5 artists that are in heavy rotation right now I couldn't do it. When I do a remix it's usually a song from an artist who is pretty established. In the case of new or upcoming artists I have to really like the song that its presented to me. I have to get some sort of emotion form it. Liking the song It makes it more easy to remix. I always think it's fun to play around with the mood/tone of the song. Like...'what if I turn this ballad into a dance song' or 'maybe this rock song can be an r&b song.' Remixing brings new life to the familiar and adds another point of view that maybe you couldn't see before.

SWNYC: Who's your favorite artist you've worked with thus far, be it original or remixed? and what's your favorite song you've done so far?

B.Alex: My favorite artist of all time is Janet Jackson. Janet's music is so great to listen to. I did a fun remix of Pleasure Principle. It's kind of like a funky acid jazz mix. My favorite remix I've done so far is Love Lockdown by Kanye West.

SWNYC: In a nutshell, describe your hometown of New York City and why you remain here?

B.Alex: I feel that New York City is the best city in the USA. I haven't been fortunate enough to travel to every major city in the country but out of the ones that I have visited New York remains the best. There's so much history and culture, and not just American culture. People from all over the globe come here to be apart of something great, to feel important; and everyone in this city is important. Each individual adds their own something special whether it be food, fashion, music, or general attitude. It's like there's New York and then the rest of the country. People don't get excited if you tell them you're from Boise, Idaho but if you tell them you're from New York City they suddenly want to know everything about you! As expensive as it is to live here I wouldn't want to be anywhere else in this country and I'm just fortunate to have been born here.

SWNYC: Coming from a native, where would you say you're favorite spot is in NYC at this point in your life?

B.Alex: It's really hard to pick just one place. There are so many neighborhoods, parks and establishments to choose from. My favorite part of the city without a doubt is Harlem. So many important artists lived in that area. Harlem has a unique energy. It's a very genuine, unapologetic kind of spirit. I know that as of late there have been a lot of changes not just in Harlem, but in the entire city. Condos, restaurant chains and things of that nature are popping up all over the place. I think those kind of changes are indeed necessary, and in some cases overdue. Harlem, however, is just one of those true New York neighborhoods that never looses it's raw flavor no matter how many changes it goes though. I also love Battery Park City. For some reason that area always reminds me of The Emerald City from The Wizard of Oz, especially at night.

SWNYC: Where do you see yourself in the near future?

B.Alex: At the gym! A little further down the road, however, I see myself working with my favorite artists and traveling. You never know what the future will bring so I'm just as curious as you are to find out.

SWNYC: Are there any projects other than music you're working on that we should look out for?

B.Alex: Yes. Film director Maurice Jamal has started a new TV network called GloTV. It's the first Urban LGBT TV network. I've been talking with him and his team about being involved in some of the programing. I'm actually in one of the ads for the network so look out for that while you're channel surfing.

Photographed by Mike Milan.

Be sure to check out B.Alex's music here and be on the lookout for more to come:

www.myspace.com/balexmusic

Fashion's Night Out Invite

If you live in NYC, then you should know about Fashion's Night Out.  An upcoming feature, Seville Michelle Anastos, is having a trunk show this evening and extended us an invite to cover the event.  However, the event is open to the public, so come on down and check out her work!  Also, say hi, if you see us.  We'll take your pic and include you in our post of the event.

Hope to see you there!

Features: Hiroki Otsuka

Hiroki Otsuka

Street Walkers NYC was able to catch up with manga artist, Hiroki Otsuka during the opening of his gallery showing.  The pieces are beautifully and creatively done on everything from envelopes, boxes, paint cans, canvases and of course some were in frames.  Coming from a simple guy's perspective, I f-ing loved it!  The drawings were fun, erotic and thought provoking.  Everybody that attended genuinely loved all of his work and Hiroki is very approachable and charming.  We were beyond thrilled to have him answer our questions!  Check below for a very the Q&A and pictures of his work during the opening reception.  


Also, make sure to click on "Read More," to see the rest of his work.

SWNYC:  What inspired you to draw?

HO:  I loved to draw as a child. I would draw on any piece paper I found. My older brothers were really into manga and anime as kids, and I think that's why I initially got into drawing manga. I would draw my own stories, make my own characters, and developed a strong desire to become a professional manga-ka. (manga artist) There are so many manga artists that I admire, but mostly I am inspired by people I meet or random strangers I observe. Each human life path is like literature to me.

SWNYC:  When was it that you realized you wanted to take your art serious?

HO:  I never planned to become a contemporary artist. I was visiting New York from San Francisco and met some of the most amazing people. In particular, there was this artist from Paris that really made me feel New York was the place to be. His art inspired me, not to be a serious artist, but to move to New York and immerse myself in the culture. Every where you turn you see the most remarkable, talented people. After moving here, I was sharing an art studio in Williamsburg in 2005 and working on Boys of Summer (collaborating with comic writer Chuck Austen) when I met the gallery owner of Stay Gold. She asked me if I would like to do a solo show, and it turned out to be a huge success. It wasn't until 5 years later that I truly accepted the fact that I am a contemporary manga artist now.

SWNYC:  Where do you want your career in art to be in 5 years?

HO:  I would love to show my work in the MOMA, Whitney Museum, or in Blum & Poe Gallery in LA.

SWNYC:  What do you want people to know about you and or your work, that they may not already know?

HO:  My right-hand side nipple is very sensitive. It's where all my inspiration comes from. ;)

SWNYC:  What's your favorite space in NYC?

HO:  Menkui Tei! (Japanese ramen restraurant) I feel like a Zen master when I am slurping their noodles!


You can still catch Hiroki's artwork on display at Dam,Stultrager Gallery, 38 Marcy Ave, in Brooklyn. It will be there until September 9th.

Features: Kevin L. Nadal, PH.D

Street Walkers NYC had the pleasure of catching up with Kevin L. Nadal, PH.D. He is a good friend and somebody I hold in high regards.  Honestly speaking, Kevin is very unassuming.  When you meet him, you get the feeling that he is a really cool guy, very relatable and quite the drinker!  However, when you get to know him, you realize that he is the guy who pretty much does it all.  He is a professor, activist, author of two books and a stand up comic!

I have witnessed it all, and I have to say that he is good at what he does.  All of it.  Again, it is with great pleasure that we get to share this interview with our fellow Street Walkers:

SWNYC:  How did you get into stand up?

 KN:  I started dabbling in stand up comedy and performance when I was an

undergraduate student at the University of California Irvine. We used
to bring out comedians and spoken word artists who talked about things
that I felt passionate about too. I thought to myself "Hey, I can do
that." So I started to perform at our local Filipino American and
student of color events. When I moved to New York, I felt I had enough
material to premiere my first one-man show, and I did that in October
of 2002. Since then, I've had three more one-man shows and have had
the privilege of performing in over half of the United States.

SWNYC:  What inspired you to write Filipino American Psychology: A Handbook of Theory, Research, and Clinical Practice?

KN:  I was a psychology major in college and was fascinated when I started
to take ethnic studies classes. My program even allowed me to take
multicultural psychology classes-- namely African American, Latino,
and Asian American Psychology. While I appreciated and enjoyed all of
these courses, I always felt like Filipino Americans were left out of
the mix. We have a lot of cultural values and colonial histories that
differ from all other racial/ethnic groups, which means we have
different behaviors, family systems, psychological processes, and
experiences. I wanted to write a book that I wish I had when I was in
graduate student.

SWNYC:  How did your family react to the views that were in the book?

KN:  My family has been generally supportive of everything I've written about in this book and other academic publications. However, in my new
book, Filipino American Psychology: A Collection of Personal
Narratives, I actually contributed a short story about growing up gay
and Filipino and some of the hurtful experiences I experienced in my
family. I'm not sure how they'll react to this, especially since we as
Filipinos aren't supposed to share what happens within our families.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they're just as supportive.

SWNYC:  Would you ever consider marrying your stand up routines and book writing? Maybe a like a guide to stand up comedy for Filipino's?

KN:  I feel like I've been able to integrate comedy into my role as a
professor, and my academic knowledge into my life as a performer. I've
always enjoyed having funny professors and listening to smart comics,
so hopefully others feel the same about me too.

SWNYC:  Is there anything you would like to share with people that they may not know about you?

KN:  I want people to know that anything in life is possible. I was a
pretty average high school student who eventually graduated with a
Ph.D. from an Ivy League institution. I grew up without any gay,
Filipino role models, and now I have the opportunity and responsibility to be one. If everyone just knew their full potential
and if everyone knew that their voice mattered, I truly believe that
we could change the world.

SWNYC:  How does it feel to be a New Yorker?

I love and breathe everything about New York. When I am gone for long
periods of time, I feel like a piece of my soul is missing.

For more info on him, check out his website www.kevinnadal.com

To purchase Kevin's books, click here!

The F-Word

Street Walkers NYC's favorite Friday night party in the city, is The F-Word, located at Splash.  Mark Nelson and Formika Jones, have been throwing this party for 2 years now, and every night is a little slice of magic.  With 2 floors, multiple hosts and DJ's, such as Cazwell, Amanda Lepore, Joey Israel and Yusef Xtravaganza (to name a few), F-Word has been in a few locations, but it has remained the gem of gay nightlife in NYC.  Every week, there is a new word beginning with the letter F, that gets you in for free or discounted when mentioned at the door.  All you have to do is call The F-Word hotline: 646-374-4977. 


When I first moved here from Boston, this was the first party that made me feel like I belonged.  Honestly, this is the most diverse crowd you will ever see in a club.  No judgements! Lots of eye candy, scandals, dancing and pure fuckery! The pictures that I took span 2 club nights and still do no justice. Enjoy!

FYI some of the super gay and NSFW pics are under the "Read More" link...

TJ Kelly from Logo's A-List with Amanda Lepore

Features: Joe Buffa

Meet Joe Buffa: lover of Chipotle, and kick-ass Dancer/Choreographer.  If he looks familiar, you may have taken one of his dance classes or you may recognize him as one of the hot dancers in Cazwell's Ice Cream Truck video.  A YouTube search will also show you a small dose of his energy and talent in some well choreographed numbers.  Street Walkers NYC caught up with Mr Buffa and we were able to get a fantastic Q&A session with him.  Check out the mind of a dancer below:

SWNYYC:  How long have you been dancing for?

        

JB:  I was dancing as early as I can remember. Musical theater was my first love and where I found my love for the arts but I didn't start training  professionally as a dancer until I was 11. 

SWNYC:  What would you say is the most challenging thing about dancing?

JB:  Honestly the hustle of finding different gigs to stay a float financially. It's a rough business especially in this economy. One really has to be business minded and never stop looking for the next thing. Sometimes it gets tough and there can be a lot of down time so you have to have a strong focus and not let the time between jobs get to you. At the end of the day it's still a business and you have to be on your toes 24/7 constantly training and looking for your next audition. It's not just about being a great dancer. 

         

SWNYC:  How would you describe your style?

JB:  My style is fluid yet strong and really comes from a sexual place. Seriously, when I am dancing and I get into it, it is a serious aphrodisiac. I feel sexy and I become somebody else when I perform.

SWNYC:  Would you say that dance is your first love?

        

JB:  Absolutely. When I get up in the morning the one of the first things I do is put music on and either start dancing/choreographing in my head or find the nearest mirror and let loose. I tend to lose track of time if I get into the zone.

Raouff Photography

SWNYC:  Who have you worked for?

        

JB:  I have had the pleasure of working with some big names in the entertainment world such as Thalia (super sweet heart)        Shakira and even Jonte who I have known for many years and never ceases to inspire me. Some big name choreographers such as Kevin Maher, Shawnette Heard, Flii Styles. Also I have worked with some huge names in the fitness business as well such as Calvin Wiley and Patricia Moreno who are both internationally acclaimed dance/fitness presenters.

         

SWNYC:  Tell us something that most people don't know about you, but you would like to share.

        

JB:  I am a Britney Fanatic!

Raouff Photography

SWNYC:  What would be your dream gig be?

        

JB:  To dance for Britney Spears. I know she isn't the dance diva she was a few years ago but I'll never forget dancing in my      living room to that performance she did with N*SYNC. I had it on VHS and used to play it on the surround sound at full blast and get it IN! 

         

SWNYC:  What's a spot in NYC that you cannot live without?

        

JB:  Chipotle. ( Chicken Burrito with Rice and Guac. )

Karl Giant Photography

If you want to take one of his classes or just get more info on Joe, check out his official website: www.buffaboy.com

New Single from ILAYDA - Sharp Shooter

Y'all remember our favorite Russian Pop Star Ilayda...

She provided us with an exclusive audio preview of her new single "Sharp Shooter," which again was written by Kalina from the Diddy-Dirty Money Crew and Co-Written by Miss Ilayda herself. We're sure you'll love the song as much as we do so without further ado here's...

"Sharp Shooter"

ILAYDA- "Sharp Shooter" by HarveyChampagne

Kelly Rowland's Private Show

Walmart hosted a private show with Kelly Rowland as part of their filming for the Walmart Soundcheck performance videos on Walmart.com. StreetWalkersNYC attended this exclusive event which was held at the Grammercy Theatre on the east side of Manhattan. It was an amazingly intimate setting and Kelly Rowland put on quite a show for her special audience. She looked f-ing fabulous as always, and she sounded beautiful. We couldn't have asked for more...

I did get a lot of video from the performance, however, the sound of most of them was distorted. I could only kind of salvage two of them. Thankfully, one of her performing her single "Commander" as well as another with her performing "Bad Habit" (a personal classic).

Features: Cazwell

When I moved to NYC, one of the first notable people I met was Cazwell.  Coming from Boston, I had only seen him on Perez Hilton's site, and his popular shoot with David LaChapelle.  Seeing him in person is a different experience.  He's a really nice guy and very approachable.  Outside of gay pop culture, you may not know Cazwell, but he is very well known around the world and the gays adore him.  Who doesn't love a cute gay rapper?
 I have had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with Mr Cazwell, and we both have roots in Boston.  How cool is that?  Anyhoo, Harvey Champagne and I were stoked when he agreed to a SWNYC Q&A!  We originally wanted him to submit the answers to our questions, but he felt it would be best to Skype it out.  So, here goes our first kind of formal interview.  Its not the best quality (we are still learnng as we go), but its a good listen/watch. 


In the interview, Cazwell answers questions about Amanda Lepore, Beyonce's reaction to his song "I Seen Beyonce...", how he started and a lot more!      





Also, check out his new video for Ice Cream Truck:

You can also check out his website http://www.cazwell.com/ and buy his single "Ice Cream Truck" or get it on iTunes.