Guest Navigator: Mary C Presents New York City
By R Life, posted Nov 2nd 2011 at 5:54PM
Mary C’s soulful rock ‘n’ roll is a product of New York, her favorite city and hometown. She grew up surrounded by music as the daughter of legendary jazz recording artist Mercedes Hall, and was already writing songs herself at the tender age of five. Developing her retro dance music at sold-out shows at the legendary Bitter End in the West Village, where Bob Dylan got his start, Mary C, backed by her band The Stellars, will transport you to a sultry summer night in New York.
Her highly-anticipated sophomore album Right on Time came out this fall, making her an RLife LIVE artist to watch. A busy touring schedule, including a recent slot opening for Grammy-nominated kindred spirits Thievery Corporation in Jamaica, has cemented Mary C and The Stellars‘ place in the indie music scene. Their November 9th show at Rockwood Music Hall in NYC’s Lower East Side is sure to electrify, so don’t miss it!
While Mary C is busy touring, writing songs, and collaborating with other artists around the world, she took time to share her favorite hidden gems in New York, her ultimate playground for musical inspiration.
Favorite place to eat?
Wow! It’s hard to choose just one place. Growing up in NYC, I’ve developed a pretty eclectic palate, especially for food! But one of my favorite places is this hidden spot in the East Village, Yerba Buena — the arepa with BBQ beef short ribs will make you drool. Literally!
Favorite place for dancing?
My living room, of course! Ha! But when the line is too long there, I tend to go wherever my favorite DJs are spinning: I’m all about ?uestlove, Q-Tip, and my friend & collaborator, DJ Jared Dietch.
Favorite venue to play?
I love the nostalgia of The Bitter End in Greenwich Village. So many amazing artists have graced that stage over the years, the history of the place is unreal! But my favorite new room to play is Rockwood Music Hall on the Lower East Side. It’s intimate, has great energy, and awesome sound! I’ve been fortunate to play some really awesome venues across the country, but there’s nothing like playing in NYC! That’s my home, my stomping grounds.
Favorite record shop?
My mother’s collection. My mom is a jazz singer. Growing up, I was surrounded by the sounds of Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, Sarah Vaughan: the greats. Nothing sounds better than a needle on a record. Classic.
Favorite boutique?
I’m a total vintage lover. If you ask my friends, they tease me about my “finds.” I have a jacket I live in that I bought downtown a few years ago. I wear it to all my shows. It even made it on the cover of my album! I’m always on the hunt for my next favorite vintage boutique. Right now my best spot is Village Style. I recently bought a great pair of red boots for the stage. My other gem is LondonLovesMarlo.
Favorite outdoor spot?
I love a good rooftop bar during the summer. Great music, drinks, friends, and sun. It doesn’t get much better. Or if I’m in the mood for something more casual, Studio Square in Astoria [Queens] is great.
Favorite make-out spot?
My lips are sealed.
Favorite place to unwind?
I love to head to the studio and kick back, when there’s no deadlines and no pressure, just a jam session with awesome musicians and singers — creative minds having fun doing what we love. My favorite place is Promixmaster Studios. Rich has a great spot in the heart of Midtown. You look out and see the lights of Times Square and you’re instantly inspired.
Favorite sweets spot?
Growing up, I used to go to this fantastic place on the Upper West Side, La Fortuna. It had the best Italian desserts, iced cappuccino, and tiramisu! Every New Yorker would go there. You would always see some writer in the corner or group of friends having a latte in the back garden. That place had so much history. The walls were filled with famous faces in frames with loving notes signed on them. It definitely wasn’t just another cafe. Unfortunately, it closed down about a year ago, and I’m still on the hunt to find a place as good as La Fortuna.
Favorite festival or annual event?
There are so many. Living in New York, we’re spoiled with the amount of food, fashion, and music festivals that go on throughout the year. I love the energy of Fashion Week! Just seeing how New Yorkers get all glammed up for a week is great. I love the San Gennaro festival in Little Italy every September. Sausage & Peppers! And I’d have to say my favorite music festival in the city is Summer Stage. Being in Central Park in the middle of summer rocking out to one of your favorite bands: nothing beats it! Hopefully you’ll see me there next year.
Favorite spot in the city that no one knows about?
Well, I wouldn’t say that it’s “hidden,” but Lincoln Center has to be one of my favorite places in NYC. It’s such an iconic grand place for obvious reasons, but for me it holds so many personal memories. From being an 8-year-old kid going to the ballet for the first time with my parents, to being a teenager attending the high school from Fame, which was situated right behind Lincoln Center. My friends and I would all hang out by the fountain and talk about everything and anything. Lincoln Center became our go-to place. I still can’t help but stop and stare whenever I walk by.
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Love the profile on Mary C, She’s got “IT”!!!
Thanks for sharing!
Great article!! Mary C makes New York come alive in this article!!