Sean Henri

Manhattan

April 25, 2010 // 0 Comments  // Add yours »

Just another trip to the city.

Posted in:  A Day In The Life, BlogSherpa, New York, New York State, NYC, Photos, Travel, Videos | Permalink |  Digg This | Share on Facebook | Comments (0)

Paul McCartney at Citi Field

July 18, 2009 // 1 Comments  // Add yours »

Paul McCartney.. Billy Joel.. an all-access pass and a front row seat. It all started when I saw this message from @Stereogum:

"Paul McCartney starts his three nights at Citi Field this evening. He’s making a film and he needs some help from all of you young filmmakers out there. We are looking for thirty people to shoot each show, July 17, 18 & 21, on Flip cameras. We have the cameras, all we need is the talent!"

I replied, and then while driving towards New York I received an email letting me know I had been selected to participate.  My friend Mindy and I showed up at the 1st Base VIP entrance where we picked up our "Working Personel" passes and a custom Paul McCartney Flip Cam, and then set off to roam the stadium at our pleasure.

I found myself nice spot in the front row, a few feet in front of Pierce Brosnan and nearby Nancy Shevell.  

Here's a video (shot with my iPhone) of Paul singing "A Day in the Life" and "Give Peace a Chance". 

Read on for the set list and a few photos:

Continue reading "Paul McCartney at Citi Field"

Posted in:  A Day In The Life, Billy Joel, Concerts, NYC, Paul McCartney, The Beatles | Permalink |  Digg This | Share on Facebook | Comments (1)

Paul and Ringo at Radio City Music Hall

April 07, 2009 // 2 Comments  // Add yours »

This past weekend I had the privilege of attending the "Change Begins Within" benefit concert with headliners Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr at Radio City Hall in NYC.  The show featured performances by Eddie Vedder, Sheryl Crow, Donovan, Paul Horn, Moby, Ben Harper and others.  There were even some unannounced people on stage such as Mike Love (who became teary eyed while reflecting about their famous 1968 trip to India), Jerry Seinfeld, and Howard Stern.

There were some really cool performances during the opening acts, such as Eddie Vedder's experimental performance of "Arc", as well as his collaboration with Ben Harper for a cover of the Queen/David Bowie song "Under Pressure".  But for me, the key moment of night was when Paul McCartney introduced Ringo as the one and only "Billy Sheers" for a side by side performance of "With A Little Help From My Friends".  McCartney performed one of his typical sets, although it was a bit short.  The only unusual song was "Cosmically Conscious", a song he wrote while in India during 1968. 

The setlist:

• Drive My Car
• Jet
• Got to Get You Into My Life
• Let It Be
• Lady Madonna
• Blackbird
  
• Here Today
  
• Band on the Run
  
• Can't Buy Me Love
• With a Little Help From My Friends (with Ringo at mic with Paul)
  Encore
• Cosmically Conscious(with Ringo on drums)
  
• I Saw Her Standing There (with Ringo on drums and Eddie Vedder, Ben Harper, Donovan, Moby, Sheryl Crow and Bettye LaVette and other artists singing backing vocals)

Afterwards, my friends and I headed out to a pub to finish out the night with a few drinks.  Matt's uncle joined us and offered let us crash at his apartment near Central Park for the night.  This led to another eventful day, but I'll post about that tomorrow.

Posted in:  A Day In The Life, NYC, Paul McCartney, The Beatles | Permalink |  Digg This | Share on Facebook | Comments (2)

Paul McCartney Joins Billy Joel at Shea

July 19, 2008 // 1 Comments  // Add yours »

(Source: NYT; Photo:Kevin Mazur) 

So last night, while I was home relaxing.. Paul McCartney joined Billy Joel on stage for the "Last Play at Shea" - the final concert at Shea Stadium before it is to be torn down.  It was two of my favorite singers/songwriters side by side, and I missed it.  I found out about the surprise performance a few hours prior to the show, but it was too late.  Needless to say, I regret not buying tickets in advance.  But I have an idea for next weekend that could make up for it.

McCartney wasn't the only one to join Joel on stage.  Roger Daltrey of the Who, Steven Tyler, and Garth Brooks came on to play a few songs as well.  Videos are floating around on YouTube.

On another note: I went to see  a Brian Wilson concert in Torrington this past Wednesday.  It felt like more of a tribute to Wilson than it did a performance.  His band did the bulk of the singing and he hardly played an instrument, but they were playing HIS songs, and it was an honor to witness it.  If you aren't familiar with Brian Wilson's life and work ("God Only Knows", "Good Vibrations", "Wouldn't it Be Nice", etc.), you should read a bit about him.  He's the genius behind the music of The Beach Boys, and one of the greatest songwriters/producers in American pop-music history.

Posted in:  Billy Joel, Concerts, NYC, Paul McCartney, The Beatles | Permalink |  Digg This | Share on Facebook | Comments (1)

Turning Twenty-Four

February 24, 2008 // 1 Comments  // Add yours »

Thanks to Brother Justin, Brooke, Mindy, Jenn, Brett, Mickey, Patti, Marci, Holly, Mike, Matt, Megan, Heather, Melinda, Paul, Adam, Domo, Christina and everyone else who joined me in New York and at the Seven Seas yesterday!  And thanks to everyone else for all the messages you sent me.  It was a great time. One of the best...

Posted in:  A Day In The Life, NYC | Permalink |  Digg This | Share on Facebook | Comments (1)

The best fries I've ever eaten

February 16, 2008 // 2 Comments  // Add yours »

Last night I enjoyed the best fries that I've ever eaten.  At least within Manhattan, but after scanning through my memory of delicious potato eating experiences I think this may be at the top of the list.  If you're ever in the city along 2nd Ave between 9th and 10th St and you're looking for a bite to eat, be sure to stop in Ryan's Irish Pub and get the Cajun steak fries with melted cheese.  The burgers are great as well and only cost about $5 bucks.

We had originally planned on going to Pommes Frites, which until last night had my vote for the best place to get fries in the city.  If you've never been there I'd recommend checking it out as well.  From my count, they offer 35 different toppings to put on top of your fries.  It comes in this little cone.  You walk in, you walk out with fries, and life is good.

The enthusiasm is real.

I've posted a few more pics here.

Posted in:  A Day In The Life, Food and Drink, NYC | Permalink |  Digg This | Share on Facebook | Comments (2)

New Years Eve in New York

January 01, 2008 // 0 Comments  // Add yours »

Considering that we didn't join the crowd of one million people until sometime around 11:30, I'd say that 59th St. was a pretty good location to see the ball drop.  Sure, we were watching it from nearly a mile away, but we still got to enjoy the whole "Times Square experience" and didn't have to wait in the cold for six hours to get it.

And I can saw with confidence that last night will be one of the more memorable New Years Eve's I'll ever have. The cross-Manhattan bar hopping, the people we ran into, the count-down at midnight, and the highly unpredictable events of the night made it all just insane.  I'll never forget it.

More pics can be found here.

How about everyone else?  Any good stories from last night?

Continue reading "New Years Eve in New York"

Posted in:  A Day In The Life, NYC | Permalink |  Digg This | Share on Facebook | Comments (0)

Video from the NYC McCartney Show

October 27, 2007 // 3 Comments  // Add yours »

I came across some really good footage from the Paul McCartney show I attended this past June.  It's shot from right about where I was standing.  In fact, I think I can hear my friends voice on the video.  Anyway, enjoy.

Blackbird:

I'll Follow the Sun (Intro):

Posted in:  Concerts, NYC, Paul McCartney, The Beatles, Videos | Permalink |  Digg This | Share on Facebook | Comments (3)

John Lennon's Birthday

October 10, 2007 // 0 Comments  // Add yours »

I'm a bit tired so I don't really wanna sit here and type much so I'm gonna be quick and vague here:

Last night I went into Manhattan with Jenndy (aka Jenn and Mindy), and we all partook in a little sing along with a few dozen other people in Central Park to celebrate what would have been John Lennon's 67th birthday.  We sung some songs, hung out with some hippies, saw a drunk man cry and proclaim a death wish on Mark David Chapman as he dramatically clenched his first and reached towards the sky, got soaked from the pouring rain, ate some pizza, had a few drinks in a bar where we bumped into Soprano's actor Steve Schirripa, then went on a little stroll back through Central Park, got a bit lost, and then finally made it home.

So that's how I spent my Tuesday night.  And I bet you five bucks my night beat yours. 

Posted in:  A Day In The Life, NYC, The Beatles | Permalink |  Digg This | Share on Facebook | Comments (0)

Toasting freedom in Queens

September 16, 2007 // 1 Comments  // Add yours »

Here's my recap of the past 24 hours:  We go into the city for a movie, and stop for some vegetarian pizza on 2nd Ave.  We learn that Mindy would instantly throw up if Paul McCartney were to ever randomly walk in the same room as her. We're told that Michael Jackson is too old and that the girls should find somebody younger.  Across the Universe was fantastic.  The music is a bit watered down, and the story is a bit corny at times, but it was still very enjoyable.  It turns out that "Come Together" sounds great when it's sung by a crazy homeless person.

After the movie we stopped in at McSorley's, Manhattan's oldest pub, for a round of beers and a few toasts to freedom, Lincoln, and The Beatles. The place was packed and a little too rowdy to hold a convo, so we left and found a much more quiet atmosphere at the Thirsty Scholar. 

It was getting late and we had started to head back to Grand Central, but then Jenn presented us with the brilliant idea of crashing at her sisters apartment in Queens.  So we hopped on the subway, piled into the apartment, busted out the cards, sung some songs, had some intense conversations about music, learned how Jenn would properly utilize her favorite band, and I created some brilliant artwork. 

For me it felt like the last night of the summer.  And I'd say it was one of the best nights I've had so far this year. 

Now this guy really needs to make it onto a t-shirt:

Posted in:  A Day In The Life, NYC, Paul McCartney, The Beatles | Permalink |  Digg This | Share on Facebook | Comments (1)

A day for Central Park

August 18, 2007 // 2 Comments  // Add yours »

I took a long overdue trip into Manhattan today with my brother Kevin.  We had perfect weather for it too.  I also found out today that my friend Hazel from Ireland is coming over for a visit!  Can't wait!

Posted in:  A Day In The Life, NYC, Photos | Permalink |  Digg This | Share on Facebook | Comments (2)

Who is Radioman?

July 01, 2007 // 9 Comments  // Add yours »

Radioman, or "Radio" is a bum.  His real name is Craig Castaldo and he's a former homeless man from NYC who earned his name by having a large radio hanging from his neck.  What makes him stand out from other homeless guys is the fact that he's appeared in over 30 major motion pictures, including The Departed, Mr. Deeds, Elf, and Godzilla. 

I first encountered Radioman while I was waiting in line to meet Paul McCartney last November.  At first I thought he was just trying to find a place to sleep, but then the next day we actually saw him in the building waiting in line with the rest of us.  I learned his name when a couple of guys walked by and shouted "Hey Radio!"  He sat there all night rewinding his tape and singing along to commercial jingles that he liked.   It was really annoying.

Fast forward to yesterday - I was in New Haven picking up my costume for Indiana Jones 4, when Radioman bursts into the door and runs right past security.  At first everyone was kind of startled, but once they realized who he was they brought him over, gave him a shave and a costume, and let him be an extra. 

Following the last shoot of the day, Radioman walked towards Steven Spielberg to personally thank him for allowing him be in the movie.  Spielberg let him come right up to him, shook his hand and said  "No problem!  Great to see you again".  Again?  They know each other?  So I looked him up online.  There are pictures of Radioman kissing Jessica Simpson, a story about him in the New York Times, and even a profile on IMDB.   His website features pictures of himself alongside people like Tom Cruise, Pierce Brosnan, and Johnny Depp. 

Radioman used to be homeless and a drunk, but now is able to support himself by collecting the small amount of money he earns from being an extra in movies, and by selling the autographs of the celebrities he meets.  Sometimes he sells autographs for sandwiches.  He's become well known among New York celebrities, and is a source of information for paparazzi because he's "in the know" when it comes to celebrity appearances and movie filming. He has hopes of becoming a big actor himself one day.

From the New York Times.

Posted in:  Culture, New Haven, NYC | Permalink |  Digg This | Share on Facebook | Comments (9)

Paul McCartney talks about his younger fans

June 26, 2007 // 2 Comments  // Add yours »

In this interview with Sir Paul McCartney about his recent show in New York, the interviewer expresses his amazement at the growing number of young Beatles fans and mentions how two of his contest winners, possibly my friends Steph & Bret, were born in the 1980's!!!  Paul then responds with his thoughts.

Paul: A lot of people (from) my generation would think: 'Well the only people that are gonna really like my music are the people who grew up with it'.  You know?  People who are my age.  Maybe a little bit younger...but, that's it.
Interviewer: Two of the five winners (Steph & Bret) we had on Wednesday morning were born in the 1980's!
Paul: Ha!  Is that possible?  Haha nobody was born in 1980..
Interviewer: No it's possible
Paul: Er, no exactly that's the thing.  And I see that at my shows.  You get these generations - you'll get the people my age, and then you'll get their kids, and then their kids.  And, I love it!  Cuz, these kids know the music.  They know it better than I do.
Interviewer: Well I tried to make it a little difficult to win the tickets to the show, because I wanted to make sure that real Paul McCartney fans would win, obviously.  So I didn't just say.. be the 25th caller and you're in.  I asked questions that Paul McCartney fans would be able to answer.
Paul: Mmhmm.
Interviewer: And those two young people, born in the 1980's, knew the answers!
Paul: You know, it's phenomenal, I must say.  But it's great!  It's kinda, you know, very satisfying to think that young kids are into it.
Interviewer: What would you say to your young fans... ?
Paul: ...What would I say? I would say thank you for like, appreciating something we did a long time ago.  But, I'm with them.  I understand that thing.  Cuz, I'm wrong to assume that it's just my generation that's gonna like it.  And I know that, for instance, cuz I like Fred Astaire, Nat King Cole - and that wasn't my generation.  So, I suppose that what they're doing is they're liking good music.  You know, and I can say that now about The Beatles.  Cuz, you know, it's not being conceited.  I know that the stuff we did was really good.  You know?  And I think that somebody appreciating it now is just great.  It's just very gratifying.  So there you go.  I love it.

You can listen to the full interview by clicking HERE.
Paul talks about the show at the Highline Ballroom HERE.
And you can read my recap of  Paul's secret concert in New York and see the pictures HERE.

Posted in:  Culture, NYC, Paul McCartney, The Beatles | Permalink |  Digg This | Share on Facebook | Comments (2)

Paul McCartney's Secret Gig at the Highline Ballroom

June 14, 2007 // 8 Comments  // Add yours »

I'm back from the Paul McCartney concert!  Time for the recap:

Let me go back a few weeks to explain this.  About a month ago I found out that Paul McCartney would be doing some type of live performance in NYC to promote his new album Memory Almost Full.  Any large-scale world tour would be postponed to next year due to "personal issues" (his divorce from Heather Mills).  So being a huge Beatles/Paul McCartney fan, I did some intense research until I found out the details of what would be going down.

I found out that the show was going to be a small-scale "secret" show about two weeks ago and that I'd have to win tickets through a radio station contest in order to go.  Only a few hundred contest winners and invited guests would be given tickets.  So after looking through the websites of nearly every FM radio station from the country's major cities, I finally found a contest where you could enter a raffle to win tickets by correctly answering 20 questions about Paul.  I didn't win.  But my friend Steph did, and she offered to take me.  Amazingly, my friend Bret won as well and offered to take my brother Justin.  So now we had 3 people from CT's smallest town attending a concert that thousands of people from around the world were trying to go to, and I was one of them.

More below the cut.

Continue reading "Paul McCartney's Secret Gig at the Highline Ballroom"

Posted in:  A Day In The Life, Concerts, Contests, Culture, NYC, Paul McCartney, Photos, The Beatles, Videos | Permalink |  Digg This | Share on Facebook | Comments (8)