Beginning in early childhood we are conditioned to think of summer as that special time of respite from the norm of our lives - a joyous celebration of nature - from the lush green of countryside's with clean mountain air to the sandy azure blue waves of the seashore - a playtime when we engage in swimming, outdoor sports, toasting favorite frozen drinks, sipping cool ice tea while leisurely reading a favorite novel ...
So at midsummer, we take a look at some joyous happenings.
At 76 years, Singer/Songwriter Judy Collins' voice is as clear, sweet and powerful as ever. She recently performed for almost two hours non-stop at Lincoln Center's wonderful Out of Doors Free Festival. Appearing like an angel clad in shimmering white, her long blonde hair "hallowing" her face, she presents with grace and dignity.
As many attendees, I've been listening to Collins since the late '60's and was delighted to hear the refrains of so many favorites - from Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now", through her nostalgic rendition of Sondheim's "Bring In The Clown", and concluding with a powerful "Amazing Grace" - with the happy audience chiming in.
Judy Collins in Concert at Lincoln Centers Out of Doors Free Festival
As the Sun Sets, the Ambiance is Magical
Recently the United Nations celebrated the 70th Anniversary of the signing of its charter "We the Peoples", with a global choral festival "The Rhythms of One World". The Friendship Ambassadors Foundation and The Permanent Mission of Romania to The UN sponsored the introductory performance held in the UN's historic General Assembly. The inspiring concert featured the UNRocks Music Group, worldwide choirs and the Usan Philharmonic Orchestra.
Lead Singer UNRocks Simona-Mirella Miculescu, outgoing Permanent Representative from Romania to the United Nations, is honored at a pre Cocktail Receptions.
At he Concert, President & Executive Producer Alice Liu, The American Oriental Arts Foundation
The International Choral Talent
The Midtown Men retuned home to NYC's Beacon Theater After their sold-out National Tour.
Best known for popularizing the songs of Frankie Valle in "Jersey Boys", they played their =60s style pop songs to a wildly enthusiastic crowd.
Super slick and seemingly corporately orchestrated, we appreciated the interludes of authentic icons of that period- from Petulant Clarke through LaLa Brooks (of the Crystals).
The Midtown Men with Petula Clark
Backstage with LaLa Brooks of The Crystals
Menswear Designer Malan Breton celebrated the launch of his new Collection HOMME / Spring Summer 2016 during the first-time Men's Fashion Week, NYC. In addition there were two screenings of the award-winning documentary "Malan Breton: A Journey To Taiwan". Produced by Bonnie Bien, the film follows Breton back to his native Taiwan and follows him though his emotional journey in creating his current collection.
Known for his innovative designs, fabrications in elegant non-traditional fabrics for men and playful prints, Malan Breton is one of the Designers revolutionizing traditional menswear.
Designer Malan Breton with models at His HOMME Presentation
Elegant Fabrics are utilized in Breton's Asian-Fusion Suit
The brilliant "CHINA: Through The Looking Glass" Exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is not to be missed.
Exploring the impact of China on Western Culture Chinoiserie - from the first contact in the 16th century until now - from the Couture Fashion of Paul Poiret and Yves Saint Laurent through ceramics and film. This extraordinary "journey" exhibit -took four and one half hour to just basically traverse...
Selections from CHINA: Through The Looking Glass
The THORN TREE Project, benefitting the children of Northern Kenya's nomadic tribes by providing education and more, recently held its amusing African Bazaar. Spearheaded by Irish-born famed eco-designer Clodagh, the brightly colored handcrafted jewelry, fabrics and artifacts, were mirrored by a "grazing" buffet.
Clodagh with a poster noting how the important camel provides both transportation and milk...
The color hue-infused African jewelry
Actress, Comic and LBGT and Cancer Activist, Fran Dresher applauded for her role as Fran Fine in the comic television series "The Nanny" and more recently for authoring the book "Cancer Schmancer", detailing her own experiences with uterine cancer.
Fran recently hosted a festive cruise celebrating Gay Pride and Marriage Equality.
Fran Dresher - On The Docks.
Fran and Patti Lupone board the Hornblower.
The Drag Queens Cheer All !
The recent historically "landmarked" Stonewall Inn, where Gay Activism is credited to have begun.
Across from the Stonewall, in Sheridan Square, Sculptures celebrate Diversity.
On a recent trip to the new Whitney Museum of American Art, we decided to lunch at UNTITLED.
Located in the Eastern part of the lobby, and also spaciously designed by Architect Renzo Piano, the feel-good ambiance and light delectable deserve high praise.
Operated by the famed Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group, the Executive Chef Michael Anthony hails from Gramercy Tavern.
Our faves included the Lobster and preserved lemon toast, the Sea Scallops with tomatoes and watermelon gazpacho, Beets with yogurt and lemon verbena and the Golden tilefish with corn, sweet peppers and curried squash.
Of course, we concluded with just a morsel of chocolate - the bewitching Chocolate hot fudge cake.
Director of The Whitney Museum of American Art, Adam Weinberg, stops by to greet Moi
My guest, Philanthropist Jean Shafiroff donning a fashionable cap by Designer Eric Javitz.
UNTITLED as viewed from outside the Whitney
On the streets, outside the popular Whitney, Food Trucks await the crowds...
All Photographs (c) Jill Lynne, 2015
Available for purchase, Contact jilllynne1@mac.com
www.jilllynne.com