Voice-of-my-generation Lena Dunham, the creator/star of the relatable flick Tiny Furniture, has something new to be proud of. She wrote and produced the upcoming HBO television series, Girls, set to premiere April 15, 2012. Dunham explained that she was simply writing what she knows. “I felt like there wasn’t a pop culture mirror reflecting girls my age experiencing the trails and tribulation of being female that this specific ... Read More

BETTY, the alt-rock legends from NYC (whose tunes have appeared on Weeds, Ugly Betty, and The L Word), will be performing on their home turf over the holidays. They'll have shows on Tuesday, December 20th at Joe’s Pub (425 Lafayette St.) at 7 and 9:30 pm. The later set will even feature a Very Special Guest: Gloria Steinem! If you can’t make on the 20th, you don't have to weep into your eggnog--you can still have a BETTY New ... Read More

Fred Armisen of SNL (and virtually every indie comedy film or TV show of the last 10 years) will be doing NYC in-store appearances on December 4th and 5th to promote the release of Portlandia: Season One on DVD and Blu-Ray. The stellar IFC comedy series, which stars Fred and Sleater Kinney's Carrie Brownstein, will be out in stores on December 6. We're obsessed with Portlandia (which lovingly skewers Portland, Oregon) and its recurring ... Read More

In case you were wondering as I was, an oratorio is pretty similar to an opera in its use of a choir, soloists, and character ensembles, but unlike an opera, there's no scenery, costumes, or action. An oratorio is basically made up of large scale musical compositions that explain the story or subject, usually taking on religious or sacred subject matter.  THIS oratorio, "From the Fire," composed by Tony-nominated Elizabeth Swados ... Read More

For many of us it’s been some time since school was last in session, and we can’t help but wax nostalgic when September rolls around.  Lately, there is more to be missed from back-to-school season than afternoon recess, field trips and flavorless foods served with an ice cream scoop. I’m talking about the high quality education that has been lacking in our public school systems for the past few decades.  Rather ... Read More