Happy 60th Birthday, Sir Elton John-March 25, 2007

Today was Sir Elton John's 60th Birthday and he continued celebrating by performing live in concert at Madison Square Garden. It also marked the 60th time he has peformed there-more than any other performer. Guests included super cute Paul Rudd, Jon and Dorthea Bon Jovi, Sir Michael Caine and his wife Shakira, Kid Rock, Whoopie Goldberg, kd Lang, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, Pierce Brosnan and Keely Shaye Smith, Liv Tyler, Arun Nayar and Elizabeth Hurley, Jewel, Eric McCormack, Rosie O'Donnell and many more.

Happy Birthday Sir Elton John

Sir Elton John celebrates his 60th birthday tomorrow, March 25th. Tonight, he had a huge birthday bash at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine on Amsterdam Avenue and 110th Street. He arrived early with his life partner David Furnish. Other guests included Pierce Brosnan and his wife, Billie Jean King, Diana Ross, Kiefer Sutherland, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne and many more. Tomorrow night he will celebrate some more by performing to a sold out crowd at Madison Square Garden.

Christina Aguilera rocks Madison Square Garden, March 23, 2007

Christina Aguilera performed to a sold out crowd at Madison Square Garden on her "Back To Basics" Tour. The lighting for us was perfect, even though we were back by the soundboard.
This young woman has the best voice in music today.

The Meatpacking District is full of celebrity events, March 21, 2007

I can't remember a day, nor can any of photographer in NYC who shoots celebrity events, where so many events took place literally right next to one another, all almost at the same time. It started early with musician Joss Stone having a little rally to keep the name as "Little Britian."
Later that evening, the Sci Fi channel had their upfronts whole 10 feet away, singer Katherine McPhee was hosting Self Magazine and VH1's Hollywood's Tightest Bodies celebration at Tenjune, both on Little West 12th Street. Molly SIms, Vanessa Minnillo, Levin Rambin from "All My Children" and singer Eve were here. As soon as this event ended, the 30 plus photographers made their way up the street to the Gansevoort Hotel where Christina Aguilera hosted Nylon Magazine's 8th Anniversary celebration. Righte next door to the Gansevoort, Pink and her hot husband, motor cross rider Carey Hart were hosting a party for Casio. Unfortunately, this event probably had the least amount of photographers since everyone was so busy trying to get Christina.

The after party for the New York Premiere Of "Air Guitar Nation"-NYC, March 20, 2007

The after party for the New York Premiere Of "Air Guitar Nation" was held at the Cutting Room on West 24th Street. The movie is a documenatry about people who travel the world and participate in air guiatr competetions. The winner and subject of the film is NYC's own Dan Crane, known as "Bjorn Turoque." This event may sound odd to some, but it was so much fun to watch, and shoot.

Chris Daughtry rocks Irving Plaza, March 19, 2007

Booted American Idol contestant Chris Daughtry rocked Irving Plaza tonight, performing to a sold out crowd. His ticket prices were $20 and the fans I spoke with seemed to think this was Chris' doing. Pretty nice. You can't even go to a movie in NYC for $20 these days.
Good thing AI got rid of him--he is too good to be stuck to their contract.
The audience was a mixture of young and old, male and female, and all ethnic groups. I don't see that often with the concerts I shoot.
Cinder Road and Eve to Adam (a band from Astoria, Queens) opened the show. A great triple bill of good old rock and roll with great guitar work.
Some technical problems arose tonight, with the malfunctioning of a BADLY needed lens just as Chris was to take the stage. And this one night, EVERY other photographer in the pit was a Canon user-I was the lone Nikon shooter. However, the show must go on, and photographs had to be made, so I made do with what I had.
Saw one of my favorite young photographers there-Robert Caplin-shooting for the NY Times. (2x this week! First was the R&R HOF) He brought along his 14 year old brother, Justin, to shoot too. With a mentor like Robert, this kid is going to go far.

Gene Wilder Book Signing, March 15, 2007

Legendary comedian Gene Wilder signs copies of his new book MY FRENCH WHORE, A LOVE STORY at Barnes and Noble on 5th Avenue.

Mario Lopez Dances in NYC, March 14, 2007

PepsiCo Launches Smart Spot Dance! Initiative with Celebrities Mario Lopez of "Dancing with the Stars" and La Chanze, a Tony Award-winning actress from "The Color Purple" at the McBurney YMCA on West 14th Street.
This guy is just too cute!

The 22nd Annual Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony, The Waldorf Astoria Hotel, March 12, 2007

Another long night in the press room for the 22nd Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. This year, almost every inductee and presenter was present in the press room.
Inductees this year were REM, Patti Smith, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, The Ronettes (with Ronnie Spector) and Van Halen. The only 2 members of Van Halen to be on hand were Michael Anthony (bass player) and Sammy Hagar who was so personable and absolutely thrilled to be a part of this wonderful night, thanking the Hall of Fame for letting him be a part of it (saying they didn't have to). Unfortunately, Eddie Van Halen is back in rehab and didn't appear to thank everyone in person.

Liev Schreiber Stars in "Talk Radio" on Broadway

Tonight was the opening night of Eric Bogosian's "Talk Radio" starring Liev Schreiber, Peter Hermann, and Stephanie March. Many celebrities attended including Liev's pregnant girlfriend, actress Naomi Watts, Mariska Hargitay (who is married to Peter Hermann), Chris Meloni, Natalie Portman, Kristin Davis and many more. I haven't seen the reviews yet, but I am sure Mr. Schreiber will get raves since he is one of the most talented actors around.