After the Celebration at Hotel Chelsea XVII Anniversary
Some of the finest artists and performers who have joined us in previous years were on stage and in fine form for this June’s celebration of the 17th (XVII) birthday for the Virtual Hotel Chelsea in NYC, Lanestris!
The Chelsea Arts Month, culminating in a weekend celebration in the lounge and on the roof of the Virtual Hotel Chelsea, created events celebrating every aspect of the Bohemian community and the artists it supports. Beautiful art works were displayed In the Hotel, in its many sister galleries. The ART WALK OPENING GALA (music provided by DJ GINNIE) happened on June 6th, from 10am-noon outside the El Quijote Lounge and in an “Art Walk” down West 23rd Street in front of the hotel. Many of the over 25 artists were present, and many came to meet the artists behind the art.
The following weekend, some of the best live music in SL rang out in the lounge for the fans of the arts and artists gathered there Friday night, Max Kleene, Leif Eriksson and Eric Steffensen rocked the house in the lounge.
Max, a well-known and long-time supporter of the Chelsea, started off playing upbeat tunes and taking requests to the delight of all.
Leif, from Sweden, is one of our many international artists. His bread and butter is beautiful original arrangements and lyrics interspersed with ballads and the blues.
Happy fans were excited to see Eric Steffensen, one of Chelsea’s 1st Anniversary performers, pick up his guitar and play folk and rock to close out Friday night.
Saturday, up on the roof, festivities continued surrounded by Enola Vaher’s beautiful artwork leading the way.
Then the poets declaimed their work from the stage, embroidering the air with words that called back to the muses and poets past and present who frequented or dwelt within the Chelsea.
Persephone Phoenix, longtime poet in residence and founder and host of the Blue Angel Poets Dive as well as co-editor of Blue Angel Landing Journal of Arts and Literature, started us off with new, tender pieces inspired by love.
Grail Arnica, a producer and host of several poetry venues over the last 15 years, followed with Chelsea-themed poetry.
A Chelsea favorite for many years, RoseDrop Rust finished the poetry interval and segued directly to a thirty-minute set of original musical arrangements and vocal styles, kicking off the wide variety of live artists on display Saturday at the Chelsea.
Up next, Zachariah Loon and Wizard Sideshow‘s bass and soulful backing reverberated with Zach’s light-hearted pieces and touching originals.
Up next, Zachariah Loon and Wizard Sideshow’s bass and soulful backing reverberated with Zach’s light-hearted pieces and touching originals.
Rosemary Teal followed with skilled looping and sensual, ebullient vocals and arrangements. One of our newest performers, Rosemary sang several of her relatable originals to complete her set.
followed with skilled looping and sensual, ebullient vocals and arrangements. One of our newest performers, Rosemary sang several of her relatable originals to complete her set.
The evening’s fine music closed with Gypsy Dhrua‘s incredibly smooth alto voice and excellently curated selections from the many famous and infamous musical masters throughout the hotel’s flamboyant history, all lavishly decorated with her excellent guitar work and warm, inspiring vocals.
While guests were at the party, many were able to go upstairs and check out CIRCLE MENTAL HEALTH ARTIST CIRCLE’s show: ‘OUTSIDE THE INSIDE BOX’. Over 20 artists were on display, some for the first time ever!
Our adventurous guests zip lined down to WILD RABBIT’S HOMAGE TO A POWERHOUSE: THE INCREDIBLE LIFE OF PATTY DOWDELL. The special show tells the story of Volleyball Olympian and friend, Patty Dowdell (and remains open).
Another Zip line down and participants were on the street near Gallery 23 where a wonderful BASQUIAT ‘BOOM FOR REAL‘ show, curated by Chelsea’s own CRYSTALINA HALOSTAR. Our guests were able to take a peek at one of the amazing artists from the RL Bohemian Crossroads of the Hotel Chelsea!
Just outside Gallery 23 we continued celebrating by introducing KLANNEX NORTHMEAD’s CURTAL POETRY CONTEST. Submissions will be accepted through July 31st to be voted on for a chance to win a pot of lindens!
If you’re a poet, or want to try your hand at poetry, try writing a Curtal poem, which is any shortened version of a classical poetic form. Think ‘limeri’ or ‘sonne’ – just clip at least two lines from the end of any poetic form. Send your submission(s), with your poem’s title, form and your avatar name, to Klannex Northmead and get posted outside on the storefront between Gallery 23 and the El Quijote lounge.
Across West 24th St, at Enola Vaher’s memorial, brought to life with beautiful flowers and grasses, the tradition of people lighting candles for loved ones who have passed continued.
This year the Chelsea went all out to celebrate its artists with four art shows, two days of live music, poetry and two poetry contests! We hope that all who joined us were uplifted by the recognition of the variety and beauty generated by the Chelsea Collective’s hard work and love for the arts. Below is a complete description of the events that were curated by the Chelsea Collective for the Anniversary month of June:
