Harlem to Say Goodbye to an Art Deco Haven of Jazz
The Lenox Lounge, which opened in Harlem in 1942, featured performers like Dizzy Gillespie, and more recently, Esther Kennerly, above. It is to close Dec. 31.
The Lenox Lounge, where Billie Holiday had a table, Dizzy Gillespie played his trumpet, and James Baldwin soaked up the scene, where the burgundy leather couches, Art Deco light fixtures and zebra-print wallpaper stir up memories of other eras, and where, even now, everybody knows everybody, will close on Dec. 31.
Regulars worry that when the Lenox Lounge reopens it will not have the character that made it a fixture in Harlem, through changing music styles, good times and bad.
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The longtime owner of the Lenox Lounge, where Billie Holiday once had a table, said he could no longer afford the rent.
It will begin the new year with a new owner: Richard Notar, a managing partner of the Nobu restaurant chain, known for its Japanese cuisine and celebrity clientele from downtown Manhattan to Cape Town. Alvin Reed, the longtime owner, said he could no longer afford the lease.
On Thursday night, as regulars gathered, goodbyes swirled along with the rhythm and blues.
“It shouldn’t be closing,” said a Bronx resident, Verna Robertson, 67. Ms. Robertson recalled having her first cocktail there, a Tom Collins, decades ago. “It’s a landmark. We have so many memories here.”
Lenox Lounge opened in Harlem in 1942, and has operated through disco and rhythm-and-blues, and through the neighborhood’s good times and bad.
“You used to have to call up and have someone put something in the chair to save you a seat, that’s how popular it was,” said Charlie Harris, standing in the back of the bar by the Zebra Room, the dining area, sipping blackberry brandy.
He has been coming to the lounge some 30 years, drawn, he said, by the soul food and the music. “Jazz, blues, R&B, a cacophony of sound was here,” he said. “This was a home away from home.”
Lenox Lounge, just south of the intersection of 125th Street and Lenox Avenue, is in a stretch of Harlem that has increasingly become a destination for people from New York and beyond, with restaurants, like Chez Lucienne, Corner Social and the popular Red Rooster, where Bill Clinton and Alicia Keys have dined.
Property values have been rising with the area’s popularity. Real estate developers have said that retail space in the area now commands rents of $60 to $70 per square foot.
“They want $20,000 a month,” Mr. Reed said. “I can’t afford that.”
Mr. Reed bought the lounge, one of the few extant Art Deco clubs in the country, in 1988. He restored its period touches, like the geometric floor tiles, and brought back live jazz. He also added a D.J. and R&B dance nights.
Despite the boom in its neighborhood, Lenox Lounge had been struggling of late.
Mr. Reed, who owns the name of the lounge, would not say what he planned to do with it.
Regulars wondered what the new owner would do with the space.
“Is he going to turn it into a sushi place?” asked Fred McFarlane, whose band has been playing there on Thursday nights for a few years. On the phone from Miami, Mr. Notar shared his vision. “I don’t want to change anything,” he said. “There might be a hole or patch here and there that I will fix. But I am not going to bring sushi up there. I want to continue what was 70, 80 years ago. I understand this is a gem.” He estimated that it would reopen in a few months.
Mr. Notar, who grew up in Jamaica, Queens, and lives in Manhattan, said he always had a sweet spot for Harlem.
Back in the late 1990s, he said, he tried to resurrect Minton’s Playhouse, a jazz haven on West 118th Street, known as the birthplace of bebop, but was unsuccessful. He said he envisioned re-establishing the Lenox Lounge as “an old watering hole,” with good food and music, a place that local musicians could call home and where big-name performers could stop in to play.
He would even like to keep the name. (He said he hoped that he and Mr. Reed “could work something out.”)
“I know it’s a very tight-knit community and very proud of what’s happening up there,” Mr. Notar said. “And I have to bring my A game, or I’ll ride the A train.”
On Thursday, a little after 8 p.m., the stirring rhythms of the Temptations’ “Treat Her Like a Lady” filled the bar, thanks to Mr. McFarlane’s band, which crowded onto a little stage near the front window. A few diners sat quietly in the Zebra Room, with its black-and-white photos of jazz greats and a silent grand piano.
Drinks flowed and the crowd, all having a good time, swelled: gray-haired men in suits and fedoras; young men in jeans and baseball caps watching the Knicks game on the flat-screen TV; women drinking wine in black dresses and pearls.
Calvin Davis, 62, a regular, hosted a receiving line from his usual spot along the mahogany bar. Men shook his hand; women planted kisses on his cheek
Mr. Davis, a retired social worker, said he had been coming to the lounge since he was 18. But, he said, he would not return after Dec. 31.
“It’s going to lose that charm, to make it feel like a neighborhood bar,” he predicted. “It will never be the same.”
BLACK STAR POWER: Alicia Keys Raises $1.3 Mill At BLACK BALL and A Listers come out to CELEBRATE
Alicia Keys hosted her annual Black Ball at the Apollo Theater. And despite it being moved from its original date due to Hurricane Sandy, the A-listers still came out to celebrate and help raise over $1.3 mill for Alicia's Keep A Child Alive charity.
Rocking a velour eggplant gown for her big night, Alicia Keys hosted her big 2012 Black Ball in Harlem last night, which was emceed by Whoopi Goldberg. And looked fab while doing so. The event raised serious cash for her Keep A Child Alive foundation, and she made it a family affair with her mom, Teresa Augello, her hubby, Swizz Beatz, and both of their brothers.
Ms. Teresa must be super proud of her "Girl On Fire" daughter.
Alicia tweeted a pic of her and her hubby saying her "best friend" made the night perfect.
Sweet.
Alicia posed it up with chef Padma Lakshmi and Beninese singer Angelique Kidjo.
Alicia tweeted that it was an honor to be honoring Oprah Winfrey at her even for all the charity work she does. And as 58-year-old O took the stage, she praised Alicia's do-gooder side:
“You try to keep a child alive and I try to educate them as best as I can...When I look at Africans girls I see myself. I continue to work for them to have the same opportunities that I have."
Mrs. keys also hit he stage to perform with Bonnie Rait and Brittany Howard of Alabama Shakes.
Alicia's brother Cole and Swizzy's bro Andre Leon King rocked tees from the Keep A Child Alive foundation.
And gorgeous model Chanel Iman was there in a stunning gold & silver gown.
Fab.
Cheryl Cole Sues For Unpaid "X Factor" Salary
After being fired from her gig on "The X Factor" before the audition process was even over, Cheryl Cole has sued the production company for $2.3 million.
According to court documents, the British singer claims she signed a "Pay or Play" contract with Blue Orbit Productions that guaranteed her $2 million for season 2, even though she never made it past season 1.
Additionally, the 29-year-old songstress alleges that producers agreed to pay her a $100k wardrobe allowance for each season, $25k for a stylist, $15k-per-month for lodging in L.A. and $2,500 per month for general living expenses.
Finally, Cheryl wants Blue Orbit to cough up the cash for her personal security expenses and flights she took from London to L.A. while she was working on the show.
Ice T Reacts To Photos Of Coco In Vegas With Another Man: ‘She’s Made Me Feel Like Sh-t’
Damn, it’s a cold world. A man should never have to wake up to photos of his wife hugged up with another man nor find out about it on the internet.
Unfortunately, that happened to rapper Ice T this week when a few flicks of his wife Coco and a “Hip Hop Mogul”
This morning, Ice T hopped online and reacted to the photos via his Twitter page while revealing that he's far from happy.
Coco's in Vegas. She has given me her explanation of the pics on the net from her first weeks out there with some dude. She said he knew someone in the crew from our show and would pop up where ever they would go. He also said he knew me.. I don't know dude.
Regardless.. They would take Posed pics every time. Most of them disrespectful and in bad taste. She's made me look.. And feel like sh-t.
I say this on Twitter because there's no way to avoid the obvious misconduct of a married couple. That's it. Any more questions ask @Cocosworld
Don't get it twisted... I'm not happy about this sh-t.
Daily Game: Trust no one..
Meanwhile, after the photos leaked online yesterday, Coco tweeted:
Woke up to people in a panic about some pics,please guys I'm happily married,sometimes fans & friends take silly pics. Its harmless. #RELAX
Um, no Coco. Married women do not take those type of "silly pics" with friends and fans out of respect for their husbands…Pics courtesy of MTO!
This is the POOR Nurse who committed suicide after THE ROYAL PRANK! Now the Australian DJ are claiming they’re THE VICTIMS!
The boss of the radio company at the center of the royal hoax call today refused to sack the DJs behind the stunt and painted them as victims. 2DayFM presenters Mel Greig and Michael Christian were taken off air after it emerged the nurse who took their prank call at Kate Middleton's hospital had died in a suspected suicide.
Jacintha Saldanha, a 46-year-old mother of two, had been manning the hospital switchboard when the Australian hoaxers called and she transferred the call to the Duchess of Cambridge's ward.
Rhys Holleran, the chief executive of Southern Cross Austereo, which owns the station, said the presenters were 'completely shattered' and had been offered counselling.
His comments were made before King Edward VII hospital said they had sent a letter of complaint to the company about the 'truly appalling' prank’.
Lord Glenarthur, chairman of the hospital, said that he wanted to 'protest' against the prank and seek assurances that the station would never do anything similar again.
Mr Holleran told a press conference in Melbourne that the primary concern was for the family of Jacintha Saldanha, whose body was found yards from the King Edward VII Hospital yesterday.
He said: 'I spoke to both presenters early this morning and it's fair to say they are completely shattered.
'These people aren't machines, they're human beings. What happened is incredibly tragic and we’re deeply saddened and we’re incredibly affected by that.’
He added: 'I think prank calls as a craft in radio have been going for decades and decades and are not just part of one radio station or network or country.
'No-one could have reasonably foreseen what ended up being an incredibly tragic day.'
Mr Holleran declined to reveal who had dreamed up the prank call but said: ‘These things are often done collaboratively.'
A source confirmed that 2DayFM’s lawyers had listened to audio of the entire call and had given it clearance to go to air.
Mr Holleran said it was ‘a bit early’ to be drawing conclusions from what was really a ‘deeply tragic matter.’
He added: ‘I don’t think anyone could have reasonably foreseen that this was going to be a result.'
His comments come after the family of Mrs Saldanha told of their devastation at losing their 'beloved Jacintha'.
The nurse was found dead Mrs Saldanha found herself at the center of the controversy after answering the DJs' call, when they obtained intimate details about Kate Middleton's condition by posing as the Queen and Prince Charles.
The grieving family of the 'excellent' nurse said: 'We as a family are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved Jacintha.'
Prince William and his pregnant wife Kate told how they are 'deeply saddened' by the tragedy. A Palace spokesman said the couple had not made a complaint about the prank call.
'Their thoughts and prayers are with Jacintha Saldanha’s family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time,' a statement said.
When asked if they had expressed concern, the spokesman added: 'On the contrary we offered our full and heartfelt support to the nurses involved and hospital staff at all times.'
The shockwaves over the death of the nurse have spread rapidly around Australia.
Australia's media regulator was inundated with complaints about the prank.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), which regulates radio broadcasting, has said it is currently in the process of discussing the matter with the Sydney-based station.
A spokesman for the ACMA said it had received 'a lot' of complaints but declined to give a figure.
'But we haven't launched an investigation yet, we're engaging with the licensee at the moment.'
ACMA chairman Chris Chapman said: 'These events are a tragedy for all involved and I pass on my heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased nurse in London.
'The ACMA does not propose to make any comments at this stage, but will be engaging with the licensee, Today FM Sydney, around the facts and issues surrounding the prank call.'
King Edward VII hospital spoke of the their shock at the death of Jacintha Saldanha in a statement:
'It is with very deep sadness that we confirm the tragic death of a member of our nursing staff, Jacintha Saldanha.
'Jacintha has worked at the King Edward VII’s Hospital for more than four years. She was an excellent nurse and well-respected and popular with all of her colleagues.
'We can confirm that Jacintha was recently the victim of a hoax call to the hospital. The hospital had been supporting her throughout this difficult time.'
John Lofthouse, Chief Executive at King Edward VII’s Hospital, said: 'Our thoughts and deepest sympathies at this time are with her family and friends. Everyone is shocked by the loss of a much loved and valued colleague."
Lord Glenarthur, Chairman of King Edward VII’s Hospital, says, 'This is a tragic event. Jacintha was a first class nurse who cared diligently for hundreds of patients during her time with us. She will be greatly missed.'
A statement from the station owners said: 'Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) and 2Day FM are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the death of the nurse, Jacintha Saldanha from King Edward VII Hospital and we extend our deepest sympathies to her family, and all that have been affected by this situation around the world.
The station apologised for 'any inconvenience caused' but provoked widespread fury and disbelief by continuing to promote its hoax, calling it 'the prank call the world is talking about', before playing clips of the recording.
As the backlash grew the DJs both deleted their Twitter accounts.The radio station's Facebook page was bombarded with thousands of abusive comments from outraged users.
The presenters, from 2Day FM, remarked during their show how their efforts were the 'easiest prank call ever made', as they put on mock British accents they later described as 'terrible'.
The Australian station and presenters advertised the stunt worldwide.
Both presenters have deleted their Twitter accounts after an online backlash called for them to lose their jobs.
One user, Alison Hassell, told Greig: 'If you have any kind of conscience or morals..... Right about now you should be typing your resignation.'
Scott Ashworth tweeted: 'You scumbag, hope you get what's coming to you!', while another user, Michael Hird, wrote: 'I hope you're happy now.. The receptionist you rang has COMMITTED SUICIDE! You have blood on your hands now!'
Greig also received what appeared to be threats on the social networking site.
Kate, who was admitted to hospital on Monday, returned to Nottingham Cottage in the grounds of Kensington Palace and cancelled upcoming engagements after doctors told her to rest.
And she may have to recuperate without Prince William by her side, as he may be returning to duty with his Search and Rescue squadron at RAF Valley in Anglesey, it has been reported.
She missed a planned fundraising engagement in the City of London on Wednesday because she was confined to hospital.
William and the Duchess of Cambridge had been hoping to keep the news they were expecting a baby to themselves until Christmas Day.
But with Kate admitted to hospital with acute morning sickness, they had little choice but to make the announcement.
They delighted millions around the world – including their own families – with the happy news.
But as the word spread, the parents-to-be were together in hospital, facing the first hurdle in a much longed for pregnancy.
Kate, 30, who is barely eight weeks pregnant, was taken to the hospital just after Sunday lunch by her husband and immediately put on a drip to stop her becoming dehydrated
Nas To Release Deluxe Gold Edition Of Illmatic
Just in time for the holidays, Nas is dropping off a deluxe edition of one of the greatest Hip-Hop albums of all-time, Illmatic.
The CD and vinyl set will include a 24k Audiophile Gold Disc CD with re-mastered audio, housed in a “Cherrywood Trophy Box” with gold plaque, a black 2-piece outer box with original ‘Nas' promotional sticker exclusive to www.GetonDown.com.
It will also include a 48 page full-color, hard cover liner notes book including extended artwork, full album lyrics and liner notes from The Source founder Jon Shecter, a reproduction of the original 1994 Illmatic press release, two 8 x10 glossy promo photo's used in the Illmatic campaign and much more.
Wiz Khalifa REVEALS He and Amber Rose SUFFERED A MISCARRIAGE Before This Pregnancy
Wiz Khalifa spoke to Hot 107.9 in Philly with Qdeezy yesterday where he talked about the title to his latest disc O.N.I.F.C. (Only Negro In First Class).
Wiz also talked about fatherhood and revealed that this is actually his & Amber's second time being pregnant. He said the couple suffered a miscarriage during the second trimester of her first pregnancy, so during the second one, they wanted to take their time with making a public announcement.
And now, Wiz (who already calls Amber his "wife") says she is in her final trimester and the pregnancy is going very well.
He recently tweeted about the album's success saying it's #1 on iTunes and he's hoping to be #1 on Billboard.
Meanwhile, Amber shared a pic (above) of their little
WIZbud listening to O.N.I.F.C.
Listen to the interview here:
Well here’s a Healthy and Happy Baby Amber & Wiz!
Did Diddy Just announce that Cassie is PREGGERS??
Diddy started his own baby rumors after posting a VERY suspect picture on Instagram...
Now is Cassie the one since she’s the one he’s been seen with. We’ll see.
Zsa Zsa Gabor Recovering From Surgery In The Hospital
After being rushed to the hospital for an infection, Zsa Zsa Gabor is recovering from surgery in the hospital.
According to her husband Prince Frederic von Anhalt, the star developed a dangerous infection around her feeding tube and surgery was immediately performed to treat it.
When asked by TMZ how he was handling the situation, the 95-year-old actress's hubby frankly replied, "This really f**ked up our Christmas."
This past spring, Zsa Zsa's estranged daughter Francesca Hilton attempted to get a conservatorship over her ailing mother upon suspicions of her step-father's ulterior motives.
FOOLYWANG PERSONIFIED: Tamar Braxton Responds To Skin Bleaching Rumors, Says She Has Vitiligo
Over the past few years, Tamar Braxton has been shielding off rumors of skin bleaching as her skin became noticeably lighter during her stint on reality TV. Now, her and her hubby Vince have decided to speak out. In a new interview with Bossip, Tamar has revealed that she does not bleach her skin while also denying that she has “changed her face.”
I just want to know what time do I have to do that. If you really think about it, we’ve been shooting ‘Braxton Family Values’ for two years and then in between that it was ‘Tamar & Vince,’ and now we’re back into production with ‘Braxton Family Values.’ So when did she change her face? I just think I grew up and I don’t look the same that I did when I was 19. I don’t think any of us do.’
In the interview, Vince also added that Tamar was suffering from the same skin disease as Michael Jackson – vitiligo.
It just sounds stupid. […] I tell her not to read because its so ignorant, its just not appropriate, its wrong and you can’t satisfy everybody. We know what goes on in our household. I would never be in a relationship with a vain person like that. Actually, Tamar has the same thing that Michael Jackson had.
Sure Girl!....LOL…WATCH:
In case you forgot what she looked like…LOOK BELOW!
Meanwhile, Tamar’s new single ‘Love & War‘ is the #1 single on Itunes.
Congrats!!!
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES ‘THE FURRY RED MONSTER’
Tickle Me Elmo? More like “enjoy your hand herpes for tickling me Elmo”. Sure, not quite the same ring to it, but I think it will stick.
HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!
EFREM
