Goodbye to the Hotel Chelsea (For Blixa)

[_Doctor Steuss]

My friend Adam/jAz who lived at the Hotel Chelsea (prior to new management being smarmy capitalists and kicking out tenants in order to turn the historic hotel into a upscale boutique/spa) had a small “farewell concert” in his room.

A woman who lived at the hotel named “Stormee” became close friends with Adam, and sang a little blues for the small get-together. Stormee, from what I remember, used to go to the various clubs around town cross-dressed as a white man. She spent a night in his room about a year ago, and just talked and sang while my friend recorded her. I can’t wait until he puts the experience on CD as it was one of the most fascinating autobiographical audio sketches I have ever had the privilege of hearing. At one point after she talked about the many beatings she had suffered because of her race (and cross-dressing) during a time when civil rights were still in the stage of being a dream, she simply ends with: “G-d don’t like ugly.”

Here is a clip of her singing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSNxKVGjYVI


Also, while my friend was still living in Las Vegas, he had a group called “Jaz and the Notes.” This is one of my favorite songs that he wrote during that project… “Peaces of Soul.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-W6s31u9Sk


And finally, the anthem of Vegas. The city with a short memory… “My City.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IztO1rMh-4c

[_Blixa]

Thanks Steuss. Lovely...and sad.

I think there is still another chapter unfolding in the new Chelsea management saga; I don't think it will "save" things though.

One of my favorite haunts in Chelsea (I guess technically the Meatpacking District), the restaurant florent is also closing at the end of June. florent was a great 24 hour tiny unpretentious hang out: everyone went there from the worst tranny mess to Paris Hilton (which some might argue are not that far apart in the first place).

Why? The rent. Try $30,000 a month on for size.

I hate NYC.

[_Doctor Steuss]

Why? The rent. Try $30,000 a month on for size.

I hate NYC.

There used to be a 7-11 in the Downtown area here in Vegas (right off of the Fremont Street Experience). Once it closed, my friend checked out what the lease would be like because he was thinking it would make a nice music venue.

Lease Price: $27,000 a month.

I hate Las Vegas. ;-)

[_Blixa]

I dream of a trailer. With internet.

[_Doctor Steuss]

I dream of a trailer. With internet.

*Swooning*

I often fanaticize about pulling a “Thoreau” and building a small cabin on my family’s ranch (we have about 400 acres by Bryce Canyon that my G-grandfather homesteaded). Despite the beauty of 3 ponds, 2 freshwater springs, and plenty of open space, I’m quick to remember that there is no running water, no internet, no cafes, and of course… snow.

I dream of when my doppelganger from a distant galaxy comes to take me home.

[_Blixa]

I dream of a trailer. With internet.

*Swooning*

I often fanaticize about pulling a “Thoreau” and building a small cabin on my family’s ranch (we have about 400 acres by Bryce Canyon that my G-grandfather homesteaded). Despite the beauty of 3 ponds, 2 freshwater springs, and plenty of open space, I’m quick to remember that there is no running water, no internet, no cafes, and of course… snow.

I dream of when my doppelganger from a distant galaxy comes to take me home.

I'm sure one could figure out a way to get some sort of wireless service there (at least eventually).

I want an airstream and a truck and maybe a dog. Yeah, definitely a dog.