Scene B Seen, llc

In my former life, I was a live music venue promoter in Colorado. I had the super-saucy privilege of booking G. Love and Special Sauce and witnessing their show for the 1st time. Fast forward to December 2009, I ran into G. Love in Miami during Art Basel at his Fountain Miami solo performance. G. Love is now on tour with Special Sauce for their Winter 2010 Tour. A lover of all things funkasonic, I decided to find out what G. Love has been up to since back in the day.

Scene B Seen: G. I first met you... eh-hem, about 12 years ago. In the past decade, you've released 12 albums including a few solo LPs, what's the difference between G. Love solo and G. Love with Special Sauce?

G. Love: Honestly, there's not much of a personnel difference. I changed the name when we signed with Brushfire Records to G.Love because getting a new record was really a solo project. I was making demos with different producers and hustling to get a deal. I said to my manager after a shitty meeting in NYC, "Man, if we get a deal its because we hustled that shit. Let's call the record The Hustle", and that was that. But in fact, the band never changed, although some players were added.

SBS: Your latest release, Long Way Down, was under your new label, Philadelphonic Records, but was only released in Australia and New Zealand. What's up with that?

GL: We wanted to release something unique for Australia as its a very unique market for us. We also wanted to work with some new partners on the business side, so when we were presented with the opportunity to release an independent record- we were all about it.

SBS: You're currently on your Winter 2010 Tour with Special Sauce, what's the vibe and sound of this tour like?

GL: On our winter tour we find ourselves in a creative and expressive place. We aren't really promoting a record, so we can play whatever we like. We tend to dig back in the catalogue and dust off some old shit and we work on a bunch of new tunes as well. We improvise and freestyle and keep the vibe thick like soup.

SBS: Yeah, yeah. What will fans experience on this tour?

GL: We have a huge light show with a lot of burlesque dancing girls onstage, fireworks and the whole nine.

SBS: Sweet... or should I say, "dirty, ice cold lemonade"?! Have a crazy funny fan story?

GL: I have a twitter stalker right now. I believe she was stalking Jack as well- but in real life. Its kind of weird.

SBS: Being a child of the American Home-cooked Southern Blues, have anything to say about the New Orleans Saints stompin' it last night?

GL: Who Dat!!?? Oh Yeah!

SBS: The Winter 2010 Tour rounds out in April, what's on the horizon?

GL: On the horizon, I have my best record ever brewing right now. It's just got to ferment a little bit and when it does- watch-out!!! That's some gooooooood shit! Oh Yeah!

*all photos courtesy of G. Love & Special Sauce

A few weeks ago, I was trying my luck at a blind date. I figured if someone wants to get to know me, why not accompany me to an event? I'm not sure if it was the brightest idea having someone meet me at Hearst Tower for an Esquire Magazine celebration, as if 1st dates aren't overwhelming enough. I was thankful to cut the tension when I bumped into Justine McCarthy from Simply Chic PR. When my date inquired, "So, who are all these people and how did they get invited?" Justine promptly introduced us to Robin Ross of YOUAREONTHELIST.com.

SBS Readers- Here is the WWW.:

Scene B Seen: Robin, you are the founder of YOUAREONTHELIST.com, when and why did you start this site to provide insider access to some of the most exclusive events in NYC and LA?

Robin Ross: Because why shouldn’t everyone experience the best events that are out there?! I am spoiled and have been to all the best events from Sundance to the Academy Awards to backstage at Fashion Week etc., as well as, shopping with designers at their showrooms and getting insider pricing at hotels and spas... So, I wanted to bring that to those who want it and can afford it, but do not know how to do it!

SBS: So, how does it work?

RR: Well we have an annual membership for the Invitation Only list for $500. Then we send out invites and after you RSVP, we get you on the list.

SBS: What’s the difference between being on The List and Invitation Only List?

RR: The List is a complimentary service, where you receive invites to open events, our e-list newsletter and clipboard photos. The more exclusive or sought after events are only available to our Invitation Only List members. The Invitation Only List membership is $500 a year for access to all the exclusive events in NYC and beyond. Plus insider pricing on spas, hotels, fashion etc. You receive save the dates about upcoming events and on-site assistance at all the events to guarantee entry. Also for Fashion Week, only Invitation Only List members have access to the events- unless you buy one of our Fashion Week Packages. Privileges are listed on www.youareonthelist.com/invite_only

SBS: Speaking of... Have any hot parties lined up for Fashion Week?

RR: Yes of course! Check out the entire fashion calendar- we have access to it all. We are offering our YOUAREONTHELIST.com Fashion Week Insider Pass, which get you access to some shows at Bryant Park and other venues, after parties, a membership to YOUAREONTHELIST.com, as well as, amazing gift bags. We also have other surprises with a portion going to charity for the arts. We are only offering 15 of these and we are not taking new memberships during fashion week. The only way to be a member and attend the shows is to purchase the package. You can visit www.youareonthelist.com/dates or email us at events@youareonthelist.com for details.

SBS: That sounds like a stellar deal! I'm so curious what the parties are going to be like considering this is the So Long Bryant Park Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Do you think the NYC Scene has changed in the past few years?

RR: OMG! Yes and NO!

SBS: Ha! How?

RR: I grew up in NYC on the Upper East Side, where going out at night to clubs bars like Odeon, Studio 54, Xenon, and Dorian’s, was just like going to the movies or the mall. We always got in and we always knew where to go. They weren’t websites that told you every night what was going on- you were only in the know or you weren’t. Nowadays, the really exclusive events are few and far between. So we try to have access to those and the more publicized events. What's funny is that some of the same venues are still popular like Dorian’s. Every Tuesday, it's mobbed with young hip professional for their karaoke night.

SBS: Seriously? I suppose Karaoke is a healthy and cheaper alternative... With the economic state of affairs this past year, there’s been an influx of independent promoters trying to fill clubs via email lists and Facebook, should guests be wary of such things?

RR: Yes, you should... but not all promoters are bad or shady. I see a lot of the reputable promoters on Facebook as it has become the new marketplace to advertise and promote your business, and nightlife is no different. YOUAREONTHELIST.com is all things social media! Facebook page and twitter...

SBS: So, what separates YOUAREONTHELIST.com from those types of promoters?

RR: I am not a promoter, not that’s there is anything wrong with that, but we are a service that provides access to events and experiences in NYC and beyond. We do not work for the venues, clubs, or restaurants. We work for our members, to provide them with experiences they would never know about or are too busy to find out about and get them access. YOUAREONTHELIST.com is like a best friend who knows everyone and takes you with them.

SBS: Love it! What’s in the future for YOUAREONTHELIST.com?

RR: We are rolling out to other markets YOUAREONTHELIST.com Boston, Chicago, Miami, SF... We are excited to be launching YOUAREONTHELIST.com KIDS. So that kids can be on the list too!!

SBS: A kids list? That rocks. How fun is that?!

RR: Plus in NYC we will be creating YOUAREONTHELIST.com pop-up lounges at marquee events in NYC and this summer in the Hamptons. So- SBS Readers will have to see where we will pop-up next!

Photo 1: Robin Ross and Tracy Stern
Photo 2: Ryan Nicklaus of Ryan Darius Salon and good friend TJ enjoyed Front Row at Russell Simmons courtesy of YOUAREONTHELIST.com
Photo 3: 901 SILVER TEQUILA LAUNCH PARTY, NYC June 13, 2009: Justin Timberlake brings sexyback with President of 901 Silver Kevin Ruder
Photo 4: 901 SILVER TEQUILA LAUNCH PARTY, NYC June 13, 2009: Actor and promoter Danny A with the beautiful people

Native Australian designer, Nicholas Bowes began his career in fashion as a successful runway model. Today, he is the Owner/Designer of one of the Hottest Street-Chic clothing labels in NY, LA, and Japan. Krma by Nicholas Bowes launched in 2003. The clever acronym stands for Kangaroos Roam Mainland Australia. His leather jackets and Rock Star Tees have been a favorite among Superstars from Alicia Keys to Adrian Grenier and A-list fashionistas!

MUST HAVE FOR SPRING:

Krma's women's leathers are BAD ASS- with the perfect balance of edge and femininity. These timeless jackets come in an assortment of colors and are cut to flatter various shapes and sizes (they just so happen to be SUPER comfortable too). Oh and guys... Krma's Men's line is just as Hot! The leather used throughout the collection is buttery soft to the touch (as it should be when made with fine Italian lambskin) and just feels lucious. I promise that this will be your go-to jacket once the weather warms up a bit. My fave is the Dean Jacket...

STYLE TIP:

Ladies,with Spring just around the corner, pair your Leather with a soft flirty dress and a pair of high heel booties and Voila! Instant Chicness.

SHOP:

Krma Jackets and Tees at Atrium, Henri Bendel, Barney's New York & LA, Fred Segal, Isetan in Japan and online at Maluka.com, shopmanhattanite.com and Krmaclothing.com

BE CAREFUL: Big Drop is carrying a cheap knockoff of Krma called PORTER. Don't make the mistake of trying to save a few bucks and ending up with the impostor! Honestly, if you don't have the $600 to spend on the real deal, you might as well buy a pleather from Forever21.