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: Actor and promoter Danny A with the beautiful people

Love it or hate it, Facebook has become one of the most popular social media tools to date. At first, it was a great way to see what ever happened to Susie Q from high school. Then, in the same vain as HS, it became a popularity contest, deeming the peeps with the most FB Friends- the popular kids. Quickly following suit, promoters jumped at the opportunity to solicit these faux crews to fill up has-been nightclubs. Not only were inboxes cluttered with promoter lame parties, but bogus friend requests from virtual strangers tested ones morals.

Why do I feel guilty for rejecting a friend request from someone I've never met? Do cyber friends equate real friends? How do you trust someone you've only chatted with in cyberland?

B.FB. (before Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace), chat rooms were the rage and breeding grounds for creeps. They patrolled chat rooms for some unsuspecting young thing, which led to a rash of heinous crimes of all measures. Becoming increasingly aware of the warnings and some intervention from legal authorities, chat rooms were shut down and MySpace was born. However, MS also fell prey to questionable solicitations and became more annoying then entertaining, and Tom was kicked to the curb.

Facebook seemed like a great solution based on accumulating friends from high school, college,or co-workers- creating a built in security... or is it a false sense of security and sincerity?

In addition to catching up with old friends, FB is a fantastic platform for promoting small businesses with it's Fan Pages and bringing attention to charities with it's Causes Pages. It's also been great when throwing a party. Yet,once again tainting a good thing, the creeps have crept their way into certain social circles.

Personally, I like to think I'm pretty street savvy and have a good amount of suspect when approached by cyber creeps. I've even staved off a few posers, thinking I was wise to their malice. I've had my fair share of people saying they were someone they weren't, that they were friends of friends they weren't, or that they met me at an event only to get me on their promoter list... But how do you know who's for real and who's not for sure?

I received some pretty disturbing news yesterday. A man with a rumored laundry list of criminal behavior across the pond and two cohorts, have been trolling a prevalent social set to facilitate fraudulent activity.

SUSPECTS: A man we will now refer to as "Y", and a group page- Society's Choice.

ALLEGED RAP SHEET: Y uses the Society Choice group as a front for his activities. He makes false claims such as; an elected committee, nominated the top 50 online persons with the most fascinating Facebook profiles, and that a "Philanthropic organization" merged with Society Choice. Their where no mergers, nor were there any real awards handed out. Y has actually been kicked off FB several times already for creepy actions.

No jail time or lawsuits against him were discovered, but the alleged charges span internationally from USA, London, and Switzerland:

Fraud
Domestic Assault
Attempted Rape
Apparently, he owes a lot of people and financial institutions money- this is hearsay.

MO: "Hi _____, X said it would be great for us to know each other. Let's meet up next week!" or something along those lines, when in fact that's not at all the case and X wouldn't vouch for them in any way.

WARNING: Y and some others have all been "mining" our friends and sending out messages to contacts worth knowing.They've been doing this with X's actual real friend's names as well, and it's a dangerous situation. The last thing anyone needs is to put their name on the line for someone they've never met or even they've met for a handful of minutes. The New York Satorialist (which is not affiliated with the real Satorialist) even did a positive write-up on these three just this past December.

Needless to say, we've all deleted this gang if we hadn't done so already. I suppose my advice is to remember- the type of behavior mentioned above (true or false) is a form of stalking and can be described by the law as "harassment". Keep on your toes and realize there is a vast difference from Facebook friends in cyber world and your real friends. Save your trust for the real world.

According to Internet Expert, Richard Brill, their is a solution to the problem.

If you feel you are a victim of Cyber Stalking or related online crimes then you should contact the Assistant Governors office of your State. In New York The AG is Andrew Cuomo's Office. Tell them what was done to you. The state now uses a computer software program called XWAVE which tracks activities of online predators.

When you use online personal sites such as Facebook, always confirm with your friends the person that is friending you and what their motives may be.

To reach the HOME - OFFICE OF THE NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ANDREW M. CUOMO

Dial 311 or visit, http://www.oag.state.ny.us/

*The above information, alleged claims and accusations, derived from collective sources. To my knowledge, none of the legal accusations have been proved, they are rumors researched on the internet. Despite my odd personal interaction via FB with the aforementioned persons, SBS remains objective and accepts no responsibility for false accusations or alleged claims.

*image courtesy of Zimbio - Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Europe March 25, 2009

*image courtesy of Zimbio - Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images North America September 22, 2008 (Founding President of Facebook and co-founder of Napster and Plaxo Sean Parker, Harvard University Fellow Joe Trippi, and Brookings Institution Senior Fellow William Galston)

*image courtesy of Patana Wikispaces

The Volkswagen’s 2010 GTI launch is now underway, with Volkswagen being the first auto manufacturer to launch a car exclusively through a mobile device.

A hip and classy crowd celebrated the exclusive launch Wednesday evening at the Classic Car Club on Hudson with host Olivia Munn and special guest DJ ?uestlove (from The Roots… in case you didn't know…)

Amongst the kickin' beats, an assortment of hors d'oeuvres, and specialty libations concocted just for the event, here's what we learned: Free Real Racing GTI Game Brings Volkswagen All-New 2010 GTI to iPhone® and iPod touch®.

The launch of the all-new 2010 GTI via the App Store with a free version the Real Racing GTI App, created for Volkswagen by Firemint, exclusively features the all-new 2010 GTI. (Please click this link to download the game, for your iPhone® or iPod touch®)

Additionally, six U.S. players of Real Racing GTI will each win one of six, limited-edition 2010 Volkswagen GTI MarkVI prize cars through December 2. One player will be chosen to win the ultimate racing prize: the exclusive GTI MkVI, an individually-numbered, specially-tuned version of the legendary hatchback. Each model includes the GTI’s 2.0T 200hp four-cylinder engine, a performance tuned suspension finished with black, Volkswagen motorsport 18-inch all-new wheels, and special interior touches, including carbon fiber-look trim, a numbered dash plaque, and unique stitching in the front headrests.

The free Real Racing GTI App is available worldwide and spares no detail, allowing players to experience every thrilling aspect of the all-new 2010 GTI right in the palms of their hands on iPhone and iPod touch. From the redesigned exterior with more aggressive headlights and the famous red-striped grille, to the sporty interior with a race-inspired steering wheel, the all-new 2010 GTI races its way to life on the screen for a thrilling gaming experience.

With VW at the helm of style and performance, it only made sense to strive to engage the consumer in this fragmented media market. Tim Ellis, VP of Marketing, concurs, "The GTI customer is a tech-savvy consumer who enjoys social networking, playing games and spending time on mobile devices – most often an iPhone. Launching the all-new 2010 GTI via the Real Racing GTI App allows us to connect with this savvy GTI consumer within his or her everyday life in a way that no 30-second spot ever could.”

Who better then to give us a live demonstration of the new app than the face of G4, Olivia Munn... in her Louboutins? Not only can this gorgeous actress kick butt at this game, Ms. Munn confirmed she will have a role in the upcoming Tina Fey and Steve Carell comedy, Date Night. The flick will also stars Mark Walberg, James Franco, Leighton Meester, Taraji Henson, Common, Ray Liota, Mila Kunis, Mark Ruffalo, and William Fichtner.

Real Racing GTI includes several features designed to foster social connectivity.These include the ability of players to send messages to their competitors via Twitter and to capture and upload videos of their best laps to the game’s YouTube channel for international bragging rights. Additionally, GTI MkVI buyers will also be able to configure their vehicles, modeled after the six prize cars, at participating Volkswagen dealerships throughout the U.S.

Cool features on the 2010 models:
•    Fully independent sport suspension
•    Six-speed automatic DSG® direct
shift gearbox with Tiptronic® and
sport mode
•    17" alloy wheels
•    Alloy Pedals
•    Interlagos or Leather Sport Seats
•    MDI with iPod® Cable
•    Touchscreen Premium VIII Stereo
•    RNS-510 Navigation
•    Award Winning 2.0 TSI Engine
•    DSG® Transmission
•    Launch Control
•    Sport Suspension
•    XDS Differential

The dopest gadgets? Pinch Protection, which helps reduce the risk of injury to a set of unsuspecting fingers when the windows are closing. Also, the integrated VW logo on the hatchback doubles as the trunk latch… so very Magyver…

Let us not forget, that this sexy vehicle will make any recessionista giddy. The 2010 GTI starts at below 24k.

For more exclusive picts, click: VW GTI LAUNCH

For more about the 2010 Volkswagen GTI, the Real Racing GTI game, and an in-depth look at the six GTI prize editions that are waiting to hit the streets, please visit www.media.vw.com or www.VW.com/RealRacingGTI

*photo 1: DJ ?uestlove

*image 2: courtesy of Media VW

*photo 3: Olivia Munn educating guest on Real Racing GTI

*image 4: courtesy of Media VW

*photo 5: courtesy of Switched

DJ AM posted his final tweet on Tuesday afternoon.