I'm starting to feel like a bit of a disaster. Wherever I am, disaster strikes: 2003.....The great blackout in NYC (and I was living in Minneapolis at the time.), 2009......the Cobo Hall Fire at NAIAS and now, 2011.....the great blackout at the Jacob Javits Center. Wherever I go, trouble follows. Last night, around 7:50 PM. all of the lights dimmed in the middle of the New York Auto Show at the Jacob Javits Center. It became very dark, very quickly. I love the resilience of New Yorkers because an event like this barely registers to them. As someone who has officially spent more time in LA (11 years) versus NYC (9 years), I did look around to make sure this was just a faulty electrical moment instead of a true emergency.
I also love that Jalopnik and the NY Times Automotive Section were on to my tweets within seconds. Are they trolling for auto show information by the moment? Either way, I am impressed. The consumers remained calm and the lights were back on within 8 minutes. The only thing that I questioned was the lack of response from show management. We didn't hear a peep from them. Surely there is a universal PA system to tell the public that everything is okay and that they are working on restoring power? Does anyone have an emergency plan in place these days? I know Cobo Hall didn't do a thing during the fire in 2009. The other good news is that New York's famed "Gang Night" on Easter Sunday was the calmest in years, so maybe my luck is changing after all.
Lights back on and all is well at the 2011 New York Auto Show........
**The views/opinions on this page are not necessarily those of TOYOTA.
Although it was a holiday weekend, I had to work. So, my weekend was filled with a little work, a little play, a little shopping, and a whole lot of eating. Here are some fun scenes from my Easter weekend in the Big Apple.
We kicked off the weekend with our annual trip to Burgers & Cupcakes. Yep, you know what's on the menu.
For all of you flea market enthusiasts, The Garage Antique Flea Market (112 West 25th St, 10001) is a muston your next NYC visit. It is filled with vast treasures with a strong focus on vintage clothing, jewelry, and housewares.
When you go to visit the flea market, be sure to visit Lulu of Lulu's Vintage Lovelies. Her eye for style is impeccable and if you want quality designer vintage clothing, she is the woman to meet. We hunted through vintage Valentino to fox stoles to stunning chandelier earrings. It's the type of inventory that would make Rachel Zoe's head spin. I managed to grab a gorgeous white trench coat and a fitted gray military jacket. (Photos to come...)
Some of Lulu's treasures that are calling out to me. I promise, I will be back! Make sure to stop by and say "hi" to Lulu. Be sure to tell her that KB sent you.
I do believe the myth is true that NY water makes bagels, pizza, and cupcakes taste better than anywhere in the world. This slice was heaven. The right amount of cheese blended together with tangy sauce and a crispy crust.
A view of our Toyota Live stage from the 4th floor. It's fun to watch the audience from up above catch our show. I think it is the best view in the house. Next time, I have to send someone up there to take a photo when I am on stage.
Thanks to our crew, they posted some of our best shots from our Peter Luger Steakhouse night on the Toyota Live monitors.
I do like my steak!
What's your favorite thing to do in New York? Let me know in the comments since I have another week left in the big city.
Celebrities and cars go hand in hand, so it is a common sight to see a celebrity endorsing a vehicle on one of the press days at the Big Four Auto Shows: NY, LA, Detroit, and Chicago. However, this year, MINI USA chose to utilize KISS to promote a new test drive tour that will raise money for UNICEF. So, the buzz on this launch was huge, excitement built throughout the displays, and rumors abounded. Would the band play? Is Gene Simmons really coming? Is Mini Kiss playing? This launch was going to be EPIC! Thousands gathered into the MINI display early hoping to grab an close up spot on the carpet to take their iPhone photos, it was packed.
The CEO of MINI North America, Jim McDowell, was a good sport who came out in his own KISS garb including the makeup. I am not sure anyone heard his speech though because the audience was impatiently waiting for the band to come out. And then.....the introduction. Here's a quick clip of their entrance and all of the noise coming from the crowd:
After all of that chaos, a little bit of banter was exchanged by the CEO and Gene Simmons and then the whole thing was over in about 4 minutes. That's it? Not one single song? Not even a fun appearance by Mini Kiss? I have never seen an event so hyped at press day, only to be done with the whole thing in a New York minute. Sigh. I know MINI USA spent a lot of money to have the guys out to the event, I guess I just wanted a bit more. For those of you that are hardcore KISS fans, I know it isn't the original line-up of Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss, but hey, it was fun for us at press day for four minutes or so......
In case you were wondering where Paul Stanley was, he had to pull out at the last minute due to a family emergency.
All four vehicles were signed by the band members and are being auctioned off for charity. For more information on the event or the auction, check out MINI USA.
