U2 Rocks Giants Stadium

Thursday night, I headed out to Giants Stadium with galpals Sara, Andrea and Leila to see U2.

Our first stop at the Meadowlands -- Inside Sports & Entertainment Group’s fabulous tailgate party. With cold hors d’oevures (mozzarella and tomato, crudite), yummy desserts and wine and beer, the premium ticket provider served a first class spread and spared all of us who attended from greasy, overpriced stadium fare. Thanks, Inside SEG.

Before The Show: Sara, me, Andrea and Leila

A little after 9pm, U2 took to the stage, opening their electrifying two-hour set with “Breathe” and their recent hit, “Get On Your Boots.”

“For a couple of Irish boys, why does this feel like a hometown gig?” Bono asked with a smile.

He and his bandmates had all of us in the capacity crowd cheering as they rocked a perfect mix of old and new tunes. From “Beautiful Day” and “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For (to which everyone sang along) to “”No Line On The Horizon” and “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” U2’s 23-song set proved why they’re one of rock’s most enduring -- and most beloved -- bands.

U2 rocked it at Giants Stadium

U2’s talents were on full display thanks to a 360 degree set that had the band strutting across various platforms. Along with images of the band performing, massive overhead screens projected colorful words and symbols.

The show was infused with powerful messages about democracy and other social issues. Bono dedicated a moving rendition of “Walk On” to Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The 80’s classic “One” was more stirring than ever, overlaid in part with video footage of Bishop Desmond Tutu declaring --

“We are all the same, we are one.”

After two rousing encores that included “Where The Streets Have No Name” and “With Or Without You,” Bono once again thanked the audience. With a mischievous grin, he proudly stated that the crowd of 84,000 had broken attendance records at Giants Stadium -- exceeding both the Pope and Bruce Springsteen.

U2 was more than worth the long wait to finally see them in concert. Even with two decades of music behind them, the show proved they've still got plenty of rockin’ to do -- and plenty of fans who want to see them do it.

Celebrating National Singles Week

While reading Glamour.com’s fabulous Single-ish blog, I learned that this is National Singles Week. It may not be a well known occasion (truthfully, I never even knew it existed), but I think it’s definitely one worth celebrating. Especially because there’s plenty to celebrate about being minus a plus one, as I’ve rediscovered over the last couple of days.

The other night, I headed out to happy hour on my own. It had been several months since I’d flexed my flirting muscles in this way, so I was both exhilarated and a little nervous.

Butterfield 8: A great place for happy hour fun and flirting

Thankfully, I picked a great spot -- lively midtown hotspot Butterfield 8 – with a good crowd. Within a matter of minutes, I found myself talking to charming gadget salesman Milton about everything from the search for happiness to what exactly constitutes good sex.

My conversation with Milton reminded me that, when you’re single, adventure is always right around the corner if you know where to look. Last night, my newly-single trainer was beaming about the possibilities that lay ahead for her now that she’s exited an unhappy relationship.

Of course, one of the best things about singlehood is the tradition of girls night out. Tonight, I will be enjoying a big night out with three of my best galpals – and U2 at Giants Stadium.

How are you celebrating National Singles Week? Whatever you do, make it fun and fabulous. After all, that’s what being single is all about.

Blast From The Past

When it comes to old flames, I’ve experienced my fair share of those inclined to make unusual requests.

One married ex suggested we go on a double date with his wife and my then-boyfriend. Another insisted I meet his live-in love -- the morning after he and I had shared a few passionate kisses. The most unexpected request, though, happened yesterday with E, an old flame from my college days.

E and I were good friends until a disastrous brief fling. In a Facebook email aptly titled “Blast From The Past,” he informed me that he was coming to New York today.

I was more than a little surprised to hear from E given that we hadn’t seen or spoken to each other in more than a decade. And even more surprised about what prompted his email -- a need for last-minute accommodations.

“If not you,” he asked, “Do you have any friends I might be able to stay with?”

He tempered this “super-cheeky” request by suggesting we catch up during his short visit. Here, I opted to oblige him.

Coming up…celebrating National Singles Week and, at long last, U2!

Weekend Event Pick: Unforgettable Fire Returns

As I’ve mentioned before, one of my favorite live music venues is NYC’s Canal Room in Soho. And one of the best cover bands I’ve ever seen there, Unforgettable Fire, is making another appearance on Saturday, May 9th.

Unforgettable Fire (UF) is one of the longest-running U2 cover bands

I had the pleasure of seeing the U2 tribute band last fall. Like the rest of the standing room only crowd, I got swept up by UF’s electrifying performance – and lead singer Tony Russo’s uncanny resemblance to Bono.

UF knows how to put on a slickly produced show, with video montages and a frenetic mix of both classic and current U2 hits. I can’t think of a better warm up for U2’s upcoming 360 tour – which I’ll be seeing twice at Giants Stadium in September!

Tickets to this Saturday’s UF show are $18 in advance ($20 at the door) and UF will be performing with Grammy-nominated Reggae singer Pato Banton. For more info, visit http://www.canalroom.com/.

Global Traveler's Fifth Anniversary Bash

Thursday night, I joined a handful of my Quinn & Co. colleagues as guests at Global Traveler’s swanky fifth anniversary party.

Held at the Renaissance Hotel in Times Square, the event had everyone enraptured with stunning 360 degree views. All the single ladies in the house agreed that, if your guest list is on the smaller side, there could be no better spot for a quintessentially Gotham wedding.

What A View: Times Square is what you see in 360 at NYC’s Renaissance Hotel

Equally enchanting -- the sounds of a keyboard player and cellist and a tasty selection of hors d’oeuvres including quail with fried egg, mini fish and chips and even cookies and milk (shots).

I had the chance to catch up with GT Editor in Chief Lisa Matte, and was happy to hear her upcoming visit to Q&C client Hilton Arc de Triomphe Paris will coincide with her 50th birthday.

In the small world department, I found myself standing next to Daryl, a charming event planner from Toronto, my hometown for four years as a teenager. We gushed about the city’s recent exponential growth, and Darryl promised me a night on the town next time I’m up north.

Fellow travel PR maven Andrea and I shared our excitement about scoring tickets to U2’s one night only show at Giants Stadium in September. Andrea was double booked, heading from the GT soiree to a season finale party for “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”

She invited me to join her, but I too had another commitment -- a date with an old flame who, despite geography, still has a special place in my heart.

Girls Night Out In SoHo

Last Saturday, my friend Bobbi and I headed down to SoHo for night of eating out and live music.

Our evening began at Petrarca, an Italian bistro and wine bar right across from the Tribeca Grand Hotel. A surly hostess notwithstanding, I enjoyed the restaurant and its inviting atmosphere (high ceilings and shelves with wine bottles lining the walls).

Petrarca: Delightful Italian fare in SoHo with an extensive wine menu

As I enjoyed a delicious plate of fettucine bolognese, Bobbi and I talked about the romantic possibilities of ski weekend getaways, the question of whether size really matters (um…yes) and the joint celebration plan for our 35th birthdays next month.

Then, we were off to one of my favorite nightspots, the Canal Room, to enjoy the sounds of two great cover bands. We caught the tail end of Almost Queen, and their energetic takes on “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Somebody to Love” and, of course, “We Will Rock You.”

I was most excited for the headlining act, Unforgettable Fire. The longest running U2 tribute band (born 14 years ago), UF recreates with gusto U2’s distinctive sound.

Unforgettable Fire: Powerhouse vocals and musicianship, and the ultimate U2 tribute experience

Led by vocalist and Bono doppelganger Tony Russo, UF blazed through some of U2’s best -- from classics including “America” and “Helter Skelter” to more recent hits like “Beautiful Day” and “Elevation.” Bassist Craig (Adam) Kiell, drummer George (Larry) Levesanos and guitarist Mick (Edge) Normoyle complete the powerhouse band.

I’ve never had the pleasure of seeing U2 live. A guy standing beside me who’s seen both U2 and Unforgettable Fire said UF is the closest you can get to an actual live U2 show. I’m even more excited now about seeing Bono perform -- and about catching UF again next time they’re in town.

By The Numbers: Front Row Edition

Imagine attending more than 700 concerts in your lifetime. Earlier this week, I learned that’s what my friend Cindy’s boyfriend Jason has done (733, to be exact) – which got me to thinking about my own love affair with live music.

Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing more than 50 concerts, a dozen of which have been my beloved Ricky Martin. Here are some of my most memorable live music moments, enjoyed with and without the opposite sex, By The Numbers:

Number of concerts attended with significant others: 4
Number of Maroon 5 concerts that figured prominently in reconciling with an ex: 1
Number of ‘farewell’ concerts attended of performers who later toured again: 2
Number of times I ended up within the first 20 rows despite having a nosebleed section ticket: 1 (Tina Turner, June 2000)
Number of times I saw Ricky Martin during his 2007 Black and White tour: 4
Number of miles flown to see Ricky perform in Puerto Rico: 3,206

Worth The Trip: Ricky Martin sizzles during his Black and White tour, San Juan, August 2007

I’ve been fortunate enough to see Ricky and some of my other favorite performers (e.g. Bon Jovi, Dave Matthews Band and Tina Turner) multiple times. The band I most want to see but haven't yet -- U2.

Jason has seen U2 five times. I look forward to catching up with him on that front – and, of course, to whenever Ricky hits the concert circuit again.

A Sweet Canal Room Concert

Nestled in the heart of SoHo lies the Canal Room, an inviting nightclub that regularly hosts tribute bands. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing bands pay tribute to The Police and No Doubt. And last week, for the second time, I enjoyed the sounds of One Sweet World (http://www.onesweetworld.net/), a tribute to the Dave Matthews Band (DMB).

One Sweet World performs at NYC's Canal Room

Over the course of a 2.5 hour concert, One Sweet World performed some of DMB’s greatest hits - including “Crash,” “Stay,” and of course, “Ants Marching.” The musicians’ easy camaraderie was matched by their perfect pitch in recreating DMB’s distinctive urban rock sound. An exhilarating rendition of “Gray Street” had me pumping my fists in the air and exchanging a smile with charismatic lead singer and guitarist Anthony Iglesias. Being a groupie has its privileges…

All smiles with One Sweet World lead singer Anthony Iglesias

Anthony, an NYC native who’s been playing guitar most of his life, performs with electrifying precision and tireless energy, making everyone in the crowd feel like they’re part of the music too. Fiddler Joe Davoli, bassist Ian Rafalak, sax and flute player Dean Keller and drummer Chris Cornish all hold their own on stage as well. The Canal Room introduced One Sweet World as the greatest Dave Matthews tribute band in the world. I couldn’t agree more with that accolade.

Upcoming concerts at the Canal Room will pay tribute to Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen and U2. For more info, visit http://www.canalroom.com/.