Author: Lauren Jablonski

New York native Brooke Moriber is making a big splash. Her journey started from Greenwich Village, to Broadway an now transitioning to her own rock band. Her EP Fire will be released in August of 2015. LIB: Why did you make a transition from Broadway to Rock? Moriber: It’s more of a focus thing than a transition. I always wanted a recording career but I’ve been so lucky and blessed with opportunities on Broadway, Film and TV that I started to lose sight of my original dream. It’s difficult to juggle a career as an actor and as a…

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The rain did not stop hippies from dancing in the mud at Woodstock and it did not stop craft beer enthusiasts from sampling a variety of over 250 brews at Beerfields. Over 100 different brewers attended the event including several homebrew clubs. Brian Zimmerman from Z-Barrel’s created a Lemon Balm Wheat beer; its citrus flavor was light, crisp, and refreshing. Zimmerman also brewed a six-row beer to sample.  Even though using 6-row malt for beers is viewed as taboo, there is a very little taste difference from using 2-row malt.  Using Long Island six-row malt is also less expensive per…

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When national talent comes to Long Island, local artist can benefit. Plainview rapper Steven Adam Markowitz (known by his stage name as Hoodie Allen) was the opening act for the Boys of Zummer Tour. Makowitz grew up listening to Long Island bands including Taking Back Sunday, Brand New, and The Movielife and was happy to show the audience some local love during his set. Wiz Khalifa played his chart toppers including Work Hard, Play Hard, Young Wild & Free and See You Again. Khalifa even threw two giant inflatable joints into the pit during his set instead of beach balls. Next, Surprise…

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Chopped Judge and owner and executive chef of Benchmarc Restaurants by Marc Murphy and Benchmarc Events by Marc Murphy, recently released a cookbook called Season with Authority Confident Home Cooking. LIB: What inspired you to write a cookbook about seasoning? Murphy: Seasoning with authority is the overall, riding theme, I find that people don’t season food enough or properly sometimes when they are cooking with it doesn’t make the food pop. I highlight the idea of seasoning, the book is a compilation of recipes I’ve been cooking my whole life and things that brought back memories during different periods of…

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Within New York’s Five Boros, there are so many local craft breweries. Being a Long Island girl I am familiar with all the Long Island breweries but this event was a great way to discover great craft beers from the surrounding boros. The rooftop at Studio Square in Astoria’s provided a great location for an indoor/outdoor event. There were no long lines, not overcrowded, just a great laid back place to listen to live music, drink great beers, and enjoy food samples. All craft beer enthusiasts received a nice 2oz tasting glass and stainless steel flat bottle opener at the event.…

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The Used hit the stage at Webster Hall for a sold out performance. In February, guitarist Quinn Allman, departed ways with The Used for a one year hiatus. Saosin’s guitarist Justin Shekoski was a great tour replacement even though fans do miss Allman. Bert McCracken made a great front man as always singing and screaming his lungs out and constantly moving around the stage. Over a decade later, The Used still got it! Intro Maybe Memories (with “New Noise” by Refused snippet) Take It Away The Bird and the Worm Listening Cry I Caught Fire The Taste of Ink All That I’ve Got…

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Long Island Craft Beer Week (LICBW) is a great time to sample and enjoy local Long Island Beers. Even though it was raining Saturday morning, the sky cleared up and the sun was shinning just in time for one of the largest LICBW events, Bay Fest. Local breweries and brewing clubs, food trucks, radio stations, cigars all had booths outside for this event.  Bay Fest was not overcrowded; it was well organized, and had great craft beer selections. The Great South Bay Brewery had the tasting room open inside as well as kegs outside. My favorite summer beer combination from…

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California metalheads, In This Moment rocked the stage of The Paramount. Front-woman Maria Brink stole the show. Brink was strutting on stage as a sexy nurse, a metalhead Barbie doll and wore other Lady Gaga-esque costumes and props. Brink was center-stage with two dancers while the rest of the band members were in the background for most of the set. In This Moment had a great choreographed visual performance that had fans cheering even though the live vocals were disappointing. Set List The Infection Sick Like Me Black Widow Adrenalize Sex Metal Barbie Burn The Fighter (Acoustic Version) Fallen Heroes…

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With the spring season finally beginning to show face, there is a good chance you are looking for the perfect eyewear to protect your precious peepers for the sunny months to come. Vision Expo East is our favorite place to discover the latest eyewear fashion trends before they pop up in stores. The trade show boasts some of the regions’ most prestigious vendors of sunglasses and frames. Lauren’s Top Vision Expo Picks Summer Sporty Shades Tifosi Optics Sunglasses are the best sport shades for quality, style, function, and price. They are perfect for both intense outdoor sports, such as cycling,…

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Wine connoisseurs gathered at the Cradle of Aviation Museum for Taste of Flight, the largest wine event on Long Island. Attendees checked their coats, received a souvenir wine glass and began swirling, smelling and sipping delicious wines while viewing historic aircraft on display. VIP guests began food and wine tastings one hour early and received an exclusive pairing: The Ferrari Champagne and Tuna Crudo courtesy of Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas.  Spuntino also provided fine Italian cuisine to sample during the general session. Some of their food and wine pairings included: 2011 Sancerre Remy Painnier with Fresh Mozzarella 2012…

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