Metal Leaves Studio
  • Home
  • Profile
  • Contact
  • Editorial
  • MUSIC Gallery
  • Event Services
  • EVENT Gallery
  • Portrait Services
  • PORTRAIT Gallery
  • Blog

The Painted Ponies | Fete Paradiso

9/26/2013

0 Comments

 
Step onto the ferry in Brooklyn or Manhattan, it will transport you to a land filled with the enchanting sights and sounds of Fete Paradiso, an antique Parisian carnival that is stationed on New York's Governor's Island from mid-July until the end of September. 

This is the first time that the rides have left France, ever. The rides themselves were rescued from two private collections in France, then painstakingly restored by a family of artisans who specialize in meticulous workmanship. 

Fete Paradiso is an extravaganza of wonderment for children and adults. The twinkling melodies filled the air with a sound that instantly took the uber-modernized crowd back into another century, while the stunning display of rare amusement rides will have you thinking perhaps you really did take a step into a time machine and landed in another world. 

Experience the carnival like never before through the whirling of the Chaise Volante or while holding on for dear life as you enjoy the unique thrill of the Dragon Carousel as it propels forward, and then backyards, all the while daring you to not fly off. There are also the much more tame, but still awesome sailing ships, gliding to and fro in a flying journey through the sky. A toddler favorite, but older kids will want a chance to ride too.

Taking a spin on the speeding bicycle carousel is a must. There are only two of this type made in the entire world.This unique thrill ride was made in 1897 and is beyond amazing to see in action. A belt rolls the carousel into action while riders pedal furiously around and around. On this ride, everyone laughs. The suave attendant in the iconic black and white striped shirt joins in the fun, intermittently shouting commands in french and singing tunes into a bull horn to keep the peddlers riled up.

If the stunning display of vintage rides were not enough, there is a biergarten- fashioned from a bumper car pavilion from 1900, and food- crafted by Le Gamin, a French bistro in the city. The selections are fit for gourmands who will relish every bite of salad Niçoise or Croque Monsieur. Step right up and get a wand of flavored cotton candy- orange is the best, or taste one of the authentic crepes offered, then sit under the charming chandeliers and watch the rides spin and swirl as the carefree days of summer seem to pass by a little more slowly while on the island.

Games such as the Ball Guzzler will keep everyone entertained, as valiant attempts are made to land a ball into the mouths of celebs from the 1930s. This nostalgic game features likenesses of Josephine Baker, Charlie Chaplin and more iconic figures from that era. Get five balls in, and score a drink on the house- for real. 

A children's carousel from the 1930s was transformed into a concert hall, where musicians and performers will entertain and delight the listeners. Soul Clap performed during the Parisian Ball event, while a host of other musicians took to the stage throughout the summer to entice revelers into a melodic daydream of old Parisian street music. 

Much more can be said about this festival, but the absolute best way to experience it, is to check it out for yourself- you will be in awe. 
0 Comments

How We Roll

9/23/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
The R. Park Fest 2013 featured all the things that make a festival great. DJS spinning live music, Firefighter Chili Cookoff!, killer cornhole tournament, a bounce house and beer. Did I forget to mention the most awesome thing ever... Roller Skating!!!! Because WHO doesn't LOVE skating? The Grinch perhaps. 

The festival was held under the stoic watch of Michigan Central Station, our massive treasure that will most likely be restored soon (call it a hunch) Anyway- what better way to spend the first day of fall than at a neighborhood picnic... roller skating! 

Read More
0 Comments

It's All Happening

9/19/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
DDF 2013 ©Nicole Wrona|MLS
Detroit Design Festival 2013 featured the awesome concept that attendees could create their own path, meandering around town to check out any combination of the 60+ latest designs, innovations and installations from cutting-edge artists and designers. Happenings were conceptualized by a huge range of avant garde artists, including fashion and product designers, gallery and studio owners, cinematographers, interior and graphic designers, performance artists, boutique owners- the list is endless. 

Read More
0 Comments

Laneway Detroit | All the World's on Stage

9/16/2013

0 Comments

 
Laneway happened.
St. Jerome's Laneway Festival brought a unique feeling to the rolling hillsides of Meadow Brook Music Festival. The low key festival with a chill vibe kicked off its first North American event in the Detroit area. The scene was set with large sculptures, hammocks, artwork and bales of hay that were scattered on the festival grounds. 
The laid back vibe extended beyond the fans themselves and seeped into the ones that they had come to see- the musicians themselves. From the lead singer to the hardcore drummer, the band was there to scope out the scene and become part of music history- watching it unfold from the stage and as part of the audience when they were done with their set. 
Laneway Detroit was a fresh fest that was cool because nobody knew what to expect. 
Bands performed.
The music was well-curated, displaying a wide range of styles which merged together to create a cohesive roster of raw talent. It was decidedly different with a sense of familiarity all at once. Meander around to discover someone you never heard of or catch your fave band as they tear into their lyrics with a new vengeance.  
From the Pavillion stage to the Movement stage, all the artists seemed excited to be at Laneway Detroit. Down to their bones. From the synthy whispers coming from Chvrches to the bombastic bravado spewing out of Run the Jewels, an El-P + Killer Mike collab, there was definitely something for everyone, with lots of in-between to check out.
All the bands that graced each of the five stages killed it. Heathered Pearls christened the Movement stage in the early afternoon, while Matthew Dear closed it out as the sun was beginning to fade. The Roscoe stage was home to Deerhunter and Frightened Rabbit, while the Meadow stage played host to the sexy BAMF singer from Alunageorge, flanked by media-fave Chet Faker and crowd-fave Run the Jewels.
The Derrick stage was the setting for the avant-garde Savages followed later that evening by the frenetic musings of The National. The Pavilion stage featured the impeccable CHVRCHES gave way to kinetic duo Icona Pop, who burst onto the scene until Solange staked her claim and made it her own, creating an edgy soul experience through her lighthearted yet sultry throwback sound. 
The musical factory of event crashers that is the Detroit Party Marching Band, spilled out everywhere wearing their signature flashy DPMB garb. Horns raging through the air, clanging their way with unabashed bravado from stage to stage, crowds erupted like hot magma collecting around a volcano.
Artists created. 

You could smell the paint in the air as the slight breeze carried a kaleidoscope of colors from the canvas. Artists such as David Corneal and Terry A. Burton worked to translate the moment into something tangible as the music played.
Crowds cheered. 

It was a place for serious fans and casual listeners. Everyone fit. The casual atmosphere was electrified by the crowds, whose excitement was matched and amplified by the bands that were featured at this all day and into-the-night bash. 
And then they went home. Or to the after-party. (But that's another story)
0 Comments

OpenCo Detroit | A Ponyride in the D

9/13/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
Ponyride ©Nicole Wrona/MLS
There are a lot of firsts taking place in Detroit. Yesterday Open Co. hosted a Detroit version of their awesome business conference- an all-day exploration of local companies, culminating in a networking extravaganza held at MOCAD. Join me to discover what makes the city go, in an exploration of the spaces, studios and offices of the people who are making things happen in the D.
Lights, Camera, Action! First up on the agenda is Department of Alternatives, hosted by some innovative companies: Detroit Bus Company, Loveland Technologies, EBLI and Dandelion. 
Andy Didorosi, the founder of Detroit Bus Co., is doing way more than simply ushering people from Point A to Point B; he is making a difference and filling a need. Andy is into doing things for the social good, which is pretty obvious by his actions. 
0 Comments

Things I've Always Wanted To Do

9/11/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
I just found my list of things I have always wanted to do! And guess what- I have done some of them! I cannot believe it- totally excited about it. Now I get to x some out!
Learn to whistle (for a taxi) | Budapest | a nite @ the concrete teepee | learn sign language | learn to tango | learn spanish | tamales from scratch| make stained glass windows| attend rodeo | visit the last 3 states | sturgis | running of the bulls | underwater hotel | morocco | catch coconut ice cream in cone in thailand | hang glide in vt | hot air balloon ride | sleep @ ice castle | ice fish | mush a dog sled | use snow shoes | witness an erupting volcano | tag a train | train hop | find natural hot springs in CO using map written on the napkin | visit a real life ghost town | london | springtime in paris | send screenplay into ustpo| turn screenplay into film | dollywood | fireflies at foot of smoky mtns- but did go to smokies | monarch migration in Mexico | Nicaragua! | redwoods/sequoias | ocean kayaking | visit lighthouse | one ebony + one snow white swan | see a wolf OR puma in real life-  saw a coyote! | dine @ revolving restaurant | have a shot in Russia | travel europe by train | espanola, new mexico to recreate moonrise over hernendez | stand on the corner of winslow arizona | eat @ whistle stop cafe | cotton field | host a killer road rally | a night @ the chelsea | a mint julep @ the kentucky derby | see Linda Ronstandt perform live | wake up in India | sea turtles lay eggs on beach @ nite | sleep on top of the continental divide | remember the alamo! | a real tunnel of love | see the bats pour out of the cave (either az or nm ot tx) | ride the carousels in the carousel cap of the world| the stanley | see old faithful in action | slide down sand dunes on a sled (used a raft) | go to a parisian flea mkt |

I haven't done the boldface items yet.
0 Comments

Ships

9/10/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
NYC ©Nicole Wrona | MLS
0 Comments

Kendrick+Kanye

9/6/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
Kendrick Lamar ©Nicole Wrona|MLS
+
Picture
Kanye ©Nicole Wrona|MLS
Coming at you live- from the Palace- it's Kendrick Lamar & Kanye West. The show will be on Sunday November 10. 
0 Comments

    Author

    All images & text ©Nicole Wrona

    Categories

    All
    Art & Design
    Celebrations
    Detroit
    Event
    Music
    New York

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Archives

    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    June 2021
    April 2021
    October 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    October 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    February 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    February 2017
    October 2016
    May 2016
    March 2016
    January 2016
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    May 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010
    June 2010
    May 2010
    April 2010
    March 2010
    February 2010
    January 2010
    December 2009
    November 2009
    October 2009
    September 2009
    July 2009
    June 2009

    Picture
    Picture
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.