The London-based duo JUNGLE is back at it again, with stunning visuals from their August 11th release titled “VOLCANO” and the lead single “Back on ‘74” is such an infectious vibe that you can not help but want to have it on repeat. In fact, I’ve watched the video (as shown above) many times and each time I find something new to revel over. This album is reminiscent of the dancehall vibes of the late 90’s and the groovy bass lines interlacing the synthesized beats makes for a mighty good time. It’s a rarity that an artist will release an album that does not have the listener wanting to skip to the next song. JUNGLE does just that with this release and it’s evident in all of the featured tracks. It’s also no surprise that all of the videos they’ve released thus far can be turned into a short film and it is visually stunning and having dancers reacting to it in such a positive light. I can imagine seeing all of the exquisite outfits and epic dance moves when they roll into your city on this tour.
My favorites from the album have got to be “Holding On”as the opening reminds me of “Groove is in the heart” and that is such a call back to my childhood listening to the radio and dancing in my living room until my parents told me to go and do my homework. “I’ve Been in Love” definitely gives off the Ginuwine vibes mixed in with the seductiveness of Usher. Channel Tres does a phenomenal job of boosting the songs intense R&B melodies into the stratosphere. “Coming Back” and “Palm Trees” are also two notable favorites, slightly different from each other but similar in the sense that you’re on a vacation sipping some delicious beverage in a cabana on the beach somewhere in the Caribbean. This album as I have mentioned before is a no skip kind of album where every song is unique but together it creates such an euphoria that you’re left in a better mood then when you first sat down to listen to it.
I can not wait for their live show here at Franklin Music Hall (formerly the Electric Factory) on September 27, 2023. You can grab tickets here for that show.
It was a wildy euphoric night when the stars aligned and the Nashville singer-songwriter corook took to the stage and wowed fans for a solid 90 mins. The tour titled after their latest EPSerious Person takes fans on a phenomenal emotionally driven journey through sense of self discovery, identity and pride in who they are as individuals. On Monday night, I legitimately fell head over heels and my mood was instantly boosted by not only corook’s presence but also that of morgen.That coupled with the energy from the fans and a public display of adoration and affection and that is what I would call a recipe for success.
Morgen was an infectious fireball of a human being and just lifted my mood since it had been an emotionally driven start of the week. Her bright personality soared through the room with such ferocity that you could not help but want to get to know her. She played all of her hits such as “Hammock” and “3D” and “Sick of Me” and had everyone dancing along the entire night. One of the things that I quite enjoyed about her performance was that she was intentional with her interactions and time on stage. She made sure that everyone knew she was grateful for them being there early to see her perform. And when she makes eye contact with you, your heart just skips a beat and you suddenly forget what you’re worried about. (Happened to me a few times.) Also shout out to Kurt for being a magical guitarist accompaniment and they did not shy away from the limelight. Morgen definitely gained a new fan that night as I know I’ll be seeing more of her and her sparky personality.
I don’t remember when I first heard “It’s Ok” by the Nashville, TN singer/songwriter corook but it was as if the universe wanted to reassure that I don’t always have to be at 100%. Some days can look like 60% and others can look like 80%. The most important thing is that you acknowledge that and give yourself some grace. So imagine my excitement when I heard their single “If I was a fish” and could not get the hook out of my head. I was watching the song’s popularity rise through social media and when the full song came out. I was floored by how the song was relatable in such a way that made all of the digital nonsense feel less intense. And when they came on stage, my heart was filled with so much joy and warmth, and I can feel the energy flowing from the back of the room to the front. Their fans are so kind, and accepting and made sure to let everyone know that they are welcomed at a corook show. Which was nice to be invited to the cool kids party. Seeing the iconic frog hats adorned on their fans heads as they sang “Emergency Contact” was so awesome because it was like watching the music video being lifted off the screen and into real life. Plus fans bringing some pretty rad fans and a bubble machine made for a fun night.
I don’t think I would ever be able to fully put into words what seeing corook and morgen made me feel. But as my therapist suggested to me the other day. I am going to document every good thing and write it all down. Those two singers are what the world needs more of and if we can amplify the kinds of hearts and souls they both have. It’ll be a wonderful place to live in. They make sure that everyone feels seen, and is heard, and knows that they aren’t alone. Which is a wonderful thought all its own. They are currently on tour going across the midwest in Chicago on September 21 and ending up in Tucson, AZ on October 12. You can still get tickets to the tour here.
I have been collecting little things to spruce up the coffee bar that will be set up in my dining room and have been following very inspired by all of the recent transitional pieces in the shops lately. I am still on the hunt for a nice piece of furniture to put my espresso machine and all of my coffee making items on. I have been watching a lot of soft, minimalist videos that’s coffee centric and have been so amped to make a cozy, coffee spot in the new house soon. I am really excited for the New York City Coffee Festival held at the Metropolitan Pavilion on October 6-8, 2023. I plan on taking a day trip up to New York on the weekend to take in all of the sights and smells of the NYC Coffee Festival. Plus I’ll stop by one of my favorite spots to have dinner. I’ll most likely take the train up to the festival so we’ll take you along for the ride.
Welcome to Bean It Up! This a new series where we share all of our favorite coffee shops in the tri-state area. This is volume two of the series, there’ll be four volumes to this series.
I wandered into the Bryn Mawr location just by chance and grabbed a latte and sat by the window and have been coming to La Colombe for years now. I walk over to the Fishtown location whenever I am in the neighborhood visiting a friend. I enjoy their draft latte’s and always crave the one with hazelnut and grab the black and tan draft latte whenever I get it. The breads and pastries are to die for and I always go here to grab whole bean coffee for when I make some at home. I bought a coffee grinder for that reason.
I couldn’t pin-point ONE particular spot but this donut shop has their own blend of coffee and also serve Vietnamese coffee that is a specialty from Caphe Roasters. This place also does juices and lemonades and was the first place that sold me on lavender infused drinks. Definitely try the lavender lemonade and get add a bit of Sprite to it for the zesty kick. They also make incredible donuts, fresh to order, the classic are sprinkled on and then they handcraft a variety of special ones that’s on rotation depending on the season. Right now you can get a pumpkin flavored donut, a cherry cheesecake one and a peach ring one. You can also get sandwiches and I always order two of the chicken sandwiches if you are planning on sharing it.
I went here on a recommendation from a friend who absolutely loves their coffee and breakfast options and was raving about their gluten free bagels and house-made spread were a MUST. Everything here is Vegan and they have two locations; South Philly & West Philly. I got a hot latte (which is like my go-to drink when I go to a new coffee shop. I also got their everything bagel with their scallion cream cheese. Other spreads that were recommended to me was the jalapeno cream cheese and sun-dried tomato and basil cream cheese. There’s also a to go option if you want to order ahead and walk over like we did.
I stumbled on this gem of a coffee institution when I was on a walk downtown and was just branching out of my usual chain coffee shops (Starbucks, WaWa and Dunkin Donuts). And I am so glad that I did because the coffee is delicious, the pastries are locals and the alternatives to caffeinated beverages are superb. You’ve gotta try the tea and lemonade blend because it is divine; though I must mention it is a seasonal selection.
Honorable Mentions - The Coffee Shops & Roasteries that kept me caffeinated and afloat during the pandemic in 2020 and beyond.
Nguyen Coffee Supply Co - When I was researching small business owners that were Vietnamese American (like myself); I was stoked to find that a NYC coffee company was bringing the phin coffee filter to the forefront. Much like Caphe Roasters here in the Philly area. They are a representation of what Vietnamese American dreams can become. This generation of immigrants and citizens are the ones who make a lasting impact on us all. Also they are amongst the ready to drink canned coffees legends in stores and you can find them at Whole Foods now.
1946 Coffee Co - What a wonderful little roastery and coffee company that was recommended by one of my dear friends and gives back to the farmers and country that gives that company their great coffee beans. My absolute favorite was the Cafe Fermiano Colombiano which was 16 oz of bliss in a medium roast body. Not only is Vincent Moro a rad coffee roaster, he’s also a fantastic photographer, nature lover and friend.
Roosevelt Coffee Co - Another coffee shop located in Columbus, OH and recommended by dear friends that live there. This coffee company was also one of the first places that I started a coffee subscription with during the pandemic. I learned about roasting, beans, grind size and all of the rest just by trial and error. Starting with a french press made me learn patience and humility and grounded me when the isolation and quarantine made everything come to a halt. The owner Kenny Sipes, is an absolute legend, in the Columbus coffee scene and does so much for the community.
I hope you have enjoyed this look into the journey I have been on since I have really taken time to truly be more mindful with my morning cup of coffee. On the next and final installment of Bean It Up I will share with you the process of my cafe corner in our new house and a look into how I apply the mindful practice of having a morning cup of coffee (or matcha). Thanks for reading and until next time.
