May 29 marked the beginning of the 2nd Annual “Vulture Festival.”
As a one-stop shop for everything pop culture, it is only fitting the kick off party was hosted by none other than “The Magnificent Jazzy Jeff” at the Top of the Standard Hotel [formerly the Boom Boom Room]. The relatively intimate party of 100 was smartly finessed into their dancing shoes by the skilful bartenders serving drinks by the co-sponsors Stella Artois, Bridge Lane Wine, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Throughout the night Jazzy Jeff’s set ranged from Duke Ellington intros to the Notorious BIG’s “Hypnotize,” infused with a taste of EDM from DJ Snake and Lil Jon in order cater to the diverse crowd in attendance.
The kick off was the official start to the anticipated two-day festival, highlighting the best actors, comedians, musicians, and screenwriters in their respective industries. Todays highlights include a tour of the New Whitney museum led by art critic Jerry Saltz, a Screenwriters “Roundtable” featuring Michael Weber (“500 Days of Summer”), Karen McCullah (“Legally Blonde”), David Goyer (“Batman Begins”) and Michael Showalter (“Wet Hot American Summer”), and a concert featuring Banks and St.Lucia at Webster Hall.
For more information visit http://www.vulturefestival.com/, and if you weren’t able to grab a ticket, you can follow the activities on twitter using the hashtag #VultureFestival and following the magazine’s handle “@Vulture”.
-Dalton Taylor