hey dreamer,

here's an album review, 7 delicious events, the most whimsical fall veggie, and more...

Do you imagine utopia? Can you? I imagine many better things, much more joy, contentment, safety, and ease for many, many more people… but utopia? I don’t know. After visiting the Upper West Side’s new (and wow, so lovely) La Farine Pâtisserie et Café this week, I wandered to Strawberry Fields-- one of my favorite places in the city for a good cry (and in general). I sat down on a bench just in time for “Imagine”. And while I do consider myself a dreamer, when it comes to imagining utopia, I have to disagree with Lennon… It’s not so easy if I try. Most of our literary utopian societies are actually disguised dystopias. They’re warnings. Right now, I’m thinking of Pluribus, it’s Vince Gilligan’s new show on Apple TV about a grumpy, individualist romance writer faced with a world where humanity has fallen into a blissful hive mind. Their hyper-efficient and notably kind way of life is in many ways ‘perfect’. But by the same breath… so lacking in humanity. The tensions, the rough edges, confrontations with desire, and the curious and irritating interactions with one another’s differences are all missing. Usually, a deep knowing that there is ‘oneness’ between us all is grounding to me. But this show, like other utopic projects, seems to ask: if we shared memories, thoughts, and knowledge… where do we (each) go?

There may be what we can dream, and what we can also cherish. This week’s newsletter includes a review of an album I think holds the pain of living through chaos with the tenderness of being human in impressive tandem. And though a pure, utopia is difficult to imagine, “Imagine”, sung by a guy on his acoustic guitar under trickling light through orange autumn leaves, where people from around the world have gathered in a moment of pause… still makes me cry.

the lineup

✰ HOT OFF THE PRESS: a warm reiview of Couvo’s Empty Country
✰ IT’S HAPPENING: style events/vintage sales, a litterary hike, delicious concerts and parties… the works, if you will.
✰ THIS N’ THAT: rare books, the most whimsical vegetable in season, and jewelry that is both collage and sculpture

SIDE NOTE… I’m working on warmly’s annual “warm wishes” gift guide full of goods by local NYC makers, artists, and brands, AND places (small biz, markets, pop ups) to shop them. I love how community driven last year’s guide was so… Pitch your stuff! Pitch your friends’ stuff! Pitch your favorite stuff! just shoot me a DM

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a warm review of Couvo’s Empty Country

What a gift it was to review this project by New York City indie rock artist Couvo. The album is poetic, cathartic, and so present with what it means to be a person right now.

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✰ If you’re looking for plans tonight, how about 3 incredible local bands at the one and only Bowery Ballroom?? NY nights don’t get much better. The Backfires are playing with support from Strawberry Launch and Dallas Wax. An electric lineup- go enjoy <3
🎫 Fri 11/21 | The LES | tickets here