Latest news with #PhilipMutz
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
I Just Watched Beyoncé Perform a 3-Hour Concert in the Pouring Rain and I Don't Think I'll Ever Be the Same
This week, I had the great pleasure of attending Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter tour for her fourth performance at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (technically her 'New York' tour stop). As I prepped to schlep my elder millennial keister across the Hudson via public transit, I…was worried. Would Beyoncé deliver? I had no doubt. Would she and I get soaking wet in the process? The severe rain outside my window made me think it inevitable. My journey to Jerz included a departure from New York's famed (and in-desperate-need-of-a-gut-reno) Penn Station. In case there were any question of 'who run the world,' it became clear by the throngs of denim-clad and cowboy hat-donning fans clamoring to catch the next train that the answer is, indeed, Beyoncé (and girls, obvi). As expected, I arrived to the stadium in the rain along with thousands and thousands of others who now had the good fortune of hiding their chic fringe and denim beneath dollar store ponchos. (I personally wore a fringe crop jacket, a denim button-down and a disco ball cowboy hat. Though the only thing people saw during my long wait to get through security was a man in a giant, rain-soaked trash bag with a disco ball hat on top of his plastic hood.) Original Photo by Philip Mutz Yada yada (or ya-ya ya-ya?), I got my chicken fingers, my soft pretzel and my beer and I made my way—still in my poncho—to my seat, ready to eat in the rain as I awaited my queen. And then, a miracle. Could it be? Yes! My seat was covered by the tier above! I would actually be able to watch the concert without getting any wetter (and I could finally show off my outfit), something that could not be said for the majority of the night's attendees. Original Photo by Philip Mutz When the concert began and I leapt to my feet, I'd love to say all thoughts of rain disappeared. But they did not. Because for the next three hours, I would watch one of the most impressive performances I'd ever seen happen in the cold, pouring rain. Afterwards, I thought to myself, Surely if Beyoncé can do that in the rain, I can get through anything. Beyhive and non-Beyhive, let me tell you: Beyoncé and the Cowboy Carter concert are incredible. It is a spectacle in the best way possible. So full of joy. So full of power. So full of history. In fact, I received a history lesson standing there in MetLife, through her music and through her video interludes that took us through Black artists' massive contributions to the creation of country—and the creation of our country. Queen Bey paid tribute to and followed in the footsteps of those who came before her. And this generational theme was only furthered by the onstage presence of her two daughters, Blue Ivy and Rumi. There was Americana abound. Flags everywhere. Homages to our nation everywhere. Beyoncé even sang the National Anthem at one point (it was hard not to remember how she started a press conference with the song back in 2013). This was paired with clips of 'newscasters' hating on her for trying to 'enter' the country music space (obviously they never did a simple Google search on the history of country music). It was deeply moving and motivating to see this wildly successful Black woman school those who clearly believe in division and 'ownership' of a certain genre of music—or of America and Americana itself. In a time of deep divisions in America, it felt like I was watching Beyoncé take America back—but not just for herself. It felt like she was taking it back for me. She was taking it back for every single person standing in that stadium. It's hard to describe the power she possesses. But it is quite large—and it was clear that she understands the responsibility and the weight of that. And as thought-provoking and history-filled as her concert might be, it was also just so damn fun. There was a level of incredible joy up on that stage. And humor. And whimsy (I mean, the woman's mode of transportation around the stadium was a giant flying horseshoe after all). And this joy was apparent in the music, in the dance, in the spectacle, in the screaming of lyrics by the fans. It also seemed amplified by the pouring rain. The rain—which didn't cause a single slip or a fall or even a stumbled note—was part of what made the performance so special (though rain or not, that concert is impressive). It seemed like the rainstorm simply helped complement the joy and the gratitude and the grace that she exudes. Beyoncé even acknowledged how special the night was in her closing remarks. Do I recommend seeing Cowboy Carter when it comes to a town near you? Absolutely. Will it be even better if you see it in a rainstorm? Well, it wasn't the chicken fingers that changed my life… Want all the latest entertainment news sent right to your inbox? Click here. Beyoncé Just Revealed Her Cowboy Carter Tour Looks (& Was That a Nod to Taylor Swift?!)
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
I Spent Four Days at the Gorgeous Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo Hotel in Panama—and I Seriously Felt Like Royalty
From the moment I stepped foot into the lobby of the stunning Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo Hotel in Panama City, Panama, I knew I was somewhere special. (It didn't hurt that the luxury hotel sits in the heart of a historic Panama City district on the site of the former Club Union, which once hosted the likes of Albert Einstein and Queen Elizabeth). Courtesy of Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, Panama From the incredibly friendly welcome to the gorgeous, nautical-themed lobby decor, I was immediately at home (and already getting that "I don't want to have to leave" anxiety). Here, my full review of the historic Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo Hotel—and why the hotel alone is worth the trip to Panama. Original Photo by Philip Mutz The hotel itself is prominently located in the beautiful, history-filled—and extremely walkable—Casco Viejo, or Old Town. The area has been designated a World Heritage Site, meaning it should be a must-visit on every world traveler's (or history buff's) list. The hotel was a 1917 landmark, home of Club Union, a social club where business and non-business took place for decades. It hosted everyone from Queen Elizabeth (I spotted a photo of her arriving in Panama on the hotel wall) and Einstein (pretty cool) to Charles Lindbergh (meh, slightly less exciting). It was hard not to feel that sense of history the moment I walked through the front doors. That said, nothing about this Sofitel Legend hotel feels old—quite the contrary. My stay was full of luxury pampering, contemporary comfort, cutting-edge cuisine and lively and on-trend entertainment. In fact, the first thing I did was visit the Sofitel Spa by KOS Paris, a luxe and modern escape after a long day of travel. My 60-minute deep tissue massage was excellent and perfectly set the tone for my trip—and got me into "vacation-mode" immediately. Courtesy of Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, Panama My room was exquisite. I kept walking around saying, "Oh my God..." to myself. And the walk around the room was a long one because the one-bedroom suite is huge. (No surprise: I put a robe and slippers on right away.) My suite featured a large and comfortable living room area, where I was greeted by a decadent spread of local fruits, homemade macarons and a bottle of Veuve. If the spa didn't put me in the vacation headspace, sampling red pitahaya and guava with a glass of chilled Champagne certainly did. Original Photo by Philip Mutz The bed was large and so comfortable. My side table even featured a sleep guide that allowed me to order pillows to my firmness specifications (this wasn't necessary for me as the pillows were perfect). As with any hotel stay, I couldn't wait to star-fish during my first night of sleep. Courtesy of Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, Panama The showstopper of the suite had to be the bathroom though. I'm talking a giant bathtub with a fabulous view of downtown Panama City. The tile was beautiful, the vanity was spacious and the shower was large enough for two (there were two showerhead setups) if that's your sort of thing. Original Photo by Philip Mutz As sometimes happens, I feared I wouldn't want to leave my room. Honestly, I could have spent my four days entirely in there, alternating between luxurious baths, star-fishing and sipping Champagne on my giant wrap-around, waterfront balcony, also featuring a view of the downtown area. But as amazing as my homebase for the week was, I'm so glad I ventured out of my room... Original Photo by Philip Mutz There are quite a few must-try dining and drinking establishments on the Sofitel Legend property. Each one is unique, with a carefully-crafted menu and plenty of whimsical surprises (like my pad of garlic butter—seen above—presented in the shape of Panama). As far as dining goes, whether you're staying on property or not, I highly recommend a visit to Caleta on the ground floor. Michelin-starred Executive Chef Lorenzo Di Gravio has created a menu unlike anything I've ever tried before. Caleta should certainly be on the must-try list for any seafood lover (be sure to order the Croaker Cooked in Clay—I had a lot of fun using my tiny mallet to smash the clay to reveal the delectable fish, served with beurre blanc and rainbow carrots). And I suggest asking the very knowledgable sommelier to assist in choosing wines to pair perfectly with your courses—her recs were spot-on. Original Photo by Philip Mutz I also recommend popping up to the Sofitel Legend's rooftop for one of two great stops. First, there is Ammi, a bar and lounge featuring yummy craft cocktails, tasty bites and amazing views of the water and the surrounding city. (Stopping by at night is particularly magical.) Then, don't leave without heading next door to the rooftop speakeasy, Arcano (the entry password changes daily, but if you ask nicely, they'll probably help you out at the door). The cocktail lounge is cool and sophisticated, with expert mixologists behind the bar. I suggest ordering a rum cocktail—something Arcano is known for. And if you're heading by on a weekend, be sure to make a reservation. Both nights I visited Arcano, the place was hopping in the best way possible. And just as I'm so glad I stepped outside of my room, I'm equally glad I didn't spend all of my time at the hotel (though I did spend plenty there)... Original Photo by Philip Mutz Panama City is incredible. I'm so happy I had the chance to stay in Old Town. Definitely book a walking tour—I learned a ton from my expert guide, including part of the city's history as a target of pirates (seriously!). Old Town also features plenty of shopping and cute places to grab a bite, drink or gelato. I recommend seeing downtown a bit too if you can. I had a delicious lunch at Cantina del Tigre (you will definitely need a reservation as the place was packed with locals and visitors). Of course, no visit to Panama would be complete without a stop at the Panama Canal, the eighth wonder of the world. There really aren't words to describe how impressive the canal is. Take in the Morgan Freeman-narrated IMAX movie first to learn a bit of the backstory and then step outside to see the canal in all its glory. If you time things right, like I did, you'll get to see an enormous tanker being dramatically lowered as its onboard inhabitants wave to you on land. Original Photo by Philip Mutz One special suggestion for Panama City visitors? If you have time, take a day trip to Pearl Island (seen above). I braved my fear of little airplanes to hop over to the Pearl Island Beach Club, where I enjoyed a day of sun and fun by the pool and the beach, complete with cocktails, bites and a beachfront massage. This oasis is quite exclusive and provided a lovely respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Courtesy of Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, Panama A final recommendation: Copa Airlines is the way to get to Panama City. My flight was direct from NYC (a must), my seat was surprisingly spacious and they even got us into Panama extra early (more bonus vacation time!). Needless to say, Panama City should definitely be atop your list of places to visit. And the Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo is the ideal place to stay if you really want to relax, indulge and feel like royalty. I, for one, can't wait to go back. 19 Bucket-List Mother-Daughter Trips That Will Make You Two Even Closer
