Santigold: The Golden Woman

Santigold’s show last night, at Terminal 5 in New York City, was packed with a sea of fans who had trickled in throughout the evening during both Trouble Andrew and Amanda Blank’s supporting sets prior to Miss Santi taking the stage at 10pm. I trekked uptown solo in a jiffy – with my friend, the lovely Amy Gunther joining me later on -- making sure to catch Trouble Andrew’s performance at 8pm sharp. Trevor Andrew (his real name) is an old friend from my days with Burton Snowboards. (Long story short, I’ve been involved with the snowboarding world for 15 years. No need to get into that right this sec.) So of course arriving promptly was a must. Just in time, phew, and amazing per the usual. Nice one Trev! Amanda Blank was next up. She had on one of the craziest getups I’ve seen in quite some time -- black legging with white Christmas tree lights attached. Sorry I don’t have a photo. Just Google it!

Between Amanda Blank and Santi set’s, Amy arrived and I ended up meeting, of all people, Lil Jon. Yup, that Lil Jon, sans crunk cup unfortunately. (Bummer. I’ve always wanted to see one of those things up close.) I asked him why he came and what he’s been up to. “Well, Trev is my boy, so I had to come. As for me, I’ve just been in the studio.”

Santi (who bought her first pair of snowboarding boots from me back in 2001—true story) finally took to the stage donned in a shiny black and gold metallic suit. Her performance was jaw dropping; Terminal 5’s energy reached an all-out high when she, her band, and backup singers suddenly burst into Soulja Boy’s “Turn My Swag On.” Santi said to the audience, “This song is so bad, it’s good! We love it and had to just throw it on for ya!”

Before the show’s end, I bumped into someone I’ve respected for years: Lyor Cohen, of Warner Music Group. Lyor is the man! Anyone who’s toured with Run DMC, the Beastie Boys, and launched careers of a slew of notable artists for the past 25 years certainly deserves props. And always the gentleman ... Lyor stood up from his seat and gave me a kiss on both cheeks to say hello. 

Miss Santi’s closing song involved around five audience members, Naeem Juwan from Spank Rock, and Amanda Blank singing and dancing along. Hot Hot Hot! Thank you Santi for yet another incredible show. I’m already ready for your next one.