August 31, 2017
NoMad Neighbors: NoMad Benefit Star Frank Catalano
The NoMad Alliance inaugural benefit is quickly approaching! This Is NoMad, featuring the tastes and sounds of our great neighborhood, will be held on October 2nd at the Gansevoort Hotel. The main performance will feature Grammy-winner and NoMad resident Frank Catalano. His headlining set, along with a Jazz Gallery curated selection of rising NYC talent, will set the tone for a lovely fall night of food and music.
We’re lucky to have a legend of the modern jazz world right here in our community and grateful for him to be a part of this fantastic event. Recently, Experience NoMad caught up with Catalano to learn more about his life in NoMad, and what makes it such a special neighborhood for him.
Frank, we’re so excited to have you performing at This Is NoMad. What drew you to our cause?
NoMad is an amazing neighborhood, and it is filled with so many awesome people who really care about the betterment of our neighborhood and city. I have made so many friends in the NoMad Alliance who donate time, money, energy, resources, and good vibes everyday so I was honored when Leslie asked me about performing at the NoMad benefit.
What’s your favorite spot in NoMad to go on a date?
The Flatiron Room. It has such a great atmosphere, live music, and the best whiskey selection in the city. I love Scotch and am the spokesperson for Drambuie Scotch Liqueur. Tommy and crew are so knowledgeable, friendly, and cool that it’s always a great date at The Flatiron Room!
Of all the great places in NoMad, which is the quirkiest?
Definitely The Hog Pit. It’s so unique, I love it!
How does NoMad influence your creative process?
NoMad is vibrant and full of such energy that it constantly inspires me. Prismatic Park, Madison Square Park Conservatory, and The Jazz Gallery are always doing amazing things and engaging brilliant artists. I used to perform very regularly at The Jazz Standard, and it is still one of my all-time favorite jazz clubs right here in NoMad. It would be almost impossible not to feel creative after spending a little time here.
Where do you go to decompress and enjoy some drinks after work?
I don’t have a 9 to 5 schedule so “after work” is always different, but it’s early enough. My wife, Sona, and I love to stop by Black Barn for their happy hour specials.
What’s your go-to spot for morning coffee?
I love the Cold Brew from Stumptown Coffee Shop. Such a unique and delicious taste!
Where can we find the best burger in NoMad?
Definitely at the original Shake Shack in Madison Square Park!
Finally, what would you say is your favorite building in NoMad?
That’s difficult to decide with all of the magnificent buildings in NoMad, but I think it would have to be a tie between the NoMad Hotel and Ace Hotel buildings. Their architecture is stunning and I love the rounded edges and turrets. There is a romance I feel from those buildings that I can’t properly put into words, but I hope everyone reading this gets a chance to experience it for themselves, if they haven’t done so already.
Frank’s music is available on Spotify, iTunes, and for purchase on his website. Don’t forget to sign up for a ticket to catch Frank at the This Is NoMad benefit on October 2nd at the Gansevoort Park Hotel.