Two Works by Mark Kostabi (All Photos By Gail)

If I could name only one person whom I’ve most enjoyed meeting and getting to know since I started writing about the New York City contemporary art scene, it would be Mark Kostabi. Mark is not only an extraordinarily talented artist and musician, but he’s also one of the nicest and most generous people I can name. On a day that is currently also memorable for being the day after the warmest day of the year so far, Mark hosted a wildly fun Jazz Art Brunch at the Dillon Gallery in Chelsea, where everybody listened to awesome live music, shared their art, ate, drank and had a great time! It was an ideal opportunity to meet up and hang out with friends that you normally only get to see on FaceBook!

Mark’s Brother, Musician and Artist Paul Kostabi Poses with his Signature Creation, “Sparkl”

Paul and Mark Kostabi Prep for the Show

Part of the inspiration for the event was to give Mark and his band the chance to warm up in front of a live audience prior to their upcoming set at the release party for their CD, Kostabeat, held at the Cutting Room a few days later. Here are a few of our favorite photos from the day!

Check out this delicious Brunch Buffet (courtesy of Sullivan Street Bakery) featuring all of my favorite carbs!

At the brunch we were also introduced to a tasty beverage, Maven Cocktails, which is a blend of premium wine infused with top shelf vodka – my two favorite beverages of choice! Maven tastes amazing and comes in a lovely resealable glass bottle – classy! I was very partial to the Pinot Noir blend but white wine fans can also enjoy a Chardonnay variety! Maven Cocktails, FTW!

Art By Mark Kostabi and Paul Kostabi

L to R Paul Kostabi, Keith LeBlanc, Paul Nowinski, Mollie Israel, Tony Esposito, Mark Kostabi

In this photo, the band performs the sublime “Spoleto Dream” from Kostabeat, which is an excellent album.

Paul Nowinski also plays with Keith Richards and he is a phenomenal bass player!

Here’s better photo of Mollie, a lovely and talented lady!

The multi-talented Tony Esposito is an accomplished percussionist, arranger, composer and producer who is Mark’s creative partner in the Kostabeat experience.

Always the gracious host, Mark invited several guest musicians to sit in with the band or perform solo.

Multi-instrumentalist Scott Putesky performed a compelling ballad arrangement of The Pixes’ “Wave Of Mutilation,” which is one of my favorites. Scott is perhaps best known in Pop Culture Legend as Daisy Berkowitz, former guitarist for the classic, Portrait of an American Family-era of Marilyn Manson — a band that was certainly a force to be reckoned with in its prime.

Scott is also a fine artist who creates intriguing modern abstracts, such as the work above. Fascinating.

I’m not sure who this drummer is, but he was just adorable, and a serious badass on the kit!

Thanks again to Mark Kostabi and his super cool assistant, Heidi Follin, for making it a great day for everyone!