Jay-Z Makes Surprise Appearance at Alicia Keys’ World AIDS Day Concert

We can officially cross it off our bucket list.

Poison Ivy got to watch Alicia Keys perform “Empire State of Mind” live with surprise guest Jay-Z Tuesday night at the American Express-sponsored, YouTube-streamed World AIDS Day concert at Nokia Theatre!

Keys broke it down on the piano for a solid hour before Hova showed up – rocking old hits (“Fallin,” “You Don’t Know My Name,”) newer songs (“No One,” “Superwoman,”) and brand new tunes off her forthcoming record The Element of Freedom.

“14 million children are sleeping with a broken heart cause they’ve been orphaned by AIDS,” Keys said, before playing newest single “Sleeping With a Broken Heart.”

Poison Ivy had a chance to go backstage and congratulate Keys following her amazing performance, and also hear her pledge her alliegance to the Worlds AIDS Day organization.

We’re not even going to try and explain the pandemonium that ensued when Jay-Z jumped onstage and joined Keys for their brilliant, beyond-triumphant ode to New York, “Empire State of Mind.” Just take a look at the video below and see for yourself!

P.S. Bob Dylan truly put it best: “There’s nothing about that girl I don’t like.”

[Photo by Michael Loccisano/WireImage for American Express]

I SPY NY: Bob Dylan, Diddy and More

I spy in NY…

Bob Dylan storming the United Palace Theatre Tuesday for a three-night stand (top photo), Diddy celebrating the big 4-0 at the Plaza Hotel with guests Jay-Z, Bono and Kim Kardashian (middle photo), Brad Walsh and Christian Siriano hanging out at Jesus Luz‘ table at Hotel Rivington Thursday night (bottom photo), Ed Westwick triple-fisting drinks with girlfriend Jessica Szohr and New Moon star Ashley Greene following the premiere at New York’s Cabin around three a.m. Thursday, Mark Ronson DJing a Chabad benefit at New York’s 1oak Thursday, and Q-Tip checking out Grandmaster Flash‘s set at Santos Party House Friday.

Steve Buscemi Tells the Story of Joe Gallo

Poison Ivy visited the J. Crew Men’s Shop in SoHo Monday night for a one of a kind experience we just had to share with the class!!

Author Tom Folsom was celebrating the release of his new book The Mad Ones, the fascinating, uncensored story of legendary sixties NYC gangster Joe Gallo. And who was there to help read excerpts but Matthew Modine and Steve Buscemi!!!

Check out a blip from Buscemi’s hilarious reading above. He even throws in a killer impersonation of Bob Dylan!!

Dylan, Mellencamp and Nelson Headline 2009 Ballpark Tour

Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp and Willie Nelson will headline the 2009 Ballpark Tour, kicking off July 2 in Sauget, IL and closing out August 15 in Stockton, CA.

Tickets will on sale May 2 for $67.50 a pop, while children 14 and under are free!

Check out a full list of dates here.

Quote of the Day

“I know what you’re saying, but it’s not a character like in a book or a movie. He’s not a bus driver. He doesn’t drive a forklift. He’s not a serial killer. It’s me who’s singing that, plain and simple. We shouldn’t confuse singers and performers with actors. Actors will say, ‘My character this, and my character that.’ Like beating a dead horse. Who cares about the character? Just get up and act. You don’t have to explain it to me.”

-Bob Dylan says, of his “Across the Borderline” character

Dylan to Play Rothbury Festival

Rock legend Bob Dylan has been tapped to play the second annual Rothbury Festival, which will take place July 2-5 in Michigan.

Already on the lineup are Willie Nelson, the Hold Steady, Girl Talk, Nas and the Black Crowes.

Don’t forget to pick up your tickets Friday!