Date: Friday, June 1st Time: M–F: 10am–7pm; Weekends: 11am–7pm Location: BoConcept Skylounge at powerHouse Arena (37 Main Street at Water Street, BK) Cost: Free
"In 1982, Charlie Ahearn wrote, directed, and produced a small, independent movie that released a year later, taking the world by storm as it screened in Cannes, Tokyo, and Times Square. Wild Style, the first film to unite the underground urban art forms of nascent hip hop culture—DJing, MCing, b-boying, and graff writing—was filmed on location in the South Bronx without permits or pretensions. Some twenty-five years after it’s release, Wild Style is truly a classic" 25 years! Thats almost as old as I am! Celebrate the huge impact this film has had on our culture for a quarter century now by checking out the book and exhibit Wild Style The Sampler. Curated by Ahearn, it provides an inside look at the making of the film and it’s release. The show actually opened yesterday, and will run through July 1st.
Date: Friday, June 1st Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm Location: Brandy Library (25 No. Moore St) Cost: Free
I'm normally a Bourbon drinker (take notes all of you who want to to thank me for the hard work of FreeNYC when you see me at the bar!) but lately I've been trying to get on a scotch kick. Thing is, its kind of like champagne... you really have to go after the good stuff or its all crap. Thankfully, The Brandy Library is around to train my palate with their top notch tastings. Tonight they sample several fine scotches from Duncan Taylor which beats any beer or wine tasting out there.
Date: Friday, June 1st Time: 6:30pm - 11:00pm Location: 46 Grand (46 Grand Street at West Broadway) Cost: Free
SoHo's after work scene is dead as hell which always amazes me because whenever I go over there for happy hour its filled with beautiful, money earnin' manhattanites. Thankfully, someone has decided to liven things up. Ease into your weekend with some old school hip hop, classic bangers, R&B, and soul at this new weekly party full of happy hour specials an no cover. Not a bad stop off on your way home.
You know summer is here when the free concerts start rolling out and South Street Seaport kick of their summer concert series in full force with NYC's own psychedelic freak folk rockers, Animal Collective. "From deliciously skewed ballads to ethereal soundscapes to frenetic rhythms, Animal Collective is constantly evolving, exploring the outer edges for new and exhilarating sounds." Also on the bill is art-rock collective Danielson. Alex XXXChange from Spankrock DJs to get the party started!
Date: Friday, June 1st - Sunday, June 3rd Time: 7pm - 11pm tonight, Location: Various spots in Bushwick (see site) Cost: Free
The Bushwick Arts Festival kicks off today and runs all weekend. There are performances, open studios, parades, BBQs, film screenings, and way too much stuff to list here. Check the site for full details.
FRIDAY NIGHT JUNE 1, 2007
The Bushwick Starr will kick off the festival with the "HotBox" theater and music showcase. There will also be a number of other events featuring art, music and party style activities at various other spaces around the neighborhood that night.
SATURDAY JUNE 2, 2007
Starts with the interactive B.O.S. Art Parade departing form from McKibbin St at 11am and winding its way to Maria Hernandez Park and the B.O.S. Public Showcase. After the Showcase, you can head over to Ad Hoc Art to join up with the Bushwick Then and Now Walking Tour (tours depart at 3 and 5pm), or just strike out on your own to explore the Festival.
As the perfect end to the first day of the Festival, hundreds of artists and visitors will gather at the massive Cabaret and ¡Art Spectacular! on Saturday night. Beginning at 8pm sharp, this event will be a showcase of local talent like you've never seen, featuring clowns, acrobatics, carnies and jugglers, followed by seven bands playing both indoors and outdoors, other performances and art works of various sorts, video projection, and participatory activities including the Goody of Boswijck Pageant. Free admission! Food and beer at the block party! 8pm-2am
The Nutroaster - 119 & 120 Ingraham St. (See Location) between Porter St. and Knickerbocker Ave.
SUNDAY JUNE 3, 2007
Think you’re done? Think again! There’s no way you can see everything Bushwick has to offer in just one day, which is why there are a ton of events and yet more Open Studios on Sunday. After another great day of art and fun, come unwind at the B.O.S. Closing BBQ, and Film/Video Showcase at Collision Machine (97 Wykoff 3rd FL), starting at 6pm.
Date: Friday, June 1st Time: 10:00pm Location: APT (419 West 13th St), downstairs Cost: $5 if you say "FreeNYC says Gimmie Tha Get Up!" else $10
"Member of Truby Trio and Fauna Flash and collaborator with Peter Kruder in Voom Voom, Christian Prommer is one of the premier producers in the still-thriving tech-jazz scene in Europe. Tonight he takes over the basement for Duane Harriott, playing a set of music that stretches into darker, funkier realms than that for which he's known. Ace editor, producer, and remixer Lee Douglas joins in to keep that New York vibe in there. Tim Sweeney (DFA, Beats in Space) spins upstairs." Make sure to use your FreeNYC password "FreeNYC says Gimmie Tha Get Up!" at the door for reduced admission.
Date: Friday, June 1st Time: 10:00pm Location: Opium Den (29 East 3rd btw. 2nd and Bowery) Cost: Free
Dub Lounge continue to bring classic sounds to their Friday weekly. DJs Juggla, Calabras, and 1st Class drop everything from Culture Roots & Reggae to Hip Hop to Afrobeat and this tight downtown spot. Come early for the Solid Ground Crew listening party. They combine Brookly street sounds with a bit of Bay Area sensibility... tight. Good jump off.
Date: Friday, June 1st Time: 1:00am Location: Sutra (16 1st Ave at 1st St) Cost: Free
So you got sold out of the CSS and Yo Majesty show huh? Me too. At least you can get up on the afterparty and dance til the sunrise. DJs Center and Drizzlepops spin with free grub from Dante Fried Chicken and free toys from Babeland... this should go live late night.
A little sample sale madness coming at you today by way of What's Up NYC...
Theory
50-70% off everything from knits, pants, suits, and jackets.
Today through June 4
520 5th Ave near 43rd
3rd Floor
Miu Miu
Sale starts today
100 Prince Street and 831 Madison Ave
Prada
Spring/Summer 2007 Sale also starts today
45 East 57th Street (212-308-2332)
841 Madison Ave (212-327-4200)
724 Fifth Ave (212-664-0010)
575 Broadway (212-334-8888)
Date: Saturday, June 2nd Time: 1:00pm - 7:00pm Location: 1 Main Street (between Plymouth and Water Sts, DUMBO) Cost: Free
The Dumbo Block Party is back with their first event of the summer. These family-friendly, all age events feature some great music DJ sets (curated by Halcyon) plus live music (at 2pm) for the kids from Audra Rox and Toxic Muffin. "Plus family fun with a bouncy castle, arts & crafts activities brought to you by the Brooklyn Children's Museum, and the FDNY's Mobile Fire Safety House and NYC Parks Department's Play Mobile on hand." Awesome walk-around if your in the area.
Date: Saturday, June 2nd Time: 3:00pm - 10:00pm Location: Coney Island Boardwalk (behind Wonderwheel) Cost: Free
Five of our favorite house heads combine to kick off the summer Coney Island style. These are some of the best on the scene and its great to finally have them at a free event so we can give them some FreeNYC love. You've got Kervyn Mark (Sandcastles, Melting Pot), Jellybean Benitez & Marlon D (Ain't Nuthin But a House Party_, and Sal Leone & Marc B (Coney Island Sol) all bringing funky dance rhythms to the boardwalk this afternoon. Throw in a ride on the Cyclone and a corndog and I'm there! [note: a lot of these guys will be throwing Coney parties all summer but this is the only time that they are all getting together at one event so don't miss out]
Date: Saturday, June 2nd Time: 5:00pm - late Location: 3rd Ward (195 Morgan Ave, Bushwick) Cost: Free
Its time again for the Rabbit in a Turtle Shell Film Festival. Every year, RIATS puts together one of the sickest film fest/parties of the summer and this year is no substitute. The one day affair kicks off with an Art Collective Forum bringing together the most influential art movements in Brooklyn and NYC – including guests from Madagascar Institute, Peripheral Media Project, Not An Alternative Arts Collective, and The City Reliquary. Then, theres a multi-disciplinary gallery opening (with free Stella), an International Short Film Program featuring films from the best up-and-coming new filmmakers including Elena Wen, Nick Golebiewski, Nathan Milford, Lauryn Siegel, and Ciro Altabas. And of course, the series would not be complete without an afterparty hosted by those crazy kids at the Danger (with Free BBQ!) That's a lot of punch for a mere $10. Full details on the site, not to be missed!
Date: Saturday, June 2nd - June 3rd Time: 8:00pm Saturday - 10:00pm Sunday Location: World Financial Center, Winter Garden Atrium (West St between Vesey and Liberty) See Bang on a Can Marathon "Imagine Lollapalooza advised by the ghost of John Cage" This 26 hour non-stop festival of musical performances features "an eclectic super-mix of mind-boggling boundary-smashing genre-defying music by pioneering artists from around the globe." Big names include The Books, Thurston Moore, Dälek, and Yo La Tengo but don't miss out on the likes of the Vijay Iyer Quartet or Franco Donatoni as some of my favorite experiences here were with unfamiiar performances. It all starts tonight at 8 and runs all night long until Sunday evening. Check website for complete schedule.
Date: Saturday, June 2nd Time: 10:00pm - late Location: 1717 Troutman St, apt 202, Bushwick Cost: Free
Its a triple Gemini birthday loft party tonight in good old Bushwick. And what's more fun then a loft party. Purveyors of future disco classics, Jeremy Campell and Matthew Radune provide the music as you dance the night away. If you've been waiting for a proper Bushwick house party rager then this may be it. [note: as this is a house party not like the music but like someones abode you need to bring whatever you want to drink. You also need to remember to not be a dick and do things like put cigarettes out on their couch or throw beer bottles at the television. This is #4 in the series and I'd like to see them continue.]
Date: Saturday, June 2nd Time: 10:00pm Location: South Paw (125 5th Ave btw. Sterling & St. John, Park Slope) Cost: $10
Those boy's from the Rub - Ayres, Cosmo Baker, and DJ Eleven - are some of the best in the game. Pure fire party starters, they've been touring a lot lately... breaking ground abnd converting fans left and right. This is their home base monthly party and tonight they are joined by Haul and muthafkn Mason! They've been doing what The Rub has been doing on the left coast, dropping mixes for big boys like Scion. I wouldn't tell you to drop $10 if it was not going to be some of the livest DJ danceparty action around. If you've been sleeping on this then tonight's the night baby.
Date: Saturday, June 2nd Time: 10:00pm Location: Motor City (127 Ludlow) Cost: Free
Another birthday extravaganza featuring DJs Midge Pingleton, Shirley Mc and Dolak spinning the best of soul, indie rock and whatever they want. Guaranteed Xanadu soundtrack action.
Date: Saturday, June 2nd - June 3rd Time: 8:00pm Saturday - 10:00pm Sunday Location: World Financial Center, Winter Garden Atrium (West St between Vesey and Liberty) See Bang on a Can Marathon "Imagine Lollapalooza advised by the ghost of John Cage" This 26 hour non-stop festival of musical performances features "an eclectic super-mix of mind-boggling boundary-smashing genre-defying music by pioneering artists from around the globe." Big names include The Books, Thurston Moore, Dälek, and Yo La Tengo but don't miss out on the likes of the Vijay Iyer Quartet or Franco Donatoni as some of my favorite experiences here were with unfamiiar performances. It Saturday runs all night long until 10pm tonight. Check website for complete schedule.
Date: Sunday, June 3rd Time: 2:00pm - 8:00pm Location: Grand Ferry Park, Wburg (Grand St. and East River) Cost: Free
Come join the Brooklyn Brewery, Shofield Films and Underground Press to sign a petition to prevent the demolition of the historic Domino Sugar Factory on the banks of the East River. Nada Surf will be performing accoustic, The Wau Wau Sisters will be doing their burlesque thing, the Hungry March Band will make an appearance and Vic Thrill, Cheeseburger and The Black Tie Party will also be playing. Although I am somewhat confused as to the importance of trying to persuade condo developers to maintain the historic facades of the buildings they gut, (as opposed to mobilizing preemptively to secure more affordable housing as a condition for re-zoning in the first place), it will be a nice day, so you should come out and rock with some of Brooklyn's finest. For more information on this event and the initiatives of the Waterfront Preservation Alliance, click here.
Date: Sunday, June 3rd Time: 7:30pm - 1:00am Location:Solas (323 East 9th Street bet. 2nd and 3rd) Cost: Free
NYC's live electronic underground rears it head at the bi-weekly Splice party. This week features live performances by Alsatian, Karacter, Leafblower, Jason Carr, & DJ UltraV. Bios below.
ALSATIAN is best described as a menagerie of sounds; a strange and diverse mix of romance, irregular dance beats, and earnest vocals. Their music has been called "warm synthpop that throbs, roils, pulses, and thumps." Working primarily with a guitar, keyboards and a laptop (but also anything else they can figure out how to play), Craig Marlowe & Kathryn Keenan create a one-of-a-kind, affecting sonic atmosphere, where dancing and kissing are equally appropriate.
KARACTER (a quartet fronted by Freezepop's Sean Drinkwater) calls on late '70s inspirations like Kraftwerk, Moroder, Eno, Bowie, the Human League, Depeche Mode, Simple Minds, and OMD. It was a time when technology had not yet overshadowed musical and lyrical ideas, and when the artistry of those acts was not hemmed in by concerns of commercial viability. Incomparable to today's "new new wave" groups, Karacter has a different outlook, influenced by music defined by its technological limitations, not created in 128-track modern studios.
LEAFBLOWER is Janic Castagner and Mark DeCheser, using softsynths, self-generated samples, found sounds, and old MIDI controllers to create the most self-indulgent IDM/ambient/glitch-hop with as few audio cables as possible. They have played live in Philadelphia and NJ, and have recently added video visualizations to their live performances. Leafblower strives for a unique production style, using their eclectic tastes and unconventional approach to add nuance to their music.
JASON CARR, born and raised in Detroit, now lives in Philadelphia, where he's been a resident DJ and laptop performer throughout the city (Broketronica, Inciting Productions, Rizumu Technologia). His influences include Motown soul, Detroit techno, hip hop, classical, jazz and improvisational performance. For his master's degree at
Temple University in music theory and composition, he explored elements of the reactive relationship between audience and performer. His research and productive efforts expose these elements in real-time performance.
Date: Monday, June 4th Time: 6:00pm - 10:00pm Location: Private Park at Hudson (356 West 58th) Cost: Free with RSVP
T.O.T.H. (Turntables On The Hudson) has long been my favorite acronym, but now it seems we may have a competitor. Tonight, Giant Step has hooked us up with T.A.T.H., Turntables At The Hudson at their monthly at The Hudson Hotel. DJs Nickodemus & Mariano + Nappy G & Christian Rogers on percussion will fill your ears with what you're used to hearing ON the Hudson, in the courtyard! Don't forget to RSVP!
Date: 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month Time: 7:00pm Location: Barbés (376 9th St at Sixth Ave, Park Slope) Cost: Free
By far, one of the coolest spots in my lovely new home (and one I seem to never go to) is Barbés. They carry the same vibe as a Tonic or a Nublu but with more of an air of the traditional NYC jazz club of lore. The only prerequisites are artisty, quality, and a personal voice. So I was stoked to find out that twice a month they run the Brooklyn Independent Cinema Series showcasing the "best in contemporary independent cinema." Check below for details on tonight's films and keep abreast of their future events on their website.
Johnny Berlin
Directed by Dominic DeJoseph
56 min - 2005 - USA - English - Color
This documentary follows Jon Hyrns, a porter aboard a refurbished 1930s luxury train, on a week-long trip down the West Coast from Seattle to Los Angeles. While going about his business making beds and cleaning toilets, he expounds upon his life as a struggling writer while holding down a workday job. Simultaneously funny and dark, the film is ultimately an intimate, offbeat, and humorous portrait of mid-life crisis presented as a monologue.
Ten Souls Rising
Directed by Emily Rosdeitcher
20 min • 2005 • USA • English • Color
Eight New Yorkers and two French tourists become intimately acquainted when they get trapped together in an elevator in a New York City skyscraper. When the electricians' union and the mechanics' union reach an impasse over who has authority to fix
the elevator, the passengers take matters into their own hands and use their imagination to save themselves.
During this one day exhibition, "viewers will become witness and part of an altered space and reality at Fuse Gallery" as two interrelated installations by Adam Marnie are presented. "In 'Objects of Premeditation' painted, drawn and beaten gallery walls become integral players to a realm of mystery and intrigue. Encapsulated within the walls, sculptural installation, “Two Dead Indians" displays victims and the aftermath of violence."
Date: Monday, June 4rd Time: 8:00pm Location: BAM Café (30 Lafayette Avenue) Cost: Free (first come, first served)
"The legendary Mabou Mines creates a theatrical monument to New York City post 9/11 with five epic poems set to music, written by poets from each borough. Developed in part at the Sundance Institute Theatre Lab at White Oak, Song for New York is presented at BAMcafé in a concert version with vocalists, chorus, and orchestra. Catch a glimpse of what promises to be an extraordinary event – this fall, Song for New York will be staged on a floating barge at waterfront locations off the coast of each borough."
Date: Monday, May 21st Time: 10:00pm Location: Darkroom (165 Ludlow St at Stanton) Cost: Free Open Bar: PBR, 11-12
mmmmmm.... Monday drinking... Schools out, you know you want to. Hit up Darkroom tonight for this weekly night of booze and good times with hosted by Sean FightCats, & Mike Nouveau. Free Booze.... mmmmmm.... Photo by Nicky Digital... more pictures here.
Date: Tuesday, June 5th Time: 7:00pm Location: Other Music (15 E 4th St) Cost: Free
Those polka-dotted princesses the The Pipettes travel across the pond tonight for a very special acoustic instore this afternoon. These girls combine the best elements of the "golden era" of music - calling to mind motown, sock hops, and my mother's big beehive hair cut from highschool - along with a bit of good old British mod to create a sound that's part classic part cutting edge. Funny, I was just reminiscing over Cali's Dance Hall Crashers yesterday - who use similar vocal harmonies. I'm not sure how things will translate to acoustic melodies but you can find out this afternoon. Monster Bobby performs as well.
Date: Tuesday, June 5th Time: 8:00pm - 11:00pm Location: Union Pool (Union & Meeker, W'Burg) Cost: Free
The Ettes and Baby Shakes play live at this hipster laden release party for Bust Magazine and if the weather breaks, Union Pool's backyard is just the place to be tonight. The Dansettes and DJ Dirty Fingers spin and there is rumor of free booze (no promises until I find out more). First 200 attendees get goodie bags!
Date: Tuesday, June 5th - July 8th Time: 9:00pm - late Location: Delacorte Theatre, Central Park (entrance at 79th and 5th - MAP) Cost: Free with Tickets (see below) Open Bar: Vodka, 9-10
Shakespeare in the Park is one of my favorite parts of New York summer. There's just something totally unique to New York about watching these classic works in a giant open air theater at sunset in Central Park (hint... perfect cheap date!). The free performances kick off today and run daily into July with the classic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. Now in its 45th year SITP has been serving up top notch free Shakespeare to over 80,000 New Yorker's every summer. Tickets are first come first served starting at 1pm so get there early and be prepared to wait in line (people start lining up at something crazy like 6am). See below for ticket locations and info.
Pick up your FREE tickets to Shakespeare in the Park on the day of the performance beginning at 1pm at The Delacorte Theater in Central Park, or from 1 to 3 pm at The Public Theater at 425 Lafayette Street, just south of Astor Place. For more information, please call 212.260.2400. Please note, there is a limit of 2 tickets per person.
A Statement on Festival Seating Policy
Tickets to Shakespeare in the Park are free and distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis during designated hours on the day of the performance. To help underwrite production expenses, a specific (but limited) number of seats in alternate rows are made available to contributors and sponsors for each performance. The policy of alternate row seating for contributors and non-contributors helps to preserve the democratic character of Delacorte Theater audiences.
Line Rules and Information
Tickets will be distributed starting at 1:00PM on performance days. Maximum 2 tickets per person. Tickets are subject to availability. Central Park opens at 6AM. Public Theater staff will begin monitoring the ticket line for Shakespeare in the Park no later than 10:00AM on performance days. The line monitor will explain and enforce the procedures and policies regarding ticket distribution. Such policies were designed to maximize fairness for all fans of Shakespeare in the Park.
Line policies include (but are not limited to):
Cutting, jumping, or saving spots in line is NOT permitted. If you leave the ticket line for any extended period of time, for any reason, you will forfeit your place in line. You must line up along the path designated by Shakespeare in the Park and The Parks Department. Any disagreements about the order or policies of the ticket line will be settled at the discretion of Public Theater management.
In the Event of Rain
In the event of rain, we may delay the beginning of the performance, but will perform if and when it seems possible. Unfortunately, tickets for rained-out performances can not be honored for other dates
Date: Tuesday, June 5th Time: 9:00pm - late Location: APT (419 W13th St) Cost: Free Open Bar: Vodka, 9-10
Leyode is the collaboration of former Atlantans Yusuke Hama and Laurel Wells. Their new album, "Fascinating Tininess", which comes out tonight on Prefuse 73's label, Eastern Developments, will be amplified this evening. Afterwards, Mr. Herren himself drops records for the rest of the evening with his buddy, Leb Laze.
Date: Tuesday, June 5th Time: 10:00pm Location: Lit (2nd Ave btw. 5th & 6th) Cost: Free Open Bar:Vodka, 11-12
Free booze, free bowie, and free glam make-overs at the only NYC party to protest its love for Mr. Stardust on a regular basis. Tonight they celebrate Gaius Malice of Nobody's birthday so he'll be spinning and playing live. DJs spin Glam Rock all night long.
The Yohimbe Brothers bust on the scene in 2002 as once of the most abstract, jazz-fueled, afro-punk-dj-hip-hop-psycho-rock sounds to every come out of an unlikely but perfectly sensible collaboration. The Brothers consist of guitartist Vernon Reid (Living Color) and turntablist DJ Logic (Project Logic, Medeski, Martin & Wood). These founding members of the Black Rock Coalition combine African rhythms and spastic guitar rifs, with hip-hop beats and turntablism... Def. worth checking out.
That's right, your favorite dirty boys of bass heavy bangers - The Captain and Drop The Lime - drop by this LES hotspot tonight to keep you dancing late into the summer nights. Drop the Lime's sickwitit refix of Died In Your Arms pretty much sums it up... Enjoy!
Date: Wednesday, June 6th Time: 5:00pm Location: Longwood Arts Gallery, Hostos College (450 Grand Concourse at 149th St, Bronx) Cost: Free
Stand up boogie down! It's time for the Bronx to get recognized with their 2nd Biennial art and cultural celebration. Tonight's festivities "will showcase the talents of Bronx artists who are featured winners of the borough’s BRIO (Bronx Recognizes Its Own) Individual Artist Fellowship" with a gallery exhibition and awards ceremony. Then, at 5:30, hop the Bronx Culture Trolley for a free tour of the sights and sounds of the BX. Dixieland Jazz, galleries, and hip-hop performances are all on the schedule... check below details or Click here.
The Bronx Culture Trolley which will feature performances and events at every trolley stop with past and present BRIO winners / 5:30pm, 6:30pm, and 7:30pm
Swing and Dixieland Jazz by Neal Haiduck at Yankee Tavern
Enjoy a musical performance of swing and dixieland Jazz by BRIO winner Neal Haiduck. One of the few modern jazz clarinet players, Neal Haiduck has performed throughout the world as sideman and soloist. He began performing at an early age as a Klezmer musician with his accordion playing grandfather, Sam Haiduck. Educated at the Manhattan School of Music, Haiduck plays jazz and classical music and teaches at Monroe College.
72 East 161st Street / 718-292-6130 / 6:00 & 7:00 performances
Here and Elsewhere exhibition at The Bronx Museum of the Arts
This exhibit features a range of work by 36 artists from throughout the metropolitan area, all of whom have participated in the most recent incarnation of the Bronx Museum’s Artist in the Marketplace (AIM 27). The exhibition anticipates new artistic directions, as it celebrates the vitality and promise of new voices. Video predominates this year, and a number of artists explore the use of internet sources, yet it is the range of media embraced by these up-and-coming artists that is striking, from installation to drawing, painting, sculpture, photography and printmaking.
1040 Grand Concourse at 149th Street / 718-681-6000 / 5:45-7:45pm
Hip-Hop Performance by PattyDukes at Pregones Theater
PattyDukes is a Latina Hip-Hop artist, an emcee, actress, writer and filmmaker from the South Bronx. Some of her solo shows include Yale University’s New Haven Arts and Ideas Festival, Atlanta’s National Black Arts Festival and The NYC Hip-Hop Theater Festival, The POINT CDC and The NYC Mission Society. Group shows include The Knitting Factory, The Royal Shakespeare Company and The Center for Cultural Exchange. She is currently working on her debut album.
571-575- Walton Avenue / 718-585-1202 / 7:45 performance
Date: Wednesday, June 6th Time: 6:30pm Location:Treehouse (430 Graham Ave, W'Burg) Cost: Free
"Home Buying for Hipsters is on a mission to school our freelance generation of creative 'non-traditional wage earners' in the art and business of buying property. We support you in asking, 'Hey, what would it take to actually buy this place?' We aim to specifically address your concerns and break down the process into steps you can understand. Don’t worry, you don’t have to wear a tight Thin Lizzy t-shirt or sport an architectural hair statement to gain access--our classes are free and open to hipsters, non-hipsters, art stars, rock stars, designers, freelancers, sculptors, poets, part-time geniuses, business moguls, cheapskates, high rollers, nerds, players, winners, losers=whoever is ready to own a home!"
Date: Wednesday, June 6th Time: 7:00pm Location: Housing Works Bookstore Café (126 Crosby Street) Cost: Free
"Is hip-hop's history in need of revision? In a world still stuck in the East/West coast paradigm of the ’90s, Southern hip hop is speaking up. The South’s hip-hop artists, most notably OutKast, Timbaland, and more recently, crunk superstars like the Ying Yang Twins and Lil Jon, have expanded the parameters of hip hop. Whether you don’t know your screw from your crunk, or you been chopping your own beats since you were young, come and hear what they have to say…" Roni Sarig, author of Third Coast: Outkast, Timbaland, and How Hip-hop Became a Southern Thing talks tonight with XXL Magazines's Elliott Wilson and Jon Caramanica. followed by a Q&A.
Date: Wednesday, June 6th Time: 8:00pm - 9:30pm Location: Apple Store Soho (103 Prince Street at Greene) Cost: Free
The Creators Series - discussions and presentations from a collection of who's who in the world of next level media and creativity - kicks off this weekend. Tonight they are dropping an extra special free sneak preview of things to come along with a Q&A at the Apple Store screening room. "Audiences will get a first look at the inaugural Creators Series as event organizers and special guests will show work related to the event. Jonathan Harris, noted artist/storyteller and creator of the website www.number27.org, and Director of Programming, Jeremy Boxer, will present a sneak preview of work related to the events occurring June 8th – June 10th." This one will fill up quick so arrive early.
Date: Thursday, June 7th Time: 5:00pm - 9:00pm Location: South Street Seaport, Pier 17 (Fulton St & East River) Cost: Free
The Puerto Rican Day Parade is back in town this weekend and if you just can't wait for the festivities then you can get a jump-start tonight with this free outdoor show on the South Street Seaport Pier. Tonight is a celebration of salsa with "A Musical Tribute to the Legends of Fania" which my uneducated self has recently learned are pretty much the kinds of salsa. "The history of Fania is synonymous with the history of the music we now know as salsa. To talk about Fania is to talk about the birth, and subsequent explosion, of salsa music worldwide. What's more, it is synonymous with the biggest names in the world of salsa and the salsa of yesteryear whose musical legacy lives on through recordings now considered great classics in the genre." The event features the likes of "Larry Harlow, Adalberto Santiago and Yomo Toro [with] special appearances by Michael Stuart, Boyz del Barrio and Orchestra La Excelencia. " Beats the Ricky Martin and Daddy Yankee your going to hear during the parade proper.
Date: Thursday, June 7th Time: 5:30pm - 8:30pm Location: Queensbridge Park Cost: Free
So you think you've got DJ skills. Head uptown tonight as Charlie Chase, GrandMaster Caz, GrandWizzard Theodore and Rob Swift show you what turntablism is all about. "Three decades of legendary party rockers, producers, battle champs and turntablists unite to cut, rock, beat juggle, scratch & transform the park" as this summer's Turntablist Sessions kicks off tonight.
Date: Thursday, June 7th Time: 6:00pm - 10:00pm Location: Happy Ending (302 Broome St) Cost: Free with RSVP Open Bar:Absolut, 6-7
I've been a bit of a happy hour hero lately and loving it. Tonight's a great chance to take in some after work 70's soul. There're even Asian appetizers that you can parlay into dinner if you really want. Beats from Carmine P Filthy and Brad Le Beau.
Date: Thursday, June 7th Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location:PowerHouse Arena (37 Main Street, DUMBO) Cost: Free
The 3rd Annual Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival kicks off today with a celebration of Stax Records at the PowerHouse Gallery. "Stax Records was home to legendary acts such as Otis Redding, Booker T. and the MGs, The Bar-Kays, Isaac Hayes, The Dramatics, The Staple Singers, The Emotions and so many more. Celebrate 50 years of Soul magic, as well as the re-launch of the label." Large Professor and Uncle Ralph McDaniels DJ.
Date: Thursday, June 7th Time: 7:00pm Location: Angels & Kings (500 East 11th St.) Cost: Free
As most of you know from reading FreeNYC, every once and a while I like to nerd out on some science and all around geeky stuff. Lately I am finding more people of similar dorky mindset. The manager over Angels & Kings "is an advocate-supreme of Nerd Nite" and has agreed to two opportunities for June nerdery. Tonight, "Matthew King presents a stunningly creepy visual account of the state of mental hospitals in the Northeast, and lawyerly nerd Brendan Kehoe discuss lawsuits that threaten Google and YouTube, and therefore, all of our spare time at work." And of course drinking is strongly encouraged.
Date: Thursday, June 7th Time: 7:45pm - 11:00pm Location: Columbus Park (Bayard & Mulberry St) Cost: Free
We have a continuing quest over here to "do new SH!#" so how about this... free, outdoor, cantonese opera. "Feed your fascination with historical splendor and pageantry with a performance of the Cantonese opera, “The Jade Bracelet” by the Music From China ensemble. Enjoy vibrant costuming and make-up coupled with the distinctive sounds of a centuries-old operatic art form that is still practiced by aficionados and artists in Chinatown today." The performance is followed by a screening of "Curse of the Golden Flower" which is boring for the first 45 minutes and awesome for the rest (IMHO).
Lunar Stages will celebrate the Asian cultural diaspora, from ancient to modern, with free entertainment and films in Columbus Park, located between Bayard, Mulberry, Baxter, and Worth streets. Each night opens with interactive Tai Chi demonstrations, roving puppets or multi-generational art projects followed by unique music and dance performances. All evenings will conclude with a movie. For more information please visit us at www.LunarStages.com
Date: Friday, June 8th - June 10th Time: 11:00am - 7:00pm Location: 201 Chrystie St (at Stanton) Cost:
To say that Faile are some of my favorite street artists would be whole accurate and somewhat unappreciative. They are some of my favorite artists currently working today. Their work blends the lines of consumerism & marketing with social commentary and traditional street and canvas techniques. The result is insiteful pockets of surprise and wonder leaning much more directly to the term "street art." In fact, their work seems to pop up whenever I travel, from underneath bridges in Daikayama, Japan to smack dab on the Berlin Wall. Tonight is day 2 of their first NYC show and it runs all weekend so take some time out and go before its gone like the ephemeral status of so much of their work.
Date: Friday, June 8th Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location:207 Arts (634 West 207 Street) Cost: Free
Take a journey up to Inwood to check out this great show. "207 Arts presents a multi-medium group show by local artists all about riding the subway and its underground environment. The gallery is located way up in Inwood at the last stop on the A-train. If anyone knows the subway it's us. The artists in the exhibition will be using the language of the subway to present an alternative viewpoint rather than a mere celebration or historical documentation of mass transit. "
Show runs until June 26th.
Cont'd Below
Date: Friday, June 8th Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm Location: Brandy Library (25 No. Moore St) Cost: Free
I'm normally a Bourbon drinker (take notes all of you who want to to thank me for the hard work of FreeNYC when you see me at the bar!) but lately I've been trying to get on a scotch kick. Thing is, its kind of like champagne... you really have to go after the good stuff or its all crap. Thankfully, The Brandy Library is around to train my palate with their top notch tastings. Tonight they sample several Benriach Wood Finishes Single Malt Scotches.
Date: Friday, June 8th Time: 7:00pm - 10:00pm Location: Cinders Gallery (103 Havemeyer St, btwn Hope and Grand) Cost: Free
"The American front porch sets the stage for this exhibition, which aims to resurrect and embrace the porch as an outdoor living room where the public and private can merge, while ideas of community, Americana imagery, gentrification, and the role art plays in our daily lives are explored." The Porch Show and its 30 contributing artists explored this idea with numerous "aesthetic commonalities [including] longing for nature, a fascination with animals, a playful sense of humor, and a decidedly critical look inward [that] appear in different ways." This show runs through out the summer with numerous events planned with it, including live music on the porch, BBQs on the sidewalk and video art nights.
Date: Friday, June 8th Time: 7pm - 11pm Location: Coat of Arms (43 Clinton btw. Stanton & Rivington) Cost: Free Open Bar: Kettle One, 9-10
If Friday is payday then listen up as LES boutique Coat of Arms open their doors tonight to help you spend that hard earned cash. Luckily, after your done blowing your money, you can take in their afterparty (at 9pm) next door at Barmundi (67 Clinton St.) which will feature beats by the ever talented Nick Catchdubs as well as Tokion's Superfamily. Oh, and 2 hrs of Kettle One open bar sounds pretty nice too. Giveaways to boot!
Date: Friday, June 8th Time: 8:00pm - late Location: Sputnik (262 Taaffe Pl. bet DeKalb and Willoughby, Clinton Hill) Cost: $5 (all proceeds to Save Darfur)
The freaks come out to raise money for Darfur this evening... "The Freak Show will feature a variety of acts and artists based in Bushwick, Brooklyn. The Show opens with sketch comedy by Poykpac and will feature music by Riah/tr33soul, Argyle Johansen, Skyhill, and NaNuchKa. DJ Crunc Tesla will be spinning between sets and live video art will be provided by Broken Lens. We will also have a gallery show that evening which will include work by Hamza Benghal and Caridad Rivera, and live painting by Jose Martinez. In keeping with the theme of the night, we will also have a clown bartender (a rather demented-looking clown at that), body painting, circus/sideshow amusements, and a burlesque performance to close out the evening." 21+
Date: Friday, June 8th Time: 10:00pm - 4:00am Location:Royale (506 5th Ave, Park Slope) Cost: Free
Yeah! Its time for another Good Foot, the best Friday night feel good dance party I've been to in a while. DJ Morsy is back and this month he's got RiotControl featuring MC El Juba in the DJ booth bringing the high energy dubbed out hip hop party vibe to back room. Morsy will be smashing miami bass with 808 beats on the late night and Jess Jubilie gets all the ladies dancing. This party gets better every time... never a cover and $3 beers... sweet.
Date: Saturday, June 9th - June 10th Time: 12:00pm - 6:00pm Location: The Altman Building (135 West 18th Street) Cost: Free
"A showcase for the innovative work being presented throughout The Creators Series weekend. Free, with no ticket required, the gallery exhibition will showcase art, media, designs, installations, and other relevant work from each of the Creators Series participants. A number of informal demonstrations and chats will also take place in the gallery throughout the weekend, free of charge. The gallery is designed as a casual social space, where creative thinkers can come together and exchange ideas. Come on by whenever we’re open!"
Now in its 4th year, ArtWalk is a two day long free-for-all of artistic expression up and down Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn. The event includes :over 175 emerging and established artists, open studio tours, exhibitions, a range of colorful public art projects, special events and extensive retail participation spanning historic Brooklyn neighborhoods.
Highlights include workshops & artist-led demonstrations, music, performance, artist receptions, and closing event. Enjoy the diverse and thriving local businesses on and around Atlantic Avenue. Area restaurants and bars feature ArtWalk drink and meal specials all weekend."
Date: Saturday, June 9th Time: 2:00pm - Midnight Location: 3rd Ward (195 Morgan Ave) Cost: Free
3rd Ward want to help you create stuff with their open house this weekend. Beginning at 2 o'clock you can take part in a bunch of work shops and open studios including woodworking, welding, ice sculpting, yoga and of course ice sculpting (full schedule in the extended entry). At 6 Djs $mall ¢hange, Emskee and Moosaka rock the courtyard. And, while it isn't free, there will be booze and BBQ for cheap.
2pm : Woodworking for Artists & Professionals by Todd McCollister
3pm : Metal, Welding & Making Stuff That Lasts Forever by Eric Whitenight
3:30pm : The Art of Digital Animation by Irene Kotnik
4pm : Sound Design & Beat Creation With Protools by Julian Silva
5pm : Design Like You Give a Damn by Andreo Abero & William Etundi
6pm : Recenter Yourself with Yoga by TJ Hanna
6pm : Professional Photography & Using a Cyclorama by Sam Isom
7pm : Ice Sculpting by Henry Wallace of Empire Ice Carving
8pm : Fire Spinning Tricks & Safety by SamIam
Date: Saturday, June 9th Time: 6pm - 4am Location: Hope Lounge (10 Hope St btw Roebling & Havemeyer Cost: Free
While my BBQ will most likely come from the Big Apple BBQ today the party is definitely across the river as King Stampede and Frank151 join force for an all night backyard BBQ Williamsburg Style. "Guest Head Chef" Large Professor will be there - not sure if he's cooking up beats or meats - as well as Smoke LES, Teddy King, Peter Leonard, & Synapse. BBQ and DRink Specials 6-9.
Date: Saturday, June 9th Time: 8:00pm Location: The Delancey (166 Delancey St) Cost: Free with RSVP Open Bar: PBR, 8-9
The Music Slut celebrate 2 years of blogging it with a little party tonight featuring live performances from The Lisps, The Glass, & The Gaskets. The Glass are awesome, The Gaskets are similar, and The Lisps play mock showtunes and ironic indie music Galapagos style. Fun for all.
Date: Saturday, June 9th Time: 10:00pm Location:200 Orchard Cost: Free with RSVP
Beat-driven electro rockers BMLinx play a special live set tonight at Brainwasher. "Residents DJ Wool and Dominique pump out the nu-rave, indie remixes, dance rock, robot rock, new wave and electro all night - for your discerning ears." No cover with RSVP.
Date: Sunday, June 10th Time: 12:00pm - 4:00pm Location: I Heart: (262 Mott Street bet. Houston & Prince) Cost: Free with RSVP
Clothing discounts, brunch foods, free drinks, what better way to wake up on a Sunday. Hop over to I Heart this afternoon to celebrate the launch of the new Untitled Magazine.
Date: Sunday, June 10th Time: 3:00pm - 7:00pm Location: East River Waterfront at East 23rd St (rain location, The Delancey) Cost: Free Open Bar: 3:00pm - 4:00pm free Tiger Beer and Ben&Jerry's Ice Cream, Free BBQ all day
"Come celebrate the 40th anniversary of Loving v. Virginia, the Supreme Court case that legalized interracial marriage in the U.S."
Dj Tyler Askew (Rude/MFT) spins all day while you and your fam eat the free BBQ and win great prizes in the day long raffles. All ages, 21+ to drink. Feel the Love.
Date: Sunday, June 10th Time: 4:45pm Location: Madison Square Park (23rd and Broadway) Cost: Free entry
The Big Apple BBQ is on again this weekend and this is one of my favorite annual events. Over a dozen pitmasters from around the country set up their rigs and cook up some of the tastiest pulled pork, ribs, brisket and just about anything else you can smoke. Make sure to check out Mitchell's Whole Hog, its off the hook.
But that's not all! JJ Grey and Mofro - purveyors of the finest country ghetto you've ever heard - are closing out the music stage. These Florida boys rip some serious roots music. They were amazing at Irving Plaza a few months back (download that show here) and will be even better with a handful of desert ribs and a cold Brooklyn Brew. The event is Saturday & Sunday, 12-6 and packs quite a crowd but this one is not to be missed!
No Selector Sundays is a collective of forward thinking local musicians involved with and inspired by DJ culture. The night was founded by accomplished musicians Guy Licata and Abe Sieferth, along with veteran NYC DJs Jesse Mann and Evan Baggs. Jesse and Evan continue to hold down the evening on a weekly basis, bringing in a healthy assortment of talented live musicians, along with some of the best DJs the city has to offer. The focus is on great music in all of its forms, culminating in a mish mash of funk, soul, afro, latin, jazz, house, broken beats, disco, electro, and assorted danceable breaks. This week Jesse Mann and Swingsett bring "a marathon of busted beats, newfangled jazz, dirty disco, and filthy funk mash-downs and smash-ups."
Date: Monday, June 11th Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm Location: MoMA (11 West 53rd Street between Fifth and Sixth Ave) Cost: Free (with high school ID)
Tonight the MoMA invites high school students to attend a free evening after hours. Teens are invited to tour the museum and see artist Richard Serra’s enormous sculptures, dance to a DJ, take photos at photo booth (of which I am sure they will attempt to make fake IDs from), win raffle prizes, dine on gourmet food, and meet other teens interested in (making fake IDs) the arts. You must bring your high school ID to be admitted.
Date: Monday, June 11th Time: 8:30pm Location:Matchless (557 Manhattan Avenue at Driggs, W'Burg) Cost: Free
Powerpoppers The XYZ Affair play a free show tonight along with Chinese Happy at one of the coolest bars you've probably never been to in Williamsburg (after all, Union Pool so so near by!) The band says they sound like "Arena rock by music school kids" and thats not far from the truth so if you didn't get your fill of concerts this weekend then get on it.
Date: Mondays Time: 10:00pm Location: Darkroom (165 Ludlow St at Stanton) Cost: Free Open Bar: PBR, 11-12
mmmmmm.... Monday drinking... Schools out, you know you want to. Hit up Darkroom tonight for this weekly night of booze and good times with hosted by Sean FightCats, & Mike Nouveau. Free Booze.... mmmmmm.... Photo by Nicky Digital... more pictures here.
This is why I love summer in New York. There is always a reason to stay out late, roll into work hungover and dance like a fool on a Monday night. Tonight, Stretch Armstrong and Eli Escobar continue their Monday assault on 205 with the UK's own Radioclit as special guests. This is a rare chance to see their blend of grimey, crunked-up, electro so its not to be missed if your looking to make it a late night. Eli and Stretch drop equally amazing dirty disco bangers.
Date: Tuesdays Time: 6:30pm - 8:00pm Location: Crudo Bar Backyard (54 Clinton St. bet. Stanton & Rivington) Cost: Free
The most excellent DJ Lindsey (Negroclash) helps kick off a new series of backyard sessions tonight. This is a new after-work weekly throughout the summer so stop by after you eat your Tuesday Tacos for dancing fun. $4 Margaritas and tap beer. Rocksmith Tokyo and Kilo Goods will be in the house bringing as many neon all over printed hoodies as your eyes can handle.
So, apparently Dr. Pepper is paying the band Cartel to live in a plastic bubble on the Hudson for almost a month. What?! They'll be "eating, sleeping and recording a new album in a see-through bubble on the Hudson River's Pier 54." Tonight they kick of the Hudson River Park's free concert series. I guess Dr. Pepper is letting the bubble boys out for the evening? Being that I did in fact go see David Blaine hanging off a crane in Times Square, I know I'll end up at this.
My favorite mid-week, cheap eats, muchathon is back in a big way. Now that Dino of Luke and Leroy has left NYC for the greener pastures of Philly (don't worry the club will live on and you can still strip to your skivvy's every Saturday with tranny's and the folks who love them at Rated X) Taco Tuesday has found a new home. Munch on some cheap authentic SoCal Carne Asada Tacos - $2 - (or Veggie ones if a buck if that's how you roll) for a mere buck and wash them down with $4 margarita madness. This is the new regular home.... mmmmm... tacos.... Monster & Bacholar Party of the Brobots DJ.
Date: Tuesday, June 12th Time: 8:00pm Location: Great Lawn, Central Park Cost: Free
UPDATE: as of 6:30 this was confirmed on... but its lookin rainy out there so no promises.
The Metropolitain Opera begin their tour of NYC parks tonight with a performance of La Bohème in Central Park. Over the next few weeks, they will perform alternating renditions of Puccini’s La Bohème, a timeless story of love among young artists in Paris, and Gounod’s Faust, an epic drama about an aged philosopher’s pact with the devil. in each of the boroughs (and NJ). This is a great chance to see one of the world's finest performances for free and outdoors! Full Schedule below.
Tuesday, June 12, La Bohème, Central Park, Manhattan
Wednesday, June 13, Faust, Central Park, Manhattan
Friday, June 15, La Bohème, Pelham Bay Park, The Bronx
Saturday, June 16, Faust, Snug Harbor, Staten Island
Tuesday, June 19, Faust, Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Wednesday, June 20, La Bohème, Cunningham Park, Queens
Friday, June 22, Faust, Brookdale Park, Bloomfield/Montclair, NJ
Saturday, June 23, La Bohème, Buccleuch Park, New Brunswick, NJ
For directions to performance sites, rain dates, or additional
information about the "Met in the Parks" concert series, call the
Metropolitan Opera at (212) 362-6000.
Date: Tuesday, June 12th Time: 8:00pm Location: Galapagos (60 N 6th St at Wythe, W'burg) Cost: Free
Every two weeks Reel Life Movie House presents a free screening of a classic cult feature film along with several local shorts at Galapagos Art Space in Williamsburg. The idea is to create the very first screening room in Williamsburg, while giving talented local filmmakers a venue to show their work. This week they're "revving up the anti-war machine with Stanley Kubrick's classic Dr. Strangelove or How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb... Bring your beach chairs and enjoy not fighting in the war room." "Featured shorts will be the film noir Katrina by Mark Harris about a gangster trying to go straight and animation by Gerald."
Date: Tuesday, June 12th Time: 10:00pm Location: Home Sweet Home (131 Chrystie St) Cost: Free
After a bit of a hiatus, the All England Club is back and those brit lovin' boys are ready to bring you the best from across the pond. Tonight's "AEC Mixtape" edition features giveaways from Ms. Amy Winehouse, listening previews from the new UNKLE and Editors cuts, and an open bar.
Date: Wednesday, June 13th Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm Location:SEPIA International (148 West 24th St, 11th fl) Cost: Free
I've promoted Alex Webb before, and I'll do it again. His photography is surreal and incredible and shockingly documentary. "Alex Webb: Istanbul is presented in conjunction with The Magnum Festival: Celebrating the Art if Documentary, a month-long tribute to documentary in photography, film, and journalism. The exhibition will feature photographs from Webb's new book, Istanbul: City of a Hundred Names. Webb is one of America's foremost color photographers and has been obsessed with photographing the streets of Istanbul since 1998."
Opening reception tonight, show runs until July 27th.
Date: Wednesday, June 13th Time: 7:00pm Location:Rockefeller Park ( Chambers Street & River Terrace ) Cost: Free and all ages
There are so many free shows this summer of amazing up and coming bands. But I'm most excited about 60s Soul legendsBooker T and the MGs at Rockefeller Park! Mix that with soul woman Sharon Jones, this is what dreams are made of, people!
Date: Wednesday, June 13th Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm Location: KGB Bar (85 West 4th St) Cost: Free with RSVP Open Bar:Jameson, 7 'til its gone
The Onion crew get together once again for the simple pleasure of knocking back a scotch or 7 tonight. "As per usual, we'll meet to the honor and the pleasure of Jameson Irish Whiskey, compliments of The Society (while supply lasts). The Onion Society welcomes all alcohol preservationists over the age of 21."
note: we had the wrong address before, the above one is correct... many server problems today... sorry for any mix-up
Date: Wednesday, June 12th Time: 7:45pm - 9:00pm Location: Galapagos (60 N 6th St at Wythe) Cost: Free with RSVP Open Bar:free drinks
The L Magazine and Miramax invite you to a drunken hula hoop party! Show us your skills, win prizes, free drinks and complimentary tix to an advanced screening of Eagle vs. Shark.
Date: Wednesday, June 13th Time: 8:00pm Location: Great Lawn, Central Park Cost: Free
The Metropolitain Opera begin their tour of NYC parks tonight with a performance of La Bohème in Central Park. Over the next few weeks, they will perform alternating renditions of Puccini’s La Bohème, a timeless story of love among young artists in Paris, and Gounod’s Faust, an epic drama about an aged philosopher’s pact with the devil. in each of the boroughs (and NJ). This is a great chance to see one of the world's finest performances for free and outdoors! Full Schedule below.
Tuesday, June 12, La Bohème, Central Park, Manhattan
Wednesday, June 13, Faust, Central Park, Manhattan
Friday, June 15, La Bohème, Pelham Bay Park, The Bronx
Saturday, June 16, Faust, Snug Harbor, Staten Island
Tuesday, June 19, Faust, Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Wednesday, June 20, La Bohème, Cunningham Park, Queens
Friday, June 22, Faust, Brookdale Park, Bloomfield/Montclair, NJ
Saturday, June 23, La Bohème, Buccleuch Park, New Brunswick, NJ
For directions to performance sites, rain dates, or additional
information about the "Met in the Parks" concert series, call the
Metropolitan Opera at (212) 362-6000.
Date: Wednesday, June 12th Time: 10:00pm Location: Dirty Disco (248 W 14th St) Cost: Free with RSVP
Promax/BDA is in town this week which is exciting to about 1% of the population outside of the marketing/advertising world. Thankfully, über-cool design mag Tokion has teamed up with hot sh!t motion graphics house uvphactory to throw a video party tonight and breath some life into the "big idea" crowd. These guys have some serious graphic skills ">(click here to check out their reel) so if your into motion graphics, design, or just straight drinking then this is a party for you.
Moon stompers unite! Gordie Dance (Surface to Air) and Thee Arrtist Wes Lang (Art World) shake up nightlife tonight with a little two-tone love. Tonight they drop a one off event to celebrate lovers rock, ska, rocksteady, and dub. The below Mustard Plug song will most likely not be played (more mellow things probably will).
Machine Drum has been described with one of my new favorite genres... hiccup funk. Its more like glitchy techno ambient hiccup funk but still. Anyway, I'm not gonna try and pin this one down but boy make some serious next level beats. Check this mix out for example. Tonight he DJs the kickoff of the new Pornography party. 21+
Date: Wednesday, June 12th Time: 11:00pm Location:Live at Rose (345 Grand St btw. Marcy and Havemeyer, W'Burg) Cost: Free
If I have to name drop to get you to see Mobius Collective tonight then I'll let you know that Taylor McFerrin is the beatboxing/keyboard player of the 6 piece post apocalyptic urban jazz ensemble. And if the words "post apocalyptic urban jazz" don't get you excited then how about the idea of a rhythmic fusion from afro-beat to hip-hop and all points beyond combined with horns, instrements and more. "In addition a D.J. and two percussionist join the cipher instigating dialog between Mc's and Bomba Dancer's responding to our Afro-Latin ancestral moments of now." Vids and sounds below...
Date: Thursday, June 14th Time: 5:30pm - 8:30pm Location:Queensbridge Park (21st St & East River, Queens) Cost: Free
So you think you've got DJ skills. Head uptown tonight as DJ Scratch (EPMD & 88 NMS Champ), Rockin' Rob (Mean Machine Crew), DJ Flawless (07 Gong DJ Battle US Finalist), DJ Slyce (97 DMC US Champ), "Johnny Juice" Rosado (Public Enemy) show you what turntablism is all about. "Three decades of legendary party rockers, producers, battle champs and turntablists unite to cut, rock, beat juggle, scratch & transform the park" as this summer's Turntablist Sessions hosted by PopMaster Fabel of the legendary Rock Steady Crew.
Date: Thursday, June 14th Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Sutton Place Restaurant & Bar (1015 2nd Ave. be. 53rd & 54th Sts.) Cost: Free with RSVP Open Bar: Amstel Light, 6-7
Nightlife ambassador's Shecky's kick off their summer cocktail series tonight with a little after work soirée. "Escape from New York at Sutton Place, a sweet outdoor venue that will make you feel as if you’ve been transported to an island oasis." Free beer for the first hour makes it worth while if the weather is nice.
Date: Thursday, June 14th Time: 7:00pm Location: Union Square Barnes & Noble (33 East 17th Street) Cost: Free
Upstairs in the Square always gives me a chance to indulge my inner high school girl - my love for Belly, The Breeders, Hammerbox, and the like - and tonight is no exception. Tonight's author/artist pairing features Armistead Maupin - author of Tales of the City - and René LoBuo and Ray Ketchem of Elk City. Elk city are kind of like the lovechild of Belly and the Pixies but with a more 2007 indie rock thing then the 1997 indie rock thing. They've revived my love for the tambourine. mmm... tambourine.
Armistead Maupin (www.armisteadmaupin.com) is the author of Tales of the City, More Tales of the City, Further Tales of the City, Babycakes, Significant Others, Sure of You, Maybe the Moon, The Night Listener, and now, Michael Tolliver Lives. Three television miniseries starring Olympia Dukakis and Laura Linney were made from the first three Tales novels. The Night Listener became a feature film starring Robin Williams and Toni Collette. Maupin lives in San Francisco with his husband, Christopher Turner.
Firebrand Renée LoBue (singer/songwriter) brings you on a freewheeling make-out session after your worst break-up, as she and Ray Ketchem (drummer/producer) team up with influential ex-Luna guitarist Sean Eden and ex-Lovelies bassist Barbara Endes on New Believers, Elk City's (www.elkcity.net) finest work to date. The band's roots are deep: LoBue and Ketchem first paired as Melting Hopefuls, a pioneering 1990's band that scored two "Single of the Week" picks in England's Melody Maker and a SPIN Top Ten Single. In 1998, they became Elk City and recorded two critically acclaimed albums: 2000's status (Hidden Agenda) and 2002's Hold Tight the Ropes (WARM/Touch & Go). The band criss-crossed the US and Europe endlessly to promote their releases, touring with The Walkmen, Luna and The National. Elk City became the first group to sign with trailblazing French imprint Talitres and performed for more than 450,000 listeners on French radio. Elk City calls upon a wide palette of influences: 1960's psychedelic bands such as Love, the girl group sounds of classic Motown, 1970's proto-punk heroes John Cale and Television, and 1980's alternative rock such as The Smiths and The Pixies. New Believers closes with the promise "be set for more." With New Believers as example, there is much more in store for fans of Elk City.
Katherine Lanpher is an award-winning print and broadcast journalist. Springboard Press recently published her first book, Leap Days: Chronicle of a Midlife Move.
Date: Thursday, June 14th Time: 7:00pm Location: Fordham Law School, McNally Amphitheatre (160 W. 62nd Street) Cost: Free
"As a series of scandals has revealed gross misconduct and abuse by U.S. officials around the world, concerned Americans must wonder at the breadth of their government’s violations of its own laws. The administration has used the rhetoric of national emergency to detain thousands of people -- most without any legal protections -- in a network of clandestine military prisons, all in the name of enhancing security and promoting democracy. What is our government doing in our name that we are not reading about in the daily papers? How do torture, secrecy and violations of the law actually endanger our security rather than enhance it? How can the American democracy return to its core principles and the rule of law? Join our panel of experts as they shed light on the United States government’s most pernicious practices worldwide."
Col. Janis Karpinski
U.S. Army Colonel, Fmr. Commanding General at Abu Ghraib Prison; author, One Woman’s Army: The Commanding General of Abu Ghraib Tells Her Story
Jumana Musa
Advocacy Director for Domestic Human Rights and International Justice, Amnesty International
Tara McKelvey
Senior Editor, The American Prospect; author, Monstering: Inside America's Policy of Secret Interrogations and Torture in the Terror War
Josh Rushing
Correspondent, Al-Jazeera English; Fmr. Captain, U.S. Marine Corps; author, Mission Al Jazeera: Build a Bridge, Seek the Truth, Change the World
Moderator
Errol LouisColumnist, New York Daily News
Co-Sponsored by the New York Civil Liberties Union, Amnesty International USA, Brennan Center for Justice at NYU, Fordham Law School’s Public Interest Resource Center
Date: Thursday, June 14th Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm Location:Strand Bookstore (828 B'Way at 12th) Cost: Free
Have you seen the giant steel Richard Serra Sculptures at MoMA yet? The ones in the outdoor sculpture garden are my favorite. Tonight at the Strand, Richard Serra himself talks about his new book, 40 Years of Sculpture. Get there early to get a seat.
Date: Thursday, June 14th Time: 7:45pm - 11:00pm Location: Columbus Park (Bayard & Mulberry St) Cost: Free
Puppetry... damn I love puppetry. Its creep and smart all at once. So how about a little "east meets west" contemporary Asian puppet show. Screening of "the high-flying, action-packed and wildly popular cult film, King Fu Hustle, featuring stunning visual effects and the open handfighting style known as 'Buddhist Palm.'" follows.
Lunar Stages will celebrate the Asian cultural diaspora, from ancient to modern, with free entertainment and films in Columbus Park, located between Bayard, Mulberry, Baxter, and Worth streets. Each night opens with interactive Tai Chi demonstrations, roving puppets or multi-generational art projects followed by unique music and dance performances. All evenings will conclude with a movie. For more information please visit us at www.LunarStages.com
Date: Thursday, June 14th Time: 9:00pm Location:Sound Fix Lounge (110 Bedford Ave and N 11th St, W'burg) Cost: Free
"Sound Fix is pleased to announce the premiere of a new variety show hosted by the madcap leader of the Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players. On this night Jason Trachtenburg will interview acclaimed author Rick Moody ("Garden State" "The Ice Storm"), Ann Heppermann and Kara Oehler, who will be talking about their new radio series "Song and Memory." Later Jason will be joined by Will Sheff of Okkervil River."
"Back in the day when Manhattan got Yuppified, Brooklyn became the place to be.
But we all know what happened to most of Brooklyn. Luckily for ART’s sake there is still a place where loft living doesn’t include a doorman or condo dues. A place where Starbucks won’t even touch... Yet." No Sleep 'til Bushwick presents artwork and installations from NYC street legends BAST & AIKO (of Faile), SKEWVILLE, and Chris Mendoza (Barnstormers). Individually these artists are known all over the world for their contributions in street-art and will come together locally to show that they never forgot where they came from. Bios' below.
BAST is considered one of the early pioneers, his nonstop momentum has made him an icon on the streets of New York. His posters have been seen in movies and even in video games. He has recently shown at gallieries in L.A., London and Japan
Bast and Aiko have been hitting the streets together since the early FAILE collective days, Aiko was the girl of the group and was responsible for most of FAILE’s street work. Now branching out solo, she will be a force to be reckoned with.
Chris Mendoza is a longtime friend of Bast and Aiko. Self made in his own right as a founding member of the Inkheads and an influential member of the Barnstormers, Mendoza has been involved in collaborative art making for over a decade.
And then comes Skewville, known for their wooden sneakers tossed over telephone wires worldwide. They have been hitting the streets since 1999 and have been developing their 3d medium ever since. Text sculptures that read “fame game” and “HYPE” has put skewville on the “next level”, which is also a saying they use in their work.
Date: Thursday, June 14th Time: 9:00pm Location: APT (419 West 13th St at 9th Ave.) Cost: Free Open Bar: Sagatiba Cachaça, 9-10
A Weekly Night of Esoteric Urban Noise. DJs Criterion, Peter Gunn and Reaganomics Spin grime, breakcore, reggaeton, rap, crunk, dancehall, punk and everything in between. "For over a year, Pure Fire was known as the Tonic’s premiere night for new beats and cutting-edge sounds. Now, with the revered venue closing, Pure Fire has found a new home at APT, bringing the hottest, off-kilter beats from around the globe together and apart."
Date: Thursday, June 14th Time: 10:00pm Location: Hiro, The Maritime Hotel (W 16th Street off 9th Ave) Cost: Free with RSVP
Juan Maclean holds a special place in my heart... probably due to his early days as Rhode Islands seminal Six Finger Satallite. His current brand of dirty disco techno is a bit of a divergance from that sound but it still sounds fresh in our current barrage of sonic-sameness. Tonight he takes the decks for free alongside Matt B Safer of the Rapture and a live set from Black Daniel at this weekly party. While the crowd is less then my favorite, the music is always amazing so bring a good group of friends and enjoy. Its also the URB issue release party... hurray URB. 2-1 vodka's 10-11. 21+
New York's finest t-shirt smiths unite for a spring time sample sale. Get your streetwear fix from the likes of Left Fied, Mishka, Name Ribbon, King Stampede, Reason, A.L.I.E.N., & Brooklyn Sky with 50-70% off. Cash only. The cut boys spin the background sounds and there are $3 beers as this is a bar and all.
Date: Friday, June 15th - 30th Time: n/a Location: various, see below Cost: $5
"Windows usually serve as a transparent passage into another realm, but for artist NANAN the window provides a dynamic canvas for her art. By drawing attention to the threshold between interior and exterior, she creates semi-public art and reconciles the viewer's crossing into the next world. Her painted windows are an inter-dimension that is ever-conscious of how the natural world affects our manmade world. Other times, she draws a tableau in which the viewer can insert their face into the scene and the window becomes interactive." For the next two weeks, visit various locations throughout New York (see below) that have been "blessed" with Nanan's window paintings. More info below.
Locations:
Lower East Side
DAHA: 175 Orchard Street (btw E. Houston & Stanton) 212-388-1176
Dear 55 : 55 Clinton Street (btw Stanton & Rivington) 212-673-3494
Chelsea
Opus22: 559 West 22nd Street (@ 11th ave.) 212-929-7515
Meatpacking District
Establishment : 30 Gansevoort Street (btw Hudson & Greenwich Street) 212-242-6767
Destination: 32-36 Little West 12 Street (@Washington Street) 212-727-2031
About the Work
Using a paint pen, she creates fanciful landscapes strictly from memory. Much like the art nouveau works at the turn of the last century, her paintings echo a romantic sensibility and optimism of a new era, whilst addressing the constant flux and evanescence of time. Rather than painting a mural that is an expression of the moment of completion, her works recognize how time will affect its appearance. Her method is to paint a few hours over a period of several days. By letting the painting rest overnight, she allows nature to have a voice in her composition: sunbeams creating reflection in the glass and morphing shadows on the floor. “Like charging a mobile phone. I need to charge my self with new ideas or inspiration that will grow my artistic vision,” the artist says of her process.
She has the acute awareness of the environment similar to installationist or a street artist, the freehand skills of a tattoo artist, and the sense of humor of a cartoonist. Windows are NANAN’s way of communicating: a connection between herself and the world, herself and god, the viewer to their self, and nature to humanity. In elevating the humble functionality of these semi-transparent openings, her paintings are a modern interpretation of the stained glass windows of the great churches and cathedrals. Her spiritual love for humans and nature can be seen in the gentle curvilinear designs, as well as her incorporation of the surrounding environment into her composition.
About the Artist
NANAN - whose self-coined name is a play on the word Korean word for Me “Na” - was born in Mun Kyung, Korea in 1979 and has resided in Seoul since she was young. She studied Creative Advertising at Seoul Institute of the Arts, and is currently enrolled in the graduate program for Glass Studio Special Education at Kookmin University. At the fresh age of 22, she was recruited by LG electronics to art direct their youth magazine Khai where she developed her skills over a four-year tenure, and also managed to build an enormous fan base. Her popularity as an artist and her creative methods drew the attention of RESFEST Korea, who commissioned her to create special artwork in conjunction with the screening of a documentary about her art. She’s also created custom designs for MTV, Samsung, Papertainer Museum, Adidas, and appliance company Dim Chae. Her artwork has been featured in several Korean publications such as Vogue, Bazaar, and Elle Girl. The concept of window painting dawned upon her after she found herself painting on a friend’s window one night once she had exhausted her paper supply. She awoke to find her that the morning sun had illuminated her painting, creating a divine piece of art both on the window and the floor. She decided to spread this glory by painting the windows of all the great cities of the world. NANAN is also working on a series of indoor window paintings that can be hung inside as a more personal piece of art.
The 2007 SummerStage season opens with the return of vocalist Cassandra Wilson. While she’s widely acknowledged as one of America’s best jazz singers, Wilson’s artistic vision defies categorization, incorporating as it does deep blues, folk, soul, rock and world music. Also on the bill is NYC Jazz Fixture Olu Dara. Click here for full details.
Date: Friday, June 15th Time: 8:00pm Location: Pelham Bay Park, Bronx Cost: Free
The Metropolitain Opera continue their tour of NYC parks tonight with a performance of La Bohème in Central Park. Over the next few weeks, they will perform alternating renditions of Puccini’s La Bohème, a timeless story of love among young artists in Paris, and Gounod’s Faust, an epic drama about an aged philosopher’s pact with the devil. in each of the boroughs (and NJ). This is a great chance to see one of the world's finest performances for free and outdoors! Full Schedule below.
Tuesday, June 12, La Bohème, Central Park, Manhattan
Wednesday, June 13, Faust, Central Park, Manhattan
Friday, June 15, La Bohème, Pelham Bay Park, The Bronx
Saturday, June 16, Faust, Snug Harbor, Staten Island
Tuesday, June 19, Faust, Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Wednesday, June 20, La Bohème, Cunningham Park, Queens
Friday, June 22, Faust, Brookdale Park, Bloomfield/Montclair, NJ
Saturday, June 23, La Bohème, Buccleuch Park, New Brunswick, NJ
For directions to performance sites, rain dates, or additional
information about the "Met in the Parks" concert series, call the
Metropolitan Opera at (212) 362-6000.
Date: Friday, June 15th Time: 10:00pm - 2:00am Location: Living Room (245 23rd St at 5th Ave, Park Slope) Cost: Free?
What's better then Karaoke, how about karaoke when dressed like a giant hot dog or mustard bottle?!!? Win a free ipod shuffle at this costume karaoke contest!
Date: Friday, June 15th Time: 10:00pm Location: Orchard Bar (200 Orchard St at Houston) Cost: Free with RSVP
"The Modular Monthly is back with Bodymore's own Scottie B dropping that infamous Baltimore Club sound... This is one of the originators so stand up and take notice. Matt B Safer from the Rapture and The Caption from Cut join in the fun. This party gets packed so arrive early.
Date: Friday, June 15th Time: 10:00pm Location: Fontana's (105 Eldridge btw Broome and Grand) Cost: $5
Some of my favorite local MCs unite for a hometown throw down tonight in the lovely, dingy Fontanas basement (and they told me no hip hop parties once!) Broke and Dome head up the event with the future apocalyptic rhymes and beats (joined by DJ Iron Lion) and then you've got Metermaids, Solos, 100dbs, and SoloS Unit rounding things out. DJ Halo spins in between.
Date: Friday, June 15th Time: 10:00pm Location: Home Sweet Home (131 Chrystie St) Cost: Free
It's a Franco-American dance-off as french labels Kitsuné and Disque Primeur team up with America's Vicious Pop and Money Studies for one night of serious beats. Fans of TasteNYC, Trouble & Bass, and FUN will be pleased here in this much smaller haunt as Passions, Dre Skull, Goon, and Snack & C'Mish all share DJ duty... Good times all around and well recommended.
Date: Monday, April 9th Time: 10:00pm Location:Nublu (62 Ave C btw. 3rd & 4th st) Cost: (probably) $10
People have been coming out in droves to hear Moby DJ so the chance to see him drop all your old school rave classics to 150 of your new, closest friends Nublu as part of their Anniversary Festival is a real treat. Plus, he's joined by two sets of LES electro rockers Kudu who are now also playing much larger venues. This place is going to pack up so get their early. Goes late. 21+
Date: Saturday, June 16th Time: 12:00pm - 4:00pm Location:Central Park Bandshell (midpark, 66th - 72nd st) Cost: $5
Get out side and play.. its spring time, damn it!. Enjoin an action-packed day of clinics, classes, outdoor gear showcases and interactive events. "Activities will include a BMX stunt show on the half-pipe, rock climbing, hiking with Urban Park Rangers, yoga classes, a trampoline stunt show, backcountry cooking presentations and more, all in Central Park! And events designed specifically for kids will be ongoing throughout the day, including an obstacle course, arts & crafts, fishing, gardening programming featuring live worms, and a kids’ basecamp featuring all there is to learn about the true camping experience."
Date: Saturday, June 16th Time: 12:00pm Location: South Street Seaport, Pier 17 (Fulton St and the East River) Cost: Free
"Gordon from Sesame Street hosts this amazing day... with performances from John Lithgow, Barney's Sing-Along, Rebecca Frezza, Robbie Schaefer and AudraRox. Kids can meet costume characters Dora the Explorer, Diego, Barney, Digit from Cyberchase, SpongeBob SquarePants and more. There's arts & crafts and Thomas the Tank Engine too! PLUS at 8PM a live concert by the Brooklyn Philharmonic followed by the grand finale – the spectacular Target Fireworks, accompanied by a live performance of Handel’s Royal Fireworks Music!"
Date: Saturday, June 16th Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm Location: Coleman Square Park (under Manhattan Bridge btw Monroe and Cherry) Cost: Free
Stoked mentoring throws down their annual skate jam this afternoon. "There will be an open skate jam with pros from Zoo York, 5boro, and Official Skateboards, as well as a best trick contest with the winner getting a one-week stay at Camp Woodward. There will also be a product toss and live music by DJ C-Lo of the Heavy Hitters." All Ages.
Three generations of New York Avant Guard noise rockers converge on Summerstage this afternoon for a celebration of genre bending exploration. 1970's legends Television to 90's low-fi rockers Apples in Stereo to modern day afro punks Dragons of Zynth, walls of noise from the bands that defined the NYC low-fi sound. Click here for full details.
One of the most important bands to emerge from the mid-‘70s New York punk scene, Television was founded on the double-guitar attack of leader Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd. But where most guitarists of the time specialized in extended jam snooze-fests, Verlaine and Lloyd pioneered an angular, yet tuneful, style largely stripped of blues references and heavily indebted to the garage rock of the ‘60s. Television was the first band to play regularly at CBGBs, and its success encouraged the club to book other unknown acts like Patti Smith, The Ramones, Blondie and Talking Heads.
Fake newsman Stephen Colbert’s favorite band The Apples in Stereo are back after a hiatus of nearly five years with all creative guns blazing. Led by songwriter Rob Schneider (co-founder of the Elephant 6 collective that included ‘90s low-fi stars Neutral Milk Hotel), The Apples specialize in a sunny power pop that owes as much to Sonic Youth as it does The Beach Boys. Their new album, New Magnetic Wonder, is their most intricate and ambitious yet.
One of the city’s most groundbreaking new bands, Dragons Of Zynth combine punk, dub, funk, soul and heavy metal in a way so fresh it’s been given its own name: Afrotek. Critics have described the group’s live shows as “insane” and “bonkers,” though the band itself prefers to call them “audio-physio-psychic” experiences. Said performances have attracted a number of well-placed fans, including fellow sonic explorers TV On The Radio, who helped produce the Dragons’ debut album Coronation Thieves.
Date: Friday, June 16th Time: 4:00pm - late Location: 10 Hope St, W'Burg Cost: Free with RSVP Open Bar: Zygo Vodka, 4pm-5pm
DJs.. BBQ... brews... you know the drill. Music outside and in until late in the night with DJ Godfather, Dr. Wundt, Mr. Andersonic, Dances With White Girls, Brendan James, DJ Elle, DJ Cat, IXL, DJ Equal and Teddy King. Free BBQ with drink purchase.
Date: Saturday, June 16th - July 1st Time: 6:00pm - 10:00pm Location:Riviera (103 Metropolitain Ave, W'Burg) Cost: $5
Hektor is a portable Spray-paint Output Device for laptop computers. Hektor's light and fragile installation consists only of two motors, toothed belts and a can holder that handles regular spray cans. The can is moved along drawing paths just as the human hand or old plotters would. During operation, the mechanism sometimes trembles and wobbles, and the paint often drips. The contrasts between these low-tech aspects and the high-tech touch of the construction hold ambiguous and poetic qualities and make Hektor enjoyable to watch in action."
Hektor was created with a certain attitude towards design and the use of tools. Intuition played an important role in the search for a new output device that goes beyond the limitations of today's clean computer, screen and vector-graphic based design and conveys the abstract geometries contained in these graphics in a different way than normal printers do.
Date: Sunday, June 17th Time: 12:00pm - sundown Location: Southern tip of Roosevelt Island (enter at Main St & Road 3) Cost: Free
"An afternoon of folks playing songs lackadaisical-like. The park is right in the middle of the East River, the city and the river swirl serenely around you - you could throw rocks at the Midtown Skyline. And there's this ruined castle-like 1850's city smallpox hospital down there too (legendarily haunted). Take the F train all the way there (there's a "Roosevelt Island" stop), and bring your guitars & blankets & folding chairs & your beverages & your hibachis & charcoal & stuff to grill & whatnot. Performing (not in order) are: Necking, Katie Eastburn, the Goddamn Rattlesnake, Golden Ghost, Meneguar, the Woods, High Places, TK Webb, Skeletons & the Kings of All Cities, Aa aka BIG A little a, The Fugue, Vampire Weekend, Shellshag, Po Boy Johnson, Christy & Emily, The Ballet, Dirty Beauty Shoppe, & Shooting Spires. All Ages!
"Why spend another sunny summer day stuck in a movie theater with hundred’s of other blockbuster junkies? Every weekend in June Ciona Taylor Productions is staging two amazing plays right in Manhattan’s biggest backyard—Central Park, that is. Bike, jog, bring the kids, bring the dog, sit back and enjoy these two fancy feats" Play descriptions below...
Lost Oasis by Patrick Gabridge
Tom and Jill have hiked for 3 days to find the perfect camping spot. Little do they know, Danny also has already settled in the very same spot, perfectly ruining Tom’s plans. Starring: Kendall Brennan, Marc Ginsberg, Luciana Magnoli. Directed by Troy Miller
Majikan by Diane Lefer
Technology has enabled Majikan the orangutan to communicate with his host, maintain a job, and buy all the syrupy sweet cocoa cola he wants. Life is less than sweet when a visitor arrives, offering to buy a new technology. Will the sale of that technology help Majikan find the ideal mate or leave him exposed to man’s destructive behavior?
Starring: Thomas Eckermann, Keith Hamilton, Dina Prioste
Directed by Megan Marod
New world music voices (new to most Americans, at least) are featured in this great day of African reggae and Middle Eastern styles. Reggae singer Tiken Jah Fakoly has become the musical conscience of his native Cote d’Ivoire by merging the spiritual optimism of Bob Marley with the political activism of Fela Kuti. Like Fela, his outspokenness has got him in trouble with his country’s authorities: at one point he had to flee to Mali in order to stay alive. But he’s stayed true to his classic reggae roots, and continues to strike a chord with down-trodden Ivorians, as well as pretty much anyone who happens to hear him. Support comes from Israeli keyboardist Idan Raichel and NY's own African born DJ Kadafi. More details below. Click here for full details.
Idan Raichel is an Israeli keyboardist and composer whose love of Gypsy music and tango was profoundly impacted by his exposure to Israel’s Ethiopian population. With The Idan Raichel Project, he not only merges the Ethiopian and European music traditions, he brings in influences from all over the Mediterranean and North Africa. Featuring Ethiopian, Yemenite Jew and Arab musicians, the group is an established success in Israel. The Idan Raichel Project’s albums only started seeing American release last year, but have already made a big impression on the world music circuit.
African-born, New York City-based DJ Kadafi spins the most engaging and challenging sounds from West Africa. The house DJ at the Bronx’s Zoodoo Nightclub, he was named the best Africa DJ in NYC by Delaroca productions. His first album is scheduled for release this summer.
Date: Monday, June 18th Time: 2:00pm - 3:30pm Location: Bryant Park (Upper Terrace across from the BP Grill) Cost: Free
"Experienced instructors from Knit New York on 14th Street provide beginners with step by step methods and experts with insights and challenges. If you are already knitting, bring your project and share ideas & secrets with other enthusiasts. Yarn and needles are supplied for beginners. Starter kits are available for sale. Call 212-387-0707 to pre-register, or take a chance and drop by."
Date: Monday, June 18th Time: Lawn opens at 5:00pm, movie at dusk Place:Bryant Park (42nd St @6th ave) Cost: Free
Classic New York and Woody Allen go hand in hand. The legendary comedy, Annie Hall, plays tonight on the lawn at Bryant Park to kick off a season of free movies. You're welcome to bring a blanket and relax starting at 5:00pm. The movies are generally over by 11:00pm.
Date: Monday, June 18th Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm Location: West Side YMCA (5 W 63rd St bet Central Park West & Broadway) Cost: Free, please register
One of my favorite ska bands, The Agents, recently got together. This gets me excited for all school days of dancing, brews, and good time signalongs. Its also harbors memories of the big swing crazes of the same time. If you missed out, then you can get a free “crash course” in swing dancing tonight at the Y. "Hosted by Spencer Weisbond, the course introduces beginners to basic and advanced swing dance steps. Weisbond is a Lindyhop dancer and the innovator of 'Swing Remix,' a new venue for dancing, held Sundays at a nightclub in New York City. Class size is limited. For more information or to register, call Jonathan Wood at 212-875-4149 or email jwood@ymcanyc.org." All ages.
Date: 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month Time: 7:00pm Location: Barbés (376 9th St at Sixth Ave, Park Slope) Cost: Free
The Brooklyn Independent Cinema Series continues tonight showcasing the "best in contemporary independent cinema." Tonight is a showcase of shorts from the Lake County Film Festival. Check below for details on tonight's films and keep abreast of their future events on their website.
Handshake
directed by Patrick Smith
6 min • 2004 • USA • English • Color
An innocent greeting between two people is quickly transformed into a tangled struggle, illustrating the twists and turns of a full-fledged relationship.
Mr. Malakai Battles the Aeroplane
Directed by Drew Blatman
10 min • 2006 • USA • English • Color
The quiet life of Mr. Malikai turns far too loud when an unexpected aeroplane won't leave him alone.
Fischerchicks
Directed by Susan Buice
Music by Fischerspooner
4 min • 200• USA • English • Color
An existential dance party.
Lonely Lights, Color Of Lemons
Directed by Benjamin M Piety
16 min • 2006 • USA • English • Color
A visual study of a young jogger who is shown a series of inkblot paintings that propel him into a collection of stories and memories centered on childhood, questions of sexuality and an enigmatic girl.
Bush
Directed by Arin Crumley
5 min • 2006 • USA • English • Color
A comedic tale of desire and manipulation.
Delivery
Directed by Patrick Smith
8 min • 2003 • USA • English • Color
Abuse leads to rage as two friends compete for a delivered package.
The Wine Bar
Directed by Christian Remde
12 min • 2006 • USA • English • Color
After wandering into an upscale wine bar looking for a beer, Henry innocently offends both the snooty bartender and the pretty young woman quietly reading next to him. When the woman's boyfriend comes in looking for a fight, Henry decides to take matters into his own hands.
Glacier Bay
Directed by Douglas Moser
28 min • 2006 • USA • English • Color
At a party following a grand-nephew's Confirmation, an elderly couple grouse and bicker as old married couples will. The conversation takes many comical and absurd turns as Connie struggles to make sense of Artie's foggy pronouncements, but the comedy is always shadowed by the grim presence of Artie's Alzheimer's, and the memories of happier times that will never be again.
Aesop's Diner
Directed by Cara Maria O'Shea
26 min • 2006 • USA • English • Color
The Family Johnson were once hyped as "The Coolest Band in NYC", and destined for great success. Unfortunately, Bugs' addictions landed him in jail and derailed the band. Now, 18 months later and working on a 12-step program, Bugs' wants to meet up with Shelly and make amends.
Date: Mondays Time: 8:00pm Location: Lolita (266 Broome St at Allen) Cost: Free
"Tell Your Friends! is an old-fashioned comedy hootenanny, where some of the city's most talented writers, performers, and musicians try their newest stuff. All the material presented are gems, whether they be diamonds in the rough or something best left buried." Tonight they close out the season with their last show until September. Line-up below... 21+
Demetri Martin - is a correspondent for "The Daily Show w/ Jon Stewart" and had a Comedy Central one-hour special, "Demetri Martin: Person." His album, "These Are Jokes," is available from Comedy Central Records
Greg Giraldo - has had two "Comedy Central Presents: Greg Giraldo" specials; has appeared on the Comedy Central Roasts for Pamela Anderson, William Shatner, and Chevy Chase; and has made multiple appearances on "The Late Show w/ David Letterman" and "Late Night w/ Conan O'Brien." His album, "Good Day to Cross A River," is available from Comedy Central Records
Amanda Melson - as seen on Comedy Central's "Live At Gotham"
Baron Vaughn - has appeared at the prestigious US Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen
Andres DuBouchet - part-man, part-machine, all comedian
While the karaoke madness in NYC has died down - or been replaced by more exotic renditions such as aireoke - one weekly event continues to keep packing them in. Karaoke Killed the Cat brings a deep song list, a reoccurring cast of karaoke "professionals," and general good time madness to pianos every week. Don't believe me, check out the photos. 21+
Note: The Epochs play a show for $8 downstairs at the same time and they are awesome so if your in the area, highly recommended.
Date: Tuesdays Time: 6:30pm - 8:00pm Location: Crudo Bar Backyard (54 Clinton St. bet. Stanton & Rivington) Cost: Free
The On The Low summer DJ backyard series continues tonight with those fine purveyors of Reggae, Deadly Dragon Sound. This is a new after-work weekly throughout the summer so stop by after you eat your Tuesday Tacos for dancing fun. $4 Margaritas and tap beer. 21+
Date: Tuesday, June 19th Time: 7:00pm Location: World Financial Center Plaza (directions) Cost: Free
"Iconoclastic indie film director John Sayles hosts this concert by the “house band” from his upcoming film Honeydripper, a story that captures the transitional moment from the Blues to Rock ‘n’ Roll."
Date: Tuesday, June 19th Time: 7:00pm -1:00am Location: Hotel QT (125 West 45th St) Cost: Free with RSVP Open Bar: Beaujolais Wine Tasting, 7-8
"Presented by projekt:nyc, love is a foray into a different style of nightlife. Held monthly at Hotel QT, each event features wine tastings by Beaujolais Wines, digital art presentations, djs accompanied by live musicians, live video mixing and to top it all off, complimentary consultations by practitioners in the healing arts (intuitive healing, massage, ayurveda, astrology, energy healing, intuitive healing, acupressure, reiki). Add the pool with its swim up bar, two steam rooms, three floors and bodies in various states of undress, and you can imagine what a good time ensues for all who attend. Live. Laugh. Love. Come play with us." 21+
Date: Tuesday through Sunday until July 8th Time: 8:00pm Location: Delacorte Theatre, Central Park (entrance at 79th and 5th - MAP) Cost: Free with Tickets (see below)
Shakespeare in the Park is one of my favorite parts of New York summer. There's just something totally unique to New York about watching these classic works in a giant open air theater at sunset in Central Park (hint... perfect cheap date!). The free performances kick off today and run daily into July with the classic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. Now in its 45th year SITP has been serving up top notch free Shakespeare to over 80,000 New Yorker's every summer. Tickets are first come first served starting at 1pm so get there early and be prepared to wait in line (people start lining up at something crazy like 6am). See below for ticket locations and info. All Ages.
Date: Tuesday, June 19th Time: 9:00pm Location: Hi Fi (169 Ave A btw. 10th & 11th St) Cost: Free
It's hard to find a band in NYC these days that plays proper rock and roll. Its often either electro leaning sounds like another remake of Bob Dylan and Mick Jagger's love child. But The Mooney Suzuki have been laying down good old American rock n' roll for the NYC crowd for almost a decade now (wow) and today they are dropping their latest. Check it out at this listening party with $3 Brooklyn Lagers until midnight. 21+
Date: Tuesday, June 19th Time: 9:00pm (doors open 6:00pm) Location: Rockefeller Center (30 Rockefeller Plaza, enter at 49th St) Cost: Free
Drive in at the Rock is back with four straight nights of up and coming indie films in Rockefeller Center. This is one of my favorite film series of the summer because - rather then play classic films you could easily catch on DVD - some of the best in new and unreleased indie cinema is shown. "Immerse yourself in the nostalgia of the summer drive-in as special screenings return to midtown Manhattan for the fourth consecutive year [on a] massive 30' x 50' screen in front of 30 Rock.." Tonight's film is "Watching the Detectives," the story of "a quirky cinephile who wishes his life were more like his favorite film noirs. Enter Violet (Lucy Liu), a real-life femme fatale who really does turn life into the movies. Sometimes love is stranger than fiction, and Neil is about to discover just how strange it can be."
Date: Tuesday, June 19th Time: 8:30pm - 10:00pm Location: Lazy Catfish (593 Lorimer St at Conselyea) Open Bar: PBR & Hot Dogs, 8:30-10
Not sure if there's music or DJs but there are always board games and Galaga to play. Plus, with free PBR and hot dogs, and $1 wells from 10-11 afterwards this is pretty much a sure fire cheap night out.
Date: Tuesday, June 19th Time: 10:00pm - 3:00am Location: Opus 22 (559 W. 22nd St. #1) Cost: Free with RSVP
The last Creme de la Creme party was so packed they had to cut the RSVP list days in advance. This one promises to be just as hot as the Dub Frequency crew brings Cosmo Baker, DJ JM & more up to this westside DJ lounge with a killer soundsystem. This spot is right by Chelea Piers and the Frying Pan (is that thing still there, I can't keep track of it) so you can easily head up for sunset drinks and dinner and make a night out. 21+
Date: Tuesday, June 19th Time: 10:30pm - 8:00pm Location: Angels & Kings (500 E. 11th Street b/t A and B) Cost: Free
Guyliner, indie rockers, and the official Piebald afterparty are all on the plate tonight at Angels and Kings. Plus, since its summer, break out your booty shorts (or just short shorts for the guys...) and get $1 off your drinks all night. Plus, from 10:30-11:30 & 2-3am there's a $5 PBR+Whiskey Shot special!" 21+ [via Windchill
Date: Saturday, June 30th Time: 2:00pm - 10:00pm Location: Dreamland Pavilion (Coney Island Boardwalk) Cost: Free
Preston and Kervyn Mark (The Melting Pot) continue their weekly boardwalk danceparty today. These boys know their records so if corn dogs, house music, and the cyclone is your idea of a perfect afternoon (and who doesn't like a corn dog... except maybe pescatarians but maybe they can have fish and chips) then this is your spot.
Date: Wednesday, June 20th Time: 4:00pm - 8:00pm Place: St. Nicholas Park Plaza (135th & St. Nicholas Ave, Harlem) Cost: Free
Hip Hop fans...this should be a great afternoon with some legends.
"Presented in association with The Friends of St. Nicholas Park, four of Hip Hop's favorite record collectors and selectors spin the rarest cuts from their deepest crates and collections. Feat. Miss Shing-A-Ling (Jazzman Records), Jazzy Jay (Strong City), Lord Finesse (DITC) and Rockin' Rob (Mean Machine Crew) plus The Legendary Superman Sound System!"
Date: Wednesday, June 20th Time: 6:30pm Location: Apple Store Soho ( Cost: Free
If a discussion of the "differences between consistency, uniformity, and convention in user interface design" gets you excited then this evenings lecture by Interface Designer and Blogger John Gruber is right up your alley. Presented by the AIGA as part of Design Remixed, John will discuss the in's and out's of effective interface design..
Date: Wednesday, June 20th Time: 7:00pm Location: Rockefeller Park, Battery Park (Directions) Cost: Free
Taylor McFerrin has made it onto the site for two weeks in a row. That must mean I subconciously put some stock in this jazzy beatboxer. Tonight his 4-piece band performs between waterfront poetry reading by Chris Abani, Suji Kwock Kim, U Sam Oeur, Mark Strand, Franz Wright and other major poetic voices. McFerrin interview video below. All Ages.
Date: Wednesday, June 20th Time: 8:00pm Location: Cunningham Park, Queens (Directions)
The Metropolitain Opera continue their tour of NYC parks tonight with a performance of La Bohème in Queens. This is a the last NYC show and a great chance to see one of the world's finest performances for free and outdoors! All Ages.
Date: Wednesday, June 20th Time: 9:00pm (doors open 6:00pm) Location: Rockefeller Center (30 Rockefeller Plaza, enter at 49th St) Cost: Free
Drive in at the Rock is back with four straight nights of up and coming indie films in Rockefeller Center. This is one of my favorite film series of the summer because - rather then play classic films you could easily catch on DVD - some of the best in new and unreleased indie cinema is shown. "Immerse yourself in the nostalgia of the summer drive-in as special screenings return to midtown Manhattan for the fourth consecutive year [on a] massive 30' x 50' screen in front of 30 Rock.." Tonight's film is "Arctic Tale." "The film follows the walrus, Seela and the polar bear, Nanu, on their journey from birth to adolescence to maturity and parenthood in the frozen Arctic wilderness."
Date: Wednesday, June 20th Time: 10:00pm Location: Bar 13 (35 E 13th St at University) Cost: Free
"Awesome DJs! Dancing! Warp Records Giveaways! Fun Time!" What more could you want? Max Pask and Warp's SMC (aka Steven) invade this traveling monthly party that lands at Bar 13 tonight. Bar 13 has an awesome rooftop so if the weather is good then this is a choice to grab a drink and dance it up. 21+
Date: Thursday, June 21st Time: All Day Location: Everywhere Cost: Free
No School. No Work. Go Skate! Today is Go Skateboarding Day, so forget about everything else and Go Skateboard! While the day itself doesn't have organized activities, many cities, shops and friends are putting some plans into action. Click here for the full list!
Date: Thursday, June 21st Time: 6:00pm Location: Apple Store Soho (103 Prince Street) Cost: Free
Grand National have been killing it in the UK for a minute now and there are starting to make serious waves stateside as well. This will probably be your last chance to catch the boys in this small a setting let along with a special acoustic set. This one will fill up.
Date: Thursday, June 21st Time: 7:00pm - 10:00pm Location: DUMBO installation space (81 Front at Washington) Cost: Free with RSVP
Gallerist Jonathan Levine has rented this space in Dumbo for a special summer installation of Shepard Fairey's new show, E Pluribus Venom. Party on with DJ sets by Cosmo Baker , Mr.10 Fingers (700 Club Philly) and Shepard Fairey himself. RSVP is a MUST, so do it and do it now! This special installation runs until July 6th, I'm minding the space so stop by and say hello!
Date: Thursday, June 21st - 23rd Time: 7:00pm Location: Cherry Lane Studio Theatre (38 Commerce St) Cost: Free with RSVP
"'The Quest' is South Asian American playwright Mrinalini Kamath's adaptation of the stories of Theseus and Orpheus as they intertwine in the mythic Quest for the Golden Fleece. The piece explores the theme of why we quest and how this drive transcends the desire for love, fame and immortality. This play was the inaugural 2006 commission in Fluid Motion's Start the Story commissioning program. The week-long workshop will culminate in three staged readings with artist talkbacks." All Ages.
Date: Thursday, June 21st Time: 7:00pm Location: Pier 84 (44th St and Hudson River) Cost: Free
"One of Hudson River Park’s hottest events returns delivering a knockout punch. While the sun sets and the stars rise you’ll have the time of your life as amateur boxers from the five boroughs and beyond duke it out to see who is the best." Produced in conjunction with the Church Street Boxing Gym, Rumble features sanctioned amateur boxers from all walks of life facing off in the ring to prove who is the best. All Ages.
Date: Thursday, June 21st Time: 9:00pm (doors open 6:00pm) Location: Rockefeller Center (30 Rockefeller Plaza, enter at 49th St) Cost: Free
Drive in at the Rock is back with four straight nights of up and coming indie films in Rockefeller Center. This is one of my favorite film series of the summer because - rather then play classic films you could easily catch on DVD - some of the best in new and unreleased indie cinema is shown. "Immerse yourself in the nostalgia of the summer drive-in as special screenings return to midtown Manhattan for the fourth consecutive year [on a] massive 30' x 50' screen in front of 30 Rock.." Tonight's film is "MO," the story of a young boy coming to terms with "Marfan Syndrome." Full description below.
Directed and written by Brian Scott Lederman. (U.S.A.) - NY Premiere. Every kid wants to be cool and fit in - life's a blast even when you're different. When Mo's reflection is revealed, he sees a body that doesn't quite resemble any of his peers. Here, he tells the tale of his youth, growing up on the south shore of Long Island, New York- How his parents support him, how his wacky brother keeps him laughing, and how his friends help him to escape. After discovering that the reason behind all of his physical differences is a genetic mutation called "Marfan Syndrome", Mo is forced to come to terms with a more serious reality: he will never be able to do many of the things that the people around him take for granted and he will have to prepare himself for a major heart surgery. As we venture away from our own realities, Mo takes us into his world of hanging out, discovering girls, dealing with school and the doctor's office, going to parties, trying sports, getting stoned, and contemplating God. Starring Erik Per Sullivan (of "Malcolm in the Middle"), Margo Martindale (of "The Riches" and "Million Dollar Baby"), and Adam LeFevre (of "Empire Falls").
Date: Thursday, June 21st Time: 7:00pm Location: Angels & Kings (500 East 11th St.) Cost: Free (2 drink min)
As most of you know from reading FreeNYC, every once and a while I like to nerd out on some science and all around geeky stuff. Lately I am finding more people of similar dorky mindset. The manager over Angels & Kings "is an advocate-supreme of Nerd Nite" and has agreed to two opportunities for June nerdery. Tonight, "welcomes two out-of-towners as living nerd Anne Brockett explores historic cemetery landscapes while evolved nerd Pete Thompson discusses evolution through the eyes of the Flying Spaghetti Monster and thumb-splitting shrimp"
Date: Thursday, June 21st Time: 9:00pm Location:The Royale (506 5th Ave btw. 12th & 13th St, Park Slope) Cost: Free
Professor Rockwell drops funk, soul, hip hop and more at my saviour of a Park Slope bar while you sling back microbrews from their 100+ beer selection and try you hand at a game of table tennis. If your in the Slope, there's no place better tonight.
Date: Thursday, June 21st Time: 10:00pm - 4:00am Location: Rewind (137 Essex btw Stanton & Rivington) Cost: Free with RSVP Open Bar: "Complimentary Hennessey cocktails"
Uptown sneaker shop Atmos celebrates their 2nd anniversary with a downtown throwdown. Swill some Hennesey cocktails while you hang with other lovers of limited Air Force One's and BAPE hoodies while Evil Dee & DJ Gero drop classic hip hop beats. 21+
Date: Thursday, June 21st Time: 10:00pm Location: Galapagos (60 N 6th St at Wythe, W'burg) Cost: Free
Summary:Avaaz bring their unique blend of bhangra beats and live performances to the LES tonight. Each month, residents Bollygirl, Cenzo, and Dimm will be joined by globally inspired live performances. Tonight features special guests Bamboo Shoots DJing along with live performances from indie rocking to hip hop by Suspicious Brown, Koba, & Butterthief
Hey All... we had a major server crash over the last few hours. Everything should be working now and we're real sorry for the inconvenience. As many of you know, FreeNYC is a project done purely in the staff's free time. What little money we generate goes back in to the site to support hosting, events and more. We've been battling with a need to expand the site for almost a year now as we've quickly outgrown the limitations of our "out of the box" solution. I was hoping to put off the rebuild of the site for a little longer but it seems that it may come sooner than expected. Regardless, things should be functioning now. Have a great weekend.
Date: Friday, June 22nd Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: BoConcept Skylounge at The powerHouse Arena (37 Main St, DUMBO) Cost: Free with RSVP
In a celebration of their love for that classic hip hop film Wild Style powerHouse books opens their lounge tonight for a very special "making of" exhibition.
Charlie Ahearn curates this collection of original artwork, photographs, production stills, e&. and the whole thing is followed by a screening in the park.
Comedian Dave Attell (Comedy Central’s Insomniac) hosts a free night of comedy featuring the best young talent from the city and beyond, including John Mulaney, Ted Alexandro, Joe DeRosa, Amy Schumer and Kurt Metzger. Click here for full details.
Date: Friday, June 22th Time: 7:30pm Location: Prospect Park Bandshell (9th St. & Prospect Park West, Park Slope) Cost: Free ($3 suggested)
"When it comes to bluegrass, Ralph Stanley has no peers. The living legend, 'one of the most important country musicians in the world today,' (T Bone Burnett) has kept the flame alive for a half century—with grassroots help from folks like James Reams, the granddaddy of the local bluegrass scene."
Date: Friday, June 22nd Time: 8:00pm Location: Hope Lounge (10 Hope St. between Havemeyer & Roebling, W'Burg) Cost: Free with RSVP
Takeover Theory drops a release party this evening for DJ Iron Lyon's new mixtape "Funky Dope Manuevers" with some serious treats for you to scope up. On top of the fine hip hop all night from Iron Lyon, DJ Complex, DJ King Cut, DJ Dary, and DJ Yamez, there're free discs to the first 50 guests, free BBQ (hot dogs, hamburgers, and veggie treats) from 9-10 and $3 beers before 10. Late night 2 for 1 Soli drinks from 1-2. If your in the neighborhood, def. stop by.
Date: Friday, June 22nd Time: 9:00pm (doors open 6:00pm) Location: Rockefeller Center (30 Rockefeller Plaza, enter at 49th St) Cost: Free
Drive in at the Rock is back with four straight nights of up and coming indie films in Rockefeller Center. This is one of my favorite film series of the summer because - rather then play classic films you could easily catch on DVD - some of the best in new and unreleased indie cinema is shown. "Immerse yourself in the nostalgia of the summer drive-in as special screenings return to midtown Manhattan for the fourth consecutive year [on a] massive 30' x 50' screen in front of 30 Rock.." Tonight's film is "Netherbeast Incorporated," A quirky twist on the vampire tale, set in modern day corporate America. Full description below. All Ages.
Directed by Dean Ronalds. (U.S.A.) - NY Premiere. A quirky twist on the vampire tale, set in modern day corporate America. Employees of Berm-Tech Industries, Inc. have kept the family secret for a long time. For years it has been business as usual, until the top vampire in charge contracts a dreaded disease and invites the first humans to work in the office in more than a century. Soon the new employees discover that some of their associates are not what they appear to be, especially the dead one in the cubicle with a wooden stake through his heart. Starring Darrell Hammond, Judd Nelson, Dave Foley, Jason Mewes, Steve Burns, Amy Davidson and Robert Wagner.
Date: Friday, June 22nd Time: 9:00 (movie at 9. DJs at 10) Location: M Shanghai, downstairs (129 Havemeyer at Grand, W'Burg) Cost: Free
Electro Disco DJ extrodinaire Jeremy Campbell is back with his movie night dance party tonight since the closing of Tonic (RIP). Join their cozy downstairs den for cheap drinks, good times, and dancing until late. Tonight he's joined by Jason Convict and Lovefingers on the tables while they screen John Stahl's Leave Her to Heaven. Delicious shanghai dumplings for sale upstairs til 2am.
Date: Friday, June 22nd Time: 10:00pm Location:Home Sweet Home(131 Chrystie at Broome) Cost: Free
Andy Pry is a stand up dude, believe you me. Tonight he hosts White Lightning, and is sure to get your heart pumping and your feet moving with banger after banger. Guests Dj Kat NYC and Louisahhh! join him at the decks for a night sweaty bliss in the basement of Home Sweet Home. 21+
Date: Saturday, June 23rd Time: 11:00am - 4:00pm Location: Hans Christian Andersen Statue, Central Park (72nd St. & 5th Ave.) and James Michael Levin Playground (76th St. & 5th Ave.) Cost: Free
I think storytelling is slowly becoming one of those lost arts in our digital age. Thankfully, "The CelebrateStory Festival will bring together international and nationally known storytellers and musicians who will regale audiences with wondrous stories from diverse cultures, including performances with music, dance and audience participation." This all age, all day, family friendly festival features over a dozen storytellers recounting tales from around the world.
Date: Saturday, June 23rd Time: 2:00pm Location: Surf Avenue, Coney Island (D,F,N or Q to Stillwell Ave.) Cost: Free
Do they make bodypaint with sunscreen? Is body glitter easy to get off with salt water? what is the boiling point of asphalt? These are just some of the questions that will be passing through your brain if you choose to partake in one of Brooklyn's newest old traditions, The Mermaid Parade and Ball at Coney Island. I've been to a lot of after parties, but never to the actual parade, but I know it's a blast for everyone. If you want to be a part of the magical procession, you must register yourself or your group. For more information on this rite of summer, click here.
Date: Saturday, June 23rd Time: 2:00pm - 6:00pm Location: East River Park Ampphitheatre (Cherry St. & FDR Drive) Cost: Free
"The East River Music Project is a group of people dedicated to putting on free summer concerts of local music at the East River Amphitheater." And we here at FreeNYC applaud this! Four Saturday's through out the summer ERMP brings you free shows. Tonight they welcome Ex Models,S-S-S-Spectres, Hundred Eyes, and Mikey Bones. Band Bios below. All Ages.
EX MODELS
"Everybody loves lumping bands into genres. But the EX MODELS has effectively birthed a genre of its own with its Troubleman Unlimited debut: the band calls it "Fundustrial" -- a sort of blend between the mechanistic fury of bands like Cop Shoot Cop and Einstürzende Neubauten crossed with the chaos of punk rock and the cosmos of hard psych. ...Much of the duo's new material is not just the typical quiet lull drone thing that other bands fall upon, it's more like a noise freakout part that just goes on and on, repeatedly turning in on itself. Like a Steve Reich composition, Terry Riley piece or Oneida outing (whose drummer, Kid Millions lent his drum skills to the recording of the album and subsequent tape loops used in the duo's live shows)... rhythms cascade from within the repetitious mantras of guitars and drums, subtly shifting and mutating the song as it goes on."
S-S-S-SPECTRES
"A band of charlatans, magicians, mediums and scofflaws claiming to be "S-S-S-Spectres" surfaced in Brooklyn in early '05. Since then they have been frequenting the meaner night-time establishments throughout the New York Isles and beyond, conjuring up and putting questions to the spirits of "The Contortions," "Bush Tetras ," "The Fall" and "The Birthday Party." Some rubes taken in by their performance have also claimed to have felt the chilling touch of "Six Finger Satellite," "Erase Errata" and "Old Time Relijun"! Their spellcraft is simple enough: jerky percussion and skittish bass riding waves of gang vocals and chants amidst a squall of shrieks from a home-built 12-string guitar. Through photo-comparisons and tireless cross-checking, we are fairly certain their members have previously been implicated in incidents of unholy music and mischief in Providence, San Francisco, Washington D.C. and even Austin, TX! Today, these blackguards have united into one single-minded, seething mass, and they have been plying their trade along the coasts in company with the likes of Country Teasers, Magik Markers, Deerhunter, No Things, Meneguar, Cause Co-motion and assorted other fiends and groups. "
HUNDRED EYES
They played in London last year at the Yeah Yeah Yeahs-curated All Tomorrow's Parties, and boast members of the acclaimed Tall Boys. From a review of their set at ATP: "Another new NY band who are very much my thing actually, Hundred Eyes kick up a formidable sand-storm for a sparse crowd as the opening act upstairs. Deeply rooted in the more abrasive aspects of the No Wave tradition, this two boy / two girl gang fronted by a guy dressed as a Middle Eastern nomad and wrenching howling open string noise from a battered custom guitar are an instantly exciting prospect. Things begin in the same ballpark as the neurotic urban crush rocked by Theoretical Girls and The Static, with the singer delivering incomprehensible bursts of tourettes over frantic, dissonant unchording, but things start to get really special as the noise spreads out and begins breathing deep, finding it's way into the meditative headspace hinted at in the no wave dub of Sonic Youth's debut EP before escaping the clutches of the city altogether, slowly reconfiguring the sound of deconstructionist art-rock until it no longer speaks of subway trains, syringes and breakdowns but instead explodes outward into blinding hallucinatory desertscapes, as no talent punk approximations of Eastern modes crash down over scything sheets of white noise." ( http://stereosanctity.blogspot.com )
MIKEY BONES
Mikey Bones is an ensemble of musical geniuses from some of New York's most legendary bands, including Jah Division, Home, White Magic, and Oneida... They are newly formed as a sort of musical experiment, but they are promising to soon be one of the city's most elusive rock legends.
Date: Saturday, June 23rd Time: 2:00pm - 10:00pm Location: Dreamland Pavilion (Coney Island Boardwalk) Cost: Free
With the Mermaid Parade already enveloping most of Coney Island this weekend, it will be interesting to see how this injection of deep house music will fair. But if you're looking for a break from the indie rock mayhem, Preston and Kervyn Mark (The Melting Pot) drop dance groove all day long on the boardwalk. These boys know their records so its a worth break in your day. All Ages.
Date: Saturday, June 23rd - 24th Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm Location: Central Park (69th and CPW) - map Cost: Free
While the tourists are lining up at the crack of dawn to get their tickets to that other Shakespeare performance in the Park, The Boomerang Theatre present a much more accessible staging of the classic All's Well that Ends Well. "All's Well That Ends Well is a comedy of fascinating characters and scintillating wit. Part romantic comedy, part fairy-tale, Shakespeare's tale is engaging, thought-provoking and fun for audiences of all ages especially al fresco." The performance continues weekends through July.
Date: Saturday, June 23rd Time: 5:00pm - 9:00pm Location:Jonathan Levine Gallery (529 W 20th St, 9E)
Cost: Free
I remember being 14 and having a "cool" penpal who sent me an OBEY sticker with Shepard Fairey's manifesto. This was 1993. I never would've guessed that he'd still be around- and such a driving force in the art scene today. Check out his new show, E Pluribus Venom, at Jonathan Levine Gallery. Artist Souther Salazar's new solo show, Space Cadets, will be in the Project Room of the gallery.
Date: Sunday, June 24th Time: 2:00pm Location: McCarren Pool, Lorimer Street & Bedford Avenue, Wburg Cost: Free
It's that time of year again, time to have some fun in the sun and check out some live music at the McCarren Park Pool. This Sunday's lineup includes Superchunk, Oakley Hall and DJ Todd O-Phonic Todd. Man, I don't know where to begin, it's like bumping into a bazillion people you know all at once -- I love this place and will be sad when they turn it into back into a pool or spa for nouveau-riche condo owners, but definitely come out this summer, bring some sunscreen and maybe a blanket...you can RSVP here, though it's free on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Date: Sunday, June 24th Time: 2:00pm (contestant cutoff 1:45) Location: Smith & Vine (268 Smth St btw Sackett and Degraw, Brooklyn) Cost: Free
How much Cantal can you shove down your throat in one minute? Think you've got what it takes to win the "Big Cheese Title Belt?" Stinky Bklyn hosts their 1st annual cheese eating contest as part of the Smith Street Fun Day Sunday Street Fair. 20 contestants (1st come first served) will compete. 18+ to see what you've got, all ages to watch.
Summerstage celebrates their love for our northern neighbors once again as Apostle of Hustle. Inspired by a two-month-long trip to Cuba, Broken Social Scene lead guitarist Andrew Whiteman founded Apostle as a means of exploring his new found love for Spanish music, particularly the Cuban guitar, or tres. Joining them are the 90's power-pop quartet Sloan (who headline) and Winnipeg's country-music wielding Duhks. More info below.
Headlining our annual celebration of Canadian music is Halifax, Nova Scotia’s own Sloan. Four guys obsessed with the Beatles and ‘70s glam rock, Sloan hit big in their native Canada during the early ‘90s with concise and melodic power pop. But it wasn’t until 1996’s One Chord To Another that they “broke” in America. Last year’s critically-acclaimed Never Hear The End Of It plays like the second side of The Beatles’ Abbey Road: 30 songs—some less than a minute long—that blend into each other to form a kind of epic rock ‘n roll suite.
Canada Day wouldn’t be Canada Day without at least one connection to Broken Social Scene, the Toronto-based indie-rock collective. This year, the connection comes from Apostle Of Hustle. Inspired by a two-month-long trip to Cuba, BSS lead guitarist Andrew Whiteman founded Apostle as a means of exploring his new found love for Spanish music, particularly the Cuban guitar, or tres. The band’s sophomore album, National Anthem Of Nowhere, marries electric guitar experimentation to flamenco strumming and Afro-Cuban beats. In March of this year, Spin magazine said that “Whiteman recombines mambo, Americana, and mesmerizing BSS-style rock with infectiously rambling results.”
Though they ended up losing to The Dixie Chicks, The Duhks’ recent Grammy® nomination for “Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal” was a sweet victory for the five-piece from Winnipeg. Neo-folkies with a decidedly contemporary bent, the young members of The Duhks combine gospel, folk, samba, Celtic, zydeco and country string band sounds into a kind of joyful Western hemispheric bop.
No Selector Sundays is a collective of forward thinking local musicians involved with and inspired by DJ culture. The night was founded by accomplished musicians Guy Licata and Abe Sieferth, along with veteran NYC DJs Jesse Mann and Evan Baggs. Jesse and Evan continue to hold down the evening on a weekly basis, bringing in a healthy assortment of talented live musicians, along with some of the best DJs the city has to offer. The focus is on great music in all of its forms, culminating in a mish mash of funk, soul, afro, latin, jazz, house, broken beats, disco, electro, and assorted danceable breaks. This week they welcome live sets from that formitable New Orleans funk outfit, the Pimps of Joytime. This is a great chance to catch them in a small space so if you've been sleeping on this weekly then tonight's the night.
Date: Monday, June 25th Time: 12:00pm Location: John Street United Methodist Church and its courtyards (44 John St bet Nassau and Dutch) Cost: Free
"In this new commissioned play by Daniel Reitz, directed by Daniel Talbott, four individuals deal in various ways with the sudden cataclysms that life holds in store for us. A sexually ambiguous, BlackBerry-obsessed young broker; a grief-stricken woman debating the point of her continued existence; and a reunited couple reminisce about the day in which taking a leap meant ending time as they knew it, converge in and around the evocative courtyards of Manhattan's oldest Methodist church." All Ages.
Date: Monday, June 25th Time: Lawn opens at 5:00pm, movie at dusk Place:Bryant Park (42nd St @6th ave) Cost: Free
Grab a blanket, make a picnic and check this classic horror flick from 1951!
"A frozen alien is discovered at the North Pole, and trouble starts when it accidentally thaws out. A legendary monster movie based on a story by John Campbell, the “father” of modern science fiction, and produced by Howard Hawks."
Date: Mondays Time: 10:00pm - late Place: 205 Bar (205 Chrystie at Stanton) Cost: Free
This is why I love summer in New York. There is always a reason to stay out late, roll into work hungover and dance like a fool on a Monday night. Tonight, Stretch Armstrong and Eli Escobar continue their Monday assault on 205 with the best dirty disco bangers, re-edited indie electronica, and general top notch dance music.
Date: Tuesday, June 26th Time: 11:00am - 11:00pm Location: S'MAC (345 E 12th St, between 1st and 2nd) Cost: $1
If your anywhere in the East Village today then you have to pop in to S'MAC and grab this deal. The carb-lovin' Mac and Cheese specialty shop celebrates their 1 year birthday today and they'll be dishing out ooey gooey 'nosh' sized portions of their All-American Mac 'n Cheese for a mere $1.... mmmm...
Date: Tuesday, June 26th Time: 7:00pm Location: WFC Plaza (directions) Cost: Free
"Martha Wainwright, Chris Thile (from Nickel Creek), Jim Campilongo, Ari Hest and The Bees come together for this unique concert of alums from The Living Room’s venerable stage. As one of NYC’s musical landmarks, the club has become a venue for the best and brightest singer/songwriters."
Date: Tuesday, June 26th Time: 7:45 - 10:30pm Location: Grand Space (778 Bergen Street, 2nd Floor) Cost: Free
I'm a pilates girl myself, but I know that yoga is supposed to enhance strength, flexibility, and apparently your sex life now too. This 3 hour class designed to teach you how to enhance the richness of your sex life by improving the quality and volume of sensation during sex. "Essential to this journey is the art of Orgasmic Meditation, which has two people, put all of their attention on one person's genitals and the orgasmic energy that exists between them... This is an evening course comprised of lecture and one-on-one exercises. There is no nudity in this course." Bummer on the nudity and I can honestly say that this is the first time we have used the words "genitals" and "orgasmic energy" on FreeNYC.
Date: Tuesday, June 26th Time: 8:00pm Location: Galapagos (70 N 6th Street, W'burg) Cost: Free
Every two weeks Reel Life Movie House presents a free screening of a classic feature film along with several local shorts, giving talented local filmmakers a venue to show their work. This week, a little guidance with Woody Allen's "Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Sex, But Were Afraid To Ask." Come have a drink or two as Woody battles a giant breast and Gene Wilder sheepishly finds his true love. We're also showing a classic Allen short and local filmmaker Ryan Montgomery's "You Never Left." As always, there's free popcorn and a free drink for whomever comes up with the longest list of slang terms for what Woody is teaching us about.
Date: Tuesday, June 26th Time: 9:00pm Location: Gallery Bar (120 Orchard St. & Rivington) Cost: Free with RSVP
NYC clothier and t-shirt smith Kiser brings groundbreaking spoken word collective iLL-Literacy to this small LES spot. These boys have been blowing of Def Comedy Jam, MTV, and more and are playing a series of datse thoughout the city but this is the only place to catch them for free! Duo Live join in the fun and DJ Ko-Hei holds down the in-betweens. Giveaways, drink specials, and more.
Date: Tuesday, June 26th Time: 10:00pm Location: APT (419 w13th St. at 10th Ave) Cost: Free
DJ Morsy is back tonight with a special release party for Emo-Thug 2! Its Qualo Vs. Green Velvet, Ninjasonik Vs. Guns'n'Bombs, 50 Cent Vs. Bright Eyes and more in this second installment of indie rock meets hip hop mashed up, re-edited goodness.
It all goes down at the always fun Baile Crunk monthly party with Nick Catchdubs, Sujinho, & Unkle Chip. Highly recommended.
Date: Wednesday, June 27th - 30th Time: 5:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Museum of the City of New York (1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street) Cost: Free
For the rest of the week, The Museum of the City of New York opens wide its doors for free as part of their Baseball Fever Week. Grab a drink in their courtyard overlooking central park while exploring their exhibit on the Glory Days of baseball in NYC. "In the decade between 1947-1957, New York was the undisputed baseball capital of the nation. Discover the excitement, the passion of the fans, and most famous decade in New York Baseball."
Date: Wednesday, June 27th Time: 6:30pm Location: Prospect Park Bandshell (9th St & Prospect Park West, Park Slope) Cost: Free, sort of
No, there is not some mad rush of free tickets to this sold out show but seeing as today's a little light on events and I thought I'd tip you in. Go sit out side and listen to the whole show for free. Bring a blanket, some beers, maybe even dinner and hang with the hundreds who will surround the fence and enjoy the show. That's what we did last night and had a great time. After all, what's better on a hot summer night then some live music and a picnic in the park. In case your in the dark on this amazing musician... "Manu Chao helped begin the Latin Alternative movement, way back in the '80s - although it had no name then - and in his later work he cuts a cross-cultural swathe across styles and geographic boundaries." Hi energy, reggae infused, multi-lingual music all night! Live vid below.
Date: Wednesday, June 27th Time: 9:00pm Location: Sol (609 29th St) Cost: Free with RSVP
If a little midweek hip hop is your thing then this is the place to be as Rawkus Records celebrate the release of the newest joint from Blue Scholars. This is straight hip hop, not that LES eclectic variety, with Cause and DJ Yamez bringing support on the turntables. Check out the Blue Scholars newest video below.
Date: Wednesday, June 27th Time: 10:00pm Location: Rockwood Music Hall (196 Allen Street at Houston) Cost: Free
The LES' tiny Rockwood Music Hall is constantly showcasing a fresh breath of singer songwriter talent night after night (for free!) Tonight, bilingual songstress Coral takes the mic alongsite 6 other's in daily showcase. This Argentinian native draws influence from Joan Baez to the Rolling Stones. Video with some familiar shots of the LES below as well as a full line-up for the night.
6:00pm - Stoller Bros.Live
7:00pm - Stampead
8:00pm - Lenny Revell
9:00pm - Atomic Tom
10:00pm - Coral
11:00 pm - Mark Rapp
12 midnight - Goodbye Picasso
1:00 am - Late Night at Rockwood hosted by Matt Basile and Andy Fitzpatrick
Date: Thursday, June 28st Time: 5:30pm - 8:30pm Location:Queensbridge Park (21st St & East River, Queens) Cost: Free
So you think you've got DJ skills. Head uptown tonight as "three decades of legendary party rockers, producers, battle champs and turntablists unite to cut, rock, beat juggle, scratch & transform the park" as this summer's Turntablist Sessions hosted by PopMaster Fabel of the legendary Rock Steady Crew.
I know that every musician from the 80s seems to be having a reunion or something, and it is getting annoying. However, I caught Joan Jett last summer at a few Warped Tours (don't ask...), and seriously she is as good as ever. Despite that brief period when she tried to make a comeback with that horrid bleached Susan Powter haircut, her voice is strong, the Black Hearts are tight, and not to sound totally lame, but she rocks. Oh yea, and its free.
Date: Thursday, June 28th Time: 7:00pm Location: No Malice Palace (197 E. 3rd St btw A & B - look for green light) Cost: Free
"For all you kids with nowhere to hang out, there's always room in the M.A.T.H. Club." Tonight they "help kick off the Asian American International Film Festival" with drink specials until 11pm, a backyard garden, and free pizza while it lasts... This is a great bar so hey, why not? Oh... "The M.A.T.H. Club is the young Friends of [Asian Cinevision], comprised of a collective of writers, artists, and cultural enthusiasts. The M.A.T.H. Club will be hosting parties and events throughout the Festival, highlighting some of the best programs for you."
One of our FreeNYC writers LOVES Cynthia Rowley. And I love when fashion designers remind the world that they are not one-sided trendfu¢kers. Rowley is one of my fav's. She'd got this little fantasy girl world throughout her work that comes across as playful and stylish all at once. It bares mentioning that she has just released a fantastic "fantasy memoir" collection, Slim, accompanied by 40 original drawings. Tonight she reads excerpts and signs copies.
Date: Thursday, June 28th Time: 8:00pm Location: Beauty Bar (231 East 14th Street) Cost: Free with RSVP
Swoon, the NYC-based fashion and photography magazine is planning themselves a little soiree tonight for the release of their Spring/Summer Issue #3. There will be Live screening in the back room of short films by radical art star MM Serra, director of the Filmmaker's Co-op at 8pm with free wine! Also, the launch of Swoon Magazine's "Life for Pictures" styling project at 9pm. Featuring a live styling booth by studiofdc.com and rxapparel.com with a photo booth by this issue's cover photographer, Jonathan Hokklo. Get styled, get your photo taken, and be a lil party of Swoon history!
Date: Thursday, June 28th Time: 8:00pm Location: Fontana's Bar (105 Eldridge St btw. Broome and Grand) Cost: Free
So you've got that Mistress Barbara thing (below) if electronic music is your poison but what about some good old cali powerpop? ScientificLifestyle cross the country tonight to rock the dingy downstairs (that I love so much) of Fontanas. They've def got the Sol Cal spirit of an early No Doubt but also conqour up similarities to the mid 90s invasion of female led indie rock a la The Breeders or Hammerbox (have you bought the Hammerbox album yet? I lost mine and need a copy) with some more funked out grooves. Regardless, these four can hold their own and that says a lot for a band these days in our over-produced, under-touring music scene. Oh... "This Los Angeles based act defies categorization in the lackluster majority of electronic pop outfits that fails to deliver live. ScientificLifestyle’s performances exceed expectation in their action-packed shows that have everyone on their feet dancing to this undeniable brand of music." 21+
Date: Friday, November 28th Time: 10:00pm Location: Royale (506 5th ave at 12th St, Park Slope) Cost: Free
If there is one thing you can for sure about us FreeNYC folks is that we love us some reggae, dub, dancehall, etc. If these things interest you as well, check out the Dubtempo monthly party at Royale. Tonight for your listening pleasure resident DJs Chicus and Wagner bring you the sounds of Rockers, Dancehall, Roots, Deep Reggae as well as their unique mix of 90s Hip-Hop/ eclectic 80s Soul/ Global Grooves and much more. 21+
Date: Thursday, June 28th Time: 10:00pm - 4:00am Location: Sullivan Room ( 218 Sullivan St btw Bleeker & W. 3rd) Cost: Free with RSVP
Back in the days when dance music was king of New York, in the days of Twilo and Soundfactory, Vinyl and the Limelogiht, Misstress Barbara ruled the floors with a combination of groovy-techno and minimal electro funk. And while these days the mass populous seems more akin to shoegazing in the basement of Cakeshop then dancing 'til sunrise in the middle of the week, Barbara still remains as one of the fine producers and DJs of her genre. Tonight is a great chance to see her in this small room for free in celebration of her new album, "Come with Me." If Christopher Lawrence shows up, send me a text. Lending musical support are Halycon's Connie & Memek from Minimoo.
Date: Friday, June 29th Time: 6:00pm - late Location: 210 Cook St, Bushwick Cost: Free
Dance you face off at this Bushwick rooftop party. Cassette brings you some of the cities finests techy-blip masters (Jimmy Edgar, Machine Drum, Praveen and more) along with a live set from Afro-punk songstress Tiombre Lockhart and VJing (I love VJs) by PrettyDamnNot Bad. There's free BBQ (this is a rooftop) and a full bar but feel free to BYOB. Directions below. Oh, and respect the rooftop... people live here (probably all ages, it is a roof)
Date: Friday, June 29th Time: 7:00pm Location: Prospect Park Bandshell (9th St and Prospect Park West, Park Slope) Cost: $3 Suggested
When I was a kid I used to pop in to NYC, hit 8th Street and thing everything I saw or picked up was the coolest in the world. One of the things I picked up was a flyer for Groove Collective presented by Giant Step (I think they had to be the first band on Giant Step or something). Several trips to the store in the pre-internet days and I had in my hands a CD of some of the sickest acid jazz (ok the only) I ever heard. 10+ years and several albums later, I am still rocking this eclectic ensemble on the regular. Combining elements of jazz, hip hop, salsa, and even trip hop, Groove Collective have been pushing the boundries of possibility for a minute now and its a treat to see them for $3, at sunset, in the park tonight. The equally talented Ravi Coltrane & Craig Harris open. All Ages.
Date: Friday, June 29th Time: 7:00pm Location: South Street Seaport (Fulton Street and the East River) Cost: Free
Syracuse-based Ra Ra Riot describes itself as "an amorphous blob that consists
of six highly dedicated individuals, each bringing her/his own experiences as both people and musicians to the metaphorical." The metaphorical aside, they rick like indie rockers... a little bit of Morrisey, a little bit of Talking Heads (maybe?), a little bit Clash... you know... good rock stuff. Local heroes Sam Champion are reason enough to go an Bikini Carwash Company join in.
Date: Friday, June 29th Time: 9:00pm Location:The Creek and The Cave (10-93 Jackson Ave LIC) Cost: $5
OK, so The Beets are my friends. But they are a really good rock band and you should see them! I'm also excited more things are happening in Long Island City. The So So Glos and The Nuclears open up, come early.
Date: Friday, June 29th Time: 9:00pm Location: BAM Café (30 Lafayette Ave, Ft. Greene) Cost: Free
"The Afro-Punk music series kicks off with two nights in BAMcafé that feature the next generation of singers, songwriters, and multi-instrumentalists with something to say. Night one highlights the work of four distinct performers including ellul, a San Francisco-based band whose vocal harmonies are sweetly evocative yet somehow unsettling. Cutlery focuses on electronically-enhanced shoegazing, while Bear In Wolf Fur pairs a DIY approach to music-making with a strong appreciation for raw noise. Spinning between sets, Taylor McFerrin builds songs from scratch with synths, samples, vocals, and beatboxing." All Ages.
Hard to believe, but true, it's already the two year anniversary of Caps and Jones and their Friday nights at Savalas. Time totally flies when you're having fun. Def a good way to dance your way into the first of the July 4th weekends.
Date: Saturday, June 30th and Sunday July 1st Time: Saturday 11:00 - 8:00pm, Sunday 11:00am - 4:00pm Location: South Street Seaport Cost: Free
"NBA Nation is going coast-to-coast, bringing fans together at the NBA’s largest mobile basketball playground. Meet at Center Court and participate in a variety of shooting contests, or test your game in the NBA Skills Challenge Competition... Show off your best slam dunks on 7’, 8’, or 9’ rims. See what drives NBA Nation – explore the 18-wheeler that expands into an interactive arena where you can watch the NBA’s 50 Greatest Plays on a 50” flat screen monitor, play the latest NBA video games, or “Measure Up” your height, arm span, hand & shoe size to your favorite NBA Players..."
Styles collide at Summerstage this afternoon. Its all led by politcal funksters, Ozomalti, who bring their west coast blend of ock/salsa/hip-hop/ska/dancehall/jazz fusion to the stage. These boys are full of energy and - bar any 100º afternoons - the crowd should return the same. Also on the bill is 10 piece musical big band, Babylon Circus who mix " Gallic chanson narratives, Jamaican reggae/ski/dub grooves and English punk rawness with political satire and classic big top stunts." The infamous Bulgarian Bar's own DJ Joro Boro rounds out the bill.
Date:Saturday, June 30th Time: 3:00pm - 9:00pm Location: P.S.1 (2-25 Jackson Ave at 46th Ave, Long Island City) Cost: $10, Free for Members and L.I.C. Residents
While the first official day of summer was last week, I kinda consider the opening day at MoMA's P.S.1 Warm Up Series the real start to summer. Today, kick back, relax, and dance in the courtyard and get an earful courtesy of the DFA hosts with Invisible Conga People (live), Tim & Tim (Tim Goldsworthy and Tim Sweeney), The Juan Maclean (DJ Set), Shit Robot aka Marcus Lambkin and Blarvuster (Matthew Welch). I know, I know, its costs $10, but I promise you, it's 10 dollars well spent.
Date: Saturday, June 30th Time: 7:00pm Location: Prospect Park Bandshell (9th St and Prospect Park West, Park Slope) Cost: $3 Suggested
Last week was Canada day in Central Park and now it's Brooklyn's turn. Indie stalwarts The Stills invade the bandshell tonight with "a rush of shoegazer guitars and suave loverboy angst" all the way from Montréal. Malajube are also on the bill to give your fill of rock en Française and they are amazing with the obvious tip to Arcade Fire but much of their own thing going on. The Sam Roberts Band join in and I have no idea who they are.
Date: Saturday, June 30th Time: 8:30pm Location: Park Side Lounge (317 E Houston St btw Ave B and C) Cost: Free
First off I love that the flyer for this has a picture of Kramer from Seinfeld on it. Ok, now that thats out of the way. The Music Festivus at Parkside offers a variety of live music including reggae, soul. afrobeat and funk. Sounds will be coming to you courtesy of Malabar, who will be playing an eclectic mix, including recreatations of the music of Peter Tosh, Toots, and Bob Marley. Plus, Alphabet City StreetCars, DJ Babatunde, and DJ Tahl.
Date: Saturday, June 30th Time: 9:00pm Location: BAM Café (30 Lafayette Ave, Ft. Greene) Cost: Free
Night two of Afro-Punk at BAMcafé features another triple header that isn't afraid to get loud and funky. Bringing New Orleans heat to New York City cool, Mighty Fine riles things up with their "sweaty, garage soul," while Swivel's indie rock channels Radiohead at its electro-poppiest and gives R&B harmonies the attention they deserve. Meanwhile, neo-soul chanteuse Tiombe Lockhart's flamboyant live performances are all about giving the audience a good time with songs that cruise from ironic to whimsical to poetic. All Ages.
Trek over to East Williamsburg to Don Pedro's and get down with Rezound / Workweek (war and Moon ),Dances With White Girls ( Throne of Blood) and Andy Pry (21215)
$2 tequilla shots, $3 pbrs! no curfew! go go girls!
