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..."
Date: Sunday, July 1st Time: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Location: Clinton Avenue (between Myrtle and Willoughby Avenues) Cost: Free
To celebrate Brooklyn's own DIY rebel spirit, the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership—in collaboration with BAM and Afro-Punk—will throw a massive block party and juried arts market featuring innovative performing and visual artists, fashion and jewelry designers, and craft artists selling an eclectic mix of art and merchandise. The event will also feature music by DJs Rich Medina and The Dustbin Brothers and a live set by No Surrender. All Ages.
Date: Sunday, July 1st Time: 2:00pm Location: McCarren Pool, Lorimer St. & Bedford Ave., Wburg Cost: Free
Sunshine, free tunes and you -- yes that's the order of the day today as the second installment of The Pool Parties hits McCarren Pool. The lineup includes Man Man, up and coming folk-rockers straight out of Bucks county Pa., Illinois and Dengue Fever. As always, the Pool Parties are free, but you can RSVP here.
Rodrigo y Gabriela have been making some serious waves on the music scene this past year. The acoustic duo's blend of rock en español combines the classic flamenco strummed melodies with a modern sensibility. They've been known to destroy rock classics such as Metallica's Oracle or Led Zep's Stairway. They are joined by Brooklyn's own 70's psychadelic hair-band, VietNam, and DJs JDH and Dave P from Studio B's Fixed parties. This is one of my favorite Summerstage shows this year so be prepared to be blown away... video below.
Date: Monday, July 2nd Time: Lawn opens at 5:00pm, movie at dusk Place:Bryant Park (42nd St @6th ave) Cost: Free
You know the drill....blanket, cute date, ice cream, movie.
"Peter Bogdanovich directs father-daughter team Ryan and Tatum O’Neal, playing Depression-era grifters who scam recently widowed women and hilariously seek out the big score. Shot in B&W, perfectly capturing the striking scenery of the Great Plains."
Date: Mondays through July 23rd Time: 6 to 7:30 Location: Forest Park Bandshell (Woodhaven Blvd & Forest Pk Dr, Queens - Map) Cost: Free
If you've got 2 left feet like me then Dancing under the Stars is for you. Each week is a free, absolute beginner, outdoor dance class presented by the American Ballroom Theatre. Learn classics such as the merengue, foxtrot, and waltz, and strut your stuff to the beat of a live band on the final night. All ages, no partner needed.
Date: Mondays Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Bar BQ (689 6th Ave at 20th St, Park Slope) Cost: Free Open Bar: Free bourbon of the week, 7-9
Not to be confused with the old Blue Owl Monday, Blue Monday is a more southern take on easing in your work week. Enjoy live blues (7-9) and free bourbon (7-9) if you can get out of work fast enough to hit the slope. If not, there's $2 Blue Points all night and, of course, BBQ).
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 very special Work-In-Progress Preview Screening of Intimidad, they newest work by directors David Redmon & Ashley Sabin of Kamp Katrina and Mardi Gras: Made in China. Check below for details on tonight's films and keep abreast of their future events on their website. 21+
INTIMIDAD is a story about a 21 year old woman named Ceci who lives in Reynosa, Mexico with her husband
and makes bras for Victoria's Secret. INTIMIDAD examines "the other side of intimacy" by asking the seemingly
simple question, "What is intimacy for a young woman who makes intimate wear - specifically, bras for Victoria's Secret?"
Shot over the course of four years on Super 8 film and digial video, INTIMIDAD explores the "poetic trail of intimacy," from themaking of a bras to its impact on Ceci, her young daughter, and her hometown in Southern Mexico where she grew up.
Date: Monday, July 2nd Time: 7:00pm Location: McNally Robinson (52 Prince St) Cost: Free
Nick Antosca, Rachel Sherman, Tao Lin, and Nelly Reifler are four Nerve writers attempting a quirky and cunning takeover of the literary world. With recently published books deemed "lunatic," "moving," "hot" and "hilarious," you could say these edgy youngsters are bringing sexy back…to books. [via Papermag]
Brooklyn's Magnetic Fields continues their local series tonight with one set from one band with one dollar beers. Tonight's band is The Farm League (video below) who've got that good post-punk vocal harmony power pop thing going on a la Nerf Herder. Sounds like the perfect happy hour.
Date: Tuesday, July 3rd Time: 6:00pm - 10:00pm Location:Whistlin' Dixie's Texas Tavern (714 11th Ave. at 51st St.) Cost: Free (mention Dixie at the door) Open Bar: Bud Draft, 6-10pm
This new Hell's Kitchen inspired bar opens its doors today with an enticing 4 hr Bud Draft open bar as well as free tex-mex buffet from 6-7 and - while I usually prefer my country-inspired dive bars for be more of the Village Idiot (RIP) variety - I can definitely get down with some faux honkey-tonk at a place that serves unlimited margaritas on Fridays and free drinks to exotic dancers on Sundays. 21+
Date: Tuesday, July 3rd Time: 6:00pm - 4:00am Location: K&M Bar (N 8th and Roebling, W'burg) Cost: Free with free BBQ and PIE
Celebrate the summer (of '67 to about '74!)! Tonight K&M bar presents American Ruse with DJS Mr. (Summer) Vacation, Mic-Lo and all the way from Independence Central AKA Philly, Russ Alexander. I've cut a rug to Mr. Alexander's stylings at Making Time and Rock Tits, so it'll be a sure fire freak out on the dancefloor. Free BBQ, pies and screenings of EASY RIDER and KICK OUT THE JAMS (MC5 MOVIE) on the projector screen (plus other retina-wrecking visuals in between!) Start the independence early... I know I will...
Date: Tuesday, July 3rd Time: 7:00pm Location:McCarren Pool, Lorimer St. Wburg (btw Driggs and Bayard) Cost: Free
Most likely, you're going to be grillin' and chillin' tomorrow, so how about a nice quiet movie night with a few hundred close friends in a massive empty swimming pool? You're in luck because each summer, Volkswagen and the L Magazine present a series of weekly free movies over in Williamsburg's treasured MCarren Park Pool, and tonight's feature is "Bring It On". Consider it broughted. VW owners bring your keys for a free goodie bag. Check here for the full schedule.
Thats right kids, the rumors are true, The FreeNYC staff will be pouring shots down your throat as we guest bartend one of our favorite weekly afterwork parties, Taco Tuesday. $4 Margaritas, $2 damn-good carne asada (or veggie) tacos and some find DJ music. This is your jump off tonight and you know you don't have to work tomorrow so come by and say what's up.
Date: Tuesdays Time: 8:00pm - 11:00pm Location:East River Bar (97 south 6th St btw. Bedford & Berry, W'Burg) Cost: Free Open Bar: Well Vodka and PBR Draft, 10-11
If Bring it On was not enough outdoor movie fun for you this evening then head over to East River Bar afterwards for another, much more intimate, film screening on their outdoor patio. Not sure what's being screened but there' a DJ at 10pm along with an open bar so a marathon film festival is quite a possibility. 21+
Date: Tuesday, July 3rd Time: 9:00pm Location: Heathers (506 E 13th St) Cost: Free
All the way from Belgrad, DJ Brka drops in on Dazzle Ships; that eclectic musical mix-up led by one Jeremy Campbell. Brka is historical when it comes to Belgradian (?) radio - or so they tell us, with his radio b92. I have no idea what will happen tonight but based on this mix it's somewhere between 60's psychedelic, afrobeat, and Latin rhythms. So if your looking for something new, this may be it. 21+
Date: Tuesday, July 3rd Time: 10:00pm-ish Location: Love (179 MacDougal at 8th St - look for bouncer) Cost:Free with RSVP before 1am, $5 w/out
WhateverWhatever Records brings their first dj assault to the city's best sound system tonight. On the decks are seminal producer/remixers Justin Strauss (who's remixed everything from Depeche Mode to Goldfrapp), Bryan Mette aka Carlton Bank$, and MSG. Expect the deepest, warmest house you can find in the city tonight. 21+
Date: Tuesday, July 3rd Time: 10:00pm Location: Home Sweet Home (131 Chrystie St) Cost: Free Open Bar: ???, 10 - 11
Open bar and fine British rock 'n' roll at this monthly party. You'll here all the latest from the other side of the pond with giveaways from Giant Step and Mark Ronson. 21+
Date: Wednesday, July 4th Time: 11:00am Venue: Nathan's Famous (Surf and Stillwell Ave, Coney Island) Cost: Free
The world’s greatest eaters will compete at the historic Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island. Japanese eating phenom Takeru Kobayashi of Japan will defend his title and record (53.75 hot dogs and buns in 12 minutes) against 20 other competitors from Germany, New Zealand, Japan, England and the United States.
Date: Tuesday, July 4th Time: 12:00pm - 6:00pm Venue: Bar 13, Rooftop (35 East 13th St at University) Cost: Free
The We Are Your Friends crew take the afternoon off to throw a little rooftop jam over there in NYU territory. The've got DJs (Robot Blair, Lauren Flax, Huggs, and Disconappers_, they've got kiddie pools, PB&J sandwiches, $2PBRs, $5 Margaritas, and the good times you've come to know. There's even a $6 fried chicken & sides meal and some free copies of 'Sup magazine. 21+
MINDSpray has been holding down the Bushwick music/party scene long before the first organic grocer and cutting-edge gallery set up shop. Tonight they celebrate as the always have, with a Mckibben street roof-top throwdown. "MINDSpray and C.O.N.C.E.P.T. are teaming together with some of our local rocker friends to have dope music for you all for FREE on the rooftop." DJs, MCs, good times and randomness will prevail all day long. Not sure how may fireworks you'll see but you'll probably be having so much fun and meeting so many new people that it won't matter. All Ages, BYOB (and bring food if you can) and respect that this is someone's home. Directions and line-up below.
MINDSpray 4th of July Party Roof Top Jam 2007
248 Mckibbin St 4C L Train to Montrose Ave
walk three Blocks down hill on Bushwick Ave Left on Mckibbin
All Ages Free BYOB, and feel free to bring food as well
2pm
3pmDj’s Cyphers
4pm
4:30pmFolklore
5pm Pessimist
5:15pm Sam Haine and Gabriel
5:30pm brokeMC
5:45pm Propaganda
6:15pm Smite
7pm Dyalekt
7:15pm Negative SFU
8pm Domer
8:15pm The Arms
9pm C.O.N.C.E.P.T.
9:15pm Early Attic
10pm euphAmism
10:15pm Djs LeeRoy Brown
11pm Djs Milk Money Halo
12Am Finished
Date: Tuesday, July 4th Time: 3:00pm - 10:00pm Venue: Artland Bar (609 Grand St btw. Leonard and Lorimer) Cost: Free
That saviour of Summer house (music) parties, Kervyn Mark of Melting Pot NYC, teams up with some more of the cities finest house-heads for a dance-fuel Independence Day BBQ. There 2-1 drinks (inquire about the "Brooklyn Buzz") and free BBQ until they run out. This place usually has more of a hipster-local-eccentric-dive thing going on then a dance party thing but we'll see... 21+
Date: Tuesday, July 4th Time: 6:00pm (music starts) Venue: Madison Square Park (Park ave and 23rd St) Cost: Free
Madison Square Music kicks off tonight with some free bluegrass in the park. Get there early, set up a blanket, and hit the Shake Shack for some burgers and shakes while listening to the Bluegrass/Folk of Crooked Still. "Drawing on bluegrass, old-time and contemporary folk traditions, their innovative instrumentation of cello, banjo, bass and voice shatter preconceptions without sacrificing authenticity." As part of the 4th, Hill Countryu BBQ will be on site selling some fine Texas eats. All Ages.
Date: Tuesday, July 4th Time: sunset - midnight Venue: 3rd Ward (195 Morgan Ave, Bushwick) Cost: Free
While deep Bushwick may not seem like the best visual location to catch a view of the East River fireworks, you can be damn sure that the the rooftop of 3rd Ward will be one of the most fun parties tonight. They claim to have views of 2 different fireworks spots from the top of this art gymnasium, but there is also good food, cheap booze, DJs and - of course - that great party vibe that is 3rd Ward.
Date: Wednesday, July 4th Time: 9:00pm Location: East River from 42nd St to the Statue of Liberty Cost: Free
It's long standing FreeNYC tradition to spend July 4th surrounded in beer cans and BBQ down at the Jersey shore. This year however we're keeping the boozing local in order to get a glimpse of the infamous Macy's Independence Day fireworks. They are set off from the East River between 23rd and 42nd Streets, the Statue of Liberty, and the South Street Seaport. While the Statue of Liberty display is best seen from the West side, The East River and Seaport displays can be seen along the East Side and in BK where ever you can get a piece of unobstructed sky. Click here for official details and viewing locations.
After you're all BBQed out, head over to legendary venue Kenny's Castaways to check out some amazing Japanese punk bands. I caught the Back CC's last Saturday, and they really tore it up. Comprised of the kids that bring you Rebel Night at Otto's Shrunken Head (a Japanese 50's and 60's dance night complete with dance lessons- if you haven't gone yet you realllllly should), the band is as good as the tunes they each DJ. Greasers, skinheads and tiny Japanese girls alike were stomping about in blissful mayhem. And its FREE!
Date: Tuesday, July 4th Time: 10:00pm Venue: Happy Ending (302 Broome St) Cost: Free Open Bar: Vodka, 11-12
So the fireworks are over... now what? why not hop by LES staple Happy Ending for their usual assault of DJs playing who knows what and who really cares. There's an open bar from 11-12 if you're not done drinking yet and always cute folks (and eccentrics) to gawk at. DJ Huggs and Freshdipt hold down the tables along with locals Rezound and Workweek
Date: Thursday, July 5th Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm Location: Trinity Church (Broadway at Wall Street) Cost: Free
"Opening up Trinity Church’s 2nd Annual Organ Festival, acclaimed musician Cameron Carpenter performs works by Bach, Rachmaninoff, Grainger, Mozart, Dupre, Karg-Elert, Ellington, Reinhardt, Rodgers, and Carpenter, plus improvisation" at this lunch-time Wall Street event. All Ages.
Date: Thursday, July 5th Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Crotona Park, Bronx (map) Cost: Free
The Crotona Park Jams are as close as you can get to an authentic Bronx park jam from Hip Hop's early years! Legends only on the stage and throughout the audience! Hip Hop heads travel to NYC from all corners of the globe for this major true school celebration! Tonight features DJ Mean Gene (L Brothers + GM Flash's 1st DJ Partner), GrandWizzard Theodore (L Brothers + inventor of the scratch), Mix Master Ice (Leader of the Pack for U.T.F.O.), and Tipski (from Mean Gene & The Tantalizing Two). All Ages.
Date: Thursday, July 5th Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm Location: Herbert Von King Park Cost: Free
City Parks Foundation kicks off their outdoor concert series tonight with The Delfonics. "The Delfonics were one of the first groups to feature the smoothed-out, orchestra-heavy soul that came to be known in as 'the Philly Sound.' Their 1968 debut included the single 'La-La (Means I Love You),' a huge hit that stood out from the rawer Stax/Volt records then ruling the charts. With original member William Hart still holding down the fort, the Delfonics provide a sweet reminder of those golden days of R&B when harmony was king." All Ages.
Date: Thursdays Time: 10:00pm Location: Gallery Bar (120 Orchard St) Cost: Free Open Bar: Vodka, 10-11
The 1900s kick off a new weekly party tonight with 80s/90s electro-crooner Baby Dayliner DJing. There's an open bar to kick it off and an all around good time dance party vibe. Plus, DJ Eleven (Its the Rub) is holding down the basement with some top notch hip hop and funk if the electro-retro gets to you. Video below. 21+
Date: Thursday, July 5th Time: 10:00pm Location: Hiro Ballroom (371 W 16th St at 9th Ave) Cost: Free with RSVP Open Bar: Svedka Vodka, 10-11
While FUN is throwing a very similar party this Friday, we're cheap, so I'll jump at this hip-hop hipster all star show tonight for free. Flosstradamus are back in town with their electro-mashed up mayhem, Chromeo perform live, and there is top notch support from 33Hz (live!) and DJs Alex English and Peter Makebish. Plus open bar! That's some serious dance party fun.. highly recommended! (note: there is a suggested $5 donation to CHARITY:WATER at the door and thats a good cause so give it up!) 21+
Date: Friday, July 6th Time: 7:00pm Location: South Street Seaport, Pier 17 Cost: Free
Tonight will be the dance show of the summer at River to River. "Brilliantly merging the best of disco, indie rock, and electronica with their own stream-of-consciousness lyrics, Fujiya & Miyagi give their infectious dance beats a sweet, melodic punch...Joining F&M is Black Moth Super Rainbow, a Pennsylvania band that has racked up comparisons to pre–arena-rock Pink Floyd meets Sesame Street. Full of atmosphere, soaring synthesizer rushes and bent phaser-blasts, it's the stuff of early-'80s PBS children's programming intros, damaged film strips and decaying VHS tapes. A fantastic soundtrack to sundown for this very special evening on the pier."
Date: Friday, July 6th Time: 7:00pm - 11:00pm Location: Brooklyn Industries (184 Broadway at Driggs) Cost: Free with RSVP
Vice kick off their annual photo-exhibit tonight at the Brooklyn Industries Gallery. Its kind of like shock and awe with beauty thrown in all fueled by bandana wearing hipsters slugging back free Colt 45 (and what's wrong with that?)
Date: Friday, July 6th Time: 7:30pm Location: Prospect Park Bandshell (Prospect Park West and 9th St, Park Slope) Cost: Free
A special night for Celebrate Brooklyn as "Cape Town composer Philip Miller's extraordinary international collaboration is based on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings that led South Africa from apartheid to democracy. Opera superstar Sibongile Khumalo joins other South African soloists, a string octet, and a 100-voice chorus composed of Brooklyn's Total Praise Choir of Emanuel Baptist Church, the Williams College Choir, and a South African ex-patriot choir led by Lion King choirmaster Ron Kunene. The music blends seamlessly with samples of recorded TRC testimony and stunning projected images... The evening begins with an introduction by a very special surprise guest host and a performance by folk icon Richie Havens... His fiery, soulful singing and guitar style remains unique and ageless, and his willingness to lend his voice to numerous worthy causes through the decades has made him one of the most enduring musician-activists of his generation."
Date: Friday, July 6th Time: 10:00pm Location: Purple Dance Lounge (14 Ave B at Houston) Cost: Free
House music all night long! (say what?) Drop by this LES DJ lounge with a fantastic sound system to hear jackin' beats and live percussion all night from th0rax, KFM, Maxjoy, Nicole Otero, and James Lomax.
Date: Saturday, July 7th Time: 11:00am - 7:00pm Location: The powerHouse Arena (37 Main St at Water St, Brooklyn) Cost: Free
The powerHouse Arena busts out the old kick for RE-RUN "a contemporary installation that celebrates the renegade spirit and energy of running in the 1970s. The installation is set within the context of a three-dimensional wooden modular structure, and based on alternative architecture from the 70s. RE-RUN composes 77 panels featuring vintage Nike Running images juxtaposed with photography, graphics, and a series of specially commissioned artworks created by some of today’s leading young contemporary artists." The show opens today and runs through the 22nd.
Date: Saturday, July 7th Time: 11:00am - 5:00pm Location: Walter Reade Theater at Lincoln Center (165 West 65th Street, Plaza Level) Cost: Free
Led by Vice President Al Gore, Live Earth will use the global reach of music to engage people on a mass scale to combat our climate crisis. Concerts will be held in New York, London, Sydney, Tokyo, Shanghai, Rio de Janeiro, Johannesburg, Istanbul and Hamburg and will feature legendary music acts as like The Police, Genesis, Bon Jovi, UB40, Madonna, Beastie Boys, with the latest headliners like Kanye West, Smashing Pumpkins, Black Eyed Peas and Jack Johnson. It will bringing together more than 150 of the world’s top musicians for a 24 hour concert that will include short films. The theater at Lincoln Center will be showing the live world broadcast, free, all afternoon! We highly recommend this if you don't have tix for the Giant Stadium show. All Ages.
**And a special shout out from FreeNYC to the NYC event production team. Good Luck! And see ya in the office next week!**
Date: Saturday, July 7th Time: 12:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Grand St btw Roebling and Havemeyer, W'Burg) Cost: $3 Suggested Donation
At last years block party I got all psyched and then ended up in Taco Chulo eating brunch and drinking until like 5pm. Still, thats me and this is a great time if your in the Grand Street aread. Do a little shopping, hear some bands, have a drink, y'know... Saturday afternoon stuff... "Enjoy food, music and fun at this Williamsburg block party. Also on hand will be creative clothing and jewelry designers, artists, and other vendors showing a wide array of funky wares for sale. A portion of the block party proceeds will be donated to BARC and Rational Animal." Band Listing below... all ages.
12:30 p.m. - Les Chauds Lapins
1:30 p.m. - Jeremy Yocum and the Last Rounders
2:30 p.m. - Alana & The Rough Gems
3:30 p.m. - Whiteshoes & The Nightmares of Nashville
4:30 p.m. - Used To Be Women
5:30 p.m. - Bear Hands
6:30 p.m. - TK Webb
7:30 p.m - Bear In Heaven
Date: Saturday, July 7th Time: 1:30pm Location: Governors Island Cost: Free Admission and Ferry Service
You probably have no idea who Odetta is, but you have definitely heard her before. She is the voice behind "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands," "Kumbaya," "Goodnight Irene," "Amazing Grace" and "This Little Light of Mine," which became folk and spiritual classics throughout the world and was a big influence on an generation of artists including Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Sweet Honey In The Rock, Judy Collins, Tracy Chapman, Carly Simon, Casandra Wilson and Jewel, to name a few. Today you can see her for free at the American Folk Music Festival on Governors Island.
Giant Step once again bring some chilled rhythms to Summerstage this afternoon with Cinematic Orchestra, RAMP, El Michels Affair, Kevin Michael, & DJ Spinna. Cinematic Orchestra create neo-jazz-electro-soul scores to movies that may or may not exist. They are on constant rotation in my studio and one of the first to break out of the 90's trip-hop scene with a full band sensibility. You know RAMP, they made that sample for Tribe's "Bonita Applebaum." They were also dropping Roy Ayers produced albums in the 1970's before they dropped off. Now they are back with the "gospal of groove." Brooklyn's own El Michels Affair make neo-vintage soul somewhere in between... Kev Michael brings the Philly soul style and DJ Spinna drops classic plates. Another solid line-up all around.
Date: Saturday, July 7th Time: 3:00pm - 7:00pm Location: Central Park's Sheep's Meadow North Cost: Free
Not only is today Live Earth, where the globe comes together for the environment, but its also World Hoop Day, where the world comes together for Hula Hooping. "Hula hoopers around the world will be bringing smiles to children of all ages. With our efforts children at schools, youth organizations and those living in poverty will have a few hula hoops to play with and to keep them physically fit." Since 2005 they have donated hula hoops to children globally in Mexico, Sri Lanka, Haiti and Costa Rica and locally in New York City.
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
Summer is well underway and so is MoMA's P.S.1 Warm Up Series . Today, with their second installment in the courtyard A Touch of Class hosts and DJs plus Lee Douglas, Services (Live), Kudu (Live), Preacher and the Knife (live), and Bubblyfish/Tristan Perich (live). I know, I know, its costs $10, but I promise you, it's 10 dollars well spent. I mean everyone needs a lil sun and a lot of dancing on a Saturday afternoon.
Date: Saturday, July 7th Time: 4:00pm - Dusk Location: Empire-Fulton State Park, DUMBO (directions) Cost: Free with RSVP
Legendary Japanese iconcolasts Boredoms, a visionary band who has spent over twenty years pushing itself toward new frontiers, will stage the most extraordinary concert of their career on July 7, 2007. A once-in-a-lifetime performance featuring 77 drummers, and meant to be performed just once (on 7/7/07), BOREDOMS will create 77BOADRUM as a free show in the Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park section of Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Date: Saturday, July 8th Time: 5:00pm - 11:00pm Location: Brooklyn Museum of Art (200 Eastern Parkway, Prospect Heights) Cost: Free
Still aching for more Afro-Punk after last weekends festivities? Then hit up the Brooklyn Museum's First Saturday as The Exit, Dragons of Zynth, The Smyrk, and Stephanie McKay all play live sets. DJ sets by CX Kidtronik and King Cole fill in the gaps. Plus, the museum has free admission and with 560,000 square feet on its side, and minus the heavy foot traffic that most Manhattan Museums tend to get from tourists, this museum has a lot going for it.. All Ages.
Note: This was miss-posted and takes place Saturday (duh!) Sorry for any inconvenience.
Date: Saturday, July 7th Time: 8:00pm Location: Water Taxi Beach (2nd St and Bordon Ave, LIC) Cost: $3
Where there's Warm Up there's the Beach Party and in proper fashion, PS1's best - and maybe only - afterparty continues tonight with DJs, real trucked-in sand, and the best beach on the... er.... East River. Residents Justin Carter, Probus, and The Brothers' Brothers hold down the turntables to keep you dancing along with special guest In Flagranti. 21+
Date: Saturday, July 7th Time: 10:00pm Location: Rockstar Bar (351 Kent Ave, Williamsburg) Cost: $3
Our favorite low-end lovin' crew throw their 10th party tonight and that's something to celebrate. Mathhead, Drop The Lime, Zack Shadetek, Star Eyes and more destroy the decks with their unique blend of grimey, low-end, high-energy beats. This is a sweaty dance party to the fullest so be prepared to go late. Congrats guys... 21+
Date: Sunday, July 8th Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm Location: Centerpoint Studios (324 Lafayette Street at Houston) Cost: Free
Change your life with some folks named after a Ken Wilber book.. this is the New-New-Age... "We are brilliant, feeling emotional beings and through our senses, we experience the richness of life. Learning to describe these experience through the art of journaling is an essential part of our practice of Orgasmic Meditation™. The goal is simple: To express through words, the sensations we feel during our lives. We journal in a group to enable our practice to expand and grow. Writing experience is not required nor is the fear that "I cannot write" a reason not to come. The writing session is free. Please bring your laptop or paper and pen, a sense of adventure, and your good humor."
OneTaste is an invitation to mindfully prepare your life. We are getting back to basics. We are Post New Age™. We want bodies that feel good. We want intimacy, deep practice and life purpose. We want nourishment that can sustain us and make us whole. We are an urban retreat center; an innovative laboratory researching human connection, a mix between university, spiritual center and electronic open source community. Explore OneTaste and taste the range of what life has to offer. Whether through Internet writings, audio shows, massage, personal coaching, volunteering, lectures or courses; whatever the form, this place is uniquely real.
Date: Sunday, July 8th Time: 2:00pm Location: McCarren Park Pool, Bedford Ave. and Lorimer St. Wburg Cost: Free
It's time for some more sunshine, live music and 1000 of your closest friends drinking Brooklyn beer, eating hot dogs and having fun. That's right, it's Sunday and McCarren Pool is having another intimate gathering all for free, this week featuring The Octopus Project, Erase Errata, Dan Deacon, OCDJ and the rub DJ's featuring Mark Ronson. As always the show is free but you can RSVP here.
Junior Reid and a heavy hitting list of Caribbean superstars take over Summerstage this afternoon for a lively afternoon of celebration. At the forefront is Kingston's own Junior Reid who remix of MIMS "This is Why I'm Hot" has been taring up the airwaves (and my iPod). The day is rounded out with Haitian "compas" music from Djakout Mizik, French hip hop artist Mélanie Georgiades, and Black Alex and Mecca (aka Grimmo). Oh, and some dude named Wyclef Jean is in the Mix somewhere ase well. Summerstage just keeps getting Hotter! All Ages!
Date: Sunday, July 8th Time: 10:30pm Location: 169 Bar (169 E Broadway bet. Rutgers and Jefferson St.) Cost: Free?
Sure, why not... Described as "something between Steve Reich and The Ramones," Martin Creed brings his absurdist take on minimal punk rock (aka no distortion and a tamborine) to the tiny live-music haunt of 169 Bar. Hey, if your looking for something new, this is it.
Date: Monday, July 9th Time: Lawn opens at 5:00pm, movie at dusk Place:Bryant Park (42nd St @6th ave) Cost: Free
I never did like Breakfast at Tiffany's. I don't see the hype really.Do you hate me for saying that? However, Wait Until Dark I can really get into. Plus its all late 60s West Villaged up. "Audrey Hepburn stars as the blind heroine-in-distress terrorized by thugs in her Greenwich Village apartment. 2007 Oscar winner Alan Arkin is the ultra-menacing villain she is up against in the jump-out-of-your-skin scary climax."
Date: Monday, July 9th Time: 7:00pm Location:McNally Robinson Teahouse (52 Prince Street) Cost: Free
"Pamela des Barres has been called the Queen of the Groupies; she paired up with everyone from Jim Morrison to Mick Jagger to Frank Zappa, led the first Groupie Supergroup (the cult favorite The GTOs), and wrote all about it in her first book I’m With The Band. Now Miss Pamela has gathered her fellow former rock muses, both famous and infamous, for Let's Spend The Night Together, a collection of stories and interviews that sets out to prove that the girls behind the scenes were part of making the music happen. She will be joined by Warhol protégé Patti D’Arbanville, who was interviewed for the book, and other special guests. Join us for a book event with the inimitable Miss Pamela, get her autograph and ask the questions you’ve always wondered about." All Ages.
Date: Monday, July 9th Time: 7:30pm Place: Cost: Free
The 25th Annual MLK Jr. Concert series kicks off today with the best hip hop that 1990
has to offer. How about MC Hammer, Doug E. Fresh, MC Lyte, and Slick Rick all on one stage, outdoors, for free. Dust off your Karl Kani and Cross Colours (isn't that coming back yet), and head down to the park... All Ages.
Date: Monday, July 9th Time: 7:30pm Location: Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts at Pace University (directions) Cost: Free
"Celebrating its 10th anniversary with the 2006-2007 season, the award-winning, multi-cultural ensemble will open the 2007 River to River Summer Stars series with its groundbreaking "Transient Glory" program featuring works composed for the children's chorus. The Young People's Chorus of New York City is dedicated to the performance of new works and has given the world premiere of more than 50 compositions. "Transient Glory," which is available on the Vital Records label, includes pieces by Mark Adamo, Dominick Argento, John Corigliano, David Del Tredici, Tod Machover, Michael Nyman, Bright Sheng, Sir John Tavener and Michael Torke. Reviewing the premiere of this program The New York Times wrote "While the general public is thought to resist contemporary concert music,Transient Glory breaks down some of those perceptual barriers." All Ages
Date: Monday, July 9th Time: 8:00pm Location: Leopard Lounge (248 E. 5th St) Cost: Free, email mattknott1@yahoo.com to sign up
Time to take your skills out of the bedroom and see what you've really got. Sign up for a slot at this open DJ night and practice your mix-set in public. No genre, no pressure. Music can be hit or miss but this can also be quite fun(ny). 21+
Date: Tuesday, July 10th - Sunday Time: 12:00pm Location: Park at Old Slip (btw. Water and Front St.) Cost: Free
"Opening a new Sitelines effort toward cross-continental collaboration, System of Units, a performance troupe from Siberia, pairs with the New York interventionist performance group TRYST in Security Zone. The two groups first met in Novosibirsk, Siberia, where they performed a site-specific piece last summer. Supported by CEC Artslink, their collaboration melds the playful spontaneous interactivity of TRYST (Paul Benney, Clarinda Mac Low and Alejandra Martorell) with the intensity and rigorous designs of System of Units (Ilya Belenkov and Katerina Basalaeva). The teams join up during a weeklong on-site development process (which is open to the public), followed by a week of full-day performances where the two groups will play off each other and tap into the physical environment, downtown passersby, and the collaborators’ backgrounds for inspiration. Sly alterations of everyday life, outlandish costumes, and surprises will abound." All Ages
Date: Tuesday, July 10th Time: 7:00pm Location:McCarren Pool, Lorimer St. Wburg (btw Driggs and Bayard) Cost: Free
Come out and enjoy a flick outside, come on, you owe yourself. Each summer, Volkswagen and the L Magazine present a series of weekly free movies over in Williamsburg's treasured MCarren Park Pool, and tonight's feature is "Night of the Hunter". I have not seen this film, and there are a couple versions, but I'm pretty sure it's the Robert Mitchum film-noir classic. VW owners bring your keys for a free goodie bag. Check here for the full schedule.
Last summer I caught Nortec Collective at the Prospect Park Bandshell. Their blend of Norteño (traditional northern Mexican music), tamnbora, and Techno was way over the head of the audience who came for more traditional fare. Mismarketing aside, lets hope that tonight's crowd five them the welcome they deserve. Joining the fun is Argentinean guitarist Federico Aubele who "blurs the lines between acoustic South American balladry and beat-obsessed electronica. The performances will be followed by a screening of So What’s Your Price?, a documentary from director Olallo Rubio. The film is a fascinating examination of how Mexican society has been changed by its proximity to and involvement in the consumer culture and ultra-capitalist system of its neighbor, the United States."
While an indoor dance party is the last place I'd want to be on one of these 95º+ days, Felix Hernandez Rhythm Review is a pretty notorious get-down for 60s and 70s soul. Selling out spaces as big as the Roseland, this KISS-FM DJ brings a fun, laid-back party vibe and giant electric slide everywhere he goes. Plus, afterwards you can grab a Steve's Authentic Key Lime Pie while you're in Red Hook. All Ages.
Date: Tuesday, July 10th Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm Location: St. Mary's Park, Bronx (directions) Cost: Free
"At one time known as 'the Puerto Rican Elvis,' Adalberto Santiago has been a much loved figure in Latin music for over 40 years. He made his reputation as lead vocalist for Ray Baretto’s band, before joining salsa groundbreakers Tipica 73 and Los Kimbos. As a solo artist, he’s perfected an easy-going style and and nearly flawless technique, and has appeared as a guest on countless Latin music albums. Renowned for his facility in almost every style, Adalberto remains a huge concert draw." All Ages.
Date: Tuesday, July 10th Time: 10:00pm Location: Home Sweet Home (131 Chrystie Street, btw. Delancey and Broome) Cost: Free Open Bar: Well, 10-11
I'm gonna let the MOB crew handle this one... "To refresh you, these are the guys who got written up in Gawker and The New York Times all at once for this same party last month. The promoters are the cream of the hip crop: one runs BBlessing, the place I'd like to start stealing from, and the other designs for Thom Browne, the place I can't even afford to steal from. (He also masturbates only to 60's French mod flicks so you know he's all style.) 60s-70s garage and psych rock battle of the bands DJ dance party and a superb crowd of the skinniest and coked-outest girls on the LES after 1am." 21+
Date: Wednesday, July 11th Time: All Day Location: All 711 Locations Cost: Free
Today is 7/11 and you know what that means.... Free Slurpees! Every year on this date, the chain of glorified bodegas gives out millions of free slurpees. They expect to give out about 3 million slurpees today in 7.11 once cups. So lets do the math, 3,000,000 X 7.11oz = a whole mess of brain freeze!
The father of afrobeat, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, would be proud of this stellar line-up celebrating his legacy. At the forefront is Fela's son, Femi Kuti, the current king of afrobeat. Along with is band, Positive Force, he's brought the music form to a global culture. Tonight he's joined by local superstar DJ, Rick Medina who uplifting DJ sets have brought him global notoriety. My only question is, Where's the Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra on this one?
Date: Wednesday, July 11th Time: 7:00pm Location:Rockefeller Park ( Chambers Street & River Terrace ) Cost: Free
I used to love these guys back in the day when they opened for Pavement. Spoon has shyed away from being strictly indie rock and has developed into a solid rock and roll band.
Date: Wednesday, July 11th Time: 7:00pm - 11:00pm Location:The Delancey (@Attorney) Cost: Free with RSVP
Nikita Clothing and Missbehave magazine celebrate issue #3 with a massive cookout on the rooftop of the Delancey. DJs PF Cuttin and Dr Elle spin reggae and old school hip hop all night. Free giveaways by Nikita clothing and 80%20 flip flops all night, open bar and BBQ! Jigga-what?!
Date: Wednesday, July 11th Time: Dusk (around 8 or 8:30) Location: Pier 54 (14th st and the Hudson River) Cost: Free
On top of getting to watch movies outside on beautiful summer nights on the Hudson River, the other thing I like about River Flicks is every year they pick a central theme for their screenings. This years theme is "films with characters who overcome in surmountable odds to prove that they are right and the rest of the world is wrong." So what better way to kick off this year's season than with Rocky Balboa, a film (which I slept though on the snowboarding bus) that in its 6 installments is always about insurmountable odds. As always, seating is first come, first serve and the popcorn is free!
Date: Wednesday, June 11th Time: 8:00pm Location: Union Hall, downstairs (702 Union St. at 5th Ave., Park Slope) Cost: Free
"Too hot to think? Don't sweat it. Science is cool even in the heat. Union Hall's Secret Science Club is back with more brain-bending lectures, mind-altering cocktails, and air-conditioned sounds. Tonight, Nobel Prize-winning neuroscientist Eric Kandel lectures on Memory and the Mind. Learning -- the act of creating new memories and new synaptic connections -- changes the very nature of our brains. Every conversation alters brain chemistry. So what will happen after an evening spent with Eric Kandel, one of the living icons of neuroscience? Your mind will be blown!" 21+
Professor at Columbia University, senior investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical
Institute, and the author of In Search of Memory: The Emergence of a New Science of Mind, Eric Kandel received his Nobel Prize in 2000 for helping to "crack open the secrets of the neuron" and radically improving our understanding of the brain. He discusses: Do memories make us who we are? How is our psychology linked to our biology? How do you study self-awareness? What mechanism causes memories to last a lifetime? How can we overcome diseases that affect the human mind? And why is the humble sea slug, Aplysia, his mascot? Strengthen those synapses. Post-lecture book signing, silent sci-fi, and science mingle. Stick around for brain food, memorable tunes, and neurally
inspired video.
Date: Wednesday, June 11th Time: 9:00pm Location: Marquee (289 10th Ave at 27th St) Cost: Free with RSVP Open Bar: Bud Select, 9-11
While I had my fill of drinking Bud Select out of aluminum bottles last night (about 2 is all I can stomach) how can you pass up 2 hrs of free beer and a Stuff Magazine sponsored Lingerie show? That's what you've got here and fancy-shamancy Marquee which seems to be the Teflon-Don of the midtown club scene. That said, arrive early, best bet is to have some ladies in your party (better bet it to have them in lingerie) and be prepared to bounce or drop the AMEX after the open bar is over. And don't forget to RSVP! 21+
Date: Wednesday, July 11th Time: 9:00pm Location: Laila Lounge (113 N. 7th st, W'brug) Cost: Free
If you're looking for a more mellow and low key night, but still wish to drown your sorrows in a lil booze and maybe even share some of that sorrow, I suggest you head over to Laila Lounge in the Burg. Tonight, Mo Pair and Craig Chin sing songs of "despair and redemption." They are both indie singer song writers, and I am exaggerating a bit, they aren't completely debie downer. It should be a good way to spend a chill Wednesday night.
Date: Wednesday, June 11th Time: 10:00pm Location: Happy Ending (302 Broome btw. Forsyth and Eldridge) Cost: Free Open Bar: Beer, 11-12
It's Señor Reverand Mr. McFly's birthday today and how else do you celebrate such things in downtown NYC but with DJ's, Open Bars, and drunken Madness. Helping out will be some of my fav's, DJ Morsy and DJ Teenwolf (aka K. Ross from Sound Advice) and helping you out will be free beer from 11 to 12. Party on Wayne (party on Garth). 21+
"The works in Tiger in a Tropical Storm concentrate on the subject matter of exotic flora and fauna. Each artist in the show created works in the spirit of freedom and exploration, bringing to mind the works of Henri Rousseau. The title "Tiger in a Tropical Storm" comes from a Rousseau painting of exactly that- a tiger caught in a tropical storm. 'Tiger in a Tropical Storm' features works by the following artists:
Deedee Cheriel, Hirokazu Takahashi, Jen Stark, Jenny Riffle, Matt Leines, Molly Landreth, Richard Colman, Ryan Foerster, Taylor McKimens."
Deedee Cheriel and Richard Colman are artists working in the Los Angeles area. Hirokazu Takahashi, Matt Leines, Ryan Foerster, Taylor McKimens are artists working in the New York metropolitan area. Jen Stark hails from Miami, Florida and Molly Landreth and Jenny Riffle come to us from Seattle Washington.
Deedee Cheriel's work has the closest relationship to Rousseau, as she creates her work using animal motifs, although Ms. Cheriel renders her animals and women in sweet, yet very sexually explicit poses. Taylor McKimens creates comical works that evoke a different side of the luxuriant jungle, one filled with flies, weeds and sweat. Jen Stark creates the lone abstract work in the show. Yet, the colors and shapes she uses in her video, sculptures and drawings are evocative of a vibrant flourishing jungle setting.
The three photographers represented: Jenny Riffle, Molly Landreth and Ryan Foerster bring a refreshing vision of the theme with work that continues the lush nature iconography of the show. Interestingly, they bring the theme to another level of fantasy and dreamscape with the figures in their works often captured at ethereal moments in day-dreamy surroundings.
Richard Coleman, Hirokazu Takahashi and Matt Leines create much more detail oriented work than the rest, yet still with a youthful nouveau-naïve feel. They create magical mythical universes within their works. The works become a personal mythology, which carries through their entire body of work. They leave the viewer needing to see the next piece in order to continue with the story.
Date: Thursday, July 12th Time: 6:00pm - 10:00pm Location: Solar One (23rd St and East River) Cost: Free
"Solar One presents Citysol 2007, a clean-energy-powered festival that aims to inspire interest and support for local sustainability initiatives through, music, interactive art installations, games and workshops, and numerous other elements meant to both entertain and educate." Tonight they kick off with Dragons of Zynth, DJ Mistakes (bicycle-powered turntablism), Brightside, and I (Green) NY (a multimedia presentation from Solar One). Bring your own mug for $1 off Brooklyn Beers or bring your electric bill and switch to a green energy package with ConEdison Solutions and receive free Brooklyn Brewery beer! More details below.
Sustainability is at bottom a cultural project before it is a technical or political one, and cities -- particularly New York City -- are centers of constant transformation that reflect, invent and export civilization's most progressive dreams. We're beginning to learn that if the American way of life is to ultimately reconcile with Mother Earth, the journey is more likely to begin on a city street.
Citysol is at once a celebration of our potential as New Yorkers to redefine our expectations of quality of life, and a tribute to the creative community's central role in revealing that potential. It is also, of course, an opportunity to have an enormous amount of fun.
Bring your electric bill and switch to a green energy package with ConEdison Solutions and receive free Brooklyn Brewery beer! ++ Bring your own reusable mug/glass and receive $1 off Brooklyn Brewery beer!
The music you hear at Citysol is 100% powered by Solar One's 3.5 kW rooftop photovoltaic array and a 13 kW generator fueled with biodiesel provided by NYC's own Tristate Biodiesel. Artists were also encouraged to pursue independent power methods for their installations and projects. Native Energy Carbon offsets are being purchased to account for extra energy expenditures.
Date: Thursday, July 12th Time: 7:30pm Location: Prospect Park Bandshell (Enter at Prospect Park West and 9th st) Cost:$3 Suggested Donation
Noche Flamenca, the internationally acclaimed Madrid troupe practices flamenco in its purest, most passionate incarnation tonight at the Prospect Pak Bandshell. "The hot young hoofers of CPD Plus and the modern influenced Irish step of Darrah Carr make it a far ranging evening of percussive dance."
Date: Thursday, July 12th Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm Location: Herbert Von King Park, Bushwick (directions) Cost: Free
In case you didn't get enough Junior Reid at Summerstage last weekend (or if you were out 'til 6am the night before and missed it), tonight is another chance to catch this reggae riser... "At the tender age of 14, Junior Reid emerged from the tough environs of 1970s Kingston to record his first single, the wise-beyond-his-years “Know Thyself.” Thus began a singing career which made him a champion of Jamaica’s ghetto youth, a vital member of reggae giants Black Uhuru and an international roots music superstar. Reid’s passionate singing style has been emulated and sampled, but never topped. Earlier this year, Reid was featured on a smash hit remix of 'That’s Why I’m Hot' by rapper MIMS."
Date: Thursday, July 12th Time: 8:00pm Location: Supreme Trading (213 N. 8th, W'burg) Cost: Free with RSVP Open Bar:
Seriously, its a pretty impressive party over at Supreme Trading tonight. You've got 4 rooms and a dozen DJs including Cosmo Baker, Rok One, Complex, Iron Lyon, Yamez, Morsy, King Cut, Link, Shanedaddy, Dary, Polarity, Halo. There are 2 hours of open bar, one beer, one vodka. Plus the live painting has really taken a new turn, as they paint on buck naked models. Oh, and giveaways for the first 300 people in the door. Are we sure today is Thursday?
Date: Thursday, July 12th Time: 8:00pm Doors Location: Luna Lounge (361 Metropolitan Avenue, W'Burg) Cost: Free with RSVP
Its always hard to write about a band I really like (in less than 100 words) so I'll just say this... Dub Trio draw influences from every corner of the musical spectrum. True to the term dub as a stripped-down art form, they not only reference the traditions of Lee "Scratch" Perry and Sly and Robbie, but also the work of The Clash, Bad Brains, and The Exploited. They've worked with everyone from Mike Patton (on the Peeping Tom Project) to Z-Trip to The Adam Deitch Project. Its a music deeply seeped in the diverse history of the dub artform yet created with a fresh, unique voice. Go see this show! Big congrats tonight as they celebrate their new album launch tonight with a free show (also featuring The Giraffes and The Exit) fueled by an open bar. 21+
Date: Thursday, July 12th Time: 8:00pm Location: Sound Fix (110 Bedford Ave & N 11th St, Williamsburg) Cost: Free
Comedian Patton Oswalt has a laundry list of appearances and performances including Magnolia, Reno 911!: Miami and the documentary The Comedians of Comedy. Now he's got a new album out on Sub Pop. To my knowledge, this is the first comedian on the Sub Pop label so that says something right there. Tonight he performs a stand-up set in the new back room of Sound Fix. $2 beers. All Ages.
Date: Thursday, July 12th Time: 9:00pm Location: Lava Gina (116 Ave C bet. 7th and 8th St) Cost: Free
Wow, talk about a little Williamsburg heavy on the site today, huh? Just happens like that sometimes. If you're not a fan of the BK, then how about a little laid back Brazilian lounge party. Jassvan de Lima mixes old school lounge with new school Brazilian music while you sip on caipirinhas. 21+
Date: Thursday, July 12th Time: 10:00pm Location:Hiro Ballroom (373 W. 16th @ 9th Ave) Cost: Free with RSVP 21+
Holy crap, Courtney Love and her new face are playing at Hiro for FREE? It's bound to be a spectacle, whether she's actually good, or shows up a mess. I was definitely a 14 year old Hole fan, this is worth checking out. Also, not so special drink specials (Two-4-One Vodka drinks 10pm-11pm,$8 Tiger-Beer-and-Whisky-Chaser-Combo, and $4 Sparks all night) which are actually not bad for Hiro. Get there early because they will likely let 10,000 people rsvp and only let in a fraction of them, much like the Boredoms on 7-7-07...
Date: Friday, July 13th Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm Location: La Bourse @ Sofitel New York (44 W. 45th St btw. 5th & 6th) Cost: Free
So maybe you happen to find yourself in midtown around lunch an dare thinking... Damn, Bastille Day is here AGAIN!?! Where can I get complimentary hors d'oeuvres in a fancy restaurant passed out by hot male and female models while business men sip cocktails and listen to lounge music. Well, this is the place.
Date: Friday, July 13th Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Whitney Museum of American Art (945 Madison Ave. at 75th St.) Cost: Free with "Pay What You Wish" Admission
Last week we slept on the kick off of the Whitney's Friday evening music series. So, here it is in full force for you. Every Friday, the museum drops admission to "pay what you wish" and they convert the museum in to an "immersive environmetn of words, sounds, and sights" to go along with their current show celebrating the psychedelic era. Tonight they brings special guest Elan Vytal AKA DJ Scientific to supply the soundscape. "Remixer extraordinaire Elan Vytal (a.k.a. DJ Scientific) and multi-instrumentalist Dana Leong lead a hip-hop driven electronic music exploration of compassion and counterculture. Accompanied by a troupe of dancers and musicians, DJ Scientific and Leong embody the essence of the collective energy and spirit in the face of one of the most violent periods of American history."
Date: Friday, July 13th Time: 7:30pm Location: Prospect Park Bandshell (Enter at Prospect Park West and 9th st) Cost: $3 Suggested Donation
"Alt-rock explosivo from Mexico City's ZOÉ meets a freakishly irresistible cocktail of electro, pop, dance, lounge, and loud sunglasses mixed by The Pinker Tones...a Barcelona DJ duo on the fast track to global domination. Throw in the melodious pop of Chetes, a recent transplant from Monterrey, and we are en fuego."
Date: Friday, July 13th Time: Dusk (around 8 or 8:30) Location: Pier 54 (14th st and the Hudson River) Cost: Free
So they keep calling this River Flicks for Kids, but we're into a bunch of these movies, so either the films are also for grown ups, or we are just into kid stuff. Tonights kid flick is Charlotte's Web, which made me want to stop eating lil piggies . Besides getting to watch movies outside on beautiful summer nights on the Hudson River, the other thing I like about River Flicks is that the popcorn is always free. Seating is first come first served, so you and you little ones may want to show up early.
Date: Friday, July 13th Time: 10:00pm - 4:00am Location: Rebel (251 W. 30th) Cost: Free before Midnight with RSVP, $5 with RSVP and FLYER all night, $10 no FLYER
If Diplo at the Apple Store (see below) isn't enough DJ Dance party for you, this outta do the trick. The Pussy Party comes to Rebel tonight and brings with it Scottie B., Nick Catchdubs, Eli Escobar, Dave Nada and Tameil. The above RSVP info is a bit confusing, just remember it's only free before midnight, otherwise $5 with flyer. Should be a real good night!
Date: Friday, July 13th 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 War&Moon in the DJ booth bringing the high energy 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. PLUS, get there early as FreeNYC will be giving away free Scion DJ Darko (of Spank Rock fame) mix CD's to the first 25 people that find us and ask. This party gets better every time... never a cover and $3 beers... sweet. 21+
Date: Friday, July 13th (technically the 14th) Time: 12:00am - 2:00am Location: Apple Store 5th Ave (767 Fifth Ave) Cost: Free
If you can make it past the hordes of people gathered to play with the iPhones, you'll get to see the hordes of people gathered to watch Diplo spin at the Apple Store tonight. Midnight Mix gets gets started at midnight, so while you cant drink or dance there really (I recommend a lil prepartying) you can check your email and take funny pictures of each other!
For the past eight years (or so), The Danger has been putting together massive art parties, intimate escapades, and events of epic success and infamous failure... so why should tonight be any different. Tonight is one of the big ones, an all night, renegade, massive street party hailed as One Night Of Fire. Its "a burning adventure of the everything-is-possible realized with music, performance and the spectacle of flame." Expect a crazy street party with revelry and risk filled with "drummers, stilt walkers, fire spinners, renegade aerialists, fireworks & rocketships, gifts of liquor, brass march bands, champagne showers, the unending spectacle of sparks and flame and a night gone wild." Last years was insane fun and this year's promises to be just a good. Location will be revealed at 3pm on their site and, kids, this is impromptu so be smart and be discrete. All Ages.
Watch the One Night of Fire video from last year (link)
Date: Saturday, July 14th Time: 12:00pm - 2:00pm Location: Helio Store (626 Broadway at Houston) Cost: Free with RSVP
Yeah its an instore and, yeah, they want to sell you a Helio phone but if your into Vagrant Records' A-Sides then its worth stopping by for a free show. "The A-Sides emerged in the fertile Philadelphia music scene in 2002 when the three founding members, Jon Barthmus (vocals, guitar, keys), Mike Fleming (bass, vocals) and Patrick Marsceill (drums, vocals), met in class at Drexel University. The band has toured and performed with bands like British Sea Power, The National, We Are Scientists and Man Man, to name just a few."
Date: Saturday, July 14th Time: 1:00pm - 10:00pm Location: Solar One (23rd St and East River) Cost: Free
"Solar One presents Citysol 2007, a clean-energy-powered festival that aims to inspire interest and support for local sustainability initiatives through, music, interactive art installations, games and workshops, and numerous other elements meant to both entertain and educate." There are great, live performances all day from Les Savy Fav, Land of Talk, The Besnard Lakes, O'Death, OCDJ, These Are Powers, The Budos Band, Frankpollis
and DJs from WNYU 89.1 FM. Bring your own mug for $1 off Brooklyn Beers or bring your electric bill and switch to a green energy package with ConEdison Solutions and receive free Brooklyn Brewery beer! More details below.
Solar One presents Citysol 2007, a clean-energy-powered festival that aims to inspire interest and support for local sustainability initiatives through, music, interactive art installations, games and workshops, and numerous other elements meant to both entertain and educate.
Sustainability is at bottom a cultural project before it is a technical or political one, and cities - particularly New York City - are centers of constant transformation that reflect, invent and export civilization's most progressive dreams. We're beginning to learn that if the American way of life is to ultimately reconcile with Mother Earth, the journey is more likely to begin on a city street.
Citysol is at once a celebration of our potential as New Yorkers to redefine our expectations of quality of life, and a tribute to the creative community's central role in revealing that potential. It is also, of course, an opportunity to have an enormous amount of fun.
Bring your electric bill and switch to a green energy package with ConEdison Solutions and receive free Brooklyn Brewery beer! ++ Bring your own reusable mug/glass and receive $1 off Brooklyn Brewery beer!
The music you hear at Citysol is 100% powered by Solar One's 3.5 kW rooftop photovoltaic array and a 13 kW generator fueled with biodiesel provided by NYC's own Tristate Biodiesel. Artists were also encouraged to pursue independent power methods for their installations and projects. Native Energy Carbon offsets are being purchased to account for extra energy expenditures.
Date: Saturday, July 14th Time: 1:30pm Location: Governer's Island (Directions) Cost: Free
"This afternoon is the 2nd of 4 shows on Governer's Island celebrating folk music. Tonight, the famous musical Chapin Family comes together to celebrate and bring alive the music of the late Harry Chapin. Songs like 'Taxi,' 'Cats In The Cradle,' 'Mr. Tanner,' and 'Circle' are sung by those who know them best - Harry's original band and his amazing family." All Ages
Date: Saturday, July 14th Time: 3:00pm - 8:00pm Location: Great Hill, Central Park (enter at 106 and Central Park West) Cost: Free
EMU, an organization commited to publically promoting electronic music as an art form, brings their 5th annual Festivus to Central Park today. This is the 2nd year for Festivus in Central Park and features DJs Hector Romero, Exacta, Steven Lee (Lee Cabrera), and Alex Pearce so if your looking for a little mid day dance party then this is it. All Ages.
Today, a special treat as Café Tacuba hits up Summerstage. "Arguably the most successful groups to emerge from the “rock en español” movement, Café Tacuba formed in the late ‘80s in Mexico City. The band’s core has always been the guitars, bass and drums set-up of your typical rock ‘n roll outfit: it’s what Café Tabuca does with this set up that matters. Heavily influenced by the punk and alternative rock of The Clash, The Cure and The Smiths, the group also incorporates Mexican styles like norteño and ranchero, as well as hip-hop, electronica and even musique concret." They are joined this afternoon by Pacha Massive and La Sista.
Date: Saturday, July 14th Time: 4:00pm, 6:00pm, & 8:00ppm Location:Empire Fulton State Park (Water St & Dock St, DUMBO) Cost: Free
Perched high atop swaying poles, Melbourne based Strange Fruit Productions transform Empire Fulton this afternoon into an onsite performance "that fuses theatre, dance and circus, using a unique, elevated medium. Perched atop four-meter high flexible poles of original design, the troupe delivers a sublime performance, bending and swaying in the air, captivating and engaging the audience in absolute fascination. Swoon! is a vital, spirited performance with spectacular image-making and seductive comedy in which four characters enact an intriguing ritual of courtship and discovery, breaking hearts and bending poles to impossible angles. The message of love, freedom, loneliness and joy are played out and take the audience on a journey of beauty and laughter."
Date: Saturday, July 14th Time: 7:00pm Location: Brooklyn Collective (198 Columbia St between Sackett and Degraw) Cost: Free Open Bar: ???, 7-8pm (next door at Lido Bar)
Brooklyn Collective hosts an evening of art, design, music, and fashion! DJ Shawn mans the tables with paintings, photography, jewelry and more.
Date: Saturday, July 14th Time: 8:00pm Location: Prospect Park Bandshell (Enter at Prospect Park West and 9th st) Cost: $3 Suggested Donation
"A genre-bending evening with the borough's world-class orchestra [Brooklyn Philharmonic], directed by the dynamic Michael Christie. Special guest soloist and composer Mark O'Connor, a violinist ... who has created a program that incorporates his country roots and features thrilling contributions from cellist Maya Beiser"
Date: Saturday, July 15th Time: 8:00pm Location: Urban Outfitters (526 Ave of the Americas) Cost: Free with Printed Invite
I know, you're thinking "Urban Outfitters, for real?" but they have actually put together a pretty cool thing here. They have joined forces with Toyota Yaris and created a program to support and publicize the importance of non-commercial radio, properly titled, Free Yr Radio. Check out this map for a number of independent stations they'ed like you know know about across the country. Locally, they are hosting a free EL-P performance at Urban Oufitters in support of 88.7 WNHU. Space is limited, so get there early. And they say no admittance with out their printed invite.
Date: Saturday, July 14th Time: 10:00pm - 4:00am Location: Supreme Trading (213 N 8th St, Williamsburg) Cost: Free
So it's another week of Sound Advice at Supreme and I am still not going to make it. I'll be keeping the client deadlines in order while you go out and party it up. K. Ross and Elsewhere school the freshman class with their unique blend of funk, hip hop, reggae, and any sort of other groove that makes you feel good to a laid back dance floor. Special Guest Prof. Rockwell join in. 21+ (old flyer)
It's been awhile but it's time for another Asterisk party. Hip hop seems to be the name of the game tonight, with performances from Metermaids, Mon.Key.Pod, Domer, Broke MC, MC Squared and Zigmat. "Plus DJs Halo and Dichotomy will be slappin yer ass with funky jams till the cows turn into pumpkins." Oh, and its also the video premier for both Domer and Metermaids.
Date: Sunday, July 15th Time: 1:00pm - 7:00pm Location: Gallery Bar (120 Orchard St. & Rivington) Cost: Free
NYC clothier and t-shirt smith Kiser are at it again, this time with a rock-bottom-priced sample sale and bar party. Kiser's art will be on display and you can get cheap goods for $10 and up. Plus bar specials, plus free tees for the first 20 people!
Date: Sunday, July 15th Time: 2:00pm Location: McCarren Park Pool, Bedford Ave. and Lorimer St. Wburg Cost: Free with RSVP.
Summer is is full swing and what better way to shake off Saturday night's cobwebs than kickin it to free live music in a beautiful historic venue? Nothing, you're right. Tonight the pool diverts from their usual tight-black-jean-hipster-rock and instead delves into the words of classic soul, swamp funk, and good old southern fried blues for Ponderosa Stomp! Lookout Brooklyn. This is a smaller version of the massive annual event New Orleans event. Perfect lazy Sunday afternoon fair. Slated to appear are Roy Head, Bobby Patterson, Willy Tee, Tammi Lynn, Ray Sharpe (backed by The A-Bones), Tommy McClain (backed by Yo Lan Tengo). Also performing are Teenie Hodges, Scott Bomar, Willie Tee, Willy Hall. As always the Pool Parties are free, but you can RSVP here.
Date: Sunday, July 15th Time: 4:00pm Location: Prospect Park Bandshell (Enter at Prospect Park West and 9th st) Cost: $3 Suggested Donation
"For this concert of old- and new-school Jewish music, the luminary Frank London-who has played with everyone from John Zorn to They Might Be Giants and LL Cool J-will be joined by New York City's hottest and most diverse group of Yiddish musicians for a radical festival in the park. Performers include the Grammy award winning klezmer band, The Klezmatics; television and theater star Fyvush Finkel; a rare performance by legendary Yiddish rocker Wolf Krakowski; Cuban Jewish percussionist Roberto Rodriguez; Rolling Stone's #1 non-English group of 2006, Frank London's Klezmer Brass Allstars featuring Brazilian percussionists Maracatú New York; Yiddish divas Joanne Borts and Adrienne Cooper; and the Festival Latin Jewish Carnival Orchestra & Social Justice Sing."
Date: Sunday, July 15th Time: 8:00pm Location: The Delancey (168 Delancey St at Attorney) Cost: $5, Free with RSVP.
Don't be fooled by it's initial softness, there is a mystical complexity to the music of Food Will Win the War. They're "the Charlie Kaufman of Indie Rock. Their slightly quirky songs employ irregular meters, indefinite silences, and full four part vocal harmonies. Based out of the East Village, the band draws from influences such as Elliott Smith and Belle & Sebastian." The guys are going on hiatus for a while and playing their last show tonight. But we couldn't just let them say goodbye to our readers like that so we've hooked up free entry for FreeNYC readers. Just RSVP above and your there.
Date: Monday, July 16th Time: Lawn opens at 5:00pm, movie at dusk Place:Bryant Park (42nd St @ 6th ave) Cost: Free
In To Sir, With Love, "Sidney Poitier is an unemployed engineer who becomes a teacher for a class of toughs in London’s East End, and unexpectedly, he bonds with them as he teaches civility and respect. Features groovy British Invasion music and style." Clip below. All Ages.
Date: Monday, July 16th Time: 6:00pm - 11:00 Location: Monkey Town (58 N 3rd btw. Wythe and Kent) Cost: Free Open Bar: Sponsored beer, 6-8
NYC-based digital studio Supernature convert Williamsburg's MonkeyTown tonight to envelop the space in a multi-scale, animated, digital jungle with Graphic Nature. Supernature, who explore the relationship between media, technology, and the built environment, will present "ambient looping 'wallpaper' video artworks which subvert the expectations of the sensational and information-heavy media environment. At the same time, computer graphic technology is used to create works which simulate, frame, and visualize inspirations from 'Nature' and re-present it as an ornamental media surface."
Supernature is the studio of Sean Capone, who has been working in the digital animation field and as a video artist for over 15 years. The studio operates as an umbrella for the creation of custom moving image works and collaborations with various art and architectural agencies. Sean's professional work has ranged from video games to motion graphics and V/FX for film, with a recent focus on fashion and architecture clients including Prada, Chanel, Macy's, and the studios 2x4 and MVMT.
Date: Monday, July 16th Time: 7:00pm Location: Barbes (376 9th St, at Sixth Ave) Cost: Free
Every first and third Monday Barbes plays host to a variety of films. Tonight's short is The Delaware Project (20min), which "centers around a young woman's fledgling sense of connection in a landscape that is undergoing rapid development." Tonights feature, Pretty In The Face, seems a bit on the heavy side. "Dispirited by an overwhelming sense of inadequacy, Maggie's sexual curiosity leads her through a series of precarious decisions. Daniel, overweight and insecure, resents his mother's obesity and worries he's destined for the same fate. United through tragedy, they help each other recognize the ways they sabotage their potential."
The 25th Annual MLK Jr. Concert series continues tonight with a good old Gospal infusion. Don Hammond, Byron Cage, and Vanessa Bell Armstrong all belt out the spirital goodness this evening. And seeing how I know nothing about any of these people, I'll let their bios do the talking (below). All ages.
FRED HAMMOND
For more than 21 years, gospel listeners around the world have known Fred Hammond as a talented songwriter, bassist and vocalist. In fact, his work with Face to Face Productions Corporation, of which he is both founder and CEO, has earned him the title the "Babyface of Gospel." As a solo artist and member of the pioneering urban group Commissioned, he has sold nearly 2 million albums. Since retiring from that group in 1995, his work with Radical for Christ has made him a mainstay on the Billboard Gospel Chart top 10.
BYRON CAGE
Byron Cage was the "Prince of Praise" before anyone ever knew his name. He began singing gospel as a young man, and went on to serve as music director for the New Birth Church in Atlanta and to become a minister of music at Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, MA. With the vocal group Purpose, Cage recorded three live albums of spirituals: Transparent in Your Presence, Dwell Among Us, and The Prince of Praise. He received a 2006 Grammy nomination for his 2005 release An Invitation to Worship.
VANESSA BELL ARMSTRONG
Vanessa Bell Armstrong's 1991 appearance in Broadway's Don't Get God Started, led to a cameo in Oprah's TV special The Women of Brewster Place, and a gig doing the opening jingle for the hit sitcom Amen. Her many memorable gospel releases include Something Inside So Strong, and Don't Give Up On Jesus, with the 1984 powerhouse Peace Be Still being her defining song. It is her ability to mix it up that keeps Armstrong relevant in today's field, and with her undeniable new album, Walking Miracle, she is destined to reclaim her position as one of Gospel's foremost female vocalists.
Date: Monday, July 16th Time: 8:00pm Location: Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx Cost: Free
Having just come off of seeing The Brooklyn Philharmonic play in Prospect Park this weekend, I am highly recommending this. If you are up in the Bronx this evening head over to Van Cortland Park to see the New York Philharmonic in the Park. The program for the evening consists of Berlioz: Le Corsaire Overture, Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto and Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6. If you haven't gotten to see any classical music this summer you have one more chance tomorrow when the Philharmonic is in Central Par.
If you weren't lucky enough to catch one of The Knife's four sold out U.S. shows last year now's your chance to see the band in action. Mute is holding a private DVD screening and release party for The Knife's new Silent Shout Deluxe on Tuesday the 17th at Scandinavia House. The DVD, Silent Shout: An Audiovisual Experience, includes the Andreas Nilsson-directed live show recorded at their Gothenburg concert in April 2006 and the entire collection of Knife videos - including Heartbeats, Like A Pen, and We Share Our Mother's Health. The screening will be followed by a open vodka bar reception. Silent Shout Deluxe hits stores Tuesday.
We've got 2 pairs of tickets to the first two people to email the correct anwswer to the following question... What Swedish musician covered The Knife's "Heartbeats"?
Date: Monday, July 16th - Wednesday, July 18th Time: store hours: 9:00am - 11:00pm; screening 7:00pm Location: Jim Hanley's Universe (4 West 33rd St.) Cost: Free
I am so excited about this movie, and even more excited that we have free passes! “Columbia Pictures & TasteNYC invite FreeNYC readers to see an advanced screening of Superbad, 7pm Wednesday, July 18th. To pick up your free passes, stop by Jim Hanley's Universe, beginning Monday July 16th, during normal store hours. Come early - passes are limited! No purchase necessary. While supplies last. One pair per person. Must be 17 or older for this Rated R Film." Location given when you pick up passes.
Date: Tuesday, July 17th Time: 6:00pm doors Location: Graffiti Baptist Church (205 East 7th St btw. B & C) Cost: Free
How about a little Christian Swamp Funk for your Tuesday afternoon? Oteil Burbridge - founding member of the Aquarium Rescue Unit and now of the Allman Brothers Band – puts his bass to work for the Lord tonight with a bit of spirituality, funk, and southern soul. Oteil's bass work is first rate and its a treat to see him in such an intimate setting.
Date: Tuesday, July 17th Time: 7:00pm Location:McCarren Pool, Lorimer St. Wburg (btw Driggs and Bayard) Cost: Free
We here at freenyc.net certainly do not endorse any behavior that would violate local statutes and regulations, but dude, Dazed and Confused? Outside?!? Free? Perfect night to roll one up, bro. Um, I mean...perfect night to enjoy a flick outside, come on, you owe yourself. The Summerscreen series continues as Volkswagen and the L Magazine present a series of weekly free movies over in Williamsburg's treasured McCarren Park Pool with this Richard Linklater classic. VW owners bring your keys for a free goodie bag. Check here for the full schedule.
Date: Tuesday, July 17th Time: 7:00pm - 12:00pm Location: Hotel QT (125 West 45th St) Cost: Free with RSVP Open Bar: Beaujolais Wine Tasting, 7-8:30
"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, July 17th Time: 7:00pm Location: World Financial Center Plaza (map) Cost: Free
Marc Ribot is one of those names you hear all over the NYC avant music scene. From Tonic to The Stone, if there are people pushing the boundaries in a post-jazz NYC, Marc Ribot is there. Tonight, the guitar genius (and I don't use that lightly) "presents an evening showcasing three sides of his artistic breadth. He begins the show with a solo piece, followed by two of his ensembles, Spiritual Unity and Ceramic Dog." If you've never seen him play then now's your chance.
Date: Tuesday, July 17th Time: 8:00pm Location: Rapture Cafe (200 Ave. A bet/ 12th & 13th St) Cost: Free
FilmFest, a new bi-monthly short-film series, "is a fresh way for anybody to have a great night out, see a wide range of creative films, talk with the film makers, and network with like-minded folks after the screening until the venue closes! (Yes, we just used the word 'folks' in a sentence!) Click here to see a list of upcoming films to be screened at our next Funfest!"
Date: Tuesday, July 17th Time: 8:00pm - 1:00am Location: The St. Nicks' Jazz Pub (773 St. Nicholas Ave, corner of 149th St) Cost: Free
Wanna bit of graffiti and hip hop for your Tuesday night? Head up to St. Nicks' Jazz Pub on 149th to get a dose DJs Synapse and Jedi. Plus it's James Top's Birthday party, and everyone like a birthday party! Oh, and its an outdoor BBQ!
Date: Wednesday, July 18th - Sunday, July 22nd Time: Daily contest hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Location: Prospect Park Boathouse and Lake Cost: Free
Ok kids bust out them fishing poles! I wasn't even aware that there are fish in the Prospect Park Lake, let alone being aloud to go fishing. Today kicks off the The 60th Annual Macy’s Fishing Contest (for kids 15 and under), which includes the release of R.H. Macy, a tagged bass, into the park pond. Prizes will be awarded today for the first fish caught and then on the daily for the most fish and longest fish caught. If you or your kid are under 15 and show up to fish, just remember to register at the Boat House before you drop your line.
Date: Wednesday, July 18th Time: 12:30pm – 1:45pm Location: The Bryant Park Reading Room (42nd St side of the park, Look for the burgundy and white umbrellas) Cost: Free
Check out this reading and signing today in Bryant Park on your lunch hour. "Pop-culturist Chuck Klosterman explains: 'Things That Are True'; 'Things That Might Be True'; and 'Something That Isn’t True At All' – in his latest book told in three parts. Klosterman was called “one of America’s top cultural critics” by Entertainment Weekly, and there is a good reason for this. He is. If you haven’t joined his cult following yet, now is the time."
Date: Wednesday, July 18th Time: 7:00pm Location: Brower Park (Brooklyn Ave & Prospect Park Pl.) Cost: Free
"Though they never achieved the crossover fame of fellow New Yorkers Biggie Smalls or Wu-Tang Clan, Black Moon gets the respect of all true hip-hop fans. Founding members of the Boot Camp Clik posse, the trio of Buckshot, 5 FT and DJ Evil Dee has released five albums of heavy-hitting East Coast rap, from 1993’s Enta da Stage to last year’s Alter The Chemistry. Fellow Boot Camp Clik artist Sean Price first proved his mettle as one half of ‘90s duo Heltah Skeltah (he was known as Ruck back then). One of the few hard-core rappers to display a self-deprecating sense of humor, Price dubbed himself “the brokest rapper you know” on his 2005 solo debut Monkey Bars. That probably isn’t a problem anymore: his critically acclaimed sophomore set Jesus Price Supastar reached #3 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart earlier this year."
Date: Wednesday, July 18th Time: doors 7:30pm, show 8:30 Location: Amphitheater at Medgar Evers College (Bedford Ave btw Crown and Empire) Cost: Free
To kick off the night will be a live performance by MC Gif! Followed by and introduction to the film from South African Journalist Grant Clark. And finally a screening of the evenings feature film, Hip Hop Revolution. "Hip-hop Revolution is a forty eight minute documentary looking at the integration of hip-hop culture with state of emergency politics in the 1980's, and it's role as a tool in revolution in post-apartheid South Africa. The 1980's was the time of heroic youth uprising on the Cape Flats, together with limited freedom of expression. Given, the culture of repression in South Africa at the time, the hip-hop sub-culture was a form of ventilation to youth on the Cape Flats and elsewhere in the country. Hip-hop also politically informed many young people in South Africa...The film also reflects the socio-political situation in South Africa at present, with particular focus on the current economic disparities between a rich minority and a poor majority."
Date: Wednesday, July 18th Time: Dusk (around 8 or 8:30) Location: Pier 54 (14th st and the Hudson River) Cost: Free
On top of getting to watch movies outside on beautiful summer nights on the Hudson River, the other thing I like about River Flicks is every year they pick a central theme for their screenings. This years theme is "films with characters who overcome in surmountable odds to prove that they are right and the rest of the world is wrong." Tonights film is Nacho Libre, the tail of Friar following his dream and moonlights as a "Luchador". As always, seating is first come, first serve and the popcorn is free!
Date: Wednesday, July 18th Time: 8:00pm Location: The Pink Room (199 Bowery, at the corner of Spring) Cost: Free with RSVP Open Bar: Free Colt 45 Tall Boys
Mass Appeal invites you to celebrate the release of their latest issue, issue number 46. Chicago's booty house pioneer DJ Gant-Man plus gets the booties shakin' along side The Mighty Lord Sear and DJ Love On The Run. Plus, live performances from Sean Kingston and Team Facelift, "around The Way girl Go-Go dancers" and giveaways from Mass Appeal and Acapulco Gold. And if your lookin' for cheap drinks, how 'bout you brown bag it with free Colt 45 Tall Boys (I'm assuming thats while supplies last).
Date: Wednesday, July 18th Time: 10:00pm Location: K&M Bar (N 8th & Roebling, Wburg) Cost: Free
Doom Dub and Carter Logan bring you the very best in roots reggae, soul, hip hop and boogie rock while Sarah and Rachel invite you to make crafts with them. Plus the flier reminds me of collages I used to put on mixtapes in highschool. In a good way!
The boys over at War and Moon, Rezound + Workweek, dropped straight bangers all night at Good Foot last weekend so its good to see them back at their local haunt tonight. They are joined by Hefty Records' own Eliot Lipp who is a master of adding blips and beeps to the usual boom bap. Expect things to be more on the electro tip in honor of Mr. Lipp and if your a techno-junkie-geek then his set is not to be missed. 2 for 1 drinks, 11-12. 21+
Date: Thursday, July 19th Time: 6:00pm - 10:00pm Location: The Hanger (217 E. 3rd St) Cost: Free with RSVP
The Hanger is not only a bar but also a boutique. Tonight they launch their Summer Couture and Cocktails. Of course featuring complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Mmm hor d'oeuvers! A lovely way to spend the after work hours!
Date: Thursday, July 19th Time: sundown (DJs at 6pm) Location: Empire Fulton State Park, DUMBO (map) Cost: Free
Its the classic "If you can make it here..." NYC story on Muppet Style. Check out what happens when Jim Henson takes his crew the streets of the big apple at sundown tonight in the park in this full-length musical comedy." DJ Soulstatic plays kid’s themes and music inspired by Jim Henson beforehand. All Ages.
Date: Thursday, July 19th Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Crotona Park, Bronx (map) Cost: Free
The Crotona Park Jams are as close as you can get to an authentic Bronx park jam from Hip Hop's early years! Legends only on the stage and throughout the audience! Hip Hop heads travel to NYC from all corners of the globe for this major true school celebration! Tonight features Kool DJ AJ Scratch (former DJ for Kurtis Blow & Busy Bee), GrandMaster Caz (Captain of the Cold Crush Brothers), Rockin' Rob (Mean Machine Crew) plus T-Ski Valley and Imperial Jaycee.
Date: Thursday, July 19 Time: 6:30pm Venue: Stuyvesant Town Oval (Entrance off First Avend 16th St) Cost: Free
Seems like everyone has a summer concert series and that's fine by me. Today its Stuyvesant Town's turn to bring live music to the masses with DJ Rich Medina and the Jason Lindner Big Band. Rich Medina you should know by now from reading FreeNYC. He's from that classic soul-funk-house-hop school of DJing a la Pete Rock or Jazzy Jeff. But jazz pianist Jason Lindner you may not and that's a shame. Lindner's unique style has been a fixture on the New York jazz scene since the mid-90's composing solo pieces as well as works for large orchestras. Between Marc Ribot yesterday and Jason Lindner today, its kind of Chris's favorite jazz week in NYC! Sounds on Site. All Ages.
Date: Thursday, July 19th Time: 6:30pm - 9:30pm Location: Powerhouse Arena (37 Main St at Water St) Cost: Free with RSVP
"A melange of sounds, visuals, and poetry" explode across 9 framed plasma screens in Guilian Joncheray's "Amniotic Reation" exhibition. The work explores "the theme of water, its symbolism and its protection." And if that's not enough to get you going there a live performance my o.blaat and DJ sets from Fabian Alsultany and Jacques Renault. Free wine to boot!
Date: Thursday, July 19th 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 gladly given them a new home. Tonight, hyperspace and talking robots! More details below. 21+
Presentation #1: Going in a New Direction: An Introduction to Hyperspace
by Shieva Kleinschmidt
Description: Since the dawn of time, mankind has wondered about how many dimensions of space there are. Many scientists are now suggesting that, at least in theory, bigger is better. But setting all the science (and math!) stuff aside, there are some important, basic questions to ask: how can we even begin to visualise space we can't see? What might hyperspace really be like, if it exists? And what do these extra dimensions have to do with the difference between right and left hands, and with immaculate conception?
Presentation #2: Talking robots: A do-it-yourself guide for the discerning nerd
by Alexander Koller
Description: In movies, more or less intelligent robots communicate with people all the time. But of course, as well-educated nerds we all know that talking robots are total science fiction, and we'd better spend our weekends more productively exploring the sex lives of tadpoles rather than trying to build C-3PO. In this talk, I set out to demonstrate a much niftier reality: We do have the technology to build robots that communicate with humans using spoken language. I report on a project that I organized a little while ago, in which the task was to build and program a Lego Mindstorms robot and connect it to software on a PC that allows it to react to spoken commands, talk back to the user, and generally have a dialogue and be a smart-ass. I will explain the technology that went into them, show a bunch of videos (including one of the robot bartender who mixes real cocktails and tells bad jokes), and illustrate that a least a tiny piece of science fiction can be science today.
Date: Thursday, July 19th Time: 7:00pm - 10:00pm Location: Travessia (176 Stanton St. bet. Clinton & Attorney) Cost: Free
"Travessia, a newly opened gallery-style boutique fuses together visual arts and creative fashion in an interactive experience. Housed in a unique retail space on Stanton Street, Travessia's seasonal art installations will be celebrated by launch events that not only honor the shop's diversity but the community as well, uniting everything together under one roof!" Tonight they launch a solo exhibition by Harumi Ori "who processes her subjects between two and three dimensional representations!"
Date: Thursday, July 19th Time: 7:00pm Location: Herbert Von King Park, Bushwick (directions) Cost: Free
"Arrested Development has always gone against the grain. The group’s 1992 debut Three Years, Five Months and Two Days in the Life of... was message-driven and Afrocentric, the polar opposite of the nihilistic gangsta rap just starting to dominate hip-hop. And at a time when everyone was talking about 'East Coast vs. West Coast,' Arrested Development came from the South—and celebrated that fact in hits like 'Tennessee' and 'People Everyday.' Fifteen years later, the South is the center of hip-hop, and Arrested Development are back with a new album: Since The Last Time." Catch them in the park for free this evening. All Ages.
Date: Thursday, July 19th Time: 7:30pm Location: Prospect Park Bandshell (Enter at Prospect Park West and 9th st) Cost: Free
Tonight at the Prospect Park Bandshell the "Alloy Orchestra performs its gripping score to Blackmail (1929), Hitchcock's last and best silent film... Ease into the noir with the seductive charms of Morley, a 'jazz minded pop chanteuse, soul sister, cosmopolitan home girl from Jamaica Queens.' (NY Times)" I guess this pairing was supposed to have happened last summer, but had to be rescheduled to this season.
Date: Thursday, July 19th Time: 10:00pm Location:Hiro Ballroom (373 W. 16th @ 9th Ave) Cost: Free with RSVP
Not sure which to tout this one as... Its either a closing party with impromptu performances from dance troupe Pilobolus' Joyce Theatre run or a live set by new york's own artlectro rockers Mobius Band. I'm going with the latter since I'm a big fan dance bands that trade in the cheeky 80s reference and bubble gum lyrics for Sonic Youth-esque song styling (that and I know very little about dance troupes.) Anyway, listen to the song below and go have fun. 2 for 1 drinks from 10-11. 21+
Date: Friday, July 20th Time: 6:00pm Location: Whitney Museum of American Art (945 Madison Avenue at 75th St., Lower Level Gallery) Cost: Pay What You Wish on Fridays 6:00pm - 9:00pm
"Dirty Projectors, is an emerging avant-pop group, create a psychedelic carnival. The group, led by composer David Longstreth, performs reconstructions and reinterpretations of Black Flag's Damaged album. Luke Fischbeck performs as Lucky Dragons, an electronic music project with a handmade aesthetic. New York’s own 'Poetry Czar' (Village Voice) Bob Holman starts early with a new poem crafted specifically for the evening."
Date: Friday, July 20th Time: 6:30pm Location: The Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park Cost: Free
This evening The Brooklyn Ballet will “Take Ballet to the Streets” at the Empire-Fulton Park. "The program will feature new works by Lynn Parkerson and Caridad Martinez, including Brooklyn Caprice, which combines classical and street dance styles. The program is followed by a Dance Party with DJ Soul Summit Music of Fort Greene, who is known for his enthralling Sunday music festivals. The dancers will be joining the crowd once the dance party begins"
Date: Friday, July 20th Time: 6:30pm - 10:00pm Location: Queens Museum of Art (Flushing Meadows Corona Park) Cost: Free
Passport Friday's is in it's third season at the Queens Museum of Art, bringing an outdoor summer festival of international music, dance and film. Tonight they screen El Carro. "The Velez’s, a typical middle-class family from Bogotá, Columbia, buy their first car in an attempt to move up the local social ladder. After the father accidentally gives away a winning lottery ticket for a new car to the neighbors, the Velez family decides to save face and buy their neighbor’s old car--a 1950´s cherry red Chevy convertible--spending their entire nest egg."
Date: Friday, July 20th Time: 7:30pm Location: Prospect Park Bandshell (Enter at Prospect Park West and 9th st) Cost: $3 Suggested Donation
The Prospect Park Bandshell is a good, relaxing way to spend your Friday night. "Half a century into a career in which his 'evocative vocal style has taken the blues out of the barroom and into the bedroom,' (Salon) Bobby 'Blue' Bland can still turn on your love light like nobody else—he's as untouchably authentic as ever." Joining him tonight is singer Catherine Russell "who takes on jazz balladry, bordello blues, dance hall swing, country, pop, and soul with equal élan."
Date: Friday, July 20th Time: Dusk (around 8 or 8:30) Location: Pier 54 (14th st and the Hudson River) Cost: Free
So they keep calling this River Flicks for Kids, but we're into a bunch of these movies, so either the films are also for grown ups, or we are just into kid stuff. Tonights kid flick is Open Season. Besides getting to watch movies outside on beautiful summer nights on the Hudson River, the other thing I like about River Flicks is that the popcorn is always free. Seating is first come first served, so you and you little ones may want to show up early.
Date: Friday, July 20th Time: 9:30pm Location: Freddy's Backroom(485 Dean St.) Cost: Free
If you're looking for a more mellow and low key night, but still wish to drown your sorrows in a lil booze and maybe even share some of that sorrow, I suggest you head over down to Freddy's Backroom. Tonight, Mo Pair and Craig Chin sing songs of "despair and redemption." They are both indie singer song writers, and I am exaggerating a bit, they aren't completely debie downer. It should be a fun chill way to spend your Friday night.
Date: Friday, July 20th Time: 10:00pm Location: Lolita Bar (266 Broome @ Allen) Cost: Free
Don't be afraid to cross Delancey Street! Midge Pingleton, Shirley MC, DJ Pink Vomit and Dirty Dave bring you music to drink by... mostly 60's soul with a splash of Xanadu Soundtrack (which they were rocking long before it was revived on Broadway). $4 Yuengling Bottles and Labatt's Drafts.
The Village Voice Siren Festival™ is a free all-day music event open to all ages, featuring live international, national and local bands, as well as DJs performing on two outdoor stages at historic Coney Island. Now in its seventh year, the Village Voice SIREN MUSIC FESTIVAL™ has solidified its status as one of the top leading outdoor music festival by drawing over 100,000 music fans in each of its last four years.
Scheduled performers include NEW YORK DOLLS; WE ARE SCIENTISTS; MATT AND KIM; THE BLACK LIPS; DR. DOG; NOISETTES; LAVENDER DIAMOND; THE DETROIT COBRAS;ELVIS PERKINS; THE TWILIGHT SAD and many others still to be announced!
The showcase of both indie-rock veterans as well as emerging artists has led The New York Times to call Siren Fest "an instant hit," and "a crucial barometer for up-to-the-minute alternative rock." The New York Sun notes the festival "scoops up the top layers of underground music and flips them over for the New York public to examine." And according to The New York Post, Siren Fest's impressive lineup makes it "the not-to-be-missed show of the summer."
Budweiser returns to the Village Voice SIREN MUSIC FESTIVAL™ as the exclusive beer sponsor for the seventh consecutive year. Other sponsors include Boost Mobile and Astroland Amusement Park. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available.
Date: Saturday, July 21st Time: 7:00pm Location: Prospect Park Bandshell (Enter at Prospect Park West and 9th st) Cost: $3 Suggested Donation
A special treat this evening as Prospect Park Bandshell alum, Hal Willner returns with a new program. "Maverick music producer Hal Willner, whose off kilter genius for dreaming up multi-artist concept shows is unparalleled, returns to the Bandshell after epic explorations of Leonard Cohen (2003) and Neil Young (2004) to celebrate the words and music of the late great Williamsburg born songwriter Doc Pomus, author of classics like "Lonely Avenue" and "Youngblood." Willner's eclectic crowd of artists will range, as always, from the emerging to the iconic". As of now, the project will feature Project Featuring Lou Reed, Ben E. King, Howard Tate, Teddy Thompson, Shannon McNally, Steven Bernstein, Robin Holcomb, Joel Dorn, Mocean Worker, Peter Guralnick and more.
Date: Saturday, July 21st Time: 7:00pm Location: Hope Lounge (10 Hope St, BK) Cost: Free with RSVP
Honestly this party is called "Rock Out With Your Guac Out", you cant go wrong! I mean who doesn't love guac? The party boasts "free food coutesy of Calexico till 11, Red Bull Power Hour, and $3 beers... Come on out and enjoy the best cali mex" And of course any good party has DJs, so you got DJs Complex, Yamez, Iron Lyon, and Chad Dubbz. Plus, free giveaways from Methods, Day in the Lyfe and Connected.
Date: Saturday, July 21st Time: 9:00pm Location: Limerick House (69 W 23rd St at 6th ave.) Cost: Free
Have any of you ever been to a focus a group? Well, I have, and the idea of a drunken focus group is already making me laugh, so we seem to be headed in the right direction. "Charlie Kasov and Jon Savoy offer a rowdy stand-up comedy show for the overcivilized New Yorker. Featuring some of New York's top alternative comedians such as Tom McCaffrey (Comedy Central), Mike Burns (DC Comedy Festival) and Sue Ball (The Rochelle Show)."
Date: Sunday, July 22nd Time: 10:00am - 5:00pm Location: Broome Street Between Allen and Orchards Street Cost: Free
"Reminiscent of the early New York City era that the Lower East Side is famous for; with the aroma of various mouth-watering cuisines and push carts full of clothing, accessories and textiles… The Lower Feast Side LES a la ‘Cart’ fair will transform Broome Street between Allen and Orchard into a collection of cuisine, commerce and culture for all New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy!"
So many great summer concerts, and so little time! It really is impossible to make it to all of them, and I am sad to say I am going to miss one of FreeNYC's favorites, The Brazilian Girls at Summerstage today. The "globe-trotting vibe of their music [is] a playful mix of electronica, bossa nova, vintage French pop and rock. Their sophomore set, Talk To La Bomb, was released last year, and Spin magazine called it 'multicultural, cosmopolitan, intellectual dance music: Ibiza meets punk, dub goes tango, trance gets smart.'" Joining them will be another crowd pleaser, Cat Power, as well as the "spontaneous, organic and ephemeral" marching band, Himalayas.
Date: Sunday, July 22nd Time: 5:00pm Location: Prospect Park Bandshell (Enter at Prospect Park West and 9th st) Cost: $3 Suggested Donation
The Bandshell is for the kids this afternoon, so bring the strollers (or a pocket full of tylenol depending on your child tolerance). "Brooklyn's resident rock star to the young and young at heart Dan Zanes throws an all-ages party in the borough's back yard! Zanes and his band, along with some special surprise guests, find that unique place in American music where sea shanties, Broadway standards, North American and West Indian folk music, fiddle tunes, the spirit of rock-and-roll, and soulful originals collide... So pack up the wee ones, partake of our handy stroller parking, and enjoy a perfect afternoon at the Bandshell for the whole family."
Date: Thursday, July 22nd Time: 8:00pm Location: Riverside Park (follow signs to the “Passive Area” near 82nd Street) Cost: Free; Donations Gladly Accepted
Gorilla Repertory Theater Company continues its 15th anniversary season with a free, outdoor production of Henry V (man, that is a lot of Henry V) in Riverside Park. From now through August 5th, Thursday through Sunday nights the performances are free and open to the public.
Date: Daily through September 3rd Time: weekdays 11:00am - 7:00pm, weekends 9:00am - 7:00pm Location: Brooklyn Bridge Park (btw Piers 4 and 5, 334 Furman St) Cost: Free
We are a little late on this one as we have been bombarded with a slew of summer events, but with this one, it's definitely better late than never. The Brooklyn Bridge Park has installed a floating pool which they are calling The Floating Pool Lady. It's a 25-meter, 7-lane floating swimming pool moored in the East River. Besides the pool there is also 40,000 square foot beach where you can lay out, grab a burger, rent an umbrella and enjoy the views of New York Harbor. There are some restrictions due to size and demand, so see below for details.
How does it work? The Floating Pool Lady has a maximum capacity of 175 persons. The pool is 4 feet deep throughout. Swimmers will be issued colored wristbands for swim sessions on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you have to wait for a swim session, enjoy some time on the beach. There are concession stands, umbrella and chair rentals, and volleyball and soccer games! Please see below for complete pool and beach guidelines.
What are the swim session hours? Weekdays: 11:00-12:30; 1:00-2:30; 3:00-4:30; 5:00-6:45. Weekends: 9:00-10:30; 11:00-12:00; 12:30-1:30; 2:00-3:00; 3:30-4:30; 5:00-6:45. On weekdays, wristbands are given out one hour before each session; on weekends, they are given out 1/2 hour before each session. Due to popular demand, we are sorry we cannot guarantee the swim session of your choice.
Date: Mondays through July 23rd Time: 6:00pm to 7:30pm Location: Forest Park Band shell (Woodhaven Blvd & Forest Pk Dr, Queens - Map) Cost: Free
If you've got 2 left feet like me then Dancing under the Stars is for you. Each week is a free, absolute beginner, outdoor dance class presented by the American Ballroom Theatre. Learn classics such as the merengue, foxtrot, and waltz, and strut your stuff to the beat of a live band on the final night. All ages, no partner needed.
Date: Monday, July 23rd Time: 9:00pm Location: Pine Tree Lodge (326 E. 35 St.) Cost: Free
Pinetree Lodge will be holding a comedy show/contest every Monday featuring comics from Comedy Central, LOGO and Last Comic Standing working out material. Between these acts, newer comics will do 5 minutes and compete for a whopping $20. Show starts at 9pm, and will be hosted by Joe Dixon and Calvin Cato.
Date: Monday, July 23rd Time: 9:30pm to 4:00am Location: Anchor (310 Spring St) Cost: Free with RSVP
With the Project Trade Show in town, streetwear's elite will be decending upon NYC over the next few days. That means lots of fine parties you cann not go to. But a couple f the cooler one's are brining their celebrations to the masses (that means you!) "Join Anthem & Worship Worthy as we attend Midnight Mass with some of our favorite new brands that will be in town for the Capsule & Project trade shows. It's been a minute since we partied together New York, so join us as we worship in the name of fashion and good times." The Bangers DJ all night and there are gift bags for the chosen few.
Date: Tuesday, July 24th Time: 7:00pm Location:McCarren Pool, Lorimer St. Wburg (btw Driggs and Bayard) Cost: Free
When you're trying to smash your fingers against the side of your sink under scalding hot water trying to regain feeling come February, you're going to recall tonight and regret the fact that you did not sit back and enjoy a free film under the stars. Each summer, Volkswagen and the L Magazine present a series of weekly free movies over in Williamsburg's treasured McCarren Park Pool, and tonight's feature is "Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains". VW owners bring your keys for a free goodie bag. Check here for the full schedule.
Date: Wednesday, July 25th Time: Dusk (around 8 or 8:30) Location: Pier 54 (14th st and the Hudson River) Cost: Free
On top of getting to watch movies outside on beautiful summer nights on the Hudson River, the other thing I like about River Flicks is every year they pick a central theme for their screenings. This years theme is "films with characters who overcome in surmountable odds to prove that they are right and the rest of the world is wrong." Now while this one for sure has insurmountable odds, I don't remember where Keanu proves the rest of the world wrong in The Matrix . As always, seating is first come, first serve and the popcorn is free!
Date: Tuesday, July 31st Time: 7:00pm Location:McCarren Pool, Lorimer St. Wburg (btw Driggs and Bayard) Cost: Free
"So, you know what UFO's are right?" "No, I don't Carl, what are they?" "Time Machines." That's right, the Summerscreen series continues as Volkswagen and the L Magazine present a series of weekly free movies over in Williamsburg's treasured McCarren Park Pool, and tonight's feature is the incredible and amazing Repo Man. I promise not to recite the dialogue along with the movie too loud, this was a big one in high school. VW owners bring your keys for a free goodie bag. Check here for the full schedule.
