Date: Wednesday, January 2nd Time: 8:00pm Location: Mannahatta (316 Bowery at Bleeker St) Cost: Free with can food donations
This is a pretty serious treat for all you dance heads out there as the annual Yes We Can Can food drive party bring some of the city's finest hip hop, house, and reggaeton DJs together for a good cause. Tony Touch - the only man who can make reggaeton sound fresh time and time again, Bobbito Garcia, Rick Medina, and Little Louie Vega (Masters at Work) each hold their own as pioneers in New York nightlife. Tonight you get them all - for free! Expect spontaneous, dance inducing music all night long. Icing on the cake includes live drumming by Agape Drum Collective, live painting by Pesu, Masa, & Others, plus appearances by Crazy Legs (Rock Steady Crew), Danny Castro (Lyricist Lounge), and Voodoo Ray (Sweet Tooth)... whew... get prepared to sweat.
Date: Wednesday, January 2nd Time: 10:00pm Location: Ottos Shrunken Head (538 West 14th Street near Avenue B) Cost: Free
You've got mixes, remixes, covers, samples, everyone is stealing and borrowing and reinterpreting from one another, so why shouldn't there be a night dedicated to such unoriginal creativity. Copycat is a night of cover songs, remixes and all the hits with DJ Xerox. Live sets by The Vesties & The WMDs. 21+
Date: Thursday, January 3rd Time: 10:00pm Location: 205 Club (205 Chrystie St) Cost: Free
Apparently not only is tonight the "ultimate rave challenge" between Brooklyn, London and LA, but its also Blu Jemz and rave on Lisa's birthday. Not a bad Thursday night plan.
Looking to shack up? Well you better do it tonight because after tonight The Shack Up ships out. DJs Paulie and Broc Hudson spin 80s, indie, brit pop, freestyle and dance jams all night long to keep you moving.
Date: Thursday, January 3rd Time: 11:00pm Location: Hiro Ballroom (371 W16th St. at 9th Ave.) Cost: Free Open Bar Lucky Beer 11:00pm - 12:00am
Tonight legendary French producer Mr. Oizo is spinning at Hiro Ballroom. Mr. Oizo has been strongly associated with the recent success of Ed Banger Records, especially Uffie (for whom he supplies much of the music). He is one of the most well established of the French electro producers and has been producing great dance music ever since. Also DJing tonight Spencer Product. (From GBH) Plus a Lucky Beer open bar for the early birds.
It's the last of the last, as this weekend is the end of the photo exhibit highlighting the end of Coney Island as we know it. "440 Gallery hosts the solo exhibit 'Coney Island: The Lost Horizon' by street photographer Lara Wechsler. Wechsler's color images of present day scenes from Brooklyn's fading fantasy emporiums were shot during the past summer and document the diversity of its laid back populace. Wechsler focuses not so much on the gritty backdrop of peeling signs and chaotic carnival architecture but turns her lens instead on Coney Island's human soul. Here are families escaping the heat of the city for an outing by the sea with easy access to games, rides and food. There are flying leaps into blue water, blurred laughter on a ride and fishermen silhouetted against the evening sky. "
Date: Friday, January 4th Time: 8:30pm - 9:30pm Location: Triangulo (35 West 20th, #301 btw 6th and 7th Ave) Cost: Free
What do I love more than a dance class? For something a little different tonight check out a free absolute beginner workshop in Argentine tango. "Featured in Vogue, the National Herald Tribune, and The Economist, Triangulo specializes in Argentine tango, the original, more intimate predecessor to international ballroom-style tango. Founder Carina Moeller is a professional dancer with training in modern dance and ballet who has worked and studied with such tango greats as Fabian Salas, Pablo Veron, and Mingo Pugliese. Known for her engaging and precise teaching style, Carina creates a stress-free atmosphere that is particularly appealing to novice dancers."
Date: Friday, January 4th Time: 10:00pm Location: Le Royale (21 7th Ave at Leroy) Cost: Free with RSVP
So here you go. Take the old Luke and Leroy (previous home of Bugjuice, Rated X, and a slew of other debaucherous events) slap some new owners on it and a new paint job and you've got Le Royale (get it, Leroy... Le Roy... Le Royale!) Well, as long as they kept the Bar Mitzvah lighting upstairs we're cool with it and there's no better way to break in the updated space then with tonight's Robot Rock Wire Season 5 Jump off. What that means to you is that Aaron LaCrate, Debonair Samir and the Milkcrate Athletics crew are bringing a B-More onslaught to the decks with a couple live MCs in tow.
Date: Friday, January 4th Time: 11:00pm Location: Don Hill's (511 Greenwich St) Cost: $3 with Print Out, $5 w/o
The Mondo Party kicks off 2008 tonight with their first party of the year. The indie dance party happens the first and third Friday of every month at Don Hill's. Miss Modular, Dr. Maz, and Kevington spin an array of indie rock, outré pop, retro, punk and dance. Plus tonight you get a live performance from The Pains of Being Pure at Heart.
Date: Saturday, January 5th and Sunday, January 6th Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm Location: City Park All 5 Boroughs Cost: Free
Its so sad to walk down the street and see the skeletons of what were once glorious Christmas Trees discarded and forgotten by the roadside! Don't let this happen to your once beloved, living, breathing pine! Bring your tree to Mulchefest at local parks throughout the five boroughs where your tree can get chipped, brought home as mulch for your own garden and hopefully spawn new little trees! Click here for a full list of participating parks.
Date: Saturday, January 5th Time: 7:00pm - 10:00pm Location: 205 Club (205 Chrystie St) Cost: Free
The Canal Chapter and East Pleasant Pictures present new works of Ron Beach Jr. and Adam Krueger in Better Version of Me. The exhibit features the work of Beach and Krueger as painters and their installation inhabits the gallery environment with complete congruity. Video of the the installment becomes a vital part of the exhibition, chronicling the process, progress and frustrations of the collaborations. The film blurs the line between what is real and what is not. "Through painting, installation, sculpture, film, and performance the multimedia exhibition brings attention to the overpowering presence of the artistic persona in the construction of contemporary art and their processes." For a look at the exhibit you can check out some clips at AdamandRon.com. The work looks really interesting and the film looks totally hilarious. We definitely recommend you check this one out. Tonight is the opening reception and the show runs through the 27th.
Date: Saturday, January 5th Time: 10:00pm Location: Heathers (506 E. 13th Street) Cost: Free
If you are totally over the typical "hip hop" parties where all you hear is top 40 and you must mind the dress code, check out Shake at Heathers tonight. Old school hip hop mash ups with R&B and soul at this no-frills, laid back dance party. There is no dress code so feel free to rock your Pumas and Adidas.
Date: Saturday, January 5th Time: 11:00pm Location: Lotus (409 West 14th) Cost: Free
Not only is tonight another installment of Changez Le Beat at Lotus, but it's also FreeNYC's favorite DJ, DJ Morsy's Birthday Banger! Marc-Alan Gray, Sujinho, June D and of course Morsy spin indie, pop, baile funk, and electro. Be sure to step to the vip line and say that you are there for Changez Le Beat downstairs. Happy Birthday Morsy!
Date: Saturday, January 5th and Sunday, January 6th Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm Location: City Park All 5 Boroughs Cost: Free
Its so sad to walk down the street and see the skeletons of what were once glorious Christmas Trees discarded and forgotten by the roadside! Don't let this happen to your once beloved, living, breathing pine! Bring your tree to Mulchefest at local parks throughout the five boroughs where your tree can get chipped, brought home as mulch for your own garden and hopefully spawn new little trees! Click here for a full list of participating parks.
Date: Sunday, January 6th Time: 1:00pm Location: Williamsburg BQE Overpass (465 Graham Avenue at Meeker St.) Cost: Free
You "are once again invited to participate in Brooklyn's Three King's Day costume parade down the Avenue of Puerto Rico. Some examples of appropriate costumes are monks, kings, angels, shepherds, animals (horses, sheep camels...), etc. Two hours after the parade ends the three kings will distribute gifts to children under 12 who marched in the parade. La Parada de los "Tres Reyes Magos" has been a New York tradition since 1997. More than 150,000 people attend this annual celebration on the 1st Sunday of each January. The Parade not only maintains Latin culture & traditions it also distributes over 3,000 toys to participating children. The parade is based on the biblical story of the journey of three wise kings: Melchor, Balthazar & Gaspar who traveled from Africa, The Middle East & The Orient (respectively) to give gifts to the Messiah. The Epiphany is a holiday celebrated in many Latin American countries where children & adults exchange gifts."
Date: Sunday, January 6th Time: 10:00pm Location: Sin Sin (248 East 5th St) Cost: Free
If you are looking for a little action for your Sunday night check out Sex Kitten at Sin Sin. DJs Xerox and Boogotz bring you a night of raunchy rock, sleazy electro and dirty disco. Plus go-go dancers keep things moving!
Time for another installment of the bi-monthly film series at Barbes tonight. Brooklyn Independent Film Series offers screenings of shorts and features the first and third Monday's of the month. On the agenda this evening is Deconfliction, a short about a man dissatisfied with his gender who spends most of his life amassing a huge stockpile of military relics as a masculine bulwark against his conflicted identity and eventually has to reveal his true feelings to family and friends. The feature is Tierney Gearon: The Mother Project, a film which follows this exceptional artist over the course of three years as she assembles her most daring and emotionally complex body of work to date: a series on her manic-depressive schizophrenic mother. The mixture of art and family can almost be too close for comfort, but like much of Gearon’s photographs there is a subversive beauty that emerges from the incongruity between ordinary moments and madness.
Date: Mondays Time: 9:00pm - 10:00pm Location: Pine Tree Lodge (326 E. 35 St. btw 1st and 2nd Aves) Cost: Free
Joe Dixon and Calvin Cato give you a short dose of comedy at this weekly evening of "comedians who've been doing it for a while and those just starting out."
Date: 1st and 3rd Mondays Time: 10:00pm Location: Lucky 13 Saloon (273 13th Street at 5th Ave, Park Slope) Cost: Free
Burlesque can be hit or miss but sometimes its the perfect way to ease into the work week. "The 1st & 3rd Monday of every month the Lucky 13 Saloon presents Original Cyn, New York's finest up-and-coming burlesque performers in a thrillingly rowdy venue. Along with a host of fresh and sizzling guest performers there are monthly performances by the relentlessly creative Miss Mary Cyn and the unflinchingly fabulous Reckless Abandon... Original Cyn is a roller coaster of hot girls, new blood and extreme debauchery."
Date: Monday, January 7th Time: 10:00pm Location: Supreme Trading (213 N. 8th St, Williamsburg) Cost: Free
Something new for your Mondays... "RSVP is a unique night of music and drinks, catering especially to those in creative industries [artists / performers / musicians / and bartenders ]. The music can range from live blues or nu-jazz, to cutting edge djs playing the latest in dubstep, hip hop, neo-soul and breaks."
Date: Tuesday, January 8th Time: 7:00pm Location: Virgin Megastore Union Square Cost: Free
This week must be the week of in-store performances (see tomorrow's Sia post). Today the London singer Kate Nash gives us a preview of her sold out show at Bowery Ballroom as she performs and signs albums at Virgin Megastore in Union Square. As always space is limited so show up early.
Date: Tuesdays in January Time: 8:00pm Location: Karl's Klipper (40 Bay St, Staten Island) Cost: Free
Normally I wouldn't recommend hopping the Staten Island ferry in the middle of winter for a film festival. But seeing how we are hitting 60º temps on the regular, I'm thinking an after work cruise by the Statue of Liberty followed by a free mini-film festival is a nice night out. Just a block of the ferry tonight, check out the second annual BillDance, a collection of films on music and dance. 21+
Date: Tuesdays Time: 8:30pm - 10:00pm Location: Lazy Catfish (593 Lorimer St at Conselyea) Open Bar: PBR & Hot Dogs, 8:30-10
Not sure if there's music or DJs but there are always board games and Galaga to play. Plus, with free PBR and hot dogs, and $1 wells from 10-11 afterwards this is pretty much a sure fire cheap night out.
Date: Tuesdays Time:10:00pm Location:Happy Ending (302 Broom St) Cost: Free Open Bar: Well Vodka, 11:30-12
Happy Ending is always good for a little late night booze-fest and tonight is no exception. Dirty Disco mixes all the sounds the kids are diggin' these days... or in 1987... disco (duh), brit pop, indie, and new wave. While this will never replace the insanely debaucherous Sh!t Hammered weekly where I once saw 4 Hassids shoot tequila while 2 lesbians made out on a bed in the middle of the dance floor - it should still prove to be a good time. 21+
Free booze, free bowie, and free glam make-overs at the only NYC party to protest its love for Mr. Stardust on a regular basis. It kicks off with an open bar (and bowie) and then goes glam all night long. There's even a live band in the basement each week but that'll cost you $6. 21+
Date: Wednesday, January 9th Time: 12:00pm; 4:00pm; 7:00pm Location: Starbucks Astor Place; Apple Store SoHo; Virgin Megastore Union Square (respectively to above times) Cost: Free
I am a huge fan of Sia! For those of you who don't know her, she is the vocalist you hear belting it out for Zero 7, as well as having put out a number of her own releases. Yesterday she released her third full length album, and today she is traveling around Manhattan in a pink tour bus to show off her vocal talents for free! Seriously, if you don't know who she is check her out today at one of the three in-stores performances listed above.
Date: Wednesday, January 9th Time: 8:00pm Location: Union Hall (702 Union St.) Cost: Free
Time for another trip to science class kids! But you know the special kind of science class, the kind with a bar! This month at Secret Science Club, Princeton astrophysicist David Spergel lands his rocket at Union Hall tonight and helps you dive head first into Dark Matter.
Date: Wednesday, January 9th Time: 9:00pm Location: Donna Da Vine Wine Bar (378 Atlantic Ave at Hoyt St, BoCoCa) Cost: Free
Concrescence - Brooklyn's premier group of soft-textured, livetronic musicians - presents a relaxed evening of live performances tonight at BoCoCa's Donna Da Vine Wine Bar. "Three improvising musicians with their instruments and their laptops acoustic cello, baritone guitar and voice, looped and manipulated by computers electronic and mouth-made beats alongside textures and grooves this is live, improvised electronic / acoustic music." Featuring Cosmo D & Greg Heffernan (cello + laptop), Ben Codec (voice / beats + laptop) & Bryannoll (guitar + laptop). 21+
Date: Wednesday, January 9th Time: 9:00pm Location: Heathers (506 East 13th St at A) Cost: Free
Dan Selzer and Jeremy Campbell bring a new, laid back, vibe to their their regular haunt for lovers of italo electro dirty disco. This week, instead of dance beats, the boys bring their favorite ambient tracks, laid back beats, and an overall downtempo vibe. 21+
The Taste Crew continues their take over at 205 this week. Tonight they bring in Free The Robots for a live set and their NYC city debut. "Free the Robots tread on that line like some tightrope performers, and manage to pull off the trick on every track here, balancing breakbeats, psychedelia, hip hop and electronic elements like it's nothin" (Turntablelab). Joining them upstairs is resident DJ, DJ Equal. And holdin' down downstairs is Brookly Bounce's Stimulou & Dhundee spinning Breakbeat, Hip Hop, Electronic, Broken Beat, Dance.
Date: Wednesday, January 9th Time: 10:00pm Location: The Delancey (168 Delancey St. at Attorney) Cost: Free Open Bar: 12:00am - 1:00pm
Ill Party Wednesdays are already underway in 2008. Tonight resident DJs Ill P and and Teddy King take to the tables. They are joined by Madame Turk and fresh from his European tour, Tes Uno rocking a classic freestyle set! Plus open bar from 12 to 1.
Date: Wednesday, January 9th Time: 10:00pm Location: The Annex (152 Orchard Street) Cost: Free with RSVP Open Bar: Zygo, 11pm - gone
While a lot of partys are taking things to the softer side tonight, High Voltage is starting 2008 off with their patented brand of dirty electro that's guaranteed to get you through that "damn the holiday is over and now I'm back at work and this week is sooooo long" slump. Personal favorite Alexander Technique of the DJs are Not Rockstars crew is a guest on the tables and he's a straight up crowd mover so get there early for the free energized vodka and stay late to dance like no one is watching. 21+
Date: Thursday, January 10th Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm Location: Kyle Kauffman Gallery (355 West 39th Street) Cost: Free
The often-unrepresented world of contemporary South African art gets its due at the Kyle Kauffman Gallery tonight with the opening of Regenration, a group show including works by William Kentridge, Marlene Dumas, Nontsikelelo ‘Lolo’ Veleko, and more. "These artists represent the latest generation of artists working in South Africa today. Regeneration brings to the forefront young artists, such as Halter and Veleko, whose fresh and unique aesthetic voices have expanded the narrative of 20th century African art. Moreover, the exhibition includes new acquisitions and the most recent work by established artists such as William Kentridge, which demonstrate the way contemporary masters are forever reinvigorating and reinventing their practices."
The Kyle Kauffman Gallery, the newest addition to the red-hot art scene in New York City, is located between Chelsea and Hells Kitchen. The focus of this space is to exhibit the highest quality artwork by both established and emerging artists from Africa and from the African Diaspora. By doing so, the Kyle Kauffman Gallery provides a unique perspective on the vast and ever-emerging contemporary art scene by presenting new and exciting examples of the cultural and aesthetic production of Africa, the area of the world almost completely neglected by most art galleries and cultural institutions. Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 12 – 6 pm and by appointment
Date: Thursday, January 10th Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm Location: Susan Inglett Gallery (534 West 22nd Street) Cost: Free
I've got to give props to Hope Gangloff who's been holding down the visuals of MyOpenBar since they had any visuals at all. Each week she pumps out a concise visual commentary on the underbelly of LES nightlife. See what happens when she leave the pixels behind and takes things to paper at her second solo show in Chelsea tonight. Adjacent to her work is a show by Blaze Lamper who I know nothing about but has a name like Hamptons porn star and thats okay by me.
"Sam Friedman and Phil Lubliner have created a totally original presentation inspired by anecdotes from the artists' juvenile alter-egos, Peter G. Susquehanna and Goodwyn K. Des Plaines. The paintings and typographic installations are a collaborative effort linking their two characters through conversational story telling and geographical content shown through this final stage of visual interpretations. Sam Friedman and Phil Lubliner are two of the most talented and exciting artists to come out of Brooklyn. Their work has been shown at the Proposition Gallery in Chelsea, 222 Gallery in Philadelphia and McCaig-Welles Gallery in Williamsburg. Their commercial illustrations have been published in the The New Yorker, The Village Voice, The New York Times, The Stranger, Arkitip and Good Magazine." Tonight is the opening and the exhibit will be no view at The Riviera through February 2nd.
Date: Thursday, January 10th Time: 7:00pm Location: Stay (244 East Houston) Cost: Free
Tonight the Stay Lounge is kickin' off 2008 with some of the finest from NYC and San Francisco. DJ’s Unkle Chip and Djayjungy hold it down for the east side while the Bay Area is reped by Ant-One and $ir Tipp. Plus giveaways from Fatlace, Atmos, Sugar Headquarter, Wealthy Hostage and Hellz Bellz.
Date: Thursday, January 10th Time: 8:00pm Location: Lucky Cat (245 Grand St, W'burg) Cost: Free
"Crisis and Hysteria: An Evening of Solo Shows" comprises Syd Bernstein's comic literary revue "Infinite Earths: One Man's Crisis" and Eve Butler's "Hystery," a narrative monologue about vibrators and Victorian medicine. To be honest have no clue what the connection is between vibrators and Victorian medicine, but I bet it's pretty hilarious!
Date: Thursday, January 10th Time: 8:00pm Location: Anthology Film Archives (32 2nd Ave at 2nd St) Cost: Free
Longing for summer... where you can play in the park all day and the weather is warm... er... um... anyway... Relive those glory days of the 2004 McCarren Park concert series tonight with this documentary screening on the whole thing and find out how it really went down.
"Tonight is the ultimate face off of hippy and the yuppie in a night comedy and booze. It should be an exciting event that will get you wasted as well as getting rolling on the ground with laughter. There will be three comedians including Gabe Liedman who will be the Moderator, for the Hippies will be Max Silvestri and for the Yuppy will be Lang Fisher. The only way to find out is to show up and be a part of the fun." 21+ [via WUNY]
Flora Fauna is a new party in Williamsburg promoting green living, world music vibes and of course and organic drinks. Described as a "fun and relaxing environment through both indoor and outside spaces that combine down-to-earth simplicity with modest elegance. DJs Sherock and Onda Skillet spin world beat and original mixes. Party hard and leave only small carbon footprints.
Date: Thursday, January 10th Time: 10:00pm Location: Hugs (108 N 6th St, W'burg) Cost: Free
Looking for some nice hugs in 2008? This may help. Hug It Out is a new party the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month featuring Cobra Krames and Rok One and Jaclyn of The Bangers. They promise you club house classics, basement bangers, parking lot anthems, all the jams you love, and ample amounts of hugs and kisses!
Date: Friday, January 11th Time: 3:00pm Location: Danspace Project (131 East 10th Street at 2nd Ave) Cost: Free
"Contemporary American dancer, Richard Siegal, a leading member of Germany’s renowned Ballett Frankfurt (William Forsyth, dir.), returns to his homeland with a venturesome new effort produced by his own company, The Bakery. By marrying his disciplined mobility with the magnetic performance of leading French cellist, Eric-Maria Couturier, Siegal boldly explores the depths of Zoltan Kodaly’s fascinating sonata."
Date: Friday, January 11th Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm Location: Apple Store Soho (103 Prince St) Cost: Free
Get the chance to peek into the mind of a one of today's hottest filmmakers as Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind Director and personal hero Michel Gondry pops by the Apple store to discuss his newest "Be Kind, Rewind." Trailer below...
Date: 2nd and 4th Fridays Time: 7:00pm Location: Whitney Museum (945 Madison Avenue at 75th Street) Cost: pay-what-you-wish
"Fun, bold and unpredictable, Whitney Live showcases an eclectic variety of cutting-edge performers." Tonight features Marisela La Grave's New York based inter media art company MAGNETIC LABORATORIUM "Choreographed specifically for the Whitney's Lower Gallery, POLIS 07 uses urban scenes to explore contemporary human existence. A live performance adaptation of part of the video trilogy Lexington Recordings, the soundtrack enters and exits the performance space with a precise, cinematic structure." All Ages
MAGNETIC LABORATORIUM is an interdisciplinary group of artists who create limited edition video, sound, photography and art performances. Led by Caracas-born director Marisela La Grave, the group utilizes public and private spaces to explore the connections between different mediums.
Date: Friday, January 11th Time: 9:30pm Location:Rubin Museum of Art (150 West 17th Street bet. 6th and 7th Ave) Cost: Free with $7 bar minimum
"BRAINWAVE is an extravaganza of art, music, and ideas running from January to June 2008. BRAINWAVE asks how art, music, and meditation affect the brain and offers countless answers in more than a hundred public events, ranging from contemporary art shows to a cinema series to cutting-edge concerts, performances, talks, and panels." Tonight is their weekly screening series and it features the Cold War paranoia classic Manchurian Candidate. Much better then the remake (and has a great poster design) so check the trailer below if you need to be convinced.
Date: Friday, January 11th Time: 10:00pm Location: The Royale (506 5th Ave, P'Slope) Cost: Free
Start the new year off on a good foot with the Good Foot. Tonight, DJs Morsy, Jess Jubilee and Crooked Disco alum, DJ Tameil, take to the tables at The Royale. Should be a fun night, so stop by and say hello!
Date: Friday, January 11th Time: 10:00pm Location: Pacha (618 W. 46th Street) Cost: Free with RSVP
Regular readers know my love for Derrick May. In an age where most DJs are trying to emulate that guy who got cool 3 months ago, Derrick has been pioneering his own sound since the 80s. Along with Juan Atkins and Kevin Saunderson, Derrick is one of the godfathers of techno music and a legend in his own right. Lately he's been pioneering a mix soulful tech-house he calles "Hi-Tek-Soul" so catch a glimpse tonight at NY's premier superclub (popped collar and bottle service not included)
You can pretty much put the works "old skool uk breakbeat" on any flyer and I will jump at it. There's a soft spot in my heart for that brief pre-drum and bass period in electronic music history where everything was still mashed together in one room. Think old school DB and Dara, Baby D, or maybe some Jumpin Jack Frost and you know what I am talking about. If not, then get a lesson tonight as the Riff Raff crew bring some basement beat love to Midway. Its an old skool vs nu-rave deal tonight so you'll get a nice bit of comparison. Featuring Tater with MC Metz (riff raff crew, nyc), Dopewerewolf (stabwounds, nyc), & Kimann Foxman (hercules & love affair).
Date: Saturday, January 12th Time: 2:00 - 3:00pm Location: MF Gallery (157 Rivington St. btw Clinton and Suffolk) Cost: Free
This afternoon is another installment of The Lower Eastside Girls Club Saturday Performance Series. Now in its second year, the weekly series is open to the public, free-of-charge and featuring all-women line-ups of musicians, singer-songwriters, MC’s and poets. "This project is dedicated to upholding the Girls Club’s mission of offering free and innovative cultural programming to Girls Club members, connecting the Girls Club to the greater community, and supporting women in the arts." Today's performance features Marty McConnell and Rebecca Hart.
Date: Saturday, January 12th Time: 3:00pm Location: Foley Square (bet. Centre St & Lafayette) Cost: Free
Alright... I'm calling it right now that this, the 7th Annual No Pants Subway ride is going to be a mess. We list this all the time and after previous debocles, kept it hush hush last year. Well, this year its EVERYWHERE... I bet the Times even listed it. So, since its an awesome event... here it is... "So in the summertime one of the grossest things (for girls at least), is when you sit down on the train in your little mini skirt and then the backs of your legs touch and get stuck to the plastic seat. Bleugh! Gross! Who knows what kind of substances have been on that seat. So if for some reason you really like that feeling or you just like public nudity, take your pants off today for the 7th Annual No Pants! Subway Ride. The only requirements are that you are willing to strip down on the subway and that your able to keep a straight face about it." More below...
When: Saturday, January 12 at 3:00 PM, Sharp! (Over by around 5:30)
Where: Meet at Foley Square at the black sculpture/fountain. It’s near the Brooklyn Bridge 6 train stop, between Centre and Lafayette, just north of Duane. ( Google Map)
Bring: A backpack and a metro card.
Do not bring: A camera (don’t worry we are taking pictures)
Wear: Normal winter clothes (hat, gloves, etc)
Complete logistics below:
HOW IT WORKS
We will assemble in Foley Square at 3 PM. Please be on time. Feel free to be early.
When we’re organized, we will all head down to the Brooklyn Bridge 6 Train stop together. Do not talk to others once you enter the subway system. No one knows each other. We will wait for a train to arrive on the uptown side of the tracks and all board our assigned cars (follow your team leader)....
Sit in the car as you normally would. Read a magazine or whatever you would normally do. Your team leader will have already divided you into smaller groups, assigning your group a specific stop where you will depants. Sit near your group.
As soon as the doors shut at the stop before yours, stand up and take your pants off and put them in your backpack. If you’d like to use a briefcase, purse, grocery bag, or whatever instead of a backpack that’s fine too. You are responsible for your own pants and they should be with you at all times. If anyone asks you why you’ve removed your pants, tell them that they were “getting uncomfortable” (or something along those lines.)
Exit the train at your assigned stop and stand on the platform, pantless. This is a new change for No Pants 2k7. You will wait on the platform for the next 6 train to arrive. Stay in the exact same place on the platform so you enter the next train in the same car as you exited the last train.
When you enter , act as you normally would. You do not know any of the other pantless riders. If questioned, tell folks that you “forgot to wear pants” and yes you are “a little cold”. Insist that it is a coincidence that others also forgot their pants. Be nice and friendly and normal.
We will exit the train at 125th street. Pay attention so you don’t miss this stop. We will then repeat the mission back down to Union Square.
You can wear fun underwear if you like, but nothing that screams out “I wore this because I’m doing a silly stunt.” Wear two pairs of underwear if it makes you feel more comfortable. Don’t wear a thong or anything else that might offend people. Our aim is to make people laugh, not piss them off."
Date: Saturday, January 12th Time: 12:00pm - 9:00pm Location: LeNell's (416 Van Brunt Street b/t Coffey & Van Dyke, Red Hook) Cost: Free
Leave it to LeNell's, our favorite liquor store that we are too lazy to head out to, to bring another fantastic tasting. This weekend its all about Apple Brandy, the perfect accompiement for a nice warm evening in front of the fire place radiator. These guys know there booze so you'll have the chance to learn about Calvados, Apple Jack, and various other apple brandies. What a lovely way to spend an afternoon in the winter! Continues Sunday.
Date: Saturday, January 12th Time: 6:30pm - 10:00pm Location: Giant Robot (437 East 9th St btw. 1st Ave & Ave A) Cost: Free
Please don't go to this show. I've been trying to knab some of Bwana Spoons art for a while and it seems that I can't make it to openings on time lately. Okay, how about you just come late, like 8:00pm so I can swoop in and get my goods. No? I didn't think so. What am I talking about?... "Spoons is a Portland-based artist whose freewheeling style was developed under the influence of underground comics, '60s rock posters, and Japanese rubber monster movies. Starting out with stapled-and-folded zines like My Friend the Micronaut and Ain't Nothing Like Fucking Moonshine in the early '90s, Spoons has become a regular in the Northwest street art and indie music scene. Endangered animals caught in mid-thought, kung-fu wizards with gravity-defying eyebrows, and swirling psychedelic backgrounds are only some of the elements found in the well-composed anarchy of his paintings and sculpture. He is also involved in the Grass Hut art collective and gallery. Although the show is called 'How to Dig a Hole', the new paintings, illustrations, and sculptures by Spoons actually address how to get out of one. 'What do I fill it with?' he asks. 'Blood, guts, tears, dirt, love, and paint.'"
Date: Saturday, January 12th Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm Location:Jonathan LeVine Gallery (529 W. 20th Street, 9E) Cost: Free
Come join three talented locals...
Target Practice, a solo exhibition will feature an exciting collection of new paintings and drawings by Jonathan Viner. In his newest body of work he delves into themes of vulnerability, power, and survival.
Separate Lives, a two-person exhibition will feature works by Esao Andrews and Xiaoqing Ding. Esao's work, full of dark and whimsical allegory is surreal, frightening and humorous all at once, his pieces are windows into an imaginative dream world. Xiaoqing, using silverpoint and pastels in vibrant hues, interprets timeless themes—yearning and fantasy— and are flavored with a special mixture of traditional Chinese Folklore, multi-culturally influenced mythology, and eroticism.
Show runs until February 9th, 2008.
More information below.
Target Practice, a solo exhibition will feature an exciting collection of new paintings and drawings by Jonathan Viner. This will be the artist’s second solo show at the gallery, and his largest exhibition to date. In his newest body of work he delves into themes of vulnerability, power, and survival. Working on smooth gessoed panels in oils, Viner builds his images gradually; layer upon layer, resulting in vividly detailed subjects and environments of remarkable depth and atmosphere. His repetition of visual motifs seem to link some paintings to others, in a nonlinear fashion.
Separate Lives, a two-person exhibition will feature works by Esao Andrews and Xiaoqing Ding. This will be the first time Andrews has shown at Jonathan LeVine Gallery. His work, full of dark and whimsical allegory is surreal, frightening and humorous all at once, his pieces are windows into an imaginative dream world. Xiaoqing Ding returns to the LeVine Gallery, using silverpoint and pastels in vibrant hues, her unique interpretation of timeless themes—yearning and fantasy—are flavored with a special mixture of traditional Chinese Folklore, multi-culturally influenced mythology, and eroticism.
Together, these three young New York-based artists will combine their talents, showcasing each of their distinctly creative voices.
Date: Saturday, January 12th Time: 7:00 - 10:00pm Location: MF Gallery (157 Rivington St. btw Clinton and Suffolk) Cost: Free
Aliens! Robots! And Monsters! Oh My! Beginning today the MF Gallery invites you to a Sci-Fi Art Show! All you sci-fi geeks rejoice and check out art by such strange creatures including Stephen Blickenstaff, Aya Kakeda, Daniel Kelly, Stacy Lande, Drew Maillard, Jesson Manukonda, Angie Mason, Jeff McMillan, Jeff Owens, Jonathan Rodriguez, Frank Russo, Martina Secondo, Nicole Steen, Joe Simko, Suckadelic and others. Show runs through February 16th.
Date: Saturday, January 12th Time: 8:00pm Location: World Financial Center (220 Vesey St.) Cost: Free
The New York Guitar Festival kicks off tonight with a performance of the "Royal Albert Hall" Project, which honors Bob Dylan’s May 17th, 1966 concert. Performing covers of Dylan’s songs in sequence from the original show will be Laura Cantrell, Stevie Jackson (Belle & Sebastian), Marshall Crenshaw, Oakley Hall, Nicole Atkins & Lenny Kaye, Jason Isbell, Jim Lauderdale, Toshi Reagon, Freeman (recently signed by RCA), Harry Manx & Kevin Breit, The Last Town Chorus/Megan Hickey, Jesse Harris, Richard Julian & Jim Campilongo, Kelly Joe Phelps, Chocolate Genius Inc. and others.
Date: 2nd and 4th Saturdays Time: 10:00pm Location: Supreme Trading (213 N. 8th St, Williamsburg) Cost: Free
Its been a minute since we talked about Sound Advice but that doesn't mean that the unstoppable all nigh DJ trio of Teenwold, Elsewhere, and Knomad have let up over these past few months. Every other week they run a marathon all night DJ set of eclectic dance tunes at this Williamsburg staple. Everything from soul to house to hip hop and beyond... its a straight up party y'all... always a good time. 21+
Date: Saturday, January 12th Time: 10:00pm Location: Ottoman (318 Grand St., W'burg) Cost: Free
Madame Turk is here from Miami this week with the simple goal of "wrecking havoc" at Riot 2.5 tonight. Expect to hear hip hop, dancehall and reggae all night. So put on ya dancin' shoes and head over to Ottoman.
Date: Sunday, January 13th Time: 12:00pm - 9:00pm Location: LeNell's (416 Van Brunt Street b/t Coffey & Van Dyke, Red Hook) Cost: Free
Leave it to LeNell's, our favorite liquor store that we are too lazy to head out to, to bring another fantastic tasting. This weekend its all about Apple Brandy, the perfect accompaniment for a nice warm evening in front of the fire place radiator. These guys know their booze so you'll have the chance to learn about Calvados, Apple Jack, and various other apple brandies. What a lovely way to spend an afternoon in the winter!
Date: Sunday, January 13th Time: 3:00pm Location: Apple Store SoHo (103 Prince St) Cost: Free
"Hailed as 'a folk-rock goddess' by Rolling Stone, KT Tunstall plays a provocative mix of heartfelt pop, rootsy electric blues, and left-field alt-folk. Join her for a live performance of songs from her most recent album, Drastic Fantastics. Seating is limited, so please be sure to arrive early."
Date: Sunday, January 13th Time: 6:30pm doors Location: China Club (268 West 47th Street) Cost: Free
In a 90-minute concert presentation "The Twelve begins where Jesus Christ Superstar leaves off. In this high-energy rock show, each one of Christ’s apostles is represented with a tribute to a different classic-rock icon such as: David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, U2, Tom Waits, Bruce Springsteen, Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, Aretha Franklin, and Janis Joplin. Heading the cast is Rob Evan, lead singer of The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and star of the Broadway shows Jekyll & Hyde, Les Miserables.
Date: Sunday, January 13th Time: 10:00pm doors Location: Pianos (158 Ludlow St) China Club (268 West 47th Street) Cost: Free
End the weekend with some electro pop as DreamFox - who sort of sound like the sugar-coated, 8-bit freak folk soundtrack to a My Little Pony movie guest staring Jem and the Holograms - woo you with their retro future synths. Andy D also performs live but I can't find anything out about him. It is rumored however that he "fancies himself the anachronistic love child of Punky Brewster and Lee Van Cleef." DJs spin 80s and such to round it out. 21+
Date: Monday, January 14th Time: 8:00pm Location: Living Theatre (21 Clinton Street) Cost: Free
The Living Theatre, America’s premiere activist theatre, presents a pair of play readings tonight. "Jersey Nights, based on a true story, is about the struggle against the German occupation of the Isle of Jersey during World War II on the part of two Jewish stepsisters, Claude Cahun and Suzanne Malherve. These women, French surrealist artists and lesbian lovers, lived in a self-contained, isolated existence. This play dramatizes the consequences of their resistance and their complex relationship to each other. Scars, by Mark Conrad, examines the relationship between mother and son in the afterlife." Both readings are free to the public on a first come first seated basis.
Date: Mondays Time: 9:00pm - 10:00pm Location: Pine Tree Lodge (326 E. 35 St. btw 1st and 2nd Aves) Cost: Free
Joe Dixon and Calvin Cato give you a short dose of comedy at this weekly evening of "comedians who've been doing it for a while and those just starting out."
Date: Monday, January 14th Time: 10:00pm Location: 205 (205 Chrystie at Stanton) Cost: Free with RSVP
Drop the Lime and The Caption of the Trouble and Bass crew forgo their trademark fair of bassline house, Baltimore, dubstep, etc. for an evening celebrating the roots of dance music. Northern Soul, Motown, Doo Wop, Rock-a-billy, Oldies and more are on the plate so dress up, get down, and enjoy! 21+
Date: Mondays Time: 10:00pm Location: South Side Speakeasy (245 South 1st St btw Havemayer and Roebling, W'burg) Cost: Free Open Bar: Well Vodka, 10-11
Pounded by enough Poison, Debbie Deb, and "Hit me on by Beeper" this weekend? Get back into the swing of things by downing some free vodka or $2 PBRs while listeing to "punk-rock anthems, some metal, and rockabilly all night." 21+
Date: Mondays Time: 10:00pm Location: 10-11 Bar (171 Ave. C btw 10th & 11th St.) Cost: Free Open Bar: Blood Red Shots when Slayer Plays
"A bar that pours everyone Slayer shots every time the house stereo system rains blood. (It rains blood approximately once per hour in these parts.)" [via MyOpenBar] 21+
Date:Tuesday, January 15th Time: 7:00pm Location: Hotel QT (125 W. 45th Street) Cost: Free with RSVP Open Bar 42 Below Vodka 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Bust out the bathing suit, it's time for the monthly installment of Love at Hotel QT. DJs Sabo and Aaron James spin along side resident VJs The Zuvaya Collective, plus digital slide presentation by The Frascone Brothers. Plus an hour and a half of free vodka! So get out the swim wear, forget its cold outside and take a dip in the pool!
Date: Tuesdays in January Time: 8:00pm Location: Karl's Klipper (40 Bay St, Staten Island) Cost: Free
Normally I wouldn't recommend hopping the Staten Island ferry in the middle of winter for a film festival. But seeing how we are hitting 60º temps on the regular, I'm thinking an after work cruise by the Statue of Liberty followed by a free mini-film festival is a nice night out. Just a block of the ferry tonight, check out BillDance, a collection of films on music and dance from an Elvis documentary to Brazilian Hip Hop. Tonight is a screening of Dorothea Carl’s Pausen Musik which translates from German into “Music Break”. This documentary tells the tale of a group of German students who within a week’s time create their own songs. They find the topics and lyrics. They work out musical ideas and record a CD.
Normally I wouldn't recommend hopping the Staten Island ferry in the middle of winter for a film festival. But seeing how we are hitting 60º temps on the regular, I'm thinking an after work cruise by the Statue of Liberty followed by a free mini-film festival is a nice night out. Just a block of the ferry tonight, check out the second annual BillDance, a collection of films on music and dance. 21+
In blockbuster movie world, this is the time of year where commercials make rediculous comments like "Best Movie of 2008" only 2 weeks into the year. Well, I am putting this one out there. Kimya Dawson's show tonight at Sound Fix is one of the best free shows you'll get to see this year. You may know her as half of the Moldy Peaches. You may know her as that distinct voice on the Juno Soundtrack (which tonight's show is in celebration of). You may simply know her as a 4-track goddess and one of the most honest expressions of the human condition in the music world today. Dawson's abilities to spin the vernacular into postcards of emotion set her aside from today's overproduced boy-bands and Aspartame coated songwriting. This is music at its core so catch her tonight (or at her Europa show tomorrow with a cover) before college radio pushes her out on the masses.
Date: Tuesdays Time: 8:30pm - 10:00pm Location: Lazy Catfish (593 Lorimer St at Conselyea) Open Bar: PBR & Hot Dogs, 8:30-10
Not sure if there's music or DJs but there are always board games and Galaga to play. Plus, with free PBR and hot dogs, and $1 wells from 10-11 afterwards this is pretty much a sure fire cheap night out.
Date: Tuesdays Time:10:00pm Location:Happy Ending (302 Broom St) Cost: Free Open Bar: Well Vodka, 11:30-12
Happy Ending is always good for a little late night booze-fest and tonight is no exception. Dirty Disco mixes all the sounds the kids are diggin' these days... or in 1987... disco (duh), brit pop, indie, and new wave. While this will never replace the insanely debaucherous Sh!t Hammered weekly where I once saw 4 Hassids shoot tequila while 2 lesbians made out on a bed in the middle of the dance floor - it should still prove to be a good time. 21+
Free booze, free bowie, and free glam make-overs at the only NYC party to protest its love for Mr. Stardust on a regular basis. It kicks off with an open bar (and bowie) and then goes glam all night long. There's even a live band in the basement each week but that'll cost you $6. 21+
Date: Wednesday, January 16th Time: Weekdays 10:00am - 7:00pm; Weekends 11:00am - 7:00pm Location: powerHouse Arena (37 Main Street at Water Street, Dumbo) Cost: Free
The powerHouse Arena, presents Windows on Main: The powerHouse boilerRoom a new gallery of 250 square feet frontage on Main Street. Visible from street level, the boilerRoom will be open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, allowing exhibiting artists maximum visibility in this hot young arts community. Opening January 16, The powerHouse boilerRoom in conjunction Ultimate Fighting Championship® with presents Octagon: Photographs by Kevin Lynch (which accompanies the release of the eponymous limited edition clothbound book). Lynch has photographed Ultimate Fighters in a series of photographs including before and after shots at fights.
Date: Thursday, January 17th Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Gallery Hanahou (611 Broadway, Suite 730) Cost: Free
Four years and over 450 images come off the web and into real life today at Gallery Hanahou. The exhibit is the physical incarnation of Der Bilderklub, a Berlin-based virtual community where professional illustrators share their visual lives, through personal drawings, sketches, and photographs on an everyday basis. Artists will include Tina Berning, LULU*, Julia Pfaller, Sascha Bierl, Maria Tackmann, Regina Heinlein, Gisela Goppel and more. The artwork will be exhibited as limited-edition 5"x5" prints, available for $12 each.
Date: Wednesday, January 15th Time: 7:30pm & 9:00pm Location: Donna Da Vine Wine Bar (378 Atlantic Ave at Hoyt St, BoCoCa) Cost: Free
FreeNYC's favorite violinist, Skye Steele, takes his quintet out for a quieter stroll tonight at Donna Da Vine's weekly live jazz event. They'll be playing two sets, sans drums for you to night while you relax and sip your nice tempranillo. "The Skye Steele Quintet has collected a menagerie of musical creatures from around the world and let them cross-breed to create a brood of exotic and enchanting new species only to be found in 21st-century Brooklyn. Erik Satie and John Coltrane discuss American politics, a Turkish wedding band ransacks Sesame Street, an olde Irish bard falls in love with a Persian princess, and much more. featuring Harel Shachal, Ben Cassorla, Mike Savino, John Hadfield and Satoshi Takeishi." 21+
Date: Wednesdays Time: 8:00pm Location:The Greenwich Treehouse (46 Greenwich Ave. bet. Perry & Charles St.) Cost: Free
Here's a new comedy weekly to spice up your hump day. Hadiya Robinson from BET's Comic View host come of the country's hottest up and comers as seen on
Comedy Central, Def Jam and Bad Boys of Comedy. 21+
Nothing like a free dose of Pornography to help spice up the week. This week's is aimed at the electro-disco crowd, with a special guest appearance by Chicago darling Alexander Bassett. Mike Dextro who has been a resident at Pianos for sometime now, also joins in the fun. Doesnt matter if its Electro, Baltimore, Techno, or Bangers, he'll keep you movin'. Also appearing live will be Kid Ginseng, playing to support his new 12". And as always resident DJ, Ole. No wonder they call it Pornography, there are a whole lotta dudes all doin it together in one room!
Date: Wednesday, January 16th Time: 10:00pm Location: Ottos Shrunken Head (538 West 14th Street near Avenue B) Cost: Free
You've got mixes, remixes, covers, samples, everyone is stealing and borrowing and reinterpreting from one another, so why shouldn't there be a night dedicated to such unoriginal creativity. Copycat is a night of cover songs, remixes and all the hits with DJ Xerox. Plus live sets tonight from Debbie Sassiver at 10pm and Melvis at 11pm playing Melvins songs matched with Elvis tunes.
This is a pretty sweet midweek dj treat for you as Turntable Lab's resident boogie-house heads, Snack and C'Mish, drop by the weekly Moonwalk party for an all vinyl set tonight. Aside from the vinyl MP3 junkies out there, these boys are still flying under the radar so tonight is a great chance to catch them on the local before the global scene picks them up. Equally talented residented Rezound and Cousin Cole balance out the 4X4 beats with Bmore, Ghetto Tech, and the like. 21+
Date: Thursday, January 17th Time: 8:00pm Location: The Canal Chapter (343 Canal Street, 4th Floor) Cost: Free
We told you about the opening of A Better Version of Me back on January 5th. The exhibit features the work of Ron Beach and Adam Krueger. Through painting, installation, sculpture, film, and performance the multimedia exhibition brings attention to the overpowering presence of the artistic persona in the construction of contemporary art and their processes." Video of the the installment becomes a vital part of the exhibition, chronicling the process, progress and frustrations of the collaborations. The film blurs the line between what is real and what is not. Tonight check out a special screening of the mockumentary to see how it all went down. To get a taste of what you can expect check out AdamandRon.com.
Video of the the installment becomes a vital part of the exhibition, chronicling the process, progress and frustrations of the collaborations. The film blurs the line between what is real and what is not. "Through painting, installation, sculpture, film, and performance the multimedia exhibition brings attention to the overpowering presence of the artistic persona in the construction of contemporary art and their processes." For a look at the exhibit you can check out some clips at AdamandRon.com. The work looks really interesting and the film looks totally hilarious. We definitely recommend you check this one out. Tonight is the opening reception and the show runs through the 27th.
Date: Thursday, January 17th Time: 9:00pm Location: Frank's Cocktail Lounge (660 Fulton in Ft. Green) Cost: Free
Not feeling up for a crazy party night? How 'bout you split the difference and check out The Movie Night Disco. Start with a movie, end with a disco. This month they're showing select episodes from the chronicles of Alan Partridge, as channeled by Steve Coogan (Tony Wilson in 24 Hour Party People.) And, inaugurating a series of special guest hosts, tonight is hosted by The Voice of Viva Radio, Ted Shumaker. And for the disco portion of the evening you've got DJ Tropical Jeremy.
Date:Thursday, January 17th Time: 10:00pm Location: Hiro (371 West 16th Street) Cost: Free Open Bar Lucky Beer 10:00pm - 11:00pm and 2-for-1 vodka drinks 2:00am - 3:00am.
Usually DJ Krames Hugs It Out on the 2nd and 4th Thursday's, but tonight he brings out the hugs for a special Thursday night at Hiro. Nick Catchdubs joins him on the tables and the two will definitely keep you moving all night long. Plus free Lucky beer from 10pm to 11pm and 2-for-1 vodka drinks for the late night kids from 2am to 3am.
Date: Thursday, January 17th Time: 10:00pm Location: The Oak Room at Warsaw (261 Driggs Ave., G'point) Cost: Free
There is nothing like bustin' a move with a belly thats about to bust! Tonight get a helping of house and acid classics from DJs Shawn, John Roberts and Gypsy Woman. Then get a plate full of delicious Polish food for only 5bucks including pierogi, kielbasa and potato pancakes.
Date: Friday, January 18th - Sunday January 20th Time: Fri & Sat 11:00am - 8:00pm; Sun 12:00pm - 7:00pm Location: Taschen New York (107 Greene St btw Prince and Spring) Cost: Free; book prices vary
This weekend is Taschen's bi-annual warehouse book sale. If you are looking to buy some art or design books, this is definitely the place to be as literally thousands of books will be sold at 50-75% off the cover price. In addition, there will also be a selection of rare and out-of-print Taschen books (like The Stanley Kubrick Archives, The Complete Works of Leonardo DaVinci, The Wood Book, REM Koolhaus’s Project on the City etc.) and discounted copies of the collector’s editions. You should be aware that many of these books are slightly damaged or display copies.
Date: Friday, January 18th Time: 9:00pm Location: Goodbye Blue Monday (1087 Broadway, Bushwick) Cost: Free
Goodbye Blue Monday was voted "Best Place to see Up and Coming Bands before They Embrace Their Own Hype" by the Village Voice this year. Tonight check out Andy D (at 11pm) and Macaque (at 12am) who have possibly already embraced their hype. It's free to get in but feel free to contribute to the bucket fund.
Date: Friday, January 18th & Saturday, January 19th Time: 9:00pm Location:Bam Café (Lafayette & Ashland, Ft. Greene) Cost: Free
"The Black Rock Coalition presents a weekend residency titled “Revolution as a Work in Progress, Part II: Children of the Revolution.” The weekend will feature a mixed-generation of musicians, singers, and poets performing from a songbook of protest music from the last 25 years." Founded in 1985 by guitarist Vernon Reid, journalist Greg Tate and producer Konda Mason in reaction to the constrictions that the commercial music industry places on Black artists, the BRC is a collective of artists, writers, producers, publicists, activists and
music fans assembled to maximize exposure and provide resources for Black artists who defy convention. To date, the BRC is the only national nonprofit organization dedicated to the complete creative freedom of Black artists.
Date: Friday, January 18th Time: 9:30pm Location:Rubin Museum of Art (150 West 17th Street bet. 6th and 7th Ave) Cost: Free with $7 bar minimum
"BRAINWAVE is an extravaganza of art, music, and ideas running from January to June 2008. BRAINWAVE asks how art, music, and meditation affect the brain and offers countless answers in more than a hundred public events, ranging from contemporary art shows to a cinema series to cutting-edge concerts, performances, talks, and panels." Tonight is their weekly screening series and it features Ken Russell's tripped out exploration of inner consciousness. Trailer below.
Date: Friday, January 18th Time: 10:00pm Location: Home Sweet Home (131 Chrystie St) Cost: Free before 11 Open Bar: Zygo, 11-12
The debaucherous, roudy dance party that is Trash (used to be at Rififi) is back and setting up shop at Home Sweet Home tonight. "Guest DJ Dances With White Girls joins the celebratation (DJ Jess and Alex Malfunction's collective birthday bash). With live cabaret at midnight, an uneven dancefloor and random acts of taxidermy on display (or at times in performance) this is easily the weekend party with the least liabilities and the most assets." [via MyOpenBar]
Date: Friday, January 18th Time: 10:00pm Location: Supreme Trading (213 N. 8th St at Driggs) Cost: Free
DJ Morsy and Cousin Cole drop by Supreme Trading to trade dance floor bangers all night. Expect their signature fair of 80s reworks, hip hop, baltimore, club, and assorted other dance stylings. 21+
Date: Saturday, January 19th Time: 10:30am Location: Chelsea Market (75 9th Avenue btw 15th and 16th) Cost: Free
As Kimya Dawson reminded us in Wednesday night that "babies like to sing too", here is another album that has been put out for the kiddies. FreeNYC parents bring your toddlers to see Princess Katie & Racer Steve, along with Judo Champ Billy & Crash The Drummer their cd, Fast & Feisty.
Date: Friday, January 18th - Sunday January 20th Time: Fri & Sat 11:00am - 8:00pm; Sun 12:00pm - 7:00pm Location: Taschen New York (107 Greene St btw Prince and Spring) Cost: Free; book prices vary
This weekend is Taschen's bi-annual warehouse book sale. If you are looking to buy some art or design books, this is definitely the place to be as literally thousands of books will be sold at 50-75% off the cover price. In addition, there will also be a selection of rare and out-of-print Taschen books (like The Stanley Kubrick Archives, The Complete Works of Leonardo DaVinci, The Wood Book, REM Koolhaus’s Project on the City etc.) and discounted copies of the collector’s editions. You should be aware that many of these books are slightly damaged or display copies.
Date: Saturday, January 19th - Sunday, January 20th Time: 12:00pm - 6:00pm Location: Hop Devil Grill (129 St. Marks Place bet 1st & A) Cost: Free entry
Strong beer is the name of the game this afternoon as the Hop Devil hosts a festival of strong ales akin with Mug's annual Barleywine festical. Over 15 beers of 8%+ alcohol will be on tap for the tasting. No better Sunday Brunch in my book. 21+
Date: Saturday, January 19th Time: 8:00pm Location: Dumbo Arts Center (30 Washington Street, Dumbo) Cost: Free
"The Dumbo Arts Center is pleased to announce the Charismatic Rally, to be presented by artist, Michael Weber and the Corporation for Public Good. The gallery event will promote the Interactive Social Contract, an experimental new form of government, philosophy and religion, developed to achieve the Biologically Ideal Social Form. Watch as six Charismats battle to become the supreme demagogue of the Interactive Social Contract, hear as they espouse the inherent truths revealed in the ISC, feel the excitement of having your own greatest desires for humanity repeated back to you in a new process called 'Mass Feedback Hypnosis'. The Interactive Social Contract is a web application, which automatically describes the Biologically Ideal Social Form via public input and voting. You can be sure your own opinions are adequately represented by participating at Vototron.com before coming to the rally."
Date: Saturday, January 19th Time: 10:00pm Location: Southside Speakeasy (245 S. 1st St. bet Roebling and Havemeyer, W'burg) Cost: Free
Djs Rut Roh and Soul Korea return to bring you more dance party madness with hiphop, funk, soul, house, whatever tickles their fancy and gets the people moving. Southside Speakeasy has some descent drink deals for a Saturday night. So should be a good Saturday night activity if you're looking to keep the party in the Burg tonight.
Date: Saturday, January 19th Time: 8:00pm Location: Knitting Factory NYC (74 Leonard St) Cost: Free
Tonight, catch a free screening of Rockabilly 514, an inside look at the unique rockabilly scene of Montreal, appropriately presented by Pabst Blue Ribbon. The film screens at 9pm with a short Q&A to follow. And then at 10:30pm Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. take to the stage.
Date: Saturday, January 19th Time: 9:00pm Location: K&M Bar (225 N 8th ST at Roebling, W'burg) Cost: Free
"Other Music's monthly listening party is back and on a new day. The party kicks off at 9PM, when we'll put on In the Future, the new, heavy psych-rock masterpiece from British Columbia's Black Mountain (out Tuesday, January 22nd on Jagjaguwar) followed by the much anticipated, self-titled debut album from Vampire Weekend (out Tuesday, January 29th on XL). Afterwards, Other Music DJs will take over the decks for the rest of the night. Of course, there'll be give aways (including posters, promos and a pair of tickets to Black Mountain's upcoming show at Bowery Ballroom on Friday, February 22nd), plus, $2 Amber Bock Draft Beer from 9 to 11PM and then $3 for the rest of the night." 21+
Date: Saturday, January 19th Time: 9:00pm Location: Laila Lounge (113 N. 7th St bet. Berry & Wythe, W'burg) Cost: Free
Someone out there loves you Smite. Loves you enough to tell us about your acoustic show tonight at Laila. That's the type of initiative we like to see here at FreeNYC... "Charting the development of Smite is an exercise in futility - this conglomeration of bizarrely diverse personalities has mastered the art of lateral evolution. In their hands, love songs become political manifestos, analogue synths become guitars, and human voices become distress signals. According to their patented genealogy, rock begets hip-hop, which in turn begets electronica, which begets jazz, which begets heavy metal, and ultimately implodes upon itself and becomes rock again. If Smite didn't seem so bent on convincing listeners that they're madmen, they'd almost surely be considered geniuses." Also performing ar Matthew Peverly and DJ Spanky. Video below... 21+
Date: Friday, January 18th - Sunday January 20th Time: Fri & Sat 11:00am - 8:00pm; Sun 12:00pm - 7:00pm Location: Taschen New York (107 Greene St btw Prince and Spring) Cost: Free; book prices vary
This weekend is Taschen's bi-annual warehouse book sale. If you are looking to buy some art or design books, this is definitely the place to be as literally thousands of books will be sold at 50-75% off the cover price. In addition, there will also be a selection of rare and out-of-print Taschen books (like The Stanley Kubrick Archives, The Complete Works of Leonardo DaVinci, The Wood Book, REM Koolhaus’s Project on the City etc.) and discounted copies of the collector’s editions. You should be aware that many of these books are slightly damaged or display copies.
Date: Saturday, January 19th - Sunday, January 20th Time: 12:00pm - 6:00pm Location: Hop Devil Grill (129 St. Marks Place bet 1st & A) Cost: Free entry
Strong beer is the name of the game this afternoon as the Hop Devil hosts a festival of strong ales akin with Mug's annual Barleywine festical. Over 15 beers of 8%+ alcohol will be on tap for the tasting. No better Sunday Brunch in my book. 21+
Date: Sunday, January 20th Time: 10:00pm Location: Beauty Bar (231 East 14th Street) Cost: Free Open Bar: Bass Ale 10:00pm - 11:00pm
Tonight The Bah Humbug crew presents I have a Scream, a pre-MLK Day dance blowout.
Its a long weekend for a lot of you, so come check out DJs Captain Heartlock spinning garage, mod and soul and Xerox spinning rock, indie and electro that is sure to keep you dancing all night. Plus free Bass from 10pm to 11pm!
"With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Date: Monday, January 21st Time: 10:30am Location: BAM Howard Gilman Opera House (30 Lafayette Avenue, Ft. Green) Cost: Free
"Marty Markowitz, the President of the Borough of Brooklyn, Medgar Evers of the City University of New York, and BAM invite you to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Also speaking will be United States Senator Charles E. Schumer, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, New York City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, and Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes. Enjoy songs and stories by soul and gospel legend Mavis Staples and performances by Gary Anglin and the Voices of CCC. At 1pm, there will be a free screening of At the River I Stand (1993) in BAM Rose Cinemas." [From BAM] Seating is first come, first served and likely to be extremely packed. Be sure to arrive early!
Date: Monday, January 21st Time: 1:00pm; 3:00pm; 5:30pm; 7:30pm; 9:30pm Location: Frederick P. Rose Hall Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center (Broadway at 60th Street, 5th Floor) Cost: Free
"Be a part of our musical community as we vibrantly swing in the tradition of non-violence, inclusion, and unity inspired by the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. — a man who brought hope and healing to all of America." At 1pm and 3pm catch The Gospel of Jazz with the Wycliffe Gordon Group Jazz at Lincoln Center's young lions of jazz, Middle School Jazz Academy, set the stage for a lively tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Then later on in the afternoon at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola the Jazz Tribute continues with Marc Cary and Friends plus very special guest Q-Tip!
Tonight at Brooklyn Independent Cinema Series check out a selection of short films from Wholphin DVD including a preview of the films from Issue number 5 . Wholphin is a quarterly DVD magazine from McSweeney's, with rare and unseen short films "designed to make you feel the way we felt when we learned that dolphins and whales sometimes, you know, do it." The film selection includes Two Cars, One Night, John 'Kung Fu' Wang, Chonto, Drunk Bees, Madame Tutli-Putli, and Piece by Piece.
Date: Mondays Time: 9:00pm - 10:00pm Location: Pine Tree Lodge (326 E. 35 St. btw 1st and 2nd Aves) Cost: Free
Joe Dixon and Calvin Cato give you a short dose of comedy at this weekly evening of "comedians who've been doing it for a while and those just starting out."
Check out another installment of Bloggers Delight tonight as the crew from electro-dance blog La Decadanse takes on curatorial duties of this week's show. Montreal's Numéro make their NYC debut with a live set of electro-pop goodness while genre-bending NYC transplants Sports take on DJ duties. These (3) boys are making waves on the local scene as of late so this is one of the more laid back places to catch them spin. FreeNYC Favoirite Jess Jubilee rounds out the night. All Ages.
Date: Monday, January 21st Time: 10:00pm Location: Sway (305 Spring St) Cost: Free Open Bar: 10:00pm - 11:30
United Trade Show swarms into town this week. In case you don't know, United is where all the boutique owners come to shop and fill up their stores with progressive street wear that's really pretty and that for the most part you can't afford. But that being said they also bring a ton of top notch parties. Tonight is the kick off party at Sway hosted and DJayed by Roxy Cottontail. Joining her on the tables will also be Chuck Inglish of The Cool Kids and DJ Equal of The Taste Crew. Also, get your copy of Urb as its their issue release party.
Date: Mondays Time: 11:00pm Location: Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (307 West 26th St.) Cost: Free with reservations
"Aziz Ansari (Rolling Stone's 'Hot Comic'), Rob Huebel (Curb Your Enthusiasm, Arrested Development), and Paul Scheer (Best Week Ever) are The Human Giant. Each week they present a collection of sketches, short films, and presentations that have all been pre-approved by the other 'human giant' - Michael Clarke Duncan. In addition, if anyone leaves the show unsatisfied, Mr. Duncan has agreed to go to the homes of Mr. Ansari, Mr. Huebel, and Mr. Scheer and personally beat the sh!t out of their family."
Date: Tuesday, January 22nd Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Rapture Cafe (200 Avenue A) Cost: Free
Nothing like a book dedicated to art of of sex writing. Tonight celebrate the book release party of Best Sex Writing 2008 with editor Rachel Kramer Bussel, along with contributors Rachel Shukert ("Big Mouth Strikes Again: An Oral Report"), Lux Nightmare ("The Pink Ghetto"), Miriam Datskovsky ("Absolut Nude") and Liz Langley ("Sex and the Single Septuagenarian"). Free refreshments will be served including cupcakes! Books will be available for sale and signing.
Date: Tuesdays in January Time: 8:00pm Location: Karl's Klipper (40 Bay St, Staten Island) Cost: Free
Normally I wouldn't recommend hopping the Staten Island ferry in the middle of winter for a film festival. But seeing how we are hitting 60º temps on the regular, I'm thinking an after work cruise by the Statue of Liberty followed by a free mini-film festival is a nice night out. Just a block of the ferry tonight, check out the second annual BillDance, a collection of films on music and dance. 21+
Date: Tuesday, January 22nd Time: 8:00pm - 11:00pm Location: Trinity Church (Broadway at Wall Street) Cost: Free
Tonight catch a screening of Oscar nominated filmmaker Oren Jacoby’s new documentary, Constantine’s Sword at Trinity Church on Wall street. The film is based on James Carroll’s 2001 controversial New York Times best selling book of the same name. Constantine’s Sword is the story of James Carroll, a former Catholic priest on a journey to confront his past and uncover the roots of religiously inspired violence and war. Following the screening Carroll will take questions from the audience. This event is free and open to the public. Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis so show up early. Trailer available here.
Let me ask you a question, if everyone knows about the MySpace Secret Shows, what makes them a secret??? Tonight Myspace presents Aesop Rock for free at Southpaw in Brooklyn! Joining him will be be Rob Sonic and DJ Big Wiz. Good news for all you little ones out there, the show is all ages! Since it is clearly not a secret and the entire city knows, you gotta show up way early and expect to stand in line a while if you hope to get in.
Date: Tuesday, January 22nd Time: 8:00pm - 3:00am Location: Hiro (371 W. 16th St.) Cost: Free Before Midnight
with RSVP
Live Mechanics, Complex Magazine and 42 Below Vodka have seriously packed this United Party with all the hip-rock-reggae you can handle. Headliner Biz Markie is joined by Roxy Cottontail, Kesh, DJ Treats, Marcus (of Rockers NYC), 77 Klash, Mickey Factz, Kid Cudi, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Game Rebellion, Jason O, Black Kryon, Livingroom Jonstion and Fly Lady D. Get there before midnight and get in free. Oh and be sure to RSVP.
Date: Tuesdays Time: 8:30pm - 10:00pm Location: Lazy Catfish (593 Lorimer St at Conselyea) Open Bar: PBR & Hot Dogs, 8:30-10
Not sure if there's music or DJs but there are always board games and Galaga to play. Plus, with free PBR and hot dogs, and $1 wells from 10-11 afterwards this is pretty much a sure fire cheap night out.
Date: Tuesdays Time:10:00pm Location:Happy Ending (302 Broom St) Cost: Free Open Bar: Well Vodka, 11:30-12
Happy Ending is always good for a little late night booze-fest and tonight is no exception. Dirty Disco mixes all the sounds the kids are diggin' these days... or in 1987... disco (duh), brit pop, indie, and new wave. While this will never replace the insanely debaucherous Sh!t Hammered weekly where I once saw 4 Hassids shoot tequila while 2 lesbians made out on a bed in the middle of the dance floor - it should still prove to be a good time. 21+
Date: Tuesday, January 22nd Time: 10:00pm - 4:00am Location: Cielo (18 Little West 12th St) Cost: Free with RSVP; $10 without Open Bar: Stella 10:00pm - 12:00am
Another United post to tell you about tonight. This one goes down at Cielo tonight with a ton of DJs to keep your Tuesday night moving way into the wee hours. The list is stellar and features Tim Sweeney, Egg Foo Young, Justin Carter, DJ Probus and Gypsy Bogdan. And if thats not enough you have two hours of free Stella from 10pm to midnight.
Free booze, free bowie, and free glam make-overs at the only NYC party to protest its love for Mr. Stardust on a regular basis. It kicks off with an open bar (and bowie) and then goes glam all night long. There's even a live band in the basement each week but that'll cost you $6. 21+
Please note that the Amanda Black / Spankrock DJ event originally listed as today is in fact tomorrow. Sorry for any confusion (I told you I was tired!)
Date: Wednesday, January 23rd Time: 9:00pm Location: Katra (217 Bowery) Cost: Free with RSVP Open Bar: Bass 9:00pm - 10:00pm, Rhum Clement 1:00am - 2:00am
Early this week we told you about the United Kick Off Party, and so tonight you may want to check out the after party, Straight Up, No Chaser.
Head over to Katra on Bowery for 2 floors of ass shakin', hip hop electro, funk, soul, breaks, house, mashups and reggae from DJs Complex, Iron Lyon, King Cut, Yamez and special guests Cobra Krames, and the tag team of Nugget & Zimmie. And you got 2 open bars with Bass from 9pm to 10pm and Rhum Clement from 1am to 2am. Plus there will be tons of free giveaways courtesy of exhibitors at the United Trade Show.
Date: Wednesday, January 23th Time: 10:00pm Location: The Annex (152 Orchard) Cost: Free with RSVP Open Bar: Zygo, 10-11
There must be a trade show in town because The Cool Kids are everywhere this week with their laid-back landlocked hipster hop. Tonight they trade the mics for the turntables with a special DJs at the electro-ladden High Voltage weekly. Residents DJ Dimitry and Prince Terrence join in with a bit of help from an open bar. 21+
Date: Thursday, January 24th Time: 6:00pm - 11:00pm Location: 87 Lafayette Street (bet. White & Walker) Cost: Free Open Bar: 6:00pm - 7:00pm and 10:00pm - 11:00pm
Downtown Community Television is NYC’s premiere resource for low-budget independent digital filmmakers. Tonight is their open house where you can learn about how DCTV helps filmmakers achieve their goals with media production workshops, services for independents, and an unforgettable party! Gift bags for the first 100 in attendance, tour the HDCAM Edit Suite and High-Def Camera Demo Room and special guest filmmaker Jem Cohen. After the open house check out live hip-hop from Holistic.
Date: Thursday, January 24th Time: 9:00pm Location: Pacha (618 W. 46th St Cost:Free with RSVP RSVP Appears closed, sorry Open Bar 9:00pm - 1:00am
So in honor of their launch today, Pepsi Stuff (which I assume is that old "Drink Pepsi, get Stuff" thing) is throwing a huge party at super-mega-mega club Pacha with the legendary voices of John Legend and Estelle. To top it off, they are having a massive four hour open bar to keep you saucy and occupied all night. I assume this will be packed, I assume there will be some red carped, wait in line madness, and the RSVP is a bit tricky but for John Legend and a massive open bar, it just may be worth it. RSVP closes at 6pm. 21+
Date: Thursday, January 24th Time: 10:00pm Location: Hiro (371 W 16th St at 9th Ave) Cost: Free with RSVP
Here's a great chance to see two big names on the underground who are about to break mainstream big time. Devlin, Darko, and Alex XXXChange - collectively known as the Spankrock DJs - have some seriously deep and diverse knowledge of dance music. They'll move seamlessly the retro-electro, hip hop, baile, 80s, and anything else that makes you move. Plus, underground queen Amanda Blank rocks the mic with a "Live PA" set. All Amanda needs is that one sugar-coated crossover hit before she become ubiquitous in dorms all over the country so catch her now before you have to fight frat boys off to get tickets. PS. it's early and I can't write. I probably should have just put "This show is awesome and its well worth fighting off the bridge and tunnel cheese and ponying up for overpriced drinks." Anyway, you should go... for real. 21+
Date: Thursday, January 24th Time: 10:00pm Location: Sutra (16 1st Ave at 1st St) Cost: Free with RSVP Open Bar 10:00pm - 11:00pm
After a whole slew of parties this week, United is breaking down their rolling racks today. Frank 151 helps them pack up with a wrap party tonight. DJ Haul, Morse Code and Synapse provide the music, while Sutra provides you with free drinks from 10pm to 11pm.
Date: Thursday, January 24th Time: 10:00pm Location: Rose Live Music (345 Grand Street, W'burg) Cost: Free
Every Thursday Brooklyn based instrumentalist & MC's Mobius Collective and Taylor McFerrinas bring the studio to the stage with live Jazz/Funk/Afro-Dub Soul. DJ Misbehaviour serves it up between sets with special guest MCs and vocalist. There are a number of rotating guests who come through so each week you get something different but with the same vibe.
Date: Friday, January 25th Time: 6:00pm - 10:00pm Location: New York Open Center (83 Spring St. bet Broadway and Crosby) Cost: Free
The New York Open Center is a non-profit educational and cultural center offering programs intended to heal the body, nourish the soul and awaken the spirit. It aims to serve as a focal point for holistic thought and practice. Today they offer an evening of free lectures and refreshments where you can meet the faculty, sample programs, ask questions and browse the bookstore. The schedule includes Dynamic Mindfulness Meditation, Introduction to Reiki, Discovering Your Soul's Work, Detox and Rejuvenation, Introduction to Aromatherapy, Mantra and Meditation, Introduction to Reflexology and Bollywood Dancing.
Date: Friday, January 25th Time: 8:30pm - 9:30pm Location: Triangulo (35 West 20th, #301 btw 6th and 7th Ave) Cost: Free
What do I love more than a dance class? For something a little different tonight check out a free absolute beginner workshop in Argentine tango. "Featured in Vogue, the National Herald Tribune, and The Economist, Triangulo specializes in Argentine tango, the original, more intimate predecessor to international ballroom-style tango. Founder Carina Moeller is a professional dancer with training in modern dance and ballet who has worked and studied with such tango greats as Fabian Salas, Pablo Veron, and Mingo Pugliese. Known for her engaging and precise teaching style, Carina creates a stress-free atmosphere that is particularly appealing to novice dancers."
Date: Friday, January 25th Time: 9:00pm Location: BAM Café (Peter Jay Sharp Building, 30 Lafayette Ave, Ft. Green) Cost: Free
Living in Brooklyn, one the things I definitely do not take advantage of enough is BAM Café. Sure I go there for the occasional movie and a play or two, but every Friday and Saturday night, BAM Café showcases renowned and emerging artists, featuring jazz, R&B, world beat, pop, and experimental music from Brooklyn and beyond. Tonight, the Brooklyn-based quartet Soul Cycle takes to the stage with their blend of soul, jazz, hip-hop, and funk. "Influenced by the early 1970s sound of Herbie Hancock, Weather Report, Miles Davis, and James Brown, the group plays with a focus on rhythmic energy and a free-wheeling incorporation of a plethora of musical styles and moods, often within the same composition."
Date: Friday, January 25th Time: 9:00pm Location: Crash Mansion (199 Bowery at Spring St.) Cost: Free before 11pm and $5 after with RSVP, $10 w/out RSVP Open Bar 9:00pm - 10:00pm
This week Between A Rock And A Hard Place teams up with FreeIndie.com to bring you extended sets for 3 bands and a special Indie Rock Frat Party afterwards, with lots of dancing and drink specials. Between favorites, Fire Flies, headlines this week with Smyer's last day of residency and the newcomers the New Surreal opening the evening! Show up early for some open bar action and stay late for a dancing good time. DJ RekLES spins before and between set.
Date: Friday, January 25th Time: 9:30pm Location: Rubin Museum of Art (150 West 17th Street btw 6th and 7th Ave) Cost: Free with a $7 drink minimum
When I was a kid I loved The Dark Crystal! Its a creepy Jim Henson fantasy tale which chronicles the journey of the Gelfling, Jen, in his quest to fulfil an ancient Prophecy to save his planet. And in typical Henson fashion the entire film is made up of crazy muppets in the form of many different creatures and races. Tonight the film is shown at The Rubin Museum of Art as part of Brainwave, an extravaganza of art, music, and ideas. It is free admission but there is a $7 drink minimum.
Date: Friday, January 25th Time: 10:00pm Location: Rose Live Music (345 Grand Street, W'burg) Cost: Free
DJ Laylo takes over Rose each week with Get Down Fridays spinning almost anything and everything including classic hip hop, soul, funk, reggae, latin, house, and afrobeat to make sure you keep movin' all night. Tonight she is joined by The Waaw Band (meaning Yea! in Wolof). They will be "led by legendary Senegalese bassist Thierno Camara. Performing all original compositions, the Waaw band will play two sets of music mixing M'balax, Jazz, Funk, Rock and Reggae. M'balax, the national popular dance music of Senegal, sets the foundation for the Waaw band's fierce, funky and irresistible brand of dance music."
Date: Friday, January 25th Time: 10:00pm Location: Tribeca Grand (2 Ave of the Americas, Upstairs) Cost: Free with RSVP
Tonight Modular presents the return of Fixed to their original location that got the party kicked off 3 years back. Residents JDH and Dave P spin bangin' dance music all night and are joined by Dangerous Dan of The Bang Gang Deejays. It's also the release party for Issue number 4 of The Pop Manifesto a magazine dedicated to those who stand out in counter culture. This all goes down at the Tribeca Grand so dress up, drink it down, and shake it to the ground.
Date: Friday, January 25th Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm Location: Galapagos (70 N 6th St at Wythe, W'burg) Cost: Free with RSVP
What are the ingredients for a good birthday party? how about some hip hop, a live art show, and some free chicken and waffles (from 10 to12)? throw down with the Takeover Theory crew at this birtday banger. 21+
Date: Saturday, January 26th Time: 10:00pm - 4:00am Location: Galapagos (70 N. 6th St btw. Kent & Wythe, W’Burg) Cost: $5 with RSVP, $10 w/out Open Bar: Vodka 10:00pm -11:00pm
We’re starting ‘08 of proper with a night of dancing, videos, djs, and all sorts of assorted Mayhem. The whole crew from Eclectic Method are flying in for their DVD release party and if you’ve yet to see these boys and their unique cut and scratch video dance party then this is the night. Plus KRNL PANIC is dropping ghetto tech and baltimore dance floor bangers all night along side Dances with White Girls and resident DJ Morsy… open bar, strobes, videos, lights, dancing, more shots, more dancing, and make out sessions in the corners… not to be missed.
Date: Saturday, January 26th Time: 1:00pm Location: Various Cost: Free
"The Iditarod is the famous long-distance race in which yelping dogs tow a sled across Alaska. The Idiotarod is pretty much the same thing, except that instead of dogs, it's people, instead of sleds, it's [decorated] shopping carts, and instead of Alaska it's New York City." Plus what is implied, but not directly mentioned here, is that the dogs may be smarter than their human stand-ins. The race has four starting points, Long Island City: Water Taxi, DUMBO: Water Taxi, Williamsburg: Water Taxi and Greenpoint: India St. Contestants will then be given some checkpoints and a finish line and may choose the fastest path. To register click here. Always an entertaining afternoon.
Date: Saturday, January 26th Time: 6:00pm Location: Art in General (79 Walker Street 6th Floor Gallery) Cost: Free
"Inspired by an eclectic combination of subjects, such as urban archeology, circus processions and open-scripted and collaborative filmmaking processes, the exhibition of Little & Furgason at Art in General includes sculptures created from materials drawn from local buildings under construction. With these assisted ready-mades, this artists-duo reconfigure the gallery into a theatrical stage—a construction of oddities where actors perform during the exhibition period." [via windchill]
Date: Saturday, January 26th Time: 10:00pm - 4:00am Location: The Hope Lounge (10 Hope St., W'burg) Cost: Free
If for some reason you aren't over at Galapagos tonight you can swing by The Hope Lounge also in Williamsburg. DJs Cousin Cole and Rezound take their shot at a Saturday night dance floor shake down.
Date: Sunday, January 27th Time: 11:00am - 6:00pm Location: South Street Seaport (Fulton & South Street, Pier 17) Cost: Free
The WrestleMania Fan Axxess Tour takes over the Seaport this weekend (Friday through Sunday) with autograph signings, video game demos, photo ops, and airbrushed tattoos. Check out all the details here. All ages.
Date: Sunday, January 27th Time: 1:00pm Location: Galapagos (70 N. 6th, W'burg) Cost: Free
While we tend to use Galapagos for bangin' bass, dance floor shake ups and overall debauchery, there really are a variety of uses for the place. Today the Brooklyn County Fair takes over and celebrates country music. Come see the very talented Kamara Thomas and her band Larune, Rench makes their way from Wisconsin to play his own brand of trip-hop country. Lindy Loo, the Hillbilly Hostess, will take a set with her HoboCats. East River String Band opens up the show with some old-time blugrass, while the newly formed The Newton Gang play country covers. And new comers Frankenpine make their debut.
Date: Monday, January 28th Time: 7:30pm Location:The Change You Want To See Gallery (84 Havemeyer Street, at Metropolitan Ave, W'burg) Cost: Free
Filmmaker Jem Cohen doesn’t need to smack you over the head with speeches or movie stars or coincidence-driven scenarios to make his point. Instead, he draws it out in the artifacts, detritus, and details of the city. On the one hand he presents the fragments of a periphery that normally go unseen. But rather than bringing a lost landscape into new focus, Cohen manages to bring it into an indistinguishable blur. It is in this shift from the particular to the universal that we can locate a radical politics. Tonigh he screens excerpts from Chain (2004), Lost Book Found (1996), and selected shorts. Q & A to follow. More Below.
In Chain (2004), malls, theme parks, hotels, and corporate centers worldwide are joined into one monolithic ‘superlandscape’. One city blends into the next; it is increasingly hard to tell where you are. In Lost Book Found (1996) the quotidian remnants of commerce are explored through extreme close-ups. Debris, leaflets, coins and advertisements of the cityscape are revealed. Cohen uses film, and in particular super 8, as a tool to bring his subjects into view while at the same time distancing them from us.
Cohen’s works have a romantic quality that connect contemporary viewers to a lost era of home movies. It is through this reference to a familiar form that he is able to go beyond the personal, to point to a more provocative politics. His characters wander through the soulless landscape of capitalism, to haunting and remarkable effect. But perhaps their alienation reveals a possibility. Where the market aims to sell us individuality, maybe it is through a generalized dislocation that we can become connected to each other.
Date: Monday, January 28th Time: 8:00pm - late Location: Sapphire Lounge (249 Eldridge Street btw. Houston and Stanton) Cost: Free
Sapphire Lounge is one of those often overlooked places on the FreeNYC listings but it is also one of the few dance venues in the city (and I mean FEW) that boast great music and a great soundsystem but none of the midtown cheese factor. House is usually the name of the game and tonight is no exception as DJ Tier Ra Nichi (Ghost Recordings, Nite Grooves) and DJ Yosuke, spinning a masterful blend of funky, soulful, deep dance music a the bi-weekly Powder party. This starts early and goes late so if your weekend isn't over yet - or your just noctural like a lot of us - then this is for you. 21+
Date: Mondays Time: 9:00pm - 10:00pm Location: Pine Tree Lodge (326 E. 35 St. btw 1st and 2nd Aves) Cost: Free
Joe Dixon and Calvin Cato give you a short dose of comedy at this weekly evening of "comedians who've been doing it for a while and those just starting out."
Mondays are always the night to catch the city's best local DJs doing their own thing. Gone are the weekend transplant crowds and the obligatory Missy Elliot drops to make the girls scream. On Monday's DJs can get by with those classic jems they love. Tonight is a sweet chance to catch one of hometown's finest - Qool DJ Marv - drop jazz, soul, rare groove, and funk all night at the laid-back 40C. Marv is a serious crate digger so expect some dusty old treasures. 21+
Date: Mondays Time: 10:00pm - 1:00am Location:Tillman's (165 W. 26th St. btwn 6th & 7th Ave) Cost: Free
Bridging the gap between DJing and live performance, Turntable Unplugged combines live vocals and instruments with raw beats and Djs spinning soul and funk rarities. It's sort of like a live remix jam session where guest recording artists perform new material and old favorites over a blend of live production remixes and live instrumentalists. DJ’s spin Soul & Funk rarities between performances. 21+
Date: Mondays Time: 11:00pm Location: Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (307 West 26th St.) Cost: Free with reservations
"Aziz Ansari (Rolling Stone's 'Hot Comic'), Rob Huebel (Curb Your Enthusiasm, Arrested Development), and Paul Scheer (Best Week Ever) are The Human Giant. Each week they present a collection of sketches, short films, and presentations that have all been pre-approved by the other 'human giant' - Michael Clarke Duncan. In addition, if anyone leaves the show unsatisfied, Mr. Duncan has agreed to go to the homes of Mr. Ansari, Mr. Huebel, and Mr. Scheer and personally beat the sh!t out of their family." NOTE: This weeks show is all reserved with stand-by line only. Call (212) 481-5490 for more details.
Date: Monday, January 28th Time: 11:30pm Location: Virgin Megastore USQ (52 E. 14th St at Broadway) Cost: Free
Their Bowery show may be sold out so this may be your last chance to see hometown heroes The Vampire Weekend for a while as they go globetrotting in honor of their debut album that drops today. Expect crowds. All Ages.
Date: Tuesday, January 29th - Friday, January 1st Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm Location: Pour (321 Amsterdam Ave, at 75th St) Cost: Free
For those of you that live uptown, or just willing to take a trip for some wine, Pour is offering free wine tastings every night this week. Each night sample and learn about Italian red and white wines.
Date: Tuesday, January 29th Time: 7:30pm Location: Union Hall (702 Union St, P'Slope) Cost: Free
If you read this site pretty regularly, you must know by now that I can not spell to save my life, let alone attempt to spell after a couple drinks. For those of you who have a better knowledge of the alphabet than I do, head over to Union Hall tonight for their Spelling and Grammar Bee. After a couple drinks this is sure to be pretty hilarious both for participants and observers.
Date: Tuesdays in January Time: 8:00pm Location: Karl's Klipper (40 Bay St, Staten Island) Cost: Free
Normally I wouldn't recommend hopping the Staten Island ferry in the middle of winter for a film festival. But seeing how we are hitting 60º temps on the regular, I'm thinking an after work cruise by the Statue of Liberty followed by a free mini-film festival is a nice night out. Just a block of the ferry tonight, check out the second annual BillDance, a collection of films on music and dance. 21+
Date: Tuesday, January 29th Time: 9:00pm Location: Cielo (18 Little West 12th) Cost: Free before 12
Tonight the new cutting-edge electro/tech record label Quarterlife Records NYC will celebrate its launch at Cielo. The New York City based label focuses on finding, releasing and pushing a wide array of sounds from the dance music world, all with an edgy and raw style true. Quarterlife Record heads Alex Pearce and DJ EBAR will DJ all night. The night is an installment of NYC mega-promoters Rob Fernandez and Benny Soto's popular Dance.Here.Now parties at Cielo.
Date: Tuesday, January 29th - Friday, January 1st Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm Location: Pour (321 Amsterdam Ave, at 75th St) Cost: Free
For those of you that live uptown, or just willing to take a trip for some wine, Pour is offering free wine tastings every night this week. Each night sample and learn about Italian red and white wines.
Date: Wednesday, January 30th Time: 7:00pm Location: Proof Bar (239 Third Ave) Cost: Free
With Super Tuesday less than a week away people are really getting into the spirit of democracy. Wednesday and Thursday night Proof Bar invites you to come watch the debates on their tvs and to of course drink their beers. There will be Sam Adams specials all night, an hour of all-American food (including pigs in a blanket, mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers, etc) beginning at 6pm and a free Bud or Budlight draft if you show your political colors by wearing red or blue. Wednesday night is the Republican debate and Thursday is the Democrats.
The boys over at Cobra Kai are at it again this week with another hump day party at 205. Night Moves is all about house music, and tonight they welcome one NYC top House DJs, Junior Sanchez. Nick the Duke hosts, and resident DJs Krames and Lauren Flax hold it down on the tables.
Date: Wednesday, January 30th Time: 10:00pm Location: Le Royale (21 7th Ave) Cost: Free with RSVP, $7 without RSVP
If you don't feel like droppin' fifteen big ones to see Plastic Little at Bowery tonight, you can at least hit up the after party for free. FreeNYC favorites, Project Jenny Project Jan will preform live. Plus special guest DJs MIKE B (LA/Banana Split) and DJ SI YOUNG (Philly/Plastic Little) along side residents Anthony 2 Tone Cochran, Mike Nouveau and Sean Fightcats (Ruff Club).
Date: Wednesday, January 30th Time: 10:00pm Location: Otto's Shrunken Head (538 E 14th St, bet A and B) Cost: Free
You've got mixes, remixes, covers, samples, everyone is stealing and borrowing and reinterpreting from one another, so why shouldn't there be a night dedicated to such unoriginal creativity. Copycat is a night of cover songs, remixes and all the hits with DJ Xerox. This week, two live sets one from Saint Hollywood and another from Whiskey and Whores. Their cover song set will include all songs about either whiskey, whores, or both.
Date: Thursday, January 31st Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm Location: Trinity Church (Broadway at Wall Street) Cost: Free
Trinity Church continues with its mid-day musical series, Concerts@One, this week with Doreen’s New Orleans Jazz taking center stage. Besides entertaining you while you go to town on that sandwich, they hope to educate the audience about the rich history and diverse culture of the city of New Orleans.
Date: Tuesday, January 29th - Friday, January 1st Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm Location: Pour (321 Amsterdam Ave, at 75th St) Cost: Free
For those of you that live uptown, or just willing to take a trip for some wine, Pour is offering free wine tastings every night this week. Each night sample and learn about Italian red and white wines.
Date: Thursday, January 31st Time: 7:00pm Location: Proof Bar (239 Third Ave) Cost: Free
With Super Tuesday less than a week away people are really getting into the spirit of democracy. Wednesday and Thursday night Proof Bar invites you to come watch the debates on their tvs and to of course drink their beers. There will be Sam Adams specials all night, an hour of all-American food (including pigs in a blanket, mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers, etc) beginning at 6pm and a free Bud or Budlight draft if you show your political colors by wearing red or blue. Wednesday night is the Republican debate and Thursday is the Democrats.
Date: Thursday, January 31st Time: 8:00pm Location: Professor Thoms (219 2nd Ave) Cost: Free
With the Writer's Strike leaving no new programming to watch, and the fact that you've had to wait like nine months, could you be any more excited for the premiere of Lost tonight. Professor Thoms' is so excited that they will be showing it on two floors tonight so you don't miss a thing. Plus, tropical drink specials and free shots of jungle juice if anybody on the show dies! Bring back Mr. Eko!
Date: Thursday, January 31st Time: 9:00pm Location: Stain Bar (766 Grand st, W'burg) Cost: Free
Tonight is the annual Army Of Bjork theme party at Stain Bar featuring the (possibly) cold weather like Iceland, warm wine (glogg) and of course the music of Bjork. Kevin Spyker mixes Bjork and other Icelandic music with live covers from Drew Kolar, blue popsicles, snowball costume prizes and more.
Date: Thursday, January 31st Time: 10:00pm Location: APT (419 W 13th St.) Cost: Free
DJ Wonder is a founding member of the Grime crew Roll Deep , Wonder has a regular show London’s biggest pirate radio, Rinse 100.3 FM, was picked up by Dizzee Rascal for his track “Respect Me,” and has also recently done remixes for Mr Hudson, the Prodigy, SLK and Lady Sovereign. So all that being said, do you really need any more reasons to check out DJ Wonder at APT tonight? I think not. Definitely worth checking out.
