Sunday, May 30, 2010

Top 10 Sunday Memorial Day Picks!!

So much going on today.

My top 10 choices are as follows, not necessarily in any particular order:

10) Union Docs, Last Summer at Coney Island: Benefit Preview Screening

As their website says, "In recognition of Coney Island’s newest amusement park opening Memorial Weekend, we’re hosting a benefit preview screening of JL Aronson’s upcoming documentary, Last Summer at Coney Island. We will screen a 93 minute fine cut version of the documentary. The film will be going to festivals soon but needs to raise money first to pay for all the archival imagery and music licensing. Last Summer is a thorough rendering of Coney Island’s roller coaster relationship with redevelopment, focusing on the last few years as the City, a private developer and the public all wrestled over the future of this legendary amusement destination. This is an important film about an important place and what better weekend to support it?" RSVP to info@creativearson.com to confirm your seat.

Union Docs is located at 322 Union Ave., in Williamsburg, off the Lorimer L stop.
  • Sunday, May 30th at 7:30pm
  • Suggested $9-20 sliding scale donation
  • Filmmaker JL Aronson present to discuss this project after the screening, along with beer, hot dogs, candy apples and merriment.
9) The Great Small Works Greatest Smallest Parade!

It's Parade of Teeny Tiny Floats with a Big Bangin' Community Brass band through the streets of Dumbo to kick off the Toy Theater Festival. The parade will end at St. Ann's Warehouse, where there will be an opening reception (4 PM to 7 PM) for the Toy Theater Festival's Temporary Toy Theater Museum. Floats will be displayed in the lobby of the Warehouse for the duration of the afternoon. (38 Water St, DUMBO, BK, 3pm-4pm, FREE)

8)
Oh! You Pretty Things: KILLER QUEENS
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=121458101215953
tix: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/111498
Michael T, Benjamin Ickies, Shien Lee & Twig the Wonderkid present a musical homage to the brilliant talents of Queen, Roxy Music and David Bowie + Fashion Shows, Burlesque & Live DJs in a FabRock and Roll Dance Party. MC: NC Shuva. LIVE MUSIC: This Ambitious Orchestra (12:30 & 1:30), Michael T and the Vanities (11:30), Judas Priestess: America's All-Girl Tribute to Judas Priest (10:30), .357 Lover (9:30), Sorceress (8:30). FASHION SHOWS (12:30): Berit New York, Renee Masoomian, John Ashford. Late-Nite BURLESQUE: The Flying Fox, Nasta Canasta. GLAMTASTIC DJs: Twig the Wonderkid , Keanan Duffty [Slinky Vagabond], Dj Patrick , Kelle Calco [Colored Boys]. Spin: Glam Rock, Glam Punk and Glam Goth. Hosts: Kayvon Zand, Laura Rebel Angel, Lady Valtronic, Allure. Glam Make-overs: Miss Jayme Jennings. Photo booth: Steven Rosen Photography. Door: Thomas Onorato. Dress Code: Regal, Queenly, Foxy-Roxy, Leather Stache Gay Daddy channeling Freddie Mercury or Rob Halford, Brain Eno asexual fantasies, Ziggy Stardust or Thin White Duke [72-76] Roxy Music Cocktail "space lounge" Chic, Victorian, Futurist, Glam Punk Trash.
  • The Highline Ballroom, 431 West 16th St, 8pm-4am, $15
7) First Annual Dreamland Beach Party (Water Taxi Beach, 2-03 Borden Ave at 2nd St, Long Island City, Queens; dreamlandorchestra.com; noon–5pm; $18–$25). In addition to live performances by Michael Aranella’s Dreamland Orchestra, the event will feature ’20s-themed cocktails and a Bathing Beauties contest (so don’t forget to come in costume).
6) Body & Soul (Webster Hall, 125 E 11th St between Third and Fourth Aves; 212-353-1600, websterhall.com; 6pm; $30, advance tickets $20). Joe Claussell, François K and Danny Krivit deliver what their fans expect: deep and soulful house, classics and Afro-Latin rhythms.
5) Movie Night at Glasslands Gallery

This should be an awe-inspiring first annual animation screening. Enjoy a cold beer and relax as you watch amazing creatives unleash their power. In case you didn't know already, you most likely will not have to attend work the next day so stay late and delve into exciting conversations with your local artists. Featured Filmmakers include Alisa Stern & Peter Ahern, Andrew Hess, Bill Plympton, David Sheahan, Drew Henkels, Jacob Reinstein, James Buran, Jeffrey P. Martell, and Julia Pott. (Glasslands Gallery, 289 Kent, Wburg, BK, 8pm, $5)

4) Perez Hilton Saves the Universe
As the website describes, the musical comedy "explores a normal day in the life of celebrity gossip blogger Perez Hilton. Well, were it not for the plans of evil Islamic terrorists and Kathy Griffin. Throughout the course of the day, Perez must wrestle with the demons of love, ego and celebrity, all whilst saving Los Angeles from an imminent nuclear disaster."

Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater (425 Lafayette St between Astor Pl and E 4th St; 212-539-8563, joespub.com; 9:30pm; $20)

3) Sunday Best, Dance Party

Sunday Best is a nice party for Sunday afternoons and evenings produced by resident DJs Doug Singer, Justin Carter and Eamon Harkin. Each weekend, they are joined by incredible guests while we get busy eating huaraches, drinking sangria, and dancing it all off. This week's guest is Michael Mayer (who plays the warmest, most melodic version of techno that we’ve ever heard)

3pm – 9pm

$8 before 4pm with RSVP@sundaybestnyc.com
$8 tickets available at Resident Advisor

$12 at the door

3) Le Cirque Feerique Dance Performance

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/106445
Step right up to the golden tent! With Le Cirque Feerique, Company XIV will delight and amaze, as they re-imagine your favorite childhood fairy tales as only Austin McCormick and his exquisite troupe can. Don't miss this Baroque confection for all ages, a magical menagerie of opera, dance, theatre and opulent design. McCormick incorporates a myriad of dance styles, fusing Baroque, classical ballet, flamenco, ballroom, contemporary partnering and Indian dance, along with contemporary movement.

The show includes an array of music, including pieces by Vivaldi, Aphex Twin, Lady Gaga and Bizet, and features a special guest, the Charites Baroque Opera Trio. This lush extravaganza includes classic fairy tales such as Charles Perrault's Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella, Hans Christian Andersen's The Ugly Duckling, The Emperor's New Clothes and The Princess and the Pea, The Brothers Grimm's The Fisherman and His Wife, Munro Leaf's Ferdinand the Bull and more. (thru 6/8, Saturdays 2PM and 7PM, Sundays 2PM and 5PM, Company XIV 303 Bond Theatre, 303 Bond St @ Union st, $30)

2) Donnell Rawlings, Comedy

He’s most recognizable as Ashy Larry on Chappelle’s Show, for which he also wrote. But it’s Rawlings’s intelligent and confident stand-up that’s garnering attention now.
Tonight, 7:30 pm, 10 pm

Carolines on Broadway, http://www.carolines.com

1626 Broadway (between 49th and 50th Sts)
Midtown West | Map

212-757-4100

N, R to 49th St; 1 to 50th St | Directions

Tickets: $33–$35 plus two-drink minimum

1) Freak Nasty, Erotic Poetry


May 30, 2010
upstairs
Doors @ 7 PM
18
$10.00

Freak Nasty is our Quarterly Erotic Poetry show, We hand pick the best of the best erotic poets and performers. Each event the line up is a little different but, Freak Nasty promises to please you right down to the core, every single time...this event is for the grown and sexy.


Wherever I end up, I am enjoying this sprawling Memorial Day weekend!!

Friday, May 28, 2010

Good Peoples Summer Sails Boat Party TONIGHT!!

I am very seriously considering going to this tonight!

Only $18 for a boat party!

Organized by the Disco Salt Artist Collective, the party is described on their website as follows:

What’s better than enjoying an all-vinyl disco set with Good Peoples? Enjoying an all-vinyl disco set with Good Peoples while cruising around New York harbor at night.

WHEN: Friday, May 28th
DOORS: board at 9:30, sets sail at 10 – 12:30am
WHERE: Clipper City, Pier 17 (South St Seaport)
TICKETS: $18 available HERE

MeanRed are inviting music lovers to join us for a monthly boat party aboard the Clipper City — NYC’s largest clipper ship. It’s massive sails makes for a beautifully silent ride, save for clinking classes and rare disco edits.

I think I'd like to be there!!

'Aerial Silks With Cody Schreger - $20 Exclusively On Loot'

'Aerial Silks With Cody Schreger - $20 Exclusively On Loot'

-- Anyone want to do this with me?!?!

Life is a circus, especially in NYC, so why not be part of the performance and not just a spectator?

Really, who's in with me? Only $20 for an "aerial skills" class!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Thursday Night Parties!!

Brought to you by GBH and Santos Party House:

BAILOUT
With Eli Escobar, Blu Jemz

Thursday May 27 at Santos Basement

Join us at Santos Basement this Thursday with Eli Escobar and Blue Jemz (and guests) playing electro, disco, house and classics... Santi is hosting, and we are bailing you out of this global economic turmoil with an array of drinks specials that will give you more buzz for your buck....

Drinks Specials
$6 Budweiser + Double Chaser - All Night
(the chaser is a double shot of house whiskey or Svedka vodka)
$6 Svedka Vodka mixed drinks - All Night
$6 Champagne - All Night
$5 Budweister - All Night

NO COVER ON THE BAILOUT GUEST LIST - CLICK HERE
When you arrive at the door, tell the doorperson you are on the BAILOUT guest list.

Santos Party House: 96 Lafayette Street (just south of Canal). Doors 11pm. 21+ w/I.D.


AND, Simian Mobile Disco will also be playing a DJ set at Santos:

Simian Mobile Disco DJ Set
With JDH & Dave P. (FIXED)

Thursday May 27 atSantos

We have a few spaces at this show for readers of the GBH newsletter... This one is going to sell out so we strongly suggest you arrive early to avoid disappointment.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

Santos Party House: 96 Lafayette Street (just south of Canal). Doors 11pm. 21+ w/I.D.


Any takers? I am ready for an early start to the weekend....!!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

NYC Splurges

For once in my life, I am splurging more on something other than shows ...

I've become a little addicted to both Lifebooker and Living Social -- the former focuses on health and beauty, while the latter is more about any kind of "lifestyle" and social perks.

From Lifebooker, I've purchased everything from a dental cleaning package to an acupuncture visit to massages...Hey, a girl without full health insurance has to take advantage of these kinds of deals!!

And from Living Social, so far I've just bought round-trip ferry tickets to Fire Island and HALF-OFF all-natural cupcakes! Cos, without health insurance and several part-time gigs, a girl has to indulge somehow...


Hmm, so should I eat those all-natural cupcakes before or after my dental cleaning and check-up?

Oh, and while it may be annoying to receive daily e-mails from these two companies, it's worth the minor hassle of having to review/delete/resist offers, as deals are 50% off and more!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Cabinet of Wonders at Le Poisson Rouge Tonight!

Yes, blog and blog follower(s), I have neglected you. Work and personal life has been a little consuming. I have had time to enjoy the culture and nightlife of NYC, but I haven't had the time or focus to blog about my adventures (and misadventures) lately.

Just have to say, Massive Attack at Terminal 5 was amazing, as was Chelsea Handler's stand-up at Radio City!! In some ways, they were both commentaries about society being fucked up, yet seeing life as still somehow beautiful and funny.

And now, tonight, I am going to see John Wesley Harding's Cabinet of Wonders at Le Poisson Rouge.

The event features
John Wesley Harding and His Band, The English UK
w/ Janeane Garofalo , Robbie Fulks , Paul Muldoon , Eugene Mirman , Buffalo Tom and Kristin Hersh.

I am not familar with any of the names, with the exception of Janeane Garofalo




... but I can't wait. I need some more comedy in my life right now...

The event has been tagged as "alternative indie comedy new york folk singer-songwriter blues alt-country country" - should be interesting - well, more than interesting!! It should be entertaining.

Friday, May 7, 2010

These Metro-Sci-Fi Times

Here goes my current list of sci-fi meets NYC's urban landscape:

5) The Freelance Whales, as seen yesterday, on Cinco de Mayo at Webster Hall

("The Freelance Whales is a series of unfinished thoughts, confused sensory experiences and convoluted yet composited emotions...the lighthearted sound is overshadowed by lyrics that make you smile to yourself and wonder if your dreams can be as fulfilling as the sound from The Freelance Whales." - Wes Soltis, HEAVEmedia) The surreal harmonies somehow make it sci-fi to me... beautifully so.

4) Mars 2112, the underground Martian-themed restaurant by Times Square. A surreal tourist trap, it is yet somehow deliciously quaint and somewhat of a throwback to old-school sci-fi concepts. Also, the 2112 is remarkably similar to my zipcode in Williamsburg: 11211. Coincidence...?

3) Dr. Sketchy's Anto-Art School. According to the website, "The Next Dr. Sketchy Is... May 8, 4-7 pm - Dr. Sketchy's is proud to present another fantastic Art Star series with the epic Kenny Scharf! Featuring the lovely Sequinette, this will prove to be Sketchy's most surreal session yet." We'll see about that...

2) "Manorexia," as described in NYMag.

So the article begins: "One of the side effects of metrosexuality seems to be the affliction of men with the same unrealistic body images that women have been dealing with for years."

Strange times we're in. Male mannequins are being reduced to a 27" waist -- that's just wrong.

1) Janelle Monae last month at the Highline Ballroom. Bizarrely exquisite. Ok, yes, yes, there's Lady Gaga, and the lady deserves some credit, but somehow Ms. Janelle Monae is a little more authentically sci-fi, or maybe also just more groovy/soul/funk sci-fi, while Gaga is a little more produced and glam...

And the point against NYC's inclination toward the sci-fi:

-1) Colossus: As described in NYMag, "Jean Nouvel’s Tower Verre was going to be the biggest thing to hit the midtown skyline since the Empire State Building. Then the city told him to chop off 200 feet. Scoffs the French architect: Why is Manhattan, of all places, afraid of heights?"

According to Justin Davidson in another NYMag article, "The Point of the Skyline," "Manhattan’s skyline was wrought by the single-minded pursuit of profit and boosted by a spiritual lust for height. To erect a tall building is to proclaim one’s faith in the future," which is why the height reduction of Nouvel's Tower Verre is so disappointing.

Monday, May 3, 2010

NYC April Shows

So last week I literally saw a show every other day during the week, from Amanda Blank last Monday at the Bell House, to Hole on Wednesday and the Gossip on Friday, both at Terminal 5.

Amanda Blank really is an up-and-coming star... see more pics from Brooklyn Vegan here.


And Hole pictures below:


Courtney Love was frank and full of sardonic humor as usual. "This is like a sexual relationship," she said, early on in her set. "I am having sex with all of you. And if you want some mind-blowing sex, I can't be the only one giving. So show some love!" (Roughly, this is what she said.) And the audience responded appropriately.



No shows for me until the Shout Out Louds May 5, Massive Attack on May 11, and Chelsea Handler May 15! Okay, it's life as usual for me...

Photographs: NYC in the Spring!

Above: Art, trash or both? Only on the streets in NYC...

Left: View from the East Side Greenway. Go biking!

And, in honor of April being Bike Month in NYC:


(This was spotted by Grand Central in Manhattan. Use Metrocards for bikes... ?)

And on that note of being healthy, below is a picture of my local farmer's market, Saturdays in McCarren Park:


And finally, a May Day mural, made by Shepard Fairey, located on Houston and Bowery:


Yes, NYC, I love you... or continue to be addicted to you, anyway.