This Week in North Brooklyn Wanderings...

And the week isn't even over yet!

So last night, after I finished working late tutoring, my friend called me and asked if I was going to Drink n' Draw at 3rd Ward. I'd forgotten he was planning on going, but as I didn't have any plans, there I was 20 minutes later, along with another mutual friend.

(some of my sketches from this Wednesday)

As always, it was a fun, pleasant time, with plenty of drawing and drinking PBR. Even the model partook in the beer-drinking.

After 3rd Ward, my two friends and I stopped for a drink at Tandem Bar, another Bushwick restaurant and bar I have just discovered.

(Tandem Bar, above. Photo credit: Melissa Hom)

I'll have to return here for both the food and the reputed dance parties...

Then this afternoon, I discovered that a little chic grocery in Greenpoint is also a wi-fi cafe. And serves breakfast all day. And doesn't get exceptionally crowded. I'm in love. Urban Rustic, I will be coming back to you!

After a delicious brunch, class prep and tutoring, I made it tonight to the City Reliquary's "Thurd THursday" Show n' Tell night of collectors' items. The evening featured such showcased items as border patrol dog trading cards, paperclip sculptures made by a dog, an old top hat box in remarkably good condition that originally belonged to James G. Gould, and a device specifically made to slice English muffins. I'd brought my NYC 70's Flashmaps book with me, but chickened out when I decided I didn't have enough of a story on it. Oh well, maybe next time: the evening will be curated once a month, so stay tuned!

And finally, tomorrow holds many more Brooklyn promises to come. Hello, Goods' Beer, Wine & Heat Party and a crazy, semi-private on-the-down-low Thanksgiving-themed E. Williamsburg/Bushwick party!

NYC Quirky Party Lists

As I am taking it easy post-Halloween for a bit, I have time on my hands to write. So of course I end up writing about PARTY LISTS. Take a look.

Shaw Promotion, GBH, Ohmyrockness, Myopenbar, Nonsense NYC, 3rd Ward, Highline Ballroom and others are all mentioned.

Oh the constant temptation... ! But Yelle, I will see you soon!

The contagious energy of NYC...

Week/end Re-Cap: Art & Music Galore

First things first. There is a reason why I don't generally like going to swanky, pretentious clubs like Marquee: with $15 drinks, an odd mixed crowd, and a lackluster vibe, I didn't stick around for long. Oh well, you can't blame a girl for occasionally falling prey to the initial appeal .... that all-too-quickly faded.

So I decided to call it an early night yesterday. But before that, I had the fantastic opportunity to see a truly strong music set at Bruar Falls in Williamsburg. As part of CMJ, there was a free, all-day show at Bruar Falls, all bands promoted by KXSC Radio, Los Angeles. The band I went to see at 6:00 pm, Free Moral Agents, had a really perfectly appealing blend of angst, funk, and psychedelic. Quite a sound. With keyboardist Isaiah "Ikey" Owens from The Mars Volta, the band very adeptly mingles hip-hop, r&b and experiemntal stylings to create an addictive, well, psychedelic sound.

After that, I went with my friend to Taco Chulo, a really hip little Tex-Mex restaurant on Grand St. in Williamsburg, where I enjoyed tortilla soup, along with a large helping of chips and guacamole. Yum. If only I hadn't left the neighborhood for Manhattan last night, the evening probably would have gained rather than lost momentum.

And, speaking of staying around Williamsburg, here are some snapshots of my figure drawing sketches from this past Wednesday at 3rd Ward's Drink n' Draw.

Time to Draw: Drink 'n Draw at 3rd Ward Tonight!

After my whirlwind Columbus Day weekend of seeing lots of art and dancing the night away at Bowie Ball, I am eager for a more mellow, relaxing sort of activity. Which is why 3rd Ward's weekly Wednesday Drink 'n Draw is so appealing. At only $10 a head (with a friend) for two and a half hours of drawing space, with a figure model and beer provided, it seems like a steal to me. And the perfect opportunity for a little inebriated drawing marathon.

Cheers to that!

Re:Form School Exhibit Saturday-Monday

I am re-posting this from the 3rd Ward event listing. This event/exhibition definitely looks like something not to be missed, featuring works by Michael Gondry and the like!

This Saturday & Sunday : RE:FORM SCHOOL

RE:FORM SCHOOL is a high profile group art exhibition, event series and
public awareness campaign taking place in New York City, that brings
together the creative community in a call for the reform of the American
Public Education System.

We believe that it is the right of each and every child in the United
States to have access to a high quality education.

We've taken over four floors of an old Elementary school on the corner of
Prince and Mott in Nolita. Within this incredible structure we are
building a labyrinth of participatory art, music and installations
featuring the works of: Swoon, Shepard Fairey, Michel Gondry, The Wooster
Collective, and more.

October 9th – October 11th : 10:00 am – 6:00 pm : $Free (donate if you can)

233 Mott Street (between Houston & Prince) Manhattan
Details are at: http://reformschool.letsredu.com/

Weekend Plans: 9/11 Memorial... To Life!

Okay, good luck to me this weekend! There is too much going on for me not to go out, but I am determined to stay strong and maintain my little vacation from drinking. I haven't had a drop of booze since before Labor Day weekend and don't plan on ending my little detox anytime soon.

But let's see how well I can balance health with partying and my weekend freedom with my imminent teaching responsibilities.

So, this weekend is Pre-Hysteria, a 3rd Ward party to benefit Rubulad, an Underworld Record Release Party, sponsored by GBH, and the mysterious, alluring Cheryl party.


THIS SATURDAY // Pre-Hysteria – A Fundraiser to help save Rubulad from certain oblivion

Saturday, September 11, 10 p doors, 11 p show, 195 Morgan Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 21+ with ID

$20 admission to benefit the existence of Rubulad for 65 million more years to come

After years of sending Brooklyn's most adventurous party-goers into all-night wonderlands of art and celebration, Rubulad is now in danger of losing its space. Now we're helping our kindred party-spirits by hosting a fundraising party called "Pre-Hysteria" -- referring to all things billions years back, the way things were when dinosaurs and not the Department of Buildings ruled the earth. Please dress and comport yourselves accordingly.

Live music by:
Les Sans Culottes, Lily and the Parlour Tricks, Not Waving, but Drowning, Jessica Delfino, Bradford Reed and his Pencilina

DJs:
The Vintage DJ, DJ Dirty Finger, Reagonomics

Performances by:
Zero Boy, Fairytale Experiment Presents: Shadow/Play, The Jared Whitham Show, Modern Dance Awareness Society

Plus:
Aerialists curated by Anya Sapozhnikova, G. Scopitronic's Non-Stop Film Fest, Light Circus Extraordinaire of Norm Francoeur & Delicious Barbecue

AND - the Underworld Record Release Party at Brooklyn Bowl!


And the Cheryl party, at the Bell House:


Also, see the Time Out NY list of cultural events for Saturday! To life, and the weekend...

The Last Supper - Celebration of Food and Art

I am on the tail-end of my vacation in D.F., Mexico City, but still keeping my eye on events in NYC...

This event is appropriate to my travels here and my personal and academic interest in cultural geography, urban community and social theory!

Brought to you by 3rd Ward,

The Last Supper // An unforgettable celebration of food & art, benefiting the Food Bank for NYC

Saturday, September 18, 4 p to 2 a, 195 Morgan Ave, Brooklyn, NY, $10 with 3+ donated cans to The Food Bank for NYC, or $15 without cans.

Lose yourself in the stimulating, multi-sensory experience that is The Last Supper Festival. For one celebratory night in the crux of Summer and Fall, 3rd Ward will offer a true feast for the senses, blending film, edible artwork, music, writing, and food – all addressing the complex act of consumption.

Over 50 creators will converge in this indoor-outdoor salon to capture the dialogue between our generation and the media, products, and technology of our beautiful, borderless world. All proceeds will benefit the Food Bank for NYC.

For more information about The Last Supper and the exhibiting artists, visit http://www.3rdward.com/special-events/the-last-supper-festival-2010.html

Artsy Parties Tonight in Brooklyn!

The below info is courtesy of The Danger List. Both of these events look rather fun....


Below are two events, one an early art opening and later a throw-down event in a massive new space. The city is starting to shake off its recession, but many of us haven't yet felt the affects.  We list these super cheap/free events for everyone looking for art and mischief in the beautiful Brooklyn spring.


For the early night:
Antistrot @ 3rd Ward Gallery

It's art like in the days of lore with live music, a special appearance by DJ Tanner and complimentary Colt 45.

Featuring performance classics including: Batman Performance by Charlie Dronkers, the Pizza Performance, Yob Sick, and more. Visceral 3D objects & inflatable sculptures by Sander Reijgers (premier). The crafty graphics of Johan Kleinjan, David Elshout, Paul Borchers, Eru & Emu Arizono and Lennard Schuurmans. 3D objects by Baileybots (premier) and more!

8pm to 11pm
195 Morgan Ave., Brooklyn, NY
Absolutely Free. (plus free Colt 45)
Details: http://www.3rdWard.com/


For later tonight:
The Swimming Cities at The Gowanus Hotel Ballroom

Come explore a massive 12,000sq foot warehouse, 50 foot ceilings on the majestic Gowanus Canal. come early for a champagne cruise to our secret floating bar. plus chairman's reserve rum/42 below vodka open bar 9:30 to 11:00. then stay late for all night party featuring  arts of the grotesque including the Limited Commitment Wedding Booth, Ham Bowling, Slip n' Slide of Blood, the Johnny2Much oyster bar, Fake Tan Booth, Indoor Bar-B-Que put by bulgar Davo and other representations of a spring break escape done Gowanus style.

All night DJs on 5,000sf mezzanine dance floor featuring soul-house to dirty disco to dark-hop by: DirtyFinger (blacklabel), SmallChange, Matt Shadetek (duttyartz), 2Melo (Cumba Mela).

All proceeds go to the Swimming Cities Ganges River project and the fabrication of a modular island composed of stainless steel motorcycle-driven paddle wheel pontoon boats for use as a floating venue in New York this spring. This is the intersection of art and mayhem that has always made Brooklyn a special place.

Tonight, Friday April 23rd
@ 55 9th st at the smith ninth station. F or G train. (new space!)
9pm through very late : Door $15.
Details: http://www.weareswimmingcities.org/

Classes at 3rd Ward

This is the kind of stuff I need to be doing more of. Productive creative fun.

Below, blurbs and info from 3rd Ward:

Well, Jesus's Last Supper had a weird ending but yours will have a happy one! (NO! Not that kind). This Saturday over 50 artists of all kinds convene for annual multi-media art feast, The Last Supper! Don't miss the chance to indulge all your senses with art, music, films and food.

Tonight, come out for everybody's favorite weekly staple Drink n' Draw and tomorrow join us & Brooklyn Royalty for the Indie Business Fair.

But don't let your body have all the fun. You brain wants to sign up for our class of the week!


1. The Last Supper: Music, Art, Film, Food Festival, September 26, THIS SATURDAY

2. Drink n' Draw, TONIGHT!

3. Indie Business Fair, September 24, THIS THURSDAY

4. Sweatshop Social, September 28

5. Class of the week: Intro to Final Cut Pro


####1. The 5th Annual Last Supper Festival, September 26, 6 p to 2 a, $15 or $10 w/ 3 cans of food, FREE for Members

An artistic feast for the senses that brings together over 50 short films, works of art, writings, culinary creations, edible installations, and up-and-coming bands & DJ's to celebrate the autumn harvest and discuss consumption. Created & curated by artist and architect Coralina Meyer, The Last Supper kindles the creative miasma infused by community interaction, and harvests the cornucopia of media in our own backyard.

Benefiting the Food Bank of New York City.

RSVP events@3rdward.com

For more information visit www.lambastic.com.



####2. Drink n' Draw, 8 to 10:30 p, $15/person or $10 w/ a friend, FREE for Members

Every Wednesday 3rd Ward indulges artists with a night of drawing the nude figure while drinking beer, eating snacks and chillin' to the good tunes of DJ Jedi Mind Orgasm (aka Adam Collison).

Please be prepared for a nice relaxing time and come with drawing supplies in hand. No previous drawing experience required to attend.

For more information visit http://www.3rdward.com/drink-n-draw/.



####3. Indie Business Fair, Thursday, September 24, 7 to 10 p, FREE admission, complimentary Colt 45 while it lasts

Ever had a really creative, fun idea for a new business that you were just dying to make a reality? Well, you're in luck, because there are already NYC-ers like you who are doing just that! Get inspired at the 2nd Indie Business Fair, which gathers 10 aspiring entrepreneurs and their brand new business plans in the same room for one evening only!

Sponsored by Brooklyn Royalty and 3rd Ward Edu, you can rock out to the beats of DJ Jeff Ramos, grab a drink with your friends and check out the newest independent businesses before anyone else. Plus there will be tons of demonstrations, free samples and giveaways!



####4. Sweatshop Social, September 28, 7 to 10 p, FREE

Made for food-shopping fashionistas and creative environmentalists alike, join non-profit organization, Bags for the People, in a night of custom cotton bag making. You bring the fun and the fabric; we'll provide the sewing machines, instruction, drinks, snacks and live music. 'Cause everybody knows plastic is passe.

RSVP events@3rdward.com

For more information visit http://bagsforthepeople.org/.



####5. Class of the week: Intro to Final Cut Pro, Sundays October 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2:30 to 5:30 p

Learn all the essentials necessary to start editing your own work and explore the world of digital video editing. This class will cover importing footage, the editing interface, and various tips and tricks.

http://www.3rdward.com/3rdwardclasses/intro-to-final-cut-pro.html

Or

Sign up for ANY of our more than 100 unique classes at www.3rdward.com/classes!

3rd Ward
195 Morgan Avenue
Brooklyn New York 11237
United States

Saturday - Sunday Afternoon: Outdoor Parties!

So yesterday I skipped out on the Webster Hall party, as well as an underground Danger party and instead spent my evening at Karaoke Cave, a basement karaoke bar in Shanghai Square. 

Karaoke Cave, located at 9 E. 13th St, is conveniently located in the Union Square area, and has recently undergone renovations and a name change. Somehow I passed a few hours in there without even realizing it! Definitely a place worth having a karaoke adventure at.

After that, I wandered around with new and old friends, the new friends (whose private party we crashed at the Karaoke Cave) leading the way to take us to a rooftop party in the vicinity. However, I ended up skipping out, biking to a pizzeria on Bleeker Street and then back home to Williamsburg. 

TODAY, however, there are THREE outdoor parties, all of which I would LOVE to check out. 

(and all of which are free!!)

These are: 

The Pool Party at East River Park, Williamsburg, featuring Girl Talk (free!)

East River Park is located between N. 8th and N. 9th Streets in Williamsburg. Doors

 at 2

.

The High on Life Rooftop Party at Highbar, 251 W. 48th St. at 8th Ave. This party is from 4-11 pm, free with GBH list.

AND:

3rd Ward's Bluegrass BBQ (RAIN OR SHINE), Sunday, August 23, 4 to 9 p, FREE Admission, FREE Colt 45 - 4 to 5 p, Cheap Eats & Drinks

3rd Ward is located at 195 Morgan Ave, Bushwick.

Hmm, it could be possible to at least mellowly enjoy 2 of the 3!!

This Sunday - Free Bikes at 3rd Ward Block Party!

I hope this kind of thing becomes a regular event! I have yet to decide if I am going to sell my vintage Fuji bike, since I will be traveling out of the country for two months this summer... and kind of want a bike upgrade, anyway (though I have become a bit attached to my bike...!).

 

See the following, from myopenbar.com (listed because in addition to free booze, the offer is free bikes!). 3rd Ward's Green Bikes Birthday Block Party
Colt 45, no cover; free bike with membership / 2pm-8pm
3rd Ward
195 Morgan Ave., btw. Meadow and Stagg St.
East Williamsburg
(718) 715-4961

For NYC Bike Month, 3rd Ward is offering a free bike with purchase of a membership. That trumps free booze (sorry, booze). To promote all that jazz, and celebrate their third anniversary, they're throwing a concert in the streets. Stagg St. will see action from: bands Wild Yaks, Aa, Pterodactyl, Afuche, and Lam, DJs Drew Heffron and Clay Franklin, bike competitions, bike films and demos, music videos, a photobooth, badminton, BBQ, drinks, live screen-printing, free workshops and the proverbial "more."

RSVP to events@3rdward.com. And ride your bike there, dodo.

-----------------------------------------
So I looked for the caveat. Well, how much is membership, and what does it entail besides a free bike?

From the 3rd Ward website: "JOIN Why you should join... 3rd Ward provides all the space and tools necessary for success without sacrificing creative freedom. Our members are the driving force behind what we do and why we do it. They enjoy a wide range of perks, designed to provide a complete creative experience, from start to finish.

NEW! Sign up for any annual membership and get a free bike!

Membership also includes access to health insurance, classes, a free subscription to Time Out New York, admission to 3rd Ward events, unlimited use of co-working space and access to a huge network of creative, active and successful professionals." To see more info, click on their membership page.

Membership starts at $39/month... and includes access to health insurance?! Hmm, I have to wonder exactly what that means... Good things can come true in Brooklyn!

"Brooklynnovation": Poster Boy Party

Funny, I just wrote about Poster Boy last month in my post, "Poster Boy and Sleep Deprivation Across the Nation". And now, Poster Boy is having an exhibition at 3rd Ward.

As described by 3rd Ward:
"Pomp & Circumstance celebrates in the heart of the art and culture movement in Brooklyn. Featuring salsa-makers, ad creators and mash-uppers as well as DJ's and drinks, come to the Spring Event showcasing the groundbreaking advertising cut and pastery of Poster Boy (but this time endorsed by the advertisers? Could this be?). Engage with the brands, artists and creators of a new class of tastemakers. Celebrate the diversity, creativity and innovation of the hottest borough in NYC. "

The event is April 24, 7 pm to midnight.

Also, myopenbar.com lists the event and rates it with the highest rating, 5 cups.

The event description on myopenbar: "I've been obsessed with Poster Boy on flickr for a while now, but the biggest thrill is spotting his stuff around town. At the 3rd Ward exhibition tonight, I'm hoping to spot him in person (yeah, I'm a lurker). Even New York Magazine reported on his recent shenanigans. Next thing you know he'll be more bank than Banksy.

RSVP to gallery@3rdward.com."

What's the open bar? Dogfish Head beer. No cover. Myopenbar lists the event as starting at 8, not the 7 listed by 3rd Ward. Hmm...

3rd Ward is located at:
195 Morgan Ave.,
btw. Meadow and Stagg St.
East Williamsburg
(718) 715-4961

Upcoming Events This Week/Weekend

To help myself stay organized and invite friends, stalkers and others who have chanced upon my blog, I am going to list events I plan/hope to attend tonight and in the coming days...

• Wed, 1/14/09, Soulgasm, Dance Party, Sin Sin Bar, East Village
• Wed, 1/14/09, Scout Tufankijan Book Launch Party for Yes We Can, a photo-book covering Obama's campaign, DUMBO
  
• Thurs, 1/15/09, Handmade Music Night, Music-Making Party/Spectacle, Bushwick
• Fri, 1/16/09, The Raveonettes, Music Show, East Village, Webster Hall
• Sun, 1/18/09, Eight, Theater, PS 122, East Village
• Monday, 1/19/09, 23rd Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., BAM, Brooklyn
  

Tonight, 1/14/09, Wed, I am going to Soulgasm at Sin Sin Lounge in the East Village, which will be playing funk, house, dub and more. Sin Sin is located at 248 E. 5th St, between 1st and 2nd Ave. It's free before 11 pm and $5 after!

Also, as listed on Myopenbar.com, this is happening tonight:

The Obama Campaign: Photos by Scout Tufankjian

artsy booze, no cover / 6pm-9pm

Powerhouse Arena

New Feature:
Click on bar names to view more information including past and upcoming listings, maps, and other bars nearby.

37 Main Street,
at Water Street
DUMBO
(718) 666-3049

Map It | Directions

Kick inauguration week off right, with a boozy Brooklyn book launch party for Scout Tufankjian's Yes We Can. Tufankjian was the only independent photographer to cover Obama's entire campaign, including the
period before his run was announced.

1/15/09, Thursday. I am intrigued by yet another event listed on Myopenbar.com:

Handmade Music Night

PBR, no cover / 7:30pm-10:30pm

3rd Ward

New Feature:
Click on bar names to view more information including past and upcoming listings, maps, and other bars nearby.

195 Morgan Ave.,
btw. Meadow and Stagg St.
East Williamsburg
(718) 715-4961

Map It | Directions

Dorks, geeks and nerds (but not dweebs or doofuses) unite in this sprawling celebration of all things musical and electronic. 3rd Ward, crafty-bitch central Etsy.com, Make Magazine, and createdigitalmusic.com present this party-come-science fair featuring, among other things:

• a theremin made from mannequin parts
• "gestural controllers made with wood and 3-D printers"
• "over-the-shoulder musical fashion with snakeskin and leather"
• a "prepared" (i.e. f--ed-with) Nintendo System

And from the 3rd Ward website:

Handmade Music
7:30 - 10:30 pm & Every 3rd Thursday Going Forward!

Part party, part mixer, part Science Fair, and part performance, this is an informal chance for geeksters and the geek-curious to come together, relax, and discover new sounds. The evening is a gathering of inventors of new instruments & music technology. Featuring circuit-bent toys, custom software and patches, interactive digital & visual instruments, custom electronics, electricity-powered noisemakers, DIY robots and new acoustic instruments. And it's open to everyone from hard-core hackers & newcomers to music lovers who want to learn about the DIY music scene.

To sign up visit http://beepit.eventbrite.com/.

On Friday, 1/16/09, I am going to see The Raveonettes at Webster Hall.

And Sunday, 1/18/09, I am seeing the performance Eight at PS 122, a play about the intersecting lives of twenty-somethings in London.

Monday, 1/19/09, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day features a tribute to MLK, Jr. at BAM, starting at 10:30 am.