Life Lately

I've decided to lay off the blog a bit and keep my personal wanderings a little, well, more personal. And private.

That said, current top five favorites:

5. The fried chicken at Boka. Part of the Korean chain BonChon, their fried chicken is truly mouth watering.

4. Gay dance parties. I recommend Urge and Gumbo. Also, That's My Jam.

3. Shows and openings. Beans yesterday, a slew of art at Bushwick Beat Nite tomorrow, Lady Gaga Monday and many more to come.

2. Random conversations with strangers. My top two favorite of these happened on the same day. A little kid said hello to me outside a pet store and gushed about going to visit the guinea pigs, while his parents and I listened with amusement. And a waiter couldn't stop talking about Godiva and their free chocolates.

1. My NYC circle of friends and partners in crime. Mwah.

372 Ten Eyck...

... was the location of the fabulous Thanksgiving-themed loft party I attended in last Friday!

Hmm, was my favorite part the potluck, the outside bonfires (and spelling like a campfire afterward), the incredible live music, the vibe...? I'd have to say, everything!

Here are a couple pics I took.

This incredible band was Amour Obscur. They call themselves "weimar punkaret" and truly gave a spirited, gypsy-worthy performance. That lead singer, Dee Dee Vega, can really belt out tunes in her wonderfully deep, sultry voice.

 According to Amour Obscur's Myspace site, "Half human, half magical being, Dee Dee Vega emerged from the ashes of the streets as a denizen of the glamorous nightlife and gilded stages of New York City and Berlin. She is the lead vocalist of Amour Obscur and also makes her mad visions into art as a creative writer. When not on stage, she can be found jaunting around the Lower East Side with her tiny (and insane) dog Marcel Duchamp. Her interests include the art of lockpicking, whiskey, Dada art pranks, Coney Island, mind control and generally behaving like Henry Miller." And it shows in her performance.

Amour Obscur teamed up with a burlesque singer for a full-on Cabaret-Luxe performance.

According to the band's website, "Emerging from the dark corners of New York City's underground, Cabaret Luxe brings to the stage acts of sinister hedonism inspired by the nightclubs of Weimar Berlin, the advent of American punk, Dada, decadence and art born from the liberating freefall of economic uncertainty."

Amen. The gypsy hippie ethos is alive and well in NYC, in the dark corners of Bushwick. 

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!

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!

Bushwick Thunder Gumbo Party Saturday!

This Saturday, April 24, is another large arts party in Bushwick!

Thunder Gumbo party details below:

This Saturday…

Thunder Gumbo episode VI: “Dr. Moreau’s Holiday Island”

319 Scholes St. Brooklyn (Montrose stop on L train)
10p-6am, $10

Free Jungle Juice before 11!

The story:

Thunder Gumbo needs a vacation.

After reviving Zombie Warhol, we were exhausted. He was so grateful for his re-animation that he booked us a vacation on a remote, exclusive holiday island! It’s run by a kindly old man named Dr. Moreau, who used to have some sort of laboratory on the island. Apparently it didn’t really turn out too well, so he decided to convert it into a fabulous resort! AND he asked us to bring along all of our friends- that’s you!

H.G. Wells let us borrow his speedboat, so we sent Dr. Adventure down to check out the island. Apparently there was talk of a revolution among the anthropomorphic, half-beast locals…but Dr. Adventure whipped ‘em into shape and they were serving tropical beach-side cocktails in no time. However, being the hero that he is, Dr. Adventure ventured to a neighboring island to quash a blood revolution by the natives and was taken prisoner. Though he will not be joining our festivities in person, his captors have agreed to provide a live video feed from his prison cage.

This is Thunder Gumbo’s Spring Break! For one night only, through mysterious methods that even we don’t fully understand…our crew has transported this island paradise back to Brooklyn for Thunder Gumbo episode VI.

Costume Suggestions:

Fangs, whiskers, claws, tails, antlers. Ears on the top of your head. Tropical attire, Hawaii 5-0, coconut bra’s., 6 cup bikini tops, spots,. SPECIAL GIFTS THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT TO THOSE IN THE MOST UNTAMED ENSEMBLE!

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

The Bushwick Boat Party

I decided to check out the Bushwick Boat Party last night. Located on an old boat anchored at an old canal in Bushwick, the party featured live bands, a swimming pool, and some very interesting sightseeing.

But I have to say, I am starting to feel old for this kind of party...

This Weekend: "Intergalactic Planetary" Danger Parties

Weekend Events Brought to You - and Me - by The Danger List.
Read on for information on these large underground parties and nights of summertime decadence.

From their e-mail.

The summer is slowly fading but our New York City nights are as warm
and wide-eyed as ever.  Thank you to the hundreds who adventured out to
our last event "Rights of Passage". It was your energy that carried the
party past dawn into the early afternoon light.  Because you've shown
such love and respect for the new location and the neighborhood, it
looks like we have a new home for many events to come.

Your moments of infamy have been captured here:
http://www.alexey-studio.com/rightsofpassage/

Below are three invites for this weekend.  The first is an outsized,
low-key house party of amazing music to raise funds for our camp at
Burning Man.  The second is not a Danger event, but another special
night on the hidden ferry.  The third invitation is... a story of
crime.

1 |_______________________

Friday : Intergalactic Planetary
This Friday you are invited to an all night house-party within a three
floor self-made mansion deep in the dark heart of Brooklyn.  Musicians
from around the world mix live energy with jump-up and dance dj’s,
aerial performance and unEarthly acts.  Money from this event goes to
fund an international tribe building a special project for Burning Man.

This Friday : August 14th
9pm to very late...
Bushwick, Brooklyn

This is a simple, cheap and easy house-party.  Bring your own beverages
and share with your new best friends.  Food and drink will be provided
for the early arrivals.

RSVP for the location at: http://www.africagalactica.com/

The Planetary:  Music from Across the Planet
If you haven't heard the exploding hip-hop sensation Bajah + The Dry
Eye Crew, this is your moment.  After packing the national stadium for
performances in their home country of Sierra Leone, African superstars
Bajah + the Dry Eye Crew are poised to conquer the global airwaves with
their unique sound, which blends the swagger and funk of hip-hop, the
passion and energy of dancehall, and the socially conscious vibe of
reggae. The group has generated so much buzz in the hip-hop world that
major stars including ?uestlove, the Roots, Talib Kweli, K'Naan, Res,
and El-P have contributed their vocal and/or production talents to
their upcoming release.

Plus music from Zimbabwe to Bali and everywhere in between from
Akim Funk Buddha, The Two Griots, dj's $mall Change, Sirak and Prolific
spinning into the late night.

The Intergalactic : Performance from Other Worlds
The Lady Circus performs overhead with aerial acts by Amanda Silaski,
Nikki Borodi, Katie Clancy and Elena Delgado along with spontaneous
floor performances and other acts of anti-gravity action. ://grove.nyc
provides photon bending art projections as Swiss Chris plays his
extragalactic light percussion show.

Kae Burke and Make Fun will be hosting a costume creation session on
the second floor for anyone heading west in need of new style for
adventures in Black Rock City.

Suggested donations for entry:
$10/Intergalactic (dress in your best extra-planetary formal wear)
$15/Earth-bound.

For the location and details, RSVP at:
http://www.africagalactica.com/


2 |_______________________
[ Note: The event detailed below is not a Danger party.  Many artists,
dj's and performers are coming together for a special fundraiser to
help pay for renovations and upkeep on the Bushwick Ferry Boat.  They
have a good thing going there and we are helping to spread the word. ]

Saturday : Volatility
Another all-night adventure on the infamous ferry boat docked on the
hidden East Kills Canal in Bushwick.  Music, drinks, sunrise, acts of
daring and moments of fire; this will be a gorgeous summer night.

These events have been incredible and this one will continue the fine
tradition. Featuring: Miho Hatori (of the Gorillaz/Cibo Matto) with her
band, New Optimism, Sistine Criminals, Bellringerzzzz with the Swedish
Meatballs.  With dj's:  Kimyon, Uproot Andy, Geko Jones, Feliz Cumbe,
Zack Shadetek, Blacky II, plus an array of other musical mischief
playing through dawn.

The adventure begins at: 
L train to Grand St.
$20 donation to get in, 21+ only


3 |_______________________
Sunday : Three Course Meal
A meal.  A drink.  An illicit location.

The second in our series of free renegade dinner parties happens this
Sunday. There are experiences in this city that are too precious to ask
permission for.  These we take without asking... and we never take them
for granted.

Details: http://www.thedanger.com


Invites will be distributed in person at the events detailed above.

____________________________________

TheDanger List
http://www.thedanger.com