Tag Archives: Hugs

July 22-27 (Take 1)

This weekend is chock full of excellent events. Be sure to check my previous post for fun stuff happening tonight and tomorrow. Plus, a quick addition for tonight, if you won’t be able to make it to the Excess Energy party at Hugs Thursday you can check out Brian Blackout at Fontana’s tonight; he’ll be spinning a lot of 70’s arena rock, funk, psychedelia and indie rock- sounds like a party to me!

It turns out that Mayor Bloomberg is the one who dubbed this Good Beer Month! Go out and celebrate his stroke of genius Thursday night at Pacific Standard, where they’re having an Epic New York State Beer Throwdown, featuring (according to Brooklyn Based):

beers from Keegan Ales,Captain Lawrence Brewing Company, Ithaca Brewery, and Lake Placid Brewery, as well as our very own Kelso of Brooklyn and Sixpoint Craft Ales.

Friday night Rooftop Films takes the show the the ground (the lawn of Automotive High School in Wburg) for Animation Block Party! They’re “dedicated to exhibiting the world’s best independent, professional and student animation,” and they’ve definitely followed through in the past. This is going to be a fantastic show, full of comedy and drama and animation in all sorts of styles.

If you’re looking for a classic film join kids of all ages in Hudson River Park for a screening of Ghostbusters! Check out the trailer to remind yourself of just how great it is:

On Saturday night you can go to the rave you always dreamed of attending- FIXED is coming back to the basement of the Tribeca Grand! Guest DJs Riton, Lemonade and Free Energy will keep you dancing all night long!

Also on Saturday Indian Idol Kailash Kher will be rocking the Prospect Park Bandshell! His music is described as “adding elements of folk, reggae and rock to Indian pop” and he definitely looks like he knows how to put on a show.

kailashkher

On Sunday, for a change of pace from all the beer celebrations, celebrate pork at 3rd Ward’s 2nd Annual Pig Roast and Dance Party! Butchers from Marlow & Sons will be slicing and dicing for your culinary enjoyment (there will also be beer, don’t worry). Here’s an impressive (and kind of gross) image from last year’s event:

3rd Ward's Pig Roast and Dance Party 2008

Sunday night finish off your weekend with Our Lady J: Gospel for the Godless at Joe’s Pub:

Our Lady J is a New York based singer/songwriter known for her visionary gospel stylings and powerhouse pianistic skills. Along with her “Pink Champagne Orchestra” and “Train-To-Kill Gospel Choir,” she has sold out crowds at The Zipper Factory, Ars Nova, The Beechman Theatre, as well as world venues including London’s prestigious South Bank Centre and the Spiegeltent (in Manchester, UK). She has also traveled the globe as music director and arranger for Justin Bond’s recent original song cycles. This year, Out Magazine named her as one of the “Out 100,” a list of the people who helped shape LGBT culture in 2008.

On Monday MetroMetro is hosting the 3rd Board Game Olympics at Union Hall; games include Trivial Pursuit, Jenga, Uno, Battleship, Connect Four, Memory and Operation! Sign up in advance and use those skills your parents said were useless!

Stay tuned for additions and have a great weekend!

July 20-23 What to do?

Happy Monday everyone! I actually woke up at 5:45 and went to my 7am yoga class today so I’m already feeling hugely accomplished, plus since I’m funemployed I got to nap all morning afterwards! Hurray! I hope you are off to an equally good start this week! I wrote about a couple of events for tonight in an earlier post, so be sure to check that out.

This is the last week to check out Hiding Behind Comets, a play by Brian Dykstra that the NYTimes calls “a dark, gritty story with its full measure of sex, violence, profanity and general nastiness.” Check it out at the Spoon Theater!

David Tully, Rebecca Challis and Kiran Malhotra in Hiding Behind Comets

Tomorrow night celebrate Good Beer Month at the Local Grill-Off to benefit Slow Food! The event will be taking place at Water Taxi Beach, so you can check out the skyline while enjoying excellent food and beer! Get your tickets here.

In celebration of Good Beer Month, watch contestants show off their grilling skills using locally sourced ingredients in the Local Grill-Off to benefit Slow Food ($35). After sampling the entries, try locally sourced feasts from some the city’s top ‘cue joints (including Fette Sau, Rub BBQ and the soon-to-open Fatty Cue) and beers from Six Point Brewery.

Also on Tuesday you can embrace your inner geek at the launch party for a new weekly movie night at Teneleven– Classic Kung Fu Movie Night!

teneleven

On Wednesday those of you who are amongst the funemployed can further your education with a walking tour of the East Village focusing on the grittier side of its history:

This exciting walking tour covers everything from the Golden Age of the American gangster at the turn of the century to prohibition-era gang wars to the bohemian arts and drug culture of the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Some of the most influential and colorful criminals and characters in American history have called the East Village home — organized mobsters, social-political organizations, radical activists, religious cults, and everything in-between.

Trace the steps of everyone from Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky, Al Capone, and Lucky Luciano to Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, The Hells Angels, GG Allin, and many many more. Riots, squatter evictions, cannibals, street gangs, kidnappings, shoot outs, assassinations, grave-robbers, hangings, bombings; we cover it all…

For a look at more recent history you can join the hipsters in McCarren Park for a screening of 24-hour Party People, a comedy documenting Manchester’s golden age of Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll. Check out the trailer:

On Thursday celebrate the great Jazz music written for piano at the 92Y Tribeca. Performers include pianists Mulgrew Miller, Eric Scott Reed, Renee Rosnes and Bill Charlap.

If it’s dancing you want head out to Hugs for another addition of Excess Energy‘s much lauded Love Machine party! DJs Brian Blackout and Fucci will be spinning the tunes while you connect with that hot stranger in the crowd through interactive messaging! The UK Magazine Grazia Daily will be there checking out the action; go show them what Wburg is all about!

Excess Energy

If you want to add some art to your week head over to the Soho20 Gallery in Chelsea for the opening of their new exhibit Boxing Gloves and Bustiers! The exhibit explores different concepts of female identity through video art. Here’s a still from one of the pieces:

Under My Skin by Valerie Garlick

Have an excellent week and stay tuned for additions!

May 12-15 Events + Early Wknd Announcements

I hope everyone had a great weekend and a great Monday. I am in full LSAT study mode (or at least I should be) so I won’t be able to attend many events until after June 8th but I will certainly tell you all about them and hopefully live vicariously through you!

Tonight you have a choice between indie rock, a tribute to The Bed In and a night of neuroscience!

First, if you missed the Heliotropes concert I told you about last week you have another chance to check them out tonight. They’ll be playing at Public Assemblywith Ancient Sky and Beloved Rogue.

If the term The Bed In means something to you, you should undoubtedly be at the Gershwin Hotel tonight where Neke Carson and Michael Wiener will be presenting “Give Peace a Chance”:

Book launch benefit celebrating the 40th anniversary of John and Yoko’s historic Bed In. With a Give Peace a Song Cabaret. Celebrate the 40th anniversary of John and Yoko’s famous Bed-in for Peace 1969 in Montreal. Get a sneak preview of the photo exhibition that will open May 26 in Liverpool. Launch Joan Athey’s new book. Brooklyn-born photographer Gerry Deiter, on assignment for Life Magazine was the only photographer there the entire eight days. Special guests Guitar Legend Gary Lucas and composer Steven Lynch will be on hand to add to the proceedings plus more surprise quests. The Cabaret includes a presentation of Bed-in images, a reading from eye-witnesses to the recording of Give Peace A Chance, a special guest — writer Charles Childs (who worked with Alex Haley on Roots) presents excerpts from his unpublished interview with the couple. Climb into bed and talk peace like John and Yoko did. Local musicians rock the room with their favorite John Lennon songs. This is also a fundraiser for music writer Paul Williams. He sustained a head injury in 1995 while cycling and needs 24 hour care for the dementia that has recently manifested itself.

John & Yoko Bed In

Finally, at the Bell House tonight the Secret Science Club will be meeting to discuss recent developments in neuroscience on the topic of memory.

Dr. Arancio is a cellular neurobiologist at Columbia University’s Department of Pathology and Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain. In his lab at Columbia University, neuroscientist Ottavio Arancio explores the molecular mechanisms of memory formation.

Settle down in the comfy couches and learn about the workings of your brain (or at least the cells you didn’t kill with tequila last week).

On Wednesday you can satisfy all your local food/wine cravings in one place- Brooklyn Uncorked at the spectacular Brooklyn Academy of Music at 30 Lafayette Avenue in Fort Greene. This lovely event is run by the trio of Edible Publications and features wine from local wineries including:

Baiting Hollow, Bedell/Corey Creek, Bouké, Bridge Vineyards, Brooklyn Oeneology, Castello di Borghese, Channing Daughters, Clovis Point, Diliberto, Grapes of Roth, Harbes, Lieb, Long Island Merlot Alliance, Macari, Old Field, Osprey’s Dominion, Palmer, Raphael, Roanoke, Sherwood House, Shinn, Sparkling Pointe, Waters Crest, Wölffer Estate

as well as food from:

Amy’s Cookies, Bodum, Bridge Winery, Buttermilk Channel, DiPalo’s, Fizzy Lizzy, Get Fresh, Great Performances, iCi, North Fork Potato Chips, NuNu Chocolates, Palo Santo, Plowshares Coffee, Rick’s Picks, SerendipiTea, Stonehome Wine Bar, The Farm on Adderley, The Smoke Joint, Vere Chocolate, Wine Cellar Sorbets

Get your tickets here!

Also on Wednesday, Wye Oak will be playing at Mercury Lounge along with the Pomegranates and Winter Gloves. Check out the video for Please Concrete:

B is a big fan of Wye Oak but he won’t be able to attend because he will be spinning at Hugs. I am pleased to announce that Sunday Singles was a big hit (it was written up in Gothamist amongst other lovely blogs) and Excess Energy is bringing you Love Machine:

love machine

On Thursday there will be a reception at the Brenda Taylor Gallery for their new exhibit- the Love Armor Project. Check out their website for the history, as far as I’m concerned this picture says it all:

love armor

Also on Thursday you can check out the second Puppet Playlist- Magnetic Fields at The Tank Theater.

Puppet Playlist takes talented puppeteers and brilliant musicians and slams them together into an evening of live theater to stir the senses. Our second Playlist will feature new works of puppetry set to a litany of love songs by The Magnetic Fields. Between sets, hear new interpretations of Magnetic Fields music — on cello, accordion, guitar and more. A chance to see some of New York’s most interesting puppet artists and musicians at play. Performers (and their work) have been seen all over New York and throughout the world, on, off- and off-off-Broadway, at Here Arts Center, Shakespeare in the Park, the Metropolitan Opera, FringeNYC, Lincoln Center, with Jim Henson Productions, and on both American and International TV (yes, that includes the Muppets). Featuring pieces by: Eric Wright, Melissa Creighton, Marta Mozelle MacRostie, Ithai Benjamin, Darragh Martin, Maja Rajenovich, and Mary Robinette Kowal and Jodi Eichelberger. Musical performers include: Hannah Temple, Matt Singer, Emily Hope, Anna Leuchtenberger, Jon Levin, Jo Williamson.

There are two shows but they will sell out so be sure to reserve here.

A few early weekend announcements…

Friday night, weather permitting, there will be telescope observation at the Columbia observatory. Regardless of cloudy skies there will be a lecture, The Good the Bad and the Ugly- Astronomy in the Media, by Jackie Faherty.

On Saturday I am already torn between three events (who knows what I’ll do when I discover even more!). First, there’s a roller derby match well worth seeing- Brooklyn Bombshells take on Manhattan Mayhem at the Hunter College Sportsplex. Check out this video from last season!

Also on Saturday Finger on the Pulse presents Louis La Roche, Justin Faust and Danger at Studio B. B is a major fan so I can guarantee this will be an awesome dance party!

finger on the pulse

Last but not least, The Wet Spots have a late show at Joe’s Pub. They are described as “vaudevillian, oversexed, and weirdly Canadian: think sex club by way of Monty Python.” I was deeply skeptical until I watched this video and now I’m kind of hooked:

Have a wonderful week and stay tuned for additions!

April 7-9 What to do?

I hope everyone had a good Monday! I’m sorry I didn’t post earlier; I was down at Southern District for hours dealing with self-important clerks… blah blah blah, I’m sorry. So… we have a great week ahead of us!

Tomorrow Brooklyn Based is hosting their first documentary movie night at the Bell House:

Come watch Jesus Camp, just in time for Easter, and enjoy $3 pints of Fisherman’s Brew and Fisherman’s Navigator from Cape Ann Brewing Co. We’ll be hanging out with BB totes for sale and marshmallow peeps for all our BB peeps. Whether or not you float one in your beer is entirely up to you.

I’ve seen Jesus Camp and, not to get political on you, but it will be a relief to see it without Bush in the White House. Check out the trailer to get a taste:

Also on Tuesday, Inbred Hybrid Collective and Mix NYC present Greased Palms at Parkside Lounge:

A book club burlesque inspired by Please Send Money: A Financial Survival Guide For Young Adults on Their Own, written by Dara Duguay. Get on the path to financial security with a variety show featuring the bizarre, strange, and subversive; including Darlinda Just Darlinda, Jessica Delfino, Devon Gallegos, Kim Harmon, and many more at New York’s Parkside Lounge. With useful and engaging chapters including Credit: It’s Not Your Money, and Bankruptcy-Is There An Easy Way Out? this book is a prime example of a style of book that has become ever more necessary: personal financial advice. With simple, timely advice, these books helped us through the 90s in managing our money and taking control of our debt. What more appropriate subject could we ask for as the first Book Club Burlesque of 2009?

Now, I know I’m always recommending B’s gig at Hugs, but I want to be clear that this Wednesday is going to be better than ever. Excess Energy is spicing things up with ‘Sundae Singles Night.’

Sundae Singles Poster

Go and mingle! Spring is the time to start something new.

If you’re not interested in mingling and happy dance music you can rock out to some great new Punk/Americana at R Bar. One of my friend W’s oldest partners in crime is in town with his band, ‘A Life Worth Living,’ for their first NYC show.

Thursday night Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin will be playing at Mercury Lounge. Check out this video of them playing live:

Looks like a fun show; I for one feel like dancing.

Thursday is also opening night for The Loser’s Lounge Tribute to Dolly Parton at Joe’s Pub.

Dolly Parton

They’re famous for their tributes and now and then the famous people themselves will stop by and sing for their adoring fans.

Have a great week and stay tuned for additions!

March 23-26 What to do? (Plus preview 3/27-2/29)

I’m not quite 100% yet but I am ready to get you excited about the week ahead! Tonight there are 2 events worth considering. First, my dear friend B is part of a very exciting lineup at Beauty Bar tonight! The honorable judges Gant and Eugene Tambourine will be presiding over a disco and house-centric dance floor, so go out and get your groove on; it’s the best way to start the week!

Tenderheads Poster

Also tonight Slice Magazine is hosting a Literary Trivia Showdown at Dixon Place:

To celebrate the launch of our fourth issue, Slice is hosting its first annual Literary Trivia Showdown. Three teams of five authors, five editors, and five agents will go head-to-head to see who knows the most about the literary realm.

English majors unite!

On Tuesday, I may head down to the Seaport to check out the new musical based on the (in)famous DSM IV Manual of the American Psychiatric Association, which I mentioned to you some time ago. ‘Crazy Head Space’ is about half way through its run; don’t miss your chance to check out the madness!

For less umm… absurd music, check out Micachu and the Shapes tomorrow at Death by Audio in Williamsburg.

If you want to dance to an older tune you can kick up your heels at Swing46, where George Gee and the Jump Jivin’ Wailers will be throwing a Swinging Big Band Dance Party.

On Wednesday B will be spinning out at Hugs; he’s by his lonesome this week so there will be nonstop happy dance music.

Thursday is opening night for the Folding Chair Classical Theater; they will be presenting a very unique version of Shakespeare’s Pericles:

Folding Chair veteran James Arden (“30 Rock”, “Kings”, “Flight of the Concords”) will play Pericles. The rest of the play’s 30-plus roles will be played by five of Folding Chair’s ensemble players (Lisa Blankenship, Gowan Campbell, Francine Margolis, Josh Thelinand Larry Giantonio). They will switch roles at lightning speed, performing on a bare stage, using only their voices, bodies and the text to bring the play to life.

Also on Thursday you can experience a reading series in a very new and different setting- a laundromat!

Gregory Beyer, Itzak Saki Knafo, and Caroline H. Dworin, three regulars in the pages of the New York Times’ City Section will share their most hilarious, nail biting tales from their days scouring the city for stories. These journalists walk through caution tape, find hidden doors, gleefully pick through trash, and always have a flask; all for the love of the story. What better place to hear their tales too outrageous for the Old Gray Lady than a Lower East Side Laundromat. Bring your laundry and the producers will provide quarters, detergent, and stain removal advice gratis. You won’t loose your shirt (no guarantee on the socks) on this one.

Dirty Laundry Reading Series

ALSO on Thursday… If you are Sports inclined (I am not at all but am aware that other people seem to enjoy watching/participating in them), you should check out 12 Angry Mascots – NYC’s Only Sports Comedy Variety Talk Show. One of the Raspberry Brothers is part of the act, which is an excellent sign in my book. The show also features Comedy Central’s Liam McEneaney, Last Comic Standing’s Iliza Shlesinger, and NY Jet’s All-Pro safety KERRY RHODES.

I also want to make a couple of early weekend announcements. On Saturday you can enjoy an evening of Jazz, absinthe and champagne infused chocolate at Antik.

Wit's End Party

This month the Wit’s End Party, a fabulous soiree worth buying that new dress for, will also include music from the Red Hook Ramblers and handmade chocolates from Chocolats Meurens.

Finally, I am thrilled to announce that the Tiny Ninja Theater will be performing Treasure Island this Sunday at the Bowery Poetry Club. This show will be markedly different from their usual productions but I am certain that these talented performers will come up with some very unique and exciting ways of telling this classic adventure story.