The Glasslands, one of Williamsburg's Best Venues. Photo Credit: Hoodsie DeQuincey

Jan. 4

Location, Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Bands: Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson, It Lives (with Chris Bear of Grizzly Bear), Ne'er Do Evers
Venue: Glasslands
Food: Bonita
Drink: Savalas
Accessory: Fabiane’s Café & Pastry Shop

Featuring folk rocker Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson (yes, that is one person!) has recorded with Kyp Malone of TV on the Radio and Grizzly Bear on his last album. Here he plays with Ne’er Do Evers and It Lives, which will feature Chris Bear of Grizzly Bear. If you’re in the zone for Mexican, Bonita is a great place. Serving the standard fare, try the mouth-watering chicken burrito and Mexican corn on the cob, wrapped in cheese with a hint of spice for that extra kick. If you’re looking to dance afterwards, Savalas has both great DJs and drink specials on top of delivering on the fun factor. Fabiane’s is a great little cafe in the heart of Williamsburg that’s great for not too late night people watching. Try one of their fantastic desserts or sip coffee and stare at the passing hipsters.


Location: Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Bands: XIU XIU, Transformation Surprise, Disaster, Congs for Brums
Venue: Lutheran Church of the Messiah
129 Russell St
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Greenpoint
Phone: (718) 389-0854
Food: Lokal
Drink: Enid’s
Accessory: The Gutter


This is actually a book release party for photographer David Horvitz, also the tour manager of the band Xiu Xiu, who in his new photo book Xiu Xiu: The Polaroid Project, documents the bands life on the road with Polaroid pics. With performances by Xiu Xiu’s Jamie Stewart flying solo, Transformation Surprise (Mary from High Places), and Disaster. New restaurant Lokal describes itself as a Mediterranean Bistro, though serves up burgers, pizza, and steak. Regardless, the food is delicious, the ambiance nice, is right on McCarren Park AND they serve mulled wine during the winter. For drinks, Enid’s is Greenpoint’s go to bar. With inexpensive drinks and a festive vibe, you’ll be right in the middle of a good time. The Gutter, the new bowling alley and bar, is brought to you by the same owners as Barcade, so you know it will be good. Bowling + Booze = Awesome!

Jan. 5

Location: Lower East Side
Bands: Fake Hooker, Fur Cups for Teeth, The Dead Betties, The Black Tie Party
Venue: Cake Shop
Food: The Stanton Social
Drink: The Magician
Accessory: The Pink Pony

Come for the electro stay for the punk as this all Brooklyn band review rock your sox off. That’s right, sox with an X! All girl band Fur Cups For Teeth start the rock off as local darling band The Dead Betties bring the noise and The Black Tie Party bring the fun. Expect some sort of pit! For dinner, The Stanton Social has earned a reputation for being a beautifully designed restaurant/lounge while serving up some delicious multi-ethnic cuisine. For drinks, a favorite of mine is The Magician, this bar’s chill atmosphere just may be the cure for a well-earned night of rocking. A great way to end the night? Stop by the Pink Pony. This boho café has been serving French food and coffee since the 80s and has a relaxing vibe. It’s as punk as that neighborhood gets nowadays.

Jan. 6

Location: West Village
Film: The Killing of John Lennon
Venue: IFC Center
Food: Tortilla Flats
Drink: White Horse Tavern
Accessory: Magnolia Bakery

When John Lennon was gunned down by Mark David Chapman in front of his apartment in 1980, it was a sad day. Filmed in the actual places where the events took place, Andrew Piddington’s film The Killing of John Lennon is a drama that takes a look at the three months of Chapman’s life prior to the murder of an icon. Dinner before a movie like this should be equally wacky. Check out Tortilla Flats. The food is Mexican and delicious, but it’s the insanity within (bingo and hula-hoop nights) that is the real calling for this place. For drinks afterwards, hit the White Horse Tavern, a great bar and the old haunting grounds for Dylan Thomas. If you somehow have time before all of this, stop by Magnolia Bakery for some of the best tasting cupcakes in the city.