Pictured: Carla Gugino and Pablo Schreiber






Set on a Connecticut farm circa 1850, Desire Under the Elms revolves around Ephraim Cabot (Brian Dennehy) and his three sons; Simeon (Daniel Stewart Sherman) and Peter (Boris McGiver) from his first marriage and Eben (Pablo Schreiber) from his second. Both wives are gone, having worked themselves to the bone, and the tone lingering in the beginning is rather solemn, almost lethal. Enter Abbie Putnam (Carla Gugino) as Ephraim’s third (and very beautiful) wife who causes temperatures to soar with her heated desires for Eben, thus begins a twisted love affair full of ill-fated promises and mouth-watering passion.

At first we are confronted by Walt Spangler’s ominous set. Numerous gigantic stones are hung with ropes above a quarry-like valley. Floating in mid-air is a modest sized house that rises and looms over the setting. Richard Woodbury’s hypnotic soundscape echoes of ambient beats tingling in Eno-like fashion. There is a pervading gloom surrounding this land, and as we meet the three brothers who are subjected to harsh labor, we find ourselves in a lonely, unforgiving world. It’s clear that all three brothers are resentful toward Ephraim who toils the land without regard to much affection or guidance. Played skillfully by both actors, Simeon and Peter portray a sweaty, troglodyte behavior toward their younger half brother, and if it weren’t for their short-sided greed, they might have made a good living. Eben schemes to entice his older brothers to travel West in search of gold, harboring his own plan to inherit the farm without their influence. The arrival of Abbie coincides with the departure of the two brothers.

When Abbie and Eben first make eye contact, we feel an animalistic heartbeat underneath, and as the scene progresses there is a magnetic force eager to ease the suffering of these two souls. Gugino’s delicate attitude toward Schreiber’s sculpted body matches his insolent behavior toward her advances, and we cannot wait to see these two wrapped around each other. Gugino plays Abbie with an intensity and iron fragility that flashes between opulence and despair. Schreiber knows Eben’s innocence and has the talent to whip out a violent burst without warning. There are Freudian questions of love and/or manipulation when Abbie draws Eben to his dead mother’s chambers, leading to a steamy transaction. Nine months later a baby boy is born, and Abbie must resort to shedding the burden that has forced her to live a lie.

Euguene O’Neil’s poetic words are not easy to read, but if played well they can transcend sublimity. Robert Falls has directed such a masterpiece, but some of his staging upstages some important speeches. For example, Dennehy delivers an outstanding monologue explaining his character’s rise to self-made success, while Gugino and Schreiber engage in a symbolic pas des deaux illustrating their longing for each other. With such strong language and simple, direct performances, do we need more visuals to understand? That said, this production moves without a lull and clocks in at 100 minutes. Superb set design, fine acting, and scandalous sex leaves nothing to be desired.

For more information on Desire Under the Elms including ticket availability and times, check out the website HERE

Kila Packett

Location: East Village, NYC
Drink: DrinkUpNY Presents: Absinthe in April Tasting Event
Show time: 6 to 9 PM
Venue: The Bourgeois Pig
Food: China 1
Drink: Hi Fi
Miscellaneous: Second on Second Karaoke Bar & Lounge

Want to experience a drink so intoxicating it will make you cut off your ear and give it to your girlfriend as a present? Van Gogh’s drink of choice and abuse, at this Absinthe tasting, don’t expect to go overboard like that but what you can expect is the chance to sample a wide range of absinthe’s being produced in the U.S. as well as meet with their creators. Part restaurant and part club, China 1 serves up more upscale Chinese food than you’re used to. With décor that’s more dungeon lounge than China, this is a fun place to hang. With an MP3 jukebox that has 3000 albums to choose from, nicknamed “El DJ,” Hi Fi is a rock lover’s wet dream. With daily drink specials, this place is cheap, and that’s a rare thing in NYC these days. If you’re still in the mood to party after this early reading, hit up Second on Second for some karaoke, where you can sing till your throat is sore!

Great Northern
Remind Me Where the Light Is
(Eenie Meenie Records)







Great Northern’s second album Remind Me Where the Light Is feels more like a continuation from their previous album than anything remarkably new or different – maybe a little darker. But that isn’t necessarily a bad thing -Trading Twilight for Daylight achieved commercial success by appearing in several TV ads and the movie, 21, and was a solid debut album. Solon Bixler and Rachel Stolte’s nearly constant boy-girl voice-over mix remains their trademark sound, with Rachel’s voice continuing to be the more dominant and dramatic. Solon, formerly of the band 30 Seconds to Mars, has known Rachel for seven years. Many of the songs feature Rachel’s talents on piano, and also commonly incorporate the use of stringed instruments. The album starts out with several pulsating tracks in “Story” and “Houses” – “Story” marching to a steady drumbeat. The new album is consistent and very much quality, with intelligently arranged tracks that get better with each listen, but the album might be lacking any stand out “pop” hits. Other notable tracks are “Snakes,” “Warning,” and “Numbers.”

Paul Kim


MarQ Spekt
Guilty Party
(Backwoodz Studioz)




MarQ Spekt and producer Lex Boogie From the Bronx’s latest collaboration has plenty of grit cultured rhymes poured over sonically chalky rhythm and blues samples. The musical landscape is full of noisy unevenness that matches perfectly to the consistent yet captivating style of Spekt’s vibrant delivery. An underground legend for over 10 years, MarQ Spekt is diamond tough lyrically. The tight-fisted bang of each song reaches back to the specialness of 90s style basement beats where each track drowns in storytelling and introspection. A few skits and interludes thread through the album allowing it to take on a lighter mood. “Jet Leg” shines as a streetfab affair of violins that lift high as skyscrapers and Spekt’s prose floats underneath to bring the eye level hustle of city life. The caramelized brag of Spekt’s tone is a thing of wonder. Guilty Party is that branch of underground hip-hop where soul heavy samples and sick diss lyrics battle for first place over songs of street life, women, pop culture, struggle and victory. Guilty Party brings hip-hop and music fans lyrical appeal coupled with musically grinding and organic samples much lost and longed for these days.

Chanda Jones


Youth Group
The Night is Ours
(Ivy League)






Forming more than a decade ago in the Sydney indie-rock scene, Youth Group quickly sparked a loyal local following, but didn’t actually release an album until the turn of the century. Not until 2005 and their second album was the group finally exported to the US scene. Supporting the US tours of bands such as Death Cab for Cutie and Coldplay quickly thereafter, the group’s indie-rock background flowered into a cross audience appeal with such exposure.

This new offering continues in the vein of their previous releases. Still, I felt a lot of Cold Play influences here, with slower tracks accompanied by dream like piano or keyboards set under the standard drums/bass/guitar combo. Luckily there is also a track where horns and accordions are added, giving the feel of a true to form indie-rock ballad.

Lead singer Toby Martin’s vocals stand out as in previous albums, acting as both an accessible conduit for new listeners to latch onto and an anchor for the band, regardless of if they’re rocking out or slowing the tempo down. The lyrical content is much the same as previous albums, speaking to a female presence and evoking bittersweet relationships beginning or ending. Dove tailing with the ephemeral aural sensibility of many of the tracks, many songs concern themselves with dreams or fantasies of said female presence, which is most likely how the album got its name.

Some stand out tracks are the pounding bass driven ‘One For Another’ about trading one addiction for another, romantic love for professional life. ‘Two Sides’ is a song that has an almost post-punk feeling with occasional synth inflections and very accessible lyrics, the chorus super catchy and fun, though the song seems to be about arguing. Finally, ‘Dying At Your Own Party’ is a slower track that evokes a cruise ship and a man lost overboard. The nautical theme is represented in the cover art along with the CD as well. All and all, an album made for long time fans, not making any radical changes to their sound, but still sounding good.

Kenneth Joachim


Oreka Tx
Nomadak Tx
(World Village Music)






The world music project, Nomadak Tx captures the energy of life trekking in its richest musical form. Understanding the concept of this album and fully appreciating its beautiful organic harmonies is easy. Oreka Tx traveled to Mongolia, the Sahara, India, and the Arctic Circle. Their experience with other musicians helps to give a luxuriant rhythmic feel using a traditional instrument, the txalparta, as a centerpiece. Originating from Basque Spain, it consists of wooden slats or planks. When struck, air moves through the planks to give a unique percussive vibrating sound. Like the poetic union of various folk artists for this collaboration, the txalparta requires more than a single experience; it is played by two people. Richly structured and multi-layered in artistry and musicianship, this album has a natural ability to reflect travels so amazing that each listening experience despite the different genres between each track yields a deeper appreciation, a higher plane, and a more grand societal response to music and journeys that sounds like souls touching. Slide guitars, mandolin, banjo, clarinet, lute, strings and a whole host of many other different instruments swim against the vibrato of the txalparta along with double bass and drums. The journey in each song is captured at length in every second. Nomadak Tx seems to capture life experiences not only in palpable hopes but through a spiritually touching encounter.

Chanda Jones


The Presets
Apocalypso
(Modular Recordings)






The Presets are a nasty sexy music duo and their album Apocalypso in truth is as necessary as air and as sensual and exciting as a new love. The Presets are from Sydney, Australia and their first EP was released in 2003. The supreme glow is that they are electro thrash. Tightly wound tunes move up and down in a wounded temperamental space. Dance inducing, writhe heavy beats and redundant yet delicious bass runs fill the album. Apocalypso’s biggest features are lead singer Julian Hamilton’s vocals that are soulful throwbacks to an 80s pop front man allure. Kim Moye’s wizardry on keyboards and drums is perfection. Electrifying, entertaining, and futuristic synthesizers sing in crystallized robotic tongue in Moye’s artistic sound haven. “Aeons” unfolds like an ethereal world music piece where waterfalls and sun abound. The light but choppy keyboards paint a nice paradise in this mellow industrial tune where time slows only to enjoy its every drop. On “Anywhere” Julian’s subdued vocal builds beautifully over softened pulses of bass. “Yippiyo-Ay” is the ultimate pick-up affair where luscious lyrics make the song a perfect synth pop pearl. The thriving groove is fast and wickedly furious. It moves with a sweet club techno feel like a mix between Daft Punk and The Human League. A highly enjoyable dance album from a very genius duo where Apocalypso is a battle between wicked style and good fun.

Chanda Jones

Location: Soho, NYC
Talk: WOLVERINE: Inside the World of the Living Weapon
Show time: 7 to 9 PM
Venue: The Museum of Comics and Cartoon Art
Food: Nha Trang
Drink: Naked Lunch
Miscellaneous: La Esquina

From the pages of Marvel comics to the silver screen, Wolverine has become more than just a superhero in the Marvel Universe, he’s an icon. Join comic book writers Chris Claremont, who worked on Marvel Comics X-Men series and Matthew K. Manning, who has written for many comics in both the Marvel and DC universes, as they discuss Wolverine and the making of DK Publishing’s Wolverine: Inside the World of the Living Weapon. Book signing and reception to follow. One of the best affordable Vietnamese restaurants in the city, Nha Trang is right near the downtown courthouse, making it a high volume place. Despite that, the food is great and the Pho (rice noodle soup) dishes are $5 and under. Named after William S. Burroughs novel, Naked Lunch is a cool and comfortable bar where local artists usually gather. No shooting up though! One of the best taqueria’s in the city, the Mexican food at La Esquina is authentic and to die for. While tacos will set you back $3, plates are in the $6 to $7.25 range.

With Pontiak playing Cake Shop this Friday May 1, Short and Sweet NYC is offering fans the chance to win some of their music and more from their great label Thrill Jockey. Three winners will be chosen with two runner up’s winning a copy of Pontiak’s MAKER album and one Grand Prize winner who will receive 3 CDs: Pontiak - Maker, High Places - S/T, and Angela Desveaux - If Ever I Loved.

TO ENTER, E-MAIL US HERE

LISTEN
-Pontiak on myspace.com
-High Places on myspace.com
-Angela Desveaux on myspace.com

DOWNLOAD - Pontiak - Honey.Mp3


Pontiak - Laywayed from Thrill Jockey Records on Vimeo.

DaVe Lipp

For MMA and UFC fans out there, enter to win a copy of the movie NEVER SURRENDER, released today, which follows the intensely dangerous journey of an MMA world champion through the illegal world of underground cage fighting.

George “Rush” St-Pierre (current UFC Welterweight Champion), BJ “The Prodigy” Penn (undisputed UFC Lightweight Champion), Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion), Anderson “The Spider” Silva (current UFC Middleweight Champion) and heavyweight favorite Heath “The Texas Crazy Horse” Herring star in this controversial action-thriller.

To enter, e-mail us Here

DaVe Lipp

Their last album Face Control dropped in early February and it’s unfortunately very easy to lose sight of this truly innovative offering from Handsome Furs in the shuffle of new albums that are coming out weekly. Luckily, Alexei and Dan were kind enough to take some time out of their busy eastern European touring schedule to field some questions that flesh out both their methods in preparing Face Control and how the whole experience has affected them personally. In listening to the new album and researching how their travels and interest in eastern Europe/Russia influenced the sound and lyrical content of the tracks, I found myself very interested in how East influences West and vice verse.


Which musical components of the new album do each of you think are the most influenced by your travels in the East?

Alexei (A): They may be a little tricky to pinpoint. Hopefully the album will act, in its entirety, as a collection of those experiences we had. I like to think of Face Control as its own little time capsule to that time, both sonically and artistically.
Dan (D): I was really influenced by this specifically Eastern "cheap" sounding techno. Songs where the equipment might not be as up to date as their western contemporaries but the spirit is stronger. Also the abrasiveness of early Polish and Russian punk guitar sounds I found really exciting...as if the instrument was struggling to live. That's something completely missing in Western indie rock...making fearless, strange sounds with limited resources. We also tried to work in some of the hard repetition of socialist architecture into the bass and drums. Just raw blocks of sound.

I felt so keenly that the tracks succeeded at making available an Eastern rhythm to a Western audience that has little to no conception of the musical tastes in that part of the world; is this influence something you'd both specifically hoped to bring to the Western scene? Why?

A: Firstly, thank you. I guess, for myself, I was just so wholly wide-eyed and impressed by the musical tastes we encountered that I wanted to harness that in some way. Maybe selfishly! As for exporting those sounds to the western scene, I hope we did a half-way apt job, but I’m not exactly sure. It’s all so personal. Though I feel an obligation (I always have) to comment on the world in my work, I need it known that it is just one set of eyes… or in our case, two. Endlessly, I hope it’s interesting to others.
D: Agreed!

I've read about the practice of Face Control that inspired the name for the album and wondered, though obviously not as blatantly advertised, if either of you have ever experienced or heard of a practice similar to this going on in the West? In essence, is there a practical similarity between east and west in this regard, if not a methodological one?

A: Western “Dress Code” is really just a euphemism for “Face Control.” I think part of why we decided on that title was because we wanted to show juxtaposition between East and West values, no matter how similar they are in truth. I like exploring different systems of control – in club etiquette, politics, and border crossings. We’re not that dissimilar but the small differences are really intriguing.
D: I think there is now a contradiction in the practical applications of "getting in" somewhere regarding East vs. West. The West believes that the East still has outmoded, unnecessarily bureaucratic systems of control in place at borders.
It's actually the opposite. In Russia, for example, many potential problems can be solved with a very basic (and very capitalist) cash transaction. Between border guard and traveler, bouncer and club patron, police man and tourist. In say, the US, you have to not only go through HUGE amounts of red tape just to play music legally, you also have to pay an extremely large amount of money.

In one of the reviews I read of the album, a commentator referred to the album's sound as 'Glasnost-Era'; did either of you actually reach that far back in history to seek musical influences for the album? Or would you say the album reflects the contemporary evolution of what Glasnost made possible for former Warsaw Pact countries?

A: I think we were influenced by both the history we had read – in volumes of good nonfiction stuff – and in the realities we faced.
D: Musically we did go back to that era by overdosing on Polish punk bands like Shakira and Siberian 80s protest music as well as post independence techno and uhmm..a lot or Serbian 90s anti government bands. I think lyrically the album would hopefully reflect post-Glasnost...or at least our first impressions as outsiders to post-Glasnost Eastern Bloc countries.

Is there a country that you both visited during your travels that you don't believe you could ever tire of? Why?

A: Well gee, I feel earnestly that I want to experience as much of the world as I can without ever tiring. I know I’m not answering your question, really, because it would be hard for me to settle on any one country in particular, having loved so many.
D: I feel like we've only scratched at the surface of so many places we've been lucky enough to go to. Even a country like Slovakia, which is comparatively small, holds so much interest for me. We played a really crazy show in Zlinia last night and we're already planning to go back!

Personally, I love dancing at shows and music that inspires one to move. I've been very pleased that the new album is so conducive to getting crowds to move. What, if any, differences have either of you perceived in how crowds react physically to your performances depending on if you're in the East or West?

A: We’ve had some pretty great riotous crowds in random places in both the East and West, so I feel wildly lucky for that. I think there does exist an intensity in Talinn, Moscow, Belgrade, Riga, Zagreb, Prague, Warzaw (and all) that emerges from the freshness of the music to new ears. It has felt really chaotic and meaningful to play to folks that have heard little else like us. So, on a very gut level, it feels very genuine to win over those crowds because I know they truly like the music, not the “Buzz.”
D: I can't put it any better than that!

Reading a list of guidelines for couples touring together that you two put out; were there any additional nuggets of wisdom either of you could share with our readers?

A: Man oh man. That List was looooong in its entirety! They had to edit it way down. We have oodles of wisdom. Would you like me to send along the whole thing?

As our site is primarily concerned with events and happenings in New York City, I was wondering which venue(s) in the City is/are each of your favorites to play or see shows at?

A: We’ve played at the Bowery Ballroom, Mercury Lounge and a rather daunting (for me) opening slot for Spoon at Terminal Five. I loved talking to the sound/stage techs at Bowery while they discussed their Death Pool – the latest addition had been Charleston Heston and neither had taken the prize for guessing the right date.
D: I freaking love the fact that Bowery Presents works outside of Live Nation. The staff is amazing and things don't seem to be micro managed to death like so many other "high profile" venues.

What would you say you've found to be the biggest difference between a city like New York and a metropolitan area of comparable size in Russia; say Moscow or St. Petersburg? What's the largest similarity?

A: In Moscow, things are of an inhuman scale and much of pedestrian life is spent crossing streets in underground tunnels beneath roads that are too broad to cross, whereas New York seems positively busting at the seems on the streets. There is a thick sweaty liveliness in New York, infection on all levels (I love it there!) that is wildly different from the towering and massive concrete facades of Russia (I love it there too!). The biggest similarity for me, personally, would be my inability to afford real estate in either.

Lastly, did either of you develop a taste for certain Eastern cuisine items that became a favorite to eat whilst on the road? If so, what?

A: We got pretty addicted to pickles and vodka.
D: Pork and potatoes. Pork and cabbage. Pork and Pork. Had to learn to love the pig. And yeah...pickles and vodka with rye bread.

Kenneth Joachim

Location: Long Island City, Queens
Art: Pig
Show time: Thurs to Sun 2 PM - 8 PM; Through August 9
Venue: Deitch Studios
Food: Sripraphai
Drink: Saints and Sinners
Miscellaneous: Baruirs

Curated by Jim Drain, Paul Chan, Jeff Koons, Mario Grubisic, Paola Pivi, Gelatin, Simon Martin, and Roberto Cuoghi, Pig is an exhibition described as “a colourful chaos of lovely details” and if it’s anything like its incarnation last year at art basel Miami beach, it’s sure to live up to that description. Being that you’re in Queens anyways, you HAVE to take the 7 train to Sripraphai, one of New York’s top Thai restaurants. What makes it better than most is the fact that the ingredients are fresh, and instead of choosing your entree with a choice of meat, they offer a novel sized menu with pics of every dish, most under $10. Once a heavily Irish neighborhood, Saints and Sinners is one of the best looking Irish bars left. Grab a Guinness at the bar or traditional Irish food. If you can, head over to Baruir’s in Sunnyside for one of the best cups of coffee in Queens.

Physicians Formula should be well-touted for its innovative approach in offering organic and earth-friendly, not to mention affordable, cosmetic solutions. Among PF’s most recent offerings is its Organic wear 100% Natural Origin Mascara. Not only is this mascara free from harsh chemicals, synthetic preservatives, parabens, genetically modified organisms, synthetic colors, and synthetic fragrances, it additionally features a 100% recyclable eco-brush!

And, not only is that brush certifiably “eco,” for ecological, but it is dually economical, costing recession-savvy consumers a relatively affordable $9.95.

So, how does it measure up to its less-earth-friendly counterparts? There is no doubt that Organic wear 100% Natural Origin Mascara lengthens and volumizes. Indeed, this reviewer’s lashes were clearly defined and absolutely elongated upon careful application. Although for the most part Physician’s latest mascara Formula meets its marketed guarantees, and the doubly eco-friendly qualities of this product are worthy of high acclaim, those who are looking for a portable and long-lasting formula might want to think twice. The cutesy leaf-shaped brush base results in an awkwardly shaped and rather large stick guaranteed to take up a good portion of any cosmetics bag for those who are spacially concerned. Furthermore, by the day’s end, the product had rubbed off on the lower lids and flaked a bit.

Thus, for those in the market for an eco-licious mascara for short-term wear (read: not for a day that extends beyond the 9-to-5), Physicians Formula’s latest is absolutely recommended and will definitely emphasize your lovely lashes. If easy transport and post-5-o’clock wear are of any concern, this particular product from Physicians Formula might not be your best match.

Jessica Stein

Location: Lower East Side, NYC
Film: Bowerbirds Get Tickets Here
Show time: 7 PM
Venue: Mercury Lounge
Food: Three of Cups
Drink: Whiskey Ward
Miscellaneous: Sugar Sweet Sunshine

If you’ve never heard the Bowerbirds, they are a nu-folk band with tinges of French music (maybe it’s the accordion) from North Carolina. Their last album, 2007s Hymns for a Dark Horse was quite beautiful. Joining them are some great opening acts worth coming early to check out in Bell, La Strada, and Lost in the Trees. What I like about Three of Cups the most is that the food is classic Italian fare like Pizza made in a wood-fired oven, risotto, pasta, while also offering more exciting dishes like lamb stew in a barolo wine reduction, served with potato gnocchi. The atmosphere is relaxing, bordering on romantic. With a name like Whiskey Ward, it’s expected that they deliver the goods, which lucky for this bar, they do. Whether it’s Scotch, Bourbon, Whiskey, or Single Malts, they got em’ along with a pool table and a damn good jukebox. Who doesn’t like cupcakes? Sugar Sweet Sunshine has one of the best in the city. With 10 different kinds, it’s hard to beat.

Peter Sellers-5 Film Collection
(Lions Gate)






Amazing talent that he was, Peter Sellers appeared in a bunch of international hits as a wide variety of characters (sometimes as more than one in the same film) and was pretty much an enigma to all who knew him. The films that are included in this DVD collection are early ones and not the popular ones we know of here in the US like the Pink Panther, Dr. Strangelove, and Being There. Still these films, 1957's The Smallest Show On Earth, 59's Carlton-Brown Of The F.O. and I'm All Right Jack, 1960's Two Way Stretch and Heaven's Above! in 1963 feature some of man's earliest hilarious characterizations.

The Smallest Show On Earth sees us enter the world of the nearly forgotten Bijou theater, after two newlyweds, Matt and Jean Spencer (played by Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna) inherit the place from a dead uncle. Along with veritable UK actress Margaret Rutherford as the cashier and Bernard Miles as the janitor, we have Sellers as a drunken projectionist. Crazy schemes and even a fire ensure, but it is mostly the interaction of the 'older' members of the cast that makes this one crackle.

Carlton-Brown Of The F.O. features Sellers as Prime Minister Amphibulos in this satire of British government meddling that turns quickly into an international nuclear showdown. Very much a 'politk' film of its day, this represents one of the more important films of the Roy and John Boulting directing/producing team, a team Sellers will link up with again in his career.

Another Boultin brothers' film is, I'm All Right Jack. This one earned Sellers a Best Actor Award from the British Academy (BAFTA). Another satire from the B. Bros., Jack takes jabs at British industrial life, mixing domesticity with trade unions and business and Seller's nearly unrecognizable characterization of shop steward Fred Kite.

Two Way Stretch features some of the best British comedians of the time it was released in 1960. Here Sellers plays a cocky criminal, something he doesn't do too often, in this solid example of the venerable British 'caper' movies, like The Lavender Hill Mob. "Stretch" more than the other films in the set, really sees Sellers matched with some amazing scene stealing company, especially Lionel Jeffries' Sidney Crout, forever on the hunt for Sellers' Dodger Lane.

Lastly in this set we have the latest film of the five, 1963's Heavens Above!, another Boulting brothers satire, this time aimed at the attitudes towards naïve generosity and church-going class hypocrisy with Seller's do-good-ing Reverend John Smallwood. "Heavens" is also notable for its use of profanity, unusual for the time of its release and in a film about such angelic humanist ideals.

It's impossibly really to pin down any true Sellers' style or character. The man might be one of the only true chameleons of our recent film age, certainly one of our best and well known. As he said during one of his Muppet Show appearances: "There is no me, I do not exist. There used to be a me, but I had it surgically removed." Looking at his early films here, you tend to believe that was exactly how the guy was going to end up.

Ralph Greco, Jr.

Since Obama's election, the term "post-civil rights" has been tossed around our country as a way to describe a new generation's approach to race. The idea that U.S. citizens have all summarily moved on from racism is jolly and keen, but utterly untrue. Directed by Tim Disney, American Violet seeks to pinpoint a broken justice system, portions of which are steeped in racism and bias.

Based on her true story, Dee Roberts (sparkling newcomer Nicole Beharie) is a young black Texan mother, arrested in 2000 during a militaristic police-raid on the Arlington Springs housing projects. Dumped into the ugly judicial system, Dee must face trumped up drug charges, and then choose between a plea bargain or awaiting trial in jail. If convicted as a felon, Dee and her children would be evicted from the housing projects, and her food-stamps revoked.

Enter white ACLU lawyer David Cohen (Tim Blake Nelson) who has identified a gross infraction of civil rights, and urges Dee to sue the seemingly untouchable District Attorney (Michael O'Keefe). What ensues is a multi-layered war, as Dee struggles to protect and care for her four daughters while standing up to a rank legal system.

Various supporting characters paint a deeper portrait of life in Melody, Texas. Dee's mother (Alfre Woodard) and a white Texan attorney (Will Patton) have featured subplots as aging adults who have been forced to silently adapt their entire lives to racism. The father of Dee's children (Xzibit) is a tangible threat throughout the film.

American Violet has no need for flashy camera tricks or effects, as Director Tim Disney trains the camera on his bold characters and we watch them clash. Occasionally featured is footage from the 2000 Bush/Gore election, another tale of a complex and sometimes sweepingly unfair legal system. Since the story is set prior to 9/11 and the Iraq war, the media bonanza is focused on deciphering our justice system and the idea of Who Watches the Watchers?

For anyone who watched Mississippi Burning or In The Heat of the Night in high school, you'll be transported back to a duel lesson on southern politics and the American justice system. Characters in American Violet seem trapped by a system that is supposed to protect them. Instead, it seeks them out with search-and-destroy precision.

But keep your eye on Nicole Beharie as Dee Roberts, and you’ll learn all about the plight of so many of your fellow Americans. At her core, Roberts wants to protect her children while cultivating her own dreams of prosperity. Unfortunately, that’s not as easy in America as it sounds.

Paul Seiz

With The Tribeca Film Fest under way (April 22 through May 3), American Express is offering members access to private screenings, family events along with offers from some of New York’s best restaurants and shops.

Cardmembers can get special privileges at more than 45 participating restaurants in the city that will be offering complimentary food and beverage items, prix fixe menus and gift certificates including Blue Water Grill, Matsugen, Nobu Next Door, Dylan Prime, Butter, Japonais, Craftsteak, and many others. Cardmembers can also get a free movie ticket for every $40 spent at nearby shops involved in the “And a Movie” program on May 2.

For a full list of venues involved and the movie offer go HERE

DaVe Lipp

Join Lee Fields as he belts out some amazing soul at The Five Spot this Saturday

Friday April 24

Location: DUMBO, Brooklyn
Event: Nerd Nite
Show time: 7 PM; arrive no later than 6:40 PM to register for speed dating
Venue: Galapagos Art Space
Food: RICE
Drink: Low Bar
Miscellaneous: Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory

If you’re single, ready to mingle, and want to meet people that actually have something to say, then go to Nerd Nite at Galapagos where they will be hosting Speed Dating at 7, where 25 guys and 25 girls will get the chance to chat and find love with each other in three minute intervals. After this there will be artists talking about art and then The Love Show presents the Guide to Sex featuring provocative modern dance, cabaret, comedy, and magic! RICE not surprisingly offers a pretty intense variety of rice, from brown to Bhutanese red. Most of the rice based dishes come in large and small sizes. Right below RICE is Low Bar, an extremely convenient place to grab a drink and catch some great DJs spin in a lounge environment. Right off the water, with a view of the South Street Seaport and the Brooklyn Bridge so close you can touch it, the only thing that could make this view better is ice cream. You’ll usually find a long line for Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory, but the sweet flavors are worth it!

Friday April 24

Location: Park Slope, Brooklyn
Bands: Jeremy Jay
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: Union Hall
Food: Press 195
Drink: Union Hall
Miscellaneous: O’Connor’s

The one thing I really like about Jeremy Jay is that there’s nothing cheesy or too ripped off about his synth heavy music (hey, who doesn’t take from those that influence them?), which makes him more endearing. Check out his new album Slow Dance for a taste of his groovy sound, or better yet, see him live tonight with Illuminations and James William Hindle. The theme at Press 195 is pressed comfort food. A sandwich shop with quite the menu, they offer 30 types of delicious sandwiches like the turkey and fontina cheese sandwich with a cranberry and roasted pear chutney on ciabatta ($7.75). While Union Hall looks like a cabin at a ski resort with a fireplace, stone walls, comfy couches, and inexpensive drinks, you may want to stick around rather than barhop. A low-key bar in this hood, O’Connor’s is a hole in the wall where you can grab a cheap drink and watch the game on their TV, just like your grandpa sitting next to you!

Saturday April 25

Location: Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Bands: Dig Deeper with Lee Fields Get Tickets Here
Show time: 10 PM
Venue: The Five Spot Soul Food Supper Club
Food: The Five Spot Soul Food Supper Club
Drink: Moe’s
Miscellaneous: Tillie’s

Old school funk fiends rejoice as soul legend Lee Fields stops by The Five Spot to perform as part of Dig Deeper, an ongoing showcase of amazing soul legends, run by DJ Honky and Mr. Robinson. Lee Fields, who is a Daptone and Truth & Soul recording artist will perform with the Sweet Divines and the Divine Soul Rhythm Band. While there are so many new and innovative restaurants in Fort Greene, you can’t escape tradition and The Five Spot offers great southern food. From New Orleans poboys to soul grub, the food here can’t be beat. Try the Charleston Low Country Smothered Chicken ($11.95), which is my fave and don’t forget the mac and cheese. One of the best in NYC. An eclectic bar in Ft. Greene that has absolutely nothing to do with The Simpsons, Moe’s offers a decent beer selection, a neighborhood vibe, and big windows to people watch. For coffee and a place to just sit and relax, Tillie’s serves a great cup of joe, while consistently having performances, and serving excellent baked goods and vegan food.

Saturday April 25

Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Bands: Pterodactyl + Oneida
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: Secret Project Robot
Food: Bonita
Drink: Savalas
Miscellaneous: Fabiane’s Café and Pastry Shop

Join Pterodactyl as they celebrate the release of their new album Worldwild with a performance including plenty of new material. Also joining them is Brooklyn’s Oneida. There will also be videos by over 25 artists and some live cinema. 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.

Sunday April 26

Location: Long Island City, NYC
Film: Kenneth Anger
Show time: Thurs to Mon: Noon to 6 PM; Through September 14, 2009
Venue: P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center
Food: Sripraphai
Drink: Saints and Sinners
Miscellaneous: Baruirs

P.S. 1 presents the first major survey of avant-garde filmmaker Kenneth Anger’s work in more than a decade, focusing on his early films which critique Hollywood, reference pop icons in occult settings, and depict the violent and erotic counterculture. Anger’s work has inspired fellow filmmakers including Martin Scorsese, Gus Van Sant, and Guy Maddin. Being that you’re in Queens anyways, you HAVE to take the 7 train to Sripraphai, one of New York’s top Thai restaurants. What makes it better than most is the fact that the ingredients are fresh, and instead of choosing your entree with a choice of meat, they offer a novel sized menu with pics of every dish, most under $10. Once a heavily Irish neighborhood, Saints and Sinners is one of the best looking Irish bars left. Grab a Guinness at the bar or traditional Irish food. If you can, head over to Baruir’s in Sunnyside for one of the best cups of coffee in Queens.

Foundation: B-Boys, B-Girls, and Hip-Hop Culture in New York
By Joseph G. Schloss
(Oxford University Press)








Foundation: B-Boys, B-Girls, and Hip-Hop Culture in New York is an in-depth academic exploration of one of hip-hop culture's most globally expansive exports that sets the record straight on where b-boying comes from and what it means. Incorrectly known the world over as breakdancing, b-boying is a form of Afro-diasporic competitive dance that developed in the Bronx and Brooklyn, NY in the early 1970s. Joseph G. Schloss sets the record straight on b-boying's roots by interviewing hip-hop historians and practitioners and getting down and hitting the floor himself.

Schloss has an authentic credibility that informs his narrative and gives his readers an insiders' perspective. He differentiates between correct and incorrect terminology, and tracks specific dance styles back to specific neighborhoods and even further back to dancers' African roots. Schloss gives hip-hop culture the scholarly credibility it deserves. I highly recommend this book to anyone with at least a passing interest in hip-hop culture, but I must warn you, after turning a few pages, you will want to break out your adidas running suit and start popping, locking, and hitting the floor to some breaks yourself.

Marc Amigone

Location: East Village, NYC
Film: Jim Jarmusch
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: NYU, Cantor Film Center
Food: Minca
Drink: Common Ground
Miscellaneous: Beard Papa Sweets Cafe

Join filmmaker Jim Jarmusch as he talks about the awesome films he’s made as well as show clips from his upcoming film The Limits of Control, featuring Isaach de Bankolé, Paz de la Huerta, Gael Garcia Bernal, and Bill Murray. If you’ve never been to Minca for dinner, go right now! This small noodle bar makes some amazing ramen noodles from scratch. Try the Minca Ramen, a mild broth with pork, chicken & dried seafood ($8.50). One of the newer bars in the East Village, Common Ground has a dark wood interior, a relaxed atmosphere, and excellent cocktails like the Blueberry Pie. If you like pastries filled with cream, check out Beard Papa Sweets Café. They offer cream fillings like earl grey, green tea, coffee, and the standard vanilla, chocolate, strawberry among others.