Friday July 31

Location: Gowanus, Brooklyn
Bands: The Mekons + The Horse’s Ha Get Tickets Here
Show time: 9 PM
Venue: The Bell House
Food: Press 195
Drink: Union Hall
Miscellaneous: O’Connor’s

Late 70’s rockers The Mekons have never really stopped touring and recording, making them one of the longest running acts of the first wave of British punk rock bands. They have a new album coming out so fans rejoice and expect to hear their hits and new material. Openers The Horse’s Ha play a gorgeous blend of jazz and folk music that must be heard. Great stuff here! 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!

Friday July 31

Location: Financial District, NYC
Bands: River to River Festival Presents: Polvo
Show time: 8 PM; FREE
Venue: South Stree Seaport
Food: Burritoville
Drink: Jeremy’s Ale House
Miscellaneous: Century 21

One of the founders of what is known today as math rock, Polvo were together from 1990 to 1998 putting out some great indie noise-rock albums and recently got back together and will put out an album in September. Tonight you can see how it all began for FREE. While most people buy hot dogs and grab a beer at expensive restaurants in the Seaport mall, you’ll be smart and head over to Burritoville for inexpensive and delicious California inspired burritos, all under $10. For drinks, Jeremy’s Ale House has a lively crowd and a beer list that will get you a pint for $5 and under. If you get down to the financial district early, check out Century 21. They won’t try to sell you some property, but they have some great designer clothing on the cheap, plus the place is huge to roam.

Saturday August 1

Location: Midtown West, NYC
Bands: M. Ward + Mike Watt & Nels Cline
Show time: 7 PM: FREE
Venue: Central Park Summerstage
Food: Zip Burger
Drink: Subway Inn
Miscellaneous: Kinokuniya Bookstore

Folky M. Ward has been making big waves since his 2006 hit album Post War and his recent collaboration with actress Zooey Deschanel for their album She & Him as well as working with a host of others, so find out what all the fuss is about for FREE at Summerstage. Mike Watt & Nels Cline will also be performing but it’s unclear if they will playing separate or together, possibly as The Black Gang. At Zip Burger they offer farm-raised, organic, and grass-fed meat and poultry, letting you build your own burger with plenty of gourmet toppings. The first time I went to Subway Inn I thought it was completely strange that there was a dive bar off Lexington Avenue, especially in this neck of the woods, but somehow it works. Born in the 30s, this bar has somehow remained, and thank god, as it’s easily the cheapest place in the area for a drink. For fans of Japanese pop-culture, Kinokuniya Bookstore has a large selection of Japanese themed books, videos, CDs, magazines, comics, and stationary.

Saturday August 1

Location: Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Bands: Dean and Britta + Crystal Stilts
Show time: 7:30 PM
Venue: Prospect Park Bandshell
Food: Press 195
Drink: The Gate
Miscellaneous: The Chocolate Room

Join electro-pop music act Dean and Britta as they play music live to Andy Warhol’s screen tests featuring people who had visited his studio like Lou Reed, Dennis Hopper, Nico, Edie Sedgwick, and nine others. Each four minute silent film will be projected behind the band. It’s like a good old fashioned freak-out! Plus Crystal Stilts open. Taking the pressed sandwich to the gourmet level, Press 195 offers 30 kinds of hot pressed sandwiches that make this place hard to get tired of. One of the more social bars in Park Slope, The Gate is a great bar with a wide selection of local beers on tap and an outdoor patio overlooking the park. A great little dessert and coffee shop, The Chocolate Room has a menu filled with everything made with some form of chocolate. Try the hot chocolate, you won’t regret it.

Sunday August 2

Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Bands: Deerhunter + No Age + Dan Deacon
Show time: 2 PM
Venue: Williamsburg Waterfront
Food: SEA
Drink: Zablozki’s
Miscellaneous: Hugs

The Williamsburg Waterfront FREE shows are owning Sundays this summer with another winning performance as Deerhunter, No Age, and Dan Deacon take the stage at this large and gorgeous space. Let’s just hope it doesn’t rain like it did for last week’s concert! Just as much fun as any show and just as big a venue, SEA is one BIG Thai restaurant. Big enough to have a pool surrounded by tables as a giant Buddha stands above it. Luckily, the food is really great. Offering traditional Pad Thai ($7) to more involved dishes like the Mummy Fish ($14). On N6th, a street full of bars and restaurants, Zablozki’s is the local bar of the bunch, with a pool table and a friendly atmosphere and 12 beers on tap. What looks like some dark basement with tables and some couches, Hugs will end up being a dance party with an awkward blend of music genres that you will grow to love quickly.

Palm Springs is a jewel in the desert and boats iconic mid-century architecture, vintage furniture shops, and many luxe boutique hotels all touting the chic desert lifestyle. With all of the colors and inspirational sights in Palm Springs there is one name that comes to mind when you think of colorful vintage inspired fashion in Palm Springs, Trina Turk. Trina's success reaches far and wide these days with shops across California as well as New York and a pop-up store this summer in East Hampton. Inspired by the eclectic mix of cultures, landscapes and architecture of Los Angeles, Trina's vision is to create wearable and optimistic sportswear known for the excellent fit of pants and signature modernist prints.

Trina took a few minutes from her busy day to share her favorite hot spots in Palm Springs (and beyond) with us.

Favorite locals spot to get a bite to eat
For lunch: Norma’s at the Parker Palm Springs (designed by Jonathan Adler), El Mirasol
For dinner: Le Valluris or BBQ at home
For drinks: The groovy lobby of the Parker Palm Springs, Melvyn’s or cocktails at home by the pool

Favorite vintage store vintage shops (clothing and furniture -- besides her own store of course!)
Bon Vivant, The Galleria, Modern Way, Studio 111—all of these are vintage home furnishings and accessories

Favorite spa getaway
Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, CA or Ten Thousand Waves outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico

Best place for getting a glimpse of a celebrity
The Mercer Hotel in Soho.

Most inspirational place for Trina Turk's recent collection in Palm Springs or anywhere in the world. John Lautner’s Elrod house

Right now you can take a sneak peek at Trina's fall 09 collection below. The sportswear and dress collection consists of a palette of neutrals in black, grey and beige mixed with bold colorful prints and touches of vintage tailoring. We especially love Trina's take on short and 3/4 sleeve coats. Trina consistently features these types of jackets and they are ideal for daytime office wear. Some of the pieces are available now and others will be available in August and September.



From our friends at thefind.com

Location: Chelsea, NYC
Bands: Grace Jones Get Tickets Here
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: Hammerstein Ballroom
Food: Supermac
Drink: Stout
Miscellaneous: Jack’s 99 Cent Store

A film, fashion, and music icon comes back to the stage as Grace Jones hits the Hammerstein Ballroom like a Hurricane, which by no accident is also the title of her new album, the first in 20 years. Though 61 she neither looks it nor acts it and that’s just a tiny sample of what to expect when she hits the stage. She’s definitely something to see live. Though small, Supermac packs a hearty punch with it’s gourmet mac & cheese’s like the Mac Cheesesteak with shaved steak, caramelized onions, roasted peppers, cremini/shitake, provolone, and white American ($8.25 mini; $10.95 mega). A great place in NYC to get a full-bodied dark beer is at Stout. With a very detailed beer list with descriptions, I’ve never had a bad pint at this bar and restaurant, plus the food menu is American and quite good. Probably the biggest 99-cent store in NYC, Jack’s 99 Cent Store is three floors of some of the finest values you can find, especially in an overpriced area like Herald Square.

Enter to win a pair of tickets to see Silversun Pickups play a private show hosted by iheartradio.com in NYC on Friday, July 31st!
Winners will be chosen on Wednesday, July 29th. To enter, sign up at iheartradio

DaVe Lipp

The Fiery Furnaces
I’m Going Away
(Thrill Jockey)







The Fiery Furnaces are one of those bands that I keep telling myself I’m going to listen to. I even have a couple of their albums. Yet, I consistently forget about them or play a couple of tracks and get bored. I’m Going Away is their eighth release, and has so far been a pretty enjoyable listen.

The album starts with the title track that dives right in and flicks on the lights. A little guitar fuzz and Eleanor Friedman’s warm voice exclaim, “She’s going away, and will be back someday.” And, hey, it sounds like she means it. Following this is “Drive to Dallas,” a nice meandering organ-driven ballad about staying the hell out of Dallas. Which makes sense to me. The next song, “The End Is Near,” sounds kind of the same. This is the album’s major fault; some of the songs come close to being interchangeable, but, altogether, it’s not a huge problem because the songs are all decent. There’s just no real standout for me. It’s a record compiled of piano-heavy songs about getting away. The cadence of Eleanor’s voice and the rhythmic fits and starts keep the songs interesting, which is essential to the overall appeal.

The Friedman’s wrote an album of pleasant songs that bounce between ballady and rocky, but there’s not too much else to parse about the record as a whole. It diminishes it for me that there is no real gem that will lead me back to it, but, again, it’s an agreeable work. I’m not sure if that’s a compliment or not.

Dave Levin


Magic Wands
Magic Love & Dreams EP
(Bright Antenna)







The Magic Wands are a duo from Tennessee. Their new EP is called Magic Love & Dreams and judging by the band name and the names of the songs, these are clearly their fixations. After all, there are only four songs here and one has “magic” in the title while another has “love” in it. This makes it all the more disappointing that there is no magic in these songs, I didn’t love any of them, and I certainly won’t be dreaming about them. The first song is “Black Magic” which is an obvious choice for a leadoff track because it sounds the most like a single. That is, it sounds like a Garbage single minus Shirley Manson’s charisma. “Starships,” the second track, is by far the best song here. It’s the only song on Magic Love & Dreams that’s both original sounding and interesting. The Magic Wands cool detachment and far away new wave sound works best here. The same can’t be said for “Teenage Love.” It’s sparse production and speak-sung lyrics just get old really fast. As for “Kiss Me Dead,” I can’t remember anything about it.

I know this review sounds pretty harsh but I’m just being hard on Magic Wands because I think they have more in them. Magic Love & Dreams isn’t too great but it does show potential. There is at least one song here that I genuinely enjoy. If this band sorts out its strengths from its weaknesses their next release could be a lot better. The main thing they need to learn is that there is a difference between sounding detached and sounding like you’re not even trying.

Jonathan Zuckerman


Ocote Soul Sounds and Adrian Quesada
Coconut Rock
(ESL Music)






Ocote Soul Sounds is an impeccable project full of wonderfully crafted tracks that consist of varying degrees of salsa, afro-beat, experimental jazz, trip and hip hop. Easily something that sounds as popping fresh as a set spun by the dopest of dj’s, the live instrumentation on this album was created to astound. Each instrument is boastfully distinct as it grinds out groove after noteworthy groove. Coconut Rock is the third album from Ocote Soul Sounds and is full of chunky bass lines, dance-ready anthems and balmy soul vibes flavored with Latin infused tracks that create an international appeal and make the album organic, ultra-hip and laidback. Downright soulful and all kinds of cool, the seduction is immediate and the allure is long-lasting. Silvery acoustic guitar hops against a soaring flute and the melodious voice of Brazilian singer, Tita Lima on “Vendendo Saude & Fe.” The electric guitar fires up like a flame, ready to devastate everything in sight. Martin Perna, founder of Antibalas and Adrian Quesada of Grupo Fantasma, with members of Antibalas, Grupo Fantasma, and Brownout amongst other artists have collectively released an album that is diverse, bright, at times political and full on funky. “Vampires” tackles capitalism with heavy plunks of bass and the present yet scarcity of guitar yields a rather restrictive tone, perfectly in line with the subject matter. With a 70s disco mantra and a bubbly guitar effect on “Return of the Freak,” the tune bounces into a clever creeper of a hit. Coconut Rock allows the listener to be drawn in to swirling instrumentation with a sort of wound up allure that is both invigorating and sensual.

Chanda Jones


War Tapes
The Continental Divide
(Sarathan Records)






Is it the reviewer's place to suggest personnel changes for a band? Regardless here it is for the War Tapes and their new release The Continental Divide: Neil Popkin must not sing. Let him play rhythm guitar until his heart's content, but his 80's style retro pop crooning is way out of style. The vocals are enough to bring the band to a much lower level. Listening to some of the material here, such as "Dreaming of You" and "All the World's a Stage" would lead the listener to thinking they're listening to a collection of Killer's B-sides or rejected Interpol material. And this is a shame because there's a good band lurking here. Suggestion: let his sister, bassist and back up vocalist Rebecca Popkin take over. The band turns into a different animal when her vocals shine through, like on the opening track, "The Night Unfolds," a fast paced breathtaking song that gives false hope for the album before melding into the aforementioned "Dreaming of You."argh! For another example of why Rebecca should be lead singer, listen to "Mind is Ugly." Otherwise, if you like bad Interpol songs, this album is for you! Also I don't appreciate the final track being called “Fast Lane” while being seven minutes long and incredibly slow. How ironic and clever.

So here we have a band that I almost like. I even want to like them! I just can't because of the awful vocals. They have potential, and perhaps they'll realize their potential on future releases.

Michael Adler

Location: Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Film: Rediscovering John Cazale
Show time: 7 PM
Venue: BAM
Food: Bonita
Drink: The Hideout
Miscellaneous: Tillie’s

While the name John Cazale might sound vaguely familiar, you know his face and most likely seen the iconic films he’s been in, like Dog Day Afternoon, The Godfather parts I and II, and The Deer Hunter, before dying at 42 in 1978 from terminal bone cancer. With Rediscovering John Cazale, BAM celebrates Cazale’s short but amazing canon of work. Tonight they show Dog Day Afternoon, in which Cazale stars alongside Al Pacino as amateur bankrobbers trying to fund Pacino’s lovers sex operation. Also playing is the documentary on Cazale I Knew it Was You by Richard Shepard with a star studded cast who discuss this immense talent whose career was cut short yet had a great impact on his peers. The sister restaurant of it’s Williamburg location, Bonita makes really delicious Mexican food like the chicken burrito. The rub they use on the meat makes it taste out of this world. The Hideout, a bar on Dekalb St., might have a name suggesting it’s desire for secrecy, but most who know about it love its unconventional style. Though tiny, it’s known for its cocktails, falling on the expensive side for Brooklyn ($12-14) but are well worth the price. Tillie’s is a coffee shop where you can sit and relax, get a great cup of joe, eat baked goods with vegan options, and people watch while waiting for the show.

Frankie Faison stars as Harlan in Fox Searchlight Pictures' Adam (2009)
Copyright © Fox Searchlight Pictures. All Rights Reserved.









Here's the thing, when a guy has been in as many movies as Frankie Faison (about a hundred) has, been nominated for Tony's, has been featured on H.B.O's "The Wire," created the beloved character of "Barney" for more then one Hannibal Lecter movie, works in and supports not only independent film and local theater (his wife runs a theater in NJ, near my home), you assume a guy like that has a lot to say. What you might not realize (and what I didn't until I met Mr. Faison, who plays Harlan in the soon-to-be released movie Adam) is that they guy is as passionate about speaking about the biz as he is working in it. Frankie Faison and I had a sit down (because that's just how I roll, kids) and here's what we spoke about.

I liked Adam, but to tell you the truth the scenes that touched me the most are the one's your in, especially, the one where you and Adam are packing the van (go see it, I won't spoil it for you).

Thank you, I appreciate that.

I was thinking that, with the obvious credits you have, do you still have to audition?

All the time. That's a really interesting question…it's tough ya know. I've been doing this business for 38 years, done at least a hundred films, and T.V. series, three of them have been unique and successful. Broadway, off-Broadway, everything. But still, people want me to come in, audition for one half-day scene and though I'm not so full of myself to say I'm beyond that kind of thing, in a way there is a body of work that speaks for itself. You know what I can do, after all this time I'm not different; I still have my fingers and toes (laughs)

So at your level, with your background, you're still the typical 'struggling' actor?

(Laughs) People make assumptions. I'm an unemployed actor looking for my next job.

How about what's happening with you and theater? (Mr. Faison was nominated for a Tony) Anything in the future for you on the stage?

Anything that comes up, we were going to do a production of Fences out in NJ, but it depends or not if we get the space. I really want to focus on doing more theater again. Theater is my first love. If I could do that I'm a happy man. I do film and television cause I have three kids. But they're all grown now, now I have a little more freedom. I can sorta do what I want, not what I have to do.

And that theater you mentioned is the one that your wife runs, right? (This theater, in north NJ was in the same town that Mr. Faison lives in, but recently closed in that location). You did the highly-acclaimed Death of A Salesman there. I heard that that theater was closing, what's the status of it?

We're moving to… (I won't name the town if this doesn't go through, but it is one town over from where the theater 'used' to be), if we can find the funds. It's like digging for gold trying to find money for the arts out there. What's happening yesterday, today it's like oh boy. Cause there's no funds for the arts.

And that theater was there a long time?

I know, fifteen years, it is such a gem.

You have the distinction of being the only actor to appear in all the 'Hannibal Lecter' films; Manhunter (the first one, made years ago without Anthony Hopkins in the title role) then as the character "Barney" in the later, more popular films. How did that happen?

I did the first film, the one that Michael Mann directed and then Silence Of The Lambs came along and I didn't even make the connection myself! I got to meet Jonathan Demme (J.D directed "Silence") and he took to me and that character in the book, because the character didn’t exist in the first one. So I did "Silence," the writer (Thomas Harris) loves that character. But the script came out for the next film and I had to go and audition for the same part I played in "Silence" (laughing) I thought, this is nuts, here I am, I have created this role, same character, so I had to go in and re-audition. I thought this is so bizarre and I wasn't going to do it at first, but then again I thought, I love the story, I had to go in and win the role.

And you were in the remake of Manhunter too, right? Red Dragon?

Well I didn't think there was too much for me to do there, just sort of flashback stuff. I wasn't going to do it. I said no many times and Brett (Brett Ratner, director) said we have to have you in this film and because of that it made me feel good. When people respect me like that….I'm not really about doing the big roles. I am about the work, the ensemble, so it really warmed my heart that he really wanted me. I said ok and I'm glad I did it because I became a trivia question. (laughs)

Tell me what's coming up for you.

There's a film called Cirque Du Freak, vampires and circus freaks, with the Weitz brothers, they've been very supportive to me in my career. I play Rhamus Twobellies, a man with two stomachs. Then there is a another circus film called Splinterheads, circulating out there which is a little independent film that's very charming, if it gets a good distributor it will be well received I think. And there was another film at Sundance, Brief Interviews with Hideous Men.

You also were in one of my all-time favorites, Mother Night.

Amazing film, I love it. It's a pretty good adaptation to (of the equally amazing Kurt Vonnegut novel, go out and get it after you finish reading this interview!). It's one of those quiet little films. I love independent films, some of my great experiences have been films like Mother Night, like Adam. I love that you get to do these movies that have an impact.

Frankie Faison definitely has had and continues to have an impact; in the new movie Adam and spending the time he did with me. Thank you Mr. Faison and the good people at Fox Searchlight for allowing us the time to interview this hard-working actor.

Ralph Greco Jr.

Location: Financial District, NYC
Bands: River to River Festival Presents Saturn Never Sleeps: Sun Ra-Lectric with King Britt
Show time: 9 PM; FREE
Venue: World Financial Center Winter Garden (220 Vesey Street)
Food: Burritoville
Drink: Jeremy’s Ale House
Miscellaneous: Century 21

DJ/Producer King Britt pays tribute to the great jazz legend Sun Ra with Saturn Never Sleeps: Sun Ra-Lectric a multimedia event featuring audio-visuals, electronics, live musicians, and special guests. While most people buy hot dogs and grab a beer at expensive restaurants in the Seaport mall, you’ll be smart and head over to Burritoville for inexpensive and delicious California inspired burritos, all under $10. For drinks, Jeremy’s Ale House has a lively crowd and a beer list that will get you a pint for $5 and under. If you get down to the financial district early, check out Century 21. They won’t try to sell you some property, but they have some great designer clothing on the cheap, plus the place is huge to roam.

This season, Clinique is offering a variety of products under its Clinique Sun line, all of which are designed with SolarSmart UV protection, a formula specially created with 3:1 UVB:UVA protection. This “Proprietary SolarSmart Technology” is designed with “photoblend sunscreens,” specially formulated to ensure a perfect balance of protection essential for the prevention of skin cancers and other aging effects of the sun.

SPF 30 Body Cream

Ever since blueberries and green tea it seems that antioxidants are all the rage. Thus, it comes as no surprise that not only can we find them in our food, but new for 2009, we now can get them via skincare!

The SPF 30 solar-smart enhanced Body Cream portion of the SolarSmart line is a Clinique version of sunscreen-on-steroids. Well, maybe not actual steroids, but definitely an enhanced version of other sun-resistant products of late. Much like the face cream predecessors, it’s about time that those sunscreen products designed for the everywhere-but-our-faces catch up in realizing that although our faces may be especially sensitive to harsh rays, there is no reason to skimp on the rest of our exposed casing! Thank you Clinique, for designing this product containing additional shielding from “environmental aggressors” with the bonus of an alleged “antioxidant boost!”

Rescue Balm

I would have presumed that with all the shields, blockers and everything-short-of-armor thrown into Clinique’s other sun-resistant sunscreen products, there would be no need to pull out the aloe at the end of a long day in the sun. Alas, I should have predicted that in the off-chance that our skin coverage was a little shoddy, Clinique would still have us well covered.

Rescue Balm with aloe is “ultra-moisturizing” and may be used to calm any sun-exposed skin, meant to repair any incidental damage from causing any worse damage. On top of that, it is cooling and refreshing – in other words, exactly what a disappointed sun-bather would want in the event of peeling or undesirable sunburn.

Having put this product to the test on terribly peeling, sun-damaged skin, this reviewer can personally attest to the wonders that are Clinique Rescue Balm. Many an aloe plant I have pierced in the interest of burnt skin, so I must credit Clinique with performing additional wonders to Mother Nature’s already-ingenious gift. Better yet, this product is oil-free and non-acnegenic.

Certainly any beach or pool-bound sun-bather should have full confidence in facing the sun so long as he or she is armed with Clinique’s arsenal of sun-shielding SolarSmart products and the extra-precautionary rescue balm. She may have been hiding for much of the month of June, but once she decides to make an appearance, thanks to Clinique’s SolarSmart formulas, rain-drenched New Yorkers will surely be greeting her with open arms.

Jessica Stein

Location: Long Island City, NYC
Art: 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 Baruirs in Sunnyside for one of the best cups of coffee in Queens.

(L-R): Laura von Holt as Contrary Mary, John Kurzynowski as Fleecy and Sofia Jean Gomez as Alan Photo credit: Yi Zhao



As far as I have been able to determine, there are three ‘types’ of live theater in NYC. Broadway’s current crop of Disney pageants, movie adaptations and remakes; off-Broadway ‘ultra hip’ houses where often times shows get an airing before they move uptown and the ‘off off’ scene where warehouses, lofts, drawing rooms and even backyards are converted into interesting, often stuffy spaces presenting edgy, if not downright lively odd pieces that can be called experimental in the best sense of the word. I like all three types of theater, but I got to tell you, Wooster Street’s Ohio Theatre, is holding its 16th annual Ice Factory Summer Festival, and it is rockin’ the sticky summer night air.

The show I saw was a 90-minute retelling of Babes in Toyland, an über campy version that swooped, pranced and generally used that odd but interesting Ohio Theatre space to its utmost. I admit I was pre-interested in this production because of David Greenspan, one of the most talented actor/writers in the downtown scene, but along with Mr. G. as Mother Goose and the Master Toy Maker, other notables of the supremely talented Little Lord Fauntleroys are Rodney Pallanck as “Mother Goose” and “Antoinette the Toyland Doll” (and keyboard player), Michael Levinton as “Barnaby” and “Spider” (he’s also the director of this play) and Laura von Holt as “Mary.” Previous Ice Factory shows have gone on to the Joyce, PS 122, the Edinburgh Fringe among others and won Obies and I can see why. “Babes” is a solid evening and while I’m not so much taken with camp for camp’s sake, there was enough fun moments and self deprecation, plus the wild David Greenspan, that I say go see “Babes” or whatever else the Ice Factory’s got going on to cool you in the upcoming weeks.

The Ohio Theater, at 66 Wooster Street (between Spring & Broome Sts.) is a great space with high ceilings, tight yet comfortable seating and what is claimed to be…the cheapest bar in Soho!

The schedule for the festival is:
Wonderland: Wed 7/8, Thu 7/9, Fri 7/10, Sat 7/11
Lavaman: Wed 7/15, Thu 7/16, Fri 7/17, Sat 7/18
Babes In Toyland: Wed 7/22, Thu 7/23, Fri 7/24, Sat 7/25
Conni’s Avant Garde Restaurant: Wed 8/5, Thu 8/6, Fri 8/7, Sat 8/8

Ralph Greco, Jr.

Friday The 13th (Extended Killer Cut)
(Warner Home Video)





I'm old enough to remember when the original first Friday the 13th sliced its way across movie screens in 1980. It literally scared audiences witless and began a spate of 'kill-teenagers-in-more-and-more-interesting-ways-because-they-are-hooking-up' movies with its iconic hockey-mask killer (which, I learned from this DVD's 'extra' documentary, was first introduced in Friday 13th, part 3). This remake of the original is a lush looking film, deep in color (blood not withstanding), interesting sets and great claustrophobic spaces.

The now dead Camp Crystal Lake (the film takes place many years after those initial murders in 1980 when Jason's mom was killing teens) is used as only one locale. It might just be the different locations (albeit just a hop, skip and certainly a run from each other) that I responded to so well; God knows the kills and characters are certainly nothing to write home about. True, there's not much of the Saw torture-porn slice and dice and there are enough augmented female breasts here to make any hetero teen boy salivate, but really there are no surprises. The fact that Jason now runs instead of walks is kinda neat, but the story isn't much, the characters stereotypes and the ending way too predictable.

As I mentioned previously, there is a 'making of' documentary included here, which seems like rationalization from the players and producers more than anything else. This Friday the 13th, Killer Cut is a faithful adaptation, remake, what-have-you, for whatever new viewers need to see instead of the terrifying original.

Ralph Greco, Jr.

"...and that guy was Dando" Photo credit: Leslie Torre



Going to a Lemonheads show is like seeing your favorite local band when you were in high school. They arrive on stage and just play through the set list-one song right after the other-with hardly any crowd banter or interaction. The audience, not as female-dominated as it used to be in the band's heyday (i.e. Dando's heartthrob-status days), did not seem to mind the no-nonsense approach. Lemonheads fans are pretty diehard and seem to just enjoy hearing the songs of their youth. The crowd at the Bowery Ballroom was ready for a trip back in time, and that trip was all about the music.

The show opened with a jangly version of "The Great Big No," a poppy, yet emotionally complex, song from the 1993 album Come On Feel the Lemonheads. The next hour was filled with a mix of 1990s staples, including "Into Your Arms," "It's a Shame About Ray," and "If I Could Talk I'd Tell You." The end of the show was rounded out by a solo acoustic set featuring just Dando and his guitar, which seems to be a trend of the band's recent shows.

While the set list of this show was pretty predictable (and like listening to a greatest hits album), it was still a fun time, full of energy and just enough teenaged sentimentality. Whether it be nostaligia or just plain talent, after all these years, the crowd still loves Evan Dando and his Lemonheads.

Allison DeMatteo & Leslie Torre

Brooklyn’s Vivian Girls stop by Amoeba Records to talk about “What’s in my Bag?” a fun video series where the store has bands discuss the music they are listening to at the moment. Pretty interesting and fun stuff.



DaVe Lipp

Friday July 24

Location: Meatpacking District, NYC
Film: Ghostbusters
Show time: 8:30 PM; FREE
Venue: Pier 46 (at Charles Street)
Food: Spice Market
Drink: Plunge
Miscellaneous: Little Pie Company (located at 407 W14th St.)

Who you gonna call when New York is attacked by a 100 foot marshmallow man…Ghostbusters. Check out this hysterical 1984 classic film starring Bill Murray, Dan Ackroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson. For dinner, if you can get a table, check out Spice Market. Chef and owner Jean-Georges Vongerichten converted this HUGE space into one of the sexiest Asian restaurants in NYC. Serving up exquisite dishes like the onion and chili crusted short ribs with egg noodles and pea shoots ($22), Spice Market impresses. If you choose not to stay at APT for drinks, close by is Plunge. Located at the top of the Hotel Gansevoort, this rooftop lounge offers stunning views of the city. If dessert is your thing, stop over at Little Pie Company, where pies are baked on premises. Whether you’re in the mood for sour cream apple, southern pecan, or Mississippi mud pie, you can’t go wrong here.

Friday July 24

Location: Lower East Side, NYC
Bands: Junior Boys Get Tickets Here
Show time: 7 PM
Venue: Webster Hall
Food: Momofuku
Drink: The Village Pourhouse
Miscellaneous: Sundaes and Cones

Electropop darlings Junior Boys make sweet dance music reminiscent of Prince if he was on crack and was writing songs off a computer, but Canadian duo Singer Jeremy Greenspan and programmer Matt Didemus have plenty of soul and are quite good at reinterpreting their influences with their own twist. If you like ramen noodles and pork, then Momofuku is your spot for food. The Berkshire pork is the best I’ve had and it’s the only place I’ll eat pork period, which should tell you just how good Momofuku really is! What looks like a neighborhood bar to watch sports actually has three more rooms. The Village Pourhouse is where you can order food or find a quiet place to smooch! For dessert a little left of the dial, Sundaes and Cones offers eclectic flavors like wasabi and corn and many more flavors that are familiar.

Saturday July 25

Location: Gowanus, Brooklyn
Film: Rooftop Films Presents Stay the Same Never Change + Stars Like Fleas
Show time: 9 PM
Venue: Old American Can Factory (on the rooftop)
Food: El Viejo Yayo
Drink: Buttermilk Bar
Miscellaneous: The Chocolate Room

The first feature length film from video artist Nakadate, Stay the Same Never Change features a series of teenage girls in their rooms where the banal becomes extreme and the normal has a discomforting strangeness. Plus Brooklyn band Stars Like Fleas performs. Keeping the night going, try El Viejo Yayo for dinner. This gorgeous and warm restaurant has an elegant dining room and an affordable menu offering Dominican/Latin cuisine. The outside of Buttermilk Bar may look non-descript, but looks are deceiving . . . just not in this case, as this low-key watering hole is where you can grab a cheap drink in a friendly atmosphere, while playing a board game or two. With a near insane menu of chocolates from coffee and tea to delectable dessert, and even beer, The The Chocolate Room is a great way to end the night on a high note.

Saturday July 25

Location: East Village, NYC
Event: Paste Magazine Benefit Concert
Show time: 9 PM
Venue: Webster Hall
Food: Minca
Drink: Ace Bar
Miscellaneous: Le Gamin Café

Looks like Paste magazine is having financial problems as it’s on the verge of shutting down. Well, you can help save this great music and entertainment mag by attending the Paste Magazine Benefit Concert. You can check out music by bands Reredux (members of Brazillian Girls), Mixel Pixel, Paul & the Patients, Fugitive Souls, Anthem In, Infernal Devices, and French Horn Rebellion and know your money is going towards helping this great magazine hopefully survive. Close by is the ramen noodle bar called Minca. After recently trying this place, I’d highly recommend it. The ramen noodles are made fresh and way better than those you’d buy and boil. What makes the soups here great is the broth. Take the Minca Ramen, a mild broth with pork, chicken and dried seafood ($8.50), it has impeccable flavor that hits the spot. Plus its way less expensive than other ramen specialty restaurants and just as good. Right across the street from Minca is the Ace Bar. Sort of divey, it’s also where you’ll find people playing skeeball and shooting pool, while drinking some decent beers on tap. For dessert and coffee, Le Gamin Café is the place for crepes.

Saturday July 25

Location: Chinatown, NYC
Bands: The Metal Music & Fashion Show for Breast Cancer Charity
Show time: 7:30 PM
Venue: Santos Party House
Food: Pakistan Tea House
Drink: Mocca Lounge
Miscellaneous: Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

I’ve heard of plenty of fashion shows using almost every kind of music as their theme and now you can finally see what it’s like when metal is the theme at The Metal Music & Fashion Show for Breast Cancer Charity where metal acts performing include Hybrid Draw, Exemption, Feff, and Citizens of Contrary Knowledge. Plus you can win one of 10 dates with a model and one person will win a weekend trip to Las Vegas. Nearby, Pakistan Tea House is a buffet style Indian restaurant where you can choose between chicken, meat, fish and vegetables. It’s affordable and very good. For drinks, check out Mocca Lounge. With a funky interior and a menu of Italian inspired fare, it’s also a bar with a large list of coffees with or without alcohol, beers, and frozen shots. Smack dab in the heart of Chinatown, the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory makes gourmet ice cream flavors like Black Sesame, Ginger, Durian, and more exotic flavors like Taro and Wasabi. Don’t worry, they have the go-to’s like Vanilla, fruits, and chocolate flavors too.

Sunday July 26

Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Bands: ...And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead
Show time: 2 PM; FREE
Venue: Williamsburg Waterfront
Food: SEA
Drink: Zablozki’s
Miscellaneous: Hugs

Formerly the McCarren Park Pool concerts, now the Williamsbur Waterfronts is home to some of the best shows happening this summer. The space is great and the waterfront view is even better. ...And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead headlines this weeks show along with Black Lips, HEALTH, and Grupo Fantasma. Just as much fun as any show and just as big a venue, SEA is one BIG Thai restaurant. Big enough to have a pool surrounded by tables as a giant Buddha stands above it. Luckily, the food is really great. Offering traditional Pad Thai ($7) to more involved dishes like the Mummy Fish ($14). On N6th, a street full of bars and restaurants, Zablozki’s is the local bar of the bunch, with a pool table and a friendly atmosphere and 12 beers on tap. What looks like some dark basement with tables and some couches, Hugs will end up being a dance party with an awkward blend of music genres that you will grow to love quickly.

Perfecting Sound Forever
By Greg Milner
(Faber & Faber)





My hats off to anybody who can weave Thomas Edison and Def Leppard into the same book!

Greg Milner has done just that in his book Perfecting Sound Forever. This is the story of sound recording, from the early days with Edison (and others) when records were made on wax cylnders and Edison’s “Diamond” discs, right through the war over tape speeds, to early folk/blues recordings of Lead Belly, Bing Crosby’s involvement (you’ll be surprised), Les Paul’s self-perpetuated importance (which Milner puts into perspective), studios battling one another for prominence in the 50’s, Phil Spector and Joe Meek’s contributions, Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham and right on up to Def Leppard.

A subject like this could be a very dry read indeed but Milner, who has written for Rolling Stone, Salon and Slate (and many others) knows how to keep us moving through his 371 pages of history. This is more a living breathing story of people then it is of hard facts, though Milner’s research is meticulous.

Perfecting Sound Forever might just be the first thing you need to hear about the history of this most unusual, yet far reaching of subjects.

Ralph Greco, Jr.