Location: Midtown West, NYC
Event: The Lebowski Fest Get Tickets Here
Show time: 9 PM
Venue: Terminal 5
Food: Eatery
Drink: Valhalla
Miscellaneous: Central Park

Once again it’s time for the The Lebowski Fest, where dudes celebrate the 1998 Coen Brothers film The Big Lebowski , dress up as their favorite character, repeat lines from the film endlessly, bowl, and see bands. If you’ve forgotten how awesome this film is, tonight will be the screening of the film and performances by Black Diamond Heavies and the Pinheads to start this three day event. Nearby and delicious, Eatery offers a new American menu that’s asian influenced. Try the Red Curry Chicken Breast over roti pancake, with baby carrots and red curry coconut sauce ($16.95). Valhalla’s minimalist space is chill, letting the 24 brands of beer from all over the world on tap be the main attraction at this bar. While its warm out, waste a little time walking through Central Park, relax, and get out of the hustle and bustle of the city. Just watch your step. The working horses tend to leave surprises behind them!

Location: Gowanus, Brooklyn
Bands: Rain Machine Get Tickets Here
Show time: 7:30 PM
Venue: Bell House
Food: El Viejo Yayo
Drink: Buttermilk Bar
Miscellaneous: The Chocolate Room

Rain Machine is Kyp Malone, of TV on the Radio fame, and on his solo album their may be similarities to his main band but there are some distinctly quieter jazz and bluesy departures that make the album his own while making you see his important contributions to TVOTR. 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.

Friday September 18

Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Bands: Small Black
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: Bruar Falls
Food: The Lodge
Drink: Hope Lounge
Miscellaneous: The City Reliquary

Long Island duo Small Black make lo-fi casio keyboard driven synth-pop. Joining them are Ramona Falls featuring Mems from Menomeno, Wildbirds & Peacedrums, and Apothacary Hymns. For dinner, The Lodge, with décor reminiscent of a log cabin and a menu coming from the same forest, serves comfort food in a warm and inviting setting. For drinks, Hope Lounge is a great stop. Exposed brick and earth tones mingle and the outdoor patio is big. The drink list is deep with beers from all over the world and tonight, expect a DJ to spin classic party jams. You may or may not have noticed The City Reliquary, a small storefront museum that shows artifacts of NYC, including a flashlight collection, but this place is definitely interesting to check out.

Friday September 18

Location: Midtown West, NYC
Bands: Of Montreal + Janelle Monae Get Tickets Here
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: Terminal 5
Food: Zip Burger
Drink: Subway Inn
Miscellaneous: Kinokuniya Bookstore

Indie rock act Of Montreal have been experimenting wirth sound for a while now and have a new album coming out soon called False Priest that will most likely see their awesome music develop further. Joining them is fellow Georgian Janelle Monae who’s also great at taking chances with vocals over electronic dance beats. 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 and most colorful 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 September 19

Location: West Village, NYC
Bands: A Hawk and a Hacksaw + Damon and Naomi
Show time: 9 PM
Venue: (Le) Poisson Rouge
Food: Koo Sushi
Drink: Blind Tiger Ale House
Miscellaneous: Peanut Butter & Co.

With influences gathered from American folk, eastern European and Balkan traditions, A Hawk and a Hacksaw whose two main members are Jeremy Barnes (former drummer for Neutral Milk Hotel and Bablicon) and violinist Heather Trost make music that takes chances. Joining them are Damon and Naomi, formerly of Galaxie 500 who have put out albums through Sup Pop and other labels together since 1992. They celebrate the release of their album The Sub Pop Years and their DVD 1001 Nights. A little known sushi joint, Koo Sushi offers affordable and fantastic fish with an impressive number of specialty rolls. For a bar that looks like any other, Blind Tiger Ale House offers an impressive number of beers including draught, bottled, cask and one called Louise’s Bloody Beer. Try it if you dare! If you’re in the mood for some comfort food, Peanut Butter & Co., offers some PB heavy hitters like the Elvis, a PB, banana, and bacon sandwich that tastes better than it sounds.

Saturday September 19

Location: West Village, NYC
Theater: Othello
Show time: See website for performance schedule
Venue: Skirball Center
Food: Tortilla Flats
Drink: White Horse Tavern
Miscellaneous: Magnolia Bakery

Shakespeare’s tragic play Othello gets a redo with John Ortiz and Philip Seymour Hoffman playing Othello and Iago. For dinner, 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.

Sunday September 20

Location: Lower East Side, NYC
Band: Thursday Get Tickets Here
Show time: 6 PM
Venue: Bowery Ballroom
Food: The Stanton Social
Drink: The Magician
Miscellaneous: The Pink Pony

New Brunswick, New Jersey natives Thursday are post hardcore and screamo pioneers with five albums under their belt. Their newest album Common Existence on Epitaph blends their past with electronic elements that really take their hardcore roots to a more melodic destination. Joining them are Fall of Troy, Young Widows, Moving Mountains, and Kiss Kiss. 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.

Location: Soho, NYC
Art: Kehinde Wiley, Black Light
Show time: Tues to Sat: Noon to 6 PM; Through September 26
Venue: Deitch Projects
Food: Nha Trang
Drink: Naked Lunch
Miscellaneous: La Esquina

Photographer Kehinde Wiley takes the black male image captured by means of light and digital manipulation and creates portraiture reminiscent of the style of Hype Williams hip hop videos of the 90s. 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.

Location: Lower East Side, NYC
Bands: Little Boots + Yes Giantess Get Tickets Here
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: Bowery Ballroom
Food: Social
Drink: 151
Miscellaneous: Bereket

Dance-pop music’s newest heroine, Little Boots makes music with electro beats that pull from the future. Openers Yes Giantess make electronic dance music that’s a blast to listen to blending high-octane beats and fun vocals that will have you and your girlfriend dancing in the streets. Where to go afterwards? Go straight to the bar, and that bar would be 151, where happy hour is 7 days a week from 6pm till 10pm and includes 2 for 1 drinks. For those that don’t want a liquid dinner first, check Social for comfort food including the Mac and Cheese (Macaroni covered in Three Cheese Truffled Mornay Sauce and topped w/Seasoned Bread Crumbs). For a late night eat, a favorite spot of mine is Bereket for falafels and to watch drunks succeed at spilling their food all over themselves and failing at picking up chicks. Not for the faint of heart!


Location: Lower East Side, NYC
Band: Karin Park Get Tickets Here
Show time: 7:30 PM; FREE
Venue: Pianos
Food: Paladar
Drink: Pianos
Miscellaneous: Motor City Bar

It’s nice to discover great music before the artists get huge and you end up having to see them at MSG in horrible and expensive seats, so check out electro pop singer Karin Park for FREE at Pianos before any of this happens! With a Pan-Latin menu, Paladar offers traditional Spanish dishes with a twist in a fun and funky atmosphere. Try the Salmon a la Plancha Pan, a seared salmon with spring vegetable picadillo & serrano-ramp vinaigrette ($17). If you still want to party afterwards, a good place for that is Pianos. A lounge in front, rock club in back, and a DJ dance party on the second floor, Pianos is a good place to party hard. Though loud, Motor City Bar is an homage to Detroit as license plates and other car parts adorn the walls, the DJs here play “THE ROCK” all night, and the vibe has everyone on the lookout for a good time.

Location: West Village, NYC
Bands: Deerhoof + Wildbirds & Peacedrums
Show time: 9 PM
Venue: (le) poisson rouge
Food: Blue Ribbon Downing Street Bar
Drink: Village Tavern
Accessory: Bleeker Bob’s

San Fran’s Deerhoof return to NYC with their arthouse indie rock. Joining them are the Swedish husband and wife duo of Mariam Wallentin and her husband Andreas Werliin who are Wildbirds & Peacedrums. With two albums to their name, this experimental rock act put out some great music. For an eclectic menu that mixes upscale and down-home food, Blue Ribbon Downing Street Bar, a wine bar and restaurant, offers lighter fare including foie gras, cheese plates, caviar, and steak tartare. The Village Tavern is a really comfortable neighborhood bar that’s great for catching sports games or just chilling for a drink, which is what I prefer to do when I’m in the vicinity. Also in the area is Bleeker Bob’s . It’s one of the oldest independent record stores in NYC and the selection is deep. The place looks a mess, but the staff is surprisingly friendly and extremely knowledgeable about what they have.

Stephanie Chernikowski. Sonic Youth. 1983. Black-and-white photograph, 11 x 17" (27.9 x 43.2 cm)










Location: Midtown West, NYC
Art: Looking at Music: Side 2
Show time: See MoMA website for dates; Through November 30
Venue: MoMA
Food: Yoshinoya Beef Bowl
Drink: Rudy's Bar and Grill
Miscellaneous: Peking Duck House

Taking a look back in time to New York, late 70s and despite the familiar economic woes the city was going through, it was one of the most creative periods for art and music. Looking at Music: Side 2 features music videos, super-8 films, drawings, photographs, and zines from the combination of music, media, and visual art from the late 70s till the end of the 20th century. Making fast food healthy, Yoshinoya serves bowls of rice, vegetables, and your choice of beef, teriyaki chicken, veggie, or a combo of meats. Super cheap, it’s a favorite spot of mine in midtown. A great dive, Rudy's Bar and Grill serves up cheap beer by the pint or by the pitcher, and as for the grilling, that includes free hot dogs and popcorn! Though slightly on the expensive side, if you’re in the mood for duck and are a couple or in a group of four or more, Peking Duck House makes some of the best duck you will ever likely have.

Friday September 11


Location: Upper East Side, NYC
Bands: NY Gypsy Festival
Show time: 8 PM; Through September 26
Venue: Hungarian House
Food: Barking Dog Luncheonette
Drink: The Auction House
Miscellaneous: Uptown Lounge

In its fifth year, the NY Gypsy Festival, running from September 11th to the 26th will show off some of the most talented and inventive musicians helping to preserve this centuries old style of music as well as those helping to take it into the next century. This show features Zlatne Uste who’s repertoire spans throughout the genre of Balkan music while Luminescent Orchestrii blends Romanian gypsy, punk, tango and much more. If you love dogs, not hot dogs but real doggies, then you’ll really love the Barking Dog Luncheonette, as the décor features everything with a dog on it. The food, is your regular diner fare with plenty of burger, sandwich, and hot plate options. Grab a drink and feel like you were transported to the late 1800’s at The Auction House. With ornamental red velvet couches, exposed brick walls, and vintage chandeliers, this hidden gem of a bar is cozy. Beautifully designed, Uptown Lounge is a bar and restaurant serving American fare like Apple Peppercorn Pork Chops ($18), while being big enough to stick around afterwards for drinks.

Friday September 11

Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Art: Plan B
Show time: Thurs – Mon: noon to 6 PM; Through October 24
Venue: NURTUREart Gallery
Food: Bonita
Drink: Savalas
Miscellaneous: Fabiane’s Café & Pastry Shop

What originated as a survey that circulated among emerging artists in NYC on their response to the current economic climate, turned into the exhibition Plan B, which takes a look at society’s growing skepticism and the re-evaluation of existing social and economic norms. Featured works by artists include Double A Projects, F.E.A.S.T., K.I.D.S. and Secret School, Jess Levey, OurGoods, Lynne Pidel, Mark Stafford and Tattfoo Tan. 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 Café & Pastry Shop 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.

Saturday September 12

Location: Tribeca, NYC
Bands: Contramano
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: 92Y Tribeca
Food: Pakistan Tea House
Drink: Mocca Lounge
Miscellaneous: Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

Argentine trio Contramano blend punk, pop, electronic and chamber music to make fun and interesting music that will have you dancing in no time at this recession themed dance party. Joining them are Diego Garcia and Linfinity. 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.

Saturday September 12

Location: Coney Island, Brooklyn
Event: Parachute: the Coney Island Performance Festival
Show time: 6:30 PM
Venue: New York Aquarium
Alien Stingers Exhibit (Surf Avenue at West 8th Street)
Food: Nathan’s Famous
Drink: Ruby's Old Tyme Bar and Grill
Miscellaneous: Brooklyn Cyclones

Celebrating literature and performance, Parachute: the Coney Island Performance Festival is a two day word fest featuring the best of Brooklyn artists who have books out as well as poetry workshops so you can perfect the art with the pro’s. While you may not be Kobayashi, eating a hot dog, a corn dog, or even cheese fries at Nathan’s Famous goes back several generations. Expect long lines, but it’ll be worth it! Not just a tradition but an institution on the boardwalk, Ruby's Old Tyme Bar and Grill is a great dive bar for cheap drinks and watching local drunks belt out Rat Pack songs. Even if this minor league Mets team isn’t playing a baseball game, The Brooklyn Cyclones stadium is worth the short walk over on the boardwalk to check out it’s size and beauty.

Sunday September 13

Location: East Village, NYC
Film: Suspiria
Show time: 7:30 & 9:30 PM
Venue: Anthology Film Archives
Food: Pukk
Drink: The Magician
Miscellaneous: Mason Dixon

Italian horror film Suspiria, directed by the legendary Dario Argento in 1977 tells the tale of an American ballet dancer who arrives at a dance academy in Europe only to find that the people who run it are part of a coven led by a centuries old witch kept alive by satanic rituals and black magic. Pukk serves up some delicious vegetarian Thai food. With a futuristic design, plastic and green tint everywhere, the menu offers everything from Pad Thai to Spicy Watercress Duck, only the duck, like all meat here, is made of vegetarian soy. A chill bar to go for a drink and not be bothered with loud, annoying drunks is The Magician. This place, which has no visible name, is across the street from Welcome to the Johnsons. With a southern theme, the draw at Mason Dixon is being one of only two bars in NYC with a mechanical bull. For $10 you can ride it. Expect to be thrown off in 5 seconds, if you can stay on that long!

Location: Lower East Side, NYC
Bands: Wild Beasts Get Tickets Here
Show time: 7:30 PM
Venue: Mercury Lounge
Food: The Stanton Social
Drink: The Magician
Accessory: The Pink Pony

UK act Wild Beasts write catchy indie rock and their new album Two Dancers are catching on with American audiences fast. See them live on tour and find out what all the buzz is about. Joining them is Roman Candle. 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.

Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Bands: Les Savy Fav
Show time: 7 PM
Venue: Knitting Factory
Food: Fette Sau
Drink: Spuyten Duyvil
Accessory: Union Pool

Looks like the new Knitting Factory is finally having its grand opening in Williamsburg as it takes over the old Luna Lounge space. Who better to be the first to christen its stage than NYC’s own, Les Savy Fav whose raucous live shows usually include vocalist Tim Harrington running through the audience half naked while singing. Joining them are comedian Hannibal Buress and more. Right across the street you can get some amazing BBQ at Fette Sau (fat pig in German), where the owners of nearby bar Spuyten Duyvil have opened up a meat only restaurant serving up some of the best pork and beef in NYC. For drinks, Spuyten Duyvil is a beer lovers dream, with a selection from all over the world, friendly and knowledgeable bartenders and a neighborhood feel, it’s no wonder this place has been so successful. If you’re still ready for more, you must hit Union Pool, where there’s always a band playing, great DJs, and plenty of action.

Location: West Village, NYC
Bands: BLK JKS Get Tickets Here
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: S.O.B.’s
Food: Souen
Drink: Ear Inn
Miscellaneous: Alidoro

South African rock act BLK JKS make really interesting African mixed with indie rock music that soars and flies high and kicks ass and seeing them in a small venue like S.O.B.’s is definitely worth the small price of admission. Joining them are Highlife and Janka Nabay. For fans of macrobiotics, tofu, seitan and even fish, Souen is great for healthy food that won’t have you feeling like you shouldn’t have ordered that. Try the Broiled Tofu Okabe, which sees thick slices of tofu, broiled and topped with a sesame and sake paste ($11). One of the oldest bars in the city, Ear Inn offers cheap pints in a timeless environment. Walk through the doors and it’s like you’re in the early 1900s, though the occasional ringing cell phone will bring you back to reality. Possibly one of the best sandwich shops in the city, Alidoro has 40 kinds of amazing Italian sandwiches, all named.

Location: Coney Island, Brooklyn
Bands: Coney Island Rockabilly Festival+2009 Miss Pin-Up Coney Island Contest
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: Cha-Cha's of Coney Island on the boardwalk
Food: Nathan’s Famous
Drink: Ruby's Old Tyme Bar and Grill
Miscellaneous: Brooklyn Cyclones

What better way to spend Labor Day Weekend than at Coney Island catching sun as summer winds down. While you’re there, check out the Coney Island Rockabilly Festival+2009 Miss Pin-Up Coney Island Contest as some great bands perform and some lovely ladies compete for the 2009 pin-up title. While you may not be Kobayashi, eating a hot dog, a corn dog, or even cheese fries at Nathan’s Famous goes back several generations. Expect long lines, but it’ll be worth it! Not just a tradition but an institution on the boardwalk, Ruby's Old Tyme Bar and Grill is a great dive bar for cheap drinks and watching local drunks belt out Rat Pack songs. Even if this minor league Mets team isn’t playing a baseball game, The Brooklyn Cyclones stadium is worth the short walk over on the boardwalk to check out it’s size and beauty.

Friday September 4

Location: East Village, NYC
Event: Howl! Festival
Show time: See website for performance schedule
Venue: Tompkins Square Park
Food: Momofuku
Drink: The Village Pourhouse
Miscellaneous: Sundaes and Cones

Celebrating music, poetry, art, and dance on the Lower East Side, the Howl! Festival takes three stages and the whole weekend to showcase the talent that NYC has to offer. 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.

Friday September 4

Location: Midtown West, NYC
Bands: Battles + !!! Get Tickets Here
Show time: 7 PM
Venue: Terminal 5
Food: Pig N’ Whistle
Drink: The Irish Rogue
Miscellaneous: Island Burgers & Shakes

Warp Records celebrates 20 years on this earth putting out some of the most innovative electronic music. Performing are some of the labels best in experimental rock outfit Battles and dance-punk band !!!. For great Irish food, one of my faves is Pig N’ Whistle in midtown. Serving traditional Irish fare like Steak and Kidney Pie as well as American. A great Irish pub in Hells Kitchen, The Irish Rogue has live music and sports playing on TVs, so you know this bar will be a party all day. If Irish food ain’t your thing, then head over to Island Burgers & Shakes as the menu is stacked two pages deep of some of the most intense burgers and chicken sandwiches on the island of Manhattan.

Saturday September 5

Location: East Harlem, NYC
Bands: Electric Zoo Festival
Show time: 11 AM; To buy tickets go to the website
Venue: Randall’s Island
Food Amy Ruth’s
Drink Harlem Lanes
Miscellaneous Stop 125

Celebrating electronic music’s best, the Electric Zoo Festival features the likes of Deadmau5, Armin van Buuren, David Guetta, Ferry Corsten, Francois K, Kaskade, Danny Tenaglia, Tiga, Richie Hawtin, and many more greats performing on four stages tonight and tomorrow. While you’re up in Harlem, head over to Amy Ruth’s for some of the best fried chicken around. A MUST TRY is the fried or smothered Chicken & Waffles named The Rev. Al Sharpton ($9.50). It’s out of this world! A complex housing 24 bowling lanes, mini arcade, and a gourmet café, Harlem Lanes also has a sports bar with 24 plasma screen TVs. At Stop 125 you’d think the outdoor Tiki Bar would be the main attraction, but it’s the food that many come for. Offering dinner entree’s as well as small tapas style appetizers like the much-loved Chorizo With Caramelized Figs sautéed in its own juices (sm $6.95, lg $12.95), Stop 125 takes American cuisine and spices it up with the international flair that NYC, and especially Harlem are known for.

Saturday September 5

Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Bands: Phosphorescent Get Tickets Here
Show time: 9 PM
Venue: Music Hall of Williamsburg
Food: Bonita
Drink: Savalas
Miscellaneous: Fabiane’s Café & Pastry Shop

If you’ve never heard Phosphorescent, AKA Matthew Houk, think the perfect amount of country to the right amount of folk and you’ve got some beautiful little songs that echo a genre of legends including Willie Nelson, whom he thoroughly covers on his album To Willie. 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 Café & Pastry Shop 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 September 6

Richard Avedon
Veruschka, dress by Kimberly, New York, January 1967
© 2009 The Richard Avedon Foundation














Location: Midtown West, NYC
Photo: Avedon Fashion, 1944–2000
Show time: 9 PM
Venue: International Center of Photography
Food: Zip Burger
Drink: Subway Inn
Miscellaneous: Kinokuniya Bookstore

Richard Avedon changed the way fashion photography was approached and done by injecting emotion and movement into an emotionless style up to that point. This exhibition, one of the largest to date of his work, looks at his long career, with vintage photos, contact sheets, magazine layouts, and more in Avedon Fashion, 1944–2000. 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.

Black Panther, 1969
Offset lithograph
22 7/8 x 15 in (58.4 x 38.1 cm)
Collection Alden and Mary Kimbrough
© 2009 Emory Douglas / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York



Location: East Village, NYC
Art: Emory Douglas: Black Panther Show time: Wed, Sat & Sun: Noon-6 PM, Thurs & Fri: Noon-9 PM; Through October 18
Venue: New Museum
Food: Minca
Drink: Common Ground
Miscellaneous: Beard Papa Sweets Cafe

The artist behind the revolution, Emory Douglas created the artwork for the covers of Black Panther, the party’s weekly newspaper during its heyday of the 60’s and 70’s. This exhibition features 165 posters, newspapers, and prints from 1967-1976 and is curated by LA artist Sam Durant, who worked on a book with Douglas focusing on his artwork. 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.

Location: Chelsea, NYC
Book Launch: CocoRosie
Show time: 9 PM
Venue: Highline Ballroom
Food GoGo Curry
Drink Stitch
Miscellaneous Leisure Time Bowl

French duo CocoRosie are working on a new album with plans to release it sometime in 2009 and it should be just as interesting as their previous output which blends elements of hip hop, freak-folk, and toy/electronic and percussive instruments. The owner of GoGo Curry is obsessed with the Yankees Hideki Matsui and his Jersey (55). The menu’s theme is baseball and katsu, a fried meat, chicken, or shrimp cutlet served in a curry sauce is the specialty here. Portion sizes are Walk (small), Single (Med.), Double (L), and Triple (XL) and are inexpensive. The mascot, a gorilla for some reason, is plastered everywhere, making this place even quirkier. In the heart of the garment district, Stitch, a cozy after-work bar/lounge, stocks a cocktail menu with a design theme. If you still have energy and are in the mood to bowl, check out Leisure Time Bowl. Located in the Port Authority, this place is stylish and fun.

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

Dancehall icons Pet Shop Boys return with a new album Yes, which pretty much says it all. But if you want more, the boys from the UK will have some dynamic stage design and choreography, and yes, play plenty of their hits. 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.


Location: East Village, NYC
Book Launch: Into The Briar
Show time: 6:30 PM to 8 PM
Venue: St. Mark’s in the Bowery, Parish Hall
Food Minca
Drink Ace Bar
Miscellaneous Le Gamin Café

In celebration of New York-based thriller writer Rhodi Hawk’s first installment of her Southern gothic series, she releases A Twisted Ladder, at this event Into The Briar featuring New Orleans inspired cocktails, a banjo performance with songs written by Hawk, and Supernatural author Gary Frank performing on guitar. 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 it’s 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.

Installation view of Ron Arad: No Discipline at The Museum of Modern Art. Photo: Jason Mandella









Location: Midtown West, NYC
Art: Ron Arad: No Discipline
Show time: See MoMa website for dates; Through October 19
Venue: MoMA
Food: Yoshinoya Beef Bowl
Drink: Rudy's Bar and Grill
Miscellaneous: Peking Duck House

In the exhibition Ron Arad: No Discipline, Israeli born designer Ron Arad’s most innovative objects are on display, from carbon fiber armchairs and polyurethane bottle racks to plastic and digital spaces. Making fast food healthy, Yoshinoya serves bowls of rice, vegetables, and your choice of beef, teriyaki chicken, veggie, or a combo of meats. Super cheap, it’s a favorite spot of mine in midtown. A great dive, Rudy's Bar and Grill serves up cheap beer by the pint or by the pitcher, and as for the grilling, that includes free hot dogs and popcorn! Though slightly on the expensive side, if you’re in the mood for duck and are a couple or in a group of four or more, Peking Duck House makes some of the best duck you will ever likely have.

Friday August 28

Location: Lower East Side, NYC
Bands: French Miami
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: Death By Audio
Food: San Loco
Drink: Max Fish
Miscellaneous: Sugar Sweet Sunshine

With angular guitars and synth backed vocals, French Miami make math rock you can dance to by way of San Francisco, not Miami like their name suggests. At San Loco, the Mexican food is inexpensive, you can get a heaping amount of nachos for as little as $3.75, and telling by the heavy traffic, the place is doing just fine. What I like about Max Fish is that it’s a local bar for local artists. It’s walls play host monthly for art exhibitions, there’s a pool table in the back, and drinks aren’t pricey, like many new bars springing up in this neighborhood. For one of the best cupcakes in the city, Sugar Sweet Sunshine has 10 varieties, on top of cakes. Try the Sexy Red Velvet or the Bob, a yellow cupcake with chocolate almond buttercream.

Friday August 28

Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Bands: The Damnwells Get Tickets Here
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: Mercury Lounge
Food: SEA
Drink: Zablozki’s
Miscellaneous: Academy Records

Poppy, folky alt rock with a hint of country, The Damnwells will be performing and promoting their new DVD Golden Days, a documentary about the band. Joining them are Dawn Landes and Colin Smith. Before that, a great restaurant on the same block is SEA. Asian inspired from the décor to the food, this huge and gorgeous space serves up a mostly Thai menu from massaman curries to house specialties like Red SEA Duck (Half duck in red vinaigrette-tomato gravy sauce served with stir-fried mixed veggies), SEA is inexpensive and visually impressive for Brooklyn. With an increasing amount of new bars on the block, Zablozki’s is a standout that’s cozy, mostly mahogany, and has great drinks specials. A great stop off if you’re early is Academy Records. One of the biggest vinyl shops in NYC, if you are a vinyl fan, you will be blown away.

Saturday August 29

Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Event: 9th Annual Rumblers Kustom Kills & Hot Rod Thrills
Show time: Car show: 10 AM, Bands: 3 PM; FREE
Venue: Union Pool
Food: Chimu
Drink: Union Pool
Miscellaneous: Eks

Check out Kustom Kills, a car show hosted by the Rumblers Car Club and featuring rockabilly and punk bands like Rehab For Quitters, Tombstone Brawlers, Homeward Bound, Memphis Morticians, Sasquatch and the Sick-A-Billys, and Turbo A.C.'s. With so much good food in Williamsburg, you should not forget about Chimu. A Peruvian steakhouse right next to Union Pool, the rotisserie chicken and every other dish I’ve had here is amazing, and it won’t break the bank! For drinks, Union Pool is still one of the best bars in town. If you’re single, it’s a goldmine for ass, the drinks aren’t pricey, and the DJs play an eclectic mix of ridiculously good music plus there’s a taco truck outside in case you get the munchies. Not exactly Pinkberry, yet just as expensive, Eks is Williamsburg’s answer to the yogurt fad currently popping up.

Saturday August 29

Location: Midtown West, NYC
Bands: Q-Tip Presents: Long Live the King! A Birthday Celebration for Michael Jackson Get Tickets Here
Show time: 10 PM
Venue: Nokia Theater Times Square
Food: Yoshinoya Beef Bowl
Drink: Rudy's Bar and Grill
Miscellaneous: Peking Duck House

The King of Pop is dead and though he weirdly enough still isn’t buried yet, we’re still gonna celebrate the man who put out Thriller and Bad and all sorts of great music and Q-Tip is leading the charge as he hosts Long Live the King! A Birthday Celebration for Michael Jackson. Expect to hear some never before heard remixes and plenty of video footage with a guest appearance by Mark Ronson. Making fast food healthy, Yoshinoya serves bowls of rice, vegetables, and your choice of beef, teriyaki chicken, veggie, or a combo of meats. Super cheap, it’s a favorite spot of mine in midtown. A great dive, Rudy's Bar and Grill serves up cheap beer by the pint or by the pitcher, and as for the grilling, that includes free hot dogs and popcorn! Though slightly on the expensive side, if you’re in the mood for duck and are a couple or in a group of four or more, Peking Duck House makes some of the best duck you will ever likely have.

Sunday August 30

Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Bands: Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros Get Tickets Here
Show time: 9 PM
Venue: Music Hall of Williamsburg
Food: Dumont Burger
Drink: Radegast Hall & Biergarten
Miscellaneous: Verb Cafe

You may or may not have heard of Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros yet but part spaghetti western part Arcade Fire and part psychedelic, this band has really hit on something spectacular and from what I hear, their live performance is just as amazing as their album. With one of the best burgers in Williamsburg, Dumont Burger offers theirs with gourmet toppings, sandwiches, salads, and their amazing mac & cheese. So you consider yourself a beer connoisseur and like to party. You can do all that and eat at Radegast Hall & Biergarten. The Austrian/German menu perfectly compliments the 12 beers on tap and more than 30 German and Austrian bottles at this large beer hall. One of the oldest and best hipster hangout coffee shops, The Verb Cafe offers up excellent coffee and baked goods, a boho vibe, and big windows to watch the days pass while collecting unemployment!