Saturday, January 21, 2012

Hiatus

Hey everyone, a heads up: I will be leaving for Israel (with limited internet access/free time) tomorrow and will not be back until early February. Here are some sites with which to enter-tane yourselves while I'm away:

Oh My Rockness
My Free Concert
My Open Bar
NYC Daily Deals
Living Free NYC
The Print Up
89th and Broke
Gothamist
Time Out NY

I leave you with this.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Another Bande de Quatres update

Last minute lineup change: the live act will be Bell, not Glasser. Crazy!

Kill List advance screening

To win free passes from the L Magazine to an advance screening of Kill List on Monday 1.30, fill out the form or e-mail your name and zip code to kill-list@thelmagazine.com. Good luck!


Bande de Quatres afterparty password UPDATE

Here's the password to the party at the Bowery Hotel tonight (1.20): "Dirty Martini". Just say it at the door.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

NPR Ask Me Another tapings

NPR has a new radio hour: Ask Me Another, a show of puzzles, trivia, and games. Oft-Moth-and-Liars' Show-participant Ophira Eisenberg hosts, and nerd rock king Jonathan Coulton provides the music. You can attend tapings for free (w/ RSVP) at the Bell House (149 7th Street, Brooklyn). They have dates scheduled through April (mostly Mondays; the next show with spots available is 2.6), doors open at 6p, must be seated by 7 for the 7:30 taping. [via Living Free NYC]

Cheap Ice Skating

Yeah, admission to Citi Pond at Bryant Park is free, but unless you own ice skates, rental's going to set you back $14. That's why this news is exciting: admission and skate rental at Rockefeller Center will cost only $7.50 every Tuesday through 2.7.12. It's nice that they're doing this after the major tourist crush. So if this is one of those NYC things you've never done because you live here godammit, here's your excuse. [via NYC Daily Deals]

I Just Want My Pants Back, Reality Bounce, and more

1) The second installment of the I Just Want My Pants Back parties sounds pretty great: Chris Keating (Yeasayer) will DJ, and there will be live performances by Violens and Headless Horseman. Plus free Reyka Vodka and Tiger Beer. Thursday 1.19, 8p, at Public Assembly (70 N. 6th Street)--grab free tickets on the Eventbrite page.



2) Reality Bounce at Sway (305 Spring Street) on Thursday 1.19, free Pyrat Rum hurricanes 10:30-11:30p. Normally I wouldn't post a mere 1 hour open bar unless the party/music itself seemed worthwhile on its own, but guys, free hurricanes! How douchetacular! [via My Open Bar]

3) The Cat Face Party, 1.20, 10p, at Public Assembly Loft (70 N. 6th Street). "$3 with a cat face on your face $20 with no cat face on your face". Word. [via The Print Up]

4) The Block Party on Tuesday 1.24 at Free Candy (905 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn), doors at 7p. Not going to lie, I got excited because I thought there would be free candy, unaware that this is the name of a venue. Anyway, not sure how this will pan out, but looks like there'll be loads of DJs, live performances, and free Brooklyn Brewery beer. Free with RSVP.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Recommended concerts week of 1.16.12

1) Pandora-sponsored free Portugal. The Man (also at Brooklyn Bowl on 1.20) show at the Bowery Ballroom (6 Delancey Street), Tuesday 1.17, 7p. A lot of passes have been handed out to Pandora users, but there will be a bunch at the door, too. Arrive early. [via MFC]

Portugal. The Man- And I

2) The Good Natured, Aislyn, Ski Lodge, and St. Lucia at Glasslands (289 Kent Avenue), Tuesday 1.17, 8:30p, $10a/$12d. [via OMR]

Ski Lodge- I Would Die to Be

3) Redhooker, My Brightest Diamond, and Keller Williams at Merkin Concert Hall (129 W. 67th Street), 1.17, 7:30p, $25. [via OMR]

My Brightest Diamond- High Low Middle
Keller Williams- Freeker by the Speaker

4) Santigold at Music Hall of Williamsburg (66 N. 6th Street), 1.17, 8p, $25. [via OMR]

Santigold- You'll Find a Way Player (feat. Andre 3000 & Bun B)

5) Howler (also on 1.19) at Other Music (15 E. 4th Street), 1.17, 9p (get there early), free. [via OMR]

Howler- Back of Your Neck

6) Sharon Van Etten (also on 1.18), Audra McDonald (!) at the Greene Space (44 Charlton Street), 1.17, 2p, $15. [via OMR]

Sharon Van Etten- Serpents

7) Jeff Magnum at BAM on Thursday 1.19-Saturday 1.21. Eff you if you snagged a ticket.

8) The Rejection Show Music Series: Jon Friedman, Ted Leo, Corn Mo, The Gregory Brothers, The Rejection Show House Band at Littlefield (622 Degraw), Thursday 1.19, 7:30 doors, $8a/$10d. [via]

9) Cults, Delicate Steve, Dirty Fences at Webster Hall (125 E. 11th St.), 1.19, 7p, $25.15. [via]

Cults- You Know What I Mean
Delicate Steve- Butterfly

10) Caveman, Au Palais, Heaven at Bowery Ballroom, 1.20, 8p, $13a/$15d. [via]

Caveman- Thankful

11) Dirty Projectors (DJ Set), Skinny Friedman, Import/Export at AMNH (79th St @ CPW), 1.20, 9p, $25. [via]

12) Ava Luna, Total Slacker, Caged Animals, Osekre & The Lucky Bastards at Shea Stadium (20 Meadow St.), 1.20, 8p, free? [via]

Ava Luna- Clips
Caged Animals- Teenagers in Heat

13) Shark? and The Never Evers free at the Grand Victory (245 Grand Street, Brooklyn), Friday 1.20, 7:30p. [via MFC]

Shark?- Shark?

14) Akron/Family, Dustin Wong, Bad Weather California at 285 Kent Avenue, 1.21, 8p, $12. [via]

Akron/Family- So It Goes
Dustin Wong- Talking Walking Cloud

15) Big Freedia (and Her Divas) at Brooklyn Bowl (61 Wythe Avenue), 1.21, 11:30p, $10. [via]

16) The Juan Maclean DJ set at Yotel (570 10th Avenue), 1.21, 10p, free w/ RSVP. [via]

The Boy Illinois Party, Super Bowl/Birthday Party

1) The Boy Illinois free listening party/performance on 1.31, 8p-12a at Dominion NY (428 Lafayette St.). Sake open bar 8-9p. RSVP to events@theimgway.com.


2) My Free Concert is throwing a Pre-Super Bowl Birthday Party at Z Hotel (11-01 43rd Avenue, Long Island City) on 2.4, 10p. There will be an open bar from 10:30-11:30p, and free birthday cake. Go to the Facebook event page for details (free limo service?) and to RSVP. [via My Free Concert]

Digital DUMBO 3rd Anniversary, Bande de Quatres Afterparty, School Night

1) One day, I will get to one of these Digital DUMBO parties: this one on 1.26 is brought to you by Carrot Creative. 6:30-9:30p @ the DUMBO Loft (155 Water Street). High likelihood of free food and drink. Tickets on the Eventbrite page.


2) Bande de Quatres afterparty at the Bowery Hotel (2nd floor terrace, entrance on 3rd Street between Bowery and Second Avenue) on Friday 1.20, 10p. Live set by Glasser, DJ sets by Austin Peters and Elizabeth Harper (Class Actress). Not particularly sure how to RSVP for the password, since this arrived unsolicited in my inbox, but I'll update if I find out.



3) School Night soft opening with live sets from Midnight Magic, The Suzan, and Punches, and DJ sets by Nick Catchdubs and Nick Hook. 1.19, doors 9p, Santos Party House (96 Lafayette St.). Free with RSVP.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Fangirl Friday: Friends with Kids, Parks & Rec Hidden Talents

Finally, a trailer for Friends with Kids:

[via Jezebel]

I was almost too distracted focusing on how great the cast is to comprehend what is probably a very uncomplicated plot.

And lookit!

[via Jezebel]

Although I have to say, I think the only part I laughed out loud at was Andy and April, because how unexpected is even mild gore on Parks & Rec, let alone the People's Choice Awards? That's what this is from, right? Is that even a thing anymore?

100 Proof Project, Velour & Clarks Originals

1) I think I mentioned this before, but more details: 1.18 at the Knitting Factory Brooklyn, the L Magazine and Southern Comfort are throwing the "100 Proof Project", which means competing mixologists, lots of free drinks, and a performance by Radical Dads. RSVP here, stat.


2) Velour & Clarks Originals will host a 2-hour vodka open bar at the SoHo Grand Hotel (310 W. Broadway) on Tuesday 1.17, 8p. RSVP to events@grandlifenyc.com.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Off Track Planet Magazine Launch, Sailor Jerry Anniversary

1) Sailor Jerry 101st Birthday Celebration at Li'l Frankie's (19 1st Avenue), Saturday 1.14, 10p-2a. Free rum drinks, and free tattoos earlier (12-10p) at Fineline Tattoo (21 1st Avenue). Check out Frank 151 for more details. [via My Free Concert]

2) Off Track Planet Magazine Launch Party at HI New York (891 Amsterdam Avenue) on Wednesday 1.18, 7-11p. Free drinks and food--head over the the Eventbrite page to get free tickets. [via My Free Concert]

$1 and $2 Jamba Juice Smoothies

Through 1.19, you can get $1 Probiotic Fruit and Yogurt Blends and $2 Fit n' Fruitful Smoothies/Cold Buster Smoothies at Jamba Juice locations. Just print this coupon:

Concert recommendations week of 1.9.12

1) Keepaway, Lakutis, Big Baby Ghandi, Dracula's Dick, HEEMS (Das Racist DJ set). I can't speak to the in the center of this sandwich, but: Tuesday 1.10 at Glasslands (289 Kent Avenue, Brooklyn), 8:30p, $10. [via]

Keepaway- 5 Rings

2) Royal Baths and Jane Jane Pollock (?) on Tuesday 1.10 at Mercury Lounge [217 E. Houston Street], 6:30p, $10. [via]

Royal Baths- Darling Divine

3) Darlings, The Suzan, Fabric, and Daytona on Thursday 1.12 at Glasslands, 8:30p, $10. [via]

Darlings- Teenage Girl
The Suzan- Home

4) Lee Ranaldo, Kaki King, Buke & Gass, and Twi the Humble Feather on Thursday 1.12 at Merkin Concert Hall (129 W. 67th Street), 7:30p, $25. [via]

Kaki King- Playing with Pink Noise
Buke & Gass- Medulla Oblongata
Twi the Humble Feather- Higher Than the End

5) Dinowalrus, Fergus & Geronimo, Total Slacker, and Weird Rivers on Friday 1.13 at 285 Kent Avenue, 8p, $5. [via]

Fergus & Geronimo- Girls with English Accents

6) Radical Dads, Backwords, Shark?, and Yanqui on Friday 1.13 at Cameo Gallery (93 N. 6th Street), 8p, $7. [via]

Shark?- Shark?

7) DJs sets from CREEP, School of Seven Bells, and Rewards on Friday 1.13 at Cameo Gallery (93 N. 6th Street), 11:45p, free? [via]

8) Gross Relations, Hard Nips, Lost Boy, and DJ OJ (of X-Ray Eyeballs) on Saturday 1.14 at Big Snow (89 Varet Street, Brooklyn), 8p, free? [via]

Gross Relations- You Don't Know Me

9) The Stepkids, Cuckoo Chaos, and Lushlife on Saturday 1.14 at Knitting Factory Brooklyn (361 Metropolitan Avenue), 8p, $10a/$12d. [via]

The Stepkids- Shadows on Behalf
Cuckoo Chaos- Jesus Flag American Fish

10) Girls, Real Estate, and King Krule on Saturday 1.14 at Terminal 5 (ugh- 610 W. 56th Street), 7p, $25. [via]

Girls- Honey Bunny
Real Estate- It's Real

11) Knickerbocker Chamber Orchestra celebration of the Statue of Liberty's 125th anniversary, Saturday 1.14, 7:15-8p at the World Financial Center (220 Vesey St.), free:

"compositions inspired by Lady Liberty; works from historic performances at Castle Clinton by the legendary Jenny Lind, “The Swedish Nightingale;” treasures by 19th-century American masters Stephen Foster and Louis Moreau Gottschalk; and a waltz by John Philip Sousa that will lift audiences to their feet. Special guest: three-time Tony nominated actress Judy Kuhn."
[via]

12) Nat Baldwin (of the Dirty Projectors) on Sunday 1.15 at Manhattan Inn (632 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn), 10p, free. [via]

Nat Baldwin- Lake Erie

Monday, January 9, 2012

Tribute to Sesame Street at Otto's Shrunken Head

Well this sounds like fun: Copycat cover night at Otto's Shrunken Head (538 E. 14th Street) presents Meow-na Mah-na II on Wednesday 1.11. In addition to the music, there will be an Oscar the Grouch cocktail, which I'm guessing is whatever liquor the bartender is trying to get rid of.

Free food from Steak n' Shake, Ikea, and the Food Network

1) The first NY Steak n' Shake (1695 Broadway) is opening on Thursday 1.12 at 10am, and the first 150 customers to show up will receive free burgers for an entire year. [via Gothamist]

2) Ikea Brooklyn (1 Beard Street) BYOF (Bring Your Own Friends) day on Saturday 1.14. There will be raffles, discounts, and free food. Go to their Facebook page to RSVP and print free food coupons, and check out Living Free NYC for the full schedule.

3) Free 5-course meal and wine courtesy of The Next Food Network Star. The taping goes down on 1.20 at 10am (somewhere in Long Island City), but tickets will go out Wednesday 1.11 (you must be 21 or older). [via Living Free NYC]

The Juan MacLean with open bar

I Just Want My Pants Back Series Party at Public Assembly (70 N. 6th Street, Brooklyn), on Thursday 1.12, doors at 8p. Performances by The Juan MacLean, Com Truise, and DJ Justin Miller. Open bar by Reyka Vodka and Tiger Beer. RSVP at pantsparties.eventbrite.com.



Party Down movie, Paul Rudd on Parks and Recreation

More good news about the Party Down movie, this time from Megan Mullally: the full cast (possibly sans Jane Lynch) is on board, and John Enbom is writing the script, the outline of which has been "enthusiastically approved" [via Splitsider]. Also, did you know Megan Mullally was in the 90s revival of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying? Until last week, I didn't.

Also via Splitsider: Paul Rudd has a multi-episode arc on Parks and Recreation coming up. 2/3 of my favorite male friendship on one show? That's pretty good.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Raine Issue Release Party

Not sure what Raine or the KeVn Group is, but they're throwing parties with free Absolut. This flyer says the party is 1.19, 7-10p (location TBA), but the Eventbrite page makes it look like they're going to be doing this many days. If you want to ensure the largest party/offering of free goods, I'd RSVP for the first event.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Kristen Bell, Hunger Games, and Community

It's Fangirl Friday, unofficially brought to you by Splitsider.

From the Huffington's Post interview with Kristen Bell, promoting House of Lies:

Now, "The Hunger Games." I know you're a big fan.
It's all I think about.
Anything new in your campaign to be Johanna? Is that still happening?
I mean from my campaign desk here on my full-size bed in a back bedroom in my family's house in Oregon, there are no new developments [Laughs] -- other than the fact that I am trying to stay on top of it and not age too rapidly so that I can still be cast.
For Halloween, were you Katniss?
No, but my 30th birthday I themed after "The Hunger Games" and I put District numbers up around. I put District 4 for water over the pool. I put District 2 for electronics over the stereo and iPod. I had a blow-up castle bouncy house on the front lawn and I put The Capitol over the bouncy house. And over my front door, I put District 12. All my friends dressed as the characters and I dressed as Katniss. I was head-to-toe in spandex with a fire cape and carried a bow and arrow.
That sounds pretty damn epic.
Oh yeah, it was pretty much major. I had friends that went all out. I have friends that like do it. They do not mess around. I had friends who came as Cato and Clove and were dressed in weird sewn-together fabric leaves and army colors. They had the football black under their eyes and they had taken all the knives in their house, even the butcher knives, and wrapped them in duct tape so they wouldn't be too sharp and flung them over their body like sort of ammo lines. They had all these knives taped to them -- it was amazing. I had a couple Effie Trinkets. It was pretty exceptional. People dressed up like tracker jackers. They were like bumble bees, but with huge horns.
Next themed party I have, I need to have you plan it for me.
Oh absolutely. Themed parties are pretty awesome.
YES themed parties. If it had been around when I was 13, I totally would have loved a Hunger Games-themed bat mitzvah party. Not that I would have been cool enough to throw it myself, but I definitely would have attended. I also find it interesting to see which previous roles are cited in interviews. Burlesque? Really? It's never Reefer Madness. Sigh.
In other fangirl news, Community is definitely coming back in the spring! Here's a gem from the set, via Fat Neil's Twitter:

I guess we can count on a Simpsons episode?

And if you just watched the Season 2 premiere of Portlandia, you might be interested in this interview with Carrie Brownstein.

Nolcha Fashion Week Kickoff Party

This arrived in my inbox today:

Invitation:
Nolcha Fashion Week in Association with
Laser Cosmetica & WeConnectFashion
kick-off to 2012 
DateWednesday January 11, 2012
Location: Empire Rooftoop
DJ PHOECUS
Time: 7pm till late
Complimentary drinks by
DonQ Rums (7pm-8pm)

enter code 902

Your guess is as good as mine.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Recommended concerts week of 1.2.12

1) Elizabeth & the Catapult, Misty Boyce, and Chris Cubetta and the Liars Club playing the early show at Mercury Lounge (217 E. Houston St.) on Wednesday 1.4, 6:30p, $10. [via]

Elizabeth & the Catapult- Taller Children

2) Givers and Yellow Ostrich at the Music Hall of Williamsburg (66 N. 6th St.), Thursday 1.5, 8p doors/9p show, $15a/$17d. [via]

Givers- Meantime
Yellow Ostrich- Whale

Trivia and scotch tastings at Spritzenhaus

Greenpoint beer house Spritzenhaus (33 Nassau Avenue) will be hosting trivia/Jura scotch tastings every Tuesday in January from 6:30-9p (trivia starts at 7). As far I know, the trivia isn't scotch-related. It's a nice bar, when not overrun by young teacher team building events, or whatever the hell I saw. I'm not sure if it's mandatory, but you might want to RSVP to JuraPubQuizNightsNYC@gmail.com. More info on the Yelp event page.

More DJ Sets: The Horrors, Dive, and Penguin Prison

1) Faris of The Horrors and Honor of Cerebral Ballzy will be doing DJ sets at Cameo Gallery (93 N. 6th Street, Williamsburg) on Friday 1.6. 11:45p-4a, $5. [via My Free Concert]

2) Members of The Horrors will do another DJ set at the Tribeca Grand Hotel (2 Avenue of the Americas) on Saturday 1.7. Dive will also be performing, and if you're lucky, there will be free Stoli. 11p, free with RSVP to Events@grandlifenyc.com. 


3) What appears to be a viewing party at Good Company (10 Hope Street, Brooklyn) on Sunday 1.8 will also feature a DJ set from Penguin Prison and free BOMB Lager Beer from 9-10p.

Foul screening and cheap tacos

1) Go bro out with $1 tacos every Wednesday 4p-2a at Wharf Bar & Grill (587 Third Avenue) [via NYC Daily Deals].


2) Littlefield (622 Degraw Street, Brooklyn) will be hosting a free screening of the short film Foul on Saturday 1.14 at 3p.

Foul is about Angie and David, a couple whose relationship comes under attack when a disgusting odor invades their apartment. An unpleasant problem at first, the awful smell soon becomes unbearable. They realize they can’t simply ignore it. As they search to find the source of the stench, they are forced confront aspects of themselves and their life together they would prefer to leave alone.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

The Juan Maclean and free vodka

RSVP ahead of time: the Cheeky Bastard dance party at Yotel NY (570 10th Avenue) on Saturday 1.21 will feature a DJ set by the Juan Maclean, and free vodka from 10-11p. Get on the list here.

Monday, January 2, 2012

Hey, nerds

Alt text: You can't stab Carl Kasell. He sounds all slow and stentorian, but he moves like a snake.

[via xkcd]

Brooklyn Industries and Fat Tuesday

Happy 2012! A few things to get you started:

1) Mega Band Night at a Manhattan location of Brooklyn Industries (290 Lafayette), Friday 1.6, 7-9p. There will be live music, free snacks and Sixpoint beer, and discounts. RSVP to PR@Brooklynindustries.com.


2) Free Fat Tuesday celebration at B.B. Kings (237 W. 42nd St.), 2.21, 5p-2a. Jambalaya Brass Band will be playing 4 sets. There are plenty of spots for the free show, but you have to fill out the form here. Sounds like a great night of live music.