The Weekend Shortlist November 14 to 16

Wild Style The Sampler by Charlie Ahearn, A Miss Rosen Edition, published by powerHouse Books

Friday November 14

Location: West Village, NYC
Film: 25th Anniversary of Wild Style
Show time: 9 PM; Through November 20
Venue: Film Forum
Food: Tortilla Flats
Drink: White Horse Tavern
Miscellaneous: Magnolia Bakery

Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Wildstyle, one of hip hop’s greatest films with a screening and an appearance By Director/Writer/Producer Charlie Ahearn and other special guests to sign copies of the book Wild Style The Sampler, released in conjunction with the film’s silver anniversary. Filmed in the South Bronx in 1982, it was the first film to show DJing, MCing, b-boying, and graffiti writing; the true art forms of hip hop culture. 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.

Friday November 14

Location: Lower East Side, NYC
Bands: Jeffrey Lewis & The Jackals + Schwervon Get Tickets Here
Show time: 9 PM
Venue: Mercury Lounge
Food: Paladar
Drink: Welcome to the Johnsons
Miscellaneous: Economy Candy

Anti-establishment rocker Jeffrey Lewis writes deliciously quirky songs and when he’s covering anarchist British band Crass on 12 Crass Songs, he makes these covers about society his own. Joining him are Schwervon a two piece act who area couple in real life who take noise and pop, put them together and make great music. Paladar, whose celebrity chef, Aarón Sanchez is from the Food Network show “Melting Pot,” delivers a Pan-Latino concept taking traditional Spanish fare and adding deliciously executed gourmet twists. Feeling retro? Then Welcome to the Johnsons is the place for you. It’s like being in your uncles wreck room from the 70s. With all wood paneled walls, plastic covered couches, and a Pac Man machine, this bar is out for a good time. Stop by Economy Candy and get a small taste of what it might be like to walk through Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, minus the hijinks, as there’s all sorts of candy everywhere. A real NY landmark, it’s been around since 1937.

Saturday November 15

Location: Union Square, NYC
Film: The Lebowski Fest Get Tickets Here
Show time: 8 PM; Through November 16
Venue: Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza
Food: Yama
Drink: 119 Bar
Miscellaneous: Barnes & Noble (Union Square location)

Celebrating one of the most offbeat, funny, and quotable films in recent memory (“Call me dude.”) The Lebowski Fest is a two day celebration of the Coen Brothers 1998 film The Big Lebowski with Jeff Bridges as “The Dude.” Tonight catch Tragedy, a metal tribute band dedicated to the Bee Gees, and the Creedence Clearwater Revival Revival, a reenactment of the Landlord’s dance cycle by Paul Green, and of course, a screening of The Big Lebowski. One of the best Japanese restaurants in the city, Yama, serves up some of the hugest and freshest portions of sushi, while not being as expensive as you think. Close to Irving Plaza, 119 Bar is one dive where you can get cheap drinks, play pool, and hang with friends while not standing out or being bothered when you’re a sweaty mess from dancing after seeing Shadow and Chemist perform, and I mean that in a good way! If you’re bored and early for the show, head over to the four floor Barnes & Noble to look through magazines and get a cup of coffee.

Saturday November 15

Location: Lower East Side, NYC
Bands: The Giraffes
Show time: 8:30 PM
Venue: Mercury Lounge
Food: The Stanton Social
Drink: The Magician
Miscellaneous: The Pink Pony

Everyone’s favorite sex-metal band returns from the road with a new album Prime Motivator. Join them at the Mercury Lounge at this CD release party as they unveil new cuts off the album while making a mess. Fans wouldn’t have it any other way. Expect some sort of pit! For dinner, The Stanton Social has earned a reputation for being a beautifully designed restaurant/lounge while serving up some delicious multi-ethnic cuisine. For drinks, a favorite of mine is The Magician, this bar’s chill atmosphere just may be the cure for a well-earned night of rocking. A great way to end the night? Stop by the Pink Pony. This boho café has been serving French food and coffee since the 80s and has a relaxing vibe. It’s as punk as that neighborhood gets nowadays.

Sunday November 16

Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Band: Eagles of Death Metal + The Duke Spirit Get Tickets Here
Show time: 9 PM
Venue: Music Hall of Williamsburg
Food: SEA
Drink: Zablozki’s
Miscellaneous: Hugs

The Eagles of Death Metal are one of the most fun bands to watch on stage. With Josh Homme as drummer and Jesse Hughes on vocals this band is one fun loving, hard rocking act. Joining them are The Duke Spirit who should have equal billing at this show because they are that good and their newest album Neptune is a rocktastical gem. 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.