Friday January 21

Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Bands: Shilpa Ray & Her Happy Hookers
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: Brooklyn Bowl
Food: Blue Ribbon
Drink: Brooklyn Bowl
Miscellaneous: Bowling at Brooklyn Bowl

When will the accolades stop? Hopefully never as Shilpa Ray & Her Happy Hookers are everywhere lately having dropped their new album Teenage and Torture, which is getting glowing reviews from all directions, but you haven’t heard anything till you hear them live. That’s where they really shine. Joining them are two really great bands worth getting there early to see in Soft Black and She Keeps Bees. Brooklyn Bowl is a self contained playland for adults that you don’t even have to leave, so your night is wrapped up in one venue. For dinner, check out Blue Ribbon, part of the highly rated eateries in the city, you’ll find southern fare including fried chicken and BBQ, some crazy shakes & floats, and more. For drinks, just walk about 20 feet to the bar where they offer nine draft beers from Brooklyn. Finally, and most obvious, there’s 16 lanes of bowling. While the wait is generally long, where else can you throw a strike and see a great band at the same time?

Friday January 21

Location: Gowanus, Brooklyn
Bands: Evan Dando & Juliana Hatfield Get Tickets Here
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: Bell House
Food: El Viejo Yayo
Drink: Buttermilk Bar
Miscellaneous: The Chocolate Room

Two of the 90’s bigger acts, Lemonheads frontman Evan Dando & Juliana Hatfield are touring again together playing some of their best loved songs. Joining them is Lady Lamb the Beekeeper. 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 January 22

Location: Lower East Side, NYC
Bands: The Concretes Get Tickets Here
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: Bowery Ballroom
Food: The Stanton Social
Drink: The Magician
Miscellaneous: The Pink Pony

Swedish indie-pop band The Concretes make some really simple songs that are pretty elaborate with vocals laid out over orchestration. Should be fun to watch them put it all together live. 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.

Saturday January 22

Location: Union Square, NYC
Bands: Super Mash Bros
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: The Fillmore at Irving Plaza
Food: Momofuku
Drink: The Village Pourhouse
Miscellaneous: Sundaes and Cones

Mash-up artists Super Mash Bros consist of 3 members who incorporate music mash-ups and videos from all over the internet and beyond into their live shows. 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! The Village Pourhouse looks like a neighborhood bar to watch sports but is actually has three more rooms, 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.

Sunday January 23

Location: Midtown East, NYC
Art: Pictures by Women: A History of Modern Photography
Show time: See website for schedule; Through April 4
Venue: MOMA
Food: Eatery
Drink: Valhalla
Miscellaneous: Central Park

The exhibition Pictures by Women: A History of Modern Photography takes a look at the great women who have influenced and changed the art of photography. Works by such great photographers include Diane Arbus, Berenice Abbott, Claude Cahun, Imogen Cunningham, Rineke Dijkstra, Florence Henri, Roni Horn, Nan Goldin, Helen Levitt, Lisette Model, Lucia Moholy, Tina Modotti, Cindy Sherman, Kiki Smith, and Carrie Mae Weems, plus many more. 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!