The Weekend Shortlist April 30 to May 2

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Friday April 30

Location: Midtown West, NYC
Bands: The Gossip
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: Terminal 5
Food: Pig N’ Whistle
Drink: The Irish Rogue
Miscellaneous: Island Burgers & Shakes

With dance heavy grooves and a feminist touch, The Gossip bring a lot to the table including lead woman Beth Ditto who is insanely good live. 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.

Friday April 30

Location: Harlem, NYC
Band: Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings Get Tickets Here
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: Apollo Theater
Food Amy Ruth’s
Drink Harlem Lanes
Miscellaneous: Nectar Wine Bar

You can’t deny the old school soul music making machine that is Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. Their new album I Learned the Hard Way is so groove heavy and filled with heart that it’s a must pick up period and live Sharon Jones lives up to the title of “Hardest Working Woman in Showbiz.” 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 Nectar Wine Bar they offer a distinct selection of wine from around tthe world as well as food that pairs well from artisinal cheeses to small plates and paninis.

Saturday May 1

Location: Clinton Hill, Brooklyn
Band: Ben Kweller
Show time: 6 PM
Venue: Pratt Institute (Memorial Hall)
Food: ICI
Drink: Moe’s
Miscellaneous: Tillie’s

Ben Kweller, whose folky rock pairs nicely with his literate lyrics sees him make some sweet music for the masses. Joining him is opener Amy Regan, a New York based singer/songwriter with a folky/acoustic sound. Creating a seasonal menu filled with fresh and locally grown ingredients along with wines from small interesting local wineries, ICI I creates innovative dishes like Wild Striped Bass with shitake mushrooms, fennel butter, and fennel slaw ($25). An eclectic bar in Ft. Greene that has absolutely nothing to do with The Simpsons, Moe’s offers a decent beer selection, a neighborhood vibe, and big windows to people watch. For coffee and a place to just sit and relax, Tillie’s serves a great cup of joe, while consistently having performances, and serving excellent baked goods and vegan food.

Saturday May 1

Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Bands: Mother’s Day Bazaar
Show time: 10 AM – 5 PM
Venue: Knitting factory

If you love your mother as much as I do, you’ve been scouring the city’s vendor stalls and department store sales for the perfect handbag or something particularly “New York” to give the woman who rules the tri-state suburbs, your guilt and your heart. Since I have yet to find (or afford) the precise leather handbag she’s described from her dreams, it comes as a great relief that a gallery of eight local, independent and very unique handcrafting artists will be selling their wares at a very special sale taking place at the Knitting Factory, Brooklyn, this Saturday The Mother’s Day Bazaar will feature lotions from La Vieve, custom jewelry from Lock and Spoon, and more. Pair your shopping errands with $3 Madras and the Kentucky Derby and enter the raffle for 2 guest list spots for a show at the venue and an amazing gift basket from the vendors. All the money raised from the raffle will go to benefit the B.A.R.C animal shelter. It’s the easiest way to get those tokens of affection while you win major ducats on that dark horse.

Saturday May 1

Location: Union Square, NYC
Band: Echo and the Bunnymen Get Tickets Here
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: The Fillmore at Irving Plaza
Food: Momofuku
Drink: The Village Pourhouse
Miscellaneous: Sundaes and Cones

Man, all of these 90s bands are making a comeback, and with Echo and the Bunnymen that is a good thing! This English post punk act influenced countless bands and their staple, the use of a drum machine never really went out of style. 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 May 2

Location: Meatpacking District, NYC
Event: Miss Fag Hag Pageant
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: Comix
Food: Spice Market
Drink: Plunge
Miscellaneous: Jacques Torres Chocolates

Join ladies from around the five boroughs as they compete in the 2nd Annual Miss Fag Hag Pageant. Judges include Caroline Rhea, Robert Verdi, Michael Musto, and John Cameron Mitchel. Performances include Sahara Davenport of RuPaul’s Drag Race fame, Christine Pedi (Forbidden Broadway), Margarita Pracatan (BBC, The Clive James Show), and The Spangles Dance Company. 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. No one makes chocolate as rich and addictive as Jacques Torres Chocolates and being in the Chelsea Market, you can get your fix from their delectable chocolates to their amazing Hot chocolate. A personal fave is the chocolate chip cookie, which they even heat up for you. Delish!

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