The Weekend Shortlist November 12 to 14
Friday November 12
Location: Midtown West, NYC
Bands: 30th Annual John Lennon Tribute Get Tickets Here
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: Town Hall
Food: Sullivan Street Bakery
Drink: Rudy’s Bar & Grill
Miscellaneous: The Shops at Columbus Circle
An all-star line-up of musical talent pay homage to the Beatle legend at the 30th Annual John Lennon Tribute. Performers include musical luminaries Jackson Browne, Patti Smith and Cyndi Lauper to acclaimed artists, Aimee Mann, Keb’ Mo’, Joan Osborne, Martin Sexton, Shelby Lynne, Taj Mahal, Meshell Ndegeocello, Alejandro Escovedo, Playing For Change, The Kennedys, Vusi Mahlasela, Rich Pagano of the Fab Faux, YouTube sensation Chris Bliss, Wendy Osserman Dance and the Tribute’s co-creator and MAD Magazine Senior Editor, Joe Raiola.
Friday November 12
Location: Meat Packing District, NYC
Event: The Set NYC: Sweet November Beach Party
Show time: 11 PM
Venue: The Sea Upstairs Lounge
Food: Spice Market
Drink: Plunge
Miscellaneous: Jacques Torres Chocolates
The Set NYC: Sweet November Beach Party features a hot body-painting showcase & swimsuit contest with cash prizes! With your host, Kai Amanti and music by DJ TEK NIC. 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!
Saturday November 13
Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Bands: Maserati Get Tickets Here
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: Brooklyn Bowl
Food: Blue Ribbon
Drink: Brooklyn Bowl
Miscellaneous: Bowling at Brooklyn Bowl
As easily influenced by U2 as they are by Pink Floyd, Maserati make dance music that is guitar driven and fun. Joining them is Psychic Paramount who bring a chaotic style of playing making these two polar opposites a very smart and interesting show. 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?
Saturday November 13
Location: Union Square, NYC
Bands: Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti + Os Mutantes Get Tickets Here
Show time: 6 PM
Venue: The Studio at Webster Hall
Food: Momofuku
Drink: The Village Pourhouse
Miscellaneous: Sundaes and Cones
This looks to be one of the best shows in a little while as lo-fi act Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti share the stage with legendary Brazilian psychedelic gods Os Mutantes. Get ready to see some amazing live performances and equally great and mind-bending music. 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 may look like a neighborhood bar to watch sports but 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 November 14
Location: Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Art: Seductive Subversion: Women Pop Artists, 1958–1968
Show time: See website for schedule; Through January 9, 2011
Venue: Brooklyn Museum
Food: Chiles & Chocolate Oaxacan Kitchen
Drink: The Gate
Miscellaneous: Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co.
The exhibition Seductive Subversion: Women Pop Artists, 1958–1968 focuses on the role women have played in breaking through in the male dominated field of pop art. More than 50 works will be shown from female artists including Chryssa, Niki de Saint Phalle, Rosalyn Drexler, Marisol, Yayoi Kusama, Jann Haworth, Vija Celmins, Lee Lozano, Marjorie Strider, Idelle Weber, and Joyce Wieland, among others. Ever have Oaxacan food? Chiles & Chocolate Oaxacan Kitchen serves up some fantastic, not exactly Mexican food. Try the smoky flavored Mole Negro, one of the best mole sauces I’ve had in NYC. Before leaving, you must try one of the hot chocolates like the Chiles Y Chocolate. A hint of chipotle without too much heat is a nice kick start for the night. The Gate is a great Park Slope bar with excellent beers on tap and a outdoor courtyard to chill. If time permits, you must, and I mean MUST go to the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co., a non-profit organization that helps kids with their writing, that’s fronted by a store selling super powers.