Friday June 21
Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Music: Man or Astro-Man?
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: Brooklyn Bowl
Food: Blue Ribbon
Drink: Brooklyn Bowl
Miscellaneous: Bowling at Brooklyn Bowl
Man or Astro-Man? seem to effortlessly blend surf and Sc-fi into one ball of awesomeness. These guys started in the early 90’s and have a new record out, Defcon 5…4…3…2…1, their first record since 2001. Also on board is Jacuzzi Boys. 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 June 21
Location: Lower East Side, NYC
Music: Martin Rev (of Suicide)
Show time: 7 PM
Venue: The Bowery Electric
Food: The Stanton Social
Drink: The Magician
Miscellaneous: The Pink Pony
One half of one of the most influential electronic protopunk bands ever, Martin Rev of Suicide fame performs solo for the first time in NYC in 5 years. Also opening are the incredible Eraas and FORMA. 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 June 22
Location: Park Slope, Brooklyn
Music: Chairlift
Show time: 3 PM; FREE
Venue: Prospect Park
Food: Brooklyn Fish Camp
Drink: Union Hall
Miscellaneous: O’Connor’s
Part of Tropfest and completely FREE, Chairlift headline this show which features music, food, art installations and a lineup of great short films that will be screened and judged LIVE by an esteemed panel of industry and celebrity judges. Also part of this excellent outdoor show includes performances by Neon Indian (DJ Set), Bear in Heaven, Ghost Beach, and People Get Ready. Brooklyn Fish Camp offers some seriously delicious and gourmet seafood including fresh raw bar selections and entrees like the Seafood Gumbo with Blue Crab, Andouille and Shrimp ($23) . While Union Hall looks like a cabin at a ski resort with a fireplace, stone walls, comfy couches, and inexpensive drinks, you may want to stick around rather than barhop. A low-key bar in this hood, O’Connor’s is a hole in the wall where you can grab a cheap drink and watch the game on their TV, just like your grandpa sitting next to you!
Saturday June 22
Location: Union Square, NYC
Event: The Awesome 80s Prom
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: Webster Hall
Food: Thai Me Up Sandwich Bar
Drink: McSorley’s Old Ale House
Miscellaneous: Mudd Cafe
Relive the best and worst of coming of age in high school at The Awesome 80s Prom. This interactive show is part musical and full-on party as the audience gets to drink, dance and vote for the Prom King and Queen. For eats, check out Thai Me Up Sandwich Bar, a sandwich shop offering Thai sandwiches with 7 Steamed Fried Vegetables and a choice of chicken, veggie, tofu or beef on a baguette with 3 types of sauces for $7. One of the city’s oldest bars, at McSorley’s Old Ale House you can feel the history when you enter as memorabilia, since its beginnings in 1854, are all over the walls. Aside from it being a frat hangout nowadays, it’s worth the trip. You’ve seen that orange Mudd coffee truck parked on Astor Place and on various other streets, but check out their Mudd Cafe on East 9th for coffee and a healthy, vegan, and vegetarian menu.
Sunday June 23
Location: Midtown East, NYC
Art: Rain Room
Show time: See website for schedule; Through July 28, 2013
Venue: MOMA
Food: Eatery
Drink: Valhalla
Miscellaneous: Central Park
Random International’s immersive environment Rain Room (2012), a major component of the MoMA PS1 exhibition EXPO 1: New York, is presented in the lot directly adjacent to The Museum of Modern Art. A field of falling water that pauses wherever a human body is detected, Rain Room offers visitors the experience of controlling the rain. Known for their distinctive approach to contemporary digital practice, Random International’s experimental projects come alive through audience interaction. 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!
