Shepard Fairey "May Day" Opening - Saturday, May 1st

A political movement inspired by art - Shepard Fairey is the artist that comes to mind.  He was most recently recognized for his “HOPE” portrait of Barack Obama which became the iconic image of the presidential campaign.  On Saturday May 1st, Deitch projects will host an opening reception for May Day, an exhibition of some of Shepard Fairey’s new works.  In May Day, Fairey captures the radical spirit of each of his subjects, using portraiture to celebrate some of the artists, musicians and political activists he most admires.

This exhibition will coincide with the official unveiling of Shephard Fairey’s mural on Houston and Bowery. 

Saturday May 1st

6-9pm

Deitch Projects

18 Wooster Street

May Day will be on view through May 29th

TICKET ALERT - Ricky Gervais May 10th and 11th

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Golden Globe and Emmy® winning comedian and writer Ricky Gervais kicks off his 

acclaimed stand up shows in New York at The Kaye Playhouse on May 10th and 11th.  Ricky Gervais is the Co-creator of the most successful British comedy "The Office,"the star of HBO's "Extras" and recently hosted the Golden Globes.

Ricky Gervais
Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College
8pm
Tickets are $30.00


CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

Brooklyn Botanic Garden Cherry Blossom Festival - Saturday May 1st & Sunday, May 2nd

The weather this weekend is going to be gorgeous! Central Park will be there all summer. Instead, to to the Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival at Brooklyn Botanic Garden on Saturday May 1st and Sunday May 2nd from 10am - 6pm.  

The festival celebrates Japanese culture with over 60 events and performances.  Take a guided tour of the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, admire vintage kimonos, meet famous Japanese Anime artists, watch a Samurai sword fight, or east sushi while admiring the beautiful blossoms and listening to the entrancing Taiko Drummers. 

Tickets are $15.00.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO WAIT IN LINE

TICKET ALERT - Another LCD Soundsystem show added on 5/23

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You are a bit of a slacker. I told you about the show added on 5/22, you waited to buy tickets and now it's sold out.  Stop kicking yourself -  LCD Soundsystem just added another show on 5/23.  If you wait to buy tickets this time, you seriously need to examine your fear of commitment, and that's a whole other conversation. Don't let this opportunity pass you by.

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

31 Cent Scoop Day at Baskin Robbins - Wednesday, April 28th

Tomorrow night, Baskin Robbins is giving out 31 cent scoops from 5pm - 10pm. Indulge in the SUPER FUDGE TRUFFLE. For those or you who are preparing for swimsuit season, Baskin Robbin has "BRight Choices," a new selection of fat-free, dairy-free, light and no sugar added flavors.  

CLICK HERE TO FIND A BASKIN ROBBINS NEAR YOU

Full Stream and pre-order LCD Soundsystem's new album and get TWO bonus tracks

LCD Soundsystem's new album 'this is happening' is being released on May 17th, but is now available by pre-order on itunes, with two exclusive bonus tracks.  Listen to album in its entirety on their site. What do you think?


CLICK HERE TO LISTEN AND PRE-ORDER 'THIS IS HAPPENING'

Drive-in movie premiere - "The Birth of Big Air"- Sat April 24th

Drive-in movies are back! Although in the spirit of this film, it would probably be more appropriate to call it a "Bike-In."


On Saturday, April 24th at 6pm, the Tribeca Film Festival will premiere The Birth of Big Air at the World Financial Plaza. This documentary film follows BMX extraordinaire, Mat Hoffman. At the age 13 Mat entered his sport as an amateur and by the age of 16 was at the top of his sport. Produced by Spike Jonze and daredevil Johhny Knoxville, The Birth of Big Air will entertain extreme sports fanatics.

Bring a picnic, good company, beach chairs and some inconspicuous containers filled with beverages. This event is FREE.





The Birth of Big Air
TFF Drive-in
Saturday, April 24th
World Financial Plaza



Tribeca Drive-in opens at 6:00 pm.
Activities and programming begin at 6:30 pm.
Film screenings start at dusk (approx. 8:15 pm).

"The Point" pop up exhibition opening at Inven.tory 4/23

Friday, April 23 6 - 9pm
Inven.tory
Lafayette (at Spring)

Curated by Justine Durrett

Featured Artists: Megan Burns, Mark dye, Annika Connor, Tom Costa, Teodor Dumitrescu, Melanie Jelacic, Nicholas Papadakis and James Wolanin

This exhibition provides a glimpse into AI Productions’ fine art book entitled Point Suite, a collection of works by international contemporary artists. Point Suite will display the work of forty talented emerging artists, with essays discussing the artists, their works and the current artistic climate.

AI Productions, Inc. is an innovative corporation whose mission is to serve the artistic community by facilitating the presence of emerging artists and educating the public about their work.

CLICK HERE for more information about the Point Suite Art Book

Ed Burns and other TFF events at the Apple Store - April 23 - May 1

It's incredibly annoying that many of the feature films are sold out for Tribeca Film Festival. But that doesn't mean you can't partake in some of the festivities. From April 23 - May 1st, the Apple store in Soho will feature the film industry’s leading writers, directors, producers, and actors from the Tribeca Film Festival. You can attend Meet the Filmmakers sessions — presented by Apple and indieWIRE - or attend workshops to learn about the latest developments from industry experts.


Below are my picks for the Meet the Filmmaker sessions:


Saturday, April 24th 6:00pm
Director Ruba Nadda and Actor Patricia Clarkson on Cairo Time

Monday, April 26th 5:00pm
Director Nicole Holofcener and Actors Catherine Keener & Oliver Platt on Please Give


Monday, April 26th 6:30pm
Director Ed Burns on his film Nice Guy Johnny

Friday, April 30th 6:00 pm
Eugene Jarecki, Morgan Spurlock, Seth Gordon, Alex Gibney, Heidi Ewing, and Rachel Grady, directors on Freakonomics


CLICK HERE to see the schedule of events for the Tribeca Film Festival at the Apple Store

Happy 4/20 EVERYONE!!!

Hester Street Fair Opening Weekend April 24 - 25

Brooklyn Flea, watch out! You’ve got some competition across the bridge. Hester Street Fair is opening on Saturday, and will be running every weekend through December. Located on Hester and Essex, it was the original site of one of the busiest outdoor markets at the turn of the century.


Many of the local restaurant and businesses will be represented such as An Choi, Luke’s Lobster, Meatball Shop, Malbon Bros BBQ, Sigmund Pretzel Shop, homemade pies from First Prize Pies, Roni-Sue Chocolates, Inhabit, furniture from Severely Vintage, clothing from Wanderlust Vintage, retro bikes from Landmark Vintage, and many more.
Sat, Sun 10am-6pm.


Click here for more information on the Hester Fair and updates

The XX - DJ Set Thurs 4/22 at Le Poisson Rouge

The XX will be performing a DJ set at Le Poisson Rouge on Thursday at 11pm. Tickets are $10.

CLICK HERE to buy tickets to see The XX at Le Poisson Rouge

Manhattan Cocktail Classic May 15th - 18th

Photo courtesy of Wagner Campelo on Flickr

For those who have a true appreciation for art of cocktailing and mixology, the Manhattan Cocktail Classic on May 15th - 18th is the first ever multi-day event celebrating the history, contemporary culture, and artful craft of the cocktail. It opens with a big gala at the New York Public Library on May 14th. Play hooky from work, to participate in a cornicopia of event ranging from workshops, tastings, historical lectures, and even a booze cruise featuring the city’s greatest bars, bartenders and restaurants.

Ticket range from $50 - $100. Many of the events are already sold out. Here are my top 3 picks in order of preference:

 1. Latin Spirits Bus Tour, Sun 5/16, 2pm @ The Randolph- Take a ride through NYC on a double decker bus, making frequent stops at the hottest venues to sample each destination’s own Gran Sierpe Pisco and Cuca Fresca cocktails

 2. Into the Mystic: A Tasting of the Rare, Forthcoming & Experimental, Mon 5/17, 1:30pm at WD 50 - Wylie Dufresne has a penchant for weird but delicious conconctions, cocktails not excluded. Taste old school quinquinas, rare and bending Scotch whiskey, maybe an exquisite hibiscus, wine of the royalty, authentic British Royal Navy and other extraordinary rums.

3. Stories from Behind the Bar at Employees Only, Sun 5/16 2pm - Dushan Zaric and Jason Kosmas (Co-owners and Principal Bartenders of Employees Only and Macao Trading Company, mix their famous cocktails and dish out stories. This prohibition style speakeasy is best known for modern twists on classic cocktails using a culinary approach to mixology.

CLICK HERE for a schedule and to buy tickets to the MCC

Ticket Alert - Dirty Projectors 9/11 & Modest Mouse 7/23 TODAY

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Tickets for Dirty Projectors 9/11 show and Modest Mouse's show at the Williamburg Waterfront on 7/23 go on sale TOMORROW At noon. The Williamsburg Waterfront show will be rain or shine (mud wrestling anyone?). If you haven't heard of the Dirty Projectors, listen to "Stillness is the Move" from their Bitte Orca album on Myspace (it's free!). Their voices are like sirens, that will you have you hooked after hearing one song.

CLICK HERE TO BUY DIRTY PROJECTOR TICKETS

CLICK HERE TO BUY MODEST MOUSE TICKETS

Ticket Alert - LCD Soundsystem 5/22

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The bad news -  LCD Soundsystem shows on 5/20 and 5/21 at Terminal 5 sold out. THE GOOD NEWS - THE JUST ANNOUNCED A THIRD SHOW ON SATURDAY 5/22. 


Click Here To Buy Your Tix to LCD Soundsystem on 5/22

April 8th - "When Your Strange"-Doors Documentary Premiere

Jim Morrison Photo courtesy of BAM website

The first feature documentary about The Doors, When You're Strange uncovers historic and previously unseen footage of the illustrious rock quartet and provides new insight into the revolutionary impact of its music and legacy. Directed by award-winning writer/director Tom DiCillo and narrated by Johnny Depp, the film is a riveting account of the band’s history.


The film reveals an intimate perspective on the creative chemistry between drummer John Densmore, guitarist Robby Krieger, keyboardist Ray Manzarek and singer Jim Morrison—four brilliant artists who made The Doors one of America’s most iconic and influential rock bands. Using footage shot between the band’s 1965 formation and Morrison’s 1971 death, When You're Strange follows the band from the corridors of UCLA’s film school, where Manzarek and Morrison met, to the stages of sold-out arenas.*

*synopsis courtesy of the film website

Thursday, April 8th
7:00 PM
BAM Cinematek

Followed by a Q & A session with director Tom DiCillo
Tickets $12.00


How to get there:
Take the 2 3 4 5 to Atlantic Avenue
N R D M to Pacific Street
Walk two blocks north on Ashland Place   - on the corner of Lafayette and Ashland
 
Click here to buy tickets for the premiere of "When Your Strange"

April 9th - US Air Guitar Championships

Air guitarists are a unique breed that take their craft very seriously. You've go to respect someone who can get away with metallic spandex, sweat bands and mullets, whilst playing an imaginary guitar to Mettalica. If you appreciate this type of performance, mark your calendar for the  Regional US Air Guitar Championships at Brooklyn Bowl on Friday, April 9th. According to their website:


MITT UMLAUT (Tom Corsillo) reports the following on his politically conservative blog--

"What you don't know is that Brooklyn Bowl is 100% wind-powered, getting their energy entirely from Con Ed Solutions, a leading provider of renewable energy and sustainability services.

"So for the New York Regional, the US Air Guitar Championships will be not only figuratively, but literally powered entirely by wind [for the first time ever?]. And wind is really just fast-moving air."


What an interesting nugget of information.


Date: Friday, April 9th
Time: 9:00 pm
Cost $10.00


Location: Brooklyn Bowl
61 Wythe Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11211


Take the L train to Bedford stop.  Exit at the rear of the train (coming from Manhattan), walk North on Bedford Ave. Make a left at N. 11th st, walk 2 blocks. Make right on Wythe, Brooklyn Bowl is on the right




Buy US Air Guitar Championship Tickets Here

Brooklyn Bowl/Neon Indian Excursion

On Saturday, April 3rd, NY Culture Addict went to Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg.   Everyone feasted on mac and cheese and fried chicken from Blue Ribbon, bowled our brains out and jammed to an amazing line up of bands/music including Neon Indian.  If you haven't been yet, definitley check it out. The venue is amazing, and only two subway stops on the L train. 

                       

Current Obsession: Post Office Meets Museum

The US Post office just came out with a series 20th Century Abstract Expressionist stamps by artists like Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and Mark Rothko. These 44 cent stamps are $4.40 for a sheet of 10, which is displayed on a sheet like art hanging on a wall. 

Check out the stamps here

April 1st - Jules Balincourt Exhibition Opening at Deitch Projects

On Thursday, April 1st from 6 - 8pm, The Deitch Projects will be opening "Premonitions," a solo exhibition of contemporary artist, Jules Balincourt.  Fifteen new paintings - ranging from notebook to mural size, wil be on display.  This will be his most comprehensive and diverse exhibition to date, with text, abstrative and figurative pieces with themes ranging from cyberspace to Obama's America. Starting his art career at 27, Jules is a quickly rising art star, gaining recognition from leaders in the industry.

This opening is going to be packed but may be one of your last opportunities to attend an exhibition at the Deitch Projects, which will be closing soon.  Jeffrey Deitch has become the new Director of the MoCA in Los Angeles, making him the first gallery owner in history to run an American Museum.

"Premonitions" Opening
Thursday, April 1st
18 Wooster Street
(between Grand and Canal)
6:00 - 8:00 pm
FREE

NY International Auto Show April 2nd - 11th

Most New Yorkers don't need a car, but that doesn't mean that we can't appreciate them! My personal favorite is the 2010 Mercedes SLS (pictured) which has doors that lift up, just like the Back To The Future car, but without the flux capacitator and "OUTATIME" license plate.


The 2010 New York International Auto Show will showcase some of the hottest concept and production cars ever seen. Many of the vehicles will be cutting-edge innovative design studies, some just a few steps away from production, but all provide a window on the future of automobile design and technology.  More than 43 vehicle manufacturers will feature over 1000 new cars, trucks, minivans and SUVs.

New York International Auto Show
Date: April 2nd  - 11th
Time: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
ickets: $14.00

Location: Jacob Javits Convention Center
655 W 34th St (West Side Highway)

Saturday Night 4/3 - Brooklyn Bowl NEON INDIAN

Saturday night, NEON INDIAN, one of the best DJs that played recently at SXSW, will be DJing at Brooklyn Bowl.  We'll head out there around 8:00 pm, grab dinner at Brooklyn Bowl (restaurant is Blue Ribbon, yum!), bowl and see the show at 12:30.  Let's meet at the subway station on the southwest corner of Union Square  (outside) at 8pm. Please RSVP to me at laura.lachman@gmail.com by Friday and let me know how many people you will be bringing.

Film Review - Bill Cunningham New York

*photo courtesy of The Sartorialist

Last night at MoMA, the New Directors/New Films Festival premiered "Bill Cunningham New York," a documentary about the beloved street style photographer. Anyone who reads the New York Times "Sunday Styles" section or works in the vicinity of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street knows Bill Cunningham. He is something of an enigma, an 81 year old man who rides his Schwinn bike around Manhattan in the relentless pursuit of snapping photos of fashion trends on the street. What is so fascinating about him, is that he is completely unmaterialistic and undiscriminating, but with a true eye and appreciation of beauty. Although his personal life is quite lonely and simple, it is overshadowed by the pure love of his art, taking photos. His genius artistic eye is admired and respected by the fashion industry and often that transcends that fashion magazines (Anna Wintour actually says this in the film). I never really understood the true genius of this man, before seeing this documentary, which captures his quirky, eccentric spirit. Everyone in the audience was smiling and laughing the entire time.

 The most amusing part of the movie is when he in Paris waiting to get into a show. A pretentious PR girl at the door overlooks him as he politely attempts to gain entrance, wearing his signature blue jacket, covered by a rain poncho which looks like a garbage bag. From out of nowhere, a man swoops in and claims "Excuse me, this is the most important person in the world." He is quickly rushed to the front row and furiously takes photos of the models and attendees, with a look of pure euphoria on his face.
I am eagerly anticipating the release of this film in the independent theatres, although I think that it will be limited to distribution in New York City due to the specific nature of its subject.

Grade: A

Ticket Alert - FRIDAY!!! La Roux at Terminal 5 on June 7th

TICKET ALERT      TICKET ALERT      TICKET ALERT           

I can’t get that song "In for the Kill" out of my head! La Roux's voice and beats are seriously entrancing. She is a strange androgynous creature with a falsetto feminine voice. 

I'm going in for the Kill

I'm doing it for a thrill

Oh I'm hoping you'll understand

And not let go of my hand

What is she talking about? I don't really care - she is so badass! I'm jamming on the subway and people are looking at me like I'm possessed.

La Roux is playing at Terminal 5 on June 7th, and tickets go on sale on Friday at noon.  Tickets sold out last time within minutes, so set your alarm and mark your calendar. I know it's a little far in advance, but what's the worst that happens? You can't go and sell them for twice the cost on Craigslist (again, I do not support scalping).

Click below link to buy tickets and for more information:

http://www.terminal5nyc.com/event/4451

Bill Cunningham Documentary - ND/NF Film Festival

There's something about photographer Bill Cunningham that everyone loves. Maybe it's that he reminds me of my grandfather... Maybe it's that he rides his Schwinn bike around New York City...Maybe it's that he is observant in his pursuit of trends through his photographer for the New York Times Style section "On The Street."


Tickets for "Bill Cunningham New York," a documentary on the photographer, who is entering in his ninth decade of capturing the trends of the street, are now on sale for two shows at MOMA next week on Wednesday, March 24th at 7:30pm and 9:30 pm for the New Directors/New Films Festival. Tickets for the 7:30pm show are sold out but tickets for the 9:30 pm show are still available - they are $14.00 each.


http://ticketing.filmlinc.com/single/SelectSeating.aspx?p=19482

Super Diamond Show

When I closed my eyes it was as if I was really seeing Neil Diamond in concert, but when I opened them, I realized it was even better. It was SUPER DIAMOND!!!

On Friday March 5th, NY Culture Addict went to see the renowned Neil Diamond tribute band at Highline Ballroom.  We laughed, we danced, we cried (okay, not really) to "Forever In Blue Jeans" and "Coming to America." The lead singer was decked out in gold sequins and othe band members were rocking the studded pants and sunglasses at night. That's Hot!

By the end of the show all hell was breaking loose, people were making out, hugging strangers and bonding over their love of Neil Diamond.

Afterward, a bunch of us over to Abe & Arthurs to snack on mini burgers and mac and cheese.

Thanks to everyone for turning out!

NY Culture Addict Outing: BB King Gospel Brunch - THIS SUNDAY!

Hallelujah! Can I hear a Hallelujah!


BB King's famous Sunday Gospel Grunch features a scrumptious sould food brunch buffet to fill a hole in your sould and a gospel performanc by the renowned Harlem Gospel Choic that will have you dancing on the stage.


Join us this Sunday, March20th from 1 - 2:30pm at:


BB King Blues Club & Grill
237 West 42nd Street


RSVP by TODAY to laura.lachman@gmail.com


$41 per person includes the buffet, show ticket and gratuity. Beverages will be an additional cost.


Click below to make your payment.

Ticket Alert - FRIDAY!!!! Passion Pit at Governor's Island on 6/30

TICKET ALERT   TICKET ALERT    TICKET ALERT  TICKET ALERT

Didn't get tickets to the Passion Pit show on 6/29 because it's sold out? Don't fret. They just added another show on Governor's Island on 6/30. Tickets are $32.50 in advance and a $5 ferry ride and go on sale on Friday at noon. Passion Pit's music is totally addictive and they are amazing in concert. So put it on your calendar reminder and buy your tickets on Friday! Doors open at 7pm, but that means they will really go on at. Tokyo Police club will be opening for them. The tickets for the Brooklyn show sold out in 24 hours.

Think it's too far in advance and have a fear of commitment? Just buy them. You can most definitely sell them and make a profit (although I don't support ticket scalping). I'm telling you, this band is worth it!

Art Opening - Polaroid Composites by Patrick Winfield

Patrick Winfield creates dynamic visual stories by creating one large piece of art with individual polaroids. His common themes are landscapes and figure studies. He gives new meaning to "The whole is greater than the sum of the parts."

Check out his exhibit  "I Put My Computer To Sleep and This is What it Dreamt"  at

Urban Homes 325 West 16th Street
Opening reception  on March 18th 5:30 - 8:30pm. 

*Double model on chest, 2007 - polaroid Spectra film on board - h:20 w:30 inches

*beaver pond, 2007 - polaroid 600 film on board - h:20 w:21 inches

* Photos courtesy of COLOURlovers

Film Review - Ghost Writer

From the title, I incorrectly deduced that this Roman Polanski directed film was of the horror genre, but in actuality it is political thriller/mystery that keeps you guessing until the end. Ewan McGregor plays "The Ghost Writer," hired to edit the former Prime Minister, Adam Lang's( Pierce Brosnan) memoirs, after the previous writer was mysteriously murdered. In a twist, Adam Lang is being investigated for sanctioning, kidnapping and torturing terror suspects. The Ghost begins to uncover secrets hidden in the manuscript and photos left by his predecessor linking Lang to the CIA. Adam Lang's depressed wife (Olivia Williams) and attractive assistant (Kim Cattrall) make for interesting tension and jealousy.
While watching "Ghost Writer," set in Martha's Vineyard, one can't help but to wonder...how did Roman Polanski produce this film in the United States? Is there a parallel between his life and Adam Lang's, both unable to return their home countries? Who murdered the previous ghost writer and what secrets is the former Prime Minister (Pierce does not look like an "Adam") hiding? Why is Adam's wife such an unhappy and aggressive lady? And why is Kim Cattrall talking with that terrible accent, is she British or just an uptight snotty woman?

Overall it was a well made film, with intriguing characters that cleverly builds suspense throughout, with a surprise ending.

Grade: B+