Wednesday, January 23
(COMEDY)
WRITERS STRIKE, JOKES DON’T DIE
The writers may be on strike, but their jokes aren’t! Ars Nova, together with the writers and staff of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, presents what promises to be a hilarious night of stand-up, sketch and film, featuring The Daily Show’s Rory Albanese, Hallie Haglund, JR Havlan, Elliott Kalan, Rob Kutner, Adam Lowitt, Sam Means, John Oliver, and (maybe) Daniel Day-Lewis. A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit staffers affected by the WGA strike. Ars Nova, 511 W. 54th St. (betw. 10th & 11th Aves.), 212-868-4444; 9, $15.
(READING)
MENTOR ME MENTOR YOU
Susan Shapiro knows something about mentoring. Her memoir, Only as Good as Your Word: Writing Lessons from My Favorite Literary Gurus, recounts her quest for success as a writer and the mentors who showed her the way. Tonight she hosts a mentor/protégé reading and publishing Q & A discussion with her protégés: Kimberlee Auerbach, author of The Devil, the Lovers and Me; Kristen Kemp, author of Breakfast at Bloomingdales; Abby Sher, author of Kissing Snowflakes; Liza Monroy, author of the upcoming Mexican High. Rapture Café and Books, 200 Ave. A (betw. E. 12th & 13th Streets), 212-228.1177; 6:30, free.
(DANCE)
SO HOT IT’S COOL DANCE 2008
What do you get when you mix traditional Korean dance with contemporary? We have no idea either. But you can find out (for free!) during Cool New York 2008 DANCE Festival, which features the work of over 60 dance companies from NYC and beyond, including erformances by Natasa Trifan Performance Group, Aimee Rials and Dancers, Mare Hieronimus, Jamal Jackson Dance Company, Amos Pinhasi, ChangMu Dance Company (from Korea) and WHITE WAVE Young Soon Kim Dance Company. Jan 24-27 & Jan 31-Feb 3 John Ryan Theater, 25 Jay St. (at John St.), B’klyn; Thu-Sat, 7-8:30, 9-10:30; Sat., 2-3:15pm; Sun. 4-5:30, 6-7:30, free. Their Annual Benefit Dinner, Jan. 23 at 7pm for $50. whitewavedance.com.
(THEATRE)
IS THAT YOUR HAND ON MY LEG?
30,000 Kilohertz of Sound is an improv comedy act in the dark. Some would say intimate, others would say creepy. We say perfect place for your next date. Magnet Theater, 254 W. 29th St. (betw. 7th & 8th Aves.), www.30000khz.com; 9:30 (also Jan. 30), $5.
(BURLESQUE)
HER NAME WAS CREAMY
It’s the middle of the week, why not head out to hear jokes, tunes and see some burlesque? If this sounds enticing, try Evan Laurence’s Sexahol Revue. It’s quite a name, and it promises to be quite an evening with special guest Creamy Stevens, Kate Brehm, David F. Slone, Lady Clover Honey, Kyle Supley, The Snapptones and more. Jimmy’s No. 43, 43 E. 7th St. (betw.2nd & 3rd Aves.), 212-982-3006; 7-9, $5 + 2 drink min.
Thursday, January 24
(READING PARTY)
STOP STARING AT MY BOOKS
Sharon Mesmer, author of Annoying Diabetic Bitch and Marc Nasdor (Sonnetailia) celebrate the release of their books, and they want you to party with them as they get down with Eugene Hütz of Gogol Bordello. Now that’s reason to celebrate. Mehanata Bulgarian Bar, 113 Ludlow St. (betw. Rivington & Delancey Sts.), 212-625-0981; 8, free until 10:30, $10 after.
(ART & THEATRE)
BANALITY AND REDEMPTION
These are the themes that performance artist Joseph Keckler explores in Cat Lady, a new solo show in which the storyteller narrates an afternoon in the home of his mother, who has created a theater, of sorts, where cats are the actors. Past lives are recalled, songs are sung, and finally a trip to the vet's is made in “this humorous and dark exploration of the relationship between art and trauma.” He will be joined by another performance artist. Dixon Place, 258 Bowery (betw. Houston & Prince St.), 212-219-0736; 8, $15.
(DANCE)
ACID JAZZ
Thursday nights from here on out, DJ Gatsby spins ambient jazzy hip-hop, funk, downbeat, indie electronica and a touch of throwbacks for good measure. Of course he wants you to come by and let it all hang out in this cool, low-key bar. Hacienda at 40c, 40 Ave. C (betw. E. 3rd & 4th Sts.), 212-466-0880; 10:15, free.
Friday, January 25
(MUSIC)
TAP MY PAN, BANG MY TOASTER
Sauce is a band that mixes sounds of kitchen appliances with live jazz and Hawaiian and electro-acoustic instruments. Led by cellist Greg Heffernan, Sauce blends the varying musical textures of the lap steel by Toronto-native Myk Freedman, electric guitar with Todd Neufeld, bass with Josh Myers, tenor sax with Ohad Talmor and live percussion with Rich Stein and Max Goldman. They play in the “Loft Party” Series at the Williamsburg Music Center, Brooklyn’s only black-owned and operated, non-profit, jazz institution. Williamsburg Music Center, 369 Bedford Ave. (at S. 5th St.), B’klyn, 718-384-1654; 10, $10.
(MUSIC)
THE BEATBOX CITY
Adam Matta, a beatboxer and artist in residence at Cornell, turns NYC’s noise into art. In Beatbox Drift, the artist interacts with NYC by collecting and regurgitating city sounds and rhythms. Highlights include “Mareo,” an ode to the Lower East Side with beatbox and video; “Underground,” a blues-trance composition for beatbox and voice inspired by the world beneath the city’s streets; “Day in the Life,” a New York story told entirely through sound effects; a new composition for bike wheel, Walkman, laptop, theremin, and beatbox. Intrigued? We thought you might be. Art on the Bowery, New Museum, 235 Bowery (betw. Stanton & Rivington Sts.), 212-219-1222; 7, $8-$10.
Saturday, January 26
(MUSIC ON A BARGE)
The Mendelssohn String Quartet take to the barge. Bargemusic has presented music in an unlikely and startlingly beautiful venue—a floating barge at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge with the dramatic backdrop of the East River and lower Manhattan skyline. Bargemusic is at Fulton Ferry Landing near the Brooklyn Bridge, 718-624-2083; Sat. 8, Sun 4pm, $25-$40.
(ART FAIR)
FOLK IT
The annual Outsider Art Fair brings the “fringe” artists… wait, we mean the folk artists… umm, maybe the crafty artists (?) to the center of the city so you can snatch up their wares before they are anointed as crazy and go for zillions. Hey, whatever you’re looking for—whether it’s braided hemp imbued with pee pigment, religious zealotry in sculptural form or just a few gender-confused paintings—it’s sure to be available. Jan. 26-27. Puck Building, 295 Lafayette St. (at Houston), 212-777-5218; Sat. 11am-8pm; Sun. 11am-7pm, $20 (daily).
Sunday January 27
(COMEDY)
ASSSSCAT 3000
The Upright Citizens Brigade performs longform improv with special guests from Saturday Night Live, Late Night with Conan O'Brien and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. The late show is free, but since it remains one of the most popular shows on a Sunday night, better get there early for your tix. Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, 307 W. 26 St. (near 8th Ave.), 212-366-9176; 9:30, free (7:30 show $8).
(THEATRE)
READ IT TO ME
For one night only, the TWEED Fractured Classicks Series presents a fully staged reading of a classic film exploring the dynamics of a family in crisis. Twisted by jealousy, insecurity and resentment, Posteriors is the story of an interior designer mother deserted by her husband, and her emotionally glacial relationships of their three grown daughters. Interpretations by Julie Halston, David Rakoff, Peter Frechette and Downtown performers Steve Hayes, Brenda Bergman, David Ilku, Jodi Lennon and Lennon Parham. Directed by Kevin Malony. Seating is limited. Comix, 353 W. 14th St. (at 9th Ave.), 212-254-2500; 7, $18-$30 (dinner reservations available/discount for WGA members).
Monday January 28
(COMEDY)
THEY MIGHT BE GIANT
MTV talents Aziz Ansari, Rob Huebel (Curb Your Enthusiasm, Arrested Development) and Paul Scheer (Best Week Ever) are The Human Giant. Each week they present a collection of sketches, short films and presentations that have all been pre-approved by the other “human giant” (Michael Clarke Duncan). In addition, if anyone leaves the show unsatisfied, Mr. Duncan has agreed to go to the homes of Mr. Ansari, Mr. Huebel and Mr. Scheer and personally beat the shit out of their family. Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, 307 W. 26 St. (near 8th Ave.), 212-366-9176; 11, free.
Tuesday January 29
(READING/MUSIC)
WHAT A PEACH
Millions of peaches, wait, make that one. Moldy Peaches’ Toby Goodshank performs at Boog City’s d.a. levy lives: celebrating the renegade press. The series hosts a different non-New York City small press each month. This time around it’s Instance Press, with editors in Boulder, Colo.; Oakland, Calif., and New York City, the latter being Stacy Szymaszek, the Poetry Project at St. Mark’s Church’s artistic director. With readings from Kimberly Lyons, Kevin Varrone and Craig Watson. ACA Galleries, 529 W. 20th St., 5th Flr. (betw. 10th & 11th aves.), 6-8, free, welcometoboogcity.com
(COMEDY)
SEX IN THE SEA OF THE CITY
There are a lot of fish in the sea, and writer/performer Desiree Burch has caught them all, which she collected in the epic deck of cards that comprises 52-MAN PICKUP, a card-shark’s guide to sex in the city that never sleeps with the same person twice. A salacious evening of storytelling that’s equal parts stand-up comedy, poetry, memoir and manifesto. Ars Nova, 511 W. 54th St. (betw. 10 & 11th Aves.), 212-868-4444; 8, $15.
(READING)
EAST MEETS WEST
That’s the theme of KGB’s Nonfiction Reading Series on Tuesday night, with free readings by seriously talented writers. Come hear Nina Burleigh (author of three nonfiction books, including The Stranger and the Statesman) and Zachary Karabell (The Last Campaign). KGB Bar, 85 E. 4th St. (betw. Bowery& 2nd Ave.), kgbbar.com; 7-9, free.
Wednesday, January 30
Guerilla TV
Top Value Television was a pioneering video collective that helped define radical documentary in the 1970s. They used portable, low-tech video equipment to get a behind-the-scenes look at televised spectacles. To get into the award-season/Super Bowl spirit, experience “TVTV Looks At The Oscars” “TVTV Goes To The Super Bowl” to recall how to subvert the idiot box. Lily Tomlin stars as “Judy Beasley” the year Barry Lyndon Dog Day Afternoon, Jaws, Nashville, and One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest competed for best picture. And then experience the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys in Miami for Super Bowl X with Bill Murray and Christopher Guest providing color commentary throughout. Anthology Film Archives, 32 2ND Ave. (at 2nd St.), 212) 505-5181; 7:30, $5-$8.
(COMEDY)
WRITERS STRIKE, JOKES DON’T DIE
The writers may be on strike, but their jokes aren’t! Ars Nova, together with the writers and staff of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, presents what promises to be a hilarious night of stand-up, sketch and film, featuring The Daily Show’s Rory Albanese, Hallie Haglund, JR Havlan, Elliott Kalan, Rob Kutner, Adam Lowitt, Sam Means, John Oliver, and (maybe) Daniel Day-Lewis. A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit staffers affected by the WGA strike. Ars Nova, 511 W. 54th St. (betw. 10th & 11th Aves.), 212-868-4444; 9, $15.
(READING)
MENTOR ME MENTOR YOU
Susan Shapiro knows something about mentoring. Her memoir, Only as Good as Your Word: Writing Lessons from My Favorite Literary Gurus, recounts her quest for success as a writer and the mentors who showed her the way. Tonight she hosts a mentor/protégé reading and publishing Q & A discussion with her protégés: Kimberlee Auerbach, author of The Devil, the Lovers and Me; Kristen Kemp, author of Breakfast at Bloomingdales; Abby Sher, author of Kissing Snowflakes; Liza Monroy, author of the upcoming Mexican High. Rapture Café and Books, 200 Ave. A (betw. E. 12th & 13th Streets), 212-228.1177; 6:30, free.
(DANCE)
SO HOT IT’S COOL DANCE 2008
What do you get when you mix traditional Korean dance with contemporary? We have no idea either. But you can find out (for free!) during Cool New York 2008 DANCE Festival, which features the work of over 60 dance companies from NYC and beyond, including erformances by Natasa Trifan Performance Group, Aimee Rials and Dancers, Mare Hieronimus, Jamal Jackson Dance Company, Amos Pinhasi, ChangMu Dance Company (from Korea) and WHITE WAVE Young Soon Kim Dance Company. Jan 24-27 & Jan 31-Feb 3 John Ryan Theater, 25 Jay St. (at John St.), B’klyn; Thu-Sat, 7-8:30, 9-10:30; Sat., 2-3:15pm; Sun. 4-5:30, 6-7:30, free. Their Annual Benefit Dinner, Jan. 23 at 7pm for $50. whitewavedance.com.
(THEATRE)
IS THAT YOUR HAND ON MY LEG?
30,000 Kilohertz of Sound is an improv comedy act in the dark. Some would say intimate, others would say creepy. We say perfect place for your next date. Magnet Theater, 254 W. 29th St. (betw. 7th & 8th Aves.), www.30000khz.com; 9:30 (also Jan. 30), $5.
(BURLESQUE)
HER NAME WAS CREAMY
It’s the middle of the week, why not head out to hear jokes, tunes and see some burlesque? If this sounds enticing, try Evan Laurence’s Sexahol Revue. It’s quite a name, and it promises to be quite an evening with special guest Creamy Stevens, Kate Brehm, David F. Slone, Lady Clover Honey, Kyle Supley, The Snapptones and more. Jimmy’s No. 43, 43 E. 7th St. (betw.2nd & 3rd Aves.), 212-982-3006; 7-9, $5 + 2 drink min.
Thursday, January 24
(READING PARTY)
STOP STARING AT MY BOOKS
Sharon Mesmer, author of Annoying Diabetic Bitch and Marc Nasdor (Sonnetailia) celebrate the release of their books, and they want you to party with them as they get down with Eugene Hütz of Gogol Bordello. Now that’s reason to celebrate. Mehanata Bulgarian Bar, 113 Ludlow St. (betw. Rivington & Delancey Sts.), 212-625-0981; 8, free until 10:30, $10 after.
(ART & THEATRE)
BANALITY AND REDEMPTION
These are the themes that performance artist Joseph Keckler explores in Cat Lady, a new solo show in which the storyteller narrates an afternoon in the home of his mother, who has created a theater, of sorts, where cats are the actors. Past lives are recalled, songs are sung, and finally a trip to the vet's is made in “this humorous and dark exploration of the relationship between art and trauma.” He will be joined by another performance artist. Dixon Place, 258 Bowery (betw. Houston & Prince St.), 212-219-0736; 8, $15.
(DANCE)
ACID JAZZ
Thursday nights from here on out, DJ Gatsby spins ambient jazzy hip-hop, funk, downbeat, indie electronica and a touch of throwbacks for good measure. Of course he wants you to come by and let it all hang out in this cool, low-key bar. Hacienda at 40c, 40 Ave. C (betw. E. 3rd & 4th Sts.), 212-466-0880; 10:15, free.
Friday, January 25
(MUSIC)
TAP MY PAN, BANG MY TOASTER
Sauce is a band that mixes sounds of kitchen appliances with live jazz and Hawaiian and electro-acoustic instruments. Led by cellist Greg Heffernan, Sauce blends the varying musical textures of the lap steel by Toronto-native Myk Freedman, electric guitar with Todd Neufeld, bass with Josh Myers, tenor sax with Ohad Talmor and live percussion with Rich Stein and Max Goldman. They play in the “Loft Party” Series at the Williamsburg Music Center, Brooklyn’s only black-owned and operated, non-profit, jazz institution. Williamsburg Music Center, 369 Bedford Ave. (at S. 5th St.), B’klyn, 718-384-1654; 10, $10.
(MUSIC)
THE BEATBOX CITY
Adam Matta, a beatboxer and artist in residence at Cornell, turns NYC’s noise into art. In Beatbox Drift, the artist interacts with NYC by collecting and regurgitating city sounds and rhythms. Highlights include “Mareo,” an ode to the Lower East Side with beatbox and video; “Underground,” a blues-trance composition for beatbox and voice inspired by the world beneath the city’s streets; “Day in the Life,” a New York story told entirely through sound effects; a new composition for bike wheel, Walkman, laptop, theremin, and beatbox. Intrigued? We thought you might be. Art on the Bowery, New Museum, 235 Bowery (betw. Stanton & Rivington Sts.), 212-219-1222; 7, $8-$10.
Saturday, January 26
(MUSIC ON A BARGE)
The Mendelssohn String Quartet take to the barge. Bargemusic has presented music in an unlikely and startlingly beautiful venue—a floating barge at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge with the dramatic backdrop of the East River and lower Manhattan skyline. Bargemusic is at Fulton Ferry Landing near the Brooklyn Bridge, 718-624-2083; Sat. 8, Sun 4pm, $25-$40.
(ART FAIR)
FOLK IT
The annual Outsider Art Fair brings the “fringe” artists… wait, we mean the folk artists… umm, maybe the crafty artists (?) to the center of the city so you can snatch up their wares before they are anointed as crazy and go for zillions. Hey, whatever you’re looking for—whether it’s braided hemp imbued with pee pigment, religious zealotry in sculptural form or just a few gender-confused paintings—it’s sure to be available. Jan. 26-27. Puck Building, 295 Lafayette St. (at Houston), 212-777-5218; Sat. 11am-8pm; Sun. 11am-7pm, $20 (daily).
Sunday January 27
(COMEDY)
ASSSSCAT 3000
The Upright Citizens Brigade performs longform improv with special guests from Saturday Night Live, Late Night with Conan O'Brien and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. The late show is free, but since it remains one of the most popular shows on a Sunday night, better get there early for your tix. Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, 307 W. 26 St. (near 8th Ave.), 212-366-9176; 9:30, free (7:30 show $8).
(THEATRE)
READ IT TO ME
For one night only, the TWEED Fractured Classicks Series presents a fully staged reading of a classic film exploring the dynamics of a family in crisis. Twisted by jealousy, insecurity and resentment, Posteriors is the story of an interior designer mother deserted by her husband, and her emotionally glacial relationships of their three grown daughters. Interpretations by Julie Halston, David Rakoff, Peter Frechette and Downtown performers Steve Hayes, Brenda Bergman, David Ilku, Jodi Lennon and Lennon Parham. Directed by Kevin Malony. Seating is limited. Comix, 353 W. 14th St. (at 9th Ave.), 212-254-2500; 7, $18-$30 (dinner reservations available/discount for WGA members).
Monday January 28
(COMEDY)
THEY MIGHT BE GIANT
MTV talents Aziz Ansari, Rob Huebel (Curb Your Enthusiasm, Arrested Development) and Paul Scheer (Best Week Ever) are The Human Giant. Each week they present a collection of sketches, short films and presentations that have all been pre-approved by the other “human giant” (Michael Clarke Duncan). In addition, if anyone leaves the show unsatisfied, Mr. Duncan has agreed to go to the homes of Mr. Ansari, Mr. Huebel and Mr. Scheer and personally beat the shit out of their family. Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, 307 W. 26 St. (near 8th Ave.), 212-366-9176; 11, free.
Tuesday January 29
(READING/MUSIC)
WHAT A PEACH
Millions of peaches, wait, make that one. Moldy Peaches’ Toby Goodshank performs at Boog City’s d.a. levy lives: celebrating the renegade press. The series hosts a different non-New York City small press each month. This time around it’s Instance Press, with editors in Boulder, Colo.; Oakland, Calif., and New York City, the latter being Stacy Szymaszek, the Poetry Project at St. Mark’s Church’s artistic director. With readings from Kimberly Lyons, Kevin Varrone and Craig Watson. ACA Galleries, 529 W. 20th St., 5th Flr. (betw. 10th & 11th aves.), 6-8, free, welcometoboogcity.com
(COMEDY)
SEX IN THE SEA OF THE CITY
There are a lot of fish in the sea, and writer/performer Desiree Burch has caught them all, which she collected in the epic deck of cards that comprises 52-MAN PICKUP, a card-shark’s guide to sex in the city that never sleeps with the same person twice. A salacious evening of storytelling that’s equal parts stand-up comedy, poetry, memoir and manifesto. Ars Nova, 511 W. 54th St. (betw. 10 & 11th Aves.), 212-868-4444; 8, $15.
(READING)
EAST MEETS WEST
That’s the theme of KGB’s Nonfiction Reading Series on Tuesday night, with free readings by seriously talented writers. Come hear Nina Burleigh (author of three nonfiction books, including The Stranger and the Statesman) and Zachary Karabell (The Last Campaign). KGB Bar, 85 E. 4th St. (betw. Bowery& 2nd Ave.), kgbbar.com; 7-9, free.
Wednesday, January 30
Guerilla TV
Top Value Television was a pioneering video collective that helped define radical documentary in the 1970s. They used portable, low-tech video equipment to get a behind-the-scenes look at televised spectacles. To get into the award-season/Super Bowl spirit, experience “TVTV Looks At The Oscars” “TVTV Goes To The Super Bowl” to recall how to subvert the idiot box. Lily Tomlin stars as “Judy Beasley” the year Barry Lyndon Dog Day Afternoon, Jaws, Nashville, and One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest competed for best picture. And then experience the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys in Miami for Super Bowl X with Bill Murray and Christopher Guest providing color commentary throughout. Anthology Film Archives, 32 2ND Ave. (at 2nd St.), 212) 505-5181; 7:30, $5-$8.
