PRESSED FOR TIME

| 13 Aug 2014 | 07:40

    No matter how you like to expand your mind—art, reading, hallucinogenic drugs—there is something for you to enjoy this week. Take in the offbeat offerings of the NY Art Book Fair, learn about local comics, check out the soothing sounds of Black Angels or watch a freaky giant chicken make besties with a little gay boy. Sure it’s a few weeks early, but this is the stuff that we’re really thankful for.

    Black Angels Nov. 4, Music Hall of Williamsburg, 66 N. 6th St. (betw. Kent & Wythe Aves.), Brooklyn, 718-486- 5400; 8, $20. Tonight, our favorite psych-rock band from Texas, Black Angels, will play in Brooklyn in support of its new record, Phosphene Dream. The last time we caught the band, we were smiling for days after, and it was only partly because our ears were ringing so loudly that we couldn’t help but grin. Bottom Line: This band is what autumn 2010 sounds like, so catch it live or forever feel like a loser.

    NY Art Book Fair Opens Nov. 5, MoMA PS1, 22-25 Jackson Ave. (at 46th Ave.), Queens, 718-433-4807; Free. Head over to Long Island City for the fifth annual NY Art Book Fair, a three-day showcase of art books from over 200 international presses and 20 different countries. The free, open-tothe-public event will include special project rooms, book signings and performances. At this year’s show, expect to see everything from rare conceptual and avant-garde art to a highlight on Dutch art publishing and queer zines. Bottom Line: One of our favorite events of the year, this fair allows a number of our favorite things—art, books, cute nerds and the cafeteria at PS1—to work together for optimal fun.

    King Con II Opens Nov. 4, Brooklyn Lyceum, 227 4th Ave. (at President St.), Brooklyn, 718-857- 4816; $3-10. This marathon weekend, throw on your running shoes and drag your sweaty, Spandex-ed self over to the Brooklyn Lyceum for the second edition of this indie comics and animation convention. This year’s con promises some thoughtprovoking discussion panels, including one on the state of art in Brooklyn. Bottom Line: Your lazy ass is never going to beat that Kenyan guy anyway. Might as well stop by and catch your breath with some excellent graphic art.

    Interpreting the Scrunchie Nov. 11, New Museum, 235 Bowery (at Prince St.), 212-219-1222; 7, $8. David Riley’s lecture on the history of this muchmaligned fashion accessory might just coax you into scrapping your ’tude and sporting a side ponytail—at least for a couple of days. Bottom Line: Use your hard-earned cash to pad something other than your shoulders, like the arts, for instance.

    MilkMilkLemonade Through Nov. 13, Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 30-44 Crescent St. (betw. 30th Dr. & 30th Rd.), Queens, 866-811- 4111; $18. After performances in California, Texas and Florida, MilkMilkLemonade returns to New York, with a three-week limited showing at the Astoria Performing Arts Center. The story of two young boys and one fantastic chicken, MilkMilkLemonade explores the complexities of growing up gay in Middle America. Bottom Line: The show we voted Best Off-Off Broadway Play in 2009 is back for a victory run. Go see it while you can.

    ‘Milk’: still good!