For our (unconscionably high) rent money, the best thing about living in New York City is its endless supply of fun, odd, and inspired cultural events. But with so many options, it can be hard to know where to even begin planning your week. To help you make sense of it all, Flavorpill has launched a new social discovery engine where users can create and share events with friends, as well as follow Flavorpill editors’ and plugged-in local curators’ picks. Below, you’ll find the very best of what’s on offer this week, recommended by Flavorpill NYC’s very own Managing Editor, Leah Taylor. It’s just a taste of what you can find on the new Flavorpill, so if you like what you see, be sure to sign up.
Monday, February 11th
MUSIC: Matmos with Horse Lords and Vorhees
Tuesday, February 12th
BOOKS: Strange Bedfellows: Bookforum, Artforum‘s literarily inclined sibling, presents an eclectic evening of readings at the New Museum. Among tonight’s unlikely companions you’ll find novelist Rachel Kushner; artist and writer Rhonda Lieberman; New York Times best-selling short-storist George Saunders; political commentator Chris Hayes; The Awl co-owner Choire Sicha; and author, Harper‘s columnist, and founding editor of The Baffler Thomas Frank. It’s free to attend, but RSVP is essential to: strangebedfellows@bookforum.com. — Mindy Bond
Wednesday, February 13th
FILM: Butter: A Night of Pop Culture and Popcorn feat. Sleepwalk with Me
Thursday, February 14th
COMEDY: The Rejection Show Valentine’s Day Heartbreak Haven
Friday, February 15th
FASHION/STYLE: Williamsburg Fashion Weekend: “The curtains may have closed on Manhattan’s Mercedes-Benz-driven fashion fête, but the week isn’t truly over until the designers at this faithful Williamsburg anti-velvet rope affair have sung. Over the course of two evenings 10 passionate, community-minded designers parade their latest wares in atypical catwalk style. For season 12, you’ll find Uta Brauser’s art wear, Melissa Lockwood’s garments made from factory remnants, and Shute Organic’s hand-destroyed 100% organic bamboo knits for women. Also keep an eye out for Shazaam Magic by Dorit’s “Urban Goddess” line and futuristic collections from Marco Santaniello, Mandate of Heaven and Marcus Hicks for SDN. Expect a party-like atmosphere and feel free to dress up or come as you are, because anything goes at Brooklyn’s most creative and eclectic fashion function.” — Mindy Bond
Saturday, February 16th
MUSIC: U.S. Girls with Amen Dunes and Slim Twig: The project of Meghan Remy, U.S. Girls make music that sounds the way those Marilyn Minter paintings of mud-encrusted feet in high-end heels look — glamorous with an edge of grime. Her newest album, GEM, is a 21st-century glam-rock record energized by ’60s girl-group choruses and heard through the long, echoing tunnel of lo-fi production, and it was one of our picks for the most underrated albums of 2012. Luckily for those who haven’t heard it yet, winter may well be the best time to absorb its icy pleasures. Remy’s husband and musical accomplice, Slim Twig, opens. His music weds a found-sound pastiche aesthetic with spare drum-machine snares and his trademark ghostly yelp, evoking a no-wave take on Roy Orbison. — Judy Berman
PARTY: Down & Derby Roller Disco
Sunday, February 17th
FESTIVAL: 14th Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade: The big Manhattan Chinatown parade — tourists, drums, dragons, and all — hits the streets today. Wending its way through the Little Italy and Chinatown, the parade boasts 6,000 marchers, ranging from baton- and Chinese yo-yo-spinning school kids to floats and local officials. The parade starts at 1pm; head there early for some dim sum, tea, or (weather be damned!) ice cream from our fave, the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory. And if your hips move you, help the festival break the Guinness world record for dancers in a Lunar New Year parade. — Leah Taylor
ART: SUNDAY SESSIONS presents The Andy Kaufman Effect: Comedy in the Expanded Field
Ongoing
FASHION/STYLE: Shoe Obsession