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 25 BOOKS: Celebrate McSweeney’s Issue 42
Tuesday, February 26
MUSIC: Kendrick Lamar Sure, “good kid, m.A.A.d city” was one of the biggest rap records of 2012, but it’s 2013. What we’re really hoping is that he gets the Lonely Island guys up on stage to perform the SNL digital short “YOLO” along with all the songs off his stellar album. — Jason Diamond
Wednesday, February 27
COMEDY: StarTalk Live with Neil deGrasse Tyson, Eugene Mirman, and Special Guests Get ready to trip the solar system fantastic with celebrated astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and his able comedic sidekick, Eugene Mirman. Tyson, who you may recognize from his leading role at the Hayden Planetarium or numerous appearances on The Daily Show and The Colbert Report, is also host of StarTalk Live Radio, a show that bridges the intersection between Pop Culture and Science with clarity, humor, and passion. After several successful live recordings at the Bell House in Brooklyn, Tyson and Mirman are bringing their popular space chat to Manhattan. Joined by special guests (who in the past guests have included Sarah Silverman, Jim Gaffigan, and John Hodgman), the pair have a rollicking discussion about the Moon, Mars, and beyond planned for the evening. You aren’t going to want to miss this most excellent adventure. — Mindy Bond
Thursday, February 28 MUSIC: DSBS Layerface Birthday Show Every last Thursday of the month in 2013, DSBS is gathering the best electronic artists in the underground beat scene for a night of neck-breaking beats and good vibes. This month they are celebrating Massachusetts producer Layerface’s birthday with a showcase of Northeast-based artists. More of a community than a “scene,” this is one of the most welcoming crowds in New York. They do it for the love of music and there’s nothing better than that. If it’s your first time, introduce yourself and you’ll walk out with a ton more friends than when you walked in. — Dennis Lynch
Friday, March 1
FILM: First Time Fest As the Oscars’ after glow slowly fades, the folks at First Time Fest hope to turn your attention to the award winners of tomorrow with their inaugural four-day celebration. 12 talented filmmakers from around the globe have been selected to show their debut features in competition. One winner, who is voted on by a jury in conjunction with the audience, walks away with a sweet distribution deal. Additionally, a number of accomplished filmmakers, including Sophia Coppola, Todd Solondz, Melvin Van Peebles, and Darren Aronofsky have been tapped to present screenings of their first full-length films. A series of “How They Did It”-themed panel discussions with industry insiders and other special events are also part of the festivities. For a full rundown, hit up http://www.firsttimefest.com. — Mindy Bond
Saturday, March 2
COMEDY: Tim Minchin Australian comic Tim Minchin — formerly dubbed Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival — gives NYC a sampling of his self-deprecating, raunchy humor. Armed with Victor Borge’s skills on the piano, the comedic rock star is known for his demented odes to environmentalism, amateur pornography, religious disdain, and sex with inanimate objects. Don’t miss this if you can help it; he’s one of our faves and is rarely stateside. — Ashley Casselman
Sunday, March 3 WORKSHOP/CLASS: Essential Negotiating Strategies
Ongoing
ART: Spacewar! Video Games Blast Off With the Smithsonian’s exhibit The Art of Video Games and MoMA’s new video collection, it appears other institutions are finally getting hip to something the Museum of the Moving Image was onto some 25 years ago; that video games deserve feting in a museum. For SpaceWar! Video Games Blast Off, organized by MoMI’s guest curator John Sharp, the history of space- and science-fiction-themed games is explored, back to the first “computer toy,” SpaceWar!, which debuted at MIT in 1962. Arcade games like Asterioids (1979), Missile Command (1980), and Galaxy Force II (1988), as well as diversions for Playstation, Wii, Game Boy, and more are available for visitors to play. It’s a functioning arcade where you can learn something about how the games came into being. One of the more fun and nostalgic exhibits we’ve been to of late, we recommend catching it before its game over. — Mindy Bond