For our (unconscionably high) rent money, the best thing about living in NYC 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 Deputy Editor Mindy Bond shares the very best of what’s on offer this week. 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, April 22
BOOKS: Alan Huffman: Here I Am: The Story of Tim Hetherington, War Photographer It seems appropriate to hear journalist Alan Huffman read from his new book about the late Tim Hetherington at the bar co-owned by Sebastian Junger. Junger, who was a close friend and colleague of Hetherington, made a documentary about the award-winning photojournalist that is currently airing on HBO. As for the topic of tonight’s discussion, Huffman’s book, Here I Am: The Story of Tim Hetherington, War Photographer, reflects on Hetherington’s life story from his first interests in photography, through his role in reporting the Liberian Civil war, to his tragic death in 2011. — Mindy Bond
FILM: Tribeca Film Festival: Future of Film Get the scoop on the future of film at this free lunchtime series organized by the Tribeca Film Festival and hosted at the 92YTribeca. Over the course of four days, seven discussions on topics such as digital filmmaking, non-linear storytelling, film funding, and theatrical innovations are available for consumption. Among the panelists you’ll find A.O. Scott, David Denby, Todd Wagner, Nate Mitchell, and more. If you can only hit up one day, we suggest going on Tuesday when Chris Hardwick of the Nerdist stops in to dish with filmmakers Morgan Spurlock, The Safdie Brothers, and David Gordon Green. — Mindy Bond
Tuesday, April 23
FOOD/WINE: Ultimate Nachos Book Release Party
Wednesday, April 24
PERFORMING ARTS: Artists Experiment: ZoRN@MoMA
Thursday, April 25
COMEDY: Match Game ’13 If the names Ugly Edna, Voluptuous Velma, or Dumb Donald ring bells, it means you watched too much Match Game at some point in your life. The game show in which contestants attempt to match celebrities’ answers to fill-in-the-blank questions is rearing its funny little head again in the form of a fundraiser for 826NYC. Fred Armisen, Wyatt Cenac, Jon Benjamin, Eugene Mirman, Jason Sudeikis, and Olivia Wilde are adding their comedic talents to the evening, which also features a Betty White look-alike contest, frozen custard from Shake Shack and groovy prizes. We predict by night’s end you’ll have a match-worthy response to this one: 826NYC really knows how to put on a fundraiser, the organization’s Match Game ’13 event inspired me to __________. — Mindy Bond
Friday, April 26
FESTIVAL: Crossing Brooklyn Ferry Whether it be by subway, ferry, car, or foot, residents of the five boroughs should make their way to BAM this weekend for the second edition of Crossing Brooklyn Ferry. Named after a Walt Whitman poem, the three-day musical romp is once again curated by Aaron and Bryce Dessner from The National, and showcases bands, songwriters, composers, and filmmakers from New York’s brimming and diverse arts scene. Solange, TV and the Radio, and The Roots fill the headlining spots, with other acts including Eleanor Friedberger, Here We Go Magic, Antibalas, Parquet Courts, and Phosphorescent. In addition to the over 30 performers, short film programs screen in BAM Rose Cinemas and a visual art installation from production designer Andrew Ondrejcak is on view. The festivities close out Saturday with a late-night dance party served up by DJ Baio. Full festival and single-day passes are available. — Mindy Bond
Saturday, April 27
CITY GEM: Sakura Matsuri 2013: Cherry Blossom Festival One of the most spectacular events in New York City is back. At Sakura Matsuri — a weekend celebrating traditional and contemporary Japanese culture — partake in a traditional tea ceremony, watch Taiko drumming or Nihon Buyo classical dance, and witness Tokyo goth gals, Victorian maidens, and boho Bo-Peeps as they play BBG’s Parasol Society Games on the lawn. If you have or haven’t yet seen the cherry blossoms, Hanami, the cherry-blossom viewing season is nearly over, so Sakura Matsuri is the perfect time to go. — Rozalia Jovanovic
PARTY: Dan Deacon’s Official Metropolitan Museum Afterparty After Deacon blows minds at the Met, he’s heading back to Brooklyn to celebrate. Because if there is anything that deserves to be celebrated, it’s that Dan Deacon put on an interactive multimedia performance at the Met. If the Met show is a bit pricey for you, you can at least see Deacon do a DJ set in his natural environment: a big, bare, open warehouse that costs a five-spot to get into. — Dennis Lynch
Sunday, April 28
MUSIC: Red Bull Music Academy NYC 2013 We hope you like Red Bull, because for the next month New York’s cultural landscape is going to be doused with it. As part of the 15th edition of Red Bull Music Academy, the brand that gives you wings has organized over 35 events featuring more than 230 artists from all over the world. Concerts, club gigs, talks, film screenings, and mind-blowing art installations are all on the docket for this festival, unlike anything our fair city has seen before. In the mix you’ll find an audio-video installation by pioneering composer Brian Eno, a party celebrating DFA’s 12th birthday, two nights of Flying Lotus at Terminal 5, a fierce music rumble at Roseland and an evening of improvised round robin duets with ?uestlove, Andrew Bird, Glenn Kotche, Andrew W.K., and more. You aren’t going to want to miss the boat on some of these festivities, so hit up the Red Bull website pronto for more details. — Mindy Bond
Ongoing