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, May 6
BOOKS: Launch party for Ben Greenman’s The Slippage In what might be the best overall reading lineup of the year, Ben Greenman releases his latest novel, The Slippage, at Franklin Park. Reading alongside Greenman will be the always entertaining Sam Lipsyte, Touré (who has a new book out on Prince!), Story Prize winner Claire Vaye Watkins, and the wonderful Amelia Gray. Any of these writers are great enough to fill a room on their own, so make sure to get in early to grab a beer and a seat. — Jason Diamond
Tuesday, May 7
COMEDY: BEGINNINGS With Wrestling Team For their 100th episode of BEGINNINGS, the popular podcast where writers, performers, and artists reveal something about their earliest creative experiences, The Wrestling Team (aka Mark Bisi and Andy Beckerman) have an awesome lineup of guests to grill. In the hot seat you’ll find comedian, writer, and Majority Report host Sam Seder; punk rock band Parquet Courts; and famed animator J.J. Sedelmaier, whose credits include Beavis and Butt-Head, TV Funhouse, and Schoolhouse Rock, among others. Also appearing is former Parts & Labor frontman Dan Friel, who is billed as the evening’s musical guest. — Mindy Bond
Wednesday, May 8
ART: Collective .1 Design Fair New York Design is certainly getting its due in New York this month with the launch of NYCxDESIGN and the entrance of this new world-class caliber fair, Collective. A curated four-day event, the inaugural edition hosts 24 international galleries presenting both vintage and contemporary design. Housed in Pier 57, the Steve Learner Studio-designed fairgrounds are said to “unfold somewhat cinematically.” A number of tours, book signings, and conversations, as well as an exhibition of work by Gaetano Pesce and a commission by Sebastian Errazuriz, are also part of the festivities. — Mindy Bond
Thursday, May 9
FASHION/STYLE: PUNK: Chaos to Couture
Friday, May 10
ART: Frieze New York After its colossal success in 2012, Frieze New York returns to Randall’s Island for its sophomore year. Pulling focus on the contemporary art scene, the four-day event highlights emerging artists and is housed in a temporary structure imagined by Brooklyn-based architects SO-IL. In addition to showcasing over 180 galleries, the fair features sound installations; food from local haunts; a sculpture park with work by Paul McCarthy, Tom Friedman, Fiona Connor, and more; and a variety of presentations and panel discussions with the likes of Douglas Crimp, Joan Jonas, and John Maus. Another Frieze distinguisher is its commissioned projects; this year five artists have been invited to create site-specific works, and a group of artist-chefs are going to recreate FOOD, an art-run restaurant originally conceived by Gordon Matta-Clark and Carol Goodden in 1971. If you plan on attending, take note that tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance at the Frieze website. — Mindy Bond
MUSIC: Downtown Music Festival *We’re giving away tickets! Click through to win! Aren’t familiar with the Downtown empire? You likely will be after this two-day music extravaganza produced by Downtown Events, the event production arm of the seven-year-old record label behind Santigold, Major Lazer, Miike Snow and White Denim. Billed as brandishing “big music on small stages,” this fête features a multitude of artists, such as DIIV, Beach Fossils, Autre Ne Veut, Sky Ferreira, Purity Ring, Palma Violets, Inc., and Andrew Wyatt and his Chamber Orchestra, playing spots like Cake Shop, Angel Orensanz, Pianos, Rockwood Music Hall, and Bowery Ballroom. Two- and single-day passes are available, with entrance to venues on a first-come, first-served basis. And, if you like what transpires in New York, this festival plans on travelling to the downtown hoods of Toronto, Boston, LA, Denver, and Las Vegas before year’s end. — Mindy Bond
Saturday, May 11
FILM: Rooftop Films 2013: Frances Ha Now a sprightly teenager, Rooftop Films returns with its 17th edition of bringing cinema outdoors and into the community. For its kick-off weekend, the summer series presents a special sneak preview of Noah Baumbach’s terrific new film, Frances Ha. Starring Greta Gerwig, the neurotic comedy explores New York, friendship, ambition, failure, and redemption. The screening is followed by a Q&A with Baumbach and Gerwig, and an afterparty. — Mindy Bond
Sunday, May 12
PARTY: Mister Sunday: One More Summer Mister Sunday is back for one last summer shebang in Gowanus before the big bad developers take over the site. Come dance the afternoon away, with Eamon Harkin and Justin Carter slinging house and soul from behind the decks, and your friendly Botanica bartenders offering Brooklyn-brewed beers and homemade sangria from behind the bar. Country Boys are also back with their awesome tacos and huaraches. New this year: table tennis instead of bocce. Game on! — Leah Taylor