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. 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 20
FESTIVAL: Internet Week New York 2013 With the news that Yahoo is swallowing up Tumblr for $1.1 billion, so begins Internet Week in New York. Launched in 2008 with the NY Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment’s blessing, this week-long mega festival is a mash-up of technology, business, and culture. Major highlights of the week include the IWNY HQ Opening Party hosted by Grandlife, the 17th Annual Patton Oswalt-hosted Webby Awards, and the star-studded Webutante Ball. IWNY Headquarters is the festival’s central hub, where panels and keynotes with the likes of Joan Rivers, Maria Rodale (Rodale Inc.), Lauren Zalaznick (NBC Universal), and Neil Blumenthal (Warby Parker) are afoot, as well as exhibits featuring new tech ventures and an smattering of sessions hosted by Vice, Google, and Mother NY. You’re sure to find something of interest at this superhighway-charged celebration, no matter what field you work in, be it art, finance, food, music, sports, real estate, media, healthcare, or fashion. Visit the website for the lineup of activities. Flavorpill is a proud media sponsor. — Mindy Bond
Tuesday, May 21
BOOKS: LIVE from the NYPL: Matthew Barney in Conversation w/ Paul Holdengräber
FOOD/WINE: The Manhattan Cocktail Classic: Social Mixology: Unchained Winner of a “Gazzer” award at last year’s festivities, Tobin Ellis of BarMagic in Las Vegas returns to the Manhattan Cocktail Classic with his ongoing party series, Social Mixology. A roving, underground pop-up cocktail speakeasy, Ellis’ signature soiree doesn’t follow a set schedule and has left indelible drink experiences in places like Miami, Aspen, Hawaii, New Orleans, and San Francisco. Tonight, eight of America’s master cocktail crafters convene at Ellis’ spirited affair (the location of which is only disclosed to ticket holders) to reveal what’s next in the world of cocktail culture. If you like “different” and are up for an alcohol-infused adventure, this is the event for you. — Mindy Bond
Wednesday, May 22
COMEDY: Trevor Noah: Born a Crime South Africa is certainly not the first place we think of for comedy, but Trevor Noah is doing his bit to change that. Winner of the Breakout Artist Award at this year’s Sydney Comedy Festival, Noah is in town with his smart, funny, and thought-provoking one-man show, Born a Crime. Noah, the child of a black South African mother and white Swiss-German father, had an interesting relationship with race growing up in post-apartheid South Africa. For his 60-minute set, which we wish was longer, Noah reflects on his experiences growing up and his observations about race and place. A charming and masterful storyteller with a quick wit, we highly recommend catching Noah during his visit. — Mindy Bond
Thursday, May 23
PERFORMING ARTS: LABAPALOOZA! A Festival of New Puppet Theater from The Lab It’s that time of year again when St. Ann’s Warehouse sends in the puppets. Not your garden variety Sesame Street-fare, Labapalooza! features avant-garde puppetry that has been developed in the Lab, St. Ann’s Warehouse’s clubhouse for artists developing interdisciplinary projects for puppets and object theatre. This year’s festival includes two programs each showcasing three works. In the mix are Nick Lehane’s Chimpanzee, about a female chimp reflecting on her life; Maiko Kikuchi’s Daydream Anthology; and David Commander’s toy theater piece, Essex. Robin Frohardt’s trailers, which riff on Werner Herzog’s Fitzcarraldo and Les Blank’s Burden of Dreams, screen with both programs. — Mindy Bond
Friday, May 24
MUSIC: YACHT, Prinzhorn Dance School, Larry Gus and Kris/DFA
FILM: Before Midnight In Before Midnight, the latest chapter of Richard Linklater’s romantic chronicle, Jesse (the writer played again by Ethan Hawke) is told of his third novel: “It’s a better book! It’s so much more ambitious!” It plays like an in-joke, but an accurate one; Before Midnight has all the best qualities of Before Sunrise and Before Sunset (a love of conversational dialogue, long takes that value the joy of performance and interaction, gorgeous European locations), yet it is a grander and more complicated achievement. There are some supporting characters this time, for example, and a fuller sense of the protagonists’ lives outside the narrow timeframe. But it also reflects, beautifully, how romance in your 40s is a very different beast from romance in your 20s, or 30s. — Jason Bailey
Saturday, May 25
FESTIVAL: Bike Fetish Day Brooklyn’s greatest little museum takes over Havemeyer Street between Hope and Grand for a day of BBQ, contests and tons of bikes. — Jason Diamond [Photo by Eric Harvey Brown]
Sunday, May 26
PARTY: The Do-Over: A Red Bull Music Academy Special If you’re looking for a party this Memorial Day weekend, then look no further than this booty-shaking LA-import. A special edition served up by the Red Bull Music Academy, this backyard freebie is known for its good vibes, buckets of beer, tropical drinks, and all-day BBQ. Today’s soiree features Do-Over residents Haycock and Strong & Black, as well as Emufucka (live), Trancemicsoul, and very special surprise guests. And while this party is on the house, RSVP is required and early arrival is recommended. — Mindy Bond