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, June 3
Tuesday, June 4
THEATRE: Old Hats Two of the best physical comedians you’ll ever have the pleasure of seeing perform on stage, Tony Award winners Bill Irwin and David Shiner reunite for the smart and wildly funny Old Hats. Directed by Tina Landau and featuring the endearing singer-songwriter Nellie McKay, the production is a jubilant blend of old and new. Running two hours, the show has a vaudevillian temper, where seemingly unrelated vignettes are strung together to make up a whole. It all works seamlessly, with Cowboy Cinema being our favorite section of the show. If you enjoy being whisked away to a happy place, this production is not to be missed. — Mindy Bond
MUSIC: Flatbush Zombies with The Underachievers
Wednesday, June 5
BOOKS: Eat, Drink & Be Literary: Keith and Masha Gessen The Gessen siblings are quite an impressive pair. There’s Keith with his famous magazine, n+1, and journalist Masha, who is one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s most outspoken critics. Both will be at BAM tonight to talk about their various activities, eat food, and drink wine. You should consider joining them. — Jason Diamond
Thursday, June 6
Friday, June 7
FESTIVAL: The Governors Ball NYC Music Festival Wowzers! The Governors Ball just keeps getting bigger and better. It’s only three years in, and it’s already exhibiting Bonnaroo-level behavior. Expanding to three days, remaining at Randall’s Island’s larger grounds, and abandoning its no-overlapping-set format, the fest has made room for a gazillion acts hailing from a variety of genres. Kanye West, Kings of Leon, Guns n’ Roses, Alt-J, Pretty Lights, Beach House, NAS, Kendrick Lamar, The xx, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeroes, Dinosaur Jr., Dirty Projectors, Animal Collective, Gary Clark Jr… the list of favorites goes on and on. Also expect epic art installations, fun activities like a silent disco and lawn games, as well as food and beverage service dished out by local vendors. Last year, the festivities ran like clockwork and transportation on and off the island was a breeze, so fret not in that department. Tickets have gone quickly for this fiesta, but don’t despair, you can also get in on the Governors Ball spirit by attending one if its many after-parties, which feature performances by Dinosaur Jr., Polica, Japandroids and more. — Mindy Bond
Saturday, June 8
FOOD/WINE: Big Apple Barbecue Block Party The mother of all New York City barbecue events is back with its 11th edition of bringing food, music, and good times to the streets surrounding Madison Square Park. Presented by Danny Meyer’s Union Square Events, Blue Smoke, and Jazz Standard, this year, 17 ‘cue homerun hitters from the around the country are stepping up to the pit, including Kenny Callaghan from Blue Smoke, Patrick Martin from Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint in Nashville, Scott Roberts from The Salt Lick BBQ in Texas, and Mike Emerson from Pappy’s Smokehouse in St. Louis. As for the musical accompaniment, it’s a little bit country and little bit rock ‘n’ roll, featuring acts such as Marcia Ball, The Dirty Guv’nahs, and Barrence Whitfield & the Savages. Fast passes are available for purchase for those that want their ‘cue in a hurry; otherwise, this two-day fête is pay-as-you-go. — Mindy Bond
FESTIVAL: FIGMENT New York 2013 Figment returns to give Governors Island its annual injection of creative energy. Guided by the same principles as Burning Man, the free, volunteer-driven event invites artists to perform, provoke, or display their wildest projects. During your visit, you may find yourself building a tree out of McDonald’s french fries with Kimberly Bellinger, attacking strangers with super-soaked plush toys, releasing your imagination inside a cocoon, or saving the world while playing the interactive epic adventure The Hero’s Journey. Also, be on the look-out for the Peace Parade 2013 and this year’s City of Dreams Pavilion winner Head in the Clouds. Fans of the Golden Bear will be happy to hear the mini-golf course is back, this time with an “State of the Art” theme, as is the summer-long interactive sculpture garden. Imaginarians aren’t going to want to miss out this one, so grab a FIGMENT name tag and let the games begin. — Mindy Bond
Sunday, June 9