For our (unconscionably high) rent money, the best thing about living in NYC is its endless supply of fun, odd, and inspired cultural events — especially during the summer months. 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, July 1
MUSIC: John Grant Former Czars frontman John Grant, who was practically knighted for his stellar love song-soaked 2010 solo debut Queen of Denmark, is back with an equally essential listen, Pale Green Ghosts. Recorded largely in Iceland with Birgir Þórarinsson, a.k.a. Biggi Veira, of legendary electronic group Gus Gus, Grant’s sophomore release turns up the synthesizer and takes aim at TC, a former lover first mentioned in Queen of Denmark. Having escaped a drug-riddled past, Grant currently grapples with being an HIV positive gay man, an admission he makes in Pale Green Ghost‘s track “Ernest Borgine.” Tonight, Grant graces Bowery with his wit, gospel and warm, abounding baritone. — Mindy Bond
Tuesday, July 2
PERFORMING ARTS: Dirty Looks: On Location
Wednesday, July 3
FILM: Our Nixon With Film Forum and Rooftop Films co-steering this summer’s lineup, Outdoor Cinema has a terrific eight-week program of art-house and foreign cinema in store. The festivities kick off tonight with a sneak preview of Penny Lane’s Our Nixon, an entertaining and evocative documentary about our 37th President that blends Super-8 film shot by the President’s closest aides with period news footage, excerpts from the Nixon tapes, and contemporary interviews. To accompany this Independence Day eve screening, the Strand Smokehouse is cooking BBQ all night long. — Mindy Bond
Thursday, July 4
FASHION/STYLE: Dances of Vice: July 4th Rockabilly Night Market Spend your 4th immersed in classic rock ‘n’ roll at this soiree put together by Shien Lee and her nostalgia-loving crew at Dances of Vice. Mixing shopping, DJ sets, a vintage car show, and live performances by rockabilly stars and burlesque dancers, the 2nd Annual Rockabilly Night Market is certainly not your average flea. Among the over a dozen vendors you’ll find Pan Am Originals, Dusty Buttons, Dated Vintage Style, and Pin Me Up Hair, who will be doing hair makeovers throughout the evening. DJ Sei of Rebel Night makes sure there’s plenty of twist, surf, and wild rockabilly to bop and jive to, and if you want to dig on some BBQ, a limited number of tickets are available for a rooftop cookout, which includes unlimited Pabst Blue Ribbon. — Mindy Bond
MUSIC: MoMA Nights with Ex Cops The Sculpture Garden at MoMA isn’t the first place we think of when we think indie rock, but for the next four Thursday evenings, it will play host to some of the best indie acts around. Programmed by the MoMA’s PopRally committee, the series, which also features a garden bar serving up cocktails, kicks off with Brooklyn rockers Ex Cops. Led by Brian Harding and Amalie Bruun, this Other Music Recording Co. signing continue to tour in support of True Halluciations, their stellar debut that is brimming with addictive pop songs: some sunny, some hazy, and all warranting your aural attention. And, when you aren’t listening to the band, you may want to look in on the museum’s wonderful Claes Oldenburg exhibit or Bill Brandt: Shadow and Light. — Mindy Bond
COMEDY: The 3rd Annual Indie-Pendence Day Festival
Friday, July 5
THEATRE: Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812 Now in the site-specific venue Klub Kazino, Great Comet is even more exciting, original, and theatrical. Composer (and Pierre) Dave Malloy’s half opera/kind-of musical score is perfect for the not-so-peaceful incidents from Tolstoy involving affianced Natasha’s (Phillipa Soo) affair with worthless hottie Anatole (Lucas Steele). As at Ars Nova in 2012, the story unfolds in a nightclub setting with the talented cast mingling with the audience. There is meal service before and between acts, but Comet is all about Tolstoy. — Patricia Contino
Saturday, July 6
MUSIC: Celebrate Brooklyn: Theophilus London w/ Les Nubians and Aabaraki Theophilus London is one of the most interesting characters in music today. Stylish and eclectic, the MC is the missing link between Kraftwerk and Prince, hip hop produced by Giorgio Moroder, new wave, and vintage soul all mixed into one delicious cocktail. Tonight he’ll be hosting the biggest party in a three-mile radius, with Les Nubians and Aabaraki joining in the festivities. — Jason Diamond
FESTIVAL: Control Voltage Fair
Sunday, July 7
FOOD/WINE: Ice Cream Takedown It’s ice cream, ice cream, and more ice cream at Matt Timm’s legendary summertime takedown. Thirty locals whip up their most flavorful concoctions for attendees to sample and vote on. From the fruity to the alcoholic, expect to be bowled over with refreshment. If this year, is anything like the past, look forward to flavors like Absinthe Chocolate Chip, Sugar Mama Nut Cracker, and Caprese Freeze, which layers tomato, mascarpone, and basil ice creams. Yum! — Mindy Bond
FX Network’s The Bridge Mural Contest Block Party FX challenged artists around the country to come up with a mural depicting its new thriller, The Bridge. The winning design, from tattoo artist Tommy Slocum, today gets painted by renowned Spanish muralist El Niño. It’s a painting party, complete with free food, drinks, music, and giveaways. RSVP and join the fun! — Leah Taylor