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 22
BOOKS: Martin Amis and Ian McEwan Sure, it would be amazing to have a pow wow between Shakespeare and Hemingway, but since that doesn’t seem likely, we’ll settle for Martin Amis and Ian McEwan. Both men published books in 2012 (Amis birthed Lionel Asbo: State of England and McEwan, Sweet Tooth) and have the distinction of being on the Times‘ list of the 50 greatest British writers since 1945. Seeing as they’re longtime friends, this conversation, which includes a special introduction by Salman Rushdie, is certain to go beyond the platitudes. — Mindy Bond
Tuesday, July 23
DANCE: Pilobolus It’s summertime in the city and for those “in the know” when it comes to contemporary dance, that means it’s time to make a pilgrimage to the Joyce to catch this year’s engagement of Pilobolus. A company known to inspire with their wildly imaginative dances fueled by humor, athleticism, and a charming sense of whimsy, the world-renowned troupe presents two programs this summer, each including a New York premiere. Having a hand in this season’s shiny new works are eccentric (and slightly psychotic) magicians Penn & Teller, who spice up the Pilobolus program with some Houdini-inspired hijinks, and returning filmmaker Trish Sie. Suitable for audiences of all ages, Pilobolus is a great point of entry for those getting their footing in the wild world of dance. — Mindy Bond
Wednesday, July 24
MUSIC: Father John Misty with Wild Nothing We aren’t sure the papacy would approve of his antics, but in our eyes, Father John Misty can do no wrong. The invention of Josh Tillman, who formerly drummed for Fleet Foxes and recorded music as J. Tillman, Father John croons folk-tinged narratives purportedly born from ‘shrooming adventures, peddles Fear Fun-branded one-hitters at his merch table, and is now following in Britney Spears’ footsteps with the introduction of his own perfume line, Innocence. Touring nonstop since the release of his debut on Sub Pop last year, the good Father stops in at Terminal 5 tonight. Opening are Wild Nothing, who contribute their shoegaze jams to this excellent summer night bill. — Mindy Bond
FESTIVAL: Lincoln Center Out of Doors: Kronos at 40 + FELA LIVE!
Thursday, July 25
FESTIVAL: Animation Block Party One of our favorite festivals of the year, Animation Block Party is like Saturday morning cartoons for adults, but so much better. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2013, this year’s ABP serves up a whopping 130 animations, an opening night concert-and-cartoons party hosted by Tim Harrington featuring a performance by Adam Green and Binki Shapiro, and two events in collaboration with Brooklyn Industries, a special filmmaker meet and greet, and a pre-fest T-shirt launch cocktail shindig on Wednesday. As in previous years, Rooftop Films and BAM partner with the festival on screenings and boozy, don’t-bring-the-kids after-parties. And for all the Mike Judge fans out there, uh huh huh huh, ABP is rolling out a special screening of Beavis and Butt-Head Do America in 35mm on Saturday night. — Mindy Bond
PARTY: The BUST Magazine 20th Anniversary Extravaganza It’s almost hard to believe that it was two decades ago when Debbie Stoller, Laurie Henzel, and Marcelle Karp started BUST as a zine for their generation to counter the Vogues and Cosmos of the world. Tonight they celebrate their perseverance and overall radness with not just a party, but an extravaganza hosted by Julie Klauser. Joining in on the fun are Cibo Matto, Jessi Klein, Murray Hill, Awkwafina, Amber Tamblyn, JD Samson, Broad City, and Jonathan Toubin, among others. A special “Golden Bra” Awards Ceremony is also on the docket. — Jason Diamond
Friday, July 26
FOOD/WINE: Ben & Jerry’s City Churned NY Flavor Unveiling and Pop-Up Party No joke: two of our favorite things are free food and improving our local community. That’s why we’re excited to partner with the Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Truck Tour. On Friday, July 26, the Ben & Jerry’s truck is parking at Pier 57 on West 15th Street (from 5-7pm) and doling out free scoops of NYC City Churned ice cream — the favorite ice cream flavor as voted by you, New York. You can also enjoy brownie samples from Greystone Bakery, which turn up in the NYC flavor, and delicious BBQ from Fletcher’s BBQ, which does not. Sign up there to join other do-gooders (and ice cream fans) the next day at War Memorial Park in Yonkers. We’ll be doing clean-up and other area revitalization, keeping you fueled with more sweet Ben & Jerry’s treats and lunch from the Gorilla Cheese sandwich truck. — Leah Taylor
Saturday, July 27
PARTY: Bushwick Block Party 2013 Did you know that in addition to being in the restaurant, tiki disco, and beach bar business, Roberta’s also throws one heck of a block party? If you’ve been out one of the last three years, then you’re no doubt counting down the days. Included in this year’s line-up are Action Bronson, Pictureplane, Jamaican Queens, World’s Fair, MC Todd, Death Threat, Galleon, FULL SERVICE, The Moon Dudes, and more. Also expect a skate demo by Vans, free refreshments from Vita Coco, a bikini keg-stand contest, an Action Bronson food truck and other street eats, a custom airbrush T-shirt tent, and a photo booth so you can remember the drunken festivities for months and years to come. — Mindy Bond
CITY GEM: Ben & Jerry’s NY Community Service Day
Sunday, July 28
ART: EXPO 1: The Rain Room We may not be able to predict the rain, but the large-scale environment created by Random International gives us the power to stop it. The Rain Room, part of MoMA’s EXPO 1 festival, is a field of falling water that pauses when it detects a human body. It’s sort of like walking through a torrential downpour and staying completely dry throughout. If only Random International could somehow get this worked out with the clouds, imagine what you could save on umbrellas. Be warned, the lines can be long for this extraordinary experiment in environment stabilization which sheds its last drop today. — Mindy Bond