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, we’re sharing 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.
Tuesday, September 3
COMEDY: Week at the Creek: Chris Gethard Public-access TV star and funny person about town Chris Gethard headlines this week’s edition of the Week at the Creek, a recurring residency that allows the comically endowed up to a full week of hour-long time slots to work out new material. Having the honor of being the first comedian to be adopted by IFC, Gethard has risen through the ranks by performing improv and stand-up in all sorts of nooks and crannies around the city. His public-access show has been hailed as being both weird and wonderful featuring guests like Andrew WK, Amy Poehler, and Zach Galifianakis. For this run, we expect Gethard has some wacky surprises and special visitors in store. — Mindy Bond
SPORTS: US Open Even locals that aren’t tennis fans (you don’t love tennis?!?!) get caught up in the excitement of America’s Grand Slam tennis tournament and respite from the dog days of New York summer. Serena Williams defends her title, while Andy Murray will try to win a second championship for England, and all the familiar names like Rafa, The Joker, and of course Roger Federer will all be there as well. Some cool add-ons: Arthur Ashe Kids Day on 8/24, which features a kids’ tennis clinic with Jim Courier; a Ball Flight Simulator sponsored by Emirates — wherein you can win an Emirates vacation to Milan; and tennis trivia, which could also net you business class flights on Emirates — so brush up on your game and head to Queens! — Jason Diamond
Wednesday, September 4
MUSIC: Suuns and Rose Windows With two confident full-lengths under their belts — the latest being Images du Futur — the boys in Suuns have definitely earned their place in our musical solar system. Transmitting a minimal sound that is not easily classifiable, this Montreal band incorporates elements of shoegaze, electronica, and dub. Dark and brooding yet dance-y, the foursome’s melodic droning and at-times-indecipherable lyrics challenge, confound, and hypnotize. Tonight, they co-headline (Le) Poisson Rouge, for what could trigger an out-of-body experience. Be sure to also catch Seattle psych-folk outfit Rose Windows, who tour in support of their Sub Pop-released The Sun Dogs. — Mindy Bond
Thursday, September 5
BOOKS: Lil BUB Visits the Strand!
Friday, September 6
Saturday, September 7
FOOD/WINE: Vendy Awards 2013 It’s time again to celebrate the unsung heroes of the food truck wars. For the past nine years, the Vendys have been awarding excellence in street fare while also serving as a fundraiser for the Street Vendor Project. Now, unlike other boring award shows where folks dress up and wait for their names to be announced, the winner of the Vendy Cup is determined that afternoon after a heated competition involving the finalists, which this year include the Chipper Truck, The Cinnamon Snail, El Olomega, King Souvlaki, and Luke’s Lobster. In addition to the Cup, other categories include People’s Taste Award, Rookie of the Year, Best Dessert, Best Market Vendor, Best of New Jersey, and the newest addition, Messy Yet Tasty Award. Live music, performances, alcoholic beverages, and, of course, food are all on the menu at this vendor throwdown. — Mindy Bond
PARTY: Parisian Ball Following the success of their Bastille Day bash at Governors Island, BABEL New York returns with another French-inspired soiree, this time celebrating Paris’ reign as the capital of the fashion world. Again finding sanctuary in Fete Paradiso, a whimsical wonderland of vintage carnival rides and carousels, this party sequel imports the catwalks of Paris to our city’s Upper New York Bay haven. After a parade of flirty fashions, Boston duo Soul Clap are slated to weave their web of house, funk, soul, and disco for all to dance by. Cocktails, food, and plenty of eye candy are also to be expected, so dial up your favorite Parisian duds and let’s rendezvous on the ferry to this magical meet-up. — Mindy Bond
CITY GEM: The 6th Annual Coney Island Beard and Moustache Competition
Sunday, September 8
CITY GEM: Flavorpill presents EmblemHealth City Salutations w/ Seane Corn & DJ Drez We’re teaming up with EmblemHealth to present a series of FREE City Salutations, celebrating both our city and ourselves. Join us as we kick things off with a day of yoga, tai chi, African dance, and food in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Seane Corn leads an invigorating yoga class (beginners are welcome!), complete with musical accompaniment from DJ Drez. You can also join us for an intro-level tai chi or African dance class (led by Djoniba Mouflet). Bring a picnic to enjoy in the park, or refuel with some complimentary high-energy snacks courtesy of Flavorpill. RSVP over on Flavorpill; the first 1000 guests even score a free yoga mat, so try to arrive early. — Leah Taylor
FASHION/STYLE: LES Opening Night: Art + Fashion September may mark the end of summer and the winding down of warm weather festivities, but it’s also the time when the city’s gallery scene comes back to life and the fashion-conscious get a hint of what’s in and what’s out for the seasons to come. On the LES, these two joyous traditions are celebrated in one event, LES Opening Night: Art + Fashion. Now in its second year, this evening happening finds over 40 neighborhood galleries hosting their opening fall receptions, while Orchard Street becomes home to a block party with live music and a ‘Looks of the LES’ fashion show styled by Amy Odell. If you have to come back to reality, this isn’t a bad way to go about it. — Mindy Bond