Thursday, January 27, 2011

Museums

New York City has some of the world's best museums. Some of them can get a bit pricey for my tastes. Who am I kidding? It's not my tastes; it's my budget!



Artist Ron Anteroninen

The good news, though, is you can get into just about any of them for free on the right day and at the right time. Two of the best museums in the Galaxy--the American Museum of Natural History and the Metropolitan Museum of Art--have "suggested donations," meaning you can pay as little as you like. Click here for more information.

And check back here often as I'll be reviewing many of the great exhibits going on.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

First Stone

We Have Decided Not to Die!

Looking for something fun to do this Friday night? Look no further. Described as a night of coldwave, punk, and dance, this is sure to be an amazing night. There is a killer line-up of acts: Rosa Apatrida, Nomadic War Machine, Agnostic Pray, Shady Hawkins, Ice Age Crew, and it's a sliding scale of $5 to $10 and cheap drinks all night long. You can get all the details by clicking here, but make sure to RSVP so that you get the final location for the event.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Faster

More Mieka Magic!

Free New York City

Our Galaxy
People tend to complain about how expensive New York City is to live in, but the truth is there is a lot of fun to be had for free here. From Urban Camping to free movies and open bars to some of the world's best museums there is no shortage of really fun stuff to do for free in New  York City. I collect links to great free stuff, and I'm always on the look-out for more. Click here for a  Sqworl page with nearly 40 links to great free stuff to see and do in New York City. Some of the stuff isn't available during the winter but bookmark it and you're wallet will thank you.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Board Game Olympics


Once a year the best board game players from across the Galaxy
meet to determine who is truly the best. The Board Game Olympics happen this Tuesday at Union Hall.

Be a part of the magic and breathe deep the history. Teams of two will compete for glory and our love.


Teams of two just $15. Winning: priceless.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Really Really Free Market

Of all the free things I highlight here at the Straphanger's Guide to the Galaxy few are as free as this. The Really Really Free Market is just that: A free market. But this isn't anything dreamed up by Milton Friedman or Ayn Rand; this is the real deal!

Do you have some stuff you want to get rid of? Bring it to the Really Really Free Market (RRFM). See something you like at the RRFM? Grab it. It's all free. It's all wonderful.

The RRFM will be this Sunday at Judson Memorial Church, (55 Washington Square South) from 3 to 7pm.

Happy Birthday Kiri!


A little birthday song for the rock goddess Kiri Jewell of AwShockKiss at Mieka Pauley's recent show at Rockwood Music Hall. Fun times.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Marked Man

Consider this a follow up to my last post. You're in for a real treat. I've recorded Mieka doing Marked Man countless times but this is the first time I actually got what I consider good sound. Check this out and you'll understand why I think Mieka is so amazing.

Last night was really special because not only did Mieka debut with her new band, but we also had the special guest appearances of the lovely Kiri Jewell and Stefanie Bassett from AwShockKiss.



Stephanie Rooker and the Search Engine

Stephanie Rooker is making her debut performance at Rockwood Music Hall on stage 2 this Sunday January 23 at 8:00pm. You won't want to miss this.

Stephanie Rooker and the Search Engine are riding high on the release of their debut album The Only Way Out is In. Rooker is one of those artists that really has it all. This girls got soul! And as good as the recorded stuff is there is nothing like seeing her live. Her band consists of some really monster talent who have played with all sorts of big  name stars. The Search Engine will blow you away.

Head on down to Rockwood Sunday. You'll be glad you did.

Mieka Sparkles

Last night was the debut of Mieka Pauley's new band at Rockwood Music Hall. They sparkled


She's done some great stuff with bands in the past but I've always preferred her solo. Her voice is so spectacular I've always felt the band was crowding on to her voice.

They opened with Marked Man. This is one of my favorite songs, and to Mieka's credit she never fails to impress when she performs it. But this was one song I didn't think worked well with previous bands.

I was in for a surprise! Mieka brought up Kiri Jewell and Stefanie Bassett from AwShockKiss and they instantly lit up the crowd. It was easily one of the best performances of Marked Man I've ever heard.

The rest of the set only cemented my love for the new band. It was obvious Mieka and the band were having fun. You couldn't help but smile as they played.

Stay tuned. I got some amazing sound from last night's show. You won't want to miss it.




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Pillow Talk

Looking for something fun to do on a Tuesday night? Head on over to the Loving Cup Cafe in Williamsburg for Pillow Talk: A live monthly variety talk show brought to you by Ariel's Guide to Successful Living. Doors open at 7, show starts at 7:30p.  And, of course, it's free.

Mieka Pauley at Rockwood

Mieka Pauley will be playing stage two at Rockwood Music Hall this Thursday January 20 at 10:30. And it sounds like we're in for a big treat! She's playing with a new band.

Now I love Mieka's solo shows. Don't get me wrong. She's amazing with just her and the guitar. But she's really good with a band. It's going to be fun to see how they gel together.

Rockwood is a great venue. Show up early and I can guarantee you'll hear some great music.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Yanni J. Launch Party

Have some fun Tuesday! The music should be killer, but it's not clear if there will be an open bar.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Reclaiming the Dream: The Revolutionary Martin Luther King

Martin & Malcolm
The folks at Brecht Forum are paying tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a special screening of two classic documentaries At the River I stand and The Negro Protests. If you want to remember Dr. King for the revolutionary he was, click here for more details.

"It is a crime for people to live in this rich nation and receive starvation wages." ~~Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., speaking to striking sanitation workers in Memphis, March 18th, 1968

Presentation Party Night

Feel passionate about something? Would you like to be part of a lecture series that combines a love of community, education, and drinking? Sounds like fun to me. A few of the key details:

We offer the chance for individuals to share a short presentation on any topic. The evening will consist of 6 10-minute presentations, and free food and beer while it lasts. Come join us for a night of peer learning and a drink on us. We meet the third Sunday of every month.
This awesomeness all happens at 382 Jefferson Street in Brooklyn (Bushwick). Take the L train to Jefferson Street; You can find out more by clicking here.

AwShockKiss WOW!

AwShockKiss was amazing last night at the Mercury Lounge. Kiri Jewell, Stefanie Bassett and the rest of AwShockKiss lit up the stage with their energy from the very first song to the last. Kiri Jewell and Stefanie Bassett have such great chemistry on stage. Their bliss was contagious. You couldn't help but smile as you watched them rock the crowd into a frenzy with songs like More Perfect Truth and Renegotiate.

There sound has been described by Kiri Jewell (lead vocals) as, "Heart meets Rage Against the Machine." The Mercury Lounge website had a more detailed description:
Even in the complicated music scene of New York City, the birth of AwShockKiss still is a relatively simple story. Looking for an uninhibited take on traditional rock music, soul sisters Kiri Jewell (lead vocals) and Stef Bassett (vocals/keys/guitar) put pen to paper and came up with the lyrical blueprint for a new music project in the Fall of 2009. Veterans of the NY rock scene, Paul Weiss (guitar), Dan Wintersteen (drums) and Charlie Cervone (bass), didn’t hesitate to jump on board. And so, a chaotic merging of the minds resulted in AwShockKiss. Though creating seemingly straightforward rock, AwShockKiss works to combine a severe amount of musical sophistication with a sincere respect for pop. Their sound is driven by a wild ambition. But make no mistake. Ultimately, AwShockKiss is still about that unique friendship and a common goal: great, fun rock music. And rump-shaking. Also lots of body-rocking.
So enjoy this clip from last night's show. If you like it you can download it and the rest of their debut EP by clicking here.

Future Shorts

Lots of fun happening at Liberty Hall at the Ace Hotel. Check it out:

Future Shorts will be showing January's official FS ONE selection in
the basement of the Ace Hotel, which includes Michael Cody's 'Foreign Parts', tales of a lobster tragedy in 'Kitchen', Deadmau5's epic film for 'Ravers' with This Is England star Stephen Graham, and much more.

A Q&A will follow the screening with Cody Stokes, director of
"Heartland Transport" and Luke Geissbuhler, director and creator of "Homemade Spaceship" will be present to talk about their films.

7pm doors / 7:30pm films to start
Sunday 16th January
Free entry Liberty Hall @ The Ace Hotel
20 West 29th Street New York 10001

No need to rsvp, just turn up!

Grub Community Dinner

Grub Community Dinner
Free beer. Free Vodka. Free everything! Who doesn't love free stuff? Grub is a free and open community dinner held on the first and third Sundays of every month. In a world that throws away over half of the food it produces while tens of thousands do without, events like this are a great reminder that a lot of really great food gets thrown away.

If you're not hip to the whole freegan thing, check out this great Food Rescue Map with great tips on when and where to rescue food in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

From the folks who put on the Grub Community Dinner:


We plan to be able to serve approximately 50 people, so it's first come first serve. There will be plates for vegans and vegetarians alike. About 99 percent of the food we serve is freegan, which means it is excess, ripe, nearly ripe, or slightly damaged food that has been recovered from the waste of grocery stores.
All this wonderfulness happens at 136 Lawrence Street on the second floor, between Fulton and Willoughby in Brooklyn. You can get all the details by clicking here.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Winter's Children

Burton Snowboards and Vice Magazine have teamed up for the Opening Reception of the gallery show for the snowboarder/photographer Jim Mangan's newly released photo-book Winter's Children. Complimentary cocktails provided by KRU Vodka. But you'll need to click here to RSVP!

About Winter Children the book: 


In 2010, Mangan left an 11-year in the business side of snowboarding and lit out for the remote backcountry of Idaho's Sawtooth Mountains to recharge and redirect. He was accompanied by seven accomplished snowboarders: his college friend, Peter Sutherland, now a renowned photographer and artist, and rising stars from the sport's next generation, including Laura Hadar and Alex Andrews. The perfectly manicured terrain parks and half pipes, and the ever-present audience, the riders literally stripped away all artifice — along with their clothing — in a powerful artistic statement that honors the original roots of the sport.

The seven riders soared naked and uninhibited down empty slopes on vintage snowboards from the 1980s, clad only in vibrant Native American blankets that contrast with the stark winter landscape. Mangan captured the action and the emotional intensity on an intentionally grainy 35 mm film reflective of the ethos of snowboarding's early years. "As I exited the snowboarding business, I wanted to recreate the feelings that originally drew me to the sport," explains Mangan. "This project is an exaggerated overstatement of those feelings."

Ultimately, for the photographer, the riders, and the viewers, Winter's Children becomes a baptism, with the cold snow washing away the neon filth of consumerism and serving as a bracing reminder of snowboarding's pure origins.

Dark Room

Courtesy of myopenbar.com, they have a killer party happening at Public Assembly tonight. Free vodka, no cover from 10pm to 11pm. The music is insane. Prepare to dance.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

AwShockKiss at Mercury Lounge

AwShockKiss
New Yorkers! Mark your calendars for this Saturday (1/15/11). AwShockKiss will be bringing their amazing sound to the Mercury Lounge. Get your tickets here. AwShockKiss go on at 10:30. You really don't want to miss this. Check out the hot promo vid for their upcoming show:

Dickies & Sailor Jerry




Dickies really know how to throw a party. I showed up to the Ace Hotel just before nine and there was already a line, but the staff got us all in very quickly.

As we entered Liberty Hall there was a lot going on. Racks of Dickies pants were just waiting to be plucked dry, and it didn't take long before the pants were gone.
But Dickies wasn't done giving out free stuff.

There were racks and racks of Dickie's jackets. It was a little chaotic at first but everyone who came got one. Even better, they had cool NYC patches to put on your newly acquired jacket to make it all the more special.

Sailor Jerry provided the rum and the drinks were out of this world. We had two drinks to choose from. The "Perfect Storm" was my drink of choice. But they also had the standard rum and coke, although they gave it a fancier name to include Sailor Jerry into the title.

DJ ?uestlove was holding down the DJ booth. Now I've been a big fan of DJ ?uestlove for a long time but this was the first time hearing him DJ a party. He did not disappoint. He had the crowd dancing from the very beginning.

All in all a great event. Stay tuned for more great events.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Bushwick Ave,Brooklyn,United States

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Moving Pictures by Kaves

Booze, awesome music, and a movie screening all for free? All you have to do is RSVP here and show up! Open bar from 8:30 to 9:30; Music by ADM, and a screening of The Shoemaker at 9:30. Not a bad Wednesday night.

South of the Border




Cold weather is great for watching movies. Tomorrow night The Society for Ethical Culture will be screening Oliver Stone's latest film South of the Border. The film starts at 6:30PM at Prospect West and Swcond Street.

For more details Check the website for Brooklyn Peace Committee. Or contact latinam@brooklynpeace.org

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Mieka Pauley

Photo Courtesy Ronald David Buccola
If you love good music you know what a treat it is to find that special musician that really grabs you; that musician that literally takes your breath away. The type of musician that really pours their heart and soul into their music.  Mieka Pauley is exactly that.

The first time I heard Mieka Pauley was in May of 2009 in Boston. They were having a May Day fair with music, great food, and tons of cool people. As we meandered about soaking in the sights I heard Mieka off in the distance. It was just her and her guitar. I had no idea who she was but I had to get closer. Who was this musical angel?

As we got closer the crowd around her was transfixed. People couldn't help but just stop and listen. You just knew you were witnessing something very special. Luckily I had the good sense to record it. To this day I get goose bumps when I listen to her performance. In the clip below you'll find Mieka's performance of Marked Man.

Marked Man quickly became one of my favorite songs. Over the past couple years I've had the good fortune of seeing Mieka play it numerous time and I can say without a doubt that it never gets old. It's a passionate and moving song about vengeance. It's an angry song. And it's one of those songs that you really have to see live to fully appreciate.

Typically Mieka plays it by flipping her guitar upside-down and using it as a drum, so it really showcases what an amazing voice she has. She's also broken a few guitars playing this song but thankfully that hasn't stopped her.

We're really fortunate to have such an amazing talent here in New York City. But if you're not in the New York area don't fret! Mieka tours quite a bit and chances are she'll be headed to your area. So head over to her website for all the latest news and tour updates.


Monday, January 10, 2011

Houdini

Photo Courtesy of Ronald David Buccola
Few people have grabbed the public's attention like Harry Houdini. Nearly a century after he shuffled off this mortal coil Houdini continues to be a cultural influence. If you're like me, however, your familiarity with the man starts and stops with the very basics: he was the World's greatest magician.

So it was a real treat to find out The Jewish Museum had a Houdini Exhibit.

If you'd like to learn how the poor Erik Weisz transformed into the iconic Harry Houdini make a trip down to the Jewish Museum. The exhibit is wonderful, filled with artifacts, archival video footage, Photographs and more that really help put Houdini in context.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
BlogBooster-The most productive way for mobile blogging. BlogBooster is a multi-service blog editor for iPhone, Android, WebOs and your desktop

Dickies Market Week Mixer




New Yorkers! You're in for a treat this Wednesday. The Dickies Market Week Mixer with musical performance by DJ ?uestlove, drinks by Sailor Jerry and everyone who attends will get a chance to create their own Dickies jacket with custom patch work. Did I mention it's all completely free? Click here to RSVP, and make sure you get there on time.

Location:Hart St,Brooklyn,United States

Unity: Life and Death Photography

You'll want to RSVP for this: The opening reception for photographer Ekatherina S Thursday, January 13th from 6 to 8 PM.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Cold Weather

Tonight's a perfect night for a free screening of Aaron Katz's film Cold Weather. Tonight kicks off a month of free weekly films at Ace Hotel with drink special Moscow Mule. For more information check out their calendar for upcoming events by clicking here.

Cold Weather:

Doug (Lankenau) has just moved back to his hometown of Portland, Oregon, to move in with his sister (Dunn), hoping for another chance at jumpstarting their grown up lives. When Doug's ex-girlfriend comes to town unexpectedly, only to disappear shortly after, Doug, Gail, and their new friend Carlos (Castillo) appoint themselves as detectives in what they see as a real life Sherlock Holmes situation. 

The 10th Annual No Pants Subway Ride




Ready to ride the subway sans pants? Even if you're just interested in seeing the spectacle it's still a lot of fun. Today's action kicks off at 3:00pm. You can get the details by clicking here.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Shifting the Gaze

"Shifting the Gaze" is another great exhibit at the Jewish Museum. It's a feminist exhibit that, in the words of the curator:

...explores how social revolutions take place not only in the realm of ideas and politics, but in style and form.


You can find the exhibit on the second floor. They have some really incredible feminist artists like Joan Semmel, Louise Fishman, and Melissa Meyer.

Miriam Schapiro's "Fanfare" from 1958 was my favorite piece:


Don't forget the Jewish Museum is free on Saturdays!




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone BlogBooster-The most productive way for mobile blogging. BlogBooster is a multi-service blog editor for iPhone, Android, WebOs and your desktop

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Unplugged at the Manifesta Loft

Looking for some fun this Wednesday (January 12, 2011)? You won't want to miss this: Out of the Basement Film Fest at the Manifesta Loft.  The night will start out with short films put together by Chris Clavin of Ghost Mice followed by a rare unplugged show with some of the best radical artists at the Manifesta Loft in Brooklyn!

Friday, January 7, 2011

Colossal

Another gem from Mieka Pauley's performance at Rockwood Music Hall on December 17th, 20010. This is Colossal.

Williamsburg Cask Beer Festival

Beer lovers are in for a treat this weekend. Head on over to Williamsburg for some tasty beer. No entry fee. Over fifteen beers available. For more info


Click here.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Pop Shop!

If you're looking for some fun tonight:

We've put together a lineup of some of the best new acts the NYC pop scene has to offer for our launch party January 6th, as the brilliantMNDR headlines with live support from French Horn Rebellion andBRAHMS (both fresh off of amazing sets at Brooklyn Electronic Music Festival this past weekend). Chiddy Bang beatsmith Xaphoon Jones rounds out the lineup dropping jams on the laptops of steel all night long, along with opening DJ sets from the Neon Gold Beat Company and Popjustice NYC. Our friends at Absolut have come on board to sponsor, bringing you 2-for-1 drinks from 8pm-9pm and more drink specials throughout the night. And the best part? It's all 100% FREE with RSVP to POPSHOP@neongoldrecords.com. It all kicks off Thursday, 6th January with doors at 8pm and lasting until well into the early hours. Full schedule below.
08:00pm: Doors // 2-for-1 Absolut cocktails
09:00pm: BRAHMS // MP3: "Subtext Is Deadly"
10:00pm: French Horn Rebellion // MP3: "Up All Night"
11:00pm: MNDR // MP3: "Fade To Black"
12:00am: Xaphoon Jones // MP3: "Under The Sheets" (Chiddy Bang Remix)
RSVP: POPSHOP@neongoldrecords.com

Being Human Launch Party!

Get tickets to the exclusive premiere party for Syfy's new series, Being Human on Monday January 17. Did I mention the one hour open bar by Svedka Vodka with Being Human original cocktails? What's not to love?

Deadstock Kicks Sneaker Fundraiser!

Deadstock Ric has set up a "sneaker fundraiser." I'm not sure what this is either, but what you need to know is there is a three hour open bar courtesy of Pool Vodka!

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Free Whiskey!

Looking for some Thursday night fun? How about Blackbells and free prohibition era inspired clear corn whiskey?

Good music and free whiskey. This is all happening at The John Varvatos store in Manhattan. Be sure and RSVP to jv_pr3@vfc.com.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Free Awshockkiss!

Kiri Jewell and the rest of Awshockkiss are busy recording their album but don't despair! I have just what the doctor ordered: Free downloads of some amazing Awshockkiss tracks. When you visit their website make sure to sign up for the mailing list so you'll know when this amazing group is headed your way.