Thursday 06.19.14
Event: COOL
This half party, half show seems super Cool, it’s a celebration of “merging today’s downtown stars with tomorrow’s Broadway stars…” The event is curated by Richard Kennedy and it intends to bring to life “a night reminiscent of Studio 54... resulting in a jam packed evening of music and art!” With so many parties happening in NYC, it makes sense that if you are going to throw a new one, you have to offer something extra or else why even bother? The location of this party is below what was once the legendary nightclub Studio 54, that alone should make you feel like you are tripping on something next to Andy Warhol or at least you can pretend you can see his ghost. The party will be hosted by De Se, with musical direction by Rashonda Reeves, and it features a whole bunch of peeps including La’fem Ladosha, Juliana Huxtable, Neil Haskell, CUNTMAFIA, Brian Charles Johnson (Spring Awakening, American Idiot), Jessica Hershberg (Little Women, Cinderella), Lesley McKinnell (Wicked), Rahel, Preston Boyd (Bullets over Broadway, Big Fish), A N M L and VIOLENCE. Practice your show tunes and go help them keep the spirit of Studio 54 alive!
Saturday 06.14.14
American Express + Uber celebrate their new partnership
Featuring a special performance by Chromeo and hosted by Emmy Rossum
Friday 06.13.14
Lower Eastside Ladies
A drag fundraiser for Maddox Madison
When someone you know is having a rough time you usually bringing them a cup of soup, watch some Golden Girls with them, do whatever you can to make them feel better. When that person happens to be a legend of the downtown community, soup is not enough.
“Maddox Madison, a long time performer and staple of the East Village has recently been stricken with skin cancer. The community is rallying together to support her fight against this deadly disease. As many may know, skin cancer in African Americans is so rare it comprises only one to two percent of the population.”
On Sunday a bunch of her amazing friends are getting together to throw her a benefit, because healthcare in this country is fucked and she needs some coin to continue her fight against this disease.
If you can’t make it but still want to support Maddox then go to the GoFundMe page. There’s prizes from Reed Krakoff, Fendi, Organic Avenue, The Wendy Williams Show, Nickelodeon, just to name a few. “Those that attend will be in for quite a show, one which will be a true testament to the type of person Maddox is.”
With DJ duo’s The Carry Nation (Will Automagic & Nita Aviance), H.A.M.B. (Michael Magnan & Juliana Huxtable), William Francis & Jeffrey Chatterton and Sammy Jo. Hosted by Stephanie Stone, Dina Marie, Domonique Echeverria, Christie Maass, Alissa Brianna and Matthew Camp. …
Event: SHAMELESS
I once heard someone talking about how the ultimate goal for all humans is to be shameless. Because when you think about it, being shameless, meaning free of shame, is true freedom. It’s the greatest, purest state to live your life in. It’s weird that our society attaches negative connotations to that word. And it’s time we took it back. This event is a good start. It’s a “showcase of bravado, absurdity, love, death, sex and filth brought to you by renowned producer Jen Gapay of Thirsty Girl.” The night is hosted by a fellow Aussie, the “Drag Idiot” Shivannah. You can expect performances from some shameless legends like Amber Martin, Captain Kidd (AU), Trixie Little & The Evil Hate Monkey, Glitta Super Nova (AU, pictured), Jenny Rocha & The Painted Ladies, Diety Delgado, Dee Dee Luxe, Cheeky Lane & more! It’s all going down at Drom, an unusual, but surprisingly spacious space on Ave A. Get your tickets in advance and save some cash. You gotta be shameless about these things.
Tuesday 06.10.14
What Is Queer Performance?
A week of thought-provoking queer performance workshops
As the big rainbow-touting holiday that is NYC Pride approaches, now is as good a time as ever to take a look back at the history of queer theory. Queer theory is the branch of sociology that surfaced in the 1990s out of queer and women’s studies, postulating the idea of ‘queerness’ itself in the monumental work of writers such as Judith Butler, José Esteban Muñoz, David Halperin, and many, many more. These writers’ manifestos and theories challenged contemporary social mores and brought queerness into the realm of critical thought, which is historically one of the most essential ways we’ve managed to come as far as we have in politics at large. So, naturally, any opportunity to overlap theory with actual practice is something that should always be taken advantage of. Lucky for you, one of those opportunities is available starting this week: organized by dancer, choreographer, and arts organizer Li Cata, What Is Queer Performance? is a set of workshops made by and for queer artists, bridging ‘queer writing practices with queer body based practices‘ in performance-centered classes.
Housed in the Bureau of General Services — Queer Division, the workshops are all performance-based, but not in the sense you may think. Performativity, in its theoretical meaning, is the “capacity of speech and gestures to act or consummate an action, or to construct and perform an identity.” So for What Is Queer Performance?, queer artists will be touching on “text, sound, witchcraft, impulse, free association, and movement” to inspire, teach, and provoke your inner performative instincts and bring them to the forefront. …
From top left: background image - Alexander D'Agostino by Kata Frederick; Lele Paloumpis by Adrien Weibgen; the feet of Alexander D'Agostino by Tanya Garcia and Tatyana Tenenbaum by Brian Rogers.
Wednesday 06.04.14
Event: Fran Lebowitz Q & A
The reason I love Fran Lebowitz is because she has somehow managed to make a career out of procrastination (her last book was published in 1981). As a prolific procrastinator myself I have great respect for someone who can turn it into a full time pursuit. While her literary output has been rather slim, she’s managed to fill her time doing all sorts of worthwhile activities like attending Vanity Fair parties and being one of the most entertaining and intelligent public speakers. She’s also famous for some legendary one-liners, like this winner about NYC: “When you leave New York, you are astonished at how clean the rest of the world is. Clean is not enough.” This Wednesday is your chance to see her doing her thing as she pays a visit to the Poetry Project for a conversation with artist and writer Ariel Goldberg followed by a Q&A. Think up some good questions and don’t you dare be boring, Fran deserves you at your best.
Photography by Christopher MacsurakPhotography by Christopher Macsurak
Sunday 06.01.14
THE WEEK 6/2-6/8
A guide for artsluts
Children are hungry for art and excess this summer as more and more events keep popping up around us, and don’t you worry we’re here to feed you babies. Seriously we’re listing more events this week than we ever have before. Its gonna be another big hot juicy one! Ready to bite?
Enjoy Timothy Allen’s ‘Tape 19‘ mix while you read…
MONDAY 6/2
HOT FRUIT @ METROPOLITAN (559 LORIMER ST.) David John Sokolowski’s weekly party steals Monday night once again with performances by 3XS, GRAMMA, Nina Dri, and tracks spun by Econ and Sokolowski himself, all backed by birthday boy Ethan Weinstock’s video art. $2 PBR and $5 for PBR and a shot, but without the toilet flood that made last week so memorable, and made us all so wet. Wheelchair accessible, 10:00PM, FREE!
BATHSALTS @ DON PEDRO (90 MANHATTAN AVE.) One week before this party’s two-year anniversary, celebrate all the misses with “The Absolute Worst of Bathsalts.” With all the terrible performers, performances, fights and rotten eggs thrown from the neighboring projects — it’s going to get ugly, ladies. 10:00PM, FREE!
TUESDAY 6/3
AMBER MARTIN @ JOE’S PUB (425 Lafayette St.) In “The Days of My Lives,” celebrated NYC songstress and comedienne Amber Martin returns to take us on a journey through the places and faces, the memories and the music that shaped this young Southeast Texas woman’s life on her 30 year migration to the present. …
Monday 05.26.14
The Week 5/26-6/1
A guide for artsluts.
Did you have a crazy fucking Memorial Day weekend, too? We went to so many parties, danced to so much good music, ate and drank and fucked and loved. It felt like things were kicked into overdrive and instead of slowing back down, we want to keep going at full speed. On your marks, get set…go!
Enjoy JX Cannon‘s Phresh Produce mix while you read.
TUESDAY 5/27
STRUT @ ACME (9 GREAT JONES) Deryck Todd’s sexy new basement dance party is hosted by none other than our very own Mark Dommu. Drop his name at the door and join him for a drink, a dance and a kiki. Acme’s basement is bathed in sultry red light, so who knows what might happen down there? 10:00PM, FREE!
YING YANG ANGEL HEAVEN AND HELL BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION @ TANDEM (236 TROUTMAN ST.) Jessi Wade of Dark Sister is turning 23, celebrate her birthday with DJ sets by Tiffany Nicole and our homeboy JX Cannon. The birthday girl requests that you dress as angels or devils, so dust of those wings, girl! 10:00PM, FREE!
WEDNESDAY 5/28
HAPPYFUN TURNS 1 @ HAPPYFUN HIDEAWAY (1211 MYRTLE AVE.) This Bushwick favorite is celebrating it’s first anniversary with DJs Colin Self, Simon Leahy, David Kadden, Raul de Nieves and Matty Beats. There will be a frozen lemonade machine and free pink shots from 8:00pm until 11:00pm. 8:00PM, FREE!
THURSDAY 5/29
ALL IDENTITIES YOGA @ THE SPECTRUM (59 MONTROSE AVE.) …
Saturday 05.24.14
Event: OBSCURA SOCIETY NYC – COCKTAILS IN THE CRYPT
Living in a city like NY means you have a responsibility to explore it. Why not try to do something new each week? Take some advice from us, that’s what we do at GAYLETTER. We all know that going to the same party weekly can get a little old, so switch it up. Start with this — head to The Church of the Intercession in Harlem and hang out in the crypt. I am not one for going to churches, there’s usually too much praying and shouting about things I don’t really want to hear about, but in this case they’re serving cocktails. The crypt was completed in 1915 and is really beautiful. For the event they have invited “a slew of talented musicians to join us underground for a very special improvisational night of live music within the crypt. As in the Roaring Twenties, the cocktails will be flowing generously, the vibe will be elated and the music will make you want to move.” They encourage you to dress up for the event and wear a vintage outfit. I mean if you are going to be paying $75 (advance tickets are required) for drinks (it’s an open bar) and music you might as well look good. When you think about it, if you rush those cocktails and have at least 10, you’re probably getting a good deal.
Tuesday 05.20.14
‘No Time for Hate’ in Harlem
A benefit for the Ali Forney Center
As a Harlem resident, you are constantly reminded that only 10 years ago it probably wouldn’t have been as cool to don full drag and skip merrily down 125th St. But times are a-changing and now that the young gays have been priced out of Brooklyn they are setting up homes in Harlem where the wheels of gentrification are already in motion, for better or worse. And while we all know that more gay parties in Manhattan could only be a good thing, there are certain stone-wielding churchgoers who apparently disagree.
Atlah Worldwide Church on 123rd St. made headlines around the country earlier this year for several inflammatory signs attacking ‘sodomites.’ Shit really went down when they posted a “Jesus Would Stone Homos” sign outside the church — prompting outrage, pro-gay vandalism and now grass-roots action from the community. Acknowledging that public calls for murder are not cool, Harlem resident Stacy Parker Le Melle galvanized her community and has put together a fundraiser tonight in support of the Ali Forney Center for LGBT homeless youth.
No Time For Hate will feature two panels of local activists and clergy discussing the needs of LGBTQ youth and what the Harlem community can do to help. Aside from fascinating discussions there’ll be performances from local artists, the Harlem Dance Club, a set by DJ Lady DM at the reception afterwards and delicious catering from local eateries Barawine and Settepani.
If you can’t make it along tonight but have a little cash to support the Ali Forney Center, you can contribute online. …
The Week 5/19-5/25
A guide for Artsluts.
Ready… Set… Grow… You’ve got one week left before the unoffical start of Summer! Did you do that spring cleaning? Do you have your festival dates set? Do you have at least 3 pairs of short shorts? The city is heating up and to celebrate we’ve got an incredible show planned for Tuesday night… See you at SIDESHOW and beyond!
Enjoy DRFNKNSTN’s OMHM ONMYHIMIND mix while you read.
MONDAY 5/19
HOT FRUIT @ METROPOLITAN (559 LORIMER ST.) Hot Fruit is seriously turned up this week, with performances by Hamm Samwich, Frank Jones and Charlie Denver. David Sokolowski and Econ spin nu disco, house and no wave, Ethan Weinstock presents trippy video art and Tinker Coalescing snaps and twirls to capture all your gorgeous mugs. 10:00PM, FREE!
BATHSALTS @ DON PEDRO (90 MANHATTAN AVE.) Two of our favorite parties collide this week as Bathsalts gets F.:.NCY! Shane Shane takes over Don Pedro — after all the queens have gagged over the Drag Race finale — and he’s bringing some friends: Lys Obsidian, Radio Musik, Sparklez and Charlene join Macy Rodman and Severely Mame for seriously fancy shows and DJ Timonthy Allen spins all night. 9:00PM, FREE!
TUESDAY 5/20
SIDESHOW @ FRIENDS & LOVERS (641 CLASSON AVE.) Step right up lovers. The newest Culture Whore event, SIDESHOW is finally here! The Meeting’s Justin Sayre will preside over the freakshow as Master of Ceremony. Renowned choreographer and straight up badass Boy Georgia will open the night with so much energy you’ll sweat just by watching. …
Tuesday 05.13.14
THE WEEK 5/12-5/18
A guide for Artsluts
Hello, lovers. We’ve got another week filled with happening happenings where you can live, laugh, dance, fuck, explore, create and get inspired. LICK IT UP, BABY.
Enjoy Michael Magnan‘s Vena Cava Slice Up mix (for Safe House USA) while you read.
MONDAY 5/12
HOT FRUIT @ METROPOLITAN (559 LORIMER ST.) Start your week off right with the cutest, artiest, queerest queers in Brooklyn! Qhoiyn, Momo Shade and Mr(s) Williamsburg‘s winner Aja perform at midnight, David Sokolowski and Econ DJ all night, Ethan Weinstock’s video art trips you out and Tinker Coalescing captures all your beautiful faces. 10:00PM, FREE!
BATHSALTS @ DON PEDRO (90 MANHATTAN AVE.) Now that Night of 1000 Stevies has come and gone, embroidered shawl twisting in the breeze as it goes, its time to celebrate Fleetwood Mac’s other lady, Christene McVie. Macy Rodman and friends will be honoring the “Songbird” all night. This edition of Bathsalts will also serve as Charlene’s brithday party, so come pay respects to the real queen of Brooklyn — and maybe give her a few birthday spankings. 9:00PM, FREE!
TUESDAY 5/13
FOOD CHAIN @ LESLIE LOHMAN MUSEUM (26 WOOSTER ST.) Slava Mogutin reads from his first book in English, Food Chain, published by the Brooklyn-based ITNA Press. Part memoir, part political satire, part magic realism, the book presents a scope of texts from Mogutin’s early poems to his latest writings, dubbed by the recent Russian anti-gay law as “homosexual propaganda.” …
