Monday 05.12.14
The Naked Eye – Camera Auction
MIX NYC auctions off film of photos taken by celebrities
Ever wondered what kind of weird, inappropriate selfies some of your favorite celebs might take if given free reign with a disposable camera? Then you happen to be in luck: starting May 12th, a worldwide eBay auction will open up for undeveloped disposable cameras filled with exclusive photos from over 100 celebrities. Put together by nonprofit media arts organization MIX NYC, The Naked Eye Celebrity Camera Auction has a mind-bogglingly impressive roster of contributors that ranges from porn stars (Jake Bass, Colby Keller, Max Ryder) and drag queens (BenDeLaCreme, Lady Bunny, Shangela) to A-list actors (James Franco, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Amy Sedaris) and musicians (Genesis Breyer P-Orridge, Le1f, Cakes da Killa). How they managed to nab so many big names for the project is no mystery, as all proceeds from the auction will be used to benefit MIX NYC’s commendable mission of providing public programs that promote, preserve, and produce queer experimental film.
Encouraging participants to “have fun and create candid and surprising images that reflect their real lives,” MIX NYC certainly know how to amp up the appeal for this project. After all, who wouldn’t want to know what a day in the lives of Amanda Lepore or Terence Koh looks like through their own eyes? I can smell the overwrought artistry of James Franco’s roll from here, but there are enough interesting personalities here to serve as more-than-decent foils; don’t you want an intimate look at what Elvira, the cast of Bob’s Burgers, and John Cameron Mitchell get up to in their free time? …
Sunday 05.11.14
Event: Legendary Mother’s Day Burlesque Brunch
I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than with a burlesque show. If anyone knows anything about boobs and lingerie it’s probably going to be your mother, not to mention she might be looking for new tricks to seduce her husband, boyfriend or girlfriend. Don’t feel weird that she still might be a sexual being…This event is presented by The New York Burlesque Festival & The School of Burlesque, and is in honor of three performers from “the Golden Age of Burlesque: Russ Meyer girl and burlesque icon, Hollywood’s Kitten Natividad, ‘the epitome of excellence’ San Diego’s beautiful Shannon Doah’ and New York’s own Jean Idelle! (pictured)” It’s hosted by the incredible The World Famous *BOB*, with additional performances by Angie Pontani, Jo Boobs, Mr. Gorgeous, Kitten & Lou, Gal Friday and music by DJ MomoTaro. In addition to all the performances, eating and drinking, there’s also a panel Q&A with the burlesques in attendance hosted by Jo Weldon of the School of Burlesque. I heard that this is the first time in over “a quarter of a century” that these performers are being showcased in NYC. Get your Mom wasted with some mimosas, this event will educate hopefully empower her, which is what Mother’s Day should really be all about. Power to the pussy!
Jean Idelle on the cover of Jet Magazine in 1953. Jean Idelle on the cover of Jet Magazine in 1953.
Friday 05.09.14
Event: ANTIFREEZE
The art world in New York can at times feel a little pretentious...but maybe that’s too obvious of an insight. I guess I’m trying to explain that feeling you often have at big art events where what’s happening feels significant, but at the same time totally inessential. This is perhaps what rubs art attendees the wrong way — we’re intrigued by the art, but we’re unimpressed by the cunty attitudes. Antifreeze is a performance event by The New York Performance Artists Collective that’s meant to act as a “palate cleanser” to the “pristine objects, clean sight lines, and luminous atmospheres of most art viewing contexts,” and in particular the Frieze Art Fair that is happening in NYC this week. The event is hosted by Zackary Drucker and features a bunch of arty performers presenting DIY works including Colin Self (pictured), Joseph Keckler, and Dynasty Handbag. “Channeling the restless ghosts of the downtown underground, the three artists play with various personas to skewer consumerism, gender conventions, and fine art with humor and self-deprecation.” All three artists have performed at some of the most eminent galleries and art institutions in the US therefore are uniquely positioned to make fun of that world. More than anything I hope one of them will do a Klaus Biesenbach impersonation. That really would be everything.
Thursday 05.08.14
Headmaster launches Issue No.6
The Rhode Island-based zine serves up erotica, art and photo essays
According to legend (aka Wikipedia), the National PTA established Teacher Appreciation Week almost thirty years ago. For most, this week means giving your favorite teacher/professor/what-have-you some semblance of thanks: a card, that requisite red apple, perhaps a present. For others, like the talent behind Providence-based queer-art mag Headmaster magazine, it means something a little more suitably suggestive. To celebrate the launch of Headmaster’s latest issue, the crew is hosting a Teacher Appreciation Week reception tonight at the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art. We were able to take a peek at the sixth issue, and you should trust us when we say this is something you’re definitely gonna want to get your hands on.
Headmaster takes on a unique format for an art zine, in which the editor (the eponymous Headmaster) tasks each contributor with a homework assignment that they proceed to put their own spin on. For this issue, contributors include Matt Lambert (using the vision conditions myopia and hyperopia for a photographic series), Alexander Chee (crafting a smutty narrative based on Patrick Cowley’s School Daze), Anthony DiCapua (doing a photo study of Brighton Beach’s Russian roots), Matthias Herrmann (who also created the cover image), Luka Fisher, BarryMarré, Ian Cozzens and many more, all of whom turn out fantastic work that would probably make the majority of your actual schoolteachers blush. Headmaster will also be selling handsomely packaged, deluxe six-packs at Leslie-Lohman that include all past issues for a discounted price. …
Event: I F%cked Bingo
What a great name for a bingo event, it’s been a while since I played bingo, the last time I embarrassed myself twice at a Linda Simpson’s event thinking I had won... anyways I have moved on from that. This event is usually hosted by Merrie Cherry but she is out of town this week — she’s in Texas honey, for those of you who want to know. So she asked her “squirrel friend” and drag queen Ruby Roo to cover for her. Expect lots of “fun prizes, free popcorn, cash jackpot (whatever they want to call a jackpot) and good times.” Merrie told us that if Ruby becomes unbearable (apparently she talks alot) just “cover your ears, like you do with me or take another sip of your drink.” That sounds like a great idea. If you win a game, you must yell out “I F%CKED BINGO,” as Merrie explains “Luck is the lady of the night and she is a slut.”
Wednesday 05.07.14
Event: Penny Arcade’s Happy Hour Film Screening
This looks like a lot of fun. It’s a film screening of some legendary moments in NYC downtown history at a bar, during happy hour. All screenings would have booze if I had it my way. It’s curated by our New York soul mother Penny Arcade, The Lower East Side Biography Project and Theatre 80 St. Marks. The event celebrates The Lower East Side History Month (yes that’s a thing.) The screenings happen every Wednesday night during the month of May at the William Barnacle Tavern Theatre on St Marks. This week they’re showing some fascinating film excerpts including: Patti Smith (pictured) performing 'Stardust' at the Gregory Corso Memorial - 3 minutes, Resistance, an excerpt from Judith Malina & The Living Theater - 3 minutes, a Steve Ben Israel biography excerpt - 7 minutes, a Richard Foreman biography excerpt - 3 minutes, a Jayne County Biography - 28 minutes, and a live Q & A with Steve Zehentner. That’s some serious NYC history right there, curated by a living legend.
Saturday 05.03.14
THE WEEK 5/5 – 5/11
A guide for Artsluts
Beyond your bedroom lies a fantasy full of sex, art and magic called New York City — Go Get it!
Enjoy your weekly mix by JX Cannon — #REALLIFEAHEGAO
MONDAY 5/5
HOT FRUIT @ METROPOLITAN (559 LORIMER ST.) Celebrate the return of all our favorite faerie friends at David Sokolowski’s weekly dance party. Will Sheridan, Merrie Cherry and Dalin. 10:00PM, FREE!
BATHSALTS @ DON PEDRO (90 MANHATTAN AVE.) Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Macy Rodman at Senorita Chorizo Margarita. Drag Race at 10, followed by “Salty Talk” and shows all night. 9:00PM, FREE!
TUESDAY 5/6
BUSHWICK ERECTUS @ BIZARRE (12 JEFFERSON ST.) Popular Manhattan boylesque show Homo Erectus comes to Bushwick. Hosted by Just Scary (aka Scary Ben and Darlinda Just Darlinda), this night of skin-baring performance stars Severely Mame, Lucky Charming, Matt Knife, Brooklyn Irons, Goldie Peacock and many more. 9:00PM, $7 SUGGESTED DONATION.
BULLY ME DOWN @ BREUCKELEN COLONY (274 4TH AVE, BK.) Letter of Marque Theater Co. presents Bully Me Down — the original Pirate — Whistleblower — Bully Premiere to local Bars and Public Spaces around Brooklyn! A tale of bullying, heroism and traitors…which one are you? 8:00PM, FREE.
WEDNESDAY 5/7
WOAHMONE @ VON (3 BLEECKER ST.) Nath Ann Carrera’s monthly magical underground queer dance party returns! Guest DJs KITTY RUMP and GR8 ACTING and visuals by LAUREL SPARXX. 10:00PM, FREE!
THURSDAY 5/8
APOSTLE @ EYEHART (502 W 27TH ST.) …
Tuesday 04.29.14
The Wolfpack Howler at Gilded Lily
An AIDS/Lifecycle benefit hosted by The Wolves, Milk, Marco Ovando, Sean Patterson, Mark Silver, Tony Fornabio, Josh Wood, Jared Needle, Kenneth Gillett and Tim Chow
The Week 4/28-5/4
A guide for Artsluts
Have you seen the trees jizz blooming? If you hadn’t noticed, these fluffy white flowers that cover most of the trees in our fair city smell exactly like semen and every spring they never fail to put us in the mood. Summertime sluttiness is only a few months away — but why wait?
Enjoy some tunes from NEOCAMP on Soundcloud.
MONDAY 4/28
HOT FRUIT @ METROPOLITAN (559 LORIMER ST.) David Sokolowski — any nearly every fairy in NYC — may be outta town this week, but don’t you worry, he tasked #GIANT Will Sheridan with taking over his weekly Brooklyn artfag dance party while he’s away. Performances by SirCharles, Angi3 and Malic So Chic, video art by Ethan Weinstock and music by DJs Econ and Lorant. 10:00PM, FREE!
BATHSALTS @ DON PEDRO (90 MANHATTAN AVE.) Break out your brass knuckles, this week you’re invited to CAT FIGHT CLUB. The first rule of Cat Fight Club? Buy Macy Rodman a drink or she’ll shove her foot so far up your ass you’ll taste her duct-taped pumps. 9:00PM, FREE!
TUESDAY 4/29
TAROT TUESDAYS @ TANDEM (236 TROUTMAN ST.) OK, here’s the T. Popular Bushwick collective WITCHES are not actually witches — its more about a bunch of freaks coming together and finding power in their other-ness. Either that, or they’re cashing in on a tumblr aesthetic. Slutever. Their girl Tiffany will read your cards over brunch at Tandem, with music by the “witches” themselves. …
Sunday 04.27.14
Event: HOWLER – An AIDS/Lifecycle Benefit
We get asked all the fucking time to support fundraising events. We cover a lot of them cos’ we’re sweet like that, but we only get involved with a select few. This Sunday’s event happens to be one of those. It’s organized by The Wolfpack — a group of “bi-coastal” ambitious gays that includes Levi Foster, Marcus Paglialonga, Kris Haigh, Luke Austin, Kyle Krieger, Ryan Fortwendel, Drake Labry, Matthew Blaylock, Mike Ueberroth and Yucel Yeltekin. Everyone in the pack is like a super-star on social media, so instead of just posting photos of themselves doing shirtless handstands on the beach in Maui, they put their social media prowess to good use by helping to raise money for good causes. This year it’s AIDS/LifeCycle, “a 7-day bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles to raise money and awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS.” The Wolf Pack is forming a cycling team of 10 who will ride the 545 miles from San Francisco to LA, documenting it all on Instagram and Facebook. So, here’s what the evening will entail: for $50 you get an open bar at the Gilded Lily for 3 hours. That may seem like a lot of money, but don’t forget how much you can drink (lush!) and how much drinks normally cost at that place (like $15), also it’s for a god damn good cause, so just suck it up. It’s going to be a really fun night, and is guaranteed to be filled with hot boys. Plus us! What the hell else do you need?
Wednesday 04.23.14
THE WEEK 4/21-4/27
A guide for artsluts.
Roses are red
Violets are blue
We’re total artsluts
We know you are, too
Listen to Riki Razo’s PSYCHOTEASE while you read.
Monday 4/21
HOT FRUIT @ METROPOLITAN (559 LORIMER ST.) If you’re still coming down from the weekend, David Sokolowski’s weekly party will take you right back up with performances by Ryan Streit and Miss Reindeer. Music by Econ and Sokolowski, video art by Ethan Weinstock and photos by Tinker Coalescing. 10:00PM, FREE!
BATHSALTS @ DON PEDRO (90 MANHATTAN AVE.) If you didn’t make it to church to repent on Easter…or whatever the fuck Easter is actually about…then why not just start being naughty again right away with Macy Rodman and the queens of Bathsalts? 9:00PM, FREE!
SPRUNG @ TRASHBAR (256 GRAND ST.) The turn up is real! Anthony DiCap, Byrell the Great and Fantasy Thrilla DJ. Big Dipper, Will Sheridan (#GIANT), Jay Boogie and more perform. 7:30PM, $7.
Tuesday 4/22
TWERLESQUE @ TBA If you haven’t yet seen the legendary twerking skills of Miss JanTina Parker, you have seriously been missing out. This girl is so sexy it’s unbelievable and can shake her ass-cheeks independently of one another. Learn these skills and more (the vixen promises Basic Twerk, Twerking 101, Booty Clapping, Ass isolations, floor work) at her hip hop exotic dance class. 7:30PM, $10 ADVANCE/$15 DOOR.
Wednesday 4/23
AMERICA, A PROPHECY @ GRAND ARMY PLAZA (BROOKLYN) The seventh part in B+J Dini’s series is the “real carry.” …
Thursday 04.17.14
Event: Take Ecstasy With Me
How to explain this event?…Let me think about it for a second. OK! Got it. First up, it’s a Whitney Biennial event (so yeah). Secondly there’s some very creative people involved. Let me give you some backstory for Miguel Gutierrez (one of the main organizers) whose specialty is creating “evening-length performances.” For this event he’s bringing together a bunch of super cunt artists to create a night of sensory experiences that seek to ask “enduring philosophical questions around who we are and why we’re here.” He says his work is “about desire, longing and the search for meaning.” Sounds deep. Helping him organize the night is Alexandro Segade, of My Barbarian artists collective fame (they’re kind of a big deal). There’s also A.L. Steiner, Kate Bush Dance Troupe and the legendary, talented, exceptionally beautiful (can you tell we’re fans?) Juliana Huxtable. All work for the evening is inspired by the queer theorist José Esteban Muñoz, who passed away last year. The title for the show is not necessarily literal, but if you were looking for an excuse to pop an E at the Whitney...well, you just got one.
