Guys are usually pretty easy to please when it comes to gifts, so why is it when the time comes to buy for our boyfriend, husband or significant other we rack our brains to come up with the most creative, cool gift idea that no woman in the past could have possibly thought of. While I don’t have a significant other that I need to buy for this holiday season, I did survey my group of guy friends to find out more about what guys really want. While many of the gifts range in price, I’ve broken these 25 fabulous gift ideas down into three separate categories based on how much you would like to spend. Some of the ideas on this gift guide are unique and fun, while others are simply there because you can’t go wrong with them ― sports tickets anyone?
High (Over $100)
May is looking good for all of you NYC concert goers out there. Not only are some big names coming through (M83, Norah Jones, Jack White), but a ton of awesome smaller bands. The end of May also marks THE BEGINNING OF SUMMERSTAGE, which should prove inspiration enough to get through this month at work. So, take a look at the list, pick some shows and start your summer off right! If we forgot anything, leave a comment and we'll put it up!
May 11
Japanther/Ritz Riot @ 929 XPO
Teen Daze/Supreme Cuts @ Glasslands
Active Child/Balam Acab @ Mercury Lounge
'Tis the season for family, reflection, and hours of stressful shopping. Of course, if you're in New York City and need an escape from the glowing wreaths and alluring holiday sales on every corner, there's no shortage of great concerts this December. Whether you want to see the best in indie, pop, or even want to test your own skills on the mic, here are some of your best musical options for escaping the frigid air.
The Hood Internet @ The Knitting Factory - Dec. 3rd (tickets)
Last Friday, November 18th, non-profit organization Rock the Schools held a concert to benefit NY State public school music programs. There have recently been some major budget cuts and many schools are in jeopardy of having their music programs cut altogether. Performing at this concert were artists Dion Roy, Tyler Hilton, Bryan Greenberg, Ryan Cabrera, and special guest Val Emmich. The event was hosted by Lauren Berger, the Intern Queen and Z100's Trey Morgan. Now it's time to go behind the scenes with Dion Roy and find out why he got involved in this concert, what's next on his agenda, and some of his super secrets!
From one of electronic music's biggest acts to a two-night affair with one of the most enduring outfits in alternative rock, there's no shortage of live entertainment to be found throughout October. Here are some marquee names and rising superstars that will be hitting the Big Apple's best venues in the coming months:
Love deadmau5? Well, here's your chance to see him six times in a row! The world-renowned electronic artist will make history when he brings his Meowsington Hax experience to Roseland Ballroom for nearly a full week. Named after his cat Professor Meowingtons, the Meowsington Hax show is a combination of arresting visual production and deadmau5's signature blend of original music and remixed classics. Judging by this clip from Lollapolooza, NYC fans are in for one heck of a sense-jarring treat. Though six consecutive nights of those flashy lights can't be good for your eyes...
September may have been slammin', but October is even better at 116. There are events galore happening at this historic venue and there is a 2-for-1 happy hour every night until 9pm (even during events). Whether you're into LOLing, poetry readings, singing your socks off, or listening to others sing their socks off, there is an event (or two, or three...) for you at 116. Check out their stellar schedule of events below!
Mondays, 8pm
Gaslight Refueled
New Orleans will be getting its yearly dose of Halloween weekend madness with this year’s VOODOO Experience. An annual celebration of music, art, and the Big Easy nightlife, VOODOO 2011 will make its way down to Louisiana from Oct. 28-30.
The weekend’s biggest names will take to the stages of Le Ritual in New Orleans’ City Park. Famous for featuring a melting pot of the hottest artists from past and present, this year’s lineup includes Blink-182, Soundgarden, Snoop Dogg, and Fatboy Slim. House heads can make their way over the Le Plur, VOODOO’s space for electronic dance music where acts such as Claude VonStroke, Craig Richards, Tanner Ross, and Wolf+Lamb will keep crowds entranced throughout the night. Last but not least, Le Flambeau will be the place to go to pay tribute to the roots music that helped shape NOLA into the musically rich city it is today. Every night of the sensory-assaulting weekend will be capped off by Deja Voodoo is Verboten, a series of after-show parties that will feature prominent DJs spinning from midnight to 6 a.m. including Cassy, Danny Howells, Deniz Kurtel, Lee Burridge, Maya Jane Coles, Soul Clap, and Voices of Black.
This is the first installment of Joonbug's weekly live music preview. Check back here every Monday to see who's coming to town and why you should overcome your crippling agoraphobia.
Tuesday May 10th
Donald Glover - Bowery Ballroom
Donald Glover is making us all look bad. He was hired as writer for 30 Rock straight out of NYU. He’s a staple of the comedy series Community where he gets to riff with Chevy Chase. His videos with Derrick Comedy and Funny or Die have been the bane of any computer bound procrastinator. And to top it off he lashes his razor wit through a mic when he moonlights as the rapper Childish Gambino. Yes, he makes us look lazy, but he also makes us laugh.
So Marc is the rock guy, having worked in the music industry for years before making the move to hops therapist. “The Rev” is definitely the beer guy as he is able to tell a personal anecdote about each hand-selected beer on the menu. And Rob is the bourbon. If these guys were characters in an action movie, Rob would be the one that carries the giant knife, but in reality he’s the guy that seems most comfortable behind the bar. (He drank Jack and Cokes for years until one fateful night a bartender at Tramps gave him a crown and ginger instead, basically fueling his quest for new exciting spirits to drink.)
The announcement has been made the the Black Eyed Peas will be playing the half time show at Super Bowl XLV in Dallas this coming year. The group will be taking the #1 spot on stage as the nation watches this season's NFL leaders.