They're called hipsters and these days they can be found in just about any major metropolitan area. You can spot them by their tattoos, skinny jeans, and v-neck shirts. They make up a cultural phenomenon that seems to be an amalgamation of at least half a dozen styles from generations past. They are a clique of artists, they have a fascination with all things retro, and they love coffee shops. It's almost as if Andy Warhol was assembling his legions from beyond the grave. Any world class city has its enclaves that draw in untold numbers of young artistic dreamers. In Chicago its called Logan Square.
For many going to see a movie is a default acvitvity meant only for when there seems to be nothing else going on. Why fill up on overly buttered popcorn and drugstore candy varieties when you could enjoy a delicious three-course beer pairing dinner? Most of us would take the latter option over stale popcorn any day of the week. Thanks to Williamsburg’s Nitehawk Cinema's Beer Dinner program you can catch a screening of Army of Darkness on Wednesday, May 15th at 7:15 pm, while drinking five pints of Founders Brewing Co.'s craft brew and chowing down on dinner courses inspired by the film. With the premiere of the Evil Dead reboot being a recent box office smash, Evil Dead, and its subsequent sequels, will top everyone’s film list for the foreseeable future.
We were tipped off about a weekly comedy show at Goose Island. For readers in other cities Goose Island is Chicago's most famous local craft brewery. Going here gives you the benefit of having a diverse selection of quality brewed craft beers such as Green Line Pale Ale and Nut Brown Ale as well as a terrific food menu.
The comedy show is produced by a group called Duck Duck Comedy, and admission is just $5. If that perturbs anyone, we want to stress you're not paying to see an open mic. The producers of the show are very selective and make sure every comedian performing is a seasoned veteran of the Chicago comedy scene. All comedians have rather impressive resumes including sets at Comicon, Second City, etc. Remember the next Zach Galifianakis is out there performing somewhere, and it's always great to be able to say, “Yeah I liked him before he was famous.” Not only are there standup sets by comedians but each show is concluded by a musical act for a touch of variety.
The New York jazz scene is alive and well in locations all over the city. Escape the usual club atmosphere for something more sophisticated-cool by heading to any of these four jazzy eateries that either specialize in showcasing jazz performances or have a designated night dedicated to the sweet, soothing sounds of live jazz. Enjoy craft cocktails, uniquely American cuisine, and dance to the beat supplied by the rhythm and horn sections of premiere jazz ensembles. You’ll be crooning like a trumpet in no time!
When you step into L’Amant you're instantly transported directly to 1940’s Vietnam. With its vintage décor and smooth jazz this West Village French-Colonial-inspired cocktail lounge specializes in irresistible cocktails made with house made syrups, fresh juices, and exotic spirits. For example, for this weekend’s Cinco de Mayo fiesta they’ll be serving a Danza de los Viejitos made with Tequila Reposado, Gran Classico, Oloroso, and Organic Mezcal. But the real highlight of this hidden gem is their live jazz nights happening weekly on Wednesday and Thursday nights starting at 7pm. Enjoy as live French jazz band, Rie and her Musicians on Wednesdays and Rie with surprise world renowned jazz musicians on Thursdays while you drink refreshing cocktails and nosh on dishes inspired by French and Asian cuisines.
The Tribeca Film Festival wrapped up over the weekend after another successful year of premiere films, many of which will generate buzz once again during awards season. While the entire city was swarmed by A-list actors, the after-parties post film screenings were without a doubt one of the hottest places to be during the TFF. On Friday evening, deep below the crowded Ace Hotel lobby bar movie buffs, beer drinkers, and party-goers alike gathered in the green-lit Liberty Hall space to celebrate director David M. Rosenthal’s film A Single Shot. The film stars Sam Rockwell, Jeffery Wright, William H. Macy, Kelly Reilly, Jason Isaacs, and Joe Anderson and tells “a personally driven father-daughter fable” that is “an engaging and suspenseful piece of work that is indie genre at its most spirited.”
A mentally unstable man walks into a room full of strangers...thus begins Bullet Catch, a riveting show written and performed by Rob Drummond and directed by David Overend at 59E59 Theaters. The 75 minute show just had its US premiere and will be running through April 21st. The bullet catch is an infamous magic trick, so dangerous that Houdini himself refused to even attempt it. It has claimed the lives of at least 12 illusionists, assistants, and spectators since its conception in 1613. The trick goes as this—a volunteer is told to aim a gun at the magician's face and pull the trigger. If all goes well, the bullet will be caught between the magician's teeth. If all doesn't go well...well, you can imagine the mess. Rob Drummond tells the tale of this epic piece of magic, all while entertaining with mind reading, levitation, and heartfelt storytelling. The tension rises as the show draws nearer to the end and audience members are anxious to witness the show's notorious finale.
Last night, celebrities gathered at New York City hot spot, Beaumarchais, to celebrate the launch of Magnifico Giornata's Essence Collection a new line of infused sparkling wines. The party was hosted by VH1's Carrie Keagan, who is a partner in the brand. Guests enjoyed hors d'oeuvre pairings with each flavor of the collection, which included Ginger Peche, Grapefruit Blanc, and Lavender Honey. The new sparkling wine collection is the perfect girly drink to celebrate any special occasion and comes in a beautiful gold bottle.