A couple of big events this week! Father’s Day is this Sunday, so many sure to call the old guy and give him some tools or something. One year I gave my father and stepfather both a special grill thing to make steaks and I’m pretty sure neither of them used it, so, you know, shop wisely. It’s also summer solstice, so use your sunny hours wisely… on these events!
Fri 17: Salon VI
137 Marcus Garvey Blvd, Brooklyn, 7:30-midnight, free
Do you ever hear of things like Gertrud Stein’s salons, where deep concepts and art were discussed and think, “man, I should maybe play fewer cell phone games on the train?” Well, now’s the time to get out there and start being more ~cultured.~ Check out some art, drink a fancy (or not fancy) drink, and meet some folks who may own a beret. Plus, there’s even a secret password: monster. Confront the monster within.
Fri 17: Friggin’ Wrestling (HOGxBEYOND)
NYC Arena, 91-12 144th Pl, Jamaica, $20
Confession time: if I am flipping channels at someone’s house and wrestling comes on, I become transfixed. I cannot look away. Two people, locked in a hateful embrace, fighting for glory? It’s obvious how wrestlemania overtook the United States in the 1990s. I also have no idea what HOG X BEYOND means, but it sounds mysterious and masculine and enticing.
Sat 18: Staged Readings by PostGrad Theater Company
The Grand Theater at The Producers’ Club, 358 W 44th St, 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM, Free
One of the best things about knowing people getting their MFA’s is that you get to see free shows performed by people who are likely to go on to perform in shows you can’t afford. Check out either show for a chance to see works you’ve never seen at a venue you might never have visited.
Sat 18: Hot GlAss Cold Beer Pride Party
Brooklyn Glass, 104 14th St, 7:00 PM – ?, $25 (includes handmade glass)
This event sounds AWESOME. You get a glass for the price of admission, plus demonstrations in “glassblowing, neon and flame-working.” I have no idea what that entails, but there are also a drag performance and plenty of drinks. I literally don’t know what else you could want out of a Saturday night.
Sun 19: Harlem One-Miler
Marcus Garvey Park, 9:30 AM, $30
Have you been wanting to get into running, but the thought of a 10K or even a 5K is just super overwhelming and un-fun-sounding? That’s me, basically, except for the wanting to get into running thing (family history of bad knees and hips.) No experience is required for this fun run, and plenty of prizes for the winners! While you’re in Harlem, why not check out this other event…
Sun 19: A Father’s Day “Taste of Harlem.”
Marcus Garvey Park, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, “pay as you taste.”
It’s Father’s Day, and I miss my dad really hard. When he was around, one of his favorite foods was soul food. Fried chicken, mac ‘n cheese, fried okra- I’m pretty sure he had chitlins once or twice, too. Spare a thought for my old dad as you enjoy some of the best food Harlem has to offer.
Tues 21: River to River: Night at the Museums
Various Locations, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Free
It’s the summer solstice! This being the longest day means you’ve got plenty of time to check out this free event, which features walking tours and music at the following locations. For fun, I’ve italicized those I’ve never visited, and made bold those I have. Are you more cultured than I?
African Burial Ground
The Anne Frank Center USA
Federal Hall
Fraunces Tavern Museum
Museum of American Finance
Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to The Holocaust
National Archives at New York City
National Museum of the American Indian
National September 11 Memorial Museum
NYC Municipal Archives
9/11 Tribute Center
Poets House
The Skyscraper Museum
South Street Seaport Museum
Wall Street Walks
Wow. Turns out I am culturally illiterate. A skyscraper museum, huh!
Thurs 23: Redefined and Redesigned: Defying Gender Norms in Fashion
Brooklyn Historical Society, 128 Pierrepont St, 6:30 PM, $10
As someone who teaches at a fashion college, I can tell you that gender plays a huge role at every level, from the way garments are designed to the way collections are marketed. Experts in the field who play a dual role in questioning the role of gender lead a panel discussion.
