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And so that Gregorian calendar on the wall has rolled around again to where it finds itself that end of the year Anno Domini 2014 in North America to where all of those end of the year retrospective articles start popping up and all of those over priced end of the year parties start appearing. And then there's that Auld Lang Syne song that plays on the radio and television over and over that also finds itself posted above. And it is also that year of the horse according to that Chinese zodiac sign calendar. And so with this end of another Anno Domini year, finds itself Jeff Stark's nonsensenyc: 12.27 to New Year's Day list of these really cool happenings and underground and above ground parties that find themselves in and around that city of New York for this before and after New Years Day week. And that email list subscription that found itself in that email inbox reads something like as follows. Happy New Year 2014.
#2014
We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.
Edith Lovejoy Pierce
X, Jeff Stark and the Nonsense NYC staff
XXXXX FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27 XXXXX
Head On: 2003 vs. 2013
The end of 2013 is fast approaching, and we're furiously reviewing the
songs that came out over the last year to find our favorites. We decided
that we'd like to put 2013 to the test. Was it that good of a year for
music? Ok, we dug that Daft Punk record, and the return of Justin
Timberlake, and Chvrches. And a lot of good indie things came out by the
likes of Classixx, Holy Ghost!, Duke Dumont, Young Galaxy, Vampire
Weekend, Cut Copy, the Arcade Fire, etc. But what if we compared it to
the best songs from, say, 10 years ago? The more we looked back, 2003
was a killer year for music. Not only was pop radio actually pretty damn
good with the likes of Outkast, Beyonce, Fanny Pack, and even the
Darkness, but there were plenty of good underground hits we loved by the
likes of Junior Senior, Goldfrapp, and Head On champion LCD
Soundsystem.
So we're doing what any good Head On DJ would do: we're pitting 2013
against 2003 in a no-holds-barred cage match. Anno a anno. Resident DJ
Brian Blackout and guest DJ Fucci will do battle, and you'll help us
pick a winner. Are all those old people who say music keeps getting
worse right? Or was 2003 just a really great year? Help us decide (by
dancing). With resident DJ Brian Blackout (representing 2013) and guest
DJ Fucci (representing 2003). Two DJs enter, one DJ leaves.
Bell House
149 7th Street, Brooklyn
10p-late; $free
facebook.com/HeadOnParty
***** Also on FRIDAY *****
Competitive Erotic Fan Fiction: NYC Championship Edition
Competitive Erotic Fan Fiction is a comedy show (and podcast) held
every month at the Nerdist Theater in Los Angeles, created and hosted by
Bryan Cook. Each show features 10 comics, writing and performing Erotic
Fan Fiction pieces, based on their whims or audience suggestions. It's
really stupid. This month CEFF is thrilled to host its first-ever NYC
Championship Edition, featuring all past NYC winners.
Union Hall
702 Union Street, Brooklyn
7:30p doors, 8p show; $10
21 and over
XXXXX SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28 XXXXX
Telekron Communication's presents:
Great American International Ugly Holiday Sweater Dance Party
Come out and rock your ugliest holiday sweater (sweater not required).
Free drink and mystery prize goes to the ugliest sweater. Banging audio
by Banginclude, Deejay Chaotic, Bigears, Madaro, Mamajuana, Rtype ,
Driver, Joe Safari, and Roger That. Programmed visuals on three Screens
by the Sperm Whale.
La Sala, back room of Cantina Royal
58 North 3rd Street, Brooklyn
10p-4a; $10 all night includes free draft slider before midnight
facebook.com/events/220985414750950
XXXXX SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29 XXXXX
Magic at Coney: The Sunday Matinee
Magical Promotions, together with Coney Island USA, presents an
afternoon of fun and wonder for the entire family. "Magic at Coney!!!"
is a magical variety show highlighting a vast array of magicians;
featuring illusionists, escape artists, mentalists and close-up
magicians from around the world.
With Master of Ceremonies Gary Dreifus, plus escape artist Thomas Solomon, magician Omar Olusion, and mind reader Torkova.
Sideshows by the Seashore
208 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn
$12 adults, $8 for children under 12
coneyislandusa.com
***** Also on SUNDAY *****
Comedy at Katz's
A monthlong series of pop-up comedy shows featuring the best NYC
comedians (and free beer) at Katz's Deli. This Sunday's show features
Rob Cantrell, Josh Gondelman, Phil Hanley, Joe Zimmerman, Chesley
Calloway, and RG Daniels. Hosted by Chris Duffy.
Katz's
203 East Houston Street, Manhattan
7p; $5 includes free beer
facebook.com/events/200094376843839/
XXXXX MONDAY, DECEMBER 30 XXXXX
Chaos Cooking: Taste Tripping
A participatory taste-tripping cooking extravaganza commandeering an
entire East Village Restaurant. It's time to give our taste buds a
psychedelic flavor experience they will never forget. From the depths of
West Africa comes Synsepalum dulcificum, also known as the miracle
fruit. When you eat this berry it causes sour foods (such as lemons and
limes) to taste sweet. This effect is due to miraculin. Please join the
Chaos Cooking Community for a very special event where we confuse our
mouths and laugh at the results while enjoying endless food, drinks, and
conversation. Everyone brings the ingredients for one dish and then
cooks together in one space. All recipes must be finished and space
returned to original condition by the end of the event, while everyone
is socializing, enjoying drinks and eating tasty dishes. Each berry
lasts one-two hours. There will be three berries available per person.
We will have real berries, not tablets.
Guidelines: Everyone must prepare something; no exceptions. Everyone
must pitch in to help restore the space to its original condition,
without being asked. Try not to lose any fingers.
Location revealed with tickets, Manhattan
6-10p; $11 early bird, $18 otherwise
tastetripping2.eventbrite.com
***** Also on MONDAY *****
The Salon: New Year's Eve Eve
Some say New Year's Eve is amateur night; that's because all the dames
and dapper gents know the real party is the night before at the Salon,
what we like to call New Year's Eve Eve.
For our sixth annual extravaganza we return to the beautiful and
historic Players Club to continue the tradition with a spectacular
lineup of more than 40 performers, including five bands, on three floors
for your lounging and dancing pleasure.
After a hiatus of more than four years, we are thrilled to return to
the historic Players Club. This beautiful private club on Grammercy Park
is a snap shot of old New York, whose members included luminaries such
as Bogart, Bacall, and Sinatra. The Club was home to the Salon in 2008.
Prohibition Productions is elated to be part of a new era at the Players
as it enters its 125th anniversary.
Live music by George Gee Swing Orchestra featuring vocalist John Dokes,
Queen Esther and the Hot Five, Ron Sunshine and band, Gelber and
Manning, and Svetlana and the Delancey Five. More music by Dj VaVaVoon,
DJ Mac on the antique phonograph, and Benjamin Ickies.
Performances and more with the Minsky Sisters, classic burlesque by
Legs Malone, Calamity Chang, go-go dancers and stage kittens Sydney
Sunrise and Miss Kacie Marie. Master of ceremonies and emcee
extraordinaire Dandy Wellington, Dave Cremin's amazing magical card
tricks, and free beginner swing dance lesson on main dance floor from by
Arturo Perez.
The Players Club
16 Gramercy Park South, Manhattan
7p doors, 7p-1a; $30 advance, $35 door
21 and over
thesalon.biz
***** Also on MONDAY *****
Bridging Bushwick: Potluck and Performances
Our goal is simple: Get to know your neighbor. Potluck: Bring a dish
that represents you and your culture. Performance by ELM (local youth
group).
The Living Gallery
1094 Broadway, Brooklyn
8-10p; $free
BridgingBushwick]at]gmail.com
XXXXX NEW YEAR'S EVE XXXXX
Rubulad presents:
Cheap and Dirty New Year's Ball
With live music by Les Sans Coulottes, Batala NYC, and Morricone Youth.
And your DJs Shakey, Ol' Stark, and friends. In the cabaret room: Terry
Dame's Science Music Roadshow, Viva, and Mary-Go-Round. Plus G.
Scopitronic's Non-Stop Film Fest, Modern Dance Awareness Society,
Visionary Visuals by the Sperm Whale, Light Circus Extraordinaire by
Norm Francoeur, and Midnight Champagne Bunny Toast. Dress cheap and/or
dirty.
893 Bergen Street, between Franklin and Classon, Brooklyn
9p doors, 10p show; $20, $10 before 10p or way, way late
facebook.com/events/563715397037398/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming&source=1
***** Also on NEW YEAR'S EVE *****
Gemini and Scorpio presents:
The Bootleggers' Ball
The contraband has been ordered, authorities paid off, and performers
lined up for a New Year's Eve speakeasy ball in a 19th century church
with soaring ceilings, stained glass windows, and a wraparound balcony.
Expect the intimacy of a daring cabaret mixed with the intrigue of a
vintage costumed ball, expansiveness of a warehouse dance party,
excitement of live swing, a splash of fine cocktails, and just a dash of
illicit adventure and unpredictable moments.
Dance till 1a to live big band swing by the 13-piece Hot Shim Sham
Orchestra, followed by infectious electro-swing grooves by underground
favorite DJ Barney Iller until late. Glamorous burlesque by Kat MonDieu
and Apathy Angel, performed with the band. Daring aerial by Ivory Fox.
Old-time strongman and sideshow stunts by Adam Realman. Hosted by
dashing magician Nelson Lugo. Fabulous face and body painting by
Painteresse Elysabeth. 2014 divinations by gifted psychics. Vintage
photo booth. Absinthe and other mind-altering potions by The House of St
Eve. Easy beginner swing dance class at 9:30p by Brooklyn Swings.
Champagne flows free 9-10p. Dress code: depression glamour, evening ball
on the Titanic, hobo formal, desperation derring-do. No casual attire.
Irondale Center
85 South Oxford, Brooklyn
9p-5a; $40-60, $30 after midnight, $20 after 2a
21 and over
geminiandscorpio.com/events.html
thebootleggersball.brownpapertickets.com/
***** Also on NEW YEAR'S EVE *****
Time's Up 16th Annual New Years Eve Bike Ride and Afterparty
Start the year off right -- on your bike or skates. Come celebrate New
Year's Eve in the great outdoors. We'll be riding up to Belvedere Castle
in the middle of Central Park for the best (and free) New Year's Eve
dance party in town -- with fireworks. Dress festive, don't forget your
noisemakers and party favors, and bring food and drink to share. Meet up
for the ride, or just meet us at 11:45p at Belvedere Castle.
Meet at Washington Square Park
5 Avenue and 8th Street, Manhattan
10p; $free
***** Also on NEW YEAR'S EVE *****
Bathsalts, Dungeon, and Secret Project Robot present:
NYE 2014 Dance and Drag Party
Champagne hosts. Midnight countdown. Cheap bar. Stay in Brooklyn. Free
love. With DJs Schwarz, Stallone the Reducer, Dungeon, and Cartel. Shows
by Macy Rodman (evil priestess of Bathsalts) and friends Amber Alert,
Severely Mame, Stevie Zar, and Moon Baby.
Secret Project Robot Art Experiment
389 Melrose Street, Brooklyn
10p-4a; $10
facebook.com/events/430130430422473/
***** Also on NEW YEAR'S EVE *****
Mister New Year's Eve
Into 2014 we go. Not quite what Isaac Asimov predicted, but pretty darn
close. (Google it!) Here's how we'll be celebrating -- in Mister
Saturday Night style:
There's a set number of tickets, so it'll be intimate, with enough room
to dance without crazy lines for drinks and such. We'll stock the bar
with bubbly and deck 12-turn-13 in black and white, so we ask you to
deck yourself out in all black and/or white, too. You don't have to wear
a tux (although you certainly can) -- just whatever's comfortable.
Festivities start at 9p for ticketed folks, and the ball drops in an
easy-going way, so it doesn't feel forced. If you're celebrating
midnight elsewhere, doors open for non-ticket holders at 2a, space
permitted.
12-turn-13
172 Classon Avenue, Brooklyn
9p–5a; $40 advance, $25 after 2a, space permitted
residentadvisor.net/event.aspx?547225&p=friends
***** Also on NEW YEAR'S EVE *****
New Years 2: Galaxy Quest
Four years ago, Neil Fridd and I joined forces to organize an all
night, time-travelling NYE party with countdowns every hour and bands
performing live from their favorite eras. This year, to celebrate the
year anniversary of the Silent Barn's new location, we're organizing a
space-travelling party.
New Years 1 ended in the future, with aliens taking us up and away, so
this sequel begins there. We will transform the venue into a spaceship,
and travel every hour to a different planet, landing back on earth light
years after we left.
Expect an installation by Title: Point in the Center For Strategic Art
and Agriculture, a ship captain to guide us through the strange musical
lifeforms, lots of guest DJ friends, possibly a hot tub out in the yard,
champagne toasts, and us all eating breakfast together in the morning.
With the Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt, Unstoppable Death Machines, Rich Aucoin, My Body, and Heeney.
Silent Barn
603 Bushwick Avenue, Brooklyn
9p; $10
all ages
facebook.com/events/610297299007806/?notif_t=plan_user_invited
***** Also on NEW YEAR'S EVE *****
Bang On Presents New Year's Eve 2014: Time and Space
Our journey through Time and Space begins in a gargantuan 60,000
square-foot former steel factory with 45-foot high ceilings. We have a
massive door and coat check team ready to expedite your entry. We
recommend early arrival as there is generally a large rush from
10:30p-12:30a.
With two main stages of electronic music, custom lighting, and stage
design. Featuring illuminated art installations, circus performers
flying overhead, Burning Man Art Cars (including Thunder Gumbo), themed
lounge areas, food trucks, funky clothing vendors, body painting by
Kirxworx Dupuis and Bodyworx.me and much much more. Our midnight
countdown will feature a rocket launch and aerial performance you won't
want to miss.
Time stage: Pete Fraser, Rambo Springsteen, Sleepy and Boo, Damian
Lazarus, Bob Moses, Behrouz, the Golden Pony, and Gino Santos. Space
Stage: The Magick Report, Wildlight, Sean Glass, Deniz Koyu, Polish
Ambassador, Space Jesus, and Kellam.
699 Scholes, at the corner of Onderonk, Brooklyn
9p-6a; $60-70
facebook.com/events/230020700514053/
brownpapertickets.com/event/GinoSantos/496002
***** Also on NEW YEAR'S EVE *****
Unicorn Meat NYC’s 2014 The Wander Event
A uniquely experiential event with cosmopolitan inspired art
installations featuring heavyweight dubstep producer Rusko and
world-class circus performance. Unicorn Meat NYC’s secret warehouse
location will lend itself to a creative backdrop of aural and visual
grandeur. Our clandestine venue features spacious area of music and art
to explore with nine hours of nonstop music, high end sound and lighting
production, and large-scale country/city-based art installations. Also
supporting Rusko will be a number of West Coast style bass music
producers David Starfire, KiloWatts, and Skytree.
77 Morgan Avenue, Brooklyn
L train to Morgan station
9p-6a; $60-75
facebook.com/events/552188494856099/
unicornmeatnyc.com
***** Also on NEW YEAR'S EVE *****
New Years Eve's Masquerade Ball
Ladies and gentlemen, Midnight Disco Society cordially invites you to
our New Years Eve's Masquerade Ball. Join us on the dance floor as we
welcome 2014 in true Venetian fashion. Music by Midnight Disco Society.
Masks and formal attire encouraged but not mandatory (we will have masks
at the venue to distribute).
Radio Bushwick
22 Wyckoff Ave, Brooklyn
9p; $10 doors
917 893 8935
***** Also on NEW YEAR'S EVE *****
Deep Trouble New Years Eve
We'll prep the vibe with cocktails at 7p. Of course, before all the
revelry, it's good to start with a solid foundation: nourishment. At 8p,
we'll start things off with the last supper of 2013: A four-course
dinner presented by Body Actualized and Intuitive Catering, soundtracked
by Deep Trouble. All ingredients sourced from Beyond Organic Farmers at
Union Square Farmer's Market. After that, dance vibrations begin with
Deep Trouble DJs at 10p. Midnight champagne toast. And roll from there
with guest DJ Tom Noble. Late dance vibrations by Deep Trouble. Visuals
by Alice Cohen and Ivy Meadows.
Body Actualized Center
143 Troutman Street, Brooklyn
7p; $45 dinner and dance, $20 just the dance
eventbrite.com/e/deep-trouble-new-years-eve-at-body-actualized-tickets-9760200021
***** Also on NEW YEAR'S EVE *****
New Year Carnival at Wherehouse
Hue-Mans Don't Race is a group of angels/ aliens/ guides who have been
sent by the universe to save Hue-manity. We shed the light in which
hue-mans find their hue. Providing palette space for colors to be
dipped/ blessed in hue causing a color trail to stain and sustain the
grounds of life. This space we call Fred's Warehouse is our holy canvas
where all who dance in are blessed with the light of magic. Here the
human race are transformed to Hue-Mans That Don't Race. After descending
from our happening, the hue will follow you to shine others with light
causing a domino effect of color.
Activities: spray paint open wall, swings, tarot reading, body
painting, light tricks, parachute, private teepees, and spontaneous
improv. Performance and visual art: aerial/contortion stunts,
bellydancing, visual array projections, orbing and hooping, living a
painting creation, and interactive sand mandala. DJs and Live bands:
Rumblefilthskin, Songsten, Beechwood, Dub Caps, Ex Astra, Okestura,
Cartomancy, and Dead Hounds.
210 Paterson Plank Road, Union City, NJ
9p-6a; $10
facebook.com/events/557871147633439/?ref=br_tf
***** Also on NEW YEAR'S EVE *****
Le Chat Noir Masquerade Ball
For one night only, We'd like to invite you on a special journey. From
the cobblestone streets of Montmartre at the turn of 20th century Paris
through the back roads of old Europe in a little gypsy caravan, and out
into the assorted corners of the world. The night will have it all -
glorious vaudeville and world music DJs, a gypsy-cabaret live band and
gorgeous burlesque dancers, dancing and merry times. Jubilant, whimsical
and deranged, life is a cabaret, my friends -- celebrate it with us on
New Year's Eve. Costumes strongly encouraged. With Amour Obscur live, DJ
Spinach, DJ Earthian, and burlesque dancers.
Drom
85 Avenue A, Brooklyn
8p doors, 9p show; $30-50
dromnyc.com/events/2921/new-years-eve-at-drom-le-chat-noir-masquerade-ball#.Urd0Do3g6mG
***** Also on NEW YEAR'S EVE *****
Pratt Steam Whistles
makezine.com/2008/03/04/steam-whistles-pratt-inst/
***** Also on NEW YEAR'S EVE *****
4ShortDudes presents:
Notorious NYE
A LGBTQ New Year's Eve event. Let's start this year off cute: Dancing,
cruising, and boozing. Your hosts: Topher Gross, Nicky Cutler, Jo
Collura, and Rocco Katastrophe. Plus DJ Jo Collura, with special guest
DJs J Lamar Wright and Abdullah Saeed. Photos all night by Grace Chu.
Loki Lounge
304 5th Avenue, at 2nd Street, Brooklyn
10p; $15 pre-sale, $20 at the door
notoriousnye.brownpapertickets.com/
***** Also on NEW YEAR'S EVE *****
The Vinyl Countdown
Celebrate the New Year by digging through the crates. It's New Years
Eve and you want to go out, but you really want to find a place with no
lines, no outrageous cover, no disgustingly drunk people, and great
music. Celebrate the New Year by digging through the crates. With a
Undakova performances, resolution board, rooftop, vinyl madness, and
soul train line.
Alphabet City Sanctuary
638 East Sixth Street, between Avenue B and C, Manhattan
8p doors, 10p performances, 1a soul train; $20, or $free with RSVP
facebook.com/events/444779732288490/
XXXXX NEW YEAR'S DAY XXXXX
The 40th Annual New Year's Day Marathon Reading
There are three things to consider when the New Year’s Day Poetry
Marathon sweeps you into its gracefully uncouth embrace -- what it is,
what it was, and who you will be when it’s over. An untamed gathering of
the heart’s secret, wild nobility -- over 140 poets together revealing
not just that a better life could exist, but that it already does, sexy
and wise, rancorous and sweet, big hearted and mad as hell. The Marathon
measures its success through insurrectionist reframings of the
universe, an in-it-together courage that crafts a community out of the
riot of lineages and traditions we all emerge from. This collective
effort also helps fund as many as 85 additional events every year. It’s
our largest fundraiser of the year, and arguably the most inspired
ongoing literary event in the city.
This is the 40th anniversary of the New Year’s Day Poetry Marathon. We
have a lot of bonuses in the works to commemorate the occasion: Sean
Cole, independent producer for public radio, will emcee the 7-10p hours
of the event; there will be a raffle for desirable items from the Poetry
Project’s collection; plus we’ll reveal a series of three special
edition Project tote bags made by three different design students at
Parsons. They did great work for this.
131 East 10th Street, Manhattan
2p-midnight; $20
brownpapertickets.com/event/521827
***** Also on NEW YEAR'S DAY *****
Coney Island Circus Sideshow
They're here, they're real, they're alive, and you can see them
performing on New Year's Day after the Polar Bear Swim. The World Famous
Coney Island Circus Sideshow will perform continuously at Sideshows by
the Seashore.
New Year's Day cast: Ray Valenz, Princess Pat, Rush Aaron Hicks, Adam Realman, Scott Baker, and Betty Bloomerz.
Sideshows by the Seashore
208 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn
2-6p; $10 adults, $5 kids
***** Also on NEW YEAR'S DAY *****
Coney Island Polar Bear Club Annual New Year’s Day Swim
Bring warm clothes, surf boots or old sneakers, towels, and definitely
bring your camera. The NYC Parks Department provides changing facilities
on the Boardwalk at Stillwell Avenue.
Assemble on the Boardwalk at Stillwell Avenue, Coney Island
1p sharp; $20 suggested donation to Camp Sunshine
polarbearclub.org
***** Also on NEW YEAR'S DAY *****
HiChristina Fifth Annual Love Corners
New Year's Eve is so celebrated, but what happens the next day?
HiChristina has the answer, with the youngest New Year's Day tradition.
Wake up sometime in the afternoon (say 3p), put on something red (a hat
or fingernail polish or scarf or something), walk outside to a sunny
street corner, and project love. There you have it. That's what
HiChristina's 5th Annual Love Corners is all about. This year it's the
corner of 23rd and Broadway in Manhattan on the sunny side of the
street, at 3:30p.
Not only are you projecting love, so are people in from Uzebekistan to
Auckland. Love corners is simultaneous and worldwide (like the
internet). Unlike the internet it's a person-to-person connection all
the way. Stand still. Take a deep breath. Relax. Open your eyes. And
boom: Projecting Love. You'll know your compatriots by the red they
wear. Stay on the corner for a bit. Feel it. Hold hands.
Last year someone showed up with 100 red balloons, and the year before
there was a giant panda suit and a homemade electronic instrument! You
never know what the new year brings. Afterwards, grab a cup of tea or
stroll in the park with your newfound friends. If you or someone takes a
picture or video send it to us.
23rd and Broadway, sunny side of the street, Manhattan
3:30-4:30p; $free
fritzandchristina]at]gmail.com or thehichristina on instagram
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events, strange happenings, unique parties, and senseless culture in new
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