If it's hot, we're hot after it.

Click here for the New York Cool July Edition!

Check this page often; New York Cool publishes something every day. And for something to do tonight, be sure to check out our Listings (see index column on far left of each page).

July 5, 2008

Eugene Hütz of Gogol Bordello
Photo Credit Amy Davidson

Just Published: Read John Hashop's article and see Amy Davidson's photographs of the Gogol Bordello Show at McCarren Pool.

Here is a fun event for today:

Here is another fun event for today:

Folks on the Island: An American Folk Music Festival
Saturdays, July 5th - August 2nd, 2008. Concerts start at 1:30 PM
Governors Island, New York City

Summer ‘08, Trinity Wall Street presents Folks on the Island, An American Folk Music Festival, on Governors Island, five Saturdays, July 5 – August 2, 2008, 1:30 PM. This year’s concert series explores traditional folk music and delves deeper into the American musical landscape with the inclusion of blues, bluegrass, and country western. Featured artists include Janis Ian (July 5), Slaid Cleaves (July 12), Bearfoot (July 19), Eric Bibb (July 26), and Ronny Cox (August 2). The Concerts and ferry service to Governors Island are free and open to the public. Concerts take place on Governors Island at Colonel’s Row beginning at 1:30 p.m. Free ferries to Governors Island leave every hour, on the hour, starting at 10 a.m. from the Battery Maritime Building in lower Manhattan, adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry.

For travel directions and more information, visit www.folksontheisland.com.

And one more fun event for today:

Made Event presents Armin Van Buuren
McCarren Pool
July 5th - 4pm - 10pm

Made Event presents DJ Mag's #1 DJ in the world Armin van Buuren at Brooklyn's outdoor mega-venue McCarren Park Pool for a solo DJ concert this summer on Saturday, July 5th. Armin van Buuren returns to NYC on the heels of his hotly anticipated third artist album IMAGINE out now on Ultra Records. The album is a testament to his ongoing transition from producer to fully-fledged artist, and is the perfect amalgamation of beats and electronica with lush chords and songwriting.
Join us as NYC's premiere electronic dance music event promotions company Made Event presents a full-scale production with customized Integral Sound, along with spectacular lasers & lighting effects at this unique landmark outdoor concert venue for the most memorable fresh air DJ experience of the summer!

McCarren Pool is located at Lorimer Street
between Driggs Avenue & Bayard Street - Williamsburg, Brooklyn
ALL AGES
Event Info 917.723.9381
www.made-event.com

July 4, 2008

Happy Fourth of July from everyone at New York Cool!!

Things to do for the Fourth:

Photo Credit Wendy R. Williams

Attend the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island.

Watch the Macy's Fourth of July Fire Works Display at 9PM tonight.

Mary-Kate Olsen and Ben Kingsley
The Wackness

Read Noelle Ashley's review of the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival selection, Jonathan Levine's The Wackness. The Wackness opens today, July 4, 2008.

Here is a cool club event for tonight:

Psycheground presents: The 100th Party Celebration w/ DJ Konflux
Friday July 4th 10pm-4am
Sullivan Room

Psycheground, the only psychedelic trance weekly party in NYC
celebrates its 100th party at Sullivan Room. Residents Luis Campos and
Brandon Adams welcome for the first time in NYC, DJ's Wichdokta and a
special live set by Konflux

Flyer: http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n237/foambox/7-4.jpg

21+, $20 cover
http://www.sullivanroom.com
http://www.myspace.com/psycheground

Sullivan Room |218 Sullivan St. (btwn Bleecker & W 3rd)
New York, NY 10012

July 3, 2008

Hunter Thompson

Just Published: Read my review of the documentary film, Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson, and my interview with the filmmaker, Alex Gibney. Gonzo opens on Friday, July 4, 2008.

July 2, 2008

Here is an interesting event for today:

The Liar Show: Special Author Edition
Wednesday, July 2. 12:30 – 2:00 pm
Bryant Park Reading Room

Join Andy Christie, creator of the ever-so-popular The Liar Show, for a special author edition of the critically acclaimed series. Four performers tell personal stories that will make you laugh, but listen carefully, because only three of them are telling the truth. The fourth is making it all up. After the stories have been told, all four performers return to the stage and defend their stories while the audience rakes them over the coals with a fact-finding question and answer session, refereed by the host. Each audience member casts a ballot and when the Liar is revealed, the perceptive geniuses who have guessed correctly walk away with a prize T-shirt amid a bitter chorus of "Congratulations, Einstein," from the empty-handed losers. This free edition of the show will feature Alix Strauss, Eve Lederman, Ophira Eisenberg and James Braly.

For more information visit the website at www.theliarshow.com

Bryant Park Reading Room | 42nd St between 5th and 6th Ave
212-768-4242

July 1, 2008

Here is a fun event for tonight:

Terranova Presents
Tongue-in Paint
Written & Performed by Moana Niumeitolu
Performance-Painting-Storytelling
Tuesday, July 1 at 7pm
Wednesday, July 2 at 7pm
PS 122

Tongue-in Paint is a vibrant, colorful mixture of painting and performance, where a palette of 13 assorted characters interwoven with song, food, dance, poetry—and painting!—to tell a story of being born in Tonga, raised Mormon in Utah, and coming to NYC to fulfill the dream of being an Artist.

World Premiere Running Time: 75 minutes

Tickets: $20 general admission, $15 students/seniors, $10 PS122 members

PS 122| 150 First Avenue

www.ps122.org

June 30, 2008

Peter Tolan's
Finding Amanda

Quick Tip: I just saw a great movie, Peter Tolan's Finding Amanda. It features an amazing turn by young Brittany Snow (I mean, who new?) as a twenty-year-old pimped-up Las Vegas prostitute. It also features Matthew Broderick as her gambling-drug-and-alcohol-addicted uncle who comes to Vegas to convince her to enter rehab. Finding Amanda is playing in New York City at the Two Boots Pioneer Theater, City Cinemas Village East, AMC Loews Village 7, Anthology Film Archives and Landmark's Sunshine Cinema.

Here is a fun event for tonight:

Tom Swirly's Psych-o-delic Circus
Every Monday Night @ 8PM
Cave Canem

Turn on the microRave! Tom Swirly's Psych-o-delic Circus is live with avant-garde music, dance, and performance in New York's East Village, every Monday night. The Circus begins in the dark. Tom Swirly takes the stage, tattered lab coat trailing, coaxing slow the music is foreboding and disorienting. The lights start to flash and glow, Jeremy Weirdos joins in and triggers samples from the Three Stooges. Then the powerful voice of Tom Swirly's Electro-Acoustical Wind Instrument hammers out a driving beat; he grabs a loop, sings over it with layers of angelic and demonic voices. This is the dancers' cue: they emerge from the corners, slowly feeling for the rhythm, getting more wired till they climb all over the stage. More acts; some noisy, some beautiful, some energetic. The dancers adapt, gain strength, form arabesques. The lights rise to a climax: a strobe! the audience goes wild.

Admission is $5.00
www.myspace.com/TomSwirly

Cave Canem | 24 First Avenue ( under Lucky Cheng's)
between First & Second Streets

June 29, 2008

Joey Kramer, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith
© Janet Mayer / PR Photos

Check out our newly updated Celebrities Out and About in New York City.

Here is a cool event for tonight:

Canal Room Presents
Ten out of Tenn
July 29th, 2008 7pm doors 7:30 show
Canal Room

Featuring: Trent Dabbs, Erin McCarley, Matthew Perryman Jones, Katie Herzig, Andy Davis, Tyler James, Butterfly Boucher, Jeremy Lister, Griffin House, ks Rhoads
$12 adv $15 door www.canalroomlive.com

Canal Room | 285 W. Broadway@Canal St.

June 28, 2008

Josh Lucas and David Strathairn
Photo Credit Wendy R. Williams

Just Published: Read my interview with Peter Askin, Christopher Trumbo, Josh Lucas and David Strathairn of Trumbo, the documentary film about Dalton Trumbo, one of the Hollywood Ten who was ostracized for refusing to "name names" to Senator Joseph McCarthy's House Un-American Activities Committee. Trumbo opened on Friday, June 27, 2008.

Here is a fun event for tonight:

Rooftop Films
Sat, July 26
On the roof of The Old American Can Factory (Gowanus)

In a Dream (Jeremiah Zagar | Philadelphia, PA) New York Premiere Feature Documentary - When the filmmaker set out to put together a documentary about the legendary mosaics his father pieces together, he didn’t mean to take his family apart. An eye-popping and heart-wrenching documentary about art and love.
For more information, log onto: rooftopfilms.com

The Old American Can Factory | 232 3rd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215
See Map

June 27, 2008

Just Published: Read Frank J. Avella's review of Timor Bekmambetov’s
Wanted, which opens Friday, June 27, 2008.

Just Published: Read my review of Peter Askin's documentary film, Trumbo, which opens today, Friday, June 27, 2008. Trumbo tells the story of Hollywood screen writer Dalton Trumbo, a member of the Hollywood Ten who went to prison for refusing to name names to Senator Joseph McCarthy's House Un-American Activities Committee.

Check back tomorrow for my interview with Josh Lucas, David Strathairn, Christopher Trumbo and Peter Askin.

Here is an interesting event for tonight:

Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad
Friday June 27. 10 PM - Late
Sullivan Hall

On Friday June 27th, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad perform at Sullivan Hall. The six-piece roots reggae, dub, afrobeat band plays more than 35 shows on their summer US tour. Impeccable musicianship and an explosive live show have gained GPGDS widespread acclaim. Special guest Rubblebucket open the show, then Giant Panda hits at 11:30 PM. For music and tour dates visit: www.myspace.com/giantpandadub.

Tickets $10. Ages 18+. For more information visit
www.sullivanhallnyc.com

Sullivan Hall | 214 Sullivan St
(btwn Bleecker & W 3rd St)

June 26, 2008

Here is an interesting event for tonight:

Ladies Lindemans Beer Tasting
Thursday, June 26, 2008 7 PM- 9 PM
Village Pourhouse

Village Pourhouse calls upon beer loving ladies only for our very first Ladies Lindemans Tasting. Join us for a girl's night out of tasting every fruit beer that Lindemans has to offer. The romantic yet mysterious wild-fermented fruit beers of Belgium's Flanders are not only among the world's rarest beers, but among the most delectable. Come taste Pomme, Framboise, Peche and more! Dessert will be served at the end of the tasting. This event is 21+. Please see http://newyork.going.com/lindemans for more details.

Tickets $25 per person

Village Pourhouse | 64 Third Ave & 11th St
New York, NY 10003

June 25, 2008

Ports 1961 Resort Collection
Photo Courtesy of Ports 1961

Just Published: Read Jamie Sharpe's article about the Ports 1961 Resort Collection Fashion Show.

June 24, 2008

Wire
Photo Credit Amy Davidson

Just Published: Read Amy Davidson and Phil Gordon's article and see Amy Davidson's photographs of American Express' River To River Music Festival at the South Street Seaport on May 30, 2008 with Die Die Die opening for Wire.

Here is an interesting event for tonight:

ENSEMBLE STUDIO THEATRE 30TH MARATHON BENEFIT DINNER GALA
HONORING JERRY ZAKS AND JERRY SAVIOLA
TUESDAY JUNE 24TH
PLAYERS CLUB

Performers/Speakers to Include Barbara Andres, Andre Bishop, Walter Bobbie, Ray DeMattis, Jack Viertel, Christopher Durang, Jill Eikenberry, Jules Feiffer, John Christopher Jones, Kendrick Jones, Ilene Kristen, Grant Shaud, and Michael Tucker, among many others

ENSEMBLE STUDIO THEATRE (William Carden, Artistic Director, Paul Alexander Slee, Executive Director is celebrating a milestone – this spring marks their 30th Marathon of One-Act Plays – and the occasion will be celebrated with a gala Benefit Dinner in honor of distinguished E.S.T. member Jerry Zaks and outstanding corporate leader Jerry Saviola. The Benefit Dinner will be held Tuesday, June 24th at the Players Club (16 Gramercy Park).

To participate in this special evening in honor of Mr. Zaks and Mr. Saviola visit www.ensemblestudiotheatre.org or call 212/247-4982.

Players Club| 16 Gramercy Park

Here is another interesting event for tonight:

Art.to.Choke.Hearts Free Party- Boston to NYC
Tuesday, June 24, 8 pm - 1 am
Otto's Shrunken Head

Cash In/Check Out brings his hollered poetry stylings from Boston to NYC for a one-night-only demonstration of Acoustic-Hardcore. Currently on Boston based Polk Records and represented by Art.to.Choke.Hearts, Cash In/Check Out is a bluesy, guttural muscle flexed atop bone-dry honesty and dubbed 'the ultimate Meat Puppets/Dead Milkmen deathmatch - unplugged' by Noise magazine. Alongside NYC familiar faces, Tara, and Undead Poet's Society, this evening will prove to be a learning experience in sound and art.
For more leads visit myspace.com/CASHinCHECKout or call him yourself! at 617.821.8342. Suckerpunch the summer with art.

Free! + myspace.com/CASHinCHECKout + CASHinCHECKout@yahoo.com

Otto's Shrunken Head | 538 East 14th

June 23, 2008

George Carlin
© Lee Roth / RothStock / PR Photos

Hot Off the Press: I just received a Breaking News Alert from the New York Times stating that George Carlin died yesterday, Sunday, June 22, 2008. Rest in peace to a wonderful comedian who always make me laugh.

Natasha Arthy's Fighter

Just Published: Read Julia Sirmon's review of the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival Selection Natasha Arthy's Fighter.

James Westby's The Auteur

Also Just Published: Read Julia Sirmon's review of the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival Selection James Westby's The Auteur.

Julian Schnabel's Lou Reed's Berlin

And Also Just Published: Read Julia Sirmon's review of the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival Selection Julian Schnabel's Lou Reed's Berlin.

Tomas Alfredson's Let the Right One In

And Also Just Published: Read Julia Sirmon's review of the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival Selection Tomas Alfredson's Let the Right One In.

June 22, 2008

Rihanna
© Janet Mayer / PR Photos

Check our our newly updated Celebrities Out and about in New York City for photos of Rihanna, Heidi Klum, Boyz II Men, Brittany Snow, Whoopi Goldberg, Stephen Colbert etc. etc.

June 21, 2008

Here is a fun event for today:

Photo Credit Eli Ceballos

Today is the Annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade. The Parade starts at 2PM at West 10th and Broadway, Coney Island. It doesn't cost a thing (except whatever you spend on beer and hot dogs). Click here for our coverage of previous parades:

2007/July/feature_coney_island.htm

2007/July/new-york-stories_coney_island_mermaid_parade.htm

July2004/nightlife_5.html

And while you are there, check out The Melting Pot Dancefest at the Pavillion.

And here is a fun event for tonight:

The Return of Rococo: A Baroque Bash
Saturday, June 21 - 9pm
teneleven

The extravagance of 1770 rococo Paris meets the eclecticism of 2008 underground NYC nightlife. Think Amadeus, Marie Antoinette, the Marquis de Sade, etc... Champagne, chandeliers, powdered wigs, powdered faces, and big hair will all abound in the most baroque ball since the guillotine came down!

It's Free! Come in costume or Come as you are.

Featured Acts include: Nouveau-Baroque music and live art by:Snazz Mammoth(www.myspace.com/matthewloganmusic), The Human Floor (www.myspace.com/thehumanfloor) & (www.viciousvaudeville.com), Burlesque by Gerica Molotov (www.myspace.com/headbitchincharge29), Contortion and Escape Artistry by Jared the Conjurer (www.myspace.com/jaredtheconjurer) & (www.viciousvaudeville.com), Juggling by Kathryn SanDomenico (www.myspace.com/katysandomenico), and w/ an Appearance by: Earthwalker

For more information: www.myspace.com/matthewloganmusic www.myspace.com/snazzmammoth

teneleven|1 171 Avenue C (btw. 10th and 11th Streets), East Village

June 20, 2008

Just Published: Read Julia Sirmon's review of Ivan O'Mahoney and Laura Winter's Bagdad High, a Tribeca Film Festival selection.

Opening Today: Guido Santi & Tina Mascara’s Chris & Don: a love story. Frank J. Avella reviewed the film at the Newfest Film Festival.

Here is a fun event for tonight:

June 19, 2008

Gary Hadad . Untitled (girl with wings) . cibachrome print . 20" x 24"
Photo Courtesy of Metaphor Cohtemporary Art

Just Published: Read Mindy Hyman's article about the Back to the Garden Exhibit which will run through July 20th at Metaphor Contemporary Art in Brooklyn.

June 18, 2008

Just Published: Read Adam Ritter's review of The Incredible Hulk, which opened Friday, June 13, 2008.

June 17, 2008

Miss USA Crystle Stewart , Richard Turley & Gillian Miniter
Photo Credit Patrick McMullen

Just Published: Read my article about the 15th Annual El Museo del Barrio
Ball at Cipriani on 42nd Street A Quinceañero Themed Ball.

June 16, 2008

Paulo Szot, Patti LuPone, Deanna Dunagan and Mark Rylance
© Sylvain Gaboury / PR Photos

Just Published: My June Theater Column with coverage of last night's Tony Awards and the off-Broadway sensation Jump.

Michelle Trachtenberg
© Anthony G. Moore / PR Photos

Also Just Published: Read Kim Weling's article about the Gen Art Party Hosted by Michelle Trachtenberg at Soho's Sunglass Hut.

Also Just Published: Read Lauren Possee's review of the Moma film selection Pere Portabela's Warsaw Bridge which is playing at MoMA through June 19, 2008.

June 15, 2008

Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag
© Janet Mayer / PR Photos

Just Updated: Check out our recently updated Celebrities Out and About in New York City. for photos of The Happening premiere, Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag, Mischa Barton, Alicia Keyes and The Jonas Brothers.

And here is a fun event for tonight:

Joey Arias and Basil Twist
"Arias With a Twist"
Wednesday & Thursday @ 9:00 pm
Friday & Saturday @ 9:00 pm & 12:00 midnight
Sunday @ 8:00 pm
June 12 - July 13
HERE Arts Center

Two treasures unleash their epic imaginations and creative forces to conjure an intimate modern fantasy. Basil Twist's signature sights and innovative puppetry unite with Joey Arias' legendary voice to transport audiences to unpredictable worlds, channeling ecstatic desires, lavish nightmares and bizarre premonitions. A feast for the senses centering on original songs and reinventions of popular
favorites, this production marks a long-awaited return to the New York stage for Joey Arias following a triumphant six-year run in Cirque du Soleil's "Zumanity" in Las Vegas, with Basil Twist staging the visual magic for which he is widely acclaimed. "Arias with a Twist" is a bejeweled cabinet of curiosities that could only be found in one of downtown's last enclaves for bohemian New York style. More info: here.org

Tickets are $35; specially designated seating is available for $50.
Student/Rush tickets are available for $20 (available for a 15-minute
period, 1/2 hour before curtain).

Tickets can be purchased online at www.here.org, by phone at (212)
352-3101 or at the HERE Box Office (open 4:00 pm until curtain on show
days).

HERE Arts Center | 145 Sixth Avenue
(Between Spring & Broome; entrance on Dominick)
New York, NY 10013

June 14, 2008

James Bolton's
Dream Boy

Just Published: Read Frank J. Avella's eighth Newfest Film Festival review of James Bolton's Dream Boy. Newfest runs through June 15, 2008. For more information about New Fest, log onto: newfest.org. Also be sure to read Frank's Newfest Feature Story and his other Newfest Film Reviews.

Here is a fun event for tonight:

AIN'T NUTHIN BUT A HOUSE PARTY
Saturday June 14th, 2008
Union Square Ballroom

Join all of your fellow ... music lovers, dancers and soulful house heads for another installment of the PARTY everyone is talking about @ the Union Square Ballroom

Aint Nuthin But A House Party ... Presents...
A SATURDAY NIGHT HOUSE PARTY ...
with ANBAHP RESIDENT DJ's: Marlon D. & Jellybean Benitez
Hosted By: Robbi & Evelyn Santos
The vibe begins @ 10pm ... until
Set Times
10 pm until 6 am - Marlon D. & Jellybean Benitez
General Admission: $ 20
ANBAHP Members: $ 10
ANBAHP members are free b4 midnight

Union Square Ballroom| 27 Union Square West

June 14, 2008

Esther Nash
Photo Credit Eliette Pascal

Just Published: Read Francesca Simon's interview with fashion designer Esther Nash of Sex and the City fashion design fame.

As part of my campaign to feature a little bit of something for every persuasion, I proudly present:

National Pigeon Day - an education phenomenon
Friday, June 13 4 - 8 pm
Pilgrim Hill in Central Park

Guest Speakers:

Deacon Joseph Dwyer (Cheri Ami - The Hero Pigeon)
Karen Davis, Ph.D., President, United Poultry Concerns
Valerie Sicignano, East Coast Director, In Defense of Animals
Additional speakers will be announced at a later date.

Speeches, materials distribution, candlelight prayer service and pigeon shaped cookies. Learn how carrier pigeons Cher Ami and GI Joe saved the lives of more than 1,000 men in wartime. Become part of Project Pigeon Watch and have fun learning about our fascinating NYC residents.

Information: peopleforpigeons@yahoo.com; 212-369-1293
Blog: www.nationalpigeonday.com

Pilgrim Hill in Central Park New York, NY
Enter on 5th Avenue @ E. 72nd Street

June 12, 2008

Here is something really campy and fun for those of you who can make it out to Coney Island:

BLUE SUEDE JEWS: A King-Sized Evening of Semitic Entertainment
Thursday June 12th @ 10:00pm
Burlesque at the Beach: 1208 Surf Avenue, Coney Island, NY

Chosen variety entertainment with a rockin' twist comes to Coney Island with an all-star, all-Kosher cast to Burlesque at the Beach for their unique tribute to Elvis Presley, Blue Suede Jews.

The King gets Kosher when New York's premiere Jewish burlesque and variety performers shake, rattle, and roll their way through everything Elvis. Inspired by every Elvis incarnation from Sun Records to the Vegas years; the evening promises to make audiences stop, look and listen with sideshow thrills, striptease skills and a song or two along the way. One part Borscht Belt, one part Memphis Mafia; the cast includes:One part Borscht Belt, one part Memphis Mafia; the cast includes: Lady Aye, Minnie Tonka, Darlinda Just Darlinda, Jonny Porkpie, Precious Little, Bastard Keith, and Jelvis the Jewish Elvis. Hosted by Adam the First Real Man.

$10

Burlesque at the Beach | 1208 Surf Avenue, Coney Island, NY
http://www.coneyisland.com/burlesque.shtml

Gustav Hofer & Luca Ragazzi’s Suddenly,
Last Winter (Improvvisamente l’inverno scorso)

Also Just Published: Read Frank J. Avella's sixth Newfest Film Festival review of Gustav Hofer & Luca Ragazzi’s Suddenly, Last Winter (Improvvisamente l’inverno scorso). Newfest runs through June 15, 2008. For more information about New Fest, log onto: newfest.org. Also be sure to read Frank's Newfest Feature Story and his other Newfest Film Reviews.

June 11, 2008

2008 Puerto Rican Day Parade
Photo Credit Angelo Rivera

Just Published: See Angelos Rivera's photographs of the 2008 Puerto Rican Day Parade.

Yair Hochner's Antartica

Also Just Published: Read Frank J. Avella's sixth Newfest Film Festival review of Yair Hochner’s Antarctica. Newfest runs through June 15, 2008. For more information about New Fest, log onto: newfest.org. Also be sure to read Frank's Newfest Feature Story and his other Newfest Film Reviews.

Also Just Published: Read William S. Gooch's review of the Coffee Cup Theatre Company's production of Standing Clear, which is playing at the Access Theater Company through June 22, 2008.

June 10, 2008

Billy Zoom of X

Just Published: Read Joshua Williams article and see Amy Davidson's photographs of the X Show at the Filmore East.

June 9, 2008

Just Published: Read Frank J. Avella's aritcle about Newfest, The 20th Anniversay New York Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Film Festival and read his reviews of some of the films.

June 8, 2008

Slovenia Concert
Photo Credit Allison Lucas

Just Published: Read Mindy Hyman's article and see Allison Lucas' photographs of the Slovenia Concert at Town Hall.

Amber Valetta
© Wild1 / PR Photos

Check out our recently updated Celebrities Out and About in New York City for photographs of: Julia Roberts; Sandra Bullock; Ja Rule; Ashanti; Taylor Hicks; Rosario Dawson; Denzel Washington; Former Vice President Albert Gore; and all of the fashion designers and celebrities at the Council of Fashion Desginers Awards Gala at the New York Public Library.

Here is an interesting event for tonight:

SUNDAYS AT SEVEN @ THE IRISH ARTS CENTER
June 8 @ 7:00 PM
Irish Arts Center

Sundays at Seven has hosted some of New York's best comics and musicians on the second Sunday of every month! Producers Ann Design and Fiona Walsh assemble comedy's rising stars, including performers from The Sopranos, Comedy Central, David Letterman, Conan O'Brien, as well as overseas performers.

The season close out features:
Andy Pitz
Christian Finnegan
Kambri Crews
Ellen Karis
Leah Dubie
Music by Enda Keegan

$10 General Sale/ $8 Irish Arts Center members. Get your tickets at the door!

Irish Arts Center | 553 West 51st Street
New York, NY 10019

Political Talk: For those of you who may have missed the speech, The Washington Post has indepth coverage of Senator Hillary Clinton's speech yesterday where she endored Senatroa Barack Obam for President of the United States. See this quote: ""We may have started on separate journeys, but today our paths have merged."

I was (am) a Clinton supporter but totally agree with what Clinton said in her speech yesterday: "When you hear people saying, or think to yourself, 'if only' or 'what if,' I say -- please don't go there," Clinton said. "Every moment wasted looking back keeps us from moving forward."

She continued: "Life is too short, time is too precious, and the stakes are too high to dwell on what might have been. We have to work together for what still can be. And that is why I will work my heart out to make sure that Senator Obama is our next president, and I hope and pray that all of you will join me in that effort."

Senator Barack Obama
© Erik Kabik / PR Photos

Wendy: Our country simply cannot afford another four years of a Republican administration. We must get out of this war honorably, start balancing our checkbook, fix the health care system and restore our reputation abroad. So Go Obama! Onward to November!

June 7, 2008

Just Published: My interview with Sergei Bodrov, the director of Mongol which opened yesterday, June 6, 2008.

Here is an interesting exhibit for today:

Here is another interesting event for today:

New Design High School presents
KRUSH GROOVE 2008
FUNDRAISE THE ROOF!
Saturday, June 7, 2008 1:00pm - 11:00pm

Krush Groove 2008 is a benefit for New Design High School art integration programs. Krush Groove will combine music, art, dance, food and film to create an outdoor community festival on our very own city block rooftop.

The New Design High School (NDHS) is a small academic high school that serves the varied needs of students from all over New York City . Located on the lower east side of Manhattan , NDHS offers students rigorous and literacy-based instruction. Additionally, we utilize the design process to teach creation, revision, and presentation in many areas. Our student-centered model of education supports the intellectual, social, emotional and artistic growth of each student. Through a commitment to the visual and design arts students develop the imaginative, creative and intellectual capacities to question, think deeply, take risks and express their ideas.

Hosted by: Fab 5 Freddy & M'tume Gant
Special Performances by: Andrew Thompson, Ase Dance Company, Kahlil Almustafa, Julia Ahumada Grob, New Design Music Production Students and many more.....

Dance Party Sounds by: Dj Chela, Dj Cato, Scientific, Gaslamp Killah, Dj Rabbi Darkside and New Design Turntablists!

Live Mural Art Wokshops! Live Screen Printing by Fresthetic & 1 Soul Designs! Food and beverages by Twilight Cafe!

Open Road Skate park open from 1:30-3:30pm!

Rooftop Movie Theatre sponsored by Rooftop Films
Short films by Clenched Fist Productions, NDHS Film Students & other awesome independent filmmakers! For more info check out www.rooftopfilms.com

Admission: $5 for youth with school ID $15 -$25 sliding scale admission donation! All proceeds of the event benefit New Design High School Art integration programs.

In honor of the event, your participation and all of our sponsors hard work and dedication we would like to invite you to the KRUSH GROOVE AFTER-PARTY for the 21+ and over: NO COVER CHARGE!

Gallery Bar is located at 120 Orchard Street at Delancey.
No cover charge 21+ over with ID
All proceeds will benefit New Design High School Art Integration Programs!

New Design High School| 350 Grand Street
Between Essex and Ludlow

June 6, 2008

Here is a fun event for late tonight:

Here is an fun event for tonight:

Rattrap Bumpkin
Friday June 6th, 2008 @ 10PM
Connolly's Klub 45 - Third Floor

Check out their sound on myspace:
www.myspace.com/rattrapbumpkin
Cost: $10
Age: 21+

Connolly's Klub 45| 121 west 45th St
(btw 6th ave and Broadway)

Tadanobu Asano and Khulan Chuluun in Mongol
Photo Credit Alexander Zabrin

Just Published: Read my review of Sergei Bodrov's film Mongol, which tells the story of the early years of Genghis Kahn. Mongol opens today, June, 6, 2008 at the Landmark's Sunshine Cinema at 143 East Houston Street, New York and the Lincoln Plaza Cinemas, Broadway Between 62nd and 63rd, New York.

Here is another fun event for tonight:

Rooftop Films' Opening Night "This is What We Mean by Short Films"
Friday, June 6th. 8PM-Late
The Open Road Rooftop Project at New Design High School

Every year, Rooftop Films kicks off the summer with a program of short films that represent the very best work being done all over the world. Usually organized
around a theme, these shorts include world premieres, new works by long-time professionals and first time amateur filmmakers, and festival award winners from
across the globe. Pre-Show Music: Sound Fix presents Dirty on Purpose. After Party at Fontanas. For more information visit: www.rooftopfilms.com

Tickets $8. For tickets visit www.going.com

The Open Road Rooftop Project at New Design High
School (LES) 350 Grand Street between Essex and Ludlow

June 5, 2008

Senator Hillary Clinton
© Janet Mayer / PR Photos

Political Talk: I just received this email from the Hillary Clinton Campaign:

"I wanted you to be one of the first to know: on Saturday, I will hold an event in Washington D.C. to thank everyone who has supported my campaign. Over the course of the last 16 months, I have been privileged and touched to witness the incredible dedication and sacrifice of so many people working for our campaign. Every minute you put into helping us win, every dollar you gave to keep up the fight meant more to me than I can ever possibly tell you.

On Saturday, I will extend my congratulations to Senator Obama and my support for his candidacy. This has been a long and hard-fought campaign, but as I have always said, my differences with Senator Obama are small compared to the differences we have with Senator McCain and the Republicans.

I have said throughout the campaign that I would strongly support Senator Obama if he were the Democratic Party's nominee, and I intend to deliver on that promise.

When I decided to run for president, I knew exactly why I was getting into this race: to work hard every day for the millions of Americans who need a voice in the White House.

I made you -- and everyone who supported me -- a promise: to stand up for our shared values and to never back down. I'm going to keep that promise today, tomorrow, and for the rest of my life.

I will be speaking on Saturday about how together we can rally the party behind Senator Obama. The stakes are too high and the task before us too important to do otherwise.

I know as I continue my lifelong work for a stronger America and a better world, I will turn to you for the support, the strength, and the commitment that you have shown me in the past 16 months. And I will always keep faith with the issues and causes that are important to you.

In the past few days, you have shown that support once again with hundreds of thousands of messages to the campaign, and again, I am touched by your thoughtfulness and kindness.

I can never possibly express my gratitude, so let me say simply, thank you.

Sincerely,

Hillary Rodham Clinton"

Senator Clinton fought a courageous battle to win the Democratic nomination for President of the United States, winning my heart and my support. But she had a formidable and oustanding opponent in Senator Barack Obama and as Senator Clinton just said, "my differences with Senator Obama are small compared to the differences we have with Senator McCain and the Republicans."

Agreed!

Senator Barack Obama
© Erik Kabik / PR Photos

Now is the time to unite behind a candidate who can go to Washington and make the changes that need to be made. So go Obama! We've got your back!

Liza Lentini

Just Published: Read Elias Stimac's interview with playwright Liza Lentini who has one play play currently running at PS122 and two plays in the line up for this summer's Fringe Festival.

June 4, 2008

Mrs. Eugenia Stinson
Mother of a Gun Shot Victim
Photo Credit Angelo Rivera

Just Published: Read my article and see Angelo Rivera's photographs of the Stop the Violence Press Conference held by community activists and mothers of some of the victims of the Marcus Garvey Park Memorial Day shootings.

June 3, 2008

Saved
Photo Credit Joan Marcus

Just Published: Read Frank J. Avella's review of the musical Saved, which opened today at Playwrights Horizons.

Bo Didley Poster at BB King's
Photo Credit Angelo Rivera

Rock legend Bo Didley died yesterday, June 2, 2008 (see article in the Washington Post). Didley made a powerful contribution to the world of rock music and in honor of his passing let's all sing out, "Heyyyyy, Bo Diddley."

Here is an interesting event for tonight:

June 2, 2008

STEiNUNN
Photo Credit Mary Blanco

Just Published: Read my article about and see Mary Blanco's photographs of the fashions of STEiNUNN.

Yves Saint Laurent
© Pixplanete / PR Photos

Fashion Designer Yves Saint Laurent died yesterday, June 1, 2008. He was seventy-one. There is a beautiful article in the Washington Post about Saint Laurent and his work titled "Apreciation - He Put a Swagger In Women's Steps." Rest in peace to a true artistic genius.

Senator Hillary Clinton
© Janet Mayer / PR Photos

Political Talk: Hillary Clinton won the Puerto Rican primary with a resounding victory. Senator Clinton says that she will stay in this race until the end of the primaries regardless of the hand wringing of all the (mostly male) Democratic political sages and the talking heads on 24-hour TV (who seem to intensely dislike her). If Clinton pulls this one off, it will be one for the history books and her courageous and relentless campaign will (and has) become a story that women can tell their daughters as they sit around the campfires of life.

To quote Sam in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy (the film): "It's like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo, the ones that really mattered......... Folks in those stories had lots of chances in turning back only they didn't. They kept going because they were holding onto something."

And regardless of who is the eventual Democratic nominee, Senator Barack Obama or Senator Hilllary Clinton, either one will be a more formidable candidate against McCain, becuase the winner has marched victorious through such a grueling campaign, a campaign where they both had a chance to show that he or she has the "right stuff."

June 1, 2008

Usher
© Janet Mayer / PR Photos

Just Updated: Check out our updated Celebrities Out and About in New York City for photos of Usher, the Sex and the City premiere, Jo Jo, Ashanti, and the American Idol "Davids."

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