Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Half of our top 10 shows this week will happen tonight and tomorrow, so we assume you may be pretty busy already. We are in the midst of a hurricane of announcements for new shows, as well, with Halloween, CMJ and even New Years Eve lineups rolling out. Keep your eyes peeled to Freewilliamsburg, My Social List and this column for updates about shows going on sale.

Tickets are still available for tonight’s show with Toro Y Moi, Ava Luna and Unknown Mortal Orchestra. You can also catch “The Big Four” – Metallica, Megadeath, Anthrax and Slayer – at Yankee Stadium; we hear that you may be able to exchange your first-born for good tickets.

We hope that you were able to get on the Vice RSVP list for tomorrow night’s Upfront Extravaganza with Rick Ross, A-Trak, Death From Above 1979, Tanlines and many more. The RSVP is now closed, and those who submitted will hear back today whether they made the cut. A good backup option is Glasslands with Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Hospitality, Blouse and Man/Miracle.

TOP 10 SHOWS FOR THE NEXT SEVEN DAYS

10. Caveman @ The Mercury Lounge w/ JPF
Thursday, September 15th at 9pm – 21+ $10 -> tickets

9. Javelin @ 285 Kent w/ Prince Rama and Amil Byleckie Band
Saturday, September 17th at 8pm – All Ages, $12 -> tickets at the door

8. Vivian Girls @ The Knitting Factory w/ Widowspeak and Amy Klein & the Blue Star Band
Tuesday, September 20th at 8pm – All Ages, $12 -> tickets

7. tUnE-yArDs @ (le) poisson rouge w/ The Suite Unraveling
Monday, September 19th at 8pm – All Ages, Sold Out

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Yep, that’s Gary Numan.

Death by Audio. Photo by Maximus Comissar

You know how there was that one time? That your friend dragged you to that random warehouse party you’re pretty sure was somewhere in Bushwick but can’t be positive because your recollection of how you got there or how you left is kind of hazy? But all you know is that when you were there there was a zip line, and maybe some fire eaters, and quite possibly a trailer? As we all know, Brooklyn is full of “underground” spaces like that — everything from night clubs to DIY classes to make-you-own-liquor factories. And as anyone who’s lived here long enough knows, these places are so transient once you’ve been to a place once you maybe have a 50-50 chance of ever finding it again.

Well one woman, long time Williamsburg resident Oriana Leckert, has taken it upon herself to chronicle them, one crazy space at a time. You should really check out her blog, Brooklyn Spaces, which chronicles the many many many creative ways Brooklynites are, well using their space. Full of gorgeous photos and in-depth profiles on the history of each space, her site will let you see what you’ve been missing, or maybe evern finally figure out the name of that place you stumbled into in a drunken late-night stupor.

We sat down with her to see what she’s seen, what she loves, and what her website is all about.

Breuckelen Distilling Co. Photo By Maximus Comissar

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Simply disgusting. On another note, who would have thought Blitzer had it in him to ask a tough question?

Cafe Esquina

There’s a slew of new openings in Williamsburg these days. Below, a round-up of the best of the best. Highlights of the openings include: Mexican tacos in a garden at Cafe Esquina, A Brooklyn outpost from the founders of Peels & Freemans, American Comfort food at a cozy tavern, and an Italian eatery from the owners of ‘ino, ‘inoteca, & Corsino.

Cafe De La Esquina: A SoHo favorite comes to Williamsburg in the old Relish space. This Brooklyn outpost is divided into two parts: a takeout taqueria in front, an outdoor garden and a classic diner with brown booths, and a candle-lit backroom for a more traditional dining experience. Over 100 sipping tequilas and mescals are offered. See the full listing here: http://www.freewilliamsburg.com/listings/cafe-de-la-esquina
Cafe De La Esquina: 225 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211.

Isa

Isa: Taavo Somer’s downtown Manhattan’s Peels and Freemans are well known in the city. He’s now opening his first Brooklyn eatery: Isa. Isa’s decor is warm and rustic, with plenty of exposed wood beams. The food is eclectic American and for now they’re BYOB. See the full listing here: http://www.freewilliamsburg.com/listings/isa
Isa: 348 Wythe St., Brooklyn, NY 11211.

Two Door Pizza

Two Door Tavern: This new comfort food spot has finally opened in Williamsburg. The tavern serves brunch, lunch, and dinner, in additional to a large selection of craft beers. The decor is cozy and was sourced from salvage yards in the Tri-state area. See the full listing here: http://www.freewilliamsburg.com/listings/two-door-tavern
Two Door Tavern: 116 N 5th St., Brooklyn, NY 11211.

Betto: Betto is a bi-level Italian restaurant from restaurateur James Denton (‘ino, ‘inoteca, Corsino) called Betto. Featuring a Greenmarket-heavy seasonal menu that, that focuses on Italian, Spanish, and French flavors. Both small and large plates are served.  See the full listing here: http://www.freewilliamsburg.com/listings/betto-2
Betto: 138 N 8th St., Brooklyn, NY 11211.

Monster Island is history, at least as far as their Williamsburg location goes. Word is, they are moving to Melrose St. in Bushwick. Last Saturday the art collective threw a final block party. Amongst the artists performing in- and outdoors was Cult of Youth. Video of their set’s last three songs is below.

Bring your bucks and your biceps over to Roberta’s backyard this weekend for the Second Flex: Ladies Arm Wrestling competition. Eight decked-out lady wrestlers will compete in a round-robin style tournament to see who’s the strongest, and who plays the dirtiest. Outrageous costumes and betting? They’re strongly encouraged. Even better? The event is free, and net proceeds go to support Providence House — a not-for-profit organization founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph that helps transform the lives of homeless, abused, and formerly incarcerated women and their children – one family at a time.

The Five Borough Ladies Arm Wrestling league is a part of a national network of ladies arm wrestling league. We sat down with the last bout’s champion, Jackie O’Nasty, and organizer Kate McNeely  to get their take on what makes a champion.

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Not really up for the cluster f*** that is Fashion’s Night Out but still wanna get in on the glam?  Then stay local and head on over to Grand St. this evening from 4-11pm for Fashion’s Night Out: WILLIAMSBURG.  Our friends over at Antoinette vintage have teamed up with jewlery wunderkinds  Scosha and are hitting the streets to provide excellent deals and various complimentary beverages.  Be sure to hit up Antoinette for excellent deals (per  usual) and a glass of champagne and Scosha for their sample sale, mini-facials, a vegan cupcake (or two!) and a cocktail care of Grand St. faithful Aurora.  Champagne and cupcakes without the scary SOHO crowds!  This sounds less like Fashion’s Night Out and more like my dreams.