We love these guys and so should you!

Posted by Nicole Wasilewicz at 06:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We can't get enough of these guys. [Thanks Kevin]

Posted by freewilliamsburg at 11:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

The Music Hall of Williamsburg is home to The FilmShop this Saturday night, as they present Unprotected, a "series of 2 minute films" that explore the theme of vulnerability.

Chinese Ruffians. Unsightly Celebrity. Girl adrift. Vulnerable Narcissists. Humdrum Penetration. This is just a sample of what you get when thirty filmmakers reflect on the theme of UNPROTECTED.

The films, shot by members of both the Brooklyn and (newly formed) Hong Kong chapters, will be supported with live performances by the "massively ambitious" Emanuel and the Fear as well as Hank & Cupcakes.

Seven bucks advance, $10 day of, 18 to enter, 21 to drink. Doors open at 8, show is at 9. Everybody gets laid by midnight and we'll see you for brunch the next day.

Of course, we're most looking forward to the short film by Zachary Timm, about an infamous Williamsburg hairdo documented by friend of the site, Jeff Simmermon.

the infamous 'do

Posted by Brian Ries at 07:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Last night Toro Y Moi played a sold out Cameo Gallery with openers Twin Sister and Grandchildren.

The contrast of the impending blizzard doom waiting outside and the endearing and warming stage presence of Toro Y Moi's Chaz Bundick was further amplified by the lo-fi, mellow "beach" music of Toro Y Moi. The snow did not deter any ticket holders and Cameo (and it's new high dive of a stage) remained full the entire night. Not without its sound hiccups, the show was a low key and oddly soothing performance with an audience who had already previously seen Toro Y Moi and were seemingly enthusiastic fans.

Check out more pictures after the jump!

Posted by Janice Chou at 01:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Annie, of Greenpoint rooftop farming notoriety, is gearing up for the summer grow season with a fundraiser this saturday.

Hosted by local foods based specialty shop Urban Rustic, the evening will include an endless sampling of seasonal local treats prepared on site by the culinary team at Growing Chefs in partnership with Brooklyn Standard. Look forward to live music to get your foot stompin’ and a spectacular auction guaranteed to make your green thumb start itching to grow.

40 bucks but the food just so so worth it. And they are auctioning the leasing of an apple tree! I'm not even sure what that means but I am very, very interested.

Tickets available at:
GrowingChefs.eventbrite.com

Posted by Jackie Snow at 02:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ever since Carpark Records announced it had signed up South Carolina soul man Chaz Bundick, the artist known as Toro Y Moi, online music mavens have been ceaselessly touting the electro-pop upstart as the best thing since hipster shades. Naturally, I was initially skeptical.

However, my defenses quickly crumbled upon catching a recent Toro Y Moi live show. In performance, Bundick is a knob-twiddling maestro of infectious, moody grooves and bouncy beats. Backing it up with a sugar-coated croon and fancy footwork, Bundick inspired smiles from even the most feckless of arm-folders that night. The only thing the one-man disco band was missing was a lighted, multicolored floor and backup dancers.

Currently promoting his debut full-length "Causers of This," Bundick touches down at Cameo Gallery Thursday in an event presented, naturally, by Crush: Bands We Love To Dance To--Ruth (from Famous Friends) and MeanRed Jen's monthly dance night.

[If you haven't heard it, Toro Y Moi's "Demo" is online here.]

Posted by John Rickman at 11:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Head on over to Twitter and RT this for your chance to see these dudes tonight!

Posted by Nicole Wasilewicz at 04:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Van Leeuwen opens this Saturday at 632 Manhattan Avenue.

via VV.

Posted by Jackie Snow at 04:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

“At one point, they said I was keeping the gun in a brown paper bag here at Fortunato’s. But we only have white paper bags here—you’ll never, ever see brown paper. There was never any evidence.”

Posted by Brian Ries at 03:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The Post covered the recent rash of UFO sightings over Williamsburg, and got some great quotes out of our beloved borough president Marty Markowitz.

Despite meager evidence of intergalactic vehicles touching down in Brooklyn, Borough President Marty Markowitz has already embraced the would-be visitors, claiming that the “creative attire, hair colors, and eclectic body art of our more artistic Williamsburg residents” is evidence that there is already “very fashionable extraterrestrial life walking among us.”

“But seriously, I would be thrilled if those from other planets would choose Brooklyn as their gateway to planet Earth. We are a city of immigrants, and when I say Brooklyn is proud home to everyone from everywhere, I really mean everywhere!” said Markowitz.

Community Board 1 Public Safety and "Extraterrestrial Relations Chair" Mieszko Kalita weighed in as well: “If there’s more than one, they’re pretty tiny. They will be hard to arrest, considering the size of the handcuffs from the NYPD, but still they can be contained easily, possibly in a glass jar. Therefore I don’t think it is a huge problem. Their ships can be used in a league game.”

Also, kudos to Aaron Short & The Post for crediting the blogs who've recently covered the "story" -- McBrooklyn, Gothamist, Vos Iz Neias, and yes, Free Williamsburg -- something it doesn't normally abide by.

Posted by Brian Ries at 10:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Sure looks like it. [Thanks Paul]

Posted by freewilliamsburg at 10:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

Blue Bottle Coffee is a growing organic coffee company that's set to open a store at 160 Berry Street "as early as Wednesday," sez the Times.

Sure, they'll offer the standard bevy of coffees and espresso options to keep you cranking through the night. What sets Blue Bottle apart however are their five, three foot tall Japanese slow-drippers -- "the wood and brass frames support stacked glass globes and adjustable nozzles that mete out liquid at 88 drops per minute."

Those things look epic! Can't wait to geek out over a cup o' joe.

Posted by Brian Ries at 05:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Today's your last chance to take advantage of The Brooklyn Kitchen's "Lose It or Move It Sale" as they prepare to move to 100 Frost St.

"Today is the last day of our big moving sale. 20%(or more) off everything at out lorimer st store. All-clad, Le Creuset, knives. Everything!"

Also: Bob McClure of McClure's Pickels is teaching Pickle Science tonight at 6:30, a class which as of a couple days ago had an opening.

Posted by Brian Ries at 10:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Our favorite DJ duo is back at Legion tonight, and this time it's not just to make you shake your ass-- Rude Dudes are celebrating the release of their super awesome mixtape, Oui Be Jammin'.

And since the Rude Dudes love you, and we love them, FREEwilly has got the exclusive download of the mixtape in its entirety.

Check out the cover art and tracklist after the jump...

Flyer and Cover Art by Behold the Destroyer

UGK feat Outkast - International Player's Anthem
Jason Derulo - Watcha Say
Mika Miko - Business Cats
B-52's - Dance This Mess Around
Cat Stevens - Here Comes My Baby
Ace Frehley - Back In The New York Groove
Notorious BIG - Party and Bullshit (In The USA remix)
Teengirl Fantasy - Hoop Dreams
Miami Sound Machine - Bad Boy
Bobby Brown - On Our Own
Hercules and Love Affair - Hercules Theme
M - Pop Musik
Dr. Hook - When Your In Love With a Beautiful Woman
The Bar-Kays - Soul Finger
Razzy - I Hate Hate
Tanlines - Bejan
The Slits - I Heard It Through the Grapevine
Grass Roots - Sooner or Later

Posted by Nicole Wasilewicz at 12:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Bear in Heaven at Glasslands

Last night The Secret Machines and Bear in Heaven played a packed Glasslands. Along with openers PAPA, Noveller, and Mon Khmer, Glasslands was consistently full, with each band a new cycle of audience members would migrate and sift to the front of the stage. It does not bode well when you approach Glasslands praying there is just an exorbitant number of smokers standing outside.

Playing in near darkness, Bear in Heaven received cheers after starting only the samples of their most popular psychedelic and electronic songs including, "Lovesick Teenagers." Next month, Bear in Heaven will be on tour with noise rock's Cymbals Eat Guitars. Click here for a full list of tour dates.

After clearing the stage if only to make room for the drum kit, The Secret Machines went all My Bloody Valentine on my ears as I was stationed in front of the kick drum. With the first beat came three bright back lights for each member to further accentuate the sensory overload of the show. The Secret Machines rocked hard and stunned the their enthralled audience.

Check out more pictures of Mon Khmer, Bear in Heaven and The Secret machines after the jump!

Mon Khmer

Bear in Heaven

The Secret Machines

Posted by Janice Chou at 10:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

This just in: everybody located in the happy green wonderbubble wins something truly spectacular. Click through to claim your prize!

Posted by Brian Ries at 05:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

"Greenpoint will remain cut off from the rest of the city for another two weekends, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority quietly revealed this week."

Posted by Brian Ries at 05:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Last night Savoir Adore hosted the final show of their month long Cake Shop residency. Performing with Red Wire Black Wire, Ennui (hey! That's another French band name!), and The Bloodsugars, Savoir Adore packed the venue with Indie-pop loving fans who sang along to even their new track tentatively titles, "Year of the Sparrow." With Californian rock, lo-fi inspired guitar riffs, Sparrow is an exciting glimpse into the Savoir's upcoming album-- even though current fans still can't get enough of their first full length In the Wooded Forest.

In the past Savoir has been a standout for their tight live performances (especially on their hardest rocking and gritty track, "Transylvanian Candy Patrol") and infectious Indie-pop. Consistently delivering powerfully engaging performances of remarkable musicianship, Savoir Adore is a live act to not miss. Free Williamsburg has already noted the live power of Savoir Adore so click here to read more live reviews here and check out pics after the jump!

Savoir Adore

Posted by Janice Chou at 02:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Tonight (Friday, February 19th) Secret Machines and Bear in Heaven are playing a show at Glasslands along with Mon Khmer, Noveller and PAPA. Doors open at 8:30.

RSVP here to see Secret Machines, Bear in Heaven, Mon Khmer, Noveller, and PAPA for $12 (instead of the $15 at the door).

Hey, if you can’t make it, I’ll post pictures tomorrow and you can lie to your friends!

Posted by Janice Chou at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo via loaded questions

The Brooklyn Star will be shutting down for a few months to "recoup" following a fire in the building. The restaraunt itself doesn't appear to be burned, but reports say firefighters had to cut a hole in the roof and there is debris in the kitchen. Joaquin Baca, chef/owner of southern-style joint told Eater it will reopen and that no one was hurt.

Update: A message on its website says: "UNFORTUNATELY WE SUFFERED SOME DAMAGE FROM A FIRE ON FEBRUARY 16TH. WE WILL BE CLOSED FOR A SPELL PENDING RECONSTRUCTION. WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN THE PAST AND HOPE TO SERVE YOU AGAIN REAL SOON."

Thanks Liza for the tip!

Posted by Brian Ries at 09:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Molly McAleer wrote a sensational piece for The Awl documenting her ongoing skirmishes against the bed bugs that have infested her LA apartment. It is terrifying, in that you-know-this-could've-been-you kind of way.

Treatment for my bites has been the easiest part. At first they were shiny little red dots. It looked like my stomach had baby acne. The itching only lasted for a couple of days and was nowhere near as severe as mosquito bites. I’ve gone through a couple boxes of Benadryl to decrease the inflammation. I’ve also been using it as a light sleep aid because I’ll lie awake all night in fear if I don’t. I’ve also sunk a TimeWarner bill's worth of cash into hydrocortisone, which I use as a moisturizer when I get out of the shower. At the rate they are fading, I will not be going to any pool parties this summer. There was nothing in that Will Smith and Jazzy Jeff song about kickin’ it with a girl who had oblong hot dog-colored marks all over her body, correct?

Back here in Bklyn, I have a feeling our Pool Parties might have played host to a bed bug or three.

The Awl

Posted by Brian Ries at 04:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Some poor Brooklyn boy is looking for his lost Saturday night / potential valentine(s). Oh won't you please help him find them?

From the Missed Connections section of Craigslist:

Hey Dudes!

I'm hoping this finds the two of you well. Sorry for being all blacked out in your apartment.

At least I think there were two of you.

You see, Saturday night, I was at Sugarland alone. It was the night before Valentine's Day (Saturday) and I might have had a drink or two too many.
I was hoping you could fill me in on a few crucial details, so I've put together a short list.
-Was I making out with one/both of you at Sugarland
-Did we meet outside?
-How did we decide to go back to your place?
-How long was I passed out on your couch before I came too and left all scared?

Anyway, hope your week is going good and I'm sorry for passing out at your place.

Since we're all living in BK and gay, I figure even if I don't remember you or what you look like (I don't), you guys probably will recognize me, so just tap me on the shoulder sometime and we'll all have a good laugh about it.

And thanks again for not killing/raping me. Appreciate it.

So go on. Help him out, won't you?.

Posted by Erica Sackin at 06:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

It was painted by "lowbrow" artist Anthony Ausgang, who met MGMT while they were recording "Congratulations" at a very large house in Malibu.

Not being a musician I was occasionally left to my own devices so I would sit around and draw on pieces of paper then leave them there when I went home. I got along well with the band and gave them copies of my book, Vacation From Reality. Later, Josh Cheuse, the art director from Sony, contacted me once the recording was finished. The most important thing was that MGMT wanted the "look" of my style of painting and gave me only a few points that I had to hit. (ed: itchy & scratchy. surfboard. 8 eyes. go?) Naturally the process took some time but they were always cool with the criticisms. A lot of people who commission a painting only know what they don't want; fortunately MGMT knew what they wanted and let me do it my way.

Pitchfork adds, "According to insiders, Congratulations features flutes, at least one 12-minute song, and is generally out there. And, according to this pre-order page, the special edition of the album features a "scratch off front cover with custom metal coin." We're pretty sure these dudes are just fucking with us at this point."

Here's hoping for a scratch-n-sniff sticker on the plastic.

Boing Boing

Posted by Brian Ries at 04:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Turns out, Rachel Ray isn't the only star to recently honor Motorino; the New York Times's Sam Sifton awards to the Williamsburg (and East Village) pizzeriarie a brave, solitary star in today's restaurant review. Motorino is the first pizza place to which Sifton has ever given a star, and he assuredly states that “It serves the city’s best pizza.” Hear that? Not debatable. Sorry.

But srsly, if you were planning on eating at Motorino any time soon, I think it's safe to expect a longer wait than usual. Or if you vehemently oppose Sifton's appraisal, feel free to suggest your favorite neighborhood alternative in the comment section below...

Posted by Colin Steers at 03:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

C-Town (330 Graham Ave), everyone's favorite grocery store that's been "serving the WIlliamsburg community for over 15 years," is officially the hippest provider of fresh milk and Wheat Thins this side of the East River. They have a Tumblr, and it is amazing!

Its background is a tiled image of a packed grocery cart with the words, "I compare my groceries with those of others at the store and always find my choices superior" layered on top. Its posts regularly feature specials and good deals ("Magic Hat Beer 6PK - all varieties - $8.99"), coupons ("Print this out and present it to the cashier as you checkout."), and an mp3 of The Clash's "Lost in the Supermarket." Check in on Foursquare and get a free reusable bag.

Is this real?! If so, who is behind this piece of awesome internet?

I called to find out. The conversation went more or less like this, but know both parties involved were a tad more confused than this transcript conveys. Asking a mid-level grocery store employee who is likely unfamiliar with the more standard operations of a retail business if her particular location uses a certain blogging platform is no easy task.

Me: "Hello, is the manager available?"

Employee: "Ah, the manager or the grocery manager."

Me: "Good question…probably the manager?"

Employee: "He is not in, tomorrow."

Me: "Well, do you know who would, ah, handle the internet-type stuff for C-Town?"

Employee: "Internet...?"

Me: "Like, the website, or, specials, but on the internet?"

Employee: "Ah, the website.

Me: "Yea, but like a blog."

Employee: "No. Call tomorrow? After 12. His name in Anthony."

I'll call back tomorrow. Anthony, if this is your doing, you are the man. If it's the doing of a low-level cashier who knows what the F is up...I hope they get a major promotion. This is light years ahead of anything I've yet encountered on Tumblr. It is truly superior.

Posted by Brian Ries at 03:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

For the third installment of couch sessions over at Big Ugly Yellow, Phantogram made the trek from the L train in the snow to deliver some tunes to warm us up with:

When I'm Small by Phantogram from Big Ugly Yellow Couch on Vimeo.

Be sure you let us know who you wanna see next on the couch in the comments, and we'll make sure the kids over at Big Ugly Yellow get the message.

Posted by Nicole Wasilewicz at 06:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

This totally legit cover was playing in Blackbird this weekend. I tipped my stoney waiter accordingly.

Posted by Jackie Snow at 08:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The L Magazine and Southern Comfort will be leading Brooklyn's only MARDI GRAS PARADE beginning at the Southeast corner of Driggs and McCarren in Williamsburg at 7PM on February 16, 2010.

Paraders will march to Brooklyn Bowl, where the festivities will continue with a FREE Wavves and MNDR show. The man and lady or man-lady with the best Mardi Gras costumes will be crowned King and Queen of Mardi Gras and receive a variety of alcohol and bowling-related prizes.

Send an email to freewilliamsburg@thelmagazine.com to RSVP.... the first 10 people who sign up will get VIP passes for the Wavves show at Brooklyn Bowl.

To get on the guestlist for the Wavves and MNDR show at Brooklyn Bowl, send your full name to MardiGras@TheLMagazine.com.

Check out the facebook invite and map of the parade route here.

Dress up, bring your friends, and have fun! See you there!

Posted by freewilliamsburg at 02:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

via

The Associated Press reports that Doug Fieger, frontman for the L.A. new wave band the Knack, died of cancer yesterday in Woodland Hills, California. He was 57 years old.

Posted by freewilliamsburg at 02:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Maybe these guys are a joke, but we still love them.

Posted by freewilliamsburg at 11:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

For the last 15 years, LA-based drummer Jason Boesel has been planted firmly behind the kit, keeping time for the likes of Rilo Kiley, Bright Eyes, The Elected, and more recently, Conor Oberst and The Mystic Valley Band.

His first solo album, Hustler's Son, is out now on Team Love Records and we've got a pair of tickets for his upcoming Bowery Ballroom show on Friday Feb, 19th. You know what to do... Just comment it up on our Facebook page and you can be the proud new owner of Jason Boesel tickets!

Posted by Nicole Wasilewicz at 05:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

In less than 48 hours, it will be Valentine's Day. With no conceivable chance of un-lonely-ing myself by then, I thought I would use my position as a circulator of tidings to try to bring together the stray hearts of two strangers who would otherwise spend the holiday alone. And everyone knows where to listen for the sweetest songs of flourishing lovebirds: missed connections!

It seems that snowballs weren't the only things flying at the big fight in McCarren Park last Wednesday! There were also sparks... of the figurative variety. In the heat of epic, snowy battle, one man and one woman thought they might have found "the one [to at least get them through the weekend]". But alas, damn those cross'd stars, our heros were pitted against each other. Williamsburg's own Romeo & Juliet might have simply departed without exchanging numbers, but who knows? Maybe with the help of this post they'll be lucky enough to reunite and die in each other's arms by the end of next week. Sigh. Young love.

So if you felt like you dropped the (snow)ball (ha!) on some cutie last Wednesday, you'd better read on, and I'd better be invited to the wedding.

First, we have a 28 year old gentleman who let the out his inner child to play in the snow, but forgot to reign him in when it was time to sac up and get this girl's number-

my group of friends picked a snowball fight with your group of friends at mccarren park on wednesday late afternoon. we were each other's favorite targets. the whole 2nd grade "pick on the one you like most" thing was in effect. you told me i left a few bruises on your legs and said i was a worthy Adversary. i was wearing a black coat and black pants, brown hat and have long blond hair. You had a Blue coat and black pants i believe...

i should have asked for your number or at the least asked where you and your friends were going to catch a beer. hopefully you'll read this and make up for my infraction. [Original post]

And next, a young lady who seems to be attracted to the unkempt, throws-like-a-girl, can't-even-make-a-snow-angel-correctly, "adorable", type. A real catch. The slowest pup in the litter is always the cutest, I guess.

Dark haired girl in red cap and brown coat seeks bearded (redhead??) cutie with glasses. Our separate groups of friends started an impromptu snow ball fight with each other at McCarren Park around 6pm. You have terrible aim and cannot really make a proper snow angel but I found you adorable. Please write! [Original post]

Good luck to the both of you!

Xoxo

Posted by Colin Steers at 02:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Babyskinglove is crazy (and hopefully naked), DJs Florence Knight and Gale make tasty beats and the promoter is hysterical. See you there.

Posted by Jackie Snow at 02:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Posted by Nicole Wasilewicz at 02:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As FREEwilly's music editor, I get a lot of weird shit sent to my inbox. This arrived late last night with nothing but a YouTube link in the body of the email. When I found myself singing "Onion... is the Underdog" in my head while brushing my teeth this morning, I figured I should share:

Posted by Nicole Wasilewicz at 12:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Posted by freewilliamsburg at 11:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

via

Posted by Brian Ries at 10:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

The snow might shut down the city, but it can't stop rock 'n' roll.

At least not Thursday night at Matchless bar in Greenpoint, where 19 ridiculously talented writers, rockers and raconteurs will come together to perform their own three-minute odes to youth, sex, booze, noise and a little thing called rock 'n' roll.

Check out the full list of readers below or on on facebook, or just put on your snowboots and trudge over there at 7pm. The whole thing is free.

Vol. 1 Brooklyn and Gigantic Present:
Greatest Three-Minute Rock 'n' Roll Story Ever

Readings from:

• Jami Attenberg (Author, The Melting Season)
• Justin Taylor (Author, Everything Here is the Best Thing Ever)
• Franz Nicolay (Musician/Writer, The Hold Steady/Complicated Gardening Techniques)
• Zachary German (Author, Eat When You Feel Sad)
• Nick Gazin (Artist, Vice Magazine)
• Jens Carstensen (The Giraffes)
• James Yeh (Gigantic)
• Aaron Hartman (Old Time Relijun/Girls in Trouble)
• Kendra Grant Malone (Poet, author of the chapbook Conor Oberst Sex)
• Mike Conklin (L Magazine)
• Chelsea Hodson (poet)
• Maura Johnston (The Awl/Village Voice)
• Eric Davidson (New Bomb Turks/Author of We Never Learn)
• Lincoln Michel (Gigantic/The Faster Times)
• Samuel Carter (Overflow Magazine)
• Derek Evers (Impose Magazine)
• Beverly Hames (Fox & Fawn/Vice blog)
• Aaron Lefkove (LiveFastDie/Liquor Store)
• Michaelangelo Matos (A.V. Club/The Stranger)

Plus! A Very special set by The Wailing Wall.

---

Hosted by Jason Diamond and James Yeh

No cover, totally free.

Posted by Erica Sackin at 10:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

From my inbox, an email with the subject line: "Snow ball fight in McCarren Park tonight!"

At 7:18 pm, EST, the festivities will commence. McCarren park Snow Ball Fight. Be There.

Don't say you weren't warned!

Posted by Brian Ries at 05:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Sometimes there are Twitter hashtags that leave me "out of the joke" and make me want to go hide. This is not one of them! With #WebBands, I can feel smart AND sassy! Go have fun.

Posted by Brian Ries at 02:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Say "Thanks" or "Happy Birthday!" with a ten-pack of these cards from Etsy.

This is a boxed set of 10 cards and envelopes. It's all one design: Hipster Cakes and sweets waiting for the L Train in NYC! They come in a clear and sturdy box. Each card is an A2 size (4.24 x 5.5) which is horizontally aligned, with a top tent-fold. A very nice gift item!

Via jessieoleson's Etsy store.

Posted by Brian Ries at 02:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Because you can never get enough: Greenpoint bar Red Star is holding a wing-off this Saturday to determine the best wings in Brooklyn. Brooklyn Borough President/official mascot Marty Markowitz will be presenting the trophies. Come drink beer, lick sauce off your hands, etc. Plus, wouldn’t you rather spend Valentine’s day recovering from a wing-induced hangover?

h/t McBrooklyn.

Posted by Erica Sackin at 06:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Spotted at El Beit in Williamsburg, via The Writing on the Wall: "I'm on vaca with my boyfriend but I'm going to break up with him when we get home." Sadness!

Posted by Brian Ries at 02:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

"So, wait, what do I have to do to win a limited edition 7" of Hot Chip's new "One Life Stand" AND a signed tour poster? Just become a fan of The Music Slut on Facebook and leave some kind of keen, creative, comment in the discussion thread? Well that's the kind of thing I do online every day! No sweat!" -You, to yourself, 2 minutes from now

By February 19th at noon, any Hot Chip fan (or thoughtful friend of a fan) can head to TMS on FB and enter for a chance to win. Of course, I may be shooting myself in the foot by getting the word out and making the contest a bit more competitive... but I'm the sporting type.

["The Music Slut & Hot Chip Team Up For Valentine's Day Facebook Contest - via The Music Slut]

Posted by Colin Steers at 12:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

[via our lovely friends over at Big Ugly Yellow]

Home Life by ARMS from Big Ugly Yellow Couch on Vimeo.

Posted by Nicole Wasilewicz at 04:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

North 1st and River Street

Posted by Clarissa Roudabush at 09:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

A shameless night of dancing and sweating is what I would call last night's sold-out Hot Chip show at Music Hall of Williamsburg. It's rare to see a massive crowd so willingly succumb to dance beats, but Hot Chip (and the happy hour specials) were able to entrance the crowd for their hour and a half long set. Having already sold out two shows at Terminal 5, these tickets were hard to come by, but those who got in were captivated by the British electro-pop's seemingly flawless set. Earlier this week Hot Chip celebrated the digital released their fourth studio album, "One Life Stand." The British ensemble performed tracks from their latest release as well as crowd favorites including, "Over and Over" and "Ready for the Floor."

Hot Chip drew a massive crowd of skinny jean wearing hipsters who all seemed to be surprisingly impressed by the opening act, French Horn Rebellion. The Brooklyn-based electronic duo drew a large crowd away from the downstairs bar to serve up a batch of hot beats, a dash of drama and one killer french horn solo from the balcony.

See more pictures after the jump!

--Christina Lang

Hot Chip

French Horn Rebellion

Posted by Janice Chou at 04:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

鎮座 Dopeness : Mogu Mogu from Shane Lester on Vimeo.

What afternoon walks should sound and look like.

via MBV

Posted by Jackie Snow at 01:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Keepaway

Last night Keepaway played at Webster Hall along with Oberhofer, Radical Dads, and Queen of Quartz. Baby faced Oberhofer recruited the entire (easily impressionable) NYU Class of 2012 to the show. However, Oberhofer impressed everyone with 21+ wristbands alike with their dual pop and rock sensibility-- a garage band version of Vampire Weekend. Despite a hiccup when the bassist broke a string after the first song, Oberhofer regained their footing immediately and left both their pre-existing and newfound fans floored with the second half of the show.

Animal Collective inspired trio Keepaway closed the night. Most recently, Keepaway was dubbed Pitchfork's Best New Music meaning they're going to blow the eff up in about two days ago. Keepaway was definitely worthy of this allusive title as they tread the line between indie and psychedelic rock making their single, "Yellow Wings" feel immediately familiar but original. You can check them out tonight at Brooklyn Bowl with Small Black.

More pictures after the jump!

Keepaway

Oberhofer

Posted by Janice Chou at 10:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

You can keep your Unhappy Hipsters, Awkward Stock Photos, and Cape Town hip-hoppers...

I've got Hipster Puppies to get me through the in-office hangover.

Posted by Nicole Wasilewicz at 05:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Best part of the already set-to-be-awesome show at Station 171 tonight with Leaders, Boogie Boarder, Cerebral Ballzy, The Death Set, and Japanther? A free shuttle to take you from the corner of Union Ave and Conselyea St. to the venue!

Posted by Brian Ries at 05:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you dug Die Antwoord, check out this other South African rapper Jack Parow. He appears on two tracks on Die Antwoord's upcoming record. [via]

We've been loving Broodje Bakpao too.... after the jump.

Posted by freewilliamsburg at 01:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

These guys are total freaks. We can't wait to hear more. UPDATE: Die Antwoord Is "Fake," And So What?

Posted by freewilliamsburg at 03:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

From 7 p.m. to midnight tonight, you can check out Brooklyn-based-band-on-the-up-and-up Dinosaur Feathers’ debut LP “Fantasy Memorial” for the first time during a party at Fort Useless, with a mass listening (9 p.m. sharp!), live special guest performances throughout the evening, and, oh yeah, according to the Facebook event, “Free Miller High Life starting at 8pm – while it lasts!”

If, like me, you’ve been feeling particularly S.A.D. recently, the breezy, up-tempo, tropico-rock songs that Dinosaur Feathers so charmingly deliver may just serve to be sunbeams bursting forth from the speakers. The actual release date of “Fantasy Memorial” is March 2nd, just two weeks before they head down to Austin to play a slew of SXSW dates and make waves that will be felt outside of the boroughs.

Dinosaur Feathers - Vendela Vita, from “Fantasy Memorial”, via Poptarts Suck Toasted
(Don’t you feel warmer already?)

Another new tune, Teenage Whore, is available on the Dinosaur Feathers Myspace.

[Event - via StereoactiveNYC]

Posted by Colin Steers at 02:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The Williamsburg Salsa Orchestra hit the internets hard yesterday with their cover of "My Girls" by Animal Collective. It's great! But you thought that was it? You thought that's all they had? Their percussionist Gianni Mano just uploaded a few more songs to YouTube, including "Alala" by Cansei de Ser Sexy (CSS), "Wolf Like Me" by TV On The Radio, and "Lloyd, I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken" by Camera Obscura.

Check out TVOTR's "Wolf Like Me" below, and click through for the others.

"My Girls"

"Lloyd, I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken"

"Alala"

Posted by Brian Ries at 01:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Jelly just confirmed what Colin wrote and Gothamist reported yesterday, as they officially announced the return of the Pool Parties this summer, revealing that Senator Chuck Schumer and "the good people at OSA and State Parks" granted their wishes to hold the concerts right there on the waterfront for a second summer.

Also, the slip n' slide might make it's return! Maybe? They write: "If the slip ‘n’ slide does indeed get to come back, we officially invite you guys to take the inaugural dive!!"

Here's the rest:

"We are pleased to announce, with confidence, that thanks to a great deal of help from Senator Chuck Schumer and the good people at OSA and State Parks, we have a signed an agreement to keep Pool Parties at East River State Park this summer! We are looking forward to spending the fifth year anniversary of Pool Parties back on Williamsburg Waterfront and trust that we have some MAJOR surprises in store for you! Come visit us on the waterfront from July 11th—August 29th and let's celebrate 5 big years of free fun in the sun!!!"

And with that, Schumer has successfully locked down the hipster vote.

photos by clarissa

Posted by Brian Ries at 01:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Brooklyn Boondoggle is a short documentary by my friends at Meerkat Media detailing and humanizing the eminent domain issues that the gargantuan Atlantic Yards development brings up. I caught the flick at a small screening at a bar that would have to be bulldozed for the Atlantic Yards (although not without a fight) and thought the movie was pretty spectacular. Now its online!

Brooklyn Boondoggle from meerkatmedia.org on Vimeo.

Posted by Jackie Snow at 03:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

From the first moment Victoria Bergsman made way into our hearts with her backing vocals on Peter Bjorn and John's "Young Folks", we've been hooked-- and the Animal Collective cover just set our love in stone.

Taken By Trees recent release on Rough Trade, East of Eden, was recorded with musician Andreas Soderstrom in Pakistan and delivers a beautifully enchanting mix of music fit for a Mahārāja, or just some Brooklyn kids lounging around in their loft (i.e. me right now).

We've got a pair of tickets to see Victoria's Taken By Trees on Sat. February 13th at Union Hall, before she takes off on tour with El Perro Del Mar. Just RT this to win, or comment on our Facebook thread for your chance to win!

Take a looksy after the jump to remember why you wanna go to this show so bad...

Posted by Nicole Wasilewicz at 01:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Gothamist is reporting that our totally rawking Senator Schumer, with help from NYS Parks, Open Space Alliance, and other lesser, but no less hip, elected officials, are bringing back the uber-popular Jelly Pool Parties for the Summer of 2010 at the Williamsburg Waterfront.

Quoth the Senator:

"[The Jelly Pool Parties] are a big part of why summers in NYC... Summer in Brooklyn without the free JELLY Pool Parties simply would not have been the same and I am beyond thrilled to see that they will return in 2010. I can’t wait to ride my bike this summer to the East River State Park to rock out at these concerts once again.” If I cared enough to vote, that man would totally get mine; he clearly has a good head on his shoulders, even if I'm not sure what that first ellipsis is hiding.

The Jelly-pool-co-founding-power-duo Alexander Kane and Sarah Hooper heap on the praise for Senator Schumer: “We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to all parties involved including OSA and NYS Parks, but especially to our great Senator Chuck Schumer, who went above and beyond to see the free shows continue for a fifth straight year."

I'm sure everyone is anxious to start saving the dates of their fav shows (here's lookin' at you, Jay-Z), but y'all will have to stay patient- a schedule is forthcoming.

[Link] - via Gothamist

Posted by Colin Steers at 12:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

The Woods: JAPANTHER

Posted by Clarissa Roudabush at 10:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Not getting enough Das Racist in your life? Can't make it to The Woods tonight? Well, then just head out to Cameo tomorrow night for a Brooklyn overload!

Cameo Art Gallery is fired up to announce the much anticipated Das Racist show at our performance space in Williamsburg, Brooklyn on Tuesday, February 2. The first of Cameo's cover show series, Das Racist will perform the Beastie Boy's album, Paul's Boutique, in its entirety. ... And if that ain't Brooklyn, we don't know what is.

Doors at 9:30, $5 Cover

Posted by Nicole Wasilewicz at 07:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Tonight at The Woods, a benefit concert for Haiti feat. Japanther & Das Racist.

Please join us for a benefit concert for Haiti. Performers include:

-Japanther: http://japanther.com/
- Das Racist: http://www.myspace.com/dasracist
- Fresh Kills: http://www.myspace.com/freshkills
- Cerebral Ballzy: http://www.myspace.com/cerebralballzy
- Columboid: http://www.myspace.com/columboid

Post band DJing provided by DJ Unicornicopia http://www.myspace.com/unicornicopia

All proceeds, including 100% of bar sales, bartender gratuities, cover charge, and merchandise sales will be donated to the Bedford Stuyvesant Volunteer Ambulance Corps (http://www.bsvac.org) Haiti rescue efforts.

Performances start at 7:30 PM. $10 minimum donation at the door.

Facebook Event

Posted by Brian Ries at 02:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Posted by freewilliamsburg at 11:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)