Remember when Williamsburg was “undiscovered,” hipster-free, and gritty? Do you remember Kokies? Robert Anasi does and vividly chronicles turn-of-the-century Williamsburg in his new book The Last Bohemia with a wit and charm that never descends into mere nostalgia. Documenting Williamsburg’s arresting transformation from grit to glitz, Anasi’s book is a vivacious celebration of New York’s most adored — and despised – neighborhood.

You can see him tonight in that other last bohemia, Greenpoint, as he does his first New York reading at The Word. More information here.

From the New York Times

In 1992, New York magazine anointed Williamsburg, Brooklyn, as “the New Bohemia.” Two decades later, Robert Anasi delivers a bittersweet verdict on the neighborhood’s stunning ascent. Williamsburg may not quite be “The Last Bohemia” (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, $15) as he proclaims (there’s still room for Bushwick and even the South Bronx). But he vividly realizes his subtitle: “Scenes From the Life of Williamsburg, Brooklyn.”

Mr. Anasi lived in Williamsburg for 14 years, through the thick of its revival. He fetchingly explores the fluorescence of his old neighborhood as well as the gentrification and commodification of a place that, however briefly, belonged to artists. But, when he decamped at age 40 for California, where he writes and teaches journalism, the decision was an easy one. “I didn’t feel guilty about leaving Williamsburg,” he writes. “Williamsburg had already left me.”

Buy the book here and check out this great review in the Los Angeles Review of Books.

via

Mildly NSFW:

About Rippers:

This is your classic super group (Cream?, Cactus?, Velvet Revolver?). The Meat Hook and Roberta’s have joined together to form Rippers, along with Michelle Cortez, who has worked at Savoy and on her own catering events. “Rippers is about good vibes and good times,” says Cortez. The menu will feature burgers and dogs made by the Meat Hook, a quinoa black bean burger and other veggie items, boat drinks and more. There’s a surfing beach at 87th Street, so Rippers will also have a pro-shop co-curated by Chris Gentile from Williamsburg surf shop, Mollusk, where they will sell basic beach supplies like towels, flip flops, sunscreen and Sun-In, for that 80s nostalgia you ordered. Rippers will be open from 7am to 7pm, seven days a week, offering a surfer’s breakfast each morning.

Cortez indicated that Rippers plans to deep fry a number of items, and while she wouldn’t reveal their exact plans, she did say that they have been “experimenting with a fried pickle on a stick.” She also spoke highly of a Mexican wedding shot: a shot of tequila following by a lime wedge dusted with sugar on one side, finely ground coffee on the other.

The long-awaited reopening of McCarren Park pool has arrived. The 37,950-square-foot pool will be open daily 11am-3pm and then from 4pm-7pm.

Best of all, it’s FREE!

HOURS: 11am-3pm and 4pm-7pm
PRICE: Free

Today, the pool will be open from 2-3pm and the from 4-7pm.

For more information, visit mccarrenpark.com

From the Brooklyn Brewery:

Brooklyn Brewery is exporting some of the best Brooklyn bands to Debaser in Sweden this Labor Day weekend. But you don’t need no credit card to ride on this train. To one talented songwriter and music lover, Brooklyn Brewery is giving away BROOKLYN, SWEDEN festival passes, airfare and hotel accommodations for two. You’ve read this correctly. It’s a biggin’.
BUT HOW? WHAT ARE THE RULES?

+ Write a song with lyrics about or inspired by Brooklyn’s beloved/infamous G train – although sometimes sluggish, from Greenpoint to Kensington this stalwart people mover is a staple of transportation in Brooklyn.
+ Submit the song via YouTube, Vimeo or similar video platform and email the link to freebie@brooklynbrewery.com (including lyrics might be wise).
+ Contestants must be an amateur or unsigned songwriter. No pros!
+ Submissions must be original. No covers.
+ There are no style or instrument restrictions: songs can be acoustic, electronic, bluegrass, hip hop, etc.
+ Entries will be accepted until 5pm on July 24.
+ The top entries will be posted to our Facebook page for public voting from July 25 to August 1.
+ The song with the most votes wins, and will be announced August 2.
+ The winner will be flown to Sweden from New York City and be put up at Story Hotel from Aug 30-Sep 2. The winning song will be featured on Debaser.se and BrooklynBrewery.com.

It’s hot as hell, but you can’t beat the price. More information about this free show at mysocialist.

Here’s a great short film on opener Johnny Corndawg:

Meet Jonny Corndawg from Miku & Ryan on Vimeo.

Here new album, SUN , is out in September on Matador!