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Mon 21
Pop-up Magazine David Geffen Hall (at Lincoln Center); 7:30pm; $36–$79
This live talent showcase invites authors, comedians, scientists and others to present researched stories on a wide range of interesting topics. May's edition features actor and comedian Franchesca Ramsey, actor Joy Bryant, artist and author Leanne Shapton, Editor and Emmy-Award winning filmmaker Davy Rothbart and more.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do in NYC this week
This Party Is Killing You: A Night of All Robyn Everything Brooklyn Bowl; 8:30pm; $10
No more dancing on your own: join other dancehall queens and kings for a night of never-ending heartbreak ballads and pop as ADVENTURE[s] resurrects its beloved tribute party. In addition to the namesake Swedish pop goddess, divas like Mariah, Carly Rae and Britney always find their way into the mix. If you're overdue for a platinum dye job, now's the time to book it.
Musical Theatre Factory’s People of Color Representation Roundtable Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater; 7pm; $25
Marcus Scott and Natasha Sinha welcome performers of color from the theater world to perform and speak on matters of representation, inclusion and visibility.
Dietland Screening and Conversation 92nd Street Y; 7pm; $40
Stars Julianna Margulies and Joy Nash and creator Marti Noxon preview an episode of their dark new series about revenge and gender, and discuss the complex female characters they bring to the screen.
Be My Cover The Strand Bookstore; 9:30am; free
Judge a book by its cover at this exhibit featuring designs from tomes published by Penguin Random House. The show, set up in the Strand's very cool Rare Book Room, spans the past ten years and contains works from 33 designers based here and abroad. Don't miss the designer's talk on May 14 with Peter Mendelsund, Jaya Miceli, Oliver Munday and Helen Yentus. (A $15 ticket for the talk includes a $15 gift card to the Strand.)
Vintage Basement with Max & Nicky Under St. Marks; 9pm; $7, at the door $10
Twin brothers and vaudeville aficionados Max and Nicky Weinbach bring class back to the comedy scene at their monthly affair, at which stand-ups and musical performers dress up and serve their best sets. This time, they're joined by Kyle Mooney, Jacqueline Novak, Matthew Broussard, Nina Daniels and magician Christian Cagigal.
Tue 22
Jim James Rough Trade NYC; 10:15pm; Tickets on sale today at noon
Jim James, leader of Louisville psych-roots-pop juggernaut My Morning Jacket, steps out for a gig at Rough Trade to play his upcoming album Uniform Distortion—his third proper solo LP—in its entirety. No phones will be permitted in the performance area during the show.
Yum’s the Word Le Poisson Rouge; 7:30pm; $15, at the door $20
The supreme queen of salty storytelling Robin Gelfenbien serves homemade ice cream birthday cake and tales with all-star yarn-spinners at her monthly showcase. For the Brain Freeze: Stories of Panic and Anxiety edition, she brings Mark Pagan, Sean O'Brien and Julie Polk to the stage.
Natalie Hopkinson: A Mouth is Always Muzzled Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute; 6pm; free
The former Washington Post critic talks about how art and protest can combat gentrification and racism with moderator Grace Ali.
Do Angels Need Haircuts?: Early Poems by Lou Reed Celeste Bartos Forum, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building; 7pm; free
Laurie Anderson, Anne Waldman, Don Fleming, Merrill Reed Weiner and Hal Willner read from a new collection of Reed's formerly-unpublished poetry and reminisce about the iconic New York bard at this free NYPL event. Register in advance at nypl.org.
Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith National Sawdust; 8pm; $20
This composer's bubbling soundscapes—which tenderly combine synthetic sounds, acoustic instruments and layered vocals—are among the more gratifying and emotive offerings to emerge from the ambient genre. Expect a transporting show when she takes the stage behind her latest release, The Kid.
As If! Comedy Rebecca’s; 7:30pm; free
Anya Volz, Claire Parker and Blair Dawson team up every week for this totally nostalgic ’90s comedy show, featuring reminiscences on slap bracelets and jelly pens, trivia on cultural artifacts from Buffy to Xena, prize giveaways, and, of course, excellent stand-up. On April 24, catch Leif Enoksen, Jess Reed, Grace Canaan, Casey McGowan and Sam Taggart. On May 1, see David Britton, Tracy McClendon, Emily Wilson, Carolyn Busa and John Rosenberger.
Wed 23
Laurie Anderson in Conversation with Hilton Als Paula Cooper Gallery; 7pm; free
The iconic artist and conductor discusses her new book of essays All The Things I Lost In The Flood with The New Yorker's Hilton Als.
Patrick Terry’s Magic Hour with Andrew Goldenhersh The Triad; 7pm; $25, plus two-drink minimum
Acclaimed magicians show off their mind-reading and sleight-of-hand prowess at this new Off-Broadway show. This edition features two-time "Parlour Magician of the Year" Andrew Goldenhersh.
Why Your Train is F*cked Caveat; 6:30pm; $15–$18
This show hosted by Meg Pierson and Justin Williams digs into the long and unfortunate history of the MTA. Episode one, "Bedlam on Wheels - MTA Origins," goes back to the 1830s to look at shady politics and subway microbes. It's not exactly an auspicious beginning, nor is it a surprise, but at least these talented folks make it funny. Come witness—and laugh at—the dawn of our shared misery.
Thu 24
Ariana & the Rose: Light + Space House of Yes; 9pm; $15–$20
Serve a galactic disco gown worthy of Barbarella and Xanadu at this party thrown by synth-pop stars Ariana & the Rose. Be ready for spontaneous theater, cosmic costumes and glitter, oh so much glitter.
Cool World A Bar Brooklyn; 7pm; free
Best buddies Mike Abrusci and Diego Lopez come together for some subversive bro time at this monthly stand-up showcase, featuring a diverse range of dope comics. May's edition boasts Marie Faustin, Shane Torres, Clare O'Kane, Rosebud Baker and Alexis Guerrero.
Unsung Heroes of… Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre; 8pm; $9
It's 2018 and late night comedy is somehow still populated with a bunch of straight white dudes in suits. Fortunately, the intrepid duo of X Mayo and Shenovia Large have arrived to blow up the game with this hilarious tour through comedy's great POC icons. Joining them for the raucous and revolutionary historical ride is Ayo Edibiri, Larry Owens, Tessa Hersh and My Momma's Biscuits. Sit down and hush your mouth: School is in session!
Peter Smith & Sandy Honig’s the Bongo Hour Slipper Room; 8pm; $10, at the door $12, reserved seating $25
Every month, two of our most beloved comedic minds craft a mysterious new night of deranged performances at the legendary Slipper Room, leading us to ask...what madness awaits at the Bongo Hour? Join night creatures Peter Smith, Sandy Honig and silky-smooth musical director Ben Moss for this off-the-wall night of comedy, variety, music and dance breaks.
Casual Town Sing Sing Ave A; 7:30pm; $5
This stellar weekly stand-up show, hosted by Albert Kirchner, Evan Morrison and Jane Harrison and produced by Jamie Rabinovitch, costs a five spot and goes down in a private room in an East Village karaoke bar. May 24 features some of our favorite acts, including Martin Urbano, Sam Evans, Sydnee Washington and Catherine Cohen. And catch even more all-stars on May 31, including Matt Goldich, Dan Perlman, Kelsey Caine and Marie Faustin.