Spend a Couple Hours »Tribute Bands

guns n roses tribute bandFirst I have to say that if anyone sees that a Judas Priest or Alice Cooper tribute band is playing in the city they need to notify me immediately. With that out of they way, what better way to relive the good old days of heavy and hair metal than a tribute band? My only experience with a tribute band was accidentally going to a bar after my college graduation where a Pantera cover band was playing.

Let's just say it didn't turn me on to the world of tribute bands, but after seeing photos of acts like Rock Valentine, and Pink Steel (which is not technically a tribute band) I think we should all give it a try. Before handing over your money look at the photos first however (which might be hard because it looks like a lot of these guys couldn't keep paying their website bills), because to be honest some of these bands do not look like they can rock, and some totally do.

If you prefer new and original stuff, I can recommend Early Man and Motherboar.

See more: Spend a Couple Hours


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on July 17, 2006

Spend a Couple Hours »Bastille Day Festival

bastille dayBastille Day Festival is a street fair that is actually worth looking forward to, the only one I mark on my calendar. You'll want to come with an empty stomach, because unlike most street fairs, the food is pretty amazing.

I made the mistake of eating beforehand and missed out on incredible looking veal sausage and pate sandwiches. I did manage to down a crepe with bitter sweet chocolate however. Local restaurants D'Artagnan, Fleur de Sel, and Les Trois Crepes among many others are vending this year. You'll be entertained by can-can dancers and accordion players while crossing your fingers, hoping to win the raffle prize of a luxury Trip to Paris.

Bastille Day Street Festival
Brooklyn: Smith St. Between Atlantic and Bergen, 11am – 8pm
I have never made it to the Cobble Hill Fair, but word is that it's even better than the one in Manhattan. A P?tanque tournament highlights the festivities. Perhaps I will make it Brooklyn this year and compare my notes.

See more: Spend a Couple Hours


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on July 10, 2006

Spend a Couple Hours »Celebrate the Fourth of July!

4th of JulyIn case you haven't noticed, this week's Brix Picks are American themed in honor of the Fourth of July. Aside from reading this blog, here are some other ways you can celebrate:

In New York you can head down to this week's place to visit – Coney Island and view the gluttonous and slightly nauseating Hot Dog Eating Contest (don't forget to grab a hot dog for yourself – maybe before the contest for your appetites sake).

If it's street fairs that you want, then Water St. between Fulton and State is hosting “The Great Fourth Of July Fest” where I am sure fried dough and America's Best Grandpa shirts abound.

Battery Park will be filled with the lovely sound of perennial Brix favorite Belle and Sebastian with their free concert at 3:30. And of course there are the fireworks – find a viewing spot and enjoy with some friends.

See more: Spend a Couple Hours


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on July 3, 2006

Spend a Couple Hours »Stories for the Wobbly Hearted

Daniel KitsonNow, I have to admit that I haven't seen this show yet, nor had I even heard of Daniel Kitson until I bought tickets. Therefore, I can't really recommend this yet, but the show has such a limited run I wanted to give a heads up.

From the pleas of Eugene Mirman and Demetri Martin on myspace, the TimeOut review, and the NY Theater review, it sounds like something I certainly did not want to miss out on. Ask me in a week how excellent it was.

See more: Spend a Couple Hours


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on June 26, 2006

Spend a Couple Hours »Prospect Park

Prospect ParkImagine, this is the park Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux made because Central Park wasn't good enough. And it is
unbelievably beautiful, one of the nicest places to walk in the whole country. Plus there are lakes you can boat on, fields you can bbq on, and lovely trees to shade in, not to mention waterfalls.

Easier to get to than ever by train, I highly recommend taking the trip sometime this season. Many bars, restaurants, and movie theaters are in the surrounding areas for more fun. One word of warning – it seems punks have been taking over at night lately – so be very careful and street smart because getting mugged in one of the prettiest places in the country may knock it off that list permanently.

See more: Spend a Couple Hours


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on June 19, 2006

Spend a Couple Hours »Museum Mile Festival

Museum Mile FestQuite a lot to fit into three hours ?I would think the major ones not to miss to be: the Dorothy Draper exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York, Eva Hesse at the Jewish Museum, a stop by one of my favorite places in all of Manhattan, the Cooper Hewitt, the “A Year with Children” a fun sounding collection of second through sixth grader art at the Guggenheim, AngloMania at the Met, and Silly Billy the Very Funny Clown.

I do not recommend anyone over the age of 16 get their face painted. Have you ever seen a grown person with face paint at a fair?

See more: Spend a Couple Hours


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on June 12, 2006

Spend a Couple Hours »Big Apple Barbecue Block Party

Big Apple BBQ Hoards of hungry rib-eating people, long lines in the scorching sun, and the smoke scent of 10 vendors' bbq offerings. Either heaven or hell on earth depending on the person. For me it sounds like a little of both. The event takes place June 10th and 11th in Madison Square Park and it will be my first.

Let me know if you are interested in joining me. Dishes cost around $7 although admission is free. A bubba pass is also available if you don't want to wait in line but only in dominations of $125 and $200. You can expect dishes from New York favorites RUB (former Bricks Pick) and Blue Smoke plus several from all over the country. Right now I am thinking I will try either Smoki O's Rib Tips or Baby Back Ribs from Memphis Championship Barbecue. Writing this is making me hungry.

See more: Spend a Couple Hours


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on June 5, 2006

Spend a Couple Hours »Bowling

BowlingI had not gone bowling for years until recently. While the lack of practice definitely showed – my first score was 28, I did improve with the help of pointers from my friends and we all had a wonderful time. The particular alley we went to was having cosmic disco bowling when we started – and I preferred that to the normal lighting – mostly because you realize just how dank and strange a bowling alley is with the bright florescents.

Of course dank and strange is part of the fun. So are a few lucky drinks to help your game. our fun night was up in Lake George. Here are bowling options in and around the city that I have not tried — Bowlmor Lanes, Chelsea Piers, Leisure Time Bowl, in Brooklyn, and more.

See more: Spend a Couple Hours


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on May 29, 2006

Spend a Couple Hours »Poker

Dan Abdo probably cheating at poker We were taught to play poker the other day, a game I had no interest in and feared would be hard to grasp. Fortunately I was wrong about the difficulty and my interest is now excitement. Making up ones own terminology is very fun as well – the last card to be revealed? – we call it the Dracula.

See more: Spend a Couple Hours


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on May 22, 2006

Spend a Couple Hours »Night of a Thousand Stevies

Night of 1000 Stevies Even though I will be unable to attend this year's NOTS, I still highly recommend the experience. Last year Jim came as Lindsey Buckingham (be still be heart) and I dressed as a young Nicks – which made me definitely in the minority. The Fleetwood Mac Stevie is not the favorite of drag queens, they prefer solo, crushed black velvet and top hats era.

Last year my favorite performer looked like a really bloated Sammy Hagar and totally stormed on stage. We missed Debbie Harry's appearance – but I heard she just gyrated with a stuffed animal for a minute or two and took off. Who knows what special guests will grace NOTS this year.

Rumour has it that Stevie herself is always there but is camouflaged by look-alikes. Make sure to bring your tambourine and baby's breath.

See more: Spend a Couple Hours


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on May 15, 2006