TimeKill NYC's 2010 recap: Art!

My best artsy activities of 2010. 

Joseph Wolf Grazi's Fountain of Youth at Volume Black Gallery 

 At Joe Grazi's interactive installation, at the Volume Black Gallery in Gramercy, artwork lined the walls of the main room (where the open bar was stationed), while Pennsylvania band The Click Clack Boom jammed in a ball pit in the back. This party was so much fun! I hadn't played in one of those since back in the day when my mom took me shopping at IKEA in the second grade.

Photo by Emily Hara

Dumbo Arts Festival

In September, the Dumbo Arts Festival celebrated New York City's art world with dances, plays, street art, musical acts, and interactive art installations. The annual festival takes place down by waterfront, in between the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges, and is a perfect way to kill time the family-friendly way.

BLT Gallery 

In August, I went to see Francois Gilot's exhibit at the BLT Gallery in SoHo. Gilot is the famous lover and muse of Pablo Picasso and author of the novel, Life with Picasso.

Line Up - Rigging Knots + Glimpses of a Master Class at 

The Clic Gallery 

The new intimate space at the Clic Gallery in SoHo currently hosts an exhibit called Line Up, a unique collaboration between Brooklyn-based photographer, Victoria Dearing, and the world famous high wire artist Philippe Petit. Dearings set of film-noir style photos depict the tight rope dancer as he teaches his first master class. Hanging beside them are intricate drawings of rigging knots sketched by Petit himself. I covered the gallery for BlackBook here. 

TimeKill NYC's 2010 recap: Shows, DJs, Music!

The best music I heard live. 

Jamie XX at Club Love 
 In October, after a show at an old theater in Washington Heights, Jamie Smith from The XX, DJed a set of unreleased solo tracks at Love in the West Village. As for how to describe the sound, my friends and I thought it was music 'that aliens would make love to.'

Check out an XX remix:

Everything Everything at Bowery Electric - I saw this amazing electro pop/art rock band at Bowery Electric in October. The small venue is great for an close-up, intimate experience.

Caspa, Rusko, Hellfire Machina, Emalkay, Dieselboy at Webster Hall.
This year Webster Hall booked some of the biggest names in Dubstep for their Friday night shows on the top floor. Yes, it was overcrowded and sweaty, but the music and the sound system made it worthwhile. Besides, there really aren't many other places in NYC where you can see these guys live.

Thursday Night Live at John Varvatos 
Every first Thursday of the month, the John Varvatos boutique hosts a show for up-and coming rock bands. Open bar, classic location (former CBGBs club). I saw Dead Sparrows and Jamie Burke's new band Delilah in November.

The Click Clack Boom and Carney at Brooklyn Bowl Brooklyn bowl is not really my scene - it's too big and quite frankly, too much like a bowling alley...because it is one. But they hosted some good shows this year, and I had a great time when I went to see my friends from PA, The Click Clack Boom, open for Carney in September.




As Tall As Lions - As Tall As Lions will be playing their last show ever in New York (the band is breaking up!) at Highline ballroom on December 22nd. This is going to be an amazing last show!

TimeKill NYC's 2010 recap: Parties!

Where I had the most fun in 2010. 

The basement at
 Sloane NYC
 This former pop-up shop on the corner of Mott and Broome streets, housed a beautiful line of redesigned vintage clothing by Brian Stanziale. The designer and his friends/business partners used to throw parties in the basement where they had a small bar set up and an even tinier DJ booth. The parties were private, for-those-in-the-know type of events, but eventually people in the neighborhood took notice and Brian had people knocking on his door on any given night in search of loud music and cheap booze. Sadly, they lost the space back in June.

99 Richardson

The grubby warehouse on 99 Richardson street in Williamsburg, dubbed The Shank, was the scene for a number of raucous after-hours parties until it shut down after a month-long run in 2009. Fortunately, the spot reopened in September to once again breath life into the underground party scene. I attended one of Feed the Starving Artists' Heaven and Hell themed parties at 99 Richardson over the summer. There we three different rooms with DJs (Hell in the basement and Heaven on the roof) fire dancers, a graffiti wall, beer pong etc. When the cops came to shut down the party, everyone had a costume on so the party coordinators pretended we were extras in a movie they were filming. It worked! 

Sullivan Room - Dedicated to underground electronic, Sullivan Room hosted a series of One Family parties featuring notable DJs from the dubstep, drum n bass, and 2 step scenes like Ginz and Hellfire Machina.

Friday Night Throwdown - Secret underground boxing matches held on the 2nd floor of the empty warehouse on the corner of Allen and Delancey street. $15 entry. Music by DJ MessKid. Throwdown had a home-made boxing rink with a DJ booth and bar on either side. This party was unlike any I had ever been to before in New York.

Summer Camp at Highbar.

Summer Camp at Highbar - All summer long Highbar had burgers, hot gay men, and pink frozen drinks that tasted like candy, but smelled of strong vodka. This was the best spot to go to on Wednesdays and Sundays for a relaxing, summer-barbeque-style vibe in Manhattan.

Le Bain - The second club to open in The Standard Hotel, Le Bain was pretty cool when it opened over the summer. They have a small jacuzzi pool (which I never dared dip in because it just doesn't seem sanitary), and a roofdeck covered in Astroturf; but they don't play the music loud enough up there. 

Kenmare - The small basement club located at 98 Kenmare street served as this year's staple spot for the socialite/hipster crowd that formerly sought out nighttime revelries at Paul Sevigny's Beatrice.

Looking for a good way to kill time? Spend a moment in awe.

The December issue of O magazine featured an interesting article on that wonderful thing we feel "when faced with something sublime, exceptional, or altogether beyond comprehension” - awe. Now awe is not a phenomenon I tend to think about during my day-to-day, but this article made some rather incredible statements that had me searching for moments of awe within my own lifetime. The writer, David Hochman, says that awe is one of the least understood human emotions, and one that can cause dramatic positive changes should we experience it.

Music - Awe is triggered in our brains by the unknown! Try listening to some new, obscure genre of music. Hint: You’re probably not going to find any "moments of awe" listening to Top 40...

 Hochman says contemporary research suggests that cultivating awe in our own lives can actually lead us to feel like a part of something greater than ourselves and may even help us get closer to figuring out our "greater purpose in life". This may be due in part to the fact that Oxytocin, “the bonding hormone”, is released during moments of awe.

Sights - While hiking to the top of Mount Everest might be high up there on the list of awe-inspiring activities, this is advice for those of us who are doing things a little more local. That narrows down the options, but there are at least a few sights worth seeing in New York that just might have the power to evoke a moment of awe. Try looking at Manhattan from new heights! If you haven’t looked down on the city from the top of the Empire State building, why not give it a try? There are even helicopter rides you can take for $35.95. Check it out..

In a study that used fMRI scanners, scientists from the Berkeley Social Interaction Laboratory found that people who were exposed to awe-inducing images (think: massive star collisions in space) showed brain activity, not in areas tied to self-interest or self-satisfaction (as is the typical response to cash rewards & silly prizes), but instead in the parts associated with touch and nurturing. Rather than a self-centered kind of satisfaction, awe triggers feelings of warmth and appreciation toward others.

Group activities: Concerts, festivals, raves, protests! 

The O article says ecstatic social experiences often occur in large groups. This can happen anywhere from a political rally to a sweaty drum & bass show. In NYC, the opportunities to be part of a crowd are many...

Peaceful protest:

 Get Up Stand Up! 

 Brooklyn for Peace 

Music:
1990's Retro Rave "Mixtape"  12/3 Escape the System 12/4      New Year's Rezolution! (Dubstep, electro house, dnb) 12/31

 What really appealed to me about this article was the philosophy behind the science. The root of Hochman's statements lie in a more artistic view of human emotions, which broadens the primordial spectrum of feelings, "anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness, and surprise," to include what he refers to as the “more nuanced sensations – Compassion, forgiveness, humility, and awe.” A moment of awe can be a refreshing, affirming experience; something that resonates down in the core of your being and compels you to embrace the wonder of the world around you. It seems that we could benefit from looking a little further into this natural phenomenon. Challenge yourself - find something to inspire a moment of awe in your life!

Meditation: 

Many people find their path to higher states of being through energy healing or yoga, which are based on ancient Asian techniques of meditation. Check out Yoga to the People for extremely affordable yoga classes. Nurture New York - "All things holistic and nurturing in NYC." 

Natural Phenomena 

One of the best places to experience awe is in a breathtaking natural environment. For those willing to roll out of bed before dawn, December is a great month for stargazing. The Geminid, known as the 'Grand Finale' of meteor showers, can be seen on December 13th as early as 10 PM with a peak at about  2 AM. Check out this Cosmic Event! To see the most awesome stars make sure you find a dark viewing site.  

TimeKill New York City asks: What are YOU doing tonight?

At long last, Friday night is upon us! Whether you've meticulously planned out every stop of the evening or decided to leave your night up to fate, check out how these interesting individuals will be killin' time in New York City...

Name: Holly GoNightly                     
Age: Old enough to know better
Profession: Writer/Editor at BlackBook magazine
What are you doing tonight? Going to dinner in Brooklyn, then to the Bunker Club for a DJ friend’s birthday party.
How are you getting in? Taking my chances, but I think that knowing the DJ might help with the details.
Why? Being a nightlife writer, it’s important to keep tabs on what’s going on with the after-dark denizens, which constantly has me going out, and usually to the place of the moment. Bunker is that place, and it just so happens that this ‘it’ place is also the site for a birthday party. I wouldn’t necessarily seek to go to these places on a regular basis myself, I’m a big fan of seeing bands, drinking at dive bars, trying new restaurants, and basically enjoying the nuances of any bar, or restaurant—no matter the perceived “cool” factor. If Bunker doesn’t work out tonight, I would probably head to Mayahuel or Death & Co for some relaxing drinks, and those hot/knowledgeable bartenders
If you had to change plans and kill time some other way, what would you be doing? If I didn’t have to go out tonight I’d probably take a bath and watch Mad Men. Finish of the week by numbing my mind and staring at a blank wall in silence for a few hours. Or see a movie at Sunshine Cinema. 

Name: Chris Loper aka Crisis Kid       Age: 21 Profession: DJ/Producer What are you doing tonight? Tonight you'll be able to catch me gallivanting around the LES for a bit before I make my way over to Sullivan Room for One Family. If all goes well, maybe I'll hit an after hours spot and hope things get slightly out of hand!  How are you getting in? Teleportation. Why? Bass music heavy-hitter Ginz is in town for One Family, definitely not a show you want to pass up. He's a great producer and his music will have you moving and bouncing around without a doubt!  If you had to change plans and kill time some other way, what would you be doing?  Hmmm, I know it's a Friday night but I've been meaning to go see the Banksy film, "Exit Through the Gift Shop." It's gotten rave reviews and I'm a huge fan of his work. So if all else fails, you can find me in that independent theater on the east end of Houston with a big bag of popcorn and some snocaps. ***Make sure you catch my set at "Stuff the Turkey Rave" in Brooklyn, it is sure to be an amazing time. There's a killer lineup in a dope party spot with two dance floors and open bar specials all night. For more information visit the facebook event page. *** www.soundcloud.com/crisiskid  www.facebook.com/djcrisiskid

Name: Steve Lewis  Age: Ageless, older and younger than you or even me. Profession: Nightlife correspondent Blackbook magazine, hospitality/interior designer, dj, consultant, bon vivant What are you doing tonight? Going to multiple clubs/lounges/bars. How are you getting in? I'm Steve Lewis and my attendance is desired by many.  Why? I will go to White Noise for the rockers and the music. I will go to Boom Boom Room to see whats happening at this chic spot. I will go to Lit to hang with friends. I will go to Snap to see if my design of the place is working. I will go to SubMercer to close the evening and wind down with the people who run the joint... who I love. In each case I go to places where I expect that an enjoyable or enlightening experience might be found. I try only to go to joints where the expected is unexpected.  Plans are very restrictive and in an age of instantaneous communication they are silly. You may be taken here or there. I go into the night armed with an open mind. Planning ahead surely is a bore and for amateurs. A perfect stranger might bear me to an imperfect place... now that is what I seek from the night.

Name: Alfonso Gaitan Vald'es
Age: 25
Profession: Designer/Illustrator
What are you doing tonight? Not sure, i do not plan my nights, it's better to come up with something at the moment. Most likely Friday's for me would include Eastern Bloc, Metropolitan, and Union Pool.
How are you getting in? With lot's of style of course. I go often so they won't even check my ID. There is no guest list, which I love, cause the thought of waiting KILLS ME.
Why go there?
The boys are hot, the girls are pretty. Most of them are usually local and when you meet foreigners, they tend to be pretty fun and outgoing; you can find what I call the NY style in their clothing, which is very cool. The music has a good variety; it wont get you tired. But most important, these are the places where you can run into friends, chit-chat, have a drink, and share a sexy move or two.
If plans changed? I guess i would just start walking on 2nd ave, get a falafel in the east village, and something to do would come to mind. 

Check out Alfonso's beautiful work here or there!

Name: Alex G                                 
Age: 27
Profession: Grad Student/Promoter 
What are you doing tonight? Dinner at Pelea Mexicana, then Cipriani SoHo and Le Bain
How are you getting in? I'm the promoter I use myself to get in. 
Why go there? The owner of Pelea Mexicana is a friend of a friend and he was kind enough to give us a free dinner and drinks tonight to pregame before our party at Cipriani. We're promoter's at Cipriani SoHo; we host a table with gorgeous girls. Afterward we usually go to Le Bain at The Standard. The people are extremely friendly and the music there is usually great! Le bain is usually a douchebag-free environment, which is a huge plus especially in the Meatpacking!
If you weren't working tonight? I would definitely go watch Harry Potter. I've been waiting for this movie for quite some time. If i wasn't working and HP7 wasn't out, I would probably do a bar crawl from the LES to the east village with the boys. I haven't had a chance to hang out with my dudes in a while it's been too long since we've all gotten rowdy.

Name: Ashley Simpson                     

Age: 24

Profession:  Editorial Assistant at Interview magazine.

What are you doing tonight? Drinks with friends at Spuyten Duyvil in Williamsburg, stopping by a friend's art party/exhibition opening at an event space in Chelsea. Then, who knows? Dancing at The Jane?

How are you getting in? No tight doors tonight.

Why? It's Friday and by the end of the long week, I just want to catch up with friends. Looking forward to a low-key evening...  

If you had to change plans and kill time some other way, what would you be doing? Twin Shadow and Bear in Heaven at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. Dance-crazy 80s new wave and hazy, synth-rock. Should be good. 

Hope this was inspirational! Now go out and have some fun, it's Friday! 

What to look forward to... Electro House tonight at Webster!

I turn 21 on Sunday and lucky for me there's a sick party at Webster Hall tonight where I just might celebrate! This is what to look forward to :

Tonight: Felguk, Huoratron, and Skrillex at Webster Hall!


I think Webster Hall should start paying me at this point... I just can't help blogging about their parties! Check this out: 

Tonight Felipe Lozinsky and Gustavo Rozenthal, a.k.a Felguk, will be casting sonic spells with bass-led, electro-house beats! Hailing from the land known for party culture and a penchant for upbeat dance music, the Brazilian duo has spent the last two years climbing up the ladder of DJ success, remixing tracks with Tim Healey and even Madonna.  


Next up is Skrillex, the alias of Sonny Moore, who I haven't even thought about since tenth grade when he was still fronting the band From First To Last. Turns out he's been making a pretty good name for himself as an electronic musician. Over the summer he lent vocals to the metalcore band, Bring Me the Horizon, before he embarked on a nationwide tour with Deadmau5 in October.


The final act, Huoratron, began making strides in the experimental house scene in 2002 when he figured out how to pump electro-house music from two Game Boy consoles. The solo project of Aku Raski, Huoratron brings tough,raw house with a unique, heavy sound.

Gate Crashing 101: How to get past the door when you're underage or not on the list.

1. If you're underage, get an ID...but not a fake one. Fake IDs are pointless and a waste of money. They are overpriced, bad quality, and will only infuriate the person checking your ID.
As a naive freshman, I once tried entering a club with a fake ID that I had spent upwards of a hundred dollars on. Though I was a little nervous about having the fake, the guy who made it assured me that the hologram made it look authentic. WRONG! I found out the hard way that this was not the case. Within thirty seconds of presenting my new ID, a bouncer looked at it, looked back at me, pulled a tiny pair of scissors out of his pocket and cut my card in half. Ironically, I was then allowed to go in the club...
Not all bouncers care if the person on your ID is actually you, a lot of them just want to make sure you at least resemble the person in the picture. If they ask for a second form of ID, say you didn't bring one. If your ID is expired, tell them it costs $80 to renew and you're broke.

2. Get on the guest list. Going.com and Yodelscope.com are two websites I've found to be useful when trying to figure out how to RSVP for private events in New York. An RSVP doesn't necessarily ensure free admission, but it almost always means that the entry fee will be reduced. If you legitimately know someone working at the party, by all means use that to your advantage, but don't randomly name drop. If you have industry friends, hit them up for RSVP email addresses. People in PR and media always have access to cool industry events. If you're really desperate, you could try telling the person with the clipboard that you're with the press and you're covering the event, or that you're a party photographer for a blog. Get creative, but be smart.

3. Promoters. While associating with promoters will definitely cause your cellphone inbox to overflow with cheesy, annoying mass-text-messages; knowing promoters is a great way to gain access to free parties and free drinks. Promoters can usually get people into clubs without any ID and some of them do free dinners before their parties. Since the majority of promoters don't want to bring dudes out with them, this tip really applies to females. If you're out at a club, try to find out if there are any promoter tables. If there are, go over and chat them up, tell them how many 'beautiful girlfriends' you have and get their card.

4. Dress to Impress. Ever tried getting into a party that was "filled to capacity"?! Stylish costumes and clothing can definitely help your chances of crashing a totally packed event. When you're dressed in something awesome, door people are more likely to overlook the fact that your name isn't on the guest list or that your eyes are blue, but on your ID they're brown...

5. Flirt and make friends. If there is any advice I have for eager party-goers in New York, it is to make the most of your networking opportunities. When standing on line at an event, take a look at the people around you and find someone to talk to. Ask people who they know at the party and what brought them there.
When I went to see Caspa at Webster Hall a few weeks ago, I met some cool people on line who got in on a guestlist with reduced admission. We exchanged numbers, and last week at the Rusko concert they were nice enough to put my friends and I on their list.
Flirting is another option - I tried to get into club Love to see Jamie from The XX dj a few weeks ago, and when I got up to the doorman I noticed that he had a Scorpio tattoo on the side of his neck. I was a little worried he might have an issue with my ID, so I timed things out perfectly and complimented him just as he began to look it over. Distracted and Flattered, he let me in without looking at the ID again.

These are just a few tips I thought of off the top of my head for my "How to" post for class. If anyone has any ideas, feel free to post in the comments section! Good luck gate crashers!