From: "Jeff Stark" <jstark@nonsensenyc.com>
Subject: nonsensenyc: 6.25 to 6.30
Date: June 25th 2010

Friday, June 25
* We Hardly Knew V, Manhattan
* Temperalia, Manhattan
* The Enchanted Menagerie at Desire: A Masquerade, Manhattan * Manhattan Critical Mass and Drag March, Manhattan * Smut II, Brooklyn
* Mr. Victrola at the Freak Bar, Brooklyn

Saturday, June 26
* Lumen, Staten Island
* Bubble Battle NYC 2010, Manhattan
* Pop Bubble Battle Afterparty, Manhattan * Masked Marauders and Grace Jones, Brooklyn * Noise! 2010, Manhattan
* Fort Greene Festival Afterparty, Brooklyn * Mister Saturday Evening: Part Deux, Brooklyn * The Unofficial Afro-Punk Fest Kickoff Party, Brooklyn * Hands Across the Sand, Brooklyn
* The Gay Divorce Show, Manhattan

Sunday, June 27
* HiChristina! Disguise Ball Gala Fundraiser, Manhattan * Who Can Roast the Most? Manhattan
* Robert Moses Walk Project, Brooklyn
* A Drive-In 5, Brooklyn
* Church of Craft: Let's Craft Outside, Williamsburg * Alpha Women Attack the LES, Manhattan * The Secret City: Ecstasy, Manhattan
* Adam's Benefit, Williamsburg

Monday, June 28
* We're Sorry, But We Didn't Catch the Title of This Show, Brooklyn * New Instruments for Improvisation and Experimental Approaches, Manhattan

Tuesday, June 29
* SpilLover, Manhattan

Wednesday, June 30
* The Giddy Multitude Vaudeville Co.'s Five a Day, Manhattan

Wishlist
* Confederates

Spectre
* Empty Lot, Ocean View

Learning
* Ham radio

Help
* Bingo With Seniors

NOTE: For some navigation help, or an explanation for what this is all about, scroll all the way down to NONSENSE. You'll find snarky editorial comments and little bits of praise littered throughout this list. These nuggets are marked with all caps, like this: NOTE. Also, we make a lot of mistakes, especially with dates; you should always double check our work. And you can donate to this project at nonsensenyc.com/special.

XXXXX COVER ART XXXXX

An almost full summer moon over Shadow Mountain lake.

XXXXX FRIDAY, JUNE 25 XXXXX

We Hardly Knew V

In less than one month, a number of New York City subway lines will be terminated due to a growing budget gap, mismanagement and the MTA’s inability to hear the Voice of the commuters. In a response to this outrage, an eVent will be thrown aboard the last running V train on Friday, June 25, at 11p.

Part funeral party, part protest, We Hardly Knew V aims at revealing the anger, frustration and indignation of New York commuters and we invite you to join us.

On behalf of NYCentric and Newmindspace, two groups who are very adept at staging massive public events. Newmindspace is known for their international pillow fight parties and NYCentric is the unofficial organizer of train funerals.

Meet at 2nd Ave station, uptown platform of the V train, on the last cae 11p; $free
Jonahlevysuniqueny.com

***** Also on FRIDAY *****

Temperalia

Music and art experience. Performances by Miho Hatori's New Optimism, Davide Balula, Mai Ueda and Pete Drungle and Brian Close, and François Nnang. Artwork by Hanna Alvgren and Jose Vargas, Hisham Bharoocha, Thomas Isaac, Hanna Sandin, and Yuko Torihara.

Salt Space
1160 Broadway, at 27th Street, 5th floor, Manhattan 7p; $pay what you can
hearingroomgmail.com

***** Also on FRIDAY *****

The Enchanted Menagerie at Desire: A Masquerade

Dances of Vice and Muffinhead present the Enchanted Menagerie at Lee Chappell's Desire, A Masquerade at New York's most breathtaking venue, Capitale. With a dress code not to be taken lightly, a $500 cash prize is offered for the most fabulous costume.

Featuring live music by Shanghai Foxtrot, Grandpa Musselman and His Syncopators with special guest star the Incomparable Iggy, mesmerizing performance art by the Flying Fox and Sequinette, an enthralling fashion show by Kristin Costa Designs, and vintage and glam dance music all night by DJ Miz Margo.

Capitale
130 Bowery, Manhattan
10p to 4a; $20 advance, $30 door
dancesofvice.com

***** Also on FRIDAY *****

Manhattan Critical Mass and Drag March

Everyone keeps asking for more naked riding, but we will have to settle for the fact that this month CM coincides with another unpermitted parade, the annual NYC Drag March. Some riders will be scantily/sparkly/gender-bendingly clad, and you all should join in the fun! Come early for body painting at 5:30p. Police presence will be heavy, so bring lights and bells. Followed by a Drag Dance Ride.

Union Square North
17th Street and Broadway, Manhattan
7p; $free

***** Also on FRIDAY *****

The Lowbrow Society for the Arts presents:

Smut II

A night of art, drinks, dancing, debauchery, and smut. Featuring a gallery full of photography, installation, video and illustration to feast your lascivious eyes upon. Throughout the evening we'll be featuring: burlesque performances, live body-painting on a supple young subject, a bevy of barely-dressed go-go boys for your amusement (if you're lucky), and the Gerrification Wet T Shirt Contest.

Featuring artwork by: Lenora Jayne, Gwynn Galitzer, Annie Sprinkle, Gerry Visco, Lorna Gaddis, James Matthews , Tamara Porras, Kelly Macario, and Russell Harris. Live video mixing by Joshua Sophrin. Featuring videos by Jennifer Blowdryer and Irie.

Brooklyn Fire Proof
119 Ingraham Street, at Porter Avenue, Brooklyn L train to Morgan Avenue station
7p; $free 7-9p, $5 after 9p, $10 after midnight

***** Also on FRIDAY *****

Mr. Victrola at the Freak Bar

Native New Yorker and professional barber, Michael W. Haar has been a discerning collector and provider of early 20th century music since the age of 19. With nearly 1,000 original discs and cylinders from the Acoustic-Recording Era (1890-1925), Mister Victrola has been cranking out these nostalgic tunes over the years at indoor and outdoor events across NYC. He was given the honor to provide the classic soundtrack to last summer's 82nd Anniversary of the Coney Island Cyclone and this Friday, the cranky DJ returns with Popular Dance songs from the turn-of-the-20th century through the late 1920s. All original records will be spun on two 1925 talking machines powered only by the cranking of these phonographs.

Come on and hear Alexander's Ragtime Band, Sidewalks of New York, Meet Me Down at Luna, Lena, and so much more.

Freak Bar at Coney Island USA
1208 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn
8-10p; $free

XXXXX SATURDAY, JUNE 26 XXXXX

Lumen

The coolest art event not happening on Manhattan, is happening on Staten Island. Staten Island's once abandoned waterfront will be hosting Lumen, a cutting-edge video art festival on the site of the Atlantic Salt Company, presented by COAHSI, the Council on the Arts and Humanities for Staten Island. This raw, magnificent, old, beautiful, decaying space, originally opened in 1876 as a plaster mill. In 1924, the building was bought by United States Gypsum, a plant that made wallboard and paint. The gypsum plant employed Staten Islanders for 52 years, before closing in 1976. Now owned by the Atlantic Salt Company, the 10-acre property is a depot for road de-icing salt for New York State, New Jersey, and Connecticut."

The Lumen Festival will showcase amazing contemporary video/projection and performance art both outside and onto the space. Atlantic Salt is right on the waterfront, so get ready for views of NYC and performances throughout the day, raffles featuring artists' work, as well as an open bar from 9-11p. Participating artists and collectives include: Alex Villar, Alix Pearlstein, Scott Peel, Lena Thüring, Grace Exhibition Space, Flux Factory, and Steven Lapcevic, among many others. Check website for a complete listing of all participating artists

Atlantic Salt
561 Richmond Terrace, a 10-minute walk or bus ride from the Staten Island Ferry, Staten Island 4p-midnight; $free
lumenfest.org

***** Also on SATURDAY *****

Newmindspace presents:

Bubble Battle NYC 2010

Millions of bubbles fly through the air as we converge in Times Square for a magical bubble battle. Loosely based Dr. Seuss' classic Butter Battle Book. Bring bubble toys, bubble generators, bubble solution, and plenty of AA batteries. We will meet at the red steps in Times Square, fill our weapons and pull the trigger.

Times Square (Father Duffy Square)
West 47th Street and Broadway, Manhattan 6-8p; $free
Newmindspace.com

***** Also on SATURDAY *****

Newmindspace presents:

Pop Bubble Battle Afterparty

Now with rooftop ball pit. After the beautiful bubble battle in Times Square, join us for a banging afterparty in a Williamsburg loft, with chillout nooks and a huge rooftop with lots of fun stuff.

Sticking to our tradition of taking favorite childhood activities and making them bigger, we'll be constructing a silly ball pit with oversized silver spheres, and filling the roof with tons of random, soft objects (bring some to add) Featuring banging music, some of our favorite DJs, bubbles, Chinatown toys, the silver ball pit, DIY slip-n-slide, and a medium-sized inflatable pool. Bring a bathing suit if you dare. This event is a fundraiser for Newmindspace activities later this summer.

RSVP for address
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
10p-4a; $15
18 and over
popnewmindspace.com
tinyurl.com/pop2k10

***** Also on SATURDAY *****

Masked Marauders and Grace Jones

Channel your inner monsters and join us in the swamp water of Brooklyn for this bizarre spectacle. Dark Allies film production presents a night of debauchery and madness in an epic masquerade mashup.

We are proudly presenting live acts by Sigmund Droid, Kooley High, Quizas. DJ sets: Safety Scissors, America's Buns, Stylus.

It is a masquerade: Dress up and show us your idea of a Supernatural Being vs. Grace Jones. Your photo will be taken by Vogue in a special photo booth and we will operate an exclusive competition with special prizes.

Don’t forget this is all for the good cause of making the film ‘Dark Allies’ happen. The production is already underway and there needs to be more money raised.

Littlefield
622 Degraw Street, between 3rd and 4th avenues, Brooklyn 9p-4a; $8 before midnight, $10 after midnight irenekotnik.com/party/

***** Also on SATURDAY *****

Noise! 2010

Noise! 2010 is a one-day, marathon event, featuring a staggering array of artists and works including performance, sound, moving image, language, and culinary craft.

Mapping signal innovation, distortion, and destruction from the historical avant-garde to contemporary media art practitioners. Artists: Viking Eggeling, Paul Sharits, Rose Lowder. Live Performances by Bruce McClure, Kevin Medal, Ric Royer and G. Lucas Crane, Jeremy JF Thompson and Mashinka Firunts, Bonnie Jones, Jena Osman, AMJ Crawford, Nectar Bats, Dubknowdub, Falopian Groove, Kamran Sadeghi, Zach Layton, David Linton, Judd Morrissey and Mark Jeffery, C. Spencer Yeh, Cris Cheek, Patience Dalessi, Ed Bear, Sebastián Patané Masuelli, Eddie Hopely, Gregory Laynor, Diana Hamilton, J. Gordon Faylor, and Steve Zultanski. Downstairs in the Parish Hall: Ian Page. Dinner with and by Andes Sprouts Society, Able Brown and Casey Farnum, Forrest Gillespie, Dylan Gauthier, Nsumi Collective, and Ben Flanner and Brooklyn Grange.

Ontological Theater at St. Mark's Church 131 East 10th Street, Manhattan.
Noon-10p; $30 includes dinner, drinks, etc., $10-15 sliding scale excludes dinner

***** Also on SATURDAY *****

boomBOOM presents and I See Promotions present:

Fort Greene Festival Afterparty

Featuring Soulive, Common, Caron Wheeler, DJ Free and more.

Irondale Center
85 South Oxford, Brooklyn
10p; $?
ticketfly.com/purchase/event/10359
boomboomnyc.com

***** Also on SATURDAY *****

Mister Saturday Evening: Part Deux

Tunes, tacos and sky -- oh my. The last Mister Saturday Night at this beautiful open-air courtyard demanded an encore, and the crew is happy to oblige. Back again in Bushwick, residents Justin Carter and Eamon Harkin are preparing a stash of deep, dark wax to welcome French tech-house mainstay Ivan Smagghe. Expect the bass to get low as the sun dips and the good folks trade carne asada for the dance floor.

Brooklyn Fireproof
119 Ingraham Street, Brooklyn
6p -2a ; $10 advance, $12 before 8p with RSVP, $15 otherwise mistermistersaturdaynight.com

***** Also on SATURDAY *****

The Unofficial Afro-Punk Fest Kickoff Party

With performances from y, Moruf, and party music by Ezrakh and DJ Chuck.

House of Yes
342 Maujer Street, Brooklyn
L train to Grand station
10p-4a; $10

***** Also on SATURDAY *****

Hands Across the Sand

New Yorkers will join hands at Coney Island Beach in solidarity with people on beaches and in parks and cities all across America and the World, united in their opposition to offshore drilling and their support for alternative, clean energy.

Hands Across The Sand's mission is to steer America's energy policy away from its dependence on fossil fuels and into the light of clean energy. The aim is to convince our leaders to abandon expanded offshore oil drilling and adopt policies that encourage clean and renewable energy sources. We are joining hands to say yes to clean energy and no to offshore oil drilling.

Coney Island beach, near the NY Aquarium 602 Surf Avenue and West 8th Street, Brooklyn 11a meet up, noon meet hands; $free
handsacrossthesand.org.

***** Also on SATURDAY *****

HyperGender Burlesque presents:

The Gay Divorce Show

In this salute to Queer Pride, HyperGender Burlesque will bring you some beloved burlesqueers who will excite you, shock and make you feel at home among the strange, the bizarre and the campy. Following the Dyke March and before the Pride Parade, what a better way to warm up for the all night debauchery but with help of sexy, naked queers?

Gay marriage debate has been going on for a while now and has queers split - do we fight for this antiquated institution or do we embrace the fact that we shall always be deemed "different"? Refusing to jump in the middle of the debate HyperGender raises another question - if almost half of all marriages end up in a divorce, why don't we have right to a divorce?

Hosts: JZ Bich & N (NOTE: Bitch, no?). Guests: Darlinda Just Darlinda, Poison Eve, Miss Bambi Galore, Charlie Demos, Bianca Dagga, Leta Le Noir, and HyperGender's resident videographer Anti Social.

Wow Cafe Theater
59-61 East 4th Street, fourth floor, Manhattan 10:30p; $15
hypergendergmail.com
hypergender.com

XXXXX SUNDAY, JUNE 27 XXXXX

HiChristina! Disguise Ball Gala Fundraiser

This is not just any HiChristina event, oh no. HiChristina! is stepping it up and taking things to the roof and high high higher. We are incredibly excited to announce to you our first ever Disguise Ball Fundraiser Gala. Christina and Fritz are working around the clock to make each and every one of our gala guests hand-made outrageous masks and disguises. Walk in the door and be given a disguise to perfectly accent special traits of your personality.

The evening starts with two-for-one drinks to die for in the fabulous Dixon Place Lounge. Then get paparazzi pictures in the bubble shower with Christina and Fritz in your new disguise and a smooth as butta transition into a snip-snappy hour of HiChristina! inspired spectacle with partner/stranger/disguise dancing and pass the secret handshake. The HiChristina! cast of characters will entertain you with rapid fire three minute performances while you keep your drink mulled for special guests Sxip Shirey and that naked woman dressed up as Tom Cruise.

This is our biggest event of the summer, definitely not to be missed. The evening concludes with a fast-talking, country-style auction of works by Friends of HiChristina! including: a couture dress by New York designer Alisha Trimble, an oil painting of yourself with Christina and Fritz by artist Patrick the Mangina Bucklew, a hypnotism session with Audrey Sussman PhD, a screenwriting class with award-winning screenwriter Jacob Krueger, Ryan Brennan's hand-made Book of Living Exercises, a tarot session, a walking tour of NYC, and more. Don your new disguise, dance the strange jig, drink the tasty drink and be a part of the excitement as HiChristina takes us all up up and away.

Hosts and performers include: The amazing Sxip Shirey, Nonsense NYC's Jeff Stark, Bowieball Deryck Todd, Mixel Pixel's Kaia Wong, the Mangina Patrick Bucklew, darling musical maestro Alexa Wilding, Trash Worship's Roland Politi, sexperiment Gerry Visco, music man Eyal Marcovici, acting! Kadin Daniel, the Vegan Roast Shan Raoufi, Tom Cruizy Amy Uzi, miracle man Kevin Balktick, zen photographer A. Jesse Jiryu Davis, from the Cybil Lake Show Cybil Lake, tarot card Courtney Weber, Ask a Scientist Ilir Topalli, radical chic Swoon Magazine, tabla sensation Deep Singh, and many, many more.

Dixon Place
161 Chrystie Street
$20 online advance, $25 door
hichristina.com/donate.html

NOTE: Probably the densest accumulation of New York weirdoes since the late 70s, or since Collective Unconscious moved, or whenever it was that New York stopped keeping track of such details. But look at the lineup: It's a hardware store with nothing but wingnuts. (Except us of course; we'll be playing straight man for the evening.) We'd promise you something special when we see you there, but Christina and Fritz are much better hosts than we'll ever be. So we'll promise that Christina and Fritz will have something special for you at the event. Ha. It can't help but be an odd night.

***** Also on SUNDAY *****

Who Can Roast the Most?

Since 1999, Who Can Roast The Most? has grown to be recognized as a Premier Break Dancing Event which is been acclaimed as a must by dancers, and fans in Miami, and beyond. The event has been traditionally produced by Ground Zero Crew, the Miami-based, world renowned break-dancing group. The event has been held for over a decade in multiple venues including South Florida, Los Angeles, Washington DC, and finally returns to New York City for its 12th installation.

Who Can Roast the Most? boasts its exceptional popularity among the Global B-boy Community for its unique formula and approach. It has come to be recognized as the ultimate in One-on-One Battles, staying clear of the well treaded contests that are ubiquitous among the scene, by bringing together a cast of characters drawing from talent pools from opposite geographical locations. The best B-boys and B-girls in the East or South East face off against the best in the West and Mid-West. Participants undergo a grueling 10 rounds of competitive dancing where their talent and stamina are tested to their limit. All in all, the event promotes excellence in performance, without seeking to declare one of the sides victorious. Thats right: There is no winner announced to add to the hype, and the event features no judges. Fans do vote online for who they want to see perform. And what they consider to be dream matches, and Who Can Roast the Most? turns them into a reality.

With Sweet Lu vs DVS, Rocism vs Mach 3, Chem vs Ookie, Lil Tony vs Knuckles, Floor Phantom vs Flave 1, Hannibal vs Samo, Meen 187 vs Metal, Atlas vs Tata, and Bounce vs Macca. DJs: John Swan, Casey Mace'Em.

The Broad Street Ballroom
41 Broad Street, between Beaver Street and Exchange Place, Manhattan 4-11p; $15 entrance, and $10 for camera

***** Also on SUNDAY *****

Robert Moses Walk Project

Just wanted to let you know about a two-part event we are having this weekend. It involves both a walk, as well as an evening presentation/party.

Robert Moses Walk Project is a yearlong exploration of the public works of Robert Moses through walking. Robert Moses oversaw the creation of over 600 public playgrounds throughout New York. In March we explored the playgrounds within our communities and identified photographic moments but took no photographs. Now is the time to take those photos.

We will give you descriptions of those moments and send you out to find your version and take a picture. Seek out other people's memories through your experience. Explore how Robert Moses shaped the urban environment and view your city from a new perspective on the Scavenger Walk.

Bring a digital camera (as well as the cord to transfer pics to a computer) and a $5 donation for food and drink -- suggested but not necessary.

1p: Meet at Mt. Prospect Park, Brooklyn, to form teams, receive your mission, and enjoy Mimosa Popsicles.

2p: Start scavenging. Capture the memories.

7p: Regroup at 1013 Pacific Street, Apartment 1R, Brooklyn for show and tell with nibbles and sips. Eat hors d'ouvres, and drink cocktails while we show the photos and invite you to tell stories about your experience.

blakeuntitledwalkproject.org

***** Also on SUNDAY *****

A Drive-In 5

Casual outdoor projections of new and used motion pictures by some really great people and other surprise delights at an industrial waterfront lot.

A Drive-In is a distinguished unauthorized mixed media projection party held sporadically at an empty lot in Red Hook, Brooklyn since the fall of 2008. Brought to you by Work Gallery and Clearchannel. No automobiles are required at A Drive-In events -- we celebrate transportation in general.

65 Union Street and Van Brunt, Brooklyn Approximate dusk, 8:30p or so; $free
jessiestead.com/adrivein.html

***** Also on SUNDAY *****

Church of Craft: Let's Craft Outside

A special outdoor sewing Sunday School with Glenn from Bags for the People. There will be sewing machines outside and we will learn from the master how to make our own reusable totes. These are easy and fast to make, even for a beginner. We will be part of a great outdoor party with lots to do and see. Come spend some time with us, get something to eat in the picnic block, and in general see some of the best people watching of the summer. The Williamsburg Walks are going on all weekend, so come for the day!

Of course, you are welcome as always to bring your own current craft project, your friends, loved-ones, kids, snacks to share, anything and everything that inspires you to flex your creative muscles. Don't forget your sunscreen, sunbonnet, or parasol. You may also want a sit-upon if you aren't sewing under the tent.

Williamsburg Walks
Bedford Avenue, between North 7th and 8th streets, Williamsburg, Brooklyn 4-7p; $free
tvecalliechurchofcraft.org
williamsburgwalks.org/2010-programming/

***** Also on SUNDAY *****

Alpha Women Attack the LES

Free punk and variety show. It's the roaring return of the yearly punk and variety show produced by Our Lady of Perpetual PMS and the Shadow, NYC's underground newspaper since 1988

A part of a series of free shows that celebrate the vitality and creativity of the counter cultural scene that has survived on the LES, despite the rampant gentrification, soaring rents and lost venues that have contributed to the cultural genocide sweeping New York City.

Partial line-up: Our Lady of Perpetual PMS, Gorgeous Ladies of Bloodwrestling, Juliet Jeske, Jerin Alam, Sarah B., Chloe Matheou, Rachel Cleary, Amie Amis, Jessica Delfino, Susan Hwang and the Debutante Hour, S.M.U.T., the Ruffian Arms, and the X-Possibles. Also featuring: Craftermath punk crafts and affordable/unusual art by group of subversive woman who like to party w/glue guns and make things out of (g)litter. Plus a satirical anti-fashion show with clothing for women with beer guts. Clothing swap: bring or take clean women's clothing only -- no winter clothes please.

Tompkins Square Park
7th Street and Avenue A, Manhattan
2-6p; $free
212 631 1181
nycanimalcaregmail.com
theshadowmediafilter.org
craftermathnyc.blogspot.com

***** Also on SUNDAY *****

The Secret City: Ecstasy

The Secret City is a community of artists and other conscious, creative people. We gather to celebrate, cogitate, ruminate and meditate on the nature of art-making and the creative spirit.

Part cabaret, part art-church, part salon, each service has a different theme and features live performance, presentation and original work.

Ecstasy. The word conjures undying love, unbridled joy, bodice-ripping abandon and the eternal delight of the senses. As the heat sets in, we honor the brilliant trifecta of Gay Pride, Independence Day, and the ecstatic onset of summer.

Come join us for a celebration that promises to lift the senses, open the heart, raise the roof and flutter the eyelashes. The perfect preparation for dancing in the streets.

Theatrelab
137 West 14th Street, between 6th and 7th streets, Manhattan 11:30a; $10 but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

***** Also on SUNDAY *****

Adam's Benefit

This event was created to raise money for Adam Walker who was the victim of a hit and run accident about a month ago. He was hit by a cab while riding his bike. His lower leg was snapped in half and his shoulder was fractured in two places.

Live bands: Team Robespierre, Wild Yaks, Love As Laughter, Leisurely, Submarine Bells, and Mystery Roar. DJs: Johnny Siera, C.LO, Rev McFly, and King Kong Rambo. With a local prizes raffle.

The Woods
48 South 4 Street, between Wythe and Kent, Williamsburg, Brooklyn 2p-3a; $donation?

XXXXX MONDAY, JUNE 28 XXXXX

We're Sorry, But We Didn't Catch the Title of This Show

I am hosting an event, a concert in Brooklyn. Essentially it is a concert run by predominantly high school students with help of a college student or two, and played by five-six bands (still not concrete) all of whom consist of high school students from around the New York area. This concert fits the bill for NonsenseNYC because it is unusual in that it is run by students and performed by only students, and advertised in only a dearth of places, being that the resources we have to advertise this are the resources of a population of 15-20 year olds -- not much.

The bands playing are Hobnob, Excelery, Anachronista, Moot Point, and the Trembles.

EMJC (The East Midwood Jewish Center)
1625 Ocean Avenue, Brooklyn
4:00p doors, 4:30p music; $8
concertemjc.org

NOTE: We're way impressed they used Whom correctly. We thought high school students were writing less than ever.

***** Also on MONDAY *****

Harvestworks presents:

New Instruments for Improvisation and Experimental Approaches

New instruments for Improvisation and experimental approaches, an investigation into contemporary sound art and experimental music using custom made electronic instruments, will consider the methods and intentions of four artists building new instruments and specialized interfaces. In a day-long series of presentations, talks and performances these artists will discuss how their practice as improvisers, sound artists and experimental musicians lead to inventing their own tools, and how these inventions in turn influenced their musical performance techniques.

Presentations: Dafna Naphtali, Matthew Ostrowski, Hans Tammen, and Laetitia Sonami. Panel: The Moebius Strip.Followed by solo performances and a quartet.

Here Arts Center
145 6th Avenue, between Spring and Broome Streets, Manhattan 2p-4:40p presentations, 5-6p panel, 8-10p performances; $20; $15 for Harvestworks members. harvestworks.org

XXXXX TUESDAY, JUNE 29 XXXXX

SpilLover

Offer your own feedback on the oil spill and express your personal goals for change. Each audience member’s response will be uploaded to a YouTube channel: youtube.com/spilloversquared, where the conversation can continue world-wide.

Nearby, six performers -- in all white with engaging smiles – delicately balance very full buckets of oil on their heads. With each passing day, their clothing becomes darker and darker from the spillage. Catch some beautiful women becoming gradually soaked in oil and share your vision for America.

On July 3 at 3:30p, the performers will cross the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan to Brooklyn with the buckets of oil, and then walk back across, scrubbing up anything they've spilled. Mix black food coloring with water, put it in a jar, and join us for the walk to celebrate our future independence from oil/

Times Square
44th and 7th Avenue, Manhattan
Noon-2p; $free
917 771 8828
Josephine.Deckergmail.com

XXXXX WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30 XXXXX

The Giddy Multitude Vaudeville Co.'s Five a Day

Close your eyes and think really hard. What is something you do five times a day? Something you can't live without? (Doesn't have to be fruit, people.) In our June Show, Giddy Multitude is all over your secret compulsions like too much soy sauce on rice. We will somersault you through a garden of variable entertainments, all swirling in the cosmic direction of that one thing you do, or want, or eat ... five times a day.

The Giddy Multitude is reinventing vaudeville through storytelling and social commentary in the form of circus arts, burlesque, comedy, and music. We are a place where artists of all levels and disciplines can mingle, learn, teach, and build community. TGM especially encourages female artists, queer artists, and artists of color to apply.

Wow Cafe Theatre
59 East 4th Street, Manhattan
8p; $10
giddymultitude.com

XXXXX UPCOMING XXXXX

• Rubulad, July 2
• Sci-Fi Fourth of July, July 4
• Dances of Vice Liberty Belle Fourth of July Spectacular, July 4
• The Underground Rebel Bingo Club, July 9

XXXXX ONGOING XXXXX

Nonsense is too long. The great thing about the internet is that it doesn't really cost much to run long listings and exhaustive descriptions. It turns out that's ... exhausting. After several complaints and a little deliberation, we're trying a new format: On the first Friday of the month we will run updated ongoing listings in each section: events, learning, and help. Other weeks we're going for leaner, meaner sections. If you're desperate for something to do on an off-Tuesday night we suggest you either look back a few issues ago in your inbox, or poke through our online archives, which you can find under the subscribe page.

Also, a note about better rock shows. Nonsense does not straight list rock shows in New York unless they occur in tandem with puppet shows or jump rope tournaments or in subway tunnels or in graveyards. For listings of good shows, especially shows that feature independent bands at quality venues like Death by Audio and those booked by hard-working promoters like Todd P or Sleep When Dead, consult resources like ohmyrockness.com, brooklynvegan.com/, sleepwhendeadnyc.com/calendar/, or the lively New York Happenings listserve on Yahoo groups launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/nyhappenings/. For the most exhaustive list of underground shows at unusual venues, track down a copy of the extremely useful -- and handsome -- Showpaper.

XXXXX WISHLIST XXXXX

What have you been wishing for? Collaborators, grant monies, a new home? Please send brief listings to Alita at alitanonsensenyc.com. We only list available apartments, lofts, studios, and one-off rentals -- not spaces wanted.

***** ARTY STUFF *****

• Open Call for Projects: The Wassaic Project Summer Festival is a free, annual, multi-disciplinary festival held in Wassaic, NY. Housed in the unique buildings and property of The Wassaic Project, the festival escapes the white walls of traditional art spaces and focuses on site-sensitive installations and performances. The festival creates a weekend-long opportunity for artists and performers of all mediums to come together, exchange ideas, learn new things, and engage in a thriving community. Participants are encouraged to come for the day or stay the weekend camping onsite. Programming is cutting-edge yet family-friendly. The beautiful Hamlet of Wassaic is remarkably accessible from NYC and a short walk from the Wassaic MetroNorth train station. Funding for the festival comes from micro-spending, art sales, sponsorship, and donations. Deadline June 30. Contact info@wassaicproject.com
• My family is hosting another one of our awesome death of a subway parties -- this one called We Hardly Knew V and it’ll be on the last ever V train, (see listing above.) leaving the Second Avenue station at 11:30p on Friday, June 25th. The color theme is orange. The word theme is V. If anyone would like to contribute arty things for redecorating the trains, please contact Jonah, jonah(at)levysuniqueny.com.
• The World's Largest DIY Festival is coming to NYC! Calling all makers, artists, mad scientists, circus freaks, puppeteers, music makers, steampunks, gamers, composters, Arduino hackers, bike welders, solar power fiends and crafty-folk. Maker Faire is taking place this Fall at the New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park (Queens), the site of the '39 and '64 Worlds Fairs. Do you DIY? There's an open call for projects: http://bit.ly/mfny2010. Need inspiration? Check out these images: http://bit.ly/95vqwL. Have questions? Not sure your project fits? Have a thing that might blow up? Contact Nick Normal: nick(at)geekathon.net, 917 225 7032 (mobile).

***** SPACES *****

• We have a room opening up on July 15 in our industrial live-work space. Right now it is completely bare -- 10 square feet of floor space and two stories of air. Do whatever you like with it. Share a fully equipped kitchen and living room, two bathrooms, cable and wi-fi internet. This is a unique building, a former warehouse in an light-industrial neighborhood. Friendly neighbors and tons of space, with central Williamsburg just a few blocks away. We're just north of McCarren Park; a three-minute walk to the Nassau G and ten to the Bedford L. You'll be sharing with two girls, a guy, and two adorable (if mentally challenged) dogs. We're all quite social and artistically inspired but not at the point where we escape our day jobs. $1060 a month including all utilities. Contact Bryan, pixelvisions(at)gmail.com.
• We have two rooms currently available in a Brooklyn Intentional Community, with more to come in September. The rooms are both on first floor of a four-floor building. Both have a lot of sun and space for full-size bed, a desk, dresser, etc. Cost is $562.50 per month. Available July 1 (earlier move-in available for one of the rooms). The location is 1399 Pacific Street, between New York Avenue and Brooklyn Avenue. A year and a half ago, some friends got together to create this living space, with the idea of building it into more than just a shared apartment, but a place where people feel at home and can live the kind of lifestyle that supports each other and our planet. The apartment is one of four in the building (that makes 16 of us all together). Each apartment is its own space, with two bathrooms, nice kitchen, etc. However, we share keys to each other’s floors, and we have monthly house meetings for checking in with each other, planning events and projects. So it's l ike a federation of states. We have four chickens in our backyard. We've got two beehives on the roof. There are flowers and veggies growing in the front yard, the back, and on the roof. We've organized house concerts, fund-raisers, workshops, movie nights, this past month we hosted an art gallery. ... You get the idea. Things we need from you: You gotta be social .... if you just need a room to crash in, this is not the place for you. Everyone is super-respectful of people's privacy and needs, but this is a group of friends here, not just roommates. You gotta be super clean and responsible. Sharing cleaning and shopping duties means if your kitchen is dirty, my kitchen is dirty. If your fridge is empty, my fridge is empty. You gotta be willing and able to making time for our building's collective responsibilities like tending to the chickens and the garden and also participate in (and create) all the awesome activities. Think you'd be a good fit? Let us know about you. Contact Gabriel, gabrielwillow(at)yahoo.com.
• One of our four housemates will be away for much of the summer, and we're looking to sublet a room in our Sunset Park duplex for July and August ... exact time-frame negotiable. $500 month, plus about $15 for internet, a little bit of money for electric, and optional $5 weekly towards our farm share. The room is small and cozy, dominated by a super comfortable double bed, with a big window and a closet. The R train at 53rd Street is around the corner. The apartment itself is rather huge, with lots of common space- big kitchen, unfinished woodshop basement, huge living room with space for storing, making, socializing, backyard with a barbeque and soon-to-be booming veggie garden. The 3 remaining housemates are all various makers- carpenter, seamstress, teaching artist by trade. We keep the space colorful, if a little on the cluttered side. Between us, we cover the full spectrum from carnivorous to basically vegan, but don't eat much processed food. We pool money for most st aples, and each cook food to share once a week. We are open to folks that want to share food or buy all their own, so long as you are willing to clearly communicate a plan. We like each other lots, but try to give each other lots of space alone to be productive in, and are looking for someone who can easily fit in to our friendly workaholic home. Contact Alison, abwilder(at)gmail.com.
• Bedroom available for rent in five-story, renovated furniture factory. Located on second floor, the apartment has high ceilings and a nicely sized living and kitchen area. Bathroom is conveniently split with a separate shower room. The bedroom comes with natural sunlight, loft supports and bed frame, a dresser, and desk, with plenty of extra storage space. You’ll be living with four awesome people. Three ladies and one guy in their 20's. They're all very laid back and would like to live with the same. Love to cook together, and watch late night movies before going to bed. The roof has a spectacular view of Manhattan and Brooklyn, and the large area is great for parties. The building is an eight-minute walk from the G Train and a 15-18 minute walk from the L Train. There are also two bus routes nearby. Located in Greenpoint. Lots of good and cheap food with plenty of bakeries, delis, and restaurants nearby. There's also a beautiful park (McGolrick) located only one block f rom the apartment. Building is located at intersection of Norman Avenue and Monitor Street. Rent is $800 a month, plus one month’s security deposit. Contact Mark to see the apartment at mdodson1(at)berklee.net. Available for move-in as soon as June 29th.

XXXXX SPECTRE PRIORITY XXXXX

Before we had a name, the Spectre Event Horizon Group used to meet at a bar to commiserate and trade what our business friends like to call best practices. The group has expanded since then, but it remains focused on smartening the crowd mind. There are no subject limits; our favorite is the incredible sci-fi present, or anything that goes toward a better understanding of human behavior and our universe's ecology. Our simple intent is to connect good minds with as much quality mind-blowing information as we can freely locate and create a space for the informal trade of specialized investigative research, presented for the non-specialist.

The Spectre email list, which is a separate group from this column, is a moderated open forum. People are encouraged to join and to post. The list is compiled for Nonsense by J. Sinopoli. Contact us at spectre.event.horizon.group gmail com or spectregroup.org. Here's some of what came in this week:

***** Empty Lot, Ocean View *****

http://spectregroup.wordpress.com/2010/06/24/charter-cities

Charter Cities
chartercities.org/concept
ted.com/talks/paul_romer.html
newsweek.com/blogs/wealth-of-nations/2009/08/12/the-best-development-plan-in-the-world-originated-with-the-british-empire.html "The secret to turning a poor nation into a rich one can't be found in a World Bank report. It wasn't hatched in the corridors of the International Monetary Fund, either. It came from the British Empire. That is one way, at least, of interpreting Stanford economist Paul Romer's new plan for turning economically backward countries like Cuba into engines of growth like China. Experts have long known that the traditional tools of development don't work: free trade, foreign investment, and charity have failed as many countries as they've helped. The rot in a dysfunctional country is at its core -- in the laws, institutions, and informal rules that govern daily life. How to fix a problem so fundamental? Let a rich country take over part of a poor one. The hope, says Romer, is that the superior norms of the developed country will take root abroad. One problem, admits Romer, is the parallel between charter cities and colonialism. Great Britain, for instance, would surely have qualms about taking over a few hundred acres of coastline in Ghana, where the legacy of slavery is still deeply felt. Romer says the similarities are surface level only -- there's no coercion involved in a charter city since it would be founded on empty or near-empty land, and anyone who lives there would do so by choice. Charter cities would only be considered in countries that welcome them. But the colonial parallel would certainly still rankle some. One way to mitigate the PR problem would be to let a group of rich countries administer the charter area; that way, no single nation could be accused of exploiting the host."

Adopt-a-City
video.forbes.com/fvn/21-century-cities-09/adopt-a-city theatlantic.com/magazine/print/2010/07/the-politically-incorrect-guide-to-ending-poverty/8134/ "Halfway through the 12th Century, and a long time before economists began pondering how to turn poor places into rich ones, the Germanic prince Henry the Lion set out to create a merchant’s mecca on the lawless Baltic coast. He seized control of a fledgling town called Lübeck, had Niclot beheaded on the battlefield, and arranged for Lübeck to become the seat of a diocese. A grand rectangular market was laid out at the center of the town; all that was missing was the merchants. To attract that missing ingredient to his city, Henry hit on an idea that has enjoyed a sort of comeback lately. He devised a charter for Lübeck, a set of “most honorable civic rights,” calculating that a city with light regulation and fair laws would attract investment easily. The stultifying feudal hierarchy was cast aside; an autonomous council of local burgesses would govern Lübeck. Onerous taxes and trade restrictions were ruled out; merchants who settled in Lübeck would be exempt from duties and customs throughout Henry the Lion’s lands, which stretched south as far as Bavaria. The residents of Lübeck were promised fair treatment before the law and an independent mint that would shelter them from confiscatory inflation. With this bill of rights in place, Henry dispatched messengers to Russia, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Merchants who liked the sound of his charter were invited to migrate to Lübeck. The plan worked. Immigrants soon began arriving in force, and Lübeck became the leading entrepôt for the budding Baltic Sea trade route, which eventually extended as far west as London and Bruges and as far east as Novgorod, in Russia. Perhaps the only thing more remarkable than Lübeck’s wealth was the influence of its charter. As trade routes lengthened, new cities mushroomed all along the Baltic shore, and rather than develop a legal code from scratch, the next wave of city fathers copied Lübeck’s charter, importing its political and economic liberties. The early imitators included the nearby cities of Rostock and Danzig, but the charter was eventually adopted as far afield as Riga and Tallinn, the capitals of modern Latvia and Estonia. The medieval world had stumbled upon a formula for creating order out of chaos and prosperity amid backwardness. Lübeck ultimately became the seat of the Hanseatic League, an economic alliance of 200 cities that lasted nearly half a millennium."

Laboratories for Innovation
freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/29/can-charter-cities-change-the-world-a-qa-with-paul-romer/ Q. Let’s move to logistics. Who might grant the charter for one of these cities and see that it will be enforced? A. Different charters could specify different arrangements. This means that we could try many new types of innovative structures. If a national government has sufficient credibility, it could start a charter city within its own territory and administer it from the national capital. This is, in effect, what some countries have done when they have created special economic zones with rules that are different from the ones that prevail in the rest of the country. You could imagine that a country like India might try something like this to speed up urbanization by cutting through many local rules that get in the way of urban development. In poorer countries that don’t have the same kind of credibility with international investors, a more interesting but controversial possibility is that two or more countries might sign a treaty specifying the charter for a new city and allocate between them responsibilities for administering different parts of the treaty. Let me give you a speci fic example. Right now, the United States and Cuba have a treaty that gives the United States administrative control in perpetuity over a piece of sovereign Cuban territory, Guantanamo Bay. I’ve suggested that Canada and Cuba sign a new treaty in which Canada would take over administration of this area, bring Canadian rule of law there, and let a city grow up that could bring to Cuba some of the advantages that Hong Kong brought to China.

Q. It all sounds great as a theoretical exercise, but honestly, don’t your colleagues tell you that something like this will never happen? A. They do say this, which is actually kind of ironic when you line it up with the other things they say. They recognize that the construct of a charter city is something that could make everyone better off. They admit that there is no technological or economic constraint that keeps us from building many of these. Then they say that for political reasons, it will never happen. They tell me that you can’t change politics; you can’t overcome nationalism; there is no way for countries to work together to extend the reach of good rules. Then these same economists suggest that we should just stick to business as usual. We should offer conventional economic advice and assume that political systems will naturally follow our advice when we point to something that could make everyone better off. But of course, they have already revealed that they don’t believe this. What’s going on here is a kind of self-censoring. Economists seem to think that we should propose things that ar e acceptable and that political systems will pursue, but that we should avoid proposing or even discussing things that are controversial or politically incorrect. I think we’d do our jobs better if we just said what’s true without trying to be amateur politicians.

XXXXX LEARNING XXXXX

We look for the sort of classes you circled in college course catalogs but never managed to fit into your schedule. And we also look for the kind of things that no college could teach. Cheap and eclectic is the rule, though all rules get broken occasionally, and we especially love workshops, round-tables, and teachers who won't take your work out of your hands and show you how to do it right. One-time listings are categorized, with general recurring classes at the end. We thrive on your suggestions, so make sure to tell us about upcoming classes that you think are nifty-keen.

Learning is compiled and edited weekly by Libby Sentz. Send listing suggestions, announcements, and corrections to her at libby(at)nonsensenyc.com.

***** LEARNING: FRIDAY *****

Butoh

Learn from Butoh masters. Hiroko and husband Koichi Tamano were disciples of Tatsumi Hijikata for more than 10 years. Hijikata eventually sent them to the United States to bring Butoh to the West. In the late 1970s, the couple settled in the San Francisco Bay Area where they founded their dance company Harupin Ha, a name that Hijikata chose for them. Today they are living legends: Japan’s emperor declared Koichi a national treasure, and in 2005 Hiroko and Koichi received the Isadora Duncan Award.

Triskelion Arts
118 North 11th Street, Third Floor, Williamsburg 6-9p; $55
(Open workshops also held Saturday 1-6p and Sunday 2:15-7:30p, $85 each) 917-749-9062
triskelionarts.org
Register: vangelinetheater(at)yahoo.com

***** LEARNING: SATURDAY *****

Free Radio Ham Demos

To celebrate ARRL Field Day -- a national event during which radio operators promote ham radio by setting up stations and transmitting in parking lots, open fields, etc. -- the folks at NYC Resistor are throwing a ham radio party with demos. Demo schedule: 8p-1a Transmitting on the HF Bands; 8:30p Old School Radio Goes New School Digital; 9:15p Scanning Fun, listening on local fire departments, police departments, zoos, parks, lifeguards, and airport frequencies; 10p Powering a Lightbulb with Radio Waves; 11p-1a Ham Radio Dance Party, Dj Eric Beug will remix beats live out of transmissions made by ham radio operators sitting on the stage. (There will also be a Talking to Satellites demo; time not yet announced.) Plus, awesome door prizes from MakerBot Industries 3-D printers, Adafruit Industries, and Make Magazine.

NYC Resistor
87 Third Avenue, Fourth Floor, Brooklyn 8p-1a; $free (BYOB)
n2ycr-fieldday.eventbrite.com/

***** LEARNING: SATURDAY and SUNDAY *****

Free Skillshare

Skillshare classes at the annual Williamsburg Walks festival will include a range of courses in sewing, crafting, health, and sustainable living. More specifically there will be DIY sewing, tote bag sewing and silkscreening, clothing design, perfume mixing, paper making, ice cream demos, preserving (pickles, etc.), DIY terrarium, knitting/construction with recycled materials, bike repair and bike maintenance, DIY window farm and Adirondack chair building, sustainable energy, veggie top gardening, vermiculture composting, preventative healthcare information, and outdoor yoga.

Williamsburg Walks
Bedford Avenue, North Fourth to North Ninth Streets Williamsburg
Saturday and Sunday, 1-7p; $free
williamsburgwalks.org/2010-programming

***** LEARNING: SATURDAY and SUNDAY *****

Free Yoga

A weekend of free classes are being offered to celebrate the opening of Yogamaya -- a new studio adorned with wooden screens hand-carved in India, heavenly skylights, and custom-painted ikat-like walls.

Yogamaya
135 West 20th Street, 6th floor, Manhattan Saturday 11a, 2p, 4p
Sunday 10:30a, 2p, 4p
212-675-4555
yogamayanewyork.com

***** LEARNING: SUNDAY *****

Grilling and Smoking Workshop

Brooklyn Brainery hosts this workshop as part of "Homemade: Brooklyn," featuring the grilling expertise of Emily Beebe of The Wooden Spoonful. Learn the mysteries of marinades and unravel the intricacies of your grill. Steaks, fish, veggies, kebabs...we'll fill you in on the method to the madness beyond "put it onto the grill." Incredible fact: Did you know marinades (and rosemary, especially) reduce carcinogens in grilled meat? Learn to produce glorious hunks of smoked meat, whether it's on a backyard gas grill or a tabletop Weber on the fire escape.

Metropolitan Green
439 Metropolitan Avenue, Williamsburg
Two slots: 2p and 3:30p; $15
brooklynbrainery.com/courses

***** LEARNING: Also on SUNDAY *****

TiG Welding

TiG is the welding method used for the most technical and demanding welding applications done, from aerospace to drag racers. Because of this it has a certain mystique and a reputation as being the last type of welding one should try to master. I personally don't think this way. TiG allows the learner to see exactly what is going on as a weld is executed, up close and without being showered in splatter. As such, this class is being offered to anyone willing to find out the hard way that "metal gets hot when you weld it."

Madagascar Institute
217 Butler Street, Brooklyn
7-10p; $35 member, $60 nonmember
madagascarinstitute.com

***** LEARNING: Also on SUNDAY *****

Life in a Flash: Butterflies and Dragonflies

Join this workshop to explore the short but fascinating lives of butterflies and dragonflies. After an intro in the classroom, enjoy a leisurely walk around Lily Pool Terrace as you learn to find and identify common species and understand the important role these delicate creatures play. Children above age 12 are welcome with an accompanying adult. (One adult per child, please.)

Brooklyn Botanic Garden
1000 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn
11:30a-1:30p; $24 member, $29 nonmembers bbg.org

***** LEARNING: TUESDAY *****

Lincoln Center's Midsummer Night Swing Dance Lessons

Week one of 2010’s Midsummer Night Swing kicks of Tuesday evening with a dance lesson: Randy Caravella teaching Collegiate Shag. Then 7:30-10p, dancing continues with live music by The George Gee Orchestra and West Coast swingers The Bill Elliott Swing Orchestra. The week continues with Tango Wednesday, Texas Two-Step Thursday, Haitian Konpa Friday, and Salsa Saturday.

Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park
West 62nd Street between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues, Manhattan 6:30-7:30 lesson, 7:30-10 concert; $17 212-721-6500
kmerlino(at)lincolncenter.org
midsummernightswing.org

***** LEARNING: WEDNESDAY *****

Belt Buckle Workshop

Learn to work with metal rod, sheet metal, riveting, forming, and soldering to create a simple but functional belt buckle. During the first class you'll see how to create three basic belt buckle mechanisms. Students can then choose one to replicate themselves and create a face or rim for their buckle that is totally handcrafted and unique, using riveting or soldering techniques. The second class will focus on finishing the mechanism and adding ornamental and decorative aspects to the buckle. This two-session workshop is perfect for those who have some fabrication experience, for example those who have already attended our Intro to Silversmithing class or an equivalent class elsewhere. All are welcome. Led by Max Goodman. (Mention Nonsense NYC when you register, deadline June 25, for a 10 percent discount.)

Third Ward
195 Morgan Avenue, Brooklyn
Wednesdays, June 30 and July 7
7-10p; $120 member, $150 nonmember, plus $35 materials 3rdward.com

***** LEARNING: Also on WEDNESDAY *****

Community Cooking Club

Part cooking class and part art/food seminar, participants will talk about different ways to engage food in art and in life. Our first class will look at the history of artists using food as a medium, as a community binder, as a fundraising resource, and as a point of sensory information in a creative space. We will then prepare and eat simple and summer-appropriate recipes that participants can make over and over again to bring to community events like potlucks, parties, picnics, etc. Bring an apron if you've got one.

BHQFU
RSVP for location
7-8:30p; $7
sweettoothofthetiger(at)gmail.com
bhqfu.org/wiki/doku.php?id=start#courses

***** LEARNING: Also on WEDNESDAY *****

Free Screenwriting Class

Gotham Writers' Workshop presents a free screenwriting class, led by Kuros Charney.

Barnes & Noble
150 East 86th Street, Manhattan
7-8p; $free
writingclasses.com/CommunityEvents/index.php

***** LEARNING: UPCOMING *****

• Travel to Cuba: Dance and Music Research Trip with Marazul Charters/MetaMovements. July 17-25. Contact Yesenia Selier, 201-952-5508, oriselier(at)gmail.com. Inquire ASAP.

XXXXX HELP XXXXX

It is a wonderful thing, to help. Helping strengthens communities and allows you to meet new friends. With that in mind, we look for one-day volunteer opportunities with no long-term commitment required. We want to be open to fresh ideas and think of help in a broad way. These listings could include anything from a large-scale day-long service project to a local theatre company that needs volunteers for load-in; from an artist looking for film extras to a community garden that needs a few extra hands. Our goal is simply to help groups or individuals that serve the greater good in small but significant ways. Unique and interesting job opportunities are acceptable fare for this section as well. Looking for ways to help out? Need volunteers to get your own community project off the ground? Know of any existing opportunities? Send your requests to Rob Voigt at robpastyvoigt(at)gmail.com.

***** HELP: SATURDAY *****

Bingo With Seniors

Join us at the Cabrini Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation for a fun filled evening of Bingo with the residents. Most of the residents do not get any visitors at all, are wheelchair-bound and visually- or hearing-impaired too. This is an opportunity to provide them with much needed social interaction.

It is requested that each volunteer brings one of the following items as an award for the bingo game: a couple of candy bars (soft, like a Milky Way), a small stuffed animal from a dollar store, a couple of small bags of single-size cookies or chips.

Volunteer responsibilities primarily include assisting the residents in playing bingo and socializing. Volunteers will also be bringing the residents to and from their rooms.

542 East 5th Street, Manhattan
2-4p
bit.ly/9WHTlx

***** HELP: SATURDAY *****

Fort Greene Festival Recycling

Continuing in Brooklyn's history of great outdoor festivals, the Fort Greene Festival enters its second year this summer and is expected to once again attract thousands of people to the day long affair. Volunteers are needed to monitor recycling stations and raise awareness about recycling. Celebrate the cultures, cuisine, and artistic diversity of Brooklyn. There's music, film, food, shopping, and family fun for everyone. Two shifts are available.

Fort Greene Park, Brooklyn
12-4p, or 4-8p
Jae Watkins, jwatkins(at)grownyc.org or 212-676-2081

***** HELP: SUNDAY *****

Gay Pride March -- Anti-Circumcision

Are you against infant circumcision? If so, we need your help: Volunteers are needed to join Intact America in marching in the 41st Annual Gay Pride March, which will take place on Sunday, June 27th, 2010 in New York City. The parade route runs down 5th Avenue, through Greenwich Village and into the West Village.

We’ll be carrying banners and posters, and handing out literature to spectators that dispels the myths of circumcision and explains the sensory and protective functions of the foreskin. It will be a great opportunity to communicate a pro-foreskin, anti-circumcision message to New Yorkers. Anyone is welcome to join us for all or part of the march. No experience is necessary. Please email if interested.

Julia, genitalintegrity(at)gmail.com
intactamerica.org

***** HELP: WEDNESDAY *****

Future Cinema

Future Cinema, the creators of Secret Cinema in London, are launching in New York next week and we are looking for volunteers to get involved with our exciting event on the 30th. We're famed for creating completely immersive experiences using actors, live music, set design and performers to bring films to life. We will be showing Antonioni's iconic classic "Blow Up" on the roof of a photography studio in Greenpoint, Brooklyn and creating the world of 1960's swinging London within the space so you will expect to see screaming girls, photographers, models, a live garage band and much more.

We are looking for 8 runners to assist us on the day - this could involve anything from assisting the art director, shifting furniture and chairs around, painting or general help in bringing event elements together. You would need to be available from 2-8p.

In the evening we're looking for 6 individuals to help out at our bar and serving popcorn on the roof. If you are able to come as a swinging sixties character, this is a bonus! You would need to be available from 7p-1a.

These roles are voluntary, however we can offer a wristband for free drinks on the night. Please e-mail if you’re interested.

Greenpoint, Brooklyn
2-8p
katie(at)futureshorts.com
bit.ly/9Ni0jS

***** HELP: SOON *****

Volunteer Usher for Musicals

Do you like theater? Do you like free? New World Stages, an Off-Broadway theater complex, is now using volunteer ushers to welcome our audiences to our shows. No experience is necessary, and you get to see one or more of our great shows for free. You can even sign up with a friend. Available shows right now are Avenue Q and The 39 Steps.

All you need to do is email with your name, the name of the show(s) you are interested in seeing, and a few dates you are available. Ushers wear all black, arrive one hour before the show, and sit in the back of the theater as seats are available.

volunteer(at)newworldstages.com

***** HELP: SOON *****

Senior Center Elvis

Look for someone to be an Elvis Presley inpersonator. You must be understanding that they are dealing with elderly and work for little money. We are located in queens. We are a non-profit, and only need person for a half hour. If you’re interested and can deal with seniors please contact me.

bit.ly/9vU3wJ

***** HELP: SOON *****

Houseboat Help

You might have heard about Reid Stowe, a painter/sculptor/sailor who returned to New York harbor last Thursday three and a half years after departing from the same spot, smashing the world record for the longest journey at sea without resupply. He set out with his girlfriend with the plan to spend 1000 days at sea. After a year or so, she wasn't feeling so hot and reluctantly decided to return to land (morning sickness, it soon became clear). Reid finished the journey and upon arriving in New York met his two-year old son for the first time.

So now, famous and penniless, he's got a lot of work to do on his boat, and I thought such an enterprise would be right up some of y'all's alleys.

The Police State Park officials of Manhattan harbor pulled the red carpet out from under him after a few days of photo-ops. So today he sailed his boat over to New Jersey where he has lots of repairs and cleaning to do after 1152 of weather. You can imagine. He's a really nice guy, it's pretty cool to socialize with someone who's had virtually no social activity for several years, and he's got all kinds of stories to tell. I had a fun time helping him out this morning.

Reid said you can call him on his cell, below, to arrange to come out and volunteer, though I'm not sure he understands text messages. You can also read about his journey on his website and email him through that.

Reid, 347-998-4130
1000days.net

***** HELP: LEAVING on JULY 8 *****

Creole Translator

Domes for Haiti is a Brooklyn based grass roots shelter initiative for Haitian orphans in Port au Prince. We are sending ten geodesic domes as instant hurricane resistant shelter to ten orphanages in PaP.

We are looking for a Haitian-born translator to volunteer their time for this effort. The trip will be happening in the first part of July, leaving July 8th, returning two weeks later. We are looking for someone willing to camp out, get dirty and help us to communicate with the people we are going there to serve. One of our crew members does speak French, but not specifically Kreyol.

There is no monetary compensation for this adventure, but the rewards will be immense in non-monetary terms. If you are interested, we would love to have an opportunity to interview you and for you to interview us and ask any questions you may have about our trip.

All crew members (two of us) are also volunteers. Airfare will be covered by the project. We are a 501c3 non-profit working in partnership with a Haitian non profit organization located in PaP called Grassroots United.

Lopi, info(at)domesforhaiti.org
domesforhaiti.org

***** HELP: SOON *****

Bike Music Tour Website

The Pleasant Revolution Bicycle Music Tour is seeking some help with its website. We are touring Europe by bicycle with no vehicle support and we're hauling a pedal powered sound system.

If you are able to lend some of your time into making our website awesome, we'd really appreciate it.

pleasantrevolution(at)gmail.com
pleasantrevolution.net

XXXXX NONSENSE XXXXX

nonsense nyc is a discriminating resource for independent art, weird events, strange happenings, unique parties, and senseless culture in new york city.

please remember that you are always free to pass nonsense nyc along to anyone who needs to see it, but you do not have permission to use any of the listings for your commercial publication. if you are receiving this list as a forward from someone else you can sign up for yourself at nonsensenyc.com/subscribe.

we now accept donations to cover the costs of producing this list, and suggest $5 a year from individual readers or $20 a year if we list your events. to be clear, this is not a traditional subscription, but a donation because you believe that independent artists should support other independent artists. if you've ever paid for a ticket to see your friend's band you know what we mean. you can make donations here: nonsensenyc.com/special/. and thank you.

XXXXX END XXXXX

In between the big guy and the bathroom on a long flight.