Whassup: Strike-Busters Edition

via 2.bp.blogspot.com

Psst! Hey! Are you back? From the strike? I know it was a tough day of no capitalism. You know, aside from the morning coffee -- because how are you even gonna march and stuff without caffeine? And lunch, of course, because what are we, non-New Yorkers who make their own sandwiches? And we deserve a beer after a long day of defeating global capitalism. BUT -- mission accomplished, so welcome back! Now, let's all drop some cold-hard capitalist cash on live entertainment. Welcome to Whassup: Strike-Busters Edition:

* Through Sunday, May 6: 10th Anniversary Shows, Barbes: This week, that adorable little French-esque hole-in-the-wall on 9th and 6th turns this many *holds up ten fingers*. It's actually pretty impressive, given that they've been hosting an amazingly eclectic line-up of world music since long before many current Slope venues even got here. A menu of favorite acts celebrates the anniversary every night through Sunday. Various times, FREE (suggested donations).

* Friday, May 4: Wilco Tix, BRIC: Celebrate Brooklyn, aka BRIC Arts, got all our indie-lovin' panties wet last week when they announced that the chillest alt-country-ers of all, Wilco, will hit the Prospect Park bandshell for two benefit shows this summer (July 23-24). Tix go onsale FRIDAY at noon, $45.

Click to read more ...

Whassup: Non-Shitty (?) Mooga Edition

via sweetmelissarecords.com

So, is this Mooga thing actually...great? Or, at least, non-shitty? With musical acts announced Monday, the fest released another round of tickets on Tuesday. We got ourselves some Oates, some Roots, and a whole hell of a lot of other bands that I hope some of you know, 'cuz I don't. Anyway, I would like to comment that the ticket getting seemed to go more smoothly this time. Let's hope this bodes well for the actual thing. Welcome to Whassup: Non-Shitty Mooga Edition:

Click to read more ...

[FiPS Was There...] the 5th annual Scrabble for Cheaters

We here at FIPS spend a hell of a lot of time out and about in Brooklyn, attending outdoor concerts, comedy shows and various other events. So [FIPS Was There...] is where we're gonna' talk about all this shit.

When you play the game of Scrabble you win or you die. And by "die," I mean "have some pizza while trying to rub shoulders with celebs." That’s right: this past Saturday was the 5^th annual Scrabble for Cheaters, which was held at Park Slope’s own Brooklyn Super Hero Supply Company. As per usual, the tutoring center fronted by a cape emporium managed to stock the pond with some mild to major public figures. The most titillating of which was no doubt Mr. Peter Dinklage. 

But I am getting ahead of myself. I should start by explaining how this version of the game works. The thing that sets this kind of scrabblery apart from any other is that players can use money they raised from gullible friends and family to buy cheats. That's right. Cheating is encouraged. And that’s where things get interesting. 

Click to read more ...

Whassup: Ambiguous Celebration Edition

via startitink.com

Tomorrow is 4/20, a day held sacred by Phish fans and neo-Nazis alike. I'd like to believe this is the only thing those two groups have in common, but humanity is a strange thing. Anyway, whatever you celebrate most in life, we here at FiPS hope to help make your week as entertaining as possible. Welcome to Whassup: Ambiguous Celebration Edition:

* Friday, April 20: Dandy Tickets, Bell House: You're not worth the skinny jeans crushing your balls if you don't have a semi over these words: the Dandy Warhols are playing the 'hood. Tickets for the hipster icons go on sale Friday at noon, for their June 6 show. Snap 'em up! $30.

* Friday, April 20: Lambchop, Bell House: "Nashville's most fucked-up country band" plays the Bell House tomorrow, so if you're into roots music and cuss words (and if you're reading this blog, you're already halfway there), this'll fill up your Friday night nicely. 7:30pm, $20.

Click to read more ...

Whassup: Taxed in Park Slope Edition

Why, yes, that is early '90's WWF wrestler, Irwin R. Schyster (via photobucket)

You know what they say about death and taxes: when you find out how much you owe, you'll want to kill yourself. Anywhoo, with this most painful financial day upon us, we here at FiPS have a jam-packed Whassup to distract you. Welcome to Whassup: Taxed in Park Slope Edition:

* Thursday, April 12: Hansen-Lowe Benefit, Union Pool: What on earth could get me to pimp another Billyburg show? Well, this one dials down the insufferability as local bands put their hipster cred toward the unironic cause of helping out some locals in need. Bands The Dixons, Amen Dunes, Spectre Folk, and the Naked Heroes play to help out favorite barkeep Jeff Hansen, and wife Siobahn Lowe, who faced a series of major surgeries --and major bills -- recently. 8pm, $15 minimum donation.

* Friday, April 13: Cajun Feast, Greenpoint Soup Kitchen: Keep that good karma flowing right through Friday the 13th by eating for a cause. That's right. Building a big, fat ass can be a mitzvah. Who knew? This cajun feast of shrimp etoufee, cajun fried chicken, gumbo and more benefits the Greenpoint Soup Kitchen & Food Pantry. 8pm-11pm, $40 suggested donation.

Click to read more ...