Welcome to Whassup: NY Week Edition

This is the week of the bad memories in New York. But, as the old president said, if we stop spending money, the terrorists win. Also, the recession wins (which is actually true). More importantly, there's a lot of joy and music and alcohol to be experienced, which is a fantastic way to celebrate this city. Welcome to Whassup: NY Week Edition:

* Friday, Sep. 7: Lady Lamb, Rock Shop: One of my favorite East Coast performers, Lady Lamb the Beekeeper, is a tiny little ball of powerful voice. Once again, she's opening for some bands that I don't know, but that are probably pretty cool themselves. But mostly this is just evidence of how much talent there is to be seen in Brooklyn. Come for the opener. 8:30pm, $10.

* Saturday, Sep. 8: Punklandia, Williamsburg Park: The eight-year Chicago punk gather, Riot Fest, plants a combat boot in Brooklyn for the first time this year. If you check out the Chicago line-up, well, it's much better. But Brooklyn gets a pretty good show, too, with the gypsy punks of Gogol Bordello and 80's punk OGs the Descendents headlining. Notable punkists down the ballot include the Screaming Females. Mostly, though, it's one of the last gasps of the summer music festival season. Hold on to 16 as long as you can. 2pm, $55.

* Saturday, Sep. 8: S-punklandia, Delinquency: A smaller punk show (smaller punk, s-punk, spunk, get it?), with local acts, including the party-punk rock of the Brooklyn What, hosts an "unofficial Riot-Fest after party." 'Cuz you're not gonna wanna stop the drinking/slam dancing/riot-festing. (And, yes, I am aware how close "festing" sounds to "fisting," and I approve of it.) 8pm, $8.

* Sunday, Sep. 9: Mac 'n' Cheese Cook Off, South: In heaven, all the bars engaged in constant Mac 'n' Cheese cook-offs. That makes Sunday heaven at South. Only they accept sinners (it's actually encouraged). 3pm.

* Monday, Sep. 10: Monday Music Kick-off, SweetWolf's: Sweetwolf's, that eclectic and classy-looking spot in South Slope, has been open for about a year. But they're kicking off a music series Monday with Cameron Scoggins of the indie-folk Whiskey Collection. (How do you like that? I just gave you a Myspace link. I'm so 2003). Half off all wine bottles. It's as good excuse as any to traverse the forgotten Park Slope avenue of 6th. 7pm-10pm, One drink minimum.

* Tuesday, Sep. 11: Whiskey Coke NYC Tribute, Freddy's: The young poet-punks of Having a Whiskey Coke with You honor NYC on this heavy day. I can think of few better ways to love New York than by sharing poetry and getting hammered in a dive bar. 8pm, FREE.

* Tuesday, Sep. 11: Jetpack Promises, Bell House: We Were Promised Jetpacks, one of the best, instantly funny band names in recent memory, is also perfect for our navel-gazing, childhood-nostaglia hipster ways. And it's also decent indie rock. 8pm Doors, $20.

COMING UP:

* Thursday, Sep. 13-Sunday, Sep. 16: 5th Mirman-fest, Bell House and Union Hall: Eugene Mirman's big-ass comedy festival sprawls over an extended weekend at his two favorite Slope venues, with just so many of his funny friends. Usually, many of the shows sell out -- and it looks like some of the Bell House events already have -- so nab your tickets fast.