[WHASSUP]: Gambler's Edition

 

Spring's arrival has us feeling a bit Southern--and the passage of Lenten season means it's time to sin. Grab a fistful of your savings and head to the track for our Derby Day edition of Whassup:

* OPEN NOW: Red Hook Ball Fields Food Carts: The Central and South American food carts ringing the ball fields in Red Hook, where amateur soccer (sorry, futbol) matches rage, are back for the 2011 summer! Saturdays and Sundays, morning to afternoon. Corner of Columbia and Bay Sts.

* Saturday, May 7: Derby Day at Bell House: Bell House does the race up right with country grub from Urban Rustic, $6 Mint Juleps, square dancing, a bugle call and a sincere warbling of My Old Kentucky Home. Prizes for hats and dressin' fancy. 1pm-7pm, FREE.

* Saturday, May 7: Derby Day Bocce Tournament at Union Hall: Am I the only one who first visited Union Hall because of the bocce ball gimmick, but has never actually played it there? Well, anyway, the bar/weird reading room's rumbling main attraction hosts a Derby Day tournament. Deadline for entries is Friday at noon. Sign up by shelling out the registration fee here. $25 per team, 1pm-5:30pm.

* Saturday, May 7: Another Bitchin' 80's Dance Party at Bar Reis. There's gonna be drink specials, and I'm guessing, at least ONE person wearing some obnoxious terry cloth headband. 10pm-3am, FREE.

* Sunday, May 8: Film Series at The Fifth Estate: This edition's feature, "Backseat," is an indie comedy in the road trip genre. This time the longed-for destination is Donald Sutherland. But, in a way, aren't we all trying to get to our own Donald Sutherlands? No? Ok, well, director Bruce Van Dusen will discuss the piece. More comes on the 15th and 22nd. 6pm.

* Tuesday, May 10: Japan Animal Rescue Benefit at Southpaw: Help out the pawed ones of Japan with this Southpaw screening of the ghostly Japanese film Kwaidan, along with live performances. $15, 7pm doors.

* Thursday, May 12: The Brooklyn Museum is hosting a special convo with Moby and John Schaefer, host of WNYC's Soundcheck and New Sounds about Moby's new album and book of photography. And yep: Moby's gonna perform. Tickets are $10 and must be purchased here.

COMING UP:

* Thursday, May 19: Edgy Mother's Day at The Old Stone House: Celebrate kick-ass moms at this annual reading of writing about "Edgy Moms," described as "feisty, fun and a little bit zany." So, you know, not Park Slope moms, probably. Readings by novelist Paola Corso, essayist Nancy McDermott, graphic novelist Jennifer Hayden, novelist Sophia Romero, and more. Free wine, snacks. $5 donation, 8pm at Washington Park, Fifth Avenue and Third Street.