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.

* Saturday, May 5: Derby Day! "The most exciting two minutes in sports" is totally not just "what she said." It's also the unofficial slogan of the Kentucky Derby, and you've got a few choices for marking the occasion in the 'hood:
    * Seersucker Derby Day Menu: Home of beloved fried chicken and authentic Southern biscuits, the Carroll Gardens spot for down-home cookin' has a special Derby menu stuffed with Kentucky biscuits, collard greens, and Bourbon pecan pie. And, of course, mint juleps.
    * Commonwealth: Known amongst those who know, i.e. bluegrass transplants, as a Kentucky bar, Commonwealth will roll down a screen for the race and likely be packed with well-dressed Kentucky ex-pats.
    * Bell House: The Bell House does it up for the Derby, and Brooklyn responds. Last year saw some pretty tight Gatsby-esque threads, and oh my, the hats. There's a live bugler, hat contest, mint juleps, and Southern grub from Urban Rustic. 1pm, $10.

* Sunday, May 6: Rib Cook-off, South: If Derby Day doesn't sassify your stomach grumblings for comfort fare, venture down past Park Slope's Mason Dixon Line (9th Street?) and check out the Rib Cook-off at aptly named South, with $4 Radebergers. 3pm.

* Tuesday, May 8: Whiskey Coke Reading, Freddy's: The young guns of South Slope-scribing at Whiskey Coke are back with their monthly reading series, zine, open mic, and drink-off. Fill your soul with poetry and your liver with toxins -- there's no better way. 8pm, FREE.

* Wednesday, May 9: Better Gigs Panel, Knitting Factory: The bad news is you'll have to head up to Billyburg to hear it, but the good news is, this panel might help you and your band book some better gigs. And then? You can host your own panel about thriving in the music industry. The circle will be complete. 6:30pm-9pm, $5.

* Thursday, May 10: Philip Levine, CBE: And, just to balance things out, see how the pros do verse. US Poet Laureate, Phillip Levine will be bringin' the ruckus up in Congregation Beth Elohim! Throw it DOWN, P-vine! Mad flow, kids. Mad flow. 7:30pm, $10 suggested donation.

* SUMMER: Screenings Announced, McCarren Park: The announcements of summer fun just keep coming. The latest: McCarren Park's outdoor screenings. Highlights (IMO), Raising Arizona mid-July and Princess Bride August 1st.