WHASSUP: The Challenge Edition

It's way too easy to fall victim to the grind and get stuck in an everyday routine punctuated only by a weekly Sunday brunch with watered-down bloody mary's. This week I urge you to try new things. Let your freak flag fly, FIPSters. Leave your brownstone in the dust and discover the groovy world at your fingertips.

Your challenge, should you choose to accept it, is to do at least one event on this God-forsaken list—something that takes you so far from your comfort zone that your sweater set bursts into flames.

Whassup? Well, fuck—this is wassup:

Thursday, April 3, Behind the Micro Epics, MS 51: Treat yourself to brilliance. Gregory Crewdson’s “micro epics” are worth at least 1001 words and exist at the intersection of fine art and high-end cinematography. Behind the Micro Epics is a documentary that follows Crewdson’s work for 10 years, capturing his gift to delve into the deepest corners of the psyche and expose the innermost darkness.  6:15pm-9:30pm, $15 adv, $20 door

Thursday, April 3, First Thursdays Gallery Walk, DUMBO: Yes! Any excuse to explore DUMBO is a good one, and the first Thursday of each month is no exception. Get your ass on the F, A, or C after work and culturize yourselves with a multi-gallery romp.  Drink Deals are an added bonus as many bars offer special happy hours. FREE admission to the galleries

Friday, April 4, Opera on Tap, Barbés: O sole mio, this is gonna be a real hootenanny!  Whether you’re an aspiring Brunhilda, or complete skeptic, I guarantee this is something you’ve never seen.  We’re not talking 5 acts and subtitles.  Each piece is 10 minutes or less—mercy-opera. These suckers are so short they may be over before the fat lady sings. $10 suggested donation, 8pm

Saturday and Sunday, April 5+6, Brooklyn Flea, PS 321: Welcome back, old friend—purveyor of outrageously overpriced used lamps, reclaimed wood, grandma dishes, and moth bitten clothing of "vintage". Okay, I’m insulting an institution. In truth I enjoy the flea as much as the next guy. My lady and I stroll around and figure out how we can score the same cool shit for far cheaper, or how to just make it ourselves. Food stands, though—tasty. This year they’re introducing new kid friendly events.  Timmy can make a book this week while you sit in teak til your heart’s content. 10am-5pm

Sunday, April 6, Game of Thrones, Halyards: As far as I’m concerned this is the only thing going on all week—nay, month. Fucking Game of Thrones is back, bitches. It feels like ages since that fine-ass Calisi taught us how to tame our dragons. Kick back with the drink of your choice and let your eyes adjust to the drop-down movie screen.  On second thought, you can skip this one—I like to stretch out. FREE admission 8pm GOT Trivia, 9pm Showtime

Monday, April 7, The Moth StorySLAM, The Bell House: Enjoy telling tall tales? Crip walk on down to the Bell House and put your name in the sorting hat. If it’s one of ten chosen you have 5 minutes to delight the audience and judges with the well-rehearsed story of your choice. It’s as simple as that. $8, Doors 7:30pm, Show 8pm

Tuesday, April 8, Cheap Date Comedy Night, Union Hall: I’m promoting this based on the title alone. I may be married now, but I remember what it was like back in the day to rub my pennies together and try to court some strange. Save some bucks and if the date is terrible you may at least have something to laugh at. $5, Doors 7:30, Show 8pm

Wednesday, April 9, Comedy Open Mic, The Fifth Estate Bar: Knock, knock. Do you have enough moxy to take the stage and share your best material with a room full of strangers? For most it’s a terrifying concept, but for the boisterous few who’ve perfected picturing the audience in their underwear this is an unrequited dream come true. 6pm