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“Once you start living downtown, it can begin to feel like a big kids high school. It’s like never never land, a place where one can stay young forever.” The taxis begin to feel like the school buses. The restaurants are like our cafeterias. The bars and clubs are like our school dances and the streets are like our high school hallways!

But if downtown NYC were really a high school, what would it look like and who would the school body be?

Inspired by both the traditional American high school yearbook and Ezra Petronio’s book “Bold and Beautiful” of Self Service, 15 girls were invited to partner as co-creators to make a downtown NYC yearbook through artistic collaboration. They were asked to highlight the young and creative people around them through Polaroid photography to act as their class photo and given spreads in the book to design in a way that best represented the lifestyle and creativity of those people. THE YOUNG AND THE BANGING provides a playful look into downtown NYC as if it were really a high school through elements that made those four years a unique, terrifying and memorable experience for all of us.”

-Heron Preston

The contributors include local favorites Tracy Antonopoulos, Sage Grazer, Rachel Smith, Philippa Price, Nicole Saldana, Louise Erhard, Laura Gerster, Katia Hakko, Kate Brien, Kathy Lo, Julia Tepper, Dana Veraldi, Carly Mark, Anna Skladmann and Amanda Merten - learn more about them here: http://www.lagirlsny.com/blog/our-work/

THE YOUNG AND THE BANGING. 2008 NYC DOWNTOWN YEARBOOK
BOOK RELEASE OPENING RECEPTION
September 4, 2008
8 - 11pm
255 Elizabeth Street - New York City
Presented by O.H.W.O.W. / LAGIRLSNY / NIKE SPORTSWEAR
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BLOWOUTS & STORE OPENINGS IN BABYLON:

Wednesday, Sept 3rd- THE HUMP : Your Favorite Jams from ‘88-’98. Special Guest DJ: Brainchild. Hosted by Mary Pryor. Resident DJ’s: DJ LINDSEY & DJ MYLES. $6 Specialty Cocktails and Well Drinks until midnight. RSVP to thehumpnyc@gmail.com. Blue Owl - 196 2nd Avenue (btw 12th and 13th Street) 10PM - 3AM FREE! www.grotesk.to (flyerdesign)

Thursday, Sept 4th- In God We Trust New Store Opening Reception. 6pm-9pm. 153 Ludlow btwn Stanton & Rivington.

Thursday, Sept 4th- Shop. 94 Orchard Street. In celebration of the recent move they are having a big grand opening party. Lots of cupcakes, champagne, gifts and giveaways. 5pm-8pm.

Saturday, Sept 6th- Following the announcement in February to cease production of Polaroid instant film, conceptual photographer Lynnette Astaire’s New Orleans inspired performance comes highly anticipated at this years Deitch Art Parade. In it’s 4th year, the annually curated event, sponsored by Deitch Projects, Paper Magazine and Creative Time, marks the beginning of the fall art season in New York City. The event is held on West Broadway in the Soho neighborhood of New York City. Past and current performers include Yoko Ono, Kenny Scharf, Scissor Sisters, and Steve ‘ESPO’ Powers. Lynnette’s piece, entitled “The Polaroid Funeral” is a live adaptation of a self portrait session produced earlier this year. Classically trained in dance and music, this marks her debut in the art world as a performance artist. The Art Parade is Saturday September 6th 2008 at 4pm on West Broadway between Houston and Grand Streets in Manhattan.

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CLAWMONEY Back to School Sale!!! click flyer for more info.
Shop at: www.clawmoney.com

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A dark, faceless figure shielding its head with a white bandana clutches a rifle, pointing it towards a giant McDonalds symbol that many often associate with obesity. Although the story behind this street art is unknown, female activists in Tehran going on hunger strikes for the violent conditions they’ve faced inside prison cells may be a possible clue. Graffiti artist A1One’s “Hunger from Tehran” is one of the many graffiti pieces featured at “Visual Slang 2008: The Modern Urban Imagination” displayed at Abrons Art Center on the Lower East Side. Curator Lois Stavsky unites artists from Iran to Tel Aviv in one exhibition where tales of survival, despair, and hope from the streets of their war-ridden homelands are revealed.

Immediately upon entering, visitors will be lured in by an “Autumn Venus” a series of enamel portraits based on the goddess of love by local artist Antony Zito. His giant voluptuous lady stares closely with large sad eyes as burning orange hair cascades down her golden beige skin. Smiling-Bag Productions shows a “Madonna and Child from Tel Aviv” where a young mother holds onto her son as they stare at each other against an azure backdrop, their faces covered with gas masks, shielding themselves from the scent of death. Barcelonan artist Pez is also featured with his cheery triple-eyed flying alien, bringing humor to the exhibit of brain-cranking political messages.

Visual Slang 2008 is proof that graffiti isn’t the enemy of a city, but its voice that some wish to prevent from speaking for fear of what it will say.

Visual Slang 2008: The Modern Urban Imagination is on view at the Abrons Art Center Henry Street Settlement til the end of this month. 466 Grand Street New York, NY 10002

Visit www.henrystreet.org for more info.

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ON A SIDE NOTE

Fruition relaunches their website! This season they have collaborated with Stussy, pulling out some of their deadstock that has been boxed up for years! If you’re in Vegas right now for the shows, make sure to stop by. www.fruitionlv.com

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BLOWOUTS IN BABYLON

Tonight is the last Big Bamboo party. Stop by to say your thanks to Linyee and Queen Majesty. Jamaican Ska, Rock Steady, and Rub a Dub and more! 8PM-Midnite! No Malice Palace and Garden. 197 East 3rd Street between Avenue A and B.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, August 27th- The Hump continues with a birthday celebration for Mikey. DJs Thanksgiving Brown and Barthelona, hosted by Jeru the Damaja, Aliya, and Mikey. at Blue Owl.

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Tonight, Tuesday, August 19th- LinYee + Queen Majesty invite you to celebrate the summer with BIG BAMBOO! TUESDAYS. Their 2nd to last party of the summer. A weekly rotation of special guests selecting Jamaican Ska, Rock Steady, and Rub a Dub and more! with special guest selector DJ Eddie Stats (HEAVYWE1GHT) PLUS 8PM-9PM Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry’s “Repentance” Listening Party. Every Tuesday, 8PM-Midnite! No Malice Palace and Garden
197 East 3rd Street between Avenue A and B. No Cover.Backyard.DancingMood. Special giveaways for the early birds!

Wednesday, August 20th- MadeMe + WorshipWor†hy + Around the Way Girls present “Strike A Pose” Music by Ni** Sky & Radio Rose. MadeMe Fall 08 Video Lookbook Unveiling. 10pm-3am. photos by Cee the Photographer (Kicksclusive). Socialista // 505 West Street @ Jane. Open Bar 11pm-midnight compliments of 42 Below Vodka. Cocktail Specials All Night: First Floor: Beers $5, Well Cocktails $8, Tacate & Fofoquero Shot (Cachaca, Lime, & Simple Syrup)–DELICIOUS! $8. Second Floor: the Big Bird- Vodka, Soda, Pineapple Juice $10. RSVP: strikeapose{at}pitchcontrolpr.com

Thursday, August 21st- At the 55DSL store in NYC! Featuring amazing pieces of art crafted from recycled and found objects from the streets of NYC and special guest appearances by legendary DJs! Catch a sneak preview of 55DSL’s brand new Fall Winter Collection: LOW NOISE HIGH QUALITY. Lots of art, free booze, signed posters, sorbet, goody bags, and much more!

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Tuesday, August 12th- Queen Majesty + LinYee invite you to celebrate the summer with BIG BAMBOO! TUESDAYS Hosted by Riddim Driven Clothing with guest selectors DJ Twice (Black Moses Sound System) and DJ Gravy (Iration Soundz) 8PM-Midnight. No Malice Palace and Garden. 197 East 3rd Street between Ave A and B. No Cover. Backyard. Dancing Mood. Special Riddim Driven Giveaways! Margarita and Drink Specials all night!

Wednesday, August 13thIn association with FADER Magazine & Santos Party House. 10pm downstairs of 100 Lafayette… LOWER MANHATTAN DANCEHALL SOCIETY A meeting of the minds featuring Deadly Dragon Sound, Rice N’ Peas and HeavyWe1ght Sessions. Mr.K - Queen Majesty - Scratch Famous - Selector JD- DJ Gravy - Weed Kalogne - DJ Maya & Micro Don - MAX GLAZER (FEDERATION) - Edwin “STATS” Houghton (FADER) $8 at the door - $5 advance RSVP

Also Wednesday- Your favorite Jams from ‘88-’98, THE HUMP! Guest DJs: Phillee Blunt and Unkle Chip. Your hosts Hyun, Jan & Nat with resident DJs MYLes & Lindsey. 10pm-3am every Wednesday. No Cover. Specialty Drinks and Well Drinks All Night. Blue Owl 196 2nd Ave (btwen 12th & 13th). RSVP: thehumpnyc{at}gmail.com. Free Giveaway from Staple

Thursday, August 14th- STOKED SESSIONS. Stoked Mentoring is an action sports non-profit with the mission of developing successful Teens with Opportunity, Knowledge, Experience, and Determination. 8pm-11pm. DJ sets by Ge-ology & Wajeed. 1OAK 457 West 17th Street. $60 in advance.

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“There is nothing new except what is forgotten,” stated Rose Bertin, known as France’s first celebrated fashion designer and famed milliner, who transformed a young Marie Antoinette into a cultural icon during her reign in Versailles. Over 300 years after Antoinette‘s grim end, a forgotten art form has resurfaced with the help of Austria’s youngest milliner creating over-the-top hats that will make any church-going lady turn green with envy.

Julia Cranz may just be 26-years-old, but her hats have won over today’s stylish starlets, making her designs the ultimate accessory. Before Sarah Jessica Parker drove photographers crazy at the Sex and the City premiere in May with her Philip Treacy’s garden-inspired hat adored with monarch butterflies, she turned to Cranz for a personal heart-shaped cap made of silk and leather just for nights out. Cranz even managed to entice burlesque performer Dita Von Teese at their first meeting during the recent Vienna Opera Ball, which resulted in a towering piece made of glossy patent leather, goose neck feathers, and colored pheasant on English linen. Yet, the daughter of artists, who felt fashion was “too-dimensional,” wanted to turn heads with pieces that can make any bad hair day an excuse to become glamorous anytime.

Cranz, who originally studied agricultural economics for four years, chose Mother Nature as her muse. Her Spring/Summer 2007 collection included spread bird’s wings in an army-green hue decked with tiny emerald Swaroski crystals. For a more demure look, Cranz’s “Redroom” contains a scarlet-red hat, resembling a giant crushed rose with small rubies resting on its petals. The designer, who never fails at making each collection more dramatic than the last, manages to leave shoppers in awe with a woman’s miniature bowler hat, once a man’s must-have accessory during the Roaring ‘20s, stitched with delicate lime-yellow lace inspired by cascading leaves.

Her latest hats, which debuted at Berlin Fashion Week this month, proved bolder than anything else she’s done. Some of her most talked-about pieces consist of a flat fuchsia starfish, a bombshell hat wrapped in canary blue feathers, and a men’s hot pink bowler hat that could have been influenced by blooming Gerbera daisies, a fitting image for Spring 2009.

From Vienna’s underground graffiti artists to famed opera diva Anna Netrebko, Cranz’s expertise of hand making flora coming to life in hats has made her one of this year’s most beloved designers.

Visit www.juliacranz.com for more info.
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BLOWOUTS IN BABYLON

Tonight, Tuesday, July 29th- LinYee + Queen Majesty invite you to celebrate the summer with BIG BAMBOO! TUESDAYS A weekly rotation of special guests selecting Jamaican Ska, Rock Steady, and Rub a Dub! Tonights Special Guest Selectors: DJ Ayres and DJ Eleven from THE RUB!! Every Tuesday, 8PM-Midnite! No Malice Palace and Garden 197 East 3rd Street between Avenue A and B. DrinkSpecials.Backyard.DancingMood.

Also tonight- Tacos Again! MISSBEHAVE MAGAZINE vs. PITCH CONTROL PR. Taco Tuesday. 7pm-late @ Rewind. 137 Essex Street (Between Stanton & Rivington) Music Provided by: DJ Panther, Cash & Prizes, DJ Chopps, And Danny Estrella of Ladies Night! $2 Tacos (Carne Asada, Chicken & Veggie) $4 Margaritas

Wednesday, July 30- At 205 Club. Taste in association with Ashes57 proudly presents…LICK, Downtown’s all female artists showdown. Hosted by Jasmine Solano & LaMazing Presenting: a live set by JOI (Dungeon Family / Outkast / ATL), DJ CAT NYC, DJ Wildcat Ebony Brown, The Agytators (photo installations). Coole Swan cocktails & Wine Cellar Sorbet 10-11pm. Goodies provided by Kill Shop Kill, Audible Treats, and more.

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from Tompkins Square Park by Q. Sakamaki, published by powerHouse Books

Before there was an East Village and Alphabet City, Tompkins Square Park was a hotbed for both creativity and crime. Captured by an area resident, Q. Sakamaki, powerHouse’s latest book shares the grime and grittiness through black and white photography.

For many years Tompkins Square Park was a makeshift home for the homeless and a center for social unrest. In the summer of 1988, it erupted in violence when the New York City Police and hundreds of protesters clashed over ideological differences. Residents of the Lower East Side, historically home to diverse immigrant communities but facing gentrification, united to protest the 1 a.m. curfew the city was attempting to enforce on the park, in effect banishing the homeless and closing off many areas of the park that were once public. Over the humid night of August 6, protestors carrying signs that read, “Gentrification is Class War,” and chanting, “It’s our fucking park, you don’t live here!” clashed with police armed with riot gear. The violence lasted until the next morning.

As New York City’s Lower East Side faced drastic gentrification in the late 1980s and mid-1990s, photographer Q. Sakamaki was documenting the community’s resistance and literal struggle to exist. It is the subject of his latest book, Tompkins Square Park. Focusing on the eponymous park as a symbol and stronghold of the anti-gentrification movement, Sakamaki, an area resident, witnessed the neighborhood’s change from the beginning to the end. With striking black-and-white images, he captures the scene of one of the most political and avant-garde movements in New York.

Along with an essay by Bill Weinberg, Tompkins Square Park presents a glimpse of the park before 1991 when the estimated 300 homeless people living in Tompkins Square Park were gone and the park was forcefully closed for renovations. Twenty years after the August 6 police riot, the park now boasts one of the best dog runs in New York City.

Book Launch and 20th Anniversary Commemoration
August 6th, 2008 from 6:30-8:30PM
The powerHouse Arena
37 Main Street
Brooklyn

Visit PowerHouseBooks.com for more information.

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BLOWOUTS IN BABYLON

Through July 13th: The 4th Annual Afro-Punk Festival is bringing some of the most exciting young artists and bands from the US and abroad, presenting live music and films every night throughout the festival and hosting free skate clinics and demos from skate and BMX pros in the BAM parking lot. Visit AfroPunk.com for more information.

Sunday, July 13th: Bastille Day Skate Jam 2! noon-8pm on Smith Street & Dean in Brooklyn. Sponsored by Homage, BK.

Sunday, July 13th: No Ordinary Monkey, your favorite late night disco jamboree, is back this summer for their annual party in the park! Apparently the park has been redone and is ready for us to ruin the new grass. As always refreshments will be available and this year the food will be provided by Roberta’s pizza! Your regular NOM djs: Phil, Anton, Carlos. Grand Ferry Park Grand + East River, Williamsburg, BK. 2pm-9pm

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SAMPLE SALES IN BABYLON
Up to 80% off Samantha Pleet, Spring & Clifton, Vanessa Barrantes, Laura Dawson, Madison-Hardng, Honey In the Rough, ClaraBella, Sophomore, and Verte! Complimentary refreshments. Friday 3pm-8pm, Saturday 11am-8pm. 201 Mulberry Street btwn Spring & Broome.

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“Abandoned Comb” by Derrick R. Cruz

The mysterious and alarming disappearance of honeybee colonies has inspired a collaborative installation entitled “A New Hive” hosted by Earnest Sewn Co. at their flagship store in New York City.

A New Hive will include collaborative works by New York’s Derrick R. Cruz designer of the Black Sheep & Prodigal Sons collection, Caroline Priebe of Uluru in collaboration with Natalie Chanin from Alabama Chanin, Cory Gomberg of Bureau/Greige, designer Monica Byrne and artist Ryder E. Robison. This important and timely event draws New York’s attention to the honeybees’ plight through apiarian inspired sculpture, drawings, couture, limited edition accessories, curated antiques and live specimens. With this combination, Cruz hopes to begin a visual dialogue that will foster a desire to coexist with natural systems rather than exploit them to oblivion. “It’s an optimistic place with dark energies that will help us consider our role in what is shaping up to be a precarious future,” Cruz noted.

The installation and its supporting media create a dynamic place for visitors to contemplate the importance of even the smallest members of our delicate ecology. Cruz’s hope for A New Hive is that it will help society regain respect for these amazing creatures; “after all, almost everything we eat is made possible by bees.” Proceeds from A New Hive will support A New Hive Non-Profit for the establishment of new beehives in public gardens, educational programs focusing on the importance of bees and the art of beekeeping, media and literature, as well as research to develop sustainable beekeeping practices.

For more information on A New Hive and Colony Collapse Disorder visit ANewHive.org

Opening reception July 9th 7pm-9pm
RSVP Carlosq [at] earnestsewn.com
Installation is on view July 9th – July 31st
Earnest Sewn Co.
821 Washington Street

“Worker Head” by Ryder E. Robison, Sweater by Uluru
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BLOWOUTS IN BABYLON

Saturday Afternoon, July 12th: Missbehave Magazine & Nikita Clothing Present…
POCO LOCO Feat. Radio Rose (Around The Way Girls), Queen Majesty & Ni**sky (Nina Sky)!!!! Bask in the sunshine! $2 Red Stripes! Free Tacos! Hawt Girls and Boys! Wind Ya Body! 3pm until 9pm. Union Pool 484 Union Ave at Meeker Ave. Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Take the L Train to Lorimer. Click here to RSVP.
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ON A SIDE NOTE

P.S.1’s Warm Up 2008 kicked off last Saturday with the Nublu Orchestra conducted by Butch Morris. This year’s Warm Up will be housed in an urban farmland, P.F.1 (Public Farm One), featuring live and blossoming vegetation created by the winners of the 2008 Young Architects Program, WORK Architecture Company. Each Saturday through September 6, 3pm-9pm at P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center, 22-25 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City, Queens.

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Click to view flyer

Tonight: Join Worship Worthy, LinYee, and Queen Majesty for the kick off of Big Bamboo Tuesdays featuring a weekly rotation of special guests playing Jamaican Ska, Rock Steady, R-n-B, and Rub a Dub. 8pm-12am at No Malice Palace and Garden, 197 East 3rd Street, Manhattan.

Also Tonight: Stop by the Mishka Pop Up Shop to check out “Sketchbook,” the new line from Actual Pain with original work by T.J. Cowgill. Later, join the crew for a heavy metal bash at Trophy Bar. Mishka Pop Up Shop, 28 Bedford Avenue, Williamsburg. Trophy Bar, 351 Broadway, Williamsburg.

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