Erykah Badu has been the talk of the town these days.  Her new album, New Amerykah Return of the Ankh, comes out Tuesday. She held a secret not so secret concert this past Saturday at Good Units in which Spank Rock got boo’d off stage and Ms. Badu was so late there was over an hour gap between performances.  According to Twitterverse, not many people stuck around to hear her set and those who did were not impressed.   Either way, I love Erykah Badu and she is continuing the buzz with her new single and video, Window Seat.

The video was filmed in downtown Dallas all in one shot with no crew, or no sett.  The video shows Badu stripping down running through the streets… and let me add she looks damn good doing it. Watch and enjoy.

So last night I headed Alfred Preisser and Randy Weiner’s theater production, Caligula Maximus, which is currently playing at the Ellen Stewart Theatre – 66 E. 4th St, through April 10th.

Co-written by Alfred Preisser (Co-Founder, Classical Theatre of Harlem) and Randy Weiner (owner of the notorious night spot, The Box) and directed by Preisser, Caligula Maximus, is set on the last night of the infamous dictator’s life.  The modern interpretation includes Ryan Knowles as Caligula, adult film star and Penthouse Pet Justine Joli, Lady Circus troupe aerialist Anya Sapozhnikova, award-winning competitive bodybuilders Myra Adams and Roxanne Edwards, Coney Island Sideshow tattooed muscleman Tim Dax, and an outrageous collection of over two-dozen circus performers, wrestlers,  showgirls and freaks.

With Randy Weiner behind the scenes, you can expect the show to resemble a 70 minute version of  The Box’s nightly routines, combining the best elements of raunchy entertainment with classic theater. Caligula offers a little something for everyone – girl-on-girl, guy-on-guy, group sex, bestiality and vulgarity, mixed in with a little bit of musical theater, comedy, and circus acts.  Sounds fab, right?!

In the beginning, there’s so much going on – it’s hard to take it all in and wrap your head around the storyline.  However as the show goes on, you become blind to the fact there’s a random girl pole dancing and another girl completely naked except for a blue painted heart above her lady bits, dancing around in front of a large gold penis.

Overall, the whole production was filled with creativity and randomness.  I was in to it.  The entire theater, including the foyer, was set to theme; making you feel like you’re really a part of the show (in some points throughout, you actually are.)  The audience was of all ages and races – appealing to everyone and anyone who enjoys semi-weird shit.  Trust me, seeing the reaction to a penthouse pet sitting on the lap of an elderly woman was straight up priceless. While the song and dance numbers tended to drag on a bit and I was left yearning for more acts involving the aerialist and trapeze(ist?),  the show was packed with memorable moments including an appearance by Jesus Christ himself.

I don’t want to give too much away…for a true ‘Only in New York” experience, you definitely should def see Caligula for yourself.   If you’re feeling fancy – hit up Gemma at the Bowery Hotel afterwards.

Scheduled performances are on Thursday and Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 8pm and 10pm, through April 10th.  Get tix before it’s too late!!!!   Tickets are $30, $25 for students and can be purchased online at www.lamama.org or by calling the box office at 212-475-7710. For more information, visit www.caligulamaximus.wordpress.com.

All pics courtesy of Lia Chang.  NSFW.

Ellen Stewart Theatre
66 E. 4th St., between 2nd Ave and Bowery
The box office is located at 74A E. 4th St.

Thursday and Friday at 8:00 pm
Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

via Urban Daddy

The new subterranean lounge, Janis, located underneath the West Vill Italian eatery, De Santos, at 139 W 10th St, opens it’s doors this weekend.  The bar, named after Janis Joplin (who used to rent a apartment in the same building) made waves a few weeks ago when owner Luis Miguel christened the place, “The New Bea.” My oh my is that phrase getting overused. Well, by the looks of things, I can kinda see the resemblance but still… who says that?!

Anyways, Janis will be up and running this weekend for Jane and Beatrice refugees to seek shelter.  Could this be the Cabin of the west side? Or another subMercer/ Beatrice knockoff? Only time will tell, but I think this spot could be a winner.  Janis conveys the intentional no-frills atmosphere…unfinished floors and ceiling, exposed brick walks, and red tufted leather banquettes.  Miguel plans to hire the best of the best when it comes to DJs – creating the ultimate den of debauchery.

Looking forward to scopin out the scene…perhaps tomorrow…

Janis
139 W 10th St (b/w Greenwich and Waverly)

via Last Nights Party

Saturday night is officially the worst night ever to go out in Manhattan.  One area you especially want to avoid is the Meatpacking district.  The weather was warm and the streets were flooded with scantily clad girls (I know its 70 degrees out – but it is still March, not July,) douchey guys, and overall pretentiousness.   Everywhere I looked was a mobscene…and the bridge and tunnel crowd was out in full force.  SL. Provocateur. Even Boom Boom Room had a weird Euro scene outside (PS: Is it just me or is everyone there over 35 or gay… just sayin’.)  All I knew was I had to get out of there – and quick.  My friend and I head over to the East Village cocktail den – Louis 649.  Ahhhh.  I can breathe again!   As I sit there and discover I love Ginger Beer and Dark & Stormy’s are my new drink, I get the text.  Secret Afterhours Party at the Red Bull Space - Josh Madden DJing.  Hallelujah praise Jesus – something to save my Saturday night hell.  I was just starting to think I wasted a good outfit.

My friend and I head over around 3AM, ya know, the normal time to get your night started.  The party was a continuation of the day-long celebration of the new Red Bull Soccer Stadium that opened in Jersey.  People were coming from Avenue in droves.  This was THE place to be Saturday night.  The crowd was a great mix of athletes, nightlife people, and people just down to party. I was a big fan of the space.  The all-white loft space gave off a nice airy vibe – areas with floor to ceiling windows  and casual seating throughout.  This was my first time visiting the space and I must say, I was feeling it.   Plus, how could you go wrong with open bar until 6AM.  I mean really….

After being there for all of about five minutes, a full on dance party erupted.  I took the stage with ithinkyourswell’s Antwan Duncan – my new favorite person – and literally danced my ass off until 6AM.  Josh Madden is one of the best DJs, hands down – he plays a little electro, a little hip hop, a little rock and roll – the perfect blend for dance parties. Honestly, I haven’t danced that hard in a loooonnnng time.

The current state of nightlife is being in the scene and being seen.  Back in the day, you used to go out to nightclubs for the sole purpose of dancing, and hearing great DJs…okay and maybe some drugs were involved, but that’s besides the point. Now, you go out, sit at your fave promoter’s table, get your picture taken, try and get your swag on, and bop your head to the music.  If you dare to dance in the crowd, you’re lucky enough if you can raise your arm for a measly fist pump.  Next time you’re out, take a look around.  Notice if people are actually dancing, and not just doing a little bop or nodding their head -  I mean dancing – getting down, dirty, and fresh with it.  Sweating. Laughing. Cheering to the music.  Unfortunately, it’s all too rare these days.

Anyways, to get your dance on, you can catch Josh at Arjan Write’s Superfraiche Pop Night at The Studio Webster Hall tomorrow. Tickets are $12 and the show starts at 8PM.

Pics can be found here.

You know you know all the words.

Rat in a cage.

Expect a lot more where this came from.

Tonight at CV we will:

1. Be  wearing wigs for no apparent reason

2. Be reliving college by doing “Edward 40-hands”

3. Be hosting an after party for The Strokes’ ex-lead singer, Julian Casablancas.

ya know… just in case you were wondering.

CV
105 Rivington

Come say hi.

Send me your stories!!

I waited too long to buy a ticket so I am SOL.  I wanna know who was there, who killed it and who failed; which parties were hot, what which ones were not. New York will be taking over Miami for the weekend and I want to hear the juice!  Send me your stories and I will post them on your behalf!

Email me: kristina@thedowntowndiaries.com

Word on the street is a new brunch party is coming town.    A few big names are behind it and the space is dope.  Think loft space-ish. Aimed to be the ultimate Saturday morning hang session – cartoons, bagels, jams, and booze – this party might just flip the switch on the current brunch (party) scene.  No word yet if cute PJs and sexy lingerie will be required for entry. but sit tight my little downtownsters…more to come on this soon.

PS Follow me on Twitter

via Gothamist

Introducing the newest (if only?) steakhouse to hit the Slope – meet Benchmark. Chef Ryan Jaronik, of the legendary  Monkeytown, is running the show at the new Brooklyn outpost, which focuses heavily on meat. With five different cuts of steak,  you can choose how you would like it prepared…au poivre, Forestier, Chimichurri or Bordelais… Mmmmmm.

Sorry all you veggies – but don’t hate too bad – Benchmark only serves pasture raised meats and local produce.  Duh.  I mean this is in Brooklyn after all. They also plan to build an aging room for in-house cured meat and sausage.

Pretty sure this is reason enough for me to hop on the G.

Benchmark
339A 2nd St (between 4th and 5th Ave)  [Park Slope]

PS Follow me on Twitter

via Time Out New York

Brooklyn versus Manhattan – the debate goes on.  Every year some media publication tried to re-raise the question of who reigns supreme as the better borough.  This year Time Out New York recently dedicated a whole issue to the topic breaking it down for you by the numbers.  Hey, even  Steve Lewis chimed in on Monday and I’m sad to say,  I think he is already over Brooklyn.  Booooo.

Although to me this is a no brainer – you can’t really compare the two -  Brooklyn has a totally different vibe compared to Manhattan.  Brooklyn is very chill while the City exemplifies why everyone moves here in the first place.   Each borough has is pros and cons…I love living in BK because I can experience the best of both worlds.  Most people who live in the city, never venture out.  I mean, after all, Brooklyn is allllllll the way out there.

So if for some reason you still can’t decide – Manhattan or Brooklyn – here’s some breakage downage for ya.

What you can find in Brooklyn:

• A prime seat the bar on a Saturday night
• Room to dance
• No cover charge
• Five-star dining for the price of a two-star restaurant
• A parking spot
• $1 Beers
• Cheap(er) Rent
• A lot of non-elevator buildings
• Independent retailers and restaurants
• An Ikea and a Target
• Todd P parties
• No lines… for anything
• A vintage bowling alley and arcade
• Lots of beer gardens
• The Yard
• Prospect Park
• The Botanical Gardens
• A $15 cab ride to LGA
• The Brooklyn Flea
• Mini Golf
• Places like The City Reliquary
• $1 ATM Fees
• A Brewery
• Overall low key vibe
• Musicians, artists, and…”hipsters”

What you can find in Manhattan:

• Bottle Service
• Doormen, velvet ropes, and guestlists
• Promoters
• Big name restaurants
• A yellow cab 24/7
• A $40 cocktail
• Better public transportation
• Can you hit 11 for me please?
• H&M, Zara, and Forever 21
• Whole Foods
• The Boom Boom Room
• A line to use the water fountain at the gym
• Hotel bars, lounges, and rooftop pools
• Lots of rooftop bars
• The Frying Pan
• Sheep’s Meadow
• The Cloisters
• A shuttle bus to JFK
• Barney’s Warehouse Sale
• Chelsea Piers
• Tons of museums
• An actual bank
• A Starbucks
• The hustle and bustle which makes New York, well, New York
• Celebrities, socialites, and guys who work in finance

And there you have it….Now what can you find in Queens?

Brooklyn We Go Hard // Jay Z & Santigold