Lots of events happening in the neighborhood this month. Here are some highlights:
Jonathan Richman featuring Tommy Larkins at The Bowery Ballroom: The prolific and influential singer/songwriter who founded The Modern Lovers is in New York with his favorite drummer for two nights. Many credit The Modern Lovers, founded in the early 1970s, for helping lay the groundwork for punk rock. Artists as diverse as the Sex Pistols, Joan Jett, David Bowie and Velvet Underground founding member John Cale have covered the band.
Larkins’ later work is known for setting the tone for many alternative rock bands, such as Violent Femmes, Galaxie 500 and They Might Be Giants. His loyal fanbase has only grown stronger over the years, helped along by his prominent appearance in the 1998 film comedy smash There’s Something About Mary. After touring internationally for so many years, Richman’s music has absorbed a multitude of influences, but his refreshingly straightforward songs remain untainted by cynicism, and his boundless sense of humor remains intact.
Thurs., Nov. 22 and Fri., Nov. 23 // 6 Delancey St. // 9:30 p.m., $18.
Thurs., Nov. 7
Are They Edible? at La MaMa: Enjoy a multi-sensory puppetry performance inspired by Homer’s epics, The Iliad and The Odyssey. The story takes place in an interactive setting where food consumption engages the audience in a journey exploring the relationship between war, heroes and hunger.
Through Nov. 10 as part of La MaMa’s month-long puppet series // 74A E. Fourth St., 9 p.m. // $18/$10 students/seniors.
Fri., Nov. 8
The Junket at Dixon Place: Writer and performer Mike Albo shares the story of a struggling writer named Mike Albo who gets a plum freelance gig at the city’s major newspaper, then goes on an ill-fated promotional junket, becomes a gossip item in the snarky blogosphere and ends up caught in the middle of a war between old and new Media.
Also on Nov. 9, 15, and 16, 10 p.m. // 161A Chrystie St. // $17 advance/$20 door.
Sun., Nov. 10
If You Build It Stand-Up Comedy at UCBeast: Laugh along with some of the best up-and-coming stand-up comics around. Many of them have been featured on Letterman, Leno, Fallon, Conan, Comedy Central, VH1 and MTV. Host Kara Klenk’s weekly show is part of this year’s New York Comedy Festival (nycomedyfestival.com).
153 E. Third St. // 8 p.m. // $5.
Sat., Nov. 16
Disappearing Acts & Resurfacing Subjects: Concerns of (a) Dance Artist(s) at the New Museum: Sara Wookey performs a new solo work that considers dance as a disappearing act and questions recurring subjects floating in the public sphere—such as the preservation, ownership and value of dance itself. Through image, movement and text, Wookey reflects on the relationship between artists’ individual professional choices and the sustainability of the field of dance.
235 Bowery // 5 p.m. // $6.
Sun., Nov. 17
The Joey Arias Experience at Joe’s Pub: Downtown icon Joey Arias returns to Joe’s Pub to reflect on the roots of his career. Drawing on his lifelong affinity for music, Arias journeys across musical genres that span his earliest musical influences: his days at Capitol Records, his tenure as the lead singer of Strange Party (an influence on the Talking Heads) and his original songs from Jazzo Lozzo, an album that literally made Arias “big in Japan.”
Sundays through Dec. 1st. // 425 Lafayette St. // 9:30 p.m. // $25.
Tues., Nov. 19
What’s it All About? Bacharach Reimagined at New York Theatre Workshop: Be re-introduced to the timeless music of Burt Bacharach through the eyes and ears of a new generation. Twenty-five-year-old musician and actor Kyle Riabko (Spring Awakening, Hair) performs his unique, soulful arrangements of the Bacharach songbook.
Through Jan. 5th // 79 E. Fourth St. // $85 // showtimes vary.
Thurs., Nov. 21
The Walls Have Ears at Abrons Arts Center: Abrons hosts Gabriel Lester’s newest performance piece, inviting the audience to experience an evocative dreamscape for the subconscious, creating a “play” that involves no actors. Part of the three-week citywide Performa 13 festival.
Through Nov. 24. Two performances daily, $15, 466 Grand St.
Sun., Nov. 24
Thanksgivukuh Celebration at the Museum at Eldridge Street: Meld the holidays that happen to fall on the same date this year. Bring the whole family to light the menorah, baste the turkey and celebrate by making Thanksgiving gelt and holiday art. Join the Great Dreidel Scavenger Hunt. The museum promises, “you just might find a turkey along the way.”
12 Eldridge St. // 11 a.m. // $15 per family.
