Who Shot Rock and Roll? Probs these kids

We must make a sudden departure from our The Met is Ridiculous series due to the really neato exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum. New York is Ridiculous attended the opening primarily to hear their surprise act, BLONDIE (I know, right? Yes, yes, they still rock even though they're in their fifties). The real surprise of the night was just how good the photo exhibit was. From their website:

The exhibition is in six sections: rare and revealing images taken behind the scenes; tender snapshots of young musicians at the beginnings of their careers; exhilarating photographs of live performances that display the energy, passion, style, and sex appeal of the band on stage; powerful images of the crowds and fans that are often evocative of historic paintings; portraits revealing the soul and creativity, rather than the surface and celebrity, of the musicians; and conceptual images and album covers highlighting the collaborative efforts between the image makers and the musicians.

The magic comes from just how intimate these photographers were with their subjects. You can see Kurt Cobain in tears slumped backstage after a particularly emotional set, Jay Z and P. Diddy texting side by side, or Buddy Holly just spacing out on his bus after a show. You really ought to go see this show. The suggested contribution is $10 (take THAT Met).

NYiR recommends you go to Rock Out on November 7th. On the early side there's some indie rock groups from the 'hood, a meet and greet with the curator, a showing of Purple Rain and then after 9 pm DJ Evil Dee will spin a bunch of the artists who's photos are being shown including Michael Jackson, Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, Chuck Berry, and Jay-Z.

photo by Barry Feinstein (American, born 1931). Bob Dylan with Kids, Liverpool, England, 1966 (printed 2009). Gelatin silver print. Courtesy Barry Feinstein

Celebrating two months of glory

Wow. Has it really been two whole months of New York is Ridiculous? It's about time we review some of the best and worst posts and update you on how things have ended up:

The Box has begun having summer Wednesdays where they put a layer of sand over their entire club for one night a week. That seems ridiculous right? We will let you know what that's like.

Meanwhile we discovered in our favorite local haunt Blue & Gold a picture from Fleet Weeks of old that we had to share:That sailor sure does look happy to be swinging with his doxie! Speaking of hot dance moves that are making a come back I think we can all agree that this is indeed the summer of Michael Jackson which means that as predicted the moonwalk is the official summer dance. Raise your hand if you've seen it so much that you've automatically learned it. Anyone else? Just me? Ok. Still the official summer dance though.

Here's some other fun summer things to do if you can't lift up one knee while moving the other leg backwards in a smooth motion: Joe Pera is BLOWING UP! It's probably because of the honor done to him by this blog but he's got three (3!) shows coming up.

One is called Skits n Tits and also has burlesque and a free PBR bar (July 8th), another two days later involves roosters or cock fights or something and the last is on the 13th at Teneleven Bar and is called "The Name Doesn't Matter Comedy Show." He promises if you don't like the show that he'll take you out for ice cream sundays after. Win mother-f-ing win. And a big shout out to Joe's parents who aren't a fan of the internet but will probably still send his post to his Nana. Who will try to magnet her computer to her fridge so everyone can see it. I love Nanas.

Last but not least we have discovered where all the real-life superheroes get their gear - the Superhero Supply Store. Yes. This place exists. Look:
Not only can you get outfitted (see pic at the top of this post) but you can also pick up your X-ray spray, your portable force-field, and all sorts of great power-inducing formulas:
I myself bought the shape-shifting formula for only $7.50 and look SO MUCH COOLER now.

I hope you've enjoyed the last two months of this blog almost as much as we have. If so, consider making a formal commitment and become a fan of us on facebook, subscribe (to the right) or better yet tell a few friends. Yeah. Do that last one. Let's share the joy and laughter that is New York is Ridiculous for a long long time to come. Maybe even two more months.

Michael Jackson Tributes

It is indeed a time for the great city of New York to mourn. First off who doesn't love Farrah Fawcett? Bachelor number two does. He wants to make love the national past-time! And then there is the death of Michael Jackson. Oh MJ. Oh oh oh MJ. This is indeed a national tragedy.

However, Michael Jackson lives on in New York City. For one, beginning yesterday at 4:00 PM you couldn't walk down the street without some car blaring "Billie Jean." Also, if you gather a large enough crowd and attempt to invoke him he will come to you, take over your body, and make you dance. As is witnessed at the gathering outside the Apollo last night (1:20 into the video above).

Last but not least, while the Flying Man may have been the big hit of last summer NYiR predicts that in 2009 the summer dance will be..........the moonwalk. Yes, it is coming back. You will see it at all the clubs and your friend will turn to you and you will catch his eye and shake your head and he will say "It was too soon" and you will both think "Well, maybe before all those pedophile rumors would have been better" and then you will respond, "Yeah. Too too soon."

Goodbye MJ. New York loves you.