Image: Shepard Fairey/We The People
In this case, calling it an Ideal Week is a tad optimistic. We’re standing on the precipice of a momentous event and it is scary as hell. If I was at all mollified after the election by thoughts like “it can’t possibly be as bad as It seems, surely someone will keep him in check,” that hope simply couldn’t endure in the face of Paul Ryan dabbing while announcing that millions of Americans will lose access to health insurance or Jeff Sessions whitewashing his dismal views on race. It’s impossible to not be preoccupied this week, and even though I did manage to find a few non-Inauguration related activities to recommend to you, the bulk of what people are planning and organizing around here these days is somehow connected to the power shift that is looming ominously. Along with many friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family members, I’ll be in DC for the March on Saturday, but there are plenty of protest events happening right here too. There are a lot of us who aren’t OK with what is happening, which is an unfortunate reality for Trump and the only thing that feels comforting about this situation.
However you choose to spend the weekend, do something that makes you feel good. Perhaps one of our suggestions below will fit the bill. It looks like any measure of sanity and reasonableness in this administration is going to have to be hard-won by us, the people, and we need to do everything we can to ensure that we’re primed for the fight. Onward!
Thursday, January 19
Rolling Stone political journalist Matt Taibbi has developed a cultish following for his fearless takedowns of prominent Republicans and other agents of corporate greed, and it doesn’t hurt that he’s remarkably good at coming up with clever turns of phrase. On Thursday, the eve of the Inauguration, Taibbi will be reading from his new book about Trump’s improbable ascension to power, which I’m happy to report is titled Insane Clown President, at a launch party at DUMBO’s Powerhouse Books from 7-9pm. It’s free to get in, but you should email rsvp@powerhousearena.com and let them know to save you a spot.
Friday, January 20
The day so many of us have been dreading is upon us, and yesterday our editor Annaliese Griffin shared some awesome suggestions for how to make it through to the other side (note that none involve building a safe room). However you decide to mark the passing of the torch from Barack Obama to the infuriating, incurious narcissist who is taking his place, being surrounded by friends and maybe some alcohol seems like a no-brainer.
Saturday, January 21
One bright note of the Inauguration is the What a Joke comedy festival happening in cities across the country all weekend to benefit the ACLU. Here in NYC, one of the shows is this Saturday at Rough Trade and it’s a pretty awesome lineup of comics like Laurie Kilmartin and Dave Hill who will take the stage at 8:30pm. Tickets are $20 each, which is small price to ensure that you get a few laughs in and show your ongoing support for civil liberties. If you have kids 7 and up, take them to the Inventgenuity Festival, running Saturday and Sunday and completely free. The future is still bright for them.
Sunday, January 22
Comfort food has been known to help us through some disastrous circumstances in the past, and nothing says cozy and soul-satisfying like a bowlful of delicious, hot soup. Unlimited bowl of chowder, chicken noodle, stew, ramen, and many other broth-based concoctions can be yours on Sunday afternoon at 2pm at the Brooklyn Soup Takedown at the Brooklyn Bazaar. The purchase of a $20 ticket means you have all-you-can-eat access to a variety of hot soups prepared by some of Brooklyn’s best home cooks–plus you get to vote on the winner! Democracy in action.
Monday, January 23
Seeking a little spiritual guidance this week? Reverend Vince Anderson and his Love Choir, a venerable Brooklyn institution, are back at Union Pool on Monday night to fire up the crowd with their particular brand of “dirty gospel.” The cover is $5 and Vince takes the stage of 8:30pm. And oh yeah, there’s a taco truck onsite.
Tuesday, January 24
On Tuesday night, bookish types will convene at The Bell House for Literary Death Match, a night that promises to be part literary event, part comedy performance, and part game show. A group of accomplished and celebrated writers–Michael Cunningham, Ashley C. Ford, Daniel Alarcon, and Porochista Khakpour–will participate in a read-off presided over by a trio of celebrity judges (Heben Nigatu, John Leguizamo, and Akilah Hughes). The evening’s winner will ultimately be decided by what is being billed as a “slapstick showdown,” and I think it might be worth the $12 ticket alone just to see the guy who wrote The Hours participate in such a thing. The show starts at 8:05pm.
Wednesday, January 25
Welp, we’re officially being driven into a dystopian future by an unhinged crazy person, so what better movie to usher us into the new regime than the original Mad Max? Nitehawk Cinema will be screening the 1979 Mel Gibson vehicle on Wednesday night at 9:30pm with a live score performed by NYC’s own Morricone Youth. Who knows, maybe you’ll pick up some post-apocalyptic survival tips? Tickets are $16.
