GaragePunkNYC | New York's blog for garage punk news.

Here we go again– another doozy of a weekend.  June is bustin’ out all over the place and you’ve got about a million chances to party all over the city this Friday and Saturday.

Yes, there’s a “festival” going on in Williamsburg… blech.

Sorry, but I don’t really want another CMJ and I can see where this is going: badge-wielding trustfunders fresh from JFK looking to see some “Williamsburg bands”.  To those responsible for this ridiculous hype-mongering: please stop the madness now before you ruin this month for the rest of us forever.  Don’t get it?  Just ask someone who lives in Austin about being there during SXSW.

BUT… we’re not there– yet, anyway.  June still belongs to real rock’n'roll.  Let’s kick it out!

TONIGHT (FRIDAY):

Holy mackerel!  How to even choose between the myriad events happening?  My recommendation, take a shot, throw your finger in the air and head in that direction.

Early on, head to Hi-Fi on Avenue A for the return of Living for Kicks, a groovy happy hour into night gig with DJs Popwell (of the now justifiably infamous Take My Tuesdays events at the Friars Club) and Lil’ Jerk. Only unbeatable garage rock and soul 45s will be spun. Get there early and beat the hordes of A&F wearers. FREE

Also starting at 6PM is the SideWalk Spectacle, an all night tribute to Harry Nilsson, native of Bushwick, Brooklyn. This gigaroony at The Church, the inimitable dark cave of rock’n'roll in “East” Williamsburg features 8 live acts including Minerva Lions, Little Furies and more plus DJs and projections.  They’ll entertain you with Nilsson covers and rock’n'roll debauchery galore. Plus grillin’ and boozin’  ! $10 gets you entry and a hot dog and/or drink… don’t know the address? ASK FOR IT

Unconfirmed: someone is DJing Happy Hour at Home Sweet Home on Chrystie, pre-Toubin, at 8PM. But who is it? We don’t know!

At 9, Cavestomp pounds its way into Manhattan once again at the Parkside Lounge with Muck & the Mires, Tiger Tiger from Atlanta, and the Insomniacs. Harmonize ! $?

Also at 9, Crazy Pills play their last show for a while at least at Legion on Metropolitan Ave. $5

Starting around 11, DJs erupt into the streets in an all out battle.

Actually, no, they’re in a bunch of clubs but that’s what the calendar looks like anyway.

At Otto’s Shrunken Head, it’s the SEVENTH anniversary of Rebel Night, the best Japanese rockabilly swing dancin’ DJ night in NYC (no mean feat!)  No, but seriously, this shit is amazing. 7 more years, please. FREE

At Home Sweet Home, Jonathan Toubin is in full effect with Kid Congo Powers as his DJ partner. $5 cover after 11?

Over in Williamsburg, check out Let’s Boogaloo! at Zebulon with Ol’ Stark, Phast Phreddie, Shakey and Deano from Boston spinning only the dancin’est tunes. Can’t recommend this joint enough if you’re after a dance a drink. FREE

Not too far away, you could cool off with some ska, rocksteady, soul and rock at Banter on Havemeyer street. Don’t recognize all the DJs, but Mr Lee is sure to bring it. FREE

Speaking of Havemeyer, you could then skip on over to the Commodore and catch the Knights of the Roundtables soul night with Sir Fine Wine (of WFMU) and guest. FREE

SATURDAY:

For once, Saturday’s got it goin’ on.

Ridgewood’s KBD heroes Foster Care, who put on an absolutely killer show at Cake Shop a couple of weeks ago, are finally releasing their first slab of wax at Union Pool. They rightfully headline this bill accompanied by like-minded deviants such as Call of the Wild, Pampers and White Pages.  You don’t want to? You NEED to. $5

At DeathByAudio, another showapalooza. Barefoot 70′s Stones worshippers Natural Child headline an event with the Tough Shits, Liquor Store and The Foxx. Yow! $?

Over at Knitting Factory it’s a, er, showcase (shudder) for Panache booking.  Nashville’s Turbo Fruits be hangin’ as well as the Black Belles (i.e. gothy looking all girl band on Jack White’s label) plus a few more we’ve heard of including Grass Widow. $12 or $15 DOS.

And finally (!!!) we can list this event CORRECTLY after billing it TWICE falsely before.  It’s happening THIS Saturday, I’m sure of it! The Naked Heroes, the Mess Around and the 10 Cent Fuck Flicks are at the Hellgate Social in ASTORIA QUEENS. Yes, it’s real! $5

Once you’re all rocked out, consider slipping on down to Grand Victory across from Trash Bar when DJs Jumpy and Big Sir will be throwing down soul 45s like they just don’t really, really care. FREE

I’m done! Huzzah! See you out there!

SHIMMY