I’m not going to pretend like it’s been all flowers and rainbows over here. The loss of Anthony Bourdain last week came as quite a blow. As fellow food loving New Yorkers, we’ll truly miss his unique flair for storytelling and his boundless zest for exploring lesser known parts of the world in search of a great bite. Of course, it wasn’t just his culinary passions that made him feel so relatable. The lifestyle he maintained came as a result of being truly open-minded. He was cool with stepping outside of his comfort zone. And his ability to see the beauty within varying dishes, people and cultures was truly astounding. His charm, wit and wide ranging talents will surely live on in infamy in every chef (professional and amateur) he inspired in this lifetime.
We lost a good one. I guess we’ll never really know what drove him to take his own life. It’s hard to understand anything right now, really. A tearful Dennis Rodman in a “Make America Great Again” hat says it all: we’re in WTF mode.
So what can you do to stay sane? Be kind to others, for one. Despite it being a city of more than eight million people, New York can be lonely as fuck. Treat the people around you with respect, even if you don’t always understand their point of view. You might actually have more in common than you think. Another thing you can do, and I think Bourdain would agree, is try something new this week. Maybe you try a new restaurant. Maybe you visit a part of the city you’ve never been. Or maybe you experience the work of an artist with whom you’re unfamiliar. What do you have to lose? Perspective is key, and when we broaden our own, we make the world a better place.
This week’s Club Crush picks hail from all across the globe. Grab a bite and boogie. It’s what Bourdain would have wanted.
1.) Action Bronson @ House of Vans (Thursday, June 14th) – The professional chef turned hip-hop icon, Action Bronson, is another example of someone who refuses to confine to boundaries. The native New Yorker has been known to toss Peter Luger’s steaks into his crowds, and he even has his own Viceland food and travel show which bears the delightful title F*ck, That’s Delicious. He shared the screen with Anthony Bourdain during The Layover days, and this Thursday he’s bringing his larger than life beats to Brooklyn’s House of Vans. Featuring support from B.A.G. (Blimes x Gifted Gab) and Darnell Williams, this school night shindig is sure to hit the spot. Open wide! RSVP for free entry HERE.
2.) Detroit Swindle (LIVE) @ Elsewhere (Friday, June 15th) – Lars Dale and Maarten Smeets are true music connoisseurs. Though the Dutch duo garnered acclaim through their early releases, The Wraparound and The Breakup, in recent years they’ve been just as successful spinning from the fruits of their crate dives. Whether they’re delivering classic house, disco, funk or world music, one thing is constant, they want to put a smile on your face. These purveyors of good vibes will unleash sounds from their new High Life LP this Friday at Bushwick’s favorite new hot spot. Get tickets HERE.
3.) Chromeo @ Music Hall of Williamsburg (Saturday, June 16th) – The Funklordz are back, and their timing is just perfect. We’re Head Over Heels for their new studio album, which comes out this Friday, June 15th. Featuring guest appearances from artists like DRAM, Stefflon Don, Amber Mark and French Montana, the new digs encompass everything we’ve come to love about the Canadian duo, plus a few new tricks. They’ve added a special album release show at MHOW due to popular demand on Saturday (get info HERE), but if you can’t catch them in the hood, have no fear. They are also playing midtown’s Terminal 5 on Friday (get T5 tickets HERE). If late night hangs are your jam, then know the terrific twosome will be swinging by Greenpoint after the MHOW show for an exclusive DJ Set at Good Room, compliments of Built by MeanRed (get Good Room tickets HERE).
4.) Teksupport presents Carl Cox [Open Air] @ 7 52nd St. (Saturday, June 16th) – Oh yes, oh yes! The king of techno is coming through the borough this weekend as part of his mini North American tour! Teksupport is sending Cox to the appropriately named Sunset Park neighborhood for a day into night party that’s not to be missed.”I always look forward to getting back to the US and Canada because the energy of the people is always so good!” the London-based producer raves. “I’ve got some amazing new music to play, so people get ready!” Catch Cox now before he scoots off to Ibiza for the remainder of the season. Drumcode duo Dense & Pika are a good reason to get there early. Get tickets HERE.
5.) All Day I Dream: Summer Season Opener @ The Brooklyn Mirage (Sunday, June 17th) – Summertime, and the show going’s easy. This is certainly the case on Sunday, when Lee Burridge‘s legendary All Day I Dream party returns for another sunny, stateside installment at The Brooklyn Mirage. Featuring support from Lost Desert and Newman, this house-heavy kickoff is sure to lift your spirit and take your post-brunch routine soaring to new heights. Get tickets HERE.