COMPILED BY SCOTT STIFFLER
ADAM SHENK AT THE BITTER END
Pop and R&B singer/songwriter Adam Shenk — who recently released the CD “Suitcases” — is joined for his gig at The Bitter End by mystery guests only to be revealed once you’ve paid that $5 cover and taken your seat. Shenk will perform featured tunes from “Suitcases” and other tunes from his repertoire. At 9pm, Wed., Sept. 15, at the Bitter End (147 Bleecker St., btw. Thompson & LaGuardia). $5 cover. For info, call 212-673-7030 or visit www.bitterend.com. Also check out www.adamshenk.com.
CIRCUS ON THE STREETS
Jewish storyteller Sarah Stein performs her show “Circus on the Streets” — which is packed with stories she wrote about her family’s life in NYC during the 30s and 40s (that’s the 1930s and 40s, kids!). You’ll find out about street what it was like grow up on the Lower East Side when it was filled with the kind of colorful characters they just don’t make anymore. At 7pm on Oct. 9, at the University Settlement (184 Eldridge St.). For info, call 212-453-4532. Tickets, cash only at the door, are $10 for adults and $8 for children (the show is appropriate for those 10 years of age and older). Visit www.sarah-stein.com.
KARAOKE JUNGLE: THE SINGER’S ALMANAC
Are you hopelessly devoted to Karaoke, but can’t go out in public unless your horoscope says it’s OK? Tribeca resident Sky Filippi has your back on both counts. Along with barhopping cohort Daron Harris, he’s compiled what we’re pretty sure is the world’s most comprehensive guide to Karaoke, astrology and alcohol. “Karaoke Jungle: The Singer’s Almanac (The Ultimate Guide to Music, Myth & Mirth)” doesn’t take itself very seriously. It does, however, do a pretty good job of explaining the connection between beats, booze, spirituality and destiny. As for the best local spots to get plowed, sing and make a fool out of yourself, the authors recommend Baby Grand (at Lafayette & Grand), Karaoke Cave (13th St., btw. University & Fifth Ave.), U2 (St. Mark’s Place, near Third Ave.), Japas 27 (Third Ave., btw. 26th and 27th Sts.), Radio Star (35th St., btw. Fifth & Sixth Aves.), Karaoke 17 (17th St., btw. Fifth & Sixth Aves.) and Winnie’s (104 Bayard St.). If you’re still alive after that, visit www.karaokejungle.com.
LIAO YIBAI: REAL FAKE
Artists love to explore what’s real and what’s artifice. Liao Yibai’s exhibition “Real Fake” takes its inspiration from his native China — where knockoff brands are so pervasive they’ve become part of the culture. But when artfully rendered imposters match or eclipse the real thing, who’s to say which is more valuable? Yibai’s supersized luxury goods mock the notion of deriving happiness and status from a particular product or logo. Last year, in her review of Yibai’s stainless steel sculpture show “Imaginary Enemy” (also at Mike Weiss Gallery), our Stephanie Buhmann described the aesthetic as “…playful at first. A closer inspection, however, reveals contents that are serious and deeply reflective.” That seems to hold true for this show as well — with the artist challenging himself and the viewer to evaluate the absurdities generated from the pursuit of happiness. Sept. 10 through Oct. 30. At Mike Weiss Gallery (520 W. 24th St.). Call 212-691-6899 or visit www.mikeweissgallery.com.
THE MUSEUM OF SEX
When word gets out about that thing you do that you know who speaks so highly of, they’ll probably ask you to teach a Master Class. But until then, you’ll have to buy a ticket to The Museum of Sex just like everybody else.
Never again will you suffer the indignity of going to area museums where naked statues are your only source of titillation. M.O.S. exhibits don’t just give you a tease — they let you go to all four bases and then some by walking that condom-thin line between scholarly and salacious. On view now: “Sex and the Moving Image” traces the way sex and sexual imagery impact film, television, advertising and the Internet. Also currently showing is “Sex Lives of Robots” — an installation featuring 20 years worth of work from animator, prop fabricator and lighting designer Michael Sullivan. If you’re still horny after touring the premises, their gift shop has plenty of ways to ensure your day has a happy ending — if you know what we mean. At 233 Fifth Ave. (at 27th St.). Open Sun.-Thurs., 10am-8pm and Sat., 10am-9pm. Call 212-689-6337 or visit www.museumofsex.com.
DUBSPOT DJ INSTITUTE
Dance crew with fierce moves? Check. Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and/or YouTube presence? Check. Brilliant vision of the next big thing in House, Techno, Reggae, Rock, Hip-Hop, Soul, Funk, Electro, Trance, Disco, Afro, Dancehall, Jazz or Latin? Check.
But what good’s a great idea without the skills? That’s where Dubspot comes in. Celebrating their third year, Dubspot is a where DJs, visual artists and producers come to learn, teach, network and create. Their most popular course — the “DJ/Producer Package” — offers instruction in all aspects of Electronic Music Production and DJing. Sign up for any of their classes before Sept. 15, and get 10% off. Visit www.dubspot.com or call 1-877-DUBSPOT.
FAB! FESTIVAL & BLOCK PARTY
Even by NYC standards, you’d be hard-pressed to find a place with as many innovative artistic endeavors than that dense little patch of earth on East 4th St. between Bowery & Second Ave. But don’t take our word for it. Seeing is believing — and Fourth Arts Block’s annual “FAB! Festival & Block Party” is a very good place to see a very large amount of artsy stuff. Throughout the day, multiple stages will feature dance, theater and music performances from Fourth St. artists-in-residence. Gourmet food vendors, installations, film screenings and hands-on activities also figure into the mix.
The list of presenters includes Alpha Omega Theatrical Dance, Downtown Art, Horse Trade Theater Group, La MaMa E.T.C., Nuyorican Poets Café, Performance Space 122 and WOW Cafe Theater. Vendors (at the Local Artisans Market) include Metropolis Soap Company, Miss Wit Designs, Moon Tide Dyers, popidiot, and Volta Organics. If you’re not completely exhausted by the end of the day, it’s probably because you didn’t show up in the first place — which would be a serious mistake. FREE. Sat., Sept. 25, from 1 pm to 5 pm (on East 4th St. btw. Bowery & Second Ave.). For more info, visit www.fabnyc.org.
