The Northside  Festival brings eight days of film, speakers and live music  to Brooklyn. Among the line up this past Sunday (June 16), was Solange Knowles. The singer who is also worshiped for her quirky sense of style and has been known to keep a party bumping with her DJ skills got behind the mic at McCarren Park to perform.

I have been rocking with Solange since her first album Solo Star. I’ve witnessed her DJ skills at the Fashion Night Out 2011 but I couldn’t  wait to listen to  her sing live. Shout out the the tall girls in front of me who let me get closer to the  stage, you are appreciated.

Solange’s look was very Northside appropriate with just the right amount of down to earth indie style mixed in with a pop of glam. She walked onto to the stage wearing a simple  striped tee,  cut-off shorts, an African Babatunde hat covering braids that cascaded down her back,  and gray heels with straps going all the  way up her calves. The heals came off after a  few songs from her True EP. She went off to the side of the stage during an instrumental stretch by her band and changed into some Converse sneakers. Upon returning to the mic she joked, “I tried. I knew they weren’t going to make it.”

Solange was able to get down even  more once she was in some sneaks, dancing and encouraging the crowd to join in. The crowd jumped with her to the chorus of Sand Castle Disco featured on her Hadley Street Dreams album and the Noah’s Arc movie soundtrack.

Watch this video on YouTube.

Then screams of adoration from the audience  turned into collective gushing when Solange invited her eight year old son Julez to dance on stage with her.

It was a great way to close out the show. She  said her goodbyes but then returned for an unplanned encore where she sang a cover from  the late Selena, ” I Could Fall in Love.” We know Solange is from Texas but she rocked the stage like a true Brooklyn chick.

The Northside Festival continues through the 20th featuring film screenings of documentaries, independent films and more at several venues throughout North Brooklyn.

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Check out recaps of last weekend’s Say Waugh adventures,  including Erykah  Badu at BAM and the art show/party/hardware extravaganza at Crest Fest ’13 . Also get the heads up on fun and cheap events  happening in NYC on the Say Waugh Calendar and the Every “Single” Weekend weekly round up posted every Friday.

I walked in, grabbed a map of where the artwork would be displayed and then commenced taking photos of art pieces hung among the merchandise. I was art gazing next to someone who came in to buy bulbs and I was ecstatic. The experience felt like I was walking through a living and breathing metaphor for the common phrase “art imitates life.” But  it was like the quirkiest life you could possibly imagine, where your  pet is a dog made out of bike  parts,  your wall art is a naked man holding a  hammer, your wardrobe  consists of  a  glamorous dress made out of chains and your lamp can double as  place to hang and dry your unmentionables.

Even with the map in hand, once I walked through each aisle, stopping to leave my tag on the Imagination Station wall by Enzo and Nio I thought I saw everything. That was until my partner in crime for the day started pulling me towards a doorway that led to the outside of the back of the store.

More pieces in the form of garden sculptures to plant pots with faces occupied the space. Again, I thought I saw it all until my curious friend decides to walk a bit deeper into the crowd of people seemingly hanging out in a calm beer garden. Passed them the crowd got thicker and the music got louder. I found myself on a dance floor asking strangers how I can get a wristband so I can purchase some wine. Their directions led me further into this never ending maze of awesomeness and through a crowd of vendors, selling items I wanted in my collection immediately.

At the end of the crowd was a live band getting ready to rock the crowd. After a few selections, we decided to head back into the area with the DJ. Wine in hand, I wandered onto to dance floor just in time for DJ Krunk Pony’s set. I love lady DJs who can command a room. She didn’t miss a beat as she seamlessly mixed songs from every genre from the 90’s to present.

When it was over, I danced my way out of there with a list of vendors I will be buying pieces from soon, the name of the DJ I want to hire for every event I’m ever going to host, a list of artists whose work I will continue to follow, knowledge of the coolest place to buy fix-it items and contentment in knowing that this was just the beginning of an amazing summer.

The first performance sold out two months before the concert date leaving many Brookltnites (myself included) with our Badu inspired head wraps in a bunch. After hearing about the demand for tickets, not only did Badu agree to perform two nights in a row but she insisted that all of the proceeds from the second show go directly to benefit the Brooklyn Philharmonic.

The show was  living up to its name before it even began, as the streets of Fort Greene outside of the Brooklyn Academy of Music were filled with frenzied fans waiting to get into the opera house to see the woman who is often referred to as the “Queen of Neo-Soul.”

Inside, patrons snapped quick pictures on their smart phones of members of the Brooklyn Philharmonic while they were warming up. The buzz of random conversations turned into whistles and applause as the lights dimmed, the conductor raised his hands and Lyricist Kevin J. Eastwick aka Wordisbon stepped onto to the stage to open the show. Yasiin Bey was unable to perform for untold reasons.

The crowd didn’t seem disappointed by the replacement as they were drawn into Wordisbon’s performance, rich with a conscious hip hop tone and poetic flow that compliments Badu’s distinguishable sound. He was followed by a DJ Set featuring Ringo Rashad Smith aka Tumblin’ Dice  accompanied by Wayne Dumaine on trumpet and drummer, Jonathan Barber. Dice who is known for his work on Biggie Smalls’ “One More Chance” along with an assortment of hits with other Hip Hop heavy weights amped up the crowd with an appropriate mix of hip hop, R&B and neo- soul, ending his set with a crowd pleasing rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “All I Do” with trumpet solos by Dumaine.

Finally it was time for Ms. Badu to hit the stage. The orchestra played the intro to the opening piece and then Ms. Badu walked made her entrance and took her spot center stage behind the mic stand.

Wearing a top hat, black trench coat, colorful tights and stiletto patent leather booties, she belted out her first notes off of tracks included on her fourth  studio release New Amerykah Part One (4^th World War). As the artist in residence for the Brooklyn Philharmonic, Badu worked with composer Ted Hearne and the Brooklyn Philharmonic for months to transform songs she mostly created on her computer into a full scale performance with orchestral accompaniment.

This project continues Badu’s tradition of making powerful statements about her beliefs, the state of society, our culture and the structure of the government. Many fists rose in the air in synchronization with hers as every member of the ethnically diverse crowd nodded their heads to the beats as well as in agreeance and/or understanding of her lyrics. Though the album carries a socially conscious message it’s still layered with the soul, funk, jazz, and hip hop  sounds mixed in an eccentric way that only Badu could pull off.

During an extended instrumental portion of the show, Badu took the opportunity to sip her tea, and remove her trench coat giving a better view of her entire outfit. An audience member loudly let her know what we all were thinking when she screamed “I love your tights girl.” I quietly agreed and made a mental note to find out who made them. Through some digging around on Instagram I found the designer responsible for the look, Tennille McMillan creator of Nakimuli.

The look consists of the Lovely- Tee, Galaxy faux leather leggings with a pair of 70’s Serengeti bottoms on top of the leggings.

Get the look at www.nakimuli.com

The show ended with a reprise of the opening song Amerykahn Promise and a standing ovation. As intended, Ms. Badu indeed caused quite a wondrous disturbance.

Run your  hands through a strangers Afro at Union Square Park. Find out what happens when Chinese and Jewish cultures mix at the Egg Rolls & Egg Cream  Festival. Let the BBQ drip from your chin with no shame at the Big Apple BBQ Block Party. Wave your  flag at Brooklyn Pride and the Puerto Rican Day parade. Check these out and so much more  below!

Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and Foursquare. Also, let me know how you are enjoying this and Every “Single” Weekend by using the hash tag #SingleWknd   and see where I’ll be by checking the hash tag #SayWaughWasHere on Twitter and Instagram. Feel free to share how you will be spending your weekend in the comments section!

Friday June 7, 2013

All Day:  You still have time to get a free doughnut to celebrate National Doughnut Day. Get a free doughnut at Krispy Kreme. Also get a free doughnut at Dunkin’ Donuts when you buy a beverage.

(Continues through 9/5) 8:30pm: Catch a French film every Friday all summer at the 6th Annual Films on the Green Festival. This year’s theme is “Love, a la Francaise.” Before you get all lovey- dovey chill out the grooves from the featured DJ.  Various Locations | Free

Saturday June 8, 2013  ( Scroll down to All Weekend to see what else is happening today)

11am – Until: Don’t miss the festivities at Brooklyn Pride. The day’s activities commence with a parade (7:30pm). Parade begins at 5^th Avenue, Parkslope | Free

12-9:30pm (Every Sat until 6/22): Party, shop and learn at this year’s Williamsburg Walks. No cars will be allowed as the streets shut down to allow you to check out the vendors, join a yoga demo or challenge a friend or total stranger to games like mega- scrabble. Rain or shine. Bedford Ave | From Metropolitan Ave to N12th Street, Williamsburg | Free

1pm – 8pm: Over 200 pieces of artwork made with or inspired by hardware will be on display at the 12th annual Crest Hardware Art Show. Come for the artistic twist using tools, stay for the food, live bands and DJs keeping the party going. Crest Hardware, Williamsburg | Free

2pm – 4pm: The controversial You Can Touch My Hair Exhibit, is already making headlines. African American women with different textures of hair, line up in the  park with  signs encouraging each curious passers-by to run their hands through their manes. Union Square Park | Free

Sunday June 9, 2013  (Scroll down to All Weekend to see what else is happening today)

11am: Eat tacos then hop on your bike and burn off the calories at The 4^th Annual Tour de Taco. All proceeds go to a good cause. Don’t forget to RSVP. Meet at Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn | Free

11am- 5pm: Show off your best dance moves at the annual Puerto Rican Day parade. This year’s theme is Salud- Celebrating Your Health. Fifth Avenue, Starting on 44th Street 

12pm – 4pm: It’s a Chinese and Jewish mash-up at the Egg Rolls & Egg Creams Festival. Food, music and entertainment from both cultures collide. When you’re all stuffed and visually stimulated take the opportunity to learn Chinese and Yiddish with lessons from the pros. Rain or Shine. The Museum at Eldridge Street | Free

5pm – 7pm: Join the conversation about the mainstream and new media effects on Hip Hop at the Hip Hop in the YouTube Age: How the Medium Changed the Message panel discussion including writer and activist, Harry Allen. Museum of Moving Images | Free w/ museum admission ($12)

All Weekend

8pm (Fri – Sat): The Sound of  Silent Film Festival travels from Chicago to New York for two nights only. Films by directors Martin Scorsese, Gus Vansant and Alexander Payne screen accompanied by new musical scores.  Anthology Film Archives | $20 in advance, $30 at the door

10am-6pm (Sat & Sun): Be an artist for the weekend or stretch your artistic talents at the Annual Figment Festival. There are over 200 opportunities for you to get your hands on an art project. Plus check out the interactive sculpture garden and the artsy mini golf course. There will also be tons of live performances. Governor’s Island (Free Ferry Transportation)| Free Admission

11am-6pm (Sat & Sun): BBQ Pitmasters from all over the country gather to  fill you up at the 11^th Annual Big Apple Barbecue Block Party. Get pork and beef wasted on everything from ribs to brisket. Dance it off to live music and learn how the pros do it at the featured workshops.  You know how much New Yorkers love meat so come early so you don’t have to wait in line. Madison Square Park |Free Admission/ $9 per plate.

(Until June 15^th): Tickle the ivories at one of the locations featuring 88 pianos revamped by 88 artists presented by Sing for Hope. Why? Because there are 88 keys on a piano. Pick from the fun list of self- guided tours and wow your friends with your rendition of Chop Sticks. There is even a tour especially for date night. Various locations | Free

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About ESW

When I’m in a relationship at some point my weekends became “our” weekends. At some point when that guy decides he wants his weekends back or I’m between relationships my weekends become 48 hours of Netflix and take out on my beloved couch. So a while ago I started a website called Every “Single” Weekend (ESW) to make sure that I spent at least 24 hours (not cumulatively) doing anything other than sitting on my couch. Now I’m making it a section here on Say Waugh?! and I’m sharing some of the events I may be checking out this weekend and every weekend until I choose to be on my couch in a Netflix induced coma because there’s a fine guy to enjoy it with. Even if I do acquire a steady man friend “me time” is mandatory. Every Friday lookout for a listing of some of the coolest events in NYC including events that keep you fit, fed, fantastically buzzed (shout out to my fellow winos), and fundamentally inspired. I’m a fan of day trips outside of the city, so if I happen to be going away for the weekend I’ll post some cool stuff that’s happening abroad too.

I’m helping you start off the month right with this weekend’s round-up. Meet a stranger in NY on Name Tag Day. Eat treats with no regrets at the Vegan Cook-Off. Stop by one of the plenty street festivals happening this weekend including the Housing Works Open Air Street Fair and the Howl! Festival. Check it out!

There were too many great things to list here so check out the Say Waugh Calendar for more things to do this weekend and all week, including Smorgasburg and other reoccurring events.

Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and Foursquare. Also, let me know how you are enjoying this and Every “Single” Weekend by using the hash tag #SingleWknd   and see where I’ll be by checking the hast tag #SayWaughWasHere on Twitter and Instagram. Feel free to share how you will be spending your weekend in the comments section!

Saturday June  1, 2013 ( Scroll down to “All Weekend” to see more events happening today)

All Day: Get to know a stranger on  Name Tag Day. New Yorkers have a reputation for not being wear a name tag and prove the naysayers wrong. Various Locations | Free 

12pm – 7pm Check out the performances, stuff your face with BBQ and go kayaking at the Red Hook Fest. Louis J. Valentino Jr. Park | Free

Sunday June 2, 2013

10am-5pm: Crosby will be close down to cars but open for fun for the Housing Works Open Air Street Fair. Grab some grub from the many food trucks, dance in the streets to the sounds of live bands and go thrifting! Crosby Street, SoHo | Free
12-5pm: Get DJ lessons, play games, take a yoga class and watch people compete in the Pastrami Eating Contest held by Katz Deli at the Daylife Block Party. Lower East Side,  Orchard – Delancey Street  | Free

2pm: Cheer on 15 amateur chefs as they compete at the Vegan Cook-off. Eat up then help the judges pick the best chef. Judges are cookbook author Terry Hope Romero, Blossom Restaurant’s Michael Parkin, and Briskettown’s Dan Delaney.  The Bell House | $12 advance, $15 at the door

3pm- Until: Transform into a Zombie then take your undead self to park for photos and drinks followed by a after party at the 7^th Annual Brooklyn Bar Crawl. There will also be all kinds of entertainment. What’s sexier than zombie burlesque?  Plus More! 1^st Stop Knitting Factory | 2^nd Stop Mccarren Park | After Party Public Assembly | Zombie Make-up starting at $5 and drink specials | After Party $13-15 One Hour Open Bar

All Weekend 

Until 6/2: The Howl! Festival features art, games and workshops to celebrate all the things that make the Lower East Side and the East Village unique. Inspired by Allen Ginsburg’s epic poem, The Howl! Tompkins Square Park | Free

Until 6/2: Get a good laugh at the 2^nd Annual Funny Songs Festival presented by comedian Jessica Delfino. Musical comedians gather throughout NYC. Opening party at Santos Party House Various Locations | $10-12 per show

Until  6/2: Catch a show or film at the 2^nd Annual Unscripted New York Improvised Theatre + Film Festival with appearances from celebrity guests including a Q  & A  on closing night with Alex Karpovsky from the HBO  show Girls.  Shelter Studios | $8

Until 6/9: You get to choose between more than 100 films from 24 countries at the Brooklyn Film Festival.  Indiescreen | $12 individual tickets

Until 6/23:  The 16th annual Black Box New Play Festival  presented by The Gallery Players features a  selection of 12 short and full-length plays.  14^th Street, Brooklyn (Park Slope) | $18

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About ESW

When I’m in a relationship at some point my weekends became “our” weekends. At some point when that guy decides he wants his weekends back or I’m between relationships my weekends become 48 hours of Netflix and take out on my beloved couch. So a while ago I started a website called Every “Single” Weekend (ESW) to make sure that I spent at least 24 hours (not cumulatively) doing anything other than sitting on my couch. Now I’m making it a section here on Say Waugh?! and I’m sharing some of the events I may be checking out this weekend and every weekend until I choose to be on my couch in a Netflix induced coma because there’s a fine guy to enjoy it with. Even if I do acquire a steady man friend “me time” is mandatory. Every Friday lookout for a listing of some of the coolest events in NYC including events that keep you fit, fed, fantastically buzzed (shout out to my fellow winos), and fundamentally inspired. I’m a fan of day trips outside of the city, so if I happen to be going away for the weekend I’ll post some cool stuff that’s happening abroad too.

I am a minimalist when it comes to makeup but mostly that’s because I have made too many errors when purchasing cosmetics.  The trial and error process may be fun if you’re a makeup lover but it’s also a strain on your pockets. I will admit that with an experts touch, I have had some successes but since I can’t hire one to shop with me, I usually end up with buyer’s remorse.

Now it appears that I can have an expert in my pocket with the INGLOT virtual makeover app  for iPad and iPhone. The app allows you to experiment with new looks before you spend your money. All you have to do is upload your picture and then apply colors from their vibrant palette. The virtual color detection makes sure that you end up with the right shade including an option for custom foundation matches.

If you want to step up your makeup game, join Christen of DivasandDorks.com Tuesday, June 4th for the official INGLOT virtual makeover app launch in NYC. On top of getting a makeover there will also be giveaways of $500 in beauty products and tech prizes including gift cards, beauty bags and more. There will also be music and tons of other treats in store.

Secure your spot today – RSVP with your name & Subject:  INGLOT Makeover App Launch via email to INGLOTstudioNYC@InglotUSA.com. (Limited space subject to availability.)

Which prompted the following thought also shared on twitter:

The next Bridget Jones novel Mad About the Boy is set to be published this October. Fourteen years ago we left her getting engaged to the lawyer played by Colin Firth in the on-screen adoption.

I’m not ashamed to admit that I am a huge fan of the Bridget Jones franchise because her life sucked slightly more than mine. Bridget was an absolute mess. She was representing for us quirky girls who couldn’t quite get it together before Zooey Deschanel and two broke chicks selling cupcakes or whatever, made those qualities endearing.  No matter how messed up as she was though, she gave me hope because at the end of the day she still had two hot British guys fighting over her.

When I read the announcement about the premise of the new book at first I laughed but then I got a little worried. Why?

Let’s break down the facts ya’ll…
In the first Bridget Jones movie she was 30 with a horrific love life, looking for a better job and battling with her muffin top. She chain smoked and drank her life away while singing Celine Dion songs all by herself in her apartment.

I’m a year away from 30 but I already claim it since its inevitable. My love troubles are on full display in over 200 posts on this here blog. While stuffing my face to deal with my last breakup I am currently a cheeseburger away from being president of the muffin top club. I don’t chain smoke but wine is a basic food group in my diet. I won’t admit the songs I sing at the top of my lungs at home alone but it’s worse than Celine Dion.

What can we conclude here: 1) I have Bridgette Jones tendencies 2) I’m going to be out here in these streets rocking a bodyshaper looking for love forever!

Exhibit A:

I’m fully aware that it’s a movie but let’s be real for two seconds,  who hasn’t seem themselves staring back at that them when they watch her on screen?

The first time I popped in that DVD, I was sitting in front of my TV in pajamas with my wine and ice cream. When she hit the high note after the climax in Celine’s song I was with her doing an air drum solo and declaring how all by myself I was.

The only thing we don’t have in common is that she had two hot British guys fighting over her. In real life I mainly have douchebags battling it out to see who can  pretend to be a nice guy the longest. I always pick the wrong one.

I love my blog and I plan to be writing about my thoughts on dating an relationships until I lose the battle with  arthritis and my co-payment on my insurance  doesn’t  cover mechanical hands. But I’ll be damned if I’m still out here blundering in the search for my match. If her issues in the next book aren’t about trying to figure out how to have phone sex with Mark Darcy (the cute British lawyer who proposed to her in the last film) then I fear for my future.

It hasn’t been very long since I called him and left a voicemail asking him not to call me until he knew what he wanted to do in regards to us. Not very long since he didn’t respond and I had to come up with a reason to call after my friend spotted him with someone else. The other person could have easily been one of the nice female friends that I never got to meet but because I trusted him, I never worried. At least that is what I tell myself so I don’t get upset at the thought that he may have moved on to a less pressure situation already or maybe she’s more than a friend who has been there all along.

It hasn’t been very long, but I still count each day that we don’t speak. I take a deep breath before my head hits the pillow every night because I made it through another day without calling or texting him. What they say about distance making the heart grow fonder is true except I wish it wasn’t true when one of those hearts is far away not thinking about the other.

It grows fond of the day you will meet again, but in this case that won’t come. I usually end statements like that with “but it’s okay.” It’s a coping mechanism more than it is the truth. It’s what you say to someone who is downright inconsolable. It’s what I say to myself to keep the smile on my face when people ask what happened or when I’m alone trying not to deal with it. I think when people reach the point of public breakdowns it’s because they know in private you can drown in it. In public someone can call you crazy and shame you into calming down, or their efforts to help you bottle your emotions makes you realize you’re acting a fool. And if that doesn’t work then you’ll get committed and talk to the court appointed person about your issues.

No I’m not there. I’m just ranting about the messed up places heartbreak can take you.

Where am I? I’m in the “everything happens for a reason” phase. In the stages of the death, this is acceptance. I am convincing myself that if we were supposed to be together then we would be. Every day that I encounter something that reminds me of him or fact someone spews that I knew because he taught it to me or we learned it together through the countless documentaries we watched, I thank the Universe.

I’m thankful because I learned a lot and grew just as much in the short time we were together. I try not to question why someone like
him would come into my life sooner than he was ready to be, only to exit sooner than I was ready for.

I wonder when I’ll stop caring and counting the days since we spoke last. I wonder when I can throw away the flowers he sent after breaking things off because he was moving away. They lasted longer than than our reconciliation. I stopped watering them so when I threw them away it would be for no other reason than they died. Almost a month later, some of the petals are holding on. They remind me of myself.
I wonder when the idea of him visiting the city where we met, where I still live, doesn’t make me reminisce about the times we’ve had here. I wonder when I will be able to wish him well when he finds a girl worth staying with. I’m not saying settle down with because I don’t believe in that phrasing. He is not the type to slow down or settle and neither am I so it has to be someone he’s willing to let keep stride with him with synchronized stops. I wanted to be her. I wonder when I will let go of the idea that I could still be her.

Check back in for my weekly Every “Single” Weekend posts featuring free and cheap things to do in NYC posted every Friday. Also check the Say Waugh Calendar for events happening around the city all week. Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and Foursquare. See where I’ll be by checking the hast tag #SayWaughWasHere on Twitter and Instagram. Feel free to share how you will be spending your day on the town  in the comments section!

10am – 5pm: Start the day by celebrating the true meaning of Memorial Day at the Intrepid Museum. Join in on their Summer Salute to Heroes who have  joined the armed  forces at a special commemoration ceremony. Then stick around for other free activities happening on the pier  all day. Pier 86 | Free

Take a dip, try to get a tan or  just relax on the beach before having to head back to work tomorrow. The public beaches are now open.

If you got your annual membership to the Citi Bike Share the day has finally come to take your rented bike for a spin. Ride for free for an hour on Governor’s Island courtesy of the Bike and Roll program or rent a bike at Central Park.

12pm- 6pm:  It’s your last day to check out the Washington Square Park Art Festival featuring fine art and artfully crafted pieces for you to browse or buy. University Place |Free

12pm – 9pm: You love having an apartment in the city but unfortunately that means that you don’t  have a backyard for grilling. Hang out in the backyard  garden at  Soft Spot  Bar. They will be  cooking up BBQ staples an offering drink specials all day. 128 Bedford Avenue| Free

12pm: If you prefer a high-end sports bar over a backyard soiree  then head to Windsor Memorial Day BBQ where the menu will include  PBR,  Pork Slap & Pickle Back and more. Windsor West Village | Menu items starting at $10

12pm – 9pm: Add a little spice to your celebration with some Spanish-style BBQ. This  menu includes BBQ Shrimp, Hamburgers with a Spanish twist, Chorizo Hot Dogs, Roasted Bananas for  dessert and more. Andanada | $23 Prix Fixe Menu

12:30pm 7:30pm : Thirteen performers strap on their guitars and help you mellow out by the grill at the Memorial Day BBQ Acoustic Showcase. Brooklyn Fire Proof East | Free

2:30pm – 5:30pm  Bring your blanket or lawn chair, pick a spot on the grass and listen to live musical performances at Green- wood’s 15th Memorial Day Concert. Food and drink will be on sale.  Green-Wood Cemetery | Free  

3pm – 10pm: If you want to turn it up, the performers and DJs at Beats and BBQ have got you  covered. Plus you get a free plate of BBQ with every drink you purchase. LP n’ Harmony | Free 

3pm – 10pm: Grillmaster Sloan will be dishing out free food, while you sip on lemonade or something from the drink specials menu at the South 4th Bar Memorial Day BBQ. South 4th Bar  | Free

5pm – 11pm: Relax on a rooftop, sip on your favorite drink  and listen to live music as the sun goes down at Sunset Cocktails and Live Jazz. Empire Hotel | Free w/ RSVP

Governor’s Island and the public beaches are opening up this weekend.  Get ready for the bike share program launch with free bike riding lessons. There are art festivals happening on the Lower East Side and Washington Square Park. Arrested Development is coming back and there is marathon going on  featuring all of the original episodes. Some of the events listed will continue through Monday so you can squeeze in some other activities in between your BBQ’s . Enjoy!

Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and Foursquare. Also, let me know how you are enjoying this and Every “Single” Weekend by using the hash tag #SingleWknd   and see where I’ll be by checking the hast tag #SayWaughWasHere on Twitter and Instagram. Feel free to share how you will be spending your weekend in the comments section!

Friday May 24, 2013

7pm: How many sexy facts do you know? Test your knowledge at the Sexytime Trivia and Cocktail party. Babeland L.E.S. | Free 

8pm: Cuddle up with your beau or a glass of wine at a screening of romantic shorts presented by Rooftop Films. Enjoy live music by Hey Anna before the film and party after the film. (The movie will screen indoors in case of rain) Open Road Rooftop |$13

8-10pm: Get your “10 Minutes of Fame” and participate in a little show and tell at Anything Goes. You have 10 minutes to share your stand up, your poetry, that sad love song you wrote or whatever. If you have stage fright then watch others perform while you guzzle some home brewed beers.  LaunchPad | $5 suggested donation

10pm: Grab a front row seat to the Burlesque-a-pades. Watch performers showing a little leg at this ’50s-’60s beach party themed extravaganza. Sideshows by the Seashore | $15

Saturday May 26, 2013

(Sat- Mon) 10am-7pm: Governors Island is now open for the summer. Take a tour, play mini golf, rent a bike, discover Castle Williams and more. Hop on the ferry for free from Manhattan or Brooklyn. Free Admission

11am – 6pm: The streets are filled with the sound of Jazz at the music festival hosted by the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association. While you’re there dance over to the food, craft and antique vendors. Park Avenue (34^th- 40^th Street) | Free admission

12-6pm: See how hot two wheelers can be at Bicycle Fetish Day. Bike lovers from everywhere are coming out to see others show off their rides and compete in categories from best vintage to best mutant bike. Even the ugliest bike gets an award. Come for the bikes, stay for the BBQ and the party after the competition after 6pm.  Havemeyer St.Btw Hope & Grand St. | Free

12:30-6pm: Celebrate the return of Arrested Development with a marathon of the original episodes. Show off what you know in the trivia contest. Win best dressed in the costume competition. Paley Center | $10

1pm: Foodies have the right to say what is in the ingredients of their food. Join the rally and march against Monsanto. Union Square | Free

7pm Check out Tap Extravaganza on National Tap Dance Day including performances from modern tappers Mable Lee and Traci Mann. Norman Thomas H.S. | $20- $25

10pm-3am: Ralph McDaniels creator of Video Music Box gets on the ones and twos and does what he knows best, playing the latest and the greatest hip hop videos.  BAMcafe | Free

Sunday May 26, 2013

10am-1pm: The bike share program will be here in one more day. Get a free riding class from Bike New York. Classes are available for adults and teens.  Pier 54 |13th St. & 11th Ave | Free

Go for a swim. It’s not quite summer weather yet but the public beaches are now officially opened for swimmers. Pick a location then begin to plan not to get tanned on the partly cloudy days we have in store.  More Info Here

All Weekend

(Fri- Sun) Various Times: Marvel at a performance by the aerial troupe Suspended Cirque and other special guests at the Lower East Side Festival of the Arts. Theater for the New City | Free Admission theaterforthenewcity.net (Fri 6pm- 1am Sat 12pm – 1am , Sun 4pm – 12am)

(Fri- Sun) Midnight: Warriors come out and plaaaay. The classic movie “The Warriors” will be screening all weekend. Relive the story of these colorfully dressed gangs on a journey to survive in New York. Sunshine Cinema | $13.50

(Sat & Sun) 12pm – 6pm No summer is complete in New York without a visit to Coney Island. Check out “The Curious Playland Arcade Art of Larry Millard” presented by The Coney Island Project featuring vintage murals. While you’re there walk through the Coney Island Hall of Fame. 3059 West 12^th Street, Brooklyn | Free

(Sat- Mon) 12pm – 6pm See how artists have painted our town red and other colors at the Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibition. University Place | Free

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About ESW

When I’m in a relationship at some point my weekends became “our” weekends. At some point when that guy decides he wants his weekends back or I’m between relationships my weekends become 48 hours of Netflix and take out on my beloved couch. So a while ago I started a website called Every “Single” Weekend (ESW) to make sure that I spent at least 24 hours (not cumulatively) doing anything other than sitting on my couch. Now I’m making it a section here on Say Waugh?! and I’m sharing some of the events I may be checking out this weekend and every weekend until I choose to be on my couch in a Netflix induced coma because there’s a fine guy to enjoy it with. Even if I do acquire a steady man friend “me time” is mandatory. Every Friday lookout for a listing of some of the coolest events in NYC including events that keep you fit, fed, fantastically buzzed (shout out to my fellow winos), and fundamentally inspired. I’m a fan of day trips outside of the city, so if I happen to be going away for the weekend I’ll post some cool stuff that’s happening abroad too.