TOP 5 CULTURAL HAPPENINGS WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT

1.  Writer’s Room (Television, Mondays @10pm, Sundance Channel)

-This TV documentary series interviews and profiles the behind-the-scenes people responsible for some of the most compelling content in modern serialized drama.  Host Jim Rash, who people may know as the Dean on NBC’s Community, sits down with writers and showrunners from shows like, Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones and Parks & Recreation.

2. Pain is Beauty -Chelsea Wolfe (Music, Coming out Sept 3rd, Sargent House Records)

-Chelsea Wolfe is a singer/songwriter with some very dark and gorgeous material.  She has connections with the extreme metal community and brings that outsider sensibility to her music.  Fans of old-school goth chanteuse (This Mortal Coil, Siouxsie, Kate Bush) and its revivalists (Zola Jesus, Soft Kill) will really like it.  Actually most people with good taste will really like it.

3.  Beta Male – Kumail Nanjiani (Comedy Special, out now, Comedy Central Records)

Comedian Kumial Nanjiani’s self-deprecating special “Beta Male” just came out on Comedy Central records.  The very funny Pakistani immigrant brings an acerbic wit (that probably only a partial outsider can have) to American culture and his body of work and own success.

4.  Comedy Bang! Bang! (Television, Fridays @ 10pm, IFC)

Comedians Scott Aukerman and Reggie Watts host this absurdist talk show.  Elements of traditional talk show humor combine with surrealism and Reggie Watt’s improvised keyboards and drum machines to breathe fresh life in to the form.  Notable funny people guest, including David Cross on this Friday’s episode.  The first season is also avilable to stream through Netflix and features some really funny segments including an interview with Zach Galifinakis and a joyously funny green-screen segment that just has to be seen.

5. Ephemere (Retail Fashion, SoHo NYC)

Designer Rick Owens brings his high fashion take on rock’n’roll and youth culture to the fashionable Wooster Street in New York City with a popup shop for his DRKSHDW brand called “Ephemere”.  Like the elegantly disheveled leathers and silks of his mainline, the DRKSHDW garments are still made in Italy and reflect a deep appreciation for all things sleazy and glamorous. Unlike the mainline the garments are more frequently denim and cotton and won’t quite cost you a month’s rent.  “Ephemere” will be open through October 16th and while the garments are high concept and high price tag – the staff is very friendly and the beautiful storefront is worth visiting for even the most impoverished fashion aficionado.