The Smart Set is a weekly feature, compiled by Lauren Cerand, that usually appears Mondays at 12:30pm and highlights the best of the week to come. Special favor is given to New York’s independent booksellers and venues, and low-cost and free events. Please send details to lauren [at] maudnewton.com by the Thursday prior to publication, with the date in the subject line.
MONDAY, 6.4: Tristesse, ennui, the mean reds, call it what you will, but one thing is indisputable– the best way to stave off a rainy Monday is almost certainly “a nosh, a drink, and some fine writerly company,” at The Reader’s Room with hosts Emilie Stewart and Leigh Newman. This week features Min Jin Lee, author of Free Food for Millionaires [full disclosure, as always: I’ve been delighted to work with Min Jin to publicize her buzzworthy debut]. Join us this evening at Mo Pitkin’s. 7PM, one drink minimum.
TUESDAY, 6.5: Shakespeare in the Park presents Romeo and Juliet; 8PM, free but advance tickets required.
WEDNESDAY, 6.6: One of the highlights of my weekend was trading my dignity for a third pass at the succotash salad at the Lee Bros.’ party. Wednesday evening, Matt and Ted sign their award-winning cookbook at Borders Columbus Circle. Also, I am told there will be dips involved. Dibs. 7PM, FREE.
THURSDAY, 6.7: “David Krut Projects is pleased to present HOMEGROWN, an exhibition curated by Renée Riccardo. The show features 18 emerging artists and art collectives from Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and Seattle. Taking cues from such homegrown practices as collage, quilting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, and assemblage, these artists create new and innovative forms – twisting tradition while transforming these practices into powerful, unique works of art.” Highly recommended. Opening reception: 6 – 8PM, FREE. Plus, Confidential Sources novelist Barbara Fishkin, and John Robison, author of Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger’s, about growing up in the family that inspired his brother, Augusten Burroughs, to write Running with Scissors, writers on Autism Michele Iallonardi, Rachel Kaplan, and Kim Stagliano, and others take part in “Writers on Autism: First Annual Reading.” At Lifespire Education and Conference Center, Third Floor, Empire State Building, 350 Fifth Ave. at 34th St. For more, email fischkinb@aol (dot) com. 7PM, FREE.
FRIDAY, 6.8: Sure, the venue is Uptown, and the cover is at least $60, but it’s hard to resist The Puppini Sisters’ assemblage of Kate Bush and Smiths covers, especially when an early review of the show both notes the advanced age of the audience and says, “I like a good song about anal sex like the next person, but I was like, ‘Whooooaaaa, I need another beer.'” Their residency at the Oak Room at the Algonquin Hotel continues through Saturday.
SATURDAY, 6.9: The Creators Series line-up is mostly a yawn, with the notable exemption of designer and conceptual visionary Gareth Pugh‘s talk, which I can’t freaking wait for. 2:30PM, $10.
SUNDAY, 6.10: Our very own Maud reads at the good words series at Good World, on the theme of “family,” along with Belinda McKeon, an arts writer and critic for the Irish Times, and Anthony Tognazzini, who reads from his debut, I Carry a Hammer in My Pocket for Occasions Such as These. Highly recommended. 5PM, FREE. And, The Girls Write Now Annual Spring Reading and Fundraiser is less than one week away! We invite you to join us on Sunday June 10th from 4-6 PM at Barnes & Noble Astor Place! Don’t miss this opportunity to hear the BEST teen writers from high schools across New York City read from This Girl Here, the 2007 Girls Write Now Anthology. Special guest Jessica Valenti, editor of feministing.com and and author of Full Frontal Feminism, will introduce our amazing young writers.” [full disclosure, as always: I accepted an invitation to join Girls Write Now’s board of directors today].
UPCOMING: The Citizens Band (next week), Rumble on the River (July), Electric Eclectics Sound Art and Music Festival (August).