Park Slope Planner: The Best Events January 24-27

Have you guys realized that it is pretty cold right now? Because it is pretty cold right now. Its so cold that, yesterday, I waited for a bus for maybe two minutes before I gave up, cancelled my plans, and just ordered a drink at Beauty Bar instead. It’s so cold that Efron fans aren’t even waiting for Efron! Basically, if you’re going to brave the tundra you might as well make it worth your while. Here are some worthy (and close!) destinations:

Thursday, January 24

•  The Kings of Karaoke are at the Rock Shop tonight, with their extensive songbook and some impressive party-pumping skills. Sing along with the best or just enjoy watching others attempt your favorite indie, metal, punk, and pop songs.

249 4th Avenue at Carroll Street, 10:30 p.m.- 1:30 a.m., free.

•  For a very different sort of musical experience, stop by The Vanderbilt Republic for The Listening: Vol. II, an intimate acoustic session that also functions as a fundraiser for the Far Rockaway Redevelopment Fund. This second volume in the ongoing series features performances by Arin Maya and Batala NYC, as well as an installation and artist talk with Park Slope’s own TJ Volonis. All funds raised will go toward FRRF’s next public art commission.

61 9th Street #C8, 7-10 p.m., $20 advance tickets available here, “as you can” at the door.

Friday, January 25 

•   Get in at the beginning of a new Friday night tradition at Cafe Dada with Marianne Solivan (pictured above). The jazz vocalist, described as “a throwback to the Julie London/Jeri Southern school of jazz-informed torch singers of the 1950s,” will be joined by guitarist Ron Affif. Enjoy the music with some food and wine. (The Croque Monsieur is highly recommended.)

 57 Seventh Avenue at Lincoln Place, 7-9pm, $10 suggested donation.

Saturday, January 26

•   If you aren’t face-deep in meat pie at Sheep Station’s Australia Day celebration, stop by Littlefield for Day 2 of the 6th Annual John Hartford Tribute Festival. Tonight honors the legendary bluegrass musician with electrical interpretations of his acoustic work, featuring The Boot Heel Drag, Clay Ross, Mark Marshall, and ”many special guests from the NYC roots/American scene.”

622 Degraw Street between 3rd & 4th Avenues, 8:30 p.m. (8:00 doors), $12 tickets available here. 

Sunday, January 27 

•  There’s the Superbowl and then there’s The Super Ball. For the second year in a row, Uncle Barry’s will be celebrating the latter with its meatball cook-off. Chefs from Flatbush Farm, Colonie, and The Vanderbilt will compete against amateurs from around the neighborhood for the title of champion meatballer, plus a cash prize. $10 gets you meatballs from all 11 participants as well as a pint of Founders Red’s Rye Pale Ale.

58 Fifth Avenue between Bergen Street and St. Marks Place, 7-11 p.m., $10

•   From a new collaboration between PS 321 and Community Bookstore comes the Writers Series, where PS 321 parents discuss their writing in a casual afternoon setting. This week features Lev Grossman (The Magicians), Anna Funder (All That I Am), and Sophie Gee (The Scandal of the Season). Books will be signed, questions will be answered, and refreshments will be served.

143 Seventh Avenue between Carroll Street & Garfield Place, 2:00 p.m., free. 

Photo credit Harry Glaser