14 things to do this weekend: bandshell jazz, David Cross, drag kings and more

By Daniel Karel

Summer seems to be simultaneously winding down and heating up. This weekend will be no different: all heat, all the way through. Over the span of three days you can catch David Cross and drag kings (not at the same time, we don’t think); check out soul music or live classical. Eat your weight in fried fish or drink Henny while you paint. Just stay hydrated.

Here’s the rundown:

Friday, August 13

Brooklyn Wild Catch Fish Fry
5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Get your seafood fix at the Brooklyn Wild Catch Fish Fry. The $20 ticket comes with a combo plate that includes your choice of fried porgy, fried whitings, friend salmon, fried tilapia, friend shark, friend red snapper, or fried king fish. The event starts at 5 p.m. DJs will be spinning while you snack.

8 Ball Radio X The Sultan Room Presents: Meyhane III
6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
In Turkey, Azerbaijan, Iran and the Balkans, “meyhane” are traditional taverns that served illegal booze and allowed patrons to chat late into the night. In that spirit, 8 Ball Radio is hosting a modern-day meyhane at the rooftop of the Turk’s Inn featuring four DJs: Devoye, Cusmo, Buzi and Kellya. RSVP on Eventbrite for $10 tickets at the door. Minimum 2 drinks and 1 food item per table.

Takes the Cake: Drag King & Thing Competition
7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Drag queens get a lot of shine, but what about drag kings? The Cake Boys, a collective pushing to get these kings the spotlight they deserve, are putting on their first ever drag show: Takes The Cake. Over 40 contestants will compete for a chance to win $1000. The event kicks off at 7 p.m. at Purgatory bar; tickets range from $15 to $40.

Left Breast Comedy Hour: A Music Comedy Variety Show
8 p.m.
This $10 show at the famed Knitting Factory has a little bit of everything: standup, cabaret, and drag. It’s hosted by “best friends and former lovers” Kim Dinaro and Sally Ann Hall, which sounds delightfully chaotic. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., show starts at 8.

‘It Ain’t Retro’ Book Release party
9 p.m.
It’s a book release event, a DJ set and a live music performance featuring special guest Binky Griptite, the Daptones and former Sharon Jones guitarist. “It Ain’t Retro,” by Brooklyn Magazine contributor Jessic Lipsky, tells the story of Daptone Records and 21st century soul. The festivities will be held at Wild Birds

Henny n’ Paint at Twisted Arts Paint Studio
10 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Your typical “sip and paint” event involves wine. This one is fueled by Hennessey. Is brown liquor the key to unlocking your creative potential? Find out between 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. at the Twisted Arts Paint Studio. Tickets start at $50 and include paint, easels and a canvas. And Henny.

Saturday, August 14

The Thrill: Pop-Up Vintage Shopping Festival
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Spend your Saturday afternoon hunting for vintage gems at The Thrill, a pop-up shopping festival at Bishop Loughlin Memorial High. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will feature dozens of sellers, local artists, food and music. Advanced tickets are going for $3, otherwise it’s $5 at the door.

Vijay Iyer at Celebrate Brooklyn
7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
This Saturday in Prospect Park’s newly-rechristened Lena Horne Bandshell, BRIC has put together a night of performances that pay tribute to the jazz artists lost during the pandemic and the significant toll the pandemic has had on the jazz community. Performers include Vijay Iyer, Joel Ross, Melanie Charles and Mahogany Browne. This free event kicks off at 7 p.m.

Pipe Up Comedy Show
7 p.m.
This canna-friendly comedy show features a roster of reliably hilarious comedians including JC Mendoza (Funny or Die), Mike Cannon (Comedy Central), and Maddy Smith (Wild N Out). It will be held outdoors on the private patio of Hemp Lab NYC (128 India Street) in Greenpoint. The $15 ticket comes with a free gift. Infused ice cream will be served.

Sunday, August 15

The Final Summer Soundbath Sunday
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Lay back and let the vibrational tones that emanate from Nicole Motter’s quartz bowls wash over you body and mind. Find stillness and clear away stress, tension, and worry. On North Williamsburg Pier at 2 N Sixth Street.

Art by Eva Redamonti at The Pop-Up Shop BK
12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
It feels reductive to call Eva Redamonti’s art “psychedelic,” but no other word feels appropriate to succinctly describe the vivid, hallucinatory quality of her animations and illustrations. You have to see them for yourself. Luckily, from 12 to 7 p.m. at The Pop-Up Shop BK—a women-owned retail and event space—her original work will be available to peruse and purchase in the form of prints, stickers, apparel, and zines.

Brooklyn Symphony Strings at Brooklyn Museum
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The Brooklyn Symphony Strings will be playing a selection of music from Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky, Mozart and (checks notes) John Williams, among other canonical classical composers, inside the front atrium of the Brooklyn Museum (200 Eastern Parkway). The concert is free to attend, and will be performed twice: once at 2 p.m. and again at 3 p.m.

Lulu Honey Vintage Fashion Show and Birthday Party
4 p.m.
Local legend and purveyor of fine vintage threads Gizmo Vintage Honey is hosting a red carpet birthday bash for herself—and to celebrate her customers. Words are inadequate to describe, so you’ll just have to see for yourself. 438 Marcus Garvey Boulevard in Bed-Stuy.

David Cross: Shootin’ the Shit Seein’ What Sticks
8 p.m.
Cap off your weekend with some stand-up comedy, courtesy of Emmy Award winner David Cross. Cross will be performing inside The Sultan Room of The Turk’s Inn. The event is 21+, tickets are $20, and the show starts at 8 p.m.