Friday, Dec 5

If your iPod playlist looks something like this—Jonas Brothers, Pussycat Dolls, Miley Cyrus—you must seek musical redemption. Tonight, bow before wild-side walker Lou Reed at 92YTribeca (200 Hudson St between Canal and Desbrosses Sts, 212-415-5500; 8pm, $12). Reed released the album Berlin in 1973, and it was received horribly. Then he turned it into a movie and everyone was all, “Holy fuck, that’s brilliant!” While the music industry continues to wonder why its lunch gets eaten regularly, watch Reed’s movie and then see the old goat chat with producer Hal Willner about what it all means.

More idol-worshipping commences when Eve Ensler, Julie Goldman and Erin Keating present “Offensive Women: Talk Is Dangerous” at the Zipper Factory (336 W 37th St between Eighth and Ninth Aves, 212-695-4600; 8pm, $28; through Sat 6). The rock-comedy-cum-burlesque show kicks out the jams with smack-talkers Rachel Feinstein, Kate Rigg, Wendy Ho, the Wau Wau Sisters and other sassy asses.

Saturday, Dec 6

"Afghanistan, or The Perils of Freedom"

Who better to celebrate legend No. 2 (David Bowie) with than Deryck Todd and his gaggle of freaky-chic friends? The androgyny fest more politely known as the BowieBall is upon us, and this year’s festivities will space out at Santos Party House (100 Lafayette St at Walker St, 212-584-5492; 10pm, $15–$20). Faboo guests include Bowie guitarist Earl Slick, Beyoncé choreographer Jonte and Project Runway metalhead Stella B. Zotis; there’ll also be Bowie-inspired costumes, DJ Michael T (of Rated X and Motherfucker) sexing up the dance floor, and a hunky-dory performance by Dirty Martini and Tigger.

If that’s entirely too self-indulgent for your puritanical tastes, book yourself a seat at the second-annual Gong for Good, a talent-show fund-raiser at Galapagos Art Space (16 Main St at Water St, Dumbo, Brooklyn; 718-222-8500; 6–10pm, $10). New Yorkers boasting a Miss America skill have at least 40 seconds to show it off—after that, they’re subject to Williamsburg’s DJ Cutlet, and directors Danny Goldstein and Jack Hofsiss gonging them adieu. Janis Joplin tribute band Pearl will entertain between acts, and proceeds from the show help buy Christmas presents for the orphans at Casa Guatemala (casa-guatemala.org).

Sunday, Dec 7

December 8 marks the 28th anniversary of John Lennon’s death; he was shot four times in the back in the entryway of the Dakota. (Not cool, Chapman, not cool.) Instead of lighting candles and humming “Jealous Guy” all by yourself, join more than a dozen local musicians for New Arts NYC’s two-hour “For the Love of Lennon” concert at the Central Park Naumburg Bandshell (midpark from 66th to 72nd Sts, newartsnyc.com; 1pm, free). Michael Dustin Youree is producing the show, which will feature enough Lennon covers to get you thru the night.

Of course, if you’d rather be famous than righteous or holy, get your Bigmouth to GiGi’s Gen-X Singalong, Vol. 1: The Smiths at Bar 13/a> (35 E 13th St between Broadway and University Pl, genxsingalong.wordpress.com; 8pm, free), where ten young thangs are presenting their filmic interpretations of songs off the Smiths’ incomparable The Queen Is Dead album. The audience is encouraged to karaoke (and mope) along.