Ticket alert: Red Bull Music Academy's series of parties and shows in May

Check out highlights from Red Bull Music Academy's programming in late April and May, including James Murphy, Erykah Badu, a record fair at Smorgasburg and more.

By Jonathan Shannon Thu Mar 7 2013

We told you about a month of parties by Red Bull Music Academy (an annual nomadic festival by the organization that trains aspiring music producers) in 101 things to do in the spring, so we can only assume you were ready last Monday when tickets went on sale.

But with events beginning to sell out already—bye-bye tix for the $5 Four Tet show, and the special Bowie edition of Classic Album Sundays—we wanted to give you a gentle reminder to act now or kick yourself when the festival of sorts rolls around at the end of April and May. We guarantee it'll be a highlight of this spring in New York.

We've picked out some highlights in the slide show below, and you can browse the full schedule on the RBMA website.

Photograph: Loren Wohl

Red Bull Music Academy presents Fixed Tax

Two of NYC's top party-tossers, Fixed and Turrbotax, collaborate on this free opening night party in a secret location. Apr 28. R.S.V.P. here.
Red Bull Music Academy presents A Conversation with Erykah Badu

The inimitable Erykah Badu sits down for a chat at the Brooklyn Museum. Apr 30; $12. Buy tickets here.

Later that night, Badu spins the closing set at the Brainfeeder party at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. Apr 30; $20. Buy tickets here.
Red Bull Music Academy presents 77 Million Paintings

Lengendary composer-producer Brian Eno brings his constantly evolving audio-visual installation to the former Cafe Rouge space. 135 W 42nd St between Sixth and Seventh Aves. Tue–Sun noon–8pm; suggested donation $5. May 5–June 6. Event details here.
Brooklyn Flea Record Fair: A Red Bull Music Academy Special

In case you thought RBMA's series was going to be just parties in dark venues, think again. This occasional record fair tag teams Saturday with Smorgasburg (and hopefully, if it's open by then, Smorgasbar). Local labels such as DFA and Ghostly International will be hawking vinyl while DJs (/rupture, Veronica Vasicka) spin. May 4 11am–6pm; free. Event details here.
The Bunker: A Red Bull Music Academy Special

The Bunker, more or less the progenitor of all of NYC's current underground electronic-music parties, gets in on the action with 'knackered house' maestro Andy Stott headlining a bash at Public Assembly. May 4 10pm–6am; $20. Buy tickets here.
Red Bull Music Academy presents Flying Lotus

Good news about this Flying Lotus show at Terminal 5, you haven't missed out—yet. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Mar 8. May 5 8pm–midnight; $32.50. Event details here.
Red Bull Music Academy presents That!

Monthly pan-queer shindig Hey Queen! hosts this night of hip-hop at Glasslands, featuring Le1f (right), one of the gay music acts we think are on the verge of a breakthrough. May 7 9pm–4am; $15, advance $12. Buy tickets here.
Red Bull Music Academy Culture Clash

The Culture Clash at Roseland Ballroom riffs off reggae’s sound-system clash format, pitting Federation Sound’s Max Glazer, Fool’s Gold’s Nick Catchdubs and A-Trak (pictured), Young Guru and Just Blaze, and Que Bajo?! against one other in a battle to win the crowd’s favor with exclusive, one-night-only tracks. May 9 8pm–1am; $10. Buy tickets here.
Red Bull Music Academy presents No Sleep Till Croydon: The Roots Of Dubstep

Remember when dubstep wasn't synonymous in some people's minds with brostep? Then you'll enjoy this night at SRB Brooklyn featuring some of the originators of the style from the South London neighborhood: Skream, Mala (pictured) Hatcha and Plastician. May 24 10pm–4am; $15. Buy tickets here.
Red Bull Music Academy presents 12 Years Of DFA Records

At the top of our list is a celebration of 12 years of DFA Records at Grand Prospect Hall. Label founder and LED Soundsystem frontman James Murphy headlines the extravaganza of live acts and DJs from DFA’s past, present and future. May 25 9pm–4am; $30. Buy tickets here.
Red Bull Music Academy presents Kunst als Klang Pt. 1

If it's a spectacle you're after, head to West Park Presbyterian Church for Pantha Du Prince (pictured) and The Bell Laboratory's US premiere of "Elements Of Light," a post-minimalist piece that features hundreds of bells. May 28 6:30–11pm; $30. Buy tickets here.