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September 21
Ask Me Another The Bell House, Brooklyn; 7pm; $20, at the door $25.
The Bell House plays host to NPR’s zany, brainy variety show with fast-lipped host Ophira Eisenberg. Illustrator Adrian Tomine and Yo La Tengo’s James McNew jump into the VIP seat for this month’s game.
Christina Bianco: Party Of One Birdland; 7pm; $30 plus $10 minimum
Diva worshippers and comedy fans found an idol in 2013 when Bianco performed “Total Eclipse of the Heart” in the voices of 19 pop queens, including Gwen Stefani and Cher. The ambitious performer hits Birdland with more power ballads and even sharper impressions.
Matt Smith: A Friend of Dorthy (Zbornak) Q.E.D., Queens; 7:30pm; $10
The sassy, self-depracating comedian shares hilariously grim stand-up on growing up in a small town, Bea Arthur and weight loss.
Night Train Littlefield, Brooklyn; 8pm; $5, at the door $8
Sardonic never-nude David Cross takes the mic from regular host Wyatt Cenac and joins rising stand-ups like Owen Smith, Giulia Rozzi, Bryan Babylon and Ayanna Dookie.
Finders Keepers: The Mysterious History of John Wood’s Amputated Leg Morbid Anatomy Museum, Brooklyn; 8pm; $8
The Sundance Festival favorite documents the stranger-than-fiction tale of a man whose amputated leg is discovered in a grill. And that’s just the first few minutes. If the film leaves you speechless, a Q&A with the directors may help make sense of the bizarre story.
Behind the Lens with Photographer Henry Diltz and Pattie Boyd City Winery; 8pm; $28–$35
Rock & roll photographer Henry Diltz and fabulous fashion muse Pattie Boyd have seen (and photographed) it all, and they’re pooling together their intimate, unseen shots of George Harrison, the Doors and more at this fascinating talk.
Youth Lagoon Rough Trade NYC, Brooklyn; 8:30pm; $20.
Rough trade hosts a hazy night of psychedelic indie pop as the 26-year-old experimental artist drops new songs from his forthcoming album, Savage Hills Ballroom.
The Broken Comedy Show Bar Matchless, Brooklyn; 8:30pm; free.
This weekly showcase has hosted the likes of Hannibal Buress and Aziz Ansari, so expect outstanding sets from other fast-rising comedy acts. Hosts Mike Denny, Nimesh Patel and Michael Che get the night rolling with solid sets.
September 22
The Neighbors WEBTOON Screening Korean Cultural Service NY; 6:30pm; free
See the U.S. premiere of the Korean film that spins a breathless mystery around the murder of a schoolgirl in an intimate apartment complex.
A$AP Rocky + Tyler, The Creator + Danny Brown + Vince Staples Theatre at Madison Square Garden; 8pm; $45–$75.
A$AP Rocky and Tyler, the Creator have pushed the conventions of hip–hop with creative lyrics and crackling beats. Watch the rap provocateurs dazzle at a wild and unpredictable show at the city’s most iconic venue.
Videology Presents Movie Trivia Videology, Brooklyn; 8:30pm; free
Delightful host Maggie Ross challenges you to five rounds of mind-stumping film trivia that will have you and your teammates arguing over minutia from a wide range of movies, including Adventures in Babysitting and Saw.
Shakina Nayfack: Post Op Joe’s Pub at the Public Theatre; 9:30pm; $25 plus two-drink minimum
The fearless performer sings whirling glam-rock tunes and shares tales of her gender transition and spiritual journey through show business.
Mark MacKillop Feinstein’s/54 Below; 9:30; $25–$60 plus $25 minimum
Witness the photogenic triple-threat in his element as he uses pop and cabaret classics to explore the perils of selfies, Instagram stalking and sexting.
September 23
Ron Rash NYPL, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building; 12pm; free
Skip lunch and hear the acclaimed author read from Above the Waterfall, his new novel about violence and betrayal in a small Appalachian town.
U.S. Open Arabian Horse Show Central Park; 6pm; $30–$250
Awe at the majesty of the many breeds of Arabians as they trot down the park and show off fine breeding, grooming and athletic form. The costume class competition puts the steeds in classic historical outfits from the Byzantine Period and beyond.
UrbanWorld Opening Night Film: Muhammad Ali: The People’s Champ AMC Empire 25; 7:30pm; $16.50
Generations of athletes, fans and sports historians speak about the boxing legend’s impact in this documentary, which premieres at the 19th annual UrbandWorld Film Festival in midtown.
Wale Webster Hall; 9pm; $35
Mark Ronson discovered the D.C. rapper in 2006 and led him to collaborations with big names like Lady Gaga and Rick Ross. The audacious hip-hop act brings lyrics from his Seinfeld-inspired The Album About Nothing to Webster Hall.
September 24
WhiskyFest New York New York Marriot Marquis; 6:30pm; $265–$325
Better call out of work on Friday: This convention will feature more than 400 whiskies from around the world. It’s only fair to try one from every country, right?
Dance Now NYC Joe’s Pub at the Public Theatre; 7pm; $20–$30
Fifty of the country’s finest choreographers and groups have been challenged to present five-minute-long pieces that will fit on Joe’s Pub’s stage. See top-tier performances by Banana Peel Dance, Raja Feather Kelly and more at this perfectly curated evening.
Pete Davidson Carolines on Broadway; 7:30pm; $32, plus two-drink minimum
Catch the grinning stoner comic deliver snappy observations before he returns to SNL.
Unbound: Elizabeth Gilbert BAM Howard Gilman Opera House, Brooklyn; 7:30pm; $25
The famed memoirist and author of Eat, Pray, Love reads from her new book, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, and discusses the inspirations and struggles she has encountered in the writing process.
New York Burlesque Festival Teaser Party The Bell House, Brooklyn; 8pm; free–$120
Get a first taste of the decadent stripteases in store for the weekend as burlesque masters and mistresses take over the stage with campy and seductive performances.
NewOrder Album Release Party Donna, Brooklyn; 9pm; free
Dedicated fans of the ’80s alt-rock band have a chance to party to the band’s new album, Plastic, in the company of fellow acolytes. Get in early for a packed night of themed drinks, “Blue Monday” remixes, giveaways and more.
Astronomy On Tap Videology, Brooklyn; 9pm; free
Get tipsy while watching last year’s TV event Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey among other well-lubricated geeks. The Videology team has enlisted CUNY professor of physics Dr. Kelly Reidy to elucidate this month’s episode, called The Electric Boy.