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Internet Week New York
Monday 14–May 21
Step away from your computer (and put down your smartphone) to participate in IRL conversations with the Web’s brightest minds during this festival. Both bona fide tech geeks and casual surfers can take advantage of nearly 250 events, including programming and app-building classes, a discussion of Internet art with MoMA senior curator Paola Antonelli and a comedy panel with Funny or Die personality Billy Eichner. If you’re willing to fork over $399 for an insider pass, kick things off with Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire at the opening-night after-party.
More frugal participants, meanwhile, can start the fest with a free reading of tech-related stories by five Bloomberg Businessweek reporters at Housing Works Bookstore Cafe. On Wednesday 16, a King and Queen of the Internet will be crowned at the Webutante Ball ($40–$79)—we’re more interested to see if anyone can topple Foursquare founder Dennis Crowley to become its mayor. Grab an HQ pass ($65, if you tweet about it $60) to see New York Times media gurus David Carr and Brian Stelter deliver the keynote address on Tuesday 15 at the festival’s base (82 Mercer St, between Broome and Spring Sts). The week closes with the 16th annual Webby Awards on May 21, hosted by Patton Oswalt. Locations and prices vary; visit internetweekny.com for more information. Passes $60–$399.
Rooftop Films 2012 Summer Series
Friday 11–August 18
This weekend, the cinematic series inaugurates its 16th season of screenings held in city aeries (and parks and piers) with a pair of offerings. On Friday 11, self-deprecating band Crinkles (the ensemble’s single “Loss Leader” could describe the deficits from producing its LPs) performs before “This Is What We Mean by Short Films,” an evening of eight movies that are less than 20 minutes long. The following night features Bryan Wizemann’s Think of Me, starring Lauren Ambrose (Six Feet Under) as a struggling single mother who must decide whether to endure her hardships or neglect her responsibilities. Respective after-parties at R Bar and Fontana’s provide a chance to discuss the works over a drink or two. Other notable screenings include SXSW weekend (June 6–8), showcasing favorites from the Austin festival; Jonathan Lisecki’s Gayby (June 23) during New York Pride Week; “New York Non-Fiction,” featuring personal city narratives (June 29); and Florian Habicht’s Love Story (Aug 17), which will close the series . Locations and times vary; visit rooftopfilms.com for details. Screening $12, all-access pass $65.