EVG Etc.: The possible future of Mayor Adams; the effect of unlicensed weed shops

Tompkins Square Park photo shoot via Derek Berg

• Insiders talk about what might be next for Mayor Adams (Politico) ... Inside the mayor's "clumsy" attempt to hinder foreign bribery probe (NBC News) 

• A State Supreme Court judge refused to toss two lawsuits seeking to overturn Gov. Hochul's congestion pricing pause (Streetsblog) 

• The enforcement of illegal weed shops has left the LES and East Village with dozens of empty storefronts for the foreseeable future (Gothamist)

• A feature on East Village musician Jesse Malin's recovery from a spinal stroke — with some help from friends (CBS News) 

• An interview with EV native Kyota Umeki, who now runs the skateboard-friendly Star Shop on Ninth Street (Office Magazine) 

• About "Dickhead," now playing at Theater for the New City (Our Town) 

• Mapping the city's best slices (Eater) 

• "The Substance" is a reminder of all the films Demi Moore has made, and don't sleep on "Margin Call" (Metrograph) 

And this weekend at Cooper Union (info here): 

Hello From The Data Vandals (or free as air and water, or whatsoever things are true) is the premiere exhibition by the New York City data-activist collective known as the Data Vandals (artist Jen Ray and data visualization expert Jason Forrest). 

It will be on view in Cooper's Civic Projects Lab at 41 Cooper Square. The Data Vandals' art focuses on starting conversations on universal issues through data visualization. Using sculpture, performance, music, and bold designs, the Data Vandals create dialogues that are relatable, accessible, and dynamic.

The exhibition will be a fun look at the East Village through data past and present, filling the Civic Projects Lab with large data visualization paintings and sculptures, workshops, lectures, and a movie night.

The Clemente Center kicks off its Historias initiative with a block party on the LES

Later today, the Clemente Soto Velez Cultural and Educational Center will hold a block party to kick off Historias, a $2.5 million three-year initiative to tell Latinx stories in NYC. 

Read more about the Historias project here and here. 

The event will be held from 2 to 9 p.m. on Suffolk Street outside of the Clemente at Rivington. (Organizers confirm the festivities will proceed regardless of rain later today.) This link includes the full rundown of the block party events. 

The Clemente, a 30-year-old Puerto Rican and Latinx cultural space, is currently undergoing renovations.

Friday's parting shot

There was a report of a fire at 50 Avenue A between Third Street and Fourth Street late this afternoon ... the FDNY sent four trucks, and, thankfully, there didn't seem to be any sign of a fire.

Thanks to Joshua Cohen for the photo.

'Mad' world

 

Going with some New York noise-rock legends Live Skull here — "Mad Kingship," from the band's most recent release, 2023's Party Zero. 

Live Skull is headlining a loft show tonight (late) at Pretty Garden Club, 55 Canal St. at Orchard.

'SCUMB Flowers' at Dashwood Projects

Photos and text by Tia Jonsson 

Wednesday night marked the opening of Justine Kurland's "SCUMB Flowers" at Dashwood Projects, an offshoot of Dashwood Books. 

The exhibition showcases a selection of Kurland's collages, which she made from fragments of photo books by men. It's part of a larger project Kurland calls "SCUMB Manifesto," inspired by Valerie Solanas' 1967 text with the same name. Kurland adds a 'B' — "Society for Cutting Up Men's Books."

Kurland also collaborated with poet Ariana Reines on a zine titled "Ariana and SCUMB Flowers" that mixes the collages with Reines' poetry. (Below, from left: Reines and Kurland.)

The show will be up until Nov. 11, and a poetry reading with Reines will be held on Oct. 5 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Dashwood Projects, which debuted in this space last March, is located at 63 E. Fourth St., between the Bowery and Second Avenue. The gallery is open Wednesday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 1 to 6 p.m.

 Tia Jonsson is an East Village resident and former student of Justine Kurland.

President Zelensky visits the Ukrainian Museum

Top photo: Office of the President of Ukraine via @ukrainianmuseum 

2nd photo: Adriana Leshko 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska visited the Ukrainian Museum in the East Village on Monday. 

The President and First Lady officially opened the Museum's new exhibit, "Alexandra Exter: The Stage is a World," on Sixth Street between Second Avenue and Cooper Square. 

Ukrainian Museum Director Peter Doroshenko gave the two a tour of the exhibit. Zelensky then sat down for a meeting and discussion with members of the Ukrainian community, moderated by Oksana Markarova, the Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States.

The Art Newspaper has more about the presidential visit here. 

Zelenskyy is in the U.S. this week to attend the UN General Assembly. 

The Exeter show opens today. Per the Museum: 

Marking the first solo showcase of her work in North America, it offers a comprehensive exploration of Exter's pioneering career from 1913 to 1934. Featuring over thirty paintings and works on paper, the exhibition highlights her early abstractions and avant-garde theater contributions. Through collaboration with Ukrainian and U.S. museums, as well as international private collectors, this survey delves into Exter's influential contributions to theater and cinema, presenting both rare and iconic pieces beloved by art lovers around the world. 

The exhibit will be on display through Jan. 19. The museum is open Wednesday-Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. 

BTW, a membership to The Ukrainian Museum makes for a nice gift.

The 13th annual LUNGS Harvest Arts Festival continues through Sunday

Here's a reminder that the 13th annual LUNGS Harvest Arts Festival continues through Sunday at dozens of East Village/LES community gardens.

Check the LUNGS website here for the day-by-day, garden-by-garden schedule. 

Thursday's parting shot

Photo by Derek Berg 

Today's Pigeon Bird on a Bagel on 7th Street...

An Eric Adams reader

Photo from Tompkins Square Park in May 2023 by Stacie Joy

It's the story dominating headlines today here and across the country: Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on five federal public corruption charges, including bribery and wire fraud — the first for a sitting New York City mayor. 

He defiantly said today he will fight the charges... and has no plans to resign as he faces these criminal charges.

Here's his press conference today, where he was initially drowned out by protestors (The City)... 

Live Now: https://t.co/dBj6PRBsIg

— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) September 26, 2024

Here's a collection of headlines about this ongoing story... 

• What we know about the investigations surrounding Adams (The Associated Press with live updates) 

• Read the Adams indictment (NBC 4) 

• Investigations, resignations, indictment: A timeline of Mayor Adams' troubles (Gothamist) 

• Live ongoing coverage at NBC News here. 

• Eric Adams promised to be a mayor unlike any New Yorkers had ever seen. Much about him remains head-scratching. (The New York Times) 

• Who is Jumaane Williams? If Eric Adams resigns, the NYC public advocate becomes mayor. (CBS News)

PUNK Magazine is back with a new issue and a battle of the bands in Tompkins Square Park

East Village resident John Holmstrom, the co-founder, editor, and illustrator of PUNK Magazine, is ready to release a new issue (Punk #23) with a free show in Tompkins Square Park. 

On Saturday from 2-6 p.m., Holmstrom (with some help from The Shadow) is hosting a Battle of the Bands. 

Here's more info from Holmstrom's Newsletter:

It’s happening! We will be printing a new issue of PUNK Magazine in time for the Sept. 28 Battle of the Bands at Tompkins Square Park. This will be the first new issue since ... 2023! 

It will be printed in the same format as PUNK #1: Reverse quarter fold, 24 pages, only on newsprint instead of offset paper. This issue is meant to be a "Temporary Thing" (as Lou Reed said in a great song). 

Despite many efforts to revive PUNK Magazine over the years, I've been unable to get back on our feet. BUT! It looks like this one just might be successful. I still believe that the print medium is better than the internet: It lasts longer. It doesn't keep track of who reads it, doesn't spy on everything you do. And it's so much fun to work with people to put together a magazine! Web stuff is too often a solo project… 

So here we are: A new issue of PUNK Magazine is on the way. This issue is devoted to the upcoming Sept. 28 event at Tompkins. I'm not expecting to get rich, just want to promote a few bands I like. Which was my intent back in 1975, when I discovered the CBGB scene.

Free copies of the new PUNK will be distributed during Saturday's show. 

Previously on EV Grieve: 

• Q-and-A with John Holmstrom, founding editor of Punk Magazine 

San Loco is closing its Lower East Side location

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

After 22 years at 111 Stanton St., San Loco is closing its location here between Ludlow and Essex. 

The lease is up, and according to owners Jill and Kimo Hing, they are at an impasse with the landlord.

"It's time to move on," says Jill. 

Kimo adds, "The pandemic changed the business, the neighborhood has changed, and our customers have changed. The cost of business has increased, with inflation and product costs rising." 

Monday is the last day for business on Stanton Street. 

San Loco's outpost on Avenue C will remain in service. 

"We're trying to look at the positive; we'll be here at Avenue C, and we're now able to expand our menu," Jill says. "Kimo and I will be back in the kitchen." 

The family-run business will keep the same delivery range, down to Grand Street (FDR to Third Avenue and up to Stuy Town). They hope their customers will show up to support the business before it closes and to say goodbye. They mention having final bills to pay and wanting to see their longtime customers. And for those who want to help: "If you know of a place in the neighborhood with affordable and reasonable rent, let us know!"

San Loco has a longtime presence in the East Village, starting in 1986 on Second Avenue before later moving across the street to 124 Second Ave. between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place. That outpost closed in June 2017 due to a rent increase that was unsustainable. The Avenue A San Loco closed in 2014 after 15 years in business.

LÀ LÁ Bakeshop bringing Vietnamese desserts to 2nd Avenue

Photos by Steven 

LÀ LÁ Bakeshop, a Toronto-based Vietnamese bakery, is opening its first NYC outpost at 73 Second Ave. between Fourth Street and Fifth Street. 

We spotted a small sign on the door and tracked down the owners, who confirmed the arrival later this fall.

The Bakeshop, described as "a modern Vietnamese bakery for all," specializes in "nostalgic Asian desserts." 

Per its website:

We're coming to the East Village this Fall ... And we can't wait to introduce you to the Salted Egg Pork Floss Cake — the best cake you've never heard of. (Somehow, the Vietnamese have managed to keep it a secret for this long.) We know, we know, it sounds bizarre, but you might just love it. 

You can follow the opening news via Instagram. 

The cafe-bakery Cinnamon Girl quietly closed here last year after 18 months.

Checking in at No Fork on Avenue A

Photos by Stacie Joy 

Updated 10/12 — now open!

As we noted earlier this month, No Fork, a quick-serve sandwich shop in the Bronx's Little Italy, is opening an East Village outpost. 

 The No Fork team (from left): Ilir, the general manager; Veton, a partner/owner; and Domenik, a manager (Artir, another partner, had just left), have been working on the space at 131 Avenue A between St. Mark's Place and Ninth Street. 

No Fork serves sandwiches, pizza and Balkan-inspired dishes. The house specialty is the "Famous No Fork Sandwich," which features layers of prosciutto, melted mozzarella and house-made sauce. Find a menu here. 

You can follow the No Fork account for updates if you're on Instagram.

Wednesday's parting shot

Photo by William Klayer 

Today, Whitmans on Ninth Street between Avenue A and First Avenue removed its curbside dining structure.

And before workers had removed everything from the roadway, cars lined up to wait for the newly available spaces (since the pandemic's start)...

Kim's Video is the latest of the departed Avenue A businesses to return for a set piece

MORE of the set dressing along Avenue A today ... thanks to JackflashNYC for this shot of the old Kim's Video signage. 

After opening his laundromat at 99 Avenue A between Sixth Street and Seventh Street in 1987, Yongman Kim launched his (now-departed) Kim's Video empire from here. He eventually moved the video business a few storefronts to the south to 85 Avenue (now Somtum Der), which enjoyed its reign of terror until the summer of 2004. 

Expect to see the Pyramid Club signage too. (And we've heard rumors of a Mars Bar comeback, too, for the filming.)

As we've noted, the Darren Aronofsky-helmed crime thriller "Caught Stealing," starring Austin Butler (Oscar nominee for 2022's "Elvis"), has been giving parts of Avenue A a 1990s look during the shoot, which is expected to last through Friday

A double feature tonight in Tompkins Square Park

The mini summer film series ends in Tompkins Square Park this evening with a double feature — "Encanto" and "Everything Everywhere All at Once." (The previous screening of "Encanto" was rained out.) 

"Encanto" will begin at 5 p.m. in the center of the Park, followed by poetry from Nuyorican Poets Cafe and pizza from Two Boots. "Everything," which won seven Oscars last year, starts at sunset. 

Assembly Member Harvey Epstein, the Loisaida Center, the Lower East Side Film Festival, Rooftop Films and Two Boots Pizza sponsored this summer series.

Buy a t-shirt to help power Flower Power on 9th Street

Photos by Stacie Joy 

To help it grow into another decade in business, Flower Power Herbs and Roots has launched a t-shirt pre-sale fundraiser as they "work through the challenges of post-pandemic recovery." 

The cozy shop on Ninth Street sells herbs, medicinal plants, tinctures, salves, and essential oils, among other items, for various uses (culinary, medicinal, and beauty).

Here’s how you can help: 

We need to pre-sell 460 t-shirts by Nov. 1 to meet our goal. By pre-ordering your shirt, you're making it possible for us to fund the production and have them ready for you by Nov. 7. 

Pricing:

• 1 t-shirt for $26.60 

• 4 t-shirts for $103  

Notes: 

• T-shirts will be available for pick-up after Nov. 7 at the shop. 

• If you opt for shipping, your shirt will be sent out after Nov. 7. 

You can pre-order shirts at this link.

Flower Power Herbs & Roots, now in its 30th year, is at 406 E. Ninth St. between Avenue A and First Avenue. 

They are open daily from noon to 7 p.m.

A moment on Avenue A in 1995

Top photo by Stacie Joy 

We've noted some of the 1990s storefront transformation along parts of Avenue A for the Darren Aronofsky-directed crime thriller "Caught Stealing" starring Austin Butler (here ... here... and here). 

The top pic shows Conor's Goat going as (the fictitious) Therline's Coffee Shop at 23 Avenue A at Second Street.

Meanwhile, here's a photo from May 1995 when Margaret's Coffee Shop was the tenant... (photo by Dyske Suematsu)...

Previously on EV Grieve: 

• Let's take a walk along Avenue A in the East Village in 1997

Tuesday's parting shot

Early signs of fall along Avenue A...

On Avenue A, Benny's Burritos returns for the movies

Now, if they would just bring back the Bay Burrito, too. 

Through the magic of filmmaking, the market on the SW corner of Avenue A and Sixth Street has been dressed to look like a former tenant — Benny's Burritos.

As EVG regular Creature notes, the details include the door sticker address...

As we've noted, the Darren Aronofsky-helmed crime thriller "Caught Stealing," starring Austin Butler, has been giving parts of Avenue A a 1990s look during the shoot, which is expected to last through Friday.

Benny's shut down here on Nov. 29, 2014, after 27 years in business. The Benny's to-go spot next door closed in February 2015. (The Benny's signage stayed on the vacant space for years after the closure.)

 P.S. 

Across Sixth Street, the set dressers have added some Shepard Fairey Obey Giant art to the wall.

P.S.S. 

We also have a Nenos Pizza on the Sixth Street side at A (Amor Y Amargo)... not quite our Nino's from Avenue A and St. Mark's Place...