The Brothers Quay at New York’s New School

Incredible Bongo Band: Apache

I was working in New York in the early seventies, walked into a club, and heard this. It’s been in my head ever since. I knew the song because it had been launched in the UK by The Shadows some ten years earlier, but this blew it away. Africa Bambaataa and Kool Herc and others gave me a new direction.

Colunching

If you’d like to expand your social network, not in front of your computer but over a delicious meal, then try Colunching. After huge success in New York and Paris, the trend is now expanding to Australia. It’s totally free to join and you can become an organiser, choosing your favourite restaurant or just participate at the lunches, dinners, or brunches already planned. Bon appetit.

Dances of Vice: a New York nightlife sensation

Do you ever get bored of just going out to the same old clubs and events and wish for something with a little more pizazz? Shien Lee, the glamourous mastermind behind Dances of Vice knows just how you feel. Since 2007, Shien has been bringing her sparkle to the nightlife of New York, to create fun, memorable events that attract people from all walks of life. Read more

December Editions at ADC Gallery in New York

December Editions, a special group show of prints on paper, just opened at the ADC Gallery in New York. The exhibition features works by designers who have produced their work through a variety of limited edition printmaking processes, including Paula Scher, partner at Pentagram, ADC Hall of Fame Laureate and winner of last year’s ADC Design Sphere Awards, and ADC Young Gun winners Andrio Abero and comics destroyer, Paul Pope, along with some of my work. Stop in to have a look at the candy-colored great wall. The show runs through December 23. Read more

Lubalin Now at New York’s Cooper Union

Herb Lubalin’s influence as a graphic designer is undeniable, and now his name graces the side of the new building at Cooper Union. The inaugural exhibit of the Lubalin Center just opened with the beautiful Mike Essl-curated show, Lubalin Now. I’ve been noticing recently that design exhibitions have been blowing away more traditional fine art shows and this one is no exception. It’s quite exciting to see the influence this man has had on many of today’s young top designers. Standouts for me were the pieces by Deanne Cheuk, Alex Trochut, Justin Thomas Kay and Rick Valicenti. The show continues until Dec 8.

Robert Crumb’s illuminated version of Genesis

A favorite from my more perverted days — I’m saying they are behind me — Robert Crumb has once again shocked his audience. This time by not getting dirty but rather completing a 207 page word for word illuminated version of Genesis. The Hammer Museum in LA is currently exhibiting this Magnum opus. Crumb definitely did not rest on the 7th day, this epic undertaking is enough for one man’s life work, yet disturbingly enough is just one of his many. A quick side note, I saw Raymond Pettibon at the exhibit and even he was looking a little overwhelmed by the endless black frames of drawings, he still looked pretty damn cool though, too.