NYC Horror Film Festival in Tribeca Nov. 18th - 22nd kicking off with surf pop sirens Witches in Bikinis

Image from Icons of Fright.

The friends at the NYC Horror Film Festival are gearing up for what looks to be another year of great genre fun from Nov. 18th to the 22nd, so buy your tickets! Not only that, it will be held at the posh Tribeca Cinema, nearby where you'll be able to take in a few drinks at Nancy Whiskey Pub and shoot free shuffleboard until your luck runs out and some sort of verbal assault starts up. If you see the director of programming Joe Mauceri (you'll know, he's probably got that "man about town" look) you should totally buy him a beer and bug him to feature Jason X next year as the headliner.

Before you run through the press release below though, a couple things of note. There will be 5 bands at the kickoff party on the 18th at BLVD, most notable to me are Brooklyn's Witches in Bikinis, of whom I've been fans of now for a while ever since I went to see them at a Stray From The Heart fundraiser a couple years back. They play a real fun, "Monster Mash" type mix of surf and 50s girl pop and look exactly as advertised. I'm sure there will be enough fanboys gushing over them and blushing blood red to match some of the themes of the evening. I totally own a glo-in-the-dark shirt from them. What, you don't? Lamesauce.

While I'm not as big of a horror buff as, say, Andrew Jupin of the Jacob Burns Film Center and all around bearded fellow, I do enjoy horror films on a basic level. I can enjoy them as a flick to just pop in if I'm not feeling anything in particular. That might sound weird considering a lot of horror is not easy to watch (could be really scary, could just really suck) but it sucks you in to something more odd, more fantastic, or more unnerving. Taking that conspiracy and horror in American film class at NYU did me wonders in terms of understand horror on a higher level and it's a fun, timeless genre that can be wonderfully subversive. That and I own a ton of newer horror material but am taking my time going through them.

Anywho, if you have a few bucks and are willing to surround yourself with nerdy genrespeak, possible bad haircuts, and creepy, bespectacled people such as myself, please check out their official site with some cool artwork and find something that fits your bleeds.

Here's all the info:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (November 06th, 2009, New York City) – The 2009 NYC Horror Film Festival kicks off on November 18th, 2009, with the opening night party at a new venue, BLVD, located at 199 Bowery, in New York City. Doors open at 7:30 pm, with the festivities to kick off at 8:00 pm. The opening night party serves as one of the few fundraisers for the festival and a $10.00 donation is suggested.

Shorts screened at the party in between the performances include “Barbee Butcher,” “Aaragh, a Monster,” “Carved,” “The Stings of Clarity,” “Burn the Whole Place Down,” “Black Suit Youth,” “Elder Sign,” “Mascacator,” “You Better Behave,” “Close Call,” and “X-Mess Detritus.”

BLVD (http://www.blvdnyc.com/), located at 199 Bowery, adjacent to the termination of Spring Street, BLVD features a world-class restaurant, café, nightclub, event space, live music venue and recording studio, all within one bi-level complex. Noted for its stunning high-tech computer controlled creative lighting and state-of-the-art sound installations that bring both warmth and excitement to the spaces inside, each area of the complex is crafted to support the best in dining, events and entertainment. The main area of BLVD provides a comfortable and spacious lounge and ultra-premium bar where guests can meet and mingle for a pre-dinner drink, or to spend an entire evening.

At just 23 years old Hayley Griffiths (http://www.hayleygriffiths.com/) is achieving global recognition and critical acclaim for her classically trained vocal abilities. Her “stunningly pure soprano voice” (Chicago Medhill review) earned her roles as the lead singer in both “Riverdance” and Michael Flatley’s “Lord of the Dance” world tours. Along with acting accomplishments in performances for both the RSC and the BBC, Hayley is ready to pursue her career as a recording artist for the Classical Crossover market. Currently recording her debut album in collaboration with Surefire Music Group, and working with producers who have written/produced for Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, Ne-Yo, Brooke Hogan, Makio, Ryan Toby and many others, Hayley’s New Age sound infuses the purity and beauty of her classical background with the solid rhythm and striking arrangements of pop and R&B music. Expect high drama, powerful lyrics and a captivating sound from Hayley’s debut EP, due out Fall 2009.

Brewed in a cauldron deep in Brooklyn, Witches In Bikinis (http://www.witchesinbikinis.com/) combines beach party movie and low-budget horror flick themes into a unique rock ‘n roll experience. Composed of stunning female vocalists and a solid three piece band, the group’s sound is reminiscent of 60’s girl groups, Rocky Horror and B-52’s. Witches In Bikinis has been featured in the NYC Halloween Parade and Fangoria Sirius Radio.

The Tarantinos NYC (http://www.tarantinosnyc.com/) play music that is total twang and severe reverb – an instrumental smorgasborg flavored by the films of Quentin Tarantino.

M-16 (www.myspace.com/m16metal) is a Latin Hardcore band that has been redefining heavy music since its inception. In the late 90's three friends and musicians emigrated from the Dominican Republic to New York in search of a wider audience for their brand of metal. Scathing, pulsing, louder than hell, M-16's music is at times bombastic and scalding yet poetic in style and nature. Unapologetic lyrics sung entirely in Spanish, scream and whisper tales of mortal disillusion, political terror, and the chaos of modern times. A band that firmly believes in substance over style, M-16 is all the angst and frustration of real people channeled through guitars, drums and bass. Currently the band is composed of original member Daniel Estrella and guitarist Marcos Medina. Ex-member Ray Reed is dominating the live drums.

The New York City Horror Film Festival (http://www.nychorrorfilmfest.com/) was established in 2001 by Festival Director Michael J. Hein. The festival is dedicated to the international genre film community. There are no restrictions on the films that are screened at the festivals. The program includes films screened both in and out of competition. The Festival jury presents awards to films in the categories of Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, Best Cinematography, Best Special Effects, Best Actor/Actress, Best Screenplay for films showcased, and Audience Choice. The NYCHFF also presents an annual Lifetime Achievement award. Past recipients include director George A. Romero, Special Effects Artist and Director Tom Savini, Producer and Director Roger Corman, and Producer and Director Mick Garris.

The Get Up Kids @ Gramercy Blender Theater 10.30.09

I consider myself a decent singer. One time maybe 2 years ago at Botanica on Houston, I was at the bar waiting to get a drink and a girl next to me mentioned that I had a very nice singing voice. I thanked her and offered to buy her a drink. She said that she was good and didn't need one, and I joked that I could buy her a water. She didn't really think it was funny, and I joked "weeeak" and she totally called me out on the fact that I was being arrogant when she was just trying to pay a compliment.

I guess that's how this review has started so far.

I usually try to sing at concerts if I'm into the band and know all or most of their catalog and if I feel I'm not doing a disgrace to their vocals by joining in. The Get Up Kids are one such band that I have enjoyed since Four Minute Mile. I sang my heart out at this show, and lost my voice a little bit at two points.

The music was grittier back during Woodson/Four Minute Mile and the other earlier recordings, and the guitars bled in a way that reminded me of a contemporary of theirs, Jimmy Eat World. It's like you are right there in a tiny room listening to their high pitched, fast picking Kansas bravado, so earnest and yet with smart lyrics. Their lyrics would grow more refined on Something to Write Home About as well as a full addition of one of my favorite musicians in James Dewees. The way things started to rhyme was one thing, but also the bare boned simplicity at some points was great.

There are pieces of On a Wire and The Guilt Show that I enjoy but I don't think they compare. There are some nice pieces on Eudora, a compilation they released that I have two copies of because I thought I lost it the first time.

Wearing my buttoned up polo and Metroschifter pin (who have a new album out called Carbonistas, if you are not familiar with them I highly suggest reading up on them) me and several buddies got drinks at Black Bear Lodge before hand and jumped right in as GUK was starting up. At the Black Bear Lodge there was a hilarious coincidence when the bouncer and a baby were inspired by a large animal:

Like Jimmy Eat World again, The Get Up Kids actually have two lead singers; Matt Pryor is generally considered the frontman but Jim Suptic sings some of their most pivotal songs like "Ten Minutes".

I've gone to several reunion shows in the past while, but The Get Up Kids just strike an easy chord for me. I feel like they get a lot of unjustified flack AND praise for being an "emo" band, that term which most people couldn't care less about. It's hard to define their sound which makes a return so welcome in an ever increasing hole that permeates current bands shoved into the same genres. They just do everything better, simple as that. From the very underrated rhythm section of the Pope brothers to Pryor's searing voice (it's piercing and has so much force behind it when he's full blast, almost like an extra distorted guitar) and Suptic's more warm, rounded, blunt singing, all overshadowed by the guitars that almost work as constantly as say Hot Rod Circuit's.

"See those blinding lights? It's call hope. And masks the fact that they totally were picking their noses"

They are also a band that is cohesive in feel and tone; the only thing that I'm thinking of in my chicken wing induced food drunk right now is like a ride that is not too fast but not boring-slow...like the Scrambler? Anyone? Or driving with the window down at say 65 miles an hour. Not gunning it because you want to take in the moments, but with an urgency that pushes you to peak. They have breakdowns at the right moments, chorus melodies that linger for just the right amount of beats; it just all works. Some may call it unoriginal or just blah, but in nearly all of their work and especially the best of their work, it's very personal and can have a wonderfully intimate quality which I love in my favorite bands.

I was nearly screaming out all the lyrics, every word. We had a great view from the back, as the Blender has a nice up slope as you get back by the bars. GUK never has moshing at their concerts which I always found interesting; even at Motion City Soundtrack shows there are circle pits. I always think it is because GUK can have a sense of "older and wiser" as a theme, and maybe that's reflected in the crowd. Not that a good pit means younger and dumber, it's just every once in a while it's good to take a break.

They rolled out songs from every album/compilation (I was hoping for a Coalesce cover) including Replacements and Cure covers. A healthy dose of Four Minute Mile was great; it's their most stripped down and scrappiest work and hits hardest. They also made it through probably my favorite song of theirs "Close To Home" which was awesome enough to give me some sort of righteous conviction which I didn't use toward anything, it just sat in my soul through the rest of the concert. They were able to overcome the uneven sound of the venue to punch out an hour and 15 minutes of pure 1997-2002. Every crescendo, every rising riff was accounted for with my fist pumps and torso tilts. Their songs are like personal anthems; not epic statements, but of one heart at a time, one memory at a time.

Edit update: My buddy went for a second night on Saturday, as GUK dressed up as characters from the Wizard of Oz (a Kansas nod, perhaps) and played Something to Write Home About in it's entirety, which is redonculous.

Dirty Dozen Brass Band does Brooklyn Bowl right on Nov. 5th

Dirty Dozen Brass Band is a band that years ago, when we were all into bands with horn sections (I wasn't much of the swing revival but still a huge ska fan, suck it haters) I was introduced to heading over to Washington Park area of Albany for some fun around town (Music Shack, Last Vestige, etc.) by my friend Mr. Jupin at All Ears All Eyes All The Time.

What I'm all for in this case is the fact that this New Orleans band is not young, but has enjoyed so many years of being around without being a has-been like so many bands who are 10+ or even 5+ years in existence. They are celebrating their 25th anniversary of their first release, "My Feet Can't Fail Me Now", and there's a joyous feeling when you realize that 25 years is so long in any respect (George Carlin said something along the lines of, 'life's not short, it just is compared to how old things like mountains are').

They will be playing at Brooklyn Bowl their first release in it's entirety and people should probably stop doing whatever they are doing there and just listen up. Work up a sweat. Get those feet moving. They bring the funk, but most of all it's just a hardcore horn section. The baritone sax is made for bands like this, just absolutely filthy with the funk.

krts is back at Monkeytown with Ryan Uzi to blow your mind

My man krts is back in action (he's having a busy fall after a nice little break from being so festive) at Monkeytown on November 7th with an audio/visual catharsis that will inspire you and make you wanna get out there in the brisk air and clear your mind and move forth with your life and progress and have those ups and have those downs.

Seriously, you're going to want to make your reservations at the link below. Oh and the cheese plate is pretty good at MT. Oh and did I mention Charlie Pino and his bretheren in Gold Fiction will be there? Oh yes.

From the information booth at my Facebook wall:

After 3 sold-out Monkey Town events, Krts welcomes another emotional roller-coaster of live indie-hiphop/electronic music with live video projection story-telling from award winning filmmaker Ryan Uzi of Light Harvest Studio. Together they tell the story of "The 6th Floor Walk-up" - An intense ride of LIVE mind bending visuals with indie-hiphop styled melodic, romantic, heart breaking and fun LIVE instrumentation.

**WITH A SPECIAL APPEARANCE BY CHARLIE PINO OF the fun indie-rock/american garage band GOLDFICTION!
myspace.com/goldfictionband


This may be the first collective of Krts and Ryan Uzi but, they're not amatuers at grabbing the minds, ears, and hearts of their audience.

Krts's Monkey Town shows had the critics hyping it as "a blend of hip-hop electronica à la Radiohead and Sonic Youth" (Village Voice). Trip-hop legends Nightmares on Wax (Warp) called his latest track "Doran Penny Roller" an "indietronic meets Zapp" crowd-pleaser on their latest 2009 compilation album, “Wax On - Volume 2."

Krts has shared stages with The Beatnuts, Machinedrum, Melo-X, Daedelus, Eliot Lipp, Mux Mool, Mexicans with Guns and others.

Light Harvest is the live multimedia performance work of award winning filmmaker Ryan Uzi. He creates complex visual atmospherics on subjects ranging from politics to paganism, from seductions of New York City to secluded train rides aboard the Orient Express.

Ryan Uzi's cinematic approach to video mixing and projection design has been seen with some of the worlds best DJ's including Felix da Housecat and Mark Farina (Mushroom Jazz), as well as commissioned for live events with the Guggenheim Museum, Diesel, Prada, Adidas Y3, and Flavor Pill Magazine.


****YOU MUST RSVP @ monkeytownhq.com/reservations.html *****

KRTS OFFICIAL WEBSITE
krtsmusic.com
KRTS MYSPACE & VIDS:
myspace.com/krts


RYAN UZI OFFICIAL WEBSITE:
light-harvest.com

Unnecessary: Boondock Saints II Trailer

The Boondock Saints is a horrible movie. In fact, personally, it's one of my top 5 least favorite movies of all time, up there with such luminaries as Empire Records and Love Actually. I've actually been punched for voicing such an opinion of The Boondock Saints' first go around, and after I saw Overnight, the documentary about the writer and director Troy Duffy, and realized how much of a ridiculous person he is, it only strengthened my resolve.

The first film not only had a terrible plot, poor character development, crappy action sequences, and an awful "commentary" ending, but there are so many "Boston" movies such as Gone Baby Gone and Monument Ave. that are just so much better. Granted, this is an action movie in the John-Woo-rip-off mode and thus can be held to different standards as those dramas, but I don't find anything in this movie to recommend. It's a sociopathic film that has no reflection on the characters portrayed; Willem Dafoe's tranny FBI agent is such a retardation and Billy Connolly's Il Duce doesn't seem to have much of a purpose. Forget the Irish theme supposedly drawn up by the fact that the two leads are Irish Catholic vigilantes who society is sort of led to believe that they are doing good. Sure, they are getting rid of the baddies. But the action scenes are just awful I think; they are overcomplicated, and the slow motion has no beauty to it; and the staging is abhorrent because there is actually very little grit to it. Duffy is trying to make something shallow and stylish out of something that should be more brutal and less fanciful. Maybe it would come off more interesting if he actually cared about his two lead characters, Irish brothers who think they are on some mission from God. That character motivation alone is just kinda nuts but in Duffy's hands is all the more frustrating for the caricatures he creates. There is something freaky about how they kill for God, but Duffy doesn't do anything with it. He just goes along which makes me think that he's just some religious nutjob making a movie about religious nutjobs.

So quoting the Bible is cool? Yes when Jules does it in Pulp Fiction, because at the end it becomes a key character beat for him.

Two guns and slow motion? Yes when John Woo does it.

Hanging from the ceiling by a wire? Yes when Brian De Palma does it in Mission: Impossible (even though that movie kinda sucked too).

Violence and religion? Yes when it was called Mean Streets or State of Grace. Or The Apostle if you include baseball bats.

Oh and the second one is coming out at the end of the month. Seeing Duffy's face intro the trailer on the Rotten Tomatoes version makes me want to smash my computer screen. He's so smug. The fact that Peter Fonda is in this just screams "I did it for the money." And the fact that Judd Nelson is in it, well that's just a neutral addition.

Ridiculous Kicking of the Butts Trailers - Expendables, Bad Lieutenant with cra cra Nick Cage....The Tooth Fairy?

That's right, all of these trailers have so much in common: action stars, ridiculous lines, and this panache that can only be described as intangible, so whatever objections you have, you're totally wrong because you just can't touch it.

Expendables (with a release date of August 20, you know it'll be worth it):


Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (Herzog let's Nick Cage do his batshit stuff):


The Tooth Fairy (with that 'you can't handle the tooth' tagline, I'm totally hooked):

Not Doing Anything This Weekend? OpenHouseNewYork still has FREE awesome tours

So openhousenewyork every year has an amazing set of tours across the city, allowing you to really appreciate a day long stay-cation by taking in architecture, history, and amazing touristy things in a non-touristy way for zero bucks.

List of Sunday Oct. 11 tours, some booked, some still open!

There are all sorts of programs available, from the Chrysler Building to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, so choose anything and you'll come out with a better understanding of the city. Tours like the Atlantic Tunnel are all booked currently, but there's always next year.

If it's one thing that is incredibly cool, you can't get any better than this. From the Bronx to the farthest reaches of Brooklyn, Ellis Island to Queens, kids tours and more, it's a weekend of insane knowledge, so drop it like it's haaawt.

Even if you miss out, openhousenewyork has year round events and tours, so give your support to keep it free and fun. Go to their official site to learn more.

Nothing to do this weekend? Urban Arts Festival and Oyster Frenzy

Photo by Powerstrip Circus. Awesomeness by KRTS.

For those of you who aren't checking out the annual Atlantic Antic (The Pats - Ravens game is on at 1, so consider me busy for most of that portion) this weekend, I've got two things you'll be interested in.

First is the Urban Arts Festival in presented by Mark Batty Publisher.

From the Facebook invite:

It's $15 cash at the door & $10 in advance for the whole day & night! Buy your tickets in advance here: http://bit.ly/32XS7. *** S.K.A.T.E. competitors get FREE (beerless) entry. Sign Up at Entrance.

Mark Batty Publisher (http://www.markbattypublisher.com) is an independent publisher dedicated to making distinctive books on the visual art of communicating, showcasing the visual power and innovation of contemporary culture in all of its varied poses.

Come on out on October 3 for the first MBP Urban Arts Fest! The two-part, one-day festival will go from 1PM-2AM. The whole day is about the thriving urban art community MBP has advocated since its inception. With skateboard demos and contests sponsored by SUBSTANCE SKATEBOARDS (http://www.substanceskateboards.com), live painting, music and DJs, photography and art installations and plenty of art and books for sale, there will be something for everyone!

We will be taking over and transforming the entire lower-half of Castle Braid (http://www.castlebraid.com) in Bushwick, Brooklyn. The day’s first part runs from 1PM-9PM and is open to all ages; 8PM-2AM is 21 and over, featuring free beer and a dance party.

Our non-profit beneficiary is Art for Progress (http://www.artforprogress.org), an organization dedicated to supporting rising multi-discipline arts in New York City.

What to expect:

• Gallery-style art installations
• Live graffiti exhibitions & public graffiti wall
• Live entertainment, DJs, dance & musical performances
• Sponsored skate/BMX demos & open skate park
• Free corresponding entry to the Brooklyn Artillery Art Fair (http://www.brooklynartillery.org) at the location, hosted by the Williamsburg Gallery Association
• Unveiling of exclusive OBEY x PEEL poster by Shephard Fairey for Peel Magazine (authors of MBP’s PEEL: The Art of the Sticker)
• Special Guest Signings
• First 500 guests receive a FREE in-person signed copy of "Talk Balk: The Bubble Project" by Ji Lee (http://markbattypublisher.com/books/talk-back-the-bubble-project/)
• Local & International Artist Showcases & Tables
• Shopping (MBP bookstore & Local Artists’ offerings)
• Food & Drinks (Honest Ade, Hoegaarden, Local Food Truck Vendors)
• Gift Bags & Prizes - with bags from Bags for the People (http://www.bagsforthepeople.org), goodies from Mimobots (http://www.mimoco.com), Cafe Bustelo (http://cafebustelo.com), Zoo York (http://www.zooyork.com), AIAIAI (http://aiaiai.dk) and more!

ARTISTS/SPECIAL GUESTS:
Martha Cooper, "Going Postal" (http://markbattypublisher.com/books/going-postal)
Remo Camerota, "Graffiti Japan" (http://markbattypublisher.com/books/graffiti-japan)
Ji Lee, "Talk Back: The Bubble Project" (http://markbattypublisher.com/books/talk-back-the-bubble-project)
Luz A. Martín, "Textura: Valencia Street Art"
Art from ORBIT Gallery (http://www.orbitgalleryspace.com)
Special Guest Curator Mighty Tanaka (with art from: avone, JMR, Hellbent, Alexandra Pacula, Peter Halasz, Mike Schreiber, AVOID PI, FARO, Royce Bannon, BLOKE, Mari Keeler, John Breiner, Skewville) (http://mightytanaka.com)
Tijn Snoodijk of Shop Around-Netherlands (http://www.shop-around.nl)
Chris & Veng - RobotsWillKill (http://www.robotswillkill.com)
Project Super Friends (http://projectsf.blogspot.com)
Destroy & Rebuild (http://destroyandrebuildnyc.com/)
Royce Bannon (http://choiceroyce.tumblr.com/)
El Celso (http://www.elcelso.com)
CR
Abe Lincoln Jr. (http://www.girlsbike.com)
Cosbe
Indigo (http://www.flickr.com/photos/indigoindigo) & Mania (http://cargocollective.com/pleasedontfront)
infinity
Chalk drawings by Ellis Gallagher (http://www.ellisgallagher.com)

PERFORMANCES:
Hosted by: iLLspokinN (http://www.illspokinn.com)
Termanology http://termanology.ning.com/
Cormega (http://www.myspace.com/cormega)
DJ Statik Selektah (http://www.myspace.com/statikselektah)
DJ GSUS187
Krts (Powerstrip Circus) http://www.krtsmusic.com/
Hot 97's DJ Juanyto (http://www.myspace.com/juanitony)
Guest DJ Jason Mizell (son of Jam Master Jay) http://www.myspace.com/jammasterjr
The Outabodies http://www.myspace.com/outabodies
Michael Brian http://www.myspace.com/michaelbrianmusic
True2Life http://www.true2lifemusic.net
Goodomens
Quan
Ad Lawless
Spokinn Movement (http://www.spokinnmovement.com)
William B. Johnson’s Drumadics (http://www.myspace.com/drumadics)
...and SURPRISE MUSICAL GUEST!

SHOWCASES/VENDORS (list in progress)
Sabrina Beram (http://requiredtaste.blogspot.com)
Abztract (http://www.abztract.com)
Fresthetic (http://fresthetic.blogspot.com)
Owen Jones & Billy Hahn (http://www.billyhahn.com)
Peter Moschel Johnson (http://www.petermoscheljohnson.com)
Steve Driebe
Jemmanimals (http://www.jemmawilliams.com) & John Bent (www.johncharlesbent.com)
Natasha Quam/L'Ange Atelier (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=9382)
Dawn of Man Productions (http://www.dawnofmanproductions.com)
Katie Jean Hopkins
Stephanie Paz (http://pazs.etsy.com)
Alessandro Echevarria (http://www.Skulldaggery.com)
Spost Love (http://www.spostlove.com)
Andrea Grannum-Mosley
Gully Klassics (http://www.gullyklassics.com)
Clazzi & Qool Accessories
Bag and Board Studios / United Fire Comics (http://www.benvsdov.com)

The OFFICIAL BLOG of the event is http://www.BrooklynStreetArt.com.

A GIGANTIC thank you goes out to Kevy Paige Catering (http://www.kevypaigecatering.com), who will be feeding our artists and performers gourmet-style as they work throughout the day!


You're going to want to go at 1pm because my boy KRTS will be there ripping your mind out of your brain out of your head with serious electronic dreams.


The second thing you're going to want to do is sorta slimy, but oh so good. It's Grand Central's Oyster Frenzy which is still shuckin' it up tomorrow starting at noon. Free admission, here's more info:



It’s an all day frenzy! It’s a Bi-Valve Bonanza! Pro shuckers from across the country including four-time champion Luis Iglesius will vie for the championship;

the public will square off in the Slurp Off professional eating competition; Aaron Bashy, executive chef at Pershing Square, will be among the celebrity chefs sharing their gourmet wizardry with the public; and author Rowan Jacobson and restaurateur/shucking champ John Bril, who will present “Oysters 101” seminar, are among the many highlights of the annual Grand Central Oyster Frenzy, all day on Saturday, October 3, from noon to 6:00 PM, at the historic Grand Central Oyster Bar. The festivities are underway at 12:00 noon. In addition, 16 varieties of oysters – eight from both the East and West Coasts – will be on the menu during the “Bi-Valve Bonanza” at the famed eatery located “below sea level” at Grand Central Station. General Manager Jonathan Young and executive chef Sandy Ingber, the venerable “Bishop of Bi-Valves,” will host the festivities.

What: The annual Grand Central “Oyster Frenzy” featuring Professional Shucking Championships, “Slurp off” eating competition, chef demos and seminars, plus 16 Varieties of Oysters

When: Saturday, October 3, 2009

Time: 12:00 noon-6:00 PM

Where: The Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant
“Below Sea Level,” Lower Level, Grand Central Station at 42nd Street, NYC

Admission: Free (including samples, but oysters and other culinary delights from the menu are priced by consumption)

Who: Professional shuckers from across the country including four-time world champion Luis Iglesius; Oyster Bar executive chef Sandy Ingber, general manager Jonathan Young; Pershing Square executive chef Aaron Bashy; food writer Rowan Jacobsen, author of The Living Shore; “Oyster 101” seminar by John Bril, shucking champion and owner of Ship to Shore restaurant on Prince Edward Island

Reservations and Information: 212.490.6650
Website: www.oysterbarny.com