Ta-Nehisi Coates.
Books
David Carr and Ta-Nehisi Coates
Two New York journalists discuss one of their trickiest topics: themselves. Coates’s memoir The Beautiful Struggle recounts his childhood in a tough Baltimore neighborhood. Carr’s The Night of the Gun fills in the messy gaps of his crack-addicted past. Their conversation, like their books, should be superb.
Music
BAM Afro-Punk Festival
Saul Williams headlines the last night of this festival and is joined on the bill by the future-funk-nerd-diva Janelle Monáe.
Film
Bryant Park Summer Film Festival: Dog Day Afternoon
Lie back in Bryant Park and enjoy the warm, farcical tone in this heist-gone-wrong movie with Al Pacino.
Drink up
Punches: The Original Mixed Drink
Mayahuel’s Philip Ward hosts a tasting and seminar on this mixed drink.
Tours
Alphabet City walking tour
Explore the area’s pregentrification roots of gangs, drugs and artists.
