WEDNESDAY
AUGUST 25
Art
‘THE FOUNDING FATHERS’
Through September 30, ABC No Rio, 156 Rivington Street, 212.254.3697
Remember that Jefferson quote about a country preserving its liberty by warning rulers of its spirit of resistance? Curators Vandana Jain and Mike Estabrook investigate revolutionary American principles in this group show, mining the perversion of those ideals in our era of freedom fries and weapons of mass terror. Free TILLMAN
‘SIX FEET UNDER: MAKE NICE’
Through September 4, White Box, 525 West 26th Street, 212.714.2347
Nine artists or collectives, selected by nine curators, mock ridiculous television commercials featuring a smiley Ed Koch urging New Yorkers to “make nice” with the GOP suits. Each abbreviated show will be viewed through White Box’s sidewalk-level window or in the adjacent window-gallery, (VIDEOBOX). Free TILLMAN
Panel
‘TALKING BACK TO THE BACKLASH: A FORUM ON BUSH’S WAR ON WOMEN’
At 7, CUNY Graduate Center, Proshansky Auditorium, 365 Fifth Avenue, 212.817.7920
Laura Flanders, editor of the new anthology The W Effect: Bush’s War on Women; former Ms. editor Jennifer Baumgardner; former Voice editor Richard Goldstein; Sean Cahill; and Maria Raha hold a forum on the deadly impact of Bush-era policies in war zones at home and abroad. Book signing to follow. Free ZIMMER
Protest
‘AMBUSH!’
Through September 18, Van Brunt Gallery, 819 Washington Street, 212.243.8572
Attention lefty hackers: This anti-Bush group show offers computers from which code geeks are encouraged to “engage” the Patriot Act online. Artists will use the gallery as bunker, coordinating protests, making signs, organizing flash mobs, and more in a searing indictment with a no-bullshit message: Dude’s gotta go. Free TILLMAN
Theater
‘BROWNTOWN’
Through August 28, Lucille Lortel Theatre, 121 Christopher Street, 212.279.4488, browntown-nyc.com
Omar, Malek, and Vijay are all aspiring actors who have no trouble finding work—as long as the part calls for a “brainwashed” terrorist. At an audition for the TV movie The Color of Terror, the three have to decide which is more important, money or self-respect. $15 ASHMAN
‘I’M GONNA KILL THE PRESIDENT!: A FEDERAL OFFENSE’
At 10, through August 28, and August 30 through September 4, secret location (meet on the south sidewalk of 10th Street, between avenues A and B), 212.802.7446
In this guerrilla comedy, slapstick, sight gags, and a crank call to the White House mix with sharp political commentary that’ll raise your activist ire faster than you can say G. Dubya. “Agents” lead audience members to an undisclosed location where chanting the show’s title makes for good RNC-protest practice. $15 (Republican delegates with ID get in free.) ASHMAN
‘THE PASSION OF GEORGE W. BUSH’
At 5, Thursday at 8, and Sunday at 12:15 p.m., Pace University, Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts, 1 Pace Plaza, 212.279.4488
Why have we forsaken him? The world premiere of this musical delivers new answers to the question, chronicling Dubya from his humble beginnings to the moment of crisis that tests his faith (can prayer get him the popular vote this time?). $15 HAINLINE
THURSDAY AUGUST 26
Art
‘EXPERIMENTAL PARTY DISINFORMATION CENTER’
From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., through Saturday, and Tuesday through September 4, LUXE Gallery, 24 West 57th Street, 212.404.7455, experimentalparty.org
This media installation aims to foster belief in the power of creativity and independent thinking—the sworn enemies of both the Bush administration and the major media outlets. Featured projects include such cheekily titled pieces as Media Deconstruction Kit (which alters TV news in real time) and Homeland Insecurity Advisory System (which rates the U.S. government’s threat level). Free RABER
Music
‘THE ANTI-CONVENTION’
Tonight and Friday at 9, Warsaw, 261 Driggs Avenue, Brooklyn, livemusicresearch.com
Fueled by both the RNC and the war in Iraq, “The Anti-Convention” is a two-day concert protest with all proceeds benefiting anti-war organization Not in Our Name. Roots-reggae band John Brown’s Body headline tonight with jazz-funk-soul trio Soulive following up on Friday. $20 in advance, $23 at the door MAGLIOCCO
FRIDAY AUGUST 27
Film
‘LINEUP: THE UNOFFICIAL PORTRAITS’ AND ‘BEFORE YOU DON’T VOTE’
From 5 to 7, Kitchen Art Gallery, 512 West 19th Street, 212.255.5793
The Kitchen bridges the art-politics gap with two screenings. Lineup is not surprised to discover that politicians often abuse public trust; Before You Don’t Vote plays like a heart-to-heart about democracy between the viewer and a gaggle of artists and activists. Free PROVAN
Protest
CRITICAL MASS AGAINST THE RNC
At 7, Union Square North, 212.802.8222
Bicyclists come together to ride the ordinarily car-clogged streets of NYC. Although this event normally focuses on the deteriorating quality of life that cars create for the city, the arrival of Bush and his gang should bring a whole new meaning to the ride. HAINLINE
Theater
‘AFTER THE STORM’
Tonight and Saturday at 7:30, and Sunday at 2:30, P.S.122, 150 First Avenue, 212.477.5288, ps122.org
Army veteran Heather Grayson’s one-woman show explores the inherent costs of war through the eyes of a teenager sent to serve in the Gulf. $15 ($12 students, veterans, and groups) CHANDLER
‘APOCALYPSE!: BOOK ONE’
Through Sunday, Puffin Room, 435 Broome Street, 212.279.4488
He’s got long hair, a beard, and some kickass carpentry skills—and he’s the Dems’ only chance for victory. In this political comedy, the Son of God and the Son of Texas Oil battle for the presidency while the bumbling Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse sound the world’s end. $15 ASHMAN
‘THE PET GOAT: A PENTAGON FABLE’
At 8, through Sunday, WAX, 205 North 7th Street, Brooklyn, 718.599.7997
Cheney’s secret lover has washed ashore, Rummy’s got a Nixon shrine, and Dubya can’t remember the First Amendment. Burlesque babes Dirty Martini and the World Famous *BOB* star in this highly classified, morality-free variety show featuring performances by the Stanley Love Performance Group, Tigger, Nervous Cabaret, and more. $10 ASHMAN
SATURDAY AUGUST 28
Art
‘DIVIDED PORTRAITS AND TRUE STORY PROJECT: BEING’
Through September 2, Chashama, 217 East 42nd Street, 212.391.8151, imagine04.org, chashama.org
Chashama presents visual art and performance pieces that can be viewed 24 hours a day through its windows by all who pass on the street. Hilary Cooper’s Divided Portraits diptychs examine the public and private identities of the wheelchair-bound. Cooper’s subjects will perform in Visible Theater’s True Story Project: Being, on a stage adjacent to the gallery. SNOW
HIP-HOP PHOTOS
Noon to 3, through September 2, the Point, 940 Garrison Avenue, Bronx, 718.542.4139, thepoint.org
Henry Chalfont has spent 25 years documenting neighborhood kids in B-boy poses for “Art Is Not a Crime,” a photo exhibit. Free ZIMMER
‘OPERATION URBAN TERRAIN: BUILDING FACADES IN MIDTOWN AND HARLEM’
In a “criticism of the increasing militarization of civilian life,” artist Anne-Marie Schleiner and a comrade will take to the streets in combat garb to project creepily realistic military simulation games onto city buildings while online gamers participate from around the world. Free WILTON
Dance
‘FORGIVENESS/MOURNING’
Tonight, Sunday, and Tuesday at 7, Asia Society, 725 Park Avenue, 212.517.ASIA
Excerpts from Forgiveness, a contemporary theater work inspired by a classic Chinese ghost opera about revenge, directed by Chen Shi-Zheng and composed by Eve Beglarian, will collide with a work by Eiko and Koma called Mourning. The first two shows feature a Q&A with the artists; the third includes a panel, “Defining Justice,” that explores notions of justice in an international context, and the question of how to remember while moving on. $7-$15 ZIMMER
Film
‘EVERYWHERE BUT FLORIDA: THREE REFLECTIONS AFTER ELECTION 2000’
At 7, and Sunday at 3, Pioneer Theater, 155 East 3rd Street, 212.254.3300; Sunday at 11, Barbès, 376 9th Street, Brooklyn, 718.965.9177
Perhaps as a cautionary reminder before anyone goes to the polls this November, Matt Kohn’s doc deconstructs the catastrophes that made the 2000 election an affront to democracy and what makes 2004 a disaster waiting to happen. $9, $6.50 for members BLAYLOCK
AN EVENING WITH JOHN SAYLES: ‘SILVER CITY’
At 8, Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theater at Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, 212.864.5400
John Sayles presents clips of his latest film, arguably the most political from this activist filmmaker. A running subplot features Chris Cooper playing a barely disguised rendition of George W. Bush—corporate malfeasance and all. $15 BLAYLOCK
‘THE FOURTH WORLD WAR’
At 5, 7, and 9, Anthology Film Archives, 32 East 2nd Street, 212.505.5181
While the embedded American media have looked at the Iraq war from a military perspective, this doc focuses on the civilians caught between warring armies. Finding subjects on five continents—from South Africa to Korea, from Genoa to New York—it reports on human fallout from brutal front lines everywhere. $8, $5 for seniors and students BLAYLOCK
Music
WOMEN AGAINST WAR, WITH EVE ENSLER
At 7, Riverside Church, 490 Riverside Drive, 800.838.3006
A night of music and spoken word to celebrate women’s passion, creativity, and strength in saying no to war and yes to peace and justice. Presented with Code Pink: Women for Peace, the show features local playwrights, poets, songwriters, and ex-congresswoman Cynthia McKinney. $10 SMITH
Protest
‘BOOKS NOT BOMBS YOUTH CONVERGENCE’
From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., St. Mark’s Church, 131 East 10th Street, nyspc.net
Gearing up for a week’s worth of RNC protest, the National Youth & Student Peace Coalition is calling for a youth convergence where participants can “share un-conventional wisdom” and discuss ways to catalyze and organize the youth movement. Free MAGLIOCCO
‘FREE FOR ALL WET ANTI-BUSH T-SHIRT CONTEST/WATER GUN FIGHT’
All day, Sheep Meadow in Central Park, silencedogooder@yahoo.com
NYC doesn’t want protesters trampling precious Central Park lawns? All righty, then. But who’s gonna stop hot New Yorkers from drenching each other with water guns on a summer day? So what if their clinging wet T-shirts bear anti-Bush invective? This should’ve been called Busts Against Bush. WILTON
‘RING OUT THE REPUBLICANS’
From 5:30 to 7:30, ground zero, streets surrounding the World Trade Center, ring-out.org
Peaceful protesters will gather with bells (you’re encouraged to bring your own) to loudly ring in the citywide protest of the RNC. SCOTT
Theater
‘AMERICAN OLIGOPOLY’
At 1:30, Washington Square Park, theorphanagenyc.org
Protesters are taking a page out of the ’60s TV show The Prisoner and staging a giant game of Monopoly—adapted into “American Oligopoly” and including nations and political figures. Whether anyone will pass Go and collect $200 remains to be seen, but expect plenty of Halliburton hotels to be bought. Free HANS
‘STATE OF EMERGENCY’
At 7, Apollo Theater, 253 West 125th Street, 212.531.5305
If Whoopi Goldberg’s PG-13 jokes about Bush and Dick are enough to get the Republicans all fired up, then one can only imagine how the family-values crowd would react to the fearless stand-up of Margaret “I’m not straight. I’m not gay. I’m just slutty” Cho. Recently “uninvited” to an event in Boston during the DNC for fear of Whoopi-like controversy, Cho will undoubtedly serve up a hilarious helping of “Fuck Bush” pie. $50, $40, $25 TILLMAN
‘VOTING FOR GODOT’
Through September 6, Theater at the 14th Street Y, 344 East 14th Street, 212.868.4444, votingforgodot.com
A modern version of Samuel Beckett’s original existentialist classic, the new Godot highlights the absurdity of the modern political process, from fraudulent voting machines to politicians who never arrive. $15 CHANDLER
SUNDAY AUGUST 29
Dance
‘TOGETHER FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE’
At 7:30, Merce Cunningham Studio, 55 Bethune Street, 11th floor, 212.802.4800
Young choreographers Elizabeth Motley, Valerie Samulski, Jane Sato, and Nupoor Singha offer new solos; members of the Jose Limón Dance Company present classic works by Limón and Anna Sokolow; Sue Bernhard and David Appel show dances inspired by resistance to the war; and poets, satirists, and singers complete the bill. A discussion follows. $12 ZIMMER
Film
AN EVENING WITH ROBERT ALTMAN: ‘SECRET HONOR’
At 3, Peter Jay Sharp Theater at Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, 212.864.5400
Robert Altman will be on hand to take questions following a screening of his 1984 film, in which Richard Nixon (played by Philip Baker Hall) tries to explain the pain he caused the country during Vietnam and Watergate. Expect the politically astute filmmaker to make connections with our current commander in chief. $15 BLAYLOCK
‘RISE UP: SHORTS PROGRAM’
At 9, Pioneer Theater, 155 East 3rd Street, 212.254.3300
Sixty New Yorkers with cameras documented the February 2003 anti-war rally in Lower Manhattan; the result is the world premiere of Sixty Cameras Against the War. The program also includes Spike Lee’s still relevant We Was Robbed (2002), a short that examines the racism in Florida on that fateful Election Day in 2000. $9 SHESTAKOFSKY
Protest
‘MILLION BILLIONAIRE MARCH’ AND ‘BILLIONAIRE CROQUET IN THE PARK’
At 10 a.m., Central Park, location TBA; at noon, the Plaza, Fifth Avenue and Central Park South, billionairesforbush.com
Billionaires for Bush don top hats and tiaras for street theater with a twist of irony and a touch of class. In the morning, join the tony set for croquet (on the otherwise off-limits to protesters Great Lawn in Central Park), and in the afternoon, for a stroll from the Plaza to Madison Square Garden. Free SNOW
‘MOUSE BLOC’
nyc.indymedia.org
Give the RNC delegates, who will be attending eight “Disney-fied” Broadway shows, a dose of real street theater. In protest of the Republicans’ sorry playgoing habits, don your mouse ears and make some noise. The rodent rally begins at 4 p.m. outside the cheesiest of musicals—42nd Street, Aida, Bombay Dreams, The Lion King, Fiddler on the Roof, Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and the Beast, and Wonderful Town. HAINLINE
‘WORLD SAYS NO TO THE BUSH AGENDA MARCH & RALLY’
At 10 a.m., assemble between Sixth and Eighth avenues from 14th to 23rd streets, unitedforpeace.org
Join thousands of others in speaking out against the policies of the Bush administration in what is being touted as the convention week’s largest protest. Hundreds of different groups—feminist, anti-war, environmental, and more—are planning to participate. Bloomberg may have vetoed the use of Central Park, relegating the concluding rally to the West Side Highway, but here’s your chance to march right past Madison Square Garden! RABER
WOMEN’S PEACE RALLY AND MARCH
At 10 a.m., Madison Square Park, 23rd Street and Fifth Avenue, 347.228.2876, codepinkalert.org
Women are urged to wear pink signs and other creative gear for this anti-war event. Participants meet at the foot of the historic Eleanor Roosevelt statue for a vibrantly colored and extra-loud peace rally. Free SMITH
Theater
‘GUANTANAMO: HONOR BOUND TO DEFEND FREEDOM’
Today at 3, September 1 at 3 and 8,and September 2 at 8, Culture Project,
45 Bleecker Street, 212.253.9983
Victoria Brittain and Gillian Slovo’s documentary play is patched together in part from the testimonies of five British detainees recently released from Guantánamo. London’s hot new import is a “slice of death” look at the demise of American civil liberties. Apparently some people think that human rights are like gay marital vows—not recognized everywhere. $55-$60 LAWLER
‘THE THALIA FOLLIES: BRING IT ON!’
At 8, through September 2, and Tuesdays through November 2, Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theater at Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, 212.864.1414
A zippy theatrical hybrid (guerrilla street theater meets old-world cabaret) custom made for this campaign season. The contributors range from Brecht translator and critic Eric Bentley and comedian Steven Colbert to American-lit master E.L. Doctorow. Post-show discussion sparks political dialogue. $13-$15 LAWLER
MONDAY AUGUST 30
Film
‘AMBUSHED!: UNCONVENTIONAL HUMOR’
At 8, Chicago City Limits Theater, 1105 First Avenue, 212.888.5233
A night of films that will poke fun at any and all things political, from the sex appeal of Abraham Lincoln to Republican hairstyles to Bush’s bumbling speeches. $20, $10 (students) SCOTT
Protest
‘LIGHT UP THE SKY’
lightupthesky.org
With the Republicans cynically capitalizing on 9/11, this elegantly conceived, city-wide light vigil is both a dignified reminder of that September’s sorrow and a commemoration of the ongoing tragedy that is the war in Iraq. From nightfall Monday until Tuesday morning, demonstrators are asked to gather, carrying candles, light sticks, or flash lights, and leave illuminated all rooms with windows onto the street. Let the GOP not forget that this is the city that never sleeps. Free CATUCCI
Music/Comedy
‘STAND UP! FOR CHOICE!’
At 8, Beacon Theater, 2124 Broadway, 212.496.7070
Perpetually pissed-off comic Lewis Black is without peer when it comes to reaming the major league assholes of the Bush administration. Moby, Joan Osborne, Michael McKean, Nellie McKay, Kathleen Turner, and Giancarlo Esposito stand beside him as he lets loose his pro-choice wrath. $28-$128 TILLMAN
Protest
‘THE MARCH ON NEW YORK’
From 3 to 6, Seventh Avenue between 24th and 34th streets
According to Russell Simmons, chairman of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, this will be the “biggest hip-hop gathering ever . . . [and] the illest march in history.” Expect to see people like P. Diddy, 50 Cent, Nas, and Mariah Carey protesting Rockefeller drug laws while promoting youth voter registration. GOTTLIEB
‘MARCH ON NEW YORK: STILL WE RISE’
At noon, march from Union Square to Madison Square Garden; 2 p.m. rally at Madison Square Garden, stillwerise.org
The city is rolling out the red carpet for the delegates. What are you getting? As a reminder of what’s been egregiously ignored since the Bush takeover, a panoply of progressive groups come together under the banner of poor people’s rights for a march from Union Square to Madison Square Garden. SHESTAKOFSKY
Reading
CRAIG UNGER & MOLLY IVINS
From 6 to 8, NYU, Skirball Theater, 566 La Guardia Place, 212.992.8484
Five authors of the bestselling critiques on the Bush-Cheney administration convene downtown. The panel includes Craig Unger (House of Bush, House of Saud), Molly Ivins (Bushwhacked), Joe Conason (Big Lies), and Paul Krugman (The Great Unraveling), moderated by Mark Green (co-author of The Book on Bush). $25 TELPHA
Theater
‘ELECTRA’
At 6:30 p.m., New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Bruno Walter Auditorium, Lincoln Center, Amsterdam Avenue and 65th Street, 212.870.1630
Mourning becomes Marisa Tomei in a specially staged reading of Sophocles’ classic play, followed by a discussion on violence, retribution, and compassion with Buddhist scholar Robert Thurman. Directed by Lawrence Sacharow and also starring Kathleen Chalfant. Free HAINLINE
‘PATRIOT ACT: A PUBLIC MEDITATION’
At 7, through September 1, New York Theatre Workshop, 79 East 4th Street, 212.460.5475
Pundit Mark Crispin Miller offers a multimedia overview of Big Brother’s new plan. Using the government’s own reports and press communiqués, he informs, entertains, and feeds our healthy paranoia. $15 LAWLER
TUESDAY AUGUST 31
Theater
‘REPUBLIC IN RUINS’
At 7, through September 2, Washington Square Church, 135 West 4th Street, 212.777.2528
Music, song, and spoken word are intertwined in this performance by Mouths Wide Open. The group’s focus is on the most troubling issues currently facing our republic—no doubt an unending catalog—with an audience discussion at the conclusion to vent ideas and frustrations. SCOTT
‘THE FEVER’
At 7, Loft Theatre, 312 West 36th Street, 212.352.3101
This one-person play by America’s most distinctively neurotic political writer, Wallace Shawn (Aunt Dan & Lemon), tells the story of a bourgeois man in a third-world country who falls ill in his hotel bathroom and, in a fever, realizes he has perpetuated the world’s suffering through his quiet indifference. Bryan K. Brown stars in this “UnConvention” highlight. $10 ASHMAN
Comedy
‘UNCONVENTIONAL HUMOR: STAND-UP’
At 8, Chicago City Limits Theater, 1105 First Avenue, 212.888.5233
If there’s one thing that we’ve learned from Whoopi Goldberg—besides the fact that nuns can sing—it’s that Republicans can be a wee bit sensitive when it comes to people poking fun at their president. The New York comedy locals who converge tonight will try and drive the folks at Fox News into conniptions. $20, $10 (students) SHESTAKOFSKY
Dance
‘BLACK, BROWN, AND RED’
At 8, BAAD!, 841 Barreto Street, Bronx, 718.842.5223
A discussion of a multimedia exhibition of visual artwork by black and Latino artists, curated by Cassandra, followed by performances by Bronx-based artists of color including choreographer Arthur Aviles, poet Magdalena Rivera, choreographer Richard Rivera, and others, all of whom address issues of social justice in their work. $5 ZIMMER
‘THE BRIDGE’
At 8, Williamsburg Art Nexus (WAX), 205 North 7th Street, Brooklyn, 718.599.7997, wax205.com
A movement-theater performance features Nicole Bindler, Kinetic Architecture, and Refractions Dance Collective, each exploring the theme of justice, with a reception and “guided conversation” to follow. $10 ZIMMER
Film
‘CONTROL ROOM’ SCREENING AND Q&A
At 7, Makor, 35 West 67th Street, makor.org
Director Jehane Noujaim brilliantly juxtaposes the American press and Arab satellite news network Al Jazeera in her latest documentary, Control Room. Her unique perspective cleverly challenges the assumptions underlying the American media’s coverage of the Iraq war. Noujaim will be available after the screening for a Q&A with the audience. $15 SHESTAKOFSKY
‘UNPRECEDENTED: THE 2000 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION’
At 8 and 10, Barbès, 376 9th Street,
Brooklyn, 718.965.9177
With many Floridians still wondering if their votes were ever counted, this documentary takes a nonpartisan look at the recount debacle. After all, Republicans were willing to scratch them from the roster while Democrats selected only districts beneficial to Gore for recounts. $5 donation BLAYLOCK
Forum
‘IMHO: DISCUSSING BLOGS, POLITICS, AND PERSONAL VOICE’
At 7, P.S.122, 150 First Avenue, ps122.org
They say that everyone’s a critic, and thanks to the magic of the Internet, it’s truer now than ever before. Get your blog fix in the flesh, as seven popular and influential bloggers gather to discuss the state of blogs and politics. $7 SHESTAKOFSKY
Music
‘INVOLVER ’04: ALL-STAR NIGHT OF MUSIC & COMEDY HOSTED BY DAVID CROSS’
At 8, Beacon Theater, 2124 Broadway
David Cross hosts indie idols Sleater-Kinney and Blues Explosion along with comedians like his Mr. Show partner, Bob Odenkirk and members of The Daily Show. Consider springing for the $75 “hot spot” package, which includes premium orchestra seats, an exclusive after-party, and a free Knitting Factory concert. Hot damn. $33-$78.50 WILTON
Reading
HOMER’S ‘THE ILIAD’
At sunrise, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza, 55 Water Street
In a memorial reading dedicated to “all the victims of recent acts of war,” artist Marshall Weber will recite what he regards as “most compelling anti-war story ever written.” Free MAGLIOCCO
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 1
Film
‘THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND’
At 7:30, Alliance Française, 22 East 60th Street, 646.505.4444, jpbrowne@earthlink.net
While The Corporation took a more clinical approach to demonizing the conglomerates that dominate American policy, this corporate exposé is more personal, letting ordinary people speak about their confrontations with a democracy that often seems like a publicly traded commodity. $10 BLAYLOCK
Music
A PARTY FOR THE PROTESTERS
From 7 p.m. to 4 a.m., Siberia, 356 West 40th Street
After a long, hard week of pie throwing and mudslinging, hunker down with fellow protesters at this rock show and party. The night’s indie-rock lineup includes Seattle’s Shoplifting (Kill Rock Stars), San Francisco’s Shellshag, and Cincinnati protest band the Sundresses, as well as local faves Kid Casanova, Aqui, and the Bamboo Kids. There will also be guest speakers and other surprises. Free ASHMAN
Q AND NOT U+WRENCHES RIFFLES
At, Knitting Factory, 74 Leonard Street, 212.219.3055
Involver is an umbrella organization built with guitars and cigarettes—the tools to convince young people that “We can just get pissed, or we can get involved.” Q and Not U, which helps raise money to use in swing-state campaigns, combines the angular rhythms of its Dischord compatriots with rare depth. $10 PROVAN
Protest
AXIS OF EVE
At 6, Battery Park City, axisofeve.org
Protest can be titillating too, right? Axis of Eve will prove it in a mass flash protest. 100-plus Eves wearing fishnets and slogan-bearing panties (“Ballot Box,” “Expose Bush”) will wiggle out of American-flag sarongs and flash skivvies—an uncovering that calls Bush out on his cover-ups. TILLMAN
‘THE LINE’
From 8:13 to 8:31 a.m., along the sidewalk from Wall Street to Madison Square Garden, theunemploymentline.org
Over 2 million jobs have been lost in the last four years, and the jobs being created pay on average 25 percent less than the jobs that were lost. ‘Nuff said? Join the thousands who will stand single-file holding up pink cards in this symbolic, historic event extending from Wall Street to the site of the RNC. HAINLINE
Reading
‘CONSTITUTION NIGHT’
At 5, Great Hall at Cooper Union, 7 East 7th Street, 212.420.0440, pfaw.org
Of late it seems that a few key Republicans might need a refresher course on the Constitution. Luckily, People for the American Way Foundation has planned a star-studded study session—Richard Gere, Joanne Woodward, and Lauren Bacall are expected to attend—to read the document aloud. Attendees will receive their very own copies for further study at home. Free SNOW
‘DEMO: A DEMONSTRATION IN WORDS’
At 8, St. Mark’s Church, 131 East 10th Street, 212.674.0910
This poetry reading against the war in Iraq features over 20 poets dedicated to building a culture of peace and nonviolence in the world. Poem titles include “Blues for the Soldiers Who Told You” and “Iraq Wrestling Team.” HAINLINE
HOMER’S ‘THE ODYSSEY’
At noon, Staten Island Ferry
Following up his marathon reading of The Iliad, artist Marshall Weber continues drawing parallels between antiquity and modernity by reading The Odyssey in its entirety. Free MAGLIOCCO
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 2
Comedy
‘UNCONVENTIONAL HUMOR—A MOCK CONVENTION’
At 8, Chicago City Limits Theater, 1105 First Avenue, 212.888.5233
Chicago City Limits, our city’s longest-running improvisational comedy venue, boasts another sure winner in Unconventional Humor. Join world-famous comedians from Comedy Central and Last Comic Standing in an orgy of unbridled political satire. $10 (students) or $20 CHAVKIN
Film
FREE DOCS @ TRISKELION ARTS IN WILLIAMSBURG
From 6 to midnight, Triskelion Arts, 118 North 11th Street, 3rd floor, Brooklyn
See the best of the myriad non–Fahrenheit 9/11 political docs to come out this year: The Jesus Factor at 6, Uncovered: The Whole Truth About the Iraq War at 7:15, Unprecedented: The 2000 Presidential Election at 8:30, and Outfoxed at 10:30. Then go protest your ass off. WILTON
Music
‘BASEMENT BHANGRA’
At 7, S.O.B.’s, 204 Varick Street, 212.243.4940
Basement Bhangra, renamed Bhangra Against Bush during RNC, lends its invigorating drum beats to protest the policies of the Bush administration. The context may be political, but the rhythm (and free mojitos from 7 to 8) maintain the ecstasy. CHAVKIN
‘BASH AGAINST BUSH’
Noon to 4, Tompkins Square Park, Avenue A and 7th Street, onepeoplesproject.com/sep2
The Republicans are leaving, and One People’s Project couldn’t be happier; it’s sponsoring a free concert at Tompkins Square Park to celebrate the end of the convention. Free SHESTAKOFSKY
TAMMY FAYE STARLITE & THE ANGELS OF MERCY—’IT’S MY PARTY’
At 9:30, Joe’s Pub, 425 Lafayette Street, 212.539.8778
Country crooner Starlite, known for her delicious blend of biblical blasphemy and satanic humor, hits the stage to preach to her favorite audience—good ol’ Bible-thumping Republicans. $15 CHANDLER
TRANS AM+GOODMORNING
At 9, Knitting Factory, 74 Leonard Street, 212.219.3055
Trans Am’s latest epic fuses intelligent electronica akin to that of Outhud and overtly political samples. Sometimes it works, sometimes it’s embarrassingly over the top. Live, the band’s energy conquers all—each beat will raise your glass, and money for campaigns in swing states. Sponsored by Involver. $12 in advance, $14 at the door PROVAN
Protest
‘OUR GRIEF IS NOT A CRY FOR WAR!’
At 8, Union Square, 14th Street and Broadway, unitedforpeace.org
Held as George Bush delivers his acceptance speech, this candlelight vigil will be a “living memorial” to soldiers and civilians killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, echoing the convergence on Union Square in the days after 9-11. Bring candles, flashlights, flowers, photos and other markers of the grief caused by Bush’s administration in the name of the war on terrorism. CATUCCI
ARTISTS AND ACTIVISTS UNITED FOR PEACE RALLY & MARCH
From 3 to 7, Harlem, route to be determined, 212.545.4178, blackwaxx.com
Join Councilmember Charles Barron, Reverend Herbert Daughtry, Donna Lamb from Caucasians United for Reparations and Emancipation, among other working coalitions of socially conscious artists and activists, for a march of political and social awareness. TELPHA
Theater
‘VIBE’ AND ‘GIRLSTORY’
At 8:30, HERE, 145 Sixth Avenue, 212.647.0202
A double bill dealing with the truths of women and girls from the city as well as from all over the world, these multimedia pieces arrive at a time when female-centered stories are too often silenced by the militaristic din of contemporary politics. $15 CHAVKIN