FRICTION NYC

Halfcracker’s absence means I’ll be guest-blogging (read: typing in all the research Ray-kwon already did) for this week’s FIVE5. So, if it sucks, blame Old-Man-Ray for cutting out early this week to go hang with his chica in Wisconsin, Minnessota or whatever Fargo-esque midwestern fly-over state she’s in.

Anyway, here’s what’s comin’ at you this week:

1. UNTIL I FIND YOU

What: John Irving will be reading from his new novel — Until I Find You — as part of the Meet the Writers series, so you might be able to score a signed copy by this prolific writer, author of classics such as Cider House Rules, A Prayer for Owen Meany, and The World According to Garp. If the book sucks, there’ll probably be a lot of cute girls that you can impress with your new-found literary knowledge.

When: Thursday, August 18th, 7PM

Where: Union Sqare Barnes and Noble

How Much: FREE

2. ENON

What: For those of us that didn’t get tickets to the (count ‘em) FIVE sold out Sujan Stevens shows at the Bowery, you can check out Brooklyn-based ENON.

When: Friday, August 19th. Opening bands at 8.30, ENON at 11.30.

Where: Mercury Lounge

How Much: $10

3. SUMMER SAMURAI

What: The Film Forum kicks-off the dog-days of summer with their four-week-long Summer Samurai series, playing all kinds of classic-yet-schlocky martial arts films including the Akira Kurosawa classic, Seven Samurai. Think spaghetti westerns meet ramen noodles.

When: August 19 - September 15

Where: Film Forum

How Much: Dunno — whatever a movie costs these days

4. BEST WEEK EVER

What: The Upright Citizens Brigagde has a great Monday event: VH1’s Best Week Ever. Panelists like Paul Scheer and Rob Huebel joke their way through the week’s big stories in pop culture — absolutely hilarious. And remember, the UCB is BYOB.

When: Monday, August 22, 8PM

Where: UCB Theater

How Much: $8

4. DAZED & CONFUSED

What: Need I say more?

When: Wednesday, August 24th, dusk (around 8:30pm)

Where: Pier 54 (Hudson River and 14th street)

How Much: FREE