The twilight of Williamsburg

Finally recovered from Exotic World Weekend by sleeping for approximately 24 hours and not answering my cellphone or checking email all day on Saturday, and while I still plan to write a proper overview of the epic weekend I haven't quite gotten that far, nor will I again tonight, because I'll be headed to Galapagos for the hot retro action of SO 8Tease! presented by Amber Ray. All '80's themed burlesque! Not only is that a hard-to-resist hook, but the lineup is fabulous too, featuring Frenchie Press, Scooter Pie (recently returned to the scene after a long absence!), Delirium Tremens, Tigger, Creamy Stevens, Clams Casino, Nasty Canasta, Honi Harlow and of course Amber herself. But to be honest the best reason not to miss tonight's show: it will very likely be the last time I set foot in Galapagos before its iminent, tragic closure and eventual move to DUMBO.

This really represents a sad state of affairs for Williamsburg; Galapagos, while not entirely free of annoying issues for performers and producers, has been a vital anchor to the Burg's arts and cultural scene since artists first started moving into the neighborhood. It's depressing that its making the financially necessary move to DUMBO, a neighborhood that, while grittily appealing in appearance, never developed into anything like the arts district it was leaning towards 6-7 years ago, and has instead pretty much devolved into a condo hellzone. And it's funny, on Saturday Jen and I had a real "fall back in love with New York after returning from our affair with Vegas" time in Williamsburg; a rainy walk through the Renegade Craft Fair at McCarren Pool, and sunset rum drinks and fried seafood at Surf Bar...but after tonight a big reason we ever come to the neighborhood will be gone.