Sunday night I attended the premiere of TransBeMan at Galapagos Art Space in DUMBO. The cultural transformation down under the Manhattan Bridge is amazing. DUMBO is the new SOHO. Galapagos began in 1995 in Williamsburg at 70 North 6th Street. It was one of my favorite bars— it had a gorgeous reflecting pool out front, a cool local crowd and great music. Over the years, it became a cultural mecca offering everything from live music, poetry readings, and strippers. Rents went up, up, up in Williamsburg and with the help of Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Marty Markowitz and David Yassky (among others), it now has a secure home in DUMBO.
My friend Janette and I bundled up and walked down the hill on Hicks Street. When we got down to the river, we stopped at a local watering hole, next to Jacques Torres Chocolates, had a glass of wine. Then we crossed the street for the 7p.m. premiere. I was disappointed that the signature reflecting pool didn’t make the move. However, the idea is now part of the interior. Red banquettes are small islands surrounded by water. The back wall is an enormous projection screen. Tall white votive candles are embedded in the walls. The staff is friendly, outgoing, no ‘tude to be seen. Plus there was an open bar, yippeeee.
The movie started at 7:30 p.m. TransBeMan is produced by Transformer Films, and directed by my friend, Richard Kroehling. Completely shot in New York, its a techno thriller set in the near future about the creation of the world’s first post-human. To find out exactly what that means, the film is set for a summer/fall 09 release. If you like your sci fi served up with intelligence and out of this world art direction, check it out. It stars James Remar who played Samantha’s architect boyfriend in Sex and the City.
Galapagos’ calendar of events for February includes Nerd Night Speed Dating, a puppet slam with the world premiere of “Cluckapella”, a happy hour on Fridays from 5-7p.m. with 2-for-1 drink specials, a couch crash festival, and a play reading on a Sunday afternoon. Personally, I see myself partaking in the happy hour. Perhaps I will see you there.
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