By today – day three of what some are calling a Burning Man for art lovers -- all fairs are open and the parties are in full-swing. And when you're not stuck in agonizing traffic delays on 36th street or wringing your hands at the $40 valet outside of Target, there are some choice events that you shouldn't miss. Nick Cave Soundsuits come to life thanks to Dr. Dre, TV on the Radio plays Midtown, and Fab Five Freddy headlines the opening night of Fountain. Here are the ten best basel things to do on Friday.
Scope MiamiIf you haven't already, today's the day to check out Scope Miami. (Although you just missed Adrian Brody – there were sightings of him there yesterday). Look for Spinello Gallery's black booths near the entrance and make sure to check out William John Kennedy's early '60s photos of Andy Warhol and Robert Indiana at Kiwi Projects.
Farewell to ArmsHead to World Class Boxing to view Jillian Mayer's “H.I.L.M.D.A” and see whether she really chewed off her own arms for Art Basel. U.K.'s Jack Strange is also on exhibit. His “Exercises in Virtually Nothing” satirizes our dependence on technology.
Possessed in Technicolor At the Fendi Casa Showroom, enter a listening booth, put on a pair of Beats by Dr. Dre headphones, and make one of Nick Cave's Soundsuits come to life. There will also be a surprise musical guest. Invitation only.
The Architecture of GraffitiThe annual Graffiti Gone Global opens today. Look for the centerpiece, Marc Fornes's “Labrys Frisae” – a 3D interpretation of graffiti.
Street Art FairArtlog presents tonight's opening night reception of Fountain Art Fair. Fab 5 Freddy, Ninjasonik, and DJ NSR will perform. Inside the fair, look for work by Polish yarn bomber, Olek. Outside, check out the projected video art curated by Frame and Culture Shock. Here's a slideshow from last year's Fountain:
Electro-pop BonjourFrench electro-poppers Yelle play the Fillmore tonight with fellow frenchmen Housse de Racket – former session musicians for Air and Phoenix.
Slow Jams and Indie RockA couple months after playing the Fillmore, TV on the Radio is back in town for Art Basel. This time, they'll play an invite-only party at the new midtown lounge, Ricochet. Earlier in the evening, artist Kalup Linzy – one-time muse of James Franco – will perform. Here's a video of Linzy's slow-jam project with Franco:
Dance Music UnpluggedTonight at Bardot, Moby will perform a rare acoustic set with with vocalist Inyang Bassey and violinist Claudia Chopek at the cozy venue. Tomorrow night, Moby will plug in again and spin at Mansion.
Yet More ChillwaveTwin Shadow plays a patch of land in Wynwood (27th Street and 2nd Avenue) at the Absolut (yea, Vodka) party. As the chillwaver was asking for ten volunteers to help with hisBasel performance on their tumblr page, there's no telling what he has in store. Look for an exhibit by Mr. Brainwash.
Karaoking VIPsThe Paris club Le Baron has opened a pop-up nightclub again at the Delano's Florida Room. This year, however, they've also taken over the Shelborne Hotel's Studio lounge for some post-Basel karaoke. This second pop-up, Paris Paris, will feature cabaret, absinthe, costumes, and rock 'n' roll sing-alongs. They weren't kidding about the costumes, check out these photos from opening night.