New York Music Blog

--The Brooklyn Bowl is almost open. Curated by former Wetlands owner Peter Shaprio, the 600-capacity Williamsburg space triples as a bowling ally/music club/Blue Ribbon Restaurant. It includes eight massive high-def screens (tickets for a Sept. 24 Lebowski-fest are on sale now). The ally's opening night hasn't been announced yet, but its website says it's soon: "We've decided on our open date, and it's very, very close." To get the official word you need to sign up on the venue's mailing list. Unreliable sources at Macri Park also tell SOTC the Beastie Boys played a private party there Tuesday.

--A massive funeral for Michael Jackson will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The DEA has also joined the investigation into the Jackson's death at the request of the LAPD, and will apparently look into Jackson's prescription drug abuse (which a former nurse isn't afraid to break confidentiality rules to talk about). The details of Jackson's will have leaked, and he reportedly named Diana Ross as a potential guardian of his three children. CNN proved they have a sense of humor about the whole thing today with their profile of Bubbles the chimp, who is now 26-year-old, retired in Florida, and enjoys cucumbers and bananas.

--A friendly reminder to check out this weekend's Woodsist Captured Tracks Festival. Head to Brooklyn's Broadway Backyard Friday and Saturday to check out sets by Woods, Kurt Vile, Vivian Girls, the Oh Sees, Psychedelic Horseshit, Blank Dogs, and Crystal Stilts. Tickets each day are $15, or you can go to both days for $25. Buy tickets via Paypal here.