This week in New York writer Edna O’Brien and actor Gabriel Byrne at McNally Jackson Books, book party for Tracy K. Smith’s Life on Mars, Swoosie Kurtz reads Edith Wharton, George Clinton and PFunk, stargazing at the World Science Festival, poets Rachel Eliza Griffiths and Sally Keith at The New York Botanical Garden, and the Housing Works Open Air Street Fair.
MONDAY 5/30: Writer Edna O’Brien and actor Gabriel Byrne, cultural ambassador for Ireland, will read from O’Brien’s Saints and Sinners and talk about her work. McNally Jackson Books. 7 p.m. Free.
TUESDAY 5/31: powerHouse Arena hosts a book release party for Tracy K. Smith’s new poetry collection, Life on Mars, also featuring poet James Richardson, a DJ, and drinks. 7 p.m. Free.
WEDNESDAY 6/01: Actress Swoosie Kurtz reads the poetry and prose of Edith Wharton at “Chapter & Verse,” presented by The Center for Fiction. 7 p.m. Free.
THURSDAY 6/02: This will probably be your best lunch break ever. Go see George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic as part of the 2011 R&B Festival at MetroTech in Brooklyn. MetroTech Commons. 12 noon. Free.
FRIDAY 6/03: Let your inner nerd shine. It’s the World Science Festival, running from June 1 through 5. Tonight join professional and amateur astronomers for some stargazing with scientists Dr. Timothy Ferris and Dr. Charles Liu talking about the advances in space technology. Telescopes will be on hand, but bring your own if you have one. There’ll also be music and refreshments. Brooklyn Bridge Park. 9:30 p.m. Free.
SATURDAY 6/04: To welcome summer, poets Rachel Eliza Griffiths and Sally Keith will read their work and classic favorites at The New York Botanical Garden. 4 p.m. Free with All Garden Pass admission.
SUNDAY 6/05: Housing Works presents its Open Air Street Fair. Thousands of books, CDS, and records for $1 or less. You can also pay $20 to stuff your bag full of clothing and accessories. Beer, barbecue, and live music by Darlings, Dinosaur Feathers, Friends, Grand Rapids, and The Woes. Crosby Street between Prince and Houston. 10 a.m. Free.
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