In just two short weeks from today, Duranies from around the globe will descend upon New York City to witness Duran Duran blowing the roof off of Madison Square Garden. There is no question that an event such as this calls for celebration, so G!MME A WR!STBAND! has planned an epic night for you on October 24, the night prior to the gig. For just $15 in advance ($20 at the door), you’ve got an amazing place to meet up with your friends — plus you’ll rock outs to the final show of Duran tribute band Chekhov’s Wig, dance your ass off with DJ Candy Durant, and belly-laugh with comedian Anthony DeVito.

G!MME A WR!STBAN!D knows the power of party, so beyond creating just an epic bash, we’re gonna do a little bit to change some lives in an even bigger way with a raffle to benefit The Amy Winehouse Foundation, which has been set up in Amy’s memory to support charitable activities in both the UK and abroad that provide help, support or care for young people, especially those who are in need by reason of ill health, disability, financial disadvantage or addiction.

Donations of incredible merchandise, memorabilia and experiences are still pouring in, but here’s a little taste of what you could win just by purchasing $5 raffle tickets at the party:

T-Shirts from the brand-spankin’ new Punk Masters line by Patty Palazzo, as recently worn by Duran Duran

Rare and signed vinyl from Mark Ronson and the Business International and Duran Duran

Signed copies of Put the Needle on the Record the 1980s at 45 Revolutions per Minute, the definitive guide to 80s album art by Matthew Chojnacki

T-shirts and gift certificates from the lovely Julie Anne Rhodes and her tasty blog, Jewels from the Roving Stove

Signed and numbered original prints by Duran Duran Unseen photographer Paul Edmond (he’s gonna be at the party, too!)

And… AND…

A personal phone call or studio Skype chat with ANDY TAYLOR! OHHH EMMM GEEEE!!!

Oh, and we’re also going to be screening loads of previously unseen footage from the absolutely amazing documentary, ‘Something You Should Know: The Duran Duran Fan Documentary’. Creator of the film, M. Douglas Silverstein is also making DVDs of the film available to purchase for a price so low we can’t even say it here — but ONLY at this event!

Paul Edmond Photography

PLUS, there will be a full exhibition of original Duran Duran Unseen photographs by Paul Edmond on display at The Knitting Factory, and available for purchase at a crazy discount and all ready for you to take home.

If you’re coming from out of town, the idea of getting around might be a little daunting. Perhaps you’ve booked a room in a hotel across the street from Madison Square Garden because your fear of public transportation won’t let you enjoy more than a few square blocks of New York City during your entire visit. Well, put those troubles to rest and come join the party.

The Knitting Factory in Brooklyn

The Knitting Factory

Opened in 1987, The Knitting Factory became one of the city’s premiere venues showcasingindependent music. After more than 20 years on Houston Street, The Knitting Factory followed thescene to Williamsburg, the Brooklyn neighborhood that’s become synonymous with the hipster movement. Taking over the former Luna Lounge at 361 Metropolitan Avenue, The Knitting Factory quickly established itself as a destination for the urban indie sound. With a full bar and lounge in thefront and a large event space and bar inside, there’s nowhere in the Big Apple more perfectly suited forthe party!

For more on the Knitting Factory, visit: bk.knittingfactory.com

Getting there

The Knitting Factory may be located in Brooklyn, but it’s still just right around the corner no matter where you might be in Manhattan. Share a cab with friends and the ride will be quick and easy. Better yet, jump on the subway and be whisked away to one of the hippest neighborhoods in Brooklyn and beyond: Williamsburg.

Getting to the venue is easy!

Taking the subway to (and from) the Knitting Factory is remarkably simple: All you need to do is get to the L train, an east-west line that runs along Manhattan’s 14th Street from one end to the other. No matter where you’re staying in the city, chances are you’re near a subway line that intersects directlywith the L train in Manhattan:  The A,C,E,F,M,1,2,3,N,Q,R,4,5 and 6 lines will all take you right to the L.

There are only five stops on the L train in Manhattan, and the very first stop in Brooklyn (BedfordAvenue) is where you’ll disembark. Come up the steps on the Driggs Avenue side and you’re just a fewblocks’ walk from the party. Walk south on Driggs toward N. 4th StreetTake a left on N. 4th StreetBear left on Metropolitan. The Knitting Factory is located at 361 Metropolitan. The walk is around five minutes – It’s just that simple!

For more on the Metropolitan Transit Authority (including maps; a Trip Planner with up-to-the-minute info on all public transportation in the city; and the easy-to-use NextStop iPhone app), click here

Chekhov’s Wig

Tribute bands take on many forms. In the case of Chekhov’s Wig, the tribute is paid to the music of Duran Duran exclusively. None of the band dresses like Duran Duran, and they don’t particularly sound like them, either. But their setlist – all reimagined Duran Duran songs – pays the highest tribute theycould imagine.
For more on Chekhov’s Wig, visit: gimmeawristband.com/chekhovs-wig-no-sleep-til-brooklyn/

DJ Candy

DJ Candy Durant

Based in Charlotte, NC, DJ Candy Durant got her start as an online DJ five years ago in Second Life. She’s since expanded her reach into a pair of weekly online radio shows, a podcast and a series of liveevents where she’s spun a mix of ’80s, New Wave, Synthpop, Indie Rock, Post Punk, and Shoegaze. She’s bringing her mixing talents to NYC for the first time for the G!MME A WR!STBAND! party.

For more on DJ Candy, visit: http://www.djcandy.us/

Anthony DeVitoAnthony DeVito

Anthony DeVito

Brooklyn native Anthony DeVito is a comedian, actor and writer with a professional resume as long as his inseam. He’ll make his second stand-up appearance alongside Chekhov’s Wig, his first happening at SBS 2008, where he talked about his experiences growing up in Brooklyn as a bona fide Durmanie.

For more on Anthony DeVito, visit: http://anthonydevito.com/HOME.html

Mr. Mishlove

Mr. Mishlove

Ersatz manager of Chekhov’s Wig, Mr. Mishlove has even won the hearts of Duran Duran during a confab in Chicago in October 2006. The notoriously curmudgeonly and perverse fellow will turn up in some form or fashion at the party, though it’s too early to reveal exactly how.

For more on Mr. Mishlove, visit: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mr-Mishlove/29251269952

Accommodations

If you’re coming in from out of town, it’s possible you’ve already set yourself up somewhere comfortable. If not, here’s a few possibilities for the hip urbanite…

The Pod Hotel
The Gershwin Hotel
Yotel
Hotel Pennsylvania

Hotel Le Jolie
The Box House Hotel

Also consider: www.airbnb.com, a short term apartment rental service.

Here’s a few spots right near the Knitting Factory you might consider hitting before the party kicks off at 7pm!

Fette Sau BBQ
Unbelievably delicious barbecue. Seriously. Swing by on your way to the party and have the brisket or Berkshire cheeks with a side of Guss’ half-sour kosher pickles!

Momofuku Milk Bar
Amazing sweets and pork buns. Just had the birthday truffles a week ago and I’m still smiling.

St. Anselm
If you hit Williamsburg on the peckish side and aren’t into loading up on BBQ before hitting the show, this is where you need to go. Grilled foie gras, burrata and grilled tomato and eggplant three ways with fried goat cheese and caramelized onions should whet your appetite.

Spuyten Duyvil
Down for some pre-show drinks and aren’t ready to hit the front room at the Knitting Factory? Hit Spuyten Duyvil at 5pm and you might even hear Chekhov’s Wig sound checking right around the corner!

Roebling Tea Room
For a more sophisticated pre-party experience, have some tea or alcohol and grab an early dinner here.

It’s all happening just a few steps from the Knitting Factory!

Just get there any way you can, and bring all yer friends… it’s gonna be a night to remember! It’s gonna sell out, so purchase your tickets in advance HERE.