Pirate Party Pig Roast at Water Taxi Beach
By Emily Hulme
• The Pirate Party Pig Roast is at Water Taxi Beach in Long Island City on Monday (rain date Tuesday).
When artists throw parties, odds are you’re going to experience something a little out of the ordinary.
Arts organization chashama, which is good at making things happen with little money, is holding its second annual Pirate Party Pig Roast on Monday, complete with a DJ, fire-breathers, jugglers, burlesque acts and more.
“We’re going to have a hair sculptor,” said Anita Durst, founder and principal of chashama. “Her name is Edisa Weeks, and she puts these beautiful flowers or mousetraps or merry-go-rounds, just beautiful things in your hair, and everyone’s walking around with these great sculptures in their hair.”
At an economical $20 a ticket, the festivities also include an open bar and barbecue — both vegan and non-vegan.
Founded in 1995, chashama matches artists with affordable studio, gallery and performance space by working with landlords who are between tenants and have temporarily available space.
After getting into the party game last year with its first pig roast, chashama is expecting to double the turnout with 1,000 people for this year’s festivities, Durst said.
“I think I personally throw very good parties. I love to see many people coming out and having a good time, and there’s a certain vibration when people are enjoying themselves,” she said.
The guest of honor is Ben Rodriguez-Cubeñas, program director of grant-giving organization Rockefeller Brothers Fund, but the party is a chance for everyone to kick back and celebrate.
“We’re honoring Ben for the work that he does for the community and the culture,” Durst said, “and it’s also a way for us to thank the artists and to thank our funders and our landlords.”
