1) The creators of “Cirque du Rock,” a massive, multiconcept hard-rock show Thursday night at the Highline Ballroom, were not content to simply offer bands, art installations and circus sideshow performers for their extravaganza. Seeking to make it a true event, they wanted more.
“We had a dominatrix [at the last event] who treated her slave pretty bad,” says event co-creator and host NC Shuva. “She collected spit [from the audience], and then made him drink it. People were screaming at the top of their lungs.”
If this sounds more outrageous — or disgusting — than your average rock show, rest assured that Cirque du Rock seeks not to be gross, but to provide a mix of entertainment you won’t see anywhere else.
The lineup features six heavy-rock bands including Seventh Void, which includes two members of Type O Negative, and Shuva’s band, PUi. There will be also be two deejays, exhibits from several artists, a Sno-Cone machine, an aerialist and, yes, a return performance from the dominatrix, Goddess Shea.
Cirque du Rock came to life last year when Shuva and his band found that their Faith No More-ish sound wasn’t easily categorized, making it hard to find gigs.
“We’re heavy rock. Middle Eastern metal,” says Shuva, who’s Turkish and dresses like a cast member from “300” on stage.
“We had a lot of Middle Eastern melodies, and then an R&B singer. It’s a pretty ‘out there’ combination. So we had to create our own path.”
In addition to more conventional attractions, Shuva will host the show while sitting atop an 8-foot-tall rusted steel sculpture of a skeleton placed next to the stage. Plus, a video of tattoo artist Paul Booth inking a design from start to finish will play between band performances.
All this stimuli, he says, creates a visceral experience for the crowd.
“When we were onstage last time, this outrageous mosh pit started, and we reversed places with the audience. They got onstage — about 50 people — and the band was on the floor. It was one of the most memorable moments of the event. The whole place turned upside down.”
While the mix of outrageous elements and sounds calculated for maximum shock impact, Shuva emphasizes that his interest is wholly organic — which is exactly what he believes makes the show a fascinating and unique experience.
“This is an artist-conceived event,” he says. “We’re not just trying to get them in the door; we’re creating something true to us. That’s why they’re coming — to see that truth.”
2) Judah Friedlander: Trade love for laughs this Valentine’s Day with a stand-up set from “30 Rock” star Judah Friedlander. The self-proclaimed “world champion” takes his act to Comix next weekend. Tickets and showtimes at comixny.com.
Also onstage this week: Citizen Cope at Music Hall of Williamsburg Wed. & Thurs.; and the Bowery Ballroom Friday.
3) Barneys Warehouse Sale: Thaw out your credit card and prepare to get elbowed at the annual winter warehouse sale this week. From Thursday through Feb. 28, thrifty shoppers can score savings of 50 to 75 percent on designer clothing, shoes, accessories and home goods; barneys.com
Also on sale this week: The Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls holds its annual rock ’n’ roll auction Tuesday at the Knitting Factory.
4) “Sirens” at Lolita Bar: Artist Jason Shelowitz debuts 10 colorful canvases of “dangerously alluring vocalists” in his first solo show at Lolita Bar (266 Broome St.) Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. Eclectic musicians such as Sia, Santogold and Lily Allen are the subjects of his multi-medium paintings, which he says “are meant to be fun and make your eyes smile.” The exhibit runs through April 11; jayshells.com