It was finally a gorgeous sunny spring day! If we pretend that those snow flurries didn’t happen yesterday, we can declare the first signs of optimism about spring (as well as about the economy!) What better way to celebrate then to get out and see what’s cooking in the ‘Wick?

Friday, philanthropic options abound. You could venture west of Bushwick to support a neighborhood institution at the Showpaper Benefit Party featuring TK Webb & the Visions, Real Estate and Skeletons, among others. The Sanctuary of Hope is also hosting a benefit party to raise money to replace two stolen video cameras (which blows — sorry to hear that!).

Saturday is a busy one! During the day, literary fans should check out the Bushwick Reading Series at the Public Library — and while you’re there — get a library card! Aspiring curators: head to NURTUREart‘s Curatorial Workshop, proposals in hand. I personally loved what I saw of the shows that were chosen last year. In the evening, Black Dice (among others) play Market Hotel.

There’s an awesome-sounding thing happening at Starr Space: "Sweet Thunder was a band formed in 1997 … to sing songs exclusively about Niagara Falls. Sweet Thunder lasted two years, debuting in February 1998 at a Chelsea venue called The Cooler (ed. note: remember The Cooler!?), and later offering its swansong at Starbucks, Astor Place 1999. Many members of Sweet Thunder (think Casey Spooner, Andrew W.K., etc) have gone on to enjoy great success as solo artists, and this show brings the original group together for the first time in ten years!" Sounds fun and the poster hanging in the Wyckoff-Starr is awesome.

The B-Cat & C-Town variety show is back on at Petri Space, featuring: A Week Of Kindness (NYC Sketchfest, Seattle Sketchfest), Bent/Lind (two-man improv), The Amazing Coco (Karol, of Misnomer Dance), Bob Walls and Nat Towsen (The Moon Comedy Show). Plus dance party! Go CRAZY at the Lose Your Shit Loft Party at Jungle on Meserole. "The brainchild of DJ Smallchange and MeanRed productions, Lose Your Shit is a loft party series for the music-obsessed."

Sunday afternoon, check out Pocket Utopia‘s gorgeous current show and talk by artist Adam Simon. In the evening, it’s time for another installment of Moviehouse at 3rd Ward.

4/10 — Good Friday/Benefit Party
Music by: The Controversy, Andrew Hurst, Buddy HollyCo$t, Dark Inside the Sun
Sanctuary of Hope.
476 Onderdonk Avenue.
Doors at 9PM, $5

4/11 — Bushwick Reading Series
Bushwick Public Library.
340 Bushwick Ave.
4PM. Free.

4/11 — B-Cat & C-Town Variety Show
Petri Space.
114 Forrest Street Apt. 4C (buzzer 15
9PM-whenever.  FREE.

4/12 — Salon Discussion with Adam Simon
Pocket Utopia.
1037 Flushing Avenue.
4PM. FREE. (Refreshments served)