BOOKS: Jessica Fellowes at the Strand
We've missed Downton Abbey so much we've either risked our digital security to stream the third season from the UK or been reduced to watching the reboot of Upstairs, Downstairs as filler. With a month to go before Laura Linney next says those magical words, "This is Masterpiece Classic" (and who knows how long before The Gilded Age), fill the void with an evening of all things Downton at the Strand. Carole Wallace, who co-wrote How to Marry an English Lord (a major source of inspiration for the series), will join series creator Julian Fellowes' niece Jessica Fellowes to discuss Fellowes' new book The Chronicles of Downton Abbey and the upcoming season. Will Anna ever reunite with Bates? Can Lady Edith catch a break? How long until Maggie Smith gets her next Emmy? Get your fix tonight!
Strand Bookstore, 828 Broadway, (212) 473-1452. 6:30 p.m. Free with purchase of a $10 Strand gift card.
MUSIC: Hip Hop Gods at Irving Plaza
This traveling revue brings together Public Enemy, Black Sheep, X-Clan, Leaders of the New School, Sons of Bazerk and other golden age hip-hop acts.
Irving Plaza, 17 Irving Place, (212) 777-6800. 7 p.m. $32.50
PARTY: Night Lights at Gansevoort Plaza
To honor World Aids Day this weekend, Canadian electrofunk duo Chromeo are dropping a DJ set at this outdoor party. Organizers promise a spectacular light show and a 250-liter bottle of (sponsor) Belvedere vodka, which we're pretty sure isn't for drinking.
Gansevoort Plaza, Ninth Avenue at Gansevoort Street. 8:30 p.m. Free.