Band in a Bubble

The rock group Cartel is getting ready to record their new album -- in a giant transparent bubble on Pier 54. The Cartel boys will eat, sleep, and record in the bubble from May 24 through June 12. You're invited to come down and play voyeur and even communicate with the band via two-way speakers and a bank-teller slot for passing notes. There will be plenty of free Dr. Pepper flowing, courtesy of the event sponsor (guess who?).

The giant bubble (that's it in the picture) houses a state-of-the-art recording studio, kitchen, dining area, bathroom, lounge, and giant sleeping pod with bunk beds. These guys are either total exhibitionists or some of the world's greatest sports.

And naturally, there will be a reality show on MTV documenting Cartel's experience in the bubble. The band's entrance into the bubble will be broacast live on MTV on Thursday night at 11PM. At 8PM on June 12, Cartel will exit the bubble and perform a free concert at Hudson River Park's Pier 54.

• Get married by Cartel. If you're interested in getting married in a giant bubble on live TV, email your love story to shropshire@trueentertainment.net. The couple with the best story will be wed live on MTV by a member of Cartel.



• Watch Cartel in the bubble via 24/7 web cams. Go ahead, invade their privacy. They want you to.