Date: Tuesday, July 1st Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm Location: Central Park Sheep Meadow (near W. 68th St and Tavern on the Green) Cost: Free
"Come-one-come-all class of esoteric Hatha Yoga this Tuesday night in Central Park. Learn the deeper connection between asanas and the 7 chakras, flows of energy and power of mental concentration in this introductory class. Practice is suitable for experienced yogis and beginners. Bring a yoga mat or towel and wear comfortable clothing. All are welcome!"
"The gut-shaking sound of bass-heavy, progressive dance music will snake its way up from the underground this summer" as the River to River festival pulls a gutsy move and brings some of the worlds premier low-end electronic specialists to. Tonight they continue the series with UK dubstep master, Kode9. Special guests include MC Juakali and Dub War's own DJ Dave Q. Forward Motion Theater provides the visuals. All Ages.
Date: Tuesdays Time:10:00pm Location: 205 (205 Chrystie St. at Stanton St.) Cost: Free
DFA’s Justin Miller and Runaway’s Jacques Renault, along with the occasional Grade-A guest, spin a disreputable array of down-and-dirty beats in 205’s reliably fun basement. Check out their site for weekly special guests. 21+
Date: Wednesday, June 2nd Time: 11:00am - 3:00pm Location: South Street Seaport at Fulton & South Streets Cost: Free
FreedomFest is a patriotic festival with free food, music, carnival games and prizes. The highlight of the event will be the "Running of the Sams," a fun-run competition between patriotic Americans dressed like Uncle Sam who will hop scotch, hula hoop and hippity hop to the finish line for a chance to win great prizes. And, as a special Fourth of July thank you to those serving America, 15 active military families who attend will also receive one month of free rent/mortgage. The event is free and open to the public.
Date: Wednesday, July 2nd Time: 7:00pm Location: Angels & Kings (500 East 11th St.) Cost: Free
As most of you know from reading FreeNYC, every once and a while I like to nerd out on some science and all around geeky stuff. Lately I am finding more people of a similar dorky mindset. And apparently the people over at Angels and Kings do too as they host Nerd Nite every month. It's described pretty accurately as "like the Discovery Channel with beer." Tonight's Nerd Nite edition features "Ben Nugent, author of American Nerd: The Story of My People, will share some of the research that went into his book, while Eric Molinsky demonstrates tips and tricks of animation, and Kristen Klemenhagen discusses multicolored pictures of areas of'"brain
activity' detected via functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), a type of experimental neuroimaging that can be done using an MRI magnet. Phew!" Full details of each discussion below.
Presentation #1
How Cartoons Come to Life
by Eric Molinsky
Description: Isn't animation extremely tedious? Isn't it all done on computers now? Isn¹t it really hard to do a live cartoon? This presentation will allow you to learn the secrets of the craft that
brought Dumbo, Bambi, and Bugs Bunny to life.
Presentation #2
A Brief History of the Nerd
by Benjamin Nugent
Description: "Nerd" is like "white person" in that it's a scientifically invalid category that affects us all. What is the history of this all-important construct? From romanticism to anti-semitic caricature in early industrial England to the Muscular Christianity movement to Zane Grey's assertion that all real boys like baseball to the engineering school humor magazines of the late 1950s to Superbad, it's largely painful. Come experience catharsis.
Presentation #3
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A Painless Peek Inside the Brain
by Kristen Klemenhagen
Description: You may be familiar with images from the popular press showing multicolored pictures of areas of "brain activity" detected via functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). However, fMRI is only one type of experimental neuroimaging that can be done using an MRI magnet. Learn about what fMRI actually measures (and what it does not measure), and about other interesting but less well-known imaging modalities. You'll also learn a hot dance move called the "hydrogen proton precession" while learning about MRI physics, and hear about some recent controversial functional imaging studies.
Date: Wednesday, June 2nd Time: 7:00pm Location: Madison Square Park (23rd St & Broadway) Cost: Free
This dynamic Nashville-based family band heralds the new brand of bluegrass music that has earned them multiple Grammy nominations. Their high octane shows include twin fiddles, Irish step dancing, classic country yodeling and old-time claw hammer banjo in addition to their signature bluegrass. All Ages.
Date: Wednesday, July 2nd Time: 8:00pm Location: Union Hall (702 Union St., P'Slope) Cost: Free
You probably already know I love Union Hall's Secret Science Club! But what you may not have already known, is that I love it even more when it's about Anthropology and Evolution! Tonight, Anthropologist William Jungers lectures on Human and Primate Origins. "Set the dial on the Wayback Machine... One of the world’s most eminent evolutionary morphologists, Dr. William Jungers asks: How have hominids changed over the last 6 million years? What do we know about the behavior of our human ancestors? When (and why) did some primates start walking upright?" He is chair of the Department of Anatomical Sciences at Stony Brook University’s School of Medicine,
Before and After groove to bone-jangling tunes and video in Union Hall’s subterranean grotto and try the cocktail of the night, the Naked Ape.
Date: Wednesday, June 2nd Time: 8:00pm Location: Studio B Rooftop (259 Banker St, Greenpoint) Cost: Free
Its time for a little after-work BBQ Studio B style. Hop on up to their rooftop for 2 hours of free BBQ (8-11) this evening, followed by 2 hrs (10-12) of 2-for-1 martinis. There are giveaways for anyone who shows up in swimwear (men are respectfully asked to leave their manthongs and speedos at home) and the Takeover Theory crew provides the music. with special guest DJ Oxy Cottontail. 21+
Date: Wednesday, June 2nd Time: 10:00pm Location: Bowery Poetry Club (308 Bowery, bet. Bleecker & Houston) Cost: Free
Theatre of Fools is a new live music showcase on the first Wednesday of each month. "It’s a night of non-stop fun featuring live music from Duv,Ganessa James,The Fools, and Sean T. Hanratty plus a multi-prize free raffle between sets and drink specials all night long. Old Flyer. 21+
Date: Thursday, July 3rd Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm Location: Trinity Church (Broadway at Wall Street) Cost: Free
"Trinity Wall Street presents its third annual summer concert series featuring performances on its Marshall & Ogletree American Classic virtual pipe organ. This year’s program, Pedals and Pumps: A Festival of Organ Divas, highlights contemporary female musicianship and kicks off with a performance on July 3rd, 2008 by Italian concert organists and recording artists Federica Iannella and Giuliana Maccaron, who will use both chancel and gallery consoles during their concert, perform four-hand works by Morandi and Rossini."
Date: Thursday, July 3rd Time: 6:30pm - 7:30pm Location: Ukrainian East Village Restaurant (140 2nd Ave. btw 8th & 9th St.) Cost: Free with mention of FreeNYC
Want something different for your Thursday night? How about a tango lesson? Eat, drink and tango at the Ukrainian East Village Restaurant. Ordinarily this lesson would run 10 big ones, if you mention FreeNYC at the door though the teach lets you in for free!
Our group classes are relaxed, fun, informative, and no partner is required in group classes as partners are constantly rotated. This accomplishes two things – students get used to dancing with different partners, honing their skills for the social dance scene and everyone get a chance to meet new people and make new friends... after class stay for a while and practice your new steps... Dinner and drinks are optional... dinner & drinks at the Ukrainian is delicious and inexpensive...
Anthony Blackwell and Ye-Ling Chen have been teaching tango for many years. Using a strong psychological approach to teaching and a thorough knowledge of technique helps to convey the concepts of dance effectively making the learning process easy and enjoyable for their students. Using a holistic approach, they aid students' development in every aspect of dance and at every level, from basic beginner to professional. Cultivating a connection between dancers to foster musicality, improvisation and self-expression, with unique and innovative ideas on the social dance floor, remains "true" to the essence of the social dance. They promote a thorough understanding of the contributions of both dancers (leaders & followers) while emphasizing technique, including balance, posture, and muscle tone. Anthony and Ye-Ling are a dynamic duo. They have performed at Lincoln Center and been featured on Fox News and written up in the New York Times and countless other appearances on TV, Stage and print.
If you are new to Argentine tango, we'll get you dancing in no time! You are not expected to know anything about tango or about partner dancing; you don't need to bring a partner.
Date: Thursday, July 3rd Time: 9:00pm Location: Studio B Rooftop Garden (259 Banker St, G'point) Cost: Free with RSVP Open Bar: 9:00pm - 10:00pm
Many years ago some friends and I decided that July 3rd was actually the best day of the long weekend to celebrate, and it would seem that some people at Studio B may also agree. Tonight for part 3 of Live at the BBQ, Large Professor and Juju of the Beatnuts perform and Teddy King DJs. Plus an hour of open bar and free BBQ (until its all eaten up).
Date: Thursday, July 3rd Time: 9:00pm Location: Glassbead Collective (47 Thames Street Roof, B'wick) Cost: Free
Tonight at the new Glass Bead Collective Lab in Brooklyn examines American identity and patriotism with an immersive audio-visual performance set on a gigantic rooftop in honor of Independence Day.
Date: Friday, July 4th Time: Event begins 10:00am, Contest begins 12:00pm Location: Nathan’s Famous (1310 Surf Avenue at Stillwell Ave.) Cost: Free
The world’s greatest eaters will compete at the historic Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island today. Japanese eating phenom Takeru Kobayashi will attempt to regain his title against last years reigning champ, America's Joey Chestnut. At 10am the pre-game kicks of with performances, 11am is the introduction of eaters and then at 12pm the contest begins.
Date: Friday, July 4th Time: 9:00pm Location: East River from 42nd St to the Statue of Liberty Cost: Free
It's long standing FreeNYC tradition to spend July 4th surrounded in beer cans and BBQ down at the Jersey shore. This year however we're keeping the boozing local in order to get a glimpse of the infamous Macy's Independence Day fireworks. They are set off from the East River between 23rd and 42nd Streets, the Statue of Liberty, and the South Street Seaport. While the Statue of Liberty display is best seen from the West side, The East River and Seaport displays can be seen along the East Side and in BK where ever you can get a piece of unobstructed sky. Click here for official details and viewing locations.
Date: Friday, July 4th Time: 10:00pm Location: Bar 13 (35 e13th St and University) Cost: Free
Hometown Heroes celebrate the birth of a nation tonight with a DIY Williamsburg BBQ. Rok One, Iron Lyon, Compex, and Rugged One all share turntable duties while you sling back $3 Brooklyn Lagers. The grills will be open so don't forget to bring your goods. And if you get there early, check out this dayside party with Bad Decision, VDRK, Famous Friends, and more. 21+
Date: Friday, July 4th Time: 10:00pm Location: Bar 13 (35 e13th St and University) Cost: Free
Celebrate the forth with a solid bout of minimal as Atomly [Wolf+Lamb], Gio [Porch NYC], and Vadim [LESS] take over Bar 13 along with residents Los, Giovanni, Steve LeTigre. 21+
Date: Friday, July 4th Time: 10:30pm Location: Savalas (285 Bedford, W'burg) Cost: Free Open Bar: Jameson 10:30 - 11:30
You know how I like to celebrate the 4th? With a good old fashioned panty raid! DJ Mel from Texas, Deep Sand from DC and Cousin Cole from NYC all celebrate independence at Savalas tonight by spinning hip hop, r&b, dance, funk, etc. Plus nothing says America like a free hour of Jameson.
Date: Saturday, July 5th Time: 1:30pm Location: Colonel's Row, Governer's Island Cost: Free
Coming back from Figment last weekend, two "Planetary Dancers" were excited about this afternoon's concert with legendary folk-pop singer/songwriter Janis Ian. Of course, since my folk leanings are more towards Meg Biard or the Wood Brothers, I knew very little about Ms. Ian, "a Grammy-award winning performer [who] hit it big in 1975 with her single 'At Seventeen', a bittersweet commentary on adolescent cruelty and teenage angst. In her 40-year history, this Grammy award-winning performer’s music continues to reflect and transcend the challenges of our times." Time to get schooled this afternoon. Free ferry info below. All Ages.
Colonel’s Row, Governor’s Island. Free ferry service available every hour, on the hour, starting at 10 a.m. from the Battery Maritime Building in lower Manhattan, adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry.
Date: Saturday, July 5th Time: 3:00pm - 10:00pm Location: Dreamland Pavilion Coney Island Cost: Free
"One of New York City’s successful and long running soirees, The Melting Pot NYC [continues] its summer music series Coney Island stylee. The series of six features the global dance soul sounds of MPot resident DJs Kervyn Mark and Kamala." This afternoon features special guest Kevyn Mark and Kamala from TMPNYC. Old Flyer, All Ages.
Date: Saturday, July 5th Time: 3:00pm - 7:00pm Location: Central Park Summerstage (directions) Cost: Free
One of the best things about summer in New York City is Central Park's Summerstage. Today is a day of global rock featuring Algerian raï-punk from Rachid Taha, the Cambodian–infused psychedelic rock of Dengue Fever, and guitar-driven soundscapes direct from the Lower East Side courtesy of Apollo Heights.
Date: Saturday, July 5th Time: 5:00pm Location: Richmond Shepard Theatre (309 E 26th St) Cost: Free with RSVP at 212.684.2690
The Best Party ever is a "satirical Two Act Play about a Keg Party followed by an Office Party consisting of vignettes, sketches, and monologues. This show ignites onstage with a Congo Line in the First Act and a Bunny Hop in the Second Act." Normally, $21 to get in, tonight it's free for FreeNYC readers which sounds like the perfect pregame or post-BBQ activity. Be sure to RSVP and mention FreeNYC for the free admission. $4 beer and wine served. 21+
Date: Saturday, July 5th Time: 6:00pm Location: AfroPunk Skate Park, BAM (corner of Lafayette and Flatbush, Ft. Greene) Cost: Free
Those AfroPunk folks are at it again, celebrating the intersection of African American culture, skate culture, punk rock music, and alternative youth culture in general. This year they've stepped up the game by building a skate park in the BAM parking lot. Tonight they start it up with a live music from Janelle Monae, The Apes, Shawn Hewitt, and Millsted. Lots more info here. All Ages.
Date: Saturday, July 5th Time: 7:00pm Location: Prospect Park Bandshell (9th St & Prospect Park West, Park Slope) Cost: Free
I know nothing about this one so here we go with the cut and paste... With hints of reggaetón and other urban strains flavoring his classic New York sound, the dashing salsero Michael Stuart’s style “isn't your abuelita's salsa,” (All Music) but it will get you up and dancing. William Cepeda adds a dose of traditional Puerto Rican roots to the mix with special guest Angel Luis Torrullas, the "King of the Plena", while Zemog turns tradition on its ear with a sound “more all-encompassing than Manu Chao … not to mention heavier, artsier, and maybe wackier—yet no less catchy.” (Village Voice)
Date: Saturday, July 5th Time: 11:00pm - 4:00am Location: Union Hall (593 Union Ave at N. 11 St, W'burg) Cost: Free
DJ Danomyte and DJ Bugbear are back with their monthly throwdown at banker-tinged hipster haven, Royal Oak. Now, almost 3 years old, I'm sure you've drunkenly stumbled into this party (you've most certainly drunkenly stumbled out) known for its late night makeout session, drunken dancing, and assorted debauchery. 21+
Date: Sunday, July 6th Time: 3:00pm - 7:00pm Location: Central Park Summerstage (directions) Cost: Free
One of the best things about summer in New York City is Central Park's Summerstage. Today afro-Beat, hip hop, and dub converge on the stage. Funk, soul and percussion meet consciousness as Seun Kuti and Egypt80 join forces. Afrika Bambaataa, the legendary DJ and community leader from the South Bronx brings his classic hip hop sounds. And rounding out the line up is Jamaican toaster U-Roy joining forces with Lower East Side dub group Love Trio.
Date: Sunday, July 6th Time: 7:00pm Location: Freebird Books (123 Columbia St btw. Kane and Degraw, Cobble Hill) Cost: Free
Two up and coming authors, Nuar Alsadir and Nick Flynn, read from their latest this evening at this Cobble Hill independent book spot. Nick Flynn is author of Another Bullshit Night in Suck City and the recent play Alice Invents a Little Game and Alice Always Wins. Nuar Alsadir has published poems and essays in numerous periodicals, including Grand Street, The Kenyon Review, Agni, and others. All Ages.
Smooth out your weekend with some deep, soulful house on one of the city's best soundsystems for it. DJ Markus Rice and the evolve crew bring the soulful beats. you bring the baby powder. 21+
The Brooklyn Independent Cinema Series celebrates that master of Gonzo Journalism, Hunter S Thompson, tonight with a short and feature film. It kicks off with Wayne Ewing's short doc, Gonzo Journalism." "Exploring the nature of Gonzo Journalism and the effect of drugs on the art of writing, this short documents P.J. O'Rourke's Rolling Stone interview with Hunter S. Thompson at his Owl Farm compound." Then it's Blue Kraning's "Blasted," a "fun-loving but poignant... and a document of how his legacy continues to live on in the hearts and minds of his fans. Blasted!!! follows the many "Gonzo Patriots" across America that volunteered their personally owned artillery to fulfill the good doctor's last wish to have his ashes fired from a cannon."
Date: Monday, July 7th Time: Films begin at Dusk (about 8ish) Location: Bryant Park (40th and 42nd Sts & Fifth and Sixth Aves) Cost: Free
Bring your picnic baskets and pull up some lawn for an evening under the stars with the HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival. Every Monday throughout the summer HBO dusts off some old classic movies and plays them on a big screen in Bryant Park. Tonight set your eyes on The Man Who Came to Dinner. "An acerbic radio commentator drops in one night for dinner and stays all winter. Written by the Epstein brothers (who penned the crackling dialogue in Casablanca), the cast of this farce includes Bette Davis, Anne Sheridan and Jimmy Durante."
Date: Monday, July 7th Time: 8:00pm Location: The Living Theatre (21 Clinton Street) Cost: Free
Tonight, The Living Theatre presents a free reading of Kevin Anthony Kautzman's play Then Waves. "This stunning, severe play explores the imprint that the violence of war leaves on its survivors. Kautzman alternates free verse with nipping dialogue in this study of a troubled veteran. All Ages.
New York Classical Theatre's mission is to reinvigorate and create audiences for the theatre by presenting free productions of popular classics and forgotten masterpieces in non-traditional public spaces throughout New York City. This week they present Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth staged throughout Battery Park and Castle Clinton—as the play moves from scene to scene, the audience follows the performance from place to place. Full dates below. All Ages.
Date: Tuesday, July 8th Time: 7:00pm Location: St. Mary's Park (146th St at St. Ann's Ave, Bronx) - map Cost: Free
Eddy Zervigon’s famed charanga band brings its flutes, violins and congas to the Bronx as Orquestra Broadway (or Orquesta depending on the website you read) plays a free sunset show this evening. More on the band below. All Ages.
This release from the oldest charanga in "El Norte" (U.S.A.), Orquesta Broadway, celebrates four decades of continuous devotion to the traditional sounds end styles of Cuban music. Led by the magical flute of Eddy Zervigón, the orchestra was originally founded by the Zervigón brothers (Eddy, Rudy, and Kelvin) and baptized Orquesta Broadway by Catalina Rolón (manager of New York City's popular Palladium nightclub) in 1962, because all of its members lived on or near Broadway. Immediately the bend became the musical sensation at the Palladium and throughout the Big Apple. Zervigón's use of a five-key French wooden flute with excellent high pitched tones set the orchestra's sound apart from all others. The blending of a lead flute with violins and Afro-Cuban percussion and vocals created the successful sound of Orquesta Broadway, which rapidly earned the love of aficionados from all corners of the world. This recording delivers a repertoire of some of the orchestra's best-known hit songs, as well as new material. They open with the Eugenio Hernández classic compositions Mulata (a Cuban favorite) and Isla Del Encanto (the Nuyorican national anthem). Other favorites are Arrepiéntete, featuring the guest vocals of Rafael "Felo" Barrio (ah original member of the orchestra), and the charanga classics Yo Bailo Con Ella and La Negra Fuló. Special guest musicians in the recording include Alfredo de la Fé (violin), Roberto Rodriguez, Jr. (trumpet), Iván Zervigón (percussion), plus Eugenio Hernández and Verny Varela on vocals. (Latin Beat Magazine)
Date: Tuesday, July 8th Time: 7:00pm Location: Naumburg Bandshell, Central Park - map Cost: Free
Since 1905, the Naumburg Orchestral Concerts has continuously presented free, outdoor classical music concerts to New Yorkers of all walks of life. Named after founder and philanthropist Elkan Naumburg, who donated the Naumburg Bandshell to New York City in 1923, and inspired by his own love of music, the series seeks to stimulate and encourage new and expanded audiences for classical music in the informal and beautiful setting of Central Park. Tonight's program below. All Ages.
Date: Tuesday, July 8th Time: Doors and performances at 4:00pm; Movie at dusk (about 8:00pm) Location: The McCarren Park Pool (Lorimer St between Driggs and Bayard Ave) Cost: Free
Today is the Williamsburg Block Party and the kick off of Summerscreen, the L Magazine's summer movie series. Helena Maria, Mattison, A Million Years and and The King Left perform as part of a benefit for Open Space Alliance, plus a sunset screening of Wet Hot American Summer with and introduction from Michael Showalter.
Date: Wednesday, July 9th Time: 6:30pm - 9:30pm (doors, 6:00pm) Location: Tobacco Warehouse, Brooklyn Bridge Park (1 Main St, DUMBO) map Cost: Free
Tonight is the kickoff for DUMBO's Music At the Bridge series, where five Brooklyn performance spaces—each with a limited seating capacity, but impeccable taste and a lot of heart and personality— are invited to make the Tobacco Warehouse their home for the evening. This evening is currated by FreeNYC Favorite Barbés, Park Slope's forward-thinking space for global music, art, and film. Featuring performances by Las Rubias Del Norte (angelic harmonies set to a South of the Border beat), The Parker String Quartet (from Beethoven to Ligeti and back)and Mandingo Ambassadors (West African guitar music from the ‘60s). With video manipulations by Shaun Irons and Lauren Petty. More info on the artists below. All Ages.
Las Rubias Del Norte
The sound of Las Rubias Del Norte is a re-invention, a nostalgic throwback to a time and place mostly imagined where Peruvian waltzes, Andean huaynos and Cuban Guajiras mix with French opera, Cowboy tunes and Bollywood classics. The result plays like a dreamy soundtrack with classical harmonies set to a Latin beat. Songs on their latest album Panamericana have been called sparkling gems (The New Yorker) and their harmonies described as pure as Andean air (LA Times). The group has been featured on NPR's Weekend Edition. They will be joined by The Parker String Quartet on a few songs.
The Parker String Quartet
Founded in 2002 by four NEC students, The Parker String Quartet has already gone on to win the Grand prize at the Bordeaux String Quartet competition and has been called "extraordinary" by Allan Koznin of The New York Times in his review of their Carnegie Hall debut. The quartet is known for playing high profile concerts in halls across the world as well as more unorthodox concerts in alternative venues such as Barbès. They will join forces with Las Rubias Del Norte on a few songs and draw from their repertoire which includes Beethoven, Bartok, Haydn and Ligeti.
The Mandingo Ambassadors
The Mandingo Ambassadors originally formed in Guinea, West Africa in the late 1960s by guitarist Mamady Djelike Kouyate and singer Emile Soumah. Their music became some of the most beloved and influential of their generation and their songs were widely imitated. Mamady later went on to perform for many years with Guinea’s most popular group, Bembeya Jazz National. Now based in New York, Mamady Kouyate has decided to revive The Ambassadors. His electrifying guitar-work is supported by the new Mandingo Ambassadors, a crew of Guinean and American musicians who have steeped their glorious sound in classic 60's Guinean mandingo music.
Date: Wednesday, July 9th Time: 7:00pm Location: Rockefeller Park (River Terrace and Warren St) - map Cost: Free
This is my sleeper event of the week... There is so much going on today that I think a lot of people are - unfortunately - going to overlook this free show with North Carolina's The Avett Brothers. Playing an acoustic-tinged mix of folk, country, blues, and southern-fried rock, The Avett Brother's play some honest Americana that comes off heart-felt but not overproduced like so much coming out from below the Mason Dixon. All Ages.
Date: Wednesday, July 9th Time: 7:00pm Location: Brower Park (St. Marks and Park Place, Brooklyn) - map Cost: Free
Yes, yes y'all, Brand Nubian are back. Originally hailing from New Rochelle, New York, Grand Puba, Sadat X, and Lord Jamar are reunited to bring fresh, conscious hip hop to the masses. You'll recognize Nubian’s 80's hits include “Wake Up” and “Word is Bond” but there's new material in the works. Expect plenty of classics and some new drops this evening. All Ages.
Date: Wednesday, July 9th Time: 7:00pm Location: Brower Park (St. Marks and Park Place, Brooklyn) - map Cost: Free
Now in its 10th year, Socrates Sculpture Park's Outdoor Cinema series combines performance, film, and food into a weekly, internationally-influences, sunset event. Tonight's kickoff event features a screening of Slingshot Hip Hop and "exhilarating documentary... [that tells] the dynamic stories of young Palestinians who use Hip Hop to surmount divisions imposed by occupation and poverty. Also on the bill is Who's on First, a documentary about the first ever Greek baseball team and the 2004 Olympics. Live music is provided by Mohammed Al Farra (from PR) and Abeer from Slingshot Hip Hop (from Lyd) and Greek cuisine (may or may not be free, someone let us know) is provided by Opa! Souvlaki. Trailer below. All ages.
Date: Wednesday, July 9th Time: Dusk (around 8 or 8:30) Location: Pier 54 (14th st and the Hudson River) Cost: Free
On top of getting to watch movies outside on beautiful summer nights on the Hudson River, the other thing I like about River Flicks is every year they pick a central theme for their screenings. This year they take on the world of music in movies. Tonight's film is La Bamba, the biographical story of the rise from nowhere of singer Ritchie Valens. Seating is first come, first served, and as always the popcorn is free!
"Booklyn Artist Alliance is excited to announce the publication of Haiku Not Bombs, the latest edition of the Another Booklyn Chapbook series, a letterpressed/silkscreened handmade series. Please join Booklyn and Collectivo Haiku authors for a book release party including readings and films from the book in a multimedia extravaganza." Readings and films by Tom Gilroy, Jim McKay, Shin Yu Pai and Patrick So.
Date: Wednesday, July 9th Time: 10:00pm Location: Galapagos, 70 N 6th St, W'burg Cost: Free
Jubilee (Trash Menagerie) and Jesse Mann (Body Music, Bembe) kick off a new monthly series tonight at our beloved Galapagos. They welcome Volvex from Bostons's Basstown parties for an evening of bass heavy bangers... baseline, grime, heavy electro... you know, whatever suits their fancy. 21+
Date: Thursdays in July Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Crotona Park (Charlotte St. & Crotona Park East Bronx) Cost: Free
"The Crotona Park Jams, now in their sixth year, are recreations of the legendary park jams of Hip Hop's earliest years, growing up in the Bronx. At the annual Crotona Park Jams, the DJs are the show and they decide if, which and when MCs can get on the mic, during their sets, as it was in the beginning. Please join us and guests from all nations, in the Bronx this July as we celebrate the true culture of Hip Hop with legends and pioneers rocking the turntables and the mic. Not only do legends command the stage, master practitioners of every element can be found throughout the audience." Tonight features DJ Scratch, Jazzy Joyce, & PopMaster Fabel. Directions and full schedule below. All Ages.
July 10: DJ Scratch (1988 New Music Seminar DJ Champ), Jazzy Joyce & PopMaster Fabel (Rock Steady Crew)
July 17: DJ GrandMaster Caz (Cold Crush Brothers), DJ Lord Finesse (DITC) & Mix Master Ice (U.T.F.O.). Special guests MC Pebblee Poo with DJ Imperial Jaycee
July 24: Kool DJ Red Alert (Kiss FM), DJ Steve Dee (1990 New Music Seminar DJ Champ),Rockin Rob (Mean Machine). Special guest: Chief Rocker Busy Bee (1985 New Music Seminar MC Champ).
July 31: DJ Cash Money (1988 DMC World Champion), GrandWizzard Theodore (inventor of the scratch) & Jazzy Jay (Strong City) with special guest: T La Rock performing "It's Yours"
Crotona Park is located at Charlotte St. & Crotona Park East Bronx NYC 10460. Take the 2 or 5 train to 174th and walk West on Boston Road. Make a right on 173rd St. then a left onto Crotona Park East. Buses to get you there include: BX 11, 15, 17 & 55.
Date: Thursday, July 10th Time: 6:00pm Location: Pier 54 (Hudson River and 13th Street) Cost: Free
Tonight, back by popular demand both Yerba Buena and Si-Se return to Pier 54 for River Rocks. Known as New York's Latin-Groove Funk Collective, Yerba Buena has received critical acclaim and a Grammy Award nomination. Together with Si-Se's mix of electronic, jazz, and Latin, both bands will create a RiverRocks Celebracion not to be missed. Also featured are DJ Nicodemus of Turntables on the Hudson, and rounding it all out is NYC Latin, soul, electronica DJ Carol C.
Date: Thursday, July 10th Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm Location: The Camera Club of New York (336 West 37th street bet. 8th and 9th Aves) Cost: Free
WNYC presents an opening this evening of photographer Joe Wigfall, winner of their Street Shots Challenge. “Joe Wigfall combines psychological acuity with impeccable composition—on the fly, of course—and a deep, virtually Rembrandt-etching feeling for tonality,” says Sante. “Mr. Wigfall knows his people intimately—you sense that he finds a bit of himself in every one of his subjects. In addition, there's a mystery in every shot, something left unresolved that works on our imaginations. You can't see his pictures once without wanting to go back to them again and again.” All Ages
Date: Thursday, July 10th Time: 7:00pm Location: Herbert Von King Park (Marcy and Lafayette, Brooklyn) map Cost: Free
NYC's non-stop supply of summer concerts continues tonight with none other than Whodini! "Whodini was a major force on the early-80s rap scene, recording genre classics like “Friends” and “Freaks Come Out At Night.” The group’s debut Escape was one of the first hip-hop albums to go platinum, and for a while held the title of biggest selling rap album. Perhaps more importantly, Whodini was the first rap group to add an R&B flavor to their sound, thereby laying the groundwork for the New Jack Swing that would emerge a few years later." All Ages.
Date: Thursday, July 10th Time: 7:00pm - 10:00pm Location: Summerstage, Central Park map Cost: Free
Celebrate Reggae culture this evening with a free performance by I-Wayne and a screening of the classic, The Harder They Come staring Jimmy Cliff. More on both of these below but today's list is getting long so that's all you need to know for now. All Ages.
In The Harder They Come, Reggae superstar Jimmy Cliff plays the character Ivan, a rural Jamaican musician who journeys to the city of Kingston in search of fame and fortune. Pushed to desperate circumstances by shady record producers and corrupt cops, he finally achieves notoriety- as a murderous outlaw. Boasting some of the greatest music ever produced in Jamaica, The Harder They Come brought the catchy and subversive rhythms of the Rastas to the U.S. in the early '70s.
I-Wayne was born in Portmore, Jamaica to a musical family, and has been performing since he was seven years old. His first album Lava Ground, released in 2005, was praised for returning to the roots of Reggae. His most recent album Book of Life reflects I-Wayne’s message of positivity, while maintaining a smooth and mellow vibe.
Date: Thursday, July 10th Time: 7:30pm Location: Asser Levy/Seaside Park (West 5th St & Surf Ave, Coney Island) Cost: Free
Sure, why not swing it up to a little seaside Michael Bolton? Any man who's sold 53 million records and played guitar with BB King deserves a not from FreeNYC. More below. All Ages.
If you made a list of performers who have sold more than 53 million records, won multiple Grammy trophies for Best Male Vocalist and countless other honors, earned a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame and sold out arenas worldwide, Michael Bolton would be on that list.
But if you tallied all the artists who've sung with Luciano Pavarotti and Ray Charles, written songs with Bob Dylan, penned hits for Barbra Streisand and KISS, played guitar with B.B. King and been sampled on a track by hip-hop superstar Kanye West (featuring megastar Jay-Z), Michael Bolton would be the only name on that list.
When you've experienced such peaks, what do you do next? With Bolton Swings Sinatra, the singer can check off another item on his dream list. The collection finds him taking on classics like "New York, New York," "Night and Day," "My Funny Valentine," "Fly Me to the Moon," "Girl From Ipanema" and "That's Life." Supervising the arrangements and orchestrations down to the last note, he's created an affectionate, dynamic tribute to some of the greatest recordings of the 20th century.
Date: Thursday, July 10th Time: 8:00pm Location: Cunningham Park, Queens - map Cost: Free
Now in its 44th year, Concert's in the Park is back once again to bring the NY Philharmonic out of the concert hall and into your favorite park. This is a great chance to hear one of the best orchestra's in the world without killing your budget. It's the perfect date option as well. This evening's concert includes Mozart's Divertimento in D major, Bach's Concerto for Two Violins in D minor, and Elgar's Enigma Variations. Conducted by Xian Zhang.
Date: Thursday, July 10th Time: 7:30pm Location: Cunningham Park, Queens Cost: Free
Reggae icon Freddie McGregor has “the ability to shift smoothly between serious-themed roots and more commercial lover's rock without losing his Rasta credibility.” (Washington Post) After 40+ years performing he remains one of Jamaica’s most soulful singers. The high energy NYC-based Soul Steps aim to do for step dancing what Savion Glover has done for tap: revitalize the authentic style for a new generation. All Ages.
Date: Thursday, July 10th Time: 9:00pm Location: CSV Cultureal Center (107 Suffolk St btw. Rivington and Delancey Cost: Free
Swoon Magazine kicks off their summer issue with a jam packed release party this evening. Preacher and the Knife perform live while DJs Genesis Breyer P-Orridge & Niteline provide beats. Plus, there will be interactive video from Fritz Donnelly and High Priestess Christina Ewald of "Hot or Not-ness"predicts your fashion future. More info here.
Date: Thursday, July 10th Time: 9:00pm Location: Castle Clinton, Battery Park - map Cost: Free with Ticket
The event blogosphere is a-buzzin with Annie Clark's, aka St. Vincent's, free show tonight (see what good PR will get you). I, however, am a n00b on this one so let's just just go with what Sean over at Papermag has to say... "Wide-eyed, wild-haired Annie Clark, aka St. Vincent, takes to the stage this evening, singing her haunting, child-like ditties, this time with a full band, complete with brass section. The ex-member of both Sufjan Stephen’s touring band and cult-rock ensemble, Polyphonic Spree, is really coming into her own these days." Sounds right, personally, I'd say something like "post-emo, punk inspired, modern love ballads that call to mind the haunting melodies of Portishead or Tori Amos" but what do I know. Free ticket info below. All Ages.
Date: Thursday, July 10th Time: 10:00pm Location: The Porch (115 Ave C btw. 7th & 8th St) Cost: Free
After you're done seeing the 8000 free shows today, you may want to kick back with some good old hip hop and swill a few. That's where Aural S(e)x comes in as DJs Maggie Horn, Complex, and Iron Lyon take over the Porch this evening with a wide variety beats for you to kick back to and enjoy the only summer days. Plus, there are 2 for 1 stellas from 10-12 and a back patio to chill on. 21+
Date: Friday, July 11th Time: All Day Location: Participating 711 Locations Cost: Free
Today is 7/11 and you know what that means.... Free Slurpees! Every year on this date, the chain of glorified bodegas gives out free slurpees to celebrate its 81st Birthday. They expect to give out about millions slurpees today in 7.11 once cups. So lets do the math, 1,000,000 X 7.11oz = a whole mess of brain freeze!
Date:Friday, July 11th Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: powerHouse Arena (37 Main St & Water St, DUMBO) Cost: Free with
On Day Two of the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival, High Water Music artists Fresh Daily, Sputnik Brown, Sucio Smash, and P.Casso will be ‘center stage and on the mic’ for Brooklyn Keeps On Takin’ It, a night dedicated to the fresh new independent sound coming from planet Brooklyn. Bobbito Garcia & DJ Spinna hold down the tables and complimentary beverages are provided by festival supporter The Brooklyn Brewery.
Date: Friday, July 11th Time: 6:00pm Location: The Bronx Museum (1040 Grand Concourse 165th St., Bronx) Cost: Free
'For the Bronx Museum’s First Fridays! program, 'Harlem on My Mind: A Celebration of Jazz, Swing, and Tap Jams,' the sounds of the Ray Abrams Big Swing Band – a powerful 17 piece group continuing the tradition of great jazz music created by the bands of Count Basie and Duke Ellington – will surely 'swing' you into motion. The event will also feature a tap and swing performance by the great young dancers of Hoofers’ House. Please note: Due to the July 4th holiday, this event will take place the second Friday."
Date: Friday, July 11th Time: 7:00pm Location:Prospect Park Bandshell (Enter park at 9th St and Prospect Park West, P'Slope) Cost: $3 Suggested Donation
While they are not actually Brazilian, The Brazilian Girls are sure to put on a hot show tonight for Celebrate Brooklyn with their mix of bossa nova, jazz, rock, and electro beats. Joining them on stage will also be local Peruvian surf rock band Chicha Libre plus Brooklyn's own Ticklah with dub and reggae beats. DJ Papichulo takes charge between sets.
Date: Friday, July 11th Time: 7:00pm Location: South Street Seaport, Pier 17 (Fulton St & East River) Cost: Free
The Seaport continues to fill its Friday's with post-emo, experimental noise rockers for you with LA's No Age. "LA's No Age purvey a stripped, essential, life-affirming skewed take on pop delivered via a clearly defined punk rock aesthetic, taking in noise, energy and melody in equal measure. Brooklyn band Telepathe forge largely improvised guitar gusts, woodsy chirps, wraithlike Björkian harmonies, and powerfully jabbed drums into minimalist baroque." All Ages.
Date: Friday, July 11th Time: Dusk (around 8 or 8:30) Location: Pier 54 (14th st and the Hudson River) Cost: Free
The folks over at Hudson River Park keep calling this River Flicks for Kids, but we're really into a bunch of these movies, so either the films are also for grown ups, or we're just into kid stuff. Tonights kid flick is one of the greatest adventure tales of all time, The Wizard of Oz. Besides getting to watch movies outside on beautiful summer nights on the Hudson River, the other thing I like about River Flicks is that the popcorn is always free. Seating is first come, first served, so you and your little ones may want to show up early.
Date: Friday, July 11th Time: 8:00pm Location: 6th & B Community Garden (Sixth Street and Avenue B) Cost: Free
Tonight, The Dzieci Theatre Group presents a gypsy rendition of Shakespeare's classic Macbeth. For Makbet, the ensemble "learned all of the lines, of every part, through a process of oral transmission. In rehearsals and in production, we do not know who will be playing any given role at any give time. As presented by a traveling family of Gypsies, the hour-long performance creates the impression of a ritual or ceremony. Employing haunting folk songs and chants from Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, Theatre Group Dzieci explores (and explodes), the very essence of theatre and storytelling in their one-act rendition of Shakespeare’s classic."
Date: Friday, July 11th Time: 8:00pm - 10:00pm Location: Central Park SummerStage (Directions) Cost: Free
"Harris’ Puremovement takes hip hop from the street to the stage, and Harper’s theatrical style of dance excites the senses with a multi-disciplinary approach. With a visionary’s commitment, Puremovement founder Rennie Harris single-handedly gave life to the ballet of the streets by skillfully blurring the lines of the classic and the concrete. Famous for the hip-hoperatic, Rome and Jules, the company claims the conventional and transforms it into hip hop’s firstborn. The Francesca Harper Project aspires to create a unique style of dance theater – classical dance forms, deconstructed and fused with cutting-edge text, music, film and video..."
Date:Friday, July 11th Time: Sunset (8:30pm) Location: Saint Nicholas Park (135th St. & St Nicholas Ave.) Cost: Free
Films on the Green moves from the Village to Harlem for the month of July present three rare or never before seen French films in outdoor sunset settings. This month's series, “Dancing Together,” will feature three critically acclaimed and award-winning films showcasing dance and music, from tango to hip hop, an electrifying mixture sure to appeal to West Harlem’s diverse residents. All three movies will be followed by parties! The first movie, Je ne suis pas là pour être aimé (Not Here to be Loved), by Stéphane Brizé, is an intimate, profoundly endearing portrait of a worn-out police officer who rediscovers his taste for life when he begins to learn the tango. The screening will (naturellement!) be followed by a tango session in the park, so that the audience can truly get into the spirit of things! All Ages.
Date:Friday, July 11th Time: 10:00pm Location: Royale (506 5th Ave bet. 12th & 13th, Park Slope) Cost: Free
DJs Duckwell and Shakecomb are back with their blend of cosmic disco dancing action at this Park Slope mainstay. If you can make the walk, this is a great post-party for the Celebrate Brooklyn show (else just stop by Bar4 for a beer and some jukebox jams with the rest of us lazy folk). 21+
Date: Saturday, July 12th Time: 3:00pm - 7:00pm Location: Central Park SummerStage (Directions) Cost: Free
One of the best things about summer in New York City is Central Park's Summerstage. Today, artists from Mexico, including award-winning pop sensation Julieta Venegas and an outré alternative rock band, Plastilina Mosh, plus DJ Bitman. Presented in association with the Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC).
Date: Saturday, July 12th Time: 3:00pm - 8:00pm Location: Great Hill, Central Park (enter at 106 and Central Park West) Cost: Free
Now a long standing summer tradition, Festivus brings techno (or minimal and IDM if your getting technical) to Central Park this afternoon with the closest thing to a free, outdoor rave this side of Blackkat's MayDay parties. Presented by EMU, an organization committed to publicly promoting electronic music as an art form, the afternoon will feature sets from Behrouz, Tedd Patterson, Eric Kupper, and Trent Cantrelle. Theres an afterparty (not free) at good old Love and if you're really getting into the spirit, you can spend the whole day with the good folks over at NYCRAVERS. All Ages.
Date: Saturday, July 12th Time: 7:30pm Location:Prospect Park Bandshell (Enter park at 9th St and Prospect Park West, P'Slope) Cost: $3 Suggested Donation
UK singer-songwriter Beth Orton who debuted back in 1996 blending folk with trip hop sets up shop in the park tonight for Celebrate Brooklyn. Sharing the stage with her is Brooklyn native Matt Munisteri and his cohorts from Brock Mumford playing jazz, rock, cabaret, etc.
Date: Saturday, July 12th Time: 10:00pm Location: Supreme Trading (213 N 8th St, W'burg) Cost: Free
If you are in Williamsburg tonight swing by Supreme Trading for their new(ish) party, Seamless. DJs Teenwolf (aka K-ross), Elsewhere, and Knomad providing the danceable cure to the common party. They'll be tag teaming all night to keep everyone on their toes! Expect hip hop, reggae, funk, disco, soul, dance, 80s, and more. Plus, there's free BBQ at 9 for those who arrive early. 21+
Date: Sunday, July 13th Time: 12:00pm - 8:00pm Location: Smith Street & Dean, Brooklyn Cost: Free
Homage Skate shop and a slew of sponsors are back with their all day BK skate jam this afternoon. DC is sponsoring a high ollie contest along with other assorted activities. More info here and check the vid below for some footage from last year.
Date: Sunday, July 13th Time: 2:00pm Location: McCarren Pool, W'burg Cost: Free with RSVP
Here it is kids, this show needs no fancy write-up at all. The Deal sisters return with their patented, fuzzed out 90s indie rock attack whle Matt & Kim rile up the crowd in advance with straightforward pop-punk. Up and comers the whip perform and Frankie Chan DJs in between, Make sure to RSVP.
Date: Sunday, July 13th Time: 3:00pm - 7:00pm Location: Central Park SummerStage (Directions) Cost: Free
One of the best things about summer in New York City is Central Park's Summerstage. But to be honest with you, I can't tell whether today's event is sci-fi fun for the whole family or a day of latin music to groove to. " From masked musicians to marionette puppets, sci-fi to go-go, Cuban to African rhythms, Global Family Day has something for the entire family!"
Date: Sunday, July 13th Time: 3:00pm Location: Queensbridge Park (21st Street, Bridge Plaza, Quees) - map Cost: Free
"Founded in 1980 by the late E. Leon Evans II, Eleone Dance Theatre is now led by Shawn LaMere Williams, a former dancer with Juba Contemporary Dance and the Philadelphia Dance Company. Mr. Williams, a multiple award recipient, including citations from the NAACP, brings his own unique dramatic flair to Eleone, evoking soul-stirring performances through his nimble troupe. A popular fixture in their hometown of Philadelphia, Eleone’s annual Christmas event, “Carols in Color,” has become a much-anticipated holiday staple." More below.
The Silver-Brown Dance Company wows audiences of all ages and backgrounds, creating work that celebrates the human spirit with “wit and elation.” Founded in 1998 by Eva Silverstein, the company has appeared before audiences throughout the world. Tackling current events such as Hurricane Katrina and 9/11, Silver Brown has transformed tragedy into works of honor of representing the United States for the second year in a row at The EDANCO International Dance Festival in the Dominican Republic.
OPEN DANCE CLASSES are offered at the beginning of each day's event, welcoming audiences of all ages and skill levels to learn and enjoy the experience of various dance genres. The dance masterclass will be taught by Calvin Wiley, in the style of Hip Funkin' Hop: A cardiodance workout fused with hip/hop, funk, street jazz and theatre.
Date: Sunday, July 13th Time: 8:00pm Location: Arlo & Esme (42 E 1st St bet 1st and 2nd Aves) Cost: Free Open Bar: Vodka, 10-11
Still got a bit of drinking and partying left in you? Weekend not quite over, then check out Reverend McFly and Teenwolf of Ninjasonik's new residency on the Lower East Side. Every other week they keep you dancing into the work week with special guests, drink specials, and more. Full details here. 21+
Date: Mondays Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm Location: Blue Owl (196 2nd Ave btw. 12th and 13th) Cost: Free Open Bar: Blue Owl Bourbon, 6-8
Notice the new naming structure on all these events where Monday + Blue + Free Booze = Good Times. Speakeasy style east-side lounge Blue Owl does not have turntables and heavy bass. Instead, they opt for a laid back cocktail vibe. Tonight they ease you into the work week with two hour of complimentary bourbon. 21+
Date: Monday, July 14th Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm Location: Kyle Kauffman Gallery (355 West 39th Street) Cost: Free
Summer Show features several large-scale, large-editioned prints by world acclaimed South African artist William Kentridge. Focusing on a body of Kentridge’s work rarely seen in the United States, the majority of the pieces were published in South Africa or Europe, and include a number of recent works created in 2007 - 2008. Printed to coincide with major exhibitions of his work, these prints integrate iconic images, such as maps and books, or those from his recent operatic endeavors, like rhinoceroses and noses. Thus, together they operate as a comprehensive survey of the past decade of Kentridge’s diverse aesthetics, techniques, media, and formal and thematic concerns. Often incorporating text, they sometimes functioned as advertising vehicles for the exhibitions or performances.
Date: Monday, July 14th Time: 7:00pm - 11:00pm Location: Hudson (356 West 58th) Cost: Free with The Martinez Bros, Clocking in at 16 and 19 respectively, Chris and Steve are bringing high energy, flawless mixing, and feel good vibes to the scene and have spun everywhere from the 718 sessions to Pacha to Shelter. Their breakout track "My Rendition," a deep, proggy floater of a track, has been getting play the world over. Despite the DJs age, its 21+ and RSVP for you to get in.
The O'Jays are living legends…American treasures. The term "living legend" is often overused and abused, but with The O'Jays, well, there's little argument that the honorable tag truly applies. With their place in modern music secure, The O'Jays could have cruise-controlled to that comfy hammock on a sandy beach, umbrella-decorated drinks in hand. Why? (1) An ocean-wide body of work that spawned 24 Top Ten smashes and 59 total charted songs. (2) Incredibly energetic and dynamic live shows. (3) Mad respect for their Olympian vocals. And (4) their social and political impact on generations and nations.
But doing things slowly is not Eddie Levert, Sr., Walter Williams, Sr. and Eric Grant's modus operandi. After 40+ years making such international hits as "Back Stabbers," "For The Love Of Money," "Darlin' Darlin' Baby," "Love Train," "I Love Music," "Use Ta Be My Girl" and "Have You Had Your Love Today," The O'Jays are light years away from easing up on the gas. And like fine wine, The O'Jays just get better with time. Through the years, they were blessed to have had the late great choreographer Cholly Adkins around. Adkins taught them the importance of showmanship and how to execute their steps while still delivering their songs.
Now this storied trio adds yet another cornerstone to their impressive track record with Imagination…their new CD recorded for Music World Music Records. This new recording will capture your inner thoughts and allow you to imagine that you are on the front row of a live O'Jays performance. In 2004, The O'Jays were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in Sharon, Pa. In March 14, 2005, The O'Jays were inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH. It's been a long journey; thanks to the fans the 'Love Train' is still going strong!
Date: Monday, July 14th Time: Films begin at Dusk (about 8ish) Location: Bryant Park (40th and 42nd Sts & Fifth and Sixth Aves) Cost: Free
Bring your picnic baskets and pull up some lawn for an evening under the stars with the HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival. Every Monday throughout the summer HBO dusts off some old classic movies and plays them on a big screen in Bryant Park. Tonight in Fail Safe "the stalwart President, Henry Fonda faces a dilemma: due to computer error, a U.S. bomber is en route to Moscow to drop an atomic bomb. This tense cold war drama, directed by Sidney Lumet, also features Walter Matthau and Larry Hagman."
Date: Monday, July 14th Time: 8:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Pianos (158 Ludlow St at Stanton) Cost: Free
Adam Lowitt of the Daily show hosts this evening of comedy featuring folks from the daily show and Conan O'brien. Catch short sets from Brent Weinbach (Comedians of Comedy), Dan Levy (College Humor), Kenny Zimlinghaus (Sirius Radio), Brian Weaver (Radar Magazine), and Sean O'Connor (Here's the Thing.) 21+
Each year, the New York Philharmonic returns to Prospect Park’s Long Meadow Ballfields for an amazing free concert under the stars. This year's program will include Mozart's Divertimento in D major, K.125a; Beethoven's Symphony No. 4; and Sibelius' Finlandia. Alan Gilbert will conduct; Sheryl Staples and Michelle Kim will be featured on violin. A fireworks display rounds out the evening. The concert space features a state-of-the-art sound system with a wireless broadcast network and 24 15-foot speaker towers. Park concessions will be on hand, selling hot dogs, ice cream, and other great summertime refreshments."
Date: Tuesday, July 15th Time: 12:00pm & 1:30pm Location: Municipal Building at 1 Centre Street (near food kiosks) Cost: Free
Note: Today is the final performance. "Risa Jaroslow's new work, 311, will take place under the massive archways of the city's Municipal Building. Six dancers will engage in a range of interactions, while an interviewer queries passersby and people, entering and leaving the building about their thoughts on city government. What will emerge when onlookers are asked to engage with these questions in the larger context of the current national focus on government and civic engagement and the immediate context of a dance performance where you don’t expect to see one? These amplified conversations will provide the dance’s sound score." Full set of dates and more on the troop below. All Ages
"There are as many ways to move as there are people. I include both the incredible virtuosity of highly trained dancers and the unique and deeply human contributions of non-trained movers in my work. By combining them, I aim to create a rich, complex picture of the human experience that is resonant with all kinds of audiences.
Our creative process begins with questions like, What feels like "home" to you? What is the meaning of maleness and masculinity in our society, and what could it mean? We bring our questions to people of different ages, backgrounds and abilities in community settings, and they answer us in words and movements that open up universes of possibility. In the studio, the company turns those answers into dances - stretching them, turning them into daring partnering, whirling them through space and arranging them in patterns across many bodies."
Date: Tuesday, July 15th Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm Location: Vertigo, 354 3rd Ave. at 26th St. Cost: Free Open Bar: Dooley's, 6-8
Tonight's Dooley's open bar may just be a marketing push but so what? That shouldn't stop you from enjoying the intriguing delight of a toffee-vodka liquor or six after work at this midtown bar. If you miss out, they'll be hosting a series of other open bars this week and next throughout the city (full listing below). 21+
July 15th @ Vertigo, 354 3rd Ave. from 6 to 8pm
July 16th @ Cafe 50 West, 50 W. 22nd St. from 5 to 6pm
July 22nd @ M1-5, 52 Walker St. from 9 to 11pm
July 23rd @ Mocca, 78 Read St. 6 to 8pm
July 24th @ Stone Creek, 140 E. 27th St. from 6 to 8pm
July 30th @ Windfall, 23 W. 39th St. from 6 to 8pm
July 31st @ Bann, 350 W. 50th St. from 6 to 8pm
Date: Tuesday, July 15th Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Queensbridge Park (21st Street & East River, Queens) - map Cost: Free
Thankfully, the Felix Hernandez Rhythm Review has chosen an outdoor spot for this years notorious get-down for 60s and 70s soul. Selling out spaces as big as the Roseland, this KISS-FM DJ brings a fun, laid-back party vibe and giant electric slide everywhere he goes. All Ages.
Date: Tuesday, July 15th Time: 8:00pm Location: Washington Square Park Cost: Free
Classical music seems to be abound this week so soak it in because come this fall you'll have to shell out upwards of $50 a ticket to see the same musicians at their traditional, indoor haunts. Tonight Washington Square Park gets in the fun as part of the Washington Square Music Festival. "Lutz Rath plays cello, William Schimmel plays accordion, Stephanie Houtzeel sings mezzo soprano, and Susan Jolles plays harp with the Festival Ensemble. They'll perform music by Georg Christoph Wagenseil, Piotr Tchaikovsky, Kevin Beaver, Sergei Rachmaninov, Jules Massenet, and William Schimmel." All Ages.
Date: Tuesday, July 15th Time: Dusk (about 8:00pm) Location: The McCarren Park Pool (Lorimer St between Driggs and Bayard Ave) Cost: Free
Tonight is another installment of Summerscreen, the L Magazine's summer movie series. Pull up a chair at the bottom of the pool with the cool kids to watch Sofia Coppola's interpretation of five doomed sisters in The Virgin Suicides.
Date: Tuesday, July 15th Time: 8:00pm Location: Central Park, Great Lawn Cost: Free
Yesterday's concert with the New York Philharmonic in prospect park was amazing. Great sunset, great fireworks, and great music. Tonight they move things to Central Park for what I can only image will be even more of a spectacle. This year's program will include Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1; Beethoven's Symphony No. 4; and Sibelius' Finlandia. Alan Gilbert will conduct and Lang Lang will be featured on piano.
The Winter Garden trades its usual rumbling bass-heavy productions tonight for atmospheric soundscapes and piano melodies tonight as the Seismic Dance Series welcomes laptop twiddlers Christian Fennesz and Ryuichi Sakamoto to perform their 2007 album, Cendre. "This live collaboration creates a new synergy between acoustic piano and electronic & electric guitar music. Fennesz' sensitive, ambient soundscapes balance and manipulate Sakamoto's elegant piano phrasing, creating vivid dialogues between melody and texture." Should sound amazing in the cavernous, echoing space. All Ages. Click below for album player.
Date: Tuesdays Time:10:00pm Location:Happy Ending (302 Broom St) Cost: Free Open Bar: Well Vodka, 11:30-12
Happy Ending is always good for a little late night booze-fest and tonight is no exception. Dirty Disco mixes all the sounds the kids are diggin' these days... or in 1987... disco (duh), brit pop, indie, and new wave. While this will never replace the insanely debaucherous Sh!t Hammered weekly where I once saw 4 Hassids shoot tequila while 2 lesbians made out on a bed in the middle of the dance floor - it should still prove to be a good time. 21+
Date: Wednesday, July 16th - Sunday, July 20th Time: Daily contest hours are 10:00am - 4:00pm Location: Prospect Park Boathouse and Lake Cost: Free
Ok kids bust out them fishing poles! I wasn't even aware that there were fish in the Prospect Park Lake, let alone being aloud to go fishing. Today kicks off the The 61st Annual Macy’s Fishing Contest, which includes the release of R.H. Macy, a tagged bass, into the park pond. Prizes will be awarded today for the first fish caught and then on the daily for the most fish and longest fish caught. If you or your kid are under 15 just show up to fish and equipment is provided free of charge (or participants can bring their own.) Remember to register at the Boat House before you drop your line. All fishing is done on a catch-and-release basis; fish must be returned to the Lake alive.
Date: Wednesday, July 16th Time: 6:30pm - 9:30pm (doors, 6:00pm) Location: Tobacco Warehouse, Brooklyn Bridge Park (1 Main St, DUMBO) map Cost: Free
DUMBO's Music At the Bridge series continues tonight, where five Brooklyn performance spaces—each with a limited seating capacity, but impeccable taste and a lot of heart and personality— are invited to make the Tobacco Warehouse their home for the evening. This evening is currated by our favorite Williamsburg passed-hat, avant jazz spot, Zebulon. Featuring performances by Stuart Bogie/Superhuman Happiness (atmospheric funk-pop instrumentals from Antibalas member), Charles Gayle Trio (impromptu jazz with a throwback to the 60s), Colin Stetson (saxophonist extraordinarre) and Sharon Van Etten (bittersweet neo-folk). More info on the artists below. All Ages.
Stuart Bogie/Superhuman Happiness
Featuring Luke O'Malley, Ryan Ferreira, Eric Biondo and many more! With special guest Baye Kouyate. Best known for his work with Antibalas, reedman Stuart Bogie has also performed with the likes of TV on the Radio and Celebration and has the shared the stage and/or studio with Burning Spear, Sinead O’Conner, Gomez, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, The El Michaels Affair, Baaba Maal, and choreographer Bill T. Jones, just to name a few. His Superhuman Happiness project traffics in atmospheric funk-pop instrumentals. More at: www.myspace.com/stuartbogie
Charles Gayle Trio
Featuring Michael Wimberly on drums and Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz on Bass. Jon Pareles of The New York Times says their sound is “an impulsive mixture filled with energy and texture, a throwback to the impromptu times of the 60s." This trio surely has no routine and the off the cuff atmosphere allows the freedom for anything to happen. Charles Gayle will be joined by Michael Wimberly and Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz. Learn more about the Charles Gayle Trio here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Gayle
Colin Stetson
Solo saxophone, brass and woodwind player Colin Stetson has performed and recorded with such greats as Tom Waits, TV On The Radio, Antibalas and Anthony Braxton. He has also toured with Arcade Fire, playing clarinet, bass clarinet, French horn, cornet and bass saxophone. Check him out at: www.colinstetson.com
Sharon Van Etten, solo
"Sharon Van Etten plays bittersweet neofolk so slow, spare and subtle that you might have to crane your neck to hear it. The Brooklyn songsmith’s tunes are definitely worth the effort." - Time Out New York. Sharon will be accompanied by Noa Babayof. Check her out at: www.myspace.com/sharonvanetten
Date: Wednesday, July 16th Time: 7:00pm Location:Rockefeller Park (Chambers Street & River Terrace) Cost: Free
Steel Pulse is best reggae band to hail from the demise of Britain's two-tone scene. Trading the traditional skank for a more island-based vibe, their classics such as "Handsworth Revolution" and "Babylon the Bandit" sound as relevant today as they did two years ago. This evening they bring their island vibes to the waterfront for all ages.
Date: Wednesday, July 16th Time: 7:00pm Location: Socrates Sculpture Park (31-01 Vernon Blvd, LIC, Queens) - directions Cost: Free
Now in its 10th year, Socrates Sculpture Park's Outdoor Cinema series combines performance, film, and food into a weekly, internationally-influences, sunset event. Tonight's event features an African influence with a screening of Abderrahmane Sissako's Bamako (115 min, 2006)... "In an outdoor courtroom in Mali, the World Bank and International Monetary Fund are on trial. Far from polemical, this surprisingly lyrical movie is a poetic exploration of modern-day Africa." DJ Stone provides African beats and rhythms while Astoria's Mundo Café serves Moroccan cuisine (food not free). Trailer below. All Ages.
Date: Wednesday, July 16th - 20th Time: 7:00pm Location: East River Park (East River and E Houston St.) directions Cost: Free
Starting today and continuing through the weekend, The Joyce Theatre presents Dance Out!; three distinct, free, outdoor performances in the park. This evening is the kickoff where you can catch all three performances (Dans le Jardin, Transports Exceptionnels and Contigo) together on the East River before they begin their tour of the boroughs. More on each piece below. All Ages.
Dans le Jardin, an improvised dance created and performed by the Netherlands-based choreographer Michael Schumacher, is set to live music performed by cellist and composer Alex Waterman. Using the park as a backdrop and inspiration for his performance, Schumacher dances around and with his surroundings. Partnering with a statue, moving gracefully under a tree or exploding across the grass; the park, music and audience play equal parts as inspiration and observers for this improvisational piece.
Transports Exceptionnels, by Compagnie Beau Geste, is a unique and whimsical outdoor duet for one man and an excavator. Choreographed by Dominique Boivin and accompanied by the dramatic voice of Maria Callas, the dancer Phillippe Priasso meets, greets, and embraces a moving excavator; transforming the construction site into a stage, street into playground, and dance into a tentative balance between nature, man, and machine.
Contigo is a solo work combining acrobatics and dance by Portuguese choreographer Rui Horta and Joao P. Pereira Dos Santos, an accomplished acrobat and master of the Chinese pole. In this awe-inspiring piece that defies gravity, Dos Santos traverses a 20 foot vertical pole, flipping and spinning with brut strength and drilled precision.
Thursday, July 17:
* Contigo at East River Park (MN) at 7 pm
* Transports Exceptionnels at Coney Island Beach at the Parachute Jump (BK) at 4 pm and 7 pm
* Dans le Jardin at Cuyler Gore Park (BK) at 1 pm and 7 pm
Friday, July 18:
* Contigo at South Oxford Park (BK) at 7 pm
* Transports Exceptionnels at Socrates Sculpture Park (QU) at 1 pm and 7 pm
* Dans le Jardin at Pinocchio Park (SI) at 1 pm and 4 pm
Saturday, July 19:
* Contigo at South Oxford Park (BK) at 7 pm
* Transports Exceptionnels at St. Mary’s Park (BX) at 1 pm, 5 pm, and 7 pm
* Dans le Jardin at St. Mary’s Park (BX) at 4 pm and 6 pm
Sunday, July 20:
* Contigo at South Oxford Park (BK) at 7 pm
* Transports Exceptionnels at South Beach Boardwalk (SI) at 1 pm, 4 pm, and 7 pm
* Dans le Jardin at Queensbridge Park (QU) at 4 pm and 7 pm
Date: Wednesday, July 16th Time: Dusk (around 8 or 8:30) Location: Pier 54 (14th st and the Hudson River) Cost: Free
On top of getting to watch movies outside on beautiful summer nights on the Hudson River, the other thing I like about River Flicks is every year they pick a central theme for their screenings. This year they take on the world of music in movies. Tonight's film is Almost Famous. "Cameron Crowe brings you into the world of 1970’s rockers and the writers that covered them. Still Water runs deep!" Seating is first come, first served, and as always the popcorn is free!
Date: Wednesday, July 16th - Sunday, July 20th Time: 8:00pm Location: Jackie Robinson Park (150th St. and Bradhurst Ave) Cost: Free
"Rooftop Films presents Reel Harelem, the 7th Annual Historic Harlem Parks Film Festival.
This summer, Rooftop Films is partnering with the Historic Harlem Parks Coalition, the Central Park Conservancy, and The National Black Programming Consortium to present a series of shows in five of Harlem's historic parks. This series will showcase new, independent films that represent the diversity of life in the African and African-American Diaspora while appealing to all races and backgrounds. The festival is taking place every Wednesday and Thursday night, July 9th - August 7th. Live music or dance will precede each night's show." Full summer schedule after the jump. Film and performance info here.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008 @ 8:00 pm, Jackie Robinson Park
Thursday, July 10, 2008 @ 8:00 pm, Jackie Robinson Park
Wednesday, July 16, 2008 @ 8:00 pm, Marcus Garvey Park
Thursday, July 17, 2008 @ 8:00 pm, Marcus Garvey Park
Wednesday, July 23, 2008 @ 8:00 pm, St. Nicholas Park
Thursday, July 24, 2008 @ 8:00 pm, St. Nicholas Park
Wednesday, July 30, 2008 @ 8:00 pm, Morningside Park
Thursday, July 31, 2008 @ 8:00 pm, Morningside Park
Wednesday, August 6, 2008 @ 8:00 pm, Harlem Meer, Central Park
Thursday, August 7, 2008 @ 8:00 pm, Harlem Meer, Central Park
Date: Wednesday, July 16th Time: 9:00pm Location: Sutra (16 First Ave) Cost: Free with RSVP
Tonight, Strictly Social, LA’s hottest monthly cutting edge soul music showcase, brings the party to the East Coast for one night in New York City. There will be special performances from Sarah White, Lounge, Jade and Rep Life. Be sure to RSVP!
Date: Thursday, July 17th Time: 12:30pm - 1:45pm Location: Bryant Park Cost: Free
Every Thursday from now through August 106.7fm will be bringing you Broadway in Bryant Park. On your lunch break grab a seat by the stage and watch selections from Broadway and Off Broadway productions. Today's line up includes pieces from Avenue Q, The Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia!, In the Heights and Pure Country (opens Fall 2008). After the jump you will find the line up for the rest of the summer.
Date: Thursdays in July Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Crotona Park (Charlotte St. & Crotona Park East Bronx) Cost: Free
"The Crotona Park Jams, now in their sixth year, are recreations of the legendary park jams of Hip Hop's earliest years, growing up in the Bronx. At the annual Crotona Park Jams, the DJs are the show and they decide if, which and when MCs can get on the mic, during their sets, as it was in the beginning. Please join us and guests from all nations, in the Bronx this July as we celebrate the true culture of Hip Hop with legends and pioneers rocking the turntables and the mic. Not only do legends command the stage, master practitioners of every element can be found throughout the audience." Tonight features DJ GrandMaster Caz, Lord Finesse, Mix Master Ice, & MC Pebblee Poo with DJ Imperial Jaycee. Directions and full schedule below. All Ages.
July 10: DJ Scratch (1988 New Music Seminar DJ Champ), Jazzy Joyce & PopMaster Fabel (Rock Steady Crew)
July 17: DJ GrandMaster Caz (Cold Crush Brothers), DJ Lord Finesse (DITC) & Mix Master Ice (U.T.F.O.). Special guests MC Pebblee Poo with DJ Imperial Jaycee
July 24: Kool DJ Red Alert (Kiss FM), DJ Steve Dee (1990 New Music Seminar DJ Champ),Rockin Rob (Mean Machine). Special guest: Chief Rocker Busy Bee (1985 New Music Seminar MC Champ).
July 31: DJ Cash Money (1988 DMC World Champion), GrandWizzard Theodore (inventor of the scratch) & Jazzy Jay (Strong City) with special guest: T La Rock performing "It's Yours"
Crotona Park is located at Charlotte St. & Crotona Park East Bronx NYC 10460. Take the 2 or 5 train to 174th and walk West on Boston Road. Make a right on 173rd St. then a left onto Crotona Park East. Buses to get you there include: BX 11, 15, 17 & 55.
Date: Thursday, July 17th Time: 7:00pm Venue: Castle Clinton, Battery Park (directions) Cost: Free
What summer in NYC would be complete without an outdoor show by those omnipresent. post-college rockers, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists. Tonight they take over Castle Clinton and (free) tickets are limited so see below for details on that. All Ages.
Tickets are required and space is limited. Two free tickets per person will be distributed at the Castle on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 5:00PM on the day of the show.
Date: Thursday, July 17th Time: 7:00pm Location: Pier 84 (44th St and Hudson River) Cost: Free
"One of Hudson River Park’s hottest events returns delivering a knockout punch. While the sun sets and the stars rise you’ll have the time of your life as amateur boxers from the five boroughs and beyond duke it out to see who is the best." Produced in conjunction with the Church Street Boxing Gym, Rumble features sanctioned amateur boxers from all walks of life facing off in the ring to prove who is the best. All Ages.
Date: Thursday, July 17th Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm Location: East River Park Bandshell (East River between Grand and Jackson Streets) Cost: Free
I'm amazed that this is the first time that local indie-rockers The Fiery Furnaces have shown up on the site. I've long been a fan of the Illinois-transplanted stylings of Matthew and Eleanor Friedberger as they fuse garage blue, psych, a little new wave, and some good old rock and roll into a fresh take on the traditional song structure. This is a great one not to be missed. All ages.
Date: Thursday, July 17th Time: 8:30pm (tickets available at 7:00pm) Location:Knitting Factory NYC (75 Leonard Street) Cost: Free with ticket
Can't anything be easy anymore? So here's the deal for you. MySpace is popping up around the country with these "The Release" events. Tonight they are bringing Mississippi's own David Banner to you for free along with special guest Maino. Banner is (IMHO) one of the most prolific voices in hip hop today, walking that fine line between tales from the street and political commentary. Here's the catch, you need to bring a print-out of your myspace page with Mr. Banner in top 8 to get in and there are a a limited number of wristbands being given out, starting at 7. It is all ages however so pop out of work early and get on it. Full details here.
Our site format seems less than forgiving when it comes to small posts but with all of the great events going on today, I simply can't get to them all. So, here's a brief rundown of some other stuff going on with some links for more info (all links are external.)
Junot Diaz at Summerstage - Dominican author of Drown reads from his latest. (link) Roots Music at Celebrate Brooklyn - Jerry Douglas and Luther "Guitar Junior" Johnson play good old Americana at the bandshell (link) Invasion of the Body Snatchers - Movies with a view in DUMBO (link) Biome - a dynamic, interactive, installation (with nice type!) opens at the Riviera, (link) DJ Spooky - Free afterparty at the Music Hall of Williamsburg, 18+ (link)
Date: Wednesday, July 16th - 20th Time: 1:00pm, 4:00pm, or 7:00pm Location: Various, see below Cost: Free
The Joyce Theatre's Dance Out!; continues today bringing three distinct, free, outdoor performances to various parks throughout the city. Check below for more info and to find out where the pieces - Dans le Jardin, Transports Exceptionnels and Contigo will be performed today. All Ages.
Dans le Jardin, an improvised dance created and performed by the Netherlands-based choreographer Michael Schumacher, is set to live music performed by cellist and composer Alex Waterman. Using the park as a backdrop and inspiration for his performance, Schumacher dances around and with his surroundings. Partnering with a statue, moving gracefully under a tree or exploding across the grass; the park, music and audience play equal parts as inspiration and observers for this improvisational piece.
Transports Exceptionnels, by Compagnie Beau Geste, is a unique and whimsical outdoor duet for one man and an excavator. Choreographed by Dominique Boivin and accompanied by the dramatic voice of Maria Callas, the dancer Phillippe Priasso meets, greets, and embraces a moving excavator; transforming the construction site into a stage, street into playground, and dance into a tentative balance between nature, man, and machine.
Contigo is a solo work combining acrobatics and dance by Portuguese choreographer Rui Horta and Joao P. Pereira Dos Santos, an accomplished acrobat and master of the Chinese pole. In this awe-inspiring piece that defies gravity, Dos Santos traverses a 20 foot vertical pole, flipping and spinning with brut strength and drilled precision.
Saturday, July 19:
* Contigo at South Oxford Park (BK) at 7 pm
* Transports Exceptionnels at St. Mary’s Park (BX) at 1 pm, 5 pm, and 7 pm
* Dans le Jardin at St. Mary’s Park (BX) at 4 pm and 6 pm
Sunday, July 20:
* Contigo at South Oxford Park (BK) at 7 pm
* Transports Exceptionnels at South Beach Boardwalk (SI) at 1 pm, 4 pm, and 7 pm
* Dans le Jardin at Queensbridge Park (QU) at 4 pm and 7 pm East River Park (East River and E Houston St.)
Date: Thursday - Sunday in July Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm Location: Riverside Park (North Patio of the Soldiers' & Sailors' Monument at 89th Street) - map Cost: Free
Heralding themselves as the "other free Shakespeare in the Park," Hudson Warehouse presents free performances all summer long, starting with this month's Much Ado About Nothing. "Written sometime between 1598 and 1599, [Much Ado About Nothing] is the first of three comedies that represent Shakespeare’s comic genius at its height. Is Hero’s reputation lost forever? Will Beatrice and Benedick finally admit their love to each other? Will justice be served? All Ages.
Date: Friday, July 18th Time: 6:30pm Location: South Street Seaport, Pier 17 (Fulton St & East River) Cost: Free
This is Evan from Hipster Travel's favorite Seaport show of the summer and he assures me that Mary Weiss of the Shangri-Las, the Nouvellas (ex-Dansettes), and The Lost Crusaders (ex-Raunch Hands) are sure to please tonight. "Mary was 15 years old when she and her sister Elizabeth (Betty) began singing with identical twins Margie and Mary Ann Ganser in their neighborhood of Queens, New York. They soon shot into the charts with massive hits including Remember (Walking In The Sand), Leader Of The Pack, and Give Him A Great Big Kiss... Fronted by former Dansettes, Jaime and Leah, the Nouvellas are one part Stax Records, one part Black Sabbath and one part "good pop songs." The result is a 60s-influenced rock and roll sound tinged with classic Motown.. The Lost Crusaders -- comprised of renowned East Village rockers, including Michael Chandler formerly of Raunch Hands -- deliver rhythm and harmonies that combine all the good stuff -- rock, gospel, blues and country -- that conjure up classic Americana." All Ages.
Date: Friday, July 18th Time: 7:00pm - 11:00pm Location: Pier I (70th St & Hudson River) Cost: Free
The Globesonic DJs bring their unique blend of tribal-world-dance music outdoors for a special sunset party on the Hudson River pier tonight. These boys can bring a serious vibe so come prepared to get down with the 1000+ that attend. Upping the hippie factor are live percussionist who perform along with the DJs. All Ages
Date: Friday, July 18th Time: 7:00pm - 10:00pm Location: Central Park SummerStage (Directions) Cost: Free
Today is the Video Music Box 25th Anniversary Concert at SummerStage. "The influence of 'Video Music Box' stretches far and wide, as the show is one of the first and longest running outlets for Hip-Hop since the genre’s inception. Twenty-five years after its debut, Ralph McDaniels hosts a celebration concert featuring performances by a who's who of hip-hop icons from the show’s history and beyond...DJ Jazzy Joyce, The Crash Crew, TSki-Valley & Spoonie Gee, Luv Bug Starski, Sugar Hill Gang, Joe Ski Love, Entouch, Special Ed, Dana Dane, Naughty By Nature, DJ Clark Kent, Ralph Ray Dejon, OC, Chubb Rock, Jeru Da Damaja, Milk Dee, DJ Chuck Chillout, Jeff Redd, Red Alert, DJ Kid Capri, Nice N Smooth & Special Guests."
Date: Friday, July 18th Time: 7:30pm Location:Prospect Park Bandshell (Enter park at 9th St and Prospect Park West, P'Slope) Cost: Free
Celebrate Brooklyn and Wordless Music present Deerhoof, Metropolis Ensemble and The Rite: Remixed tonight. Deerhof "forge a distinctive sound out of sophisticated improvisation, fierce dissonance, and weirdly catchy melodies. They’re paired here, via the forward thinking Wordless Music Series, with a world premiere by Metropolis Ensemble, led by Artistic Director/Conductor Andrew Cyr. The Rite: Remixed is a collaboration with composers and live electronics producer/performers Ryan Francis, Leo Leite, and Ricardo Romaneiro, who re-conceptualize Stravinsky’s monumental The Rite of Spring through the lens of the latest sounds and technology from electronica. The work combines keyboards and laptops with huge percussion and brass ensembles to create a futuristic, rhythm-inspired sonic tableau.
Date: Friday, July 18th Time: Dusk (around 8 or 8:30) Location: Pier 54 (14th st and the Hudson River) Cost: Free
The folks over at Hudson River Park keep calling this River Flicks for Kids, but we're really into a bunch of these movies, so either the films are also for grown ups, or we're just into kid stuff. Tonight's kid flick is Bee Movie, the cartoon tale of a honey bee in NYC. Besides getting to watch movies outside on beautiful summer nights on the Hudson River, the other thing I like about River Flicks is that the popcorn is always free. Seating is first come, first served, so you and your little ones may want to show up early.
Date: Friday, July 18th Time: 9:00pm Location: Hope Lounge (10 Hope St, W'burg) Cost: Free Open Bar: ????, 9-10
With all the huge, free, summer events going on, sometimes we forget that there are hard working DJs out there holding it down for all of you that just want to go out, kick back a few, and dance a bit. Tonight there's none better then Sammy Bananas, half of Boston's Certified Bananas and one of the tightest producers coming out of the hipster-hop/nu-club world. Sammy spins a mix of shoegaze, break beat and hipster electro all night while the hope crew grill up some food (not free) and even kick it off with an open bar. 21+
Date: Friday, July 18th Time: 9:00pm - 4:00am Location: The Delancey (168 Delancey St at Attorney) Cost: Free with RSVP
DJ Shakey, the San York Breaks Crew, and those good old Bounce-a-holics bring a night of assorted breakbeats (finally!) to the LES tonight. DJs Ursula 1000, Gefilte Funk, DJ Shakey, and Barney Iller hold down the night with funk, nu-breaks, baltimore and other assorted diversions from the 4x4 electro that is so ubiquitous these days. 21+
Date: Saturday, July 19th Time: 10:00am - 3:00pm Location: Von King Park (Tompkins & Marcy, Bedstuy) Cost: Free
GGE presents the Third Annual New York City Gender Equality Festival, a celebration of arts and activism. This is a free public event open to New Yorkers of all ages and genders. Over 100 community artists, organizations, and local politicians will participate, offering inspirational performances and important information on every day activism, ending police violence, reproductive justice, and more. Come participate in education, community interaction, resource sharing, and the arts!
Date: Saturday, July 19th Time: 1:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Coney Island (Between Surf Ave and the Boardwalk on W. 10th and Stilwell Avenue Cost: Free
It's that time of year again, where The Village Voice sponsors not just you and 2000 of your closest friends getting drunk in public, sweating it out, and getting down to two stages of live music. A well established New York Summer tradition, this years Siren Music Festival event features music by Broken Social Scene, Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks, Ra Ra Riot, The Hello Sequence, Islands, Beach House, Jaguar Love, Annuals, The Dodos, Times New Viking, Parts & Labor, Film School, Dragons of Zynth, and These are Powers. Whew! Set times below. All ages.
Date: Saturday, July 19th Time: 1:30pm Location: Colonel's Row, Governor's Island Cost: Free
The Folks on the Island series continues today with a live performance from Bearfoot. "Bearfoot, an Alaska-based acoustic ensemble, brings a fresh and vibrant approach to bluegrass... Their youthful sound has been described as jazz stomp meets Appalachian breakdown, tempered with back-alley southern blues—all infused with a bluegrass passion." Free ferry service is available to the island every hour, on the hour, starting at 10 a.m. from the Battery Maritime Building in lower Manhattan, adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry. All Ages.Colonel’s Row, Governor’s Island.
Date: Saturday, July 19th Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm Location: Meet at Manhattan's Pier 11 - directions Cost: Free
Jess Winfield attempts to set the World's Record today for Most Shakespeare Plays Performed Solo in Brooklyn in a Single Day. (ed note: that's a world records? Wouldn't it be a Brooklyn records? Anyway...) "A founding member of the Reduced Shakespeare Company, Jess Winfield leads a book crawl through Red Hook's historic waterfront (and watering holes). Putting the bar back in the Bard, the Shake back in Shakespeare, Winfield will perform 31 condensed plays--as well as selections from his new novel, My Name Is Will--aboard selected vessels (Ikea's free ferry), in taverns (B61 bar and others), and at local gathering spots (Red Hook soccer fields) before the grand finale in Freebird's backyard."
Date: Saturday, July 19th Time: 7:30pm Location:Prospect Park Bandshell (Enter park at 9th St and Prospect Park West, P'Slope) Cost: Free
Tonight music and movies join forces at Celebrate Brooklyn. "Insane crime lord holds deadly karate tournament at island fortress—DJ emerges victorious! South Asian electronic musician, tabla master and Bruce Lee fanatic Karsh Kale, a 'visionary composer and producer,' (Billboard) performs his incendiary new live score to Enter The Dragon (1973), a special Celebrate Brooklyn commission. Warm up for the onscreen mayhem with the thunderous roar of Soh Daiko’s traditional Japanese taiko drumming."
Date: Saturday, July 19th Time: 9:00pm - 2:00am Location: Frying Pan, Pier 66A (26th St & Hudson River) Cost: Free
This pretty much happened yesterday at the Delancey but I'd much rather listen to funky breakbeat under the stars outside the Frying Pan than in a bar on the LES. In case you missed yesterday's post, Gefilte Funk, Shakey, and Barney Iller as spin fun, funky, breakbeat, glitchy midtempo, and assorted oddities outdoors tonight. This one's 18+ to boot!
Date: Saturday, July 19th Time: 9:00pm Location: Village Pourhouse (64 3rd Ave at 11th St) Cost: Free
When I was a kid we used to pile like 10 deep in front of a tiny TV at a friend's house to watch Wrestling (and then Ultimate Fighting) on Pay Per View. Well, tonight you can watch in style as the Village Pourhouse throws another of their UFC/boxing parties for UFC's championship Silva v. Irvin fight tonight. It's free to get in all night and if your feeling rowdy you can partake in a 3 hr open bar for $40 (which may be a good deal depending on how.. um... thirsty you are?) 21+
Date: Sunday, July 20th Time: 2:00pm Location: Orchard St. btw. Stanton and E. Houston Cost: Free
Morningwood play a free live show in the street this afternoon. Show up early and rock out while watching folks on their walk of shame. Video below. All Ages.
Date: Sunday, July 20th Time: 2:00pm Location: McCarren Park (780 Lorimer St, W'burg) Cost: Free with RSVP
The Liars, Fuck Buttons, Team Robespierre, & DJ Andrew WK keep you dancing, head bobbin', and rockin' out in the sweaty sweaty sun this afternoon. Oh, if only the pool had water in it. Don't forget to RSVP.
Date: Sunday, July 20th Time: 3:00pm - 7:00pm Location: Central Park SummerStage (Directions) Cost: Free
Of all the free summer shows this summer this is the one I have been most excited for! Summerstage in conjunction with MeanRed present Madfools in the Park. "Musical pace-setters" including Diplo, A-Trak, Kid Cudi, Blaqstarr and Mz Streamz, plus one of my favorites Santogold, play electro-pop, hip hop, ghettotech, thrash, baile funk, and grime. Expect a long line for this one!
Date: Sunday, July 20th Time: 5:00pm Location:Prospect Park Bandshell (Enter park at 9th St and Prospect Park West, P'Slope) Cost: Free
"JDub, the innovative not-for-profit Jewish music label, celebrates its 5th anniversary with a global lineup of artists bridging the divide between the old world and the new, featuring Gypsy folk rock from Golem, hip-hop and reggae from Tel Aviv's Soulico, the Ladino-infused Sephardic tunes of DeLeon, and the ritualistic Afro-pop/Cantorial blues of Sway Machinery (with members of Balkan Beat Box, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, & Antibalas.)Â Special guests including Jon Langford, Hungry March Band and Ladybug Mecca will join each band for a truly unique JDub festival. Hosted by Michael Showalter."
Date: Sunday, July 20th Time: 7:00pm - 9:00am Location: Pier I, Riverside Park South (70th St & Hudson River) Cost: Free
Enjoy spectacular sunsets over the Hudson at this weekly series for New York’s best jazz, R&B, and world music. This evening features our favorite gumbo-funked 6-piece, Nation Beat. "Nation Beat plays with an indispensable audacious energy, seamlessly bridging an unprecedented mix of folkloric Brazilian rhythms with classic American roots music, including New Orleans second line rhythms, Appalachian-inspired bluegrass music, funk, rock, and country-blues." Check the video below. All Ages.
The Brooklyn Independent Cinema Series continues this evening with two stories of inner struggle. The short Son, "tells the story of an underground theatre director and the possessive grip he holds over his female colleague and her young son James. James' unhappy world unfolds in the confines of the theatre's vaults where soon reality and fiction become indistinguishable." Then, in feature length Chronic Town, director Tom Hines tell the story of a solitary cab driver in Fairbanks, Alaska who is driven to drugs and alcohol by a fear of being alone.
Date: Monday, July 21st Time: 7:30pm - 11:00pm Location: Wingate Field (Brooklyn Avenue bet Rutland Road and Winthrop Street) - directions Cost: Free
John Legend and protégé Estelle bring a little summer soul to the park this evening. Legend – who'd made his name primarily as an in-demand all-star studio session writer and musician whose credits included work with Lauryn Hill, Black Eyed Peas, Alicia Keys, Common and Kanye West among others – stepped into the solo spotlight in 2004 as the first artist signed to Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music production company and was signed to Columbia Records in May of that year. Now, London's Estelle is trying to follow in those footsteps with her ubiquitous summer hit, American Boy. All Ages.
Date: Monday, July 21st Time: Films begin at Dusk (about 8ish) Location: Bryant Park (40th and 42nd Sts & Fifth and Sixth Aves) Cost: Free
Bring your picnic baskets and pull up some lawn for an evening under the stars with the HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival. Every Monday throughout the summer HBO dusts off some old classic movies and plays them on a big screen in Bryant Park. Tonight check out Arsenic and Old Lace. "The great screwball comedy, directed by Frank Capra, stars Cary Grant as a strait-laced young man who comes to the realization that his sweet old aunts have a nasty hobby. Raymond Massey and Peter Lorre lend hilarious support as two befuddled baddies."
Date: Monday, July 21st Time: 8:00pm Location: The Living Theatre (21 Clinton Street) Cost: Free
Tonight, The Living Theatre presents a free reading of Kevin Anthony Kautzman's play Then Waves. "This stunning, severe play explores the imprint that the violence of war leaves on its survivors. Kautzman alternates free verse with nipping dialogue in this study of a troubled veteran. All Ages.
It is with great sorrow that we morn the passing of 29 year old Khia Edgerton, also known as "K-Swift," who was found dead Monday morning at her Northeast Baltimore home. K-Swift was one of the key individuals on the Baltimore Club scene with her radio show on WERQ-FM 92.3 and was influencial in bringing the music to New York and the rest of the world. She's also the first one to introduce me to Bmore Club when she pelted me in the head with a mixtape a few years back. Her energy and creativity will be greatly missed.
Date: Through July 23rd Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm Location: South Street Seaport, Pier 17 (Fulton St & East River) Cost: Free
360° Dance Company arrives at Pier 17 with the US Premiere of their latest commission, Maktub, an exploration of speed and possibility. Dancemaker Lauri Stallings challenges the dancers to burst through their comfort zones, creating a new physical language that blends ballet and modern techniques, gesture, partnering, and impossibly quick shifts of weight. Maktub invites the audience to share in the intricacy of community and witness the meeting of two very different worlds.
Date: Tuesdays through August 12th Time: 6:30pm to 8:30pm Location: Rockaway Beach 5 (84th Street next to the boardwalk, Far Rockaway) - map (info and map) Cost: Free
If you've got 2 left feet like me then Dancing under the Stars is for you. Each week is a free, absolute beginner, outdoor dance class presented by the American Ballroom Theater. Learn classics such as the merengue, foxtrot, and waltz, and strut your stuff to the beat of a live band on the final night. All ages, no partner needed.
Date: Tuesdays through August Time: 6:30pm Location: Pier 45 at Christopher St Cost: Free
Tuesdays hit a high note with jazz and classical performances from Mannes College The New School for Music and The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music on one of Hudson River Park's most beautiful piers by star students from around the city. Tonight students from the acclaimed Mannes College of Music (The New School) play a series of classical compositions for you. All Ages.
Date: Tuesday, July 22nd Time: 7:00pm Location: Queensbridge Park (21st St & East River, Queens) - map Cost: Free
Naughty By Nature need no introduction. This East Jersey trio stormed Yo! MTV Raps in the early 90's with hits like "OPP" and "Hip Hop Hurray" which still hold true at backyard jams and summer concerts today. Now reunited, the trio are working on a new album so expect some fresh tunes and, of course, plenty of classics, this evening. All Ages. Oh, and since I came across it on the blogosphere, you might find a free treat here.
Date: Tuesday, July 22nd - 23rd Time: 7:00pm Location: 59E59 Theatres (59 East 59th St) Cost: Pay what you can
Here's a great chance to catch the New York Premier of A.R. Gurney's new production, Buffalo Girl "A.R. Gurney’s comedy centers around Amanda, a once successful television personality whose star is now fading. Life imitates art as she returns to her hometown of Buffalo to star in Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard. Just as she is connecting with her roots – both on stage and off – she is called back to Hollywood for a role that could recharge her career. Will her love of theater be enough to keep her in Buffalo?" You can grab tickets on a "pay what you can" basis (give a buck, give five, just support) starting two hours before the show at the box office. Limited to 2 tickets per person.
Date: Tuesday, July 22nd Time: Dusk (about 8:00pm) Location: The McCarren Park Pool (Lorimer St between Driggs and Bayard Ave) Cost: Free
Tonight is another installment of Summerscreen, the L Magazine's summer movie series. Pull up a chair at the bottom of the pool with the cool kids to watch the 80's Madonna classic Desperately Seeking Susan.
Date: Tuesday, July 22nd Time: 8:00pm Location: Washington Square Park Cost: Free
Classical music seems to be abound this week so soak it in because come this fall you'll have to shell out upwards of $50 a ticket to see the same musicians at their traditional, indoor haunts. Tonight, Washington Square Park gets in the fun as part of the Washington Square Music Festival. Featuring the Festival Ensemble with David Oei on solo piano performing Dohnányi, Satie and Lou Harrison's Double Concerto for violin, cello and gamelan orchestra with Gamelan Son of Lion. All Ages.
Date: Tuesday - Sunday through August Time: 8:00pm Location: Delacorte Theater, Central Park (closest entrances are 81st Street and Central Park West or 79th Street and Fifth Avenue) Cost: Free with ticket, see below
For the second half of their summer run Shakespeare in the Park forgo their traditional fair and present that great American, tribal love musical, Hair. Based on an acclaimed concert production seen in summer 2007 as part of the Joe's Pub in the Park series, the current incarnation of hair is a fully-staged version complete with strobes, smoke machines, and assorted bells and whistles. This is a classic part of Summer in NYC so get ready to wait in line and make sure you catch the performance. All Ages. Ticket info below.
Pick up your FREE tickets to Shakespeare in the Park on the day of the performance beginning at 1PM at The Delacorte Theater in Central Park. There is a limit of 2 tickets per person. Please note that there are separate ticket lines to accommodate people with disabilities and senior citizens aged 65 or older (proof of age or disability is required).
Rain Policy
In the event of rain the start of the performance may be delayed. However, the production will be performed if and when it is possible to do so. If a performance is canceled due to rain or any other reason, tickets are not valid for re-issue or exchange.
Line Policies
Public Theater staff will begin monitoring the free ticket lines before or by 8:00AM on performance days. The line monitor will explain and enforce the procedures and policies regarding ticket distribution. Such policies were designed to maximize fairness for all fans of Shakespeare in the Park.
I think after the Kode9 show they dropped the term Seismic Dance Series for these weekly electronic shows. And it's a good thing because they are more like nob-twiddling IDM (sorry, I mean EDM) than bass heavy stompers. The kinda stuff you used to hear at Tonic or can now find at the new le Poisson Rouge. Tonight is no exception as Kieran Hebden (aka Four Tet) and amazing drummer Steve Reid (check out their amazing work on the more accessible Daxaar album) create an abstract sound that incorporates elements of hip-hop, electronica, jazz, and folk music with live drumming & percussion. Opening the show, Collins and his band perform Devil’s Music, an improvised work using samples of live radio. All Ages.
Date: Wednesday, July 23rd Time: 12:30pm - 1:45pm Location: Bryant Park Reading Room (42nd Street side of the park bet. NYPL & 6th Ave) Cost: Free
Esteemed author, Princeton professor, and winner of the Common Wealth Award for Distinguished Service in Literature, Joyce Carol Oates discusses her latest release, My Sister, My Love: The Intimate Story of Skyler Rampike. "Likely to be Oates's most controversial novel to date, as well as her most boldly satirical, this unconventional work of fiction is a wry, captivating saga on a murder - inspired by an unsolved American true crime mystery."
Date: Wednesday, July 23rd Time: 6:30pm, 7:00pm, 7:30pm and 8:00pm Location: apexart (291 Church Street) Cost: Free
"Apexart will host free tours of its current exhibit, 'Nessie Does New York' led by expert Cryptozoologist, Doctor Alexis Macnab. Join us as she takes audience members on a journey from the wilds of South America to the depths of Loch Ness and recounts the
origins, symbolism and hoaxes that surround infamous cryptids such as Chupacabra, Bigfoot and The Loch Ness Monster. Guided tours start at 6:30, 7:00, 7:30 and 8:00 pm."
Date: Wednesday, July 23rd Time: 6:30pm - 9:30pm (doors, 6:00pm) Location: Tobacco Warehouse, Brooklyn Bridge Park (1 Main St, DUMBO) map Cost: Free
DUMBO's Music At the Bridge series continues tonight, where five Brooklyn performance spaces—each with a limited seating capacity, but impeccable taste and a lot of heart and personality— are invited to make the Tobacco Warehouse their home for the evening. This evening is curated by Red Hook's own Jalopy. Expect the evening to focus heavily on roots music and Americana as Rob Reddy's Tenfold, The Otis Brothers, and The Wiyos all perform. More info on the artists below. All Ages.
The Wiyos play and compose music inspired by the early American musical idioms of the 1920s and’30s. Gleefully subverting genre distinctions, their music comes from a time before commercial formatting separated blues from country, ragtime from gospel, and swing from hillbilly. With an instrumentation of washboard/harmonica/kazoo, resonator guitar/banjo, upright bass and three harmony vocals, The Wiyos’ live performance transports audiences back to an era before TV and mass–media were the main sources of entertainment.
Rob Reddy's Tenfold... Saxophonist/composer Rob Reddy and his ensemble, Rob Reddy's Tenfold, will perform his latest and most ambitious extended work, Episodes and Antinomies. Reddy's ten-piece ensemble features Douglas Yates (clarinets), John Carlson (trumpet), Mark Taylor (French horn), Charles Burnham (violin and mandolin), Rubin Kodheli (cello), Brandon Ross (guitars), Bryan Carrott (vibraphone and marimba), Dom Richards (double bass), and Pheeroan akLaff (drums). The music further explores many of the hallmarks of Reddy's most acclaimed musical projects, including a variety of time signatures, co-existing melodies, alternating through-composed and improvised movements, and the influence of genres ranging from traditional marches to modern rock to avant-garde jazz.
The Otis Brothers
If you’re looking for just some good old blues you’ll find them in The Otis Brothers. Hailing from Queens, Bob Guida and Pat Conte have been playing together since the mid 1970s. Light years away from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple, The Otis Brothers will transport you to another place with their eclectic pre-blues, old-time, and gospel influenced sound.
Date: Wednesday, July 23rd Time: 7:00pm Location: Studio B (259 Banker St, Greenpoint) Cost: Free
Swedish/Caribbean singer Kissey Asplund with a few hundred of her closest friends, some free BBQ, and you! Featuring music by Kissey herself, Machinedrum, DJ OP, Barry King, Zilvinas & Yellowtail, plus the US debut of VJ Shantell Martin's 'HIDDEN ORA.' 21+
Date: Wednesday, July 23rd Time: 7:00pm Location: Brower Park and PS 289 Plgd (Saint Marks & Kingston avenues and Park Place, Brooklyn) Cost: Free
Philly represents today in Brooklyn as Bahamadia performs for free tonight at a CityParks Concert in Brower Park. "Bahamadia brings it pure with cut and polished hip hop lyrics and a strong, subdued delivery. Collaborating with artists like Talib Kweli and The Roots, Bahamadia keeps her style eclectic and evolving, but with a consistent passion"
Date: Wednesday, July 23rd Time: 7:00pm Location: Crotona Park (Fulton Avenue & Crotona Park, Bronx) Cost: Free
CityParks Concerts welcomes both Lisa Lisa and Tony Touch to Crotona Park tonight! "For most of the late eighties, Lisa Velez (Lisa Lisa) and her band, Cult Jam was a household name, releasing a string of hits, including, 'I Wonder If I Take You Home,' 'Head to Toe,' and 'Lost in Emotion.'" Tony Touch is a DJ, MC, B-boy, and producer. "Famous for his astounding repertoire of mix tapes, he is currently the host of 'Toca Tuesdays' on SIRIUS Satellite Radio. He is a globally known touring DJ and his music is known all over the world."
Date: Wednesday, July 23rd Time: 7:00pm Location: Socrates Sculpture Park (31-01 Vernon Blvd, LIC, Queens) - directions Cost: Free
Now in its 10th year, Socrates Sculpture Park's Outdoor Cinema series combines performance, film, and food into a weekly, internationally-influences, sunset event. Tonight's celebrates the gold old US of A with a screening of Chop Shop... "A deeply affecting slice of urban neorealism, this Queens-made film, set in the Willets Point “Iron Triangle” near Shea Stadium, follows a 12-year-old orphan who ekes out an existence with his teenaged sister." There will be food for sale from Josephine's Soul Food Café and some good old American roots music from The Robe Crowe Situation. Trailer below. All ages.
Date: Wednesday, July 23rd Time: 7:00pm Location: Rockefeller Park - directions Cost: Free
"After Nickel Creek disbanded, mandolin virtuoso Chris Thile assembled the all-star quintet Punch Brothers. The new group issued a debut album, "Punch", in 2008, which was anchored by Thile's ambitious 40-minute, four-part suite "The Blind Leaving the Blind." In February, 2008, The Punch Brothers performed a sold-out concert for Lincoln Center's American Songbook series." All Ages.
Date: Wednesday, July 23rd Time: Dusk (around 8 or 8:30) Location: Pier 54 (14th st and the Hudson River) Cost: Free
On top of getting to watch movies outside on beautiful summer nights on the Hudson River, the other thing I like about River Flicks is every year they pick a central theme for their screenings. This year they take on the world of music in movies. Tonight's film is Purple Rain! "Purify yourself in the waters of Lake Minnetonka. Purple Rain, Purple Rain! – need we say more?" Seating is first come, first served, and as always the popcorn is free!
Date: Wednesday, July 23rd Time: 8:00pm Location: Herbert Von King Park (Greene, Marcy, Lafeyette, Tompkins avenues
Brooklyn Cost: Free
"Taking inspiration from the legendary speeches, interviews, and private notes of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the obscured history of his last days shine with new meaning in this powerful performance. The Last Year in the Life..., directed by Tom Ridgley, succeeds by adding new texture to the untold King history with soulful songs, pithy readings, and stunning performances that will rouse and inspire. Although Dr. King was known as a pacifist, this stunning re-enactment reveals the intensity and fiery determination behind the quiet storm that was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr."
Date: Wednesday, July 23rd Time: 8:00pm Location: McCarren Park Pool (Lorimer Street and Bayard Street, W'burg) Cost: Free but tickets can be reserved here
The Brooklyn-based theater company, Woodshed Collective presents Caridad Svich's Twelve Ophelias for free at McCarren Park Pool. "Twelve Ophelias centers on Hamlet's Ophelia coming back to life, out of the water, to try to overcome her history and forge a new destiny for herself. She finds herself in an Appalachian Elsinore, Denmark by way of Deliverance—where Gertrude runs a brothel, Hamlet and Horatio slum it, and nothing is what it seems. In this squarely American and gritty interpretation of the Hamlet myth, Twelve Ophelias asks how it is possible to break old cycles and start afresh when the past so completely permeates your life." Shows continue into August.
Date: Wednesday, July 23rd Time: 9:00pm Location: Fox & Fawn (112 Suffolk St) Cost: Free
Fox and Fawn a Lower East Side vintage clothing boutique and part time music venue invite you to a "secret show" tonight featuring Anti-Pop Consortium, the experimental hip hop foursome made up of M. Sayyid, High Priest, Beans and Earl Blaize. Should clothing and live music not be enough for you, the drinks are on them as well.
Date: Wednesday, July 21st Time: 10:00pm - late Location: Rebel (251 West 30th St bet. 7th & 8th Ave) Cost: Free with RSVP Open Bar: ???, 10-11
The Jump is back! After a blow out jam last month, a laundry list of the city's best are at it again with a open bar, no cover, free for all mid-week blowout. The Jump a culmination of a lot of conversations that have been going on over the last few months that usually go something like "Let's get all these dope DJs together with proper sound and lights, free booze, and do it up bigtime." Under the helm of GGlamm and Marc Alan Grey (Changez le Beat), you've got a night of serious party rockers including Eli Escobar, Pase Rock, Dominique Keegan (Plant Music), Nick Catchdubs (Fool's Gold). Plus, you've got some of nu-club's finest such as Jubilee, Cobra Krames, AC Slater, & Kids with Snakes. Hosts our the arse on this one so you know the cool kids are in the house and there are giveaways from Urb, Burning Angel, and WESC. Plus, open bar from 10-11 and it's free all night with RSVP. For serious, this one is not to be missed! 21+
Date: Thursday, July 24th Time: 11:00am - 3:00pm Location: The Cage (West 3rd and 6th Ave) Cost: Free
Today marks the start of the Rock Steady Crew 31st Anniversary celebration which continues through Sunday. Lace up your sneaks for a hip hop celebrity benefit basketball challenge. Plus, b-boys and b-girls from all over the world battle it out for a $500 prize! Events take place over the next few days, some free, and some not. Even the Mayor is into it, declaring this Saturday the 26th the Official Rock Steady Crew Day In NYC. More info and details here.
Date: Thursday, July 24th Time: 12:30pm - 1:45pm Location: Bryant Park Cost: Free
Every Thursday from now through August 106.7fm will be bringing you Broadway in Bryant Park. On your lunch break grab a seat by the stage and watch selections from Broadway and Off Broadway productions. Today's line up includes pieces from The Lion King, Passing Strange, Hairspray and Godspell. After the jump you will find the line up for the rest of the summer.
Date: Thursday, July 24th Time: 12:30pm Venue: World Financial Center (directions) Cost: Free
Spend your lunch break with Brooklyn's own Americana, roots-rockers, Ollabelle, who will be performing a special homage to Johnny Cash, the baddest man in music.
Date: Thursdays in July Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Crotona Park (Charlotte St. & Crotona Park East Bronx) Cost: Free
"The Crotona Park Jams, now in their sixth year, are recreations of the legendary park jams of Hip Hop's earliest years, growing up in the Bronx. At the annual Crotona Park Jams, the DJs are the show and they decide if, which and when MCs can get on the mic, during their sets, as it was in the beginning. Please join us and guests from all nations, in the Bronx this July as we celebrate the true culture of Hip Hop with legends and pioneers rocking the turntables and the mic. Not only do legends command the stage, master practitioners of every element can be found throughout the audience." Tonight features Kool DJ Red Alert, DJ Steve Dee, Rockin Rob, and Chief Rocker Busy Bee. Directions and full schedule below. All Ages.
July 10: DJ Scratch (1988 New Music Seminar DJ Champ), Jazzy Joyce & PopMaster Fabel (Rock Steady Crew)
July 17: DJ GrandMaster Caz (Cold Crush Brothers), DJ Lord Finesse (DITC) & Mix Master Ice (U.T.F.O.). Special guests MC Pebblee Poo with DJ Imperial Jaycee
July 24: Kool DJ Red Alert (Kiss FM), DJ Steve Dee (1990 New Music Seminar DJ Champ),Rockin Rob (Mean Machine). Special guest: Chief Rocker Busy Bee (1985 New Music Seminar MC Champ).
July 31: DJ Cash Money (1988 DMC World Champion), GrandWizzard Theodore (inventor of the scratch) & Jazzy Jay (Strong City) with special guest: T La Rock performing "It's Yours"
Crotona Park is located at Charlotte St. & Crotona Park East Bronx NYC 10460. Take the 2 or 5 train to 174th and walk West on Boston Road. Make a right on 173rd St. then a left onto Crotona Park East. Buses to get you there include: BX 11, 15, 17 & 55.
Date: Thursday, July 24th Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm Location: White Box (525 West 26 Street) Cost: Free
"New York Adorned, in collaboration with White Box, is proud to present a captivating performance event and art exhibit. This exhibition is part of the White Box 6 Feet Under Summer Festival. During an exciting two hour opening, the tattoo artists of New York Adorned will create one-of-a-kind paintings. Each one of the twelve artists will work on an identical, larger than life print of a clear skinned nude by street life photographer Patrick O'Dell. The evening is orchestrated by New York Adorned founder Lori Leven."
Date: Thursday, July 24th Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm Location: East River Park (Montgomery St. to East 12th St., FDR Drive) Cost: Free
City Parks Foundation continues to deliver a stellar line up of free summer concerts tonight with hip hop legend KRS-One. "Grammy-nominated rapper, KRS-One is a significant figure in hip hop, often considered one of the greatest rappers to pick up a microphone. An outspoken MC, KRS-One has been a mainstay in anything hip hop over the last 15 years."
Date: Thursday, July 24th Time: 7:00pm Venue: Castle Clinton, Battery Park (directions) Cost: Free
Akron/Family, those bearded, Brooklyn-transplants, kick of a National and UK tour tonight with a free show in South Manhattan. Drawing from parallel strands in American music - the deep-rooted pastoral and the dynamically chaotic - Akron/Family's music is beautifully introspective, frightfully lonely, and surprisingly hopeful. Consider them the darker cousin of Iron and Wine, if you will. Tonight the trio play to overcast skies at Castle Clinton which - weather permitting - is probably the perfect environment for the show. Listen to their entire full album below along with free ticket details.
Tickets are required and space is limited. Two free tickets per person will be distributed at the Castle on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 5:00PM on the day of the show.
Date: Thursday, July 24th Time: 7:30pm Location: Asser Levy/Seaside Park (West 5th St & Surf Ave, Coney Island) Cost: Free
Brooklyn brings you another living-legend performance on the shore tonight as Smokey Robinson takes the stage at the Seaside Summer Concert Series. "Dubbed 'America's greatest living poet' by Bob Dylan, Robinson lived up to the accolade. His songwriting talents produced a continuous stream of top forty hits for The Miracles, a large inventory of songs for his solo career and material for Motown acts like The Temptations, Mary Wells and Marvin Gaye." His hits include "Shop Around," "Baby, Baby Don't Cry," "Tears Of A Clown," "Cruisin," "Being With You" and "Just To See Her." All Ages.
Date: Thursday, July 24th Time: 10:00pm Location: Love (179 Macdougal St.) Cost: Free with RSVP before 11:00pm; $5 after
Tonight check out Creme De La Creme at Love with DJ sets from Pase Rock, Eli Escobar, Jesse Marco, DJ Price and Nicky Savage. Plus, as a topper giveaways from Diamond Supply Co. and Reason Clothing. Make sure you RSVP and be sure to show up before 11pm, else it'll cost ya $5.
Date: Friday, July 25th Time: 12:30pm Venue: One New York Plaza (at Water & Whitehall Streets) Cost: Free
Spend your lunch break with Brooklyn's own Americana, roots-rockers, Ollabelle, who will be performing a special homage to Johnny Cash, the baddest man in music.
Date: Friday, July 25th Time: 6:30pm Location: South Street Seaport, Pier 17 (Fulton St & East River) Cost: Free
Atlas Sound is the solo moniker of Deerhunter frontman Bradford Cox. The music is a collage of ambient electronic influenced bliss-outs and avant-garage gauzy pop.
El Guincho’s live set is a unique experience. Some have called it “amazonic rave. Mind blowing and 200% danceable.”
Date: Friday, July 25th Time: Dusk (around 8 or 8:30) Location: Pier 54 (14th st and the Hudson River) Cost: Free
The folks over at Hudson River Park keep calling this River Flicks for Kids, but we're really into a bunch of these movies, so either the films are also for grown ups, or we're just into kid stuff. Tonight's kid flick is the 80's classic about a friend from another world, E.T. Besides getting to watch movies outside on beautiful summer nights on the Hudson River, the other thing I like about River Flicks is that the popcorn is always free. Seating is first come, first served, so you and your little ones may want to show up early.
Date:Friday, July 25th Time: Sunset (8:30pm) Location: Herb Garden (111th St. between 7th & Lenox Ave.) Cost: Free
Films on the Green moves from the Village to Harlem for the month of July present three rare or never before seen French films in outdoor sunset settings. This month's series, “Dancing Together,” will feature three critically acclaimed and award-winning films showcasing dance and music, from tango to hip hop, an electrifying mixture sure to appeal to West Harlem’s diverse residents. All three movies will be followed by parties! In tonight's final screening, On n’est pas des marques de vélo (We Aren't Cheap Brands), director Jean-Pierre Thorn tells the story of Bouda, one of France’s most popular hip hop dancers, who grew up just as hip hop was taking hold in the banlieues. Thirty-year old Bouda—along with his friends and family and the most recognized and talented Hip Hop artists of his generation—goes over the 80s and 90s and how they formed a new generation. After the movie, audience members will be invited to drink a toast to hip hop in France. All Ages
Date: Saturday, July 26th Time: 12:30pm Location: Coney Island Beach Boardwalk (btw 10th and 12th Sts in front of Astroland) Cost: Free
Today over 100 men and women will compete for Brooklyn’s prestigious Kingsboro Golden Arm Wrestling Championship for Brooklyn’s Strongest Arm. Spectators and contestants are invited to watch or compete for free for male and female titles in the novice, amateur and pro categories in twelve weight classes. The final matches will take place on the boardwalk’s main stage at 3:30pm. Registration is from 9:00am to 12:15pm.
Date: Saturday, July 26th Time: 1:00pm - 10:00pm Location: Water Taxi Beach (2 Bordon Ave, LIC) Cost: Free
NYC House music legends Marlon D and Jellybean Benitez bring their feel vibes (a la their Ain't Nothin' But a House Party events) to the Water Taxi Beach today. This is a great, rare chance to catch these two classic spinners for free. 21+
Date: Saturday, July 26th Time: 1:30pm Location: Colonel's Row, Governor's Island Cost: Free
The Folks on the Island series continues today with a live performance from Eric Bibb. "Performing with his daughter, Yana, blues great Eric Bibb takes the stage at the Folks on the Island Music Festival. Son of legendary folk and musical theater singer Leon Bibb and nephew of world famous jazz pianist and composer John Lewis, Eric Bibb is an original talent whose singing and versatile guitar playing fuse a variety of genres to create a “New World blues." Free ferry service is available to the island every hour, on the hour, starting at 10 a.m. from the Battery Maritime Building in lower Manhattan, adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry. All Ages.Colonel’s Row, Governor’s Island.
Date: Saturday, July 26th Time: 7:00pm - 12:00am Location: 3rd Ward (195 Morgan Ave, BK) Cost: Free
"Aww Sweet & Alldaybuffet have teamed up to present Good Wood 2008 - “Give Back”, an auction-cum-party at 3rd Ward in Brooklyn. 50 artists will be auctioning off one-of-a-kind custom skate decks to support Stoked, an organization that mentors kids through action sports... Bid on a custom decks (all priced below $500), dance to beats by Brion Isaacs (33Hz and ShindigNYC)... Artists include Fernanda Cohen, Chuck Anderson, Leo Espinosa, Don Kilpatrick, Matt Gordon, Nathan Fox, Jeremy Traum, Keetra Dixon, Mike Perry, Chris Ryniak, Plastic Kid, Neuarmy, Serge Gay Jr. and many more. The night will also feature work from respected Brooklyn-based skateboarder/artist Bobby Puleo and film director and photographer Josh Stewart."
Date: Saturday, July 26th Time: 8:00pm Location: World Financial Center Winter Garden - map Cost: Free
"Culminating a week-long celebration of the music of Johnny Cash, a line-up of artists from many walks of musicial life converges to cover gems, both well-known and obscure, from Cash’s songbook. Confirmed artists include John Doe, Ollabelle, Jay Farrar, Laura Cantrell, The Persuasions, Benevento-Russo Duo, Marshall Crenshaw, Catherine Russell, Sway Machinery, Hymns, and others to be announced." All Ages
Date: Saturday, July 26th Time: 8:00pm Location: Knitting Factory (74 Leonard St) Cost: Free
Awesome Color, Knyfe Hyts, Viki, Ko-cho Bisexual and DJ Cody Ranaldo all take over the main space at the Knit tonight for a free for all of post-garage noise rock tonight. More on the bands below. All Ages.
Awesome Color
Awesome Color is a power trio updated for the 2060's, noise provocateurs and impressionists, ace players with punk rock flair, inspired citizens of a small modernist nation of musical, visual, and literary outrage on the outskirts of Brooklyn, or a rainbow amalgam of all of the above at once.
Knyfe Hyts
The krewe of Knyfe Hyts formed in the summer of 2006, when current members of Ex Models, Pterodactyl, and Oneida rekindled their 14-year musical relationship with role reversal, masquerade, power play, threesome, chance, and ritualized improvisation, re-emerging as Bubo V, Brother Khatamkari, and Brother Minakari. Instant magic.
Kocho Bi Sexual
Kocho-Bi-Sexual is Emi Kariya, Sebastian Paulson, a Hammond console organ, and a Roland Space Echo. Ms. Kariya dodges all stereotypes often ascribed to the cute, naive Japanese girl. She spent her childhood all over the place, England, Japan, even Pittsburgh.
Date: Saturday, July 26th Time: 10:00pm Location: Tamboril (527 Myrtle Ave, Clinton Hill) Cost: Free with RSVP before 11pm, $10 after
"Brooklyn Soul is a new monthly Dance Party that encompasses soul music from around the globe. The dance party will feature some of New York City’s premier djs playing the best in 80’s Classics, R&B, Latin, Neo-Soul, Reggae, AfroBeat, Funk, Soul & Calypso music."
Date: Sunday, July 25th Time: 3:00pm - 7:00pm Location: Central Park SummerStage (Directions) Cost: Free
While last week's Summerstage with Santogold saw the hipster crew in full effect (and some damn long DJs sets for a damn short headlining set), this week we're looking at some of the great legends of ska and world music to celebrate Putumayo's 15 years of selling top notch world music to hip mom's in cute little boutiques. From Blue legend Taj Mahal to ska-pioneers the Skatalites to the "“South American version of The Beatles,” Los Pinguos... there's something for everyone under the Summer sun this afternoon. More on the bands below. All ages.
“Blues Legend” is the only two words to describe Taj Mahal. His 40-year career has touched every corner of entertainment: he has collaborated with such diverse artists as Ry Cooder, Fats Domino, Etta James, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and Danny Glover. His evocative creations have been used in countless film scores, plays and spoken word projects.
For over 30 years, the Skatalites have been playing reggae infused with rock and energy to create Ska. Inarguably the most famous collective of the genre, the Skatalites have toured all over the world. They re-formed in 2006 to record 11 new tracks for their new album, On the Right Track. In 2007 the Skatalites collaborated with Ben Harper on “Be My Guest,” a fundraiser for musicians impacted by Hurricane Katrina.
One critic called Los Pinguos the “South American version of The Beatles.” A talent scout recommended they audition for The Next Big Band and since winning; their music has since appeared on several TV shows and films.
Date: Sunday, July 27th Time: 6:30pm Location: Hudson River Park's Pier 54 at W.14th St. Cost: Free
"Dance the night away under the stars with music from New York's hottest dance bands on Sunday evenings on Hudson River Park's Pier 54 - no experience necessary." All Ages.
Date: Sunday, July 27th Time: 7:00pm - 9:00am Location: Pier I, Riverside Park South (70th St & Hudson River) Cost: Free
Enjoy spectacular sunsets over the Hudson at this weekly series for New York’s best jazz, R&B, and world music. This evening features Sephardi folk-rockers, Pharaohs Daugher. "Blending a psychedelic sensibility and a pan-Mediterranean sensuality, Basya Schechter leads her band... through swirling Hasidic chants, Mizrachi and Sephardi folk-rock, and spiritual stylings filtered through percussion, flute, strings and electronica. Their sound has been cultivated by Basyas Hasidic music background and a series of trips to the Middle East, Africa, Israel, Egypt, Central Africa, Turkey, Kurdistan and Greece. She began retuning her guitar to sound like a cross between an Arabic oud and a Turkish saz, with harmonic minor melodies, and odd time signatures." All ages.
Date: Sunday, July 27th Time: 7:00pm Location:Prospect Park Bandshell (Enter park at 9th St and Prospect Park West, P'Slope) Cost: Free, $3 suggested
"With axe-wielding front man Aaron Behrens simultaneously channeling Freddie Mercury, Bowie, and Gary Glitter against a backdrop of diabolical beats and a laser show that will melt your brain, Ghostland Observatory’s "undeniably unique brand of electro-rock is as catchy as hepatitis at a Caribbean resort.' (PopMatters) With the 'soft and erotic clouds of guitar and keyboards that can turn grungy and turbulent' (NY Times) of Brooklyn’s Jealous Girlfriends and Bear Hands, a band 'destined to pick up the much desired musical inheritance left by Steven Malkmus.' (The Deli)" All Ages.
Date: Monday, July 21st Time: Films begin at Dusk (about 8ish) Location: Bryant Park (40th and 42nd Sts & Fifth and Sixth Aves) Cost: Free
Bring your picnic baskets and pull up some lawn for an evening under the stars with the HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival. Every Monday throughout the summer HBO dusts off some old classic movies and plays them on a big screen in Bryant Park. Tonight check out The Apartment in which "Billy Wilder’s cynical-but-sweet romantic comedy, Jack Lemmon tries to get ahead by loaning out his apartment to the bosses for a little 'ring-a-ding-ding'. That is, until the place is used to entertain the woman of his affections, played adorably by Shirley MacLaine."
Date: Tuesday, July 29th Time: Dusk (about 8:00pm) Location: The McCarren Park Pool (Lorimer St between Driggs and Bayard Ave) Cost: Free
Tonight is another installment of Summerscreen, the L Magazine's summer movie series. Pull up a chair at the bottom of the pool with the cool kids to watch Mean Streets, Martin Scorsese's "small-time hood struggle" to succeed on the "mean streets" of Little Italy.
Date: Wednesday, July 30th Time: Dusk (around 8 or 8:30) Location: Pier 54 (14th st and the Hudson River) Cost: Free
On top of getting to watch movies outside on beautiful summer nights on the Hudson River, the other thing I like about River Flicks is every year they pick a central theme for their screenings. This year they take on the world of music in movies. Tonight's film is Dream Girls, about a trio of black female soul singers cross over to the pop charts in the early 1960's. Stars Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé Knowles, Eddie Murphy, Jennifer Hudson and Anika Noni Rose. Seating is first come, first served, and as always the popcorn is free!
Date: Thursday, July 31st Time: 12:30pm - 1:45pm Location: Bryant Park Cost: Free
Every Thursday from now through August 106.7fm will be bringing you Broadway in Bryant Park. On your lunch break grab a seat by the stage and watch selections from Broadway and Off Broadway productions. Today's line up includes pieces from The Little Mermaid, Altar Boyz, Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy, Jump, and A Tale of Two Cities. After the jump you will find the line up for the rest of the summer.
Date: Thursdays in July Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Crotona Park (Charlotte St. & Crotona Park East Bronx) Cost: Free
"The Crotona Park Jams, now in their sixth year, are recreations of the legendary park jams of Hip Hop's earliest years, growing up in the Bronx. At the annual Crotona Park Jams, the DJs are the show and they decide if, which and when MCs can get on the mic, during their sets, as it was in the beginning. Please join us and guests from all nations, in the Bronx this July as we celebrate the true culture of Hip Hop with legends and pioneers rocking the turntables and the mic. Not only do legends command the stage, master practitioners of every element can be found throughout the audience." Tonight features DJ Cash Money, Grand Wizzard Theodore, Jazzy Jay, and T La Rock. Directions and full schedule below. All Ages.
July 10: DJ Scratch (1988 New Music Seminar DJ Champ), Jazzy Joyce & PopMaster Fabel (Rock Steady Crew)
July 17: DJ GrandMaster Caz (Cold Crush Brothers), DJ Lord Finesse (DITC) & Mix Master Ice (U.T.F.O.). Special guests MC Pebblee Poo with DJ Imperial Jaycee
July 24: Kool DJ Red Alert (Kiss FM), DJ Steve Dee (1990 New Music Seminar DJ Champ),Rockin Rob (Mean Machine). Special guest: Chief Rocker Busy Bee (1985 New Music Seminar MC Champ).
July 31: DJ Cash Money (1988 DMC World Champion), GrandWizzard Theodore (inventor of the scratch) & Jazzy Jay (Strong City) with special guest: T La Rock performing "It's Yours"
Crotona Park is located at Charlotte St. & Crotona Park East Bronx NYC 10460. Take the 2 or 5 train to 174th and walk West on Boston Road. Make a right on 173rd St. then a left onto Crotona Park East. Buses to get you there include: BX 11, 15, 17 & 55.
