Brighter Days Ahead with New Tumbling Brights Holiday Lights Installation in Lincoln Square

Ten Illuminated Spirit Figures Shine Throughout Broadway Malls from

Columbus Circle to 70th St. as Symbols of Hope and Resilience

 

Lincoln Square, NY – As the holiday season begins and as a sign of brighter days ahead, the Lincoln Square Business Improvement District (BID) announced today the installation of a brand new, choreographed lighting display Tumbling Brights, a procession of ten lighted spirit figures that are currently illuminating the Broadway malls from Columbus Circle up to 70th St. this holiday season as symbols of hope, resilience and community solidarity.

 

Somersaulting their way through the neighborhood, each ethereal figure is positioned at different angles in a coordinated acrobatic display heading up from Columbus Circle and down from 70th St., converging in Dante Park across from Lincoln Center at the Statue of Dante Alighieri.  The grounds of Dante Park will be delicately illuminated as well, and the Statue will have a light projection with a constellation of stars warmly welcoming residents and visitors to the neighborhood. The full lighting installation will be on display through February 28, 2021.

 

The installation is designed by New York-based lighting firm Linnaea Tillett Lighting Design Associates with Seth Tillett. The brother and sister team drew their inspiration for this spirited installation from the Lincoln Square neighborhood itself as a center for arts and culture.  Seth Tillett is a theater and augmented reality designer whose industry has been essentially shuttered since the beginning of the public health crisis.  Inspired by the neighborhood, the lighting design also represents a show of solidarity for the arts and culture community and the hope that the lights of Lincoln Square’s performing arts culture will return stronger and brighter than ever before.  These bright figures are also a tribute to the vibrancy and strength of all New Yorkers, including the business community, which stands ready to safely welcome guests to the neighborhood over the holidays in compliance with local and state social distancing guidelines.

 

The figures were fabricated by Twoseven Inc., a multidisciplinary design firm also based in NYC, part of the BID’s efforts to support local businesses and artistic creation. The lights are also sustainable and environmentally friendly and are not wrapped around any trees.

 

“The holidays for the Lincoln Square neighborhood this year are about hope, hope for a healthy holiday season and hope for a better tomorrow,” said Monica Blum, President of the Lincoln Square BID.  “We hope this new, unique lighting display will lift the spirits of residents and visitors to our neighborhood and serve as a source of strength and inspiration to help us all through these challenging times.”

 

“We felt that a flow of figures uptown from Columbus Circle and downtown from 70th street would deliver a dynamic gathering of spirits to Dante Park. While best known for The Inferno, Dante’s most luminous words are reserved for Paradise and the ceaselessly revolving lights of the heavens. Emerging from darkness into the light became a key theme of this installation, and we are proud to support the Lincoln Square BID’s message of hope and resilience,” said Designer Seth Tillett.

 

Linnaea Tillett Lighting Design Associates’ projects in NYC include the newly opened Pier 26 at Hudson River Park, the Battery Bosque and the forthcoming Morgan Library and Museum Garden.

 

The Lincoln Square BID sincerely thanks Glenwood, Con Edison, Ogden CAP Properties, 15 Central Park West, Deutsche Bank, TD Bank, Fidelity Investments, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, and the New York City Department of Transportation for making this lighting installation possible.


For more information on the Lincoln Square BID along with a list of open businesses and restaurants, please visit www.lincolnsquarebid.org.


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About the Lincoln Square BID:
The Lincoln Square BID is a not-for-profit tax-exempt organization whose mission is to make Lincoln Square cleaner, safer, and more beautiful, and to undertake various improvement projects. Efforts are focused on supplemental sanitation and security services; the beautification of public spaces, malls, and parks; and the promotion and marketing of the area's diverse business and cultural offerings.  The Lincoln Square BID acts as a catalyst working with business, community and City partners to promote positive change in Lincoln Square. The BID’s programs and initiatives are designed to foster tourism, and to showcase the rich and varied resources of this vibrant Upper West Side neighborhood. For more information, please call (212) 581-3774 or visit www.lincolnsquarebid.org.

 

About Linnaea Tillett Lighting Design Associates

Linnaea Tillett Lighting Design Associates creates imaginative, technically innovative and ecologically-sensitive lighting programs for the landscape and built environment – public and private, intimate and urban.  The firm has forged a highly acclaimed body of work by treating every design challenge as an opportunity to find the poetic in the functional, the elegant in the robust, and simplicity in technical and regulatory complexity.  Each project is grounded in a highly nuanced understanding of the perceptual, affective and symbolic dimensions of light. The firm has 35 years of experience with projects across the United States and beyond. The firm is a nationally certified WBE.

 

About Seth Tillett

Seth Tillett is an artist and theater designer, as well as a free lance art director of augmented reality environments. He has designed over a hundred stages for Opera, Theater and Ballet in Europe, for which he also created lighting and occasionally composed music. Most recently Tillett was the art director for David Bowie is, the elaborate augmented reality iteration of the acclaimed exhibition of Bowie's life and work. Tillett lives and works in NYC.

Check out Statue of Liberty on a cruise, with beautiful NYC views, like never before.

We are all getting bored sitting mostly at home and it’s getting stale. But outdoor activities, when possible, are still a great way to break the monotony. One great activity that’s safe and fun will be taking a cruise on the Hudson (not that cruise). Statue of Liberty cruises have been a popular staple on New York fort the longest time. But right now you can experience a Statue Cruise, like you have never before. Statue Cruises- is the official operator of ferry service to both islands on behalf of the National Park Service from Battery Park in lower Manhattan and Liberty State Park in Jersey City, NJ. Now is the ideal time for NY & NJ residents and locals to visit and experience the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, especially since the weather forecast this weekend looks great. 

Both islands are open seven days/week with daily departures from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. From the great outdoors, to the history and simply coming together in a safe and socially distant way, eight reasons why now is a great time for a visit to the Crown Jewels of New York Harbor:

·         Open Space Galore & The Weather – Plenty of open space on both islands to enjoy the great outdoors and the spectacular views of New York Harbor. Plus, the weather looks great!

·         Lean and Clean – With strict social distancing guidelines and cleaning protocols in place, including deep cleanings of vessels throughout each day, mask requirements and more, Statue Cruises is taking all the necessary precautions to help keep guests safe on their journey.

·         Alone Time with Lady Liberty - When can you visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with no wait times and without the peak crowds.

·         A socially distant way to get together before or during the holidays in the heart of NY Harbor.

·         Fun and Educational for the Kids – A great way to pass the time when the kids are out / off line from school with Veteran’s Day and holiday breaks coming up.

·         Head South… to the South Side of Ellis Island and its historic Hospital Complex that was used to treat sick immigrants at the turn of the 20th century with an Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour.

·         Coping with Pandemic Fatigue – If you need to get away and get out, there’s nothing like a Staycation to the Statue.

·         Timed and contactless ticketing via statuecruises.com helps manage capacity while providing easy flexibility to change the date/time of a reservation, especially if you want to give the gift of Liberty and culture to loved ones in advance of the holidays.

Few tips to make it more fun:

  • Dress warm, in layers. It’s colder on the cruise, warmer in the museum.

  • Get there 15 mins early, so you can get a good spot on the boat.

  • If open, go sit at top level of the boat, for the best views.

  • Make sure to visit the Ellis Island museum, a good place to warm up and lot of history to check out. Ships leave every 1 hour 10 mins, so keep an eye on the schedule.

  • You can only visit the Ellis Island Museum before you go to Statue of Liberty.

  • Make sure to take free audio tour devices available at check in, both at the Ellis Island and Liberty Island, they are great.

  • Maintain social distancing, wear masks and stay safe.

This is a great way to have some fun and a great time with family or even by yourself, enjoy some outdoor time, and learn about some New York and American history. Usually it’s very crowded, of course. But during the pandemic, you can get much less crowd and a unique experience, worth trying. if you have been putting Statue of Liberty on hold for years (like most New Yorkers!), or just want to do something fun outdoors, this is a good one.

Have a safe and fun Holidays. Happy Holidays!!

42FT – A MENAGERIE OF MECHANICAL MARVELS | Celebrate the holidays with the family at the New Victory Theater

New 42nd Street Presents at New Victory Theater Cirque Mechanics’ 42FT A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels

Run away with the circus this holiday season and join the creators of Birdhouse Factory and Pedal Punkas they return to the New Victory Theater with an all-new contemporary circus spectacular

December 6, 2019 - January 5, 2020

Come one, come all to the New Victory’s high-flying hit for the holidays! The endlessly inventive Cirque Mechanics (Pedal Punk, New Victory 2015) upends expectations in a dizzying, dazzling array of acts that have never before appeared on the New Victory stage. Cirque Mechanics' New York engagement at New Victory Theater is just one stop on a 41 city tour across the U.S.Catch 42FT –A MENAGERIE OF MECHANICAL MARVELS this winter at the New Victory Theater from December 6 - January 5, 2020.

It’s hands down one of the best acrobatic performance circus themed show you can see in NYC right now. You can see all the amazing circus acts sans the animals (there’s a really cute mechanical horse though). There’s an amazing clown (Justin Therrien is really amazing), crazy jugglings - Horse juggling by Tatiana Vasilenko is dazzling, strongman (Battulga Battogtokh), trapeze artists, rope walking (Esther De Monteflores will floor you with her skills), sword swallowing (again Justin Therrien) and a lot more. It’s innovative, dazzling, funny and lot of fun. Being at New Victory Theater, it’s perfect for kids and families. Nothing better than that for the Holidays. You can get more details and buy your tickets right here

Tickets - 42FT @ The New Victory Theater

Inspired by the wonder that can fill the 42 feet diameter of a traditional one-ring circus (sans live animals), 42FT – A MENAGERIEOFMECHANICALMARVELSis staged on a rotating tent frame. Bright with light, laughter and good cheer, this stunning spectacle is aflurry of circus sights and sounds:

  • ●  Daring duo Nikki Unwin and Elijah Newton hang 15 feet above the stage from a single trapeze

  • ●  Tatiana Vasilenko juggles astride a cantering mechanical horse

  • ●  Four Acrobats swing on a 14 foot long revolving ladder

  • ●  Mongolian Strong Man Battulga Battogtokh juggles bowling balls and a giant log!

  • ●  Rare Russian Swing launches acrobats into the air

    Cirque Mechanics finds its roots in the mechanical and its heart in the stories of American industrial ingenuity. Boston native and German Wheel artist Chris Lashua founded the company in 2004 after the success of his collaborative project with the Circus Center of San Francisco,Birdhouse Factory (New Victory, 2008). Cirque Mechanics quickly established itself as a premier American circus, with its unique approach to staging, inspiring storytelling and innovative, mechanical set pieces. Stories are wrapped in circus acrobatics, mechanical wonders and a bit of clowning around.

    Creative Direction by Chris Lashua, Co-Direction and Choreography by Aloysia Gavre, Set Design by Sean Riley, Lighting Design by Anthony Powers and Joe D’Emilio, Costume Design by Caroline Rogers, Poster and Headpiece Design by Nata Ibragimov. Co-Produced by Aida Lashua. Production Direction by Janeen Johnson. Music composed by Michael Picton. Writing by Steven Ragatz. Mike Brown is the company’s bullwhip trainer.

    The cast includes Battulga Battogtokh, Brysen Bishop, Austin Bradley, Drew Fouarge, Wes Hatfield, Esther De Monteflores, Brooke Neilson, Elijah Newton, Michael Rubino, Taylor Stevens, Justin Therrien, Nikki Unwin and Tatiana Vasilenko.

    Learn more about 42FT – A MENAGERIEOFMECHANICALMARVELS at NewVictory.org.

    Public Performance Schedule:

    Friday, December 6 at 7pm Saturday, December 7 at 2pm / 7pm

    Friday, December 13, at 7pm Saturday, December 14 at 2pm / 7pm* Sunday, December 15 at 12pm / 5pm Saturday, December 21 at 2pm / 7pm Sunday, December 22 at 12pm / 5pm**

    Thursday, December 26 at 12pm / 5pm Friday, December 27 at 12pm / 5pm Saturday, December 28 at 2pm / 7pm Sunday, December 29 at 12pm / 5pm

    Wednesday, January 1 at 2pm Friday, January 3 at 7pm

Saturday, January 4 at 2pm / 7pm Sunday, January 5 at 12pm / 5pm *Sensory-friendly performance **Audio described performance

42FT – A MENAGERIEOFMECHANICALMARVELS has a running time of 1 hour and 45 minutes including one intermission, and is recommended for ages 5 and up.

Lobby Activities

Before and after every show, check out the theater lobbies to participate in free arts activities! You’ll find creative content for kiddos inspired by the show’s themes and art forms.

Ticket Information

Full-price tickets for 42FT – A MENAGERIEOFMECHANICALMARVELSstart at $22. Tickets are available online (http://www.newvictory.org/visitor-info) and by phone (646.223.3010).

To purchase tickets in person, the New Victory box office is located at 209 West 42nd Street (between 7th / 8th Avenues). Box office hours are Sunday & Monday from 11am-5pm and Tuesday through Saturday from 12pm-7pm.

About The New Victory Theater

The New Victory opens new worlds to young people and families through extraordinary performances, education and engagement programs. Bringing kids to the arts and the arts to kids since 1995, this nonprofit theater has become a standard-bearer of quality performing arts for young audiences in the United States. Reflecting and serving the multicultural city it calls home, The New Victory is committed to arts access for all communities of New York to experience and engage with the exemplary international shows on its stages. A global leader in arts education, youth development and audience engagement, The New Victory Theater has been honored by the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities with the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award, by Americans for the Arts with a national Arts Education Award, and by the Drama Desk for "providing enchanting, sophisticated children's theater that appeals to the child in all of us, and for nurturing a love of theater in young people."

About The New 42nd Street

The New 42nd Street, which recently announced Russell Granet as the nonprofit’s next President & CEO, catalyzes the power of performing arts to spark new perspectives, incubate new works and create new opportunities for us all. Through our signature projects--The New Victory Theater, New 42nd Street Studios and The Duke on 42nd Street--New 42nd Street makes extraordinary performing arts a vital part of everyone’s life—from the earliest years onward. The organization also stewards seven historic theater properties on 42nd Street, between 7th and 8th Avenues, ensuring the legacy and vitality of America’s most iconic theater district. Together with our supporters, we are opening access to performing arts that move us—as individuals, communities and a society.

2018 Holiday Gift Ideas!

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year, yes, the holiday season. Time to eat, drink, enjoy some wonderful family time and buy holiday gifts for your loved ones, or yourself. Here are few unique recommendations from us

A CUSTOM TAILORED SUIT by MOHAN CUSTOM TAILORS: You have to agree that any man looks great in a well fitting suit. Now a custom tailored is not a luxury item only for the riches. With Mohan’s Custom Tailors, you can get a custom tailored suit starting at just few hundred dollars. And they have some amazing holiday special deals as well. This will be a gift to last for years!

SKATEBOARDS by BEASTIE BOARDS: You may not be feeling the urge to spend a few hundred dollars and may not need a suit. How about a skateboard? Even if you are not a skateboarding enthusiasts, these beautiful skateboards adored by beautiful art, will make a great and unique decoration piece for any wall. A unique gift for that unique person in your life!

  • Designer Glasses and Mugs by ROOT7: We all need and use mugs and glasses, but why not get something really unique and special? They have many cool things but her are 2 specific suggestions that I loved.

    • Shots of Himalayan salt. Yes, you can do your shots in shot glasses made of Himalayan salt.

    • Root 7 Geo Glasses are unique geometrical shapes and great quality. Forget about boring round glasses, try something geometric and unique!

    • Your morning cup of coffee will feel even better with a colorful Ombre Mug. It also feels really good to hold, seriously!

While we are talking about mugs, this cute color changing UNICORN mug is just adorable. For kids or for yourself!

Keep an eye here for more gift suggestions to be coming in upcoming days/weeks.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Apollo Theater Releases Holidays At The Apollo Line Up Featuring CeCe Winans, The Walls Group, Hezekiah Walker and More

Celebrate Holidays at the Apollo With Festive Programs for Audiences of All Ages

COCA-COLA WINTER WONDERLAND Under the Apollo Theater’s Iconic Marquee

Saturday, December 15 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.

AMATEUR NIGHT HOLIDAY SPECIAL

Featuring the Apollo Stars of Tomorrow Alumni Christian Guardino, Alexis Morrast, Leah Jenea Ganes and Emily Carr

With Special Guests The Walls Group

Hosted by Capone

Saturday, December 15 at 7:30 p.m.

HOLIDAY JOY: A GOSPEL CELEBRATION

Featuring

CeCe Winans and Hezekiah Walker with the Love Fellowship Choir

Hosted by Marcus Wiley

Saturday, December 22 at 2:00 p.m.

KWANZAA CELEBRATION: REGENERATION NIGHT

A Night of Dance, Culture, Community, and Family

Featuring Abdel R. Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theatre,

With Special Guest

Sonia Sanchez

Hosted by Imhotep Gary Byrd

Sunday, December 29 at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m.

Harlem, NY – November 6, 2018 – This December, the Apollo Theater will celebrate the holidays with offerings for the entire family. Holidays at the Apollo includes programs that will celebrate culture, music, and community during the festive season. Additionally, as part of Holidays at the Apollo, patrons can save $3 per ticket by bringing a donated item (children’s toy, home goods, or canned good) to one of the holiday shows.

Highlights of the Holidays at the Apollo include:

Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland (Saturday, December 15) the theater’s free annual family event taking place under the iconic Apollo marquee, features live entertainment, presentations, a visit from Santa, and a toy and book drive for a Harlem charity.

9th Annual Amateur Night Holiday Special (Saturday, December 15), a special edition of the theater’s signature program Amateur Night at the Apollo showcasing talented young alumni of the show’s “Apollo Stars of Tomorrow” category. Performers include, Christian Guardino, Alexis Morrast, Leah Jenea Ganes and Emily Carr, with special guests The Walls Group. The holiday special is hosted by Capone.

Holiday Joy: A Gospel Celebration (Saturday, December 22) featuring CeCe Winans and Hezekiah Walker with the Love Fellowship Choir. The concert is hosted by comedian Marcus Wiley.

12th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration: Regeneration Night (Saturday, December 29) now in its 12th year at the Apollo, honors the principles of Kwanzaa through music, dance, and community celebration featuring Abel R. Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, and poetSonia Sanchez.

Save $3 per ticket by bringing an item (children’s toy, home goods, or canned good) for donation to one of the holiday shows. Use code GIVE to save. Limit to 4 tickets per transaction. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Please see below for a full schedule of Holidays at the Apollo events:

Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland

Saturday, December 15 from 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Before the Apollo Amateur Night Holiday Special, the Apollo and Coca-Cola are partnering to bring the magic of the holiday season to Harlem. Under the Apollo’s iconic marquee, Coca-Cola will offer picture-taking with Santa Claus and singing under the marquee with local Harlem choirs, as well as other holiday-themed activities and performances. In the spirit of giving, the afternoon will also include a toy and book drive for a local Harlem charity. This family event is hosted by Billy Mitchell, the Apollo’s tour director and in-house historian.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information visit www.apollotheater.org

9th Annual Amateur Night Holiday Special

Featuring: The Apollo Amateur Night Stars of Tomorrow Alumni

And a Special Performance by The Walls Group

Saturday, December 15 at 7:30 p.m.

The Apollo Theater lights up the holiday season with the Amateur Night Holiday Special. The ninth annual event under its signature programAmateur Night at the Apollo, showcases the talented young alumni of the show’s “Apollo Stars of Tomorrow” category and will feature performances by Christian Guardino (America’s Got Talent), Alexis Morrast (Showtime at the Apollo), Leah Jenea Ganes (The Four) and Emily Carr (So You Think You Can Dance). The holiday special will be hosted by Capone and will also include a performance by special guests The Walls Group.

Tickets for the Amateur Night Holiday Special start at $22. Tickets will be available at the Apollo Theater Box Office: (212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th Street, and Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are on sale now.

Holiday Joy: A Gospel Celebration

Featuring CeCe Winans and Hezekiah Walker with the Love Fellowship Choir

Hosted by Comedian Marcus Wiley

Saturday, December 22 at.2:00 p.m.

Join us for an afternoon of soul stirring Holiday gospel music to lift your Holiday spirits and bless your Christmas season. Cece Winans will warm your soul and Hezekiah Walker with the Love Fellowship Choir will take you higher. Marcus Wiley, host and comedian, promises to delight you and your loved ones throughout the evening.

Tickets for Holiday Joy: A Gospel Celebration start at $30 and will be available at the Apollo Theater Box Office: (212) 531-5305,253 West 125th Street, and Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are on sale now.

Kwanzaa Celebration: Regeneration Night

Featuring Abdel R. Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theatre

With Special Guest Sonia Sanchez

Hosted by Imhotep Gary Byrd

December 29 at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m.

Since 2006, the Apollo has established an annual performance with Abdel Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theatre to commemorate the holiday tradition of Kwanzaa. The Apollo’s celebration is a joyful evening of dance and music honoring the principles of Kwanzaa—family, community, and culture. This year’s performance will include the legendary poet Sonia Sanchez

Tickets for Kwanzaa Celebration: Regeneration Night start at $25. Tickets are available at The Apollo Theater Box Office: (212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th Street, and Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are on sale now.

Get social! For exclusive photos, updates and more use the hashtags #HolidaysAtApollo and #KwanzaaApollo

Follow the Apollo Theater:

Facebook.com/apollotheater

Twitter.com/apollotheater

YouTube.com/apollotheater

Instagram.com/apollotheater

Support

Amateur Night at the Apollo and Holidays at the Apollo are sponsored by Coca-Cola.

The Apollo's season is made possible by generous support from Coca-Cola, Citi, Time Warner, the Howard Gilman Foundation, and the Jerome L. Greene Foundation.

Public support for the Apollo Theater is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, and from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

About the Apollo Theater

The legendary Apollo Theater—the soul of American culture—plays a vital role in cultivating emerging artists and launching legends. Since its founding, the Apollo has served as a center of innovation and a creative catalyst for Harlem, the city of New York, and the world.

With music at its core, the Apollo’s programming extends to dance, theater, spoken word, and more. This includes special programs such as the blockbuster concert Bruno Mars Live at the Apollo, the world premiere theatrical reading of Ta-Nehisi Coates’s National Book Award-winning Between the World and Me, 100: The Apollo Celebrates Ella, the annual Africa Now! Festival, and the New York premiere of the opera We Shall Not Be Moved. The Apollo is a performing arts presenting organization that also produces festivals and large-scale dance and music works organized around a set of core initiatives that celebrate and extend the Apollo’s legacy through a contemporary lens; global festivals including the Women of the World (WOW) Festival and Breakin’ Convention; international and U.S.-based artist presentations focused on a specific theme; and Special Projects, multidisciplinary collaborations with partner organizations.

Since introducing the first Amateur Night contests in 1934, the Apollo Theater has served as a testing ground for new artists working across a variety of art forms and has ushered in the emergence of many new musical genres—including jazz, swing, bebop, R&B, gospel, blues, soul, and hip-hop. Among the countless legendary performers who launched their careers at the Apollo are Michael Jackson, Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder, Billie Holiday, James Brown, D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, Dave Chappelle, Machine Gun Kelly, Miri Ben Ari, Sarah Vaughan, Gladys Knight, and Luther Vandross; and the Apollo’s forward-looking artistic vision continues to build on this legacy. For more information visit https://www.apollotheater.org/

Apollo Theater Information

Box Office Hours:

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

TOP 5 places for Holidays in NYC: Beautiful Christmas Decorations, Holiday Shopping, Ice Skating & LOT MORE!

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New York City is an amazing place to be at, all year round. But Holiday season becomes even more special with so many amazing things that pop up in NYC, that are unique to this wonderful city. Here are our top suggestions for THINGS TO SEE/DO in NYC during Holiday season:

  • Rockefeller Center: The biggest and best Christmas tree in NYC, and maybe the entire world is at Rockefeller Center. It's FREE and open to public everyday from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm, until January 7th. While you are there, you can also enjoy some iceskating and go visit the Rockefeller Center itself.
  • Bryant Park: If we are talking about Christmas Tree and Ice Skating, another amazing place in NYC would be Bryant Park. The winter time is the time for WINTER VILLAGE at Bryant Park. It brings amazing pop-up shops which have some cool crafts, art, holiday gifts and so much more. You have to be there to check it out. Ice Skating is free, if you have your own skates, else your an rent them for just $20. Time for Ice skating, holiday shopping, and rinkside dining make magical winter memories!
  • Central Park: Another iconic place to do ice skating in NYC would be the one and only, Wollman Skating Rink at CENTRAL PARK. It's not free like Bryant Park, but it's lot of fun to skate under the stars, surrounded by trees in middle of Manhattan, in the amazing Central Park. You can also enjoy, to of other mazing things that Central Park has to offer.
  • Times Square: The host to NYC New Year's Ball Drop, Times Square is one of the most visited place in the world. Filled with some amazing marquees, shops, characters and so much more, it's always a fun place to check out. And if you are around on New Year's eve, go checkout the Ball Drop as well. Or you can just watch it on TV in cozy environment and enjoy Times Square before or after. There' also a cool Holiday Market filled with amazing pop-up shops, on Broadway between 39 & 41 street, in Garment District. Make sure to check that out too!
  • Macy's New York: Macy's and 34th Street  in Manhattan, New York have an iconic connection to Christmas and Holidays. So, you definitely do not want to miss the holiday fun at Macy's. From there cool beautiful HOLIDAY WINDOWS right outside, to decorations inside, it's sure something that will delight all the young ones, and some adults as well. Plus you can shop at the biggest departmental store in the world, a delight for everyone.

Also, all of this can be covered in one day, if you like. Start from 34th Street at Macy's, walk to Times Square, then to Bryant Park, followed by Rockefeller and then Central Park. They are all not too far away from each other. So much fun, with family, with your loved one, with friends or even just by yourself. NYC is the best place to be for Holidays. Enjoy!

Checkout the video at the link below, to see a walk I did from Macy's to Bryant Park.

https://www.facebook.com/myNewYorkeye/videos/1712236638828364/

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

UNIQUE HOLIDAY GIFT CHOICES, with STYLE!

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Here are a few ideas to shake up the coming holiday season.

Stocking stuffers suggestions:  Just Zip It (www.just-zipit.com).  They have googly-eyes but these pouches from ZIPIT rock.  Made from 100% polyester, with large, “grip” teeth, the pouch can hold up to 30 pencils, collectibles, change and more. It’s machine-washable and comes in four different colors: black, blue, pink and purple.

Decal for the Day is new rub-on decals from OMY (omy-maison.com). There are different themes, like Paris, NYC, and even letters. Over 120 designs transfer easily. There’s no commitment because these decals wear away naturally and wash off clothes, too!

Finger Friends (landofnod.com) This cool fingernail kit comes with 25 animal stickers that are perfectly sized for little digits. Tigers, pandas, monkeys and more!

Made By us and For Us. Send the right message to the kids in your life. 

Kimberly Jesika’s network and doll empire must be seen to be believed. She’s the savvy CEO behind the KidPire TV NETWORK (English and Spanish). Her Kimy fashion dolls with their cool bun— signature hairdo are popular! Jesika also cartoons on the Kidpire TV network. and books available on Amazon. @kidpiretvnetwork @dollfaceanimatedfilms @kimyfashiondoll

https://www.amazon.com/Kimberly-J.-Bowles/e/B008EEU0M2

The joy of reading can be achieved in this fast, mobile society.  

iTunes offers Donna Beasley’s KaZoom Kids Books.  Created and illustrated by creatives of color, the library of interactive, multicultural books are designed to inspire children ages 3-8 to love reading. These are fun stories, featuring diverse characters, beautifully illustrated and with read-along narration. Designed so kids can use independently. Get 2 books free, and then subscribe to access all titles. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/kazoom-kids-books/id1267330218?mt=8

Coding is more than fun, it's essential education.  Kids with basic coding fundamentals give an edge to students.  Finding the right way to motivate your child can make all the difference, so here are selections are broken down by age group.

Ages 5 – 8:  Ozobot robot does not use a smartphone or remote control, children draw lines with different colored markers to ‘program’ Evo. It can also be controlled with a phone or tablet, and it supports a drag and drop programming language, but the tactile sensation of ‘coloring’ with markers is a fantastic way to relate logic problems to children.

Wonder Workshop’s Cue will get a lot more mileage out of Cue’s personalities than preteens and teens, but it’s still a premium quality robot toy for any age. Kids can learn programming skills and create routines for their robot complete with sounds and lights.

Ages 8 – 12: Kamigami: Insect-like robots that kids assemble by folding plastic together. These fully-functional robots teach kids several STEM skills – and if you get a couple of these robots together they interact. These are fine for smaller kids too.

Code: Board games from ThinkFun don’t require any apps or screens to play. They come in several options and are popular with educators who want to introduce the fundamentals of code to children. Hour of Code website lists hundreds of educational games and activities. 

Beauty Products make great gifts and Hollywood Pro Makeup Artist, Daurisa Tessier (daurisatessier.com) recommended these choices for the Holiday season.

Fenty Beauty by Rihana Gloss and the Kiawatt Freestyle Highlighter Duo.  From MAC the paint pots eyeshadow primers and the Nude lipstick Razzledazzler. From Hourglass the Veil Mineral Primer,  Ambient® Lighting Palette and the Hourglass. Vanish™ Seamless Finish Foundation Stick. From Marc Jacob its the Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara and for full coverage you can’t get better than Marc Jacobs Re (Marc)able Foundations. 

5 Amazing Holiday gifts for 2017!

Holiday season is time for celebrations, joy, fun and gifts! Giving gifts to your family & friends, and sometimes just yourself is just essential. But picking a good gift can be challenging in the times like these. There's just too many options out there. So here are some unique and amazing holiday gift suggestions from us.

  • Do you love music? Do you like to hear every beat and sound crystal clear? Are you an audiophile? Then the usual earphones that your phone came with, or even the ones you buy online for $20-$30, is just not going to cut it. You know that. But if you are ready to spend just little more money, there are these amazing headphones from ECHOBOX. I tried both Finder and Traveller, and they are AMAZING. I'm nothing to give you a lot of technical jargon, you can go to their site and check the details. But I'll tell you that they sound amazing. And they DO NOT TANGLE. That's big for me. I have had $200 earphones, that tangled. These are just amazing. Sound is just superb. And right now, you can grab these on some amazing discount this holiday season. Checkout more on their site.
  • Candles have become the easiest and most common gift to give these days. But it's not really easy to find some exceptional candles. The market is filled with all sort of products, and finding something good can be very very hard. Hence we recommend candles from ToBeCalm Frangrences. There collection is amazing, and you'll definitely find something you love. Just give them a try. They even have holiday special candles! Checkout their fragrances, essential oils and other products as well.
  • It's getting cold outside, and your feet probably feel that cold. There's a beautiful and super comfortable way to keep your feet warm - TIME Slippers. I tried my first pair last year, and I have been a fan since. They make everything from slippers to boots, for both men and women. Available in several colors and designs, you will definitely find something that you and your feet would love. Get them for yourself, or the special one around you. Check them out now!
  • Either you wear them for sun, for vision or just for fun, glasses are always cool, all year round. My favorite place to get some amazing glasses happens to be CoastalDotCom. They have amazing selection, with some exclusive designs as well. The prices are great and so is the service. From prescription eyewear, to fashionable sunglasses, to a mix of both, this is s great place to get whatever eyewear you are looking for. With their holiday special, this would be a great time to collect some wonderful glasses for the entire year.
  • You like computers and coding? Or do you want to get into computers and coding? And amazing gift for any youngling or even adults KANO. What's KANO? Kano is a DIY "computer kit designed to help people of all ages assemble a computer from scratch, and learn basic coding skills". They have something for people of all ages, and once you get into building these computer kits, there's no way you won't fall in love. Make sure you get a your hands on one this holiday season.

So this is our list of some unique holiday gift/shopping ideas. I have personally tried each of these products, and I'll say I'm in love. All of these are on my gift list, one quantities of more than one. You may want the same. Go, get them now!

We will bring you another list of stocking stuffers as well. Enjoy the holidays and have a wonderful time. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Top 5 places to enjoy Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, in NYC!

New York City is awesome the year around, but Holidays are even more special here in the city. There's just so much to see and do in the city. Here are the top 5 must see spots this holiday season:

Christmas & Holidays in NYC, at Macy's 34th street Herald Sq.

Macy's 34th Street Herald Square: One of the largest departmental store, that's right here in Manhattan, is also known for some wonderful holiday celebrations etc. And it's not just Thanksgiving and Macy's Thanksgiving parade. This Macy's happens to have beautiful Christmas and holiday themed "display windows" around Holidays. It's definitely a must see!

Christmas & Holidays in NYC, at Bryant Park - Winter Village. Free skiing, shopping & food to enjoy the holidays & winter in NYC

Bryant Park - Winter Village: Walk few blocks north on 6th Avenue and you arrive to Bryant Park. During winter they have "Winter Village", there, which is basically this winter market with tons boutique shops and wonderful food etc etc. And they have a beautiful Christmas Tree as well. However the best thing is the free ice skating rink (provided you have your own skates, else you can rent skates for cheap). Skiing under the stars, in middle of the city, surrounded by iconic NYC buildings. It's wonderful. And again, it's FREE!

Enjoy holidays, winter & New Year's at Times Square, NYC

Time Square, NYC: Walk a block west, and you're at center of the world aka Times Square. Is it special for Christmas or Holidays or even winter? Not really. But IT's special all year round. It's freakin' TIMES SQUARE!

Rockefeller Center: Well, if your'e talking Christmas and Holidays, you can't miss this spot. This is where the famous Christmas Tree of NYC is planted. And there also skiing!

Central Park: Walk few blocks north and you arrive at Central Park. Central park is evergreen place to visit, like Times Square. But it is special in winter with another ice FREE skating rink under the stars, in middle of the city, in the beautiful & magnificent Central Park, NYC.

Manhattan Holiday: Vespa in the City

How to ride a Vespa in New York City, just like in Roman Holiday...

April 23rd marks an important birthday for Vespa, who can enjoy her last sixties. Sixty-nine years ago aeronautical engineer Corradino D’Ascanio presented to the world the most iconic Italian scooter, that according to industrialist Enrico Piaggio looked like a wasp (now you know what Vespa means in Italian), and is now part of the permanent collection at MoMA.

From 1946 to today (almost seventy years later), Vespa is the utmost glamour scooter model, made legendary by Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn riding it through the Italian capital, in ‘Roman Holiday.’ Have you ever thought of evoking that magic in the Big Apple? Well, apparently someone in Central Park did! The NYC Vespa tours transform a normal tour into a scenic adventure with your experienced and skilled vespa tour guide driver. You can pick half-hour tours or one hour tours and you will cover the City’s most famous landmarks in and out of the park. These include the Carousel, the Dairy, the Balto statue, Summerstage, Strawberry Fields, the Dakota building, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Rockefeller Center, Times Square and Lincoln Center.

But if you want to pick your own itinerary and be the one driving the scooter be aware of certain precautions. Be sure to find a spot that is away from people’s blind spots and road hazards, one that gives you the maximum ability to accelerate, decelerate and change directions as needed. Traffic in New York can become over hectic, but don’t be intimidated. A good way to get a car to give you space behind you is to sway the scooter under you. Also try to wear the best safety gear, we know you want to look glam like Princess Ann and reporter Joe Bradley on that Vespa, but you’ll be more appealing if you make it all in one piece. Better safe than sorry, right? So using a pack protector in the City is a good idea. If you wear something or do something to the Vespa that will catch people’s attention it’s going to make it less likely for them to hit you. Perhaps also a colorful helmet could help. We all know the rules have changed since the 50s: helmets are obligatory when riding today.

Finally and most importantly have fun, look all over the place and take in all the beauties New York has to offer...don’t forget to watch also the traffic lights! You, the Vespa and your amore, are sure to have the time of your life experiencing the “Manhattan Holiday.”

New Years’ Eve Suggestion # 5

Kadampa Meditation Center

Kadampa Meditation Center

Zen me baby into 2015!

Who knew that Zen could be found in pricey, trendy Chelsea?

Check it out with a New Year’s Eve Meditation on 12/31/

The peaceful event is given by the Kadampa Meditation Center (in Chelsea) and offers a serene alternative the other “NYC” of New Year's Eve. 

You begin the zen evening with hors d'oeuvres, then sit and ponder with resident teacher Kadam Morten who will be leading the Buddha of Compassion practice (prayers, mantras, meditation). 

You'll finish the night setting intentions for the coming year and toasting 2014 with a booze-free beverage. 

Om - sounds great!  

Fine Details:

New Year's Eve Meditation

Location: Chelsea

Wed Dec 31 -

Thu Jan 1 2015

Place: Kadampa Meditation Center

Address: 127 W 24th St

Cross Street: between Sixth and Seventh Aves

Venue phone: 212-924-6706 

Venue website: meditationinnewyork.org

Transport: Subway: C, E, F, M, N, R, 1, 6 to 23rd St

Event phone: 212-924-6706

Event website: meditationinnewyork.org

New Years’ Eve Suggestion #4

Hey, it’s free and it’s family friendly and it’s free!

Free with live music and beverages inside Grand Army Plaza. 

The best vantage points for the 15-minute display at midnight are at Grand Army Plaza, inside the park on West Drive, and along Prospect Park West between Grand Army Plaza and 9th Street. Enter at Flatbush Ave and Prospect Park West, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.

Fine Details Are Below:

Prospect Park

Address: Prospect Park West to Flatbush Ave

Prospect Park

Brooklyn

Cross Street: Between Prospect Park Southwest and Ocean Ave

Venue phone: 718-965-8951

Venue website: prospectpark.org

Transport: Subway: B, Q, Franklin Ave S to Prospect Park; F, G to 15th St–Prospect Park; 2, 3 to Grand Army Plaza

Event phone: 718-965-8951

Event website: prospectpark.org

New Years’ Eve Suggestion # 3

Fancy a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and into 2015?  Need a Guide?

myNewYorkeye—knows what’s in it for you. Take a tour with guides that are trained by a historian and tour leader.  I think you can trust him.  His name is Dr Phil (not that one) and he organizes  multiple groups to take in the New Year from the iconic landmark. 

After interesting tidbits about the bridge are shared, all the tours stop to enjoy the skyline for midnight fireworks.  

Now, you can walk alone for free. However—in the spirit of getting to know new people book a ticket.  

Call 888-377-4455 or visit nycwalks.com. If you are with the group, you meet in front of the McDonald’s @160 Broadway between Cortlandt and Liberty Sts. 

They “get to walking” around  10:15–11:15pm.

RECOMMENDED: More New Year's Eve fireworks displays in NYC 2012

INFORMATION IN BRIEF: 

Event phone: 888-377-4455

Event website: nycwalks.com

Wed Dec 31 9:45pm $75 online, $100 cash (in person); children 8–18 $50 online, $60 cash (in person), under 8 free

Again — the bridge is free, so, if you want to walk - it sounds like a fun night!

New Years' Eve Suggestion # 2

If you want to ring in 2015 with a big, black heavy ball — allow me to suggest going to Brooklyn, Williamsburg to be exact and pick up a nice, fat bowling ball and try and get a strike!

12/31 Open 6pm $20

Place: Brooklyn Bown

Address: 61 Wythe Ave Williamsburg Brooklyn 11211

Cross Street: @ North 11th Street

Number: 718-963-3369

Website: brooklynbowl.com 

Mon–Fri 6pm–2am; Sat, Sun noon–2am

Subway: L to Bedford Ave

Price: Half-hour of play for up to eight people: Sat $20; Sun $20; shoe rental $5.

Double check the New Years’ Eve Price but we are pretty sure it’s only $20 bucks!

 

Dear New York, a new year is just days away. Hello “2015” and I, for one, and excited to welcome new friends, opportunities and to enjoy more of the city that I love.

No pressure!  The whole world (or so it seems) looks toward Times Square from 12/31 to about 12:05 on January 1st and then it’s off to the real parties!

 No pressure! 

Our team has decided to share some ideas that we are floating around—no pressure!

We will start with the most obvious and the Most Crowded!

If you haven’t done this once (and I’ve done this several times), I suggest that you try it. Try it.  It’s going to be a warm(ish) day and night.

Get there early.  Don’t drink too much. Arrive by 3pm (earlier if the weather is nice) to stake out a spot in the Broadway–Seventh Avenue bowtie, and be prepared to stay put: There are no public restrooms or food vendors, and leaving means giving up your spot. Seriously!  No bathrooms!

History lesson: In 1907, a sparkly sphere has been lowered in Times Square, and a New York tradition is born!

Endurance is required but it comes with entertainment — held across two stages, beginning at 6pm.

Then comes a round of pyrotechnics from One Times Square, every hour on the hour through 11pm, should whet the appetite for the ball drop at a minute to midnight. 

Waterford is above your head.  Actually about 11,875 pounds of it, stretching across 12 feet across.  As I shared, it's covered with 2,688 Waterford crystal triangles and 32, 256 LEDs. 

As it makes it’s way down 70 feet, a  60-second fireworks display with more than 3,000 colorful effects and confetti is released into the city sky.

Then you find someone to hug or kiss (or kiss and hug yourself) because it’s a new year — 2015 — and your going to enjoy (or try) what life has in store for ya!

Right?

Now — scatter throughout the city, we rock until mid-day!

New Years’ Eve Suggestion # 1

New Years Day - Happy 2015!  Don’t get inside yet!  Ok, go inside. Shower and go and “seize” your day and start with poetry!

Poetry?  Why not? Plus, it’s a benefit so dig and pull out a crumpled $20.00.  You have something left from the night before—right?

If you have a New Year’s Eve hangover, then maybe some verse and food?

Tradition, on the first afternoon of the year, almost 200 of the city’s best poets, artists and performers gather at St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery and, one after another, recite their work to a hall full of listeners.

Hey, you might catch Philip Glass, Eileen Myles, Anne Waldman and Adeena Karasick, and local shops will cater the 11-hour affair.

The Poetry Project at St. Mark's Church - Starting at 2PM. Double check the time.

Address: 131 E 10th St

East Village

Cross Street: at Second Ave

Venue phone: 212-674-0910

Venue website: poetryproject.org

Transport: Subway: L to First Ave, 6 to Astor Pl

Event phone: 212-674-0910

Event website: poetryproject.org

 41st Annual New Year's Day Marathon Benefit Reading 2015

Thu Jan 1 2015 2:00pm $20

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY SUGGESTIONS!

Where to party, who to party with and what to wear are big, life changing decisions and as 12/31 races toward you, here are a few myNewYorkeye suggestions that you might want to consider.

Remember, to drink in moderation or don’t drink booze at all!

Remember don’t put your drink down EVER and walk away. Ever! 

In fact, don’t leave anything that you are drinking or eating and walk away!  Take it with you.  Make sure that your money and other needed items are safe.  

Let’s face it, the best parties are the private parties with VIP written in gold and sterling!  However, since our city never sleeps and we have something for everyone, here are just a few suggestions that caught our myNewYorkeye—eye!

HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR MEETS OLD NEW YORK!  

Joe Battaglia and the New York Big Band: New Year's Eve Gala 

Music. The sound is Dixieland & Swing, the location is Midtown West and the location is Edison Ballroom.

Go back into time and enjoy dinner and dancing in the expansive Art Deco grandeur of the Edison Ballroom. Every ticket includes a four-course meal and to actually dance.  

Book a table on the mezzanine for a cheaper ticket.

Name: Edison Ballroom

Address: 240 W 47th St

Midtown West

Cross Street: between Broadway and Eighth Ave

Venue phone: 212-201-7650

Venue website: edisonballroom.com

Transport: Subway: C, E, 1 to 50th St

Event phone: 212-201-7650

Event website: edisonballroom.com

 

WEBSTER HALL - SNAKES AND MUSIC AND STILL WALKERS

Webster Hall says that they have the "the largest balloon drop in the free world.” OK!  Good news is that there are many rooms to choose your music from including rock, house, electro, hip-hop and if you get bored, look at the stilt walkers, snake charmers, aerialists and all kinds of similarly interesting stuff. 

Twitter and ask ahead of the house is jumping!  

Address: 125 E 11th St

East Village

Cross Street: between Third and Fourth Aves

Venue phone: 212-353-1600

Venue website: websterhall.com

Transport: Subway:  L, N, Q, R, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St–Union Sq

Price: Cover:  $20–$25. Average drink: $8. AmEx, MC, V

Event phone: 212-353-1600

Event website: websterhall.com/nye

 

AT A LOCATION TBD ONCE YOU PAY YOUR $70 BUCKS WITH CITYFOX!

This experience is a “tailored” taste but many in the city have a craving for the fun that Cityfox delivers. 

It’s an experience and it’s an experience that’s priced at $70 which, for a New Years’ Eve ticket is good.  So, you pay in advance and the secret warehouse location including Âme (live), Mano Le Tough, Baikal, the Drifter, Maxi Storrs and free turndown-for-what pillow service will be given to ya!

Find them, how?  Twitter and Facebook — come on, it’s almost 2015 people!

 

BEDFORD PEOPLE—SUGAR HILL IN BROOKLYN WITH TIKI DISCO!

Tiki Disco has a solid rep of fun, since 2009, so get ready to sweat and dance and mingle  For this special New Year's Eve edition, the party collective is headed to Bed-Stuy's hippest restaurant meets disco, Sugar Hill Supper Club, joining forces with MeanRed and Good Peoples (aka Dark Disco).

Head to Bedford! Advance tickets is $40

Name: Sugar Hill Supper Club

Address: 609–615 DeKalb Ave

Bedford-Stuyvesant

Cross Street: at Nostrand Ave

Venue phone: 718-797-1727

Transport: Subway: G to Bedford–Nostrand Aves

Event phone: 718-797-1727

Wed Dec 31 9:00pm $TBA:  Advance $40

 

BANGON INTO 2015.  LEARN THE LOCATION ONCE YOU PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS!

Here they come, the BangOn! bunch with another New Year's Eve bash held in a secret warehouse space (location to be revealed to ticket holders). 

This crew enjoy getting their five senses stimulated.  That often includes —circus performers, art cars, art installations, body painting, food vendors, and of course, DJs. 

Musically, you must enjoy electronic rhythms too because Mr.  Mr. Hot Creations himself is doing the honors along with singer Anabel Englund, hip-hop beatsmiths Shiba San and Sweater Beats,Thriftworks, Gladkill and the Golden Pony.

Name: Location TBA

Address: Manhattan

Again, find them via social media.

 

NEW YEAR'S MASQUERADE:MYSTERY AND MAKS AT NEW YEAR'S MASQUERADE

Sounds fun and tame.  Hiding behind a mask.  Lots of cool local DJ’s like  Hot Creations duo Eskuche & Nu Sky, Basic NYC mainstays Sleepy & Boo, as well as Mikey G & Dan Fischer.

Cielo

Address: 18 Little W 12th St - Meatpacking District

Cross Street: between Ninth Ave and Washington St

Venue phone: 212-645-5700

Venue website: cieloclub.com

Transport: Subway:  A, C, E to 14th St; L to Eighth Ave

Event phone: 212-645-5700

Event website: cieloclub.com

JUST FEELING MUSIC?

Ok. Jazz first. 

Eric Alexander and Harold Mabern - $45–$48 plus $38 prix-fixe dinner (7, 9pm) or $20 minimum (10:30pm)

Place: Smoke Jazz Club and Lounge

Address: 2751 Broadway - Upper West Side

Cross Street: between 105th and 106th Sts

Venue phone: 212-864-6662

Venue website: smokejazz.com

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 2pm–3am; Sat, Sun 11:30am–3am

Transport: Subway: 1 to 103rd St

Event website: smokejazz.com

New Year in The New York City!

From rockefeller & christmas tree

It’s past Christmas now but you can enjoy the artsy side of the New York holiday until January 3rd and you can thank Lincoln Center! 

WHAT: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
WHERE: David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center
WHEN: Through Jan. 3

There is never a bad performance of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker.  Never. The classic returns this year to Lincoln Center, with New York City Ballet with principal Sterling Hyltin reprising her role as the famed, Sugarplum Fairy.

Tradition sways heavy in the city. The dancers (a little bird told us) bring each other bubble cake which they munch between performances. The aroma is like pumpkin spice.  

NEW YEARS EVE choices...

It’s almost 2015, if hanging out in clubs seems boring, try being on a boat and start 2015 with Spirit Cruises!

It’s a tasty buffet and live DJ music. The New Year's Day Lunch Cruise, priced from $49.90 per adult, includes a lunch buffet. Boarding for the cruise will take place Jan. 1 at 11:30 a.m. for a sailing from noon to 2 p.m. 

The New Year's Day Dinner Cruise, priced from $89.90 per adult, will feature a dinner buffet. Boarding for the cruise will take place Jan. 1 at 6:30 p.m. for a sailing from 7 to 10 p.m. 

Both cruises will depart from Chelsea Piers. To book, call 866.483.3866 or book your cruise online. spiritcruises.com.

BROADWAY and MOTOWN

Broadway and Motown is a great mix.  Check out Motown’s original super-groups, The Temptations and The Four Tops; they perform together live on Broadway at the legendary Palace Theater. 

It’s the Broadway event of the holiday season. The groups will perform together for seven nights only, from Dec. 29 through Jan. 4.  Palace Theater, 1564 Broadway, btw W. 46th & W. 47th sts.

NEW YEARS’ EVE eating!

Do you crave sanctuary for 2015?  I do, so we are going to Sanctuary T Restaurant to celebrate the new year. 

Why?  Easy!  They offer yummy cuisine, artisanal tea blends and signature cocktails. 

This New Year’s Eve, you can enjoy a special four-course menu, priced at $55 per person, while watching the Times Square Ball Drop from the restaurant’s large projection screen and savoring a complimentary glass of champagne with dinner. 

To make a reservation, call 212.941.7832. 337B West Broadway, at Grand St.,sanctuaryt.com.