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.

###

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.

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights Returns in 2019 Bigger, Brighter and Greener

• Bigger, Brighter and Greener – Holiday Celebration to Light Up the Bronx 

• from November 21 to January 5

• Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights is sponsored by Con Edison

As one of New York City’s greatest holiday traditions and for the first time since 2007, the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights will return in 2019 during the most festive time of the year with dazzling light displays that will cover and sparkle acres of the zoo. Visitors will be able to walk through the zoo to experience wildlife-themed LED displays, custom Asian lanterns, animated light shows on the historic Astor Court and more.

“We are bringing an updated version of a beloved holiday tradition back to the Bronx Zoo for the first time since 2007,” said John F. Calvelli, WCS Executive Vice President of Public Affairs. “The LED lights, animal-themed lanterns, and animated light shows will be set amongst the historic buildings on an expanded footprint that will take people throughout the zoo. The LED technology will also allow us to be incredibly energy efficient. We believe our visitors will come away really enjoying this ‘green’ holiday experience!”

Visitors can celebrate the holiday season with an enchanting adventure to warm up the entire family.

Festivities will include: 

• The Ice Jubilee at the Bronx Zoo Includes an Ice Bar, Ice Throne & Ice Slide (December 21 to 31) – Holiday revelers will be able to take festive photo ops on the ice throne, where ice kings and queens can take their seat on an oversized throne made completely of ice, as well as breaking out your inner penguin and slide down a 20-foot ice slide. Visitors can also grab a specialty cocktail at the zoo’s 12-foot ice bar which will be available for purchase during Holiday Lights operating hours.

• Nightly Ice Carving Demonstrations (Ongoing) – Throughout Holiday Lights from 5 to 9 pm, professional ice carvers will debut their talents as they use chainsaws and chisels to carve holiday and animal-themed sculptures with a live audience. All finished sculptures will be on display throughout the Dancing Crane Plaza.

• Ice Carving Competition (December 28) – On Saturday, December 28 from 6 to 9 pm, the zoo will take ice carving to the next level when five professional ice sculptures will create 20 sculptures in an elimination style “speed carving” format over a three-hour period. This format is ideal for spectators to witness carvings formed in less than 30 minutes before their eyes. The competition will be emceed by an experienced carver to entertain the crowd and provide fun facts, as well as facilitating spectator participation. Visitors can also get involved in the carving judging. The 20 new sculptures will be displayed for future viewing.

• Carolers, Characters, Train Rides & Lantern Safari – Visitors will be able to enjoy classic and modern holiday tunes sung by Victorian-dressed live carolers throughout the zoo, as well as taking photos with some of the zoo’s seasonal characters including lions, giraffes, gorillas, penguins and a friendly snowman. Families can also take a journey “around the world” along a dedicated section of the park that will be illuminated by hand-created lantern sculptures, while also learning about the work WCS scientists are doing to help save various species. Train rides will also be available for the whole family at Astor Court.

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights is sponsored by Con Edison.

Tickets for the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights are priced at $29.95 for adults, $22.95 for children, and $28.95 for seniors.

Hours for Holiday Lights will be 5 to 9 pm Sunday to Thursday, and 5 to 10 pm Friday and Saturday.

Holiday Lights will be closed on December 24. The Bronx Zoo and Holiday Lights will be closed on December 25 and January 1. 

For tickets and more information, visit www.BronxZoo.com.

About the Bronx Zoo: The Bronx Zoo, located on 265 acres of hardwood forest in Bronx, NY, opened on Nov. 8, 1899. It is world-renowned for its leadership in the areas of animal welfare, husbandry, veterinarian care, education, science and conservation. The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is the flagship park of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) which manages the world’s largest network of urban wildlife parks including the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo and New York Aquarium. Our curators and animal care staff work to save, propagate, and sustain populations of threatened and endangered species. We have educated and inspired more than 400 million visitors at our zoos and aquarium since our opening and host approximately 4 million guests at our parks each year – including about a half-million students annually. The Bronx Zoo is the largest youth employer in the borough of the Bronx, providing opportunity and helping to transform lives in one of the most under-served communities in the nation. The Bronx Zoo is the subject of THE ZOO, a docu-series aired world-wide on Animal Planet. For more information, visit www.BronxZoo.com.

ShakesBEER - A Shakespearean Pub Crawl!

Do you like BEER? Do you like Shakespear? Then here you go!

New York Shakespeare Exchange (NYSX) announces the next  ShakesBEER, NYC's original Shakespearean Pub Crawl, on May 11 & 18, 2019 from 3-6 PM. The pub crawl begins at The Gaf (401 West 48th Street, NYC) at 2:30pm and moves to 123 Burger, Shot, Beer (738 10th Ave, NYC), The Waylon (736 10th Ave, NYC), and Perdition (692 10th Ave, NYC). 

Check-in is at 2:30 pm at The Gaf. Tickets are $49and are available at:

https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4217628. 

Tickets include performance and four drinks (beer, wine, and select cocktails). $25 "sober" tickets are also available (use discount code "SOBER" at checkout), which include admission only.

It's impossible to have just one! NY Shakespeare Exchange returns to Hell's Kitchen to serve up a fresh, new round of ShakesBEER, NYC's Original Shakespearean Pub Crawls, in May.

The latest edition of NYSX's wildly popular event, themed "The Games We Play!" will explore some of the great challenges, contests, and competitions in Shakespeare's most troubled dramatic relationships, including scenes from Hamlet, Henry IV Part 1, and The Merchant of Venice, and Much Ado About Nothing, directedby Martavius Parrish, Shane Breaux, and Ross Williams, featuring Alisha Espinosa, Brendan Averett, Tara Pacheco, Philip Gregory Burke, Katelin Wilcox, Alex Michell, Aurea Tomeski, and C Bain.

"...a great, boozy, old time, which mixes the best of drunken squalor with the highest of art. William Shakespeare would most definitely approve." 

- POPDUST

"By the time the fourth and final bar and beer roll around, the edges of time and space blur, and I feel transported to Elizabethan times when crowds of regular people would gather for premieres of plays we now revere and guzzle beers as a community. Huzzah!" - Paste Magazine

"Whether you're a Shakespearean, a beer enthusiast, or simply looking for an unorthodox outing, the infectious spirit of the Bard takes over for an afternoon." - Plays to See

Produced by NY Shakespeare Exchange (NYSX), a company that inspires conversation and builds communal experiences through the work of William Shakespeare, the ShakesBEER Pub Crawls treat audiences to an immersive dipso-literary experience that harks back to Elizabethan times. But it is the ability of the Bard's timeless poetry to shed light on contemporary issues that NYSX is most eager to share.

New York Shakespeare Exchange is internationally known for its The Sonnet Project (in which more than 1,500 volunteer filmmakers from around the world have joined the discussion by creating short films in New York locations based on all 154 Shakespeare sonnets). NYSX produces at least one mainstage production a year.  In 2016, NYSX produced Hamlet10, in which 10 actors played the Danish Prince, and a stunningly relevant period-adaptation of Shakespeare's epic poem, "The Rape of Lucrece," which delved into sexual violence against women.  This past season NYSX staged a critically acclaimed, smart phone-obsessed Much Ado About Nothing, which plugged into the zeitgeist of fake news and alternative facts.  The company's most recent production, a new adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream, was conceived and directed by Brendan Averett and ran in January/February 2019 at the Secret Theater in Long Island City, NY.

In the coming months, NY Shakespeare Exchange will offer a number of exciting community-based events. The next iteration of their Freestyle Lab series-part performance, part lecture, and part town hall conversation-presented free of charge on May 21 at the 53rd Street branch of the NY Public Library will use the current ban on transgender military service as a springboard for exploring how our idea of those who serve might broaden and change when we consider the experience of trans service members. The evening, entitled "Armor as Strong: Trans Warriors through a Shakespearean Lens" will feature trans actors performing speeches and scenes from some of Shakespeare's greatest tales of military conflict.

www.NYSX.org

Britain's Top Swing Band 'The Jive Aces' Heads to Birdland, Dec 5-8

BRITAIN’S TOP SWING BAND BRINGS THE ‘JUMP JIVE AND WAIL’ TO BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB 7 P.M. DECEMBER 5–8 

The UK’s number one swing/jive band and “Britain's Got Talent” stars, The Jive Aces, present their new show “Jump Jive and Wail” at The Birdland Jazz Club at 7 p.m. on December 5–8.

The show features as special guest the glamorous American-Italian singer Annemarie Rosano. From beginning to end the show is full of vivid colors, ’40s and ’50s songs and rhythms with a dash of rock ’n’ roll. The show earned rave reviews at this year’s legendary Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the band has exhilarated audiences all over the world.

The Jive Aces, who became famous for putting the notoriously grumpy Simon Cowell in “a good mood,” just received the 2018 prestigious Music Award for Best Band in London. The boys in their hallmark yellow suits have appeared on many world renown and world-class stages from Glastonbury to the Montreux Jazz Festival. TV appearances have included “Good Day LA,” “Strictly Come Dancing” (Dancing with the Stars)” and many shows on BBC Television. They have headlined at the Royal Albert Hall and performed for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace.

Their repertoire stretches from the timeless tunes of the swing era to the glitz of the Rat Pack. They feature songs made famous by such greats as Louis Prima, Bobby Darin, The Andrew Sisters and Ella Fitzgerald along with a wide selection of originals taken from their 10 studio albums. Their love for Louis Prima’s music led them to work with Prima’s wife and muse, icon Keely Smith, and their daughter, Toni Elizabeth Prima. It is from their affection for the Prima era that they got their now legendary jazzy rocking rhythm and spectacular showmanship. Theirs is not just great music but pure entertainment—with a British slant. The show will leave any audience uplifted and buzzing. 

The band have also worked with many of the top names in the business, including John Travolta, Van Morrison and Chick Corea and their recent charity single was produced by Mike Stock of Stock, Aitken and Waterman fame. 

Tickets are $20 to $30 and can be purchased at http://www.ticketfly.com/search/?q=the+jive+aces. For more information on the band, visit www.jiveaces.com. Follow them on Twitter and Instagram @JiveAces and on Facebook @TheJiveAces.

ADULT SEX ED WITH DANI FAITH LEONARD - NOVEMBER 28th AT CAVEAT

ADULT SEX ED WITH DANI FAITH LEONARD - NOVEMBER 28th AT CAVEAT
America’s failure to provide accurate sex education in schools is comedy’s gain.

WHO: Host Dani Faith Leonard (Big Vision Empty Wallet, Lez Bomb)

Emmett Jack Lundberg (BROTHERS)

Keisha Zollar (Comedy Central)

Joanna Hausmann (Bill Nye Saves the World on Netflix, Joanna Rants)

Selena Coppock ((Amazon's Red Oaks, VH1, NY Times)

Anna Suzuki (She's Gotta Have It, AzN PoP)

Eman El-Husseini (Just for Laughs)

WHAT: Hosted by Dani Faith Leonard, ADULT SEX ED combines personal storytelling from a diverse roster of guests, scripted sketches, and exploratory deep dives on sexual topics in a hilarious, spicy, and inclusive setting. Every storytelling segment concludes with an easily achievable and practical takeaway for the audience. The goal for these action items: to encourage our viewers to engage in immediate, healthy, and awesome sex. Okay, not totally immediate - we’ll ask them to Uber home first.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 28th at 9:00pm

WHERE: Caveat - 21A Clinton St. New York NY 10002

HOW: $15, 21+ - ticket link - Facebook event

On Wednesday, November 28th, Dani Faith Leonard brings ADULT SEX ED to Caveat, combining personal storytelling from a diverse roster of guests with scripted sketches and exploratory deep dives on sexual topics in a hilarious, spicy, and inclusive setting. Every storytelling segment concludes with an easily achievable and practical takeaway for the audience. The goal for these action items: to encourage our viewers to engage in immediate, healthy, and awesome sex. Okay, not totally immediate - we’ll ask them to Uber home first. This show is 21+. Tickets are $15 and available at www.caveat.nyc

Photo credit: Caleb McCotter

Dani Faith Leonard is a comedian, writer, and producer. In 2010, she co-founded BIG VISION EMPTY WALLET, an inclusion-focused incubator that develops and amplifies unique voices in film and TV, as well as BIG VISION CREATIVE, a NY-based, but palm-tree-loving production company. Recent producing projects include feature film THE LIGHT OF THE MOON, SXSW 2017 Audience Award Winner released in theaters last Fall in conjunction with UN Women, and feature film LEZ BOMB, executive produced with Bobby Farrelly, which opened in theaters on November 9th. Dani performs as a storyteller, has a background in sketch comedy, and almost dies or kills others on every vacation she takes. Like her new live show, ADULT SEX ED, her work typically sits at the intersection of comedy and activism and is best paired with a tequila cocktail.

Instagram: @danifleonard
Twitter: twitter.com/DaniFLeonard

www.bigvisionemptywallet.com

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.

HSA Masquerade Ball and After Party on Monday Oct 22 - Do not miss it!

ACTORS LIEV SCHREIBER AND CALEB MCLAUGHLIN  ARE AMONG THE HONOREES AT THIS YEAR’S BENEFIT GALA IN SUPPORT OF 

THE HARLEM SCHOOL OF THE ARTS AT THE HERB ALPERT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

The Masquerade Ball and After Party, one of the most anticipated events of the Fall season, will be held at The Plaza Hotel New York, on October 22nd

The HSA Masquerade Ball and After Party has become one of the hottest tickets in town, and one of the most anticipated events of the Fall season.  The Ball, returns to The Plaza Hotel New York on Monday, October 22nd, and will be hosted by Fox 5 morning show host, Lori Stokes.  This annual event attracts a diverse group of patrons, among them celebrities, socialites, politicians and press in support of arts education and more specifically, to champion and ensure the continuation of the Harlem School of the Arts at the Herb Alpert Center for the Arts, and the work it has been doing for more than 50-years. 

This year, as in the past, a handful of individuals who represent excellence in the arts and education communities will be celebrated and awarded for their outstanding contributions.  These honorees include: actor Liev Schreiber, star of the hit Showtime series, Ray Donovan. A native of San Francisco, Schreiber grew up in New York City and attended Brooklyn Tech High School before going off to train at London’s Royal Academy of Arts and Yale School of Drama, where he received his degree. He will be the recipient of the Visionary Artist Award.  

The Visionary Lineage Award will be given to both Amsale Aberra, famed fashion designer who passed away in April, and to her daughter singer/songwriter, Rachel Brown.  Amsale’s husband, Neil Brown will accept the posthumous award on her behalf and her daughter will be performing at the event.

Outstanding young actor Caleb McLaughlin, an alumnus of the Harlem School of the Arts, and one of the breakout stars of the Netflix series, Stranger Things, will be the recipient of this year’s Alumni Award.  Caleb will next be seen in director Steven Soderbergh’s film, High Flying Bird opposite another former student of HSA, Zazie Beetz who wowed audiences this summer as Domino in Deadpool 2.

Two exceptional educators will receive the Distinguished Teacher Award. Rashid Silvera, a Harvard Graduate with a master’s in education, has been a devoted teacher of social studies at Scarsdale High and recently retired from the profession.  He was also a groundbreaking model who made history in the 1980’s, becoming one of only four African Americans to be featured on the cover of GQ magazine.  Tsyala Khudad-Zade, known to her students as Miss Delilah, came to the U.S. as an immigrant, from the former Russian state of Georgia, almost 40 years ago. She was hired as a music teacher at HSA by Betty Allen, the legendary mezzo-soprano, who followed the organization’s founder Dorothy Maynor, as President.  Miss Delilah is a beloved teacher and an esteemed member of the HSA music department.  These two extraordinary educators are role models, not only to the students they have taught, but to the teaching profession as a whole.   They teach because they love inspiring their students and because they are inspired by the children they teach.

A newly added component to the 2018 Masquerade Ball and After Party is the Teen Reception, to be hosted by actor/comedian Chris Rock and Malaak Compton Rock’s daughter, Zahra Savannah Rock and actor and honoree, Caleb McLaughlin. 

Last year’s event raised a record-breaking 1.3 million dollars, essential resources that allow HSA to continue providing high-quality arts education and world-class training in an environment that is empowering, stimulates creativity, and builds self-confidence. Most of the approximately 3,000 young people that the organization reaches annually come from the greater New York Metro area, as well as, Westchester and the tri-state.  Many of these young creatives come from economically depressed backgrounds, and providing scholarship support is a vital component of the organization’s mission.  In addition to raising critical funds to help sustain the organization and its programs, the Masquerade Ball and After Party serves as an important stage to showcase some of HSA’s most talented and creative young students, and the world-class training that the organization and its impressive staff provide. 

For more information on purchasing tickets and tables for the 2018 Masquerade Ball and After Party at The Plaza Hotel New York on Monday, October 22nd, visit https://hsanyc.org/fall2018benefit/.

#   #   #

About HSA at the Herb Alpert Center for the Arts

New York City’s premier community arts institution, the Harlem School of the Arts at the Herb Alpert Center for the Arts, stands uniquely apart as the sole provider of arts education in four disciplines: music, dance, theatre, art & design, all within our award-winning 37,000 square foot facility.  The School’s reputation for artistic rigor and excellence attracts students of diverse socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds from all five New York City boroughs, as well as Westchester County, and thetristate area, which includes Connecticut and New Jersey. HSA’s alumni and faculty are counted as being some of the most talented leaders in the arts.  

 For over 50-years, HSA has enriched the lives of tens of thousands of young people ages 2-18, through world-class training in the arts. HSA offers its students the freedom to find and develop the artist and citizen within themselves, in an environment that teaches discipline, stimulates creativity, builds self-confidence and adds a dimension of beauty to their lives, empowering them to become the creative thinkers and innovative leaders of tomorrow. To learn more about the Harlem School of the Arts, please visit www.HSAnyc.org.

VISIT INDIA for FREE: Government of India's initiative 'Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz', the date for submission of application has been extended till Oct 15

Government of India's initiative is 'Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz', the date for submission of application has been extended till Oct 15. You can win a chance to visit India and win other prizes. Check below fro details.

https://www.bharatkojaniye.in/

Kick Off Fall with City Parks Foundation Sports Program for NYC Local Youth

Summer fun is over and school is back in session! 

You can still enjoy your favorite summer sports all year long with 

NYC’s staple foundation, City Parks Foundation. All across the boroughs, City Parks Foundation is kicking off its 2018 Fall Sports Program for young people and seniors this September. City Parks Foundation provides free programs each year to over 12,000 New York City children and 1,000 seniors.

This Fall, City Parks Foundation will host over 300 youth and 500 seniors in 26 neighborhood parks and recreation centers for participation in FREE programs in golf, track & field, street hockey, yoga and fitness walking instruction. Registration for all programs are now open online and in person at each park site.

See below City Parks Foundation Fall sports programming/timeline:

• CityParks Golf presented by Fondation LACOSTE  and The First Tee NYC  - September 15 - October 28

• CityParks Track & Field presented in partnership with New York Road Runners and supported by the Randall’s Island Park Alliance  - September 8 - October 27

• CityParks Street Hockey presented by the New York Islanders - October 2 - November 8

• CityParks Senior Fitness presented in partnership with New York Road Runners - September 17 - October 26

For more details, checkout the link below

https://cityparksfoundation.org/

Free comedy 9/8 - Laugh Exchange LIVE with Dulce Sloan, Ophira Eisenberg and more

Laugh Exchange LIVE!

September 8th at Littlefield in Brooklyn

Featuring Ophira Eisenberg, Shalewa Sharpe, Usama Siddiquee and More

For images and info, visit www.sharkpartymedia.com/laughexchangelive

WHO AND WHAT: Laugh Exchange LIVE! welcomes Ophira Eisenberg, Shalewa Sharpe, Usama Siddiquee and many more to help introduce comedy fans and performers to Laugh Exchange, a game-changing new mobile comedy app. After a pre-show red carpet with photos by Jenni Walkowiak, host Carolyn Castiglia will be joined by co-hosts from the Laugh Exchange roster to introduce a live contest version of the app, with 48 comics doing 1 minute sets each, following 6 different themes throughout. At the end, eight winners will be chosen and everyone will dance the night away with DJ Donwill. Brought to you by Laugh Exchange.

WHEN: Saturday, September 8th - doors and red carpet at 7:00pm, show at 8:00pm
WHERE: Littlefield - 635 Sackett St. Brooklyn NY
HOW: Free ticket and drink with RSVP - https://ticketf.ly/2LS8v03

On September 8th at Littlefield in Brooklyn, Laugh Exchange LIVE! welcomes Ophira Eisenberg, Shalewa Sharpe, Usama Siddiquee and many more to help introduce comedy fans and performers to Laugh Exchange, a game-changing new mobile comedy app. After a pre-show red carpet with photos by Jenni Walkowiak, host Carolyn Castiglia will be joined by co-hosts from the Laugh Exchange roster to introduce a live contest version of the app, with 48 comics doing 1 minute sets each, following 6 different themes throughout. At the end, eight winners will be chosen and everyone will dance the night away with DJ Donwill. Brought to you by Laugh Exchange. Admission is free with RSVP and includes one drink. 21+.

Partial lineup (subject to change): 

Rufat Agayev

Erik Bergstrom

Farah Brook

Mike Brown

Chris Calogero

Carolyn Castiglia

Selena Coppock

Abbi Crutchfield

Jessica Delfino

Ayanna Dookie
Ophira Eisenberg
Wanjiko Eke
Negin Farsad
Courtney Fearrington
Tyler Fischer
Myka Fox
Katie Hartman
Calise Hawkins
Courtney Maginnis
Adam Mamawala
Larry Owens
Sharron Paul
Khalid Rahmaan
Anna Roisman
Casey James Salengo
Shalewa Sharpe
Usama Siddiquee

Dulce Sloan
Lillian Thakuria
Jes Tom
Rebecca Vigil
Emily Winter
Bryan Yang
Angel Yau

ABOUT LAUGH EXCHANGE

Laugh Exchange is the future of mobile comedy, and we want you to join us there! The beautifully designed app launches October 2018 with a exciting short-form comedy competition show. Creators will submit material for themed episodes in advance, and the top eight contestants compete for prize money on the streaming show, which airs three nights a week. Winners are chosen by interactive audience vote. But don’t worry - at Laugh Exchange, everyone wins! All creators who submit will have their material featured on the app. After each show, creators can easily share their submissions to other social channels, directly from the app. Audience members can also make money from watching and voting. Laugh Exchange’s format of simple, real-time episodes and a gamified engagement and compensation model is fresh, exciting and rewarding for anyone who loves a good laugh.

www.laughexchange.app

The Music of The Beatles for Kids, and more!

Let’s start with rock & roll.  The Rock & Roll Playhouse’s winter concert series has three locations, which makes it easier to plan a family weekend activity.  It’s a weekly dance party for kids ages three to eight where they rock-out to some of the best bands of all time, played by live bands and veteran DJs, as well as other kid-friendly activities. Created by concert promoter and all-around music biz entrepreneur Peter Shapiro and Amy Striem, a certified early childhood and elementary teacher, Rock and Roll Playhouse has staged more than 400 music happenings since its inception in 2013. To learn more go to Rock and Roll Playhouse

Online: therockandrollplayhouse.com

Escape the Cold at  Museums & Exhibits.  Stay warm and get educated.  There are happenings at museums all over the city. Including  Birds of a Feather: Joseph Cornell’s Homage to Juan Gris.  A collection of nearly a dozen Cornell shadow boxes is featured in “Birds of a Feather: Joseph Cornell’s Homage to Juan Gris”; the works were inspired by the artist’s visit to a Manhattan gallery in 1953, where he saw the Gris Cubist collage, “The Man at the Cafe.” Now through April 15 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Gallery Online: metmuseum.org. 

Window to the Heart

February in Times Square is part of the Valentine Heart Design, curated by the Design Trust for Public Space.  Every year, Times Square Arts invites architecture and design firms to submit proposals for a public art installation celebrating love in Times Square in February, and the winner for 2018 is “Window to the Heart”, by ArandaLasch Marcelo Coelho.  Feb. 1 - Feb 28

Located at Father Duffy Square (between 46th and 47th Streets) Tickets: free

Online: timessquarenyc.org.

Teknopolis is an interactive playground and it’s back at the Brooklyn Academy of Music

Described as an "interactive multi-space digital art showcase", The playground is designed to inspire creativity and explore new frontiers in interactive technology. Featuring both local and international digital artists and technologists—including Google Spotlight Studios and Fingerlab—the selected installations use technology to inspire the same exploratory and creative impulses satisfied by more traditional arts like theater and music. Tickets are for timed entry, with a 90-minute session during the day, and two-hour sessions in the evening. 

Feb. 24 & 25; Mar. 1 - 4, Mar. 9 - 11.  Ages 6 & up. Tickets: $18/day entry; $25/evening

BAM Fisher Online: bam.org

Block Party at the Brooklyn Children's Museum is bringing the party inside with its latest visiting exhibit, "Block Party," created in collaboration with Anderson Zaca. Kicking it old school with interactive games and activities like hopscotch, jump rope/Double Dutch, and Skelly, and even man a DJ mixing table. A wall adorned with drawings of Brooklyn Brownstones provides the perfect background for stoop selfies. Through June 10, 2018.  Tickets: $11/person

718-735-4400.  Online: brooklynkids.org

7 FREE things to do for New Year's Eve in NYC!

New York City and New Year's Eve have lot more in common than just sounding similar by being called NYC and NYE! NYC is synonymous with NYE celebrations, the best known and most popular event being the New Year's BALL DROP at TIMES SQUARE. But if you do not have the patience to stay out like that for hours and hours, in this freezing East Coast cold, there are few other FREE things that you could do to celebrate New Year's Eve in New York City.

• NYRR Midnight Run & Fireworks in Central Park: It's not FREE to participate in the run, but it is free to watch and party in Central Park. The party starts at 10 pm, with a LIVE DJ. And you enjoy the amazing fireworks too. You can also go and do some ice skating at Wollman Rink.
• Staten Island Ferry Ride: It's a fun ride (for FREE!) to take any time of the year, but on New Year's Eve, you can enjoy the fireworks in Manhattan (also Brooklyn and Jersey City) while admiring the NYC skyline. You can also buy drinks and snacks, from the bar on the boat. Plus they have a toilet (unlike Times Square Ball Drop). Just make sure to get your winter coat, and stay warm!
• NYE Fireworks in Prospect Park: Enjoy amazing fireworks with the background of beautiful NYC skyline at Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Just make sure to RSVP.
• NYE Celebration and Fireworks at Coney Island: Coming into its fourth year, guests can dance to live music throughout the night and watch some of Coney Island's most notable side show performances. Enjoy a fireworks display at the stroke of midnight at this free family-friendly celebration. Free live entertainment begins at 9:00 p.m. at the Steeplechase Plaza. Free admission starts at 6:00 p.m. on the B&B Carousel. And a lot more. Enjoy!
• Hang around Times Square (SECRET TIP!): You may not be the "IN" crowd, being inside, but you can walk close to the celebrations, like around 40th Street, or 50th Street, on Broadway or 7th Av. You can go to a bar or pub, or just hang outside around midnight. You can hear the noise, you can somehow hear the music, and still be part of the fun from outside. Better than standing in the crowd, in cold, for hours and hours. And you an walk to the center after midnight, and get some pictures (and even claim that you were there!).
• Just go to a bar/pub/restaurant: That's an easy one, you are in NYC! Go to a bar, pub, restaurant or anything. Most places have some special or something going on for the NYE. Specially bars and pubs. Just step out of house and walk in to any of the places. You'll have a good time. It's NYC!
• Or just STAY HOME, and watch TV: Honestly, in this freezing cold, it's never a bad idea. That's what I'm going to do. Watch the BALL DROP on TV, or any of the Holiday or New Year's special movies, or Netflix/Amazon/Hulu. There's so much going on, that you can have an amazing time, just at home. And there's social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram etc etc) to connect with your friends and family, as you celebrate and welcome the New Year's. 

HAVE A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR'S EVE AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR 2018!

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

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!!!

Langston Hughes Festival FREE Thursday, November 16, 2017 The City College

How many of us have recited and pondered the words of this epic poem by the great Langston Hughes, he asks “What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up Like a raisin in the sun?... Or does it explode?” Hughes further comments on the power of dreaming and the value of dreamers, offering this advice, “Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.” And knowing full well the weight of life outside of prose and verse, he offered these words of encouragement that ring, still, inside the ears and lives inside the hearts of many who love Langston Hughes. He said: “Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby.”

For the third straight year, Total Equity Now will again co-sponsor the Langston Hughes Festival at The City College of New York on Thursday, November 16.  

The event will honor the 2017 Langston Hughes Medal Winner world-renowned author Zadie Smith, whose work will be celebrated at the free LHF event. 

Langston Hughes Medal Award winner Zadie Smith is an award-winning British-born novelist.  She joins a list of literary luminaries, including James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou and Walter Mosley, who have received this honor.

Smith is a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and has twice been listed as one of Granta's 20 Best Young British Novelists. Her first novel, "White Teeth"(Random House, 2000) was the winner of The Whitbread First Novel Award, The Guardian First Book Award, The James Tait Black Memorial Prize for Fiction, and The Commonwealth Writers' First Book Award. Her second novel, "The Autograph Man" (Vintage Books / Random House, 2002), won The Jewish Quarterly Wingate Literary Prize. Smith's third novel, "On Beauty" (Penguin Books, 2005) received the Orange Prize for Fiction, The Commonwealth Writers' Best Book Award (Eurasia Section) and was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize. Her fourth novel, "NW" (Penguin Press, 2012) was shortlisted for the Royal Society of Literature Ondaatje Prize and the Women's Prize for Fiction. "Swing Time" (Penguin Books, 2016), Smith's most recent book, has been shortlisted for the National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction. In addition, she published an essay collection, "Changing My Mind" (Penguin Books) in 2009. 

Smith writes regularly for the New Yorker magazine and the New York Review of Books. She is a tenured professor of creative writing at New York University.

The evening will include a reading by Zadie Smith, a conversation between the honoree and writer and City College Professor Emily Raboteau, award presentation by Jacqueline Woodson and a special musical guest.   

On November 1st support #RockThoseReads by carrying 

reading materials publicly and proudly everywhere you go--on Wednesday, November 1 (Literacy Across Harlem Day).

Consider showing of Zadie Smith and/or the Langston Hughes poetry collection featured in our very special list of books about Harlem.

You can find Zadie Smith's books at Sister's Uptown Bookstore & Cultural Center (156th St. & Amsterdam Ave.) and at your local Harlem branch of the New York Public Library. 

Celebrate Diwali with Indian food, dance & cultural program, Nov 4th in Stony Brook, NY!

Diwali – the festival of Lights is one of the most avidly celebrated religious events in the Indian sub-continent. Celebrated by many religions and cultures, this festival depicts the driving off of evil and ushering in the good times of peace, joy and happiness by lighting lamps, dressing in colorful clothes, meeting friends and feasting.

To commemorate this festival, Diwali Stony Brook Cultural Program will be organized on November 4th at JFK Middle School, Port Jefferson Station, NY. The cultural program was initiated in 2008 as a way to bring the local Indian community together to celebrate the festival of Diwali. What started as a small gathering several years ago became a highly anticipated event and is currently one of the largest Indian cultural shows in Suffolk County. This program is focused on the younger generation, giving them a venue where they can showcase their talent. Children dance in colorful traditional costumes, encompassing Bollywood, Classical Kathak and Bharatnatyam and popular and energetic Bhangra performances.

Performed by Ayush Mojumdar, Anushka Roy, Arunima Roy and Aditi Tawde - Song Radha from movie 'Student of the Year'

Over 450 people attended the cultural program last year, and 130 children served up a multitude of performances, culminating in a sumptuous feast. Children of ages from 5 to 18 will participate in the show and many have been performing at this show year after year.

“Bringing the community together to showcase the talent of the children is the main purpose of this event along with celebrating the festival. This program reveals the vibrant nature of the Indian community and also gives an opportunity to the children as well as adults to remember their roots and exhibit their culture” states the organizer, Mr. Harbinder Singh.

The 10th annual Diwali Stony Brook Cultural Program will be held at JFK Middle School, Port Jefferson on Nov. 4, 2017 from 2:30 pm to 8:00 pm. This year, the performances of children will be complimented by a photo booth, henna tattoo artists, a pre-event Indian snacks and a post-event sumptuous vegetarian Indian dinner adding further enjoyment to the festivities. Tickets are $24 for adults (14 and older) and $21 for children (ages 4 to 13). To purchase tickets, visit www.diwalistonybrook.com.

Diwali Stony Brook 2013 Bhangra ! www.diwalistonybrook.com

Date of Event: Saturday November 4, 2017
Location: JFK Middle School, 631-306-4291 200 Jayne Blvd, Pt Jefferson St, NY
Time: 2:30 PM

CONTACT: Harbinder Singh
diwalistonybrook@hotmail.com
www.diwalistonybrook.com
facebook.com/diwalistonybrook

HSA Benefit Gala, Fall 2017 ~ Want to party with Mary J. Blige and Renee Elise Goldsberry & Debra L. Lee. Hosted by Sunny Hostin of ABC’s The View?

Harlem, you hold more treasures than most would dare to imagine.  It’s not just the stuff that makes the tourist flock to 125th and now they trek to 145th to gawk at the Hamilton House—“thanks for that Lin-Manuel Miranda” (@Lin_Manuel) for a long time, we were too far uptown for the gentrification epidemic, but that’s another story for another time.

Back to Mary J. 

The Harlem School of the Arts (HSA), a renowned school offering art programs to students of all ages will be hosting their annual benefit party on October 23 and this year the theme is a Masquerade Ball & After Party at the iconic Plaza Hotel in New York City beginning at 6:00 pm. Hosted by Sunny Hostin of ABC’s The View, guests are encouraged to participate in the theme with elaborate and festive masquerade masks that accompany their black tie ensemble. 

This year’s honorees include: singer, songwriter, producer and actress Mary J. Blige, who will be awarded the Dorothy Maynor Award; American composer Ray Chew, who is set to receive the Inaugural Alumni Award; Tony Award Winner for Best Featured Actress, Renée Elise Goldsberry for the Visionary Artists Award; and Debra L. Lee, Chairman & CEO of BET Networks, who will receive the Betty Allen Corporate Award.

The Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) will be transforming The Plaza Hotel into an unforgettable masquerade benefit gala to raise money and awareness surrounding their world-class arts education facility. 

Guests will enjoy a preliminary reception followed by a sit-down dinner, complete with performances and live auction, offering one-of-a-kind items.  The party will continue after the gala with open bar, dessert, and music by D-Nice. 

“Following the heels of Dorothy Maynor, Betty Allen and their extraordinary dedication to and leadership in the arts, we’ll recognize an incredible group of artists and women at this year’s Gala, such Mary J. Blige, Renée Elise Goldsberry, and Debra Lee, alongside Ray Chew,” says HSA Chairman, Charles J. Hamilton, Jr. Esq. “I'm proud of HSA's renewed vitality during these past seven years and the Gala marks a special time to celebrate HSA's accomplishments of those being honored while raising vital support to continue providing students with the transformational access to the arts for which it is known.” 

Proceeds from the Gala enable Harlem School of the Arts to provide over 2,000 students access to exceptional art instruction and professional development, including financial aid to families from disadvantaged communities and merit scholarships to students pursuing careers in the arts. 

The schedule for the evening of Oct 23, 2017 is as follows: 

The Grand Ballroom at The Plaza • New York City
6pm Reception | Terrace Room
7pm Dinner & Performance | Grand Ballroom
9pm – 12am After Party* | Terrace Room
*MUSIC BY DJ D-NICE

Masquerade Formal Attire. Bring Your Mask!

Janice Savin Williams & Christopher J. Williams
Alexander Smalls
Rona Sebastian & Herb Alpert Foundation
Keisha Sutton-James

Julio Peterson and Michelle Fizer Peterson
Stephen and Emily Usher
MARY J. BLIGE | Dorothy Maynor Award
SINGER, SONGWRITER, PRODUCER, ACTRESS

RAY CHEW | Inaugural Alumni Award
AMERICAN COMPOSER

RENÉE ELISE GOLDSBERRY | Visionary Artist Award
TONY AWARD BEST FEATURED ACTRESS, HAMILTON

DEBRA L. LEE | Betty Allen Corporate Award
CHAIRMAN & CEO, BET NETWORKS

SUNNY HOSTIN | ABC’s The View
CK Swett

Tickets are available at https://hsanyc.org/gala2017, with options to purchase tables, single tickets and/or after-party tickets; donations are also accepted via the site. 

ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Tables, as well as single tickets, are available for purchase at https://hsanyc.org/product/gala2017-tickets/

Ballet Hispánico Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month w/ Dance - September 15 to October 15, Free performances, a Block Party, and more!

Ballet Hispánico will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, 2017 with free events, performances, exhibitions and dance lessons for children and adults. Events include a Salsa Extravaganza, an "A la Calle" Block Party, an Instituto Coreográfico dance showing and discussion, an intimate Tablao flamenco performance, and an exhibition of visual artwork at the Ballet Hispánico's headquarters, The Arnhold Center, at 167 W. 89thStreet.

"No other Latino organization can celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month like Ballet Hispánico, because we will do it with dance!" said Eduardo Vilaro, Artistic Director and CEO of Ballet Hispánico. "We've been bringing individuals and communities together to celebrate and explore Latino cultures and the shared human experience through dance for more than 45 years. Our Hispanic Heritage Month events and activities will bring the celebration to the Upper West Side neighborhood, which has been our home from the very beginning of Ballet Hispánico."

• The celebration begins on Friday, September 15, 2017* with the PBS broadcast of Lincoln Center at the Movies presents Ballet Hispánico at 9 pm. The program opens with CARMEN.maquia, a modern take on Bizet's passionate opera featuring physically charged and sensual choreography by Spaniard Gustavo Ramírez Sansano. The second part of the program, Club Havana, is a virtuosic reimagining of a sizzling nightclub by Cuban-born choreographer Pedro Ruiz. Originally filmed as part of the Lincoln Center at the Movies: Great American Dance series, the PBS broadcast will draw the largest national audience in Ballet Hispánico's history. (* check local listings) 
  http://www.livefromlincolncenter.org/broadcasts/lincoln-center-at-the-movies-presents-ballet-hispanico
• On Saturday, September 23 from 5:30-7:30pm, Ballet Hispánico will host a Salsa Extravaganza, giving New Yorkers the opportunity to revel in the music and dances of Latino cultures.This free, two-hour event will offer lessons for all ages in three dance genres: salsa, merengue and bachata, followed by a celebratory dance for all, with refreshments.  Both experienced dancers and first-timers are welcome to join in this joyous celebration. Refreshments will be provided by Calle Ocho/Bodega 88. https://fs18.formsite.com/BalletHispanico/HHMfree/index.html
• "A la Calle" Block Party on Sunday, October 1 from 2-6 pm,  a four-hour celebration of Latino dance, music, art, food and community, will take place on West 89th Street (between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues),  Ballet Hispánico's home for more than 45 years. The event will include dance performances by our internationally renowned Company, School of Dance students, and BHdos as well as a musical performance by Los Hacheros, free half-hour dance classes for adults and children, and a variety of activities for children and families. A special free raffle will include items donated by 89th Street NY Kids Club and Preschool, Blu Dot, Book Culture, Children's Museum of Manhattan, Flywheel Sports, Macaron Parlour, Modell's Sporting Goods, Rachel Realty, SoulCycle, and The Vitamin Shoppe. https://fs18.formsite.com/BalletHispanico/HHMfree/index.html
• This year's Instituto Coreográfico on October 5 at 7 pm will feature the work of acclaimed Spanish choreographer Carlos Pons Guerra. Moderated by Ballet Hispánico Artistic Director & CEO Eduardo Vilaro, the program will include a showing by Guerra, as well as a lively discussion with the choreographer and the dancers. https://fs18.formsite.com/BalletHispanico/HHMfree/index.html
• On Saturday, October 14 from 8-10 pm, Ballet Hispánico will offer the inaugural performance of the Ballet Hispánico Tablao series. Headlined by internationally celebrated dancer Nelida Tirado, thistwo-hour intimate performance will bring the Flamenco nightclub scene to the intimate Penthouse Studio of Ballet Hispánico. Tickets are $20 and there will be refreshments. https://fs18.formsite.com/BalletHispanico/Tablao/index.html
• Throughout the month, Ballet Hispánico will curate an on-going exhibition of visual artwork from celebrated and emerging artists on the first floor of the West 89th Street carriage houses, transforming our home into a beautiful, emotionally moving gallery. 

ABOUT BALLET HISPÁNICO

Ballet Hispánico, the premier Latino dance organization in the United States, brings individuals and communities together to celebrate and explore Latino cultures through dance. Whether dancing on stage, in school, or in the street, Ballet Hispánico creates a space where few institutions are breaking ground. The organization's founder, National Medal of Arts recipient Tina Ramirez, sought to give voice to the Hispanic experience and break through stereotypes. Today Ballet Hispánico is led by Eduardo Vilaro, an acclaimed choreographer and former member of the Company, whose vision of social equity, cultural identity and quality arts education for all, drives its programs. Ballet Hispánico, a role model in and for the Latino community, is inspiring creativity and social awareness in our neighborhoods and across the country by providing access to arts education.

EDUARDO VILARO joined Ballet Hispánico as Artistic Director in August 2009, becoming only the second person to head the company since it was founded in 1970. In 2015, Mr. Vilaro took on the additional role of Chief Executive Officer of Ballet Hispánico. He has been part of the Ballet Hispánicofamily since 1985 as a dancer and educator, after which he began a ten-year record of achievement as founder and Artistic Director of Luna Negra Dance Theater in Chicago. Mr. Vilaro has infused Ballet Hispánico's legacy with a bold and eclectic brand of contemporary dance that reflects America's changing cultural landscape. Born in Cuba and raised in New York from the age of six, he is a frequent speaker on the merits of cultural diversity and dance education.

Mr.Vilaro's own choreography is devoted to capturing the spiritual, sensual and historical essence of the Latino cultures. He created over 20 ballets for Luna Negra and has received commissions from the Ravinia Festival, the Chicago Sinfonietta, the Grant Park Festival, the Lexington Ballet and the Chicago Symphony. In 2001, he was a recipient of a Ruth Page Award for choreography, and in 2003, he was honored for his choreographic work at Panama's II International Festival of Ballet. In 2016, he was inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame.

Ailey Extension for Teens New York City’s Premiere Master Teachers August 7 to 18

Great news for the young dancers in your life, the Ailey Extension will be opening their doors, this summer, to kids and teens who are serious about the art of dance.  They are offering three immersive, multi-day training workshops taught by New York City’s top choreographers and master teachers. Ailey Experience NYC Jr., Ailey Experience NYC, and Fabrice Herrault’s Ballet Summer Intensive allow young dancers to learn technique, musicality, and performance skills.

Started in 2005, Ailey Extension has fulfilled Mr. Ailey’s life-long commitment of bringing dance to everyone by offering “real classes for real people.” To that end, the Ailey Extension offers over 25 different dance and fitness techniques such as Horton, Ballet, Masala Bhangra, West African, Samba, Jazz, Zumba, House and Hip-Hop. Over 125,000 people call Ailey home and it’s New York’s largest building dedicated to dance, where dancers of all levels and walks of life can learn and be inspired – body, mind, and spirit! 

Here is what is happening from August 7 to 18:

Ailey Experience NYC, Jr. – Aug. 7-11, 10am - 3pm (Ages 8-12)

Young dancers between 8-12 years old can experience a variety of techniques during this one-week workshop, including ballet, hip-hop, contemporary, Horton, and Broadway jazz. Each class is designed to encourage creativity and help each child gain confidence in a non-competitive environment. Great news.  No prior dance experience is required. Twelve world class instructors from Ailey Extension and The Ailey School lead the training sessions, including Ailey II dancer Terri Wright. ($650 per child)

Ailey Experience NYC – Aug. 7-11 & 14-18, 10am - 6pm (Ages 13-19)

Modified for teenagers between 13-19 years old, Ailey Experience NYC offers dancers the opportunity to train and perform a variety of techniques, such as ballet, hip-hop, contemporary, Horton, and Broadway jazz. Held at the home of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, this program will culminate with a performance for family and friends. Week 1 is already sold out, but there’s still a chance to sign up for week 2 or the full two-week experience, which is led by top instructors from The Ailey School and Ailey Extension, including NY Style Mambo’s Katherine Jimenez, hip-hop pros Jonathan Lee and TweetBoogie, and ballet extraordinaire Peter Brandenhoff. ($675 for week 2 only / $1,250 for two weeks)

Fabrice Herrault Ballet Summer Intensive – Aug. 7-11 & 14-18 (Ages 10-19)

Renowned ballet instructor Fabrice Herrault returns this summer to lead his two-week intensive rooted in the tradition of the Paris Opera Ballet. Committed to the growth of each student, this program has a strong focus on technique, artistry, and musicality. The daily classes are open to advanced beginner, intermediate, and advanced dancers, and will offer ballet technique, pointe variations, and men’s classes. Sofiane Sylve, principal ballerina of San Francisco Ballet, will join Mr. Herrault as a teaching artist. ($600 one week / $1,200 two weeks)

In addition to these workshops, Ailey Extension offers over 25 different dance and fitness classes, seven days a week for students 16 years or older.

To learn more about how to get the kids in your life dancing, visit www.aileyextension.com for the full schedule.