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.

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.

REEDPOP UNVEILS ALL-STAR SPEAKER LINEUP FOR BOOKEXPO CHILDREN‘S BOOK & AUTHOR BREAKFAST

Jenna Bush Hager & Barbara Pierce Bush Take the BookExpo Stage with Lupita Nyong’o, Tomi Adeyemi, Eoin Colfer and Da Chen to Discuss Children’s Literature and Their Upcoming Children’s Works

ReedPOP’s BookExpo  has unveiled the lineup for the Children’s Book & Author Breakfast, an event bringing together some of literature’s most prominent Children’s and Young Adult authors. The Children’s Book & Author Breakfast continues to be one of the most sought-after events of the show, drawing over 1,000 attendees each year for a morning of lively conversation with literary giants. there

The event will be co-hosted by sisters Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush, daughters of former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush. Jenna Bush Hager is a correspondent for NBC’s TODAY and Editor-at-Large for Southern Living magazine, while Barbara Pierce Bush is CEO and co-founder of Global Health Corps, a non-profit organization that mobilizes a global community of young leaders to build the movement for health equity. This November, they are releasing a picture book, Sisters First. Inspired by their 2017 memoir, Sisters First is a celebration of the bond between sisters.

BookExpo will welcome Academy Award-winner Lupita Nyong'o (Marvel’s Black Panther, 12 Years a Slave) to discuss her debut children’s book, Sulwe. Drawing inspiration from her own childhood, Sulwe follows a young girl in Kenya who feels self-conscious about her dark skin until she embarks on an adventure that will lead her to self-love and acceptance. Tomi Adeyemi, author of bestselling young adult fantasy novel Children of Blood and Bone, will take the stage to talk about the highly-anticipated second title in her Legacy of Orïsha trilogy, Children of Virtue and Vengeance. They will be joined by Eoin Colfer, author of the beloved Artemis Fowl series, who will discuss his buzzed about upcoming spin-off novel, The Fowl Twins. Additionally, Da Chen, bestselling author of Brothers and Colours of the Mountain, will preview his forthcoming work, Girl Under a Red Moon, which tells the story of his resolute older sister and their childhood growing up together during the Chinese Cultural Revolution.

Taking place Friday, May 31, the BookExpo Children’s Book & Author Breakfast will kick off the final day of the 3-day event, further establishing BookExpo as the must-attend destination for the publishing industry.

"The Children’s Book & Author Breakfast draws a huge audience of book lovers looking to discover breakout talent in the world of children’s and young adult literature and we are excited to welcome this year’s outstanding panelists,” said Jennifer Martin, Event Director of BookExpo. “With an array of unique perspectives and works across multiple genres, this year’s speakers are sure to offer a morning of exciting and meaningful conversation, as all of their works examine a variety of traditionally underserved populations.”

Full program information can be found below:

FRIDAY, MAY 31

8:00AM - 9:30AM CHILDREN’S BOOK & AUTHOR BREAKFAST (Main Stage)

The Friday morning breakfast will feature Lupita Nyong’o, author of Sulwe (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers); Tomi Adeyemi, author of Children of Virtue and Vengeance (Henry Holt & Co.); Eoin Colfer, author of The Fowl Twins (Disney-Hyperion); and Da Chen, author of Girl Under a Red Moon (Scholastic Nonfiction). The event will be co-hosted by Jenna Bush Hager & Barbara Pierce Bush, co-authors of Sisters First (Little, Brown and Company).

The Children’s Author breakfast compliments an exciting line-up of Children’s publishers exhibiting on the show floor including Bonnier Publishing, Candlewick, Cottage Door Press, Disney, Lerner Publishing, Phidal, Phoenix International, Sleeping Bear Press, Sterling Publishing and Sourcebooks.

This year, Reed Exhibitions became the official sponsor of Children’s Book Week. The sponsorship is supported by a donation to the Children’s Book Council’s Every Child a Reader program and includes the printing of 125,000 Book Week posters that will be distributed at 1,000 schools, libraries, and bookstores nationwide from April 29 to May 5, 2019, during the centennial celebration of Children’s Book Week. In addition, Reed and Every Child a Reader staff will work jointly on promoting the Annual Silent Art Auction at BookExpo in conjunction with the ABA, organizing author and illustrator events at the Family HQ at BookCon with the support of CBC member publishers, and arranging Reed staff visits to schools.

For more information or to register, please visit www.bookexpoamerica.com.

ABOUT BOOKEXPO

BookExpo is North America’s largest gathering of book trade professionals attracting an audience from around the globe. The event is designed to lead the global publishing industry to its consumer driven future and celebrate storytelling in all its forms. It’s the place where industry, authors and readers converge to define the direction of the publishing industry for years to come. BookExpo provides a focused professional environment to discover emerging authors and the next blockbuster titles, engage with the world’s most influential publishers and learn from industry leaders and peers. BookExpo is organized with the support of association partners including the Association of American Publishers (AAP), the American Booksellers Association (ABA) and the Association of Authors’ Representatives (AAR).

ABOUT REEDPOP

ReedPOP is a boutique group within Reed Exhibitions, the world’s leading event organizer. ReedPOP is devoted exclusively to organizing and managing events, launching and acquiring new shows, and working with premium brands in the pop culture world to deliver once in a lifetime experiences for fans everywhere. ReedPOP is dedicated to facilitating celebrations of popular culture around the globe that transcend ordinary events by providing unique access and dynamic personal experiences. ReedPOP is proud to be a part of a portfolio of events that include New York Comic Con (NYCC), Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2), Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) West, East, South, Australia and Unplugged, Emerald City Comicon (ECCC), BookCon, BookExpo, Keystone Comic Con, Oz Comic-Con, Comic Con India, Comic Con Paris, Comic Con Seoul, Star Wars Celebration, TwitchCon, ComplexCon and more. The staff at ReedPOP is a fan-based group of professionals uniquely qualified to serve those with whom they share a common passion.

SID SRIRAM SHARES ALBUM STREAM ON BROOKLYNVEGAN US TOUR BEGINS IN MARCH ENTROPY OUT EVERYWHERE WEDNESDAY

Uploaded by Sid Sriram on 2019-02-22.

"Working off a bed of ethereal electronics that build gradually into something otherworldly, Sriram cultivates an emotional atmosphere on 'Entropy' that is entrancing and intoxicating." - The 405

BrooklynVegan has shared an exclusive first listen of San Francisco Bay Area singer-songwriter, Sid Sriram's, debut record, Entropy. The record is out in full this coming Wednesday, February 6th on Artist Originals!

Sid began the new year with a brand new single, "Entropy," premiering exclusively on the The 405. They had high praise for single, calling it, "a soaring and cinematic song full of poignancy and power." It's the title track of his recently announced debut LP, Entropy.

With the release of his latest single, as well as last year's "It Isn't True" and "6 Weeks," Sid looks to expand on his classical, South Indian roots, and combine pop and R&B elements on the new record, adding tremendous range to his music. Since graduating Berklee College of Music, working with Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman, and steadily releasing music over the past few years, Sid is poised to release his debut record. Entropy is slated for release on February 6th, 2019 via Artist Originals (AO).

Sid has also announced a string of US tour dates in early 2019, with plans to hit SXSW in Austin, as well. Stay tuned for more news on the release of Entropy and be sure to catch Sid on tour in your city next March - tour dates are below!

TOUR DATES
03.03 - Fox Cabaret - Vancouver, BC
03.07 - The Sunset - Seattle, WA *SOLD OUT*
03.08 - Swedish American Hall - San Francisco, CA
03.09 - Masonic Lounge, Hollywood Forever Cemetery - Los Angeles, CA
03.10 - Soda Bar - San Diego, CA
03.19 - Sleeping Village - Chicago, IL
03.20 - Opera House - Toronto, ON *SOLD OUT*
03.21 - National Sawdust - Brooklyn, NY
03.23 - Le Ministère - Montreal, QC
03.24 - Cafe 939 - Boston, MA *SOLD OUT*
 

On Entropy, Sriram synthesizes three vital versions of himself: the acclaimed virtuoso singer of the Indian classical tradition known as Carnatic music; the vocal star who lights up 10,000-seat arenas by performing Indian cinema’s best-loved contemporary songs; and the talented Northern California kid, enamored of hip-hop, rock, pop and especially old-school soul, and dedicated to the art of production. “This is the first time in my career where all three streams are joining together at once,” Sriram says.
 
Singer/songwriter/producer Sid Sriram represents a collision point of radically different worlds; a true hybridist. Sriram was born in Chennai, India. His family moved to the San Francisco/Bay Area suburbs when he was one. This duality of cultural roots was integral in forming Sriram’s personal and artistic identity. He graduated from Berklee College of Music with a degree in Music Production and Engineering; here is where he started exploring and building his own sound. Sid Sriram's music creates a bold cross section where Pop/Soul, his Indian Classical roots and alternative/ambient music clash vibrantly.

Sriram was raised on a dynamic, rich foundation of South Indian Classical (Carnatic) music; this form is his creative framework and anchor. He grew up soaking in the music of legendary artists such as Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Jeff Buckley, The Beatles and Luther Vandross; these influences have defined his artistic evolution. With his work in Indian Cinema soundtrack music resonating with millions, Sid Sriram has developed an exponentially growing, die hard fanbase. His live productions are exhilarating, engaging and vulnerable; thousands pack out venues to experience his emotionally immersive shows.

In his own words, “I think I make music for those who are in need of some healing. Producing and performing music is my form of release; I want to create experiences that allow people to feel through a spectrum of emotions.” With his daringly unique debut LP “Entropy” releasing later this year, Sid Sriram looks to impact the world.

ENTROPY - TRACKLISTING
01. Eyes Open
02. It Isn't True
03. 6 Weeks
04. Entropy
05. Paper Plates
06. Palm Trees, Fleeting
07. Moksha
08. Back Down
09. 2am Prayer
10. Waiting For The Sun
11. Daunting
12. Limitless

FOLLOW ON:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Celebrate Erotic Love this Valentine’s Day with Mo Beasley’s “UrbanErotika”

Neo-Burlesque Variety Show with Poetry, Spoken Word, Music, Dance, and Multimedia Arts 

Thursday, February 14, 2019 – 7:30PM

Harlem Stage, the legendary uptown venue that for over 35 years has promoted the creative legacy of Harlem and artists of color from around the corner and across the globe, is proud to present its Spring 2019 season of performances. The 2019 spring season is curated by Monique Martin, Director of Programming for Harlem Stage and features artists who #Disrupt and take creative risk. The performances feature a range of artistic genres, offering audiences the chance to experience legendary performers, as well as rising stars.    

This Valentine’s Day, Harlem Stage presents Mo Beasley’s “UrbanErotika,” a live neo-burlesque variety show celebrating erotic love with poetry, spoken word, music, dance, and multimedia arts, as expressed by New York City’s diverse cultures. The special Valentine’s Day performance will feature works that range from the soft and sensual to the bold and audacious; reflecting the full spectrum of romantic and sensual love in a healthy journey of fantasy and desire.  UrbanErotika is “the house that Lust built, and Love saved from damnation.” 

The performance will feature: Filipino American poet and spoken word artist Regie Cabico; Rock/Jazz/Folk bandThe SoulFolk Experience,selected as WNYC’s “Best Band in Brooklyn” in 2011; hip-hop singer Nemiss ChiYork; spoken word artist Peter ‘Rainmaker’ Seaton; actor and dancer Shannon Lower; award-winning international burlesque artist, producer & cabaret entertainer Zyra Lee Vanity; singer, songwriter and poet Shye Poetand, and other delicious surprises. The artists will pay a special tribute to the sensual and erotic work of Ntozake Shange,an original muse, and now ancestral guide.

UrbanErotika is the brainchild of Mo Beasley, an award-winning performance poet, educator, author, and public speaker with more than 20 years of experience in sexuality, race, manhood, and arts advocacy work. 

Event Details: 

UPTOWN NIGHTS: Mo Beasley’s“UrbanErotika”

Thursday, February 14

7:30pm

Price: $25

Harlem Stage Gatehouse - 150 Convent Ave (at West 135th Street)

https://www.harlemstage.org/events-list/uptown-urbanerotika

“This season we are conversing, collaborating, and of course singing and dancing. We are thrilled to be working with a growing list of programming partners, who enable us to bring new audiences to Harlem Stage and align ourselves with organizations and artists who share our values. We welcome you to join in this communion of art that informs, inspires and ultimately transforms,” said Patricia Cruz, Executive Director of Harlem Stage. 

Monique Martin, Director of Programming,said “As we wade through these precarious times of polarizing speech, mass shootings and mass incarceration we need our #Disrupters now more than ever. The trifecta of art, culture and activism provides us with tools that can guide us to a deeper understanding of the past, present and forecast the future. Harlem Stage continues to entrust artists to co-create with us, a fertile sanctuary space of mutual respect and understanding. We are honored to create generative spaces for our community to see and be with each other. All are welcome!” 

TICKETING INFORMATION

Box Office Location: Harlem Stage Gatehouse (150 Convent Avenue at West 135th Street, Manhattan). 

Box Office Hours: Regular box office hours are 10AM–3PM Monday through Friday, except on performance days when the box office remains open until one hour after the start of the performance.

By Phone: 212.281.9240 ext. 19

Online: www.HarlemStage.org

ABOUT HARLEM STAGE 

Harlem Stage is the performing arts center that bridges Harlem’s cultural legacy to contemporary artists of color and dares to provide the artistic freedom that gives birth to new ideas.For over 35 years Harlem Stage has been one of the nation’s leading arts organizations, achieving this distinction through its work with artists of color and by facilitating a productive engagement with the communities it serves through the performing arts. With a long-standing tradition of supporting artists and organizations around the corner and across the globe, Harlem Stage boasts such legendary artists as Harry Belafonte, Max Roach, Sekou Sundiata, Abbey Lincoln, Sonia Sanchez, Eddie Palmieri, Maya Angelou and Tito Puente, as well as contemporary artists like Bill T. Jones, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Tamar-kali, Vijay Iyer, Mike Ladd, Stew, Meshell Ndegeocello, Jason Moran, José James, Nona Hendryx and more. Its education program each year provides over 1,000 New York City children with introduction and access to the rich diversity, excitement and inspiration of the performing arts. In 2006, Harlem Stage opened the landmarked, award-winning Harlem Stage Gatehouse. This once abandoned space, originally a pivotal source for distributing fresh water to New York City, is now a vital source of creativity, ideas and culture. Harlem Stage is a winner of the William Dawson Award for Programming Excellence and Sustained Achievement in Programming (Association of Performing Arts Presenters).

For more information on Harlem Stage, visit: www.harlemstage.org. 

For a full list of donors, please visit: https://www.harlemstage.org/support/

Connect with Harlem Stage:

Facebook facebook.com/myharlemstage

Instagram @harlemstage 

Twitter @myharlemstage

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!

happy-holidays-in-nyc-680x380.jpg

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!!!

Michaelangelo's Sistine Chapel, Up & Close in New York (June 23 - July 23). #SistineUpClose

You love Michelangelo's work? You've heard of all his beautiful and amazing art work on chapel's ceiling at Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, Rome? You have been wanting to go see it, but haven't had time, or money, or both. Well, you can see that artwork, right here in New York City, that to, up & close, from now until July 23.

The Oculus Mall (Westfield Mall?) at World Trade Center is holding this wonderful exhibition. It does cost $20, which seems a LOT, specially considering its all in open and you can see it just from outside (check out the pics) fro FREE. But if you wanna get closer, you can buy the tickets and go in. Checkout the schedule with more details and buy the tickets here:
https://www.westfield.com/upclose
https://www.westfield.com/westfieldworldtradecenter/events/all-events/up-close-michelangelos-sistine-chapel/41369
https://wl.seetickets.us/Westfield

The exhibition will move to various places all over country. Checkout the dates and details below.
https://www.westfield.com/upclose/tickets

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.

Big Apple Circus Returns to Cunningham Park with the Queens Premiere of The Grand Tour May 15 – June 12, 2016

Big Apple Circus returns to Cunningham Park for the company’s 38th season with the Queens Premiere of The Grand Tour! Tickets start at $25, and the show runs from May 15 – June 12, 2016 under the Big Top at Cunningham Park, located at Union Turnpike and 196th Street in Oakland Gardens, NY 11363. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.bigapplecircus.org.

See high-flying acrobats, lovable clowns, the Wheel of Wonder, ponies, puppies and more! All seats less than 50 feet from the ring. In this all-new show, The Grand Tour transports audiences to the advent of the modern travel era, when the most adventuresome began touring the world in ships, planes, trains, and automobiles. Audiences will be awed by the world-class entertainers as they perform breathtaking acts from the four corners of the globe. Clowns, jugglers, acrobats, and aerialists from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America set off on a whirlwind adventure, accompanied by the live, seven-piece Big Apple Circus Band at each performance.

“The Grand Tour is a first-class jaunt.”
— – The New York Times
“A class act ... Sophisticated and beautiful.”
— – The Village Voice
“Language can’t do justice to the visual and kinetic thrills of the Big Apple Circus. Just go!”
— – Time Out New York
“Polished and fun.”
— – Daily News
“The Finest Up-Close Circus in America.”
— – Variety
“America’s Best Circus for Children.”
— – Parents Magazine

Four-time Big Apple Circus ringmaster John Kennedy Kane returns to introduce a variety of stunning performers: clowns Joel Jeske and Brent McBeth; third-generation circus animal trainer Jenny Vidbel with her pony and dog acts; aerialist Sergey Akimov; international juggling sensation Alexander Koblikov; ninth-generation circus performer Chiara Anastasini with hula hoops; the Dominguez Brothers defying the law of gravity with their thrill-filled act featuring the Wheel of Wonder; Chinese hand balancers The Energy Trio; the African acrobatic troupe Zuma Zuma; and the Dosov Troupe soaring on the teeterboard.

The Grand Tour, conceived and created by Joel Jeske, is directed by Mark Lonergan (artistic director of Parallel Exit, the three-time Drama Desk Award-nominated physical theater company) with choreographer and associate director Antoinette DiPietropolo. Musical direction by Rob Slowik, with clown material created and directed by Joel Jeske. Set and lighting design by Maruti Evans, costume design by Oana Botez, and props design by Katie Fleming.

Big Apple Circus Embraces Autism will take place on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at 11am. Big Apple Circus has joined with world-renowned Autism Spectrum Disorders experts to adapt The Grand Tour for families with members on the spectrum and create a joyful experience for all. The adapted show includes the same world-class artistry as the full performance with a shorter running time, adjusted lights and sound, a calming center, pictorial social narratives, and specially trained staff and volunteers to assure a memorable event for everyone! All tickets to this special performance, a 75-minute abbreviated show, are half price ($12.50–$37.50).

A special Big Apple Circus Member event, including dessert in the ring with the performers, will be held following the performance on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 4:30pm.  For more information on how to become a Big Apple Circus Member, please visit http://www.bigapplecircus.org/join-and-give.

As a nonprofit performing arts institution, the Big Apple Circus is committed not only to thrilling audiences in the ring, but also to bringing the joy and wonder of circus into the community. Big Apple Circus creates direct, shared connections inside its one-ring Big Top AND in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools, in its New York City home and in cities across America.

““These performers, many from circus dynasties, preserve an important tradition, reinforced by the nonprofit Big Apple Circus’s commendable community-service activities, notably the
Clown Care program, which entertains hospitalized children. This company … doesn’t only have awe-inspiring acrobatic skills; it has a lot of heart, too.””
— – The New York Times, 2014 Critics’ Pick

Big Apple Circus Clown Care® brings the joy of classical circus to hospitalized children at 15 leading pediatric facilities across the United States. Performers collaborate with doctors and staff to design a program to fit the needs of each hospital. Members of the Clown Care team bring the healing power of humor to children with acute and chronic illnesses, visiting nearly 225,000 young patients every year.

Big Apple Circus offers a specially adapted performance of the show, Circus of the Senses, for children and adults with vision or hearing impairments and/or other disabilities. American Sign Language interpreters are positioned in spotlights throughout the tent, and wireless audio headsets transmit a live audio play-by-play description of the action in the ring. Braille or large-print descriptive programs are available for audience members. A “touch session” after the show offers a unique opportunity for pre-selected groups of visually impaired children to go into the ring to meet the artists and literally feel a clown nose, a juggler's clubs, or the silky coat of a performing dog.

Big Apple Circus Embraces Autism provides performances with modified lighting and sound as well as a staffed calming center, to meet the needs of children on the autism spectrum. Inclusion is a core value at Big Apple Circus, which is dedicated to delivering the finest circus entertainment to everyone, regardless of physical or cognitive ability, or economic circumstance.

Circus for All! distributes free and subsidized tickets to schools and nonprofit organizations serving low-income children and families, enabling many of them to experience the excitement and wonder of the circus for the very first time.

Circus After School teaches kids life skills such as teamwork, responsible risk-taking, and perseverance, through a structured program of learning and performing circus arts.

About Big Apple Circus

(Will Maitland Weiss, Executive Director; Guillaume Dufresnoy, Artistic Director)

Conceived and founded by Paul Binder and Michael Christensen to be a leading presenter of live family entertainment and a nonprofit performing arts institution, our nation-wide performances and community programs have made our 38-year history far-reaching and full. It all began in 1974, when American entertainers Binder and Christensen became juggling partners and took to the street corners of Europe. Their comedic juggling act was a hit, and they soon found themselves on the stage of the prestigious Nouveau Cirque de Paris. They returned home to America in 1976 with a vision: to entertain and improve the lives of millions of American children and families. One year later, they found a site for the first tent-raising in Battery Park, New York, and went on to create the award-winning, nonprofit Big Apple Circus. For more information, visit www.bigapplecircus.org.

About Cunningham Park

Culture, sports, nature... and fun! All of these things abound in Cunningham Park, one of the largest parks in Queens.  Assembled between 1928 and 1944 and named Cunningham Park in 1934, the space has developed into headquarters for countless athletic leagues, animals, playmates, and barbecue enthusiasts.  Pick a pleasure and begin your explorations today!  http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/cunningham-park.

@837NYC, VR experience is FUN and FREE! #LWDYK

Lapacazo, What Do You Know?  I know about virtual reality and in NYC, at the Samsung 837 experience it’s free and fun! 

Don’t fret when you get the notification that out of town guests are arriving at your door this season. So you can’t get them tickets to HAMILTON you can still give them a taste of innovation that costs them nothing and will entertain them for hours.  

Google the Samsung 837 “where technology and culture collide. It’s located in the heart of the cobble stoned streets in the Meatpacking district in NYC, where “Samsung 837 combines art, fashion, technology, and sport in unprecedented ways.” Check it. The place is filled with ideas and unique opportunities to try out the Samsung’s cutting edge devices including the Samsung V.R.gear but since it’s not a store, don’t expect to be able to purchase any Samsung products. 

The line up of FREE events at Samsung 837 isoff the chain good and it goes way beyond just concerts and screenings, it shows how their devices contribute to moments worth the buzz.

http://www.samsung.com/us/837/#!/

The space was designed by renowned architecture firm Wonderwall and features an amphitheater area, VR tunnel, customer service and workshop area, and café. Enjoy live DJs spinning every day from 1-7pm in their fully equipped DJ Studio. From house to reggae, we have a sound to match every taste. Every Sunday sign up for the 837 Run Club.  Be fearless and lace up your shoes and come sweat it out with expert-led jogs along the Hudson Highline.

Here is what you need to know about the Samsung V.R. gear that’s powered by Oculus. 

Lapacazo Sandoval: How Many Apps are in the Gear V.R.?

Samsung makes the gear V.R. and Oculus is the virtual reality content provider. There are over150 experiences currently in the Oculus app. 

LS: I was bowled over by the fact that you can enjoy Netflix on the Samsung V.R. gear?  Explain.

The Netflix app is downloadable through the Oculus app. You can log in and watch your choices. Anything that was shot in 360 degrees will show up all around you as you are watching it.  Anything that was not recorded specifically in 360 degrees will appear— like a giant screen— in front of you, as if it’s being projected. Imagine. Just like if you are sitting there.

LS: How can I enjoy this experience, with my friend, using an Avatar with the Samsung V.R. gear?

That’s a great question. When you download the Gear V.R. app (through Oculus app) one of the 150 experiences and that ranges from watching movies and playing games and also includes [a] social hangouts.  

Let’s say that you are in New York City and your friend is in Japan. If you both have Samsung gear V.R. and you’ve downloaded the [Netflix app] you can both ‘ virtually hang out ‘ in a social hang out setting and using a cartoon Avatar and it looks like both of you are in the same room.  Similar to a video chat or phone conversation. Using the character [Avatar] you can have a conversation and it feels like you are there with that person. 

LS: Describe the worlds’ largest selfie?

The photo mosaic here at Samsung 837 is the world’s largest selfie. You take a picture wait just a few seconds and it pops up on the world’s largest social media display and this screen, as we call it: it’s 96, 55’ inch panels. Once it takes your photo, it’s comprised of 55 thousand Instagram images.  

LS: That’s great family connectivity and it’s free except for the coffee bar upstairs.  

Correct. At Samsung 837 we sell nothing but you can experience everything. Our events are free but RSVP is essential. Go to Event Brite Samsung 837 event bar. One of the newest attractions is the 4 D virtual roller coaster experience where the chairs move.  All free!

MANNES AMERICAN COMPOSERS ENSEMBLE (MACE) to perform at The New School's Ernst C. Stiefel Concert Hall

The New School's Mannes School of Music is pleased to announce that the Mannes American Composers Ensemble (MACE) will perform on Wednesday, May 11, at The New School's Ernst C. Stiefel Concert Hall (55 West 13th Street, New York, New York). Conducted by Alan Pierson, the program will feature selections by Steve Reich, Thomas Weaver, and Caleb Burhans. True to the mission of MACE, the program exemplifies the ensemble's commitment to the work of living American composers. The concert will begin at 7:30pm. Admission is free.

Founded in 2012 by Lowell Liebermann and directed in 2015-16 by Alan Pierson, MACE presents works by iconic American masters such as John Adams, Mason Bates and Steve Reich, as well as works by young and up-and-coming composers such as David Hertzberg and Nina C. Young. The ensemble aims to embrace a broad view of the vital landscape of contemporary American Music, and to bolster that landscape through premieres and, soon, commissions.

The May 11 concert will feature Steve Reich's "City Life. City Life is a contemporary masterpiece; a work that combines live musicians with sampled urban sounds. The piece is rarely heard live. Also on the program are Mannes Alum, Thomas Weaver's "Into Focus", and Caleb Burhans' "oh ye of little faith"

Richard Kessler, Executive Dean for the College of Performing Arts and Dean of Mannes said, "With MACE, we are aiming to put the works of living composers and of American composers at the center of the practice here at Mannes. You can see this in our programming of the ensemble, which is directed this year by Alan Pierson."

Circus Now and Big Apple Circus In Association With Jonathan S. Cerullo | JSCTheatricals presented The 2nd Annual Celebration of American Circus

It was a big night under the big top as Circus Now together with the Big Apple Circus, in association with Executive Producer and Director Jonathan S. Cerullo, JSC Theatricals, presented the 2nd Annual Celebration of American Circusat the Big Top at Lincoln Center on January 5, 2016. For the second year, the Celebration of American Circus boasted an impressive roster of honorees, all of whom have spent decades furthering the appreciation of circus arts in America. Four prominent artists and organizations were recognized for distinguished achievements in the American circus arts.

Bill Irwin received the Evolving Circus Award from his Old Hats costar David Shiner. This award is given annually to an individual whose personal and/or professional contributions have made a significant and permanent impact on the circus field in America, with specific consideration of how the recipient's work has influenced the perception of the circus arts by the American public and the arts and entertainment industry. Irwin and Shiner will entertain Old Hats audiences January 26 through March 3, 2016, with a Thursday, February 18 opening night at The Irene Diamond Stage at The Pershing Square Signature Center (480 West 42nd Street between 9th and 10th Avenues). 

Circus Smirkus, Vermont's own award-winning international youth circus, received the Community Impact Award from Preston Scott. This award is given annually to a circus artist or organization that has succeeded in harnessing and demonstrating the power of the circus arts for community engagement and social good, and in bringing diverse audiences together through quality programming. Since 1987, the company has promoted the skills, culture and traditions of the traveling circus, inspiring youth to engage in life-changing adventures in the circus arts.

Rob Mermin, the founder of Circus Smirkus,ran off to the circus in 1969. He studied mime with Marcel Marceau and Etienne Decroux, and clowned with circuses throughout Europe, Scandinavia, and the Soviet Union in shows including Britain's Circus Hoffman, the Hungarian State Circusz, Sweden's Circus Scott (performing Karl Kossmayer's Comedy Mule Act), circus buildings in Russia, and three years (1973-75) in Copenhagen's circus building with Cirkus Benneweis. In 1995 Rob was co-director of Ringling's Clown College.  In 1987 Rob founded the international Big Top touring company Circus Smirkus in Vermont. Rob has authored two books on Circus Smirkus: A True Story of High Adventure & Low Comedy.

Ed LeClair, Producer and Executive Director of Circus Smirkus,has 35 years of business and nonprofit performing arts management experience, holding the position of Producer, Executive Director, or General Manager for four companies.  He has produced the last thirteen tours for Circus Smirkus, presenting over 500 shows. Since his joining Circus Smirkus in 2003, the organization has grown rapidly to become one of the top 100 companies in Vermont. Under his direction Circus Smirkus and its performers have been featured on PBS, "The Martha Stewart Show", "Fletch", "America's Got Talent", and The Toronto Film Festival. As Executive Director, Ed has continued Circus Smirkus' longstanding tradition of cultural exchanges, initiating partnerships with circuses in Columbia, Mongolia, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Cuba, and France. Ed holds an MBA from the Tuck School at Dartmouth, and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical/Nuclear Engineering from the University of Arkansas. He studied and performed the Japanese art of Taiko drumming for 12 years and toured Japan with Vermont's Burlington Taiko.

Duncan Wall, Creative Director of Circus Now, presented performer and circus history writer Dominique Jando with the Elevating Circus Award, given annually to an individual or an organization who has made a lasting contribution to increasing public awareness about the beauty, artistry, creative potential of the circus arts through their body of work, with particular attention paid to interdisciplinary collaboration or expression. Jando began his involvement with the performing arts more than five decades ago in his native France, when he first stepped into a circus ring as a clown at the legendary Cirque Medrano in Paris. Later he pursued an artistic and administrative career in both the theater and the circus. In 1974, as General Secretary of the Paris Cultural Center, he participated with Alexis Gruss in the creation of France's first professional circus school, and of Le Cirque à l'Ancienne, which eventually became the French National Circus and is considered the catalyst of the European 'New Circus' movement. He moved to New York in 1983 to join the Big Apple Circus, and served as its Associate Artistic Director for nineteen years. He then worked as Creative Director of Circus Center in San Francisco, California. He is now an independent circus arts consultant and writer, and is Vice-President and Artistic Director of Lone Star Circus® in Dallas, Texas. He is also Founder and Curator of Circopedia.org, an international online circus encyclopedia funded by the Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation. A circus and popular entertainment historian, Dominique has published several books and written many articles on these subjects, both in Europe and the US. The Russian translation of his Histoire Mondiale du Cirque is used as a textbook at Moscow's Circus and Variety State College and GITIS theater institute. He often lectures on circus and popular entertainment, has taught classical clowning at Circus Center's Clown Conservatory, is the International Circus Consultant for Guinness World Records, Ltd., and is a founding member of the Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain, an international circus competition that has been held each winter in Paris since 1977. He has served on the juries of international circus festivals in Europe, Russia, Mexico, and Israel.

Founder & Associate Director of Circus Sarasota Dolly Jacobs presented an emotional Lifetime Achievement Award to Hovey Burgess. This award is given to an individual artist, troupe, or company whose overall contributions to the field and community are substantial, undeniable and significant. Mr. Burgess, recovering from a recent injury, was wheeled onstage by Big Apple Circus clowns Joel Jeske and Brent Mc Beth for a victory lap around the ring. He ended his speech by addressing the audience "If you love circus, then I love you." 

Born in Middlebury, Vermont in 1940, Hovey Burgess will complete his fiftieth (50th) year of teaching circus techniques for actors at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts this spring.  This summer he will hit the "sawdust trail" for his twenty-sixth season with St. Louis-based Circus Flora. Hovey Burgess is author of Circus Techniques with photographs by Judy Finelli.  He has written for TDR (Tulane Drama Review) and Spectacle.  He served as circus choreographer for Robert Altman's film Popeye with the late Robin Williams in the title role.  From Juilliard's Drama Division to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College, Hovey's teaching career has spanned the United States, from Maine to California and from Washington State to Florida, as well as Canada and Israel. Previous honors include City Lore's People's Hall of Fame; International Jugglers Association's Excellence in Education Award; Red Skelton Award for Teaching and Mentoring Clowns; Golden Nose Award for Lifetime Achievement; and Burlesque Idol's Best Dressed Award. 

Spotlighting the thriving state of the circus arts across the nation, the evening also featured performances from a variety of breath-taking acts, including aerial contortionists Anna and Emily Venizelos, a Diabolo Duo Act performed by Sawyer Oubre and Liam Gundlach, and Big Apple Circus' own Sergey Akimov on the aerial straps. The evening was conducted by Emcee Thom Wall.

A "Master of Modern Vaudeville," Wall has wowed audiences around the globe. With a sharp wit and sharper knives, Thom juggles, balances, and dives his way through exciting and fast-paced acts that astonish and amaze. As one of the last great American gentleman jugglers, Thom presents an elegant show with nuanced comedy and some of the most unusual tricks seen today. Thom is a complete variety performer, finely tailoring each performance to engage and surprise his audience, resulting in a unique and refreshing experience each time. Hailing originally from St Louis, Missouri, Thom regularly performs internationally. In addition to appearances in Hong Kong and South Korea, he toured with Cirque du Soleil's show Totem, where he juggled for thousands each night on tour across the US, Canada, and New Zealand. Thom has won awards internationally for his circus performances, notably the 2015 "People's Choice" Special Prize at the Riga International Circus Festival in Latvia, the Bronze and Silver medals at the International Jugglers' Association Senior Stage Championships (one of which was awarded for the first mouthstick act ever to receive an award in the organization's 67 year history), and "Best of the Fringe" for his duo act "The Dinner And A Show Show" at the 2014 Kansas City Fringe Festival. He has had the pleasure of performing for dignitaries and diplomats worldwide. Thom is a graduate of the New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA) in Brattleboro, Vermont. When not on tour, he coaches aspiring circus artists at NECCA and regularly teaches workshops worldwide.

For more information, please visit: 

The 2nd Annual Celebration of American Circus Awards with Evolving Circus Honoree Bill Irwin - Jan 5, 2016

To honor and spotlight the distinguished achievements in the American circus arts, Circus Now together with the Big Apple Circus, in association with Executive Producer and Director Jonathan S. Cerullo, JSC Theatricals, is proud to present the 2nd Annual Celebration of American Circus at the Big Top at Lincoln Center on January 5, 2016 at 8pm. Part ceremony, part performance, the Celebration of American Circus will honor four artists and/or organizations that have been prominent in the circus arts landscape in America, while spotlighting the thriving state of the circus arts across the nation, and will feature Emcee Thom Wall, with performances from a variety of breath-taking acts.  Tickets start at $25 and are available online at www.circusnow.org/CELEBRATE2016.

For the second year, the Celebration of American Circus presents a distinguished and impressive roster of honorees, all of which have spent decades furthering the appreciation of circus arts in America.  Sabrina Motley, director of the Smithsonian's Folklife Festival, will present the Community Impact Award to Circus Smirkus Founder Rob Mermin and Ed LeClair, Smirkus's Executive Director.  Duncan Wall of Circus Now will present the Elevating Circus Award to Dominque Jando, renowned circus historian and author.  David Shiner will roast and toast and present the Evolving Circus Award to his fellow clownical artist Bill Irwin. Andthis year we introduce a new award, the Lifetime Achievement Award, will be presented by the legendary Dolly Jacobs (Circus Sarasota) to the legendary Hovey Burgess!

  • Evolving Circus Award, presented by David Shiner

HONOREE:  BILL IRWIN

This award is given annually to an individual whose personal and/or professional contributions have made a significant and permanent impact on the circus field in America, with specific consideration of how the recipient's work has influenced the perception of the circus arts by the American public and the arts and entertainment industry.

  • Irwin and Shiner will appear together next in Old Hats. Called "one of the funniest shows of the past few years" by the New York Post, and selected as a Critics' Pick by The New York Times and Time Out New York, Old Hats will entertain audiences January 26 through March 3, 2016, with a Thursday, February 18 opening night at The Irene Diamond Stage at The Pershing Square Signature Center (480 West 42nd Street between 9th and 10th Avenues). Tickets start at $45. To purchase tickets for all Signature productions, including Incident at Vichy by Arthur Miller and Night is a Room by Naomi Wallace, call Ticket Services at 212-244-7529 (Tues. - Sun., 11am - 6pm) or visit signaturetheatre.org. After an extended, sold out run in 2013, Signature welcomes back Bill Irwin and David Shiner in their award-winning, critically acclaimed production of Old Hats. This production reunites the clowns with original director Tina Landau and introduces their new songstress and comic foil Shaina Taub, hailed as "a young Judy Garland meets grown-up Lisa Simpson" by the San Francisco Chronicle. Using music, technology, and movement, Irwin and Shiner combine their inimitable magic and slapstick to create an unforgettable outing that's fun for the whole family.


  • Community Impact Award, presented by Sabrina Lynn Motley, Director of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Rob Mermin

HONOREE: CIRCUS SMIRKUS
This award is given annually to a circus artist or organization that has succeeded in harnessing and demonstrating the power of the circus arts for community engagement and social good, and in bringing diverse audiences together through quality programming. 

Circus Smirkus is Vermont's own award-winning international youth circus. Since 1987, the company has promoted the skills, culture and traditions of the traveling circus, inspiring youth to engage in life-changing adventures in the circus arts.

  • Elevating Circus Award, presented by Duncan Wall, Creative Director of Circus Now

HONOREE: DOMINIQUE JANDO
This award is given annually to an individual or an organization who has made a lasting contribution to increasing public awareness about the beauty, artistry, creative potential of the circus arts through their body of work, with particular attention paid to interdisciplinary collaboration or expression.

  • Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Dolly Jacobs, Founder & Associate Director of Circus Sarasota

HONOREE: HOVEY BURGESS
This award is given to an individual artist, troupe, or company whose overall contributions to the field and community are substantial, undeniable and significant.

For more information, please visit:

Big Apple Circus Embraces Autism! Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 11am

Big Apple Circus has joined with world-renowned Autism Spectrum Disorders experts to adapt The Grand Tour for families with members on the spectrum and create a joyful experience for all. The adapted show includes the same world-class artistry as the full performance with a shorter running time, adjusted lights and sound, a calming center, pictorial social narratives, and specially trained staff and volunteers to assure a memorable event for everyone! 

The Grand Tour transports audiences to the Roaring 1920s, the advent of the modern travel era, when the most adventuresome began to tour the world in ships, planes, trains, and automobiles. With every seat less than 50 feet from the stage, audiences will be awed by the world-class entertainers as they perform breathtaking acts from the four corners of the globe. Clowns, jugglers, acrobats, and aerialists from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America appear with ponies, puppies and more; the troupe sets off on its own whirlwind adventure, accompanied by the live, seven-piece Big Apple Circus Band at each of more than 100 performances. 

This special performance, a 75-minute abbreviated show, will take place on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 11am. All tickets to this performance are half price ($12.50-$37.50). For tickets, please visit: www.bit.ly/BACEA15.

"Thank you so much for taking the time to alter the regular show to accommodate children with
special needs. This was the first circus that we were able to take my niece Gianna to and it was all thanks to Big Apple Circus! Thank you again!" - Preston House
"I did notice some of the changes, like the house lights and the clown doctors, but I was really impressed with how subtle the other adjustments were. I felt like nothing was lost in the performance quality, so for some acts I actually wondered how it was different from the standard show. Congratulations!" - Ladan Hamidi Toosi, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs

For wheelchair or special seating needs, please call customer service at 800.922.3772.

For more information about accessibility at every Big Apple Circus performance, please visit:  www.bigapplecircus.org/accessibility.

The Grand Tour runs from October 21, 2015 to January 10, 2016. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.bigapplecircus.org

Big Apple Circus presents Circus of the Senses, specially adapted performances for those with disabilities

Big Apple Circus returns to the Big Top at Lincoln Center for the company's 38th season with the World Premiere of its all-new show, The GrandTour, and presents Circus of the Senses:a specially adapted performance that enables children and adults with vision or hearing impairments and other disabilities to experience the joy and wonder of the circus. Through the use of audio headsets, Braille descriptive programs, American Sign Language interpreters, and a special "touch session" after the show, anyone and everyone can enjoy Big Apple Circus' The Grand Tour! 

The Grand Tour transports audiences to the Roaring 1920s, the advent of the modern travel era, when the most adventuresome began to tour the world in ships, planes, trains, and automobiles. With every seat less than 50 feet from the stage, audiences will be awed by the world-class entertainers as they perform breathtaking acts from the four corners of the globe. Clowns, jugglers, acrobats, and aerialists from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America appear with ponies, puppies and more; the troupe sets off on its own whirlwind adventure, accompanied by the live, seven-piece Big Apple Circus Band at each of more than 100 performances.

Matinee performances of Circus of the Senses will be presented (75-minute abbreviated shows):

  • Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at 11am
  • Thursday, October 29, 2015 at 11am 

A "touch session" after the performances offers a unique opportunity for pre-selected groups of visually impaired children to go into the ring to meet the artists and literally feel a clown nose, a juggler's clubs, or the silky coat of a performing dog.

"The touch session was awesome! To put touch to the animals named and movement to acts
helped to solidify the experience. They LOVED it!" - Lucienne Carrier

SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH VISION OR HEARING IMPAIRMENTS

Wireless audio headsets, which utilize a state-of-the-art infrared transmission system, feature a play-by-play description of the action in the ring by Big Apple Circus Founder Paul Binder and Creative Director Karen McCarty. American Sign Language interpreters are strategically positioned in spotlights to translate the auditory aspects of the performances. Audience members also have their choice of a large-print or Braille descriptive program, each of which describes the acts and environment in detail. 

"The ASL interpreter was so personal and made a point to connect with each child before the performance. Thank you so much for allowing us to participate in such a great event!"

- Sarah Stone, Massachusetts Newborn Hearing Screening Program

"The audio descriptive headset is an essential component of the Big Apple Circus experience
for students with visual impairments. [...] My students were able to come back to their schools and
tell their sighted friends what they "saw" at the circus! Fun, beautiful, amazing, awesome."
- Janett Ulwick Sacca, Vistars

"The descriptive headsets are a godsend. With those headsets and the wonderful job the two narrators do, Kirk does not miss a single bit of the show. He and his three brothers discuss all the details of the Circus of the Senses for weeks afterward. This is one event where he does not feel left out and that is
so very important!" - Eileen Brouwer

Tickets for Circus of the Senses are $12.50 ($10 for groups of 10 or more). To get tickets, please visit www.bigapplecircus.org/circus-of-the-senses to fill out a ticket application form. Please note that submitting the ticket application form does not guarantee tickets. Tickets will be distributed on a first come, first served basis to eligible groups. Priority is given to children with vision and hearing impairments and their chaperones. No ticket requests will be taken by telephone.

There will be an evening performance of the full show on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at 6:30pm, at which audio headsets, Braille descriptive programs, and American Sign Language interpreters will also be offered. Tickets to the Wednesday evening performance are available at bit.ly/BACCOS-E15.

Circus of the Senses is also offered at performances in Queens and Boston.

For more information about accessibility at every Big Apple Circus performance, please visit: www.bigapplecircus.org/accessibility.

Circus of the Senses performances are supported in part by the Frank J. Antun Foundation, Lily Auchincloss Foundation, Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan, Roy A. Hunt Foundation, James T. Lee Foundation, Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation, The Rudin Foundations, Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, Shubert Foundation, AXA Foundation, Bank Leumi, Moody's Foundation, and with public funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council.  Additional support was provided by Big Apple Circus members.

The GrandTour runs from October 21, 2015 to January 10, 2016. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.bigapplecircus.org.

"Awe-Inspiring!" - The New York Times
"There's no shortage of thrills...Fun for all!" - New York Post
"The Finest Up-Close Circus in America." - Variety
"America's Best Circus for Children" - Parents Magazine 

Four-time Big Apple Circus ringmaster John Kennedy Kane returns to introduce a variety of stunning performers: clowns Joel Jeske and Brent McBeth; third-generation circus animal trainer Jenny Vidbel with her pony and dog acts; aerialist Sergey Akimov; international juggling sensation Alexander Koblikov; ninth-generation circus performer Chiara Anastasini with hula hoops; the Dominguez Brothers defying the law of gravity with their thrill-filled act featuring the Wheel of Wonder; Chinese hand balancers The Energy Trio; the African acrobatic troupe Zuma Zuma; and the Dosov Troupe soaring on the teeterboard.

The GrandTour, conceived and created by Joel Jeske, is directed by Mark Lonergan (artistic director of Parallel Exit, the three-time Drama Desk Award-nominated physical theater company) with associate director and choreographer Antoinette DiPietropolo. Musical direction by Rob Slowik with clown material created and directed by Joel Jeske. Set and lighting design by Maruti Evans, costume design by Oana Botez, and props design by Katie Fleming.  

As a nonprofit performing arts institution, the Big Apple Circus is committed not only to thrilling audiences in the ring, but also to bringing the joy and wonder of circus into the community. Big Apple Circus creates direct, shared connections inside its one-ring Big Top AND in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools, in its New York City home and in cities across America.

"These performers, many from circus dynasties, preserve an important tradition, reinforced by the nonprofit Big Apple Circus's commendable community-service activities, notably the
Clown Care program, which entertains hospitalized children. This company ... doesn't only have awe-inspiring acrobatic skills; it has a lot of heart, too."

- The New York Times, 2014 Critics' Pick

Big Apple Circus Clown Care® brings the joy of classical circus to hospitalized children at 15 leading pediatric facilities across the United States. Performers collaborate with doctors and staff to design a program to fit the needs of each hospital. Members of the Clown Care team bring the healing power of humor to children with acute and chronic illnesses, visiting nearly 225,000 young patients every year.  

Big Apple Circus Embraces Autism provides performances with modified lighting and sound as well as a staffed calming center, to meet the needs of children on the autism spectrum. Inclusion is a core value at Big Apple Circus, which is dedicated to delivering the finest circus entertainment to everyone, regardless of physical or cognitive ability, or economic circumstance. 

Circus for All!® distributes free and subsidized tickets to schools and nonprofit organizations serving low-income children and families, enabling many of them to experience the excitement and wonder of the circus for the very first time.

Circus After School®teaches kids life skills such as teamwork, responsible risk-taking, and perseverance, through a structured program of learning and performing circus arts. 

For more information, visit www.bigapplecircus.org

Big Apple Circus Returns to Lincoln Center with the World Premiere of The Grand Tour

Big Apple Circus returns to the Big Top at Lincoln Center for the company's 38th season with the World Premiere of its all-new show, The GrandTour! Tickets start at $25, and the show runs from October 21, 2015 to January 10, 2016. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.bigapplecircus.org. 

The GrandTour transports audiences to the Roaring 1920s, the advent of the modern travel era, when the most adventuresome began to tour the world in ships, planes, trains, and automobiles. With every seat less than 50 feet from the stage, audiences will be awed by the world-class entertainers as they perform breathtaking acts from the four corners of the globe. Clowns, jugglers, acrobats, and aerialists from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America appear with ponies, puppies and more; the troupe sets off on their own whirlwind adventure, accompanied by the live, seven-piece Big Apple Circus Band at each of more than 100 performances. 

"Awe-Inspiring!"  - The New York Times
"There's no shortage of thrills...Fun for all!" - New York Post
"The Finest Up-Close Circus in America." - Variety
"America's Best Circus for Children" - Parents Magazine

Four-time Big Apple Circus ringmaster John Kennedy Kane returns to introduce a variety of stunning performers: clowns Joel Jeske and Brent McBeth; third-generation circus animal trainer Jenny Vidbel with her pony and dog acts; aerialist Sergey Akimov; international juggling sensation Alexander Koblikov; ninth-generation circus performer Chiara Anastasini with hula hoops; the Dominguez Brothers defying the law of gravity with their thrill-filled act featuring the Wheel of Wonder; Chinese hand balancers The Energy Trio; the African acrobatic troupe Zuma Zuma; and the Dosov Troupe soaring on the teeterboard. 

The GrandTour, conceived and created by Joel Jeske, is directed by Mark Lonergan (artistic director of Parallel Exit, the three-time Drama Desk Award-nominated physical theater company) with associate director and choreographer Antoinette DiPietropolo. Musical direction by Rob Slowik with clown material created and directed by Joel Jeske. Set and lighting design by Maruti Evans, costume design by Oana Botez, and props design by Katie Fleming.  

As a nonprofit performing arts institution, the Big Apple Circus is committed not only to thrilling audiences in the ring, but also to bringing the joy and wonder of circus into the community. Big Apple Circus creates direct, shared connections inside its one-ring Big Top AND in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools, in its New York City home and in cities across America.

"These performers, many from circus dynasties, preserve an important tradition, reinforced by the nonprofit Big Apple Circus's commendable community-service activities, notably the
Clown Care program, which entertains hospitalized children. This company ... doesn't only have awe-inspiring acrobatic skills; it has a lot of heart, too."
- The New York Times, 2014 Critics' Pick

Big Apple Circus Clown Care® brings the joy of classical circus to hospitalized children at 15 leading pediatric facilities across the United States. Performers collaborate with doctors and staff to design a program to fit the needs of each hospital. Members of the Clown Care team bring the healing power of humor to children with acute and chronic illnesses, visiting nearly 225,000 young patients every year.

Big Apple Circus offers a specially adapted performance of the show, Circus of the Senses, for children and adults with vision or hearing impairments and/or other disabilities. American Sign Language interpreters are positioned in spotlights throughout the tent, and wireless audio headsets transmit a live audio play-by-play description of the action in the ring. Braille or large-print descriptive programs are available for audience members. A "touch session" after the show offers a unique opportunity for pre-selected groups of visually impaired children to go into the ring to meet the artists and literally feel a clown nose, a juggler's clubs, or the silky coat of a performing dog. Big Apple Circus Embraces Autism provides performances with modified lighting and sound as well as a staffed calming center, to meet the needs of children on the autism spectrum. Inclusion is a core value at Big Apple Circus, which is dedicated to delivering the finest circus entertainment to everyone, regardless of physical or cognitive ability, or economic circumstance. 

Circus for All!®distributes free and subsidized tickets to schools and nonprofit organizations serving low-income children and families, enabling many of them to experience the excitement and wonder of the circus for the very first time. 

Circus After School®teaches kids life skills such as teamwork, responsible risk-taking, and perseverance, through a structured program of learning and performing circus arts.

For more information, visit www.bigapplecircus.org