Oh no! Summer is almost over and you haven’t yet done something really spectacular? No need to fret, just go to a Broadway show!
Broadway is one of the unique New York attractions that bring people from all over the world to the Big Apple. Why not indulge yourself and another special someone, or even the entire family?
Here is what is on offer on the Great White Way:
Musicals
This genre of theater is really what Broadway a household word all over the world. And for very good reasons; the music is phenomenal, costumes and scenery will blow your mind, and the voices will most assuredly send chills up and down your spine. Pick the right show and you will also be treated to some incredible dancing. The choices are varied and many. Here are some of our favorites:
The Lion King: Based on the beloved Disney movie whose story bears a strong resemblance to Hamlet, the staged version of the animated film takes the music, and everything else to a completely new, and incomparable level.
The Book of Mormon: This controversial original play won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical of 2011, and was nominated for 14.
Fiddler on the Roof: This revival of the iconic 1964 show based on the “Tevye” stories written by Yiddish writer Sholom Aleichem tells the story of love between couples old and young; between parents and children; social and political upheavals at the turn of the 20th century; and done with humor, empathy and lots and lots of heart. In short, its themes are universal and guaranteed to please whatever your ethnic origin.
Drama
The Price: This is a revival of a 1968 play written by Arthur Miller, of “Death of a Salesman” fame. The original was nominated for two Tony Awards, and is the story of family dynamics, the price of furniture and also the price of one’s decisions.
Heisenberg: A hit off-Broadway, Heisenberg tells the story of Clare, who notices a “much older than she is” Alex in a crowded London tube station. She spontaneously kisses him on his neck, which sets the stage for the two to engage in a life-changing game.
Photograph 51: See Oscar winner Nicole Kidman perform as Rosalind Franklin, the x-ray crystallographer whose photo allowed Watson and Crick to uncover the structure of DNA. The play focuses on the frantic hunt for the answer to how the shape of DNA transmits the information which carries the secret of life. Written by Anna Ziegler, Photograph 51 is a journey through what is sacrificed for science, love and a place in history.
The place to be for jazz lovers this summer is New York City. With such stars as the Charles McPherson Quintet, Julian Lee, and the Jon Irabagon Quartet, there is something for everyone to love.
On August 2 treat yourself to a fantastic concert with the Jon Irabagon Quartet. Irabagon is the winner of the 2008 Thelonius Monk Saxophone Competition and the New York City Jazz Record’s 2012 Musician of the Year.
Joining him as part of the quartet is Billy Drummond on drums; bassist Yasushi; and pianist Luis Perdomo.
In New York Irabagon is an up and coming performer in the New York music world. He is a member of several ensembles, including “Mostly Other People Do the Killing” and the “Mary Halvorson Quintet.”
The concert is on Tuesday, August 2, at 7:30pm and 9:30pm, will mostly explore the more swinging style of Irabagon, performing pieces from his well-received 2015 album “Behind the Sky.” The venue is Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola at Broadway and 60th Street, on the fifth floor.
Brooklyn Bridge Park w/ Jane’s Carousel. Photo by dumbonyc
New York City is a truly amazing place. One of the most enjoyable activities in the entire city is completely free- Brooklyn Bridge Park.
The park frequently hosts free events to entice a wide range of tastes. There is a spectacular view of the iconic New York City to write home about. There are art installations scattered throughout the beautiful grounds. Kayaks are free to borrow on the weekends. And that is just the beginning.
So let’s just take a look at the week coming up: June 26-July 2:
• Checkmate 101 is a chess instruction workshop, especially for beginners, designed to take your game to the next level. Sundays at 11am from June 19 to August 7.
• Wildlife Theater presents the Butterfly Boogie. On Sunday, June 26 from 11am to 1pm the Butterfly Boogie will take participants on a 3,000-mile adventure proving that bugs are the coolest creatures ever. The musical, interactive performance shows children the interdependence of plants and animals and introduces them to the idea of metamorphosis.
• Summer Reading Storytime features Brooklyn Heights librarians reading stories out loud from the Brooklyn Public Library’s summer reading list. Tuesdays from 10:30am to 11:30am from June 28 to August 9th.
And I almost forgot to mention the fabulous 100-year-old Jane’s Carousel. It is enclosed in glass to protect from the elements and also costs $2 to ride, so technically it isn’t free. But considering all the things you do get for free, including the amazing view, you will probably agree it is two well-spent dollars.
Are you convinced yet? If you are, then be warned that parking is difficult near the park. It is highly encouraged that visitors beyond walking distance take public transportation. Check out the park’s very own website for more information.
Don’t be ashamed: We know you love Star Wars and everything the Force can influence, and even sometimes the Dark Side, too. New York has some great ways to celebrate this nerdiest of days.
• Star Wars and the Power of Costume: The Exhibition at Discovery Square– Talk about cool! Head over to 226 West 44th Street and check out the more than 70 iconic costumes from all seven of the Star Wars films. From the Darth Vader’s super creepy black mask, to that incredibly uncomfortable looking golden junk pile Anthony Daniels as C-3PO was forced to wear, you will certainly be enthralled to see the real things up close and personal.
• Transport yourself to The Lego Store at 620 Fifth Avenue in Times Square and get a good deal on many Star Wars items offered on sale. Get a free copy of the official LEGO version of the Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens theatrical movie poster, with any Star Wars purchase. Hurry though, the promotions end on May 4.
• New York Jedi creates real life action with onstage, illuminated combat with lighsabers. Yup, you heard me right. You can even take a course in the skill, and you don’t even have to bring your own lightsaber. Lucky for most of us, they will provide them. Just think, after learning how to wield said saber the force can be with you all year long. Ripley Grier Studios, 520 8th Ave.
From now until May 14 Lincoln Center is hosting a wonderful free event: Artists for LPA Share Shakespeare. Taking place at the New York
This was long thought to be the only portrait of William Shakespeare that had any claim to have been painted from life, until another possible life portrait, the Cobbe portrait, was revealed in 2009.
Public Library for the Performing Arts, come hear the answers actors, comic, musicians, designers and songwriters give to some intriguing Shakespearean questions, such as: “What is your favorite Shakespeare play or character? Your least favorite? Your favorite actor or production?” In other words, “How did Shakespeare inspire you?”
The event is completely free at 10:30am every day but Sunday. Not tickets needed. When you visit The Library you will see their answers paired with artifacts from the library’s collections.
The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center, Plaza Corridor Gallery is right next to Lincoln Center at 65th Street between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues.
Not yet convinced that New York is amazing? What if you were to learn that there are more fast-growing companies lurking in the Big Apple than in any other US city? New York City is home to 204 of 2014 Inc 5000’s best businesses.
You can check out all 204 on your own, but here we will just mention three. Prepare to be thrilled.
1. Centric Digital was founded in 2009 and ranks 34 with an incredible 6,898 percentage three-year growth rate. CD has 140 employees, and this is what one co-founder, Jason Albanese says was his ‘lightbulb moment.’ “We saw a gap in business services: Traditional large companies that are not in the business of digital were not getting the services they need to become more digital.”
2. Adore me ranks 49 with three-year revenue growth of an astounding 5,505 percent. Founded by Morgan Hermand-Waiche in 2010, her light bulb moment went like this: “The birthday of my girlfriend was coming up, and I wanted to buy her some lingerie, and I couldn’t find something as nice as I wanted in my budget.”
3. Tough Mudder was founded in 2009 by Will Dean while he was attending Harvard Business School. This event company has had three-year revenue growth of a very solid 4,737 percent. The company offers: extreme runs through inventive–and curse-inducing—obstacles. Dean began with $8,000 when he graduated Harvard, marketing his first even on Facebook, which inspired 4,500 people to sign up. “We set goals way outside of what we logically can accomplish, and then break all our existing systems to get it done,” says Vice President of branding Alex Patterson.
Just because its winter does not mean there are no flea markets open for your shopping pleasure.
At Industry City enjoy the Winter Flea and Smorgasburg, open every weekend. The market moves indoors all winter in a 50,000 square-foot space in Industry City at 241 37th Street in Williamsburg. You will find over 100 sellers with furniture, housewares, vintage clothing, antiques, jewelry, art, and crafts. Forty vendors have their yummies cooked and packaged foods on sale. Open from 10am to 6pm Saturdays and Sundays.
In Crown Heights head on over to Berg’n at 899 Bergen Street. This is not quite a flea market, but more of a beer and food hall. You will become acquainted with over a dozen taps, 50+bottles and cans, plus food from such beloved vendors as Ed & Bev’s, Lumpia Shack, Mighty Quinn’s BBQ and Samesa. Enjoy Happy Hour Tuesdays through Fridays from 4pm to 7pm. You can even get a private dining room for that special event.
What, you have something to contribute to this great selling adventure. Beginning in April 2016 the ninth season of Brooklyn Flea commences, and you can be part of it. There is an emphasis this year on finding great designers and makers of fashion/clothing, housewares/interiors, functional pieces, and much more. Want to get involved? Go to Brooklyn Flea or contact info@brooklynflea.com.
Are you willing to head out to Brooklyn for an eating experience simply not found anywhere else in the Big Apple? Then check out the remarkable, and remarkably different Roberta’s in East Williamsburg/Bushwick.
Known for their exquisite pizza primarily, they have different menus for lunch, brunch, dinner, take out and a list of drinks and wine. Roberta’s prides itself on its fresh, delectable vegetables, often coming from their very own rooftop garden. Steak and pork are on the dinner menu, but the selection of vegetarian specialties is abundant.
The décor is a bit primitive, the crowds can be daunting, and the wait for your fare a bit long. Nevertheless, there is an outdoor beer tent where you can enjoy the wait. There is also something appealing about the nitty-gritty look of the place. It is eccentric, a bit wild, and definitely delicious.
If you decide to give it a try, you can be assured you are in good company. The Clintons have been, Michel Bras, too. The tale is told that Alice Waters helped finance the garden. Now that I’ve mentioned the garden again, how about taking a tour? Roberta’s sometimes has garden workshops for interested green thumbers.
Take the plunge and give it a try. Located at 261 Moore St., Brooklyn, NY 11206, near Bogart Street. For more information call: 718-417-1118.
Join the over 500, 000 people who have already experienced the ‘brute force’ known as “Fuerza Bruta.” Originally created and performed in Buenos Aires in 2005, by Diqui James, the exuberant show was brought to New York in 2007 and is still running at the Off-Broadway Daryl Roth Theater.
The show has been described as “an energetic spectacle” which features audience interaction with the 16 performers and what is called a “360 degree” experience.
Perhaps less theater and more club, the newest version of Fuerza Bruta is called “Wayra,” or wind. The audience is up and dancing, screaming and hyperventilating at turns, enjoying the incredible aerial displays, water tank dancers, and pulsating, invigorating music.
This is an altogether different kind of show, which will, if nothing else, keep you talking long after the excitement has ended.
Looking northwest on Bushwick Avenue as Tour de Brooklyn approaches Aberdeen Street on a sunny morning. Photo by Jim.henderson
With an anticipated participation of 6, 000 biking enthusiasts, the Tour de Bronx is the largest free cycling event in all of New York State. Cyclists can choose between a 40-mile race and a less demanding 25-mile route.
The mission of this event is to raise awareness about the benefits of biking, and is presented by the Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. in partnership with Transportation Alternatives. The Bronx Tourism Council is producing the event, with its eye on showcasing the environmentally-friendly pedestrian alternative to carbon-based fueled vehicles.
Participants will need to register and sing a waiver, and is happy to recruit volunteers to help out with registration and marshaling the event.
The rides are scheduled for Sunday, October 25, 2015. Check-in time is 9am. For more information go to the Bronx de Force web site.
