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Inside NYC Spring 2010 Issue
Spring is a season of celebrations. During this period of mild weather we seem to witness more weddings, births, anniversaries, graduations and other
momentous occasions than at any other time of year. We even find the time to celebrate the great feeling of being outdoors. No matter what it is that
you'd like to celebrate, New York City offers you more venues and events to keep you entertained than perhaps any other destination on the planet. Get
away with your spouse or plan a family vacation; the timing couldn't be better! There's a lot going on.
Contents
Travel Discounts | Performances | Shopping | Museums & Exhibits | Street Fairs
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| Travel Discounts |
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Enjoy a limited time 25% discount in two of our select destination cities - Baltimore, MD and Providence, RI. YourMemorableMoments.com lets you experience the BEST that these cities offer - the foods, sights and must see gems that make each destination exciting and eclectic. Don't simply visit a city...experience it! To make your reservations at this special 25% discount To make your reservations at this special 25% discount go here or call the Manhattan Club Owners' hot line at 888-465-2366 and mention code BOBP25 for Baltimore and code CLB for Providence.
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| Performances |
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Lincoln Center
Columbus Avenue (63-69 Streets)
www.lincolncenter.org
The construction of Lincoln Center began in the mid-fifties as the brainchild of a committee of visionaries who sought to bring together all of
the principal performance halls in New York City under one complex that would rival the major houses of the world. The New York Philharmonic and the
Metropolitan Opera company were the first two to commit to relocating. In the years that followed, they were joined by the American Ballet Theater, the
New York City Ballet Company and the City Opera Company. Today, Lincoln Center is also home to the Juilliard School of Music, the New York Film
Society, Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Lincoln Center Chamber Music Society and the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. Officially
inaugurated in 1960, this New York City landmark is currently celebrating its fiftieth anniversary. The 2010 calendar is packed with new works,
revitalized spaces and a host of dance, music and opera performances plus renowned festivals, which collectively provide entertainment for the entire
family. Scheduled events include:
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Mostly Mozart
July 27 - August 21
Now celebrating its fortieth anniversary, this popular festival is a New York City tradition geared towards audiences that range from the casual
listener to the die-hard fan. Despite its name, Mostly Mozart not only focuses on the works of Mozart but also the works of several other master
composers. Collectively, the festival features renowned artists-in-residence
and many instrumental, vocal, and dance ensembles. The performances take place at various locations within the Lincoln Center complex; including
Alice Tully Hall, Avery Fischer Hall, the David Koch Theater and the Stanley Kaplan Penthouse. Enjoy the talents of the Mostly Mozart orchestra as well
as visiting orchestras. Tickets go on sale May 6, 2010. For the complete calendar of performances visit www.lincolncenter.org.
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Lincoln Center Festival
July 7 - July 25
www.lincolncenter.org
This eighteen-day festival brings together diverse artists from 12 countries to appear in a total of 45 performances, including, 10 premieres. Performances will take place in seven venues some of which are located off the Lincoln Center complex. A twelve-hour long production of Dostoevsky's "The Possessed", for example, will be staged on Governor's Island. Other performances encompass orchestral music, opera, puppetry, and dance and vocal concerts. The five-time Grammy Award winning Blind Boys of Alabama, a blues and gospel group who first became popular in the 40s and 50s and regained their popularity in the mid-80s following an appearance in a Broadway show, will be joined by various artists for a three-night concert series at Alice Tully Hall. Each of the three nights is different and collectively, the series covers soul, gospel, country and New Orleans brass, demonstrating the ability of different styles of music to blend together. For ticket information and a complete listing of festival performances, visit www.lincolncenter.org.
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Target Free Thursdays
July 27 - August 21
Lincoln Center's newest contribution to culture in the mid-Manhattan area is the recent opening of the David Rubenstein Atrium. Located on Broadway between 61 and 62 Streets, this small yet beautifully transformed space hosts complimentary music performances every Thursday evening at 8:30 p.m. Performances ranging from international to jazz to rhythm and blues are made possible by funding from Target. The very casual space provides tables and chairs for easy listening. Locals who have come to look forward to these events arrive early, coffee and snack in hand, to claim a seat. By the time the show begins, it's standing room only - so come early.
Adjacent to the atrium is the Zucker ticket booth offering discounted day of performance tickets to events occurring in any one of the Lincoln Center complex theaters. The Zucker ticket booth is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tickets for Monday events, when available, are sold on Sunday. If you find yourself in the area with no plans for the evening, stop by and check the listings, you may find a welcome bargain.
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Shakespeare In The Park
Delacorte Theater
Enter Central Park through Central Park West @ 81 St
June 9 - August 1
The open air, amphitheater-style Delacorte Theater in Central Park is once again preparing to host Shakespeare in the Park. This event, which spans eight weeks, brings Shakespeare productions to the masses in a forum that very much resembles the bard’s Globe theater. This year audiences will be treated to alternating performances of The Merchant of Venice and The Winter’s Tale. These Joseph Papp productions will star Jesse L. Martin, Al Pacino, Lily Rabe and Ruben Santiago Hudson. Tickets are free and available on a first come, first served basis. For the complete performance schedule and ticket information visit www.publictheater.org.
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City Center Schedules Renovations
130 West 55th Street
(between 6th & 7th Avenues)
www.citycenter.org
The city of New York, owner of City Center has earmarked 35.6 million dollars for the renovation of one of New York City's oldest theaters. Built in 1923 as a Shriners' hall, City Center was transformed into a theater in 1943 by then major Fiorello LaGuardia after whom our airport is named. By so doing, he prevented the demolition of the building. Once home to both the City Opera and the City Ballet companies, the theater fell into temporary disuse in the mid sixties when both companies chose to take up residence at the then newly built Lincoln Center. Landmark status granted to the theater in the early 1970s protected it from future threats of demolition. Today, it has once again grown to be a vibrant venue for a diverse array of dance, music and theater performances including the annual Fall For Dance Series, City Center Encores and Flamenco Festival. Patrons will be glad to know that many of the changes to be addressed by this renovation are more than mere aesthetics. They will benefit from the resloping of the theater's floor to create better sight lines, new and more spacious seating, ADA access and the introduction of new (formerly hidden) spaces. Artists will benefit from a new stage floor that can better accommodate the needs of the many dance troupes taking part in the theater's various dance series.
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| Shopping |
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New Boutiques
Shopping in New York City has become a sport requiring increasing stamina. No longer for the faint of heart, this once simple, leisure pastime has exploded to become a major thread in New York City culture. For the total fanatic, it can even require great research, planning and organization to know the hottest trends, the best vendors, the best deals and the up and coming new kid on the block. This frenzied arena, which apparently sees no limits as to the number of players, is inviting international chains, never-before seen in the states, to add to the eclectic mix. Last year, we saw the introduction of such international chains as Uniqlo and Topshop; this year they are joined by the British chain store All Saints and Spain's Desigual.
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All Saints
512 Broadway (between Spring & Broom)
The popular British All Saints store first tested the waters in New York City by taking space within Bloomingdale's SOHO store. Finding that to be an instant success, All Saints doubled its space in order to add more merchandise, including, shoes and accessories. Well, it seems that wasn't enough either. Now a freestanding boutique measuring 13,000 square feet will soon open at 512 Broadway in New York City's SOHO. Here you'll find apparel for men, women and children. The styles are young, casual and trendy. For a sneak peek at the merchandise, browse their web site, www.allsaints.com.
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Topman/Topshop
478 Broadway (between Broom & Grand)
Another British invasion hits New York City's SOHO. On April 2 trendy British shop, Topman opened with a party style, music filled, event attended by fashion celebrities such as Kate Moss. The styles are trendy and geared towards a young audience. The third floor shoe salon for example has a small selection of sensible walkers and an endless array of open-toed, six-inch-heeled platform shoes, some of which seem to require acrobatic skills. On every floor the displays and decor send off enough energy to keep you shopping. This vibrancy, which is at the heart of the brand is reason enough to want to stop by and take a look. The styles are a bit of a throw back to the Haight-Ashbury days but then again, everything old is new again.
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Desiqual
594 Broadway (near Houston St.)
Barcelona’s trendy clothier, Desigual, opened in SOHO this spring bringing New Yorkers the 21st century’s version of “mod” clothes for the very hip. Brightly colored sometimes neon patterns and knits adorn dresses, tops, sweaters and more. A host of glittering accessories are on hand to create the perfect complement.
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| Museums & Exhibits |
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Picasso at The Met
April 27- August 1, 2010
Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 Fifth Avenue (at 82nd Street)
212-535-7710
www.metmuseum.org
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, which owns one of the world's largest collections of works by Picasso is mounting a special exhibition encompassing 300 works by the Spanish artist. Unlike previous exhibits, which have focused on specific periods or styles within the artist's repertoire, this exhibition will place on display every piece of Picasso art owned by the "Met" whether it be a painting, sculpture, drawing, print or ceramic. The Met's Picasso collection began in 1946 with its acquisition of the portrait of Gertrude Stein and has grown to its current proportions throughout the past sixty years as the result of astute purchases and generous donations. The works on display span the artist's entire life and, therefore, include, to varying degrees, every style, period and medium employed by him.
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Curious George Saves The Day:
The Art of Margret & H.A. Rey
Through August 1, 2010
The Jewish Museum
1109 Fifth Avenue (at 92 Street)
212-423-320
www.thejewishmuseum.org
Many of us grew up reading the playful stories of Curious George, a resourceful monkey who was the hero of every adventure upon which he embarked. His often perilous adventures, however, represent more than what is evident at first. Creators, Margret and H.A. Rey fled occupied France in 1940 taking with them their manuscript of what would later become Curious George Saves The Day. The lengthy and circuitous escape through France, Spain, Portugal and Brazil was not without peril. The German-born couple who had been living in Paris for several years at the time of the Nazi occupation underwent interrogations at inspection points but were ultimately released and allowed to travel when all that was found among their possessions was a manuscript and illustrations for a seemingly harmless children's story. In reality, curious George's ability to escape perilous situations had a much deeper message. Once in the United states the Reys published the book, which along with subsequent books in the series has sold more than 27 million copies.
Curious George and his creators are now the subject of an exhibit at The Jewish Museum. Bright yellow walls set the theme for the exhibit which displays 80 drawings, photographs and correspondence. The exhibit serves two important purposes; through drawings it gives us a look at the early development of this now infamous literary character and, through photographs it tells the poignant story of the lives of Margaret and H.A. Rey. For museum hours visit www.thejewishmuseum.org.
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Grateful Dead
Through July 4, 2010
New York Historical Society
5 West 76 Street (at CPW)
212-873-3400
www.nyhs.org
In this large-scale exhibit of Grateful Dead memorabilia, largely from the University of California at Santa Cruz, where the band originated, fans can view music documents, fan mail, concert posters and personal belongings that have been arranged in chronological order to piece together the career of this American phenomenon. The exhibit speaks about more than just the music career of these iconic legends, it comments loudly on the political and drug scene of the era including, the social messages of the 60s and 70s. From the beats to the hippies and their anti-war messages, that era like no other shaped our culture in an everlasting way.
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Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of Pharaohs
April 23, 2010 - January 11, 2011
Discovery TSX
226 West 44th Street
866-987-9692
The former New York Times building on 44th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues has been transformed into New York City's largest exhibition space and is home to Discovery TSX. The entire family can enjoy the current exhibit; Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of Pharaohs. This grand scale exposition has been traveling across the United States and is now making its last stop before leaving the States. The legendary boy king of 1500BC who died at age 19 after ruling Egypt for nine years is the focal point of this historic account.
In this first such exhibit since the Metropolitan Museum of Art's in 1979, we see 130 objects most of which have never previously been seen in New York City. At the time that King Tutankhamun's tomb was discovered, artifacts numbering nearly 5000 were excavated. Of these priceless finds, 50 items including, a jewel encrusted gold crown found on his mummified head, have been selected along with 80 artifacts belonging to his ancestors to form the exhibit. Collectively, they are said to represent some of the finest and most exquisite objects of ancient Egypt. This educational exhibit was organized by National Geographic in cooperation with AEG Exhibitions and the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities and was curated by professors from the University of Pennsylvania Department of Egyptology.
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Antony Gormley's Event Horizon
Through August 15, 2010
Madison Square Park (23 St. & Madison Ave.)
British sculptor Antony Gormley known for his life size figures has used his own body to cast molds for a series of 31 imposing figures. Placed at spots throughout Madison Square Park the figures (most of which are perched atop tall buildings - bring the binoculars) blend in with the heavily trafficked area and in some cases, appear to be watching the world unfold. Are we looking at art or is art looking at us. Gormley is known in his hometown England for sculptures of human figures that appear in various places including the beaches near Liverpool. Event Horizon marks his first foray into the US.
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New York City In Bloom
There's no better way to celebrate spring than to revel in the midst of nature's shower of colors. As we welcome spring, even New York City, known for its towering skyscrapers, turns to the beauty of nature's display. To witness this splendor visit one of these locations:
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New York Botanical Gardens
Bronx River P'way & Fordham Road
Bronx, New York
718-817-8700
Located in the City's borough of the Bronx, the New York Botanical Gardens feature sprawling grounds of woodlands, gardens, fountains, arboretums, shops, cafe's, display galleries and the Mertz Library of horticulture. This sanctuary within a bustling metropolis makes for an enjoyable and educational day.
 Navigating the garden's 250 acres can be daunting. To get the most out of your visit, consider one of several tour options available to visitors.
Docent Tours - daily - This walking tour provides ample information on the more popular areas of the gardens.
Audio Tours - daily - This pre-recorded tour allows you to enjoy the gardens at your own pace. Pick up an audio cassette, listen to the tour on your cell phone or download the tour onto you mp3 players via the internet prior to arriving at the gardens.
Narrated Tram Tours - daily - The tram tour covers the entire span of the gardens. It makes four stops allowing visitors to get on and off at different sections along the way. Knowledgeable guides provide information on the history of the botanical gardens, its collection of plants and trees and the various educational and research programs that take place throughout the year.
The New York Botanical Gardens are accessible via public transportation. From midtown Manhattan simply take the B or D train to 187th Street and Fordham Road. For a faster trip take Metro North from Grand Central Station.
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Special Exhibitions: Antique Garden Furniture Show & Sale
May 7-9, 2010
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
View an extraordinary collection of fountain, statues, birdbaths, sundials and more. Purchase the perfect adornment for the well cultivated garden or simply marvel at their beauty.
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Emily Dickenson's Garden: The Poetry of Flowers
April 30 - June 13, 2010
Emily Dickenson one of America's most renowned poets was an avid gardener, dedicating nearly fifty percent of her body of work to flowers, trees and plants that she cultivated and so adored. In the exhibit, which contains works from the Mertz library, Harvard University's Houghton Library and the Rosenback Museum in Philadelphia, you'll see watercolor images, books, letters and poems all of which show the strong connection between the prolific poet and her love of gardens. During this exhibit, the NY Botanical Gardens will offer a variety of activities including, poetry readings and gardening classes.
The New York Botanical Gardens has opened and Education Center at 20 West 44th Street in midtown Manhattan. There, you can attend lectures and speak to experts on how to improve your garden. Whether your garden covers your front lawn, your back yard or just your kitchen windowsill, they're likely to have answers for you. Take classes on the art of flower arranging; earn a certificate in floral design or landscaping or botanical illustration.
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Brooklyn Botanic Garden
900 Washington Avenue
718-230-2100
www.bbg.org
Admission is free
This fifty-two acre natural wonder in the midst of New York City offers a nature escape from the bustling streets and busy life found throughout most other parts of the City. Especially resplendent in spring and early summer, the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens bask in the beauty of cherry blossoms, dogwoods, magnolias, azaleas and more. Come summer, the color palette changes to blankets of lilies, hollyhocks, asters, sumptuous roses and lush greenery. From mid April to mid May is the best time to see the 200 cherry trees in bloom. Long stretches of cherry trees, when in full bloom, form a feathery light canopy of pink blossoms that is a must see. For a list of the over thirty types of cherry blossoms found at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens visit their web site, www.bbg.org. The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens are easily accessible from midtown Manhattan via mass transit. For detailed direction visit their web site.
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Central Park
59th Street-110th Street (between 5th Ave. & CPW)
Central Park, New Yorkers' back yard playground blooms in lush canopies of beautiful colors that delight the eye. From the Daffodils, tulips and cherry blossoms of early spring to the scent-filled roses and color drenched irises of summer, the park with its many activities goes straight to the top of the list of things to see in New York City this season.
To get the most from your visit to the park, try one of several walking tours offered free by park rangers.
The tours operate year-round and last approximately 1 1/2 hours.
No reservations are needed, simply be at the tour's starting point on time. Twelve guided walking tours are available, each focusing on a different topic relating to the park or to a different section of the park.
Topics include: The North Woodlands a replica of the Adirondacks, Historic ties - the park's role in the War of 1812, Seneca Village - the first African American land owners situated in what is now Central Park, Belvedere Castle, the wooded Rambles, the planning stages in 19th century New York City, sports in the park and more. In addition, extensive, printable information and downloadable Mp3 recordings are available on line for those who prefer to create their own self-guided tour. For the complete list of guided tours, starting times and locations plus downloadable touring information, visit www.centralpark.com or call the Dana Discovery Center at 212-860-1370. If you find yourself in Central Park with no advance notice and no time to plan, simply use your cell phone to dial 646-862-0997 then select each of numbers 1 through 40 plus the # sign to listen to various celebrities describe the major areas of the park.
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| Street Fairs |
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Nothing is a greater symbol of Spring in New York City than the ever-popular street fairs. Most street fairs occur on weekends and run from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. From sunglasses to handbags, baked goods to socks - New Yorkers stroll from table to table in what might be called New York City’s version of a carnival. Here is a list of up coming events to keep you fair hopping straight through the summer.
APRIL | MAY | JUNE | JULY | AUGUST
APRIL
Saturday April 24th
Third Avenue Merchants Spring Expo
(3rd Ave. from 23rd - 34th St.)
Sunday April 25th
The Earth Awareness Day Fair at Herald Square
(Broadway from 35th -38th St.)
MAY
Sunday May 2nd
The Annual Village Fair
(Broadway from Houston - Grand Street)
Saturday May 8th
Gramercy Park Neighborhood Festival
(Broadway from 17th - 23rd Street)
Sunday May 9th
Amsterdam Avenue Fair
(Amsterdam Avenue from 96th - 106th Street)
Saturday May 15th
Children of The World Festival
(6th Avenue from 42nd - 56th Street)
Sunday May 16th
Third Avenue Spring Fair
(3rd Avenue from 14th - 23rd Street)
Saturday May 22nd
Lexington Avenue Spring Fair
(Lexington Avenue from 23rd - 34th Street)
Sunday May 23rd
Times Square Fair
(Broadway from 47th - 57th Street)
Friday May 28th
Grand Central Spring Fair
(43rd Street from Lexington - 3rd Avenue)
Saturday May 29th
Lexington Avenue Spring Festival
(Lexington Avenue from 42nd - 57th Street)
Sunday May 30th
The Annual Spring Jubilee
(Lexington Avenue from 23rd - 34th Street)
Monday May 31st
Madison Avenue Community Expo
(Madison Avenue from 42nd - 57th Street)
May 29th, 30th & 31st
Washington Square Outdoor Art show
(East side of Wash. Sq. Park from 3rd - 10th Streets)
JUNE
Friday June 4th
Tribeca Community Fair
(West Broadway from Barclay - Warren Street)
Saturday June 5th
International Cultures Festival
(6th Avenue from 42nd - 57th Street)
Sunday June 6th
17th Annual Spring Crafts Fair
(Broadway 66-72 Streets)
Sunday June 6th
Stuyvesant Park Neighborhood - 2nd Avenue Fair
(Second Avenue from 14th - 23rd Street)
June 5th & 6th
Washington Square Outdoor Art show
(East side of Wash. Sq. Park from 3rd - 10th Streets)
Friday June 11th
Tribeca Food Festival
(on West Broadway from Beach - Leonard Street)
Saturday June 12th
Lower Third Avenue Summer Festival
(3rd Avenue from 6th - 14th Street)
Sunday June 13th
New York City Expo
(3rd Avenue from 23rd - 34th Street)
Saturday June 19th
Times Square Expo
(Broadway from 47th - 57th Street)
Sunday June 20th
The Turtle Bay Festival
(Lexington Avenue from 42nd - 54th Street)
Friday June 25th
Grand Central Station Festival
(43rd St. from Lexington - 3rd Avenue)
Saturday June 26th
6th Avenue Summerfest
(6th Avenue from 23rd - 33rd Street)
Sunday June 27th
Times Square Block Party
(46th Street from Br
JULY
Sunday July 4th
The Great July 4th Festival
(Water from Fulton - Broad Street)
Saturday July 10th
Park Avenue Summerfest
(Park Avenue South from 17th - 23rd Street)
Sunday July 11th
NYC Celebration of Nations Festival
(Madison Avenue from 42nd - 57th Street)
Saturday July 17th
East Side Summer Festival
(Lexington Avenue from 42nd - 57th Street)
Sunday July 18th
NYC Unfolds Street Fair
(Broadway from Houston - Grand Street)
(Lexington Avenue from 42nd - 57th Street)
Saturday July 24th
Washington Sq. Summer Fair
(Bleecker St. from Broadway - 6th Ave. )
Saturday July 24th
Central Park Summerfest
(60th St. from Madison - 5th Ave. )
Sunday July 25th
52nd Association Jazz Festival
(52nd Street from Lexington - 7th Avenue)
Friday July 30th
Manhattan Youth Fair
(Greenwich St. from Barclay - Chambers Street)
Saturday July 31st
Festival of the Americas
(6th Avenue from 42nd - 56th Street)
AUGUST
Saturday August 7th
Greenwich Village Festival
(Greenwich Avenue from 6th - 7th Avenue)
Sunday August 8th
Lexington Avenue Summerfest
Saturday August 14th
Summer Seaport Festival
(Water Street from Fulton - Broad Street)
Sunday August 15th
Madison Avenue Summer Fair
(Madison Avenue from 42nd - 57th Street)
Friday August 20th
Grand Central Summer Festival
(43rd Street from Lexington - 3rd Avenue)
Saturday August 21st
The Great Irish Festival
(6th Avenue from 42nd - 56th Street)
Sunday August 22nd
Third Avenue Merchandise Fair
(3rd Avenue from 23rd - 34th Street)
Saturday August 28th
Friends of Dag Hammarskjold Festival
(2nd Ave. from 45th - 57th Street)
Sunday August 29th
Big Apple Performing Arts Festival
(Broadway from 47th - 57th Street)
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