Cool Events Today, Wed, May 19th!
1. Beer Tasting at George Keeley
Come to George Keeley (Amsterdam between 83rd and 84th) tonight for a Captain Lawrence beer tasting event. Enjoy a variety of Captain Lawrence beers while Captain Lawrence and Manhattan Beer representatives stay on-hand to discuss the beer, the brewing process, and to answer any questions. Some of the beers representing Captain Lawrence Brewing Company include Captain Lawrence Reserve Imperial IPA, with lots of American hops producing a classic citrus and pine aroma; Captain Lawrence Espresso Stout, brewed with coffee beans from the Black Cow Coffee Company; and Captains Kolsch, a medium-bodied, very pale beer with slightly assertive bitterness. To make it even better, just know that George Keeley’s is one of our favorite local bar spots with plenty of seating, warm cosy atmosphere, and what a great beer selection! ENJOY! (and we know you will
Time: 6:00 pm
George Keeley
485 Amsterdam (between 83rd and 84th)
2. Dinner and Great Time at Bailout Theatre
Bailout Theater is a twice-monthly night of free dinner and entertainment. There is no catch – no mysterious fruit punch, no proselytizing, not even a suggested donation. Just a place for people to hang out that isn’t their home, that isn’t their workplace and where they don’t have to pay five big ones for a cup of coffee to sit down. We have free dinner and desserts provided as always by friendly Village restaurants (John’s Pizza and more) and potluck enthusiasts. At 8pm, old favorite Alex Mallett (everybody just loved him last time he was around!) returns with banjo tunes, new and old. Then, funnyman writer Isaac Oliver and friends present solo comedic shorts for the second half of the evening. Alex Mallett will be playing his third set at Bailout Theater this week and, given his previous reception, we’ll let him speak for himself.
Judson Memorial Church
55 Washington Square South
Time: 7:30pm
Cost: Free!!!
http://bailout-theater.org
3. Grudge Match at Marfa Music
Grudge Match: Music vs. Comedy
Come witness the madness as Grudge Match returns to Marfa at Lucky Cheng’s! Comedians and musicians battle it out for your hearts! Winners go home with the trophy and the glory while the losers are taken out back and shamed, and somehow have to face themselves in the morning. Featuring music by Joe Yoga, Pat Hull and Mr. Marbar along with comedy by John Murdock, Fraser Young and Molly Knefel. However, you have to be 21 and over to get in . Oh yeah, did we mention the FREE CHIPS and SALSA???
MARFA MUSIC
24 1st Ave (at 2nd St)
Official Site
Time: 8:00pm
Cost: Free!!!
“RUBICON” Film Shoot Tomorrow, Tuesday, May 18, in the UWS!
“RUBICON” filming in the UWS Tomorrow!
AMC’s newest drama, Rubicon, will be filming tomorrow in the vicinity of Central Park West between 68th and 70th and 69th between Central Park West and Columbus. The show is a conspiracy thriller starring James Badge Dale (The Pacific, The Departed), Lili Taylor and Miranda Richardson and centers around an analyst at a New York City think-tank who is thrown into a story about the government where nothing is as it appears to be (never is!) and on top of all, discovering a vast global conspiracy! Amazing, what an original plot. According to Joel Stillerman, AMC’s head of original programming, Rubicon will begin to reveal “a secret society that pulls the strings on the world political stage.” AMC’s ordered 12 episodes of the series so far (how much do you want to bet it’ll NOT survive one season?)
Anyway, we like to keep you posted on interesting events taking place in our neighborhood and we think it’s always fun to hang out at movie shooting locations so we decided to share that bit with you. Perhaps you’ll be interested? Should you decide to check it out, take pictures and autographs so we can hang some up by the front desk.
FREE or CHEAP Invitations to Cool UWS Events Today!
Hi there CCH Guests, Upper Westsiders and anybody who happens to be looking for something to do today in our lovely, still sun-soaked neighborhood in New York! We have some interesting outing options for you for today and the rest of the evening so read up and see what you’re in the mood for and make the most of this beautiful weather!
1. Predicting Earthquakes and Volcanic Eruptions: Annual IRIS Lecture
Stephen Malone of the Department of Earth and Space Science, University of Washington, will discuss state-of-the-art technology being used to predict earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The lecture will be introduced by Edmond Mathez, Museum curator in the department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. 
Museum of Natural History’s Linder Theater
5 West 81st Street
6:30 p.m.
$10.
2. Monster Throwdown: Vampires, Werewolves & Alcott
Pulitzer Prize-winning Louisa May Alcott biographer John Matteson (Eden’s Outcasts: The Story of Louisa May Alcott and Her Father) sits down with authors Lynn Messina (Little Vampire Women) and Porter Grand (Little Women and Werewolves) to discuss the process of reimagining a beloved American classic…with monsters. The discussion will explore their mash-ups of Alcott’s classic, Little Women. Both authors will address the challenges they faced reworking the text. Alcott’s own work, published under various pseudonyms, included many sensational elements such as spies, murderers, drug addicts and mummies, and Matteson will explore, among other things, whether inserting vampires and werewolves into the beloved story would be truly anathema to the author.A book-signing will follow.
At Symphony Space
2537 Broadway at 95th Street
7 p.m.
$10.
3. Juilliard William Petschek Piano Debut Recital Award
The Petschek Piano Debut Recital Award was established through the generosity of the William Petschek Charitable Trust to assist in launching the careers of young pianists.
Alice Tully Hall
1941 Broadway
7 p.m.
$15 and $20.
4. Ina Salts: Body Type 2: More Typographic Tattoos
Graphic designer Ina Saltz brings us her latest collection of photos and personal stories behind tattoos that prominently feature text. Tattoo lovers, typophiles, and those who appreciate the power of the printed word will be stirred and inspired.
Lincoln Square Barnes and Noble
Lincoln Triangle
1972 Broadway
7:30 p.m.
FREE!
5. A Check-Room Romance
Words and Drawings: Ben Katchor
Music: Mark Mulcahy
In this new musical tragicomedy, one man’s casual obsession with the architecture and culture of coat checkrooms ensnares him in a desperate struggle between employment agents, maitre ‘d’s, lovesick podiatrists, low-budget contractors, and paraphilic playboys. A Check-Room Romance is the third theater collaboration between cartoonist Ben Katchor (Julius Knipl, Real Estate Photographer, and The Jew of New York) and composer Mark Mulcahy (Miracle Legion), following The Rosenbach Company, and The Slug Bearers of Kayrol Island, and features musicians and singers surrounded by Katchor’s projected drawings and animations.
David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center
Broadway between 62nd and 63rd Streets
8:30 p.m.
FREE!
Freebies at the Tribeca Film Festival: Drive-Ins, Sports Fests, Street Fairs and More!
Hello Columbus Circle Hostel Guests and anyone who’s looking for interesting cultural events at the end of April! The one and only, not to be missed TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL is about to kick off and this year’s line-up truly sounds promising! Not only does it offer a wide variety of independent films (e.g. documentaries, narrative features and shorts) as well as family-friendly productions, The Festival also features panel discussions with personalities in the entertainment world and a music lounge produced with ASCAP to showcase up and coming artists.
Even though films screened during the Tribeca Film Festival do not come in cheap ;-( (they’re still worth the price though!), this year’s event also offers several movie showings and family events that DO NOT require any cash investment at all. YAY!
The three-day Tribeca Drive-In outdoor screenings will begin each night at 6 p.m. with pre-film events and a movie at sundown (about 8:15 p.m.) Seating is first-come, first serve at the World Financial Center Plaza, located at Hudson River’s North Cove near 200 Vesey Street.
April 22 – “El Espiritu de la Salsa” (“The Spirit of Salsa”)
Pre-show events: live salsa bands, salsa pros, salsa lessons, dance contests “and percussive revelry for all ages.”
The movie, a documentary about lonely hearts who meet weekly at Spanish Harlem’s Santo Rico Dance School, features music by Tito Puente, Eddie Santiago, Héctor Lavoe and Norah Jones.
April 23 – “Big”
Pre-show events: fortune tellers, carnival games, music, face painters and trivia contests. Sounds like fun, right?
The classic Tom Hanks comedy will be screened on Family Day by Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment as part of the studio’s 75th anniversary.
April 24 – “The Birth of Big Air”
Pre- and post- show events: BMX street tricks and freestyle demonstrations and Mat Hoffman, a.k.a. “The Condor” in person.
The movie, a Spike Jonze documentary about BMX pro Hoffman, will make its world premiere at the ESPN at the Tribeca Drive-In event.
The Tribeca Film Festival’s street fair will overlap with the ESPN Sports Day, both scheduled May 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The street fair will takeover Greenwich Street from Chambers to Harrison streets with performers including the cast of Broadway’s “Wicked” as well as a massive Guitar “Play-in” led by Mike D of the Beastie Boys (who is a dad at Church Street School for Music and Art.)
The festival will be packed with other dancers, stilt walkers, puppets, storytelling, arts and crafts and a kite-making area. There will be a Tribeca Film Festival “red carpet” to walk and a screening of the movie “Snowmen.”
The fourth annual sports festival will be set on Duane Street between Greenwich Street and Hudson Street. Expect interactive sports-related games and demonstrations and appearances by Mr. Met and other icons.
Other Tribeca Film Festival free events include:
TRIBECA TALKS PEN TO PAPER
Barnes & Noble hosts this returning series of free events focusing on the art of screenwriting. Panelists include writers and writer/directors from the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival: Edward Burns, Omar Rodriguez Lopez, Dana Adam Shapiro, and more!
Hosted by Barnes & Noble at their Union Square location: 33 East 17th Street.
FILMMAKING EVENTS & WORKSHOPS AT THE APPLE STORE
For the sixth consecutive year The Apple Store, SoHo, is celebrating the spirit of independent filmmaking with the Tribeca Film Festival by hosting dozens of free events and workshops. The exclusive Meet the Filmmakers series, presented by Apple and indieWIRE, is not to be missed. Everyone’s invited, so be sure to check back for all the details.
Apple Store, SoHo – April 23 – May 1, 2010
103 Prince Street
New York City, NY 10012
www.apple.com/retail/soho/tribeca
Apple in-stores, the art awards and a few industry panels.
ART AWARDS
Every year, original artwork by several acclaimed artists is exhibited during the Festival and later serves as filmmaker awards for the 10 winning directors. Visit the ART AWARDS GALLERY from April 21 till April 28 for a special exhibition of worksby Yoko Ono, Stephen Posen, Maira Kalman, Ghada Amer, Reza Farkondeh, Maurizio Galimberti, Spencer Platt, Sheila Berger, and Valerie Hegarty.
Art Awards Gallery
Chanel Boutique SoHo
134 Spring St
www.tribecafilm.com/festival/events/art-awards
TRIBECA TALKS INDUSTRY panels
All are welcome at this series of free discussions surrounding issues of concern to today’s filmmakers, including the future of film distribution, stretching a production budget, how visual style affects genre, the challenges of documentary, and more.
For more info visit the Festival’s website at http://www.tribecafilm.com/festival!
If you want to experience New York to the fullest in April and May, make sure to check out at least a few of the inspiring, mind-opening and engaging events at THE TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL!!!
The Harder They Come at Brooklyn Bowl, Tuesday, April 13th
The Movie Bowl at Brooklyn Bowl: The Harder They Come
Some of you may have heard that the renowned Jimmy Cliff (Jamaican reggae and ska singer, musician and actor) has been rightfully selected for the 2010 class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He is perhaps best known among mass audiences for songs such as “Sitting in Limbo“, “You Can Get It If You Really Want“, and “Many Rivers to Cross” from the soundtrack to The Harder They Come (directed by Perry Henzel, 1972) which undeniably contributed to popularization of reggae across the world. Jimmy Cliff also appeared in the classic reggae movie which tells a story of a broke, young man arriving in Kingston and trying to make it in the recording business. But since nothing comes easy in life and our dreams often end up in the gutter, he turns to a life of crime instead and gets involved in a shoot-out with cops.
It’s a really good film if you haven’t seen it so Columbus circle Hostel Staff is thinking that it’s a great time to dust off the reggae classic and reserve tomorrow’s evening for the monthly Movie Bowl Screening organized by The Brooklyn Bowl and the L Magazine! What’s even better is that the film is free and there is a $2 beer special during the film. To refresh your memory check out the trailer below. The doors open at 6pm, you have to be 21 and over to get in though.
NY Essentials & Basics – Part Deux
Hi there CC Hostel Guests, New York Visitors and Travelers at large! Just as we promised earlier we’re bringing you PART DEUX of our “New York Essentials and Basics” to help you plan your trip to the Big Apple, get the most out of it at the cheapest cost! So let’s continue, shall we?
The BEST OF NYC’s SUMMER CONCERTS AND FILM SERIES
Here are links to the official sites for New York City’s summer concerts, free outdoor film series and music and theater festivals.
Central Park Summerstage
Shakespeare in the Park
Broadway Under the Stars
Naumburg Orchestral Concerts
Movies with a View at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Harlem Meer Performance Festival
NY Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks
Lincoln Center Out of Doors
Free for All at Town Hall
JVC Jazz Festival
Washington Square Music Festival
River to River
East River Music Project
Seaport Music Festival
SpiegelWorld
Governors Island Concert Series
Folks on the Island
Governors Island
Celebrate Brooklyn
Met Opera Summer Concert
McCarren Park Pool
Siren Festival
Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
Bryant Park Film Festival
Broadway in Bryant Park
Piano in the Park, Bryant Park
Music at 5 in Bryant Park
Good Morning America Summer Concerts
Today Show concert series
Wave Hill concerts
Riverside Park RCTA Sunset Concert Series
Stars in the Alley
Classical Theatre of Harlem parks productions
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot
Rooftop Films
Turntables on the Hudson
TheaterWorks USA
Film Festival Theater Festival
J&R’s Summerfest
Martin Luther King Jr. Concert Series
Seaside Summer Concert Series
Madison Square Park free Wednesday concerts
Forest Hills Jazz Thursdays
Baked Summer Concert Series
Music in Abe Lebewohl Park
Brooklyn Central Library free concerts
Poppenhusen Institute Concert Series
Hot Jazz/Cool Garden at Louis Armstrong House Museum
CityParks Concerts
Charlie Parker Jazz Festival
Opera on Tap
Snug Harbor Friday Night Movies
Brooklyn Independent Cinema Series
The Classical Theatre of Harlem
Gorilla Repertory Theater at the Cloisters
New York Grand Opera Company
Union Square Summer in the Square
Pedals & Pumps: A Festival of Organ Divas
MoMA Thursday Nights
All Points West
3 Fun Things to Do on April Fools’ Day, Thursday, April 1, 2010!
Howdy CCH Guests and the entire Blogosphere!
Surely you’ve heard us ramble on about our 1st BIRTHDAY (Yeah, it’s today!!! where have you been?!) so we’re going to switch the subject for a little bit to give you a breather. We know it’s April Fools’ Day today but we promise it REALLY is our B-Day so don’t be a party-pooper and stop by the front desk to wish us a HAPPY BIRTHDAY, will ya? (we thrive on compliments and provide yet better customer service!!!).
OK, since the sun finally came out on this glorious day, we have 3 super-duper and fun ideas for you to do today!
1. Dance Your Way to Singapore
Start your day at Times Square by dancing your way from New York to Singapore with Matt Harding! Take part in a fun-filled flash dance with VISA’s YouTube sensation Matt Harding, and record your own dance video for a chance to win a free trip to Singapore! YUP, you read it right! Thousands of people are planning on accompanying Matt in his “dancing badly” from New York to Singapore and receive yoursingapore.com goodies. You’ll be able to record your own moves at yoursingapore.com video booths and join the race to be the next YouTube star (admit it! You always wanted to anyway!) All videos will be uploaded on www.youtube.com/yoursingapore. The top 20 most popular videos will be shortlisted for voting on YourSingapore.com. The best boogie with the most votes will get an all-expense-paid holiday for two to Singapore! Worth trying, right? Even if you don’t win, we guarantee more fun that you can handle .
DUFFY SQUARE (northern triangle of Times Sq)
W 46th St (bet Broadway and 7th Ave)
right next to the TKTS Booth
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Time: 11:00am – 5:00pm
View this event on Facebook
2. GLITCH GENERATION Presents Glitch Music
In conjunction with the group exhibition Glitch Generation (Curated by Michele Jaslow and Spring Hofeldt), the BAC Gallery is hosting a Glitch Music event Thursday evening, starting at 6:30. The group exhibition of artworks rooted in mistakes, either intentional or found, including “glitches” in the wiring of our brains (sic!). Whether the artist intentionally used a computer program to create a glitch, manipulated hardware to create a manufactured imperfect environment, or came across the aberration by chance, each saw an opportunity to create beauty and to work with color and form in a new way by shedding light on the glitches. Some participating artists have created a unique environment to produce a malfunction in an otherwise stable system, while others have happened upon a glitch by chance. The exhibition is for your enjoyment until June 25 but tomorrow it will also include a music performance that sounds like an unforgettable experience! For instance, the Love Like Deloreans performance will incorporate circuit-bent toys, an algorithmically generated sound installation piece, a re-appropriated noise generator originally owned by the Naval Underwater Systems Center, and found sound from AM/FM radio broadcasts amongst improvised and composed electronic soundscapes. Next, Williams will orchestrate a live video installation in which the motion of idyllic pixel-art trains racing across an isometric Central European landscape drives the throbbing patterns of simple cellular automata i.e. Conway’s “Game of Life” to create a complicated interactive tapestry. Aerostatic will compose and perform a hybrid style of electronic music that is atmospheric, ambient, microbeat and downtempo with breakcore/grindcore sensibilities. Are you ready for some glitches then? 
Sounds like tons of fun, right?
BAC GALLERY (Brooklyn Arts Council)
111 Front St, DUMBO
http://www.brooklynartscouncil.org/files/downloads/GlitchGeneration_final.pdf
Thu, Apr 1st
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Cost: Free
3. Orquestra Contemporânea de Olinda at Lincoln Center
Alright, after all that head back to Columbus Circle and visit the Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center (basically across the street from the hostel!) and check out another Target Free Thursday even! So definitely don’t want to miss that one because tomorrow the musical hotbed of Pernambuco, Brazil is putting on an amazing FREE show for your enjoyment! Orquestra Contemporânea de Olinda brings together some of the leading musicians of Northeast Brazil’s fertile mangue beat music scene, mixing elements of frevo, the local Carnival soundtrack, rock, funk, and ska. Their innovative and infectious music earned them a 2009 Latin Grammy nomination. They’re amazing and that’s just another thing you know you’d hate yourself for not doing!
David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center (Columbus Ave, bet 62nd & 63rd Ave)
Target Free Thursdays
U.S. debut
Starts at 8:30 pm
http://new.lincolncenter.org/live/index.php/atrium
Eastville Comedy Club and Crooked Disco Friday, March 19, 2010!
Hello our dear Columbus Circle Hostel backpackers and guests as well as New Yorkers and all bloggers around the world! How was your St. Paddy’s? Green? Yeah, ours too… But let’s not dwell on the past – instead, let’s talk WEEKEND! We want to share some exciting news with you for tomorrow, Friday, March 19!
Let’s kick off the weekend on a positive note! We’re positive that after such a beautiful, sunny week you’re ready to laugh your tushies off. If so, you should know that Eastville Comedy Club open their door with a free comedy showcase this Friday, March 19. Catch sets by Gary Gulman (pictured), Dean Edwards, Eliot Change, Dave Foster and Nicole Korkolis. In order to pass the usual $20 cover, email EastvilleComedy@yahoo.com to receive free admission. Keep in mind there is still a 2 drink minimum ($5-$8) but what’s a little stand-up with out a few cold ones., right? The show repeats Saturday and there are two seatings – 9pm and 11pm – each night. You have to be 18+ to enjoy the show!
EastVille Comedy Club is a 130+ seat retro comedy club venue in the heart of the East Village, NYC. It features the funniest and most experienced comedians 7 days a week. The performers have been featured in TV and film on regular basis.
EASTVILLE COMEDY CLUB
85 E 4th St
Time: 9:00pm
Cost: Free with Reservation (email EastvilleComedy@yahoo.com)
www.eastvillecomedy.com
Crooked Disco Fridays w/ Skinny Friedman
So how about burning the steam off on a dance floor afterwards? Are you ready to party yet? Join DJs Morsy and Kester for their new weekly party, Crooked Disco Fridays. This unique, free, party features the Crooked Disco DJs on the decks all night along with special guests sharing their favorite new music, premiering their latest custom tracks and remixes, and digging out rediscovered dancefloor classics. Expect their custom blend of mixed up party sounds from electro to house, good hip hop to assorted breakbeats, with an injection of personal favorites and guilty pleasures.
This Friday, March 19, you’ll dance to the beats of Skinny Friedman, of Player’s Club (with Sammy Bananas), Philadelphinz (with Apt One) and the new Young Robots label. Skinny shares our love for a complete general disregard of musical genres and he’ll be rocking on the decks with us all night with his own version of straight party music. As always, there are $4 Magic Hat Vinyl drafts before midnight.
LE POISSON ROUGE GALLERY BAR
158 Bleecker St (bet Thompson St & Sullivan St)
www.crooked-disco.com
Time: 10pm
Fun-filled and sun-soaked Thursday, March 18!
WOW, do we have an event-packed Thursday roster for you or what! We decided that after drinking green beer all night on St. Patrick’s Day, you’d like to spend a nice and relaxing day doing only fun things that lift your spirits and feed the soul at the same time. So, here’s what we thought you might enjoy this beautiful, sunny Thursday afternoon and evening (after you sleep in and have your coffee of course):
Kai D Spring Launch Party
Kai D Retail Store
Time: 6:00pm
Cost: Free
75 Orchard St (bet Broome & Grand St)
www.kaidutility.com
Lower East Side menswear designer Kai D., who creates “clothing and tools for artisans”, is launching his new spring line Thursday evening with a “wine and chocolate party” – YAY! Sip and snack on the aforementioned goodies while you preview the line and – should you feel like your wardrobe is in need of refreshing – you can visit the private sample sale and get 15% off the spring line.
Casa De Tango
LAFAYETTE GRILL & BAR
54 Franklin St. (bet Broadway and Lafayette)
Time: 8:00pm
Cost: Free with mention of FreeNYC or $8 – $12
www.blackwellassociates.com
Get your tango on tonight at the weekly Casa De Tango party. If you mention FreeNYC at the door you’ll get in for FREE and Anthony Blackwell & Ye Ling Chen will take you through an hour of open level tango and milonga along with DJ Ko Tanaka. If you don’t mention the magic words, here’s general admission cost: $12.00, $8.00 before 10:00pm, $14:00 with the lesson. Casa De Tango is organized by the Blackwell Associates, an entertainment corporation, who are dedicated to the art and culture of dancing. They offer performing, teaching, and choreography, in the hope of giving students a unique opportunity to expand and nourish their minds, body and soul.
Bonga & The Vodou Drums of Haiti
Part of Target Free Thursdays at
David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center
Time: 8:30 pm
www.bongamusic.org
If you’d rather stay local Thursday evening if also have an option for you that only involves walking 2 blocks north to the Lincoln Center. Master Haitian percussionist Gaston “Bonga” Jean-Baptiste leads a collective that presents mizik rasin, traditional Haitian roots music that is centered on the mesmerizing rhythms of vodou and pulsating bass grooves. This versatile ensemble features skilled ceremonial drummers, singers, and dancers rooted in Haiti’s multifaceted musical tradition, traversing the plains, mountains, and coasts, while conjuring the passion of Haiti’s spirit.
Sage Stand-Up
HURLEY’S SALOON, 3RD FL
232 W 48th St (bet Broadway & 8th Ave)
www.sammorril.com
RSVP link – freesagestandup@gmail.com
Time: 10:00pm
Cost: Free with Reservation
Sage Stand-Up, the longest-running, most successful weekly stand-up comedy show in Times Square, is now at an incredible new location, Hurley’s Saloon! The show is free (no cover and no drink minimum) and features comedy megastars from Comedy Central, HBO, and NBC-TV’s Last Comic Standing. Tomorrow, they’re featuring some of the most popular comics: Joe DeRosa (Comedy Central Half-Hour Special), David Cope (Hot Soup!), Stone & Stone (NBC’s Last Comic Standing), Harrison Greenbaum (SPIKE TV, writer for MAD Magazine), and Sam Morril (Friars Club Roast of Omarosa). So, don’t waste any time and make your reservation by sending an email to freesagestandup@gmail.com !
St. Patrick’s Day, Wed, March 17th!
You couldn’t have chosen a better time to visit New York and Columbus Circle Hostel than now! Not only did the sun finally come out and glorify us with its warm presence but we’ll all be celebrating St Patrick’s Day tomorrow, Wednesday, March 17!!! It doesn’t matter whether you’re truly Irish or only at heart – we all like to hop on this joyous train and be a little green once a year. It is the ultimate excuse to freely indulge yourself in fun activities, pretend you’re the Lord of the Dance, wear a funny green hat with a clover (uhm, shamrock actually) and drink gallons of beer and eat unhealthy (but yummy!) food all day and usually well into the night. Oh, and did we already mention the rivers of beer we consume on St. Pat’s? yeah…
If you want to experience the spirit of New York on that particular day, however, you simply have to attend one our green parades! There are several St Patrick’s Day parades to choose from but we especially recommend the biggest and “funnest” one of the all – the 249th New York City St Patrick’s Day Parade 2010 - “On the streets of New York since 1762 – the oldest, largest, and best in the world”. The parade marches up 5th Avenue, clan by clan. It starts at 44th Street at 11 am and marches up Fifth Avenue past St. Patrick’s Cathedral at 50th Street, all the way up past the American Irish Historical Society at 83rd and the Metropolitan Museum of Art at 83rd Street to 86th Street, where the parade finishes around 4:30 – 5:00 pm.
So, if you happen to visit the Big Apple around now, you ought to know that your New York trip would not be complete if didn’t go check it out! The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the city’s greatest traditions and on this day, everyone is Irish around here!
If you like to expand your mental horizons with interesting bits of info, here’s some cool facts for you. The Parade marched for the first time on March 17, 1762 and today it is the largest Parade in the world. It’s been held every year for the past 247 years in honor of the Patron Saint of Ireland and the Archdiocese of New York. The Parade is reviewed from Saint Patrick’s Cathedral by His Eminence Cardinal Edward Eagan, Archbishop of New York, in the same way it was over 2 centuries ago at the Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Lower Manhattan before the new one was built on Fifth Avenue. It is a lot of fun, very cheerful and full of colors (well, shades of green at least;-) and is actually not only regarded the most popular parade in New York but also the largest and most famous one of the many parades held here annually.
For those of you who would be completely satisfied with just observing the happy marchers, the organizers recommend watching the parade North of 66th St and Fifth Ave to avoid crowds. The Metropolitan Museum of Art also provides an excellent vantage point. If you really want to take in the marchers and bands though, it might be worth going to 86th St where the parade ends (isn’t our hostel’s location super convenient?!).
http://nyc-st-patrick-day-parade.org
COOL FACTS:
Well now, let’s not forget something important here – St. Patrick’s Day wouldn’t exist if not for the man himself! How much do we actually know about him? Personally, for instance, we were oblivious of the fact that he spent six years of slavery in Ireland until he escaped and undertook religious training abroad.
“Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig” (no idea how to pronounce that!) is the Gaelic way of expressing a wish that you have all the blessings of St Patrick’s Day and the “luck of the Irish” to go with it. And yes, there are many amusing explanations for this expression. One comes from the legend of the ‘Little People’ of the land, know as leprechauns. Finding or catching a leprechaun (who would then give you gold) was a lucky event that could only take place in Ireland! – That explains a lot, right? The Irish are descendants of great Celtic and Viking fighters and invaders. Their natural fighting skills often ensured survival & hence they became known as the ‘lucky’ people.
Another thing, why is it celebrated on March 17th? One theory is that it is the day that St. Patrick died. Since the holiday began in Ireland, it is believed that as the Irish spread out around the world, they took with them their history and celebrations. The biggest observance of all is, of course, in Ireland (and New York right after that. Being a religious holiday as well (THAT’S RIGHT!!!), many Irish attend mass, where March 17th is the traditional day for offering prayers for missionaries worldwide before the serious celebrating begins.