Tag: community

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Celebrate the LES Community with Bonsai Kakigōri

Beloved Japanese dessert shop Bonsai Kakigōri could formerly only be found at the Canal Street Market and pop-ups like Smorgasburg. They recently opened their first solo brick-and-mortar shop on the Lower East Side with their beloved shaved ice desserts and an expanded menu featuring drinks, toasts, and snacks like katsu sandwiches. The place is already a star on Instagram, and the team is getting involved with the local community.

In the spirit of celebrating and giving back to their community, Bonsai Kakigōri will host a pay-what-you-wish community day on Saturday, May 4th to benefit the Lower Eastside Girls Club of NY, a community center that offers programs in the arts, sciences, leadership, entrepreneurship, and wellness for girls in middle and high school. From 11:00am – 10:00pm, guests can enjoy Bonsai Kakigōri’s new menu items to support the local organization.

Photo by Ethan Covey

They are also kicking off their monthly chef collaborations this week. The first one partners with chef Ivan Orkin of Ivan Ramen and debuts on Thursday, May 2nd and will be available all month. Co-owners of Bonsai, Theo Friedman and Gaston Becherano, teamed up with Ivan Orkin and his team to create Ivan’s Quadruple Coffee Crunch Surprise Kakigōri, made with a cold brew, smoked almonds, salted coffee caramel, coffee jelly, and espresso mousse. Stop by on Bonsai Community Day or any other day to try this coffee filled special!

Bonsai Kakigōri
100 Stanton Street at Ludlow Street

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Events Featured Fitness Health

Union Square Sweat Fest is Back for 2019!

Union Square Fest is Back for 2019!

The Union Square Partnership has announced the line-up for its 2019 Union Square Sweat Fest. Now in its fifth year, the wildly popular series will feature a schedule of new classes and programs with Union Square’s top health and fitness businesses, presenting a unique opportunity for the public to experience the best of the neighborhood’s wellness scene. The event – which will kick off on February 7th and run through February 12th – will feature more than 50 participating gyms, retailers and studios, offering over five Sweat Fest Experiences, four Gyms of the Day, and three Retailer Classes.

paragon

“Over the last five years, Union Square Sweat Fest has grown into a wonderful celebration of our neighborhood’s health and fitness scene with the more than 100 local wellness businesses that contribute to our vibrant economy,” said Jennifer E. Falk, Executive Director of the Union Square Partnership. “Our fifth annual series features an array of exciting new programs, and we are proud to introduce New Yorkers to the abundance of studios, healthy eateries and athleisure retailers that call Union Square home.”

Fitness enthusiasts can workout at any Union Square studio, show proof of purchase, and redeem a Sweat Fest Swag Bag from the Partnership. Participants can also workout for free at top athletic retailers with in-store classes including Paragon Sports, Athleta and JackRabbit, as well as select gyms.

sweat fest

This year the week-long series will present its first-ever Sweat Fest Signature Experiences. As part of the program, class-goers can experience five unique classes and studios throughout the week and receive signature swag:

 

  • SWEATacular with Andia Winslow on Thursday, February 7th at 6:30 – 9:00 PM at W New York – Union Square ($30)

Guests can kick off the 5th Annual Union Square Sweat Fest with Andia Winslow, a professional golfer, sports performance coach and founder of The Fit Cycle. Winslow created a fitness routine exclusively for Sweat Fest that combines cardio, conditioning and stretching with group training. Participants can also enjoy snacks, wellness activations with Innisfree and Ling Skincare, and beats spun by DJ Commish. The ticket includes an official Union Square Sweat Fest shirt.

 

  • CorePower Yoga Sculpt on Friday, February 8th, at 7:00 – 9:00 PM at 32 West 18th Street ($30)

Sweat Fest goers can take a private Yoga Sculpt class, and get powered post-class with refreshments. The ticket also includes a Union Square yoga mat and a free consecutive week of CorePower Yoga classes.

sweat fest 2019

  • Five Iron Golf Beginner’s Brunch, February 10th at 12:00 – 2:30 PM at 138 Fifth Avenue  ($30)

Join the Sweat Fest Beginner’s Brunch with two golf simulators, three golf pros, and enjoy a brunch with bottomless mimosas, wine, beer and soft drinks. Those who purchase tickets will also receive a Union Square sweatband.

 

  • Throwdown NYC Monday Punch Out, February 11th, 7:15 PM class and 8:15 PM class at 3 East 17th Street ($25)

Participants will join Boxing Fit class, where they can learn boxing fundamentals while incorporating body-weight high intensity interval exercises. The event will offer pre-class shopping at Everything But Water, and participants will get fueled after class by Dig Inn. The ticket will include a Union Square beanie and a free class at Throwdown NYC.

 

SWITCH Playground incorporates cutting-edge fitness technology with state-of-the-art facilities. An instructor will lead the HIIT class, along with a team of highly skilled trainers, through a labyrinth of 20 playground activities. A live DJ will fuel the energy during this one-of-a-kind playing field that is transformed into a theater of fitness and wellness. The party will continue after class with food and beverages from CAVA, evian and more, as well as mini-manicures by Côte. The ticket will include an official Sweat Fest duffle bag, sweatband, and a free class at SWITCH Playground.

switch playground

The Partnership also produces a Health + Fitness Map as part of the program detailing the over 100 wellness focused businesses in the neighborhood. New spots to explore in 2019 are studios CorePower Yoga, Five Iron Golf, The Shala Yoga House, Throwdown NYC, retailers and eateries Everything But Water, Champion Coffee, Panorama Middle Eastern Grill, Rescue Spa, Teazzi and Tender Greens.

 

Union Square Sweat Fest is produced in partnership with fitness and wellness event company, FIT+LOVE.

Sweat Fest classes have a limited capacity and are made available on a first come, first serve basis. Class registration opens on Tuesday, January 29th. Select classes are complimentary and some require advance purchase. For additional information on the week’s line-up and to register for classes, please visit http://www.unionsquaresweatfest.nyc, and follow @UnionSquareNY and #USQSweatFest on social media.

 

 

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Events Featured Fitness Lifestyle Living Movies Music News NYC Theater

Summer Fun – In New York City Has Never Been Better!

Hudson River Park

MARK YOUR CALENDARS and let the SUMMER FUN begin June 2, 2018!

Living in a big city has many pitfalls and stressful moments, but living in a big city also has the BEST perks. Think about it, you can go from uptown to downtown in 15-20 minutes, east to west in a flash and hop on a ferry and your in another state!

So shake off the winter blues because Summer Fun in the City has never been better.

Hudson River Park’s 20th Anniversary Summer of Fun Season Lineup Offers Free Films, Dance, Music, Food, Fitness and yes there is MORE!

Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Hudson River Park and Experience a Summer of Wonder and Magic Along the Shores of New York’s Park for Play, the Nation’s Longest Riverfront Park

Premiere Events & All-time Favorites Include the Healthy on the Hudson Fitness Series, Shell-ebrate Oysters, Sunset Salsa Dancing, 19th Annual Blues BBQ Festival, Hudson RiverFlicks Sing-Alongs, and wait there is more!!

So shake off the winter blues because Summer Fun in the City has never been better.

Hudson River Park, an urban oasis for New Yorkers and visitors from every corner of the world, is proud to announce its 2018 lineup of free cultural, recreational, entertainment, environmental and educational events and attractions for New Yorkers, families and visitors to the Big Apple. The Park’s 20th Anniversary Summer of Fun season officially swings into action on Wednesday, May 23rd, kicking off more than 400 events and outdoor programs scheduled across Hudson River Park’s 550 acres of lush parkland and estuarine sanctuary all summer long, and throughout the month of October.

Over the past 20 years, Hudson River Park has transformed Manhattan’s Westside waterfront into a celebrated urban treasure which serves as both a hot-spot destination and beloved community backyard. To celebrate the Park’s “20 Years of Piers,” a full day of free, celebratory events and activities have been planned for Saturday, June 2nd on Hudson River Park’s Pier 45 in Greenwich Village, presented by Citi.

There’s fun for the whole family, starting with a Healthy on the Hudson workout, followed by catch-and-release fishing, and other environmentally-themed activities hosted by the Park’s Estuary Lab educators.  Kids and adults alike will be amazed and entertained by Mad Science’s water science show.

Grab lunch and join magician Kid Ace for a mesmerizing riverside magic show. End the evening by moonlight with Mitch Frohman & the Bronx Horns, Sunset Salsa with Talia Castro-Pozo, and the RiverFlicks blockbuster 20th Anniversary screening of The Wedding Singer.

Visit www.HudsonRiverPark.org for times and additional details.

Hudson River Park Friends Playground Committee Backyard BBQ– Give Back in Your Own Backyard – May 31.   


“During the last two decades, Hudson River Park has grown to become such a vital and extraordinary part of the New York City landscape,” said Madelyn Wils, CEO, and President of Hudson River Park Trust. “We’re so proud and excited to welcome all of our friends, families, and visitors to the Park this summer to explore and discover the many wonders that the Hudson River waterfront has to offer. From premier cultural entertainment to the myriad recreational and environmental experiences that keep people coming back to our shores from all over the world, Hudson River Park’s20th Anniversary Summer of Fun season is sure to be the best yet.”

One of Hudson River Park’s most unique and prized features is its 400-acre estuarine sanctuary – an ecologically significant environment supporting an abundance of fish and other wildlife.  Each year the Park’s Estuary Lab offers hundreds of hands-on education programs and interactive research projects that engage park patrons in discovering, exploring, and even restoring this precious natural resource. From Big City Fishing to Shell-ebrate Oysters, the Park’s Estuary Lab hosts programs throughout the Park’s four-mile footprint that excite and inspire audiences of all ages.  Participants can even work alongside Estuary Lab staff to support the health and habitat of the Park’s urban waters through community research projects such as oyster monitoring and marine debris analysis.


A headline event on the bill this summer is the Hudson River Dance Festival, which brings world-renowned modern dance companies and artists to the river’s edge at sundown for a spectacular sampling of the hottest modern dance programs—all for free. This year’s Hudson River Dance Festival will feature Jason Samuels Smith & Igmar Thomas, American Ballet Theatre Studio Company, Limón Dance Company, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, and The Chase Brock Experience.

The 19th Annual Blues BBQ Festival, as well as Big City Fishing, Hudson RiverFlicks movie series, Sunset on the Hudson concerts, and Salsa Dancing with Talia Castro-Pozo also return!

The Healthy on the Hudson fitness series, one of the Park’s most popular summer offerings, has expanded to offer more variety of fitness activities for New Yorkers of all ages, from outrigger sessions to rejuvenating yoga and tai chi. Free sing-along movie nights featuring audience favorites Frozen and Chicago will liven up the lawn at Clinton Cove, and legendary artists curated by the Jazz Foundation of America will bring their sultry sounds to Hudson River Park’s Pier 84 on select Thursday evenings from May through September.

 

Enjoy delicious barbeque and picnic fare, cocktails and live music in your own backyard along the river’s edge!


You won’t want to miss one of NYC’s most glamorous—and family-friendly—fundraising soirees of the summer, the 2ndannual Hudson River Park Friends Playground Committee Backyard BBQ. This evening of summertime celebration on the Chelsea Lawn Bowl at Hudson River Park’s Pier 62 is a great way to welcome the season and give back to help support free programs for families and children in New York’s Park for Play. Enjoy delicious barbeque and picnic fare, cocktails and live music in your own backyard along the river’s edge. Activities include offerings from Big City Fishing, Brooklyn Robot Foundry, Bubble Dad, Chess at Three, Curated Care, Craft Studio, Melinda’s Children Parties, Strong Heart Fun, Super Soccer Stars, Taste Buds, Tesla, a Photo Booth—and more!

A detailed listing of this year’s 20th Anniversary Summer of Fun events—from movies to music, to magic and much, much more—can be found below. For updates and more information, please visit www.hudsonriverpark.org/events throughout the summer. Follow us @HudsonRiverPark on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram to share your Summer of Fun!

Hudson River Park’s 20th Anniversary Summer of Fun  Events Calendar 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION EVENT June 2nd, Pier 45 – FREE

9:00 am – 10:30 am: Healthy on the Hudson workout
10:00 am – 10:45 am: Eco walk
10:45 am – 11:45 am: Healthy on the Hudson workout
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Estuary Lab Science Saturdays programming include Big City Fishing & Shell-ebrate Oyster
1:00pm – 1:30pm: Mad Science Show
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm: RiverKids: magic with Kid Ace=
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Sunset on the Hudson musical performance
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Sunset Salsa dancing with Talia Castro-Pozo, accompanied by Mitch Frohman and the Bronx Horns
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm: RiverFlicks: 20th Anniversary screening of the 1998 blockbuster The Wedding Singer

 

 

 

DANCE, DANCE, DANCE

Hudson River Dance Festival – FREE

Presented by SHS Foundation in association with The Joyce Theater

Hudson River Park is proud to bring you the fourth annual Hudson River Dance Festival. This celebration of dance will feature the rare treat of some of New York’s (and the world’s) favorite dance companies appearing in one evening, on one stage, for two nights only –  don’t miss these renowned dance companies in motion!

2018 Hudson River Dance Festival Dance Companies:
Jason Samuels Smith and Igmar Thomas performing MOST LIKE LEE
American Ballet Theatre Studio Company performing LE JEUNE by Lauren Lovette
Limón Dance Company performing CORVIDAE by Colin Connor
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo performing TARANTELLA
The Chase Brock Experience performing SPLENDOR WE ONLY PARTIALLY IMAGINED by Chase Brock

Event Location, Date and Time: • Hudson River Park’s Pier 63 Lawn, located at West 23rd St. in Chelsea
Thursday, June 7 and Friday, June 8 7:00pm

GET YOUR Dancing shoes ON!
Sunset Salsa – FREE

Things heat up when the sun goes down in Hudson River Park with Sunset Salsa! Join us on Tuesday nights in July & August for salsa dancing led by Talia Castro-Pozo and friends.
Beginner Salsa dance lessons from 6:30 pm – 7:15 pm; DJs start the party at 7:15 pm.

Event Location, Dates and Time: • Hudson River Park’s Pier 45, located at Christopher St. in Greenwich Village
Every Tuesday from July 10 – August 28 6:30 pm

 

FAMILY, Children get your parents out of the house!

Hudson River Park Friends Playground Committee Backyard BBQ– Give Back in Your Own Backyard – May 31st   

Presented by Hudson River Park Friends                        

The Hudson River Park Friends Playground Committee Background BBQ is the perfect way to welcome summer in New York City! Parents and their children can enjoy summer fun with delicious barbeque, cocktails and live music in your own riverfront backyard while giving back to help support free programs for families and children in Hudson River Park. Activities include offerings from Big City Fishing, Brooklyn Robot Foundry, Bubble Dad, Chess at Three, Curated Care, Craft Studio, Melinda’s Children Parties, Strong Heart Fun, Super Soccer Stars, Taste Buds, Tesla, a Photo Booth—and more! CLICK HERE for sponsorship opportunities.

Event Location, Date and Time: • Chelsea Lawn and Hudson River Park’s Pier 62, located at 23rd Street in Chelsea
Thursday, May 31, 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Cost: Tickets start at $125 for individual kid tickets; visit www.hudsonriverpark.org/backyardbbq for more information

Hudson RiverKids – FREE

Hudson River Park brings out all of your favorite New York City family performers each week, proudly supported by Manhattan Youth! From music to magic to interactive storytelling, Hudson RiverKids will keep your family entertained all summer fun long. The Hudson RiverKids season will run from June 4th through September 13th, and these fantastic programs will be offered twice per week at two locations, Pier 25 in Tribeca AND Pier 62 in Chelsea. Please note: show times (below) will change at the start and end of the season, with events prior to June 18th and after August 20th starting at 4:00 pm, while the remainder of the programs will begin at 6:30 pm.

2018 Hudson RiverKids Performers: • 6/4 and 9/6: Kid Ace

  • 6/11 and 6/14: City Stomp
  • 6/18 and 6/21: Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band
  • 6/25 and 6/28: Tim Kubart Trio
  • 7/9: Mister G
  • 7/12: Story Time with Nick Bruel
  • 7/16 and 7/19: Story Pirates
  • 7/23 and 7/26: Ramblin’ Dan and the Freewheelin’ Band
  • 7/30 and 8/2: The Pop-Ups
  • 8/6 and 8/9: Suzi Shelton
  • 8/13 and 8/16; Joanie Leeds
  • 8/20 and 8/23: Mike Messer (of the Dirty Sock Funtime Band)
  • 8/27 and 8/30: Penny Jones Puppets
  • 9/10 and 9/13: Bilingual Birdies Band

Event Location, Dates and Time: • Mondays at Hudson River Park’s Pier 25, in Tribeca
Thursdays at Hudson River Park’s Pier 62, in Chelsea
Times vary; please visit www.hudsonriverpark.org

ESTUARY LAB
Hudson River Park’s Estuary Lab programming lets participants discover, explore and even restore the Park’s 400-acre estuarine sanctuary 

Big City Fishing – FREE

Adults and kids ages 5 and up learn how to fish while engaging with trained environmental educators about river science topics.
Event Location, Dates and Times:
Every Sunday from July 1 – August 26 ◦ Hudson River Park’s Pier 84, located at West 44th St. in Midtown11:00 am – 3:00 pm •
Every Sunday from  July 1 – September 30 ◦ Hudson River Park’s Pier 25, located at N. Moore St. in Tribeca ▪ No program on September 23rd ◦ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm •
Every Monday from July 2 – August 20 ◦ 2 locations: Hudson River Park’s Pier 25, located at N. Moore St. in Tribeca  and Hudson River Park’s Pier 46, located at Charles St. (just north of Christopher St.) in Greenwich Village ◦ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Science Saturdays – FREE (New Event) Dive into science this summer at Hudson River Park! The whole family can enjoy hands-on activities including larger than life experiments, microscopic investigations, nature-inspired crafts and more.

Event Location, Dates and Times: • Locations vary; please visit www.hudsonriverpark.org
Saturdays: June 2, July 14 and August 11 – 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Pre-registration recommended at  www.hudsonriverpark.eventbrite.com

Roving River – FREE
This summer, keep an eye out for Hudson River Park’s Roving River Tricycle – a unique display of live Hudson River wildlife on wheels. Observe river animals up close and interact with smaller critters in a kid-friendly touch tank for this year’s Summer Fun.

Location, Dates and Times: • Travels between Pier 40, located at W. Houston Street, and Pier 25, located at N. Moore Street
Every Sunday from July 1 – September 30 ◦ No program on September 23rd • 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @HudsonRiverPark to find out where it’s headed next.

Pop Up Maker Space – FREE
Sponsored by Google
Calling all Makers! Tinker, test, and LEARN at Hudson River Park’s outdoor summer fun Maker Space for weekly workshops where participants get hands-on experience designing and constructing innovative solutions to marine-focused challenges.

Event Location, Dates and Times: • Every Sunday from July 1 – August 26 ◦ Hudson River Park’s Pier 84, located at West 44th St. in Midtown
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Pre-registration recommended at www.hudsonriverpark.eventbrite.com

 

 

 

Shell-ebrate Oysters – FREE 

There’s more to do with oysters besides shucking them! They filter water, engineer reefs, and stabilize our shorelines. Help us keep them happy and healthy in the Hudson by working alongside Park staff to restore oyster beds and learn how these bivalves benefit the health of the River.

Event Location, Dates and Times: • Hudson River Park’s Pier 25, located at N. Moore St. in Tribeca
Every Sunday from July 1 – September 30 ◦ No program on September 23rd 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Pre-registration recommended at  www.hudsonriverpark.eventbrite.com

Hudson Nature Walk – FREE
Learn about Hudson River Park’s wildlife by joining knowledgeable naturalists on guided nature summer fun walks along the Park’s esplanade. Don’t forget to take photos!

Event Location, Dates and Times: • Every Sunday from June 3 – September 30
9:00 am – 10:00 am
Meet at the Christopher St. Fountain, Christopher Street, in Greenwich Village
Pre-registration required at www.hudsonriverpark.eventbrite.com

Community EcoPaddle Partnering with Manhattan Kayak Company
*This event has a nominal fee
Join Hudson River Park and Manhattan Kayak Company for an evening of summer fun kayaking and oyster restoration. Community EcoPaddle allows participants to explore local aquatic wildlife and learn to paddle in the River.

Event Location, Dates and Times: • Monthly tours offered from June through September
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at various locations
Cost: $20 (includes all necessary equipment)

Hudson History Walk Partnering with Brooklyn Brainery
*This event has a nominal fee
Discover NYC’s dynamic waterfront history through a guided walking tour led by local historians.

Event Location, Dates and Times:
Monthly tours offered from June through September
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm at various locations
Cost: $15
Visit www.hudsonriverpark.org for tour themes and tickets

SUBMERGE – FREE
Hudson River Park’s NYC Marine Science Festival 

Hudson River Park’s SUBMERGE festival celebrates NYC’s coastal waters while bringing marine science to life.  Enjoy free hands-on activities, kid-approved science entertainment, presentations by noted scientists, citizen science, kayaking, fishing and more!

If you are looking for superb fishing reels, visit Dreamguides.

Event Location, Dates and Times: • Hudson River Park’s Pier 84, located at West 44th St. in Midtown
Saturday, September 22
Rain Date: Sunday, September 23 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

 

 

MOVIES & Popcorn FREE

Hudson RiverFlicks: Big Hit Wednesdays 

From blockbusters to instant classics and Oscar winners, Hudson RiverFlicks: Big Hit Wednesdays summer fun has all of your favorite movies from the last year. Hudson River Park gives you the chance to see your favorite movies on the big screen.

2018 Hudson RiverFlicks: Big Hit Wednesdays Titles:

7/11: Get Out – Rated “R”
7/18: The Big Sick – Rated “R”
7/25: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle – Rated “PG-13”
8/1: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri – Rated “R”
8/8: Wonder Woman – Rated “PG-13”
8/15: Lady Bird – Rated “R”
8/22: Blade Runner 2049 – Rated “R”

Event Location, Dates and Times: • Hudson River Park’s Pier 63 Lawn, at West 23rd St. in Chelsea
Every Wednesday from July 11 – August 22
Movies begin at dusk (generally around 8:30 pm)

Hudson RiverFlicks: Family Fridays – FREE

There’s something for everyone in the family on Friday nights in Hudson River Park! Hudson RiverFlicks: Family Fridays returns to Hudson River Park’s Pier 46 this summer fun and features recent favorites as well as classic movies for the whole family to enjoy.
Free Popcorn
2018 Hudson RiverFlicks: Family Fridays Titles: • 7/13: Moana – Rated “PG”
7/20: Wonder – Rated “PG”
7/27: Jumanji (1995) – Rated “PG”
8/3: Paddington 2  – Rated “PG”
8/10: Spice World – Rated “PG”
8/17: The Karate Kid (1984) – Rated “PG”
8/24: Coco – Rated “PG”

Event Location, Dates and Times: • Hudson River Park’s Pier 46, located at Charles St. (just north of Christopher St.) in Greenwich Village
Every Friday from July 13 – August 24
Movies begin at dusk (generally around 8:30 pm)

Hudson RiverFlicks: Sing-Along Special (in Clinton Cove) – FREE

Join us in Hudson River Park’s Clinton Cove (just off 55th Street) to celebrate all-time-favorite summer fun musical movies! Sing along to show-stoppers with Chicago, and Let It Go with the family favorite, Frozen. Join us in the Park to relax, enjoy the show, and sing your heart out!

Free Popcorn

2018 Hudson RiverFlicks: Sing-Along Special Titles:
7/26: Chicago – Rated “PG-13”
8/23: Frozen – Rated “PG”

Event Location, Dates and Times: • Hudson River Park’s Clinton Cove, at West 55th St. in Clinton
Thursday, July 26 and Thursday, August 23
The summer fun movie begins at dusk (generally around 8:30 pm)

 

 

 

MUSIC

Jazz @ Pier 84: Featuring the Jazz Foundation of America – FREE 

Presented in association with the Jazz Foundation of America

Hudson River Park’s Pier 84 comes alive on sultry summer fun Thursdays from May through September with fantastic musicians from the Jazz Foundation of America! For almost 30 years, JFA has provided help to jazz and blues musicians with both direct assistance and opportunities to play sizzling hot shows, just like this one!

Jazz @ Pier 84 Bands:
5/31: Ray Mantilla
6/21: Alvin Flythe Quartet
7/19: Sylvia Cuenca Organ Quartet
8/16: Michael Marcus
9/13: George Braith

Event Location, Dates and Time:
Hudson River Park’s Pier 84, at West 44th Street
Thursdays: May 31, June 21, July 19, August 16 and September 13 7:00 pm

Sunset on the Hudson – FREE
Friday nights equal great local music!
Join us every Friday night at Hudson River Park’s Pier 45 at 7:00 pm for summer fun, music to hear some of NYC’s best local artists!

Sunset on the Hudson Bands:
6/29 and 8/10: High & Mighty Brass Band
7/6 and 8/24: Manhattan Samba
7/13 and 8/17: Baby Soda
7/20: Jenna Kyle
7/27 and 8/3: The Chuck Braman Jazz Band

Event Location, Dates and Time: • Hudson River Park’s Pier 45, located at Christopher St. in Greenwich Village
Fridays from June 22 – August 24
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Hudson River Park’s 19th Annual Blues BBQ – FREE Admission 

The 19th annual Blues BBQ returns to Pier 97 for an amazing day summer fun filled with food, friends, and great blues music. Pairing America’s best Blues and Roots musicians with New York City’s favorite BBQ restaurants makes for an unforgettable summer day on the Hudson River!

 2018 Blues BBQ line up*:
2:00 pm: The Slam Allen Band
3:15 pm: Danielle Nicole
4:30 pm: Welch-Ledbetter Connection
6:00 pm: Dawn Tyler Watson
7:30 pm: Vieux Farka Touré

  2018 Blues BBQ Restaurants include: • Pig Beach

  • Mighty Quinn’s
  • Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

 Event Location, Date and Time: • Hudson River Park’s Pier 97, located at West 59th St. in Clinton
Saturday, August 18
2:00 pm – 9:00 pm *Program and artists subject to change

 

FITNESS

Healthy on the Hudson – FREE

Working out in New York City has never been better! This FREE exercise series will take place every Monday, Wednesday & Thursday all summer long! A wide range of classes are offered; space is limited to 75 people per class and participation requires RSVP for this Summer fun activity.

Mondays • Presented in partnership with the New York School of T’ai Chi Chuan, classes will take place on Pier 84 in June and July.
Wednesdays • Lululemon partners with Hudson River Park every Wednesday to bring you a summer of fitness and fun! Workouts vary – check our website for details.
Thursdays • Presented in partnership with Shape Up NYC, take your yoga practice to the west side waterfront on Pier 46. Bring your own mat!

BECOME ONE OF HUDSON RIVER PARK’s ‘FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS’ TODAY! 

Hudson River Park receives no government funds for its operation or maintenance. You can support the Park by becoming A FRIEND at hudsonriverpark.org/friends. Friends’ Membership starts at only $50 and helps ensure that free and low-cost programs will continue to thrive in New York’s Park for Play. Benefits also include member perks at local community partner locations and invitations to Friends events throughout the year.

About Hudson River Park

Hudson River Park, which extends from Chambers Street to 59th Street along Manhattan’s west side, is the longest riverfront park in the United States. This free, urban recreational oasis is home to award-winning skate parks, playgrounds, sports fields, gardens and nature exhibits, boating and maritime activities, art installations, and myriad year-round events that celebrate the diverse cultures and neighborhoods along its shores. The Park plays a critical role in protecting the Hudson River ecosystem, and though it receives no public operating funds from the city, state or federal government, its development has transformed four miles of decaying piers and parking lots into a premier New York City destination for local residents and visitors alike. The non-profit,  Hudson River Park Friends helps to ensure ongoing sustainability by serving as the Park’s primary source of fundraising, advocacy and support, working in concert with the Hudson River Park Trust, the city-state entity that oversees the design, construction and operation of the Park. For more information, please visit www.hudsonriverpark.org.  Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @HudsonRiverPark, and LIKE us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/HudsonRiverPark.

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Featured Fitness Health Nutrition

Fitness Friday: Q&A with Tone It Up’s Katrina & Karena

For this week’s Fitness Friday, I set out to ask the popular trainers behind the Tone It Up program, Katrina Scott and Karena Dawn, some questions about the TIU community and its success. We also touched on tips for staying healthy while eating out and on the go, and of course we chatted a bit about the holidays and their newest challenge: The Holiday Hustle!

Since the company’s launch in 2009, Katrina & Karena have built a strong healthy living community for women everywhere. With a dedication to female empowerment and balance, the program is perfect for women of all ages — and the transformations speak for themselves. The programs are quite possibly some of the most encouraging and positive fitness programs I’ve ever come across, and the community they’ve created gives a sense of not being alone in the health and wellness jungle that exists today.

It’s clear that the duo is deeply committed to making healthy living fun and attainable, all the while building friendships and connecting women all over the world. This program is about more than just looking great. It’s about feeling great, too — mentally as well as physically. The programs never get boring, and their dedication to keeping it fun and upbeat means there are always new recipes, challenges, and videos to follow. In the sometimes confusing and unrealistic fitness world, these beach babes bring a perfect mix of motivation, acceptance and sunny, positive vibes.

 

 

Tone It Up has become quite the community. Did you ever imagine TIU would get this big?

Katrina: We truly believe in the power of visualization, and from the very beginning, we envisioned creating a community where women could come together to support, motivate, and uplift each other to achieve all their dreams — making fitness fun — and we feel very fortunate that we’ve been able to turn that dream into a reality.

What prompted you to create TIU?

Karena: We wanted to create a place where women from around the world could come together, bond through fitness and nutrition, and find positive girlfriends, just like we did! We met at the gym on a Friday and instantly connected over our passion for health and wellness. We wanted every girl to have that same opportunity and experience!

What are some of the key elements of its success?

Katrina: A key element has been creating an authentic community built on trust. Our community inspires us to work hard every day and is the reason we’ve never given up.  There have been so many moments where we failed and we almost gave up, but we didn’t. Hold on to what ignites you…everything will work out!

Over the summer, you did the TIU Tour and got to meet a lot of TIU’ers. What did you love most about this tour?

Karena: The most amazing part of the Tone It Up Tour was that we were able to connect directly with thousands of women! We worked out, danced, sipped rosé together and heard so many inspiring stories, which we’ll cherish forever.

Any plans on doing something similar next year?

Karena: We have some big plans for 2018!! We’re super excited to release them soon!

You’ve worked a lot with Jillian Michaels. How did you meet her? 

Karena: The first time we met her was actually at a small concert at Hotel Cafe when we first started Tone It Up. We were super excited and blurted out that we were starting a fitness community. She was really nice, but we were too scared to ask her for a pic! Years later we connected on Twitter and went out to dinner. We talked about our upcoming tour and in between some sushi, she goes “Count me in!” Never would we have imagined Jillian Michaels would come on tour with us!

You recently launched the Tone It Up app. How is it going so far?

Karena: The Studio Tone It Up app launch is going really well. What makes it so different and special is that you can take fitness classes with your girlfriends from anywhere and connect with women before and after class. You’re never alone working out in Studio Tone It Up. Plus, you can choose from so many different types of workouts like HIIT, yoga, toning, barre, dance, and strength training, track your workouts and goals, and receive texts and motivation from us! Download the app here for a free week pass!

With both LA and New York being cities where you dine out and eat on the go a lot, what are your best tips for staying healthy?

Katrina: Ironically, whenever we’re traveling, we have to be on our ‘A-game’ and feel our best for photo shoots, interviews, or workout video segments. No matter where we are, we keep it Lean, Clean, ‘N Green and follow the guidelines of the Tone It Up Nutrition Plan. When we’re following the Nutrition Plan, we look and feel our best and most confident.

Karena: When you’re dining out, our best tip is not to be afraid to ask for substitutions! Ask for grilled or steamed options instead of fried. Even veggies like Brussels sprouts are often fried. At Italian restaurants, I like to order chicken cacciatore. At Japanese restaurants, sashimi is always a great lean protein option.

The holidays are upon us… what are some of your best holiday tips for sticking to a healthy lifestyle while not depriving yourself of the fun of spending time with loved ones and enjoying yourself?

Karena: My best tip is to stick to a healthy daily routine and make some time to prioritize yourself first thing. I wake up earlier every morning so I have time for coffee, a workout, and a few minutes of meditation. That way, no matter what else happens that day, I feel balanced and centered.

What are some of your favorite holiday recipes?

Katrina: I love holiday cookies! We have some delicious and simple treats here!

And what are you most excited about for the upcoming holidays?

Karena: Spending time with our loved ones and celebrating with the beautiful Tone It Up community!

The TIU21 just ended & The Holiday Hustle Challenge launched this week. Tell us more!

Katrina: The Holiday Hustle Challenge is all about enjoying the holiday season while staying healthy and balanced. It’s about taking care of YOU. It features daily workouts, lifestyle challenges, and lots of delicious holiday recipes like cookies and cocktails! Join us for the Holiday Hustle here!

What’s the next challenge for the TIU community?

Karena: We have a new challenge coming up for the New Year. There are weekly workouts, daily classes in the studio, nutrition plans, lifestyle challenges, and so many tips and tricks to feel your absolute best in 2018. Be on the lookout for more details on our website soon!

 

You can find out more, get great tips and tricks and see the incredible transformations on their website and follow them on Instagram @toneitup as well as individually @karendawn and @katrinaascott.

 

Categories
Featured Fitness Health

Fitness Friday: Swimming, Fitness and Sports at Asphalt Green

For this week’s Fitness Friday, we’re taking a closer look at Asphalt Green. A nonprofit organization with two locations in Manhattan, one in Battery Park City and one on the Upper East Side, with a wide range of group fitness classes, great swimming and gym facilities and sports for all ages.

Both locations feature a 25-yard indoor pool, making it the perfect spot for swimmers of all skill levels. First-time swimmers, recreational, and even Olympic swimmers to-be! There are even swim classes for young and old and water aerobics. It might be especially beneficial for children to take some swim classes to address fear of water or other obstacles right away.

All throughout the week, Asphalt Green’s fitness schedules read everything from Cardio Kickboxing and Pilates to Bodypump, Spin and Yoga, so there is a class for everyone. All the instructors bring great energy and make sure that your form is correct to avoid injuries. Each season they switch up their class schedules, and both facilities are now offering new group fitness classes that include Yoga for Athletes, Boxing, Bollywood Dance and Salsa.

Asphalt Green recently remodeled the Upper East Side fitness center, which spans the top two floors of the building. Improvements include all new strength, cable and cardio machines, plus a brand-new Pilates studio which offers both private and small group specialty training. Coming soon: over 500 square feet of turf with new athletic performance training equipment. And their Downtown facility has a teen fitness initiative, which will kick off in January 2018 with a teen fitness open house and small group training classes that are progressive, fun, educational and geared toward youth ages 13-17.

What especially makes Asphalt Green stand out is its dedication and commitment to the community. Patronage at Asphalt Green helps support their community programs, which again helps provide free services and scholarships to New Yorkers in need.

Asphalt Green offers different memberships, but if you’re just visiting you can get a guest pass for $35 a day. The membership benefits include access to the above, 360-degree fitness assessment with a personal trainer, one free pilates reformer small group class, an on-site juice bar and full-service luxury locker rooms, to name a few. Find out which ones suit you here.

Our advice? Don’t hesitate. Now is the perfect time to join a gym! The temperatures are dropping fast, so exercising outside isn’t as easy, and the holidays are coming up. And we know what that means. There’s often a little more food involved, which isn’t a bad thing at all! It just means you can let all that delicious food go straight to your muscles. If you sign up now, Asphalt Green is even offering you the last of 2017 for free. How’s that for motivation?

Venture up to the Upper East Side location at 555 East 90th St. or stop by the Battery Park City right here in Downtown at 212 North End Ave.

Categories
Dining Events

It’s Time for the Annual Taste of TriBeCa

Get ready, because this Saturday – once again! – it’s time for the annual Taste of TriBeCa. Back for the 23rd time, this year’s Culinary Festival will take place on Saturday, May 20th and feature dishes from 60 plus neighborhood restaurants.

The best part of it though, is the great taste attending this event leaves you with. Not only from the flavorful food concoctions, but the beneficial component of the event. Taste of TriBeCa is the oldest fundraiser that benefits the arts and enrichment programs at two neighborhood public schools, PS 150 and PS 234.

“We have a couple of new things going on this year, including a raffle for a Vespa, which is very exciting and fun. We also have a demo for kids that is being done by Eataly on pasta making and that’s a new event for us,” said Keith Klein, co-chair of Taste of TriBeCa about this year’s new additions.

It really is worth noting that this is a true neighborhood event, for both adults and the children of this area. Each year, they make great effort to ensure children are entertained too.

“In addition to the Eataly demo, we have the Kid’s and Sports Zones, each of which has a wide range of activities and performances,” said Klein.

There will be face painting, a custom balloon, Minecraft with Pixel Academy, and a photo booth hosted by Tribeca Journal.

“The Sports Zone, produced by our friends at Manhattan Youth, features clay-making and sports-themed carnival games for young athletes,” explained Klein.

But – let’s be honest, we’re going there for the food. And with more than 60 participating restaurants, food wise this year is shaping up to be a great one. The lineup includes newer additions such as Bâtard, Two Hands and Hank’s Juicy Beef as well as restaurants that have been part of the event for the last 23 years including Bubby’s, Duane Park Patisserie and Walker’s.

Back for its second year is Two Hands, a restaurant and bar taking inspiration from Australia’s culinary scene, located on Church Street in TriBeCa.

“When I moved to New York a little over 5 years ago, one of my very good friends took me to Taste of TriBeCa and I had such a great time. It reminded a lot of the market days back in Australia with delicious food and great vibes,” said Giles Russell, co-founder of Two Hands.

Participating in the culinary festival was a chance for the restaurant to really connect with the neighborhood and get ingrained in the community in a deeper way.

“Two Hands is all about supporting the community we are in. We wanted to open a restaurant in TriBeCa for the people who live in the neighborhood. We felt like they deserved a great day to night café that could be also be a hub for locals. Being a part of Taste of TriBeCa was a natural extension of that goal as well as an opportunity to raise money for an important cause,” explained Russell.

And what do they wish guests take away from visiting Two Hands’ booth at the festival?

“A smile! We want people feel good when they eat our food. We also want to meet our neighbors and make new friendships,” stated Russell.

Also back this year, for the third consecutive time, is The Beer and Cider Tour of TriBeCa. The tour boasts beer and ciders sourced from New York breweries, including newcomer SingleCut Beersmiths from Astoria, Queens and will be hosted by establishments around the neighborhood such as Church Publick and Woodrow’s.

To ensure diversity in the food and beverage lineup, so there’s something for everyone, Taste of TriBeCa has a hardworking restaurant committee.

“We have a great roster of volunteers, truly exceptional people across the board. Our restaurant committee manages that, working with the restaurants, making suggestions to ensure that there is a balance and that each restaurant stand out,” explained Klein.

Klein’s best advice for guests? Come hungry!

“I think that all the restaurants do such a great job and really put effort into their tastes, I am excited to try all of them! Seriously, you never know who’s going to have something that’s just going to blow you away, so I find it best to come in with an open mind and hungry stomach,” he said.

Photography by Gary Petersen/Taste of Tribeca