Six things to do this winter
Your Foursquare profile will look so much cooler once you've checked in to these seasonal events.
Wed Jan 18 2012
Kris Bowers
Last September, this Juilliard-educated virtuoso won the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition Award, which is kind of like American Idol for jazz musicians. At just 22, he's heralded praise from The New York Times and collaborated with artists such as Jay-Z and Kanye West. (Bowers appears on the duo's 2011 opus, Watch the Throne.) This is your chance to see the rising star before he becomes a major headliner. Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers St at West St (212-220-1460, tribecapac.org). Jan 28 at 7pm; $25, main stage members $20, seniors and students $15.
Jay-Z at Carnegie Hall
It's one thing to see the new dad's robust, stadium-shattering anthems in an arena setting. But it'll be worth the hassle of getting tickets (which will surely sell out) to see Hova in a more intimate space—and at one of the city's most iconic venues. Plus, the concerts are for a good cause: All proceeds benefit the United Way of New York City and the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation. Carnegie Hall, W 57th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves (212-247-7800, carnegiehall.org). Feb 6 8pm, Feb 7 9:30pm; $TBA.
The Prince and Michael Experience
Take the debate over whether Prince or Michael Jackson is the better entertainer to the dance floor, as Bomb Hip-Hop Records impresario Dave Paul hosts an late-night bash devoted to the two musicians. The shindig features die-hard impersonators in foot-stomping battles for pop supremacy, as well as DJs playing tunes from associated acts like Janet Jackson, Sheila E. and the Jackson Five. Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave at North 11th St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-963-3369, brooklynbowl.com). Feb 10 11pm--4am; $10.
Hot Chocolate Festival
City Bakery's annual chocolatefest celebrates its 20th year, as well as nearly half a million cups of cocoa served. The menu, which changes daily, features popular picks (Banana Peel, Malted Milk) as well as toothsome additions (Hot Chocolate on a Peanut Butter Barge, Single Origin Honduras). For those who like to pair their sweets with booze, the Beer Hot Chocolate will be served twice throughout the festival and divided into "Brooklyn" and "Dublin" versions. City Bakery, 3 W 18th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-366-1414, thecitybakery.com). Feb 1--29; Mon--Fri 7:30am--7pm, Sat 8am--7pm, Sun 9am--6pm. $3 per cup.
"The Bearden Project"
Though born in North Carolina, the visionary artist Romare Bearden lived in Harlem for much of his life, creating photomontages inspired by his adopted home. "The way he talked about community and story with his collages was a major influence on me," says conceptual artist Hank Willis Thomas. Thomas is just one of the artists taking part in "The Bearden Project," an exhibit that opened in September. The show marks the centennial of Bearden's birth, and examines his cultural and historical impact. The Studio Museum in Harlem, 144 W 125th St between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd (Seventh Ave) and Malcolm X Blvd (Lenox Ave) (212-864-4500, studiomuseum.org). Thu, Fri noon--9pm; Sat 10am--6pm; Sun noon--6pm. Suggested donation $7, seniors and students $3, members and children under 12 free. Through Mar 12.
Comedy at KFBK
Rising star and 30 Rock writer Hannibal Buress hosts this weekly showcase that often features his funny, well-known friends (Aziz Ansari, Baratunde Thurston and SNL sophomore Jay Pharoah have graced the stage). Expect a night of crass humor, absurd anecdotes and anything else Buress deems amusing (including you). The Knitting Factory, 361 Metropolitan Ave at Havemeyer St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (347-529-6696, bk.knittingfactory.com). Sun 9pm; free.
Comments & ratings