The Time Out New York blog

Your up-to-the-minute guide to New York City events, restaurants, bars, nightlife, ticket alerts, NSFW ephemera and cat photos.

    Relax here: Fair Grounds Coffee House at Riverside Church

    Thu Mar 11

    In some neighborhoods, "community bonding" doesn't go much further than cutting someone in line at the MTA ticket machine. But at the historic Riverside Church (490 Riverside Dr between 120th and 122nd Sts; 212-870-6700, riversidechurchny.org), which held its first service in 1930, Fair Trade coffee and open-mike performances unite churchgoers and nonreligious Upper West Siders alike. The Fair Grounds Coffee House (8--9:30pm, room 10T; free), according to the event description, "is an opportunity for people in the NYC area to express their inner artist." And if you're not really the get-up-on-stage-and-go type, then no one will blame you for sitting back with a cup of joe and letting the evening take its own course. Note: Riverside Church asks that visitors bring their own mugs. Image via riversidechurchny.org

    What's going on: Maynard James Keenan's variety show, Louis C.K. and Gin and Meat

    Thu Mar 11

    MusicPuscifer Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan brings his variety show to town. Eat outGin and Meat Learn how to make pairings with Meat Hook butcher Tom Mylan and Bombay Sapphire mixologist James Moreland, and sample your creations. Sex and datingQuills Soiree Try out One Leg Up's sexy, playful events at this naughty taster party. Own This CityYou're Playing It Wrong: Creative Misuse of Musical Instruments Dorkbot shows you how to make music from walkie-talkies, toy turntables and more. ComedyLouis C.K. The hilarious misanthrope starts a four-night run. See all recommended events today

    Ticket window: Conan O'Brien at Radio City Music Hall

    Thu Mar 11

    The name of Conan O'Brien's just-announced live tour says it all, really: It's being billed as the Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television Tour. The comedian is bringing his entire crew—including his perennial sidekick, Andy Richter, and the Max Weinberg Seven—with him for two dates at Radio City Music Hall on June 1 and 2, and promises music, comedy and "awkward hugs." We're firmly on Team Coco here and bought our tickets already; you should, too, because they'll likely sell out soon. You can get yours through Ticketmaster, or through TeamCoco.com.

    Free things to do today

    Thu Mar 11

    Opera & ClassicalMusic in Midtown Distinguished violinist Rolf Schulte and pianist Norman Carey present a free concert of sonatas by Beethoven, Schumann and Debussy. BooksNational Book Critics Circle Awards Ceremony Tonight, the NBCC announces the winners of its 2010 awards for the best books in a number of different genres. BooksDavid Shields Tonight's event is part of an ongoing series called True to Life, which explores the boundaries between fact and fiction. Considering Shields's complex ideas about what's "truthful" in memoirs, this should be a lively conversation. See all free things to do today See more than 125 free things to do in NYC

    Best weekly deals: $88 leather pants, $60 J.Crew anoraks and $100 Patrik Ervell men's jeans!

    Wed Mar 10

    LF StoresSnag edgy, sexy styles that will add a little something-something to your basics. Striped handkerchief sweaters are chopped from $156 to $63, leather jackets are whittled to $236 (were $588), and leather pants are $88 (originally $540). 149 Spring St between West Broadway and Wooster Sts (212-966-5889, lfstores.com). Wed 10--Sat 13 11am--8pm; Sun 14 noon--6pm; Mon 15 11am--8pm. * 150 Fifth Ave at 20th St (212-645-1334).Wed 10--Sat 13 11am--8pm; Sun 14 noon--6pm; Mon 15 11am--8pm. J.CrewAlthough our wallet doesn't hold presidential dough, these discounted New England styles will help us feel as posh as a certain Obama. Featherweight cashmere cardigans are $60 (down from $158), printed cotton dresses are nicked from $110 to $50, and boyfriend fatigue anoraks are $60 (originally $148). Clothingline, 261 W 36th St between Seventh and Eighth Ave, second floor (212-947-8748, clothingline.com). Tue 16 --Thu 18 10am--7pm; Fri 19 10am--6pm. Patrik ErvellDowntown boys now...