NYC Social - January 2014

Happy new year everyone! This series took an unintentional two-month hiatus but it's back. While this post always takes a while to put together, I love writing it and plotting out my weekend plans at the same time, so I do hope you enjoy reading it too.  

We have a bumper issue this month, including a bunch of events which wrap up this weekend. Layer up, grab a hot chocolate and get yourselves out there stat: 

1. Robert Indiana Beyond Love: through January 5

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You might know Robert Indiana from his famous "Love" series of art. This broader retrospective attempts to reveal reasons Indiana is one of America's most prolific artists, showcasing various paintings and sculptures from post-war 1960s. The bulk of the exhibition is non-"Love" but fans will not be disappointed as there is an original 1966 version and a recent re-creation of a 6-foot, 3D sign that lights up.  

NYC Social - October

It's October and I have numerous questions - like how is it already Q4 2013? How is it already Halloween season? What's with all the HOLIDAY paraphernalia out in stores? But most importantly, how is it only 8 weeks to the big wedding?? Felt like it was just yesterday we were frolicking in Gramercy Park getting engaged and all. 

For that reason, wedding planning will have me hibernating this month, but you don't need to stay home. Per usual, NYC is never short of things to do so here's what's on in October (and don't forget to see last month's entry too):

1. Betrayal: October 5 - January 5

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Previews have begun for Fall's most anticipated Broadway opening. Written by Harold Pinter, the autobiographical play is about infidelity and its consequences, but depicted in reverse chronological order. The show stars Mr. (and Mrs.) James Bond so I very much believe initial reports which suggest tickets will sell out before the run is over. This is one time I am not taking any chances. If you need a theater buddy, you know where to find me! 

NYC Social - September

Happy September! I had such a relaxing Labor Day weekend that I couldn't get on the computer long enough to post this month's Social. It is unofficially the end of Summer - but if this month's events are any indication, the city isn't ready to slow down just yet! So check out what's happening this month (and last month too) and be sure to enjoy the remnants of the sunshine!

1. Fashion Week: September 5 - 12

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It is Fashion Week yet again with the Spring 2014 shows starting this week at Lincoln Center and beyond. Just like my advice last season, it doesn't matter if you have invites to shows or not - just head up to the plaza in front of Lincoln Center, plunk yourself by the fountain and people-watch till kingdom come.

NYC Social - August

It is August and I am frantically trying to squeeze as many outdoor activities before temperatures begin to dip. So far my summer has been concert-heavy - I saw Justin Timberlake with Jay Z two weeks ago, and Beyoncé just last night. And on the dance front, I am looking forward to Drive East in a couple of weeks.  

Regardless, don't forget to check out the May, June and July calendars for events that are still running - namely the Jazz Age Lawn Party mid-month. Otherwise, here's what's taking place in August:

1. Summer Streets - August 3, 10 and 17

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Seven miles of NYC - from Park Ave at 72nd Street to Centre St at Brooklyn Bridge - will be closed to vehicles for the annual Summer Streets celebrations. While there will be no cars, you can ride your bike, rollerblade or just plain walk the streets - eating, participating in fitness classes or viewing a variety of art exhibits and music performances along the way. The highlight this year is the Voice Tunnel -  an interactive voice and sound installation within the Park Avenue tunnel running from East 33rd to East 40th Streets. For further details, check out the NYC Gov website here.

NYC Social - July

July begins with plenty of Independence day celebrations. With summer in full swing, outdoor fetes dominate the rest of the month. Which is perfect, since all I want to do is bask in the sunshine. While I will add the following to my list of things to do, my social calendar is already packed from May and June events that continue to run through the rest of the month. Here's what's taking place in July:

1. Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks: July 4

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To celebrate the nation's independence, Macy's will put on a fireworks display that it boasts as being the largest in the country. At 9pm along the Hudson River, over 40,000 fireworks will light up the sky for about half an hour. Since all Hudson River Piers (apart from Pier 84) will be closed off, prime viewing spots are on 12th avenue between 23rd and 42nd streets and aim to be there many many hours before. Or better yet, get thee to an apartment rooftop with a view of the Hudson.  Whatever way you choose to watch the fireworks, make sure you pay attention to the Empire State Building during the last few minutes for a specially choreographed ESB light show.

2 . New York Musical Theatre Festival: July 8 - 28

Considered " the Sundance for Musical Theatre", the New York Musical Theatre Festival will showcase over 30 new musicals and concerts over the course of 3 weeks. Over the course of decade the festival has been in existence, it has become the launching pad of various shows that have gone on to Broadway and Off-Broadway success. This year, there will be more traditional musical comedies, hip hop concerts and dance dramas. Tickets are $20 and you can see the lineup here.

3. Broadway in Bryant Park: July 11 - August 15

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If you are lucky to be in the vicinity of Bryant Park over lunch, have your meal outdoors while being serenaded by the best on Broadway. Each concert lasts from 12.30 - 1.30pm and will include performances of award-winning productions like Pippin, Wicked, Phantom of the Opera and Avenue Q. See the entire programme here and plan your picnic!  

NYC Social - June

I am a Gemini which makes June my favourite month of the year. I have been craving for a little bit of heat, which is here long last. All that warm weather deprivation makes me want to indulge that little bit more - more wine, more relaxing, more outdoor time and naturally, more shopping. If you are in NYC this month, here's how you can indulge too:  

1. Alvin Ailey at Lincoln Center: June 12 - 16

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The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre will take up residence at the David H. Koch Theater in Lincoln Center this month for the first time in 10 years.  The acclaimed contemporary dance company will perform seven shows, which you can see snippets of here. When not at the Lincoln Center, the company performs its touring and regular season at the NY City Center. Purchase tickets for the limited run here.

2. Museum Mile Festival: June 12

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The only thing better than free museum entry is late hours AND free museum entry. From 6-9pm on the 12th, one can sample the museums along 5th avenue from The Met on 82nd Street to El Museo De Bario on 104th. The strip will also be closed to traffic - where there will be street performers and live music. Tip: the event only goes for 3 hours so strategise which museums to visit wisely. Visit the website for more information. 

3. Jazz Age Lawn Party - June 15 & 16 and August 17 & 18

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It's all about Gatsby this summer so dust of your flapper getup and art deco accessories for this annual shindig at Governor's Island. There will be plenty of jazz, prohibition-era cocktails and enough drop waist dresses to drive any 20s enthusiast into a frenzy. When you need to take a break from swing dancing, marvel at the array of vintage cars and stalls selling antique goods. This is a very popular event so get your tickets in advance here.

NYC Social - May

Hello May (aka the month I celebrate my third anniversary of arriving in NYC)! While I wrote about Spring arriving last month, I didn't mean for it to hide for most of April. Let's cross fingers and toes, and hope May will bring permanently warm weather. Here are a few highlights in NYC this month (hint: SALES!): 

1. Five Boro Bike Ride - 5 May

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Get your bicycle out for this 40-mile bike ride that will see various streets in each of the five boroughs closed to automobiles. Starting at Battery Park, you can ride up through Manhattan, Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and all five bridges, before finishing up at Staten Island. Regardless of how much the spelling of "borough" in the official event title is killing me, it will be such a treat to cycle without worrying about navigating New York traffic (those cabs!). Get more information here.

2. NYCxDesign: May 10 - 21

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With support from the City Council and Mayor's Office, this inaugural design festival takes place in venues all around the city. Over the course of 12 days, there will be exhibitions, talks and open studio sessions representing all genres of design. Having a greater affinity for sartorial design (surprise surprise), I am looking forward to being present at a design talk with Iris Apfel and Deborah Needleman, as well as checking out the FIT Graduating Class exhibition. Head on to the NYCxDesign website for information on fashion and other events.

3. Shanghai Glamour at the MOCA - through September 29

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While part of NYCxDesign above, the Museum of Chinese in America will showcase Shanghai Glamour: New Woman 1910s-40s right through Fall. If you, like me, are a fan of Maggie Cheung's exquisite cheongsams in the movie In The Mood for Love, this exhibit will be right up your alley. 12 outfits are on loan from the China National Silk Museum in Hangzhou which will illustrate early 20th century Shanghai women and their love of glamour. Don't leave without seeing the other fashion exhibit at the MOCA - Front Row: Chinese American Designers. 

4. The Met Costume Institute Exhibit: May 9 - August 14

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"Punk" is the theme of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual Costume Institute exhibit. Preceded by the glamourous Met Gala, the installation will illustrate the growth of punk in the 70s and map its influence in modern fashion. Included in the exhibit are nearly 100 pieces from original punk garments to recent designs inspired by the original movement. Though what is a punk exhibit without punk music - prepare to walk through the installation accompanied by the Ramones, The Clash and Sex Pistols amongst others. 

NYC Social - April

Spring is in the air in New York City.  The city seems so much more alive now that the harsh winter is behind us. Puffer coats have all but been put away, trees have begun to flower and my favourite sign of the season - al fresco dining is an option again! The warmer temperatures mean April is full of outdoor fun. Here's what is taking place in NYC this month: 

1. Cherry Blossoms at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

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Pardon me, DC folks but there is no need to trek to the Nation's capital for cherry blossoms. The BBG once again looks forward to full blooms this month. Since they blossom for such a short time, keep up to date with this map which is updated every weekday. If you can, time your visit with Sakura Matsuri, which falls on the weekend of the 27th and 28th. 

2. The Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Gardens: until April 22

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If Orchids are more your thing, then trek up to the New York Botanical Gardens in the Bronx for the annual Orchid Show. Stroll through the lush gardens (worth a trip up there for this alone) to the  Observatory where there will be a showcase of orchids in a myriad of colours and varieties. Remember when it housed waterlilies last Autumn? Similarly, there will be evening concerts, potting classes, lectures and guided tours. 

NYC Social - March 2013

March is meant to herald the first signs of Spring. Alas Mother Nature hasn't quite got the daylight savings memo - so keep your coat on still and check out what is taking place in NYC this month.

1. Ballet Flamenco: March 6 - 9

Travelling from Sevilla, this renowned repertory company is in New York for a short 4-day performance schedule at the New York City Center. The dramatic performance is entitled "Metafora" - dance being the metophor of life, and will feature 19 dancers and musicians with castanets, fans and my favourite - sweeping skirts of traditonal flamenco dresses.

2. Matisse at the Met: Through March 17

The French artist's exhibition graces the Metropolitan Museum of Art for another couple of weeks. Titled "In Search of True Painting" the 49-painting exhibit portrays Matisse's penchant to creating art in series, building on one while creating another - just like the pair of paintings above which show the same Gulf of Saint Tropez, painted in different styles and colours (or like they say in Thailand: same-same but different!) I think it's very smart of the museum to take advantage of the groupings by displaying his paintings in multiple galleries. In any case, while you are at the Met, check out the exhibit on "Impressionism, Fashion and Modernity" too.

3. St Patrick's Day: March 16-17

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I love the Irish and I love St Patrick's Day! The only thing I don't care for is the ugliness that seems to result from revelers unable to stay sober. I say skip the pub and instead celebrate by heading out to watch the annual Parade taking place on the 16th. This year, the Parade begins on 44th street marching up Fifth Avenue and ending at the Met. Apparently the NYC Parade is older than the United States - a group of Irish patriots from the British Army first marched in 1762. So wear your best green and stake your spot early - it is the largest St Patrick's Day Parade in the world after all! Then once the parade is over, enjoy your Guinness in the comfort of your own home.

4. Ann: starts March 7

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Broadway is churning out some amazing shows this year and here comes another one. After earlier performances in Texas, Chicago and Washington, this play on the legendary former Texan governor Ann Richards comes to New York. Acclaimed Emmy-winning actress, Holland Taylor wrote the play on the late Democrat over the course of four years - pouring over piles of personal and public transcripts, and countless hours of video footage; as well as interviewing family, friends and colleagues. Ms Richards was one helluva firecracker and a great champion to minorities. This is one show I can't wait to watch. 

Here's to the month of hot cross buns - may we finally get some sunshine soon! 

NYC Social - February 2013

Inspired by my friend, Milster's monthly posts on things to do in Paris, I am launching a similar series of fun events taking place in New York. I hope these posts will inspire a visit to the city or if you are local, to take advantage of all the great happenings the city has to offer. 

Fashion Week: February 7 to 14

Donna Karan Fall 2012 (via)

While we eagerly await warmer temperatures to shed off our coats once and for all, the fashion tribe will be eagerly awaiting new cold weather fashion with the debut of Fall 2013 collections. Even if one doesn't have invites to the many shows around town, head to Lincoln Center as the expansive venue affords plenty of opportunity for priceless people-watching. Take your camera, who knows, an aspiring street style star may even ask to pose for you!

Sleeping Beauty at the NYC Ballet: February 13 - 24

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The Winter season of the New York City Ballet is currently in full swing with the highlight this month being Peter Martin's Sleeping Beauty. With over 100 dancers performing to Tchaikovsky's great score, this is a must-see before the company takes a break until the Spring.

The Heiress: through to February 9

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There is only a week left to see this acclaimed play set in New York in the 1850s about a young woman struggling with love and her inheritance.  Frankly I was sold as soon as I knew Matthew Crawley and Celia Foote was in this (alas I dilly-dallied and will be rushing to see it this weekend). If you don't see The Heiress before it's run ends, there is also Scarlett Johansson in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof playing till the end of March.

Bulgari Serpenti Exhibit: February 9 to March 6

Taken during our visit to Tokyo last December

If you were in Rome, Tokyo or New York recently, you may have noticed the beautiful, luminous snake installations outside Bvlgari's flagship store. In conjunction with the Chinese new year of the snake, Bulgari's will celebrate its iconic Serpenti collection with a month-long exhibit at it's Fifth Avenue flagship.  The exhibit will showcase plenty of coiled jewelry and timepieces, as well as photographs, original sketches and one-of-a-kind pieces from the jewelry house's historical archives. 

Clinton Street Baking Company's Pancake Month and City Bakery's Hot Chocolate Festival: Feb 1 - 28

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February is my favourite winter month for nothing makes my heart (and tummy) sing more than having pancakes for dinner. Shove aside any fitness and healthy-eating resolutions for Clinton Street's famous fluffy pancakes served all day. Right now I have my eyes set on the German Chocolate, the Fresh Coconut and the Raspberry ones. 

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Then you have City Bakery's hot chocolate month. Located right by my favourite shopping strip in Union Square, the special flavours they churn out this month are worth making repeat visits for. Always order the house-made marshmallows - they are pricey but at the size of a fist, well worth it. 


Here's to a festive February and let me know if you will be partaking in any of these happenings!

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