Posts Tagged ‘Staten Island’

Staten Island – Free Concerts and Events in August

Start your day or evening with a wonderful (and free) ride across New York Harbor on the Staten Island Ferry, and catch a bus or train to these freebies happening in various parts of Staten Island.

August 1: Noted percussionist Johnny Ray plays salsa at Tappen Park from 7-9pm. Stapleton, Canal Street, Water Street, Bay Street, Staten Island, 212-639-9675, www.nycgovparks.org/parks/R028/

August 2: It’s a night of Beatles music at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark starting at 7pm.  This annual event, with tunes performed by local musicians, is a benefit to raise awareness of autism. The park is the home of the Staten Island Yankees and is just a short walk from the Staten Island Ferry. St. George, 75 Richmond Terrace at Wall Street, Staten Island, 718-720-9265 http://www.nycgo.com/venues/richmond-county-bank-ballpark

August 3: St. George is also the site for the next evening’s Waterfront Festival, happening from 1-9pm along St. George Promenade, adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry. There will be entertainment, local artists, food, and shopping, with fireworks sponsored by Macy’s set for 9pm. Rain date is August 4.  St. George, 1 Bay Street (at Borough Pl), Staten Island.

August 8: The third event from the Starlight Concert series showcases Billy Joel cover band 52nd Street and Witness at the Conference House Park. Pittsville Street, Hyland Boulevard, Richmond Avenue, Tottenville, 212-639-9675, http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/conferencehousepark

August 12: A morning family-friendly program by Disney-sponsored SummerStage Kids will bring jazz to Willowbrook Park from 10:30-11:30am.  The band Robbi K & Friends plays improvisations of original compositions and jazz favorites. http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/arts/summerstage-kids/ , Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, 718-698-2186, http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/willowbrookpark

August 14: Also for the entire family, an especially the littlest kids, a dance party created by DJ Little Club Heads spins both current dance tunes and original music at Faber Park from 10:30-11:30am. Richmond Terrace, 718-816-5558, http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/faberpark/

August 15: Westerleigh Park is the site for the fifth concert from the Starlight Concerts series, with performances by Due South and Fireflies.  Willard Avenue, Springfield Avenue, Maine Avenue, Neal Dow Avenue, Staten Island. http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/westerleighpark

August 17-18: It’s an evening of fireworks and music at the annual August Back to the Beach celebrations at Midland Beach (and South Beach).  Now in its 18th year, the program includes performances by Brooklyn Keys, Parkway Soul (Motown) and Function 11.  The following evening’s line-up is Reminisce, Rave On, Disco Unlimited and New York Minute. Fireworks are scheduled for 9pm on both evenings. Midland and South Beach boardwalks, Midland Beach, Father Capodanno Boulevard (between Miller Field and Seaview Avenue), Staten Island, http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/fdrboardwalkbeach/highlights/12257

August 21: Disney-sponsored SummerStage Kids returns to Staten Island Faber Park from 10:30-11:30am for the final event on Staten Island with The Ohmies for a morning of interactive story with singing and dancing. Richmond Terrace, 718-816-5558, http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/faberpark/

August 22: The final event of The Starlight Concerts series comes to Clove Lakes Park with music by De’ja Vu and Alive n’ Kickin’.1150 Clove Road, Sunnyside, Staten Island, 718-398-8000, http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/CloveLakesPark

August 30: Closing out the summer of free music and events is the End of the Summer Doo-Wop Concert, a Borough President James P. Molinaro presentation, at Wolfes Pond Park. Music, starting at 6:30pm, it features a concert by Cameos and Manhattan Skyline, to be followed by fireworks at 9pm. Rain date is August 31. Cornelia Avenue, Staten Island, 718-390-8000, www.nycgovparks.org/parks/wolfespondpark

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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Staten Island Offers Up Free July Family and Music Events

Staten Island made the news this year thanks to Hurricane Sandy’s devastating effects. However, this summer is all about the borough’s determined rebuilding with a bevy of concerts and events free to all. Borough President James P. Molinaro wants to make sure everyone knows that Staten Island hasn’t given up; in fact, it’s just the opposite with programs to entertain and bring the community together all summer.

Here is July’s list of wonderful happenings in Staten Island. For those of you who have never been to Staten Island, you can begin your exploration with a wonderful (and free) ride across New York Harbour on the Staten Island Ferry, marvelling at the Statue of

Liberty and the Manhattan skyline en route.  When you arrive either walk to the event, or catch an easy bus or train to these free events.

July 18: The Starlight Concerts summer series begins the summer festivities at Silver Lake Park from 7:30-10pm with oldies band The Clusters (some of you might remember their tunes from the late 50s including “Darling Can’t You Tell” and “Pardon My Heart”) and Sweetwater. Silver Lake Park Road, North Shore of Staten Island, Staten Island, 212-639-9675, www.nycgovparks.org/parks/silverlakepark. ‎

July 22: The street festival Van Duzer Days offers up a full day of live music from 1-6pm, headlined by local funk-rock group Friction Division, all-girl post-punk band Yeti, and hip-hop group The Rising Sun Allstars . 381 Van Duzer Street, Stapleton, between Beach and Wright streets. http://vanduzerdays.wordpress.com/about/

July 25: The Metropolitan Opera’s Summer Recital Series in Clove Lakes Park is a program of arias and duets, from 7-8pm, with artists Ying Fang (soprano), Mario Chang (tenor), and Brandon Cedel (bass-baritone), accompanied by Bradley Moore on the piano. Sunnyside, 1150 Clove Rd  Staten Island, (718) 390-8000, http://bit.ly/18jnocb

July 25: For more oldie tunes, The Starlight Concerts series presents The Expressions, along with the Jimmy Buffet Tribute band Parrotbeach from 7:30-10pm at Snug Harbor Cultural Center. Richmond Terrace, Tysen Street, Kissel Avenue, Henderson Avenue, North Shore of Staten Island, http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/sailorssnugharbor.

July 28: A Children’s Day Extravaganza takes place from 2-5pm at the Willowbrook Carousel with Music with Patrick along with arts & crafts, face painting, inflatable rides, games and prizes for all. Northern tip of Staten Island, 1 Eaton Pl (at Victory Blvd), Staten Island, http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/willowbrookpark

July 30-31: A dance and music atmosphere will prevail at Tappen Park from 7-9pm on these two evenings, with concerts led by radio DJ Felix Hernadez’s Rhythm Revue and his distinctive mix of soul, Motown, funk and salsa. The second night features Brooklyn acapella group The Persuasians as well. Stapleton, Canal Street, Water Street, Bay Street, Staten Island,  212-639-9675, http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/tappenpark/

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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Outdoor Summer Exercise in NYC: Some for Free

Looking for some ways to stay fit without going to the gym?  New York City beckons you to play outside this summer with a variety of free or reservation programs:

Zumba

Do you love Zumba?  Every Saturday throughout the summer, Shape Up NYC offers a free Zumba class, from 11am-12Noon, at West Harlem Piers Park at West 125th Street.  No pre-registration is required. Shape Up NYC Zumba . Shape Up NYC is an NYC Parks program run in partnership with Equinox fitness clubs. For other free Shape UP NYC programs throughout New York City and Brooklyn, visit www.nycgovparks.org.

Walk

Also free, and sponsored by NYC Parks in conjunction with Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, Walk NYC offers a program of one-hour guided walks in the Bronx, Queens, Staten Island and Brooklyn. Walks are scheduled throughout the day in a variety of parks.  An accessible version of this free program, called Walk ‘n Roll, is given in the Bronx on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday mornings.  For a specific schedule, click here.

Fitness Conditioning

Thursdays throughout the summer. 6:45-7:45pm.   $39.  Get in shape for any sport with Discover Outdoors’ “Adventure Fit” class.  www.discoveroutdoors.com .  Led by fitness instructor Curtis Williams, a former NFL athlete and a performance coach, the classes mix high-intensity cardio with strength training, following techniques and principles used to train the pros. Classes accommodate multiple fitness levels and are geared for the outdoor enthusiast.  You can try one session or come back for others during the month to push yourself to a new level. Meet at the entrance to Central Park, at 72nd Street and Fifth Avenue.  Dress in appropriate athletic gear and bring a towel and water.

Yoga

Saturdays and Sundays through September 22.  Channel your inner yogi with Central Park Yoga by the Turtle Pond.  On Saturday from 9-10am, or Sunday from 10-11am, you’ll find out why doing a downward facing dog is so much more appealing when the view is of Belvedere Castle instead of a gym wall.  Even handstands seem easier on the grass.  Bring a mat, water, and a towel.  centralparkyoga.com.  Classes are $20 each, or $140 for a 10-class card.  Meet Kirtan Smith (Saturday) or Lisa Langer (Sunday) at the entrance to Central Park at 81st Street and Central Park West.

Boot Camp

Stacy’s Boot Camp is a three-week session designed to push you to your limit.  Three summer sessions, June 24-July 12, July 22-August 9, or August 19-September 6, will help you advance your fitness level while you take advantage of the natural props that Central Park offers. Bring one-gallon water bottles, gloves, a towel, and a sense of determination. Multiple park locations will help you stick to your resolution to get outside and sweat.  Classes are offered in Central Park, Battery Park, and Washington Square Park with morning and early evening schedules. Pricing varies depending on whether a package of one, two or three weekly classes is selected.  For more details and to book, www.stacysbootcamp.com.

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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How You Can Help with Hurricane Sandy Relief for NY and NJ

There are many ways that you can contribute to the Hurricane Sandy relief effort in New York and New Jersey.  Here is a sampling of possibilities, ranging from dining out, exercise classes and media involvement to straight-out cash and supply donations as well as onsite volunteer needs:

  • Through Sunday, Molly Pitcher’s Ale House, at 1641 Second Avenue at East 85th Street, will be a collection point for donations to be trucked to hard-hit areas like the Rockaways and Long Beach.
  • Occupy Sandy Recovery NYC is a community relief effort organized by Occupiers to help residents in the hardest hit areas of NYC recover from Hurricane Sandy.  The effort functions as a central clearing house, with donations spread out where necessary.  Visit https://www.wepay.com/donations/occupy-sandy-cleanup-volunteers for more information.  For a detailed list of where volunteers are needed and what you should donate, refer to http://interoccupy.net/occupysandy/ .  The site also lists open shelters in New York and New Jersey.
  • Teens as well as adults can locate many volunteer and donation possibilities at UJA Federation of New York’s site, http://www.ujafedny.org/hurricane-sandy-volunteer-opportunities/, ranging from clothing drives to food deliveries to the elderly, supply drop-offs, and more.
  • Donate by mail to the Daily News Appeal Disaster Relief Fund to help deliver clothing, food and supplies to the devastated areas of Staten Island, The Rockaways, Coney Island, New Jersey and Manhattan.  You can send a check to: Daily News Charities, Hurricane Sandy Relief, New York Daily News, 4 New York Plaza, New York, NY 10004.
  • The South Street Seaport was particularly hard hit; donations can be made to the South Street Seaport Museum at http://www.southstreetseaportmuseum.org/donate.asp.
  • On Tuesday, November 13  at 7pm, join Body Conceptions’’ founder Mahri Rellin and personal trainer and Pilates instructor Brooke Marrone at Chelsea Studios for an invigorating fitness program with all proceeds going to the New York UJA Federation’s Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund,  151 West 26th, Studio 601, between 6th and 7th avenues.   Book on Classes page at www.brookemarrone.com.  Donation:  $20.
  • Also on Tuesday, November 13,  A Night of New Jersey Charities at JUST Restaurant unites residents, businesses and organizations to benefit their community with a fund-raising evening.  Starting at 7pm, the event will feature a fashion show by Diane & Company and the cast of Jersey Couture. A silent auction will raise funds for hurricane victims throughout New Jersey.  There is no admission fee, but donations will be collected to raise funds for the Red Cross, and a food and clothing drive will be set up on site to collect items for the Salvation Army. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be served, and there will be drink specials as well as surprise entertainment.  2280, Route 9 South, Old Bridge, NJ.
  • A newspaper making its debut today, NYC Reconnects, is dedicated to chronicling New Year’s relief and rebuilding efforts.  Real-time volunteering possibilities are included.
  • Equinox Fitness Clubs have dedicated donation-based classes and will donate all proceeds from Sandy Relief T-shirt sales at their shops.  Visit http://www.equinox.com/sandyrelief?emmcid=EMM-DedicatedStrength1192012 for information and for a list of related charities.
Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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