New York City’s MTA has raised prices and made service cuts since my Freshman year in the city, but one thing it hasn’t cut is the arts. The subway system of Manhattan is a large and sometimes overwhelming beast, but at least it’s never dull.
As part of an initiative to keep the subway stations looking clean, interesting, and exciting, the MTA began the Music Under New York program. We’re not talking about the random homeless guys singing on the subway trains, or the great Mariachi band that frequents the N train. No, the MUNY program sponsors artists formally in the stations themselves, complete with signs and microphones. Artists must audition and attend orientation prior to performing for the NYC public.
One of my favorite performers is Alice Tan Ridley, who I normally see at the Herald Square station. She always attracts a crowd – this is actually her profession, and she is good at what she does. Ridley is well known not just for her soulful singing, but also for being the mother of Gabourey Sidibe, star of the recent movie Precious. She is adamant about not living off her daughter’s paycheck, however – so if you see her rocking out in the subway, feel free to throw a dollar or two her way.
So next time you’re looking for a show and don’t have money for a student priced ticket, just spend some extra time on your next $2.25 subway ride and find a show. There are almost always performances going on at the major stations (42nd Street, Herald Square, etc.) and a more detailed schedule can be found at the MUNY website – and let me know your favorite performer, I’m always looking for new shows!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Inbox Full?
As I was procrastinating on yet another final paper, I decided to check my email to see if I had any exciting messages. While I didn't have any messages from my professors canceling finals, I DID have a lot of emails: all about upcoming performances and arts opportunities!
As a dance major at my school, I get all the emails our department sends out - the latest company updates from around NYC, opportunities for discounted events, and most importantly, upcoming events. You don't have to be a part of a college dance department to get these updates, however. Almost every company, dancer, singer, show, and venue has their own email blast that you can sign up for.
So if you have some extra room in your mailbox for mass emails, consider signing up for the e-newsletters of your favorite performers and venues. I'm signed up for City Center, Alvin Ailey, and the Pointe Magazine newsletters in addition to my departmental emails... and probably a few others, too.
My time's up for finals procrastination, but I'll be sure to let you in on a few more email secrets later. For now, I leave you with this tip: Check out the City Center website, they offer a GREAT money saving program for students called Peer 2 Peer, which is when they email you with cheap ticket opportunities from time to time. More on that later, once my theses have been turned in to full-length papers!
As a dance major at my school, I get all the emails our department sends out - the latest company updates from around NYC, opportunities for discounted events, and most importantly, upcoming events. You don't have to be a part of a college dance department to get these updates, however. Almost every company, dancer, singer, show, and venue has their own email blast that you can sign up for.
So if you have some extra room in your mailbox for mass emails, consider signing up for the e-newsletters of your favorite performers and venues. I'm signed up for City Center, Alvin Ailey, and the Pointe Magazine newsletters in addition to my departmental emails... and probably a few others, too.
My time's up for finals procrastination, but I'll be sure to let you in on a few more email secrets later. For now, I leave you with this tip: Check out the City Center website, they offer a GREAT money saving program for students called Peer 2 Peer, which is when they email you with cheap ticket opportunities from time to time. More on that later, once my theses have been turned in to full-length papers!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Spring Repertoire 2010
Each semester, the dance department at Marymount Manhattan College produces two shows. The first is a student-choreographed exhibition, and the second is choreographed by established dancers. In the Fall, our teachers choreograph, and in the Spring, we have outside artists come in.
This semester, the annual Spring Repertoire at MMC featured a work by the newly-appointed head of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Robert Battle, as well as works by Lar Lubovitch, Kate Weare, Erick Hawkins, and Benoit-Swan Pouffer.
It was an eclectic show that ranged in style, from 1986 Lubovitch excerpt "Concerto Six Twenty-Two" to the several world premieres such as the hauntingly beautiful "Channels" by Battle and the edgy work "for all of us" that Pouffer set on the MMC Dance Company.
My personal favorite is tied with Pouffer's "for all of us" or Kate Weare's "Primavera." Both works were exciting and upbeat, with a lot of personality displayed by the individual dancers. in Pouffer's work, there was a distinctly contemporary movement vocabulary, and it was obvious that the students enjoyed the movement: which is always a pleasure to watch. Similarly, Weare's piece engaged the students in both group work and series of duets and solos, all of which were interactive and intensely physical and exciting to watch. The dancers at MMC have strong personalities, and they were definitely allowed to shine in these pieces.
It's always interesting to see student performances; I highly recommend it. Although they may not be perfect and as technically stunning as a night at Lincoln Center, you do get an opportunity to see the up and coming generation of artists. Shows produced at MMC, Juilliard, NYU and the like are of extraordinary quality - it's no middle school talent show. Seeing performances at my own school is particularly interesting, because I take class with most of the performers. It's a very different perspective to see your peers perform, but I walk away from almost every show in awe of the talent... and this semester was no different.
So next time you've got some free time, see if there are any student performances going around in the city. Not only is it cheaper than a normal performance (they often accept donations, have student rates, or are free), but it's also sure to be of interest to the college aged crowd. You know going in to it that it won't be a pitch out of left field - they are meant to educate the students performing through experience, so it must be something topical to our generation. Although I suggest first attending shows at your own school (it's a great way to see a whole new side of your peers!), branching out and visiting other schools is always a fun time to see something completely different, since each school in NYC has a very different style. Whether it's dance or theater, or even an art exhibition - check it out!
This semester, the annual Spring Repertoire at MMC featured a work by the newly-appointed head of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Robert Battle, as well as works by Lar Lubovitch, Kate Weare, Erick Hawkins, and Benoit-Swan Pouffer.
It was an eclectic show that ranged in style, from 1986 Lubovitch excerpt "Concerto Six Twenty-Two" to the several world premieres such as the hauntingly beautiful "Channels" by Battle and the edgy work "for all of us" that Pouffer set on the MMC Dance Company.
My personal favorite is tied with Pouffer's "for all of us" or Kate Weare's "Primavera." Both works were exciting and upbeat, with a lot of personality displayed by the individual dancers. in Pouffer's work, there was a distinctly contemporary movement vocabulary, and it was obvious that the students enjoyed the movement: which is always a pleasure to watch. Similarly, Weare's piece engaged the students in both group work and series of duets and solos, all of which were interactive and intensely physical and exciting to watch. The dancers at MMC have strong personalities, and they were definitely allowed to shine in these pieces.
It's always interesting to see student performances; I highly recommend it. Although they may not be perfect and as technically stunning as a night at Lincoln Center, you do get an opportunity to see the up and coming generation of artists. Shows produced at MMC, Juilliard, NYU and the like are of extraordinary quality - it's no middle school talent show. Seeing performances at my own school is particularly interesting, because I take class with most of the performers. It's a very different perspective to see your peers perform, but I walk away from almost every show in awe of the talent... and this semester was no different.
So next time you've got some free time, see if there are any student performances going around in the city. Not only is it cheaper than a normal performance (they often accept donations, have student rates, or are free), but it's also sure to be of interest to the college aged crowd. You know going in to it that it won't be a pitch out of left field - they are meant to educate the students performing through experience, so it must be something topical to our generation. Although I suggest first attending shows at your own school (it's a great way to see a whole new side of your peers!), branching out and visiting other schools is always a fun time to see something completely different, since each school in NYC has a very different style. Whether it's dance or theater, or even an art exhibition - check it out!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Strawberry Fest!
Living in NYC, you never know what you'll encounter in the nearby streets: a movie shooting, a police investigation, or subway construction. There's always another alternative, however - a street fair.
Every year, my school shuts down 71st Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues and holds a huge fair called Strawberry Fest. We have free food, a DJ, dancing, inflatable events, club tables, and a host of other activities. Although it is exclusively for MMC students, near the end we always open it up to our neighbors.
This is one of my favorite days of every year - although it was slightly marred this year by sitting (and getting dunked) in a freezing cold dunk tank. Other street fairs, such as the traveling festival with all the same markets and booths each weekend, are exciting - but ours is the best. I'm not sure that other schools do anything like this... New School is home to a lot of protests and NYU has a lot of impromptu art projects happening on its nearby streets, but who else gets a permit and shuts down traffic for an entire street? If you find any others, let me know - I'd definitely have to check that out.
Every year, my school shuts down 71st Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues and holds a huge fair called Strawberry Fest. We have free food, a DJ, dancing, inflatable events, club tables, and a host of other activities. Although it is exclusively for MMC students, near the end we always open it up to our neighbors.
This is one of my favorite days of every year - although it was slightly marred this year by sitting (and getting dunked) in a freezing cold dunk tank. Other street fairs, such as the traveling festival with all the same markets and booths each weekend, are exciting - but ours is the best. I'm not sure that other schools do anything like this... New School is home to a lot of protests and NYU has a lot of impromptu art projects happening on its nearby streets, but who else gets a permit and shuts down traffic for an entire street? If you find any others, let me know - I'd definitely have to check that out.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Nikolais Reconstruction at MMC
Exciting news in the arts world - in celebration of Alwin Nikolais' would-be centennial, there are going to be several Nikolais-inspired dance events going on around the city this year.
At my school, Marymount Manhattan College, our Dance Department was just awarded an NEA Grant to reconstruct one of his works!! The National Endowment for the Arts is providing money for us to hold a series of lectures on the topic of Alwin Nikolais in the Fall, and at the end of the Spring semester the MMC dancers will be partaking in a reconstruction of Nikolais' work Crucible.
As part of my studies, I get to assist with this - it's very exciting!
For other NYC students: be sure to be on the lookout for MMC's reconstruction, as well as other college performances. Colleges in NYC often have amazing arts programs, and the work presented is of professional quality. Whether it's reconstructing an old work such as this grant is allowing us to do, or working with up and coming choreographers, going to school performances is a great way to get acclimated to the arts. Tickets are cheaper than normal theater prices, and you may just glimpse the early performances of the next big thing!
At my school, Marymount Manhattan College, our Dance Department was just awarded an NEA Grant to reconstruct one of his works!! The National Endowment for the Arts is providing money for us to hold a series of lectures on the topic of Alwin Nikolais in the Fall, and at the end of the Spring semester the MMC dancers will be partaking in a reconstruction of Nikolais' work Crucible.
As part of my studies, I get to assist with this - it's very exciting!
For other NYC students: be sure to be on the lookout for MMC's reconstruction, as well as other college performances. Colleges in NYC often have amazing arts programs, and the work presented is of professional quality. Whether it's reconstructing an old work such as this grant is allowing us to do, or working with up and coming choreographers, going to school performances is a great way to get acclimated to the arts. Tickets are cheaper than normal theater prices, and you may just glimpse the early performances of the next big thing!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Bamboozle!
This past weekend, the annual Bamboozle event took place at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in New Jersey. These sorts of shows book a large amount of bands, spread them out on multiple stages, and let the games begin. It's a great way to see a lot of your favorite musicians at once - the tickets are a little expensive (for Bamboozle, it was roughly $50 per day), but likely less than you would pay to see each band individually.
Although it's a great opportunity to rock out all day long, come prepared! Your bands will probably only play the popular crowd-pleasers, so if you're looking for an intimate event where you hear the full repertoire of a band, this may not be the event for you. Additionally, crowds usually get very rowdy, so it's not always worth it to be stuck in a pit close to the stage - sometimes staying further away is more gratifying. This year, I found the crowd to be obnoxious and lacking in rhythm, but perhaps this varies by year and festival.
This year, I went to the second day, where Weezer headlined. As usual, they put on an amazing, entertaining show - complete with beach balls, a Lady GaGa impersonation, and general Weezer shenanigans and jokes.
The other bands of the day performed well, my favorite being the reunion performance by Piebald. Stuck on a smaller stage, this Massachusetts band rocked hard and got their entire audience dancing for every single song. They've broken up, but it's still worth looking into their discography: particularly their "We Are The Only Friends We Have" album.
So stay on the lookout for music festivals and events such as this. It's easy to get into New Jersey and other nearby locations where these are held - All Points West is normally held over the summer in Liberty State Park, NJ, although it is rumored to be canceled this year.
Plus, bands often play additional shows while they're in the area - MGMT played a show at Fordham the day before they performed at Bamboozle this year, and other bands will play at schools and open venues during these times as well. So even if you can't make it to the big show, you may be able to catch the bands somewhere else in or near the city. Check specific band websites for details, or for rock bands they are often listed on OhMyRockness.
Although it's a great opportunity to rock out all day long, come prepared! Your bands will probably only play the popular crowd-pleasers, so if you're looking for an intimate event where you hear the full repertoire of a band, this may not be the event for you. Additionally, crowds usually get very rowdy, so it's not always worth it to be stuck in a pit close to the stage - sometimes staying further away is more gratifying. This year, I found the crowd to be obnoxious and lacking in rhythm, but perhaps this varies by year and festival.
This year, I went to the second day, where Weezer headlined. As usual, they put on an amazing, entertaining show - complete with beach balls, a Lady GaGa impersonation, and general Weezer shenanigans and jokes.
The other bands of the day performed well, my favorite being the reunion performance by Piebald. Stuck on a smaller stage, this Massachusetts band rocked hard and got their entire audience dancing for every single song. They've broken up, but it's still worth looking into their discography: particularly their "We Are The Only Friends We Have" album.
So stay on the lookout for music festivals and events such as this. It's easy to get into New Jersey and other nearby locations where these are held - All Points West is normally held over the summer in Liberty State Park, NJ, although it is rumored to be canceled this year.
Plus, bands often play additional shows while they're in the area - MGMT played a show at Fordham the day before they performed at Bamboozle this year, and other bands will play at schools and open venues during these times as well. So even if you can't make it to the big show, you may be able to catch the bands somewhere else in or near the city. Check specific band websites for details, or for rock bands they are often listed on OhMyRockness.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Alwin Nikolais 2010: From the Horse's Mouth
On April 30, 2010 at the Abrons Arts Center, there was a performance celebrating the life and work of famous modern choreographer and teacher Alwin Nikolais.
According to the program,
Overall, the night was intriguing to someone who has studied Nikolais technique for a year while in college - although those not familiar with his improvisational ideas and emphasis on space, time, motion, and shape may not understand some of the jokes or movement on stage.
Still, even those not familiar with Nikolais and his approach to dance were sure to have a few laughs. You did not need to know the importance of Murray Louis or the company history to appreciate many of the stories told. Several of the former (and still practicing) dancers were eccentric characters - especially Beverly Blossom, who made the audience erupt in laughter incessantly.
These non-traditional dance performances are a great treat - not everyone has the patience to sit through an evening-length ballet, but an event such as this often incorporates humor and movement that even a non-dancer can find amusing.
The piece also related directly back to the theater - the Abrons Arts Center was once under the direction of Nikolais, and many of the recollections were of learning and performing in the very space the audience was sitting in. It was a charming, old space. I had never been in the theater before, but it was full of character, comfortable, and seems to have a varied line-up set for the coming weeks.
To reach the Abrons Arts Center, take a bus or the F train to Delancey Street. It is a relatively short walk over to 466 Grand Street - and tickets for the events can either be bought online or at the door. Leave some spare time to get lost if you're not familiar with the non-gridded downtown streets: I myself ran a few minutes behind schedule after taking a quick detour down a wrong street!
According to the program,
"From The Horse's Mouth is structured so that only four people are on stage at one time. Sitting in a chair center stage, each performer tells a brief story relevant to their past or current involvement with dance, then performs his/her own movement phrase - first in place then traveling through space, sometimes improvising with another dancer. A chance element is introduced by picking a card from a box. The card suggests how to vary the phrase. These sections are juxtaposed with stage crossings with the performers appearing in full costume. Some costumes depict a favorite dance; others represent a costume they have always wanted to wear."
Overall, the night was intriguing to someone who has studied Nikolais technique for a year while in college - although those not familiar with his improvisational ideas and emphasis on space, time, motion, and shape may not understand some of the jokes or movement on stage.
Still, even those not familiar with Nikolais and his approach to dance were sure to have a few laughs. You did not need to know the importance of Murray Louis or the company history to appreciate many of the stories told. Several of the former (and still practicing) dancers were eccentric characters - especially Beverly Blossom, who made the audience erupt in laughter incessantly.
These non-traditional dance performances are a great treat - not everyone has the patience to sit through an evening-length ballet, but an event such as this often incorporates humor and movement that even a non-dancer can find amusing.
The piece also related directly back to the theater - the Abrons Arts Center was once under the direction of Nikolais, and many of the recollections were of learning and performing in the very space the audience was sitting in. It was a charming, old space. I had never been in the theater before, but it was full of character, comfortable, and seems to have a varied line-up set for the coming weeks.
To reach the Abrons Arts Center, take a bus or the F train to Delancey Street. It is a relatively short walk over to 466 Grand Street - and tickets for the events can either be bought online or at the door. Leave some spare time to get lost if you're not familiar with the non-gridded downtown streets: I myself ran a few minutes behind schedule after taking a quick detour down a wrong street!
Welcome!
Hello, and welcome to my blog on arts and entertainment in NYC!
This was initially created to document my research for my upcoming writing in Campus Clipper, so it will focus on arts and entertainment from a student's perspective. I plan on briefly reviewing shows I've seen, mentioning cheap opportunities, and generally documenting the arts scene in NYC. I'll try not to get too theoretical in terms of dance analysis, since this is intended to be a fun guide. If you have any comments of your own, suggestions, or requests on something to cover - leave a message!
As an active dancer, I will likely be focusing on and discussing a lot about dance. I'll also be doing research on theater, visual arts, and other performance viewing opportunities. Additionally, I frequent concerts throughout the city when I have the time, so hopefully there will be a wide variety of ideas for your entertainment in NYC!
This was initially created to document my research for my upcoming writing in Campus Clipper, so it will focus on arts and entertainment from a student's perspective. I plan on briefly reviewing shows I've seen, mentioning cheap opportunities, and generally documenting the arts scene in NYC. I'll try not to get too theoretical in terms of dance analysis, since this is intended to be a fun guide. If you have any comments of your own, suggestions, or requests on something to cover - leave a message!
As an active dancer, I will likely be focusing on and discussing a lot about dance. I'll also be doing research on theater, visual arts, and other performance viewing opportunities. Additionally, I frequent concerts throughout the city when I have the time, so hopefully there will be a wide variety of ideas for your entertainment in NYC!
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