Category: Music

Social Dance at Lincoln Center

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Get moving and have fun on NYC’s largest outdoor dance floor! Salsa, tango, rumba, and of course, disco – all under a ten-foot disco ball. This year, Social Dance at Lincoln Center is featuring a series of women DJs, all with their own style.

This week, https://www.lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city/las-karamba-873

Las Karambas is an all-women band with members from Argentina, Spain, France, Venezuela, and Cuba. Their sound and rhythm include bolero, son, salsa, rumba, Hip-Hop and pop. Come dance and sing with Las Karambas!

The Dance Floor opens with DJ set at 6:30 pm
Dance lesson at 7:00 pm
Live music at 7:30 pm

Afterwards, stay for the Silent Disco at 10:00 pm

There are two ways to access this free event:
1. General Admission, first-come first-served. Just show up!
2. Fast Track opening the Monday before the event at noon.

For the full schedule, extending to August 9th,

https://www.lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city/s/Social%20Dance

Have fun and don’t forget your dancin’ shoes!

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Top Ten Things T🌞 D🌞 In NYC This Summer 🌇

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Summer is finally here! Looking for fun and adventure during these long, hot days? Here are ten great things to do in and around New York City this summer.

10. Visit a museum!

Too hot outside? Visit an air conditioned museum for free or pay-what-you-wish.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art: https://www.metmuseum.org/ (New York State residents and students from NY, NJ, CT can pay what they wish).

Queens County Farm Museum: https://www.queensfarm.org/ (A working farm in the city, often with free admission or low-cost events).

9. Explore a Botanical Garden

Escape the heat of the city and immerse yourself in nature at one of NYC’s beautiful botanical gardens.

New York Botanical Garden: https://www.nybg.org/

Brooklyn Botanic Garden: https://www.bbg.org/

8. Discover NYC’s Rooftop Bars

Escape the heat with a refreshing drink & incredible skyline views.

Time Out’s Best Rooftop Bars NYC: https://www.timeout.com/newyork/bars/best-rooftop-bars-in-nyc

7. Go Kayaking or Boating

Many public boathouses offer free kayaking in the Hudson River and other waterways.

Check NYC Parks for free kayaking locations: https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/kayaking

6. Catch a Broadway Show

To go or not to go? Definitely go! Experience the magic of live theater in the heart of the Theater District.

Broadway Direct (For show listings and tickets): https://broadwaydirect.com/shows/

5. Feeling Hungry?

Check out Smorgasburg: A must-visit for foodies, this open-air food market features dozens of local vendors.

Smorgasburg: https://www.smorgasburg.com/ (Check their website for current weekend locations and hours in Williamsburg, Prospect Park, and the World Trade Center).

4. Visit Governors Island

Take a short ferry ride to this car-free island for bike rentals, hammocks, art installations, and stunning skyline views.

Governors Island: https://www.govisland.com/

3. Wander The High Line

This elevated park offers unique city views, art installations, and lush greenery.

The High Line: https://www.thehighline.org/

2. Explore Coney Island

Enjoy classic amusement park rides, the boardwalk, and the beach! -Check for Friday night fireworks!

Luna Park in Coney Island: https://lunaparknyc.com/

Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park: https://www.denoswonderwheel.com/

1. Catch a Free Outdoor Movie or Performance

NYC parks come alive in the summer with free movie screenings and live performances.

Bryant Park Movie Nights: https://bryantpark.org/activities/movie-nights

SummerStage in Central Park (Check their schedule for free concerts and performances): https://cityparksfoundation.org/summerstage/

NYC Parks Movies Under The Stars: Check the NYC Parks website for specific dates and locations: https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/movies-under-the-stars

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April Holidays

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April is known for many things: the start of spring, Arbor Day, as well as Easter & Passover. But did you know it’s also known as National BLT Sandwich Month and International Guitar Month 🤟🎸?

A B.L.T Sandwich ( Bacon, lettuce & tomato )
Kirk Hammett – guitarist for Metallica

Here are a few more lesser known holidays to celebrate in the month of April…

The first Saturday of April is International Pillow Fight Day. “What is International Pillow Fight Day?” you ask. Read all about it here.

Sometimes getting dressed in the morning can be a challenge – no worries! On April 6th come to work/school in your pajamas for National Pajama Day.

No Housework Day on April 7th says it all. Take the day off from your household chores and rest; maybe watch a movie or drink some wine- do the dishes tomorrow, they can wait!

Image gallery image

April 7th is also National Coffee Cake Day, so why not grab a cup of coffee to pair with this sweet treat. Not sure what coffee cake is? Check out this YouTube video and learn all about this deliciously mis-understood “breakfast” food.

Hug Your Dog Day is on April 10th – Show your dog some love with a big hug. Don’t have a dog, maybe consider adopting one!

National Siblings Day is on April 10th. If you have a brother or sister, reach out to them to send your love. If you don’t have a sibling, maybe consider volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters – “a mentoring organization that pairs adult volunteers with children to help them develop positive relationships and reach their full potential”.

National Pet Day 🐶🐱 is April 11th. Do you have a pet? Maybe you want another pet? Check out the ASPCA and adopt a new cat or dog today.

If you love bread and cheese, Grilled Cheese Day on April 12th is perfect for you. Check out this video on how to make the world’s greatest sandwich:

And finally, if you’re tired of all the music streaming services, maybe head to your local record store on April 20th for National Record Store Day. Check out this list of the top ten record stores in New York City. 

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Spring in New York City

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Spring in NYC is amazing—perfect weather, blooming cherry blossoms, and lots of outdoor activities. Here are some top recommendations: 

🌸 Enjoy the Blooming Flowers

– Brooklyn Botanic Garden – The Cherry Blossom Festival (Sakura Matsuri) is a must-see.

– Central Park – Walk through the Conservatory Garden or check out the cherry blossoms near the Reservoir.

 🏙️ Outdoor Sightseeing & Views  

– The High Line – A scenic walk with art, gardens, and views of the city.

– Roosevelt Island Tram – Take the tram from Manhattan and stroll along the waterfront. 

 🎭 Festivals & Events

– Tribeca Film Festival (June) – Catch indie films and premieres.

– Macy’s Flower Show (late March–early April) – A massive floral display in Herald Square.

🚲 Outdoor Adventures

– Kayaking on the Hudson – Free kayaking at Pier 26.

– Bike around Central Park – Rent a bike and enjoy the fresh air.

-Visit a traditional Chinese garden in Staten Island – New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden

– Roosevelt Island Tram – Take the tram from Manhattan go Roosevelt Island. 

🍽️ Food & Drinks 

– Smorgasburg (April–October) – A massive outdoor food market in Brooklyn. 

– Queens Night Market –  Over 100 vendors selling merchandise, art, and food in Queens.

🎶 Live Music & Culture 

– Shakespeare in the Park (starts in May) – Free performances at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park.

– Jazz at Lincoln Center – A cozy live music spot.

⚾ Sports

-See a Mets baseball game at Citi Field in Queens or a Yankees game in the Bronx.

-Watch a soccer game at the NYC Football Club

🐯 Family Friendly Activities

-Come see your favorite animals at the Bronx Zoo

-Don’t like animals – how about fish? Pay a visit to the New York Aquarium.

–Children’s Museum – The B.C.M offers exhibits and programs for children of all ages.

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Rain or Shine Revisited

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Feel the 80’s vibes! Here’s a song using our latest idiom of the week – the lyrics are both in the video and below:

Rain or Shine

by Five Star

You’re my knight in shining armour
Chase the devil and the dragons away
From manana to manana
Do I am love you, yes I do do
Storm or sun
You’re the only one and this is how I feel

Rain or shine, you’ll always be
One in a million, my fantasy come true
Rain or shine, it’s you and me
Cut me a heart on a tree and say, it’s for ever not a year and a day

Robin Hood and Major Tom
All the super heroes rolled into one
Kiss away my sad and lonelies
Do I am love you, yes I do do
Silk and steel
That’s the way you feel, and how I love you now

Rain or shine, you’ll always be
One in a million, my fantasy come true
Rain or shine, it’s you and me
Cut me a heart on a tree and say, it’s for ever, not a year and a day
How I love you still

How I love you now
How I love you now
Rain or shine, you’ll always be
One in a million, my fantasy come true
Rain or shine, it’s you and me
Cut me a heart on a tree and say from me to you

Rain
Shine
Rain
Shine
Rain or shine, you’ll always be
One in a million, my fantasy come true
Rain or shine, it’s you and me

Rain or shine
Fantasy comes true
Rain or shine
Rain or shine
Fantasy comes true

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Summertime Blues

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Here’s a classic old song for you about summertime with some good examples of informal English in it. Here is a key to some of these words along with the song’s lyrics:

raise a fuss, raise a holler = cause trouble, yell loudly, make noise

gonna = going to

“No dice” = “No chance,” “It’s useless”

ain’t = isn’t, aren’t

gotta = got to, have to, must

’cause = because

“You didn’t work a lick” = “You didn’t do any work”

“Summertime Blues”

by Eddie Cochran

Well I’m a gonna raise a fuss, I’m gonna raise a holler
About working all summer just to try and earn a dollar
Every time I call my baby to try to get a date
My boss says, “No dice, son, you gotta work late.”
Sometimes I wonder what I’m gonna do
But there ain’t no cure for the summertime blues

Well, my mom and papa told me, “Son, you gotta make some money
If you want to use the car to go riding next Sunday”
Well, I didn’t go to work, told the boss I was sick
“Now you can’t use the car ’cause you didn’t work a lick”
Sometimes I wonder what I’m gonna do
‘Cause there ain’t no cure for the summertime blues

I’m gonna take two weeks, gonna have a fun vacation
I’m gonna take my problem to the United Nations
Well, I called my Congressman and he said quote
“I’d like to help you son, but you’re too young to vote”
Sometimes I wonder what I’m gonna do
But there ain’t no cure for the summertime blues

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