Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Cheap Chick Bargain Bulletin: PEN for Pennies, April 29th, 2009

Pen World Voices Festival
Just a quick shout-out to the folks over at the PEN World Voices Festival. This literary event features lectures, panel discussions, and readings and more with participants from around the world.

Cheap Chick Info: Various locations, price ranges from free events on up. Check here for more info: http://www.pen.org/page.php/prmID/1096
Location Info: Varies.
Subway: Varies.

Cheap Chick Weekend Picks, May 1st to May 3rd, 2009

Friday May 1st, 2009
Friday Night Slam
10 p.m.
Put on that beret and come feel the vibe of poetry man.
Cheap Chick Info: $10
Location Info: Nuyorican Poets Cafe, 158 Ludlow at Stanton
Subway: F to Second Avenue

Saturday May 2nd, 2009
Wildflower Week
Various days and times from May 2nd to May 9th, 2009
Flower children unite, today kicks off Wildflower Week, which includes seven days of events such as walks, tours, and gardening demonstrations sure to turn your thumb green. Here's a complete list of events: http://nycgovparks.org/sub_things_to_do/events/output_pages/wildflower_week.php
Cheap Chick Info: Most events are free, check the website for pricing on certain events.
Location Info: Throughout the boroughs.
Subway: Varies

Future Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway Bike Tour
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
As part of the month-long Bike Month celebration you can participate in this 10-mile ride (at a family pace) with stops along the waterfront for information about the proposed projects. Be sure to bring an extra tube, sunscreen, helmet, extra water, and a camera.
Cheap Chick Info: Free!
Location Info: Meet at the Newtown Barge Terminal Playground, 1155 Manhattan Avenue
Subway: G to Greenpoint Avenue, 7 to Vernon Boulevard-Jackson Avenue

Comedy at BAM
9:30 p.m.
Tonight's performance marks the inaugeral night of this new comedy venture. Comics include John Roberts, Kumail Nanjiani, Derrick Comedy, and Daily Show alum Wyatt Cenac, and is hosted by Dave Hill.
Cheap Chick Info: Free!
Location Info: BAM, 30 Lafayette Avenue
Subway: 2,3,4,5,B,Q to Atlantic Avenue

Sunday May 3rd, 2009
3rd Ward Green Bikes Birthday Block Party
2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Massive block party with live music, games and free bikes for everyone who signs up for a 3rd Ward membership!
Cheap Chick Info: Free, must RSVP to events@3rdward.com
Location Info: 195 Morgan Avenue at Stagg Street, fair is on Stagg
Subway: L to Grand Street

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Costumes on the Cheap, Library of the Performing Arts Costume Exhibit-Just a Few Days Left!

Only in the theater can a vintage fan become a tree, like the one that was the inspiration for a set piece in a production of Tom Sawyer that I saw at the exhibit Curtain Call: Celebrating a Century of Women Designing for a Live Performance. at the New York Public Library.

My friend and I maneuvered through a forest of costumes from the gaudy to the jeweled (or both!), which included a glittery ice-blue, ruffled gown designed for Glinda in a production of Wicked, lizard costumes for the Edward Albee play Seascape, a donkey head for A Midsummer's Night Dream, two pink sheep from Candide, and the Lumiere candlestick and iconic yellow dress designed for Belle in Beauty and the Beast, which I actually saw on Broadway (though I blush admitting this) I was with my mom, I swear! My only complaint about the costume portion of the exhibit was that the way the signs were arranged forced my friend and me to bounce from side-to-side to match the information with the diffferent costumes.

Looking at the sketches on display I didn't realize how creative you could be while just thinking out your ideas. In writing it's pretty much scribbles and cross-outs (possibly in different-colored ink), some carrots, and maybe if you're really lucky some doodles in the margins-I specialize in flowers, or perhaps the coup de grace, a writing exercise that actually involves drawing (such as the assignment was asked to draw a picture of the neighborhood wher I grew up, but that's another story....) but with costume design, there were whole collages, fabric samples, magazine cut-outs, and beads. Catherine Zuber who designed the aforementioned (I love this word!) lizard costumes actually used pictures of real lizards as her inspiration. Much as I applaud these cut and paste methods (I generally prefer to write longhand on writing pads) I also found out that some designers scan their sketches into computers and can add color directly to their sketch. How 21st century of them...

Believe it or not, but there actually is more to designing costumes than sashes, hats, capes, and feathers. I learned that yellow is the hardest color to use onstage because it can be harsh against the skin tone and cause it to look green, that fabrics for dance, especially ballet, must be lightweight, and most costumes are actually minimalistic and made up of net and air.

The set models we saw were a whole other nod to creative detail, I think my favorite had to be the design for High Fidelity, complete with tiny record albums, though the set for Crimes of the Heart had a cake on the kitchen table and a little phone, and the shadowbox for Nocturne had a man in a bathtub with books and shoes, clothes, and a plate of food on the floor.

At the end of the costume platform, props (?) such as masks of Egyptian-like faces and large, weird bugs dominated the area and there were TVs playing clips of various theater productions that you could listen to with headphones.

One last bit of theater-geek amusement, on the information card for a costume from Macbeth, they described it as "the Scottish play." Love it!

Cheap Chick Info: Free! This exhibit only has a few days left to it, (through May 2nd, 2009) but I also highly recommend you check out their other exhibit, 40 Years of Firsts: Dance Theater of Harlem, which is on until May 9th, 2009. Exhibit hours: Tues, Wed, and Fri: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Mon, Thurs: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Sat: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Location Info: New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, 40 Lincoln Center Plaza
Subway: 1 to 66th Street, B, D, C,A to 59th Street/Columbus Circle

Cheap Chick Bargain Bulletin: I Scream for Cheap Ice Cream April 28th, 2009

Just a friendly reminder that on April 29th from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. you can get a scoop of Baskin-Robbins ice cream for just 31 cents! Enjoy while you reminisce about these past few days of sunshine we've been enjoying!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Cheap Chick Weekend Picks, April 24-26, 2009

Earth Day Extravaganza!

Earth Day was April 22nd, but in New York City the tree-hugging continues!

Friday April 24th and Saturday April 25th 2009
EarthFair at Grand Central
Friday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Enjoy organic food, yoga, and music plus other activities!
Cheap Chick Info: Free!
Location Info: Grand Central Terminal, Outside: Vanderbilt Avenue, 42nd Street to 45th Street, Inside: Vanderbilt Hall
Subway: 4,5,6,7,S to Grand Central

Friday April 24th, 2009
Nerd Nite at Galapagos Art Space
Break out that pocket protector, practice your Klingon, and tape up those glasses! This regular event features an "earthy" lecture on wildflowers by Marielle Anzelone.
Cheap Chick Info: $7, tickets are going fast, purchase here: https://www.smarttix.com/show.aspx?showCode=NER33 ASAP!
Location Info: Galapagos Art Space, 16 Main Street, DUMBO
Subway: F to York A, C to High Street

Saturday April 25th, 2009
Yes We Canned art exhibit
If you need a lotto ticket or canned food you can hop to your neighborhood bodega or check out the one that artist Ryan Watkins created in a gallery complete with recycled art and even lotto tickets.
Cheap Chick Info: Free! Exhibit runs through May 10th, Gallery open 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays.
Location Info: Heist Gallery, 27 Essex Street between Grand and Hester Streets
Subway: F,J,M,Z to Delancey/Essex

Sunday April 26th, 2009
Earth Day in Central Park
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Join the celebration with live performances, planting and mulching projects, tree care demonstrations, environmental education, and crafts with recycled materials.
Cheap Chick Info: Free!
Location Info: Central Park Bandshell, Enter east or west at 72nd Street
Subway: D to 72nd Street, 6 to 68th or 77th Street

NYC Grows Garden Festival
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The parks department hosts this annual event where you can participate in activities and demonstrations related to gardening.
Cheap Chick Info: Free!
Location Info: Union Square Park
Subway: 4,5,6,L,N,R,Q,W to Union Square

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Cheap Chick Bargain Bulletin: Film Fest Fun! April 21, 2009

If you're craving buttered popcorn, quirky turn off your cell phone announcements (you know the ones I'm talking about, like the one where the Native Americans hunting buffalo and are interrupted by an annoying cell phone ringtone), and those comfortable stadium seats, then you should be sure to check out these two events!

The Tribeca Film Festival (starts April 22, 2009 runs through May 3, 2009)
Check here for film info and to purchase tickets for this annual event: http://www.tribecafilm.com
Cheap Chick Info: Ticket prices range from $10 to $15
Location and Subway Info: Various venues throughout the city

Thursday April 23, 2009
Rooftop Films Industrial Strength Comedy

Doors open at 8 p.m.
Enjoy live comedy and short films in a unique indoor space.
Cheap Chick Info: $6 online and at the door
Location Info: Old American Can Factory, 232 3rd Street at 3rd Avenue in Gowanus
Subway: F, G to Carroll, R to Union

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Cheap Chick Weekend Picks, April 17-19th, 2009

Friday April 17th
Chess Lessons in Bryant Park
3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Learn more about chess from the Midtown Backgammon and Chess group. Checkmate!
Cheap Chick Info: Free!
Location Info: Bryant Park chess area at 40th Street and Fifth Ave.
Subway: B,D,F,V to 42nd Street, 4,5,6,S,7 to Grand Central, 7 to Fifth Avenue

Friday April 17th, Saturday April 18th, and Sunday April 19th
20th Anniversary of Dances Patrelle
Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.
This dance performance will feature "Come Rain/Come Shine" and the premiere of "Murder at the Masque: The Casebook of Edgar Allan Poe."
Cheap Chick Info: Tickets are $20, for more info about the show please visit: http://www.dancespatrelle.org, to purchase tickets call (212) 772-4448.
Location Info: The Kaye Playhouse (68th Street btw Park & Lex)
Subway:
6 to 68th Street, 4,5 to 59th and Lexington Ave.

Saturday April 18th
Free Comedy Workshop at Comix
Class starts at 1:45 p.m.
Exercise your funny bone at this free class! Speakers include Seinfeld and Cheers writer Tom Leopold, Comix owner Harlan Halper, founder of The Manhattan Comedy School and the Director of New Talent at Comix Andy Engel, and NBC’s Last Comic Standing finalist Cory Kahaney. The class will also promote longer sessions at the Manhattan Comedy School.
Cheap Chick Info:
Free, but space is limited, call (212)462-3200 and register onilne.
Location Info:
Comix, 353 West 14th Street, near 8th Ave.
Subway:
A,C,E,L to 8th Ave. and 14th Street

Hike the bridges and waterways of Central Park

9 a.m. sharp
Explore areas of the park such as Harlem Meer and Sheep's Meadow with the Shorewalkers. What are you waiting for? The weather's great! Be sure to bring water and a lunch or snack for this five hour hike.
Cheap Chick Info:
The group asks for a $3 donation.
Location Info:
Meet at the Time Warner Center Towers Atrium at 59th Street and Columbus Circle
Subway:
A,C,E,D,1,2,3 to 59th Street/Columbus Circle

Sunday April 19th
Journey Through Time: Fort Greene & Clinton Hill walking tour
11 a.m.
This two-hour tour will cover the park, the nearby area of Clinton Hill, and a special peek inside the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument.
Cheap Chick Info: Free!
Location Info: Fort Greene Visitor Center, Fort Greene Park. Enter the park at Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park.
Subway:
R,Q,B,M to DeKalb Ave.

Spring Bee Count
12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Learn about bees and then participate in a citizen bee count in the park.
Cheap Chick Info:
Free!
Location Info:
Central Park, Belvedere Castle (Mid-Park at 79th Street)
Subway:
C to 81st Street

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Cheap Chick Bargain Bulletin: Four Days for Flowers and Cars, April 15, 2009

They almost slipped my mind, but I remembered in the nick of time that there are two cool annual events going on now until April 19th.

New York International Auto Show
Monday - Saturday: 11am - 10:30pm
Sundays: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Through April 19th
Gather with your fellow motorheads and check out the latest offerings in the car world.
Cheap Chick Info: $14, tickets can be purchased online here: http://www.autoshowny.com/tickets or at the show.
Location Info: Jacob Javits Convention Center 11th Ave. between 34th and 39th Streets
Subway: A,C,E,1,2,3 to Penn Station, A,C,E,1,2,3,7,S,N,R,Q,W to 42nd Street

Macy's Flower Show
Through April 19th
Occurs during store hours, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Stop and smell (and see!) the flowers!
Cheap Chick Info: Free!
Location Info: 34th Street, Herald Square
Subway: B,D,F,V,N,R,Q,W to 34th Street

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Cheap Chick Weekend Picks, April 10-12, 2009

Friday April 10th, 2009
Tango Lessons and Open Dancing
7:15 p.m. Introduction to Tango/Beginner
8:15 p.m. Intermediate level
Open dancing with DJ Lexa Rosean
Learn the dance of love (roses in mouth optional) with Leonardo Suarez Paz. Find out if you can channel the tango scene from Adams Family Values!
Cheap Chick Info: $9.99, $15 includes lesson
Location Info: Ukrainian East Village Restaurant, 140 2nd Ave (between 8th and 9th Streets)
Subway: 6 to Astor Place, N,R,W to 8th Street, F,V to Second Avenue

Alize Tasting
6 p.m.
Come and enjoy some free drinks with a few hundred of your friends (well they will be after you have a few drinks ;)
Cheap Chick Info: Free, but you need to RSVP here: http://www.eastvillagewineliquors.com/shop/custom.asp?recid=1
Location Info: East Village Wine and Liquors, 183 Stanton Street
Subway: F, V to Second Avenue

Saturday April 11th and Sunday April 12th, 2009
Ping Pong Tournament
Starts at 10:30 a.m.
I wonder if any of these players is as good as Forrest Gump...
Cheap Chick Info: Free!
Location Info: Columbia University Frances Levien Gymnasium, Dodge Fitness Center, Broadway and West 119th Street
Subway: 1 to 116th Street

Anarchist Book Fair
11 a.m.
Mmmm, subversive literature, fun times! Check out this book fair, which also includes panel discussions, movie screenings, and workshops.
Cheack Chick Info: Free!
Location Info: Judson Memorial Church, 55 Washington Square South
Subway: A,C,E,F,V to West Fourth, N, R to 8th Street, 1 to Christopher Street

Sunday April 12th, 2009
Easter Parade
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Grab that Easter bonnet and watch others parade down Fifth Avenue in the event made famous by the song. (or did the song become famous from the parade?) Who knows?
Cheap Chick Info: Free!
Location Info: Fifth Avenue from 49th Street to 57th Street
Subway: F to 47th-50th Street, F to 57th Street

Annual Easter Sunday Jewish Lower East Side Walking Tour
1 p.m.
Take a stroll with Big Onion Walking Tours and check out he founding site of the B’nai B’rith, the Jewish Daily Forward building, the historic Eldridge Street Synagogue, and sites associated with Rabbi Jacob Joseph, Abraham Cahan, and Lillian Wald.
Cheap Chick Info: $15, if a visit is made to the colonial cemetery of Congregation Shearith Israel an extra $3 per person donation is required.
Location Info: Southeast corner of Delancey and Essex Streets, in front of the Olympic Diner
Subway: F to Delancey Street, J/M/Z to Essex Street

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Cheap Chick Bargain Bullletin-Rooftop Films, Monday April 13, 2009

This screening isn't actually on the roof, but is being held indoors at the Chelsea Market, birthplace of the Oreo. The group Rooftop Films and The Stuyvesant High School Alumni Association are sponsoring a screening of the documentary Frontrunners, which follows Stuyvesant High School students as they run for student council president. The event includes music by the group Miracles of Modern Science.

Cheap Chick Info: Free! (but seating is first-come. first-served so get there early!) Plus free
Radeberger Pilsner for guests 21 and over. Doors open at 7 p.m. for Stuyvesant alums (alums must send an RSVP to stuyvesant@rooftopfilms.com) and 7:30 for the general public.
Location Info:
75 Ninth Avenue
Subway: A,C,E,L to 14th Street


Thursday, April 2, 2009

Cheap Chick Weekend Picks April 3-5, 2009

Friday April 3, 2009
6 p.m.
Scotland in the Garden
Hear Scottish pipes and drums downtown.

Cheap Chick Info:
Free!
Location:
British Memorial Garden, Hanover Square bordered by Stone Street and Pearl Street, Financial District
Subway Info: J, M, Z to Broad Street, 1, R, W to Whitehall Street South Ferry Station

Inwood Star Fest
8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The lights will be turned off in the park so people can use telescopes provided by the Amateur Astronomers Association.
Cheap Chick Info: Free!
Location: Inwood Hill Park, Dyckman Fields, (Enter from the western end of Dyckman Street)
Subway Info: 1 or 9 to 215th Street

Saturday April 4, 2009
Global Pillow Fight
3 p.m.
Bring a pillow and dodge those feathers as you join the fray!
Cheap Chick Info: Free!
Location: Federal Hall National Memorial, Wall Street and Broad Street
Subway Info: 4 or 5 to Wall Street, J,M,Z to Broad Street, 2 or 3 to Wall Street, R to Rector

First Saturdays at the Brooklyn Museum
5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Enjoy music, lectures, dance, and (oh yeah!) art as part of Target First Saturdays. The cafe is open and drinks including wine and beer are served at a cash bar.
Cheap Chick Info: Free!
Location: Brooklyn Museum of Art, 200 Eastern Parkway
Subway Info: 2 or 3 to Eastern Parkway/Brooklyn Museum

Sunday April 5, 2009
Litarary Walking Tour
1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Check out the haunts of NYC's literati including Edith Wharton, Henry James, Poe, Louisa May Alcott, and Edna St. Vincent Millay during this walking tour.
Cheap Chick Info: $10, reservations are required, call 212-475-9585, extension 35 or email rsvp@gvshp.org
Location: Merchant's House Museum, 29 East Fourth Street between Lafayette and Bowery
Subway Info: N, R to 8th Street, 6 to Astor Place, and F to Broadway/Lafayette