Today’s “Fab 5″/ Selected NYCity Events – SUNDAY, JUNE 08, 2014.
For other useful and curated NYCity event info for Manhattan’s WestSide check out:
♦ “9 Notable NYCity Events-June”, and also “on Broadway”, and “Top10 Free” in the header above.
♦ For NYCity Sights, Sounds and Stories visit out our sister site: nyc123blog.wordpress.com
♦ For NYCity trip planning see links in “Resources” and “Smart Stuff” in the header above. =========================================================================
Blue Note Jazz Festival (through June 30)
“Now in its fourth year, this month long festival unfolds over more than a dozen spaces in the city. Among this week’s highlights the new-fusion group Global Noize, performing “Sly Reimagined,” its Sly Stone tribute, on Sunday at 8 p.m. the Highline Ballroom, 431 West 16th Street, Chelsea; and the soul-jazz singer José James, in an album-release show with an opening set by his ace keyboardist Kris Bowers, at the Highline Ballroom on Thursday at 8 p.m.“ (Chinen-NYT)
More details are at bluenotejazzfestival.com.
Damon Albarn
“After making a huge splash in the mid-nineties as the front man of Blur, a standard-bearer for golden-age Britpop, Albarn went on to create, among many other projects, the innovative “virtual band” Gorillaz, which worked with such real-life collaborators as Lou Reed and Bobby Womack.(In 2012, he co-produced Womack’s first record in nearly twenty years, “The Bravest Man in the Universe.”) On his own, Albarn has matured into a fascinating songwriter who embeds personal lyrics in an ever-expanding musical palette. His début solo album, “Everyday Robots,” has strings, Eastern harmonies, and African accents, and includes songs about Albarn’s ongoing journey, whether musicological, biographical, or spiritual.” (NewYorker)
Irving Plaza, 17 Irving Pl.
212-777-6800 /
Bluegrass and Gray: Sounds of the Americana with Dailey & Vincent
Grammy-Award Nominated Bluegrass band Dailey & Vincent join forces with DCINY to celebrate the American tradition of country-style Bluegrass music with an electrifying blend of gospel and folk in Carol Barnett’s, “World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass.” John Purifoy’s “Chronicles of Blue and Gray” spans the Civil War in three thrilling movements of choral delight.
The concert will be performed by Distinguished Concerts Singers International, a choir of 200 voices and the Distinguished Concerts Orchestra.
Carnegie Hall, 881 7th Ave
At 2 pm / $20-$100.
212.247.7800 / CarnegieHall.org
Brian Charette Trio
“The Hammond B-3 organist Brian Charette has a bright new trio album, “Square One,” featuring the guitarist Yotam Silberstein and the drummer Mark Ferber. Its contemporary spin on soul jazz should resonate here.” (Chinen-NYT)
55 Bar, 55 Christopher Street, West Village,
212-929-9883, 55bar.com
At 9:30 p.m. / $10.
FIGMENT NYC
A weekend of artsy interactive fun on Governors Island
“FIGMENT NYC returns to give Governors Island its annual injection of creative energy. Guided by the same principles as Burning Man, the summer-long program seeks to inspire and unlock creativity and kicks off this weekend with two days of artsy interactive fun. Among the over 100 activities, you may find yourself battling strangers with super-soaked plush toys, embarking on a theatrical scavenger hunt, creating a piece of art by walking on a treadmill, or releasing your imagination inside a cocoon.
Also, be on the lookout for a variety of installations including Columbia GSAPP’s Harry Slump, the gothic-inspired Pole Vault, and the Picnic, which provides an olfactory experience. Fans of the Golden Bear will be happy to hear the mini-golf course is back, this time with a “New York City Now” theme, as is Ben Jones’ Treehouse, and the Governor’s Cup pavilion, all of which remain up for the duration of the summer. Imaginarians aren’t going to want to miss out on this one, so grab a FIGMENT name tag and let the games begin.” (Mindy Bond, Editor- FlavorPill)
Governors Island
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♦ Before making final plans, we suggest you call the venue to confirm ticket availability, dates and times, as schedules are subject to change.
♦ NYCity is a big town with many visitors where quality shows draw crowds. Try to reserve seats in advance, even if just on day of performance.
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Liberty in View – Battery Park City
On the Hudson River waterfront in Battery Park City, a woman contemplates the harbor before an afternoon rainstorm. (June 8, 2014)
Every Sunday in the NYT Metropolitan section, a photographer offers a new slice of New York. A wonderful slice of life it is – Thanks NewYorkTimes: N.Y. / Region section
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A PremierPub – Upper West Side
Dinosaur / 700 W125th St. @ 12th ave.
Walk only five minutes from the 125th st. station on the #1 line to find this authentic honky-tonk barbecue joint. Some folks think Dinosaur is just a place to eat ribs. Au contraire. With 24 carefully selected taps, this is a place to drink beer, and eat ribs.
No food goes better with American craft ales than American barbecue. Dinosaur may be the best combo of good beer drinking and hearty eating in town, which makes the trip to Harlem totally worthwhile.
This second incarnation of Dinosaur in Harlem is in an old brick warehouse near the Hudson River. Don’t let that run down exterior fool you. Inside it’s a large space with huge, rough wooden columns and unfinished wooden floors and brick walls – just right for a bbq joint. As soon as you open the door you are hit with that tantalizing aroma of barbecue coming from the large open kitchen. Reminds me of all those great rib joints I frequented when stationed in North Carolina all those years ago. If your stomach wasn’t grumbling before, it is now.
Head to the bar, sit down and try to decide on a beer. It’s not an easy decision – a good problem to have. This is a pretty damn good beer list to choose from, one that most beer bars should be jealous of. I love that they feature NY craft beers. You may want to try the four beer sampler, which is always fun, and in this place may be necessary.
The Mississippi blues music playing in the background will get you in the mood for their North Carolina style barbecue, and even when it’s a full house your order shouldn’t take too long. The food is all slow smoked, so it’s already mostly done and ready to go. I always start with an order of their giant, spice rubbed wings, so good they may make you give up Buffalo wings.
Unfortunately, a place this good does not fly under the radar. There can be some humongous waits for a table at dinnertime. So you need a strategy – avoid prime time, and try not to arrive with your entire posse, which will limit your seating options.
A seat at the bar, a small table in the bar area, or in the summer, an outside table, underneath what’s left of the elevated West Side Hwy, all may open before a table inside the main dining room. Otherwise, try Dinosaur for lunch, or come very late for dinner.
Website: http://www.dinosaurbarbque.com/
Phone #: 212-694-1777
Hours: M-Th 11:30am-11:00pm; Fr-Sa 11:30am-12:00am;
Su 12:00pm-10:00pm
Happy Hour: 4-7pm every day; $1 off all drinks
Music: Fri / Sat 10:00pm
Subway: #1 to 125th st
Walk 2 blk W on 125th to Dinosaur Bar-B-Q,
just past the elevated highway
NYCity 1-2-3 : What's Happening / Manhattan's WestSide 