We should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once.
Treats & Eats
It's hard to believe that summer's quickly coming to an end.. I always try to be hyperaware of this time of year so that I can get as many summery-type things scheduled in as soon as possible before it's too late and I realize that it's scarf season and time for apple picking.
1.) Grand Banks: this barge docked on Pier 25 in TriBeCa last summer and is still a bit under-the-radar for most folks. About half the size of The Frying Pan, the boat is also quite more civilized than its rowdy brother up the river. The menu features sustainably produced, small farm and wild harvest oysters from both coasts, and has a beautifully curated menu of seafood including including lobster rolls and fried soft shell crabs by Kerry Heffernan, formerly of Eleven Madison Park. This little gem has a 12-seater oyster bar, in addition to the cocktail bar which serves up session & summery options, and a handful of tables port and starboard. [Word of advice: If you get sea sick, come for one drink and head out.] (photo courtesy of The Infatuation)
2. The Rockaways: there have been so many new happenings down at The Rockaways this summer, but one in particular stands out. Beach Sessions at 81st Beach is an evening of dance performances on the beach, followed by a beach clean-up, and (if you participated in the clean-up) is followed by community beers at The Rippers, sponsored by Sixpoint Brewery. Beach Sessions is in its inaugural season and is focused on "support[ing] creation, to inspire sustained investment in the natural beauty, and raise awareness of the unifying social importance of our oceans and beaches". Shannon Gillen of VIM VIGOR is the dancer this week, performing at 4p & 6p on Saturday, August 22nd. Beach cleanup starts at 7p. Getting a free beer for helping to keep our community clean? Don't mind if I do.
Sights & Sounds
1. It may not be free this year, but the Afropunk Fest line-up looks amazing enough to tempt the $75 weekend ticket price ($250 VIP or $45 Sat/Sun) from my pocket. It takes place this Saturday and Sunday in Brooklyn's Commodore Barry Park. With artists like Grace Jones, Ms Lauren Hill and Kelis on Saturday, and Lenny Kravitz and Thundercat (check out this Summer jam) on Sunday, its about to go down! If you need some fuel, theres also a Bites&Beats food festival next to the park where you can get everything from nuchas to noodles.
2. If the festival vibe isn't your scene, but you still just gotta dance, head to MOMA PS1, for their Summer Warm Up on Saturday from 3-9. This music series runs till Sept 5th, so there are only a few Saturdays left! Tickets are $18 adv, $20 on the door and include admission to this awesome contemporary art space, which is housed in an old public school in LIC. Definitely make time to check out some exhibitions while you're there and if you get peckish, M Wells dinette will be serving snacks and cocktails all day long.
As always, if you need us to book tickets for you or want help planning your weekend, let us help!