Part II: 7 Great Places to Hear Cool Jazz on a Budget in NYC

By Jacquelin Carnegie - (New York, NY) Jazz clubs are not the only place to hear great music. In NYC, there are several unique venues to enjoy jazz on a budget.

(photo: Evi Abeler)

UNIQUE JAZZ VENUES

Saint Peter’s Church
619 Lexington Ave, at 54th St; Tel: 212-935-2200; www.saintpeters.org
Saint Peter’s Church is a sanctuary for jazz! There's a Jazz Vespers (Sundays, 5pm, Free) and midday Jazz on the Plaza in the summertime (July thru early Sept; Thursdays, 12:30pm-1:30pm, Cost: donation).

Louis Armstrong House Museum
34-56 107th St, Corona, Queens; Tel: 718/478-8274; www.louisarmstronghouse.org
Any jazz lover should make a pilgrimage to the house "Satchmo" lived in from 1943 until his death in 1971 in this working-class, Queens neighborhood. An added treat is the Summer Concert Series in the magnificent garden. With the addition of the new Louis Armstrong Center, just across the street, there will be year-round events.

Lucky Dogs Jazz Band with "Satchmo"

Jazz Foundation of America

- Local 802, Monday Night Jam

(Mondays: 7-9:30pm, be sure to check the calendar; Free. Local 802, 322 West 48th St.)

For the past 30+ years, the Jazz Foundation of America has helped keep jazz & blues alive by aiding musicians in-need. This includes musicians who've played with everyone from Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday to Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones. Usually, on Monday nights, you can hear some of these greats, along with up-&-comers, jam for free!

Nick Hempton

The National Jazz Museum in Harlem
58 West 129th St; Tel: 212/348-8300; www.jmih.org 

The Jazz Museum offers concerts, educational exhibits, and several interesting programs such as “Jazz for Curious Listeners” and “Harlem Speaks,” an interview series; it's definitely worth a visit. The NJMH also does events in conjunction with the Jazz Foundation & Jazz at Lincoln Center.

AFFORDABLE JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER & JUILLIARD

Jazz at Lincoln Center
Frederick P. Rose Hall, Broadway at 60th St; www.jazz.org
There are several affordable ways to enjoy jazz at this great venue: Dizzy’s Club - Late Night Session ($15, after 11pm); Hot Seats ($10) for select concerts in the Rose Theater; The Appel Room ($10 for students); Listening Parties - (Free) Listen to new jazz albums with the

Dizzy's Club (photo: Frank Stewart)

performers who recorded them or learn about late, great jazz artists.
Call: 212-258-9800 to find out about more JALC free/cheap events.

The Juilliard School (Tel: 212/769-7406; juilliard.edu) Throughout the school year, Juilliard offers many, free & affordable jazz concerts by The Juilliard Jazz Orchestra and the Juilliard Jazz Ensembles in Paul Hall (155 West 65th St) and other venues. Since most Juilliard grads go on to fame-and-fortune, hear them now for free! (Live Stream some concerts.)
FREE SUMMER JAZZ FESTIVALS IN NYC

Charlie Parker Jazz Festival (August), Jazz Mobile (July & August) & Swing in the Streets JALC (46th St & Broadway, 5pm, Thursdays thru Sept.)

Jazz Nights in NYC: Jazz fans check out gigs for the fabulous sax players Nick Hempton and his band and the great Mike DiRubbo. 
Find out about other festivals and New York City's jazz scene all year long from: Hot House Jazz & The New York City Jazz Record.

(Even post-COVID, please double check all event listings before heading out!)

5+ Artsy & Cool Things To Do in Brooklyn, New York

By Jacquelin Carnegie

Brooklyn Bridge (photo: DUMBO BID)

Since Brooklyn has become the "hip" NYC borough, gentrification has set in with trendy boutiques and pricey restaurants now the norm. But, somehow, that doesn't take away from Brooklyn's charm. The old neighborhoods are still worth exploring and the new additions just add to the cool factor.

1) GO ON A HOUSE TOUR
A great way to explore Brooklyn's neighborhoods is on an annual, self-guided house tour. You get a peek into beautifully-decorated, private, brownstone homes, and the chance to discover lovely local churches and interesting businesses. The nominal fee is usually used to benefit the neighborhood preservation society and/or a good, local cause:

(photo: Fort Green Association)

Park Slope (May) parkslopeciviccouncil.org

Prospect-Lefferts Gardens (June) www.leffertsmanor.org
Victorian Flatbush (June) www.fdconline.org

2) VISIT ARTISTS STUDIOS & GALLERIES
Another great way to explore different Brooklyn neighborhoods is on regularly scheduled Art Walks, when local galleries stay open late, and during annual Open Studio visits:

Drift, Leonard Ursachi, DUMBO

DUMBO Gallery Walk - 1st Thursday, 6-8pm (www.dumbonyc.org) - Whether you're already an art lover or just want to see what's what, 1st Thursday gives you the chance to visit several galleries in one evening while strolling around Brooklyn's way-cool DUMBO section. The galleries often have special exhibitions and receptions; sometimes there's live music or an artist talk. Local bars offer drink specials throughout the night. 

DUMBO Open Studios (April) 
Bushwick Open Studios (Sept) artsinbushwick.org
Greenpoint Open Studios (May/June) greenpointopenstudios.com
Gowanus Open Studios (Oct) artsgowanus.org

Atlantic Ave Art Walk (May/June) atlanticave.org
Williamsburg has galleries galore to explore. Check out the exhibitions and dine at cool, local restaurants.

3) DRINK UP AT BREWERIES, WINERIES & DISTILLERIES 

(photo: Urban Adventures)

You'll be amazed at how many artisanal beer, wine, and spirits producers have set up shop in Brooklyn. These craft breweries and distilleries are producing terrific libations. (Some even do tastings & tours.) 

Foodies: Brooklyn also has great mom & pop food shops from Italian to Middle Eastern. Go on a "Tastings Tour" to sample the goods and learn how the local producers work their magic. Enjoy tasty snacks along the way in the shops & local eateries. (Urban Adventures: www.urbanadventures.com) 

4) CHOW DOWN IN BROOKLYN'S CHINATOWN
While Chinatown--in Manhattan and Flushing, Queens--is well known, you may be surprised to discover that Brooklyn also has a Chinatown in Sunset Park. Chef Chris Cheung, who's worked at such hot restaurants as Vong, Nobu & Ruby Foo’s, recommends: East Harbor (714 65th St, Brooklyn) and Pacific Palace (813 55th St, Brooklyn) for dim sum.  

Chef Cheung (photo: J Carnegie

 

 

For a special treat, head to Chef Cheung's own restaurant by Prospect Park: 

East Wind Snack Shop (417 7th Ave, btw 13th-14th Sts, Brooklyn; www.eastwindsnackshop.com) - It's more like a tasty-food boutique than a Chinese restaurant with everything on the menu--bao, dumplings, ribs, spring rolls, etc.--handmade from scratch every day and cooked to order, often by Chef Cheung himself! 
Note: East Wind now has a 2nd location in Carroll Gardens (253 Smith St). ​

5) CELEBRATE BROOKLYN'S CULTURAL DIVERSITY
This melting pot of cultures provides many ways to experience the music, dance, art, and cuisine of different countries without leaving the borough! Partake in activities where you can meet international people and encounter all this marvelous cultural diversity:
Haiti Cultural Exchange (haiticulturalx.org) - Get your Haitian groove on at one of HCX's innovative programs of performances, art exhibits, films, and public forums promoting cross-cultural connections and celebrating Haitian heritage.
Cumbe: Center for African & Diaspora Dance (cumbedance.com) - Experience the joys and rhythms of West African, Afro-Cuban, Afro-Haitian, and Afro-Brazilian dance and music at Cumbe's classes and cultural programs for adults and kids.

(photo: Cumbe)

West Indian-American Day Parade (Labor Day) wiadcacarnival.org - Brooklyn's largest parade with the atmosphere of Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago. There's music, food, and dance. The parade begins at the corner of Rochester & Eastern Parkway and ends near Grand Army Plaza.
Atlantic Antic (Fall) atlanticave.org - This huge street festival spans four neighborhoods (Boerum Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill & Downtown Brooklyn) from Hicks Street to Fourth Avenue along Atlantic Avenue. It's a celebration of all the diverse cultures that coexist in Brooklyn with food, art, live music, shopping, and fun festivities!

Extra! Extra!: Be sure to visit the terrific Brooklyn Museum which is right near the magnificent Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

4 Great Day Trips from NYC: Splendor in the Grass--Outdoor Sculpture

By Jacquelin Carnegie – (New York, NY)

If you need a break from hectic city life, nothing soothes the soul more than art experienced in a beautiful setting.

STORM KING ART CENTER

Old Pleasant Hill Rd., Mountainville, NY; Tel: 845/534-3115; www.stormkingartcenter.org
(Open: April-November; Admission fee)

 Storm King, Maya Lin’s Wavefield (photo: Jerry L. Thompson)

This open-air museum, about an hour north of the city, features monumental sculptures in a Hudson Valley setting so stunning it will take your breath away. Around 100 spectacular works by acclaimed artists such as Alexander Calder, Henry Moore, Isamu Noguchi, and Louise Nevelson along with pieces by contemporary sculptors Andy Goldsworthy and Richard Serra are strategically placed in the fields, hills, and woodlands. Each year, the Center commissions new and exciting work for a special, themed exhibition. Also, be sure to check out Wavefield, an earth and grass installation by celebrated artist Maya Lin.

Storm King, William Lamson’s Solarium, Light and Landscape 

(photo: Jerry L. Thompson)

Spending the Day: 

Get around the 500-acre Storm King grounds by walking, taking a free tram, or renting a bike. There are few shaded areas, so in summertime bring a big hat and/or a parasol and plenty of sunscreen. There’s an open-air café for sandwiches or pack a lunch to be enjoyed at one of the pretty picnic areas.

Getting There: From New York (Port Authority Bus Terminal), take a Coach USA (Short Line) bus direct to Storm King.

GOVERNORS ISLAND

New York Harbor, www.govisland.com

(Open: Daily, year-round; Ferry fee)  

Mark di Suvero, courtesy Storm King 

(photo: JCarnegie)

This lovely spot, 5 minutes from Manhattan Island, was called Nut Island by Native Americans when it was “purchased” by the Dutch in 1637; it became part of New York under the English. Then, for about 200 years, what’s now called Governors Island was a base for the US Army and Coast Guard. Most recently, the Island has been transformed into an artsy recreational area open to the pubic. 

Governors Island, Mark di Suvero, courtesy Storm King 

(photo: Jerry L. Thompson)

Spending the Day: 

Get around Governors Island by walking, bringing a bike, or renting one or a fun Surrey. There's a variety of food vendors, but your best-bet is to pack a lunch and head to Picnic Point with great views of the Statue of Liberty. Some new, fancy options include a Spa with pool & overnight stays via Glamping.

Getting There: Access Governors Island by a quick ferry ride from Manhattan (Battery Maritime Building, next to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal) or Brooklyn (Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park or Red Hook & NYC Ferry stops).

KYKUIT

Rt. 9, Sleepy Hollow, NY; Tel: 914/631-8200; http://www.hudsonvalley.org/historic-sites/kykuit

(Open: May – November; Admission fee)

Kykuit  (photo: Ben Lee)

Kykuit, the Rockefeller family mansion--now an historic site--less than an hour north of the city, is situated on a bluff providing magnificent views of the Hudson River. The Rockefellers championed modern art, so the house is filled with impressive artwork. But make sure to purchase the tour package that includes the gardens because, on the estate grounds, there’s an absolutely amazing collection of modern sculpture by Picasso, Brancusi, Calder, Giacometti, Henry Moore, Isamu Noguchi, Louise Nevelson, and David Smith.

Kykuit, Max Bill’s Triangular Surface in Space
(photo: Ben Lee)

Spending the Day: 

The only way to visit is on a tour, best booked beforehand; wandering around on your own is not permitted. At Phillpsburg Manor, Kykuit’s Vistor Center, there's a café with sandwiches & salads and picnic tables or stop at a restaurant in Tarrytown: Sweet Grass Grill on Main Street or dine right on the water at the Washington Irving Boat Club.

Getting There: From New York (Grand Central Station), take Metro North train Hudson Line to Tarrytown. Then, a taxi from the station to Phillpsburg Manor, Kykuit’s Vistor Center, where all the tours start.

GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE

18 Fairgrounds Rd., Hamilton, NJ; Tel: 609/586-0616; www.groundsforsculpture.org

Grounds for Sculpture, Carlos Dorrien’s Nine Muses 

(photo: Ricardo Barros)

(Open: Year-round; Admission fee, Reserve tickets in advance)

In New Jersey, about an hour from New York City, you’ll find one of the most delightful places. In a pretty, 42-acre park surrounding a lake, over 300 sculptures by established and emerging artists are on display. The pieces range from traditional to abstract to whimsical by renowned artists such as Clement Meadmore, Anthony Caro, Beverly Pepper, Kiki Smith, and George Segal.

Grounds for Sculpture, If It Were Time by Seward Johnson, 

a 3-D version of Monet’s painting Terrace at Sainte-Adresse.

Spending the Day: 

Stroll leisurely around the Grounds. (In summertime, bring a hat and/or a parasol & plenty of sunscreen.) The Van Gogh Café is a nice spot for salads & sandwiches. Rat’s Restaurant is a more upscale option for lunch or dinner. (They’ll even prepare a picnic basket for you to enjoy by the lake, as outside food is not allowed). 

Getting There: From New York (Penn Station), take NJ Transit train to Hamilton. Then, a 5-minute taxi ride to Grounds For Sculpture.

Beyond Art: Great Entertainment at 12 Top New York City Museums

By Jacquelin Carnegie

Breaking the Waves, Works & Process,
The Guggenheim

In museums all over town, there's lots more happening than the exhibits on the walls: Music, Dance & Family Fun. New York City museums have become de facto performing arts centers with exciting events, often thematically tied into what's on view. Here's a small sampling to get you started:

UPTOWN - MUSEUM MILE
THE GUGGENHEIM
1071 Fifth Ave (at 88th St); www.guggenheim.org/new-york
Throughout the year, there are several top-notch, special events, so be sure to check the Performance calendar. Works & Process: In an intimate theater space, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, this performing arts series gives you the opportunity to see new works by some of the most acclaimed, international creators and performers in the world.

Peter & the Wolf, The Guggenheim

For the Holidays: Don't miss the divine Isaac Mizrahi production of Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf and the Rotunda Holiday Concerts--fun for children and adults!

THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART

Fuentidueña Chapel, The Cloisters

1000 Firth Ave (at 82nd St); www.metmuseum.org
There is always something cultural happening at the museum from concerts to lectures to site-specific performances. 

MetLiveArts: This series offers interesting performances, commissions, and world premieres in the museum's theater. Site-specific events are set in unique gallery spaces throughout the museum.
THE MET CLOISTERS - Concerts www.metmuseum.org/visit/met-cloisters
In the beautiful, medieval Cloisters' museum in Fort Tyron Park, concerts are held in the splendid, 12th-century Fuentidueña Chapel, with wonderful acoustics. (Concert tickets include free, same-day museum admission.)

THE JEWISH MUSEUM

The Jewish Museum

1109 Fifth Ave (at 92nd St); www.thejewishmuseum.org
The museum offers an amazing range of cultural programs from interesting discussions with artists and curators, to talks by contemporary authors and thinkers, concerts, and other performances and workshops inspired by exhibitions on view.

MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK

El Museo del Barrio 
(photo: Michael Palma Mir)

1220 Fifth Ave (at 103rd St); www.mcny.org

This museum, devoted to New York City history, presents fascinating events and talks illuminating New York's past and imagining the city's future. Check out the Stories & Events calendar. 

EL MUSESO DEL BARRIO

1230 Fifth Ave (at 104th St); www.elmuseo.org
The museum focuses on Latino arts and culture. Its' bilingual programs, festivals, and special events celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean and Latin America. Get ready to party!

THE FRICK COLLECTION

1 East 70th Street; https://www.frick.org

The Frick, Living Hall (photo: Michael Bodycomb)

Henry Clay Frick was a successful, robber-baron, industrialist during the Gilded Age who had a passion for art. His magnificent 1914 Beaux-Arts mansion on Fifth Avenue, designed by Carrère and Hastings, was turned into a museum in 1930. Now, after an impressive, major renovation, it’s like walking through a “lifestyle” rather than a museum. In addition to lush 16th- to 18th-century furnishings, paintings (Rembrandts, Van Dykes, Vermeers, Turners, Fragonards, Gainsboroughs, etc.), sculptures, and decorative objects, the family’s former, private rooms on the 2nd floor have been turned into exhibit space. Concerts will be held in a new, state-of-the-art auditorium and a lecture series in a new education center. Welcome to a beautifully-updated, Gilded Age experience!

DOWNTOWN

WHITNEY
99 Gansevoort St; www.whitney.org

Terrace, Whitney

In a downtown area, recently made hip by the fabulous High Line walkway, 20th- and 21st-century American art is celebrated in the museum's new building abuzz with activity. The Whitney Biennial is one of the museum's signature exhibits, along with an exciting, eclectic mix of performances and talks on a regular basis that are tied into current exhibits. Plus, check out the cool events on Free Friday Nights & Free 2nd Sundays. Best feature: The "art terraces" on every level with stunning views of New York and the Hudson River. 

MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE
Edmond J. Safra Plaza, 36 Battery Place; mjhnyc.org
While not as well known as The Jewish Museum, MJH, located downtown by Battery Park, presents a broad tapestry of Jewish life in the 20th and 21st centuries—before, during, and after the Holocaust. Hence, the engrossing programs include discussions, films, plays, and concerts that highlight the richness of Jewish culture and ideas. (There's also an Andy Goldsworthy stone garden really worth seeing and great views of the Statue of Liberty.)

Pioneer, Seaport Museum

SOUTH STREET SEAPORT MUSEUM
12 Fulton St & 213 Water St; https://southstreetseaportmuseum.org
The museum, on Schermerhorn Row in the historic seaport district, presents the story of New York as a great port city through an extensive collection of maritime artifacts and a fleet of historic vessels. Their newly-renovated A.A. Thomson & Co. building, around the corner on Water Street, is now a hub for any number of engaging, public programs such as lectures, live music, films & special events. And, from May to September, enjoy a sail on the Hudson River onboard the Pioneer schooner or the W.O. Decker tug boat!

WESTSIDE
AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

Central Park West at 79th St; www.amnh.org

Apex Stegosaurus, AMNH

The museum is a treasure trove of discoveries. In addition to all the interesting exhibits and dioramas, there are wonderful activities for kids and adults: the Astronomy Live series; the annual Margaret Mead Film Festival; cocktails & conversation at the after-hours SciCafe evenings; and family-fun cultural events, themed to tie-in with current exhibits. There's a lot more going on here than dinosaur bones!

         BROOKLYN
BROOKLYN MUSEUM OF ART

The Bang Group, BMA

200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn; www.brooklynmuseum.org
In addition to way-cool exhibits, BMA offers a variety of interesting events for adults, teens, and kids. These include talks, performances, films, and workshops that enhance the museum’s current exhibits and permanent collection. Every month, there's also free First Saturdays which usually feature music, dancing and a film, plus museum admission.

Editor's Note: Some of these wonderful, special museum events are free with admission, others require a separate ticket and/or booking in advance. Be sure to check the museum's website. And, when you enter any museum, be sure to read the signs ("suggested" admission means pay any amount not the $20+ listed). Also, many museums have free or "pay what you wish" evenings starting at around 5pm. The Metropolitan Museum ticket includes same-day admission to The Met Cloisters. Some events may also be offered online. 

Marvelous Mosaic: 5+ Great Ways to Celebrate Irish Culture & St. Paddy’s Day in NYC

By Jacquelin Carnegie – (New York, NY)

Every March, it’s time to dig out that bright green sweater and brace yourself for gallons of green beer, rowdy teenagers, and lousy weather--it's Saint Paddy’s Day in New York! But, Irish culture is so rich and varied, it should be celebrated for more than just one day! Here are some great ways to do so all year long in New York:

Come for The Craic

Irish Arts Center 

Celtic AppalachianCelebration II 

(photo: Brandilyn Davidson & Erin Baiano)

726 11th Ave (btw 51-52 St), Tel: 212/757-3318; www.irishartscenter.org

The IAC is a treasure-trove of Irish cultural activities. Throughout the year, attend concerts, dance performances, plays, films, lectures or readings, and be sure to enjoy “the craic” (great conversation). If you’re bitten by the Irish bug, the IAC also offers classes for children and adults in Irish music, dance, language, and history. Great annual events include: St. Patrick's Day Open House (Free): Celebrate Irish music & dance with performances and craft workshops for the whole family. Book Day: Snag a free book by a great Irish or Irish-American author.

Discover Irish Playwrights

Donnybrook! (photo: Carol Rosegg)

The Irish Repertory Theatre

132 West 22nd St; Tel: 212/727-2737; www.irishrep.org

The Irish Rep features plays and musicals by well-known and emerging Irish and Irish-American playwrights. 

Get Some Culture

American Irish Historical Society

991 Fifth Ave., at 80th St.; Tel: 212/288-2263, www.aihs.org 

Founded in 1897, the AIHS celebrates the Irish-American experience with a focus on contemporary Irish culture. Events range from talks to art exhibits to readings and concerts on the harp, piano, penny whistle, and bodhrán. All take place in AIHS’ magnificent Beaux-Arts townhouse.
Thrill to the Music

In New York, there are Irish musicians playing everything from traditional, to rock to pop. No matter what your taste, there’s a band for you.
Paddy Reilly's Music Bar (519 2^nd Ave., at 29^th St.; Tel: 212/686-1210; www.paddyreillysmusicbar.us): In NYC, there’s an Irish pub on almost every corner, but this is one of the best with great Irish music; Black 47 got their start here.

New in Town: Emmet Cahill the hottest Irish tenor and lead singer of the fab Celtic Thunder group.

Old Favorites: For 25 years, Black 47 was “Rockin’ The Bronx,” giving voice to the joy and the sorrow of all the Irish immigrants who’ve found a second home on Bainbridge Avenue and in other New York boroughs. Band leader Larry Kirwan now does solo gigs with a St. Patrick's Day concert. 

Some years, The Celtic Tenors, doing traditional songs, and The Saw Doctors, with their folk-rock vibe, roll into town. 

Larry Kirwan of Black 47

Sober St. Patrick’s Day® - This is a wonderful way to enjoy the sprit of the day with great Irish entertainment--acclaimed musicians, dancers, singers, comedians--but without the rowdy drunks.

Worship in Gaelic

The Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral

263 Mulberry St, corner of Mott & Prince, Tel: 212-226-8075; www.oldcathedral.org
Long before people worshiped at Saint Patrick's Cathedral (1879), on Fifth Avenue and 50^th St., they came here to the city's first Cathedral Church, founded in 1809. Today, Mass is given in English, Spanish, Chinese, and, on occasion, in the Irish language, Gaelic. Throughout the year, there are lovely concerts and other cultural offerings.

 (photo: Laura_Mexico)

Saint Patrick's Day Parade

The first St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York was held in 1762, when Irish ex-patriots and Irish soldiers marched through the city. Every year, the Parade heads up Fifth Avenue, from 44th St to 86th St.

Did you know that there are other regions, referred to as "Celtic Nations," that share this heritage with Ireland: Brittany, France; Wales; Scotland; the Isle of Man & Cornwall.

(Often, Brittany's BZH NY society invites musicians from Brittany to perform and celebrate St. Patrick's Day in New York.)