My Social Calendar: Fun, Free Things to Do in NYC
Lately, I’ve been beating myself up about my finances because I feel like I’m spinning my wheels. It’s like I’m precariously perked in this weird space where I’m not dangerously struggling anymore (I remember and hated those days), but I’m not extremely financially secure either. I don’t have, like, six to nine months of savings in the bank. Any longterm, unexpected medical, financial or whatever blow could send me under. Unfortunately, that’s probably the case for a lot of New York City dwellers — many who, like me, pay at least or more than 1/2 their monthly income toward rent. I often think of leaving this city for good in 3 – 5 years’ time. But, then I remember, “Shit, you don’t have to live in NY to feel financially strapped!” Lots of friends living elsewhere in the country say the same things about money that I do. So, for better or worse, richer or poorer, I’m staying put. For now. New York — picture above by Marina Nisi — is still a great city. Anyway. As I mentioned on Twitter, I was out of town for the weekend visiting Dia:Beacon and other art galleries with Tess. I had a GREAT time. Plus, leaving New York reminds me why I choose to live here. Today’s reason: Tons of stuff to do at all hours of the day & night, and much of it’s free. If you’re in the city, here’s a list of a few things a few friends, strangers and others are hosting this week:
TODAY: Big Gay Spelling Bee. (7pm at Nowhere. 322 E 14th St between 1st & 2nd). “Tobly McSmith and Miss Sunday host this monthly spelling bee for all orthographic queers [...] plus prizes by Babeland.” I don’t think I know the organizers, but who doesn’t like free toys? :)
WEDNESDAY: Speed Shrinking Book Party and Free Headshrinking. (7:00 PM at Housing Works Bookstore Café – 126 Crosby Street.) Housing Works’ write up about one of my writer teachers: “Celebrate Susan Shapiro’s new novel Speed Shrinking and ’speed date’ with actual mental health pros— while your regular psychiatrist is away for the summer!”
THURSDAY: Gabriel Alegría Afro-Peruvian Sextet (8pm at Tutuma Social Club, 164 E 56th St at Third Ave) Time Out New York says the sextet “grapples with the challenge of jazz harmony and form while delighting in Peruvian lando and festejo rhythms [...] alongside the standard trumpet, tenor sax, bass and drums.” Good music at a great price. Cant’ beat it.
FRIDAY: WINE LIBRARY TV NYC Week Grand Finale and Summer of Social Good after party. “Gary Vaynerchuk performs Wine Library TV live at Roger Smith Hotel Lab Gallery – corner of 47th St & Lexington Ave, NYC. Watch from the street or taste along live!” I adore Gary. This event is not only for a good cause, it looks like fun!
August 25th, 2009 at 1:25 am
pick your spots ‘n’ take your shots……. when one goes forth in life…. one goes with a plan
or…. you get extremely lucky and damned the torpedos, full steam ahead….. since I believe
that you’re from the Midwest, farms and fields abound….. and being from that part of the world…. no one ties their shoes without a plan….. what you risk in the planting is what you
reap when it’s harvest time…… which means that you have an edge and that’s a good thing
to have in the NYC…..
leave the Apple….. you moved to Nirvana, the crossroads of the world….. Chi-town is where you rest and re-group….. NYC is where you run….. and ” I’m dancing as fast as I can…” mantra works as long as you’re in it…. and from the looks of things….. you’ll be around for
a long,long time……. and as we breathe… you are probably re-inventing yourself… again…
lamesabassman…. once you’ve found yourself, never lose it…. pain does have a price……
August 26th, 2009 at 1:26 am
Spelling bees are gay? Who knew?
August 26th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
:)
August 27th, 2009 at 8:54 am
Cool blog
August 27th, 2009 at 11:27 am
I’m so jealous. I loved to go out into the city for the weekend to see my girls in queens then we would pick something to do from free NY city events then would spend our days doing free stuff and getting free food. I wish I could have lived in the city, but not this poor college kid. Have fun!
August 27th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Perhaps I can finally get to enjoy a little NYC myself. Will be there Next weekend…with kids in tow.
Must go see my fabulous cousin who will be jetting off to Dubai. Oh I miss the days…
Meet me for cupcakes!
September 1st, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Bill: Thanks!
zindzhi: Luckily there are a lot of free and affordable things to do in New York. Otherwise, no one could afford to live here :)
Kali: Cupcakes are definitely in order! :)