Portfolio at NYU

Posted 08.03.08
Sometimes New York is just No Fare
NYC has plenty of free concerts and events this summer

By Amy Eisinger

There is no shortage of concerts, performances and exhibits that won't cost you a thing in the city this summer. Most of these free events take place in or around parks, so there's some greenery to enjoy even when the event is over. Here are the top 10 free NYC events you just can't afford to miss this summer.

1. The "Today" show summer concert series: It might mean getting up early in the morning, but it's definitely worth it to catch performers like Coldplay, Ashlee Simpson, Rascal Flatts, Miley Cyrus and Sheryl Crow. Arrive by 7 a.m. 49th St. and Rockefeller Plaza.

2. The "Good Morning America" summer concert series: Not interested in those performers? Or maybe you're just an ABC loyalist. Then the "GMA" concert series in Bryant Park is for you. WIth Carly Simon, Mariah Carey, Usher and the Jonas Brothers, there's certain to be someone here to suit your musical taste. Arrive by 7 a.m. Bryant Park, Fifth Ave. and 40th St.

3. The HBO Bryant Park summer film festival: Watch your favorite golden oldies under the stars in Bryant Park, including "The Man Who Came to Dinner," the 1942 comedy starring Bette Davis, to "Lifeboat," the 1944 Hitchcock suspense flick about nine survivors stranded in the Atlantic. Lawn opens at 5 p.m., films begin at dusk (between 8 and 9 p.m.). Bryant Park, Fifth Ave. and 40th St. For more information, go to www.bryantpark.org.

4. Broadway in Bryant Park: Pack a lunch and head to the park on Thursdays for all of your favorite Broadway show tunes. Hear hits from musicals like "Spring Awakening," "Gypsy," "Chicago" and "Hairspray." Best of all, the performances are only an hour long, so you can get back to work without missing a beat. 12:30-1:30 p.m. Bryant Park, Fifth Ave. and 40th St. For more information, go to www.bryantpark.org.

5. Central Park Summerstage: Whether it's local indie rock or international folk and pop, the annual Central Park Summerstage has quite a reputation for delivering a variety of musicians and performances. Now in its 23rd season, make sure you don't miss concerts by Yael Naim, tonight at 7 p.m., or the D.C.-based DJ duo Thievery Corporation on June 26. Even if your schedule is a little busy right now, there's no need to worry - the music keeps playing through August. For more information, go to: www.summerstage.org.

6. New York Philharmonic in the parks: Enjoy the sounds of a world-renowned orchestra in a variety of parks all summer long. Kicking off the summer in Central Park, the Philharmonic performs in all five boroughs, plus New Jersey and Long Island. The concerts offer works from Beethoven to Bach, Shostakovich to Sousa. Whichever you attend, make sure to stay for the fireworks finale. For more information, go to www.nyphil.org.

7. Union Square Park: Summer in the Square: Breathe easy and reenergize every Thursday afternoon at free yoga classes offered in Union Square Park at 3. Arrive early at 12:30 p.m. to catch kid-friendly musical entertainment from groups like Astrograss and Princess Katie & Racer Steve. Or be there later, at 5:30 p.m., to hear a variety of musical acts like the Nashville Attitude and Jennie Arnau. Union Square Park, 14th St. and Broadway. For more information, go to www.unionsquarenyc.org.

8. David Byrne's "Playing the Building": Known for his customized installation art projects, David Byrne transforms the dilapidated Battery Maritime Building into a finely tuned instrument and modern industrial wonder. Walk through slowly to get the full effect. Afterward, stroll over to Battery Park's South Cove for views of the harbor. Through Aug. 10, Fri.-Sun., noon-6 p.m. Battery Maritime Building, at the southern tip of Manhattan near the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. For more information, go to www.creativetime.org.

9. River to River Festival: Something different is happening every day from now until September at the River to River Festival, held throughout lower Manhattan. With musical groups like Sonic Youth and Ted Leo and the Pharmacists and performances by Risa Jaroslow & Dancers, this is the one festival it would be hard to miss. For more information, go to www.rivertorivernyc.com.

10. Shakespeare in the Park presents "Hamlet" and "Hair": To go or not to go? What a silly question. There's still time to catch performances of "Hamlet" in Central Park, with the classic Shakespeare tragedy playing until June 29. Then, opening July 22, you can get groovy with the hippie-tastic '60s musical "Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical." For more information, go to: www.publictheater.org

Dollar stretcher

Bring your own bottled water and pack lunches for these events. This might also be a healthier option since many venues don't offer fresh salads or fruit.

orig. pub. June 21, 2008 in NY Daily News