Friday September 21
Location: Midtown West, NYC
Music: Bon Iver
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: Radio City Music Hall
Food: Sullivan Street Bakery
Drink: Rudy’s Bar & Grill
Miscellaneous: The Shops at Columbus Circle
Indie-folk act Bon Iver makes gorgeous music led by Justin Vernon’s intricate harmonies. After winning the 2012 Grammy for Best New Artist and Best New Alternative Album, it’s good to see the band get the recognition they deserve. Also on board is Doug Paisley. Arguably one of the top bread makers on the east coast, and good to get gourmet pizza’s and sandwiches, Sullivan Street Bakery makes exquisite food using ingredients you’d see on the Food Network! More bar than grill, Rudy’s Bar & Grill is like going back to college, minus the books. The beer is cheap and by “grill,†they mean free popcorn and hot dogs. If you have trouble finding the bar, just look for the 6 foot tall fiberglass pig standing outside! To get out of the cold and see what an upper-class mall is like, stop by The Shops at Columbus Circle. Expensive restaurants like MASA and shops like Williams Sonoma are fun to browse through to see how the other half lives.
Friday September 21
Lower East Side, NYC
Music: Laetitia Sadier (of Stereolab)
Show time: 6:30 PM
Venue: Mercury Lounge
Food: The Stanton Social
Drink: The Magician
Miscellaneous: The Pink Pony
You know Laetitia Sadier as the singer of Stereolab, and the release of her new solo album The Trip, sees her continue her eclectic vision as the album offers covers “Summertime,†songs in English, and in French and with several guest artists like April March and Richard Swift. Also on board is Orca Team. For dinner, The Stanton Social has earned a reputation for being a beautifully designed restaurant/lounge while serving up some delicious multi-ethnic cuisine. For drinks, a favorite of mine is The Magician, this bar’s chill atmosphere just may be the cure for a well-earned night of rocking. A great way to end the night? Stop by The Pink Pony. This boho café has been serving French food and coffee since the 80s and has a relaxing vibe. It’s as punk as that neighborhood gets nowadays.
Saturday September 22
Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Music: Cate Le Bon
Show time: 9 PM
Venue: Union Pool
Food: Fette Sau
Drink: Spuyten Duyvil
Accessory: Union Pool
Singer/Songwriter Cate Le Bon hails from Wales and sings in both English and Welsh. She has a haunting voice that is worth seeking out to experience live. If you’re feeling German BBQ, you can head over to Fette Sau (fat pig in German), where the owners of nearby bar Spuyten Duyvil have opened up this meat only restaurant serving up some of the best pork and beef in NYC. For drinks, Spuyten Duyvil is a beer lovers dream, with a selection from all over the world, friendly and knowledgeable bartenders and a neighborhood feel, it’s no wonder this place has been so successful. If you’re still ready for more, you can always just stay at Union Pool, where there’s always a DJ playing, a huge outdoor area to drink in, a Taco truck if you’re hungry, and plenty of action.
Saturday September 22
Location: Union Square, NYC
Event: The Awesome 80s Prom
Show time: 8 PM
Venue: Webster Hall
Food: Thai Me Up Sandwich Bar
Drink: McSorley’s Old Ale House
Miscellaneous: Mudd Cafe
Relive the best and worst of coming of age in high school at The Awesome 80s Prom. This interactive show is part musical and full-on party as the audience gets to drink, dance and vote for the Prom King and Queen. For eats, check out Thai Me Up Sandwich Bar, a sandwich shop offering Thai sandwiches with 7 Steamed Fried Vegetables and a choice of chicken, veggie, tofu or beef on a baguette with 3 types of sauces for $7. One of the city’s oldest bars, at McSorley’s Old Ale House you can feel the history when you enter as memorabilia, since its beginnings in 1854, are all over the walls. Aside from it being a frat hangout nowadays, it’s worth the trip. You’ve seen that orange Mudd coffee truck parked on Astor Place and on various other streets, but check out their Mudd Cafe on East 9th for coffee and a healthy, vegan, and vegetarian menu.
Sunday September 23
Location: Midtown West, NYC
Theater: Chaplin
Show time: See website for schedule
Venue: Ethel Barrymore Theater
Food: Eatery
Drink: Valhalla
Miscellaneous: Central Park
Chaplin features a book by three-time Tony Award® winner Thomas Meehan (Hairspray, The Producers, Annie) and Christopher Curtis, music and lyrics by Christopher Curtis, directed and choreographed by Warren Carlyle (Follies, Hugh Jackman, Back on Broadway) and introducing Rob McClure as the legendary silent film star, this big musical about the little tramp! Nearby and delicious, Eatery offers a new American menu that’s asian influenced. Try the Red Curry Chicken Breast over roti pancake, with baby carrots and red curry coconut sauce ($16.95). Valhalla’s minimalist space is chill, letting the 24 brands of beer from all over the world on tap be the main attraction at this bar. While its warm out, waste a little time walking through Central Park, relax, and get out of the hustle and bustle of the city. Just watch your step. The working horses tend to leave surprises behind them!
