The 13th annual NBC “Toyota Concert Series on Today” also continues.  All concerts are at the Rockefeller Plaza (map), or in the Today Show studio.  The concerts are fee and viewing is on a first-come basis, so be at the plaza or studio no later than 7am.

August

• Friday August 1 | Sheryl Crow Today
• Friday, August 8 | Celine Dion Today 
• Friday, August 26 | Solange Knowles Today-in studio 
• Friday, August 29 | Paula Abdul Today

Last minute schedule changes may occur.  Be sure to check the Today Show websites for updated schedule information and late additions to the line-up.

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

“NYC Sound Tracks,” an eight-episode series on MSG and MSG.com that finds the most talented New York City subway performer, will be holding an open call for talent.  Auditions are on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 from Noon to 4pm at Foley Square (map) in Lower Manhattan.  Even if you have no musical talent to speak of, go down and cheer on your favorite performing artist.  For more information check out www.msg.com/soundtracks.

American Idol will be traveling across the United States and Puerto Rico this summer auditioning for its eighth season.  Auditions are being held on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 in East Rutherford, NJ at the IZOD Center at the Meadowland (map).  Auditions are a little different this year, you must pick up a wristband then return on a specific day for the audition.  For more information check out www.americanidol.com. 

And just to get the creative juices flowing, here is a video of some of New York’s most unique street and subway performers set to the music of Matt Pless.

Photo credit: flickr,

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

Every Sunday, hundreds of vendors pack the Bishop Loughlin High School parking lot to sell their wares.  Everything from vintage clothing to new silk screened t-shirts, antique furniture to arts and crafts is for sale.  Come hungry and nosh at one of the food vendor’s stations.

The flea market was the creation of Brownstoner blogger Jonathan Butler.  Butler is also the brainchild behind Clinton Hill’s annual Salvage Fest.

Brush up on your haggling skills and bring a few bags to carry off those bargains!

Location:  Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, 176 Lafayette Avenue (map)

Subway:  G to Clinton-Washington Ave

Hours:  Every Sunday, 10am-5pm

photo credit: flickr, flickr

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

Each Sunday evening during the summer, members of the Julliard School and Jazz at Lincoln Center will bring their musical talent to the Sculpture Garden at MoMA.  The museum has a long history of presenting jazz and new concert music in its summer series which dates back to 1971.  Many concerts will feature original works and at least one world premiere will be included.       

Entrance to Summergarden is through the Sculpture Garden gate on West 54th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenue.  Seating is limited by capacity, first-come, first-served. Doors open at 7pm and the concert begins at 8pm. Concerts last 90 minutes. 

Location: The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden at MoMA, 11 West 53rd (enter through gate on West 54th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues)  212-708-9400

Subway: E or V to Fifth Avenue-53rd Street

Days and Hours:  Every Sunday. July 6-August 24, 2008.  Concert begins at 8pm.   

Cost: Free

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks 2008   Bigger is better, according to Macy’s who has four barges loaded with 30,000 shells in the East River.  This year’s display will be synchronized to New York Pops’ new soundtrack “America Dances.”  For locals, tune your radios to 1010 AM while you’re watching the display, while the rest of America can enjoy the televised show, including appearances by Kenny Chesney and Natasha Bedingfield, on NBC.  The FDR will be closed at 7pm from Houston to 42nd Street to accommodate pedestrian viewing.  You can access FDR Drive at 23rd Street, 38th Street, and 42nd Street.  July 4, 8pm; FREE; for a map of viewing spots check out the Macy’s website.

Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest   The goal of the contest is to eat as many hot dogs in a 12-minute time allotment.  Last year Joey Chestnut of San Jose, California defeated reigning champion Takeru Kobayashi by eating 66 hot dogs to Kobayashi’s 63.  Can Kobayahsi reclaim the title? Get there early for prime seating.  July 4, noon; FREE; Nathan’s Famous, 1310 Surf Ave., Coney Island; www.nathansfamous.com

Photo credit: flickr; flickr

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

ABC’s Good Morning America hosts their free concert series in Bryant Park (map).  All concerts are free and open to the public.  Viewers interested in attending the free live performances should arrive at the park no later than 7am.  Admission is on a limited first-come basis, so the earlier, the better.

The 13th annual NBC “Toyota Concert Series on Today” also continues.  All concerts are at the Rockefeller Plaza (map), or in the Today Show studio.  The concerts are fee and viewing is on a first-come basis, so be at the plaza or studio no later than 7am.

July

• Friday July 4 | Chaka Khan  GMA Bryant Park 
• Monday, July 7 | Boy George Today **canceled to to US visa being denied**
• Friday, July 11 | Rascal Flatts  Today
• Friday, July 18 | Miley Cyrus  GMA Bryant Park
• Friday, July 18 | Natasha Bedingfield  Today 
• Friday, July 25 | Feist  GMA Bryant Park 
• Friday, July 25 | Miley Cyrus  Today

Last minute schedule changes may occur.  Be sure to check the Good Morning America and Today Show websites for updated schedule information and late additions to the line-up.

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

There will be no shortage of urban energy as the day starts off with sun salutations and moderate Vinyasa yoga open to all levels.  There will be several sessions for beginner and advanced levels throughout the day, live music, as well as a talks and tips from yoga gurus.  The longest day of the year ends with a sunset session open to all levels.  Click here for a full schedule events.  Online pre-registration is required for all sessions. 

Or, if finding your inner peace in the center of the universe isn’t your thing, perhaps naked yoga will help you find your ohm.

Location:  Broadway and 7th Avenue between 43rd and 44th Streets (map)

Subway: 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, S to 42nd Street-Times Square;

Date: Saturday, June 21, 2008.  

Cost:  Free

Photo credit: flickr

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

This year the NY Phil will be performing in all 5 of the boroughs as well as East Islip, Long Island and New Jersey.  And in an effort to find a new summer home in the New York area, the Philharmonic will also have a free concert on July 5, 2008 at Governors Island.  The schedule for the Concerts in the Park summer series is as follows:

• June 24 | Central Park, Manhattan
• July 5 | Governors Island
• July 8 | Richmond County Bank Ballpark, Staten Island
• July 9 | PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, New Jersey
• July 10 | Cunningham Park, Queens
• July 11 | Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx
• July 12 | Heckscher State Park, East Islip, Long Island
• July 14 | Prospect Park, Brooklyn
• July 15 | Central Park, Manhattan

All concerts begin at 8pm, arrive early for optimal seating.  Bring a food, drink, and a blanket to sit on.  For weather updates, call the Parks Hotline at 212-875-5709 or you can sign up for a text message update on the status of the concert.  Check out NY Phil Concerts in the Park page for more information. 

Photo credit: flickr

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

Celebrate the sand, the sea, and the mythological mermaid at this parade of artistic self-expression. There are no Grand Marshalls in this parade, this year’s parade is being led by King Neptune Reverend Billy and Queen Mermaid Savitri D.  For more information, check out the Coney Island Mermaid Parade website.

In true Coney Island style, following the parade is the annual Mermaid Ball.  The evening will include music, DJs, burlesque, drinks, go-gos, a sideshow and, of course, mermaids.  Doors open at 5pm and pre-purchase $10 tickets are available online or pay $15 at the door.   

Parade Route:  The Parade starts on West 10th Street and the Boardwalk, moves west to West 16th Street and the Boardwalk, then goes north to Surf Avenue and  turns east along Surf Avenue and rolls to West 10th Street where it ends.  Click here for a map of Coney Island.    

Subway:  D, F, N or Q to Stillwell Avenue-Coney Island

Date and Time:  Saturday, June 21, 2008.  Parade begins at 2pm and ends around 5pm.

Photo credit: flickr, flickr

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Post from: The New York City Traveler