One of New York’s colorful residents.

photo credit: flickr 

__________________________________________________________________

Post from: The New York City Traveler

__________________________________________________________________

Post from: The New York City Traveler

There was a rumor going around that the Naked Cowboy has gotten too big for his britches (figuratively speaking, of course) and was no longer the Times Square fixture he once was.  Fear not, even after appearing in a Chevrolet commercial and filing a multi-million dollar lawsuit against Mars (the company that makes M&Ms), he performs for the masses that adore him.  Here is the Naked Cowboy, doing what he does best, just a few weeks ago in Times Square.

Photo credit: personal credit 

___________________________________________________________________

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

__________________________________________________________________

Post from: The New York City Traveler

Sunday, June 22nd | The Rally  Hosted by comedians Judy Gold and Bob Smith, this kick-off to the week’s festivities will include performances by well-known performers and motivational speakers from the LGBT community as well as the obligatory attendance by the drag queen cheerleaders.  Bryant Park (42nd St. & 6th Ave).  2-6pm.  Free.  

Saturday, June 28 | Rapture on the River  This will be the fifth year of this women-only dance event.  The music of DJ Susan Levine will be featured as well as other musical guests.  Pier 54 (13th St at the West Side Highway- Hudson River Park).  6-11pm.  Advance tickets $20, at door $25.

Sunday, June 29 |  PrideFest  Back for its 15th year, this street fair has vendors, entertainers, and activities for all ages.  Hudson St. between Abingdon Sq. & West 14th St. (map).  11am-7pm.  Free.

Sunday, June 29 | The March  The march began as an annual civil rights demonstration after the 1970 Stonewall Riots and has grown into a celebration of the gay community.  Transsexual actress Candis Cayne from ABC’s Dirty Sexy Money will be a Grand Marshall at this year’s 39th annual NYC LGBT parade.  Parade route: From 5th Ave. & 52nd St. to Christopher & Greenwich St.  Noon-end, moment of silence at 2pm.  Free.  

Sunday June 29 |  Dance on the Pier  Party the night away at the official NYC LGBT Dance on the Pier.  Music by Joe Gauthreaux and Tracy Young, followed by fireworks at dusk.  Pier 54 (13th St at the West Side Highway- Hudson River Park).  4-10:30pm.  $55 each when purchased before June 29th.  $75 each when purchased day of, available only at Universal Gear. 

Gay Pride is being celebrated around the United States this month.  Check out The Hawaii Traveler for the pride festivities in Honolulu. 

Photo credit:  See-Ming Lee via Flickr, Flickr, and Flickr

__________________________________________________________________

Post from: The New York City Traveler

The first Thursday of each month, serious art collectors and casual browsers convene on the streets of DUMBO for the First Thursday Gallery Walk.  Area galleries and artists’ studios are open for visitors and area restaurants and bars often have live music.  There are a number of artist exhibitions and events happening this week at participating galleries.  Among them are:

• Sylvia Plachy: Out of The Corner of My Eye, Umbarage Gallery 
• Fallen Paradise (New Orleans 1995 – 2005), Klompching Gallery 
• Return to Tibet, The Tibet Center Collection 
• Art Auction Preview, Smack Mellon

Location:  Various galleries in DUMBO (map).  Click here for a fill list of participating galleries.

Getting There:  F train to York Street Station; or walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.

Date and Time:  May 1, 2008 and the First Thursday of every month.  Galleries are generally open from 5:30-8:30pm but hours may vary. 

Cost:  Free

Photo credit: flickr 

_________________________________________________________________

Here is a complete list of art galleries and artists’ studios participating in the May 2008 First Thursday DUMBO Gallery walk:

5+5 111 Front St.
Aswoon Gallery 14 Jay St.
Brooklyn Arts Council 111 Front St.
Byrd Hoffman Watermill 111 Front St.
DUMBO Arts Center 30 Washington St.
Gallery QB 163 Plymouth St.
Gloria Kennedy Gallery 111 Front St.
Henry Gregg Gallery 111 Front St.
Klompching Gallery 111 Front St.
Melville House 145 Plymouth St.
Nelson Hancock Gallery 111 Front St.
Oil Drum Art 111 Front St.
Pochron Studios 20 Jay St.
Powerhouse Arena 37 Main St.
Pratt Institute 111 Front St.      
Rabbithole Studio 33 Washington St.
Robert Wilson/RW Work Ltd. 111 Front St.
Safe-T-Gallery 111 Front St.
Smack Mellon 92 Plymouth St.
Spring 126a Front St.
Umbrage Gallery 111 Front St.
VII DUMBO 28 Jay St.
Wessel + O’Connor Fine Art 111 Front St.

Post from: The New York City Traveler

Big Apple Greeter offers free private walking tours of New York neighborhoods. You choose the neighborhood and Big Apple Greeters matches you with a volunteer Greeter (tour guide) for a 2-to-4 hour walking tour of your chosen neighborhood.

The Greeter aims to show visitors the real New York by taking visitors to neighborhoods they might not see on their own. The Greeter will recommend their personal favorite restaurants and lesser-known sights, explain the public transit system , and answer any other questions.

All tours are conducted rain or shine. The New Yorkers who serve as Greeters are all volunteers, come from varied backgrounds and can accommodate visitors in 22 languages. The tour is free and there is a “No Tipping” policy.

For a full list of information and to fill out an application, visit Big Apple Greeter’s website or fill out the Request Form online.

___________________________________________________________________

Post from: The New York City Traveler

As a New York Lottery Personality you will be required to be on live televised lottery drawings which take place throughout the day, 364 days a year, as well as attend special events in the New York area.     

Here are the basics of the position: 

• Applicant must have a high school diploma
• Applicant must undergo a background check
• Compensation starts at $19/hour
• Benefits are available
• Relocation expenses are not covered
• Must have great speaking and communication skills while maintaining poise under pressure. 

Just don’t mistake the 6 for a 9 because that is an offense for which former lottery host Reny Monk was terminated.  Check out the video of everybody’s favorite Draw Team member, Yolanda Vega!  

Yoooolanda Vega!

Visit the New York Lottery website for more information on how to apply.  Headshots and resumes must be received by 5pm EDT on March 28th.  

__________________________________________________________________

Post from: The New York City Traveler

Outfitted in his signature safari hat, Brill has been leading foraging tours in Central Park since the early eighties, introducing New Yorkers and visitors to the 200+ species of edibles that can be found in the green spaces of Manhattan.  On any given foraging tour you may encounter persimmons, wild berries, field garlic, and, of course those always-tasty-never-psychedelic mushrooms.  Brill also introduces edible roots and leaves to the tour, many of which have beneficial antioxidant properties.  All foraged items are meant to be sampled, of course under the watchful and well-trained eye Brill himself.  

The long arm of the law caught up with Wildman Steve in the spring of 1986.  Two undercover rangers infiltrated a tour, gathered evidence, and, after a foraging in Central Park, radioed for backup and arrested Brill on criminal mischief charges.  Apparently picking dandelions city parks is illegal without a permit.  Parks Commissioner Henry Stern was later quoted as saying, “Parks are to look at.  Our motto is ‘Please don’t eat the daisies.’”  The arrest was met with so much attention and earned Brill national notoriety as a guest on The Letterman Show and CBS Evening News.  All charges were later dropped and the Parks Department hired Brill to lead tours from 1986 until 1990. 

These days, Brill has authored two books, gives lectures, works with children and educators on outdoor education programs, and still has time for a full schedule of foraging tours.  Tours started the beginning of March and run through the year into December.  This spring, “go green” and get back to nature with Wildman Steve Brill.   

Location:  Guided tours take place in Central Park and several other parks in the tri-state area.  Click here for a schedule.

Cost:  Suggested donation of $12.

More Information:  Visit Steve Brill’s website.

Photo credit:  flickr  

__________________________________________________________________

Post from: The New York City Traveler

There are an estimated three-quarters of a million homeless people in the United States and photographer Bill Bernstein gets personal when he matches faces to this number.  About Face: Portraits from the Bowery Mission is Bernstein’s newest exhibition featuring a striking series of 43″x62″ portraits of some of the homeless men and women photographed at the Bowery Mission in New York City.

Bill Bernstein, an esteemed photographer whose work has been featured in numerous magazines, first became interested in capturing the faces of the homeless when he was serving food at the Bowery Mission.  He returned to the mission with a camera and photographed some of the men and women who passed through the doors.  Accompanying Bernstein’s photographs is text taken from interviews conducted by Carey Wallace. 

The Bowery Mission has served homeless men and women on the Bowery in New York City since 1879.  The mission seeks to stop the cycle of homelessness by offering food, shelter, showers, clothing, and medical care to anyone seeking assistance. 

Location:  The Christian Herald Building, 132 Madison Ave at 31st Street, map

Subway:  6 to 28th Street

Dates and Times:  Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm; through Dec 31st

Cost:  Free

Photo credit:  flickr

_________________________________________________________________

Post from: The New York City Traveler