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NYC Cocktail Week 2011

Friday, June 24th, 2011

Calling all students 21 and over! The first annual NYC Cocktail Week is underway and if you haven’t taken advantage, you’re definitely missing out. It started on June 15 and ends on June 29, so there’s still some time to try out the full range of mixed drinks at all the fantastic bars that are participating.

Generally, fancier drinks made by mixologists using non-well liquors can cost you $13-16 a glass. But during NYC Cocktail Week you get two drinks and an appetizer for $20.11. And these cocktails aren’t run-of-the-mill rum and Cokes. These concoctions are crafted with love, ingenuity, and copious amounts of exotic, top-shelf ingredients.

Fire extinguisher not included.

On Monday, I kicked off NYC Cocktail week with a couple friends at the tropical bar Lani Kai, located on Broome Street. We enjoyed Pacific Swizzles that were garnished with beautiful (and edible) petunia flowers and also sampled a delicious creation called “Burial at Sea,” which—among many other things—contains Absinth. For an appetizer, my friends tried the crab wontons, which must have been phenomenal, judging by how quickly they disappeared off the plate.

Other bars participating are Tribeca’s Ward III and the notoriously popular Lower East Side bar, Death & Co. While these watering holes are diverse and spread out, the common thread that ties them together is the passion their barkeeps have for making handcrafted drinks. Their enthusiasm is palpable, so don’t be shy about asking for recommendations or clarifications. Not only are the bartenders and wait staff extremely knowledgeable about the drinks they serve, but they also tend to have interesting stories, so it’s worth striking up a conversation if you’re at a place that’s not too busy.

Liquor.com describes the event’s raison d’etre as “a spirited celebration of the city’s amazing bars and their talented mixologists.” And if that’s not reason enough to hit up a couple of these hotspots, the event is supporting City Harvest’s “Fight Against Hunger” and the efforts of The Museum of the American Cocktail to uphold mixology’s history. So raise your glasses to a great summer deal and to supporting two worthy causes.

-Alex Agahigian-

Photo Credit: en.wikipedia.com

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To Plan or not to Plan?

Thursday, June 23rd, 2011

As students, we are often told by more than one well-meaning parental figure that planning is a major factor in achieving success or failure. We’re supposed to have a plan for selecting a major; we’re supposed to have a plan to thwart the dreaded freshman fifteen; we’re supposed to have a plan for what we’re doing after school while we’re still in school…With so much planning, sometimes it’s nice to just give into a random impulse or spontaneously do something simply because the idea popped into your head.

I did just that last week, and now, I have a nose ring.

In the words of John Lennon: "Life is what happens when you're busy making plans."

Let me start at the beginning. It was nearing 11:30pm on a weeknight and my friend and I were craving pasta. We were supposed to go to bed early because we both had obligations the next day, but the more we thought about fresh vegetables sautéed in olive oil and served on top of ziti, the more our initial plan to go to sleep seemed absurd. So with aspirations of an impromptu pasta party for two, we began searching for ingredients.

First, we tried a Duane Reade, and were disappointed by the lack of produce. Additionally, there was no ziti to be found, only angel hair and elbow macaroni. By the time we trekked to Gristede’s, our fears that the grocery store had already closed were confirmed as the automatic doors refused to open no matter how much we jumped, waved, and stomped, hoping to trigger some sort of motion or weight sensor.

Close to giving up, I suggested we make the best of the minimal selection at a 24-hour CVS, but that’s when my friend recalled a grocery store on St. Mark’s that she though might be open all night. Hopeful, we power-walked east, soon immersed in the eclectic counter-culture that gathers on St. Mark’s.

Eventually, we reached what looked like a design for a tattoo parlor; an underground shop brandishing a logo of a heart with giant angel wings and a halo suspended above its “head.” But, it wasn’t a tattoo shop; it was our destination, St. Mark’s Market. A gourmet godsend with the promise of “Open Always.”

As I attempted to select the perfect garlic clove to flavor our midnight feast, my friend blurted, “Hey, isn’t that piercing place you always go to close by?”

When I confirmed that her suspicions were true, we somehow came to the conclusion that she should get a new ear piercing. After minimal badgering on her part, I agreed that pending the cost of our snacking spree, I would also get a piercing.

Thankfully, the bounty we selected from St. Mark’s Market was so well priced I was able to afford a stud for my left nostril. Sure, I woke up with a slight soreness from my fashionable puncture wound. And yes, I was a little more tired and full than I planned on being when I woke up for work. But the bonding session I had with my friend thanks to pasta and piercings was worth the minor inconveniences. Sometimes, it’s worth it to scrap the plans, and just go with the flow.

-Alex Agahigian-

Photo Credit: live4ever.uk.com

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DVP in NYC

Thursday, June 23rd, 2011

As we continue to enjoy the changing of the seasons in 2011 and welcome the warmer weather, one group of people will be embracing this change through dance. Dances For A Variable Population (or DVP) is a dancing company headed by choreographer Naomi Goldberg Haas. As the name implies, DVP is a group that knows no boundaries when it comes to the gender, race, or age of its members. Polished dancers and enthusiastic amateurs grace the stage together, led by Haas, orchestrating performances in contemporary dance.

This week, starting on Wednesday June 22nd and running until Saturday June 25th, DVP will be performing in the newly renovated Washington Square Park, located downtown in Greenwich Village at the base of  5th Avenue. The eastern side of the park had been closed since late 2007 because of a continuing restoration project, but was re-opened June 2nd of this year. The re-opening was delayed as the eastern end renovations were originally supposed to be finished by Fall 2010.

DancesForAVariablePopulation

DVP performing "Autumn Crossing" in September 2010

In any case, DVP welcomes the changes the park has undergone and will have this sentiment on full display throughout the week as they stage their performances on the re-opened eastern side of Washington Square Park. Each day’s performance will begin at 6:30 P.M. with a pre-show beginning at 6:00, occurring throughout the entire park. Any and all can come view their performance free of charge.

The free shows will consist of a dance ensemble performed to remixes of “In C”, the well-known Terry Riley composition of 1964. Those who are familiar with “In C” know how shocking it was when first composed, since the nature of the composition leaves much to chance, making any given performance of the piece different from every other. The composition’s improvisational nature should make DVP’s remixed interpretation and their accompanying dance arrangement distinctive, surprising, and an exciting performance to see in person.

Most unique about this performance, however, will be DVP themselves. Since DVP as a group does not restrict participation to pros, their corps of dancers is composed of New Yorkers from all walks of life. The group’s ethos is best articulated on Haas’ website, which states that DVP consists of everyone from “children who think dance is only on MTV, to persons with disabilities who think dance is denied them, to seniors who think dance is beyond them.” More information about Naomi Goldberg Haas, DVP and the events and classes that they organize can be found at www.naomigoldberghaas.com.

–Christopher Cusack, Hofstra University

Photo Credit: David Kimelman

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Urban Social

Tuesday, June 21st, 2011

Hail a cab and head towards fun.

It is a common misconception that the only kind of social life in college that is obtainable and attractive is found in student dorms. But this is not at all the case for those who commute or are simply bored with the routine of beer pong and predictable frat parties. I remember a month or two into my first semester of college when I visited one of my best friends for the weekend at the celebrated private university that she attends in Boston. I was expecting to be wowed by her social life since I attend a commuter college in NYC, but I found it to be simply not my type of fun. I was surprised that in a place famed as a “College Town” there wasn’t much to do but roam from dorm party to frat party to dorm party again. The monotony of big school social life was just not exciting. I realize for some it really is but for me it just wasn’t.

I will admit it was rather nice knowing the streets were infested with people my age from all over the United States and the world, which I found to be inspiring in many ways. It seems youth is admired not just by the old, but by the young too. It was just slightly disappointing to realize that for all the different people from all the different parts of the world concentrated on those streets, individuality still fell prey to the uniform social life religiously followed by most college students. Don’t get me wrong––it was an interesting experience, and I continue to visit this particular friend throughout the year to get my fix of dorm life, since a change of scenery is always nice, but my heart and social life lie in the Big Apple.

New York City is a playground for college students because of its many hip neighborhoods as well as the easy access provided by the subway system. There is an abundance of things to do and see in the worlds of music, art, comedy, and of course nightlife. And don’t forget food! New York City is home to some of the world’s best places to eat, and also there are so many different types of cuisines to try, like great Indian street food, which you can find at Bombay Talkie in Chelsea. In simple terms: a city of immigrants makes for a city of delicious, diverse food choices. The city is also well known for its vast reserves of high quality standup comedy. Seeing standup is always fun when you’re with a group of friends because there’s the promise of drinks, food, and laughs. What more could you ask for after a week that most likely consists of sleep deprivation combined with the stresses of work and school? I highly suggest checking out the People’s Improv Theather, which is affectionately known as The Pit. The Pit is located right down the block from Baruch College and is very student friendly. Also New York is chock full of art museums and festivals to visit with friends during the day where you can soak up some culture and then later at night you can find a place to dine or drink on pretty much any New York City block. The club scene is probably the best in the nation, with many of the most popular ones concentrated in the Meatpacking District. There are also tons of live music restaurants (Café Wha? of Greenwich Village) and music venues (Music Hall of Williamsburg, Webster Hall, Bowery Ballroom, Mercury Lounge) where college students flock throughout the week to listen to bands that are the epitome of cool, both old and new.

I would take the variety of my commuter social life any day over the bland one experienced by those that neglect to push beyond the dorm, or attend college out of NYC. I’m not saying that there is no such thing as fun outside of NYC but there are certainly more options when it comes to having a college social life. Sometimes it takes a trip away from home to make you realize how great the city that you call home is in the first place. I learned that fun isn’t necessarily confined to the four walls of a cold dorm room, and instead it infinitely surrounds me once I walk out my door and rush to catch the train.

-Anjelica LaFurno

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2011 Northside Festival

Monday, June 20th, 2011

Guided By Voices playing at McCarren Park!

This past week from June 16 to June 19 the Northside Festival took place in Williamsburg and Greenpoint, Brooklyn.  I had the pleasure of attending this festival and its events this past Saturday, June 18. The Northside Festival is different from most festivals because, well, it’s in Brooklyn, for one, and it celebrates music, film, art, and ideas from the Northside. The objective of the Northside Festival is to shine a light on a borough that is often overshadowed by Manhattan, yet it seems clear that lately Brooklyn marks the spot for all that is new and hip.

The festival had various events that fell under the four aforementioned categories. My interest was specifically geared toward the music to be showcased in McCarren Park: a local park in Williamsburg known for its grand scale, Saturday farmer’s markets, and the many events held there. On Friday, June 17 Beirut headlined and the show was opened by singer Sharon Van Etten and the band Yellow Ostrich. I personally witnessed the amazing performance given by veteran cool kids and band Guided By Voices on Saturday, June 18. Three contemporary bands supported them: The Babies, Surfer Blood, and Wavves. Both shows were held outdoors on a stage sponsored by Steve Madden and for the Guided By Voices show a large crowd gathered of loyal GBV fans, but also a young assemblage of new ones. The four day festival had a lineup of both the well known and the complete unknowns that played shows at the many music venues and bars in the area. You can check out the lineup here.

But music wasn’t the only part of the festival I enjoyed! From the beginning of McCarren Park until about North 5th Street and Bedford Avenue the streets were closed off and local businesses handed out giveaways and discounts. My sisters and I took free photo booth pictures sponsored by the Brooklyn Winery, which was an indirect score for my mother because she got a discount offer. Also if you’re 21+ and happen to be in Kips Bay I highly suggest checking out Reserve Thai-Inspired Wine Bar. Many businesses previewed their products outside, like Brooklyn Charm that gave out free charm bracelets and necklaces.  They allowed passersby to choose their own charm and then it was made right before their eyes.  There was also an entire block that catered strictly to children showcasing kid friendly businesses. There were free percussion and guitar lessons, bike riding sessions, and even free gymnastics for toddlers. So the Northside Festival was pretty much for everyone: families, single adults, and teenagers hanging with friends.

Film was also celebrated at the festival with films being presented by L Magazine, Rooftop Films, Sundance Selects, and many more.  One film in particular, Nothing Yet, was directed and made by two under 21 college students. In the realm of art, many local art studios opened their doors to the public or showcased their work in the streets, like UGLY ART room. For the past three years, the Northside Festival has effectively celebrated the north side of Brooklyn, and will continue to do so. It is guaranteed fun that also helps out and promotes the creative community of Williamsburg and Greenpoint. So make sure to attend 2012’s Northside Festival or you’ll surely be missing out!

-Anjelica LaFurno

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Photo Credit: Anjelica LaFurno

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Games to Play on Your Break

Friday, June 17th, 2011

I can only slice so many fruit before I need something new.

It’s been a while since Cut the Rope became the popular game to play while sitting on the subway. If you’re looking for something new to fill up your time while commuting or sitting in the student lounge in between classes, check out these brand new puzzle titles that will keep the cogwheels in your brain turning as the clock drags.

Critical Mass (PC and iPhone)

Though it will be available first as a PC game, the iPhone version will become a portable version of the Wii game Art Style: CUBELLO, which received rave reviews back in 2008 despite its simplicity. In Critical Mass, a 3D mass of cubes floats in the center of the screen, and Bubble Bobble style, the player has to place their own colored cubes to match four of the same color, knocking off those cubes from the mass. The player wins when all the cubes are gone.

Admittedly, the game’s concept isn’t new, but the play style of Critical Mass is unique because of its 3D space. It also has different modes to spice things up with a timer or a set number of available cubes. Of course, you can forgo the timer and think the puzzle out at your leisure while on that three-hour break between classes. Be warned: the puzzles take strategy.

Essentially, the game is Bubble Bobble in 3D. And admit it, Bubble Bobble was the best game ever invented. Critical Mass is set to be released on June 20th on PC with the iPhone version to be announced. Personally, I can’t wait. Unfortunately, it won’t be available for BlackBerry, but if you have a DSi, you might want to try out this next game.

Hidden Photo (DSi)

This game is basically a photo hunt but with an added twist that the DSi brings. Not only are there puzzles included with the game, but also the main attraction is the ability to take pictures of your own with the DSi camera and make those into new puzzles. I can’t think of anything more perfect for sitting in high traffic areas like subway cars and college study areas. That guy sleeping in the library might not be getting any of his work done, but at least he’s providing you with some entertainment.

Unlike Critical Mass, which has the potential to become a popular puzzle game across many demographics, you probably have to already like photo-hunting games for Hidden Photo to be worth it. If you’re interested, you’ll be happy to hear that as a DSiWare game, it’s available super cheap, and is downloadable straight to your DSi from the DSi Shop for only $4.99.

That’s all the reviews I have for this week. I’m Avia, your Campus Clipper source for gaming news and insights for the college student. Check out my WoW blog at RP Your Life! and look below for a free coupon for my favorite burrito place!

-Avia Dell’Oste.

Check out my blog RP Your Life!

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Central Park Summer Fun

Thursday, June 16th, 2011

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2486/4038996120_853b9fd610.jpg

For twenty-six years New York has been host to the Summer Stage arts festival.  It runs from June 7th to September 2nd and takes place in all five boroughs.  What is so great about this festival is not only the variety of shows but that most of them are free! They have all genres of music (alternative, rap, world music, Latin, opera), theater, dancing, and even comedy! There are over a hundred performances spread out between the five boroughs—18 different park locations in total. City Parks Foundation, which is a nonprofit organization that created this festival to promote art, culture and fun to NYC, provides these events. I took part in the festival and went to see the musical performance of The Script in the Central Park venue, Rumsey Playfield. And it was a great experience. Tickets were $30.00 and we were able to lay a sheet down to sit and eat before the concert started.  The food inside the venue is not just draft beer and plain ol’ hot dogs; they have the option of pizza, Asiadog and wine. For those of you who are not aware of what Asiadog is, they are hot dogs that have an Asian twist of topping on them. I’ve never had something like those hotdogs before in my life: they are delicious. Leave it up to New York to twist the classics and make gold out of them.  My advice when going to any of the performances would be to get there as early as possible! And if you bring along a sheet, you hold your spot in front of the stage and just relax. If you also don’t want to spend money on venue food eat before hand (Maybe a burger from 123 Burger Shot Beer) Listed Below are some events that I thought were note-worthy but if you go to Summer Stage’s website you can get the entire listing of dates and events.

Shows in Manhattan:

Lee Fields & the Expressions (music), June 25th 4:00 pm, Rumsey Playfield, Central Park, Cost-Free

“Comedy Central Park” starring Jim Gaffigan (Comedy), June 29th 8:00 pm, Rumsey Playfield, Central Park, Cost-Free

The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital Series (Opera), July 11th 8:00 pm, Rumsey PlayField, Central Park, Cost-Free

Ratatat (Music), July 13th 6:30 pm, Rumsey Playfield, Central Park, Cost- $30 in advanced/ $40 the day of the show

Amitage Gone! Dance (Dance), July 15th 8:00 pm, Rumsey Playfield, Central Park, Cost-Free

Henry V by William Shakespeare (Theatre), Preformed by The Classical Theatre of Harlem, August 5th 8:00 pm, Marcus Garvey Park, Cost- Free

Shows in Queens:

“A Salute to Hip-Hop” Feat. N.O.R.E and Funkmaster Flex (Music), July 21st 7:00 pm, Queensbridge Park, Cost-Free

Hezekiah Walker (Music), July 27th 7:00pm, SpringField Park, Cost-Free

Kool Moe Dee (Music), July 19th 7:00 pm, Queensbridge Park, Cost-Free

Shows in Brooklyn:

Talib Kweli (Music), June 21st 7:00 pm, Red Hook Park, Cost-Free

We Are Scientists/ Milagres (Music), June 23rd 7:00 PM, Red Hook Park, Cost-Free

Dance Grand Moultrie (Dance), June 25th 7:00 PM, Red Hook Park, Cost-Free

Shows in Staten Island:

The Sugarhill Gang (Music), August 2nd &:00 PM, Tappen Park, Cost-Free

The Budos Band (Music), August 3rd 7:00 PM, Tappen Park, Cost-Free

Shows in The Bronx:

Slick Rick (Music), July 12th 7:00 PM, Crotona Park, Cost-Free

Xcstacy (Music), July 13th 7:00 PM, Crotona Park, Cost-Free

Summer Shakeup! (Theatre), July 16th 10:00 AM, Crotona Park, Cost-Free

Jackie Aqel

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Inner Peace at the Crossroads of the World

Thursday, June 16th, 2011
Mind Over Madness Yoga

Yoga lovers exercise in the middle of Times Square

For the residents and tourists of New York who have been to Times Square, you know how busy it can be. Or rather, how busy it always is. The bright lights, the honking of horns, the crowd, the noise… you get the picture. But what if you could be in the middle of Times Square amidst the noise and commotion, yet be completely separate and away from it at the same time? That is the mission that three yoga instructors set out to accomplish during this year’s summer solstice.

On Tuesday June 21st, Mind Over Madness Yoga will commence in between 45th and 47th Streets in the pedestrian plaza along Broadway. Nicole Nichols, Patrick Lynch and Douglass Stewart, three yoga instructors from local yoga studios, will lead an all-day yoga exercise event (separated into different sessions) in the middle of Times Square. This will be the 10th annual Mind Over Madness celebration welcoming the solstice.

All levels of yoga students are encouraged to come take part in this incredible event. If you want to be a part of Mind Over Madness, you do have to register by clicking here. Spots are limited and participants are limited to one session for the day, so those who are interested in participating should check it out now. There are four different sessions that run starting at 7:30 A.M. and ending at 7:30 P.M. Check-in for these sessions is located at Broadway and 48th Street (remember, register first!). Admission for the sessions is free.

As for those of us who don’t participate in yoga, if you are interested in seeing it in full force in the world’s busiest intersection, I recommend a visit to Times Square this Tuesday to check out the festivities. Take photos, watch the participants and instructors, and take an interest in what they are striving for on the longest day of the year.

The summer solstice is an event regarded in many different cultures as a period of rebirth or renewal for one’s body and one’s mind. Interestingly enough, the word “solstice” is derived from two Latin words, each meaning “sun” and “to stand still.” So, seeing yoga lovers come together in one of the world’s busiest commercial regions in an attempt to bring calmness and stillness to themselves and those around them under the lengthy gaze of our sun should be a spectacle to behold.

–Christopher Cusack, Hofstra University

Photo Credit: Adam Pantozzi

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View From the Top

Wednesday, June 15th, 2011

I’ve spent a great deal of my life in NYC. My parents work together in the city and I would spend my summers traveling in with them to answer phones and play secretary for their company. After work everyday, my mother and I would go on adventures through the city and do all sorts of things. I’ve walked every street in Manhattan, seen Broadway shows, cheered at parades and walked through the museums. But what haven’t I done? Ventured into the Empire State Building, the very symbol of New York! When I realized that it was one of the few important places I haven’t visited in NYC, I decided to take action and buy tickets for my boyfriend and I to go.

Online tickets range from about $22.00 to $55.00 dollars for adults (ages 13-61) depending two factors. Firstly, there are two floors, the 86th and 102nd floor. You can see just the 86th floor for about $22.00 a person or bump up the price to $37.00 and see both floors. The second factor is the choice of waiting in line or buying express pass tickets that include both floors and allows you to cut the expected long lines for $55.00. Being a paranoid individual, and fearful that long lines would ruin the experience, I opt for the $55.00 tickets and decided to make them my Valentine’s Day present for my boyfriend.

The night of Valentine’s Day came and after dinner in a small Mediterranean restaurant in lower Manhattan (if you’re in the mood for Mediterranean, a closer option to the Empire State building for you could be Ole Kebab), I forced my boyfriend in a cab and told the driver “33rd and 5th please!” it was already 11:45 PM but since the Empire State Building’s Observatories closes at 2:00 AM (last elevator ride up is at 1:15 AM but you can stay till 2:00) we had plenty of time. When we got there the building was quiet and only had a few wanderers around. The man behind the front desk told us to take the escalator up the stairs and follow the signs. We went up and followed a maze of hallways! It was a long walk where it seemed lines would have formed. We got the front of the line immediately (express passes are definitely not necessary for late night visits!) and after walking through a metal detector, made it to the first elevator. Up to the 86th floor we went! When we got there, it was unbelievable. From up there you can see EVERYTHING. Even Brooklyn! All the lights reminded me of when you’re on a plane overlooking a city at night and everyone is fighting to look out the plane’s windows to see the city. It was magical and because it was Valentine’s Day, it was very romantic. There were only couples around us—which I’m sure isn’t normally the case. We ventured outside and because it was mid-February the wind was furious. As we turned the corners the wind would come from a different direction and we would scream and laugh and huddle together to fight against it as a unit. Then we went to the 102nd floor where it was amazing but there was no outside to go to so it wasn’t the same as looking out from the 86th floor. So as a struggling student without money to throw around, go experience the empire state building; just learn from my mistakes. Make sure to go at night when the tourist crowds have dispersed so you won’t need an express pass and if you’re really tight on money seeing just the 86th floor for a special occasion is worth the $20.00 on its own.

Jackie Aqel

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A Beginners Guide to Willyburg!

Tuesday, June 14th, 2011

My Grandma always said to me growing up, “There’s nowhere better than Brooklyn!” Even then, and still now, there was no possible way I could have disagreed with her. She saw the beauty in her hometown of Williamsburg, Brooklyn before gentrification was normatively associated with the area. In other words, Williamsburg was effortlessly cool before being branded so by the Hipster invasion. Some complain that the influx of Hipsters and the influence of their subculture will decimate an already existing culture. There is certainly some truth to that belief commonly held amongst natives, yet I’d like to celebrate and focus attention on the treasures of this area both new and long established. After all, if it were not for the newcomers there would never have been the much deserved attention and interest in Williamsburg. Here are five things to do and see in the urban paradise of Williamsburg, Brooklyn:

1. Eat Something Sweet

-Fortunato Brothers
289 Manhattan Avenue (between Ainslie & Devoe St)
Brooklyn, NY 11211

Fortunato Brothers is the ideal Italian pastry shop in the heart of a once predominantly Italian-American neighborhood. Here you can indulge and enjoy traditional Italian pastries like cannoli, sfogliatelle, and pastiche. Not only are their pastries great, but also Fortunato’s is well known for their homemade gelato flavors. I highly suggest sitting down with a friend for the café experience, order one of their heavenly hot drinks (cappuccino, espresso), and listen in on the Italian jabber of the older, dapper regulars.

Forget Neverland! Just take a trip to Greenpoint, Brooklyn and enjoy a scrumptious donut!

-Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop
727 Manhattan Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11211

A celebrated Polish bakery that is so well know even Tina Fey of 30 Rock has raved over how amazing their donuts really are. Popular donut choices are the red velvet, coconut crème, jelly, and my own personal favorite, the classic white crème. They also serve coffee for a mere buck and the place has a cool, retro atmosphere as well. So I say sit on a swivel seat, have a cup of coffee, and enjoy a yummy donut! If you can’t make it to Brooklyn for the day, I suggest stopping by Just Sweet Desert House in Manhattan to get your sweet fix!

2. Enjoy the Great Outdoors

McCarren Park is a nice retreat from urban nuisances.

-McCarren Park
780 Lorimer Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211

McCarren Park is the place to be if you’re looking to spend the day outside, soak up some rays, and take part in athletics. The 35-acre park consists of a baseball field, soccer field, running track, and handball courts as well as bocce courts. On Saturdays the park becomes a farmer’s market filled to the brim with fresh produce and homemade baked goodies. This year the park will be the home base for the Northside Festival, which will ooze live music from artists such as: Wavves, Guided By Voices, and Beirut!

3. Check Out Cool Sounds

There are three premier record stores in Williamsburg and they are:

-Sound Fix
44 Berry Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211

The most organized of the three Sound Fix is an oasis for those obsessed with music. They have an extensive collection of both used and new albums from alternative artists that are both classic and contemporary. Also listening stations are available to customers so that they can preview albums.

-Academy Records
96 N. 6th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211

Academy Records is vinyl heaven in a nutshell. The vinyl collection at this particular record store eclipses both Earwax Records and Sound Fix. You can also find used CD’s at their cheapest here! It is a sort of “school” for the true record enthusiast!

-Earwax Records
218 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11211

Although the most expensive, Earwax has the most variety of the three. They have a great selection of different artists and genres, which is a guarantee that you will walk out with just what you wanted. This place is bound to remove the wax from your ears and fill it with cool sounds for sure!

4. Dance with the Giglio! (July 6- July 17, 2011)

-Feast of Our Lady of Mount Caramel
275 N. 8th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211

An annual festival held by Our Lady Of Mount Caramel Church for over 100 years now is a guaranteed fun time with friends. You can eat traditional festival food (zeppole, sausage and peppers) and dance with the Giglio. The Giglio is a large statue carried by a large number of men while a band plays music and people dance. It is a tribute to an Italian saint Paolino di Nola and the feast is one of three Giglio feasts conducted nationwide. It’s not to be missed!

5. Experience Live Music

-Music Hall of Williamsburg
66 N. 6th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211

The Music Hall of Williamsburg is one of the many Bowery Presents venues in New York City. A young crowd flocks here primarily on the weekends to listen to live music, and the 21+ group has the added perk of a swanky bar on the lower level. I’ve personally seen live acts such as Wavves, Sonic Youth, and Best Coast. Every performance I’ve attended here has been a satisfying musical experience. If you’d like to get your mosh on (depends on the band) or just listen to some pretty darn cool music, here are some upcoming shows:

  • The Low Anthem, Wednesday 6/15
  • Flying Lotus, Wednesday 6/22
  • Peter Bjorn and John, Thursday 9/15

Anjelica LaFurno

Visit my tumblr here

Do the right thing and check out these Williamsburg spots and for great student discounts visit  http://campusclipper.com!

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Posted in onEntertainment, onFood, onSavings, Out On The Town, Outside Manhattan | 1 Comment »

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