Archive for the ‘onFun’ Category

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

Thanksgiving on the Town

Wednesday, November 24th, 2010

During my freshman year in college I experienced my first Thanksgiving away from home. My solo Turkey Day was something of a mixed blessing. On the downside, there was no way to enjoy Grandpa’s turkey or my mom’s homemade pumpkin pie. I made an attempt to follow Mom’s original recipe, but botched it up somehow. The pie wasn’t sweet enough, and the crust crumbled everywhere. Obviously, it needed my mother’s touch. But on the upside, I could avoid my crotchety Uncle Gerard and my bratty nieces this year. And I could hang out with my friends; we all headed out to eat Bar-B-Que, then to the local bar to wash down that turkey. So even with the absence of my mother’s pie, I enjoyed my holiday.       

Like me, you’re probably experiencing this Thanksgiving away from home and hearth. But fear not, you’re studying in one of the hottest holiday spots, NYC! From the mammoth Macy’s Day Parade, to ice-skating at Rockefeller Center, there’s always something to do this Thanksgiving.

Don’t have time to cook this year? (Or want to avoid a mishap like my pumpkin “pie”?) There are plenty of eateries you can hit up in NYC. And you don’t even have to go that traditional (and sometimes blasé) turkey-and-stuffing route. Try Japanese Bar-B-Que at Gyu-Kaku Restaurant. Enjoy anything, from Bistro Harami Hanger steak to Japanese sausages.  Gyu-Kaku also has a Thanksgiving Day lunch special—all you can eat for $27! Then stay for their Happy Hour, from 3pm to 10:30pm. Check out more of their specials at www.gyu-kaku.com.   

Maybe singing is your forte. If so, you should check out the ultra hip bar and lounge Karaoke Boho this Thanksgiving. Great food, drinks, and a wide variety of songs. Belt out some Alicia Keys or perform a British ballad from Oasis.  Karaoke Boho is at three different locations: 196 Orchard St., 186 West 4th St., and 54 East 13th St. And don’t forget to take advantage of their student discount. Get 50% off your reservation Sunday through Thursday, and 25% off Friday through Saturday.  

Our new book, NYC Student Guide, will let you know of hot spots like Gyu-Kaku and Karaoke Boho. The Guide features articles on food, entertainment, health, and many more.  Email us at clip@campusclipper.com  to preorder you copy today! At only $9.99, the Guide is much more affordable than a textbook, but just as essential to your student experience.  

-Megan, Trinity University

Get great more Student Discounts!

Download our NEW App on iTunes!
Become a fan on Facebook and follow us on twitter!

Don’t forget to sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter for student promotions and coupons and download the coupon booklet NOW!

Share

Posted in Cheap Eats, onEntertainment, onFood, onSavings, Out On The Town | No Comments »

Make New Friends and Keep the Old: Wet, Hot, New York Summer

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

This past weekend, College Girl was up in the city visiting me.  We devoted about two hours only to talking about her split with Navy Boy (after which I promptly defriended him on facebook – I am of the opinion that it’s totally appropriate for friends to hold grudges for each other when one half of the friendship is too nice to be mad on their own behalf, but I digress) and the rest of the weekend enjoying New York City in the summer.

I have no job, and all of my friends know this.  They know that my life is primarily dictated by how much money my parents are willing to give me at any given time, and seeing as how College Girl is their favorite friend of mine, they weren’t too hard to get money from for the weekend.  However, I set myself to the task of finding free things to do, and as most of us either know or are learning, there’s plenty to do in the city that’s free.  I think I’ve seen a few blogs from some of the other bloggers dedicated entirely to the city’s free events scattered throughout the summer.

Brooklyn Bridge Park and Bryant Park both have movies showing throughout the summer, sponsored by SyFy and HBO, respectively.  In Brooklyn, every Thursday you can see a movie with the sun setting on Manhattan in the background and music provided by a DJ.  Their selection is varied, from Dreamgirls to Rear Window to The Big Lebowski and I’m counting down the days until August 26th when they’ll be playing Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.   Bryant Park is showing old school Hollywood movies, with classic favorites Rosemary’s Baby and Carousel. These two parks aren’t the only places showing free movies throughout the summer, but they’re my two favorites.

College Girl got to New York via the Megabus right around noon, just in time for a day of thunderstorms.  I have this standing theory that whenever I have a visitor, the weather is going to be bad, and the rain starting just as she texted me that she was in her cab is my case and point.  We wandered around my area of East Harlem for a while, not completely out of the rain even with umbrellas, before an impromptu trip to Whole Foods for ice cream, waffles, and pie.  Let it be known that from my stop on the 6 to the Whole Foods at Union Square takes about half an hour, but it’s definitely worth it for the blueberry pie.  After that we decided on an easy night of Chinese food and “Degrassi.”  Laughing at the absurdity of a tornado warning in New York that night, we both relaxed and caught up on each other’s lives, hoping that the next day would bring nicer weather and a chance for me to show off what I’ve learned about the city from living in it on my own for a year.

One of the best things about the city in the summer, not even taking into account the free opportunities offered, is Central Park.  With that said, Central Park is the perfect place for those with few funds to hang out.  Every summer Central Park is host to Shakespeare in the Park, often boasting big name actors that love their craft so much they are willing to put on a free show.  Tickets are hard to come by, free as they are, and can be gotten through an online lottery or standing in line for hours.  Saturday was The Merchant of Venice, and as much as I enjoy Shakespeare I wasn’t that interested until I saw the name Al Pacino.   I haven’t lived in the city long enough to be  immune to the appeal of stars like him, and again, the fact that such a thing is free, blows my mind.

Central Park also has its Summer Stage, and since we were unable to get tickets to Shakespeare in the Park, College Girl and I walked around until we literally stumbled upon a crowd of people all heading to, what we soon discovered, a free performance of the  Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.  With the air cooling thanks to the sun going down, we watched the Alvin Ailey dancers with the soundtrack of live blue music in the background, and it was maybe of my favorite experiences of the city so far.

-Mary K

For great student discounts check out our website!
Download our NEW App on iTunes!
Become a fan on Facebook and follow us on twitter!
Share

Posted in Friendship, onEntertainment, onLove, Out On The Town, Outside Manhattan, Relationships, Student Maximu$ Summer/Fall 2010, Uniqueness in NYC | No Comments »

Free Activities In the City!

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

written by Adam Davis

It might be tempting to stay in the office or the apartment during the hottest months, but New York City offers plenty of free summer activities that don’t involve huddling by the air conditioner.  And what better time is there to relax, meet new people, and enjoy some arts and culture?

SUMMERSTAGE
The best part of summer is Summerstage, a performing arts festival that includes dancers, singers, and even poets and novelists.  This year Summerstage is expanding to include performances in parks throughout New York City, thus making these can’t-miss shows available to people in all five boroughs.  During its 25 years, Summerstage has hosted over 1,700 notable artists and writers, including David Bowie, M.I.A., Toni Morrison, and Joni Mitchell.  This summer’s lineup consists of 91 free shows, including artists such as Dan Deacon, White Rabbits, and Public Enemy, along with a four-night concert featuring the alternative rock band Pavement.  See www.summerstage.org for specific dates and times of various shows.

NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC, OR THE “BIG FIVE.”
If you appreciate classical music, you have to check out the New York Philharmonic, or the “Big Five.”  They are the oldest orchestra in America by almost four decades and had their record-setting 14,000th concert in 2004.  During the summer, the “Big Five” perform for free at parks in all the boroughs, but most often at the Great Lawn in Central Park.  All shows begin at 8 p.m. and are followed by fireworks.  Check out http://nyphil.org/attend/summer for a full schedule.

TODAY SHOW SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
On the other hand, if Sting, Christina Aguilera, Maroon 5 and Lady Gaga are more your taste, the Today Show summer concert series offers a chance to see them for free, if you are willing to get up early enough.  The concerts are hosted at Rockefeller Center at 7 a.m. on Friday mornings, but you have to get there up to two hours earlier (depending on the popularity of the performer) to ensure you get in.  For more info, go to http://today.msnbc.msn.com and click on “Concert Series.

BRYANT PARK’S SUMMER FILM FESTIVAL
For those who look forward to summer blockbusters, Bryant Park’s Summer Film Festival shows movies—albeit classic ones—every Monday night. The lawn opens at 5 p.m. for blankets and picnicking and the films begin at dusk, usually between 8 and 9 p.m., but make sure to get there early in order to secure a good spot and enjoy some classic animated shorts. Some films scheduled to appear on the 20-foot screen this summer are Goldfinger, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and Rosemary’s Baby.  To get a complete list of films and dates, visit
www.bryantpark.org and click on “Summer Film Festival.”

BROOKLYN FLEA MARKET
Another interesting thing to check out is the Brooklyn Flea Market, which moves outside during the summer. The flea market has recently expanded from its original venue in Fort Greene to include a second location at the Brooklyn Bridge Park.  The Brooklyn Bridge Flea Market features over 100 vendors, with antiques, jewelry, and local artwork galore. If you get hungry while browsing, feel free to sample some of the unique local foods like McClure’s Pickles, Early Bird Granola, or fresh lobster rolls from Red Hook Lobster Pound. The Brooklyn Bridge Flea starts June 14th and takes place every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.  To see the latest finds, check www.brooklynflea.com.

Find out more about College Discounts!

Download our NEW App on iTunes!
Become a fan on Facebook and follow us on twitter!

Share

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in onEntertainment, Out On The Town, Student Maximu$ Summer/Fall 2010, Uniqueness in NYC | No Comments »

Adam Schatz: Search and Restore

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

written by Aramis Grant

NYU senior and Jazz Saxophone major ADAM SCHATZ runs an art organization called Search and Restore – a nonprofit group, dedicated to the promotion and audience expansion of NYC’s modern jazz scene. Search and Restore was created in 2008 with the goal of “making the jazz scene more sustainable,” as Adam described it.
“Everything we do is to expand,” said Adam about the efforts of the Search and Restore team.
The team’s base is SearchandRestore.com – made in February of last year. The website is an “all-encompassing website for live jazz and improvised music in New York City,” as expressed on the site.
SearchandRestore.com is host to numerous events — listing many venues, times, days, and dates that all the jazz shows in the city are happening.
Being a jazz student and playing in multiple jazz bands, Adam wasn’t happy with the small amount of light being shed on jazz musicians.

Adam Schatz "Search and Restore"

“Jazz was literally boxed in … the shows were being held in really small clubs. It wasn’t a good way for people to find out about what was going on,” said Adam.
Besides expanding the size of the venues jazz artists were playing at, Adam wanted and does work to expand the jazz audience and jazz awareness.
“We want to bring the music we love to more people,” he said.
Adam also makes it his duty to reach out not only to the general public, but specifically to the people he relates to the most … students.
Search and Restore advertises affordable tickets to shows with no drink minimums, at venues that don’t have an age requirement.
Adam invites people to become involved with the NYC jazz scene, stating it is the “most human form of music that exists.”
“It is so anchored in improvisation in the way that no other form of music is. It’s fun to watch because it happens right in front of your eyes,” said Adam, “People need to feel the music through the experience.”

Find out more about student discounts!

Download our NEW App on iTunes!
Become a fan on Facebook and follow us on twitter!

Share

Tags:, , , , , , ,
Posted in onTalent, Student Maximu$ Summer/Fall 2010, Uniqueness in NYC | No Comments »

Let’s Dance: NYPL for the Performing Arts

Friday, June 11th, 2010

My favorite library in NYC is the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, no contest. I was there today picking up an obscure dance book for some summer reading (fun, right?), and was reminded of just how great this place is. Not only does it have the most extensive library of dance books, periodicals, photos, and videos, but it also celebrates the arts in an important way. This library is not your standard collection of resources – it contains information on all types of performance art, and also has installations and events to celebrate the artists found within the vast collections of books and other resources in this library.

When you enter from the Lincoln Center Plaza entrance (which is almost completely done with construction, and looks GORGEOUS, by the way), straight ahead you will see a room that is home to changing displays. I have seen a display of Cunningham costumes, a musical celebration, and many other exhibits here. Currently, it is under construction, but it’s always worth poking a head in to see what is being showcased – you might learn something, and there will certainly be something to look at or listen to.

If you enter from the Amsterdam Avenue entrance across from La Guardia High School, you’ll walk in and see another small exhibition center to your right and a theater to your left. Two years ago, one of my teachers curated an event on the Dance Theatre of Harlem. In the room to the right we got to see video of past performances, examples of costumes and documents, and posters of the dancers both past and present. As part of this exhibit, I also attended a panel discussion in the auditorium across the hall and got to listen to Arthur Mitchell, one of the creators of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, talk about his experience in the dance world. Obviously, the exhibit has since changed – they change every couple of weeks, and the latest exhibits can be found here.

As if these exhibits weren’t enough, there are also performances constantly happening at this library. Weekly concerts, movie showings, and speakers are all common events. And in addition to these being educational and truly well-done events – they’re FREE!! I’ve always loved libraries, but one complete with performances and exhibits really takes the cake.

So head over to the Performance Arts library, located at 40 Lincoln Plaza (65th Street, by Broadway and Amsterdam Avenues) and check out the exhibits, performances, and books. And if there’s no upcoming events that pique your interest? Consider going into the research archives and watching a historic performance. I’ve spent entire days there watching their footage of William Forsythe‘s choreography – it’s not the same as seeing it live, but at least it’s free and accessible!

-Meghan Q

Find out more about Student Discounts!

Download our NEW App on iTunes!
Become a fan on Facebook and follow us on twitter!

Don’t forget to sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter for student promotions and coupons and download the coupon booklet NOW!

Share

Tags:, , , , , ,
Posted in onEntertainment, Out On The Town | No Comments »

The Northside Festival

Monday, June 7th, 2010

Along with barbecues, beach parties, and baseball games, summer brings along with it an enormous heaping of music festivals. Later on this week in Tennessee, music acts like Kings of Leon, Stevie Wonder, and Jay-Z will be playing at Bonnaroo. In July, the Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago is boasting Modest Mouse, LCD Soundsystem, and Pavement as headliners. Come August, also in Chicago, Lady Gaga, Arcade Fire, as well as The Strokes will play what will probably be amazing sets at the gargantuan Lollapalooza. I, personally, would love to pack up and hit up all of these festivals, and more, if not for the fact that I just recently overdrew from my bank account. I simply cannot afford it.

So what is a guy with a current balance of -$2.58 supposed to do? Thankfully, The L Magazine has my back. From June 24 – 27 Brooklyn will be graced with the Northside Festival. In its second year, the festival is dedicated to independent musicians and filmmakers who have a history within the borough. The lineup, which is as eclectic as Brooklyn itself, is featuring some relatively prominent acts such as Islands and Wavves, but the main drawing point is the multitude of lesser-known acts, which are sure to find some new fans at the festival.

I’m mainly looking forward to seeing one of my favorite bands of all time, Les Savy Fav, play yet another hilariously raucous set filled with catchy post-punk riffs and costume changes. Yes, costume changes. Also playing is Titus Andronicus, whose latest album, The Monitor, is so good that I cannot stop listening to it or recommending it to everyone for the past two months since I’ve heard it.

Unlike those other festivals I mentioned, tickets to the Northside Festival aren’t offensively ridiculous. If you’re over 21, $50 can get you a badge which will get you into all of the shows playing as a part of the festival on a first-come/first-serve basis. These badges will also net you some sweet discounts with local food and drink sellers. If you’re not over 21, or you don’t want to go to every show, you can pick and choose and buy individual tickets at the different venues. Ticket prices range from $10 to $18. I think even I can manage that.

Thanks, Brooklyn. You’ve shown me, yet again, that even though I could go somewhere else, why should I?

Find out more about Academic Discounts!

Download our NEW App on iTunes!
Become a fan on Facebook and follow us on twitter!

Don’t forget to sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter for student promotions and coupons and download the coupon booklet NOW!

Share

Tags:,
Posted in onEntertainment, Out On The Town | No Comments »

Let’s Dance: Battery Park

Sunday, June 6th, 2010

In an attempt to finance my admission to real performances, for the past year I have been working at the Statue of Liberty (yes, it’s both cool and terrible at the same time). While I’m still waiting on my paycheck so I can see a real performance and write about that, I do have some exciting free things for you to check out.

In order to get to Liberty Island, I have to board the ferry in Battery Park. I can’t attest to what goes on all day long in the park, since I refuse to go there on my off days, but I can tell you that after 5 or 6 p.m. (when we get off the last boat from the island), there’s always something going on. On any given day that doesn’t involve storms, there are people waiting to sell you handbags, draw you a picture, or pass out Obama condoms. Additionally, there are usually some musicians playing tin drums, big guys holding snakes that you can take pictures with (although this makes me scream and run away – no big deal), and the occasional breakdancing show.

Particularly over the summer, there’s always a crowd in Battery Park. My favorite part of these festivities is certainly the breakdancing – although the shows don’t often last long and they aren’t the best shows I’ve ever seen, it’s worth stopping and clapping for a few minutes. Usually when I get off the boat (by Castle Clinton in the park, which is closer to the 6 train rather than the South Ferry subway station) there is a group in red performing. They bust out flips, yell until you clap, and although sometimes disorganized are at least good for a laugh.

Photo from Webshots.com: http://image44.webshots.com/45/3/97/41/373839741sNjkGC_ph.jpg

This place isn’t so exciting over the winter (although once it’s snowy and there are no performers left you are free to make epic snowmen) – but in the summer, there’s a lot going on.

The biggest snowman I ever made was this winter in Battery Park!

In addition to these informal street performers, Battery Park also holds some concerts and other events. This Saturday there was a science exhibit, and last summer there was a Rilo Kiley concert (that I had to miss!), among others. I’ve even seen the Paul Taylor II company perform for free on a makeshift stage in the park.

If you don’t want to chance it and head down to the park to enjoy some rays and the random entertainment, you can find schedules for the larger events on the Battery Conservancy website. Different organizations use the space, and a wide variety of things go on there. The best part? It’s free!!

-Meghan Q

Find out more about College Discounts!

Download our NEW App on iTunes!
Become a fan on Facebook and follow us on twitter!

Don’t forget to sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter for student promotions and coupons and download the coupon booklet NOW!

Share

Tags:, , , ,
Posted in onEntertainment, Out On The Town, Uniqueness in NYC | No Comments »

Let’s Dance: SummerStage

Tuesday, June 1st, 2010

I don’t often splurge for cabs, but after a long afternoon of traveling back to the city from a short trip home to New Hampshire, I decided to switch up the subway for a cab back to my apartment. This is mostly because it was downpouring and I was trying to catch a dance class (no such luck – too late!), but the reason doesn’t really matter.

Long story short, the cab was zooming through Central Park back to the East Side and I saw groups of people heading towards a stage with large signs reading SummerStage.

Now, I have seen signs and seen the stage set up in years past, but I have never taken the time to figure out what SummerStage was all about – I just figured it would be expensive or impossible to get into. Since I was too late to go to my class, however, I had some time to look into the details about what this stage is all about.

SummerStage is put on by the City Parks Foundation, and it presents a variety of free and benefit concerts. On the list for their Mainstage in Central Park this summer is a wide variety of acts – musicians such as Public Enemy, The Specials, and other famous bands, as well as dance groups such as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and other performers such as poets, comedians, and actors. I’m really looking forward to trying to see St. Vincent on August 1 and Complexions Contemporary Ballet on August 10, but hopefully I can get into the action earlier than August – there are plenty of shows to choose from!

This event happens every year, and most shows are free – but for the shows that require payment, order ahead. It’s the first day of June, and some shows are already listed as sold out! The free shows just require getting there early enough to find a spot – I’ll try to go to a show soon and see just how early the crowds normally get there. Keep in mind, too, that there are shows happening not just on the Central Park Mainstage, but also throughout the rest of the city and its boroughs. Check out the website for the full listings, and I’ll keep you posted on what I see and find out about this SummerStage deal. But so far, it looks like an amazing program – keeping the arts alive and accessible to NYC residents is a great goal, and utilizing the beautiful parks of Manhattan and its boroughs is a unique way to see the performances. I, for one, can’t wait!

-Meghan Q.

Get a great Student Discount!

Download our NEW App on iTunes!
Become a fan on Facebook and follow us on twitter!

Don’t forget to sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter for student promotions and coupons and download the coupon booklet NOW!

Share

Tags:, , , , , , ,
Posted in onEntertainment, Out On The Town, Uniqueness in NYC | No Comments »

Let’s Dance: Subway Performances

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

New York City’s MTA has raised prices and made service cuts since my Freshman year in the city, but one thing it hasn’t cut is the arts. The subway system of Manhattan is a large and sometimes overwhelming beast, but at least it’s never dull.

As part of an initiative to keep the subway stations looking clean, interesting, and exciting, the MTA began the Music Under New York program. We’re not talking about the random homeless guys singing on the subway trains, or the great Mariachi band that frequents the N train. No, the MUNY program sponsors artists formally in the stations themselves, complete with signs and microphones. Artists must audition and attend orientation prior to performing for the NYC public.

One of my favorite performers is Alice Tan Ridley, who I normally see at the Herald Square station. She always attracts a crowd – this is actually her profession, and she is good at what she does. Ridley is well known not just for her soulful singing, but also for being the mother of Gabourey Sidibe, star of the recent movie Precious. She is adamant about not living off her daughter’s paycheck, however – so if you see her rocking out in the subway, feel free to throw a dollar or two her way.

So next time you’re looking for a show and don’t have money for a student priced ticket, just spend some extra time on your next $2.25 subway ride and find a show. There are almost always performances going on at the major stations (42nd Street, Herald Square, etc.) and a more detailed schedule can be found at the MUNY website – and let me know your favorite performer, I’m always looking for new shows!

-Meghan Q.

Find out more about Student Discounts!

Download our NEW App on iTunes!
Become a fan on Facebook and follow us on twitter!

Don’t forget to sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter for student promotions and coupons and download the coupon booklet NOW!

Share

Tags:, ,
Posted in onEntertainment, onTravel, Out On The Town, Uniqueness in NYC | No Comments »

In the City that Always Eats

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

For a city that never sleeps, New York City is where you can find food at every corner. Whether you find food at a street vendor, a sidewalk cafe, an upscale restaurant, or the latest popular burger joint, you will inevitably be faced with daily decisions of which of the thousands of restaurants you will travel to for something delicious, something budget friendly, or something to give you endurance for a long night of studying. As a student in the big apple, these choices may seem overwhelming, and tempt you into turning the $1 pizza store across from your dorm into your go-to place for all meals. In today’s technology age, there are so many great resources for finding great deals and budget conscious ways to keep you from being a starving college student, that you can surely have a diverse culinary experience while in New York.

Before resorting to the internet to start frantically searching for great lunch deals and hot date spots, use your eyes to spot places you may want to dine. You will quickly learn that living in New York City means you can always “window shop” for clothes, food, jewelry, and anything else you may need. As you use your feet to get around, instead of a car, you have the opportunity to gaze into the restaurants you have heard so much about already, and get a real-life sense of what your dining experience may be like. And, walk around with a pen and a notepad. Some of the best restaurant and food deals are not advertised on their websites – they are advertised on chalkboards right outside of the restaurant! Take note, and add it to the to-do list.

Soon, I will share more specific details on how to dine out on the town in this fabulous city that always eats. But for now, I encourage you to be aware of your surroundings, and take note when you see a slice of pizza that is extra cheesy, a quaint neighborhood cafe, or a bustling hot spot. There are 365 days a year, and 4 years of college. Just think of all the great eating you can do!

-Kerry H

Find out more about Student Discounts!

Download our NEW App on iTunes!
Become a fan on Facebook and follow us on twitter!

Don’t forget to sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter for student promotions and coupons and download the coupon booklet NOW!

Share

Tags:, , , , , ,
Posted in Cheap Eats, onFood, Uniqueness in NYC | No Comments »

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »