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Event: Rocking Manhattan 2019

At 7:35 am on September 28th, teams of rowers will set out along the East River. No, this isn’t a mass exodus, nor is it an attempt to avoid morning traffic. It’s part of Rocking Manhattan, a 9-hour journey to circumnavigate Manhattan island in rowboats.

Rocking Manhattan is a 30-mile rowing event, providing participants with a rare perspective of New York City and a shared experience with a committed group of fellow New Yorkers (with a few Californians and Rhode Islanders mixed in). Formed into teams of between 4 and 12 people, they circle Manhattan Island along its three rivers—north up the East, west across the Harlem, and south down the Hudson. 

Each team is charged with raising at least $25,000 to support Rocking the Boat’s programs for youth in the South Bronx. Most raise significantly more towards the goal of $400,000, or 13% of Rocking the Boat’s annual budget.

  • Rocking Manhattan 2019

Event participants include rowers, coxswains, and powerboat drivers. Event beneficiaries are the roughly 4,000 members of the Hunts Point community who take part in Rocking the Boat’s youth development and public programs.

Groups of relatives, friends, and co-workers form the always creatively named teams rowing around Manhattan Island in Rocking Manhattan, including Flotsam and Jetsam, Dismasted, Knots Unlimited, Shore Thing, Going Full Circle, Rabble Rowsers, Either Oar, Sirens and Argonauts, Ebb and Flow, Rock Lobster. Some have been involved since the first circumnavigation in 2009, others are rowing for the very first time. Some started as members of other teams and have now taken the plunge to captain their own team. Rocking the Boat Board members are leading six of this year’s nine teams. Rocking the Boat’s Founder an Executive Director, Adam Green, always rows one or two of the three legs.

Graduates of Rocking the Boat’s after school youth development program serve as coxswains, steering the boats and keeping their rowers synchronized and motivated. They are members of Rocking the Boat’s Alumni Rowing Team, which trains all summer for the event.

A dear friend of Downtown’s Alies Van Den Berg, will be rowing two legs. We felt that this was something everyone can get out to support.

Members of the tight-knit sailing community in Barnegat Bay, NJ fill a vital role driving safety boats that accompany the rowing gigs throughout the day, providing support as needed from filling empty water bottles to giving weary rowers a short tow.

Rocking the Boat

Starting and ending at One°15 Brooklyn Marina in Brooklyn Bridge Park, the route includes a breakfast stop at Socrates Sculpture Park in Long Island City and a lunch stop at Muscota Marsh in Inwood and brings rowers under bridges, past landmarks, and adjacent to ferries, cruise ships, and coast guard vessels. 

A celebration dinner and award presentation (for generating the most dollars, not rowing the fastest) takes place in Brooklyn once everyone returns to the dock.

Outside of a few smallish corporate sponsorships, this is a peer-to-peer fundraiser. Everyone involved has an individual fundraising page complete with progress thermometer. They post photos, write brief stories about their connection to the organization, and then proceed to hit up their networks for donations! 

Rocking the Boat posts updates on social media and engages sponsors like Hydroflask for water bottles and Hornblower (the operator of NYC Ferry and Hornblower Cruises) for dry bags.

Rocking the Boat

Rocking the Boat brings tremendous positive impact to the high-need youth of Hunts Point by sustaining a hub of crucial resources and opportunities that help students overcome the circumstantial disadvantages that threaten to stifle their full potential. Activities centered on small boats and local waters are the unique vehicles Rocking the Boat uses to affect profound changes in the lives of young people and the vitality of their community. Wooden boatbuilding, sailing, and environmental research and restoration captivate and challenge young people, expose them to new experiences, and show them they are capable of doing things they never imagined, or only dreamed of. In doing so they develop the technical, social and emotional skills to replicate the successes they have in the shop and on the water in their personal, academic, and professional lives.

Rocking the Boat

The event is a circumnavigation of Manhattan Island over the course of nine hours. The boats, the rowers, the hydration and snacks, and the accumulated enthusiasm of over 100 volunteers are all in place…the only element we cannot plan for (other than the weather!) is a cheering section. Downtown has assembled the following list of locations and estimated times (+/- 10 minutes) for anyone who wants to have a one-of-a-kind New York experience coming out and cheering on the rowers. 

Rocking the Boat

Schedule – Enjoy a one-of-a-kind New York experience come on out to cheer on the rowers at any of these viewing areas along the New York Waterway.

Leg 1: East River

Empire Ferry Fulton Ferry Park (base of Brooklyn Bridge): 7:35 a.m.

Main Street Park (base of the Manhattan Bridge): 7:40 a.m.

Gantry Plaza State Park (Hunters Point): 8:10 a.m.

Queensboro Bridge: 8:20 a.m.

Queens Bridge Park (Long Island City): 8:20 a.m.

Roosevelt Island Bridge: 8:40 a.m.

Leg 2: Hell Gate and Harlem River

Carl Schurz Park: 10 a.m.

Thomas Jefferson Park: 10:15 a.m.

The High Bridge: 11:15 a.m.

Sherman Creek Park: 11:40 a.m.

Leg 3: Hudson River

George Washington Bridge / The Little Red Lighthouse: 2:15 p.m.

Riverside Park promenade at 116th Street: 3:15 p.m.

Riverside Park Boat Basin at 79th Street: 3:45 p.m.

Pier 40: 4:15 p.m.

Pier 25: 4:30 p.m.

Rockefeller Park 4:35 p.m.

Robert F. Wagner Park: 4:45 p.m.

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Events Featured Fitness Lifestyle Living Movies Music News NYC Theater

Summer Fun – In New York City Has Never Been Better!

Hudson River Park

MARK YOUR CALENDARS and let the SUMMER FUN begin June 2, 2018!

Living in a big city has many pitfalls and stressful moments, but living in a big city also has the BEST perks. Think about it, you can go from uptown to downtown in 15-20 minutes, east to west in a flash and hop on a ferry and your in another state!

So shake off the winter blues because Summer Fun in the City has never been better.

Hudson River Park’s 20th Anniversary Summer of Fun Season Lineup Offers Free Films, Dance, Music, Food, Fitness and yes there is MORE!

Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Hudson River Park and Experience a Summer of Wonder and Magic Along the Shores of New York’s Park for Play, the Nation’s Longest Riverfront Park

Premiere Events & All-time Favorites Include the Healthy on the Hudson Fitness Series, Shell-ebrate Oysters, Sunset Salsa Dancing, 19th Annual Blues BBQ Festival, Hudson RiverFlicks Sing-Alongs, and wait there is more!!

So shake off the winter blues because Summer Fun in the City has never been better.

Hudson River Park, an urban oasis for New Yorkers and visitors from every corner of the world, is proud to announce its 2018 lineup of free cultural, recreational, entertainment, environmental and educational events and attractions for New Yorkers, families and visitors to the Big Apple. The Park’s 20th Anniversary Summer of Fun season officially swings into action on Wednesday, May 23rd, kicking off more than 400 events and outdoor programs scheduled across Hudson River Park’s 550 acres of lush parkland and estuarine sanctuary all summer long, and throughout the month of October.

Over the past 20 years, Hudson River Park has transformed Manhattan’s Westside waterfront into a celebrated urban treasure which serves as both a hot-spot destination and beloved community backyard. To celebrate the Park’s “20 Years of Piers,” a full day of free, celebratory events and activities have been planned for Saturday, June 2nd on Hudson River Park’s Pier 45 in Greenwich Village, presented by Citi.

There’s fun for the whole family, starting with a Healthy on the Hudson workout, followed by catch-and-release fishing, and other environmentally-themed activities hosted by the Park’s Estuary Lab educators.  Kids and adults alike will be amazed and entertained by Mad Science’s water science show.

Grab lunch and join magician Kid Ace for a mesmerizing riverside magic show. End the evening by moonlight with Mitch Frohman & the Bronx Horns, Sunset Salsa with Talia Castro-Pozo, and the RiverFlicks blockbuster 20th Anniversary screening of The Wedding Singer.

Visit www.HudsonRiverPark.org for times and additional details.

Hudson River Park Friends Playground Committee Backyard BBQ– Give Back in Your Own Backyard – May 31.   


“During the last two decades, Hudson River Park has grown to become such a vital and extraordinary part of the New York City landscape,” said Madelyn Wils, CEO, and President of Hudson River Park Trust. “We’re so proud and excited to welcome all of our friends, families, and visitors to the Park this summer to explore and discover the many wonders that the Hudson River waterfront has to offer. From premier cultural entertainment to the myriad recreational and environmental experiences that keep people coming back to our shores from all over the world, Hudson River Park’s20th Anniversary Summer of Fun season is sure to be the best yet.”

One of Hudson River Park’s most unique and prized features is its 400-acre estuarine sanctuary – an ecologically significant environment supporting an abundance of fish and other wildlife.  Each year the Park’s Estuary Lab offers hundreds of hands-on education programs and interactive research projects that engage park patrons in discovering, exploring, and even restoring this precious natural resource. From Big City Fishing to Shell-ebrate Oysters, the Park’s Estuary Lab hosts programs throughout the Park’s four-mile footprint that excite and inspire audiences of all ages.  Participants can even work alongside Estuary Lab staff to support the health and habitat of the Park’s urban waters through community research projects such as oyster monitoring and marine debris analysis.


A headline event on the bill this summer is the Hudson River Dance Festival, which brings world-renowned modern dance companies and artists to the river’s edge at sundown for a spectacular sampling of the hottest modern dance programs—all for free. This year’s Hudson River Dance Festival will feature Jason Samuels Smith & Igmar Thomas, American Ballet Theatre Studio Company, Limón Dance Company, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, and The Chase Brock Experience.

The 19th Annual Blues BBQ Festival, as well as Big City Fishing, Hudson RiverFlicks movie series, Sunset on the Hudson concerts, and Salsa Dancing with Talia Castro-Pozo also return!

The Healthy on the Hudson fitness series, one of the Park’s most popular summer offerings, has expanded to offer more variety of fitness activities for New Yorkers of all ages, from outrigger sessions to rejuvenating yoga and tai chi. Free sing-along movie nights featuring audience favorites Frozen and Chicago will liven up the lawn at Clinton Cove, and legendary artists curated by the Jazz Foundation of America will bring their sultry sounds to Hudson River Park’s Pier 84 on select Thursday evenings from May through September.

 

Enjoy delicious barbeque and picnic fare, cocktails and live music in your own backyard along the river’s edge!


You won’t want to miss one of NYC’s most glamorous—and family-friendly—fundraising soirees of the summer, the 2ndannual Hudson River Park Friends Playground Committee Backyard BBQ. This evening of summertime celebration on the Chelsea Lawn Bowl at Hudson River Park’s Pier 62 is a great way to welcome the season and give back to help support free programs for families and children in New York’s Park for Play. Enjoy delicious barbeque and picnic fare, cocktails and live music in your own backyard along the river’s edge. Activities include offerings from Big City Fishing, Brooklyn Robot Foundry, Bubble Dad, Chess at Three, Curated Care, Craft Studio, Melinda’s Children Parties, Strong Heart Fun, Super Soccer Stars, Taste Buds, Tesla, a Photo Booth—and more!

A detailed listing of this year’s 20th Anniversary Summer of Fun events—from movies to music, to magic and much, much more—can be found below. For updates and more information, please visit www.hudsonriverpark.org/events throughout the summer. Follow us @HudsonRiverPark on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram to share your Summer of Fun!

Hudson River Park’s 20th Anniversary Summer of Fun  Events Calendar 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION EVENT June 2nd, Pier 45 – FREE

9:00 am – 10:30 am: Healthy on the Hudson workout
10:00 am – 10:45 am: Eco walk
10:45 am – 11:45 am: Healthy on the Hudson workout
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Estuary Lab Science Saturdays programming include Big City Fishing & Shell-ebrate Oyster
1:00pm – 1:30pm: Mad Science Show
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm: RiverKids: magic with Kid Ace=
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Sunset on the Hudson musical performance
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Sunset Salsa dancing with Talia Castro-Pozo, accompanied by Mitch Frohman and the Bronx Horns
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm: RiverFlicks: 20th Anniversary screening of the 1998 blockbuster The Wedding Singer

 

 

 

DANCE, DANCE, DANCE

Hudson River Dance Festival – FREE

Presented by SHS Foundation in association with The Joyce Theater

Hudson River Park is proud to bring you the fourth annual Hudson River Dance Festival. This celebration of dance will feature the rare treat of some of New York’s (and the world’s) favorite dance companies appearing in one evening, on one stage, for two nights only –  don’t miss these renowned dance companies in motion!

2018 Hudson River Dance Festival Dance Companies:
Jason Samuels Smith and Igmar Thomas performing MOST LIKE LEE
American Ballet Theatre Studio Company performing LE JEUNE by Lauren Lovette
Limón Dance Company performing CORVIDAE by Colin Connor
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo performing TARANTELLA
The Chase Brock Experience performing SPLENDOR WE ONLY PARTIALLY IMAGINED by Chase Brock

Event Location, Date and Time: • Hudson River Park’s Pier 63 Lawn, located at West 23rd St. in Chelsea
Thursday, June 7 and Friday, June 8 7:00pm

GET YOUR Dancing shoes ON!
Sunset Salsa – FREE

Things heat up when the sun goes down in Hudson River Park with Sunset Salsa! Join us on Tuesday nights in July & August for salsa dancing led by Talia Castro-Pozo and friends.
Beginner Salsa dance lessons from 6:30 pm – 7:15 pm; DJs start the party at 7:15 pm.

Event Location, Dates and Time: • Hudson River Park’s Pier 45, located at Christopher St. in Greenwich Village
Every Tuesday from July 10 – August 28 6:30 pm

 

FAMILY, Children get your parents out of the house!

Hudson River Park Friends Playground Committee Backyard BBQ– Give Back in Your Own Backyard – May 31st   

Presented by Hudson River Park Friends                        

The Hudson River Park Friends Playground Committee Background BBQ is the perfect way to welcome summer in New York City! Parents and their children can enjoy summer fun with delicious barbeque, cocktails and live music in your own riverfront backyard while giving back to help support free programs for families and children in Hudson River Park. Activities include offerings from Big City Fishing, Brooklyn Robot Foundry, Bubble Dad, Chess at Three, Curated Care, Craft Studio, Melinda’s Children Parties, Strong Heart Fun, Super Soccer Stars, Taste Buds, Tesla, a Photo Booth—and more! CLICK HERE for sponsorship opportunities.

Event Location, Date and Time: • Chelsea Lawn and Hudson River Park’s Pier 62, located at 23rd Street in Chelsea
Thursday, May 31, 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Cost: Tickets start at $125 for individual kid tickets; visit www.hudsonriverpark.org/backyardbbq for more information

Hudson RiverKids – FREE

Hudson River Park brings out all of your favorite New York City family performers each week, proudly supported by Manhattan Youth! From music to magic to interactive storytelling, Hudson RiverKids will keep your family entertained all summer fun long. The Hudson RiverKids season will run from June 4th through September 13th, and these fantastic programs will be offered twice per week at two locations, Pier 25 in Tribeca AND Pier 62 in Chelsea. Please note: show times (below) will change at the start and end of the season, with events prior to June 18th and after August 20th starting at 4:00 pm, while the remainder of the programs will begin at 6:30 pm.

2018 Hudson RiverKids Performers: • 6/4 and 9/6: Kid Ace

  • 6/11 and 6/14: City Stomp
  • 6/18 and 6/21: Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band
  • 6/25 and 6/28: Tim Kubart Trio
  • 7/9: Mister G
  • 7/12: Story Time with Nick Bruel
  • 7/16 and 7/19: Story Pirates
  • 7/23 and 7/26: Ramblin’ Dan and the Freewheelin’ Band
  • 7/30 and 8/2: The Pop-Ups
  • 8/6 and 8/9: Suzi Shelton
  • 8/13 and 8/16; Joanie Leeds
  • 8/20 and 8/23: Mike Messer (of the Dirty Sock Funtime Band)
  • 8/27 and 8/30: Penny Jones Puppets
  • 9/10 and 9/13: Bilingual Birdies Band

Event Location, Dates and Time: • Mondays at Hudson River Park’s Pier 25, in Tribeca
Thursdays at Hudson River Park’s Pier 62, in Chelsea
Times vary; please visit www.hudsonriverpark.org

ESTUARY LAB
Hudson River Park’s Estuary Lab programming lets participants discover, explore and even restore the Park’s 400-acre estuarine sanctuary 

Big City Fishing – FREE

Adults and kids ages 5 and up learn how to fish while engaging with trained environmental educators about river science topics.
Event Location, Dates and Times:
Every Sunday from July 1 – August 26 ◦ Hudson River Park’s Pier 84, located at West 44th St. in Midtown11:00 am – 3:00 pm •
Every Sunday from  July 1 – September 30 ◦ Hudson River Park’s Pier 25, located at N. Moore St. in Tribeca ▪ No program on September 23rd ◦ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm •
Every Monday from July 2 – August 20 ◦ 2 locations: Hudson River Park’s Pier 25, located at N. Moore St. in Tribeca  and Hudson River Park’s Pier 46, located at Charles St. (just north of Christopher St.) in Greenwich Village ◦ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Science Saturdays – FREE (New Event) Dive into science this summer at Hudson River Park! The whole family can enjoy hands-on activities including larger than life experiments, microscopic investigations, nature-inspired crafts and more.

Event Location, Dates and Times: • Locations vary; please visit www.hudsonriverpark.org
Saturdays: June 2, July 14 and August 11 – 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Pre-registration recommended at  www.hudsonriverpark.eventbrite.com

Roving River – FREE
This summer, keep an eye out for Hudson River Park’s Roving River Tricycle – a unique display of live Hudson River wildlife on wheels. Observe river animals up close and interact with smaller critters in a kid-friendly touch tank for this year’s Summer Fun.

Location, Dates and Times: • Travels between Pier 40, located at W. Houston Street, and Pier 25, located at N. Moore Street
Every Sunday from July 1 – September 30 ◦ No program on September 23rd • 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @HudsonRiverPark to find out where it’s headed next.

Pop Up Maker Space – FREE
Sponsored by Google
Calling all Makers! Tinker, test, and LEARN at Hudson River Park’s outdoor summer fun Maker Space for weekly workshops where participants get hands-on experience designing and constructing innovative solutions to marine-focused challenges.

Event Location, Dates and Times: • Every Sunday from July 1 – August 26 ◦ Hudson River Park’s Pier 84, located at West 44th St. in Midtown
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Pre-registration recommended at www.hudsonriverpark.eventbrite.com

 

 

 

Shell-ebrate Oysters – FREE 

There’s more to do with oysters besides shucking them! They filter water, engineer reefs, and stabilize our shorelines. Help us keep them happy and healthy in the Hudson by working alongside Park staff to restore oyster beds and learn how these bivalves benefit the health of the River.

Event Location, Dates and Times: • Hudson River Park’s Pier 25, located at N. Moore St. in Tribeca
Every Sunday from July 1 – September 30 ◦ No program on September 23rd 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Pre-registration recommended at  www.hudsonriverpark.eventbrite.com

Hudson Nature Walk – FREE
Learn about Hudson River Park’s wildlife by joining knowledgeable naturalists on guided nature summer fun walks along the Park’s esplanade. Don’t forget to take photos!

Event Location, Dates and Times: • Every Sunday from June 3 – September 30
9:00 am – 10:00 am
Meet at the Christopher St. Fountain, Christopher Street, in Greenwich Village
Pre-registration required at www.hudsonriverpark.eventbrite.com

Community EcoPaddle Partnering with Manhattan Kayak Company
*This event has a nominal fee
Join Hudson River Park and Manhattan Kayak Company for an evening of summer fun kayaking and oyster restoration. Community EcoPaddle allows participants to explore local aquatic wildlife and learn to paddle in the River.

Event Location, Dates and Times: • Monthly tours offered from June through September
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at various locations
Cost: $20 (includes all necessary equipment)

Hudson History Walk Partnering with Brooklyn Brainery
*This event has a nominal fee
Discover NYC’s dynamic waterfront history through a guided walking tour led by local historians.

Event Location, Dates and Times:
Monthly tours offered from June through September
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm at various locations
Cost: $15
Visit www.hudsonriverpark.org for tour themes and tickets

SUBMERGE – FREE
Hudson River Park’s NYC Marine Science Festival 

Hudson River Park’s SUBMERGE festival celebrates NYC’s coastal waters while bringing marine science to life.  Enjoy free hands-on activities, kid-approved science entertainment, presentations by noted scientists, citizen science, kayaking, fishing and more!

If you are looking for superb fishing reels, visit Dreamguides.

Event Location, Dates and Times: • Hudson River Park’s Pier 84, located at West 44th St. in Midtown
Saturday, September 22
Rain Date: Sunday, September 23 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

 

 

MOVIES & Popcorn FREE

Hudson RiverFlicks: Big Hit Wednesdays 

From blockbusters to instant classics and Oscar winners, Hudson RiverFlicks: Big Hit Wednesdays summer fun has all of your favorite movies from the last year. Hudson River Park gives you the chance to see your favorite movies on the big screen.

2018 Hudson RiverFlicks: Big Hit Wednesdays Titles:

7/11: Get Out – Rated “R”
7/18: The Big Sick – Rated “R”
7/25: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle – Rated “PG-13”
8/1: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri – Rated “R”
8/8: Wonder Woman – Rated “PG-13”
8/15: Lady Bird – Rated “R”
8/22: Blade Runner 2049 – Rated “R”

Event Location, Dates and Times: • Hudson River Park’s Pier 63 Lawn, at West 23rd St. in Chelsea
Every Wednesday from July 11 – August 22
Movies begin at dusk (generally around 8:30 pm)

Hudson RiverFlicks: Family Fridays – FREE

There’s something for everyone in the family on Friday nights in Hudson River Park! Hudson RiverFlicks: Family Fridays returns to Hudson River Park’s Pier 46 this summer fun and features recent favorites as well as classic movies for the whole family to enjoy.
Free Popcorn
2018 Hudson RiverFlicks: Family Fridays Titles: • 7/13: Moana – Rated “PG”
7/20: Wonder – Rated “PG”
7/27: Jumanji (1995) – Rated “PG”
8/3: Paddington 2  – Rated “PG”
8/10: Spice World – Rated “PG”
8/17: The Karate Kid (1984) – Rated “PG”
8/24: Coco – Rated “PG”

Event Location, Dates and Times: • Hudson River Park’s Pier 46, located at Charles St. (just north of Christopher St.) in Greenwich Village
Every Friday from July 13 – August 24
Movies begin at dusk (generally around 8:30 pm)

Hudson RiverFlicks: Sing-Along Special (in Clinton Cove) – FREE

Join us in Hudson River Park’s Clinton Cove (just off 55th Street) to celebrate all-time-favorite summer fun musical movies! Sing along to show-stoppers with Chicago, and Let It Go with the family favorite, Frozen. Join us in the Park to relax, enjoy the show, and sing your heart out!

Free Popcorn

2018 Hudson RiverFlicks: Sing-Along Special Titles:
7/26: Chicago – Rated “PG-13”
8/23: Frozen – Rated “PG”

Event Location, Dates and Times: • Hudson River Park’s Clinton Cove, at West 55th St. in Clinton
Thursday, July 26 and Thursday, August 23
The summer fun movie begins at dusk (generally around 8:30 pm)

 

 

 

MUSIC

Jazz @ Pier 84: Featuring the Jazz Foundation of America – FREE 

Presented in association with the Jazz Foundation of America

Hudson River Park’s Pier 84 comes alive on sultry summer fun Thursdays from May through September with fantastic musicians from the Jazz Foundation of America! For almost 30 years, JFA has provided help to jazz and blues musicians with both direct assistance and opportunities to play sizzling hot shows, just like this one!

Jazz @ Pier 84 Bands:
5/31: Ray Mantilla
6/21: Alvin Flythe Quartet
7/19: Sylvia Cuenca Organ Quartet
8/16: Michael Marcus
9/13: George Braith

Event Location, Dates and Time:
Hudson River Park’s Pier 84, at West 44th Street
Thursdays: May 31, June 21, July 19, August 16 and September 13 7:00 pm

Sunset on the Hudson – FREE
Friday nights equal great local music!
Join us every Friday night at Hudson River Park’s Pier 45 at 7:00 pm for summer fun, music to hear some of NYC’s best local artists!

Sunset on the Hudson Bands:
6/29 and 8/10: High & Mighty Brass Band
7/6 and 8/24: Manhattan Samba
7/13 and 8/17: Baby Soda
7/20: Jenna Kyle
7/27 and 8/3: The Chuck Braman Jazz Band

Event Location, Dates and Time: • Hudson River Park’s Pier 45, located at Christopher St. in Greenwich Village
Fridays from June 22 – August 24
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Hudson River Park’s 19th Annual Blues BBQ – FREE Admission 

The 19th annual Blues BBQ returns to Pier 97 for an amazing day summer fun filled with food, friends, and great blues music. Pairing America’s best Blues and Roots musicians with New York City’s favorite BBQ restaurants makes for an unforgettable summer day on the Hudson River!

 2018 Blues BBQ line up*:
2:00 pm: The Slam Allen Band
3:15 pm: Danielle Nicole
4:30 pm: Welch-Ledbetter Connection
6:00 pm: Dawn Tyler Watson
7:30 pm: Vieux Farka Touré

  2018 Blues BBQ Restaurants include: • Pig Beach

  • Mighty Quinn’s
  • Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

 Event Location, Date and Time: • Hudson River Park’s Pier 97, located at West 59th St. in Clinton
Saturday, August 18
2:00 pm – 9:00 pm *Program and artists subject to change

 

FITNESS

Healthy on the Hudson – FREE

Working out in New York City has never been better! This FREE exercise series will take place every Monday, Wednesday & Thursday all summer long! A wide range of classes are offered; space is limited to 75 people per class and participation requires RSVP for this Summer fun activity.

Mondays • Presented in partnership with the New York School of T’ai Chi Chuan, classes will take place on Pier 84 in June and July.
Wednesdays • Lululemon partners with Hudson River Park every Wednesday to bring you a summer of fitness and fun! Workouts vary – check our website for details.
Thursdays • Presented in partnership with Shape Up NYC, take your yoga practice to the west side waterfront on Pier 46. Bring your own mat!

BECOME ONE OF HUDSON RIVER PARK’s ‘FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS’ TODAY! 

Hudson River Park receives no government funds for its operation or maintenance. You can support the Park by becoming A FRIEND at hudsonriverpark.org/friends. Friends’ Membership starts at only $50 and helps ensure that free and low-cost programs will continue to thrive in New York’s Park for Play. Benefits also include member perks at local community partner locations and invitations to Friends events throughout the year.

About Hudson River Park

Hudson River Park, which extends from Chambers Street to 59th Street along Manhattan’s west side, is the longest riverfront park in the United States. This free, urban recreational oasis is home to award-winning skate parks, playgrounds, sports fields, gardens and nature exhibits, boating and maritime activities, art installations, and myriad year-round events that celebrate the diverse cultures and neighborhoods along its shores. The Park plays a critical role in protecting the Hudson River ecosystem, and though it receives no public operating funds from the city, state or federal government, its development has transformed four miles of decaying piers and parking lots into a premier New York City destination for local residents and visitors alike. The non-profit,  Hudson River Park Friends helps to ensure ongoing sustainability by serving as the Park’s primary source of fundraising, advocacy and support, working in concert with the Hudson River Park Trust, the city-state entity that oversees the design, construction and operation of the Park. For more information, please visit www.hudsonriverpark.org.  Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @HudsonRiverPark, and LIKE us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/HudsonRiverPark.

Categories
Fashion Featured

The Three Best-Looking Waterproof Shoes to Get You Through Spring

With warmer weather comes the rain, and those clunky winter boots that got you through the winter can be a little too insulated for the rainy days of spring and early summer. The problem with rainboots is that they are often only that: rain boots. Once you get out of the rain they’re clunky and ugly and heavy. Here are three stylish and waterproof shoes to help you conquer the puddles without looking like a deep-sea fisherman this spring:

Vans Waterproof Shoe
Vans.com

  1. The Vans Sk8-Hi MTE

The Vans Sk8-Hi sneaker is an institution. From skaters and punks to artists and average Joes and Janes, the Sk8-Hi is a simple, solid classic that reminds us of a simpler time. And now, you can take on the mountains with them. With its tagline, “Designed for the elements,” Vans has brought us a twist on their classic shoe that combines durable, waterproof uppers with a heat retention layer to keep out the chill.

Tretorn Gill Waterproof Shoe
US.Tretorn.com

 

2. Tretorn Gill

Tretorn is a staple in high-end footwear, and has long been praised in their waterproof offerings. Their Gill rainboot offers the hard to achieve combination of a boot that’s completely waterproof that also doesn’t make you look like you’re about to go fishing. The Gill boot features a rubber and coated canvas outer with a high-performance Eco-Ortholite sock on the inside for dryness and comfort you can count on.

 

Adidas Terrex Waterproof Shoes
Adidas.com

 

3. Adidas Terrex Agravic GTX

If you can count on any brand to produce a great athletic shoe that you can take to the streets, it’s Adidas, and their Terrex collection has been revered by trail runners and hikers alike. The Agravic GTX is touted as a waterproof trail running shoe to get you through the hills and tough terrain without a hitch, but that support, water-resistance and athletic style looks just as good stomping through puddles down 10th Avenue.

For more style news and tips, keep an eye on our fashion file.

Images courtesy of their respective brands.

Categories
News

PEARLS FOR PROGRESS

 

MIKIMOTO AMERICA LAUNCHES “PEARLS FOR PROGRESS”

WITH VOSS FOUNDATION

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – Kokichi Mikimoto first introduced the cultured pearl to the world in 1893, and though the fine pearl jewelry offerings have since evolved, nature continues to be the heart and inspiration for the brand.

Mikimoto America launches “Pearls for Progress,” a campaign funding access to clean water in Sub-Saharan Africa.  Together with Voss Foundation, Mikimoto will support the development of sustainable water systems and donate 10 percent of jewelry sales generated from fundraising events to the foundation’s mission.

 

Today, 844 million people lack access to a basic drinking water source.  A large majority live in Sub-Saharan Africa.  In 8 out of 10 households with water off premises, water collection is the responsibility of women and girls.  They physically and mentally bear the burden of providing this precious resource to their families, sacrificing their health, time and education to do so.

With “Pearls for Progress,” Mikimoto envisions change for millions of people in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially in the lives of women and girls, empowering communities with opportunities for a healthier, better future.

ABOUT MIKIMOTO

Mikimoto is recognized as the world leader and foremost producer of the finest quality cultured pearl jewelry.  Company founder Kokichi Mikimoto was the first person to develop a technique for the cultivation of pearls in 1893, which is still in use today.  The company is internationally recognized for its product design, superior craftsmanship and strict quality control.  Mikimoto’s American retail stores are located on Fifth Avenue, New York; The Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills; South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa; and The Shops at Crystals, Las Vegas.  Mikimoto is also sold at select fine jewelers nationwide.  International locations include Ginza, Tokyo; New Bond Street, London; Place Vendome, Paris; and Hong Kong.

ABOUT VOSS FOUNDATION

Voss Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) dedicated to funding access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene as a means to enable community-driven development in Sub-Saharan Africa and raising awareness of the ongoing need in the region.

 

 

Categories
Featured

Men, Upgrade Your Winter Skincare

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Winter is coming. And with winter comes cold, harsh winds that dry out and peel your skin. And as much as us men would not like to admit it, skincare is an important part of our daily routine. After all, you don’t want those first warm rays of spring to expose your recently-acquired Freddy Krueger face.

But that’s just what skincare in the winter needs to become — a routine. A routine becomes comfortable after a while and ensures that you don’t skip any crucial steps in your regimen. And the symptoms of skipping any step won’t just creep up on you, a part of your face will crack off like a glacier calving into the ocean. So use these fives critical winter skincare routines to sink into a groove. And cheer up, spring is coming…eventually.

1. Drink Water

The choice is simple — hydrate or die. It is easy to be reminded to hydrate in the summer months. Heat and humidity make you sweat and feel thirsty, and that’s why you grab for a beer. But you should put down the beer and opt for water, even in the winter months.

Don’t let the cold fool you, winter air is dry air that dehydrates you through your skin. And the best moisturizer isn’t some goop that you can slather on your body, it’s a glass of water. Consume 2.5 liters of water a day in order to stay healthy and hydrated. Crush your first glass before you eat breakfast in the morning. Hydrated skin is soft, healthy skin.

2. Pucker Up

Most guys don’t realize that the winter air is drying out their lips until their smackers are dry as the Utah salt plains that they film those car commercials on. You need to get way out ahead of your lip care long before the mercury starts dropping in the thermometer. After all, she’s not going to kiss you if your lips are flaking like dandruff.

A simple bit of petroleum jelly can keep your lips soft and smooth even through the harshest winter. Or you can just pick up one of those lip balms you see at every checkout counter at every store ever. Apply it before you head out the door in the morning and touch yourself up throughout the day. Sooner or later, it’ll become routine like chomping on your fingernails or flicking your boogers.

Photo courtesy of Pexels
Photo courtesy of Pexels

3. Get A Close Shave

What a crazy cultural norm. We wake up every morning to drag a razor-sharp piece of metal across our face to look less like a man. Well, it’s time to man up in order to give yourself the best shave possible.

It is no secret that razor burn can wreak havoc on the skin of your face. Red bumps show up and your skin is irritated for the rest of the day. And when that irritated skin hits the cold air of winter, it can be downright painful. That’s why you should invest in a high-quality razor, a good shaving cream and you should shave at the right time of day.

Drag those blades across her face right after stepping out of a hot shower. The hot water opens up your pores and all but guarantees complete absence of razor burn. And slap your face with some aftershave, screaming into the mirror like the Home Alone kid. Do that just for fun.

4. Moisturize With Cannabidiol (CBD)

Cannabis essential oil is an incredible moisturizer with anti-inflammatory effects. Not only does this stuff hydrate your skin throughout the day, but it can also help repair any damage done to your skin by the harsh winter weather. Its anti-inflammatory effects will also reduce those puffs under your eyes and make you look a little bit younger. And despite its name, it lacks the psychoactive ingredient found in other marijuana products. You won’t be getting high throughout the day from your moisturizer. You’ll just be getting delicious skin.

5. Don’t Forget Your Hands

What’s the only other part of your body exposed throughout the winter day? Your hands. Make sure they get plenty of lotion throughout the day as well. After all, she doesn’t want to be touched by desert-dry hands either.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhpSHtsvyAY

Categories
Dining Travel

Castle Brands’ Alejandra Peña talks Knappogue Castle whiskey, New York City and more

Alejandra Peña / Photo: Flash Rosenberg

Alejandra Peña / Photo: Gabi Porter
Alejandra Peña / Photo: Gabi Porter

Named after Knappogue Castle, a 15th century castle in western Ireland, Knappogue Castle Single Malt Whiskey is one of Castle Brands’ most popular offerings. Restored by Mark Edwin Andrews II upon purchasing it in 1966, Knappogue Castle’s legacy is now overseen by Mark Andrews III. Knappogue Castle’s renowned vintage offerings include its 12-Year Old Single Malt Whiskey, its Oloroso Sherry-infused 14-Year Old Twin Wood Irish Whiskey, its 16-Year Old Twin Wood Irish Whiskey, and its 1951 Pure Pot Still Irish Whiskey; the 1951 edition is 80 proof and retails for $1,600.

Alejandra Peña, Senior Vice President of Marketing, joined the Castle Brands team in September 2011. Prior to that, she was the Marketing Vice President for Liqueurs and Spirits at Rémy Cointreau USA beyond other marketing roles in the wine and spirits industry. Before being involved with these marketing positions within the world of alcohol, Alejandra received her B.S. degree in Electronic Engineering — with honors, of course — from Simon Bolivar University in Caracas, Venezuela, and her MBA degree in International Economics and Management from Milan’s Bocconi University. She is impressively trilingual, although her Q&A with Downtown was kept to English aside from a phrase in Gaelic.

Knappogue Castle can be followed on www.knappoguewhiskey.com, beyond keeping a page on Facebook. Its parent company, Castle Brands, is on Twitter.

K14 Yr Bottle Shot 2015

Where did the Knappogue Castle name come from?

Alejandra Peña: Knappogue Castle Single Malt Irish Whiskey is named after a majestic castle that stands in County Clare, Ireland, originally built in 1467. The castle was purchased in the 1960s by Mark Edwin Andrews, who also began buying casks of fine pot still whiskey and single malts from top distilleries in Ireland. The casks were further aged and bottled under the Knappogue Castle label. His last bottling, a 1951 vintage aged 36 years, is revered by connoisseurs as the oldest and rarest commercially available Irish whiskey on the planet. The work Knappogue (pronounced “nah’pogue”) translates to “hill of the kiss” in Gaelic.

What do you feel makes Knappogue Castle different from other whiskeys?

AP: Knappogue is one of the few Irish single malts available in the marketplace. In a time where age statements on whiskey are disappearing, we are proud to state that our whiskey is aged for 12 years in bourbon barrels. We have been doing interesting wood finishes since we started with Knappogue 1951. Two good examples are our special editions of Knappogue Castle, Twin Wood 16-year-old and 14-year-old, both aged in two types of wood, bourbon & sherry casks.

Is Knappogue Castle entirely made in Ireland? Is Irish water important to the overall process?

AP: Absolutely, our whiskey is entirely made in Ireland. The Irish water, along a delicate distillation process influenced by moist and a temperate climate, yields the distinct flavor of our whiskey.

What are some of its sister brands at Castle Brands?

AP: Our Castle Brands portfolio includes Gosling’s Rum and Gosling’s Ginger Beer, Jefferson’s Bourbons, Pallini Limoncello, Gozio Amaretto, Tierras Tequila, and four other Irish Brands: Clontarf Irish Whiskey, Brady’s Irish Cream, Celtic Honey Liqueur, and Boru Irish Vodka.

Are there plans to introduce more brands or varieties to the Castle portfolio?

AP: We are focusing on building our current portfolio at the moment and while we are not actively-searching for new brands, we remain open-minded to new opportunities that may cross our way.

Do you have a favorite of the Knappogue Castle varieties?

AP: I love the robustness of Knappogue Castle 14 Year Old and the complexity of the Knappogue 16 Year Old. However, the 12 Year Old is my go-to-single malt. It is so delicious neat, but it also mixes very well with a variety of ingredients for a wide range of cocktails.

How did you first get involved professionally with spirits and the overall industry? I mean, didn’t you study Electronic Engineering in college?

AP: I always loved marketing, even when I worked as an Electronic Engineer. I completed my MBA in International Business at Bocconi University, in Milan, Italy and when I moved to New York, and I was determined to find a job with a company that would allow me to work between Italy and the U.S. I had the opportunity then to work with the Italian Trade Commission in the Food and Wine Department, assisting Italian companies in building distribution in the US. That’s how I met people from the wine business, which led me to my marketing position with Banfi Vintners and the start of my career in wine and spirits.

What do you wish more people knew about your job?

AP: That it is not only about going to cool events and drinking. Our industry is highly-regulated and, in the U.S. market alone, we have to deal with 50 separate states that are basically like 50 different countries. So our job requires a great deal of due diligence and creativity to make our promotions compliant in as many markets as possible.

Were you always a whiskey drinker? Did you start out as a beer or wine drinker?

AP: I was raised in Venezuela, a very strong whiskey market. So in my early days I enjoyed whiskey. But I also loved beer, which is highly consumed as a refreshing beverage in our hot climate. My appreciation for wine started later, when I moved to Italy.

Do you have a favorite bar in New York City?

AP: I have many favorite bars in New York City. So many, that I’m not sure where to start. However, I can tell you right away that my favorite bar in Rome is Jerry Thomas Speakeasy.

Any idea what was the first bar in New York to carry Knappogue Castle?

AP: Oh, Knappogue Castle has been around for quite a few years, so I’m not sure which bar was the first to carry it. Luckily, today many of the best bars in New York carry Knappogue, including Up & Up, The Dead Rabbit, Vintry, Pouring Ribbons, Fraunces Tavern, Brandy Library, Porchlight, and many more.

What’s coming up for Knappogue Castle? Any events or promotions?

AP: We just launched a new packaging in the spring. So we are working on several promotions and events in select whiskey markets — with top-notch bartenders and cocktail bars — to introduce the new image of the brand and build awareness.

When not busy with work, how do you like to spend your free time?

AP: I love spending time with my husband and two kids. I also enjoy traveling, reading, and dancing.

Finally, Alejandra, any last words for the kids?

AP: Remember to hydrate, there is plenty of free water everywhere!