Carnegie Hall Citywide presents The Excellence
Bryant Park Picnic Performances presented by Bank of America and the Carnegie Hall Citywide Series this Friday, August 2, features La Excelencia, an award-winning salsa dura band inspired by the sounds of the 1970s and today’s sociopolitical landscape. Blending traditional salsa elements with a modern, hard-hitting energy, the group inspires dancers and invigorates listeners alike. At 7:00 p.m. in Bryant Park, enjoy a free local performance by these internationally renowned salsa stalwarts. Free. More information: https://bryantpark.org.
“Death and the Maiden” in Spanish Repertory
Repertorio Español (138 East 27th Street) opens this Friday, August 2, the play “Death and the Maiden,” written by Ariel Dorfman and directed by Jean Carlo Yunén Aróstegui, winner of the Van Lier Fellowship, aimed at developing and promoting emerging Latinx/Latiné directors living in New York. The play tells the story of Paulina Salas as she comes face to face with the person she suspects was her torturer when she was kidnapped by her country’s tyrannical regime fifteen years ago. Having never received justice, she takes matters into her own hands to force him to confess, to the disdain of her husband, whose new job could be at stake if Paulina’s actions come to light. Until Sunday, August 11. More information: https://repertorio.nyc/performances.
Luis Perico Ortiz and his Orchestra at the Lincoln Center
This Friday, August 2, Puerto Rican trumpeter Luis “Perico” Ortiz, a renowned Latin jazz legend and New York musical legend from the FANIA era, will be performing on The Dance Floor at Lincoln Center. Ortiz’s performances and arrangements can be heard on major salsa recordings of the past 50 years, and he has played and arranged extensively for Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Johnny Pacheco, Mongo Santamaría, Rubén Blades, the FANIA All Stars, Willie Colón, Ismael Quintana, Roberto Roena and his Apollo Sound, Blondie, and David Bowie, to name just a few. Prior to the concert, local instructor Talia Castro-Pozo will teach attendees the best dance moves. From 6:30 pm. Free. Information: https://www.lincolncenter.org.
The BEAST goes “BRAT”
Circle Line’s The BEAST will become The BRAT BOAT for one day only, this Friday, August 2nd. During late afternoon evening cruises, experience this ride with 30 minutes of Charli XCX hits like “360,” “Apple,” and “Von Dutch” played live as you cruise down the Hudson River on the thrilling, state-of-the-art jet ride from Pier 83 (West 42nd St) to the Statue of Liberty. For any of the 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, and 7:00 pm cruises. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit: https://www.thebeastnyc.com/brat-boat
Global Fest is back
The multi-stage globalFEST event returns to Lincoln Center this Saturday, August 3, for a full campus takeover, spanning Damrosch Park, Hearst Plaza, and Josie Robertson Plaza, offering audiences a ticket to travel the world in one day. Featured artists include Alsarah and Nubatones, who perform East African retro-pop; Cuban artist La Dame Blanche, who blends Hip-Hop and dancehall; Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto, from the Caribbean coast of Colombia; a full lineup of performances curated by Brooklyn Maqam featuring sets by Taktouka Band, who blend Arabic folk music with Western electronica and jazz; and more. From 4:30 pm. Free. Information: https://www.lincolncenter.org.
Afrobeat Festival at Barclays
The Barclays Center (620 Atlantic Avenue Brooklyn) is about to be transformed with the hottest sounds and electric Vybez of Afrobeats this summer. This Sunday, August 4th, Afrobeats OUTDOORS will take place featuring amapiano music from top DJs and live musicians, dance performances, food and vendors. This year, we will highlight the talented Afrobeats dancers who bring the music to life with their energy and passion. It will be a night to move your body, vibe with the community and celebrate. Organized by africa.everything.nycsocialjusticefund and Barclays Center. Free. 12:00 to 6:00 pm.
Soledad Barrio & Flamenco Night at Joe’s Pub
Soledad Barrio & Noche Flamenca bring their new show, “Bulls and Butterflies” to Joe’s Pub (425 Lafayette Street). Featuring some of Spain’s finest flamenco dancers, singers and musicians along with new emerging artists. The show will include scenes from Noche Flamenca’s latest show, “Searching For Goya,” along with classic flamenco scenes created by artistic director and choreographer Martin Santangelo and award-winning choreographer Soledad Barrio. “Bulls and Butterflies” explores the delicacy of flamenco, the ferocity of emotion and the depth of this traditional and profound art form.From Wednesday, August 7th to Saturday, August 10th. At 7pm and 9pm. Information: https://publictheater.org.
Ballet Hispánico in Central Park
The Summerstage festival will be presenting the Ballet Hispánico dance company with their new and classic repertoire, including Pas de O’Farrill and Club Havana by Pedro Ruiz, and Sombrerísimo and House of Mad’moiselle by Annabelle López Ochoa. As an added benefit, audience members will have the opportunity to participate in a Meet & Greet with the dancers. Ballet Hispánico was founded on the principle that everyone deserves dance, quality dance training, and innovative performances. In creating the company in 1970, Tina Ramírez broke a glass ceiling, challenging iconic performances and exposing the joy and celebration found in “Latinidad.” Wednesday, August 7, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Free. At Rumsey Playfield. Information: https://cityparksfoundation.org.
Olympic cocktails at Versa
All over New York City, Olympic enthusiasts are looking for places to root for their favorite athletes, and the rooftop bar at Versa restaurant in Midtown is a good choice. Featuring a giant 16-foot screen, the spot has also prepared a special lineup of four Olympic cocktails to get you into the sporting spirit. There’s the Dink & Volley Sour with Malibu coconut rum, cranberry, and lime juice; the Jump Shot made with Maker’s Mark and Coca-Cola; the Par-Tee in Paris with Bombay Gin, simple syrup, mango liqueur, and lemon juice; and The Victory Smash (No-ABV), sparkling with cucumber, mint, and lemonade. It’s located at 218 W 35th street. More information: https://versanyc.com.
