Fela!

It’s the second week of March, which means we are getting ever so closer to the official beginning of spring. The weather looks like it’s going to imitate spring for the time being, so why not take advantage of that? From basketball to grinding on the dance floor, there are several options for young, black professionals this Tuesday evening. Here is your Tuesday Nightlife Rundown for March 9, 2010.

Big East Men’s Basketball Tournament – 12pm & 7pm - Madison Square Garden: With the New York Knicks playing basketball more like a bunch of unathletic hicks, the best basketball to come through the Garden this basketball season will undoubtedly be this week as the Big East Tournament comes to town for yet another year. Come get a full slate of games in either the afternoon or evening sessions, as young men try to make their young dreams come true and punch a ticket to the NCAA Tournament. There are sure to be close-finishes, buzzer beaters, and extreme displays of intense emotion. So take off of work, come buy a hot dog at the Garden, and enjoy the best basketball you’ll see in New York City all season long.

Fela! (Theater) – 7pm
Eugene O’Neill Theater (230 West 49th Street): Do not sleep on this great tale of African triumph and music. Bill T. Jones is the creator of this Broadway depiction of the life of Fela Kute, a groundbreaking Nigerian composer and activist. Believe me, we at Black Oak Nights went to go see this production a while ago, and it was well worth the price of admission. The story will keep you thinking, dreaming and wondering about the life of a man that changed an entire culture of music within the black Identity and the entire world. It was good enough for Shawn Carter, Jada Pinkett and Will Smith to sign on as producers, so it ought to be good enough for you to buy a ticket for Tuesday’s show.

How to Seduce Difficult Women (Movie) – 11:59pm
Village East Theaters (189 2nd Avenue): Yes. That’s right! The movie is about what the title suggests, an instruction manual on seducing the fairer sex’s less fair side. It’s an independent movie produced by Richard Temtchine, the maker of “Dummy” and “Almost Famous.” It’s an edgy film with a lot of sexual tension, all the more reason to bring a date, sit back, enjoy the movie and learn a thing or two in the process.

Luxurious Tuesdays – 6pm
Negril Village (70 West 3rd Street): Negril is at again with Luxurious Tuesdays. This week will be just like every other week, only hopefully, the weather is a lot better. DJ San will be on the 1’s and 2’s, making the speakers rain hip-hop, R&B and reggae music all night long. Admission is free, and there are plenty of drink and food specials to take advantage of, including a $7 rum punch that you will not find at another regular lounge in New York City. Once again, this is not the afterwork party to miss, as young, black professionals descend upon this place like locust, so don’t get left out of the party.

Notorious B.I.G. Tribute Party – 8pm
The Lab (1428 Fulton Street): Head out to BK and join the fervor as P. Diddy host a tribute to his fallen friend, Biggie Smalls. A plethora of well-known performers are scheduled to be in the building, which means this is going to be an extremely well-thought event with food, drink and good times all in abundance. Admission is open, but the door is going to be highly selective. And if the place gets crowded, you can rest assure they will have no problem making people stand in line. But give it a shot. As a young, black professional in New York City, you may have more pull than you think.

A-List Tuesdays – 11pm
Cain Luxe (544 West 27th Street): Ladies are free all night tonight; just let them know you are on the Black Diamonds guest list. Other than that, it’s a surefire $20 cover. Of course, your money won’t buy your way in if you aren’t dressed correctly, which means no caps, hats or flaps—keep it trendy, fellas. As for the crowd, it’s going to be hard to be this turnout, as week after week, you find a long line of eligible, black bachelors and bachelorettes outside of the club. So get here early so you can watch the sexiest young, black professionals walk in, instead of being one of the ones standing outside.

Show Me What You Got – 9pm
Harlem Lanes (2116 7th Avenue): Make your way to Harlem Lanes this Tuesday for more than just bowling. The theme is “Bury da beef,” and there will be music, socializing and a speech on display. For information, visit the Harlem Lanes website.

Related Posts

1. Tuesday Rundown: March 30, 2010
2. Tuesday Rundown: March 2, 2010
3. Tuesday Rundown: March 16, 2010

Tillman's - 165 West 26th Street

Tillman’s Bar & Lounge
165 West 26th Street
New York, NY 10001
212-627-8320
tillmansnyc.com, @tillmansnyc
Categories: Afterwork, Music, Bar, Lounge, Nightlife

Unlike your typical soul food based venues, Tillman’s Bar & Lounge is more about the scene than the food. With a stone fireplace and classic jazz bumping on the speakers, the atmosphere at Tillman’s fills you up with more soul than any Southern entrée ever could.

Having said that, the menu at Tillman’s certainly has the ability to take you back to a better time when eating ribs was about comforting yourself instead of being your one diet-breaker meal of the week. Some of Tillman’s menu options include the Tilmano pork sandwich made with black forest ham, roasted marinated pork and melted taleggio, served with sweet pickles and plantain chips. They also make a great French Onion Soup and Louisiana Cajun Gumbo.

However, Tillman’s most notorious plate of food is humbling referred to as “The Mack.” It’s Tillman’s take on macaroni and cheese, made with apple smoked bacon, garden peas, sage, mascarapone cheese and bread crumbs. It’s definitely not your mother’s macaroni and cheese.

Getting past the food, Tillman’s makes for a great afterwork venue because of the sexy atmosphere, professional clientele and great live music on most evenings. They also have an array of specialized cocktails that any connoisseur of liquor would enjoy. You would be hard-pressed to find a single bad review of this place, (even the folks at NYMag.com like it) as it is one of the few havens for young, black professionals in this party of Manhattan.

Related Posts

1. Afterwork Spots in Manhattan
2. Black Listed: Best Bars
3. Thursday Rundown: February 25, 2010

St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Hoboken – 1pm - This isn’t for everybody, but if you’re just looking for a good time and want to be out on the scene drinking, partying, dancing and hooking up with random people then you might really enjoy this Hoboken craze. Manhattanites and the like will descend upon this popular Jersey enclave at Washington & 14th Street and enjoy a parade in honor of the most alcoholic day of the year. People will start drinking long before 1pm, and long after the parade ends at 6pm, so no matter what your agenda is on Saturday, then the Hoboken St. Patty’s Day Parade is for you.

Socialite Saturdays – 10pm
D’Or (204 West 55th Street): Socialite Saturday continues to be one of the premiere events in Manhattan. When you get to the door, let them know you are on the Joonbug guestlist and ladies will get in free till midnight, and gentleman are $15 until midnight. There is an open bar from 10pm to 11pm, as well as a spa treatment giveaway for all of you ladies in need of a little special treatment. DJ Chino and DJ Kizzy will be in charge of the music playing hip-hop and r&b music. Birthday party people with over 35 guests get a complimentary bottle of vodka.

Wyatt Cenac Standup Routine
Comix (353 W. 14th Street): Black comedians on television are a dying breed, but Cenac is representing an even smaller contingent as a member of the fake newscast on The Daily Show. Yes, that’s right; Cenac is a fake, black, newscaster. Not many of those, huh? Well, on Saturday night he will be taking on another role, that of standup comedian. He’ll be performing at the Comix club tonight, offering two shows for everyone to see. Tickets are $25 and there is a two-drink minimum. Enjoy the laughter.

Metropolitan Industry Networking Event – 9:30pm
Revel (10 Little West 12th Street): This networking/socialite party is pulling out all of the stops, and it wants you dressed accordingly. So leave the designer jeans at home and the halter tops aren’t going to work. It’s jackets and ties for the guys, and dresses for the ladies. Now that we have the clothing out of the way, let’s get to the party. First of all, it’s free to get in, as sponsors Belvedere, Johnnie Walker and others fit the bill. Secondly, the party and the atmosphere are going to be off the chain. Sure, it may not be an all black-contingent, but it will be one heck of a contingent nonetheless, and you will want to be a part of it.

True Saturdays – 10pm
Suzie Wong (547 W. 27th Street): Suzie Wong’s is doing it up this Saturday with its regular True Saturdays promotion. The truest thing about it is that everyone is free until 12am and you better pull out your wallet if you reach the door a second later. Once you get inside, you have the ability to purchase 2-for-1 drinks from 10:30 to midnight and enjoy the sounds of DJ Tony Touch, who will be playing nothing but hip-hop, r&b and reggae music. So come through, enjoy the music, sip on the half-priced drinks and enjoy the first Saturday of the month with one of best scenes in Manhattan this Saturday.

Throwback – 11pm
Union Square Lounge (30 E. 16th Street): This intimate little venue located at the bottom of the Coffee Shop is one of the best well-kept secrets in New York City. This Saturday, DJ Tony Smith will be throwing it back to the 90’s, offering a selection of his own homemade mashups and hip-hop mixes to make you feel like it’s 1994 all over again. Any true fan of the 90’s won’t want to miss this.

Related Posts

1. Saturday Rundown: March 27, 2010
2. Saturday Rundown: May 8, 2010
3. Saturday Rundown: February 27, 2010

D'Or

The snow is still on the ground, and the temperature isn’t all that promising. Still, taking your chances in the snow is much better than risking cabin fever, isn’t it? Here’s the Saturday Nightlife Rundown for February 27, 2010.

Into the Black – 10pm - Sin Sin and the Leopard (248 5th Street): Check out this free party brought to you by Blackout Promotion. This is one of the few black parties you will find in the village, and what a find it is. Two-for-one drinks from open until 11pm, and the bottle specials are pretty easy on your wallet too. To get that free entry, just make sure you mention Blackout Promotions at the door.

Dominican Independence Day Party – 10pm
Cheetah’s Nightclub (252 West 43rd Street): Come dressed to impress as Cheetah’s celebrates Dominican Independence Day on February 27th. They aren’t letting anybody in with sneakers, hats or boots, so you will have to brave your way through the snow in style. Ladies are free until midnight, and the fellas have to put up $20 to get in the door. Birthday parties of 10 or more get a complimentary bottle of champagne.

Sexy Saturdays – 11pm
Retreat (27 West 17th Street): This weekly get together of young, black professionals continues again this Saturday. Nothing but hip-hop, reggae and R&B music will be played at this venue, so make sure you come prepared to dance all night long. As the theme of the night suggests, the dress code is “super sexy,” so make sure your game is tight—even in the snow. Also, gentleman should pair up with ladies; otherwise, your chances of admission are severely low.

Saturday Night Parties – 10pm
D’Or (204 W. 55th Street): D’Or is just one of those places that rarely fails to throw a good party. This Saturday night is no different with Big Business NYC promoting this crowd-gathering event. Ladies are free until midnight and the gentlemen get the obligatory “reduced” admission rate. As for the music, DJ Abrupt will be on the 1’s and 2’s doing his usual mix of Top 40 tunes.

Patrice O’neal (Stand-up Comedy) – 8pm
Comix (353 W. 14th Street): Listen to Patrice O’neal dish it out at the Comix comedy club twice on Saturday. He’ll be on stage at 8pm and 10:30pm. If you aren’t familiar with O’neal’s work, you need to check out a few episodes of The Office, Arrested Development and the now defunct Conan O’Brien show. Of course, you could just check him out on this YouTube clip below. Tickets are $34 at the door.

Sweet Saturdays – 10pm
Honey (243 West 14th Street): Honey used to be one of my favorite places, but they have soured on me with their attempt to transform into a legitimate destination for clubbers. I guess I am giving them a chance tonight. Why? First of all, there’s no cover all night; otherwise, I wouldn’t dare mention it. Also, I’ve been told the music at this event is very befitting of a young, black professional. So give it a shot, I’ll do my best to do the same, and please give me feedback on this event so I can give Honey a fair chance in the future.

New York Knicks vs. Memphis Grizzlies – 7:30pm
Madison Square Garden: The New York Knicks are fresh off a win last night, so perhaps some of their good fortune will continue on into tonight’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies. These aren’t the Grizzlies of yesteryear though, and the Knicks are going to have their hands full. No matter what happens, you will get to see Tracy McGrady on the basketball floor and playing again. So for you fans of the game, this is a good chance to get a new look at an old favorite. You can get tickets here for as low as $10.

Related Posts

1. Saturday Rundown: February 20, 2010
2. Saturday Rundown: March 20, 2010
3. Saturday Rundown: February 13, 2010

Fashion 40, 202 W. 40th Street, NYC

It’s FRIDAY!

Which means it’s time to forget about work, stop talking about the economy, and do whatever the heck you feel like doing! And should that just happen to include hitting up an afterwork happy hour, having dinner with your friends, hitting up the club and then a nightcap at your favorite pizza place—well, then so be it! To help you out with your agenda, as well as the agendas of those with slightly different nightlife goals, here is your Friday Nightlife Rundown for February 26, 2010.

(Many events were omitted due to the extreme weather conditions)

West Side Story – 9pm
Palace Theater (1564 Broadway): Who doesn’t love a good showing of West Side Story? A tale of love, rivalry and culture clashing coincides on the stage of the Palace Theater, bringing back musical scores of yesteryear, along with the great motifs of William Shakespeare. Up and coming young actors Matthew Hydzik and Josefina Scaglione play the leading roles of Tony and Maria. The show is on tonight and runs through at least March 10th. Check out Ticketmaster for tickets and more information.
Friday Night Party – 10pm
Room Service (144 Sullivan Street): Even with the snow on the ground, Room Service is expected to be open for business tonight as one of the best Friday night parties keeps it going. On the 1’s of 2’s is nothing but the best in hip-hop, reggae, R&B and Latin music. Gentlemen are free until 11pm and ladies are free until 1am. I will let you know if anything changes between now and tonight by updating this post before the event is scheduled to start.

Formula 40 – 5pm
Fashion 40 (202 West 40th Street): Once again, I will do my best to update every event in this post before it’s scheduled to happen. But as of now, Fashion 40 is slated to keep the party going tonight with nothing but the music you want to hear. As always, getting into Fashion 40 requires you have a flash of fashion. From 5pm to 10pm, you get 2-for-1 drinks, and there is a full food menu. This is the place to be afterwork. Of course, the snow may have something to say about that.

Four Year Anniversary – 6pm & 10pm
Butterfield 8 (5 East 38th Street): Well, when it comes to snow, you can always count on the bars staying open. Come celebrate the 4-year anniversary of Butterfield 8 NYC, which has been a staple for New York Socialites over the years. Tonight, from 6pm to 7pm, Butterfield 8 is having a free, full open bar along with passed hors d’oeuvres. Then they are going to do it all over again from 10pm to 11pm. Most importantly, it’s free!

Strictly the Best Fridays
BLVD (199 Bowery Street): I will let you know if BLVD is closing its doors tonight, but for now, we can dream, can’t we? Snow withstanding, and if everything goes according to plan, BLVD is one of the few places that’s playing nothing but hip-hop, R&B and reggae all night long! There is no cover before midnight if you let them know you’re on the Nitelife Entertainment list, so get there early…if you can.

Related Posts

1. Friday Rundown: February 12, 2010
2. Thursday Rundown: February 25, 2010
3. Friday Rundown: Februay 19, 2010

Nona Hendryx Live – 8pm - S.O.B.’s (204 Varick Street) – For you youngin’s out there who don’t know, Nona Hendryx is the reason why Beyonce can talk about being “Bootylicious” and a “Sexy Lil Thug.” Hendryx and her group members were some of the first black females to introduce songs dealing with sex and other secular issues that most young, black, female artists backed away from during her reign. She also led a very promising solo career, and was a decent actor. But tonight, at S.O.B.’s she’s screaming and shouting on the microphone, bringing back some of the R&B’s, Soul’s, Funk’s and New Age’s most original tunes.

High Life Thursdays – 6pm
Taj (48 West 21st Street): DJ Jon Quick is on the turntables spinning hip-hop, R&B, Reggae, Soca and Salsa music. The party is hosted by TENE, and they usually are on top of their game in terms of getting the young, black professional crowd to the club. The dress code is business casual, so there’s no need to head home before work. There is no cover before 8pm, and it is $20 thereafter. Also from 6-8, you can enjoy their 2-for-1 happy hour with any liquor of your choice.

Selfish Thursdays – 11pm
Suzie Wong’s (547 West 27th Street): Leave your sneakers at home and your t-shirts hanging on the door, this party is only for the best dressed, black socialites in New York City. Okay, it’s not a Presidential Ball or anything, but they are running a tight door at Suzie Wong’s on Thursday nights. That means you best show up dressed to impressed, or you’ll be headed home early. And this is not the party to miss. This weekly event boast DJ Self and DJ Boof, each of which will be on the 1’s and 2’s with nothing but hip-hop and R&B, so there’s no need to brace yourself for entire blocks of music you’re not interested in. And talk about burying the lead, there is a Grey Goose open bar until midnight, and gentlemen and ladies are free until 12, as well.

Afterwork Martinis – 6pm
Harlem Supper Club (454 W. 128th Street): At the Harlem Supper Club you know you are getting nothing but hip-hop and R&B on the dance floor. As for their afterwork happy hour, it’s quite the feat. Your alcoholic beverage options include, but are not limited to, 2-for-1 drinks from 6-9, 2-for-1 martinis, $4 Coronas, 2 for $300 Grey Goose bottles, and patron margarita specials all night long.

Thrillin’ Thursdays & Ladies Night – 5pm
1849 (183 Bleecker Street): I believe the “Ladies Night” portion of this special has been phased out slightly, but that’s technically good news, since the drink specials once open solely to women are now open to gentlemen, as well (but someone can correct me if I’m wrong). So what are those specials? Well, you can start with half-price beer and well drinks all night long. You can also buy 5-cent Draft beers with the purchase of any appetizer. And up until 6 o’clock, you can also make good on their 20-cent wing special. Now, that’s food for thought.

CD Drive – 7pm
Housing Works Bookstore Café (126 Crosby Street): Well, it’s official: you’re old! Remember how ancient vinyl records seemed when we were little? And remember how we couldn’t believe our parents were playing those things, or how angry they got when we messed around with them? Then of course, CDs came out, and we were all over those, laughing at our parents, most of whom were still trying to get their vinyl’s transferred to cassette tapes just so they could listen to them in their cars. Well, now CDs are ancient news too, and there is a CD Drive to prove it. Join the folks at the Housing Works Bookstore and donate your old CDs to Housing Works’ mission. The event is sponsored by Hype Machine with several live music performances.

Tillman’s Live – 8pm
Tillman’s Bar & Lounge (165 West 26th Street): Check out the reoccurring live performance from the Igmar Thomas Trio. The music gets going at 8pm and they play until they can’t play anymore. Between sets, you can listen to the soulful tunes of the house DJ and talk with your friends over some of the best soul food you’ll find south of Harlem. With platters that include French Onion Soup Grilled Cheese, the Monte Cristo (an incredible sandwich!) and the best Macaroni and cheese you have ever had that wasn’t made by someone you call Mom.

Related Posts

1. Thursday Rundown: February 18, 2010
2. Monday Rundown: February 22, 2010
3. Thursday Rundown: March 4, 2010

Black Eyed Peas Concert – 7:30pm - Madison Square Garden (4 Penn Plaza): Will.i.am and the Black Eyed Peas are coming to New York City and doing their thing at Madison Square Garden. If there are any tickets left, you can probably find some at Ticketmaster. If not, there’s always the afterparty:

Will.i.am Afterparty – 10pm
Pacha (618 W. 46th Street): Will.i.am & and DJ David Guetta are taking their performance from MSG to Pacha on Wednesday night for one of the best after parties of the week. As you can imagine, this is an extremely popular event, so reserving a table is recommended. You can contact Zev Norotsky for reservations and further information (zev@gettherepr.com).

Kaotic Wednesdays – 6pm
Star Lounge (222 W. 23rd Street): Join the party at Star Lounge tonight, where the cover is nonexistent and vodka cocktails are $8. Not exactly the best drink specials there are, but certainly nothing to complain about. Since the liquor isn’t flowing as cheaply as one might like, you will have to settle for great music from DJ Kaos, who will be spinning nothing but hip-hop, R&B and reggae. Parties of 10 or more get a complimentary bottle of champagne with RSVP (kaoticweds@gmail.com).

Crazy, Sexy, Cool – 6pm
Slate (54 West 21st Street): Come dressed correct to this trendy and popular afterwork party at Slate. There is no cover or other trouble at the door, making it a great afterwork option. As for their happy hour drink specials, they have $4 beers, $4 well drinks and $6 martinis. At those prices, there aren’t many better places to get throwed on a Wednesday.

Haiti Relief: Island – 7pm
Conolly’s Pub (121 West 45th Street): This may not be your typical crowd, but Irish Americans Writers & Artists, Inc. is hosting a multi-cultural musical benefit to raise money for Haiti. The proceeds will go to Concern Worldwide and their efforts for relief on the island. Musical guests will include Black 47, Jameson’s Revenge and Morning Star, among others. There is a suggested donation of $30.

Open Bar – 10pm
Skinny Lounge (174 Orchard Street): You really can’t beat this hump-day special. Absolute Vodka drinks are going $4 all night long. To make a good thing even better, you can get all you can drink vodka for two hours and all it will cost you is a mere $20. So while getting drunk on a Wednesday night isn’t for everyone, it’s a good way to get cheap liquor during these recessionary times.

Related Posts

1. Wednesday Rundown: February 10, 2010
2. Wednesday Rundown: February 17, 2010
3. Wednesday Rundown: March 31, 2010

M2 Ultra Lounge

Tuesday is a great day to recover from a less than stellar Monday at work followed by an evening of chilling at home. So get off your butt today and make your way to one of the many events listed on the Black Oak Nights Tuesday Nightlife Rundown.

Perspectives on Immigration Lecture Series – 12pm - Baruch College (55 Lexington Avenue): Young, black professionals, skip lunch and educate yourselves by attending Baruch College’s Perspective on Immigration Series. The series explores the culture of different nationalities and the roles they take on in American society. Tuesday’s lecture is titled “Chinatown Buses, All-You-Eat Buffets & an Expanding Transitional Labor Migration Circuit.”

Luxurious Tuesdays – 5pm
Negril Village (70 West 3rd Street): This free event continues to be the talk of the city. As one of the premiere afterwork parties in New York, Negril Village keeps the party going with great music, exquisite food and one heck of a crowd. You can try out the $7 rum punch all night, or give the coconut martini a try. I of course recommend sampling a few appetizers with some friends, as Negril Village serves up one of the best Caribbean menus in New York City.

Off-Duty Tuesdays – 6pm
Promenade (215 W. 28th Street): This party may be worth the $20, but you don’t have to pay it as long as you let them know you’re on the Seal Team guestlist. After you get in, you get to enjoy nothing but hip-hop, R&B and 90’s music all night long, making it well worth your precious afterwork leisure time. From 6pm to 8pm, you get 2-for-1 Grey Goose mixed drinks, and from 6pm to 7pm they offer $5 beers. For those of you who want something a little softer, you can take advantage of 2-for-1 Apple Martinis. Basically, if you feel like throwing down after work, Promenade is the place to be on Tuesdays.

European Party – 11:45pm
M2 Ultra Lounge (530 West 28th Street): If you don’t mind the late-night weekday start, you might want to check out M2 Ultra Lounge on Tuesday. There’s a popular little “European” gathering, so you get to enjoy the sights, sounds and customs of your international friends from Spain, Italy and the many other members of the European Union. Not everything about this party is “European.” While natives of EU may be in the building, the crowd will be extremely diverse and the DJ is slated to play nothing but hip-hop, R&B and house music.

Rebuild Haiti – 6pm
Brooklyn Bowl (61 Wythe Ave. Brooklyn): Get your bowling balls out and head over to Brooklyn Bowl and help bowl Haiti all the way through its troubled times. Okay, so you won’t exactly raise a million dollars by coming to a bowling event, but every little bit helps. The suggested ticket prices are $10 or $15, and you can purchase the tickets online at brooklynbowl.com or AFHny.com. All proceeds benefit Architecture for Humanity’s long-term efforts to rebuild Haiti.

La Merde Afterwork Tuesdays
Cabanas (88 9th Avenue): Cabanas at the Maritime Hotel has been running of the best afterwork parties in New York City for a very, very, very long time. Ten years to be exact (or so they claim). How do they keep the party going? By sticking to the Black Oak Nights rule of party-throwing: K.I.S.S., aka Keep It Simple Stupid. The music is nothing but the best of Hip-hop, R&B, Old School and Soca music. The drink specials consist of $5 beers, $8 cocktails and $32 pitchers of Sangria. Best of all, there is no cover! What else do you need?

Related Posts

1. Tuesday Rundown: February 16, 2010
2. Tuesday Rundown: February 9, 2010
3. Tuesday Rundown: June 1, 2010