Elevate - 390 8th Avenue, New York, NY

The Weekend is finally here, the weather ain’t so bad, and there is plenty to talk about on the Friday Nightlife Rundown for February 19, 2010. From fashionably late Mardi Gras parties to some of New York’s best weekly events, this weekend’s agenda is full of entertaining, cultural and intellectual events befitting the taste of all of New York City’s young, black professionals.

Tonight’s party agenda for young, black professionals does not have to start at the line to get into the club. Why not begin your night with drinks at a jazz event, a little poetry, and then find your way to the beauty of clubbing in Manhattan?

When Nature Calls – 7pm
Nuyorican (236 East 3rd Street): Nothing beats a Friday night like an evening of live performance at the Nuyorican. Tonight, tomorrow night, and Sunday night, The Impulse Initiative will put on the best theatrical display New York City has to offer. It will run you $15 to $20, but it will be worth every penny for the performer in you. This production is the tale of 7 women that succumb to the calls of Mother Nature and take a very hard stance in a celebration of the power of women. You can find out more and purchase tickets at nuyorican.org.

Friday Night Jazz – 8pm & 11pm
Afroart-Designs (316 Stuyvesant Avenue, Brooklyn): If you are looking for a celebration of Black History Month, Friday Night Jazz is one of the best places to be. The Jeff King Band will perform two sets tonight, taking you way back (before your time for many of you) to jazz sounds of yesteryear from some of the genre’s best saxophonists, pianists and drummers. JazzKing Productions is putting on this event, which means it’s as authentic as it gets and is something no jazz fan will want to miss.

“Made in Jamaica” (Movie)
BAM Rose Cinemas (30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn): I haven’t seen the movie yet myself, and won’t do so until later tonight. Thus, I will give you a brief break from my usual stream of consciousness and present you with this far more articulate synopsis:

A portrait that unveils the leaders of the reggae music movement while showing how reggae has become a worldwide phenomenon. The chronicle includes showcase performances by the top reggae and dance hall artists in the business. Historically, reggae music sprang into life in the ’70s. It was the first time that a third world country had made its voice heard on such a large scale. Instantly recognizable, the reggae sound is a celebration of life itself. Now a new generation of reggae artists has emerged and its fathers are still in Jamaica. But along with the Jamaican music, there has often been trouble in the dance. At the dancehalls, respect is threatened, tempers flare and then gunshots. That was the sadly familiar story of Bogle, the now-legendary figure who invented the dance bearing his name. His funeral was a ghetto-spectacular affair, attracting three generations of reggae and dancehall superstars. – NY Daily News

The High Priestess of Dark alley (Play) – 8pm
Billie Holiday Theater (1368 Fulton Street, Brooklyn): Once again, in someone else’s words:

The world premiere of the play “The High Priestess of Dark Alley,” a dramatic comedy about intrusive mother trying to repair her daughter’s failed marriage. The play was written by and is directed by Jackie Alexander.

Satisfaction Afterwork – 5pm
Elevate (390 8th Avenue): Fabulous Entertainment is doing it up afterwork today with free admittance to Elevate. DJ Kool Kid will be on the 1’s and 2’s, and for those of you who haven’t heard of him before, let’s just say you won’t be inclined to complain about the music after this party is over. Yes, he’ll mix in some Soca and Reggaeton, but Kool Kid keeps it fresh all night. And if you don’t like to Salsa, don’t worry about it; you can take a break at the bar where they are serving 2 for 1 drinks and a Black Oak Night first: 3 wings for a dollar! Of course, there will be plenty of other finger foods available to satisfy your afterwork appetite. And they are very open to large groups and will accommodate you to prove it. So email fabulousent2k@yahoo.com and get your co-workers on board for a good way to end the work week.

Good Life Afterwork – 5pm
Touch (240 W. 52nd Street): Hip-hop, R&B, Reggae and 90’s music will put your mind at ease after a restless day and week of work. There is a $20 cover charge, but of course, if you say you are on the John Doe Entertainment guest list, you will get in free before 7pm. From 5-7pm you can enjoy a 2 for 1 top shelf drink special, and there is a free dinner buffet from 5-7pm as well. As you know, Touch knows how to throw a good party, and this afterwork event will be no different.

Carnival with Mario Calegari – 10pm
Pacha (618 W. 46th Street): Getting into Pacha is rarely without cost, but this Friday is completely different. Ladies are free before midnight if you mention the Xplosion guest list, and gentlemen are free before midnight, too! However, you better be dressed to impress, and I recommend fellas have ladies in their party. There will be two different rooms to get down in, with DJ Mario Calegari leading the way in the main room with Top 40’s music, hip-hop and a little Reggaeton. The theme is Carnival, so you can expect a wild time and maybe even a few professional dancers in the building.

Tom Green Stand-Up Comedy – 8pm & 10:30pm
Comix (353 W. 14th Street): For those of you who didn’t make it out last night, I just thought I’d inform you one more time that the hysterical fool of our youth, Tom Green, is performing at Comix tonight. Tickets are $30, plus a two-drink minimum. You can get the tickets at comixny.com. He will have two more performances at the same times on Saturday Night, February 20, 2010.

5 Star Chic Fridays – 11pm
Star Lounge (222 W. 23rd Street): Star Lounge is not the typical place for the urban crowd, but occasionally, on Friday nights, they open up their doors and their music in such a way that any and all young, black professionals will want to come through. With surprise DJs every Friday night, they keep the music fresh while still limiting it to hip-hop, R&B and old school music, with a little Soca music from time to time, as well. Entry is free before 1am if you say you are on the Hollywood Chuck guest list. They are also claiming an open bar, so I’d get there early in case that’s actually true.

Friday Night Takeover – 10pm
Fashion 40 (202 W. 40th Street): Once again, Fashion 40 is doing it up with nothing but the best of New York City’s black crowd in attendance. The door is very, very strict, so if you don’t have your A game on, you better go home and change. There will be absolutely nothing but hip-hop, R&B and old school music playing all night long; so you can leave your Salsa shoes, and any preconceived notions about Latin music, at home. The party officially gets started at 10, but the drink specials for ladies start at 11, so come fashionably late if you want to. Not too late though, as ladies are only free until midnight (with RSVP: fridaynight.takeover@gmailcom), and gentleman are reduced until 12, as well.

Sweet Dreams – 10pm
Club Roam (5 East 19th Street): I thought I would show a little love for the semi-new Club Roam, which is hosting Sweet Dreams tonight. The party is hosted by “Addictive Ladies,” so it sounds so good so far. Entry is free before midnight, and they have an open bar from 10 to 11pm. They are willing to accommodate all birthday parties with a slew of birthday boy and girl packages. As for the music, anything goes with DJ TY Boogie on the 1’s and 2’s, but it suffices to say that he will keep you on your toes all night long with his usual savvy selection of music.

Misty Boyce & Blowoff! – 8pm & 11:30pm
Canal Room (285 W. Broadway): The infamous Canal Room is throwing down tonight with a live performance from an up-and-coming young singer, Misty Boyce. After that, they will get back to their usual ways of partying into the wee hours of the morning with “Blowoff,” which is so heavily planned for that they are actually selling tickets on line for advance purchase. There’s so much going on at the Canal Room tonight, that I suggest you check it out for yourself at canalroom.com.

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Underbar

Today already looks as if it’s going to start off better than yesterday, so why not take advantage of it and celebrate a break (no matter how brief it is) from all of the snowfall? There’s plenty going on this evening and tonight; so without further adieu, here is the Nightlife Rundown for Wednesday, February 17, 2010.

X’s & O’s Afterwork Wednesdays – 6 PM - Rogue (64 East 1st Street): DJ Envy and DJ Dallas Green will be handling the 1’s and 2’s tonight at Rogue, making any trouble you have getting to the Lower East Side well worth the trip. You will hear nothing but hip-hop and R&B from these two DJs, providing you with the Top 40 music and all-time classics you deserve to hear after a long day at work. There will be drink and food specials all night long, but the dance floor gets so crunk on Wednesdays that I doubt you will want even consider taking the time to sit down and eat.

Kaotic Wednesdays – 6 PM
Kaotic (222 W. 23rd Street): One of Manhattan’s best afterwork parties is at Kaotic tonight, where the cover is nonexistent and so are the inhibitions. There is sure to be an electric atmosphere in the air at Kaotic, as young, black professionals from across the Tri-State area take advantage of a one-hour open bar from 6-7, as well as $5 vodka shots and $4 beers. There is also a complementary dinner buffet from 6-8, so don’t worry about grabbing that bite to eat before you get to Kaotic, because everything you need is already there!

Open Bar Wednesdays – 10 PM
Skinny (174 Orchard Street): Of course, 1 open bar on Hump Day just isn’t enough. And as long as there is going to be a second one, why not make it twice as long? Skinny is doing just that! So once you’re done with the dinner and open bar at Kaotic, head over to Skinny and take part in their two-hour open bar from 10 to midnight. Sure, it will cost you $20 to take part in this one, but for two hours flowing liquor, I’d say you’ve made out well, economically speaking. And if limitless amount of alcohol doesn’t entice you, then maybe the music can get your buzz going, because there will be nothing but Hip-hop, Reggae and Old School music on the 1’s and 2’s, so you don’t have to worry about losing your buzz to any music you don’t want to hear. Contact Drew at 917-689-4308 for more information on the party and the open bar.

Watch the Olympics on NBC – 8 PM
Brother Jimmy’s (416 8th Avenue): If you’re interested in watching the Olympics with your fellow Americans, then Brother Jimmy’s is probably your best bet. They are sure to be serving up plenty of Olympic coverage from anyone of NBC’s many channels. And so long as you’re getting winter sports served to you, why not order some of Brother Jimmy’s infamous rib-tibs and wings to go with all of the great Olympic sports action you will consume with your fellow Americans. And if you’re a Southern American, make sure you show them your Southern I.D., as that can get you a 25% discount off your order!

Mix & Mingle – 6 PM – 8 PM
Bryant Bark: If you’re more interested in some good food and good conversation than you are liquor, than this may be the spot for you tonight. At Bryant Park’s Southwest Porch, you can take part in some delightful conversation with fellow New Yorkers, as you stand outside (heat lamps provided) and snack on some of the best sandwiches and appetizers New York City has to offer. You can RSVP with whitney.eichinger@wnco.com.

New York Knicks – 7 PM
Madison Square Garden: Fresh off a beating from last night, the Knicks return from Chicago to face the Bulls in the second game of a home and home series. Hopefully, the home crowd will help the Knicks play a lot better than the played last night when they lost by 33 points and gave up 29 points to Derrick Rose. As usual, tickets are still available for tonight’s game at the New York Knicks website, and it won’t run you all that much to go either. And if you’re a big fan of Nate Robinson, Al Harrington or almost any other New York Knick, this may be your last chance to see some of your favorite Knicks players, because the trade deadline is Thursday afternoon.

Black History Film – 6 PM
Herbert Von King Park (670 Lafayette Avenue): If you’re interested in taking part in some black film, then this is the place for you. You can view some of our culture’s best in film at the Herbert Von King Cultural Arts Center all day today starting at noon and ending at 8pm tonight. This event is being put on by the city’s Parks Department, so naturally it is free of charge, making it well worth the trip to Brooklyn. You can contact brecfamilyfunseries@parks.nyc.gov.

Great Open Bar – 6 PM
Blackfinn (218 East 53rd Street): This one is for you East Siders who don’t want to go too far away from home. Even though Blackfinn isn’t our usual crowed, they do know how to get down afterwork. So if you’re looking for nothing but a good conversation (and a $20 open bar from 6pm to 8pm to boot) then Blackfinn is the place for you. Trust me!

Contacts & Cocktails for Health & Wellness Professionals – 6 PM
Underbar (201 Park Avenue, Under the W Hotel): This event is limited to people in the health and wellness industry. It will cost you $30 to get in, but it is an extremely great opportunity to meet other black professionals in the health & wellness fields and develop some new acquaintances and contacts while sipping on cocktails. The city-renowned Underbar is a very quaint space, with a lot of elegance and sexiness about it, so make sure you’re dressed correct. Health professional or not, your mint-colored scrubs aren’t allowed!

FASHION WEEK

iFashionNetwork.com Cocktail – 7:30 PM
Gold Bar (389 Broome Street): If you are interested in attending a premiere Fashion Week party, then iFashion’s party tonight should be on your agenda. With some of the most knowledgeable people in fashion, iFashionNetwork.com is one of the leading web portals for fashion industry information and news. So when their employees, friends, guests and designer subjects show up at Gold Bar tonight, make sure you’re there to get your ear on ground floor of fashion’s latest trends and news.

Fashion Frenzy – 10 PM
Le Souk Harem (510 LaGuardia Place): This is an invite-only event, but you may be able to get yourself in the door if you can successfully RSVP with lesoukharem@redhot-pr.com. Hey it’s worth a shot! Besides, this is going to be one of the best Fashion Week parties of the evening, and there is sure to be a ton of big names in the building. Already DJ Nesta B from MTV is going to be in charge of the turntables, so let the hype and over-inebriated celebration of Fashion Week begin!

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Get outside!

Enjoy the summer! You know you will be cursing the weather out come November, so take advantage of the heat while you can. Here are a few things to do before fall weather arrives in New York City.

Governors Island
Going to Governors Island has to be one of the most underrated activities in New York City. Why more people do not frequent these lush, open grounds more often is amazing. Nevertheless, take advantage of the crowd-less paths, the newly constructed promenade and the impressive lawns and enjoy being in the mist of New York Harbor without having to bother yourself with the smell, sites and people of Manhattan. Governors Island boast great picnic grounds, several art displays and a new Water Beach Taxi location fresh with an array of summer events. You can even catch an independent movie or two at the island’s theater. The island is only open to the public on the weekends, but for 3 days out of the week, it is yours to take advantage of.

Movies in Bryant Park
If you want to truly enjoy a film festival without all of the hype, why not take advantage of a casual Monday evening in Bryant Park and attend the HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival! It is one of the most popular events in New York City every summer, and yet there are so many people who haven’t attended it. You have to get there early (let’s say 4:30 at the latest) if you want to get a good spot on the grass, but by 5 o’clock (when they’re on time), you’ll be presented with a tribute to the movies of yesteryear. Some of the upcoming showings are The Defiant Ones (July 27), Kramer vs. Kramer (August 3) and Close Encounters of the Third Kind (August 17).

Coney Island
You have not truly experienced Summer in the City until you have spent a day at Coney Island. Yeah, you thought it was for kids, but there is no doubt that young and elderly adults alike can enjoy the one place in New York City where childish behavior isn’t admonished (outside of Wall Street that is). Coney Island is not your father’s fair grounds anymore either. With burlesque entertainment, Coney Island Museum exhibits on Sundays, and film showings on Fridays, Coney Island is your one-stop shop to divert your city-centric mind. Of course, there’s nothing like the brisk breeze off the water, walking the boardwalk, and the infinitely famous Coney Island Hot Dog. If you haven’t been already this summer, I recommend going on Labor Day. It’s not as packed as some of the other big days of the summer since the tourists have generally left for the season, and Coney Island is certainly a good place to find some barbeque if you can’t find a cookout to attend in the city.

Prospect Park
While most Manhattanites are overly zealous with Central Park, its neighbor to the South gets very little love. But maybe those who attend Prospect Park on the regular basis don’t have a problem with that. With all of the hassles that come with going to Central Park, such as a permit for this, a permit for that, limited space and one too many rules and regulations, Prospect Park is essentially like throwing caution to the wind. Want to barbeque? Go ahead! Want to play ball in an open area of the grass? Go ahead! They’re not as strict in the park of Brooklyn, which is why those who have been once tend to make a return visit!

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There aren’t many cities in the United States that have even one film festival, but New Yorkers are fortunate enough to have a wide range of film festivals to choose from throughout the year. So get off the couch, forget the movie theater, and appreciate film in about as raw a form as there is.

Here are a few of New York’s best film festivals:

Gotham Screen Film Festival & Screenplay Contest
Debuting in 2007, and generally held in lower Manhattan during the month of October, the Gotham Screen Film Festival and Screenplay Contest is one of the newest film festivals in town, and naturally, it has a more free-flowing vibe than all of the rest. The Gotham Screen, as it is know, seeks to give exposure to first and second-time directors, as well as independent directors. Last year’s feature film winner, L’autre moitie, directed by Rolando Colla, has been featured in several other film festivals and has received good reviews from its Indy peers. This year, the film festival will be held at Tribeca Cinemas, and it will continue to showcase a plethora of international filmmaking talent as it has done in the past.

New York International Latino Film Festival
Sponsored in part by HBO, the Latino Film Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year as it host its festival at the Clearview Cinemas in the Chelsea part of Manhattan from late July to early August, just as it does every year. The Latino Film Festival has brought a lot of good films to light over the years, including Malta Con Huevo, which won the Heineken Red Star Award for pushing the boundaries of creativity in filmmaking. Outside of the flagship festival, the event also incorporates art and musical showcases, as well as community gatherings and scholarships for future filmmakers. The Latino Film Festival is known for drawing out New York’s Latin Latino film stars! John Leguizamo, Ray Liotta, Vin Diesel, Chritina Milian and Benjamin Bratt all walked the Red Carpet at least year’s event.

New York Film Festival
The New York Film Festival might be one of the most important film festivals for independent artists. A non-competitive event, the New York Film Festival has been running since 1963. The festival is ran by the Film Society of Lincoln Center, which focuses on the endorsement and unveiling of independent filmmaking in America and across the world, and they have also introduced new directors, such as Martin Scorsese, to the rest of the world. Just over the past couple of years, the New York Film Festival has introduced movies such as The Wrestler, Changeling and The Queen to the world. One of this festival’s most popular asides is the “Views from the Avant-Garde” showcase, which runs several experimental film pieces known to be a little more than controversial.

Tribeca Film Festival
Created in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks, the Tribeca Film Festival is one of the most lively and growing festivals in the city and in the country. Really, it’s hard to find a more complete film festival than this one, as it often boast hundreds of screenings, spanning the triangle below Canal street (and above it as well) with independent films and movie connoisseurs alike. The festival originally opened with debuts of tremendous studio films such as Star Wars Episode II, Divine Secrets of the Ya-ya Sisterhood and The League of Extraordinary Gentleman. The festival is extremely popular among young folks for its Hollywood appeal, numerous and vigorous panel discussions, and its popular avant-garde section of the festival which has featured the likes of Brad Pitt and Isabelle Huppert.

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