Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
High Culture for Free
MetOperaintheParks
Critics may sniff that the Metropolitan Opera rests on its laurels, but this institution main-
tains extremely high standards. Tickets can soar over $400 for shows at the Opera House, but for 2 weeks every summer
the fat lady sings for free. Shows are held in parks in all five boroughs. Usually six performances in all. Check the website
for exact locations and times; no tickets are required.
212/362-6000.
www.metoperafamily.org
.
NewYorkPhilharmonicConcertsintheParks
The New York Philharmonic, one of the world's premier sym-
phonies, gives away some six shows every summer. Composers range from Sibelius to Strauss to Ives. While the atmo-
sphere is more hackey sack than Harnancourt—background for a group picnic rather than an event for the serious music
lover—the performances by guest conductors and musicians are often inspired. If the classical music doesn't lure you in,
you might stop by just for the free fireworks show afterwards. Performance locations vary, but generally they try to hit all
five boroughs (the Staten Island concert is indoors). Check
http://nyphil.org
for exact locations. Outdoor shows start at
8pm, no tickets required.
212/875-5709.
Crotona Park Jams
Revisiting epic Boogie Down park jams of the '70s, this series celebrates hip-hop cul-
ture. A surfeit of spinning DJs, often legends like GrandWizzard Theodore and Kool DJ AJ Scratch, set the tempo.
The party is hosted by Tools of War and runs from 4 to 8pm on Thursday nights in July. Check their MySpace for
free Harlem grassroots hip-hop events, too.
Crotona Park E. and Charlotte St.
718/378-2061.
www.myspace.com/toolsofwar
.
Subway: 2/5
to 174th St. Walk south on Boston Rd. to Suburban Place, take a right on Crotona Park E. and then a left onto Charlotte St., where you'll see Indian Lake and the
jam.
East River Park Amphitheater
This renovated spot on the East River doubles down on beautiful Brook-
lyn and bridge views with free music programs in summer. Ted Leo and Cat Power have played here in the past,
but recent years have seen smaller-profile performers. The amphitheater's capacity is around 1,000 and these
shows aren't particularly well publicized, so most times you'll be able to wander in late and still snag a prime
seat. Programming is by the City Parks Foundation.
600 Grand St., at the East River.
212/360-1399.
www.summerstage.org
.
Subway:
F to Delancey St.; J/M/Z to Essex St. Walk along the south side of the Williamsburg Bridge and take the pedestrian bridge over the FDR. Turn left and follow the
river down to the amphitheater.
Harlem Meer Performance Festival
Latino and African sounds predominate at this
meer-
front festival.
The scene is as upbeat as the music, which is usually very danceable. Blankets and picnics are encouraged. Con-
certs are Sunday afternoons from 2 to 4pm, mid-June through early September, near the Charles A. Dana Discov-
ery Center.
Central Park, at 110th St., btw. Fifth and Lenox aves.
212/860-1370.
www.centralparknyc.org
. Subway: 2/3 to Central Park N.
Hudson Square Music & Wine Festival
Impresario Michael Dorf has followed the arc of maturity from
a grungy music spot (the Knitting Factory) to a refined restaurant and wine bar (City Winery). This festival in
his winery's backyard combines Greenmarket goods with fresh grooves, served up by the likes of C. J. Cheni-
er, Popa Chubby, and Naomi Shelton. The event drops Tuesday evenings 5:30 to 7:30pm, from late June through
mid-August.
Yes, they serve wine.
Hudson Sq.; enter on north side of Spring St., btw. Varick and Hudson sts.
212/608-0555.
www.citywinery.com
.
Subway: C/E to Spring St.; 1 to Houston St.
Lincoln Center Out of Doors
Lincoln Center is a veritable city of performing arts, and every summer for
over 30 years now, the great public square has been home to a diverse series of shows. The breadth is breath-
taking, from Chinese opera to Greek dance to cutting-edge jazz to children's story time. Incredibly, it's all free.
Check online for exact schedules, covering 21⁄2 weeks from late July to mid-August.
Note:
Several shows take
place in the nearby Damrosch Park Bandshell, at West 62nd Street and Amsterdam Avenue.
70 Lincoln Center Plaza, at
Broadway and 64th St.
212/546-2656.
www.lincolncenter.org
.
Subway: 1 to 66th St./Lincoln Center.
Madison Square Music
Madison Square's refurbished park has joined the summer music scrum, with the
Oval Lawn Series on Wednesday nights. (A second, the Studio Series, runs on Sat afternoons in the fall.) Radio
thrift shop proprietress Laura Cantrell and the ever-soulful Bettye LaVette have been heard here, with the series
