National Chorale presents 50th presentation of Handel’s Messiah Sing-In

December 9, 2017 by Leave a Comment

National Chorale, New York’s premier professional choral company, under the Artistic Direction of Everett McCorvey, continues its 2017-2018 Season at Lincoln Center with the 50th presentation of Handel’s Messiah Sing-In onFriday, December 15, 2017 at 7:30pm at the David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, NYC. Tickets are $30-100 and are available at www.nationalchorale.com, or by calling (212) 333-5333.

Join an audience-chorus of almost 3,000 voices under the batons of 17 eminent conductors. Celebrate choral singing and sing in New York’s most joyous and popular Holiday Season music event! The performance featuresJoanna Mongiardo, Michael Nansel, Holly Sorensen, and John Wesley Wright.

The 17 conductors from around the country, who will each conduct a movement, are Constance Chase, Hugh Ferguson Floyd, Gregory Hopkins, James John, Thomas Juneau, Deborah Simpkin King, Chris Ludwa, Everett Mccorvey, Vagarshak Ohanyan, Stephen Pagano, John Palatucci, Jennifer Pascual, Vincent Rufino, Kathryn Schneider, Michael Spierman, Jason Tramm and Mark Van Schenkhof.

 “The National Chorale is one of the most firmly established professional choral groups in the country.”– The New Times

NATIONAL CHORALE’S 2017-2018 SEASON CONTINUES WITH:

March 16, 2018

Angela Rice – Thy Will Be Done, An Easter Oratorio

New York Premiere featuring tenor Gregory Turay

April 13, 2018

Beethoven’s Symphony #9 and Ralph Vaughan Williams – Serenade to Music

 

ABOUT THE NATIONAL CHORALE

The National Chorale, New York’s premier professional choral company, is celebrating its 50thLincoln Center Season at David Geffen Hall, previously Avery Fisher Hall, with its continuing series of choral orchestral masterworks and 20th century American Classics.

Founded in 1967, the National Chorale is the only professional choral company in the United States to have established and maintained an annual subscription season in the major New York City concert halls – 50 seasons in David Geffen Hall, with additional concerts at Carnegie Hall.  It presents a broad repertory of choral-orchestral works; seldom-performed works from many stylistic periods; opera-in-concert; American music theatre; and contemporary works, including commissions by the Chorale for its Lincoln Center Season.

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Adventures of a Tour of New York City

December 8, 2017 by Leave a Comment

 

As far as vacation spots are concerned, you really can’t do much better than New York. This boisterous city has it all – art, technology, and even plenty of spaces where Nature runs things; such as Central Park and Sakura Park. Most people who’ve been here once make it a point to return, as places such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Frick Collection can consume the bulk of a single visit all by themselves. The following tour of New York City is just a blip on the screen of what the Big Apple truly has to offer – but it’s a good start, at least.

 

Central Park

 

If you’re an outdoorsy kind of person, then New York’s Central Park is one of the places you must visit. Unique in the sheer expansiveness it manages in the midst of a boisterous city, it’s also a slice of history with the attractions from the War of 1812 and the mysterious Belvedere Castle on the grounds.

 

You might enjoy activities as simply as people-watching and socializing in the 15 acres that defines Sheep Meadow, a verdant green clearing in the foreground of soaring buildings rising above the trees that encircle. While here, check out the beauty and serenity of Shakespeare’s Garden.

If you’re in it for more active fair, check out ice skating at Wollman Rink or try your hand at rowing on Central Park’s Lake. Then, of course, there’s the Central Park Zoo that houses exotic animals from the temperate, tropical and polar zones of the planet. That means there’s a polar bear, mountain goats and even sea lions inside.

 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

 

A huge art museum, the Met (as it is affectionately called by New York residents) has no equals in America. Housing several million distinct works of art from all areas, it functions as a place for permanent exhibits as well as guest traveling art shows and exhibits.

The primary building sits right at the edge of Central Park, so you can actually step right from one tourist destination to the other – but beware that the Met can eat up the rest of your day before you’ve seen even a fraction of what it has to offer. There are over a dozen different curatorial departments – 17 at last count, and growing – with pieces from as far back as Egypt in antiquity and even the Byzantine Empire. There are scholars of the particular time periods in each one of the curatorial departments.

 

One World Observatory – World Trade Center

 

There’s no way around it – visiting the magnificent One World Trade Center can be a tad expensive. It costs just to ride the elevator up; and, there are viewing prices once you reach the top levels. This isn’t unconventional, of course, as it costs to see the scene from the Empire State Building, as well.

 

The cafe is recommended – even at the prices of the various foods they serve. Not surprisingly, one of the things you’re not allowed to bring with you on a visit is your own food! Understandably, though, as operation costs must come from somewhere.

 

The view from floors 100-102 is absolutely breathtaking, You can see all of the New York skyline since the Observatory rises well above every other building in its vicinity.  

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The Top Tours in NYC

November 15, 2017 by Leave a Comment

hop on hop off

Traveling can be exhausting enough without having to do all of the planning to make sure every minute of your tour is perfectly prepared. A lot goes into creating a successful trip, and sometimes it’s best to leave the planning to the experts. Luckily, there are a lot of great tours in New York City that take the stress out of traveling and let you focus on the fun. Here are the top tours in NYC for travelers visiting the city!

Hop On / Hop Off Tours

New York City Hop-On / Hop-Off tours are the best way to see everything in a short amount of time. If you’re only visiting New York City for a limited amount of time, a sightseeing tour that allows you the flexibility to hop on and off as you please is the best way to make the most of your short time in the Big Apple. The biggest advantage of these guides are that they are led by a knowledgeable guide who provides a much-needed commentary while you explore the city free from crowds.

Food Tours

New York City is one of the top foodie destinations in the world for a reason. With a strong international culture, there are top eateries in this city representing cuisine from around the world. There really is something for everyone, and there are tours that take out the guessing when it comes to choosing the best place to eat. It doesn’t matter what kind of food you like to eat because you can choose anything from chocolate tours to Chinese food tours.

Street Art Tour

New York City is home to a lot of different street art, and you’d be surprised with the story behind it. While it is often overlooked, there is much to learn about the street murals and designs around the different neighborhoods. In recent years, street art tours have become increasingly popular as locals are sharing the unique history of this urban art. See the city in a different way with a street art tour!

Boat Tour

Sometimes the best way to see a city is from the outside. You can find great views of Manhattan by boat, and there are a number of tours available for all budgets and itineraries. For budget savvy travelers, the Staten Island Ferry is a free option which departs every half-hour and connects Manhattan and Staten Island. Sights include the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and more! Be sure to have your camera ready!

Pub Crawl

There’s a reason the Big Apple is known as the city that never sleeps! Much of NYC culture can be found in its local pubs and breweries, and there are a lot of tours and pub crawls which highlight the best nightlife spots in the city. Whether you want to take in the high life at the hottest night clubs or explore the local, dive bars, there are pub crawl options for everyone! You might even discover some hidden speakeasies or hidden gems in Hell’s Kitchen.

Top Tours in NYC

Planning a trip is stressful enough! Sometimes you just want to let someone else take the reins while ensuring you’re going to have a great time. Booking one of these top tours in NYC is an easy way to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to experiencing the best of the city. There are different tours for all budgets and styles of traveling, whether you prefer to take things slow or travel quickly with a big group. Make the most of your trip with a great tour!

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The Radio City Christmas Spectacular #GreenGiantXRockettes @GreenGiant

December 28, 2016 by 4 Comments

radio city

This past week, we went into New York City to see the The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. It’s one of those things that you need to do at least once in your life, if not more often (if you are close enough that you are able).

radio city mucic hall

Running through Jan.2, 2017, you and your family and friends can go see one of NYC’s iconic show’s (and some of the world’s most iconic dancers) to really get the holiday season started. The Rockettes have been performing at Radio City since 1932, and during the Christmas season they preform 7 days a week. The Rockettes also perform every year at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC and America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit. They also lit the Empire State Building red and green for Christmas. Gotta love those hard-working ladies!
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A Travel Guide for New York City on a Budget

November 29, 2016 by Leave a Comment

New York is one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in the world. This iconic city is on the wish list of every traveler with interests in the arts, history, culture and nightlife. New York is an attractive destination but the question is, is it ideal for budget travelers as well? Yes, it is and you’d be wrong to assume it to be too pricey a destination to visit. You can plan well in advance and visit the city in an economical manner.

Here are some tips to get a New York City tour on a budget:

Get the trip planning right

First things first, a cost-effective trip of New York requires good planning. You need to research which sights are near each other so that they can be visited together–saving time and money. You also need to find out which days museums offer free admission, this will give you big savings.

Save with bundled tour passes

The easiest way to save on your NYC sightseeing is by purchasing a bundled tour pass, especially when you wish to visit a lot of popular places and attractions in the city. Tour passes bundles various tours and activities thereby offering you a reduced price.You are also spared the inconvenience of paying separately for each tour. The more they offer, the more you save!

Look for discounts & coupons

You can visit websites of several landmarks and attractions and find coupons or discounts. Not all attractions in NYC have an entry fee and you can search to know which are free. Similarly, you can collect coupons and then get discounts on food, shopping, entry to landmarks etc.

Save through inexpensive events and Broadway tickets

New York is a city that offers a lot of free concerts, art exhibits, music shows etc. Want to save money on Broadway theater tickets? Visit one of the TKTS discount theater ticket booths located around town. There are 3 of them: one in Midtown, one at the South Street Seaport and one in Brooklyn. They sell discounted tickets for same day matinee and evening performances.

Be selective about transportation

Buy a MetroCard and get non-stop rides for a week or even longer. A MetroCard pass offers you unlimited trips on both the subway and buses in all 5 NYC boroughs for the duration of the pass. Or purchase a hop-on hop-off bus tour that gives you a guided tour through the city while offering a way to hop-on or hop-off the bus near popular city attractions.

Experience the real New York on foot

New York is a great city explored by foot. Since most of Manhattan is based on a grid system it is hard to get lost. Below Houston Street there is no grid and it is a bit easier to get lost but getting lost is half the fun–you never know what you may find!

Navigate around cycle routes

Biking is also fun. Bikes can be rented for an hour, a day or longer. New York is a bike friendly city and is becoming more so every day! You can bike around town independently or join a bike tour with a guide.

Dine away from upscale market

There are lots of different types of ethnic foods in New York and if you want to save money that is the way to go. It is also a lot of fun to try all the different foods that New York has to offer while saving money at the same time! Be sure to check out bars offering happy hour discounted prices.

Stay outside Manhattan to save on lodging

Don’t book a hotel room in Manhattan when cost is a major consideration. Rather, try one of the outer boroughs where prices are not as steep. Hostels and apartment rentals are great alternatives to pricey Manhattan hotels too.

Shop at a flea market

New York is a shopper’s paradise. Try visiting one of the weekend flea markets to find something unique and interesting. Canal Street is a great place to save a lot on purses, jewelry and similar items.

Overall, book your hop–on hop–off New York tour and explore the best this metropolis has to offer. Plan well in advance and be sure to return home with lots of memories!

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Save On Your New York Vacation With The New York Pass

October 5, 2016 by 8 Comments

museum of natural history

New York is definitely a spot that should be on your vacation bucket list – and great things are coming to New York! With a newly updated New York Pass, the City’s largest attraction pass card – the first of which is the inclusion of a free double-decker bus tour with every New York Pass purchased (thanks to a new partnership with the Big Bus New York) – now is the time to start planning that New York vacation you have always talked about.  With the New York pass it will make your Big Apple visit fast and easy as your ride along on the double-decker bus and enjoy the sights and sounds.

visit new york

Not only will you get to ride the double decker bus and tour the Big Apple, but you also get admission and discounts to over 90 must-see New York attractions. You can hop-on or hop-off at any attraction or sight that catches your eye, and then be back on your way in a matter of minutes to a new and wonderful destination of your choosing. With the New York pass, you will get more bang for your buck by saving up to 70% all while skipping the lines at several of the busiest attractions in the Big Apple area.

dinosaur museum

American Museum of Natural History

“The New York Pass is quickly becoming a mobile metro card for tourists,” said Ken Barrows, Vice President of Leisure Pass North America LLC, the parent company of New York Pass.  “Our exciting new venture with Big Bus New York will allow our customers to maximize their use of each pass by giving tourists and locals the option of using Big Bus to have a seat with a view, or to simply travel between attractions.”

Madame Tussauds New York

Madame Tussauds – New York Celebrity Wax Attraction

Whether you are planning on staying in the Big Apple one day or 10 days, there are New York passes for both and everything in between.  In 2015, New York Pass launched a new “10-Day Pass” to cater to tourists staying in the Big Apple for lengthier periods of time and added new attractions such as the 9/11 Memorial and Museum and Fashion Windows Walking Tour. Every New York Pass includes a free 200-page guidebook with detailed maps, hours of operation, tips and directions to every New York Pass attraction featured.

St. Patrick's Cathedral New York

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

There has never been a better time to vacation to New York. What will your first New York attraction destination be?

For more information and a complete list of attractions where the pass can be used, please visit www.newyorkpass.com.  

Disclosure statement Disclosure- This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. For more information, please see “I Disclose”.

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Preview the new #DisneyMagicalWorld2 by @NintendoAmerica #nintendo

October 4, 2016 by 1 Comment

This past weekend, we visited the Nintendo Store in NYC for the preview of Disney Magical World 2 Video Game. “Nintendo and Hollywood Records Recording Artist Olivia Holt Celebrate the Upcoming Launch of the Disney Magical World 2 Game, Launching Exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS Family of Systems.

Live your dream life alongside classic Disney characters in six Disney-themed worlds! Anyone who pre-purchases the title in Nintendo eShop or at select retailers will receive three in-game Frozen outfits free for characters like Elsa, Anna and Olaf. The game launches Oct. 14.”

disney video games

We were able to be among the first to try out the game, and there was a Disney costume party as well as jewelry, hair, and makeup stations.

disney magical world 2

Here is a video of a demo- we will give you our review soon! (Sorry about the dude that kept walking in front of my camera- what can you do, manners are a lost art, LOL). Make sure you pre-purchace the title so you can get your freebies!

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Ocean Spray Bog and Spinach Salad #ad #CranberryClassroom @OceanSprayInc

October 2, 2016 by 5 Comments

Thank you to Ocean Spray® for sponsoring this blog post. I’m partnering with Ocean Spray® for its NYC Cranberry Classroom. #ad All opinions are my own.

With Fall around the corner, it is cranberry season. As such, it is time to make some fun and seasonal  recipes with cranberries.  One such fall favorite is a spinach salad- great year round, but even better when gussied up.

Spinach

Ocean Spray’s ® Spinach Salad

Effortless Spinach Salad

Ingredients

8 ounces fresh spinach
1/2 cup feta or goat cheese, crumbled
1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup Craisins® Original Dried Cranberries
2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds, optional

DRESSING:
1/2 cup bottled balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest, optional

Directions

Wash and clean spinach. Tear into bite size pieces and place in a serving bowl. Add half of the feta or goat cheese and onion; toss to combine.

Combine dressing ingredients in a small mixing bowl. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Top with dried cranberries and almonds. Serve immediately.
Makes 4 servings.

Another way to celebrate the joys of cranberries is with the Ocean Spray® cranberry bog.

The Ocean Spray® cranberry bog was recently at Rockefeller Center® to celebrate the first day of fall. Nothing says fall like cranberries- and when will you ever get to see a bog in the middle of New York City? Not very often, at least.

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Did you know that 2016 marks the bicentennial of the first cultivated cranberry harvest? I didn’t. The NYC bog also shared cranberry’s story of taste, health and heritage with visitors in a fun and delicious way.

Farming Ocean Spray ® cranberries is often handed down generation to generation- it’s really a family business. It is interesting to see growers and their families (who were on-site) talk about the harvest and how it’s changed over the last 200 years.  Nothing like a first hand experience- but if you can’t have one, you at least get to hear it right from the horses mouth (as it were).

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Those who didn’t make it to the bog can experience The Most Beautiful Harvest for themselves at www.OSharvest.com.  You can see the little canberry’s journey from bog to bottle. It’s cute- check it out.

Here is some more information on it-

“Featuring fully immersive, 360-degree views of a bog, it’s the next best thing to being there! Ocean Spray launched the “Most Beautiful Harvest” experience in 2015 using Oculus Rift technology. The desktop, mobile and Google Cardboard ready versions of this fully immersive 360-degree harvest experience are now available to consumers online at www.OSharvest.com.”

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