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Free events for Thursday, 12/12/13
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57 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Thursday, December 12, 2013

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Editor's Picks

free events nyc Screening: Derek Jacobi reads from Shakespeare's Richard II
free events nyc My Lord Chamberlains Consort: A Renaissance Christmas
free events nyc Edward F. Cline's Three Ages (1923): Silent Film with Live Piano Accompaniment
free events nyc 10³²K, Modern Jazz Trio Playing Less-Heard Works
More Editor's Picks for 12/12/13
        

Tour | Midtown Manhattan Tour


Arguably the world's most valuable, busiest and most crowded pieces of real estate, Midtown Manhattan more is what most visitors think of when they think of New York City. Home to some of the city's most iconic architecture, from Gothic to Post-Modern and from Beaux-Arts to Art Deco (lots of Art Deco). it's not difficult to understand why. But just behind the massive facades, lie facinating histories just waiting to be unveiled. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Tour | Cathedral Tour


Explore the Cathedral's newly cleaned and restored Nave. Learn about the art, architecture and history more of this great sacred space from 1892 to the present. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
$6...

Tour | Federal Reserve Bank Tour


Learn about central banking functions that Federal Reserve System performs and see Bank's vault of international more monetary gold on bedrock of Manhattan Island, five stories below street level. Learn why Federal Reserve has "Federal" in its name, while it's a private bank, not Federal at all. Congressman Ron Paul considers the Federal Reserve "both corrupt and unconstitutional" Tour times: 11:15 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:15 am
Free

Concert | Chamber Music Informal Recital


This informal lunchtime recital features ensembles from the College Division chamber music program.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Computer Art: John F. Simon, Jr.'s Moment of Escape


For this exhibition, themes of birth and expansion predominate. In each work, a point of origin is identified, more flourishes, and ultimately exceeds the boundary of its own frame. Simon is one of the pioneers in the development of Software Art and is renowned in this area for articulating the use of code in digital and multimedia works since the mid 1980s. This early community of artists and curators created the first wave of software applications, web-based projects and digital approaches to art making, which continue to expand in new directions every year. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Learn Juggling in the Park


Test your coordination and dexterity with free juggling lessons in the park. All skill levels are welcome more to join in the fun. Equipment is provided. Lessons are weather permitting. You'll be surprised that Alex and Jordan can often be found outside tossing pins in the snow! less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free

Park Walk | Northern Park Welcome Tour


See the Park’s northernmost highlights on this walk from Conservatory Garden along the Harlem Meer more and past the North Woods. Route easy to negotiate, a few stairs. 45 minutes. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free

Concert | Bach at Noon


The keyboard works of Bach offered in 30-minute meditations by Patrick Allen, organist and master of more choristers, and Phillip Lamb, organ scholar. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:20 pm
Free

Gallery Talk | Gallery Tour: The ABC of It: Why Children's Books Matter


Enjoy a 45-minutes docent-led tour of the exhibition.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free

Gallery Talk | Infinity of Nations Guided Tour


A Museum Ambassador gives a 45-minute free guided tour through the permanent exhibition.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Tour | Cathedral Tour


Explore the Cathedral's newly cleaned and restored Nave. Learn about the art, architecture and history more of this great sacred space from 1892 to the present. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
$6...

Performance | Fire and Ice: Frozen Feet Theater Ice Skating Show


A free lunchtime ice skating performance that will be FROZEN FEET THEATER'S first self-presented NYC more performance. They will premiere Fire and Ice: The Rise and Fall of the Norse Gods along with favorites from their repertoire. FROZEN FEET THEATER combines the fluid strength and agility of ice skating with the magical realism of puppetry and narrative story telling, creating choreography that references archetypal mythology, reflecting who we are, were and can be. This unique format, allows the company to explore complex subject matter within the context of a multifaceted stories such as “Viva La Vida; The Life of Frida Kahlo” and “Persephone and the Birth of Winter”. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Screening | Screening: Derek Jacobi reads from Shakespeare's Richard II


A 60-minute film presentation features the vaunted Shakespearean actor and the Bard's history play.
   New York City, NY; NYC
1:00 pm
Free

Concert | Works by Britten and Mahler


Program: Benjamin Britten Who are these children?; Folksongs Gustav Mahler Kindertotenlieder With: more Christopher Herbert, baritone; Steven Caldicott Wilson, tenor; Timothy Long, piano. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Concert | My Lord Chamberlains Consort: A Renaissance Christmas


My Lord Chamberlains Consort celebrates the warmth, beauty, and fellowship of the Midwinter Solstice more with seasonal carols and noels, instrumental fantasias and dance music from earlier centuries -- with themes of Advent, Epiphany, and good old pagan revelry. And God send us a merrie New Yeare! Performers: Philip Anderson, tenor; Grant Herreid, baritone, lute, recorder; Rosamund Morley, viol and vielle; Pat O'Brien, cittern; Andy Rutherford, lute; Marcia Young, voice and harp. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
1:15 pm
$10 suggested donation

Lecture | Reading Catherine of Siena: Women's Devotion in Medieval England


Catherine of Siena was a remarkably popular saint in medieval England, although she has long been overshadowed more by her more popular namesake, Catherine of Alexandria. This talk is look at one particular manuscript, Harley 2409, which contains two long passages concerning Catherine taken from two very different sources. Speaker Jennifer N. Brown, a writer in residence in the Library's Wertheim Study, is an Associate Professor of English and World Literature at Marymount Manhattan College. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:15 pm
Free

Tour | Subway Art Tour


Many people think of the New York City subway as one of the largest, most efficient, if not the cleanest more mass transit systems in the world. Few, however, think of it as the largest and longest art gallery on the planet. Well, they don't know what they are missing. This lively walking AND subway riding tour visits over a dozen subway stations to experience a selection of these striking often whimsical works that go largely unnoticed by the general public. Join this climate controlled subway and walking art tour. Along the way you'll learn about and become expert at navigating the (in)famous NYC subway system. There's also the invaluable opportunity to confer about your other sightseeing plans with the acclaimed Bronx born, vastly experienced licensed NYC tour guide, Darryl Reilly. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Gallery Talk | Gallery Tour: The ABC of It: Why Children's Books Matter


Enjoy a 45-minutes docent-led tour of the exhibition.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:30 pm
Free

Staged Reading | Musical Comedy Reading: Are You With It?, with Emmy Winners George Balzer and Sam Perrin


UnsungMusicalsCo. presents a reading of this 1945 hit musical comedy, with book by Emmy Award winners more George Balzer and Sam Perrin, with music by Harry Revel and lyrics by Arnold B. Horwitt. This delightfully zany confection follows a charming, straight-laced accountant who misplaces a decimal point, quits his job, and joins the circus. Go under the big top with Wilbur Haskins, his vivacious fiancée, and the scintillating show folk who turn their world upside down. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Tour | US Customs House Building Tour


A Museum Ambassador provides a 45-minute in-depth look at the unique architecture and design of the Alexander more Hamilton Customs House. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Film | Richard LaGravenese's Beautiful Creatures (2013): Family Secrets


With Alice Englert, Viola Davis, Emma Thompson. Ethan longs to escape his small Southern town. He meets more a mysterious new girl, Lena. Together, they uncover dark secrets about their respective families, their history and their town. 124 min. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | 2 Art Shows: Louisa Matthiasdottir / David Kapp


Louisa Matthiasdottir: Paintings and Works on Paper - An exhibition of large and medium-sized landscapes more of Iceland and Maine from the 1970s through the 1990s. David Kapp: Collages - The first exhibition of collages by the artist, depicting views of New York City from his Canal Street Studio. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Concert | Breakdown Brass Band


Breakdown Brass Band is dirty sousaphone bass lines and sizzling horns from Brooklyn's finest. They are more Hip-Hop, Funk, Dub, Motown, Salsa, Afrobeat, and whatever else makes Brooklyn dance floors bump. The members of Breakdown Brass tour/record with international artists such as Wyclef Jean, Wu Tang, The Duke Ellington Orchestra, Aretha Franklin, Streetlight Manifesto, Lee Fields and the Expressions, and many more. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Concert | Lucky Chops Brass Band


Come enjoy an exciting musical performance by one of Make Music New York's artists.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Talk | Artist Talk: Sara VanDerBeek


Born in St. Louis, Austin-based painter Sara Vanderbeek earned a BFA from Rhode Island School of Design more (RISD) in 2003. In 2002 Vanderbeek was selected for a residency at Anderson Ranch in Colorado. In 2007 Christie’s Auction House, New York selected her as a visiting scholar grantee to travel to Japan where she spent three weeks researching Japanese printmaking history. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free

Workshop | Got Clutter? Join the Clutter Support Group


Do you feel overwhelmed by the possessions, papers and piles that have taken over your life and space? more Don't know how or where to start to make changes? You're not alone. Join the Clutter Support Group, an educational support group for individuals who are struggling with clutter and disorganization. Open to people of all ages with any degree of disorganization. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free

Concert | The Harmony Celebration Chorus


An exciting women’s ensemble which sings four-part a cappella harmony in the barbershop style.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Roxanne Lowit: Be Fabulous, a Mini-Retrospective


This mini-retrospective will include over 40 vintage and modern black-and-white photographs and over more 20 large-scale color photographs. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Social Photography III, an Exhibition of Cell Phone Photographs


The third installment in a series of exhibitions focusing on the relatively new medium of cell phone more photography. Emphasizing no particular theme beyond how the cell phone camera is most often used, both artists and non-artists were invited to submit images from their phones and email them to carriage trade. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Book Signing | Artist Charlemagne Palestine signs copies of Running n Chanting n Falling n Ranting


A special event celebrating the publication of a new 257-page book by artist, composer and musician Charlemagne more Palestine. Focusing on Palestine's extraordinary body of performance videos from the early 1970s to the present, this artist book features an interview between Palestine and Serpentine curator Hans Ulrich Obrist, an introduction by EAI Executive Director Lori Zippay, 204 images from his video works, and an audio CD. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Gallery Talk | Artist Talk: Stephen Sollins


Stephen Sollins, whose work is on view in the exhibition alt_quilts, analyzes aspects of communication more embedded in the patterns and artistic choices seen in traditional quilts. Discover his sources of inspiration, including select quilts in the Museum collection, as Sollins explicates his artistic process. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Concert | College Harp Recital


Caroline Bembia, Harp
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Film | Edward F. Cline's Three Ages (1923): Silent Film with Live Piano Accompaniment


With Buster Keaton, Margaret Leahy, Wallace Beery. The misadventures of Buster in three separate historical more periods. 65 min. Also showing: PAY DAY (1922, 20 minutes) with Charlie Chaplin. Live piano accompaniment by Ben Model less
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Group Show: American Beauty


Works by 12 contemporary artists: Nicole Awai, SunTek Chung, Rico Gatson, Mark Thomas Gibson, Alejandro more Guzman, Maren Hassinger, Ariel Jackson, Matthew Day Jackson, Dawit L. Petros, Nathaniel Mary Quinn, Naomi Reis and Michael Vahrenwald. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Group Show: Exposure 3


A unique, rotating exhibition of multiple, one-week, one-person shows bringing the personal vision of more a diverse group of artists to Chelsea. Artists: Lucky Checkley * Rita Holcberg * Jonathan Keller * Libbet Loughnan * Anne-Marie Martin * Kate Missett * Laurence Neron-Bancel * Jenny Tango * Marta Vaneva less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Group Show: Rouge


Jeff Muhs will have new paintings in the upcoming group show. This exhibit will be on view through January more 12th, 2014. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Concert | Liederabend Recital


Pianists from the Collaborative Piano Department perform vocal repertoire with singers from the Ellen more and James S. Marcus Institute for Vocal Arts. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Concert | Musica Viva: Accordion Works by Bach, Piazzolla, and More


Duo Bogo-Benelli (Francesca Bogo, accordion; Valentina Benelli, accordion) performs music by J.S. Bach, more Piazzolla, Trojan, Reinl, Solotarjow, and Hermosa. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Photos: Ron Galella's Pop, Rock and Dance


Galella (born January 10, 1931) is an American photographer, known as a pioneer paparazzo. Dubbed "Paparazzo more Extraordinaire" by Newsweek and "the Godfather of the U.S. paparazzi culture" by Time magazine and Vanity Fair, he is regarded as the most controversial celebrity photographer in the world. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Prints: Dominique Paul's Unnatural Selections


Using photographs and video work, Dominique Paul journeys through a plausible near future where humans more and animals adapt to survive. The show derives from three projects the artist undertook between 2010 and 2013: The Insects of Surinam, Migrations of the Arthropods and Prometheus. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Lecture | Urban Cemeteries: Managing for Wildlife Habitat


Urban Cemeteries are islands of opportunity for birds and other pollinators as well as the native flora more they benefit from. Urban naturalist Don Riepe looks at how some NYC cemeteries, by virtue of their design and plantings, and attract wildlife, and how others can provide meaningful habitat with simple changes to the landscape while still maintaining a manicured look. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Workspace Program Exhibition with N. Dash and Saul Melman


New work in handmade paper by emerging artists in residence.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Talk | Allan Sherman: The Hits, the Life, and the Lost Lyrics


Mark Cohen, author of "Overweight Sensation: The Life and Comedy of Allan Sherman" and a writer, editor, more and journalist specializing in American Jewish culture, presents this entertaining audio presentation focuses upon the song parodist best remembered today for his Grammy Award-winning summer of 1963 hit "Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh," but whose much greater legacy was his ethnic Jewish comedy that heralded an explosion in American ethnic pride. The author discusses Allan Sherman’s significance and plays recordings of his famous and also lost song parodies, including "Seventy-Six Sol Cohens" and "There Is Nothing Like a Lox." less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free

Discussion | Circus: From Egypt to Éloize


This coming winter, the Skirball Center will present Cirkopolis, a circus theater production by Cirque more Éloize, a Quebec-based contemporary circus troupe. To celebrate and contextualize this production, a panel discussion will feature experts, practitioners and scholars from the world of circus. They will begin their discussion by tracing early references to circus in ancient Egyptian paintings of female jugglers, then transition to the birth of modern ‘traditional’ circus, and finally arrive to circus’ contemporary renaissance and renewal. Cirque Éloize, positioned at the heart of this contemporary ‘nouveau cirque’ provides a living example of the success and dynamism of the current state of circus in North America, and beyond. Panelists include: Hovey Burgess, Master Teacher, Graduate Acting, Tisch School of the Arts, (moderator) Cecil MacKinnon, Arts Professor, Drama, Tisch School of the Arts Duncan Wall, National Director, Circus Now Suzi Winson, Director and Co-founder, Circus Warehouse less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free

Author Reading | Dolores Hart reads from her book The Ear of the Heart: An Actress' Journey from Hollywood to Holy Vows


Former rising young Hollywood actress (Where the Boys Are, opposite George Hamilton, and Loving You with more Elvis Presley) Dolores Hart discusses why she chose to become a bride of Christ in her memoir. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Tour | Holiday Lights Tour


It’s time to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah and the New Year as Midtown Manhattan lights up like no more other place in the world. Mechanical window displays, synchronized light and sound shows, not to mention Santa Claus and toy soldiers surely await you in this winter wonderland. Check them all out on the New York Holiday Lights Tour. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Poetry Reading | Ilya Kaminsky reads from Dark Elderberry Branch: Poems of Marina Tsvetaeva


Ilya Kaminsky’s newest work was done in collaboration with Jean Valentine.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Installation: Traci Horgen's Luxuria Barbarica


An installation of 250 5-color screenprints creating extravagant environments using the low tech process more and materials of screenprinting, placing color next to color to create illusions of 3D form and metallic shine. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Talk | Photographer Talk: Anna Shteynshleyger


A lecture by photographer Anna Shteynshleyger, presented by the Camera Club of New York in partnership more with SVA. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
$5

Jazz | 10³²K, Modern Jazz Trio Playing Less-Heard Works


Rather than focusing upon the more traditional masters – Ellington, Monk, Miles, etc. – this remarkable more trio has, in addition to their own compositions, selected a compelling repertoire from some of the less-often played, but powerfully innovative composers and players of modern jazz. With their debut album, That Which is Planted, just released in October, they will be showcasing their interpretations of works by Mingus, Threadgill, Ayler, Joe Ford and Steve McCall. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:30 pm
Free

Concert | American Musical Theater Ensemble presents Broadway Babies


Carolyn Marlow, Director. Shane Schag, Music Director.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:30 pm
Free

Jazz | Jazz Alumni Sessions: Ryan Keberle + Catharsis


Few musicians have managed to navigate the richly varied avenues of New York City’s abundant music more scene with the same passion and adaptability as trombonist and composer Ryan Keberle. Since his arrival in 1999, Keberle’s diverse talents have earned him a place alongside a staggering array of legends, superstars, and up-and-coming innovators. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free

Jazz | A Celebration of Big Band Jazz


The Music Education Jazz Ensemble with Arthur Lipner, Guest Vibes and Marimba Artist.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Concert | College Cello Recital


Simon Hoffman, Cello
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
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Concert | College Guitar Ensemble


Under the direction of Terry Champlin, students explore chamber music repertoire for guitar performing more small and large ensemble works, sometimes in combination with other instruments or voice. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Jazz | College Jazz Piano Recital


Luke Celenza, Jazz Piano
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 pm
Free

Jazz | The Mimi Jones Trio: Elegant, Eclectic Jazz Ensemble


Mimi Jones, multi talented bassist, vocalist and composer, brings her beacon of musical light to the more world while embracing a positive future with her inspiring messages. Mimi's elegant sound is an eclectic mix of genres based on a strong jazz foundation that leave room for funky bass grooves, world beat rhythms, and gentle textures. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
9:00 pm
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