free things to do in New York City
Free events for Saturday, 08/17/13
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Free Events, Free Things to Do in New York City!  Read More

Are you looking for free things to do in New York City (NYC) on August 17, 2013?

47 free events take place on Saturday, August 17 in New York City. Don't miss the opportunities that only New York provides! Exciting, high quality, unique and off the beaten path free events and free things to do take place in New York today, tonight, tomorrow and each day of the year, any time of the day: whether it's a weekday or a weekend, day or night, morning or evening or afternoon, December or July, April or November! These events will take your breath away!

New York City (NYC) never ceases to amaze you with quantity and quality of its free culture and free entertainment. Check out August 17 and see for yourself. Summer or Winter, Spring or Fall! Just click on any day of the calendar above and you'll find most inspiring and entertaining free events to go to and free things to do on each day of August . Don't miss the opportunities that only New York provides!

Some events take place all year long: same day of the week, same time there are there for you to take advantage of. One of the oldest free weekly events in Manhattan is Dixieland Jazz with the Gotham Jazzmen, which happen at noon every Tuesday. Another example of an event that you can attend all year round on weekdays is Federal Reserve Bank Tour, which takes place every week day at 1 pm (but advanced reservations are required). You can take at least 13 free tours every day of the year, except the New Year Day, July 4th, and the Christmas Day. If you are classical music afficionado, you can spend whole day in New York going from one free classical concert to another. If you love theater, then New York gives you an option to attend plays and musicals free of charge, or at deep discount. You just need to have information about it. And we are here to make that information available to you.
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The quality and quantity of
free events,
free things to do
that happen in New York City
every day of the year
is truly amazing.

So don't miss the opportunities
that only New York provides:
stop wondering what to do;
start taking advantage of
free events to go to,
free things to do in NYC
today!

47 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Saturday, August 17, 2013

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Editor's Picks

free events nyc Summer Streets Celebration
free events nyc Fête Paradiso, the World's First Festival of Vintage French Carnival Rides and Carousels
free events nyc Concert on Water
free events nyc Speak, a Multimedia Concert and Dance Piece
More Editor's Picks for 08/17/13
        

Festival | Summer Streets Celebration


Summer Streets is an annual celebration of New York City’s most valuable public space—our streets. Nearly seven miles of NYC’s streets are opened for people to play, walk, bike, and breathe. Summer Streets provides space for healthy recreation and encourages New Yorkers to use more sustainable forms of transportation. In 2012, more than 250,000 people took advantage of the open streets. All activities at Summer Streets are free of charge, and designed for people of all ages and ability levels to share the streets respectfully.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 am
Free

Hike | Dock Road-to-Piermont NY Hike


10 miles at a moderate to brisk pace. Mostly level terrain, mild hills and a range of up and down rock steps. Hike passes through elements of the Long Path by State-Line, Tallman Mountain State Park and Piermont. Optional dinner in Piermont. Bring lunch and water.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:45 am
$3 plus bus...

City Walk | All-in-One Downtown Tour


This tour utilizes your feet and the New York City Subway* to transport you from Lower Manhattan, the birthplace of New York, through Wall St and the Financial District, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Chinatown and Midtown Manhattan. There will be ample opportunities for memorable pictures. You'll get the chance to savor NY's best pizza and cannoli and other treats, learn how to play NY handball, maybe bargain with a shopkeeper in Chinatown, observe a game of street chess in Greenwich Village, people watch and window shop in SoHo, and kick back on the Highline Park. Along the way, you'll master the subway and learn about New York's Finest!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Tour | Brooklyn Heights Tour


Known as America's first suburb, Brooklyn Heights is truly a gem. Travel and Leisure named it one of America's top 10 most beautiful neighborhoods, and its beauty is rivaled only by its place in American history. These quaint, tree-lined streets have been the sites of Revolutionary War battles, abolitionist activism and have inspired numerous novelists. Visit a stop on the Underground Railroad, or the home of Truman Capote, where he penned Breakfast at Tiffany's and where Jackie Robinson signed with the Dodgers.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Workshop | Catch & Release Fishing


Grab a pole and relax on the Harlem Meer while you wait for a bite from one of the many species of fish that live in its diverse aquatic ecosystem! Poles available to borrow; must release fish after catching them. Free for families and individuals; groups larger than 5 must reserve at least 2 weeks in advance. Adult with photo I.D. must accompany all children.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Workshop | Drawing in the Park


Sketch and paint the Hudson River and neighboring parks with an artist/educator. Materials provided.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Festival | Fête Paradiso, the World's First Festival of Vintage French Carnival Rides and Carousels


Fête Paradiso, the world's first festival of vintage French carnival rides and carousels, will make its American debut this summer. The rare, museum-quality collection, which includes a diverse array of attractions from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, such as carousels, flying swings and a pipe organ, will be available for the public to ride and enjoy.
   New York City, NY; NYC
10:00 am
Free

Workshop | Garden Yoga Class


A great way for the entire family to stay fit. These hour-long sessions, led by certified yoga teachers, will educate participants about proper form, tempo and mindset needed for a fulfilling and exciting workout. Mats will be provided for temporary use.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Workshop | Kayaking in the Park


It's that time of year again - always a huge hit with park visitors, kayaking is now in full swing on Thursdays and Saturdays all summer long! If you haven't been out on the East River in a kayak yet, now's your chance to do it.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Dance Lesson | Limon Dance Company


Experience the joy of movement and dance. Free classes are led by former and current members of the internationally renowned modern dance company, Limon Dance. Open to all levels and ages.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

City Walk | SoHo, Little Italy & Chinatown Tour


You've seen the iconic skyscrapers, attended a Broadway show, visited Lady Liberty and relaxed in Central Park. Looking for a little more of the Big Apple? Maybe it's time to visit some of Manhattan's oldest and most enchanting historic districts. Take a relaxing stroll through SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Workshop | Spring Into Yoga


Teachers trained in different styles will be giving classes throughout the afternoon, with the scenic park lake in the background. Please bring your own mat, as there will be none provided. Class Schedule: 10:00-11:00am 11:30am-12:30pm 1:00-2:00pm 2:30-3:30pm
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
$10 suggested donation...

Film | Brian Helgeland's 42 (2013): Jackie Robinson's Story


Stars Chadwick Boseman, Harrison Ford, Nicole Beharie. The life story of Jackie Robinson and his history-making signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers under the guidance of team executive Branch Rickey. 128 min.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free

Tour | Cathedral Tour


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

Workshop | Chess Clinic


Learn new tactical insights from a Chess Master, then pit your newly acquired skills against other players of your level.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free

Park Walk | Garden Tour


Experience the Park's only formal garden with the Garden staff. See exuberant perennial and annual beds, and delight in an abundance of color and fragrance while learning about the Garden's history and design.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free

Hike | Rockaway Beach Hike & Swim


10 miles, Moderate Pace, Flat Terrain. Take A train to Broadchannel. Change at Broadchannel for S Train to Beach 116th Street. Please allow ample time to make the subway connections. Walk from Beach 116th street to Beach 5th Street and return. Convenient dropout points to get subway, if you don’t want to do entire walk. Bring lunch & water. Lunch and swim at Beach 5th Street. Eat lunch on beach or boardwalk. Rain cancels. Please call to make sure that walk is on.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
$3

Workshop | Shape Up Zumba


Shape Up NYC (an NYC Parks program run in partnership with Equinox, NYC Service, and Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield) offers more than 175 free fitness classes every week at locations across the five boroughs to help New Yorkers get and stay fit.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free

Fair | Street Fair


   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free

Fair | Street Fair


   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free

City Walk | 8th Street & St. Marks Place Tour


A walking tour highlighting the unique, bizarre and beautiful bohemia we call Greenwich Village. Rain or shine. Tour is led by a licensed guide who focuses on the various social, architectural and/or historic aspects of the neighborhood.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:30 am
Free

Performance | Open Studio: Chris Green and Erin Orr


Artists Chris Green and Erin Orr open up their rehearsal studio to present a work-in-process showing of a new theater/movement piece in development that explores the concept of "American-ness." This work-in-process showing will be followed by a conversation with the artists. Some content may not be suitable for audiences under 18 years of age
   New York City, NY; NYC
12:00 pm
Free

Festival | Sweet Spot Festival


The Sweet Spot Festival is a series of family-oriented events featuring music, fun activities, food and more. DJ Herbert Holler gets you dancing with disco and other classics along with guest performances. Children will enjoy participating in the various activities and workshops while you check out the vintage markets.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free

Tour | Cathedral Tour


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

Staged Reading | Play Reading: Hamlet by Shakespeare


The Instant Shakespeare Company presents a reading.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

City Walk | Harlem Tour


Although world famous, Harlem may be New York's best kept secret with some of the city's best architecture, food, music and people. Harlem's history is also one of the city's most dramatic, having gone through many ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic changes over the past roughly 400 years, which have resulted in a diverse array of places of worship, theaters, homes and eating establishments.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Jazz | Jazz on the Lawn


The annual jazz concert presented in partnership with Marjorie Elliot and Parlor Entertainment. Feel free to bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks because you’ll want to stay for the full day of great jazz music.
   New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
Free

Tour | Lower Manhattan Tour


It is here, as much as anywhere, where American history started. It's where the first US Congress assembled and produced the Bill of Rights and where President George Washington took his first oath of office. It's here where the world's most important stock exchange and one of the most famous bridges stand. And it is here where an unspeakable tragedy took place and where a rebirth is underway.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Theater | Street Theater: Crystal Field & Joseph-Vernon Banks' Sanitation, or Off the Grid


An elaborate assemblage of trap doors, giant puppets, smoke machines, masks, original choreography and a huge (9' x 12') running screen or "cranky" providing continuous movement behind the actors, this is the story of three friends--proud NYC Sanitation Workers from the Lower East Side--who pool their resources and calculate their sick days to take a Mediterranean cruise for a well-earned vacation.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Tour | Union Square: Crossroads of New York


The tour explores the social and political history of the Union Square neighborhood through discussions of the people, history, architecture, and forces that have shaped this community. You’ll hear how Union Square got its name, see where the legendary Tiffany & Co. once stood, and learn how to read the clock (yes, it’s a clock!) on “The Metronome” sculpture and so much more!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 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 Hamilton Customs House.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Jazz | Charenee Wade, Jazz Vocalist


Inspired by Sarah Vaughn, Brooklyn native Charenee Wade began singing jazz at the age of 12. Through her 12 years of intense studies in jazz as well as classical music for, she has grown to become a notable singer, composer, arranger and educator. She completed her Master’s Degree at Manhattan School of Music. Charenee has been featured in many configurations from jazz trios to Big Band to the conservatory’s 100-piece Jazz Philharmonia Orchestra.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Dance Performance | Choreographers in the Park: Edisa Weeks' “Delirious Dances”


Norte Maar, renowned for their cross-disciplinary collaborative projects, presents a new choreographic residency and performance series bringing New York-based choreographers and their dancers to the Park. Each week during the month of August, a new choreographer will be in residence creating new works on a site-specific stage, in full view of the public who will witness the working process of these dance makers and experience fully produced performance every Saturday. Today: Delirious Dances was founded by Edisa Weeks in 2003 on the belief that people of all cultural and economic backgrounds, ages and abilities are empowered by the immediacy of dancing, DELIRIOUS seeks to bring dance to diverse audiences by performing in living rooms, storefront windows, swimming pools, hospitals, senior centers, galleries as well as concert stages.
   New York City, NY; NYC
3:00 pm
Free

Concert | Concert on Water


The concert is at the coolest classical music concerts location in New York City. Program and musicians TBA.
   New York City, NY; NYC
3:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Tae Kwon Do Workshop


Teaches the fundamentals of discipline, balance, Health and Wellness.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Film | Terry Gilliam's Oscar-Nominated The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988): A Fantastical Journey


Stars: John Neville, Eric Idle, Sarah Polley. Discover Baron von Munchausen’s exciting adventure as he journeys to save a town from defeat. Being swallowed by a giant sea-monster, a trip to the moon, a dance with Venus and an escape from the Grim Reaper are only some of the improbable adventures. 126 mins.
   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 Hamilton Customs House.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Concert | Orlando Marin, “The Last Mambo King”


Bronx-born timbalero and bandleader Orlando Marín has been a part of New York’s Latin music scene since his mid-teens when he formed his first band with pianist Eddie Palmieri. By the age of eighteen, Marín was leading his own orchestra and playing dance venues like the Tropicana, Stardust, and Hunts Point Palace. At a time when competition was strong and the top Latin bandleaders all battled for the title “Mambo King,” Marín built a reputation for having one of the tightest dance bands in the city.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free

Dance Performance | Dance Festival Featuring 4 Local Companies


With: The Rogue Dancers, Sublime Dance Company, Vashti Dance Theater, and Jenni Hong Dance. At a beautiful plaza on East River.
   New York City, NY; NYC
5:00 pm
Free

Theater | The Three Musketeers, a New Adaptation of the Dumas Novel


Hudson Warehouse Artistic Director Nicholas Martin-Smith has chosen to direct The Three Musketeers in a new adaptation from the Alexandre Dumas novel by Susane Lee. For years, audiences in the open courtyard seating of the Hudson Warehouse shows have thrilled to see the extensive fight choreography executed by the professional company.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free

Dancing | East Indian Bhangra Family Dance


Enjoy energetic, joyful community dances for all ages to live music along the river. Family dances are held on select Saturdays, May through August, each celebrating a different culture’s traditional dances and folk music. No partners or experience necessary. DJ Rekha spins a musical party, merging classic Bhangra and Bollywood sounds into the language of contemporary electronic dance music. Drummers and dancers will perform, and then lead the audience in the basics of bhangra, a dance and musical style with roots in centuries-old folk music and seasonal, celebratory dance.
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:30 pm
Free

Concert | Alt-Pop: Twin Shadow / Autre Ne Veut / Elliphant


Twin Shadow is the musical child of Dominican-born George Lewis Jr. The alternative pop style of music that Lewis writes, sings, and produces has been on the rise since the inception of Twin Shadow in 2010. His most recent album, Confess was released in 2012 and it once again found Lewis Jr. doing what he does best; fashioning a soundtrack which sounds refreshingly and distinctly modern. Arthur Ashin, better known as Autre Ne Veut is the first of two children and the only son of American ex-patriots living in rural Kenya. Anxiety is the full-length 2013 follow up to Autre Ne Veut’s 2010 self-titled debut which had Pitchfork saying “every song on his self-titled debut is a marvel, each in its own way.” Sounding like the twisted illegitimate offspring of MIA and Diplo – as deliciously fierce as the former but as intelligently playful as the latter – Elliphant pulls the balls of this dancehall slayer through its own throat and ties them in a cherry knot the other side. Ellinor Olovsdotter slowly morphed into Elliphant through the course of a long summer travelling in the UK with only a dubstep sound system for company. After falling in love with the urban music sounds of London she returned home to Stockholm, on Sweden’s East Coast, boasting sizzling MC skills and some serious lyrical prowess.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free

Dance Performance | Speak, a Multimedia Concert and Dance Piece


This work is inspired by the songs of artist Marla Mase’s acclaimed album, Speak Deluxe. Combining live music, spoken word, dance and visual imagery, choreographer Adrienne Hurd melds contemporary and modern dance forms in this one of a kind dance show. Through Hurd’s powerful portrayal of a woman’s confinement, sexuality, body image, trauma, oppression and freedom, she celebrates the raw reality of the human condition as expressed through the eyes, bodies, and voices of women. The music, co-written by Marla Mase and Tomás Doncker, is an integral part and features elements of Rock-n-Roll with World Beat, Punk, Funk, Electronica, Reggae and Soul and will be performed live with both Mase and The Tomás Doncker Band. Preceded at 7:00PM by an Open Dance Master Class with Craig Smith.
   New York City, NY; NYC
8:00 pm
Free

Theater | Hip-Hop-Themed Theater: Alfred Preisser & Randy Weiner's King Kong


Acclaimed impresario of non-traditional theater Randy Weiner and director Alfred Preisser team up for a Hip-Hop themed theater remake of the classic story, King Kong, a totally original music/dance/comedy spectacle that radically subverts everything you thought you knew about one of the most famous love stories of all time. Set in the “Bronx is Burning” era of the late 1970s, King Kong celebrates the nascent forms of Hip-Hop music and graffiti art that grew out of the economically stressed South Bronx and went on to become one of the defining, most powerful and profitable artistic movements in the world.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Film | Rob Marshall's 6-Time Oscar Winner Chicago (2002): Broadway Musical Adaptation


Stars: Taye Diggs, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renée Zellweger. Murderesses Velma Kelly (a chanteuse and tease who killed her husband and sister after finding them in bed together) and Roxie Hart (who killed her boyfriend when she discovered he wasn't going to make her a star) find themselves on death row together and fight for the fame that will keep them from the gallows in 1920s Chicago. 113 min.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Theater | Shakespeare Outdoors: Richard III, Presented by The Drilling Company


To commemorate the bones of Richard III being found in an English parking lot, The Drilling Company will present Shakespeare's tragedy of the crook-back king. Hamilton Clancy, Artistic Director, will direct and Alessandro Colla will be featured as the king. Shows are offered while the lot is in use. The action sometimes happens around a parked car which drives away during a performance. At such times, the players stop and the audience moves its chairs, pausing the performance the same way a show would stop for rain uptown in Central Park. It's all part of the fun.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Theater | Love's Labour's Lost, A New Musical Based on Shakespeare's Comedy


Songs by Michael Friedman. Book Adapted by Alex Timbers. Directed by Alex Timbers Romance, revelry and enchanting music ignite in this contemporary yet lovingly faithful musical adaptation of Shakespeare's comedy. The King and his best buds decide at their five-year college reunion to swear off the joys of women. But when four cute, clever girls from their past show up, they’re forced to reconsider all of that nonsense! Smart, sexy, outrageous, and irreverent, LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST is a madcap celebration of true love and coming of age. Obie Award winner MICHAEL FRIEDMAN (Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson) and two-time Tony Award nominee ALEX TIMBERS (Peter and the Starcatcher) reunite for this fresh and unexpected evening of song, sonnets and Shakespeare.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:30 pm
Free
Complimentary Tickets

to shows, concerts ... (CFT Deals!)

Musical | A Heart-Warming Musical

Regular Price: $52
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Classical Music | Piano Works by Robert Schumann

Regular Price: $40
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Concert | Rock Concert at NYC's Renowned Jazz Club

Regular Price: $56.59
CFT Member Price: $0.00
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