free things to do in New York City
Free events for Wednesday, 05/09/12
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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 May 9, 2012?

51 free events take place on Wednesday, May 9 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 May 9 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 May . 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!

51 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Wednesday, May 9, 2012

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

Workshop | Sunrise Tai Chi


Tai chi is a Chinese exercise system that uses slow, smooth body movements to achieve a state of relaxation of both body and mind. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing. Heavy rain will cancel the event.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 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

Tour | Federal Reserve Bank Tour


Learn about central banking functions that Federal Reserve System performs and see Bank's vault of international 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., 1:15 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:15 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:15 am
Free

Park Walk | Conservatory Garden Lunch-Hour Tour


Enjoy a lunch break amidst spring blooms with the Garden staff.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free

Book Signing | Showbiz legend Liza Minnelli signs copies of her CD Live at the Winter Garden


A new recording from the Cabaret star. Call the store to confirm.
   New York City, NY; NYC
12:00 pm
Free

Concert | Bach at Noon


This Organ Meditations Series features the keyboard works of Johann Sebastian Bach.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:20 pm
Free

Tour | Grand Central Terminal Tour


Tour of this magnificent Beaux-Arts landmark.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
$10 suggested donation

Park Walk | “Views from the Past” Tour


As you promenade through the heart of the Park, imagine yourself living in 19th Century New York City. Learn about the Park's history and how its designers, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, struggled to create the magnificent "Greensward" for the enjoyment of all. Tour lasts approximately one hour.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 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

Jazz | Midtown Jazz


A jazz concert for the midtown community. These popular midday concerts feature well-regarded artists. The programming is overseen by jazz pianist Ronny Whyte.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
$10 suggested donation

Discussion | Cogito Interruptus: Descartes and Princess Elisabeth on Life, Love and Growing Old


What do thinkers think about when they’re not “thinking”? Princess Elisabeth of Bohemia and René Descartes shared an intense correspondence in which they discussed Descartes’ revolutionary Cogito -- “I think therefore I am” -- but also the pleasures and pains of daily life in some intimate detail. Inspired by their letters, we have set out to rethink, with them, the usual story of “Cogito sum” in terms of “Cogito Interruptus.” Focusing on the debate between the young princess and the ageing philosopher about the interaction or interference between the mind and the body, this presentation traces the emergence of these two philosophical characters as they build an extraordinary friendship across social, political and religious barriers. We begin to see a Descartes who is more than a thing that thinks and Elisabeth as the first Cartesian revolutionary. Anne O'Byrne is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Stony Brook University. Kyoo Lee is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at John Jay College, CUNY. Philosophers both, Drs. Lee and O'Byrne are writers in residence at the Library's Wertheim Study.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:15 pm
Free

Concert | The Orfeo Duo performs works by Mozart and Spohr


The brother-sister duo: Vita Wallace, violin, and Ishmael Wallace, piano. Program: Mozart's Sonata in E-flat Major (K. 481) Louis Spohr's Barcarolle, Op. 135
   New York City, NY; NYC
1:15 pm
Free

Jazz | Bill Wurtzel, Jazz Guitarist


Enjoy free live music performed by jazz guitarist Bill Wurtzel and guest musicians.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Stay Well Exercise


Join a free Stay Well exercise session. Stay Well volunteers certified by the NYC's Department for the aging will lead participants in a well-balanced series of exercises for seniors of all ability levels. Please wear loose comfortable clothing. Exercise equipment will be provided. All participants are required to sign a personal medical waiver at the beginning of the class.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Concert | Choir Works by Tavener, Byrd, and Others


The Cardinal Carter Academy Singers from Toronto, Canada perform works by Allegri, Whitacre, Byrd, Rheinberger, Victoria and Tavener.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free

Concert | College Flute Recital


Featuring Caitlyn Phillips.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free

Book Signing | Jazz guitarist Bill Wurtzel signs copies of his book Funny Food


They're easy. They're silly. They're healthy. They're clever. They're artistic. They're delicious. They're fun. They're a great way to start the day. One breakfast at a time, Bill Wurtzel is determined to make you laugh and eat and play and laugh some more. Riffing over the years with oatmeal, eggs, apples, and nuts, it is finally ours to share...
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free

Film | Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys (2008): Soap Opera Strife


Starring Kathy Bates, Alfrie Woodard. Two families from different walks of life learn to work together. 111 min.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Social Networking Online


Hands on using wireless laptops. Learn about online social networks and explore some of the most popular websites, including Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:30 pm
Free

Jazz | College Jazz Viola Recital


Featuring Benjamin von Gutzeit.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Talk | A Pocket of Change: Money Across the Ages


Spend an hour with Harley Spiller aka Inspector Collector and learn the ins and outs of coins and other international forms of money from across the ages. From wampum belts and cowrie shells to golden dollars and collectible mistakes, this lively hands-on exploration exposes facts and figures about pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and more. Learn what exactly happens when the U.S. Mint uses 25, 000 pounds of pressure to create coins; why a Caribbean nation intentionally drilled holes in its coins, and a whole lot more.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free

Book Discussion | Book Club: Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford


"Sentimental, heartfelt….the exploration of Henry’s changing relationship with his family and with Keiko will keep most readers turning pages...A timely debut that not only reminds readers of a shameful episode in American history, but cautions us to examine the present and take heed we don’t repeat those injustices." - Kirkus Reviews
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free

Film | Documentary: Byron Hurt's Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes (2006)


The documentary explores the issues of masculinity, violence, phobias and sexism in hip hop music and culture. 61 min.
   New York City, NY; NYC
5:30 pm
Free

Screening | Short Films: Life As We Know It


Modern society ... we're all part of it. But how often do we step back from the hubbub of daily life to look at it with fresh eyes? Filmmaker/Visual Humorist Cameron Tingley presents his series of short films. Come to laugh, think and wonder, all at the same time.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free

Workshop | Zumba with Miriam Acevedo


Zumba is a mixture of merengue, salsa, cha-cha, cumbia, reggaeton dance mixed with exercise conducted by Miriam. Zumba provides an effective total workout where you can lose body fat, gain muscle, improve posture, alignment and balance and feel more energetic! Participants should wear loose clothing or shorts and sneakers.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:45 pm
Free

Concert | College Clarinet Recital


Featuring Jonathan Cohen.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Performance | Free Wednesday Comedy Shows


6:00 Recess 7:00 Barnstormer and Seer/sucker 8:00 Family Haircut & Whiskey Rebellion 9:00 Birds & Someday the Cake 10:00 USA & The Faculty 11:00 Improdome
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Introduction to Hypnobirthing: The Mongan Method


Contemporary women in our culture hold an unprecedented fear of giving birth, having too often been conditioned to associate it with excruciating pain, thereby causing their bodies to become tense and unable to perform what should be a normal physiological function. Founded by Marie Mickey Mongan, HypnoBirthing®, currently successfully practiced in 34 countries throughout the world, is a unique method of relaxed, natural childbirth education enhanced by self-hypnosis and guided imagery techniques that allows women to use their natural instincts to bring about safer, easier, more comfortable birthing.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Printmaking Senior Show


Students working in etching, screenprint, woodcut, lithography, and other printmaking media showcase their artwork.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free

Slide Lecture | Laura Rittenhouse discusses her book Buffett's Bites: The Essential Investor's (and Layman's) Guide to Warren Buffett's Shareholder Letters


In this visual presentation the author serves up an in-depth look at Buffett's 2008 shareholder letter, highlighting 25 tantalizing nuggets of wisdom. These "bites" afford an inside look at Buffett's unconventional ways that have created Berkshire Hathaway's unrivaled success. She will offer a first hand report of Buffett’s May 5, 2012 annual meeting in Omaha.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free

Screening | The 23rd Annual Dusty Film & Animation Festival Awards Ceremony


The festival highlights more than 100 films by students graduating from the BFA Film, Video and Animation Department. The program includes screenings of short films, videos and animations, and culminates in an awards ceremony with notables from the film and animation industries.
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:30 pm
Free

Reading | 12th Street Issue #5 Launch and Reading


Politics and Letters come together for an evening of readings by Elissa Schappell, Téa Obreht and student contributors to 12th Street Issue 5.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Book Signing | Actor Steve Guttenberg signs copies of his book The Guttenberg Bible: A Memoir


Actor and comedian Steve Guttenberg, star of Police Academy and Three Men and a Baby, talks about his new memoir and the hills and valleys of show business.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Jazz | Jazz Voices


Directed by Amy London.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Reading | Lit Mag Night


Join three favorite lit mags, all carefully curated and beautifully produced — harlequin creature, the Agriculture Reader and Ugly Duckling Presse‘s 6×6 — for a reading and live music by Relatives and Isaac Gillespie. Limited amount of complimentary refreshments followed by cash bar.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Staged Reading | National Yiddish Theater Folksbiene presents Love, Labor, Loss


A staged reading of three one-act plays: “Romeo and Juliette,” “Motl Peysi in America,” and “Nishto Yosl” (Where is Yossel?), written by Sholem Aleichem, Khaver Paver, and Moyshe Nadir. In Yiddish with English and Russian supertitles.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free

Film | Polish Cinema: Krzysztof Kieslowski's The Double Life of Veronique (1991)


"The Double Life of Veronique [constructs] a fluttering opera of duality and déjà vu seemingly suspended in motion. Through the parallel characters of Polish singer Weronika and French music teacher Veronique (both played by Irene Jacob)...Kieślowski envisions a modern world where the combination of touch and fate can reconcile life's incomprehensible mysteries." — Glenn Heath Jr., Slant Magazine 96 min.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Concert | Krenek Ensemble performs works by Schubert and more


PROGRAM: Ernst Krenek Serenade op. 4 for clarinet, violin, viola and cello Franz Schubert Hirt auf dem Felsen D 965 for soprano, clarinet and piano Ernst Krenek Sonata for viola solo op. 92 No. 3 Ernst Krenek Verhaeren Lieder op. 30a for mezzo-soprano, clarinet and string quartet Ernst Krenek Trio op. 108 for violin, clarinet and piano Ernst Krenek Zeitlieder op. 215 for mezzo-soprano and string quartet Franz Schubert Adagio & Rondo Concertante D 478 for piano quartet An evening with the Vienna-based Krenek Ensemble, who will perform a concert in New York as part of their 2012 US-tour. The Ernst Krenek Ensemble, founded in 2008, is a collective of musicians playing in leading European orchestras (including Wiener Philharmoniker, Concentus Musicus Wien, and Opernorchester Zürich). Siegmund Weinmeister is the artistic director of the ensemble which performs with a varying chamber musical instrumentation and focuses on the oeuvre of Ernst Krenek and his immediate music-historical and stylistic context.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free

Theater | 3rd-year drama students perform Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet


Third-year Drama students are featured in their annual performances of works by Shakespeare.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Concert | AMP New Music and Ekmeles Vocal Ensemble


Program: Hô (excerpts) - 1960 - Giacinto Scelsi (1905-1988) Silvie Jensen (mezzo-soprano) Maknongan - 1976 - Giacinto Scelsi Michael Ibrahim (baritone saxophone) Pwyll - 1954 - Giacinto Scelsi Ashley Addington (flute) World Premiere (Title TBA) - 2012 - Gregory Cornelius (b. 1977) Amp Ensemble Quando stanno morendo, diario polacco n.2 - 1982 - Luigi Nono (1924-1990) Ekmeles Vocal Ensemble: Megan Schubert (soprano), Christie Finn (soprano), Amirtha Kidambi (mezzo-soprano), Silvie Jensen (mezzo-soprano) AMP is a new music group based in New York City that grapples with experimental, electroacoustic, gestural, or situational compositional trends in the context (for the perspective) of a broader musical modernism. Without fixed ensemble, we draw from the rich new music scene in New York to organically develop a few concerts each year, each usually featuring a particular composer or nexus of compositions. Ekmeles is a vocal ensemble dedicated to the performance of new and rarely-heard works, and gems of the historical avant garde. New York is home to a vibrant instrumental New Music scene, with a relative paucity of vocal music. Ekmeles was founded to fill the gap by presenting new a cappella repertoire for solo voices, and by collaborating with these instrumental ensembles. Director Jeffrey Gavett brings a hybrid vision to the group: he is an accomplished ensemble singer and performer of new works, and holds degrees from Westminster Choir College and Manhattan School of Music's Contemporary Performance Program. He has assembled a virtuoso group of colleagues who bring their own diverse backgrounds to bear on the unique challenges of this essential and neglected repertoire.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Concert | College Percussion Recital


Featuring Clara Warnaar.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Concert | College Violin and Trumpet Recital


With June Lee, Violin, and Daniel Taubenheim, Trumpet.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Concert | College Voice Recital


Featuring Reid Delahunt.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Jazz | Jazz Vocal Workshop


Priscilla Owens, director.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Concert | The Orion String Quartet 2011-2012, Concert 4


One of the most sought-after ensembles in the United States, the Orion String Quartet presents four annual concerts. Its members - violinists Daniel and Todd Phillips, violist Steven Tenenbom, and cellist Timothy Eddywork - with students in a series of chamber music master classes.
   New York City, NY; NYC
8:00 pm
Free

Discussion | Unwanted Thoughts Syndrome with Comedian Maria Bamford


Maria Bamford joins Arts in Mind for some laughs and conversation about her struggles with mental illness. Bamford is the first female comic to have two half-hour Comedy Central Presents specials. She starred in the Comedy Central series, The Comedians of Comedy and Netflix’s Comedians of Comedy: The Movie. She has made multiple late-night appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Late Night with Conan O’Brien and Jimmy Kimmel Live, as well as not-so-late appearances on John Oliver’s New York Stand Up Show, Premium Blend, Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn and The World Comedy Tour: Melbourne 2003.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Concert | Kirtan Music with Laksmi Nrsimha Das


Laksmi Nrsimha das (Larry Pugliese) has been practicing bhakti yoga for nearly forty years both in the USA and India under the mentorship of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami. For 3 years Laksmi traveled throughout the USA with the legendary kirtaniya Visnu Jana Swami on a temple bus, bringing kirtan to nearly every town, city and university in North America. He has continued to this day to perform kirtan at yoga studios in the NY/NJ area as well as in many temples and homes of kirtan enthusiasts.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:30 pm
$10 suggested donation...

Concert | College Cello Recital


Featuring Hwakyung Jang.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 pm
Free

Performance | Gandhi, Is That You? Comedy Show


Stand-up comedy show (that has been featured on MTV, and that fills to standing-room only each week). The show is produced by Brendan Fitzgibbons (The Onion, McSweeney's) and Lance Weiss (Carolines on Broadway) with comedians from David Letterman, Vh1, MTV, The Onion, and Comedy Central. Free pizza!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 pm
Free

Performance | Sketch Block Comedy Show


Sketch Comedy meets Block Party. This monthly show features a guest host comedian, three guest sketch troupes and drinking. Come meet, mingle, and perform!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 pm
$5

Jazz | 5/5/5 After Hours Set


A great way to hear some of the most talented young lions of jazz while enjoying spectacular views of Manhattan.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 pm
$5 cover, $5...
Complimentary Tickets

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

Broadway | Broadway Show!

Regular Price: $101
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Classical Music | Piano Works by Chopin and More

Regular Price: $30
CFT Member Price: $0.00
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