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Free events for Thursday, 05/16/13
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Free Events, Free Things to Do in New York City!  Read More
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58 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Thursday, May 16, 2013

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

Workshop | Park Tai Chi


Tai Chi and Eternal Spring are instructed by members of the Tai Chi Chuan Center for all ages and experience more levels. Classes are rain or shine. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 am
Free

Symposium | Art and Design History and Theory Graduate Symposium


This symposium explores a range of student research on decorative arts and design history, fashion studies more and history, and design studies and theory. The event features current research in these fields, bringing together students from the MA History of Decorative Arts and Design, MA Fashion Studies, and MA Design Studies programs. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 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 more 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. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

City Walk | 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. Tour times: 11am & 1pm. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
$6

Workshop | Park Pétanque


Learn to play pétanque, the popular European game anchored in precision, patience, and camaraderie from more members of La Boule New Yorkaise, NYC’s championship-winning club. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free

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

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

Tour | “A Road Once Traveled” Tour


Holding the Park's northern highlands was key in the American Revolution and the War of 1812 because more armies could see their enemies approach as they sailed down the East River. History buffs will love this tour. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free

Concert | Ensemble ACJW


Ensemble ACJW is an inspirational collective of outstanding young professional musicians from The Academy--a more program of Carnegie Hall, The Juilliard School, and the Weill Music Institute in partnership with the New York City Department of Education--that has earned accolades from critics and audiences alike for the quality of its performances as well as it fresh and open-minded approach to programming. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Gallery Talk | Tour of 2 Folk Art Shows


Free tour of Artist and Visionary: William Matthew Prior and Women’s Studies with the museum’s gallery more guides. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Concert | PHOENIXtail performs “Rumors & Hearsay”


Music for oboe, violin, cello, harpsichord.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:15 pm
Free

Lecture | The Theatre of Naturalism: Disappearing Acts


The impact of naturalism, a literary approach invented by Zola and especially significant in the field more of the novel through his American “disciples” Crane, Norris, and Dreiser, is well acknowledged and recognized. Not so well recognized, but equally important, is naturalistic theatre: this was a style that also originated with Zola, but its progeny was more international and its significance more radical and insurrectionary than in the less “spectacular” genre of fiction. Speaker Philip Beitchman, a writer in residence in the Library’s Wertheim Study, received his PhD in comparative literature from The City University of New York and teaches world literature at Medgar Evers College, CUNY. He is the author of I Am a Process with No Subject (1988); Alchemy of the Word: Cabala of the Renaissance (1998); and The View from Nowhere : Essays in Literature, Mysticism and Philosophy (2001). less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:15 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, more 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. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
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 more 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. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Park Walk | Manhattan's Old Growth Forest Tour


Guide: Matthew Palmer, Professor, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia more University. The forests of the park contain mature red oak and some of the largest tulip trees in the city. There is also a rich, moist valley between two rock ridges called The Clove. During the early spring, the valley is covered in wildflowers, which are able to thrive in the sun before the tree canopy leafs out. Some of these wildflowers include the city-rare downy yellow violet (Viola pubescens), bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) and Dutchman’s breeches (Dicentra cucullaria). less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Wii Sports Adults


Play Wii Sports and games with your friends and neighbors.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:30 pm
Free

Concert | College Piano Recital


Joseph Liccardo, Piano
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free

Concert | College Trombone Recital


David Westen, Trombone
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free

Birdwatching | Birding Tour of the Park


Discover the varieties of birds that call the Park home during the migratory season with guided tours.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Tour | Brooklyn Heights at Sunset Tour


Known as America's first suburb, Brooklyn Heights is truly a gem. Travel and Leisure named it one of more 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. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Drawing Out: Student Artwork from the Drawing Connections Program


An exhibition of drawings created as part of the program that pairs practicing artists with teachers more in Lower Manhattan public schools to develop projects that relate class­room curricula to exhibitions. Now in its ninth year, Drawing Out features group projects by approximately one hundred students from four classes in the participating schools of: P.S. 42 Benjamin Altman School, P.S. 130 Hernando Desoto School, and Chelsea Career and Technical Education High School. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 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 | Choir Works by Mozart and Bach and Others


Under the direction of Professor Teresa Parker of Baruch College’s Fine and Performing Arts Department, more the Baruch Choir presents the annual Spring concert. The music includes… Ave Verum Corpus, W.A. Mozart Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, J.S. Bach Sing We and Chant It, Thomas Morley The Road Not Taken From Frostiana, Music by Randall Thompson, Words by Robert Frost Girls Garden From Frostiana, Music by Randall Thompson, Words by Robert Frost Medley from South Pacific less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:45 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Mixed Feelings: Selected Works from Alex Heir and Reverend Leaf


A showing of selected works by Reverend Leaf and Alexander Heir, with a special appearance by Dark Sister more you will be guaranteed not to forget. In addition, Leaf will be releasing a limited edition tee, and Alex will have on hand the brand new Death/Traitors collection. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Adult Yoga


Join on Thursday evenings for open-level yoga with a certified instructor. Please wear comfortable clothes more and bring your yoga mat or a beach towel. All participants must sign a waiver form before they join in. For adults 18+. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Concert | College Cello Recital


Elliot Mallard, Cello
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Concert | College Piano Recital


Jung Eun Yoon, Piano
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Book Signing | Comedian Jim Gaffigan signs copies of his book Dad Is Fat


Tonight welcome comedian Jim Gaffigan as he discusses his hilarious new book.
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:00 pm
Free

Film | Italian Film: Alfredo Peyretti's Joe Petrosino (2006)


In 1883, after countless rejected applications, Italian immigrant Joe Petrosino finally succeeds in entering more New York City's Irishdominated police force. His innovative approach in fighting the "Black Hand Mafia" gain him national fame. Then, while on special assignment in Sicily, he is killed in an ambush. More than three hundred thousand mourners attend his funeral. 200 min. In Italian with English subtitles. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Mixed Media Works: Jerry Meyer's Ordinary Unhappiness


Features a new series of multimedia light boxes and a new major installation. His works continue to combine more appropriated text and images - deftly manipulated in Photoshop - with ancestral ephemera and other nostalgic objects. The work is informed by a psychological awareness of civilization. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Lecture | On the Origins of the Phenomenology of Pain


With Saulius Geniusas (The Chinese University of Hong Kong). This paper aims to fix the historical more origins of the phenomenology of pain. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Paintings: Wenzhi Zhang's Back to Renaissance


Internationally renowned contemporary artist Wenzhi Zhang unveils her latest series of 32 lacquer paintings. more In this vibrant body of work, Zhang employs two fundamental Chinese techniques - the labor-intensive art of lacquer and the fluid brush strokes of ancient calligraphy - to express the confluence of China's ancient tradition and modern globalization; the friction between rigid and free, West and East. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Photography: Tom Wood's Men and Women


A third solo exhibition with celebrated photographer Tom Wood (b. 1951, Ireland). Since his last show more with the gallery in 2003, Wood has been recognized as a defining presence in early British color photography. Most recently, the Photographers’ Gallery (London) featured Wood in a highly acclaimed exhibition. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Photoshop Old Photo Restoration


In this seminar they’ll demonstrate how to restore an old photo. You’ll learn how to remove marks more and scratches, how to adjust contrast and color, use layers to work non-destructively and much more. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:00 pm
Free

Concert | Positively Poulenc!


Joy In Singing presents the winners of their Positively Poulenc! vocal competition which celebrates the more body of song repertoire created by composer Francis Poulenc. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Sculpture: Carole Feuerman's The Golden Mean


World-renown for her hyper-realistic, cast resin and oil painted sculptures of swimmers and bathers, more Carole A. Feuerman’s exhibition features a new collection of work, most notably life-size and monumental bronze figures. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Gallery Talk | Museum Docent Tour


The docent-led tours meet in the lobby.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Pay-what-you-wish admission policy

Other | Social Hour: The 1960s


Learn about the innovative experiments of the 1960s in Central Park, including avant-garde art performances, more popular concerts, and new approaches to playgrounds. Hear how this unique interaction between art, design, and public space led to serious decline and influenced the Park's eventual preservation and restoration with the establishment of the Conservancy. Ages 18+ less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free

Slide Lecture | Suzanne Corkin discusses her book Permanent Present Tense: The Unforgettable Life of the Amnesiac Patient, H.M.


This visual presentation explores the riveting story of the man who couldn’t remember: H. M., the famous more brain-damaged patient whose case afforded untold advances in the study of memory. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:30 pm
Free

Dancing | Afro-Cuban Dance Party


Sweeping views, great lawn, dance lessons, beer gardens, bike valet... and it's free! Havana-born more vocalist and percussionist Pedrito Martinez leads a small band with a big sound, featuring Ariacne Trujillo and special guest Luis Sanchez-Faife (Alto Sax). Lauded as “an incomparable performer” by The New York Times, Martinez’s unmatched work on the congas anchors the band’s fresh, hip-shakin’ beats. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free

Jazz | College Jazz Bass Recital


Jeong Park, bass
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Discussion | Dialogue Between Strangers and the Past


Michael Taussig is Professor of Anthropology at Columbia University. Known for his unconventional style more as an academic, he intermixes fact and fiction in his ethnographic studies and has been acclaimed for his commentaries on Karl Marx and Walter Benjamin. Anthony Coleman is a composer and pianist. His compositions, group, and solo work often reflect his interest in exploration of Jewish music. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Author Reading | Eric Orton reads from his book The Cool Impossible


Bestselling author (Born to Run) Christopher McDougall talks to author Eric Orton, a coach featured in more McDougall's book, about The Cool Impossible, Orton's new book, a step by step guide to experiencing greater achievements and joy in running. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Author Reading | Jane Gardam reads from her book Last Friends


Jane Gardam is the only novelist to have won the prestigious Costa (formerly Whitbread) Award twice for more her fiction. She visits us to discuss the last in her 'Old Filth' trilogy (Old Filth, The Man in the Wooden Hat), Last Friends. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Discussion | Laugh Track: Unconventional Comedy Careers in the Internet Age


Comedians no longer have the singular goal of getting their own sitcom to strive for. These days, there more are all sorts of ways for folks to make names for themselves being funny, no network execs required. They'll talk to three of the best, most interesting comedians working today who have all carved out careers for themselves that are completely unique to them. Join Splitsider founding editor Adam Frucci for a panel with Julie Klausner (author of I Don't Care About Your Bandand Art Girls Are Easy and host of the podcast How Was Your Week), Chris Gethard (The Chris Gethard Show, A Bad Idea I'm About To Do), and Dave Hill (Tasteful Nudes, Dave Hill's Podcasting Incident). less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Talk | Photographer Marc Yankus talks about his work


Drawing on his longtime interest in memory, architecture and the life of the city, photographer Marc more Yankus (BFA 1981 Media Arts) depicts moments of contemplation, stillness and reverie through blurred streetscapes of fleeting color and the occasional figure. Marc is represented by ClampArt and his work has been featured on numerous book covers and theater posters and in many solo and group exhibitions. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Staged Reading | Play Reading: The Monster Play by Theresa Giacopasi


JoJo is too smart for his classmates, his mother and his own good. So naturally when Romy ­the monster more under his bed­attacks, what can he do but follow her? A sweet, sad and funny play about one's darkest fears, closest friendships, and how each often gets in the way of the other. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Concert | Student Percussion Recital


Jonathan Singer, Percussion
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free

Concert | The Upper Anacostia-Lower Gold Coast Symphonic: Drums Along the Potomac


TUALGCS will debut a polyrhythmic and romantic orchestral Go-Go suite inspired by 70s spiritual-jazz more balladry and the work of DC's greatest cartographers in verse-- notably Sterling Brown, Essex Hemphill, Jonetta Barras, Edward P. Jones, Rita Dove, Thomas Sayers Ellis, Monica Hand, Toni Asante Lighfoot, and Etthelbert Miller. TUALGCS is a collaborative experimental ensemble comprised of Greg Tate, Marc Cary, talking drum master Abou Mboup, tabla master Sameer Gupta, poet Thomas Sayers Ellis, noted Washington D.C. Go Go players, Donnell Floyd, Go-Go Mickey & Kenny "Kwick" Gross and musicians from Greg Tate's Burnt Sugar the Arkestra Chamber. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:30 pm
Free

Concert | College Collaborative Piano Recital


Lachlan Glen, Collaborative Piano
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Concert | College Violin Recital


Bryan Hernandez-Luch, Violin
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Concert | Piano Works by Bach, Mozart, Chopin and Ravel


With Alexander Bryson - solo piano.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
$5 suggested donation

Theater | Shakespeare's Hamlet, a College Production


Rebecca Guy, director, presents Drama students.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Concert | US premiere of FAMA by Beat Furrer


Guest concert featuring Talea Ensemble, actress Bo Chang, Tara O'Connor on contrabass flute,and vocal more ensemble Ekmeles. US premiere of FAMA by Beat Furrer. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
8:00 pm
Free

Jazz | College Jazz Drums Recital


John Swank, drums
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 pm
Free

Theater | The Fifth Dentist


What do you do when your father owns a strip club, and your mother works there? BECOME A DENTIST! Mike more King's One-Man-Show "The Fifth Dentist" is a hilarious true story by America's funniest dentist, cutting-edge comedy from one of New York's brightest comics...has been seen on Comedy Central and has opened for Ray Romano! See this work-in-progress before it's off-Broadway production. "Exceptional story!" - Eric Hansen, Producer of the Montel Williams and Whoopi Goldberg show. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 pm
Free

Concert | The Upper Anacostia-Lower Gold Coast Symphonic: Drums Along the Potomac


TUALGCS will debut a polyrhythmic and romantic orchestral Go-Go suite inspired by 70s spiritual-jazz more balladry and the work of DC's greatest cartographers in verse-- notably Sterling Brown, Essex Hemphill, Jonetta Barras, Edward P. Jones, Rita Dove, Thomas Sayers Ellis, Monica Hand, Toni Asante Lighfoot, and Etthelbert Miller. TUALGCS is a collaborative experimental ensemble comprised of Greg Tate, Marc Cary, talking drum master Abou Mboup, tabla master Sameer Gupta, poet Thomas Sayers Ellis, noted Washington D.C. Go Go players, Donnell Floyd, Go-Go Mickey & Kenny "Kwick" Gross and musicians from Greg Tate's Burnt Sugar the Arkestra Chamber. less
   New York City, NY; NYC
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9:30 pm
Free
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