Free in NYC
Events
by Mallory Passuite, 02/01/2012
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There's always something exciting to do and see around the five boroughs that doesn't cost a dime. See our weekly picks below, and visit our calendar and special offers section for more free events.
February 1–7
Wednesday, February 1
Bruno Hadjadj: Bye Bye CBGB
CBGB, which opened on the Bowery in 1973 and launched the careers of punk-rock icons like the Ramones, the New York Dolls and Blondie, closed on October 15, 2006. On its final two nights, fans crowded in and around the legendary club to pay tribute. Artist Bruno Hadjadj documented those who were gathered outside in photos, sketches and videos. Bye Bye CBGB—an exhibition of the photos, some of which are accented with lights—offers a nostalgic look at the venue with a dash of street punk style. The show opens at Clic Gallery on January 30, with a reception beginning at 6pm on February 2, and will be on view through February 28.
Thursday, February 2
Groundhog Day Celebration
Be among the first to see whether Staten Island's own weather-predicting groundhog, Chuck, forecasts a short winter or another six weeks until spring. Admission to the annual Groundhog Day ceremony, at the Staten Island Zoo, is free; gates open at 6:30am. Visitors can also expect to see a live musical performance from the PS22 Chorus and an appearance from Mayor Bloomberg. For more on Staten Island Chuck, who may be more accurate than Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Phil, read our investigative report.
Friday, February 3
Portraits/Self-Portraits from the 16th to the 21st Century
With Portraits/Self-Portraits from the 16th to the 21st Century, Sperone Westwater offers a fresh look at a long-standing tradition: the portrait. The older paintings tend to be traditional, showcasing the physical likenesses and material wealth of high-society types, while later creations are less formal, incorporating such ideas as emotion and essence. Featured pieces include Michele di Ridolfo del Ghirlandaio's Portrait of a Gentleman (mid–16th century), Pablo Picasso's Tête de Femme (1943), Andy Warhol's Self-Portrait (1986) and Tom Sachs' Krusty (2011). Portraits/Self-Portraits will remain on view through February 25.
Saturday, February 4
Ice-skating at Citi Pond at Bryant Park
Ice-skating is synonymous with cold weather, and now is the perfect time to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and practice your double axels. Citi Pond at Bryant Park is one of the centerpieces of Bryant Park's winter season. The rink offers free admission for ice-skating, and if you bring your own skates, your turn around the ice won't cost you a dime. (Should you need to use a pair of the high-quality rental skates, however, it'll run you $14.)
Sunday, February 5
Divinely Inspired
Chamber16, a New York–based consortium of chamber music–inclined musicians, presents "Divinely Inspired," a program showcasing the sounds of the piano, violin and cello. The live performance, which begins at 2:30pm at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, focuses on secular works of composers immersed in the sacred tradition. Pieces include Johann Sebastian Bach's Violin Concerto No. 2 in E Major and César Franck's Piano Quintet in F Minor.
Monday, February 6
Screening: Edward Scissorhands
Tim Burton's 1990 classic Edward Scissorhands, starring Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder, follows Edward, a pale recluse with a delicate disposition and sharp scissors for hands. He descends from his Gothic hilltop castle to enter society, where he cuts hair, manicures landscapes and falls in love with a suburban teen. But, after various misunderstandings, neighbors turn against him. Edward Scissorhands will screen at 7pm as part of the Winter Film Festival at Citi Pond at Bryant Park.
Tuesday, February 7
The Dandy's New York
While Patrick McDonald fits the textbook definition of a dandy—a man who gives exaggerated attention to personal appearance—the word has often carried connotations of traditionalism. But McDonald redefines "dandy" with bold patterns and hues, eccentrically arched eyebrows and audacious accessories. The Dandy's New York, at Dorian Grey Gallery, pays tribute to the style icon, who moved to New York in the '70s, through photography by Molua Muldown and mixed-media works by Lisa Pan, plus McDonald's own poetry. The exhibition opens on February 7, with a function from 6 to 9pm, and remains on view through March 4. Gallerygoers must RSVP for the opening-night reception by calling 516-244-4126.
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