We have a VIP invite for you to a special (free) author’s event.  There are many ways to honor Dr. Martin Luther King this weekend, including two inspiring musical events. NYC Winter Outing starts Jan. 16 with deals on everything from restaurants, Broadway Shows, Museums, and more! Sandi Durell has the scoop on new off-Broadway shows coming our way. Bow Bridge, one of Central Park’s most iconic locations has reopened. Our roving photographer takes us to the Ed Ruscha exhibit at MoMa. (Hurry, it closes today.)  And if you’re overwhelmed with anxiety, there’s a women’s retreat coming up.

MLK Events

While there are many events and volunteer opportunities to honor Dr. Martin Luther king, here are two events that caught our attention. One features the world-famous Harlem Choir and the other one takes place at the Brick Presbyterian Church.

Jan. 14. Honoring Martin Luther King Through Song

Sunday, January 14, 2024
4:00 pm
Brick Presbyterian Church
1140 Park Ave. New York, NY 10128

The world-renowned Young People’s Chorus of New York City (YPC), the Yale Glee Club and special guest baritone Lester Lynch will honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by presenting a triple bill performance at Brick Presbyterian Church in New York City on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at 4 pm. Held one day before the nation honors Rev. Dr. King on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 15, the concert is free and open to the public. GET THE DETAILS.

Jan. 15. Harlem Gospel Choir: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Matinee

Time Out says…Let the world-famous choir—praised by musicians like Bono and Diana Ross—take you to church during its mellifluous homage to MLK. Born out of an MLK Jr. Day celebration in 1986, the world-famous Harlem Gospel Choir offers an enchanting display of only the finest choir singers and musicians from Black churches around Harlem and beyond. With 40 members, the group has solidified itself as one of the most prominent gospel choirs in the U.S., having performed on Good Morning America, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and even for figures like Pope John Paul II and President Obama. This year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Matinee will be presented at Sony Hall on Monday, January 15. It’s an all-ages show, so bring the whole family. Get your tickets.

Jan. 16-Feb. 4. NYC Winter Outing is Back

Get 2-for-1 tickets to Broadway shows, attractions, tours, museums and performing arts. Plus, prix-fixe dining and 24% off hotel stays.

The program runs from January 16 through February 4, offering savings on experiences across all five boroughs, including prix-fixe NYC Restaurant Week menus at over 600 restaurants; 2-for-1 tickets to 23 NYC Broadway Week shows; and 2-for-1 tickets to more than 60 museums, attractions, tours and performing arts for NYC Must-See Week. NYC Hotel Week, which is a part of NYC Winter Outing, is already underway offering 24% off standard retail rates at more than 160 hotels through February 4. Additional details on each program are included below. Reservations for all four programs are bookable at nyctourism.com/winterouting

Roving at MoMA

Our roving photographer, Nicole Freezer Rubens highly recommends seeing “Now Then,” a comprehensive retrospective of more than 200 of Ed Ruscha’s works is on view at MoMA—but hurry, it closes today, January 13th.

I highly suggest you bring your headphones and tune in to the QR code generated commentary, much of which is made by Ruscha, so it feels as if the artist is personally guiding you through the exhibition.

From Nebraska but living and working in California, Los Angeles became his muse. Signage, logos and fonts are Ruscha’s language which always speak to me. In addition to bringing your EarPods to hear the artist talk to you, your sense of smell will be pleased. The 1970 Chocolate Room has been printed anew and installed in this show. Yes, in lieu of ink the artist has used chocolate as a medium and the visitor is surrounded by walls of chocolate paper! In addition, he figured out how to paint and print with many non-traditional substances such as gunpowder, blood, fruit juices and coffee.

Personally, this show pleases me on so many levels. I love Los Angeles, signage, American iconography, color and words. Ed Ruscha has always been one of my favorite artists and I’m thrilled to have this comprehensive show in my city. As a big fan of chocolate and coffee, all of my senses were immensely satisfied seeing Now Then.

~Nicole Freezer Rubens is the author of poetry/photo book, “The Long Pause and the Short Breath.” Follow her on https://www.instagram.com/nfrconsult/

Bow Bridge Reopens

The Central Park Conservancy announced today that Bow Bridge, the graceful curve used as a walkway to the Ramble near West 73rd Street and a connection to a path toward Bethesda Terrace, reopened after nearly two months of renovations. The wood decking of this Victoria era masterpiece was replaced.  Bow Bridge, shaped like an archer’s bow, was built between 1859 and 1862. “It’s a popular place for wedding proposal, a first-date kiss, or a stunning shot of the Fifth Avenue skyline. It has provided a magnificent setting for films such as Manhattan, The Way We Were, and Keeping the Faith,” according to the Central Park web site.

A Life Changing Retreat

Do you feel overwhelmed with anxiety? Join Brett Cotter for an experience of rich emotional relief with his highly effective Stress is Gone Method. It’s a healing modality that guides you to open up and release all the anxiety, emotional pain, and trauma held inside your mind and body. This includes compassionate coaching, music, movement and meditation. Immerse yourself in a fun, supportive group environment.  GET THE DETAILS.