My New York: What's Going On in The Big Apple

When I'm not traveling, I love exploring my hometown. Here are a few events happening in the Big Apple where you might run into me wearing a little black dress! Many of these events are free or very affordable, so get out and have some fun!


Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebrations
Monday, January 18
The Big Apple is celebrating the late civil rights leader's birthday in a big way with musical events, walking tours and lectures.

$20 Tickets at Lincoln Center
Through Tuesday, January 26.
Get day-of discounted tickets for performances at Lincoln Center. Tickets available daily at noon, limit of 2 per person.

Benefit for Haiti at Idlewild Bookstore
Tuesday, January 19. 7:00 pm. $10 suggested donation.
One of my favorite travel bookstores, Idlewild, is hosting a benefit for the earthquake relief efforts in Haiti. The evening will feature an update from UN relief staff, readings of Haitian literature, and a talk by writer and geologist Simon Winchester.

My Wife is an Actress
Tuesday, January 19. 12:30, 4, & 7:30 pm. $10
Starring actress Charlotte Gainsbourg and her real life husband Yvan Attal, this is one of my favorite French films. My Wife is an Actress is a very clever romantic comedy about jealousy, love, and celebrity. FIAF is celebrating Ms. Gainsbourg by screening one of her films each week through Feb. 23.

Under the Tuscan Sun Wine Tasting
Thursday, January 21. 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm. ($15 plus tax)
Bacchus Wines invites you to explore the delicious wines of Tuscany. Sip and learn about Sangiovese, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vin Santo. You will taste these wines from a gorgeous Riedel crystal stem that you get to keep!

Free Performance at Lincoln Center
Thursday, January 21 and every Thursday at 8:30 pm.
Every Thursday the brand new David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center hosts FREE concerts. Tonight's performer is Michael Arenella and His Hot Eight. Led by singer, cornetist, and trombonist Michael Arenella, the Hot Eight is steeped in the hot-dance band tradition of the Jazz Age. 

Free Friday Nights at the Morgan Library & Museum
Free every Friday night from 7-9pm. 
One of the loveliest museums in town, the Morgan is free every Friday. Enjoy a drink in the cafe while listening to live classical music. In addition to visiting JP Morgan's library and study, Jane Austen fans will love the exhibition A Woman's Wit: Jane Austen's Life & Legacy.   

The Beats of NYC: A Jazz Journey Through Dance, Rhythm and Rhyme
Friday, January 22 and Saturday, January 23. 7:30 pm & 9:30 pm. $73. 
A little black dress is the perfect thing to wear for a night of fantastic music in Jazz at Lincoln Center's breathtaking Allen Room. Drummer Ali Jackson presents an evening of original compositions and re-imagined interpretations of Duke Ellington, Horace Silver and Dizzy Gillespie to explore the collision of rap, tap, poetry and song.

NYC Restaurant Week
Monday, January 25 - Sunday, February 7. $24.07 for 3 course prix-fixe lunches and $35 for dinner. (beverage, tax & gratuity not included)
Dine at some of NYC's best restaurants without going broke. Some of my favorite eateries are participating, including Allegretti, Beacon and DB Bistro. Early reservations strongly encouraged.