NYC Be Free

SummerStage Part I & II (8/8-9)

2009-08-12T23:09:00.008-04:00

Summer Stage Part I: Mission Hot Pink Wristband

A dude, named Ed, let me wear his

funky sunglasses for this pic...

then he ditched me to go get a free t-shirt... Sheesh!

But I had my wristband, so I was happy.

Drop the Lime

I entered to win VIP passes being given away by Going.com for the Central Park SummerStage show on Saturday (8/8) and I ended up getting picked. However, I didn't really care for any of the performers that day. I really wanted the VIP wristband for the hot line-up for the next day's show. So I wore the band all the way into Sunday. Central Park was jam packed with people and I was thinking of abusing my privileges from the jump. But I didn't just in case that plan fell through. So I waited on line just like everyone else and finally got in. With the wristband I had a guaranteed bleacher seat. Otherwise without it I'd have to stand and struggle to see the show with the general audience. I'll admit it's a little deceitful. But a girl's gotta go what a girl's gotta do. I have no regrets because the show was awesome! Especially since R. Les was performing, along with the others pictured below. (The only downside to having seats was not getting very good pics with my 8-megapixel camera, sorry folks)

SummerStage Part II: Mission Accomplished!

Case

Jon B

Ryan Leslie

Deborah Cox

The headliner, Jasmine Sullivan

Be Free was slackin! (8/7)

2009-08-12T22:43:00.007-04:00

Even with of all the research I do to find free events, promotions, and other happenings throughout NYC, some things still slip by me. But that is what makes this city great. The spontaneity of finding something open to everyone is always there. This night, I randomly came across "The Shack Summer Netogether," a promotion for Radio Shack. For three days, a larger than life laptop with a cam, was set up in the middle of Time Square broadcasting performances and events taking place in San Francisco. Likewise, there was a similar set up in Cali showing what was going on in New York City. This was to sort of virtually bring the two cities together but the entire thing was really weird and ordinary to me. There was supposed to be some comedians on my side but things were running off schedule. So I ditched that popsicle stand! (That phrase is from a movie, don't ask.)

If I had learned about this beforehand, I would have definitely showed up to see the Melanie Fiona performance that was broadcasted from New York, on the day before. Oh well! Just gotta be more on top of my free ish game from now on.

The Wendy Williams Show FAIL + More (8/4)

2009-08-12T21:11:00.006-04:00

So for future reference, if you request tickets for The Wendy Williams Show, just know that your admission is not guaranteed! They purposely overbook spots for the studio seating because a lot of people end up not showing up. But just my luck, the day that I decide to go damn near everyone who wanted to be in the audience came through. Recommended arrival time was 8:00 AM and I got there at ten minutes after. Seems as though the studio was already filled (holds about 120 people) by that time.

The guest that day was Joan Rivers...

basically I didn't miss much.

So I had no chance of seeing the queen of talk radio. What BS and waste of time! As an alternative for those who weren't admitted, there were VIP tickets for another show date. Here is the e-mail I received:

Dear Wendy Ticket Holder,

We apologize again for the inconvenience today. Below please find the dates available for VIP tickets. Please be advised that your tickets are considered to be VIP only if you arrive before our 8AM arrival time. Once you have chosen a date, simply respond to this email with the date and time that you are attending typed in the subject field of your email (Example: “June 1 2008. 8am”). Please include the following information:

First and Last Name:

First, Last Name and age of each of your guest(s): (No one under 18 will be permitted into the studio.)

Please note that you will have the same amount of tickets that you had originally requested for.

Dates Available:

Oct 23rd 8AM Arrival time
Oct 26th 8AM Arrival time

Sincerely,

The Audience Services Department

October?!!! GTFOH! Eff Wendy, I'd rather get my sleep.

I didn't let that ruin my day. I had some spare time so I went to check out the Sex & the City casting call. They were seeking fashion models, celebrity types, upscale socialites, urban club goers (I guess that's the nice way of saying black people?), and more characters.

The line was insane and this was

only a half-hour in from when it started.

Finally, I ended the day in East River Park for an outdoor play.

A modern adaptation of

Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream"

This presentation put on by NYU Continuum Company was excellent. The actors and actresses were so committed to their roles and the cast of five effortlessly transitioned between multiple characters. I'm glad I was able to end the day on a better note!

Sidebar:

I ran into the dude (on the right) in LES the next day

and complimented him on a great performance.

Find Be Free This Week

2009-08-03T13:59:00.004-04:00

August 3

Jazmine Sullivan & Robin Thicke
FREE!
(Jazmine Sullivan, along with Chrisette Michelle & Jon B,
will be performing again at Central Park SummerStage on 8/9)
From 7:30 PM until...
Location: Wingate Field in Brooklyn
Brooklyn Independent Cinema Series
FREE!- First Monday of every month
From 7:00 PM until...
Location: Barbes (376 9th street, at 6th ave, Brooklyn)

Ski Dubai (Play)
FREE!- Must RSVP to rsvp@arsnovanyc
From 7:00 PM until...
Location: Ars Nova (511 West 54th St, Manhattan)

August 4

The Wendy Williams Show
FREE!- Must request tickets from website
From 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Location: Taping at studio in Manahttan
Sex & the City Open Casting Call
FREE!- See website for which character types are wanted.
No Acting Experience Required
From 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th St, btwn 6th & 7th Aves, Manhattan)

Designer Allen Schwartz In-Store Appearance
FREE!
From 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: JC Penny in Manhattan Mall (33rd St & 6th Ave)
Theater in a Box: Essential Shakespeare
FREE!
From 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: East River Park in Manhattan

August 5

OLD NAVY Hiring Event
FREE!
From 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: 55 West 17th street (off 6th Ave) in Manhattan

Carimi
FREE!
From 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: Brower Park in Brooklyn

August 6

Meet the Artist MAD at Kid Robot
FREE!
From 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: 118 Prince St in Manhattan
Purple Rain (Film)
FREE!
From 7:30 PM until...
Location: Prospect Park Bandshell in Brooklyn

Hip Hop Generation Next (Dance)
FREE!
From 6:00 PM until...
Location: Josie Robertson Plaza (Lincoln Center) in Manhattan
Asbury Shorts (Films)
FREE!
From 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: Central Park SummerStage in Manhattan

August 7

David Cook, Kris Allen, & Adam Lambert
FREE!
From 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Location: Central Park SummerStage in Manhattan
Dayton Contemporary Dance Company
FREE!
From 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: Central Park SummerStage in Manhattan

August 8

Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival
FREE!
From 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: Flushing Meadows Park in Queens
Boys Noize & Drop the Lime
FREE!
From 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Central Park SummerStage in Manhattan

Big Daddy Kane & Special Guest s
FREE!
From 7:00 PM until...
Location: Prospect Park Bandshell in Brooklyn
Dancing vs The Rat Experiment (Theater/Dance)
FREE!
From 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: East River Park in Manhattan

Diesel:U:Music Tour Shoulda Coulda Woulda (7/30)

2009-08-02T16:54:00.009-04:00

Passion Pit

The Diesel:U:Music Tour was a compilation of great bands and artists such as Passion Pit, The Roots, The Clipse and so many more. The whole thing was put on at Webster Hall (I finally got to see the upper level) with an open bar, all sponsored by Diesel. The only catch was in order to snag tix for this event, one had to show up at participating Diesel stores, wearing a pair of their jeans, at the time passes were being handed out. I went one day to get one pass for myself and then again another day to get one for my sister. Since I did not own a pair of Diesel jeans and since they're out of my budget anyway, I had gone to the Buffalo Exchange and traded in couple of my old jeans for these:

Hella tight but my booty is lookin right!

I ended up returning them and getting my money back...

I digress. Back to the concert. Did I mention there was an open bar? While waiting for Drake to come on stage I knocked back a few cocktails and tequila shots and danced/stumbled around a bit here and there. Then rumor was spreading that he had cancelled. Considering this and the fact that I was quite inebriated, my sister saw it best that we leave. I wanted to stay and get my $0 worth!

No one wanted to listen to me and this is what we missed:

A surprise appearance from Kanye West!

I thank you for looking after me,

getting me home safe,

and snapping blackmail pics of me on my own camera!

NYC City Chase (7/25)

2009-08-02T16:20:00.010-04:00

That's me!!! Getting my archery on!

City Chase, an "urban adventure," is an interactive and fun event to partake in. The inspiration for City Chase is the many reality shows like "The Amazing Race" and "Fear Factor," but instead, anyone can sign up and get a chance to participate. There are different challenges or "ChasePoints," scattered throughout the city for the teams to complete in order to ultimately get to the finish line. The winners go on to represent their city at the championships in Quebec, Canada.

There is a registration fee for teams however, proceeds go on to charity. So an alternative to getting in on the festivities free of charge is to volunteer for City Chase, which is what I opted for. I helped out with the archery challenge where the teams had to hit an apple in the middle of a bulls-eye, or obtain a certain number of points, in order to proceed to their next task. It was a pretty cool day meeting new people and afterwards there was a celebration at the swanky BLVD Ultra-Lounge in downtown Manhattan.

The NYC City Chase Winners

MySpace Music & Decon Present "The Release" (7/22)

2009-08-02T15:17:00.008-04:00

So MySpace Music and Decon Records teamed up to put together "The Release," a concert featuring 88 Keys, Aceyalone, Izza Kizza, and Chali 2na. All I have to say is... better luck next year. The atmosphere was pretty dry for a concert. Given that it took place at Santos Party House, the venue definitely did not live up to it's name that night. It was an afterwork crowd so maybe that can explain the uptightness. Seemed like everyone was only there (including myself) because it was free.

Here's a clip of 88 Keys performing "Stay Up" sans Kanye West:

A Little Pitiful... I know

Chali 2na

The opening act was not 88 keys but instead a dude named Izza Kizza. Ugh! Do not even get me started on that mess of a performance. There was also some Aceyalone guy and his act was forgettable. In spite of the the lackluster enthusiasm from the crowd, the show went on. Finally the headliner of the show came on, Chali 2na of Jurassic 5 (whoever they are) and people seemed a bit more amped. I must say Chali and his band were pretty good, but nonetheless not my forte. Nothing to run home and download off of LimeWire over.

I guess the one highlight was meeting the inspirational JR Martinez at the show. Martinez is a US Army veteran that was severely burned while serving in Iraq. When he came home, Martinez didn't let that hinder him from moving forward and he eventually landed a role on "All My Children."

JR and I

Check out his story here...

Ryan Leslie at Diesel 5th Avenue (7/20)

2009-07-20T23:52:00.009-04:00

Photo Credit to the man closer and taller than me

who offered to snap a pic of R. Les.

Putting aside that he is a superb recording artist and producer, Ryan Leslie is an outstanding man. I appreciate that he always puts the fans first. The former Harvard University student is dedicated to his profession and does not seem to let it go to his head. I can speak on all this because I hit his website and watch his vlogs often enough to get a good sense of Ryan's character. I also follow @Ryan_Leslie on Twitter and that's how I found out about his appearance at the Diesel store tonight. Ryan tweeted, only one day ago, that he'd be doing three songs and all were welcome. My wishes had been answered when I read this. I promised myself I'd see Ryan Leslie somehow, someway before this summer's end.

Boy did I see him! There was a substantial turnout so I didn't have the best view of him singing the newest tracks from the upcoming album "Transition." What was better is instead, I was right in the passageway to and from the stage. Thank goodness I left where I was initially standing to go to this spot, otherwise I wouldn't have gotten this footage of Ryan about to perform:

No... of course that isn't me screaming hysterically!

The entire thing was broadcast on the Diesel:U:Music Radio. After he performed and was exiting in that path, I got his attention (gently grabbed his arm...) and greeted him. Ryan took a moment to look me in the eyes and say hello in return. Ok maybe that description dramaticizes and exaggerates our less than 5 second ecounter, but it was special to me since I admire R. Les and his work. So let me stop gushing and rambling here. The moral of the story is everything has its time.

Free McCafe SUCCESS

2009-07-20T23:26:00.004-04:00

McDonalds: They really do love to see you smile.

Please ignore the previous posting about my dismay with the McCafe sample. I retract any bad statement I said about McDonalds. The reason I have changed my mind is because their marketing team is going hard to make sure the new McCafe beverages catch on. Jessie from US Communications at McDs retweeted to my update about the experience I had today. She offered Jasmine and I gift cards for a regular sized McCafe. (Forget Dunkin Donuts! That's all it took to win me back.) So I gave her my info and now I'll be waiting for the postman. Thanks Jessie!

McDonalds McCafe FAIL (7/20)

2009-07-20T13:40:00.008-04:00

The video says it all:

Besides the disappointment in quantity,

the iced mocha was pretty good.

I think I'll stick to Dunkin Donuts however.

At least they give entire drinks on their free beverage days.

Shout out to Jasmine for her commentary!

Also thanks to Rondha for inspiring the theme

for this week's "Find Be Free!"

Find Be Free This Week: Dinner and A Movie Edition

2009-07-20T11:42:00.011-04:00

NYC Restaurant Week

Until July 31

Lunch $24.07 DInner $35.00

At Participating Restaurants

July 20

Mocha Mondays at McDonalds
FREE!- Lasts thru August 3
From 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Location: Participating McDonalds Restaurants
Ryan Leslie Performance
FREE!
From 8:00 PM until...
Location: Diesel 5th Avenue (at 54th St) in Manhattan

Feature Films:

West Side Story
FREE!
From 8:00 PM until...
Location: The Elevated Acre (55 Water St) in Manhattan

Harold and Maude
FREE!
From 8:00 PM until...
Location: Bryant Park in Manhattan

July 21

Starbucks Free Pastry Day
FREE!- With purchase of a beverage and printed invitation
From Opening to 10:30 AM
Location: Participating Starbucks Cafes
Milk Mustache Mobile Tour
FREE!
From 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: Brooklyn Children's Museum in Brooklyn

Feature Film:

Lightning Kicks: Classic Kung Fu Movie Night
FREE!- RSVP to cindy@llenergy.com
From 6:30 PM to 10:00 pm
Location: Teneleven in Manhattan

July 22

"The Release" featuring 88 Keys, Aceylone & More
FREE!- Tickets Available at Fat Beats (406 Avenue of the Americas)
From 8:00 PM until...
Location: Santos Party House in Manhattan

Feature Films:

Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn
FREE!
From 8:00 PM until...
Location: The Legion in Brooklyn

24 Hour Party People
FREE!
From 8:00 PM until...
Location: McCarren Park Ball Fields in Brooklyn

DInner at Eight
FREE!
From 8:30 PM to 11:00 PM
Location: Riverside Park South (Pier 1) in Manhattan

The Dark Knight
FREE!
From 8:30 PM until...
Location: Pier 54 (14th St and the Hudson RIver)

July 23

Wii Sports Resort
FREE!
From 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Times Square (between 43rd & 44th St) in Manhattan
Stephen Petronio Company: Dance Performance
FREE!
From 7:00 PM until...
Location: Prospect Park Bandshell in Brooklyn

Dirt Rich: Play
FREE!
From 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: Herbert Von King Park in Brooklyn

Feature Film:

Paper Moon
FREE!
From 6:00 PM to 11:00 pm
Location: Brooklyn Bridge Park in Brooklyn

July 24

Katy Perry Performance on Today Show
FREE!
From 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Location: Rockefeller Plaza in Manhattan
"Hip-Hop Comes to City Hall"
Multicultural Peace Breakfast
FREE!
From 11:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Location:New York City Hall (Broadway and Chamber St) in Manhattan

Theater in a Box: Essential Shakespeare
I Dream a Little Dream
FREE!- Repeats on July 25
From 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: Herbert Von King Park in Brooklyn

Feature Film:

Ghostbusters
FREE!
From 8:30 PM until...
Location: Pier 54 (14th St and the Hudson River) in Manhattan

July 25

Sand Sculpting Contest
FREE!
From 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Location: Coney Island Beach in Brooklyn
Passes for Diesel U Music Tour
Featuring Drake, The Roots, & More
FREE!- Must be wearing DIesel Jeans to be eligible
(Passes are available everyday at various stores until the day of the show, July 30)
From 5:00 PM until supplies last
Location: Diesel Store (Lexington and 60th St) in Manahattan

Feature Film:

Operation Mad Ball
FREE!- RSVP recommended, call 212-833-7858
From 2:00 PM until...
Location: Sony Wonder Technology Lab in Manhattan

Siren Music Festival (7/18)

2009-07-19T05:19:00.009-04:00

Nice Pants Monotonix!

I ended up at this scene after trying to get into the Central Park SummerStage concert featuring Q-tip and Chester French. I really should have practiced what I preach when I say get to events like this super early, in order to guarantee entry. A short time after I arrived to the park, an announcement was made that no one else would be admitted to SummerStage.

In spite of this, people still waited on line.

Spank Rock

The Siren Music Festival does not exactly feature my favorite genre of music. But I don't mind keeping an open mind. This festival has been at Coney Island for a few years now and it's an all day montage of Indie and Rock bands. All of this takes place on two separate stages at each end of the amusement park.

Booths filled with food and even some free samples.

Even though I didn't know any of the performers (with the exception of Spank Rock), the people surrounding were entertainment enough. When you mix the sun, music, and questionable substances you get a lot of crowd surfing, wild dancing, collapsing, and random behavior as shown here.

Sleeping dude and his friends.

Speaking of questionable substances, there was a whole lot of this taking place too:

Manhattan Bridge FTW (7/16)

2009-07-17T10:51:00.005-04:00

It may be very obvious and seem unspectacular, but it is absolutely costless to walk across the Manhattan bridge. When you're in a pinch like I was, it helps to remember that. I had been in the east village in the city, however I needed to make a pit stop in downtown BK, before I headed home. I refused to pay the new ridiculous MTA fare twice, so I decided I'll let my two feet take me to Brooklyn. This had been the first time I walked the Manhattan Bridge and I was reminded of Robert Frost's poem, "The Road Not Taken." Unlike the glitzy and glamorous, tourist infested Brooklyn bridge, the Manhattan overpass is raw, underpopulated, and longing to be discovered.

I was inspired to write a haiku, paired with pictures of the Manhattan Bridge:

A train rumbles by

Graffiti stained walls throughout

A borough awaits

"Punch Up Your Life" Comedy Show (7/14)

2009-07-15T11:46:00.007-04:00

A look inside to Bookstore Cafe's display and second level.

The Housing Works Bookstore Cafe, located on the border of Soho and Noho, is an intimate, yet fun setting for the comedy presentation that takes place every Tuesday night at 8:30 pm. However I arrived a bit early and got to feel out the atmosphere without the stage and lights. I was disappointed that I hadn't discovered the place before. Bookstore Cafe is a cool, casual getaway from the other overhyped and saturated cafes in NYC (::cough cough:: Starbucks!). As it's name denotes, it's not only a cafe, but also a fully stocked bookstore (think of a scaled down, more organized Strand bookstore). I was bummed out that I didn't pack my laptop because there was also... FREE WIFI! Instead, for the first time in a long time, I picked up a book to read (:-O) while I waited. I also observed that there was an extension of the cafe on a second level balcony area within the store.

Housing Works Bookstore Cafe hosts many events throughout the week and all proceeds go towards helping homeless peoples living with HIV and AIDS. Which means anything you purchase, whether it be a cup of coffee or one of the many donated books, it will be a donation for Housing Works. They also encourage you to come and giveaway some of your books and CDs. The store is fully staffed by volunteers and I even signed up to become one. So if you want to get in on the philanthropy, become a patron of Bookstore Cafe. Bring your laptop, drink the coffee, read the books, and enjoy the comedians all while serving your community.

One of the comics, Matt McCarthy

(aka the cable guy in the Verizon Fios commercials).

Keyshia Cole Wingate Field FAIL (7/13)

2009-07-13T23:00:00.005-04:00

Would've been nice to know what you sound like live KC...

Oh Well!

Over crowded is not even the word for the scene at Wingate Field tonight. For this reason, I didn't even get a chance to enter the concert. So if you plan on attending a show in the future, get there earlier than early!

I'm not the biggest fan of Keyshia and I know I have a lot in store for the rest of this summer therefore, I didn't mind ditching my spot after waiting on line for a while. But there were some people that were very determined to get in. Like this woman...

Find Be Free This Week

2009-07-13T12:45:00.013-04:00

July 13

Keyshia Cole and Lyfe Jennings
FREE!
From 7:30 PM until...
Location: Wingate Field in Brooklyn
Karrine Steffans (aka Superhead) Book Signing
FREE!
From 6:00 PM to until...
Location: Borders Penn Plaza
(same time July 14 at Hue-Man Bookstore) in Manhattan

July 14

Sonic Episodes: An Evening of Audio Works
FREE! - call/email for a reservation
From 7:30 PM until...
Location: Hispanic Society of America (Audubon Terrace) in Manhattan
Punch Up Your Life Comedy Show
FREE!- every Tuesday
From 8:30 PM until...
Location: Bookstore Cafe in Manhattan
Anthony Gonzalez of M83 x Janet Biggs
FREE!
From 9:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Location: World Financial Center Winter Garden in Manhattan

July 15

NAACP Diversity Job Fair (continued from July 14)
FREE!
From 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (12:00PM to 8:00PM on July 14)
Location: New York Hilton in Manhattan
Eye on the Strand Group Exhibition
FREE!
From 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Pratt Institute CCPS Gallery in Manhattan

July 17

JAWS Movie Screening
FREE!
From 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM (Doors open at 7:30PM)
Location: Intrepid Flight Deck in Manhattan

July 18

The Big Draw
FREE!
From 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: World Financial Center Winter Garden in Manhattan
Q-tip, Chester French, and Others
FREE!
From 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Central Park SummerStage in Manhattan
Siren Music Festival
FREE!
From 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Coney Island in Brooklyn

Be Free Out of Town

2009-07-11T16:15:00.005-04:00

Wal-mart Love!

In Columbus, Ohio but I'll be back soon!

Praise Oh-mighty Wal-mart!!!

Happy Happy Happy!

Waterfront Workouts (7/7)

2009-07-08T13:09:00.009-04:00

Brooklyn Bridge Park

The Free Workout Plan!

(Poor lighting at dusk, sorry for the darkness)

Though DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan-Brooklyn Overpass) is a bit of a remote area, it was well worth the trip for this free fitness class. Mats are provided, but it helps (and is more sanitary) if you bring your own. The workout is taught by The Fitness Guru and focuses on isolating the abdomen which I'm assuming is a common problem area for the predominantly female class. All in all, I would definitely participate in this class again. It takes place every Tuesday at 7PM (sign-in at 6:30PM), either on the boardwalk or inside the Tobacco warehouse. Guys don't fret to come and join in! Nice place to pick up a date.

Afro-Punk Festival (7/6)

2009-07-08T11:37:00.006-04:00

The Afro-Punk Festival, being held in the heart of downtown BK, is the amalgamation of music, art, and skate/bmx culture into a week long event (culminating on July 12). Pictured above is who I consider to be the headliner of Monday's show, Janelle Monae. She is such a breath of fresh air to watch her sing and dance, and the many theatrics of her performance. It's almost like Janelle becomes a character but what's so refreshing is that she is absolutely just being herself. By the end of it, Janelle's signature hair style was disheveled and she seemed exasperated, but we, the spectators, wanted more of the energy, quirkiness, eccentricity, and originality she brings to the stage.

Janelle singing "Smile" by Charlie Chaplin,

Michael Jackson's favorite song, which was also dedicated to the fallen star.

She even paints on stage!

And gave the finished piece to a young girl in the audience.

Here is clip of Janelle performing "Many Moons"

Zoe Kravits (Lenny Kravits' daughter) and her band Elevator Fight.

A graffiti artist and his dope work. Plenty more where that came from.

America's Next Top Model winner of cycle 4, Naima and I.

Find Be Free This Week

2009-07-06T12:08:00.013-04:00

July 6

Afro-Punk Festival:
Performance by Janelle Monae and more!
FREE!- Festival lasts thru July 12
From 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM (performances begin at 3PM)
Location: GGMC Car Park (corner of Lafayette Avenue & Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn)
Brooklyn Independent Cinema Series
FREE!- First Monday of every month
From 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Barbes (376 9th street, at 6th ave, Brooklyn)

July 7

Waterfont Workouts with The Fitness Guru
FREE!- limited mats with ID
From 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Boardwalk at Empire Fulton-Ferry State Park (Brooklyn)
"Night Lights" Play
FREE!- Drive-in play thru July 8. Spots limited, must have reservation.
From 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: Washington St btwn Spring St and Canal St (Manhattan)

July 8

Museum at FIT:
Featuring "Fashion & Politics" Exhibition
FREE!
From 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: 7th avenue at 27th St in Mahahttan

July 9

Rock of Ages/Toxic Avenger:
Musical Performance Preview
FREE!
From 3:00 PM until
Location: Union Square Park
STREB: Dance Performance
FREE!
From 7:00 PM until...
Location: Prospect Park Bandshell in Brooklyn

AVP Crocs Tour: Coney Island Open (7/5)

2009-07-05T23:21:00.018-04:00

Hyden, Scott vs. Loomis, Patterson

in the men's final.

Here is Loomis and Patterson's winning shot....

Volunteering is one of the best ways to donate/pass your time and not incur any hits to the pocket. Usually, the organizations that need your services try their best to compensate you the best way they can. I received free food, drinks, a Crocs logo bag, and more.

Today was a fun filled day helping at the AVP Volley Ball tournament. The tour has taken place at Coney Island Beach for the past four years. This year I vowed that I wouldn't miss it again. The beach was sectioned off especially for this event. Before patrons got to the main court to watch the game, they could stroll along to different booths (Naked Juice Smoothies, Pop Chips, of course Crocs, and others) for the free goodies and samples. The Malibu Rum booth was where the party was with a Wii system and huge flat-screen set up, a DJ pumping out jams, pina coladas flowing, and a beached themed photo shoot.

I was in charge of the Information Booth

and also handed out the vip passes.

These were the freshest people at the game.

Leopard print tights? I love!

Coney Island Fireworks (7/3)

2009-07-03T23:54:00.026-04:00

Who says Coney Island is closed?! From the looks of it, the world renowned amusement park couldn't be more open and inviting. Tonight's attraction brought in droves of people from all walks of life. All these people came to see...

This dude get his hustle on.

No just kidding! They all probably came to see another spectacle of lights: the Coney Island Fireworks which take place every Friday night at 9:30pm, all summer long. On the eve of Independence Day, the fireworks were especially befitting for this weekend. Here's a little preview below...

The fireworks have been a tradition in my native Coney Island for as long as I can remember. The crazy thing is the formations of the firecrackers and designs of the show have always been the same throughout the years too! Nonetheless, I love it because its FREE!

So eff "Macy's Annual 4th of July Fireworks Display" and your hearts and smiley faces and 3D graphics... and eff the $200 tickets just to watch from a chic rooftop or fancy boat!

I'll take a redundant display, on the wrong night, with a neck-breaking view from the rickety boardwalk, surrounded by drunkards any day!

Orchard Beach! (7/3)

2009-07-03T22:52:00.007-04:00

Deuces to other NY Beaches!

So what's the first thing you think of when you hear "the Bronx?" Whatever your impression of the borough may be, either or good or bad, Orchard Beach puts the Bronx on the map as the place to go this summer. New York beaches in general don't have the best reputations but Orchard beach is clean, serene, and green. When I say green, I'm referring to the massive park, Pelham Bay Park, that is just steps away from the sand and surf. Also, just a short drive away is City Island, where you can find a surfeit of seafood restaurants on one strip.

Some things to know if you plan on visiting Orchard Beach:

There are two concession stands with food, but no other stores or restaurants in the immediate area.
It's a breeze (a long breeze for me... but pleasant) to get there via MTA! The last bus leaves from the beach at 7:30 pm.
Plenty of parking in the lot if you plan on driving (a fee applies however).
You won't be disappointed!

Shout out to my fellow contributors of TalkShitNYC,

Rachel, Naphtah, and Nuby,

as well as Island for coming through!

International African Arts Festival (7/2)

2009-07-02T20:11:00.009-04:00

So if the gray and ominous clouds in the background weren't enough of a sign of what was to come I don't know what is. But the show must go on. Most of the festivities seemed to have wrapped up at 7pm yet there were still a lot of tents up and booths open. There was clothing, accessories, novelties, and gifts, and also...

This random pile of things. Up for grabs? Free?!

Entering the the festival dry...

Leaving drenched!

Maybe the rest of the event,

which ends on July 5, will be more pleasant.

Find Be Free This Week

2009-07-02T12:23:00.010-04:00

July 2

International African Arts Festival

FREE!
From 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM (thru July 5)

Location: Commodore Barry Park in Brooklyn
Obie Bermudez

FREE!
From 6:00 PM until...

Location: Prospect Park Bandshell in Brooklyn
Whistlin Dixie's Texas Tavern

FREE!- RSVP KatieJ@gmail.com
From 6:00 PM until...

Location: 714 West 11th Ave in Manhattan
Sage Stand-Up
FREE!- Name & # of guests to freestagestandup@gmail.com
From 10:00 PM until... (Every Thursday)
Location: 711 7th Ave (btwn 47th & 48th) in Manhattan

July 3

Orchard Beach

FREE!
From 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Location: Pelham Bay Park (1 Orchard Beach Rd) in the Bronx

*Leaving from Atlantic Ave train station in BK at 10 am*
Coney Island Fireworks

FREE!
From 9:30 PM to 10:30 PM

Location: Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn
Deity Bar & Lounge
$10
From 11:00 PM until...
Location: 368 Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn

July 4

Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest

FREE!
From 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Location: Nathan's in Coney Island, Brooklyn

Arrive early because of crowding. Also will be televised.
BK All Day BBQ

FREE!- Must register at link above by 7/2
From 4:00 PM until... (Pick up passes btwn 4-6pm)

Location: Green Lounge (1175 Bedford Ave) in Brooklyn

Michael Jackson Apollo Tribute (6/30)

2009-07-01T21:07:00.009-04:00

King of Pop, Michael Jackson 1958-2009

After an evening of let downs, me and my bff Analda decided to hit the Michael Jackson Tribute in Harlem. The theater had closed at 8 pm and there were still lots of people there at 11:30pm. I heard from my other homegirl, Jasmine that she had waited about 4-5 hours earlier that day just to get inside the Apollo theater and see the entire tribute. Here's a video of Analda's testimony on the late, great Michael Jackson.

Analda signing the tribute wall.

The lefty (me!) signing the tribute wall.

American Apparel Factory Flea Market (6/27)

2009-07-01T20:43:00.007-04:00

I was waiting at a bus stop in front of an American Apparel store in Brooklyn when I saw this sign. So I changed my plans and decided to head to LES. They weren't giving anything away free but it doesn't cost anything to go see what it was all about.

The line stretched across the block.

This is what I saw while I waited on line. This bicycle contraption had a boom box built in the rear. In the wake of MJ's death, of course nothing else would be playing but his music.

Finally getting in... but this would be the most anti-climatic shopping I have ever done. The blue balls of retail! There was all crap there and I didn't even find the dress I was looking for. But, I'm persistent so I may hit up the American Apparel Rummage Sale and see if I find anything there.

Sneaker Pimps Concert (6/26)

2009-07-01T19:13:00.005-04:00

Not only did I get tickets to Sneaker Pimps for next to nothing, technically I got paid to go. So the story goes like this: I was online researching events and things to do. I found this in the MySpace Music section that posts upcoming shows. I did some more clicking around and discovered a promotion that select Verizon stores were participating in. If you made any purchase (I got a phone holster that was on clearance for $1), you get a pair of tickets to the concert. The night of Sneaker Pimps, I had an extra ticket so I sold it to a scalper outside the place for 15 bucks (he was a sketchy looking dude but I didn't care... money talks).

Before I discuss the show, I must talk about the venue, Terminal 5. This place is effin awesome. There were 4 floors with balconies looking onto the stage. There was also a roof top area lit in red (speaking of lighting, that was also one of best features of this place). Everywhere you turned there was a bar (drink prices not bad, $5-$10). My favorite thing was the huge ass disco ball hanging above.

The Sneaker Pimps concert was a sneaker head's oasis. There were exclusive kicks everywhere on display, artists doing their work right on the spot, a gaming station equipped with xboxs's and flat screen tvs, a sneaker flea market, and free ish! Not to mention the performances including Big Boi of Outkast, Wale, Jadakiss, Clipse, the Cool Kids and many more. This was definitely a hot ticket and one of the best night's of my summer thus far.

Artist painting a money stack rocking Air Yeezy's

The Cool Kids

Jadakiss

Pusha T of Clipse

Ladies Night, Every Thursday Night, Webster Hall (6/25)

2009-07-01T18:41:00.005-04:00

Why am I cheesing you ask? It's because I'm a lady, and we get in free on Thursday night at Webster Hall (sorry guys, $25 for you). This had been my third time there for Ladies Night and it was fun as always (also was the day of Michael Jackson's passing so you already know what was on the track list). The club boasts 8 or so floors of music... but every time I've been there, I've only been to two of them (the ground floor and basement). It looks like there's an upstairs but it is cut off.

Webster Hall is one of the only clubs, if not the only club, left in NYC that has a 19 to party, 21 to drink policy. But with a cool, calm, collected attitude that other 19 year-olds may not possess, I manage to get around that prohibition. Drinks are Manhattan prices anyway: $8 for shots, $12 for cocktails.

Ladies Night features an all female burlesque performance if you get there early enough. There used to be a male stripper presentation but that was dropped for some reason when I asked one of the staff. So if you have a vajayjay and don't wanna pay... Check out Webster Hall on Thursday night!

eBay Let's Make a Daily Deal (6/24/09)

2009-07-01T18:16:00.006-04:00

My very first game show experience! Goodness I look happy and hopeful that I'll win something good... But that's not quite what happened. For three days starting on June 22, eBay held a game in Times Square to promote the "Daily Deals" featured on the popular auction/shopping website. There was a first come first serve line to get in the studio. I got there around 2pm and finally got in at 3 (there was a new game every hour). Everyone got a number and was randomly called to guess the price of the prizes. Some of the goods up for grabs were a digital camera, a laptop, a blue-ray player, and more.

I was lucky number 10, but I didn't get called to play. However, like all the participants, I received a $25 eBay gift card, which I've already put to good use. There were also chances to win gift cards via text message by guessing the price of items shown on the big screen in Times Square. I played like fifty times and didn't win and ended up memorizing prices of stuff. You could also enter to win online. Overall it was an interesting experience and best of all it was free!

Comedian and "Sex in the City" actor Mario Cantone hosted.

Women's Health Alert: HPV Vaccination (6/22/09)

2009-07-01T17:32:00.007-04:00

"'That vaccination is for hors!' These were the words of my mother as we left my doctors appointment. She was talking about, Gardasil, a shot my doctor had recommended to me. Gardasil is the leading vaccination for the prevention of the Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, which is a sexually transmitted infection. Now, when I think of a 'hor,' I think of someone who neglects their body and their health. So no mom, Gardasil is not for hors. In fact, anyone who makes the choice of getting vaccinated is someone who is actively trying to live the best life possible."

The paragraph above is an excerpt from an informative speech I gave in my communications class. Since I wish to live the best life possible I decided to get the vaccination on my own. Luckily, my school was offering it for free and I received my second shot (of three shots in total) on June 22. Like any injection it was a bit painful and your upper arm will be sore for a couple days. Besides that, I haven't had any reactions or issues.

You should check with your school's health center or your insurance company and find out if you are eligible for a free HPV vaccination. I support this vaccination because it is the first of its kind. It not only can prevent genital warts, but also can prevent cervical cancer in women. I am not promoting promiscuity but rather living healthy. Practicing safe sex, or even abstinence, are the best ways to avoid pregnancy and prevent sexually transmitted infections.

Good Morning America Summer Concert Series- Jamie Foxx (6/19/09)

2009-07-01T16:53:00.011-04:00

Jamie Foxx during the sound check rehearsal.

Jamie Foxx during the televised performance.

Words cannot explain the wonderful talent of the man above. He is a "jack of all trades" and no one can stop his hustle. Mr. Jamie Foxx is an Oscar winning actor, a sensational singer, a rambunctious radio personality, and most recently, the stellar host of the 2009 BET Awards. Though I didn't get to peep the awards show, I have heard a lot of feedback that he made the show worth watching.

However, I did get to witness Jamie do his thing in person at the GMA concert series. He was excellent! He gave it his all during both the sound check and the televised performance and kept the crowd laughing by cracking jokes every chance he got. If you plan on going to one of these concerts in central park, make sure you get there early. I arrived around quarter to 7 am and the area in front of the stage was already filled. Be prepared to do a lot of walking and standing. There was a food stand set up so you won't go hungry. Most importantly, be prepared to have fun!

Bacardi B-Live (6/17/09)

2009-07-01T16:21:00.004-04:00

I stumbled upon this event on one of my favorite websites to find local happenings, www.Going.com. This site was also giving away 2 free passes to the first couple hundred people to RSVP. So you know I got up on that, and luckily I received an email stating that I was chosen. Even though I didn't know any of the acts except for DJ Jazzy Jeff, I figured since the event was put together and sponsored by Bacardi, there must be free drinks. Boy was I wrong! Drink prices ranged from $10-$14, and the selections (maybe about 3 or 4) were underwhelming. But I digress!

The venue (M2 Ultra Lounge) was enormous, and the place was packed, and when Jazzy Jeff finally hit the 1s and 2s, everyone went crazy getting their dance on. There was also a carnival theme where every guest received tokens to use on things like the photo-booth, a t-shirt maker, and other random novelties. I haven't included any pictures because unfortunately I didn't take any. My date that evening was a bit of a distraction (not in the good way)... But that's a story for another blog!