free things to do in New York City
Free events for Friday, 02/13/26
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Free Events, Free Things to Do in New York City!  Read More

Are you looking for free things to do in New York City (NYC) on February 13, 2026?

40 free events take place on Friday, February 13 in New York City. Don't miss the opportunities that only New York provides! Exciting, high quality, unique and off the beaten path free events and free things to do take place in New York today, tonight, tomorrow and each day of the year, any time of the day: whether it's a weekday or a weekend, day or night, morning or evening or afternoon, December or July, April or November! These events will take your breath away!

New York City (NYC) never ceases to amaze you with quantity and quality of its free culture and free entertainment. Check out February 13 and see for yourself. Summer or Winter, Spring or Fall! Just click on any day of the calendar above and you'll find most inspiring and entertaining free events to go to and free things to do on each day of February . Don't miss the opportunities that only New York provides!

Some events take place all year long: same day of the week, same time there are there for you to take advantage of. One of the oldest free weekly events in Manhattan is Dixieland Jazz with the Gotham Jazzmen, which happen at noon every Tuesday. Another example of an event that you can attend all year round on weekdays is Federal Reserve Bank Tour, which takes place every week day at 1 pm (but advanced reservations are required). You can take at least 13 free tours every day of the year, except the New Year Day, July 4th, and the Christmas Day. If you are classical music afficionado, you can spend whole day in New York going from one free classical concert to another. If you love theater, then New York gives you an option to attend plays and musicals free of charge, or at deep discount. You just need to have information about it. And we are here to make that information available to you.
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The quality and quantity of
free events,
free things to do
that happen in New York City
every day of the year
is truly amazing.

So don't miss the opportunities
that only New York provides:
stop wondering what to do;
start taking advantage of
free events to go to,
free things to do in NYC
today!

40 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Friday, February 13, 2026

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Editor's Picks

free events nyc Monster's Ball (2001): Romantic Drama Film with Heath Ledger & Halle Berry
free events nyc Afternoon Jam Sesh (Play Music or Just Listen)
free events nyc Explore One of New York's Iconic Buildings
free events nyc Friday Night Function at an Iconic Art Museum: Ailey Line Dance Class Celebrating Black History Month
free events nyc Cello Works by Beethoven & Rachmaninoff (In Person AND Online!)
free events nyc Shaping Stories and How We See Ourselves
free events nyc Multi-Band Rock Show (In Person AND Online!)
free events nyc True Love Never Did Run Smooth: An Operetta of Shakespearean Songs
More Editor's Picks for 02/13/26
        

Museums | Friday at Pop Culture/Art Museum


Through temporary exhibitions, a growing permanent collection, and educational events, this museum examines the significant influence of posters on society and culture, and how they are adapted for modern use. As the first poster museum in the United States, it offers a space for inquiry for anyone interested in design, advertising, and public interventions, with the goal of enhancing design literacy among the general public. Works explore: mass communication and persuasion the intersection of art and commerce control of the public domain
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Workshop | Clay Sculpture-Making (Part 1)


Enjoy a two-part sculpture workshop designed for adults interested in exploring sculpting with air-dry clay. Participants will have the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and start hand-building their own unique sculptures using all sorts of fun tools and techniques. Whether you follow our playful prompts or go totally freestyle, you'll leave with something truly one-of-a-kind. The first session will involve hand-building sculptures using a variety of tools.All materials will be provided, including clay, wood tools, paints, and brushes. No prior experience necessary, just bring your imagination!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free

Classical Music | Afternoon Bach


Take a momentary respite from a busy day to enjoy a selection of organ works by Johann Sebastian Bach in an intimate venue.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:20 pm
Free

Film | Monster's Ball (2001): Romantic Drama Film with Heath Ledger & Halle Berry


Hank Grotowski is a prison guard whose son, who works on the prison's death row, commits suicide. Grotowski spirals into depression until one night he helps Leticia Musgrove's injured son. When he dies, the couple are united by grief, but as their relationship develops, he learns he and his son were party to the execution of her husband. Director: Marc Forster Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Heath Ledger, Halle Berry, Mos Def Heath Ledger was an Australian actor. Over the course of his career, Ledger was in 20 films in a variety of genres. He also produced and directed music videos. For his role in Brokeback Mountain, he received nominations for the BAFTA Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, Golden Globe Award, and the Academy Award for Best Actor, becoming the eighth-youngest nominee in the category at that time. A few months before his death, he had finished filming his role as the Joker in The Dark Knight; the performance brought him praise and popularity, and numerous posthumous awards, including the Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe, a SAG Award, and a Critics' Choice Award, all for Best Supporting Actor. Halle Berry is an American actress. She began her career as a model and entered several beauty contests, before taking film roles. In 1999, she starred in the television film Introducing Dorothy Dandridge (1999), for which she won a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. For her performance in Monster's Ball (2001), Berry became the only African-American woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress, and the first woman of color. Berry took on high-profile roles such as Storm in four installments of the X-Men film series (2000-2014), Bond girl Jinx in Die Another Day (2002), and the title role in the cult-classic Catwoman (2004). She continued taking major roles in film, and made her directorial debut in 2020 with Bruised.
   New York City, NY; NYC
1:00 pm
Free

Film | Summer of Soul (...or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) (2021): Documentary on the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival


Documentary about the legendary 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival which celebrated African-American music and culture and promoted Black pride and unity. Director: Questlove
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Master Class | Learn the Ins & Outs of Drum Set Performance


Kendrick Scott--jazz drummer, bandleader, composer, and founder of the record label World Culture Music--imparts techniques and skills for drum set mastery.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Crafting Community: Work on Personal Projects & Make New Friends


Freeform crafting and conversation! Bring your own project or choose something from the collection to work on. The organizers have materials for sewing, knitting, crochet, coloring, and paper crafts. All programs are subject to change or cancellation.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:30 pm
Free

Film | The Darkest Hour (2017): Biographical War Drama with Gary Oldman


In May 1940, the fate of World War II hangs on Winston Churchill, who must decide whetherto negotiate with Hitler or fight. Director: Joe Wright Cast: Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas, Lily James, Stephen Dillane Gary Oldman is an English actor and filmmaker who is known for his versatility and intense acting style. He has received various accolades, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, three British Academy Film Awards, and nominations for three Primetime Emmy Awards. His films have grossed over US$11 billion worldwide, making him one of the highest-grossing actors of all time.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Jazz | Afternoon Jam Sesh (Play Music or Just Listen)


This jam session is open to all musicians. Come and play or just listen to some jazzy tunes.
   New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Experience Korean Buddhist Culture through the Ritual of Tea


This event features a gentle and welcoming program that invites participants to experience Korean Buddhist culture through the shared ritual of tea and conversation. In Korean Buddhist tradition, chadam—literally meaning “tea conversation”—is a practice of slowing down, listening with care, and connecting through quiet dialogue. Rather than a formal lecture, this program unfolds as an open and relaxed gathering. Guided by Buddhist monastics from Jingwansa Temple, participants explore themes such as mindfulness, meditation, temple life, and everyday wisdom rooted in Buddhist practice. The experience is accessible even to those with no prior knowledge of Buddhism. Menu: Lotus Leaf Tea, Traditional Candied Fruits and Nut (Jeonggwa)
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Tour | Explore One of New York's Iconic Buildings


Designed to inspire, building highlights include: The only free, publicly accessible rooftop terrace in Midtown A dramatic "Long Room" with 42-foot-high atrium offering five levels of open, browsable book stacks Commissioned public art celebrating creativity and curiosity
   New York City, NY; NYC
2:30 pm
Free

Workshop | Experience Korean Buddhist Culture through the Ritual of Tea


This event features a gentle and welcoming program that invites participants to experience Korean Buddhist culture through the shared ritual of tea and conversation. In Korean Buddhist tradition, chadam—literally meaning “tea conversation”—is a practice of slowing down, listening with care, and connecting through quiet dialogue. Rather than a formal lecture, this program unfolds as an open and relaxed gathering. Guided by Buddhist monastics from Jingwansa Temple, participants explore themes such as mindfulness, meditation, temple life, and everyday wisdom rooted in Buddhist practice. The experience is accessible even to those with no prior knowledge of Buddhism. Menu: Lotus Leaf Tea, Traditional Candied Fruits and Nut (Jeonggwa)
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Gallery Talk | Expert Insights: Seeing Desire in Medieval Art


Museum experts examine depictions of the human figure in medieval works, and the talk discusses relationships, identity, and expression in history, uncovering new ways to engage with these powerful works of art.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Looking & Listening Session: MLK's Thoughts on Love


As Valentine’s Day is around the corner, experience Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s reflections on the importance of love for humanity. This event features an interactive looking and listening session of images that engage Dr. King's thoughts on love. As he noted, the Greek concept of agape, which he identified as the highest form of love, “is more than romantic love. Agape is more than friendship. Agape is not something affectionate. Agape is understanding creative redemptive goodwill for all men.”
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Play Chess


Sharpen your mind, meet new people, and enjoy this timeless game. Chess sets and timers are provided. Adults only.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Classical Music | Viola Works by Brahms, J.S. Bach, & More (In Person AND Online!)


Torron Pfeffer, viola, performs a series of pieces by composers from the Baroque through the Modern musical periods. Program: Johann Brahms (1833-1897) (arr. Alan Bonds) FAE Sonata Robert Schumann (1810-1856) Marchenbilder for Viola and Piano J.S. Bach (1685-1750) (arr. Thomas Riebl) Cello Suite No. 5 (Lute Version) Mikhail Glinka (1804-1857) Sonata For Viola And Piano York Bowen (1884-1961) Phantasy for Viola and Piano
   New York City, NY; NYC
3:00 pm
Free

Classical Music | Violin Works by J.S. Bach & Fauré (In Person AND Online!)


Maya Kilburn, violin, performs atwo works by important composers. Program: J.S. Bach (1685-1750) Partita No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1004 Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) Violin Sonata No. 1 in A Major
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Museums | American History and Artifact Collections


Enjoy a stroll through galleries of an extensive collection of American art, learn about the history of New York and the USA. Last admission is at 7 pm.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Pay-what-you-wish, reservation required

Author Reading | Award-Winning Writers Share Their New Books (+ Signing)


Enjoy a reading by George Abraham, Kimberly Alidio, Joseph Lee, and Megha Majumdar, followed by a reception/signing with books for sale. George Abraham is a Palestinian American poet, performance artist, and writer, author of When the Arab Apocalypse Comes to America and Birthright, which won the Arab American Book Award and the Big Other Book Award in Poetry, and was a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award in Bisexual Poetry. He is also the author of the chapbooks al youm, and the specimen's apology. Kimberly Alidio is a historian, a literary writer, and a teacher. Her most recent publications are: Traceable Relation; Shared Discernments with Rebecca Teich; A Teaching Summer; “On Being Porous”; and Teeter (winner of the Nightboat Poetry Prize and the Lambda Literary Award). She has five books of poetry and poetic prose. Joseph Lee is an Aquinnah Wampanoag writer whose writing has been published in The Guardian, BuzzFeed News, Vox, Electric Literature, High Country News, and more. Megha Majumdar is the author of the novel A Guardian and a Thief, which is an Oprah’s Book Club pick, and a finalist for the Kirkus Prize, the American Library Association’s Andrew Carnegie Medal, and the National Book Award.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Museums | Friday Evening at the Art/History Museum


This museum is an assemblage of illuminated, literary, and historical manuscripts, early printed books, and old master drawings and prints inside a historic building. Registration opens 7 days in advance & does sell out.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Museums | Friday Night Function at an Iconic Art Museum: Ailey Line Dance Class Celebrating Black History Month


This pop-up line dance class invites participants of all ages and skill levels to learn "Boots on the Ground"-style line dancing with Ailey Extension instructor Pilin Anice. The class takes place alongside music, artmaking, and other activities.
   New York City, NY; NYC
5:00 pm
Free

Classical Music | Cello Works by Beethoven & Rachmaninoff (In Person AND Online!)


Isabelle Nichols, cello, performs two pieces by important composers. Program: Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) 7 Variations on "Bei Mannern, welche Liebe fuhlen", WoO 46 Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) Sonata in G Minor, Op. 19
   New York City, NY; NYC
5:30 pm
Free

Museums | Friday Evening at the Famous Art Museum


This special, all-ages evening celebrates the art and the city. Explore in the galleries, get creative with drop-in drawing sessions, and see a film in the theaters. Museum stores and cafe will be open, too, so you can grab a bite, get drinks, or shop for unique design objects. Free for New York State residents but must be reserved in advance (up to two adults), and are subject to availability and proof of residency. Tickets are released one week in advance.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free

Book Signing | Artist Ewa Juszkiewicz Signs Her New Book, Recent Paintings


Polish surrealist painter Ewa Juszkiewicz signs her new book, Recent Paintings, a monograph that showcases her most recent surreal and genre-defying portraits.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Discussion | Explore Artistic Engagement with Real Water


From pools of water created by artists like Nancy Holt and Mary Miss in the 1970s, to Rebecca Belmore’s 2005 projection on water entitled Fountain, this talk charts an artistic lineage in which water operates as a medium for the creation of moving images. Artistic engagement with real water has generated new types of environmental images and new models of ecological relation, embodying an important alternative to journalistic modes of moving image representation in environmentalist contexts. The fluid “cinematic” works of this talk expand and reframe expectations about what art can or should do amidst environmental crises.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Gallery Talk | Listening to the Rhythms of Gnawan Music


Join Samir LanGus for an exploration of Gnawan music, uncovering how tradition and improvisation intersect in this Moroccan musical practice. The talk highlights connections to the museum’s collection while offering insight into rhythm, sound, and cultural context.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Opening Reception | New Works Across a Range of Mediums by Emerging Artists 


An exhibition featuring new work by 35 artists working across a wide range of mediums. The presentation reflects sustained studio practice, research, and experimentation, highlighting diverse approaches to contemporary art within an urban context. 
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Forum | Publishing & Political Culture: Media Production & Radical Politics in 2026


Creative Publishing & Critical Journalism (CPCJ) at The New School for Social Research, in partnership with Woodbine Research Center, presents a discussion on political publishing and its publics. Writers and editors at the forefront of a growing wave of new leftist media production address the state of publishing, journalism, and political speech at a time of immense political and economic challenge, and possibilities for the future.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Gallery Talk | Shaping Stories and How We See Ourselves


Artist Deborah Roberts joins television writer and producer Mara Brock Akil for a public conversation exploring creativity, representation, and the power of storytelling across visual art and media. Drawing on Brock Akil's extensive career in television and film, the discussion reflects on cultural narratives and the ways stories shape how we see ourselves and others.
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:00 pm
Free

Concert | Soul Singer-Songwriter Brings Songs of Love & Loss to the Stage


Brooklyn-based soul singer-songwriter Chloe Hogan, Top 16 finalist on Season 19 of NBC's The Voice. shares her intimate experience with love and loss through the heartwarming sonic partnership of her ten-year-old piano and honey-like vocals, captivating audiences across the globe.
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:00 pm
Free

Classical Music | Valentine's Day Program: Ensemble Works by Purcell, Couperin, & More


Enjoy an evening of Baroque music for the season of love, performed by Felix Zender, Countertenor, Evan Fraser, Baroque Flute and Recorder, Maya Ridenour, Viola da Gamba, Grace Mockus, Baroque Cello and Viola da Gamba, and Andrew Bortvin, Harpsichord. Program: Henry Purcell (1659-1695) Sweeter Than Roses Michael East (c.1580-1648) Fantasias for two viols Love cannot dissemble I as well as thou William Byrd (1540-1623) Pavana “Ph Tr” and Galliard Girolamo Frescobaldi (1583-1643) Cosi mi disprezzate Barbara Strozzi (1619-1677) L'eraclito amoroso François Couperin (1668-1733) Le Rossignol en Amour François Couperin (1668-1733) La Rittrato dell’amore George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) Ombra mai fu? Joseph Bodin de Boismortier (1689-1755) Trio, Op. 37 No. 2
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Concert | Live Original Music Showcase


Enjoy a free evening of live, original music featuring local songwriters and composers.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Classical Music | Modern & Contemporary Wind Works


This concert features a Bloomingdale faculty wind quintet (Justin Lee, flute, Elizabeth Hebert, oboe, Magdalena Garandza, clarinet, Atao Liu, bassoon, and Lisa Pike, horn)  in a program that highlights the connection between sound and physical motion, bringing together works that are rhythmically driven, expressively dynamic, and culturally vibrant. Program: Valerie Coleman (1970-) Umoja Alyssa Morris (1984-) Motion Paquito D’Rivera (1948-) Aires Tropicales
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Concert | Rhythm, Storytelling, & Crowd Connection with DJ Yup That's J.


DJ Yup That's J. curates the evening's vibe. A native New Yorker and lifelong performing artist, DJ Yup That's J. has been immersed in music and performance since childhood. With formal training from the TADA Youth Theatre, Professional Performing Arts School (Rosie's Theater Kids & Waterwell), Perry Mansfield, and the University of Michigan in Musical Theater, DJ That's J. brings a deep understanding of rhythm, storytelling, and crowd connection to every set. Blending technical skill with stage presence, their performances are rooted not only in experience and energy, but a true passion for the craft of music and live performance.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free

Festival | Celebrate Korea's Lunar New Year with Traditional Dance & Music (SOLD OUT)


A celebration of Seollal, Korea's Lunar New Year, held in New York to welcome the new year. Guided by moonlight--the traditional object of wishes in Korean culture--the audience is invited into a world of traditional dance and music. From the first day of the New Year to the night when the first full moon rises, the journey of moonlight unfolds through court dances, folk dances, and folk songs imbued with wishes for peace and harmony.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free

Concert | Evening of Music Celebrate Black History Month (In Person AND Online!)


Manhattan School of Music's Black Student Union presents a diverse concert of pieces honoring Black History Month.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free

Classical Music | Modern & Contemporary Ensemble Works by Ligeti and More


Experience groundbreaking premieres and visionary works that push the boundaries of New Music today and tomorrow, performed by Mannes American Composers Ensemble. Conductor: David Fulmer Program: Matthias Pintscher (1971-) Verzeichnete Spur (New York Premiere) Kari Watson (1998-) Oscillations (New York Premiere) Rand Steiger (1957-) Liminalities (New York Premiere) György Ligeti (1923-2006) Lux Aeterna Full program to be announced.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free

Concert | Multi-Band Rock Show (In Person AND Online!)


Get ready for a high-heat feast of sound from Val Inc. aka Val Jeanty, Mike Rivard's Club d'Elf, Michael Gregory Jackson, Felice Rosser's Faith NYC and Miss Olithea & J Bubble with resident SmokeHouse MC LaRonda Davis setting the table. Together, they'll serve up a soul-soaked stew of molten, glacial, spacial, oceanic, mythic, antiphonal, and telepathic flavors--served sizzling hot to tickle your ears and move your feet. To make things extra tasty, Lincoln Center is picking up the tab. That's right--this one's on the house and free for The People. There are three ways to access this event: 1. General Admission, first-come first-served. Just show up! 2. Fast Track opening the Monday before the event at noon. 3. The event will also be streamed live for on the linked web page.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:30 pm
Free

Classical Music | Piano Works by Debussy, Chopin, Liszt, Prokofiev, & More


Mannes piano musicians' performance of works of the night, curated by Vladimir Valjarevic. These pieces are works by Debussy, Poulenc, Felix Mendelssohn, Field, Chopin, Liszt, Schumann, Beach, Crumb, Khasanova, Prokofiev, and Liebermann.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:30 pm
Free

Musical | True Love Never Did Run Smooth: An Operetta of Shakespearean Songs


Enjoy Shakespeare's songs brought to life in a beautiful quartet. An hour of music and Shakespeare filled with love, heartbreak, and hope. Shakespeare alludes to or includes the text of well over one hundred songs in his works. Music was an integral part of Elizabethan life, as it is today. London publishers were constantly producing broadside ballads, madrigals, and consort pieces, and most educated people could read music and play a tune on a recorder, lute, or viola da gamba. Performers: Laura Whittenberger, Soprano Anna Willson, Soprano Alex Lyons, Tenor, Recorders Garald Farnham, Baritone, Lutes
   New York City, NY; NYC
8:00 pm
Free
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Classical Music | Easter Concert of Choral Works at a Landmark Venue

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Dance Performance | Contemporary Dance

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Concert | Jazz, African Fusion and More at a Landmark Venue

Regular Price: $66
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