free things to do in New York City
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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 May 19, 2025?
36 free events take place on Monday, May 19 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 May 19 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 May . 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.
Are you looking for free things to do in New York City (NYC) on May 19, 2025?
36 free events take place on Monday, May 19 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 May 19 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 May . 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.
Join the Club!
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!
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!
36 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Monday, May 19, 2025
All events are free unless otherwise noted.Workshop | Start the Day with Morning Meditation
Start your day by balancing your mind, body, and spirit during instructor guided meditation. This renowned practice lowers blood pressure, reduces stress, and strengthens the immune system.
New York City, NY; NYC
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9:45 am
Free
Free
Museums | History, Culture, and Arts of Indigenous Peoples
This cultural institution showcases a vast collection of Native artifacts, such as objects, photographs, archives, and media.
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Free
Tour | Tour of Gracie Mansion, Home of New York's Mayors
In 1799, a prosperous New York merchant named Archibald Gracie built a country house overlooking a bend in the East River, five miles north of the then-New York City limits. Little did he know that, more than 200 years later, his home would serve as the official residence of the First Family of New York City - a place where history is made, not merely recorded. As a historic house museum run by the Parks Department, sitting on 11 acres of grounds now known as Carl Schurz Park, Gracie Mansion has served as the home of 11 mayors, beginning with Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia in 1942. Each tour is one hour, followed by a 15-minute Q&A session with an assigned docent. Start times: 10:30 am, 12 pm, 1:30 pm
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:30 am
$10
$10
Tour | Bryant Park Tour
Discover how Bryant Park Corporation successfully transformed "Needle Park" of the 1970s into Manhattan's Town Square of today. The guides are loaded with expertise on the park's rich history, award-winning design, distinct amenities, and ongoing maintenance efforts. Tours will continue as scheduled in light rain, but will be cancelled in heavy rain or inclement weather. Bring an umbrella if needed!
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Workshop | Learn to Juggle, All Skill Levels Welcome
THis juggling class is ideal for a quick lesson, an extended practice session, or just enjoy watching jugglers put their skills to the test. They’re a friendly group and open to drop-ins, even if you catch them outside of the regular juggling lessons. All skill levels welcome. Equipment is provided.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Free
Tour | Tour of Gracie Mansion, Home of New York's Mayors
In 1799, a prosperous New York merchant named Archibald Gracie built a country house overlooking a bend in the East River, five miles north of the then-New York City limits. Little did he know that, more than 200 years later, his home would serve as the official residence of the First Family of New York City - a place where history is made, not merely recorded. As a historic house museum run by the Parks Department, sitting on 11 acres of grounds now known as Carl Schurz Park, Gracie Mansion has served as the home of 11 mayors, beginning with Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia in 1942. Each tour is one hour, followed by a 15-minute Q&A session with an assigned docent. Start times: 10:30 am, 12 pm, 1:30 pm
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
$10
$10
Concert | Piano in the Park: Jazz
A five, six, seven, eight... Come on down and swing along to the best ragtime, stride, and jazz the Big Apple has to offer. The park is proud to present a special performance by Yuka Aikawa. Pianist and composer Yuka Aikawa began playing piano at the age of five in her native country, Japan. She's received the prestigious Michael Feinstein Award for "Outstanding Talent." You can hear Yuka at various jazz clubs in and around the New York area, as an accompanist for jazz choir The Lance Hayward Singers, or on Carline Ray's beautiful album Vocal Sides. Yuka's new trio album, Clouds and Water, has been released in Japan, where she tours every year.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free
Free
Film | Malcolm X (1972): Documentary on the Life and Afterlife of an Extremely Influential Figure
In celebration of the hundredth anniversary of his birth, this community center for a film screening dedicated to the enduring legacy and evolving impact of Malcolm X. Malcolm X is a powerful 1972 documentary that presents Malcolm X’s speeches, interviews, and appearances as they were originally recorded—unfiltered and in real time. Don’t miss this compelling afternoon of film and reflection as we honor the life and afterlife of one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. Director: Arnold perl Featuring: James Earl Jones
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Free
Jazz | Trumpeter With 'Technical Marvel' Plays Jazz Music
Spend a jazz-filled afternoon with Jeremy Pelt, a trumpeter who has performed alongside such ensembles as the Roy Hargrove Big Band, the Village Vanguard Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Big Band.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Free
Tour | Tour of Gracie Mansion, Home of New York's Mayors
In 1799, a prosperous New York merchant named Archibald Gracie built a country house overlooking a bend in the East River, five miles north of the then-New York City limits. Little did he know that, more than 200 years later, his home would serve as the official residence of the First Family of New York City - a place where history is made, not merely recorded. As a historic house museum run by the Parks Department, sitting on 11 acres of grounds now known as Carl Schurz Park, Gracie Mansion has served as the home of 11 mayors, beginning with Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia in 1942. Each tour is one hour, followed by a 15-minute Q&A session with an assigned docent. Start times: 10:30 am, 12 pm, 1:30 pm
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:30 pm
$10
$10
Musical | New, Original Musical Inspired by the Three Stooges: For Love or Funny
This event is the first public presentation of a piece developed during an incubator program, For Love or Funny, by fellowship recipients Sonya Hayden and Megan Loughran! For Love or Funny is a classic musical comedy which reimagines the Three Stooges as a trio of sisters: Mo, Mary, and Curly. In a goofy, slapstick version of 1930s Brooklyn, the sisters' family-owned clothing store is about to close--unless they can somehow get a whopping $500 by the next day. When they learn that the cops are offering that exact reward for the capture of a notorious robber, they hatch a harebrained scheme to catch him themselves. Along the way, our trio must rely on their bonds of sisterhood to succeed, while navigating mix-ups, mayhem, mistaken identities, and more. As a female writing duo, fellowship winners Loughran and Hayden are excited to put a modern twist on old-school comedy and center bold female characters who get to land the punches and the punchlines.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Walk and Creative Writing Session
This walk and writing session is led by Author and Poet Jon Curley. Participants will be encouraged to use observations as a way to enhance their writing styles in any preferred mode.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Film | Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart (2017): Documentary about A Raisin in the Sun Playwright
In celebration of a towering figure in Black history and thought, this community center invites you to a special afternoon of film and conversation honoring Lorraine Hansberry on the anniversary of her birth. Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart is the first-ever feature documentary on the life and work of the brilliant playwright and activist behind A Raisin in the Sun. The film reveals the complex inner life of a woman who used art and activism to challenge injustice and reimagine freedom. Director: Tracy Heather Strain Narrator: LaTanya Richardson Jackson
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Free
Staged Reading | The Care and Keeping of Schizophrenia (and Other Demons): Controlling Pressure
Charity has just turned 25 and plans to move to California with her 41-year-old girlfriend, despite her family being in shambles after her brother’s mental health emergency. But Charity is visited by an obnoxious, bossy Sleep Demon who demands Charity “deal with her shit.” An absurdist, humorist romp, this play asks: can Charity take control of the pressures bearing down on her or will she succumb to the waves? Written by Gloria Oladipo .
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Free
Party | Community Plant Exchange
Meet other plant enthusiasts for a free plant swap. Share tips, advice, and plants in this community event Tips for success: Please bring only pest-free plants. If your plants are in containers, please be sure they are in containers that you are ready to give away or exchange. Rooted cuttings may be brought in a sealed plastic bag wrapped in a moist paper towel.
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:30 pm
Free
Free
Concert | Sanguine Musical Selections in Museum Exhibition
Pop-up musical performances of Rashid Johnson's Sanguine (2024), enliven the museum and celebrate the vibrancy and abundant creativity of New York. Stage positioned just inside the museum exhibition.
New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free
Free
Museums | Art from All Over The World: Modern and Contemporary
Discover a vast collection of art from a diverse range of countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Italy, Russia, France, Spain, Japan, India, United States and more.
New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
$1 min pay-what-you-wish,...
$1 min pay-what-you-wish,...
Party | MCU Trivia Hour
Are you a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Grab your Infinity Gauntlet and join the this MCU trivia hour.
New York City, NY; NYC
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4:30 pm
Free
Free
Movie in a Park | Identity, Migration, and Memory: Three Short Documentaries Exploring American Chinatowns
Luka Yuanyuan Yang is a visual artist and filmmaker whose practice, characterized by interwoven documentary and archival materials, addresses themes of identity, migration, and memory, challenging conventional historical narratives and amplifying overlooked voices. During a year-long research trip across the US in 2018, Yang was captivated by the rich history of migration and adaptation in America's Chinatowns. From 1882 until the 1950s, due to the Chinese Exclusion Act and racial discrimination, Chinese Americans were largely confined to Chinatowns. During this same period, Yang began researching the stories of Chinese women in 20th-century American performing arts, seeking to uncover the experiences of Chinese women performers whose stories have been forgotten or misunderstood by history. Yang's exploration of these neighborhoods, the Chinese diaspora, and performing artists has become the central focus of her short films and feature film Chinatown Cha-Cha, and her recently published artist book Dance in Herland. In a time of rising threats to America's Chinatowns, the artist brings generations together through film, dance, and dialogue. For this screening, Yang presents Tales of Chinatown, an exhibition of three of her short films: Cantonese Tunes on Mott Street (2022), The Lady From Shanghai (2019), and Tales of Chinatown (2019). By following her protagonists on the streets, through their communities, and into their homes, Yang amplifies the voices of those often denied the chance to share their own stories--individuals who have been forgotten, silenced, or misinterpreted.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Free
Party | Paw Play Day: Hang Out with Dogs in the Park
Spin the prize wheel with Dog City for a chance to win frisbees, tennis balls, tasty treats, and more. Receive free samples from The Farmer's Dog plus take home a special offer for a free trial of their nutritious food. Looking to add a new member to the family? Meet adorable, adoptable dogs at these dog adoption parties, hosted in partnership with Rescue City and Animal Haven. Stop by for all the pets and snuggles even if you're not ready to adopt. Capture the moment with a free watercolor pet portrait by artist Kathryn McCabe, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Free
Museums | Remembrance, Reflection and Resilience
A place of commemoration: exhibition, artifacts, photographs, stories and more.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Free
Concert | Salon 1898: Cuban Dance Music at the Turn of the Twentieth Century
The American Symphony Orchestra is a New York-based American orchestra, founded in 1962, dedicated to providing great music for everyone. At this concert, the ASO will perform Cuban dance music of yesteryear. Percussionist-composer Javier Diaz -- whose studio credits include Steven Spielberg's West Side Story and Lin-Manuel Miranda's In The Heights -- has curated the program. Salon 1898: Cuban Dance Music at the Turn of the Twentieth Century will feature danzas, contradanzas, danzones, rumbas, ragtime, and early jazz. This performance will mark the world premiere of Diaz's unique arrangements for violin, cello, bass, flute, clarinet, trumpet, tuba, and percussion.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Free
Film | Cries and Whispers (1972): Swedish Period Drama from Ingmar Bergman
When a woman dying of cancer in early twentieth-century Sweden is visited by her two sisters, long-repressed feelings between the siblings rise to the surface. In Swedish with English subtitles. Director: Ingmar Bergman Cast: Harriet Andersson, Kari Sylwan, Ingrid Thulin, Liv Ullmann Ingmar Bergman was a Swedish film and theatre director and screenwriter, considered one of the greatest and most influential filmmakers of all time. His films have been described as "profoundly personal meditations into the myriad struggles facing the psyche and the soul". Bergman directed over 60 films and documentaries, most of which he also wrote.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Talk | Discussion with Legendary New Yorker Staff Writer
Legendary New Yorker staff writer Jon Lee Andersonis the author of the definitive biography of Che Guevara and has recently reported on Brazil’s Supreme Court, Argentine President Javier Milei, the Venezuelan dictatorship, and numerous other Latin America-related topics. He' well-known for reporting from war zones (such as Afghanistan, Lebanon, Iran, and more). Check-in will open at 5:30 p.m. and the discussion will begin at 6 p.m.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Hula Hooping Workshop for All Ages
Big Apple Hooping brings hooping fun to everyone. If you're looking to learn the fundamentals of hooping, work on refining your tricks, or meet fellow hoopers from the NYC area, this is the event for you. Hoopers of all experience levels, from beginner to advanced, are welcome, and all equipment is provided!
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Jazz | Jazz Jam Session in a Museum: Musicians & Vocalists
Calling all musicians & vocalists!!! Bring your instrument and come sign up to play and jam with your fellow peers. The house band will be led by the legendary Kim Clarke.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Musical | New, Original Musical Inspired by the Three Stooges: For Love or Funny
This event is the first public presentation of a piece developed during an incubator program, For Love or Funny, by fellowship recipients Sonya Hayden and Megan Loughran! For Love or Funny is a classic musical comedy which reimagines the Three Stooges as a trio of sisters: Mo, Mary, and Curly. In a goofy, slapstick version of 1930s Brooklyn, the sisters’ family-owned clothing store is about to close—unless they can somehow get a whopping $500 by the next day. When they learn that the cops are offering that exact reward for the capture of a notorious robber, they hatch a harebrained scheme to catch him themselves. Along the way, our trio must rely on their bonds of sisterhood to succeed, while navigating mix-ups, mayhem, mistaken identities, and more. As a female writing duo, fellowship winners Loughran and Hayden are excited to put a modern twist on old-school comedy and center bold female characters who get to land the punches and the punchlines.
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
6:00 pm
Free
Free
Poetry Reading | Poetry in the Park
Hear award-winning poetry by established and emerging poets. Hosted by Jason Schneiderman, acclaimed poet who has author five poetry collections. Schneiderman is also the recipient of multiple awards and fellowships.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | String Duo Perform Works of Bach and Others
Award-winning harpist Parker Ramsay and first-ever American laureate of the International Bach-Abel Competition Arnie Tanimoto, viola da gamba, perform a collection of Baroque works that influenced J.S. Bach. Mingle with the musicians and fellow concertgoers after the show! Program Dieterich Buxtehude (1637-1707) Sonata in D major, BuxWV 268 Girolamo Frescobaldi (1583-1643) Fiori Musicali (1637/1714) Georg Bohm (1661-1733) Vater unser im Himmelreich Marin Marais (1656-1728) Pieces de Violes, Livre II (1701) / Andreas Bach Book (1707-14) Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767) Fantasia in E major, TWV 40:35 Alessandro Marcello (1681-1767) Concerto in D minor, Op. 9, No. 2, BWV 974 (arr. by J.S. Bach) J.S. Bach (1685-1750) Sonata in G major, BWV 1027
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Talk | Author Discusses Her New Book about Food and Death: Aftertaste
Author Daria Lavelle presents Aftertaste in conversation with Julia Phillips. What if you could have one last meal with someone you’ve loved, someone you’ve lost? Combining the magic of Under the Whispering Door with the high-stakes culinary world of Sweetbitter, Aftertaste is an epic love story, a dark comedy, and a synesthetic adventure through food and grief. Set in the bustling world of New York restaurants and teeming with mouthwatering food writing, Aftertaste is a whirlwind romance, a heart-wrenching look at love and loss, and a ghost story about all the ways we hunger—and how far we’d go to find satisfaction. Daria Lavelle is an American fiction writer. Her short stories have appeared in The Deadlands, Dread Machine, and elsewhere. Julia Phillips is the author of the bestselling novels Bear and Disappearing Earth, which was a finalist for the National Book Award and one of The New York Times Book Review’s 10 Best Books of the Year.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
$5 per RSVP
$5 per RSVP
Author Reading | Music Journalists Discuss Hip-Hop/Rap and Biography
Music journalists Kathy Iandoli (Who's That Girl: A Memoir By Eve with Kathy Iandoli) and Marcus J. Moore (High and Rising: A Book About De La Soul) discuss their books, their experiences as music journalists and hip hop biographers, and why certain figures in the music industry persist through generations of listeners.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Free
Staged Reading | The Care and Keeping of Schizophrenia (and Other Demons): Controlling Pressure
Charity has just turned 25 and plans to move to California with her 41-year-old girlfriend, despite her family being in shambles after her brother's mental health emergency. But Charity is visited by an obnoxious, bossy Sleep Demon who demands Charity "deal with her shit." An absurdist, humorist romp, this play asks: can Charity take control of the pressures bearing down on her or will she succumb to the waves? Written by Gloria Oladipo .
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Free
Staged Reading | Surreal Adaptation of Euripides’ Tragedy: Hecuba and Polyxena
This event is a studio reading of Hecuba and Polyxena by Amanda L. Andrei—a bold, surreal adaptation inspired by Euripides’ tragedy and the American eugenics movement. At its heart, this play is about a Philippine-born mother and baker, struggling to piece together memories of violence and loss in a haunting journey through history, identity, and survival. The evening highlights the voice of playwright Amanda L. Andrei, whose work centers diasporic perspectives and hidden histories.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Free
7:00 pm
Regular: $35
Member: $0
Regular: $35
Member: $0
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Classical Music | Metropolitan Opera Singer and Renowned Chamber Group Perform Fauré, Schubert, and More
The Claremont Trio is “one of America’s finest young chamber groups” (Strad), known for its thrillingly virtuosic and richly communicative performances, is joined by Tenor Paul Appleby, one of the leading singers at the Metropolitan Opera, go perform Fauré’s heartrending Trio and Schubert’s epic Trio No. 2., as well as a new work from Jessica Meyer. Program Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) Piano Trio, op. 120 Franz Schubert (1797-1828) Piano Trio No. 2, D. 929 Jessica Meyer New Work for piano trio and tenor (World Premiere)
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free
Free
Jazz | Live Jazz & Open Jam Night
Experience the soul of the city underground at this free weekly jazz night where spontaneity and swing collide. A powerhouse house band sets the tone before opening the floor to an open jam session welcoming musicians of all levels. From seasoned pros to bold newcomers, the energy flows and the creativity never stops. An intimate, vibey setting makes this one of New York City's best-kept secrets for live music lovers.
New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Free
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Classical Music | Large Chorus and Orchestra at a Landmark Venue
Regular Price: $55CFT Member Price: $0.00
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