Arts and CultureNew York

Instrument Jam, Yoga, Self-Defense, TOQUE Party @ Bembe – All FREE

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Sometimes finding a theme for these event posts is beyond me.  I am overwhelmed right now '“ in the best sense of the word '“ by how many awesome FREE things there are to do late August in NYC.  So pardon the mismatched nature of this post.  You don’t want to miss out on these super unique events this week!

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25  – The Giant Instrument Jam in Queens

A public, mobile, build-it-yourself, musical art event. Throughout the end of August find The Giant Instrument Jam on various sidewalks and street corners throughout Queens. You are invited to come help build the instrument, jam on the instrument, or bring your own homemade instrument to play along with everyone. In a project that engages residential communities in the arts, sponsored by the Queens Council on the Arts and others, art group Free Style Arts Association is setting up giant buildable instruments in public locations and coaxing people walking by to add to the sculptures and join in the musical jam session.

The Giant Instrument Jam
46th Street at Queens Blvd. [Sunnyside, Queens]
7 train to 46 St. Station
Tuesday Aug. 25th, 4'“7p; $FREE
Continues WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY in other locations
646-288-8291
email for more info: John@FREESTYLEART.ORG


WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26 '“ FREE Yoga and Self-Defense Classes

Hot?  Testy?  Worried about your safety in the big city?  Try these:

Yoga classes in Manhattan are notoriously known for their exclusive prices, but Wednesdays (thru Sept. 2) Laughing Lotus offers FREE yoga in a Westside park from 7-8pm.  Also on Wednesdays, Mkekado School of Karate, Kickboxing, & Self-Defense is offering FREE self-defense classes at St. Mark’s Church in Jackson Heights form 7:30-8:30pm.  Open to all ages (10yrs+), I can tell you from experience that nothing feels more empowering than learning to kick some ass!

Yoga in the Park with Laughing Lotus
10th Avenue and 15th Street [Manhattan]
Wednesdays (through September 2) 7-8pm; $FREE

Mkekado Self-defense Classes
33-50 82nd St. (St. Marks’ Church) [Jackson Heights, Queens]
Wednesdays 7:30-8:30pm; $FREE


THURSDAY, AUGUST 27 '“ Toque @ Bembe

DJ Captain Planet (of the Beatards) hosts TOQUE every Thursday night at Bembe, a one-of-a-kind party mixing old school Latin, boogaloo, funk, house, beats + special herbs & spices.  Party goes til 4am with live percussion, fresh watermelon drinks, and mad dancing!  Plus there’s no cover to get in.

Toque at Bembe
81 S. 6th St. [Williamsburg]
Thursdays 10pm – 4am; $FREE

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Danielle Levanas - Bargain Soul Huntress

Danielle Levanas - Bargain Soul Huntress

Danielle was raised by a pack of coyotes in the Los Angeles hills. Since arriving in NY in 2001, she has had any number of strange jobs, including back-up singing for JELVIS (the Jewish Elvis), starting the non-profit LYDIA, and writing political cabarets. A huge advocate for travel as a way of life, you can find her at the Brooklyn Public Library when her bank account is empty, fantasizing about where to head off to next.