Two young debutants of the Cabaret Convention discuss the future of the genre
“A bastion of tradition,” “an exclusive country-club retreat for an older audience repelled by the abrasive tone of contemporary pop,” wrote Stephen Holden, a long-time music critic for The New York Times, of the Cabaret Convention four years ago. This month, the convention, produced by the not-for-profit Mabel Mercer Foundation, celebrates its 30th anniversary, with […]
Drag queens take over the Javits Center

RuPaul’s DragCon event took place at the Javits Center in New York, signaling a growing acceptance of drag queens by mainstream society.
Curbside parklettes spark controversy for local businesses

A new Midtown West parklette across the street from a needle exchange and drug treatment center poses a question for residents and business owners: Who gets to enjoy public spaces? :
Electric scooters roll into Manhattan

Cities nationwide scramble to address the electric scooter invasion – and if two city councilmen have their way, New York will be next.
Growing number of seniors rely on cash-strapped food pantry

Seniors who rely on a Chelsea food pantry face leaner times as the food pantry struggles with multiple challenges.
The reinvented artist: MAD’s Artist Studios Program turns ten

As the Museum of Art and Design celebrates the 10th anniversary of its residency program, artists no longer see life in the city as crucial to their careers.
Finding the funny in the presidential campaigns

Comedians at Electoral Dysfunction use political satire to cope with the 2016 presidential election.
De Buck Gallery opens season with Zero artist Bernard Aubertin

De Buck Gallery in Chelsea opened its September season with late French artist Bernard Aubertin, an underrepresented constituent of the post-war Zero movement.
Chelsea street fair faces new round of challenges

On September 24, the London Terrace Tenants Association held its annual street fair as New York City seeks to reform festival rules.
A mission for diversity in a ‘segregated’ school district

A diversity committee, assembled by the Community Education Council District 2, aims to dismantle racial inequities in public schools.
Koreatown restaurants struggling in a more competitive K-town

New chain restaurants on 32nd Street, including some well-known Korean brands, force family-owned Korean restaurants to adapt.
How the West was won, in Chelsea

Stores survive despite the impact of the High Line and the Hudson Yards development.
The NYPL creates the largest audio archive of persons living with disabilities

The New York Public Library’s oral histories project, Visible Lives, is now the nation’s largest audio archive of persons living with disabilities.
Adoptapalooza: Helping shelters find homes for NYC’s homeless pets

The Adoptapalooza pet adoption event, hosted by the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s animals, saw 300 animals available for adoption
Vegan group rallies to raise awareness of animal cruelty

Local activists urge all of us: Put down that ham sandwich, replace those leather shoes, and get serious about ending animal cruelty.
Midtown West hits the books

New York City’s 1.1 million students returned for their first day at 1,800 schools on a scorching Wednesday, one day after the city saw its hottest temperature of 97 degrees. Over 65,500 children registered to attend the newly-implemented free, full-day, pre-K program, more than triple the 20,000 children who attended last year. The graduation rate for […]
Blind community struggles for increased fitness access

Fitness accessibility for the blind and visually impaired is problematic around Manhattan.
Birdland celebrates Charlie Parker’s birthday

A famed New York jazz club celebrated the birthday of its namesake with three nights of music inspired by the legendary Charlie Parker.
Grassroots theater in turmoil

Over the past ten years, 25% of all off-off Broadway spaces have been forced to close their doors or relocate several times due to unaffordable rents and city gentrification.
Smoke-free housing slower to come to buildings that need it most

Smoke-free housing efforts by the Manhattan Smoke-Free Partnership target low-income developments like the Robert Fulton Houses, where there are higher rates of asthma, but, change in these neighborhoods may come slowly.
Burlesque wows at Highline Ballroom

The close of the New York Burlesque Festival was a revealing theatrical event and awards ceremony called The Golden Pasties.
Teens make design statement on the High Line

Fourteen local teens participated in a fashion show on the High Line, marking the end of a two-month long apprenticeship program.