Gothamist Winter Guide: 20 Cool Things To Do In January
20 photos
<br/><br/>Don't sleep your way into the New Year—grab 2014 by the balls with these fun things to do this month.
(Seth Holladay/Flickr)<br/><br/>Big bulls and cocksure cowboys return to the Garden this month at the <strong><a href="http://www.thegarden.com/events/2014/january/pbr.html">Professional Bull Riders Monster Energy Buck off</a></strong> for three days of "snot-spewing, bone-crushing, adrenaline-soaked performances." Riders mount their steeds and try to keep their free hand from touching the animal for a hair-raising eight seconds. Your biggest feat will be ponying up the cash for another $9 Miller Light. For a peek at what to expect, check out <a href="http://gothamist.com/2012/01/09/manhattans_rodeo_what_city_is_this.php#photo-1">our coverage of </a><a href="http://gothamist.com/2012/01/08/photos_video_bulls_unleashed_in_mad.php#photo-9">previous events</a>.<br/><br/><em>January 3rd, 4th and 5th // Madison Square Garden // <a href="http://www.thegarden.com/events/2014/january/pbr.html">Tickets $25 - $205</a></em>
(Katie Sokoler/Gothamist)<br/><br/>Comics don't come up with their polished performances without testing out material firstâeven Louis C.K. <a href="http://gothamist.com/2012/08/28/louis_ck.php">needs to practice</a>. This month comedian and writer <a href='https://twitter.com/HeyItsLiam"'>Liam McEneaney</a> brings some comic friends to the Housing Works Bookstore Cafe to try out some new material before settling on the final jokes. The <strong><a href="http://www.housingworks.org/events/detail/comedy-notebook-with-liam-mceneaney/">Comedy Notebook</a></strong> has some big names on the docket this month, including Janeane Garofalo and other surprise guests. Think of it like a really inexpensive evening of comedy without that pesky drink minimum to boot. <br/><br/><em>Tuesday, January 7th, 7 p.m. // <a href="http://www.housingworks.org/bookstore/?utm_source=shop_nav&utm_medium=webpage">Housing Works Bookstore Cafe</a> // Free</em>
<br/><br/><strong><a href="http://shteyngartblurbs.tumblr.com/">Gary Shteyngart</a></strong>, author of celebrated dystopian novel <em>Super Sad True Love Story</em>, has written the funny memoir <em>Little Failure</em>, documenting his experience growing up as a young Soviet expat in Queens and Manhattan. Catch him <a href="http://www.symphonyspace.org/event/8088/Literature/thalia-book-club-gary-shteyngart-little-failure-a-memoir">in conversation</a> with fellow New York writer Jay McInerney as part of Symphony Space's Thalia Book Club, where hopefully he'll dish a bit on the new book and his legendary back-of-the-book blurb work. <em>(Rebecca Fishbein)<br/><br/><em> Tuesday, January 7 at 7:30 p.m. // <a href="http://www.symphonyspace.org/directions">Symphony Space</a> // <a href="https://tickets.symphonyspace.org/public/auto_choose_ga.asp?area=4">Tickets $45</a></em></em>
<br/><br/>The annual <a href="http://www.undertheradarfestival.com/"><strong>Under the Radar festival</strong></a> is the best hope for people who think theater is boring to realize how very wrong they are. For ten days starting January 8th, an international influx of avant-garde theatrical innovators take over the Public Theater and a handful of other venues, presenting a diverse cross-section of performances for just $20 a ticket. Highlights under this year's radar include <em>blessing of the boats</em>, an introspective piece by the late African-American poet Sekou Sundiata, blending music and video (performed by Mike Ladd, Will Power, and Carl Hancock Rux); the vertiginous Swiss dance performance <em>Black Out</em>; and Roger Guenveur Smith's improvised, rhythm-based solo show <em>Rodney King</em>, about the man who just wanted us to get along. <br/><br/>Read all about the festival here. In addition to an eclectic array of theatrical productions downtown and Brooklyn, a late-night Festival Lounge at the Public Theater will also include a colorful mix of adventurous music and cabaret performances. <em>(John Del Signore)</em><br/><br/><em>January 8th - 19th // <a href="http://www.undertheradarfestival.com/">Various Locations</a> // Tickets $20</em>
<br/><br/>Emcee extraordinaire Will Clark hosts his 450th edition of <strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/189688711237087/">Porno Bingo</a></strong> at Midtown's Uncle Charlies. As a former adult film performer, Clark knows a thing or two about the evening's theme but the event is more about raising money than raisingâ¦well, you know. The evening of number calling is free and bingo cards go for just $1 each in the first two rounds then six for $5 in the third and fourth rounds. All bingo card sales, raffles and auction money benefit the <a href="http://rainbowbookfair.org/">Rainbow Book Fair</a>, the longest running LGBT book fair in the country.<br/><br/><em>Wednesday, January 8th, 9 p.m. // <a href="http://unclecharliesnyc.com/">Uncle Charlie's Midtown</a></em>
(Micha Klootwijk/Shutterstock)<br/><br/>Strap on your thinking caps for <strong><a href="http://freddysbar.com/events/1543/geek-night-eighties-edition-music-by-bowery-rake-brooklyn-state-of-mind-comedy/">Geek Night "As You Wish- Eighties Fantasy Edition,"</a></strong> where you'll test your knowledge of all things '80s cinema from visiting aliens to Rodents of Unusual Size. Bone up on David Bowie's extraordinary endowments and the many creatures of Fantasia for the chance to be crowned trivia champ. There's also a costume contest, so drag out your Jordache and lace gloves if you haven't been ironically rocking them anyway. It's free to play plus the bar will be offering fun drink specials to get your throwback juices flowing.<br/><br/><em>Saturday, January 11th, 8 p.m. // <a href="http://freddysbar.com/about/">Freddy's</a> // Free</em>
<br/><br/>Sit in on live tapings of some of the best podcasts in the biz at the <strong><a href="http://nycpodfest.squarespace.com/">NYC Podfest</a></strong>, which takes over Fontana's bar and venue for their 2nd festival celebrating the medium. Listen to Lewis Black and Gilbert Godfrey at <a href="http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/510698">Tell Your Friends! The Podcast!</a>, Lloyd Kaufman and Christian Finnegan at <a href="http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/507056">Proudly Resents</a> and Dave Hill and Colin Quinn at <a href="http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/510733">The Laughspin Podcast</a>. Lots of laughs and something new for your iPod are all but guaranteed.<br/><br/><em>January 11th and 12th // <a href="http://www.fontanasnyc.com/">Fontana's</a> // <a href="http://nycpodfest.squarespace.com/festival-schedule/">Tickets</a></em>
Dave Hill (via Facebook)<br/><br/>Celeb tell-alls often have unintentionally hilarious passages and they're guaranteed to be even more humorous when acted out by other actors and celebrities. At <strong><a href="http://www.celebrityautobiography.com/">Celebrity Autobiography</a></strong>, watch as Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Tommy Lee and others come to life via the dramatic recitation of their autobiographies by this month's special guests: Matthew Broderick, Debbie Harry and Sherri Shepherd. The Drama Desk Award-winning production has been running for three years now Off-Broadway, bringing a wide range of famous folks to lampoon their Hollywood compatriots. Rachel Dratch, Ralph Macchio and other special guests join the main lineup at both January shows.<br/><br/><em>January 13th and 17th, 9 p.m. // Stage 72 // <a href="http://www.smarttix.com/show.aspx?EID=&showCode=CEL17&BundleCode=&PackageCode=&GUID=c02d8799-c01d-43bb-9c06-f26b35b19276">Tickets $35 - $60</a></em>
(via Facebook)<br/><br/>Check out the newest musicals without the absurd Broadway prices at the <strong><a href="http://www.truonline.org/TRUMusicals.htm">TRU Voices New Musicals Reading Series</a></strong>. The series helps producers hone their skills while offering musical buffs an opportunity to check out the latest plays for free. First up, <em>Wild and Willful Women</em>, which sounds like <em>The Crucible</em> meets <em>Footloose</em>; then it's <em>Brindlebeast</em>, a three-story piece performed in both voice and American Sign Language; and finally <em>Popesical</em>, a musical comedy about selecting the next father of the Catholic church. Mingle with performers and crew following each performance for wine and cheese plus a panel discussion on how to bring these fledgling shows to the Great White Way.<br/><br/><em>Mondays, January 13, 20 and February 3 // <a href="http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/bpac/">Baruch Performing Arts Center</a> // Free; email [email protected] for reservations</em>
<br/><br/>The hallowed halls of Grand Central Terminal will be transformed into a sweaty, squeaky squash court for the annual <strong><a href="http://www.tocsquash.com/">J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions</a></strong>, bringing some of the best ball handlers in the world for a big competition. For those who didn't attend prep school, the tennis-handball hybrid puts two players inside a glass box as they whack a tiny rubber ball around and try to ace their opponent. It's a high energy, highly athletic sportâand the setting ain't too shabby either. <br/><br/><em>Friday, January 17th through 24th // Grand Central Terminal // <a href="http://www.tocsquash.com/ticket-info/tickets.html">Tickets $8 - $15</a></em>
<br/><br/>The brilliant film geeks at Anthology Film Archives have put together a day of movie marathoning at their <strong><a href="http://anthologyfilmarchives.org/film_screenings/calendar?view=list&month=01&year=2014#showing-42049">Totally 80's Movie Freak Out</a></strong>. The marathon includes six secret films from the decade that will "totally gag you with a celluloid chainsaw!" The 11-hour screening includes 35mm versions of the films, which include a musical, a slasher film, a blaxploitation film and three other secret titles. These aren't the mainstream movies you remember but they do star some of the big names of the day, including Patrick Swayze, Michael J. Fox and Scott Baio. Prepare yourself for the "wildest, most mind-bending, strangest, most criminally-neglected bomb diggity movies the 80s has to offer."<br/><br/><em>Saturday, January 18th, 12:30 p.m. // <a href="http://anthologyfilmarchives.org/contact/directions">Anthology Film Archives</a> // <a href="http://totally80smoviefreakout.brownpapertickets.com/">Tickets $25</a></em>
<br/><br/>Small batch distilling has been <a href="http://gothamist.com/2010/07/18/hipsters_bringing_back_ancient_craf.php">on the rise</a>, with new distilleries popping up all over the boroughs. The <a href="http://www.kingscountydistillery.com/">Kings County Distillery</a> leads a <strong><a href="http://www.green-wood.com/event/the-history-of-urban-distilling/">History of Urban Distilling</a></strong> discussion where you'll learn about 18th-century Brooklyn distilleries, the 19th century "whiskey wars" and the role the borough has played in booze throughout our history. Following the disucssionâwhich takes place in Brooklyn's lovely Green-Wood Cemeteryâyou'll get to sample the product for yourself and also take a tour of the grounds and some of the whiskey-related sites there.<br/><br/><em>Saturday, January 18th, 3 p.m. // Green-Wood Cemetery // <a href="http://www.green-wood.com/event/the-history-of-urban-distilling/">Tickets $40</a></em>
<br/><br/>We may not have a <a href="http://gothamist.com/2012/12/27/bloomberg_is_probably_dealing_with.php">home in Bermuda</a> but we can visit a tropical oasis without getting on a plane or <a href="http://gothamist.com/2013/12/02/report_bloomberg_kept_on_golfing_in.php">alienating our constituents</a>. The <a href="http://www.nybg.org/">New York Botanical Garden's</a> <strong><a href="http://www.nybg.org/exhibitions/2014/tropical-paradise/">Tropical Paradise</a></strong> brings a lush celebration of colorful flora to the Bronx, with myriad flowers and plants native to warmer climates. The accompanying photography show boasts gorgeous images of flowers and plants from across the globe that didn't make the trek to NYC. <br/><br/><em>January 18th - February 23rd // <a href="http://www.nybg.org/visit/">New York Botanical Garden</a> // <a href="http://www.nybg.org/visit/tickets.php">Tickets $20</a></em>
<br/><br/>Award-winning photographer Carrie Mae Weems is the subject of an upcoming exhibit at the Guggenheim, which chronicles the artist's 30-year career. <strong><a href="http://www.guggenheim.org/new-york/exhibitions/upcoming/carrie-mae-weems-three-decades-of-photography-and-video">Carrie Mae Weems: Three Decades of Photography and Video</a></strong> looks at the beginning of her career including her groundbreaking <em>Kitchen Table Series</em> as well as documentary work and later conceptual works. A socially-focused artists, Weems' work examines identity, race, gender and politics in a variety of formats.<br/><br/><em>January 24th - May 14th // <a href="http://www.guggenheim.org/new-york/visit">Guggenheim</a> // Free with Museum admission</em>
<br/><br/>Now in its fourth year, the <strong><a href="http://www.kaufmanmusiccenter.org/mch/series/ecstatic-music-festival">Ecstatic Music Festival</a></strong> offers a series of collaborative concerts from performers and composers from all genres of music, creating unique sounds and songs for adventurous audiences. This year, some participants include Saul Williams with Mivos Quartet, Buke and Gase with So Percussion, and the Brooklyn Youth Chorus with Colin Stetson. Listen to performances from <a href="http://www.wqxr.org/#!/series/ecstatic-music-festival-2013/">previous iterations</a> for a taste of what's in store.<br/><br/><em>January 25 through March 21 // <a href="http://www.kaufmanmusiccenter.org/">Kaufman Music Center</a> // Single tickets $24; <a href="http://www.kaufmanmusiccenter.org/mch/series/ecstatic-music-festival">festival pass $150</a></em>
<br/><br/>Get a jump start on that New Year's Resolution to "be more active" by participating in the <strong><a href="https://nycruns.com/races/?race=brrooklyn-half-marathon">NYCRuns Brrr-ooklyn Half Marathon</a></strong>, which takes place in beautiful Prospect Park. The course is comprised of four full loops of the park and runners have three hours to complete the 13.1-miles. Following the race, enjoy hot chocolate, bagels and spreads plus some more healthful fruit to replenish following all that exertion. <a href="https://nycruns.com/races/?race=brrooklyn-half-marathon">Register soon</a>âparticipation is limited to 500 runners.<br/><br/><em>Saturday, January 25th, 8 a.m. // Prospect Park // <a href="https://nycruns.com/races/?race=brrooklyn-half-marathon">Registration $50</a></em>
(Bitch Cakes/Flickr)<br/><br/>Forget frugalityâespecially when it comes to the three best B's in the world: <strong><a href="http://www.beerandbourbon.com/new-york/show-info">Beer, Bourbon and Barbecue</a></strong>. The annual festival of gluttony returns to The Tunnel this month, bringing with it a bounty of booze and meat all for the taking. Sample everything from big names in whiskey like Evan Williams to local distilleries like Hudson; same goes for beers, with suds from Sierra Nevada, Magic Hat, Bronx Brewery and <a href="http://www.beerandbourbon.com/new-york/drink-menu">a whole lot more</a>. With all the boozing, you'll also want a food foundation; luckily Jeepney, Virgil's, Beast of Bourbon and Mexicue will be on hand, as well as <a href="http://www.beerandbourbon.com/new-york/show-info">other eateries</a> for your hogging pleasure. Choose one of <a href="http://www.beerandbourbon.com/new-york/show-info">three sessions</a> and let the over indulging begin. (Again.) <br/><br/><em>Saturday, January 25th, noon and 5:30 p.m. // <a href="http://tunnelevents.com/">The Tunnel</a> // <a href="http://www.drinkeatrelax.com/category/products/tickets/beer-bourbon-and-bbq-festival/beer-bourbon-bbq-manhattan-ny-january-25th">Tickets $99 - $199</a></em>
<br/><br/>The series may be over but <em>Breaking Bad</em> fever has yet to die down. To that end, One World Symphony presents the world premiere of <strong><a href="http://www.oneworldsymphony.org/concerts1314_Addiction.shtml">Breaking BadâOzymandias</a></strong>, a new work inspired by the TV show as well as Percy Bysshe Shelley's sonnet of the same name. The work "explores the question that the drama obsessively and hauntingly asked: 'are we all breaking bad?'" The evening also includes performances around the theme of Addiction, including Wagner's <em>The Flying Dutchman</em>, Tchaikovsky's <em>Eugene Onegin</em> and <em>La Captive</em> by Berlioz.<br/><br/><em>January 26th and 27th, 8 p.m. // <a href="http://www.holyapostlesnyc.org/">Holy Apostles Church</a> // <a href="http://www.oneworldsymphony.org/concerts1314_Addiction.shtml">Tickets $40</a></em>
<br/><br/>Score some inspiration for your Superbowl party at <strong><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/tailgate-48-hosted-by-chef-robert-irvine-meat-man-pat-lafrieda-tickets-9512695729">Tailgate 48</a></strong>, a food and drinks event hosted by Food Network personality Robert Irvine and NYC meat master Pat LaFrieda. The duo are throwing a big tailgate-inspired party at LIC's Studio Square, where guests can eat unlimited plates of game day cuisine like chicken wings, bratwurst and corn dogs plus sip on libations from Heineken and other spirits providers. While we're always game for gluttony, proceeds from <a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/tailgate-48-hosted-by-chef-robert-irvine-meat-man-pat-lafrieda-tickets-9512695729">ticket sales</a> benefit the Armed Forces Foundation and the Gary Sinise Foundation, making this eating for a great cause. They'll have some live music on hand as well plus screenings of classic football clips on their giant Super Screen in the heated garden.<br/><br/>Sunday, January 26th, 1 p.m. // <a href="http://www.studiosquarenyc.com/">Studio Square</a> // <a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/tailgate-48-hosted-by-chef-robert-irvine-meat-man-pat-lafrieda-tickets-9512695729">GA $125, VIP $175</a>
(via Facebook)