Gothamist Winter Guide: 20 Things To Do In January
21 photos
<p>So now that the <a href="http://gothamist.com/2012/12/17/you_wanna_suck_my_nuts_and_other_sa.php">Santas have been put away</a>, the <a href="http://gothamist.com/2012/12/21/dyker_heights_lights_1.php">holiday lights</a> are back in storage and we've <a href="http://gothamist.com/2012/12/20/holiday_foods.php">eaten our weight in stollen</a>, it's time to ditch 2012 and embrace the new year. Here are some suggestions to keep away the winter doldrums in the opening month of 2013. </p>
<br/><br/>One of the hotly most anticipated Broadway shows of the year is currently in previews at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, where Deborah Monk, Benjamin Walker and Scarlett Johansson are starring in a revival of Tennessee Williams's famous play <em><strong>Cat on a Hot Tin Roof</strong></em> about a rich plantation owner, his sodden son, and feisty wife. You may <a href="http://gothamist.com/2010/03/24/benjamin_walker_actor.php">recall Walker from the hit rock musical</a> <em>Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson</em>, and Johansson you'll no doubt recognize from your elaborate private fantasies involving strawberries, a bearskin rug, and [REDACTED]. But don't let her flashy Hollywood resume fool you; Johansson has the makings of a fine stage actorâshe more than held her own in the Broadway debut in <em><a href="http://gothamist.com/2010/01/24/opinionist_a_view_from_the_bridge.php#photo-1">A View From the Bridge</a></em>, bringing a surprising vulnerability and subtlety to the revival. <br/><br/><br/><br/><em>Performances began last month and continue through March 30th only (or so they say). Find <a href="http://www.catonahottinroofbroadway.com/">tickets through the show's website.</a></em>
<br/><br/>The <a href="http://www.nysec.org/">New York Society for Ethical Culture</a> is screening James Cameron's 1984 classic <em><strong><a href="http://www.nysec.org/film-1-4-2013">The Terminator</a></strong></em>, where Arnold Schwarzenegger plays against type as a cyborg assassin from the future. Sure, the special effects are dated compared to Cameron's more flashy <em>Avatar</em>-era flicks but Arnold's stone-faced one-liners are timeless. $5 gets you admission to the film as well as snacks and beverages plus the chance to peek inside the Society's beautiful Central Park West headquarters. <br/><br/><em>Friday, January 4th, 7 p.m. // <a href="http://www.nysec.org/directions">New York Society for Ethical Culture</a> // Tickets $5</em>
<br/><br/>Answer a question posed by a stranger and ask one in return. The formula for <strong><a href="http://askroulette.net/">Ask Roulette</a></strong> may be simple but the results are anything but. You can get the <a href="http://askroulette.net/about">full lowdown here</a> but basically two strangers sit on stage, separated by a divider, and ask a question to the other. There will be "unexpected connections, surprising anecdotes, and honest conversation. You'll also laugh." Special guests for <a href="http://www.housingworks.org/events/detail/ask-roulette-anniversary-special-with-aj-jacobs-baratunde-thurston-and-more/">this month's event</a> include AJ Jacobs, editor at large at <em>Esquire</em> magazine, and comedian Julieanne Somolinski, better known as @boobsradley on Twitter. <br/><br/><em>Wednesday, January 9th, 7 p.m. // <a href="http://www.housingworks.org/locations/detail/bookstore-cafe/">Housing Works Bookstore Cafe</a> // <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/237692316362232">RSVP on Facebook</a></em>
<br/><br/>Sit in on live tapings of some of the best podcasts around at the <strong><a href="http://nycpodfest.com/">NYC Podcast Festival</a></strong>, presented by the Peoples Improv Theater. âRISK!â with Kevin Allison, "Dave Hill's Podcasting Incident" and "It's That Episode" with Craig Rowin will all be taping their shows plus other podcasts from CollegeHumor, Splitsider, Nerdist Networks and more. Lots of laughs and something new for your iPod are all but guaranteed.<br/><br/><em>January 12th and 13th, beginning at 3:30 p.m. Saturday // <a href="http://thepit-nyc.com/about/">Peoples Improv Theater</a> // <a href="http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/303975">Tickets $8 general, $45 festival pass</a></em>
<br/><br/>On January 11th, Gothamist favorite <strong><a href="http://gothamist.com/tags/dirtyprojectors">Dirty Projectors</a></strong> will be performing a very special performance in one of New York's best music venues: Carnegie Fucking Hall. Like <a href="http://gothamist.com/2009/06/16/andrew_bird_musician_1.php">Andrew Bird before them</a>, the idiosyncratic indie rockers will take over the pristine concert hall for a night of sophisticated devil's music. They'll be joined by New York's modern classical ensemble <a href="http://ymusicensemble.com/">yMusic</a>, which will be performing as DP's string section for a portion of the show (and also opening).<br/><br/> To mark the occasion, Dirty Projectors is also pressing a special âOffspring Are Blankâ white label 7", with the brand-new song âThere's A Fireâ as a b-side. The 7" will be exclusively be sold at their show, and limited to 250 copies. <br/><br/><em>Friday, January 11th at 8 p.m. // Tickets are <a href="http://www.carnegiehall.org/Calendar/2013/1/11/0800/PM/Dirty-Projectors/">still on sale here</a>.</em>
<br/><br/>It's time once again for the <a href="http://www.undertheradarfestival.com/index.php?c=48">Under the Radar Festival</a>, which we consider to be the most exciting theatrical event of the year. Curated and founded by former P.S. 122 director Mark Russell, the international festival is packed with 12 days and nights of genre-busting productions from around the world. It kicks off January 9th at <a href="http://www.publictheater.org/">The Public Theater</a> and rages through the 20th, with a dozen shows from seven countries. There's a lot to choose from, so to help sort it all we spoke with Russell about what's on his Radar this year; check out <a href="http://gothamist.com/2012/12/11/a_guide_to_under_the_radar_2013_fro.php#photo-1">our guide to everything down under</a>.<br/><br/><em>January 9th through January 20th at <a href="http://www.publictheater.org/">The Public Theater</a> </em>
<br/><br/>We've seen naughty musicals before, including the recently revived <a href="http://gothamist.com/2012/08/31/gothamist_end_of_summer_guide_20_th.php#photo-7">Forbidden Broadway</a>, but something tells that <strong><a href="http://www.joespub.com/component/option,com_shows/task,view/Itemid,40/id,6461">Drew Gasparini Presents the Most Offensive Night of Musical Theatre</a></strong> may go beyond simple puppet sex and Spiderman lampooning. Musician and composer <a href="http://www.drewgasparinimusic.com/index.html">Drew Gasparini</a>âwho is a collaborating composer for the upcoming season of <em>Smash</em>âtackles the important issues facing our society, like "why two siblings who love each other can't get married in the state of New York." He'll be joined by a crew of Broadway vets and Double Dare maestro himself Marc Summers will emcee. <br/><br/><em>Monday, January 7th, 11:30 p.m. // <a href="http://www.joespub.com/content/view/24/44/#Location">Joe's Pub</a> // <a href="http://www.joespub.com/component/option,com_shows/task,view/Itemid,40/id,6461">Tickets $15</a></em>
<br/><br/>Works on paper by some of the most revered surrealist artists will be on display at the Morgan Library beginning at the end of January in <strong><a href="http://www.themorgan.org/exhibitions/exhibition.asp?id=70">Drawing Surrealism</a></strong>, the first major exhibition to highlight drawing's central role in Surrealism. "Drawing became an important means of expression and innovation among Surrealist artists in the first half of the twentieth century, resulting in a rich array of graphic techniques including automatic drawing, collage, decalcomania, fumage, exquisite corpse, and frontage." 160 works by Salvador Dali, Max Ernst, Joan Miro and others will explore drawing's relationship to Surrealism and also show the impact of Surrealist drawing on artists around the globe. <br/><br/><em>Opens January 25 through April 21 // <a href="http://www.themorgan.org/visit/default.asp">The Morgan Library</a> // Museum admission $15</em>
<br/><br/>Geographical, emotional and artistic journeys will be on display at the Museum of the Moving Image's <strong><a href="http://www.movingimage.us/films/2013/01/04/detail/first-look/">First Look</a></strong>, their annual film festival for new international cinema. Twenty-six feature-length and short films from a dozen countries are screened during the fest, which includes material from both established filmmakers and newcomers. Stay afterwards to talk with visiting directors, who will attend some of the screenings, or take the opportunity to check out the rest of the Museum's impressive media collection.<br/><br/><em>January 4th through 13th // <a href="http://www.movingimage.us/visit/directions">Museum of the Moving Image</a> // Free with Museum admission ($12 adults)</em>
From Winter Go Away!<br/><br/>Longing for the simpler times of schoolyard games? Take yourself back to third grade for an afternoon of <strong><a href="http://levysuniqueny.com/events/eighth-annual-freeze-tag-on-wall-street-2013/">Freeze Tag on Wall Street</a></strong> For eight years now, the folks at <a href="http://levysuniqueny.com/">Levy's Unique New York</a> have been gathering playful New Yorkers for an afternoon of playground gamesâremember Blob Tag??âin the heart of the financial district. Way better than an hour on the elliptical. <br/><br/><em>Sunday, January 20th, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. // Corner of Wall and Broad Streets // Free</em>
<br/><br/>If Iambic pentameter gets you hot but you're tired of Hamlet's moping, the <strong><a href="http://www.improvisedshakespeare.com/">Improvised Shakespeare Company</a></strong> is most definitely for you. Taking title suggestions from the audience, the dudes create an entirely original, on-the-spot play in the style of the Bard. Though this be madness, there is method in 't and for proof, check out the guys in action in <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KLeeWYND_c&feature=player_embedded#!">Rubber Crazy</a>. They'll be at Theatre 80 on St. Marks for five performances this month. <br/><br/><em>January 10th through 12th // <a href="http://www.theatre80.net/">Theatre 80</a> // <a href='http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/305168"'>Tickets $27.50</a></em>
<br/><br/>King of grumpy comedic commentary <strong><a href='http://www.92y.org/Uptown/Event/Lewis-Black-with-Judy-Gold.aspx?utm_source=92Y_Feature&utm_medium=Lewis-Black-with-Judy-Gold&utm_campaign=Uptown"'>Lewis Black</a></strong> sits down for a chat with fellow comedian Judy Gold to discuss the "fiscal cliff, global warming, filibusters, gas rations" and everything else that "drives Lewis Black mad." Judging from Black's many comedy specials, including his current touring show <em>Running on Empty</em>, that means just about everything. <br/><br/><em>Monday, January 7th, 8 p.m. // <a href="http://www.92y.org/Uptown/About-Us/Plan-Your-Visit/Directions.aspx">92nd Street Y</a> // <a href="http://www.92y.org/Uptown/Event/Lewis-Black-with-Judy-Gold.aspx?utm_source=92Y_Feature&utm_medium=Lewis-Black-with-Judy-Gold&utm_campaign=Uptown">Tickets $41</a></em>
Black and Gold via 92nd Street Y<br/><br/>Listen to some brand new jokes from the likes of <a href="https://twitter.com/NikkiGlaser">Nikki Glaser</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/saraschaefer1">Sara Schaefer</a> and more at the 7th Annual <strong><a href="http://www.thebellhouseny.com/calendar.php">50 First Jokes</a></strong> going down at the <a href="http://www.thebellhouseny.com/index.php">Bell House</a>. 50 comedians will tell the first joke they've written this year so while they may be on the scruffier side, you're guaranteed a unique show by some seriously funny people. Besides, seeing 50 comedians for just $10 is no laughing matter.<br/><br/><em>Friday, January 4th, 8 p.m. // <a href="http://www.thebellhouseny.com/info.php">The Bell House</a> // <a href="http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=3255714&pl=bellpl">Tickets $10</a></em>
via 92YTribeca on Flickr<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/><em>Meet the Sloths</em>, <em>Day of the Tiger</em>, <em>Manta Ray of Hope</em>, <em>The Orphaned Orangutan</em>âthese are just a few of the intriguing titles at this year's <strong><a href="http://wcff.org/">Wildlife Conservation Film Festival</a></strong>, now in its third, nature-filled year. Documentary shorts capture the vivid life of Earth's wildlife, from struggles against extinction, like the Arabian Leopard, to the tale of an orphaned baby wombat who didn't want to leave its human surrogates. Each evening is dedicated to certain animals, from sea turtles to Asian elephants to bison.<br/><br/><em>January 30th through February 2nd // <a href="http://www.firmdalehotels.com/new-york/crosby-street-hotel/crosby-street-screening-rooms">Crosby Street Hotel & Theater</a> // Screenings $18, <a href="http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/277135">Festival Pass $175</a></em>
<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/>Cassoulet, chili's French cousin, may not be so well known this side of the pond, but for one weekend the classic French stew will take the spotlight at <strong><a href="http://jimmysno43.com/">Jimmy's No. 43</a></strong> in the East Village. The weekend will begin with a <a href="http://jimmysno43.com/events/beer-beans/">Beer Tasting</a> on Saturday afternoon, featuring over 20 beers selected for pairing with cassoulet. On Sunday, the <strong><a href="http://jimmysno43.com/events/fifth-annual-cassoulet-coookoff/">5th annual Cassoulet Cookoff</a></strong> will judge both amateur and professional chefs; and the weekend will conclude with a <a href="http://jimmysno43.com/events/french-wine-cassoulet-prix-fixe-dinner/">Cassoulet Prix Fixe dinner</a> on Monday Night, serving three types of cassoulet and five French wine pairings. <em>(Anne Saunders)</em><br/><br/><em>January 12th, 13th and 14th // <a href="http://jimmysno43.com/">Jimmy's No. 43</a> // <a href="http://jimmysno43.com/events/">Tickets available here</a></em>
via seriouslygood1 on Flickr<br/><br/>Contemporary dance group <strong><a href="http://www.parsonsdance.org/">Parsons Dance</a></strong> present two premiere works at the <a href="http://www.joyce.org/performancestickets/calendar_detail.php?event=468&theater=1">Joyce Theater</a> exploring two starkly different human landscapes through movement. The first is <em>Dawn to Dusk</em>, a multimedia work by Artistic Director David Parsonâset to music by <a href="http://gothamist.com/tags/andrewbird">Andrew Bird</a>âthat "celebrates the diverse people and landscapes of Southern Florida." <em>Black Flowers</em>, choreographed by former company member Katarzyna Skarpetowska, explores the artist's Polish roots, accompanied by Chopin. Three other works will be performed each evening, including <em>Caught</em>, which is pictured above. <br/><br/><em>January 15th - 27th // <a href="http://www.joyce.org/planyourvisit/directions.php">Joyce Theater</a> // <a href="http://tickets.joyce.org/tickets/production.aspx?PID=1886">Tickets start at $10</a></em>
<br/><br/>Take the bitter chill off with streaming hot bowls of chili at this year's <strong><a href="http://www.nychilifest.com/">NYChiliFest</a></strong>, where your ticket gets you access to a "500-foot concourse of chili" prepared by some of the city's best restaurants. Beer Table, Brooklyn Star, Morris Grilled Cheese and Pies n' Thighs start off the list of vendors cooking up their best rendition of the red stuff. Each chef will be supplied with 100% dry-aged, locally-raised beef from Wrighteous Organics so your chili will be both tasty and sustainable. Samuel Adams beer will be flowing freely and as will the tunes, courtesy of The Dixons. Ticket proceeds benefit Food Systems Network NYC, an organization that "builds vibrant, local farm and food economy for all."<br/><br/><em>January 27th, 7 p.m. // <a href="http://chelseamarket.com/visitors/">Chelsea Market</a> // <a href='http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/301600"'>Tickets $50-$55</a></em>
via yoames's Flickr<br/><br/>Explore what may be the future of housing in New York City at the Museum of the City of New York's new exhibit <strong><a href="http://www.mcny.org/exhibitions/future/Making-Room.html">Making Room: New Models for Housing New Yorkers</a></strong>. The show explores the myriad designs for adjusting 21st century housing to the 21st century city's demographic. The exhibit will feature a full-size "micro-studio" apartment replica along with many other designs for new housing solutions for the future of the city. <em>(Anne Saunders)</em><br/><br/><em>Opens Wednesday, January 23rd // <a href="http://www.mcny.org/visit-the-museum/">Museum of the City of New York</a> // $10 suggested admission</em>
image courtesy of the Museum of the City of New York