The muse of songwriters and the setting for countless romantic films, New York City is the "city that never sleeps." From the tourist-heavy Times Square district to the Statue of Liberty, countless activities, sites and attractions exist to keep visitors of any budget busy during day, but it is when the sun goes down that the locally-favored and more distinctive attractions make themselves known.
The Moth presents live storytelling performances for audiences. Performers for the shows range from literary giants and Hollywood actors to New York City police officers and college students. Notable past performers include authors Sam Shepard, Malcolm Gladwell and Neil Gaiman, actors Ethan Hawke and William Baldwin and comedian Lewis Black to name just a few.
Although the Moth presents live shows in eight cities across the country, two specific types of shows are presented in the New York: Moth StorySLAM and Moth Mainstage. StorySLAM shows are storytelling competitions between amateur storytellers. Mainstage shows are often headlined by famous speakers. All shows revolve around a theme and all true stories are told without the benefit of notes.
StorySlam shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and Mainstage shows begin at 8 p.m. All shows are presented in various speaking, music and theater venues in Manhattan including The Bitter End, Nuyorican Poets Cafe and The Players Club. If you see a show is scheduled, act quickly; the events are consistently sold out.
The Moth
330 West 38th Street
Suite 1403
New York, NY 10018
212-742-0551
themoth.org
Skyline Cruises offers dinner cruises for those looking for a special night with a view. Cruises board and disembark from Chelsea Piers. They travel around lower Manhattan, ranging from the theater district on the Hudson to the Williamsburg Bridge on East River. The cruises pass Roosevelt Island and the Statue of Liberty.
The cruise lasts from 7 to 11 p.m. and the buffet includes a prime rib carving station as well as chicken scaloppine and a crab-stuffed lemon sole. The evening concludes with dessert and dancing, featuring music from a DJ.
Skyline Cruises requires advance reservations and a business casual (no jeans or sneakers) attire. Free parking at the marina is available for patrons.
Skyline Cruises
Chelsea Piers
New York, NY 10011
212-757-7567
skylinecruises.com
Taking in a live music performance in a small bar is one alternative for visitors looking to steer clear of tourist-heavy sites in favor of a true New York experience. The Bitter End in Greenwich Village is the city's oldest rock club; it opened in 1961.The club boasts of over 50 music legends such as Joan Baez, Stevie Wonder, Neil Young and Linda Ronstadt having performed at the club at the start of their careers.
The club generally books four to five acts per night with the first set beginning at 7 p.m. The cover charge varies per set. The dress code is casual, and reservations are not accepted. The bar does not serve food and there is no drink minimum for each performance.
The Bitter End is within walking distance of the 6, W or R subway lines near New York University in Greenwich Village.
The Bitter End
147 Bleecker Street
New York, NY 10012
212-673-7030
bitterend.com
