Discover New York with Kitt Garrett - August 2004 Newsletter


ISSUE 38 - AUGUST 2004

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"We help you turn the ordinary into the extraordinary"

Airport meet and greet Tickets to theater and sporting events Restaurant reservations Hotel reservations	Private yachts Private Helicopters Over 150 Behind the Scenes Programs providing access to people, places and things that make New York special
Thank you for all of your comments about the monthly newsletter. We are delighted that you are enjoying it. Please do click on our web site for program details with pricing. You will find the prices for transfers, tours, helicopter rides, all listed there.

We are very proud to have been selected by Wendy Perrin as the exclusive Destination Specialist for New York City in the August issue of Conde Nast Traveler Magazine! We join an elite group of specialists who are recognized as Dream Makers for creating magical experiences around the world. We look forward to creating one for you.

I didn't know you did that!

What kind of shopping tours can you offer to a group visiting New York?

The range of shopping tours is as varied as your interests. They could include programs focused on a specific category such as Sterling Silver, Porcelain, Antiques or Home Furnishings. Or, they could focus on fashion in neighborhoods such as The Garment District, NoLita or Chinatown. Or, you could choose a type of store such as either department store landmarks, or neighborhood boutiques. Let us know your price point, interest, and ages, so that we can match your expectations with the shopping possibilities. Teenagers enjoy one type of shopping, while grandparents might want something very different. We can help you to navigate the hidden jewels of New York City while finding something extraordinary for everyone on your holiday gift list.

What Spouse Programs can you offer to a group visiting New York?

Depending upon the time of day, and how many hours you have to explore New York, there are over 150 different program options on our web site. Please call us to customize a program for your attendees that fits perfectly into your interests and budget. Your attendees will enjoy seeing the New York that we know, even if they have been here 150 times!

August Newsletter 2004

August Local Knowledge

Please do not hit the reply button when trying to reach us because the newsletter is sent by Smart Travel Communications. They would need to forward it to us and this will delay our response to you! Instead, please send E-mail to us at: sales@discovernewyork withkittgarrett.com.

The Statue of Liberty will be opened on August 3, 2004. Visitors will be offered a special insider’s view of the engineering marvels that make this monument famous. Tickets to tour the monument can be obtained at the Ferry Ticket offices and via reservations by calling: 1-866-STATUE 4. (1-866-782-8834). The only way to go to Liberty Island is on a public ferry boat that accommodates up to 1,000 people. Security takes time, so allow at least 2 hours prior to the tour time that you wish to book. No private tours are allowed by another means of transportation to the island. This tour is for people who do not mind waiting on long lines.
Restaurant Week has been extended in many restaurants through Labor Day offering a choice of $20.04 lunches and $30.04 dinners.
New York City Cycling Championship, Pro Cycling Tour, Water-Front-John-South Streets, Sunday, August 1^st. Downtown becomes the cycling capital of the world as top cyclists, including riders who have just completed the Tour de France, compete in a 100 kilometer race. Also, a professional women's race.
HBO/Bryant Park Summer Film Festival, Bryant Park, 42^nd Street & Sixth Avenue Monday, August 2^nd. Films begin at sunset. The lawn opens at 5PM for picnicking. No chairs, tables, or plastic sheets, tarps, or pads are allowed on the lawn. Rain dates are Tuesdays. August 2^nd is Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the 1941 film staring Spencer Tracy and Lana Turner.
Bloomberg Blues JAM – Sonny Landreth, South Street Seaport, Pier 17, Tuesday, August 3^rd. Fans of Landreth's soulful sound can catch up with the "King of Slydeco," at this special afternoon show. Free, 1PM.
Seaport Music Festival, South Street Seaport, Pier 17, Tuesday, August 3^rd. A free ten-week concert series featuring a hip line-up of international and national recording artists mixed in with the hottest new stars of tomorrow against the backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge. Free, 6-9PM.
Tunnel Visions: Subway Photos, 1904 – 1908, New-York Historical Society, 2 West 77^th Street @ Central Park West, Tuesday, August 3^rd - November 17^th. This exhibition celebrates 100 years of the busiest subway in the world, drawing heavily from the Society's extraordinary Subway Construction Photo Collection, donated to the New York Historical Society by the NYC Board of Transportation in 1950.
Hudson River Festival – The Ohio Players, Rockefeller Park, Wednesday, August 4^th. Ohio band became a virtual hit-making machine, winning numerous gold and platinum awards. The band combined funk, rock, jazz and soul to craft a new sound, that could be described as "street funk," a sound that would eventually pave the way for the success of both rap and hip-hop. Free, 7:00 PM.
Broadway in Bryant Park, Bryant Park, 42^nd Street & Sixth Avenue, Thursday, August 5^th. 12:30 - 2:00 PM, presented by 106.7 LiteFM. The most popular shows on Broadway perform their biggest hits. August 5^th performance is a special presentation featuring dances and top dancers from many Broadway productions. Produced by Dancers Responding to AIDS.
First Thursdays, Dahesh Museum of Art, 580 Madison Avenue, Thursday, August 5^th. Tales of Tea lecture at 6:30PM: A pot of tea contains whole worlds. Its history follows closely the path of world-explorers. Each leaf is imbued with centuries of tradition, as well as the culture of its origin. Frank Kwei, tea connoisseur and owner of "In Pursuit of Tea," explores these issues while providing samples.
WNBA vs. USA Basketball: The Game at Radio City WNBA, Sixth Avenue (Between 50^th & 51^st Street, Thursday, August 5^th.
Good Morning America Summer Concert Series, Bryant Park, Friday, August 6^th. 7-9 AM. Jessica Simpson.
Times Square Summer Fair, Seventh Avenue from 47^th to 59^thStreet. Saturday, August 7^th. At this 7^th annual shopping experience, over 400 authentic ethnic foods, arts, crafts, antique, jewelry and general merchandise exhibitors will create a midway along 7th Avenue. Over 100 cultural, non-profit, government and corporate displays will be on view.
Dragon Boat Festival, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Meadow Lake, Saturday, August 7^th and Sunday, August 8^th. Dragon boat racing championships, opening-day parade, dragon dance, food, arts, crafts, cultural programs and performances. Racing starts at 9:30 AM. Free.
Asian Americans for Equality Chinatown Summer Festival, Bayard Street, Sunday, August 8^th. This year, the summer festival will have a "Celebrate Immigrants!" theme and will feature cultural performances such as Chinese Opera singing contests, awards ceremonies, children's activities and information booths. Summer festival takes place from 11 AM - 3 PM on Bayard Street in Chinatown.
Madison Avenue Summer Fair, Madison Avenue from 42^nd to 57^th Street, Sunday, August 8^th. Over 500 authentic and/or original creators featuring arts, crafts, artisans, antiques, collectibles and fashion merchandise exhibitors will be on view to create a balloon arch-covered pedestrian midway along Madison Avenue. Over 50 cultural and corporate displays will be on view providing free information or product samples.
HBO/Bryant Park Summer Film Festival, Bryant Park, 42^nd Street & SixthAvenue Monday, August 9^th. Films begin at sunset. The lawn opens at 5PM for picnicking. No chairs, tables, or plastic sheets, tarps, or pads are allowed on the lawn. Rain dates are Tuesdays. August 9^th is Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, the 1939 film starring Jimmy Stewart.
Broadway in Bryant Park, Bryant Park, 42^nd Street & Sixth Avenue Thursday, August 12^th. 12:30 - 2:00 PM, presented by 106.7 LiteFM. The most popular shows on Broadway perform their biggest hits. August 12^th performances include Bare, a Pop Opera, Chicago, The Lion King and Stomp.
Wall Street Community Day Festival Series, Wall St. from South to Water Street. Friday, August 13^th. At this, the 8^th annual monthly festival series, over 100 local and authentic, ethnic foods, art, craft, antiques, jewelry and merchandise exhibitors will create a shopping mall along Wall Street. Over 50 resident shops, local restaurants & corporate displays will be on view.
Good Morning America Summer Concert Series, Bryant Park, Friday, August 13^th. 7-9 AM. Black Eyed Peas, with their progressive hip-hop is a product of R&B, soul and jazz, to perform.
Lingerie Fashion Show Pajama Ball, 311 W. 34^th Street. Saturday, August 14^th. New York City’s Lingerie Fashion Show Pajama Ball will be unlike any other fashion event you have ever seen. With a collection of the most sexy and innovative lingerie, this event will be sure to catch some attention in New York City.
The Big Apple Fest, A two month promotional platform & special event for the City of New York, the Big Apple Fest will feature over 300 "Big Apple" sculptures in a public art exhibit. Artists will be recruited to design & create four feet tall, molded Big Apples. Corporations & local businesses will sponsor individual apples, bushels and/or mini-orchards. Big Apple Fest commences Saturday, August 15, 2004. In early September, the Republican National Convention will be held at Madison Square Garden which will heighten the awareness level of the Big Apple Fest. After the conclusion of the exhibit in late October, Sotheby's will auction the Big Apples to benefit City Harvest, NYC & Company Foundation and Police Athletic League.
Hudson River Park’s Blues, Barbeque and Fireworks Festival, Hudson River Park's Pier 54^th, Hudson River Park's Pier 54 Saturday, August 15^th. Performances by top blues bands, headlined by the "Queen of the Blues", Koko Taylor. Popular BBQ restaurants sell their specialties. The festival ends with a spectacular fireworks show.
HBO/Bryant Park Summer Film Festival, Bryant Park, 42^nd Street & Sixth Avenue, Sunday, August 16^th. Films begin at sunset. The lawn opens at 5 PM for picnicking. No chairs, tables, or plastic sheets, tarps, or pads are allowed on the lawn. Rain dates are Tuesdays. August 16^th is Planet of the Apes, the 1968 film starring Charlton Heston.
SPICE Summer Festival, Salsa & Tango on Pier 63, 23^rd Street & West Side Hwy on the Hudson River Sunday, August 16^th. Every Monday night through Sept. 13^th enjoy salsa, tango and Brazilian dancing while overlooking the Hudson River. Lessons at 8 PM, dancing 9 PM - 1 AM. Rain or shine.
Bloomberg Blues JAM, South Street Seaport, Pier 17, Tuesday, August 17^th. Enjoy the best of new and traditional blues artists with this popular long-running series. Free, 1 PM.
Howl! Festival, The Federation of East Village Artists, Avenue A and Tompkins Square Park, Tuesday, August 17^th – Tuesday, August 24, 2004. Week-long arts festival: the Allen Ginsberg Poetry Festival, Art Around the Park, Way Off-Broadway, the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival, the Avenue A Processional, the Bluegrass Ball, and more. Film expo screenings at local cinemas and live performances at area theaters. A countercultural bazaar complements the weekend festivities.
New York Salsa Congress 2004, New York Hilton Hotel, 1335 Avenue of the Americas, 53^rd Street Thursday, August 19^th – Sunday, August 22^nd. The New York Salsa Congress is an annual event that attracts performers, instructors, social dancers and Salsa Enthusiasts from all over the world to New York for a 4-day weekend dedicated to the celebration of this wonderful dance in one of the most important salsa cities of the world.
Good Morning America Summer Concert Series, Bryant Park, Friday, August 20^th. 7 - 9 AM. Nelly, whose catchy beat is a staple of the club scene worldwide, to perform.
Tri-State Junior Tennis Classic, Harlem Week, 150^th Street and A.C. Powell Jr. Blvd. Friday, August 20^th. Open matches taking place at the Fred Johnson Tennis Courts from 1 PM to 7 PM.
Gramercy Park Neighborhood Festival, Third Avenue from 14^th to 23^rd Street. Saturday, August 21^st. At this, the 12^th annual festival, over 400 authentic, ethnic foods, art, craft, antiques, jewelry and merchandise exhibitors will create a midway along Third Avenue. Over 100 cultural, non-profit and corporate displays will be on view. The entertainment will be characteristic of this important community–oriented event.
HBO/Bryant Park Summer Film Festival, Bryant Park, 42^nd Street & Sixth Avenue, Monday, August 23^rd. Films begin at sunset. The lawn opens at 5 PM for picnicking. No chairs, tables, or plastic sheets, tarps, or pads are allowed on the lawn. Rain dates are Tuesdays. August 23^rd is The Big Sleep, the 1946 film starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.
49th Annual NAWIC Convention, National Association of Women in Construction, Hilton New York, Tuesday, August 24^th–Friday, August 27^th. NAWIC is an international association whose core purpose is to enhance the success of women in the construction industry. The annual convention provides NAWIC members educational and networking opportunities. Non-member registrations are available.
WonkaMobile visits Dylan’s Candy Bar for family fun and free candy. Dylan's Candy Bar, 1011 3rd Avenue. @ 60th Street. Saturday, August 28^th. 10 AM - 4 PM at Dylan’s Candy Bar, all kids can enjoy the fun and excitement of seeing the Wonka factory through a modern-day WonkaMobile, an interactive candy van that is making a special visit to Dylan’s Candy Bar and giving away loads of free Wonka candy. The WonkaMobile offers all the same visuals, sounds and toys from the movie.
Republican National Convention, Madison Square Garden, Monday, August 30, 2004 - September 2^nd. The Republican presidential nominating convention takes place in NYC.
2004 US Open Tennis Championships, National Tennis Center, Corona Park, Flushing Meadows Monday, August 30, 2004 – Sunday, September 12^th. Yes, call us for tickets!
Shop Tax Free in NYC, Tuesday, August 31^st – Monday, September 6^th. Shop Tax Free in NYC! Take advantage of a city and state sales-tax-free period for clothing and footwear for items under $110.

Culinary Progams

The Meatpacking District continues to change. What appeals to one group during the day might well change to a different group in the evening. Call us to help sort through which restaurants are perfect for you and your group.

Five Ninth: Loud, cramped, small tables and large plates Asian accented American choices with lots of attitude.
Vento: Steve Hanson’s wonderful space for both indoor and outdoor dining with light Italian options.
Pastis: Keith McNally’s French bistro, fun sister of Balthazar, noisy.
Markt: Belgium offerings including moules and frites and great beer selections.
Spice Market: Jean George’s Asian small and large plates in a Singaporean environment, great for sharing.
Hog Pit BBQ: you’ll think you’re at a roadside stand, complete with motorcycle chained up outside.
Florent, original standby for French bistro that is open late.

Theater

Forever Tango is must see this season during its limited 6 week engagement. This wonderful group from Argentina will delight anyone who loves good music, dance, and great flowing costumes.
Dracula, is scheduled to open this month after a series of challenges that have delayed its previews. We’ll give it time to work out the kinks before reporting to you in next month’s newsletter.
Boy >From Oz will close on Sept.12^th so for those of you who have not seen this, now is your final chance.
Aida will close September 5^th.
Little Shop of Horrors is closing on August 22^nd.

Kitt's Footnote:

On July 4^th, the cornerstone for the new Freedom Tower was laid. So many of you contributed to June Ahren’s Healing Hearts Project as a tribute to 9/11, that we thought that we would share the follow up with each of you.

Here is the message directly from June:
THE HEALING HEART PROJECT
It has been three years since the tragedy of 9/11.
At that time many of you wanted to do something to respond to that dark day. As one who was in New York then, I also felt the need to do something and started The Healing Heart Project. It allowed me to express and release some very deep feelings, and from the feedback I've received from many of you, making the hearts also gave you a place to express yourselves. We ended up with a "Heart" honoring each person who died, and they were shown at sites throughout CT and NY. Many of you participated in those events.

Since the first showing of THHP many participants and viewers have asked me what would happen to the "Hearts" after they were shown. I have wrestled with that decision for almost three years. I considered pursuing a permanent home for the piece (most difficult considering the size and materials) or just leaving it in storage and saying that it was the experience that mattered and that each of us was a part of that. However, neither of these ideas seemed "right" to me.

Today I feel the time is right to do the following, and I hope you will support me in this decision. I have decided to "release" the "Hearts" to the public this fall. I hope, with your help, to create a "Living Memorial" by packaging the "Hearts" individually with an accompanying message and pass them out to others throughout the days of September 10th and 11th. This act invites recipients to share the hope for love and peace and reminds us how fragile life can be. I believe this "Living Memorial" will also properly honor the victims, and that each "Heart" will end up where it belongs over time.

The plan calls for 20 teams of two people each to give out approximately 150 "Hearts," over an hour and a half period on either Friday, September 10th or Saturday, September 11th. There will be designated times and places on both Friday and Saturday.

As plans develop, I will be back in touch with more details, but for now I would appreciate a preliminary indication of your willingness to help. Please indicate the following in your response.

I can help Friday, Saturday, either day.....

I prefer NYC, CT, either location....

I prefer AM or PM...

We will use Sunday as a rain date.

Thank you once again for your generous and loving contributions. I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible.

June Ahrens
To view total documentation of THHP, log onto www.juneahrens.com. If you cannot be here in person, please let June know if you wish to receive a “Heart”. Her e-mail address is: junebug62@yahoo.com.