Violinist and composer Meg Okura has recorded her tenth album, this one a duo with pianist Kevin Hays. Photo: Courtesy Meg Okura Grammy-nominated Jazz Composer and Violinist Meg Okura Releasing 10th Album Grammy-nominated jazz composer and violinist Meg Okura realized early on in her career that she wanted to create her own... City Arts 03 May 2024 | 01:39
The cover of ”The Lincoln Zoo.” Co-author Larry Belling died before completing the book, prompting lifelong friend and co-author Art Twain to finish on his own. The book hit on Feb. 29. Photo: Vargoice He Turns His Innate Appreciation for Animals into a Children’s Book As a teen in Oakland, California, Art Twain had over 25 animals in his garage zoo, and always stopped to save creatures that... News 22 Apr 2024 | 06:39
Celebrities from Nicole Kidman to Mel Brooks have dined at Russian Samovar in the Theater District, which offers 28 flavors of vodka and a piano bar every night. Photo: Danny Perez Russian Restaurant with Rich History Serves Countless Celebrities, Beef Stroganoff and 26 Flavors of Vodka “It’s easier to say who wasn’t there than who was,” said Vlada Von Shats of the notable names that have visited her restaurant,... Features 01 Apr 2024 | 03:37
The company founder, the late CK Chu, (in yellow) was a college professor when he launched the CK Chu Tai Chi School 50 years ago. It is now run by his wife, Carol Chu. They met when both were students at NYU. Photo: Carol A. Chu Teaching the Art of Tai Chi Amid Bustle of Times Square for Five Decades ”We say if you can do tai chi or meditation in Times Square, you can do it anywhere,” said Carol Chu, owner of CK Chu Tai... Features 25 Mar 2024 | 12:47
Veteran political correspondent Errol Louis of Spectrum News NY1 kicked off his latest news show, “The Big Deal” across the network covering the ins and outs of national politics. Photo: Spectrum News NY1 A ‘Big Deal’ in World of Political Reporting Kicks Off on Spectrum News NY1 As we get closer to Election Day, Errol Louis is making sure his viewers are equipped with the information they need to make... News 11 Mar 2024 | 04:42
Real Estate developer and philanthropist Bruce Ratner wrote a book about the urgent need for early detection of cancer after the devastating loss of his older brother who died eight months after he was diagnosed with brain cancer. Photo: Cherie Burgtong Heartbreak After Brother’s Death Spurs Book Urging More $$$s for Early Cancer Detection After his older brother died in 2016 from metastatic brain cancer, Bruce Ratner made the decision to work on his book “Early... News 04 Mar 2024 | 10:13
The founder of Theater Extras, Jed Canaan, and his wife nd business partner Bronna. Photo: Chole Canaan. Best Deal in Town: Their Ticket Service Helps Pack the House in Theaters Across the City Queens native Jed Canaan was sitting with his father at dinner one night, when they brainstormed how to efficiently offer... Features 22 Jan 2024 | 10:59
Kirsten Agresta-Copely, who started playing harp when she was only five, is now a principal harpist at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, has been nominated for her first Grammy Award and during a storied career has played with everyone from Beyonce to Lady Gaga. Photo: Courtsey Kirsten Agresta-Copely A ‘Spectacular’ New York Harpist Called Upon by the Music Industry’s Biggest Names Before she settles into her seat on stage at Radio City, Kirsten Agresta-Copely makes sure to visit one of the live animals... News 11 Dec 2023 | 12:28
Aaron Asis was always curious about the hidden places of the city growing up. Now he’s turned his fascination into Unforgotten Films, and looks at abandoned and neglected sites across the country. Photo: Courtesy Aaron Asis Finding the Magic in New York City’s ‘Unforgotten’ Spaces As a youngster growing up in Flushing, Queens, Aaron Asis was always a “curious explorer.” In his free time, he would visit... News 04 Dec 2023 | 01:55
Burlesque dancer Alyssa Kitt performs in 2022 prior to her diagnosis with a rare form of cancer to a facial nerve. Photo: Radiant Inc. Dancer with Rare Cancer Draws Strength from Burlesque Community and Returns to Stage Alyssa Kitt moved to New York in 2021 with just her cat and five boxes of costumes and rare books. The Australian native... News 27 Nov 2023 | 12:28
Dr. Lena Green scores honor as on of the Grand Marshals of the Harlem Lights Holiday Festival run by the 125th St. Business Improvement District. Photo: HOPE Center Harlem Career Social Worker Scores Honor as A Grand Marshal of Harlem Holiday Lights Fest Harlem native Dr. Lena Green tells us that growing up in Harlem influenced her decision to become a social worker. “I just... News 06 Nov 2023 | 10:21
Alejandro Hernandez-Valdez conducts the award winning choir at All Souls Church on the Upper East Side. Photo: Alejandro Ibarra Conductor Allows All Voices to Rise at All Souls Conductor and pianist Alejandro Hernandez-Valdez, the music director of All Souls Church on the Upper East Side and artistic... News 30 Oct 2023 | 01:30
Allen René Louis (center) as he led Broadway Inspirational Voices to the White House for Juneteenth festivities, celebrated for the first time at the White House. Photo: Broadway Inspirational Voices Path to Broadway Inspirational Voices Was Written in the Heavens Allen René Louis’ journey to becoming artistic director at Broadway Inspirational Voices–an all-volunteer choir filled with... News 06 Oct 2023 | 01:49
Rosanna Russo, who took over Lunella’s, the restaurant started by her parents on Mulberry St., is also the head of the Little Italy Merchant’s Association. Photo: Angela Barbuti Woman Behind Little Italy’s Merchants Association In Midst of San Gennaro Festival Rossana Russo’s rich history in Little Italy dates back to when her parents, both Italian natives, settled on Grand Street... News 18 Sep 2023 | 11:18
Playwright Al Tapper (left) Steve Ditmyer, the director, of “Bettinger’s Luggage.” Photo: Joan Pelzer Spreading Neighborly Love & Diversity on a Stage Playwright Helped Create Playwright, composer and lyricist Albert M. Tapper penned his first non-musical “Bettinger’s Luggage,” with a specific message... News 28 Aug 2023 | 03:31