This weekend, the city brims with possibilities, offering events that promise to engage and inspire. From immersive cultural showcases to activities fit for all ages, the agenda is as diverse as it is vibrant. Take a closer look and map out a weekend shaped by the city’s endless energy.
AFRICAN RHYTHMS ALUMNI TRIO @ Minton’s Playhouse NYC
Date: Friday, January 10th
Time: 7:00 PM-11:00 PM
Location: 210 West 118th Street, New York, NY 10026 (Minton’s Playhouse)
Price: $28.52
As the jazz world approaches the centennial of NEA Jazz Master Dr. Randy Weston, his African Rhythms ensemble has reunited to celebrate his extraordinary legacy. Guided by musical director T.K. Blue, the African Rhythms Alumni Quintet carries forward Weston’s groundbreaking fusion of African influences with the essence of jazz shaped by legends like Duke Ellington and Thelonious Monk. Weston’s artistry blended West African drum polyrhythms, Ghanaian highlife melodies, and Ellington’s orchestral piano style, crafting a sound that transformed global jazz. Honored with accolades like the Doris Duke Performing Artist Award, Weston’s Afrocentric vision left an indelible mark before his passing in 2018 at the age of 92. Through dynamic performances, the Alumni Quintet, featuring T.K. Blue and Chief Baba Neil Clarke, continues to bring Weston’s timeless compositions to life.
Date: Friday, January 10th
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: 641 Classon Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238 (Friends and Lovers)
Price: $14.36
Boyz in the Woods, hosted by comedians Tawanda Gona, Gabe Pereira, and Kenice Mobley, delivers a night of stand-up featuring talent showcased on HBO, Netflix, and SNL. Between sets, the audience is drawn into the action with pop culture and hip-hop trivia, where quick wit can earn free drinks. The mix of sharp humor and playful interaction transforms the show into a dynamic experience that’s as engaging as it is entertaining.
Date: Saturday, January 11th
Time: 4:00 PM-5:20 PM
Location: 21 A Clinton Street New York, NY 10002 (Caveat)
Price: $18.76
“Is This Normal? Tales of Love, Sex, and Survival” is a sharp, uproarious exploration of modern life, delivered with wit and candor by award-winning storyteller Ansa Edim. With a fearless lens on dating, societal expectations, and self-discovery, Edim’s one-woman show centers the experiences of a fat Black woman navigating the beautiful chaos of life. Critically acclaimed at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the performance blends riotous comedy with heartfelt reflection, inviting audiences to celebrate imperfection and embrace authenticity. Featuring stories from wild Tinder escapades to moments of profound self-realization, the show sparks laughter and introspection alike. This 21+ event promises an evening of bold humor and unapologetic truth.
The Third Annual Manifestation, Meditation, and Movement Brunch
Date: Sunday, January 12th
Time: 10:00 AM-1:30 PM
Location: 623 Bergen Street #Upstairs Brooklyn, NY 11238 (Studio Contro)
Price: $44.52-$55.20
This event offers a refreshing alternative to the rush of January resolutions, focusing instead on setting thoughtful intentions for the year ahead. Participants will engage in a visualization meditation, a gentle movement practice, and a guided journaling session aimed at fostering reflection and planting seeds for growth in tune with the seasons. A collaborative discussion on manifestation adds depth to the experience, encouraging realistic yet bold aspirations. The morning concludes with a wholesome brunch by Black Skillet Catering, providing both nourishment and connection. While yoga mats and journals are provided, attendees are welcome to bring personal items to enrich their practice.
Opening Reception: Voices and Votes – Democracy in America
Date: Sunday, January 12th
Time: 11:30 AM
Location: 1333 Bay Street, Staten Island, NY 10305 (St John’s Episcopal Church)
Price: Free
The Alice Austen House is bringing the Smithsonian’s Voices and Votes: Democracy in America to St. John’s Eccleston Hall as part of the Museum on Main Street program. This traveling exhibition, part of “A New Agora for New York: Museums as Spaces for Democracy,” highlights one of 12 stops in a statewide initiative led by the Museum Association of New York. Open through January 2026, the exhibit draws from the Smithsonian’s American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith and features an array of campaign memorabilia, protest artifacts, multimedia displays, and archival footage. With its mix of history and interactivity, the six-week installation invites visitors to explore the evolution of democracy and reflect on its impact today.
We hope you take some time to enjoy these weekend events!