UWS Weekend: Great Things to Do in (and Around) the Neighborhood

By Tracy Zwick

July 31st through August 2nd

BAAND Together Dance Festival at Lincoln Center: Runs through August 1st at David Koch Theater; Columbus Avenue between West 62nd and 65th streets; choose-what-you-pay tickets

Part of Lincoln Center’s “Summer for the City” program, this 6th annual dance festival will bring Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Dance Workshop of Harlem to the LC campus this weekend. On Friday, participants can learn African dance from Ailey teaching artists, who’ll be accompanied by drummers. On Saturday, pros from Dance Theater of Harlem will offer a ballet-focused demonstration, followed by an interactive experience suitable for all ages. No experience necessary for either!

Eat at Reverence Phoenix: Saturdays in Central Park; enter through Farmer’s Gate on Central Park North, 110th Street and Malcolm X Boulevard; overlooking the Harlem Meer; $55 per guest ($35 extra for non-alcoholic pairing)

I’m eager to try Reverence Phoenix, a collaboration between the Central Park Conservancy, Unity Market NY, and ReverenceNYC Hospitality Group that’s offering standing counter service of “a three-course California cuisine tasting [menu] anchored in New York State terroir” from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays through November. While you’re there, explore Unity Market, a seasonal Saturday farmers and artisan market that was launched in June.

Cyrus Chestnut at Smoke Jazz Club: Friday to Sunday, dates, times and tickets here (starting at $25); Broadway between West 105th and 106th streets

Cyrus Chestnut, “the best jazz pianist of his generation” according to Time Magazine, is headlining a series of shows this weekend, in a trio that includes Mark Lewandowski on bass and Carl Allen on drums. If you’ve never been to Smoke, a neighborhood jewel and international jazz mecca, take this as a sign to check it out!

Subscribe to West Side Rag’s FREE email newsletter here. And you can Support the Rag here.