From torch-song cabarets to cutting-edge dance clubs, from neighborhood bars to velvet-rope lounges, plus world-class comedy clubs and establishments with all manner of live entertainment, New York City is a world capital of nightlife. Here you can find libations from beer and wine to elaborate cocktails and high-end champagne, often accompanied by great food. Like everything else, travel and live jazz have suffered the economic downturn in New York and beyond. Fortunately, this summer you don’t have to go any farther than the New York Harbor every Wednesday night for great jazz and beautiful city views. For the 10th year in a row, The Smooth Cruises are sailing along the scenic Hudson River every Wednesday night through Sept. 2nd. This series features some of the world’s premier jazz artists with Marquee Concerts transforming the Spirit of New York cruise ship into a floating jazz club. There is a sunset cruise (6:30pm) and a moonlight cruise (9:30pm), and this year’s featured artists include Peter White & Mindi Abair (Aug. 12th), Marion Meados & Shilts (from Down to the Bone) (Aug. 19th), Phil Perry (Aug. 26th), and Pieces of a Dream (Sept. 2nd). Tickets are $55 and available at www.smoothjazznewyork.com, 866-211-3812 or the Spirit Cruises box office on Pier 61. 2009-08-12T12:13:06-04:00 ACTIVITY PLANNER Gotham After Hours - Music and Cocktails in the City That Never Sleeps 12 true 2009-08-12T12:11:00-04:00 2009-08-11T00:00:00-04:00 2009-08-12T12:14:24-04:00 If you're looking for the ultimate parents night out sans kids- you might just want to have a look-see at this week's Kids in the City column where I offer three fabulous ways to indulge in couple's only- no kids allowed experiences... and here's one more NYC experience worth checking out! The Smooth Cruises are back and setting sail along the scenic Hudson River. This 10 week series features some of the world's premier jazz artists. Marquee Concerts, New York's biggest jazz promoter, transforms the Spirit of New York Cruise Ship into a floating jazz club each summer. Each cruise is a one-of-a-kind LIVE show and lifestyle evening on the water. Starting July 1 and running every Wednesday night until Labor Day, there is a sunset cruise (6:30pm) and a moonlight cruise (9:30pm). This year's featured artists include Spyro Gyra, Alex Bugnon & Paul Taylor, Bobby Caldwell, The Rippingtons, Jonathan Butler, Najee, Peter White & Mindi Abair, Marion Meadows & Shilts, Phil Perry and Pieces of a Dream. Each cruise is an experience on the water. new york harbor, the statue of liberty, cool drinks, delicious food...and the world's best contemporary jazz artists. the ship is the spirit of new york, the most luxurious in spirit cruises new york fleet -- it underwent a multi-million dollar renovation just last year and it is beautiful! Address: Pier 61 chelsea piers in manhattan (23rd st and the hudson river) Admission: $55.00 person Parent perks: The evening is a great stress reliever!! Two hours away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Picturesque skyline views, world class music -- and some dancing too! There is a delicious $25 buffet (meal tickets can be purchased on board). meat, fish, poultry, side dishes, salad, bread and dessert. a full meal. comprehensive selection of drinks -- 3 bars on board plus table service throughout the ship. credit cards are accepted. Why should parents makes sure to schedule in an evening on this jazz cruise, and fork over some coin to do so?! It's a mini 'staycation' in the city, and chnace to snuggle up close with your honey and rejuvenate your relationship! Information: 866-211-3812 www.smoothjazznewyork.com 2009-08-06T14:22:36-04:00 Leave the kids with a sitter- this night out is for parents only! 11 true 2009-08-06T14:20:00-04:00 2009-08-03T00:00:00-04:00 2009-08-06T14:22:36-04:00 Like everything else, travel and live jazz have suffered the economic downturn in New York and beyond. Fortunately, this summer you don’t have to go any farther than the New York Harbor every Wednesday night for great jazz and beautiful city views. For the 10th year in a row, The Smooth Cruises are back and setting sail along the scenic Hudson River. This 10-week series features some of the world’s premier jazz artists. Marquee Concerts, New York’s biggest jazz promoter, transforms the Spirit of New York Cruise Ship into a floating jazz club each summer. Each cruise is a one-of-a-kind LIVE show and lifestyle evening on the water. Starting July 1 and running every Wednesday night until Labor Day, there is a sunset cruise (6:30pm) and a moonlight cruise (9:30pm). This year’s featured artists include Spyro Gyra, Alex Bugnon & Paul Taylor, Bobby Caldwell, The Rippingtons, Jonathan Butler, Najee, Peter White & Mindi Abair, Marion Meadows & Shilts, Phil Perry and Pieces of a Dream. This summer make your Wednesday nights feel like Friday nights with breathtaking views of Lady Liberty, Uptown, Midtown and Downtown coupled with intimate performances by the world’s best jazz artists. These Smooth Cruises sell out fast. So get your tickets now! WHEN: Every Wednesday night from July 1st-September 2nd at 6:30pm and at 9:30 pm. WHERE: Spirit of New York Cruise Ship, Pier 61, Chelsea Piers at 23rd Street, New York, NY LINEUP: July 1 - Spyro Gyro; July 8 - Alex Bugnon & Paul Taylor; July 15 - Bobby Caldwell; July 22 - The Rippingtons; July 29 - Jonathan Butler; August 5 - Najee; August 12 - Peter White & Mindi Abair; August 19 - Marion Meados & Shilts (from Down to the Bone); August 26 - Phil Perry; September 2 - Pieces of a Dream TICKETS/INFO: Tickets are $55.00 and available at www.SmoothJazzNewYork.com, 866-211-3812 or the Spirit Cruises box office on Pier 61. 2009-07-14T10:30:22-04:00 Entertainment, World Class Live Jazz, And Your Guide To A New York Summer 10 true 2009-07-14T10:29:00-04:00 2009-07-13T00:00:00-04:00 2009-07-14T10:30:22-04:00 Like everything else, travel and live jazz have suffered the economic downturn in New York and beyond. Fortunately, this summer you don’t have to go any farther than the New York Harbor every Wednesday night for great jazz and beautiful city views. For the 10th year in a row, The Smooth Cruises are back and setting sail along the scenic Hudson River. This 10-week series features some of the world’s premier jazz artists. Marquee Concerts, New York’s biggest jazz promoter, transforms the Spirit of New York Cruise Ship into a floating jazz club each summer. Each cruise is a one-of-a-kind LIVE show and lifestyle evening on the water. Starting July 1 and running every Wednesday night until Labor Day, there is a sunset cruise (6:30pm) and a moonlight cruise (9:30pm). This year’s featured artists include Spyro Gyra, Alex Bugnon & Paul Taylor, Bobby Caldwell, The Rippingtons, Jonathan Butler, Najee, Peter White & Mindi Abair, Marion Meadows & Shilts, Phil Perry and Pieces of a Dream. This summer make your Wednesday nights feel like Friday nights with breathtaking views of Lady Liberty, Uptown, Midtown and Downtown coupled with intimate performances by the world’s best jazz artists. These Smooth Cruises sell out fast. So get your tickets now! WHEN: Every Wednesday night from July 1st-September 2nd at 6:30pm and at 9:30 pm. WHERE: Spirit of New York Cruise Ship, Pier 61, Chelsea Piers at 23rd Street, New York, NY LINEUP: July 1 - Spyro Gyro; July 8 - Alex Bugnon & Paul Taylor; July 15 - Bobby Caldwell; July 22 - The Rippingtons; July 29 - Jonathan Butler; August 5 - Najee; August 12 - Peter White & Mindi Abair; August 19 - Marion Meados & Shilts (from Down to the Bone); August 26 - Phil Perry; September 2 - Pieces of a Dream TICKETS/INFO: Tickets are $55.00 and available at www.SmoothJazzNewYork.com, 866-211-3812 or the Spirit Cruises box office on Pier 61. 2009-07-14T10:25:22-04:00 The Smooth Cruises - World Class Jazz + The Manhattan Skyline = One Invigorating Summer Evening 9 true 2009-07-14T10:23:00-04:00 2009-07-13T00:00:00-04:00 2009-07-14T10:25:22-04:00 My alarm clock awakened me with music from CD 101.9, smooth jazz. It was my driving music as well. This particular jazz mode kept me calm, as it seemed to be the perfect volume as well as rhythm. I didn’t really know the artists, but didn’t really care. Not too long ago, I set the alarm and woke up to some sort of rock music. I kept adjusting the tuner and thought there might be something wrong with my radio. The internet revealed that the station was sold and I would have no more CD 101.9. Marquee Concerts decided to book the stars and this summer there is a lineup of CD 101.9 bands starting with Spyro Gyra. Spirit of New York is the cruise line that’s showcasing the entertainment calling it the “Smooth Cruises” at a price of $55. Leaving from Pier 61 at Chelsea Piers, the boat had three levels. The middle level is where the band and very small dance floor is located. First and third level is the locale of the buffet, a $25 extra with a one time, one plate deal. Just a thought…I went for the proteins of chicken wings, salmon and roast beef (They were slicing up ham, as well). Small plate of cookies for dessert. You can purchase your Buffet ticket in advance for $20; pre-purchase a dozen chicken wings for $10 or a shrimp cocktail for $15. Drinks? If you pre-purchase drink tickets you save $2. The excursion takes you to view the usual Hudson River spots, including the Statue of Liberty. Being there with the band was well worth the concert price with a cruise simply thrown in. What’s the Wednesday’s lineup? Bobby Caldwell on the 15th, The Rippingtons, July 22, Jonathan Butler, July 29, Najee August 5, Peter White & Mindi Abair, August 12, Marion Meadows & Shilts (from The Down to the Bone), August 19, Phil Perry, August 26, and Pieces of Dream, September 2. www.marqueeconcerts.com Listen to my interview with Bill Zafiros from Marquee concerts on Whirl With Merle on www. blogtalkradio.com 2009-07-13T12:52:33-04:00 MERLE EXIT, ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Cruising and Schmoozing 8 true 2009-07-13T12:48:00-04:00 2009-07-02T00:00:00-04:00 2009-07-13T12:54:38-04:00 Like everything else, travel and live jazz have suffered the economic downturn in New York and beyond. Fortunately, this summer New Yorkers don’t have to go any farther than their own harbor every Wednesday night for great jazz and beautiful city views. For the 10th year in a row, The Smooth Cruises are back and setting sail along the scenic Hudson River. This 10 week series features some of the world’s premier jazz artists. Marquee Concerts, New York’s biggest jazz promoter, transforms the Spirit of New York Cruise Ship into a floating jazz club each summer. Each cruise is a one-of-a-kind LIVE show and lifestyle evening on the water. Starting July 1 and running every Wednesday night until Labor Day, there is a sunset cruise (6:30pm) and a moonlight cruise (9:30pm). This year’s featured artists include Spyro Gyra, Alex Bugnon & Paul Taylor, Bobby Caldwell, The Rippingtons, Jonathan Butler, Najee, Peter White & Mindi Abair, Marion Meadows & Shilts, Phil Perry and Pieces of a Dream. Says Marquee concerts’ Sam Kimball, “It’s truly a joy to present international jazz stars every summer on the Hudson and create an opportunity for New Yorkers to enjoy a wonderful musical evening on the water at an affordable ticket price.” With each passing year, New York seems to suffer the loss of a jazz venue or jazz media outlet. In February 2008 the city lost CD101.9 the nation’s largest jazz radio station. And although New York City’s jazz scene has been a beacon to legions of jazz musicians and their fans for decades, Kimball says that “there is a relative scarcity of high quality jazz-only venues and outlets. Yet there is still a lot of great jazz passing right through here from all over the world. And the city and its surrounding areas are home to many top jazz performers.” Marquee’s Bill Zafiros says that “these are some of the best musicians in the world and there is a need to showcase this level of talent and keep jazz and smooth jazz alive in New York City. When CD101.9 Smooth Jazz was broadcasting (1988-2008) we had over 1 million weekly listeners. Now there’s no station; but those same people are still here and interested in jazz” That’s why the company launched SmoothJazzNewYork.com as an online portal to inform the audience of great jazz concerts and events in and around New York City. In 2008 Smooth Jazz New York presented the Smooth Cruises without the aid of a smooth jazz radio station, and the series was almost entirely sold out, showing that the jazz audience is truly still there and active in the market. This summer make your Wednesday nights feel like Friday nights with breathtaking views of Lady Liberty, Uptown, Midtown and Downtown coupled with intimate performances by the world’s best jazz artists. “Some people thought the end of a jazz station here was the beginning of the end off the jazz scene in New York, but that is not the case,” Kimball concluded. “[Marquee Concerts is] Smooth Jazz’s #1 advocate [in New York City] and every day we receive phone calls and emails urging us to continue the tradition of great jazz and lifestyle events.” These Smooth Cruises sell out fast. Get your tickets now! When: Every Wednesday Night from July 1st – September 2nd at 6:30pm and at 9:30 pm Where: Spirit of New York Cruise Ship, Pier 61, Chelsea Piers at 23rd Street, New York, NY Lineup: July 1 - Spyro Gyra July 8 - Alex Bugnon & Paul Taylor July 15 - Bobby Caldwell July 22 - The Rippingtons July 29 - Jonathan Butler August 5 - Najee August 12 - Peter White & Mindi Abair August 19 - Marion Meados & Shilts (from Down to the Bone) August 26 - Phil Perry September 2 - Pieces of a Dream Tickets/Info: Tickets are $55.00 and available at www.SmoothJazzNewYork.com, 866-211-3812 or the Spirit Cruises box office on Pier 61. There is an optional $25 buffet which includes beef, ham, seafood and chicken, as well as salad, side dishes and dessert. Drinks are available for purchase. Marquee Concerts is one of the premiere concert promoters in the northeast, producing hundreds of events across all spectrums and genres. Marquee is constantly researching new music trends, recognizing today's up-and-coming entertainers, and expanding upon existing business relationships to put on the best shows possible and remain a competitive mainstay in the concert promoters industry. 2009-07-13T12:42:57-04:00 NYC's Smooth Cruises Sets Sail Wednesdays 7/1-9/2 7 true 2009-07-13T12:39:00-04:00 2009-07-01T00:00:00-04:00 2009-07-13T12:42:57-04:00 Spirit of New York offers its popular jazz cruises every Wednesday evening while the weather’s warm. Both the sunset and moonlight Smooth Cruises include a full cash bar, a dinner buffet (available for an additional $25) and intimate performances by jazz and soul musicians. The gorgeous views of the Manhattan skyline don’t hurt, either. 2009-07-13T12:38:00-04:00 The Smooth Jazz Cruises 6 true 2009-07-13T12:33:00-04:00 2009-06-29T00:00:00-04:00 2009-07-13T12:38:30-04:00 Lisa Mateo is taking a cruise right here in the Big Apple. Like everything else, travel and live jazz have suffered the economic downturn in New York and beyond. Fortunately, this summer New Yorkers don't have to go any farther than their own harbor every Wednesday night for great jazz and beautiful city views. For the 10th year in a row, The Smooth Cruises are back and setting sail along the scenic Hudson River. This 10-week series features some of the world's premier jazz artists. Marquee Concerts, New York's biggest jazz promoter, transforms the Shttp://www.spiritofnewyork.compirit of New York Cruise Ship into a floating jazz club each summer. Each cruise is a one-of-a-kind live show and lifestyle evening on the water. Starting July 1 and running every Wednesday night until Labor Day, there is a sunset cruise (6:30pm) and a moonlight cruise (9:30pm). This year's featured artists include Spyro Gyra, Alex Bugnon & Paul Taylor, Bobby Caldwell, The Rippingtons, Jonathan Butler, Najee, Peter White & Mindi Abair, Marion Meadows & Shilts, Phil Perry and Pieces of a Dream. For more information, visit www.spiritofnewyork.com. "VIDEO: Lisa Mateo reporting on the Smooth Cruises":http://weblogs.wpix.com/news/local/morningnews/blogs/2009/06/jazz_cruise.html 2009-07-13T12:29:09-04:00 SHELLEY NG, REPORTER Enjoy Some Jazz Music While Cruising Through New York's Waters 5 true 2009-07-13T12:26:00-04:00 2009-06-30T00:00:00-04:00 2009-07-14T13:56:07-04:00 New York Harbor offers all types of cruises for all kinds of budgets, ranging from dinner and dancing to guided history tours. NY1's Valarie D'Elia filed the following report. Summer is cruising season on New York Harbor and there is a nice selection of sailings for practically every budget and interest. Classic Harbor Line's new Skyline And High Line tour combines a Hudson River cruise on the motor Yacht Manhattan with a historical guided walking tour of the High Line, Manhattan's new elevated park. This two-part, three-hour experience departs at 2:30 p.m. on Fridays from Chelsea Piers for $65 a person. The Yacht Manhattan also offers a wine tasting cruise that departs once a week on varying nights at 6:30 p.m. for $85 per person. A sunset sushi and sake evening onboard a sailing schooner sets sail every Monday night at 7 p.m., with food provided by Morimoto in Chelsea Market, for $105 per person. For more information on the Yacht Manhattan cruises, visit www.sail-nyc.com. Also departing from Chelsea Piers each Wednesday night are Smooth Cruises, which feature some of the world's premier jazz artists onboard the Spirit of New York, starting July 1. There are two sailings, at 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., and tickets cost $55.00 with a cash bar and an optional $25 buffet. For more information on Smooth Cruises, visit www.SmoothJazzNewYork.com. With the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks returning to the Hudson River, a few ships are offering special dinner cruises. World Yacht offers a five-course meal with open bar, music and dancing, and departs from Pier 81 at West 41st Street. Tickets are $325 per person, but get $25 off if you tell them Val sent you. For more information, visit www.WorldYacht.com. Perhaps the most elegant and expensive option on July 4th is onboard Bateaux New York, a French-inspired glass river boat, departing from Chelsea Piers. Costs are $500.00 per person for dinner, drinks and dancing. For more information, visit www.spiritofnewyork.com/ba. Budget boaters can enjoy the Circle Line Sightseeing at 42nd Street, which has a no-frills fireworks cruise for $75 per person. For more information, visit www.circleline42.com. Now here's a D'Elia's Deal you don't want to miss with Classic Harbor Line cruises this summer. Get $10 off any of the cruises mentioned when booking online by entering the code "VAL09." For more travel news, visit www.travelwithval.com. 2009-07-13T12:22:51-04:00 VALARIE D'ELIA, TRAVEL REPORTER Drift Away on a City Harbor Cruise 4 true 2009-07-13T12:19:00-04:00 2009-06-17T00:00:00-04:00 2009-07-13T12:25:23-04:00 Smooth-jazz radio station CD101.9 might be a memory now, but the Smooth Jazz Cruises sail on. Opening the tenth-annual season is contemporary-jazz mainstay Spyro Gyra, and if you think we’re automatically going to trash the long-running Buffalo band, you’re wrong. Now a tight quintet, Spyro Gyra plays its unabashedly populist funk-jazz with an infectious swagger; on the river with the band, you’ll surely be hearing tunes from its latest Heads Up release, Down the Wire. 2009-07-13T12:17:19-04:00 Spyro Gyra at Spirit Cruises 3 true 2009-07-13T12:14:00-04:00 2009-06-29T00:00:00-04:00 2009-07-13T12:19:06-04:00