By Ayana L Haywood
SOUNDS OF SALSA
On Aug. 23, head to Wagner Park to listen to the salsa sounds of Luisito Carrion and his orchestra as part of the Battery Park City and River to River series. At the age of 13, Carrion started performing with his father’s band, Orqestra Kafe. In his early performances he sang along with Celia Cruz and Santitos Columbus. This Puerto Rican native has recorded many successful songs such as “Renta De Amor” with Salsa Fever and “El Agua” with Bobby Valentin. Showtime is 7 p.m. and admission is free. For more information call (212) 945-0505 or visit .batteryparkcity.org.
BAILA! BAILA!
Instructors from the Soho Dance Studio are ready to show you some moves in salsa, swing, the hustle and cha cha. On Aug. 27, Sept. 10, 17 at the Plaza at 70th Street you can shake your groove thing for free. There will be lessons and group dances from 6-9 p.m. as part of the Summer on the Hudson at Riverside Park South. The Soho Dance Studio has been open since last year by Arthur and Rosann Levy who fell in love with the power of dance just before their retirement. For more information call (212) 408-0219.
KIDDIE CRUISE
Before the summer is over, why not take the kids on a sea venture on August 27. You and the kids hop aboard the Queen of Hearts at Pier 40, West Houston Street and West Side Highway. Set sail for a fun filled afternoon for $40 per parent and child, $10 for an additional adult or child. Activities include face painting, story telling, arts and crafts, balloon sculpting, and more. Boarding is at 11:30 a.m. and sailing time is from noon-1:30 p.m. For more information call (212) 987-9200 ext. 308 or visit kiddiecruise.com.
GRAND SLAM AT GRAND CENTRAL
Think you have the perfect swing? Check out Tennis Magazine’s Grand Slam at Grand Central Terminal Aug. 25. For free you can show your skills with tennis stars, Andy Roddick, Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova along with a dozen others. From 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Vanderbilt Hall will be an interactive tennis experience. Expect a custom built tennis court, a rally wall and many more tennis related activities. For more information call (631) 462-2546.
GARTH FAGAN DANCE
For its Out of Doors series, Lincoln Performing Arts Center presents the Garth Fagan Dance- a fusion of Afro-Caribbean, ballet, modern and post-modern dance. On Friday Aug 25 at Damrosch Park, the Oliver and Tony award-winning choreographer for Broadway’s The Lion King brings his dancers to showcase their various talents. The Company celebrates its 35th anniversary this year and has won five New York Performance Awards (Bessie Awards). They have also received a New York Governor’s Arts Award. Showtime is 8 p.m. and admission for this event is free. More information is available at garthfagandance.org.
CABARET VARIETY SHOW
Until Oct.1 , head to the Spiegel Tent at Pier 17 near South Street Seaport for a unique variety of entertainment. Bringing the styles of vaudeville and music hall
Absinthe also known as Le Clique, is a European cabaret variety show. The show features acts with incredible physical feats like the two strongest men, Australian and German acrobats, Miss Behave the woman who swallows swords and more. Call it the “sultriest, strangest circus in town.” Ticket prices start at $35. For more information visit spiegelworld.com.
