DNAinfo New York has planned your week. While you're busy putting them into your calendar, here are some songs to listen to on a curated Spotify playlist.
Monday, August 5
Need a break to re-energise and put some fizz back into your summer? Sure, you can catch some sun or visit a tranquil community garden, but if you seriously need to chill out, head to Spa Castle, the perfect combination of traditional Asian saunas and luxurious European spas. The lower floors are devoted to bathing, soaking and full body Korean scrubs. And be warned, there's no clothing in these separate men's and women's areas. As you proceed through the levels, there are dry saunas of every permutation — crystal rooms, a golden room, all made like small domes or igloos within the main castle. Sleep or watch TV in dark relaxation rooms, eat some healthy food. Finally soak in one of the top floor hot tubs or dissolve in a cleansing steam sauna. Weekdays $35, weekends $45, various spa treatments extra. Book a body scrub in advance, $50 for 30 minutes.
Tuesday, August 6
Looking for a great place to meet friends straight after work? City Winery at 155 Varick Street has the perfect answer with its Annual Hudson Square Music & Wine Festival, a free "After-Work Backyard Party" held every Summer Tuesday through August 27th. Today's featured artists are Jeff Kazee (Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes), John Conte and Rich Pagano who are combining for a rare tribute concert to the the classic early '70s sounds of Elton John.
Wednesday, August 7
Wednesday's are the perfect day to head uptown to immerse yourself in the sights, smells and, of course, sounds of the world famous Apollo Theater. With its rich history and continued significance, the Apollo is considered the bastion of African-American culture and achievement. It has been an incredible journey. The theatre was constructed on 125th Street, the heart of Harlem, in 1914. At that time, African-Americans were not allowed in the audience. In 1934, Amateur Nite Hour at the Apollo was launched, with Ella Fitzgerald one of the first winners. Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday debuted the following year and the Apollo Theater and Amateur Night quickly became known as the place "Where Stars are Born and Legends are Made." Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, James Brown and Lauryn Hill are other legends who launched at this New York music temple. Spend the day uptown, starting with a tour of the Apollo at 11 a.m., have lunch at the Red Rooster, explore Harlem and head back to the Apollo for Amateur Night.
Thursday, August 8
Kick start your vinyl collection today as The Rodgers and Hammerstein Archives of Recorded Sound - part of New York Public Library - unloads 22,000 albums from its collection. The records represent decades of unsolicited donations, for which they already have at least one copy in great condition. What's on offer? Check out Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr feeds where selections are highlighted. The once in a lifetime sale begins at noon today and continues until Saturday at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Lincoln Center, Donald and Mary Oenslager Gallery, first floor.
Friday, August 9
Harlem's Studio Museum is ready for fun this evening — its summer party series Uptown Fridays is underway, placing attendees in direct dialogue with current exhibitions. This week's installment is hosted by Afropunk and is centered around the exhibition No Filter: Expanding the Walls 2013. The event features a screening in the theatre of the short film "The Triptych" while in the courtyard, DJ Designer Imposter will be playing a unique set responding to the exhibition. $10.
Saturday, August 10
Kick off your weekend in Williamsburg with a tour of the Brooklyn Brewery. On its website, the brewery's managers say that it "used to be that we'd be lucky to cobble together 15 brave souls to visit the wilds of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, on a Saturday afternoon." Not so these days. With the amazing food of Smorgasburg just around the corner and great vintage clothing shops like Beacon's Closet across the road, not to mention dozens of great bars, cafes and restaurants. Free tours, which require no reservation, start on the hour from 1pm - 5pm. Open Noon-8pm. 79 North 11th Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, 11249 between Berry Street and Wythe Avenue.
Sunday, August 11
Many people's first impressions of this great city were not formed in the flesh, but via the iconic movies produced between 1967 and 1975. Films such as "Dog Day Afternoon," "Midnight Cowboy," "The French Connection" and "Superfly." Dig a little deeper into this golden age of gritty cinema at the Museum Of Moving Image this weekend as they launch the 21 day festival "Fun City: New York in the Movies 1967–75." According to the organizers, the films selected by guest curator J. Hoberman, "provide a still-compelling, exuberantly downbeat spectacle of social upheaval and urban decay, ethnic tension and street smart chutzpah, drawing on local talent to celebrate America’s greatest city in all its glory and despair." Screening today is "Norman Mailer vs. Fun City" All films are free with Museum admission ($12) on a first-come, first-served basis, though Museum members may reserve tickets in advance.
