The Bucket List • February 2017 • NYC Edition
Alex Aronson
February in New York City is full of theater, fashion and music for all ages. Kick off the month at the latest shows at the Longacre Theater or Metropolitan Opera House. Warm up with the city’s largest wine tasting event. Spend an extravagant night with the one you love at the Venetian Valentine Masked Ball. Don’t forget to grab some popcorn for some serious binge watching – as the “Super Bowl LI”, “Grammys”, “The Academy Awards” and “The Walking Dead” are all set to air.
A Bronx Tale at Longacre Theater | Jan. 3 – Mar. 30
The streetwise musical takes place in 1960s Bronx – where a young man is caught between family and the mob. Two-time Academy Award Winner, Robert De Niro directs four-time Tony Award Winner, Jerry Zaks in the critically acclaimed play. The musical also features songs by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater.
Carmen at Metropolitan Opera House | Jan. 19 – Feb. 18
Experience the enduring performances of Sophie Koch and Clementine Margaine as Bizet’s immortal heroine. George Bizet composes the story of a soldier and the man who fights to save him.
NYC Winter Wine Festival | Feb. 4
Gather your friends to attend the largest tasting of the year featuring over 250 wines. The Times Square PlayStation Theater transforms into an indoor vineyard, where you can enjoy world class wine, delicious hors d’oeuvres and artisanal snacks.
Lunar New Year Parade & Festival | Feb. 5
Celebrate the year of the rooster at the 18th Annual New York City Lunar New Year Parade & Festival! The parade kicks off at 1 p.m. on East Broadway & Sara Roosevelt Park. It features stunning visuals and magnificent performances. The street will also feature venders, food trucks and festivities for all ages.
Super Bowl LI | Feb. 5
The New England Patriots battle The Atlanta Falcons for the ultimate NFL title at NRG Park in Houston, TX. Lady Gaga will be performing during the $10 million half-time show – the most expensive one to date. Luke Bryan will open the game with the national anthem. The Super Bowl kicks off live on FOX at 6:30 EST.
Human Rights Association Greater New York Gala | Feb. 11
Celebrate the victories and work towards full equality and civil rights in style at the 16th Annual HRC Greater New York Gala. Held in the historic Waldorf Astoria Ballroom, the event will be honoring Meryl Streep, Seth Meyers, and the Academy Award nominated film, Moonlight. Following the formal program, there will be a live DJ and cocktails for continued entertainment.
Women’s New York Fashion Week | Feb. 9 – 17
New York Fashion Week is the home to a wide range of established and emerging designers. View the newest trends in runway and Women’s apparel. Live stream the show right from the comfort of your own home (and sweatpants).
Fifty Shades Darker | Feb. 10
If you are looking to do a more traditional date night with your Valentine, you may want to hit up the local cinema. The lustrous follow up to the 2015 hit, “Fifty Shades of Grey,” is finally here! While Christian wrestles his own inner demons, Anastasia must confront the envy of his past relationships. You’re going to want to leave the kids at home for this one.
Central Park Ice Festival | Feb. 11
Witness ice-carving artists from Okamoto Studio use chainsaws, chisels and picks to transform a block of ice into one of the park’s most beloved statues. In the evening, the mall becomes alive with live DJs and disco. Also enjoy trivia, treats and personal sculpting stations throughout the day. The event is free and open to the public.
Venetian Valentine Commedia Masked Ball | Feb. 11
Celebrate the night of love with this over-the-top fusion of dance, music, opera, circus and burlesque in an immersive theater experience. The Carnival of Venice themed event takes place in the extravagant Grand Prospect Hall.
59th Grammy Awards | Feb. 12
The 59th annual celebration in the LA Staples Center will air live on CBS at 9 EST. James Corden will host, with performances by Alicia Keys, Adele and The Weekend. Beyonce and Kanye West lead the nomination categories.
Love in Times Square | Feb. 14
It’s good to say “I love you” to the people you cherish most. It’s even better to do it in Times Square. Feel the love and celebrate your relationship at The Annual Vow Renewal Ceremony. Couples of all ages and background are invited to say “I do” all over again on the iconic red steps in Time Square.
Red Hot Chili Peppers w/ Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue at Madison Square Garden Arena | Feb. 15, Feb. 17 – 18
Grab your tickets to one of the month’s hottest concerts! Fresh off their new album, ‘The Getaway”, Red Hot Chili Peppers are joined by Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue for the three-night event.
Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden Arena | Feb. 22 & Mar. 3
Music legend and six time Grammy Award winner Billy Joel performs at Madison Square Garden. Having top 40 hits in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, Joel transcends generations with hits such as “Uptown Girls” and “Piano Man”.
New York Dance Festival | Feb. 23 – 26
The New York Dance Festival is among one of the largest ballroom dance competitions in the world. The event opens with a formal dinner and gala, followed by a weekend full of ballroom dance competitions featuring some of the top performers in ballroom dance. The event also includes venders and concludes with a results show.
Ms. Lauryn Hill at Radio City Music Hall | Feb. 25
Accomplished musical artist, Lauryn Hill brings her unique singing style to Radio City Music Hall. Her genre bending music combines the styles of R&B, neo soul, folk, reggae and hip-hop. Special guests include Little Simz and JoJo Abot.
89th Academy Awards | Feb. 26
The official end to the award show season will be telecast live on ABC. Jimmy Kimmel will host the 89th Annual Academy Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The musical extravaganza, “La La Land” leads the pack with 14 nominations. “Moonlight”, “Arrival”, “Lion” and others, are also up for top honors.