For all you Broadway lovers out there, whether you go to shows every weekend or you wish you could go to shows every weekend (like me), here’s something you’ll LOVE. Starting next Thursday, July 7, some of the biggest shows on Broadway will make their way to Bryant Park to perform some of their biggest hits. Every Thursday in July and the first two Thursdays in August, Bryant Park will feature four shows at a time. That’s right, I said four! It’s a theater lover’s dream. Oh and did I mention that it’s free, because it is! You just show up to Bryant Park for whichever show you want to see and let them blow your mind with their huge dance numbers and amazing cast members. Shows that will be featured include STOMP, Sister Act, Catch Me If You Can, Rock of Ages, and much more that you won’t want to miss!

Bryant Park is located behind the New York Public Library from 40th to 42nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues. The closest subway to Broadway in Bryant Park is the 7 or B/D/F/V to 42nd Street/Bryant Park. The concerts are mostly on Thursday afternoons beginning at 12:30 p.m. and last approximately 1 hour. Admission is free. For the schedule this summer feel free to click here.

-Summer 2011 Intern, Sari

I’m sure everyone knows about the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. If you don’t then you might want to get outside a little more, or Google it. We’re going to pretend that if you’re reading this right now, that you know about “the Met.” We’re also going to assume you know who Alexander McQueen is. And if you don’t, then you clearly have no interest in fashion, or you don’t know who Lady Gaga is. If you don’t know who Lady Gaga is then you probably live under a rock.

Alexander McQueen was one of the biggest fashion icons and designer to stars such as Lady Gaga. His designs were unconventional and stunning; they were works of art. Unfortunately, McQueen passed away on February 11, 2010. What better way to honor the designer then to have an exhibit in the Met dedicated to him and his work? The creative crazy fashion of McQueen was featured at one of the most well known modern art museums in the world for the first time on May 4, 2011 and they will stand in partnership until August 7, 2011. I can’t think of a better way to spend a day then to venture into the glorious New York City and just stare in awe at the designs of a true fashion inspiration and art. The exhibit is titled Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty and is located in the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Exhibition Hall. It is free with museum admission.  However, there may be a wait to enter the exhibition, but it’s totally worth it. You might want to consider visiting the exhibit in the morning or on a weekday to avoid giant lines. Entrance to the exhibition closes at 4:30 pm during the week and 8:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Thanks to Target, you can visit the Met for FREE on Friday’s from 4:00pm-8:00pm but it does come at a price.  The line will be long and during these summer moths you can expect rain or extreme heat.

Visitors can now purchase timed tickets to the exhibit on Mondays when the museum is closed to the public. This is called Met Mondays with McQueen. Click on the link just mentioned for more information on the exhibition and to purchase tickets for Mondays.

McQueen once said, “You’ve got to know the rules to break them. That’s what I’m here for, to demolish the rules but to keep the tradition.” So go view fashion in one of its rarest art forms and dare to be different!

–Sari Cohen, Summer 2011 Intern

Think of all the things you loved about summer camp as a kid; sports outside, swimming, enjoying the summer with your friends. At what point in our lives did we stop enjoying those things. If you’re like me, you still enjoy summer activities but are simply not as readily available as they were as a child. Club Getaway in Kent, CT is bringing back those magical summers with the “summer camp for grown ups.” It has everything you remember about camp with added social events that you have grown to love in your adult years. For example, you can go for a swim in the morning, enjoy a wine tasting in the afternoon and dance in a night club in he evening. The club prides itself on its diverse selection of activities and promises there is something for everyone. The adrenaline junkie can go rock climbing or jet skiing, the lounger can suntan by the lake with a book and the partier can enjoy the nightlife at the club “Boathouse.” So if you’re looking for a unique vacation experience, consider Club Getaway and remember; camp isn’t just for kids anymore.  To read more, visit http://www.clubgetaway.com/.

Steve Zanzonico, Summer 2011 Intern

On Monday, June 6, all you city-goers get ready to go Restaurant Row on West 46^th Street between 8^th and 9^th Avenues. If you’re there, you’ll be enjoying food from all around the world. This delectable food festival titled A Taste of Time Square, let’s attendees taste food from restaurants along Restaurant Row. Admission to the event is free, but in order to get your taste you’ll need taste tickets, which cost $1. Most tastes range from $1-$5. Imagine a taste of some of the city’s most interesting and delicious foods for only $5! The festival begins at 5:00pm, but get there early to get the best foods. Tickets can be purchased the day of the event on Restaurant Row.  For more information visit http://www.timessquarenyc.org/about_us/events_taste.html.

As an avid food lover, I know this is what I’ll be doing Monday night. I can’t think of a better way to start my week then to go into New York City and eat great food. Bring your biggest appetite because this is an event you won’t want to miss. And while you’re in the city, catch a Broadway show afterwards; you might as well make a night of it!

Sari Cohen, Summer 2011 Intern

http://www.acehotel.com/newyork

On Monday night Penta was invited to an event at The Ace Hotel (20 West 29^th Street) to view a new reovated space called Liberty Hall. This was my first time at an event planner showcase and this venue so I was really excited. Once we got to the hotel I was in love with the “dark” décor of the hotel. The lobby had 6 huge white pillars through the center and was filled with people enjoying each other’s company. To the right was a huge sign in lights that read “excelsior,” which is the name of the reception area. The staff greeted us kindly and directed us to the space of the party. We were directed down to the lower level where we were met with cocktails and smiles by staff of Élan Artists Events, http://www.elanartists.com/.

For lack of a better word, “trendy” is what this room aimed for. The walls were a dark chocolate brown with what looked like Mexican inspired swirl designs. There were two bars on opposite sides of the room and in the middle was a stage for the musical performances. Many industry professionals were there relaxing after work and viewing the space. Immediately we were offered yummy hors d’oeuvres. The first was a beef and blue cheese empanada…amazing. As the night progressed the food got a bit more interesting. I was offered what looked like a cracker with a cheese spread but to my surprise it was chicken liver. If you like liver, more power to you, but it was defiantly not for me! Cheese croquettes, salmon mousse, and steak tartar were also on the guest list of food for the evening and by the looks of the guests, they were greatly welcomed!

The night started off with a quartet of women, dressed in all white flapper costumes, playing the violin.  This made the space feel very “speakeasy-esque.” The music then turned into a large band who played a mix of classics and modern music. The last performers were so full of energy they had all the guests dancing. I thought to myself that these artists would fit so well at any event in lieu of a DJ because just the feel and presentation of a live band I think is so fun and elegant. Granted, a band is quite pricey and sometimes unattainable, but if you have the funds, I say go for it!

As the night went on we chatted and mingled with others in the event planning industry and spoke about how we can see an event in the room. The room fits about 200 guests for a cocktail reception and would be ideal for a birthday party or an after work gathering with colleagues. The space was big enough to fit 200 but small enough that you wouldn’t loose the intimacy of your guests. Because the walls were so dark, bringing in an outside vendor to provide up lighting would look stunning. Up lighting is when a light is placed on the floor with the light shining upwards on the wall. Many times you see this at social functions where the falls are illuminated by different colors. It’s a fantastic way to add color to a room without spending a ton on colored floral pieces. I would definitely recommend this room to any client looking for something social yet intimate for any special event.

Being an intern, it was great to see how industry professionals come together to discuss ideas and network with each other. I hope to attend many more of these events during my time at Penta. As always feel free to contact me at mferreira@pentaevents.com if you have any questions regarding this event or anything having to do with planning an event! I’d love to share my experiences and ideas with you!

Happy Planning!

-Marie