7 things to do in NYC this weekend: Feb. 21-23

Yahoo

20-02-2025

Highlights this weekend include the 17th annual Harlem Fine Arts Show, Singaporean superstar JJ Lin at Barclays Center and West African Dance returning to Jamaica, Queens.
— 660 12th Ave., Manhattan (Hell's Kitchen)
Through Feb. 23. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Dion Clarke, who started the Harlem Fine Arts Show nearly 20 years ago, continues his mission to celebrate Black artistry. Considered the largest traveling fine arts exhibition of its kind, this year's event has a theme of 'Art For Beauty' highlighting how art 'enhances our world—through color, form, emotion, and perspective.'
'The artists showcased this year channel beauty in their work, whether through traditional fine art, sculpture, mixed media, or contemporary expression, inviting attendees to immerse themselves in a world where creativity meets elegance,' Clarke told The Daily News Wednesday.
Attendees can see works from artists such as Basil Watson, Earlene Cox, Leroy Campbell, Marryam Moma, Justin Ellis, Thomas E. Lockhart III and Ghanaian-born New York-based illustrator, and designer Denny Ow. Many works will be available to purchase at the 17th annual event.
Broadcasting veteran Ann Tripp, of WBLS-FM, will host Friday's Red Dot Opening event.
'It's about creating opportunities, preserving cultural narratives, and ensuring that Black art continues to be recognized and valued on a global scale,' Clarke said. 'Each year, I see new talent emerging, seasoned artists evolving, and an audience that continues to grow in appreciation. That keeps me inspired to push forward.'
Tickets start at $40, plus fees.
— 153-10 Jamaica Ave., Queens (Jamaica)
Fri. Feb. 21 and Sat. Feb. 22, 8 p.m.
Following two sold-out interactive workshops last week, the Kofago Dance Ensemble and FANIKE! West African Dance Troupe (with 25 members each) will honor tradition and ancestors and focus on the Senegalese style dance entitled Sabar during a near-two hour performance.
'West African Dance at JCAL' is part of a growing Black History Month tradition that dates back to 2019,' artistic director Courtney Ffrench told The Daily News. 'There is a large contingent of West African immigrants in the community, and an appetite for dance in Jamaica Queens. We are servicing those needs with this event.'
Tickets are at $20.
— 620 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn (Downtown)
Sat. Feb. 22, 8 p.m.
Fans of Mandopop (Mandarin pop music) will get a chance to experience the full-scale wonderment of JJ Lin when the U.S. leg of his record-breaking tour stops in Brooklyn this weekend.
The 43-year-old, one of the biggest pop stars in Singapore, said the three-week, five city trek 'is about bringing my music closer to the people who have supported me throughout my career.'
With tickets carrying a hefty price tag, fans will surely get their money's worth since Lin reportedly performs nearly 40 songs throughout an almost three-hour concert. Newbies won't have to worry they'll be left out — lyrics for each of the songs are flashed on screen in state-of-the-art stage design — which includes animated videos and short films related to his life.
Tickets start at $299.
— 15 Vandam St., Manhattan (SoHo)
Through Feb. 23. Various showtimes.
The legacy of Gil Scott-Heron lives on in this live performance tribute during SoHo Playhouse's 2025 International Fringe Encore Theater Series.
Gia Scott-Heron, the daughter of the late poet, music artist and bluesologist — known for the seminal 1971 poem 'The Revolution Will Not Be Televised' and the classic 1974 song 'The Bottle' — joins a band of spoken word artists in a production directed by Phylliss Bailey Brooks.
The show, previously presented at Hollywood Fringe Festival, brings new life into Heron's words with performances by Yawo Watts, Conney Williams, Lorenzo Frank, Art.Us Mansoir, The Oracle and award-winning writer Tuesday Conner.
Tickets are $39, discounts available.
— 181-189 Second Ave., Manhattan (East Village)
Opens Feb. 21. Various showtimes.
'After Hours' star Griffin Dunne leads Noah Pritzker's new dramedy about a middle-aged New York City dentist who mistakenly crashes his eldest son's bachelor party in Tulum amid his own divorce after 35 years.
Dunne reunited with 'After Hours' co-star Rosanna Arquette for this tender film about a family of men at various crossroads of life and love. Richard Benjamin, Miles Heizer, James Norton, Eisa Davis and Pedro Fontaine also star.
Tickets are $21.19, discounts available.
XXV – Creator Stage — 61 North 11th St Floor 3, Brooklyn (Williamsburg)
Fri. Feb. 21. 6 p.m.
The Kid Mero, formerly half of the podcasting and late-night TV duo Desus & Mero, is off on his own with a new platform, which will have its first live show at the 2025 On Air Fest this weekend.
The brazen Bronx native (born Joel Armogasto Martinez) joins his co-hosts Rainey Ovalle and Lizbel to deliver 'unfiltered commentary, uproarious banter, and behind-the-scenes stories about all things pop culture and current events.'
The event is a part of a star-studded lineup bringing together creative professionals working in audio, video and new media such as Anderson Cooper, Audie Cornish, Bon Iver, Jemele Hill, Seth Meyers and Anna Martin.
Tickets are $49.
— 160 West 45th St., Manhattan (Times Square)
Through Feb. 28. Various showtimes.
The whole family can score a special discount — to get around Governor Hochul's controversial congestion pricing plan (before it's officially kiboshed) — for the popular three-part immersive experience.
The cutting-edge, technology-enhanced museum dedicated to showcasing the vibrant culture, history, and stories of New York City is offering $9 off of your total ticket order, and a 10% discount on parking (with codes).
Tickets start at $42.
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