For New Yorkers, Labor Day means a final weekend escape out to the Hamptons, back to school and US Open Tennis. From star studded events like “Taste of Tennis” and the annual “US Open Player Party” the city is abuzz with all things Tennis.

This year, the Roosevelt Hotel has a bird’s eye view of all the action! US Open Tennis Player, Robert Kendrick, has made the Roosevelt Hotel his home for the duration of his Tournament Play. In addition to staying at the hotel, Kendrick is featuring a “Roosevelt Hotel” patch on all of his shirts worn throughout the tournament.

“I am thrilled to enter into this relationship with the Roosevelt Hotel” said Kendrick. “The location of the hotel is perfect for me to travel to and from the stadium in Queens, and also puts me in the center of all the US Open action taking place in Manhattan.”

The 30 year old Florida native has been playing competitive tennis since the age of 5. Throughout high school, he competed in junior tennis and enjoyed some intermittent success. In 1996, he was the runner-up in singles at the USTA Boys’ 18s  National Indoor Championships. Then in 1997, he reached the final doubles of the Easter Bowl and reach the singles final and took the doubles title at the USTA International Grass Court Championships. In 1998, he attended the University of Washington earning All-American in singles and doubles as a sophomore with a record of 31-9, and got as high as No. 3 in the collegiate rankings that year. He then transferred to Pepperdine University for his junior year and again attained All-American with an 18-10 record. He managed to reach the round of 16 at the NCAA Men’s Tennis Championship where he was defeated.

Since turning professional in 1999, Kendrick has competed in all of the major tournaments including the Delray Beach International Championship, Wimbledon, Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championship, The Australian Open, Sony Ericsson Open, Queens Club Championship and the US Open.

In this year’s Open Kendrick won his first tow qualifying matches and faced Gael Monfis in the first round of Men’s Singles in the 2010 US Open Tournament play. Unfortunately, Kendrick was defeated 3/6, 6/3, 6/4, 6/7 (tie breaker 5/7), 6/4. Kendrick returns to the court on Wednesday, September 1st to start men’s  doubles play.

Stop by the Roosevelt Hotel and catch the US Open action at Madison Club Lounge and Vander Bar while enjoying the official cocktail of the US Open, the Grey Goose Honey Deuce.

Robert Kendrick and friends at mad46

Left to right: US Open Players Travis Rettenmaier, Robby Ginepri, Robert Kendrick, and former player Travis Blake. Front: trainer Paul Pisani

The 2010 U.S. Open tournament is underway as the men’s and women’s qualifying rounds began on August 24th. Unlike previous years, the 2010 U.S. Open was actually “open” to everyone. All interested tennis players above the age of 14 were invited to compete for a wild card spot in the tournament. 1200 players came out to 16 sectional qualifying tournaments for a chance at their dreams in the inaugural U.S. Open National Playoffs. The two wild cards were earned by Blake Strode for the men and Alexandra Mueller for the women. Both Strode and Mueller are now off to compete in the first round of the U.S. Open Qualifying tournament.

In addition to the new National Playoffs that give everyone a chance to compete, the United States Tennis Association (USTA)  have announced a few more “enhancements” to look out for this year . These include upgraded facilities across all grounds, brand new concessions areas, expanded streaming on usopen.org to include all matches, and a star-studded opening ceremony that celebrates the tournament theme Dream, Succeed, Inspire. The opening ceremonies will take place on Monday, August 30th and will be broadcast on ESPN to kickoff their prime time coverage of the Open.

This year’s tournament, which officially takes place August 30th through September 12th, will most likely prove a very entertaining one, as top-seeded Rafael Nadal will compete for a chance to earn a career Grand Slam of the year and first U.S. Open title ever. On the women’s side, number one seed Serena Williams will be sidelined because of a right foot injury, and Caroline Wozniacki will step up in the top spot.

There are a few fun ways for everyone to get involved in the 2010 U.S. Open without breaking the bank on tickets to Arthur Ashe Stadium.  One way is to participate in the “Bracket Challenge” that is a totally free and fun way to interactively place your picks for each rounds winners. Also, Madison Square Park is once again hosting U.S. Open Live, presented by American Express. A live viewing screen will be set up in the conservancy so fans can enjoy all the action. Guests are welcome to sit in the bleachers provided and enjoy concessions from area restaurants. Live screening in the park will take place September 3rd through the 12th. 

Follow the 2010 U.S. Open on Facebook and Twitter for the most recent news and updates.

Looking for something fun to do over Labor Day Weekend this year?  How about an open-air electronic music festival…

The growing genre  of techno music (also referred to as “electric”, “house”, “trance” and “electro”) has mainly been celebrated in Europe, only recognized in the United States as underground “rave” music only acceptable at night time in dance clubs. All this was changed last year when Made Event put on the first Electric Zoo Music Festival on Randall’s Island Park in NYC. Last year’s festival proved a grand success with a reported 26,000 people in attendance. All of which enjoyed the mayhem of dancing and singing along to a diverse set of artists performing on four separate stages around the park.

This year’s event will take place on September 4th and 5th and feature artists such as The Chemical Brothers, Pretty Lights, Axwell, Richie Hawtin, Moby, Above & Beyond, Armin Van Buuren and Bassnectar.

For complete details including ticket information, directions, full line-up and recent news see the official Electric Zoo page. You can also follow the festival on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Last year’s event had perfect weather so cross your fingers for another beautiful weekend this year!

For the third year in a row NYC is hosting the ‘Summer Streets‘ event.  Break out your bicycle and bring out your inner Lance Armstrong, dance your way down Park Avenue or perfect your backstroke at Grand Central .

From 7am to 1pm the streets of the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park and Park Avenue will be closed to traffic and open to pedestrians.  What’s really cool for this year’s event is there will be swimming pools! Three clean unused shipping containers are being turned into swimming pools and will be located near Grand Central and open to the public.

Summer Streets; Play, Walk, Run, Bike

Saturdays August 7, 14, 21, 2010

On August 24th ,the East Coast Modball Rally will kick off in New York City with a Tunnel Run  that starts at the Roosevelt Hotel and continues through Midtown, Brooklyn, Holland and Park Avenue. Registration begins at 2PM at the Roosevelt Hotel and the run will begin at 8PM. This event  is not exclusively for cars that are participating in the Modball Rally that travels down the East Coast, but open to all modified cars in the New York City area. After the tunnel run, all teams are welcome to the Mad 46 Rooftop Lounge to celebrate the start of the Modball Rally. 

Not sure what the Modball Rally even is?  It is described by one of its sponsors as “the most bonkers road trip around”. Teams from around the country assemble each year for a road rally that spans across many state borders. The term “modball” is given because it is said to be a modified ‘Gumball Rally’. The Modball Rally is known less for its actual race and more for the partying that ensues later each night. This years rally takes place from August 25th-29th and stops in  New York, Washington D.C., Virginia Beach, Atlanta, Orlando and finally Miami.

If you are interested in participating in this years rally, more info is available here.
If you would like to participate in the NYC Tunnel Run please send an e-mail to serena@modball.com indicating your name, number and a request for more info. 

According to Wikipedia, Fringe Theater is a term used to describe an alternative form of theater; not typical of mainstream. It can be compared to indie productions in the film industry. According to FringeNYC, it is reason to celebrate what has been called “New York’s Best Staycation”. Of course, New York City is the perfect place to host the largest multi-arts festival in North America, so that is exactly what is happening August 13th-29th. The 14th annual International Fringe Festival will be coming to town to showcase 1200 performances from 200 companies from around the world at 20 different venues spread throughout Manhattan over 16 days. That’s a lot of fringe! Because shows include everything from drama to musicals in its entirety, it may seem overwhelming trying to figure out what productions may interest you and your family, that is why FringeNYC has broken up the productions into some subdivisions or themes that can be easily researched and sorted through. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from each one:

• FringeJr- these productions are specifically aimed at families with children ages 5 to 12.  Tickets are just $10 and can  be purchased at the Central Box office or over the phone 24 hours before the show. List of FringeJr shows here.

• FringeHIGH-  shows in this category are guaranteed to stretch the limits, entertain teens. Issues presented are sure to resonate with young adults as they capture modern-day issues. Some themes for this year include race and racism, magic and juggling, war and politics, and struggling to find and define your own identity. List of FringeHIGH shows here.

• Fringe AL FRESCO- these FREE events happen throughout the festival and include the opening ceremonies and teasers/snippets of some of the show selections and everything else the Fringe Festival has to offer. All AL FRESCO events are outdoors so you can stay the whole time or just drop by. Find the full schedule here.

• FringeArt- Blast through the flat and ordinary! Come get your photo taken with one of the live artists and add it to the collage at FringeCentral. Find more details here.

• FringeClub- this is an after-the-show event that happens every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Visit with the artists in the Artist Lounge on Thursdays or attend the  Variety Show Power Hour on Fridays and Saturdays. This completely improvised show includes many special guests and is sure to entertain. Find more information here.

Tickets for shows can be purchased at the FringeNYC website or at the FringeCentral box office. The Box office also includes a community center where you can find maps, program guides, volunteer registration, performance applications etc.

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It is hard to believe that the farmland that was once called Longacre Square (up until 1904) is now the most recognizable commercial intersection in the nation. Times Square officially resides between 42nd and 47th street and 6th to 9th avenue, but most action takes place right around where 42nd street meets broadway. When visiting this spectacular place, it may seem like its impossible to experience it all (which it realistically is), but we’ve done our best to pick and choose the best things this epicenter of light has to offer…

1. Catch a ball game at ESPN Zone
    With over 100 HD Televisions, there is no better place to have a bite to eat and cheer on your favorite team. On your way out, check out the ESPN Store that sells tons of sports merchandise.
    
2. Visit M&M’s World
    What could be more exciting than a 25,000 sq, foot store filled with M&M’s of every color imaginable. The store offers 3 floors of everything M&M from customizable candies to souvenir clothing.
    
3. Take a ride at Toys R Us
   It’s no secret that there is a huge ferris wheel in the center of the world’s largest toy store. What you may not know, however, is that while there you can take a stroll through CandyLand, meet  play on a giant piano, and see some of the original Jurassic Park dinosaurs. All while letting the kids pick out a few toys!
    
4. Enjoy Madame Tussauds wax wonders
    You will not believe your eyes. This wax figure museum is world-renowned and includes everyone from Ben Franklin to Miley Cyrus. Enjoy a stroll around a take a picture with your favorite celebrity look-a-like
    
5. Watch a live taping at NBC Studios
   Although tickets need to be purchased well in advance, it is so worth it. Shows you can catch live include Dateline and the Today Show. Another great thing to do their is go behind the scenes and take a tour of the whole studio. 
    
6. Have a snack at Dale & Thomas Popcorn
   The Today Show right down the street has dubbed them “The Rolls Royce of popcorn”. It would be a mistake to go to Times Square and not try some of the best gourmet popcorn in the world. You can try flavors ranging from Chocolate Drizzle to Blazing Buffalo. Also, the store has many great gifts!  
    
7. Buy an I ♥ NY shirt from a ‘touristy’ souvenir shop
   You can’t stroll through without buying something with the iconic I Love New York symbol on it. They should not be hard to come across, as there are souvenir shops about every 100 feet in Manhattan.
    
8. Take a peak at MTV Studios and shop around the store
   Check out the venue that has attracted some of the biggest stars of all time to New York. Who knows…you may end up running into one! 
    
9. Gawk at the NASDAQ sign for a few minutes
   It is definitely worth noting the largest LED display in the world. This 120 ft. tall neon sign sign cost 37 million dollars to build and is said to take up the most valuable piece of advertising real estate for a mere 2 million dollars a year.
    
10. Take a picture  with The Naked Cowboy
    Don’t leave Times Square and taking a snapshot with the famous fixture that shows up and plays the guitar in just underwear, cowboy boots and a cowboy hat no matter what the weather.

Sure 60,000 people ride the free Staten Island Ferry daily, but that doesn’t stop the world from labeling the island, which is separated from the rest of the city by New York Bay, the “Lost Borough”. Many think that, besides the free ferry ride that offers a spectacular view of sunset on the Manhattan skyline (if you time it right of course), there is nothing to do there. This couldn’t be farther from the truth! You don’t have to dig very deep to see that there are many fun attractions on Staten Island. Here are 3 suggestions to get you started:

1. The Greenbelt Conservancy

This lush, 2800-acre span of green land provides for a perfect escape from the monotonous concrete and urbanization that has taken over the rest of the city. The Conservancy includes trails for hiking, mature trees for escaping the summer heat, a wildlife refuge, summer camp, a recreation center and much more! The Greenbelt is good for one-time visits or membership deals for locals. Also, check out the Calendar of Upcoming Events for more specific interests! Make a day out of the Greenbelt Conservancy and see the “greener side” of New York.

2. Snug Harbor Culture Center

An affiliate of the Smithsonian,the Snug Harbor Culture Center is the perfect place to go to get your arts & entertainment fix. Situated right on old Snug Harbor, formerly known as the “haven for aged sailors”, the spot is one of the region’s most historical landmarks. Throughout history the center has remained the very heart of the Staten Island social scene. Within the center you will find a contemporary art museum, botanical garden, children’s museum and concert hall among many other things. Plan your visit today!

3. The Chinese Scholars Garden

The Chinese Scholar’s Garden is actually located within the Botanical Gardens of Snug Harbor, but it is definitely not your average botanical garden. The garden, which was constructed by 40 Chinese artists and artisans from Suzhou, opened in June 1999. The traditional Han Dynasty architecture of this magnificent achievement can be traced back 2,000 years. The garden is enclosed by tall walls so that only visitors of the garden can experience it’s surreal beauty. For more information on the Chinese Scholar Garden’s history click here.

So there you have it; 3 fun things to do in Staten Island besides riding the ferry. It  doesn’t seem so “lost” now does it?

The month of August in New York City has an average high 0f 83 degrees. While the days can be quite scorching, the evenings could not be more pleasant, and there are few better ways to enjoy them than heading out to the Hudson River Park to enjoy one of their events. The park is located right in Manhattan along the  waterside of the Hudson River between Battery Park and 59th street. While the park is a great place to visit for a bike ride along one of it’s scenic routes or a picnic under the trees, fun events take place almost daily during the summer and this month is no exception. Some Hudson River Park events going on in August are as follows:

• Hudson River Park’s Moondance - Dance Manhattan makes this event, which takes place on Pier 54 every Sunday night through August 8th, possible by offering free dance lessons. All levels of dance experience  are welcome to come and enjoy a night of swing, tango or salsa under the stars and along the river-front. Live music changes with every Moondance, which starts at 6:30 PM weather permitting

August 1st- Hector Del Curto’s Eternal Tango Orchestra
August 8th- George Gee Swing Orchestra

• Hudson River Park’s Stars of Tomorrow - students from the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music and Mannes College The New School for Music perform on one of Hudson River Park’s most beautiful places, Pier 45. All are welcome to come enjoy the music, which starts at 6:30PM every tuesday evening and is free.

August 3rd- Peter Gazarov Quartet
August 10th- Classical Brass Trio
August 17th- Classical Woodwinds Trio

• Hudson River Park’s RiverFlicks for Grown-ups-  Book a babysitter for Wednesday nights! Pier 54 is the place to see all your favorite movies from 2009 on the big screen outside. Movies begin at 8:30 PM and are free to the general public.

August 4th- Julie & Julia
August 11th- Public Enemies
August 18th- Star Trek

• Hudson River Park’s Rumble on the River - This outdoor boxing event pairs some of the best amateur boxers from New York’s 5 burroughs to compete on Pier 84 in front of a live audience. The matches begin at 7PM and are free to the general public. Not so interested in the boxing? Enjoy the beautiful view of the sunset over the Hudson river instead, which is spectacular from Pier 84.

• Hudson River Park’s RiverFlicks For Kids- Grab a few blankets and snacks for a night of movies in the park with the whole family. Movies start at 8:30 PM and are on Friday nights.

August 6th- Big (Pier 54)
August 13th- Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (Pier 46)
August 20th- Annie (Pier 46)

• Sunset on the Hudson - Every Friday night through August 20th, come to Pier 45 at 7pm to watch the sun dip below the horizon and listen to New York’s acclaimed Guitar Man David Ippolito from this spectacular grass-covered spot that stretches 900 feet into the majestic Hudson River.

• Hudson River Park’s RiverRocks- Don’t miss out on the Hudson River Park’s last concert of the season with Deer Hunter and special guest Real Estate. The show will be at Pier 54 and gates open at 6PM. Follow status updates on Twitter.

Dragon Boat racing is a very old ritual that originated as part of the annual festival that celebrates the spirit of Chinese poet Qu Yuan who was exiled from his country and drowned himself in the Ohu River.  His heroic spirit is celebrated every year with the races at the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival.

This year’s Dragon Boat Festival, which takes place on Saturday, August 7th from 9AM to 5PM,  celebrates the year of the Rooster and the 5th moon of the Lunar Calendar. This annual sporting and multicultural event takes place in Flushing Meadows Park in Queens.  120 Dragon Boat teams from across North America will be competing for cash, trophies and prizes while spectators can enjoy traditional Chinese food and performances. 

Admission is FREE and the event will go on come rain or shine. 

Directions to the park.

Instructions for Team Registration.