A Classic Summer Combo: 10 Years of Blues and Barbecue

Blues and barbeque go together like, well, blues and barbecue. Or baseball and hot dogs. Ice cream and hot fudge. In any event, two things that go really well together. So the Hudson River Park’s "Blues BBQ Festival" in New York City, celebrating its 10th Anniversary this Sunday, August 23, offers a classic match.
Held at Pier 54 (Eleventh Avenue at 13th Street in Manhattan), the festival, taking place from 2-9 PM, rain or shine, offers up rib-sticking favorites--and just plain ribs—from Brother Jimmy’s BBQ, Dallas Jones Bar-B-Q, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, and Mara’s Homemade.
Blues bands from across the country will perform, including Mississippi Delta artist Eden Brent, who's known for her jazz and blues standards, at 2:30 PM; and the Homemade Jamz Blues Band at 3:45 PM; the event culminates with R&B and blues guitarist Michael Burks at 7:30PM.
This Southern-tinged event may be a natural for fans, but it also offers the uninitiated a chance to partake of a classic form of American food and music.
After all, barbeque in August is as classic, as, well, barbeque in August.
Admission is free; call (212) 627-2020 for more information.

Free Popcorn and a Mischievous Monkey: Riverflicks for Kids

August in New York can seem like a slow descent into unbearable temperatures and not enough air conditioning--which is why the city’s Hudson River Park’s “Riverflicks for Kids” comes as such welcome relief.
This is the last Friday (August 21) to catch part of this free film series for families (there's also one for adults that takes place at Pier 54; 14th Street and the Hudson River) that screens new and classic films for kids. This summer’s batch has included “Kung Fu Panda,” “The Wizard of Oz," and “Madagascar 2: Escape 2 Africa.” It finishes off with "Curious George” (not sure why, or if there's any significance to its being last), the 2006 animated film based on the classic H.A. Rey book about the mischievous monkey from Africa and the Man in the Yellow Hat (voiced by Will Ferrell). It’s rated G, and other voices include Eugene Levy, Dick Van Dyke, and Drew Barrymore.
Purists beware: An elaborate back story has been added.
Screenings start around dusk (usually between 8:00 and 8:30 PM these days) and popcorn is free (other snacks and beverage are also available for purchase.)
Movies are shown at Pier 46 (Charles Street/Hudson River); limited seating is available.
Call (212) 627-2121 for more information.
So forsake those hot city streets for a river breeze--and a riverflick.