Parkerfest started in 1999 in New York, and this annual party looks to be among the most ambitious ones the Dorothy Parker Society has ever put on. It will be four days long, Aug. 26-29, with fun activities spread out from Gramercy Park to Governors Island. Here is the complete schedule:
Parkerfest 2010 Schedule
Thursday, Aug. 26, 7:30-11:00 p.m.
The Cellar Door Series in the Borsalino Room
Location: Borsalino Room, under Flute Gramercy, 40 E. 20th Street
Cost: No cover, 2-drink minimum, table reservations suggested, call 646.706.3379
This the monthly music showcase the Dorothy Parker Society has been sponsoring all year, and each month it gets better and better. We’ve had some fantastic talent perform this summer. This month for Mrs. Parker’s birthday, Bill Zeffiro has lined up some incredible performers. Don’t miss out in this intimate little room in Gramercy Park! And nobody does cocktails like Flute does, of course. The lineup this month: 3-time MAC Award nominee Jenna Esposito (jennaesposito.com), Kristin Parker (kristinparker.com), Martin Bonventre (martinbonventre.com) and Marissa Mulder.
Friday, August 27, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Algonquin Round Table Walking Tour
Location: Algonquin Hotel, 59 W. 44th St (bet 5th and 6th Avenues)
Cost: $20
Walk in the footsteps of the Vicious Circle in the only walking tour dedicated to the city’s greatest literary friends. See the places where the Round Table, lived, worked, played and drank. You’ll visit the former homes, theaters and speakeasies associated with Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley, Franklin P. Adams, Heywood Broun, Edna Ferber, George S. Kaufman and many more. The walk begins and ends in the landmark Algonquin Hotel. The walk is led by Kevin C. Fitzpatrick, president of the DPS and author of “A Journey into Dorothy Parker’s New York.”
Friday, August 27, 8:00 p.m.
Staged Reading of “Close Harmony”
Location: UrbanStages Theatre, 259 W. 30th Street (bet 7th and 8th Avenues)
Cost: Suggested donation of $5
We are very excited to bring this play to an audience in 2010. It was written and performed on Broadway in 1924 by Dorothy Parker and Elmer Rice. We believe it has not seen the light of day since. We have lined up a fantastic cast of actors to put the reading on of this entertaining three-act comedy. Come out and hear Mrs. Parker’s script set in suburban living rooms in the Twenties. Among the cast will be Kristin Maloney, Alex Emanuel, Maureen Van Trease, Natalie Wilder and Kristin Parker. Directed by David Caldwell. Don’t miss this once-in-a-blue-moon chance to see a rare Parker gem. Immediately following the reading will be drinks around the corner at a local place.
Saturday, Aug. 28 & Sunday Aug. 29, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Parkerfest on Governors Island
Location: Governors Island
Cost: $7 advance, $10 at the door, get tickets here.
For five years, Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra have put on the Jazz Age Lawn Party, where every Daisy, Nick and Gatsby comes to turn back the clock and enjoy a fantastic vintage weekend on the beautiful Governors Island lawn in New York Harbor. Nothing can touch this. More than 1,000 people in vintage attire, live jazz all day long, games, food & picnics, events and contests. See Michael’s site for more information. For the fourth year in a row, the DPS will have a table at the event with some of our more literary-minded friends, and will be putting on readings. Come out, dress up, and get into the spirit of a truly wonderful weekend like no other. Bring a group of friends and a picnic basket to make a day of it. Bring your camera! This is a weekend you won’t forget.
Saturday, Aug. 28, 8 p.m.
Wit’s End party: Vamps & Vagabonds
Location: Flute Midtown, 205 West 54th Street, at Broadway
Cost: $12 at the door, RSVP below
The Wit’s End monthly party isn’t like any others. Imagine a real speakeasy and everyone in the room is in vintage attire, dancing to incredible live jazz! Get ready for an evening of hot jazz and flapper fun with tunes from Miss Cherry Delight & The Big Tent Jazz Band. It’s their debut at Wit’s End! FREE dance lessons begins at 8:30 p.m, and the band begins at 9 p.m.! Dress code: 1910s-1940s vintage/vintage-inspired evening attire for ladies and gents… and this month only: hobos welcome! Prizes awarded for best hobo!
RSVP On Facebook