All Of It: Episode Summary — "Making a New York Winter Fun, Outside or Inside"
Host: Kate Hines (Guest Host for Alison Stewart)
Release Date: December 20, 2024
Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
Location: WNYC Studios, Soho
Introduction: Embracing the Winter Season
The episode kicks off with Kate Hines introducing the theme: transforming the typically cold and gloomy winter months into a season of fun and engagement in New York City. With the winter solstice marking the official start of winter and temperatures expected to dip into the teens, Kate emphasizes the importance of finding enjoyable activities to shake off the winter blues.
Key Points:
- Winter Solstice: Sets the stage for winter activities with the sun setting at 4:30 PM and dropping temperatures.
- Community Engagement: Encourages listeners to share their ideas on enjoying winter, fostering a sense of community.
Featured Activities: Indoor, Outdoor, and Free
The core of the episode revolves around suggestions for winter activities categorized into indoor, outdoor, and free options. Kate and her producer, Simon Close, along with contributions from other WNYC colleagues, provide a diverse range of ideas to cater to different preferences.
1. Indoor Activities
Public Song Project Event
Speaker: Simon Close [02:16]
Simon promotes the upcoming Public Song Project concert at Joe's Pub on January 8th. This event showcases artists who reinterpret public domain music, featuring performances from winners and special guests like Joanna Sternberg and DJ Reika.
Notable Quote:
"The Public Song Project... we're doing another concert, which I'm really excited for at Joe's Pub. It's on January 8th, which is a Wednesday." [02:10]
Spa and Massage Recommendations
Contributor: Luke Green [10:24]
Luke suggests pampering oneself with a spa visit or massage to combat winter stress and promote self-care.
2. Outdoor Activities
Ice Skating in Prospect Park
Contributor: Zach Goderer Cohen [08:22]
Zach recommends ice skating at Prospect Park’s Lafrac Center, which offers both covered and outdoor rinks, catering to different preferences regarding weather and crowd levels.
Winter Jazz Fest
Speaker: Simon Close [12:25]
Simon highlights the NYC Winter Jazz Fest, a multi-venue festival featuring 150 groups across 20 stages from January 9th to 15th. The event encourages exploring neighborhoods through the experience of walking between various indoor concert venues.
Polar Bear Plunge at Coney Island
Contributor: Luke Green [10:24]
Luke describes the exhilarating experience of the Polar Bear Plunge—a quick dip into the freezing Atlantic Ocean, followed by enjoying Coney Island’s attractions and renowned pizza.
Community Snowball Fights
Contributor: Simon Close [14:45]
Simon shares information about the Community Snowball Fight event on January 4th in Prospect Park, organized by Tea, Arts, and Culture and the Prospect Park Alliance. The event includes sound performances and encourages communal fun.
Notable Quote:
“Winter is hot duck season. So most weekends next month I will be out and about spotting those northern shovelers, green winged teals and buffleheads in various bodies of water in Central Park.” [00:16]
3. Free Activities
Winter Tea in Prospect Park
Contributor: Simon Close [15:36]
An event featuring tea, sound performances, poetry, and art installations, promoting mindfulness and relaxation in a communal setting.
Walk the Promenade at Riverside Park
Listener Suggestion: Text [26:13]
A serene nighttime stroll along Riverside Park’s promenade from 96th Street to Riverside Church, ideal for peaceful reflection and enjoying the city’s quieter side.
Visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art Post-Blizzard
Listener Judy [17:51]
Judy recommends visiting the Met the morning after a blizzard, offering a unique, nearly solitary museum experience.
Notable Quote:
“Winter is hot duck season. So most weekends next month I will be out and about spotting those northern shovelers, green winged teals and buffleheads in various bodies of water in Central Park.” [00:16]
Special Events and Highlights
Listening Party for Crung Bin’s Grammy Nomination
The episode mentions that the band Crung Bin has been nominated for a Grammy Award for Best New Artist, with a listening party planned for their latest album, "A la Sala."
Works by Notable Contributors:
- Comedian Josh Gondelman: Provides positivity through pep talks.
- Author Sascha Sagan: Discusses the history of winter solstice traditions.
- Composer David Lange: Previews his new series of hymns to be performed at Lincoln Center.
Notable Quote:
“Culture encompasses religion, food, what we wear, how we wear it, our language, marriage, music, what we believe is right or wrong...” — Cristina De Rossi [Podcast Description]
Listener Interaction: Calls and Texts
Throughout the episode, Kate engages with listener submissions via calls and texts, incorporating their suggestions into the discussion. Highlights include:
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Bill from North Brunswick: Recommends curling at local clubs and ice skating at North Brunswick Veterans Park.
"Bill in North Brunswick, who says the best way to handle the winter season, go curling at the Brooklyn Curling Club..." [09:39]
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Judy from Brooklyn: Suggests visiting cultural exhibits and experiencing quiet moments at museums.
"Some theater graduates... performing a trolleybound Christmas with flesh and blood actors..." [24:54]
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Sophia Edmondson: Highlights free winter activities in New Jersey, including the Dickens Village and Turtleback Zoo’s holiday light show.
“...there’s ice go karts. Admission is free, but of course a bit extra for the activities.” [27:58]
Insider Tips and Additional Suggestions
Luna Art Amusement Park at The Shed
Contributor: Malik Anderson [16:46]
Luna is highlighted as the world’s first art amusement park, featuring interactive art installations by renowned artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring, running through February 23rd.
Holiday Markets and Museums
Additional recommendations include winter exhibitions at the Whitney Museum of American Art, Bryant Park’s Winter Wonderland, and unique experiences at Temple Emanuel’s museum.
Notable Quote:
“Winter is hot duck season. So most weekends next month I will be out and about spotting those northern shovelers, green winged teals and buffleheads in various bodies of water in Central Park.” [00:16]
Conclusion: Building a Winter Community
The episode concludes with Kate thanking listeners for their contributions and encouraging ongoing participation through calls, texts, and social media. The collaborative effort aims to create a vibrant winter community in New York City, leveraging the city's diverse offerings to make the cold months enjoyable for everyone.
Final Thoughts:
- Community Engagement: Emphasizes the importance of sharing and participating in winter activities.
- Upcoming Events: Encourages listeners to attend forthcoming concerts and festivals.
- Positive Outlook: Maintains an optimistic perspective on embracing winter through culture and community.
Notable Quote:
“Bundle up, wear those PJs inside out and I will see you at the snowball fight.” [08:22]
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace Varied Activities: From ice skating and jazz festivals to art amusement parks and quiet museum visits.
- Engage with the Community: Participate in events, share ideas, and contribute to making winter enjoyable.
- Leverage Free Resources: Utilize parks, public libraries, and free exhibits to explore the city without breaking the bank.
For more detailed information on the events and activities mentioned, listeners are encouraged to visit WNYC’s website or follow the “All Of It” Instagram page.