WORD FOR WORD

Grab a sandwich and head to Bryant Park for some midday food for thought. Check out the outdoor reading series Word for Word featuring writers Jami Attenberg (“The Middlesteins”) and Fiona Maazel (“Woke Up Lonely”) hosted by Teddy Wayne, running from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. this afternoon at the open-air Bryant Park Reading Room under the trees (and some burgundy and white umbrellas). This literary lunch group will cover everything from America’s obsession with food to a cult that promises to cure loneliness. Now there are some ideas to chew on.

Word for Word at Bryant Park

COMEBACK COCKTAILS

Living in a city like New York, there’s a good chance you’ve developed a discerning taste for cocktails. All around town, from dive bars to sleek lounges, bartenders have raised the bar on what you can expect from a shaker, a strainer, and a glass. Check out “Hey Bartender,” now playing at the Village East Cinema. This documentary goes “behind the bar” for the back story on two cocktail renaissance men: one an injured a Marine who achieves his dream of mixing drinks at Employees Only and the other a former bank exec who buys the corner bar in his hometown. Say “cheers” to following your dreams!

“Hey Bartender” at the Village East Cinema

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SOMETIMES ITS NICE TO START OFF WITH A CLEAN SLATE

Explore the trend, here.

FIERCELY FIT

Are you bored by the same-old fitness routine at the gym? If so, Refinery29.com has devised a plan to banish the workout blahs and get you swimsuit ready. Call it, “Fiercely Fit.” Get amped for dynamic exercises that will kick your treadmill-and-squats regimen to the curb—and your butt into shape. “From core tighteners to booty busters, these moves are not for the faint of heart, but they’re completely doable, whether you’re a seasoned gym rat or a proud lazy girl.” Check out trainer-approved tips that will up your endurance, strength, and hotness factor into high gear.

Summer Fitness Exercises

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THE ROOTS ROCK

Were you so stoked to hear about Jim James (a.k.a. the lead singer from My Morning Jacket) and The Roots (a.k.a. the Grammy-winning house band for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon) teaming up for a show that you couldn’t wait? Turns out you won’t have to. You’ll get to see this Celebrate Brooklyn benefit concert 24 hours earlier than its originally scheduled time: Playing tonight at Prospect Park instead of tomorrow, this hip-hop and rock & roll collab mashes up one of the greatest modern rock songwriters and one of the greatest live acts for a show that will bring down the band shell.

The Roots and Jim James at Prospect Park

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SOULFUL DEBUT

Seems like the daughters of preacher men are coming up these days: Like Katy Perry, whose parents are Pentecostal pastors, singer-songwriter Diane Birch’s father was a Seventh-day Adventist preacher whose work took them around the globe. Musically, Birch’s easy-going soul recalls Karen Carpenter’s chart-topping ’70s heyday and Laura Nyro with the occasional burst of gospel fervor. On the piano, she’s a virtuoso who shifts between New Orleans second-line rhythms, doo-wop harmonies, and country-blues guitar melodies. Check her out at Joe’s Pub tonight—and see why papa does preach.

Diane Birch at Joe’s Pub

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MONDAY TO-DOS 

Brighten your day—and your complexion.

See ABT’s opening night of “Swan Lake” (through June 22).

Have a summery feast at ZZ’s Clam Bar.

Watch “The Parade” go by at the IFC Center.

Walk a mile with Iggy Azalea at Bowery Ballroom.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY

Happy Father’s Day weekend! Still trying to find a great present for dear old dad? Think outside of the gift box and skip the standard shirt and tie. Help your dad upgrade his wardrobe with your stylish know-how (because sometimes fashion takes a backseat when you’re busy carpooling kids around). Inspire him to retire those shapeless “dad jeans” with some DKNY Jeans tailored with a modern Bleeker fit and versatile ombre wash. Show him how to rock a modern sport coat, like a DKNY Jeans seersucker blazer or an unconstructed suit jacket, and most importantly, have a fantastic day spending time together!

DKNY Jeans Seersucker Blazer

CHECK OUT THE #DKNYARTWORKS LONDON LAUNCH PARTY

Hundreds turned out to our fête in London on Wednesday to celebrate the launch of #DKNYARTWORKS hosted by Cara Delevingne, with performances by Iggy Azalea, Rita Ora and more.
See the video here, and party pics here.

FREE SUMMERSTAGE 

Something old, something new, and something British seems to be the theme for this Saturday’s free SummerStage concert featuring The Zombies—and Django Django. While Rolling Stone ranked the legendary British pop rockers’ 1968 album “Odessey and Oracle” 80th on their “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” list, the music mag also listed newcomers Django Django’s debut 26th on its “50 Best Albums of 2012.” Show up early to stake out a spot and catch an opening set by Adam Green & Binki Shapiro—or you can also head out to Montauk to see Django Django at Surf Lodge on Sunday.

The Zombies / Django Django / Adam Green & Binki Shapiro / DJ Sets by Modest P

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