The Standard

This week offers a diverse set of activities for our weekly “To Do” list… ranging from bookwormy stuff to classic hip hop. If you are crashing at any one of our hotels in New York, Miami, or Los Angeles, here’s the top attractions stealing our attention.

NEW YORK

The New York Public Library is 100 Years Old This Year

The New York Public Library is one of the most historical buildings in the city. It also has sentimental meaning for Fashionistas who walked around the steps for years during their Fashion Week journeys through Bryant Park days. Today, in celebration of its centennial, the New York Public Library is digging into its archives for the rarest of things. Think Malcolm X’s Journal to Mary Shelly’s hair to notes on George Washington’s farewell address. It’s a rabbit hole of history if you want to spend a cool afternoon in the city. The centennial celebration lasts through December 31st with random other days packed with kernels of knowledge for your reading pleasure.

MIAMI

The Elevator Pitch

If you’re in sunny Miami, what better thing is there to do than to see a theater production faking winter? The Santaland Diaries is a blisteringly funny evocation of Christmas Hell written by David Sedaris, starring Carbonell Award winner Michael McKeever. One man’s hysterical and often insightful look at the humilities, frustrations and joys of working as an elf at Macy’s Santaland. This holiday classic is David Sedaris at his biting best and a reminder of why he’s is one of the greatest humorists of our time. The New Times even wrote a hearty review on it. For more info, visit the Arshtcenter calendar.

LOS ANGELES

If you remember early Rawkus Records parties and Mos Def’s infancy, then you’re probably a fan of Black Star, formed by MC’s Mos Def and Talib Kweli. Let’s not forget the DJ/Producer who mixed up some that flavor, DJ Hi-Tek. If you’re in Los Angeles, the band will be reuniting for an awesome show (sorry New Yorkers!). Hosts Goldenvoice, Double Tee Concerts & Soul’d Out Productions present Black Star (Mos Def & Talib Kweli) with Orgone. Tickets can be bought for Thu, Dec 15, 2011. Showtime is 9:00 PM, doors open at 8:00 PM. It’s an all ages show so bring those kids for some piece of hip hop history! Advanced ticket prices are $38.75-$50. The day of the show, tickets will run about $42-$50. Looking for a VIP experience (wink wink), email kposavad@aeglive.com or call 213.765.7004 for more information regarding VIP and Group packages.