Things to Do in West New York

Founded by Queens native and the Late Late Show vet Steve Hofstetter, Laughing Devil Comedy Club lobbed its inaugural laughs in late 2011. Its debut on the city's comedy scene came after weeks of anticipation and attention in the New York Post, the Queens Courier, and Queens Tribune. Within its intimate, 70-seat venue, bartenders draw from a top-shelf drink menu to forge potions such as The Andy Kaufman's blend of St. Germain, Patrón tequila, and pineapple or pour drafts of Chimay Triple, brewed in the traditional manner by Belgian prop comics.

A cavalcade of pink shoes will march through the InterContinental Milwaukee, all in support of the American Cancer Society’s Stomp Out Breast Cancer. Guests are encouraged to don pink shoes, attire, and accessories as they enjoy tasty eats and brews—from local sponsors such as Leinenkugel, Blue Moon, and Batch 19 breweries, Kil@wat, Bar Louie Milwaukee, Maxie's Southern Comfort, and Blue's Egg—amid live crooning from Eric Ortiz of Rendition, a Chicago-based band that covers favorites such as The Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back” and a blues rendition of “The Wheels on the Bus.” Guests will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets throughout the night or slip in bids for various items during the silent auction.

All proceeds from the event will go to the American Cancer Society, a volunteer-based program that reaches 3,400 communities nationwide. Though the ACS supports research, education, and advocacy for all types of cancer, it helps a large number of breast-cancer patients, offering phone counseling 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

When it came time to name her business, Pamela Parisi looked to her own nickname: The Elegant Tightwad. She earned the moniker during 20 years spent in the fashion industry as a clothing designer, manufacturer, and mannequin guidance counselor. Parisi developed a reputation for her conflicting loves for designer clothes and fiscal responsibility. Always a problem solver, she quickly learned to marry her two passions by developing extensive knowledge of designer showrooms and the wholesale prices they charge. Today, she uses her nose for bargains to guide tour groups to the best deals on designer clothes and accessories. Her cash-saving tours have even garnered the attention of CNN and Elle magazine. In addition to her Garment District Diva tours, Parisi has also extended her expertise into the world of food. Her tasting excursions explore some of the most tempting eats in Hell's Kitchen, from Italian and Greek specialties to sweet treats from bakeries and ice cream shops.

Selected by Nightclub and Bar magazine as the Best Nightclub of 2011 and designated a city landmark in 2008, Webster Hall's four floors hold more than 125 years of history, from the Grand Ballroom to the Balcony Lounge. The building’s iconic framework has hosted such major acts as Prince and Mick Jagger and served as a speakeasy, a lecture hall, and a mentor to troubled teenage buildings since its construction in 1886.

The Nuyorican Poets Cafe began in 1973 as a literary get-together in the living room of college professor and celebrated scribe Miguel Algarin. By 1975, sick of cleaning up spare clauses left all over his house, Algarin began renting the Sunshine Café to give local writers and performers a venue to develop their craft. In 1980, the non-profit organization moved to its current home in a century-old tenement on East Third.

Today, the Nuyorican Poets Cafe plays a crucial, street-level role in New York’s art scene. Randomly selected audience members judge weekly poetry slams, and the venue plays host to small theatrical productions on many Thursdays through Sundays. Other evenings may feature hip-hop concerts, snappy Latin jazz, and freewheeling open mic nights.

Owners and veteran dancers Elena Iannucci and Teddy Kern cultivate a lively community at Dance Manhattan during more than 80 weekly classes that break down social styles ranging from salsa to charleston. Like hotheaded detectives, students in group classes swap partners regularly, a practice that helps every student develop friendships while challenging their leading and following skills. Both Iannucci and Kern exhibit a particular flair for swing and have developed a faculty that includes International Lindy Hop Championship–award-winners Evita Arce and Michael Jagger. Master classes and workshops focus on partnering tricks and difficult styles such as the Argentine tango. Wedding sessions help engaged couples enjoy a graceful, relaxed first dance as well as a elegant resolution for their first dance-fight.

All students are automatically enrolled in a program that offers discounts within the dance community. Instructors foster a fun, welcoming environment by leading weeknight practices and special events that are free to program members and are occasionally punctuated by niceties such as roses, cupcakes, and emoticons. To that end, the studio hosts Friday-night parties and monthly open houses fueled by live DJs, as well as artists who rent space for performances and practice.