The Ridge is bursting with things to do this weekend!
Summer Stroll is back, thespians have taken over the botanical garden, a local music maven is throwing a birthday bash, and — as always — there is plenty of live music to go around.
Friday night is your second chance (of four) to enjoy Third Avenue from the center median — the Third Avenue Merchants are once again closing the avenue between 80th and 90th streets so Ridgites and folks the tri-state area over can meet, eat, mingle, and shop during the Third Avenue Summer Stroll starting at 6 pm.
Then, tap into your inner ’90s child with playfully misogynistic cover rockers Love Tap (a euphemism for smacking your boo) at The Wicked Monk (9510 3rd Ave. between 95th and 96th streets) at 11 pm. Throw ‘em a fin and see if they will play Spinal Tap’s classic “Lick My Love Pump.”
Earn high-culture credits on Saturday by seeing local thespian John Stillwagon and his Act-Out Group put on a production of Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew” at the Narrows Botanical Garden (Shore Road between Bay Ridge Avenue and 72nd Street) at 7 pm. If you miss it on Saturday, they will perform it again at the same time on Sunday.
After all that Middle-English mumbo-jumbo, treat yourself to some contemporary English — Rolling Stones cover band Spodie Odie will tear up No Quarter (8015 Fifth Ave. between 80th and 81st streets) at 9:30 pm.
Then rush over to Wicked Monk to catch Tarantino-tinged ’80s rockers Reservoir Doggs at 11 pm. They won’t cut your ears off, but they may blow them off, so bring aural protection and don’t forget to tip.
On Sunday, celebrate Ridge photographer and local music maven Mike Beitchman’s 40th birthday at Greenhouse Cafe (7717 Third Ave. between 77th and 78th streets). Crooners Tommy Andersen and Mary Ellen will serenade the birthday boy, along with some special guests. The bash kicks off at 6 pm.
And battle the mid-week blues with On A Good Run, playing state Sen. Marty Golden’s Concerts in the Park at Shore Road Park (79th Street and Shore Road) at 7 pm.
