New York - September 15, 2005

The Weekend Guide

What to Do This Weekend

Live a little, laugh a little, give a little. Feel a lot.

DO
Great Read in the Park Book Drive
What: First-ever citywide collection of gently used and greatly loved volumes.
Why: A benefit for New York’s public and public-school libraries.
When: Thru Sun. (Mark your calendar for the Oct. 2 book sale in Bryant Park.)
Where: All five boroughs. For drop-off locations, go to nytimes.com.

SEE
NYC Loves NOLA
What: A seven-hour marathon performance with 60+ artists (like Penny Arcade and Charles Busch). Plus, a spicy Cajun buffet.
Why: Sweet charity. All proceeds go to the American Red Cross.
When: Sun., 5 p.m.-midnight
Where: Ace of Clubs at the Acme Bar and Grill, 9 Great Jones St., at Lafayette St. (212-420-1934).

GIVE
Southern Arts Federation
What: An emergency relief fund benefiting displaced Gulf Coast arts organizations and artists.
Why: They’re our storytellers.
When: As soon as you can.
Where: Donate at southarts.org.

The New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic
What: The hurricane destroyed the NOMC building, but the org is still providing displaced talent with financial assistance for everything from instruments to housing.
Why: They play the soundtrack of our lives.
When: The sooner, the better.
Where: Donate at oz.org.

EAT
Meet the Chefs
What: Outdoor resto block party, from Mas and Po to Yumcha and Home.
Why: Proceeds are donated to local schools and the Carmine Street Block Association.
When: Sat., 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Where: Carmine St., at Bleecker St. (646-752-4958).