Hi again, my lovely readers!

We have a New Yorker of the Week again!

Her name is Anza. She’s in her early 20s and is looking for friendship.

If you’re interested in chatting with her, email [email protected]. And remember that if you become best friends, you’re legally obligated to let me know.

Want to be featured next? Submit your cutie self here.

Now, onto Anza and the events!

How would someone who loves you describe you?

I am spontaneous, love to stay busy, and am creative! I love to stay active, and find new things to do. My friends would say I am high energy, and fill my schedule with too much! I also love to make my own things, like sewing bags or knitting sweaters.

What sorts of things do you want to do with your friends?

I love to cook, go on talking walks, park visits, and workout classes or the gym! I'm on the swim team at my college so during the fall semester I have a built in friend group but want to meet more people in the off season.

What's something that people might not guess about you?

I speak Italian!

Are you looking for love?

I'm not looking for love right now, I'm in a relationship and just want to meet more friends in the city!

Anything else that the Joy List community can help you with?

I'm on a roommate hunt!! If anyone needs a roommate for September or slightly earlier, I am neat, clean, and love to hang out and chat when we are both home!

Gatherings

Double check details before you go, and contact the organizers with questions! The Joy List does not run these events.

Tuesday, June 16: Contact Improvisation Dance Class

Contact Improvisation (CI) is a dance of improvising/partnering based on physics of touch, weight, balance, momentum, stillness, flow, resistance, and perceptual play. Initiated by dancer Steve Paxton in 1972, CI continues to evolve as a dance research and artistic process. In these classes we will learn specific lifts and rolls and practice developmental patterns, body puzzles and forms which shape the body and space with odd timings and unusual perspectives.

$18, 10am-noon, 150 First Avenue, New York, NY 10009. Info here.

Tuesday, June 16: Acu& Comedy: Healing Through Humor

An immersive gathering that brings together holistic healing, live comedy, reflective journaling, and clinician-led integration to support nervous system regulation, emotional release, clarity and social connection as we step into the summer season of joyous & fiery Heart energy. Guests can expect to receive an Acupressure Ear Seed Treatment; participate in intention setting and group journaling led by a licensed social worker/group counselor, watch Live Stand-Up Comedy; and enjoy light refreshments. Doors open at 5, all are welcome to bring their own journals or purchase one at the venue.

$10 sliding scale, 5-9pm, 20 Jay Street. Info here.

Wednesday, June 17: SHATTERED: A Drama in Two Acts

When he was in the fifth grade, interactive artist, performer, and experience designer Ben Freeman wrote a play called SHATTERED: A Drama in Two Acts. Set in Revolutionary War-era Philadelphia, it follows a family as they navigate social upheaval, romance across enemy lines, shotgun weddings, deaths by tuberculosis, etc. Come to Lightning Society Lofts for an interactive reading of SHATTERED, a one-night-only, raucous and revolutionary good time. Come attired in Revolutionary Realness (you decide what that means!) and come ready to reflect on this thing called America.

$25, doors at 6:30, performance at 7pm, Lightning Society Lofts, 245 Varet St., Brooklyn. Info here.

Saturday, June 20: Hyggehiking the Harlem River

On Saturday June 20th, we'll stroll the length of the Harlem River, starting at the East River estuary near Central Park South and meandering our way north along the bridges, forests, and pedestrian paths that criss-cross between Manhattan and the Bronx. Upon arriving at the mouth of the Harlem river at Inwood Hill Park, we'll venture through the enchanted woods of Riverdale (with flying squirrels!) and catch golden hour and/or sunset atop the Vault Hill overlook of Van Cortlandt Park. Each hygge hike is an exploration of the green spaces throughout our city where we seek to gain a visceral understanding of its neighborhoods and local lore, meet people who can help make NYC feel like a smaller, closer-knit community, and discuss the projects, ideas, and events we're most excited about. Bring your curiosity, reliable footwear, and your friends!

Free ($20 suggested), 10am-10pm, 550 Madison Ave + 15 mile hike. Info here.

Sunday, June 21: Solstice Breathwork in Prospect Park

Solstice Breathwork in the park is breathwork as it's meant to be: outdoors in community, aligned with the rhythms of the season. Open fully to the energy of the solstice before heading off to the day's many celebrations. Expect a curated playlist, a guided breathwork journey, grounded back to the earth under a shady tree. Come together in community to release what's heavy, ignite what you're ready to grow, and emerge into the season clear and connected.

$25 suggested, 10:30am-12pm, Sullivan Hill, Prospect Park. Info here.

Sunday, June 21: The D Word (Drag!)

Calling all sapphics, trans people, and anyone who loves drag, burlesque, or a fun night out! THE D WORD is Henrietta Hudson's monthly all-trans, dyke, and/or sapphic drag and burlesque revue. We're celebrating all things queer here, and all are welcome! THE D WORD is hosted by Pacha and features Artina Darkly, Lie-Luh, Salaam Kitty, and Yaga Tigerlily. Our Pride Month show is on Sunday, June 21st at 9:30pm — come make a friend (or more) while enjoying show-stopping drag and burlesque, games, and more!

$0-$25 pay-what-you-can donation, 9:30-11:30pm, Henrietta Hudson 438 Hudson St NY NY 10014. Info here.

Sunday, June 21: The First Annual Brooklyn Pinewood Derby

The Brooklyn Pinewood Derby is a day party and DIY competition for tiny cars and big dreams. Build the fastest, weirdest, or sexiest miniature car you can dream up and compete to win very real trophies. Cme experience our grown-up version of this childhood staple featuring drinks, live music, prizes, crowd-voted awards, and trash talkin' at Rubulad, a magical venue in the heart of Bushwick. Yeah it’s Father’s Day. We know. Bring your Dad he gets in free.

$20 for Joy List subscribers. 3 PM. Rubulad. Info here. (Code is applied at checkout.)

Sunday, June 21: Father's Day at Othership Williamsburg Co-hosted by Culture of Bathe-ing

​On Sunday, June 21st, we're opening up the full Othership space for families with children ages 7 to 17. Softer heat, a warmer cold plunge, and a morning designed to let dads and kids actually hang out together in one of the best settings there is. Come anytime between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM and move at your own pace. Children must be accompanied by a parent throughout.

​🎵 Live Music Settle in to the sound of a live musician setting the vibe throughout the space. Good energy, all morning long.

​✨ Fun Activations Hands-on activities and surprises, from tiny snowballs to a scent-making station, designed for the whole family to enjoy together.

​🧊 Treats for kids Ice-cold freezies waiting for you at the front. You've earned it.

$69 for one adult and one child. 8 to 11 AM. Othership Williamsburg. Info here. (And as always, use this link for 22% off your first visit, or JILLIANRICHARDSON for 11% off any package.)

Advertise in the next Joy List

Have a service, retreat, or training that you think a crew of curious New Yorkers would benefit from? Want your event to be advertised more than a week in advance?

Submit your ad here.

And if you’re not sure what to say, there’s an option for me to write your copy for you!

That's it for this edition. Sending hugs.

Stay cool,

Jillian