The 5 Best Things To Do In NYC Tonight, October 20

Tonight in New York: Listen to Sophie B. Hawkins sing her personal stories on stage, be a part of a live taping of Ask Me Another, or attend opening night of the New York Television Festival. By Carly Petrone.

New York Television Festival

(credit: Facebook/NYTVF)

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The New York Television Festival kicks off today with plenty of screenings happening throughout the city. This annual creative festival pioneered the independent television movement and continues to help artists, writers, animators, comedians, and directors get the exposure they need to hit it big in the entertainment world. Tonight, you can check out the first Drama Block at Tribeca Cinemas, which features works from the Independent Pilot Competition including Bad Ambulance, Near Death, Parachute, Let It Ride, and Witnesses. Screening starts at 7:45 p.m. Please see website for more details about tonight's events and screenings for the rest of the week.

Landscape Design Portfolios Lecture Series – Shunmyo Masuno: Zen and the Japanese Garden

(credit: nybg.org)

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Archtober continues with a lecture by Japan's most celebrated landscape architect and Zen Buddhist priest Shunmyo Masuno. He'll present his signature projects, working methods, and design philosophy in tonight's lecture, which is part of The New York Botanical Garden's 2014 Landscape Design Portfolio Lecture Series. Learn more tonight starting at 6:30 p.m.

Artist Talk with George Boorujy

(credit: nycgovparks.org)

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Stop by the Arsenal in Central Park tonight to meet artist George Boorujy, who currently has his exhibition, Taxonomy, on display through November 13th. This collection includes dynamic large-scale paintings of North American animals with disarmingly human characteristics, as well as a series of his preliminary clay models and drawings. As often as we think of ourselves as removed from nature, Boorujy's hyper-realistic ink-on-paper portraits force us to rethink our relationship with animals and our won place within the environment. Talk begins at 6 p.m. and admission is free.

Sophie B. Hawkins

(credit: the iridium.com)

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Sophie B. Hawkins first hit the airwaves back in 1992 with her hit single "Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover." Tonight, she'll be playing with you, not for you, telling the stories you've so often asked about. So, make sure to come curious as the Grammy nominated artist sits down for this intimate show. Concert begins at 8 p.m. and tickets are $30 for general admission, $40 for preferred seats.

Ask Me Another

(credit: Steve McFarland)

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Be a part of a live taping of Ask Me Another tonight at The Bell House. Host Ophira Eisenberg will once again invite studio guests and listeners alike to answer some serious and silly questions. Plus, house musician Jonathan Coulton will provide guitar riffs in between sets. Tonight's guest is Meg Wolitzer, author of The Interestings and Belzhar. Taping begins at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

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Carly Petrone is a freelance writer living in New York City.