92nd Street Y

I’ve been here a couple of times to see various entertainers and authors speak. Each time, I haven’t been disappointed. It’s pretty easy to get here — I generally take the 6 train to 86^th Street and walk a few blocks north. The place is kept really clean including the restrooms which are on the lowest level, but yes, there is an elevator. I’ve sat in both the balcony and orchestra section and truthfully, both areas have great views. The seats are a little small, but they’re pretty comfortable. That said, don’t bring large bags or totes — you’ll feel squished.
My most recent experience was to hear Salman Rushdie and László Krasznahorkai read chapters from their new novels. The staff at the 92^nd Y were selling both authors’ books, and if you purchased one, you could wait in line to have them signed by the author. Needless to say I jumped at the chance! The line for that moved swiftly and efficiently, thanks to the staff.

This is an interesting venue that is very easy to access via the 6 train. It’s on the Upper East Side and so you must expect a very specific type of crowd. However, if you don’t mind older folks, then you’ll be just fine. There was a line to get into the hall, but it wasn’t so bad, since we had assigned seats. The bar is pretty darn pricey for both drinks and snacks, so only get something if you don’t mind shelling out quite a bit of cash (and you happen to be really hungry and/​or thirsty). The seats are a little small, and the rows are super close together, so expect to be slightly uncomfortable (unless you don’t mind getting up close and personal with your neighbor).

As mentioned by other reviewers, the customer service here is abysmal. We signed up for a swimming class for our son, and needed to make up one class (which is included when you sign up for the class). We have called and left 2 messages, and sent 3 emails with no response at all. We started trying to reschedule it before we missed the class, and were told to email, and are continuing to try to schedule a make up a month after his class finished. You can guarantee that we won’t be signing up for any more classes at the 92Y!

I’ve been to quite a few events in the Kaufmann Concert Hall here, and I’ve been very impressed with the venue, the staff, and the quality of the programming on each separate occasion. The facilities at 92Y are really nice and clean, there’s enough staff to answer everyone’s questions and to get people moving and to their seat. The venue has clean bathrooms, and there are bars for refreshments outside the hall. The concert hall has comfortable seats and it’s well-​lit. The sound has always been good. For programs with audience Q&As, they’ve worked out a system of ushers passing out notecards during the discussion, which are then sorted and passed on stage at the program’s end. I will continue to attend events at 92Y. There are so many wonderful events and the tickets are relatively inexpensive for the high quality of the programs!

The following is about the residence:
This is the most disgusting place I’ve ever stayed. The residence is an absolute hellhole. This morning the only women’s shower on a floor of 60+ residents was broken, so I guess anyone who identifies as a woman just won’t be showering today. Sub-​par does not begin to describe my living experience here. My room is the size of a parking space, the windows are bolted shut, and I can hear every noise that every single other resident makes. I dread coming here every single day, but I guess I’m stuck here.

Came here for a talk with Julia Louis-​Dreyfus, and was able to get $ 15 tickets from their under-​35 program. Sat in the balcony, which was actually not super far back as I had feared. Just an FYI: the aisles were narrow, so if you’re over 6 feet tall like me, your feet will be cramped. Also it was a bit warm up there, so dress accordingly.

If you are a straight up nerd, like «would rather go to a science talk than a bar on a Saturday night» or «would rather read than play Candy Crush on your morning commute,» then this place is for you. I’ve come here for a few talks, most notably by Michael Shermer, Nicholas Kristoff/​Sheryl WuDunn, Malcolm Gladwell, and Walter Isaacson. Check out their calendar of events, and I guarantee you will find something you’re interested in. It’s easy to order tickets online, and their box office is always helpful. Best part is that most tickets are no more than $ 15-​$ 20 — a bargain. One of their rooms has a map of important science dates on all their walls, which I was mesmerized by last time I went. Yes, check this place out!

I came for their Open House «Scones in the Studio» event and took a pottery class. There’s limited space for pottery so be sure to sign up at least a month in advance. A few other people signed up weeks before and were turned away.
Pottery is NOT easy. I have so much appreciation for my cups and bowls now. I cracked my first attempt, and my second one was just plain ugly. We used a wheel (just like in Ghost). Instead of having a sexy, steamy session with clay, I ended up scrapping the sides of my hands. The wheel turns pretty quickly and there’s grit accumulating on the wheel that can rub your hands raw. If you have latex gloves at home, I’d bring them. At the end, we weren’t allowed to keep our final product since there wasn’t time to fire up the kiln. (Considering that «Scones» is only for 2 hours, I felt like we packed a lot into that time.)
All that being said, the class was tremendously fun! The «Scones» class is only supposed to give you a taste of what it would be like to do a full on course, and I would like to sign up. The instructor’s name escapes me, but I really liked her. Now I just need to find the time…

The 92^nd Street Y is a fantastic place to go to hear A-​list authors, political figures, musicians and other notable people have intelligent discussions with an informed moderator.
Before coming to New York, I would have never guessed that the YMCA would have a fantastic venue for this kind of thing. Tickets are priced about what you would expect for events of this magnitude. My wife and I came here to see George R.R. Martin discuss his newest book «The World of Ice and Fire» and it was well worth the ticket price.
The staff was nice, informative and organized. The space itself was well lit, seats were comfortable and audio/​visual went off without hitch. I would definitely come back here again for an event of this nature.

I came here last night for the red carpet + screening of STARZ and Time Warner Cable’s new original series, «Outlander.»
The space is beautiful, the conference room in the main area was used for the media section. There was wine and food, which I absolutely love, dessert by Melissa’s Baked Goods (I love their mini cupcakes). Then, you head upstairs to a huge screening room.
The event did not disappoint! The screening was a mix of press and fans– Outlander has a huge cult following.
After the screening, which was very good in my opinion, there was a Q + A session with the cast and writer of book, Diana Gabaldon. It was great to see the cast interact with audience members and show off their personalities. Often times, actors «act» but they don’t get to then explain their characters or how they developed their roles, that’s why screenings are so important. It allows media folks to «get the entire story.»
Had a blast, per usual.
Then, the night was capped off with an after party. Who doesn’t like a good party?

This review is only for the gym — it’s great compared to some other places in the area, mostly because all classes are included in the monthly fee. From zumba to latin dance, all of the classes are really fun, and this is coming from someone who doesn’t like to try new things if there’s a possibility I’d be bad at it… but at the Y, it’s a judgment-​free zone. Sure, there are the serious people who think they’re professionals at the front of the room admiring themselves in the mirror, but 90% of the class is there to learn and have fun which is great. The only reason why I’m not a member anymore? Very pricey compared to other places. If you can swing it though, absolute fantastic spot.

If you don’t have your wallet open don’t bother.
The administration hides behind voice mail and doesn’t return calls. In trying to find out something — anything– about swim instructor training — no one ever returned my information seeking call. When I made it my mission to actually speak to a live person I was ‘Yes Yes Yes-​ed’ but Jo one ever returned my call with correct information. Try calling May Center administration — again multiple voice mails only to finally speak to a person and be told ‘I’m on another call can you make your question or complaint or whatever quick?’ Wow. Go across town to the JCC — it’s the same money but a staff that respond and return calls– much warmer and more inviting.

I was here in January of 2014 to see Isabel Allende. I got the Allende bug in the 90s. Yeah — I’m ancient.
This was my first time here and I was impressed. Every member of the staff I dealt with was kind. I purchased my ticket online but never received it so I called and a lovely lady informed me that all I had to do was present identification at the ticketing office on the day of the event. Sure enough it took me 30 seconds to get my ticket at their sales office.
Just before entering the concert hall Allende’s books were being sold and they sold like hot tamales at a Salvadoran market. I had to get one!
The crowd — Allende fans — we are pretty awesome folks. The event was in the Kaufman Concert Hall. This concert hall is beautiful. Yes, the seats are small and hard but that didn’t matter. I would sit in a fire pit for Allende. I ended up leaving after Allende spoke. So I couldn’t tell you about how the rest of the night went.
When I exited the building there were cabs waiting and I was thankful for that because I am not the best cab caller. I would go back to another event at the 92Y for sure!

I cannot believe how badly run this place is. I signed up for an singles event and only 7 people showed up. The organizer was so obnoxious… I am speechless. I asked for the group that they give some type of refund or a credit for another event since very few people actually showed up and she came up with some ridiculous idea about a 2 for 1 thing for another event… no thanks!
Also, the ticket people are liars… I asked if there were many people coming and he said that it was selling quite well… what??? Are you kidding me? Never again!

I traveled to the 92 Street Y for the first time with coworkers to see New York Times Columnist, Paul Krugman, in April 2012. The venue has wonderful marble everywhere and the staff is both polite and helpful. While I often agree with Krugman’s articles in the NYT, he seemed at times much more radical in person and spoke over the moderator one too many times. His talk centered around the belief that the Fed could help the economy out of recession by printing more money and increasing the deficit. It is interesting to write this review now, a year and a half later, seeing that the Nobel Laureate was fairly accurate in his predictions. The economy is much better off now and some credit has to be attributed to the Fed’s policies.
I went back to 92Y a few months later with my mom and sister to see Michael Kors. I loved learning about Michael’s life as a young, gay New Yorker and how his fashion business didn’t become as successful as it is today without many roadblocks. He is a wonderful, animated speaker, but I was not particularly moved by the moderator of the discussion, Fern Mallis, despite her credentials.
The 92 Street Y hosts lectures with some of the most interesting people in the world, including author, Elie Wiesel and former U.S. Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice. I cannot think of another place in Manhattan that provides talks with such an esteemed group of people on such a consistent basis and serves as a cultural institution for the community.

About the music school department or whateverr, The lesson rooms are shabby and the pianos are out of tune, stained with coffee rings. Smelly garbage on floor, The place is a hell of noise, trampling dance class feet, kids running screaming up and down the halls — and stinky sloppy food being gobbled and strewn in the hallways. forget the office or whatever, if they do deign to speak with you they will put you in your place. Mostly however there is nobody home, it’s not clear who is running this Zoo. heard director is leaving. My kid is scared of the place.
That’s it.

I came here to watch Martha Stewart Q&A with Andy Cohen. Great event! The venue is so nice– great interior, friendly ushers that help you find your seat and a nice setup for the stage.

This historically Jewish institution — with an extraordinary history and legacy — now goes out of its way to book speakers that demonize Jews and demonize Israel. Honest criticism is fine, but telling blatant lies to generate hatred is something else. If Adolf Hitler wrote a novel, the 92^nd street Y would invite him to «discuss his novel» as an excuse to let him spout off his racist views and generate ethnic hatred. What has happened to the 92^nd Street Y?

I’m a shy, 27 year old black male. I don’t have a girlfriend and I didn’t want to spend New Year’s Eve alone. Last year, I went to some tacky club in Midtown. None of the girls danced with me. Furthermore, it was so loud that I couldn’t even carry on a conversation. I was so pissed off that I blew $ 85. I didn’t want to repeat the same mistake, so I looked for a less expensive activity on New Year’s Eve. After a Google search, I stumbled upon the 92^nd Street Y.
Admission to the New Year’s Eve party at the Y was $ 40 (plus a $ 2.50 service fee and $ 2 for coat check). They didn’t have much food. They said they would have hors d’oeuvres. Since I don’t speak French, I assumed it was something exotic. Instead, it was basically cookies, candy, and crackers (they also served alcoholic beverages, but you had to pay extra for that).
I knew that the Y was a Jewish institution. I was scared that no one would want to dance with me due to my skin color. Fortunately, I was wrong. I danced with black, white, and Asian women. Most of the women at the dance were old enough to be my grandmother. There were a few cougars in attendance. A handful of women at the dance were close to my age. I didn’t score last night, but I’m not going to blame the Y for the fact that I have no game. At Midnight, they gave us a free glass of champagne. Some of the women hugged me (unfortunately, they didn’t kiss me). I left after Midnight when I realized that I wasn’t going home with any of the women at the dance.
The music was great. They played everything from Barry White to Rihanna. Once I work on my game and confidence, I will be back.

This review is for the gym (May Center).
The May Center has everything you could possibly want in a gym — cardio, free weights, all types of machines, pool, basketball court, all kinds of lessons — spinning, Zumba, pilates, stretching, etc. etc. all included in one price.
While the facility itself is a bit old and bordering on historic, it is kept up very well. The place is clean and has plenty of room. The equipment is new and taken care of. The women’s locker room has plenty of lockers which are free to use for the day, a steam room, showers with shampoo/​bodywash, there are hairdryers/​hairspray/​lotion for use which is extremely convenient.
There are plenty of classes for kids, as well, but you can easily decide whether you want family or adults-​only time.
It’s possible to get a great deal if you sign up when they have a special offer. if you are referred by someone, you both get additional free months. There is no month-​by-​month options, however– they only do long-​term contracts.