Critical 5 things to do in NYC: new beginnings, Jan. 11-13

Just as the novelty of narrating everything you do as “the first ___ of 2013” wears off comes a new batch of events to keep things exciting.

This weekend, check out some of the best contemporary musicians around, expand your palate, and learn firsthand why drinking while boating is the greatest.

Winter Jazzfest, Jan 11-12

The ninth-annual Winter Jazzfest will pack six different clubs in Greenwich Village with the smoothest contemporary jazz artists around. Over 70 different improv pros will take on celebrated venues like (Le) Poisson Rouge and Bowery Electric over the course of two nights. Some names to look out for include clarinetist Don Byron, guitarist (and member of Wilco) Nels Cline, and DJ-meets-spoken-wordsmith Rich Medina. Sip on some cocktails and get a taste of what’s new on the jazz scene.

Mugs Ale House Blind IPA Tasting, Jan 12

Williamsburg’s oldest craft beer bar, Mugs Ale House, will be hosting its second Blind IPA Tasting after last year’s success naming Victory Brewing Co. the, well, victors. Drop by at noon to get your 4oz sampling glass and score card and sip on twelve tasty (anonymous) brews until 3pm. Locally made snacks and SlantShack Beef Jerky will be on hand if you get hungry during the decision making process, and you get a free pint glass (and fill-up) in exchange for voting. Try them all, and often, as the winning beer will be on tap at Mugs for the next six months.

Gowanus Nite Market, Jan 12-13

If you’re already pining the loss of Brooklyn Night Bazaar and other such nighttime holiday markets, Gowanus Nite Market is here to fill the void. Browse the booths of around 25 indie vendors from Design Hype (maker of neat subway map bracelets) and Fencing & Archery Printing Co. (designer of some wild stockings) to reconstituted fashion by Provo Designs. Lights get low at 7pm and this film-prop warehouse turned indie pop-up market keeps bumping until midnight—DJ and all. Mike N’Willie’s food truck, Food Freaks Grilled Cheese, and Labelle Torte will keep you fed, plus there’s plenty of beer for buzzed browsing.

GlobalFEST, Jan 13

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, globalFEST is a groundbreaking world music festival meets non-profit organization dedicated to fostering pan-cultural exchange. With twelve artists on three stages, this sort of music marketplace showcases a mix of already-beloved acts and up-and-comers from across the globe. This year’s line-up includes acts such as Zimbabwean Afropop king Oliver Mtukudzi, Native American indie folkster Martha Redbone, and the Persian-Turkish improvisational duo Kayhan Kalhor and Erdal Erzincan.

Yelp’s Holiday Hangover Extravaganza, Jan 13

Check “booze cruise” off your “Things to Do Before I Die” list because this weekend is finally your free opportunity. In the aftermath of holiday shopping and New Year’s revelry, you deserve — or can certainly justify — a relaxing cruise along the Hudson in the four-story Hornblower Infinity Yacht. There will be drinks, music, samples from over a dozen New York restaurants, and hopefully minimal seasickness. Although the event is free, you must call to make a reservation.