EVENT: “Solstice in Times Square” is a celebration of the Summer Solstice which began at 7am, but you still have time to partake. The dawn til dusk event includes a “Mind Over Madness” yoga-thon and live music. Doing yoga in Times Square seems like it might be the worst idea ever, but if you're up for a challenge, go for it.

7am to 8pm // Times Square, Military Island (intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue between 43rd and 44th Sts) // Free

THEATER: As possibly meaningful talks with Iran over its nuclear program are so much in the news lately, the Medicine Show Theatre's Pilgrimage could hardly be timelier. It, too, concerns a dialogue between Persia and the West, only this one at least starts from a highbrow cultural perspective before spiralling into fear of terrorism, unlike the way things have actually gone. Deloss Brown's play is about four opera lovers who go on annual trips to see a production of Wagner's Parsifal; this time, in New York, they meet a young man here from Iran to see the opera, and they take it upon themselves to explain its religious aspects to him, only to realize how hard that is because of his totally alien worldview and life experience, and then become afraid that he's a terrorist. It should be a great opportunity for audiences to put themselves in the current negotiators' shoes and really consider how they would react in such a complex but crucial situation. - Mallory Jensen

Today through Sunday, 7:30pm // Medicine Show Theatre [549 W. 52nd St., 3rd Fl] // Tickets via Theatermania

READINGS: In a great cross-section between literature, politics and theatre, Eve Ensler and V-Day presents Any One of Us: Words From Prison - bringing some powerful stuff to the stage at Alice Tully Hall. For this ACLU/NYCLU benefit, a bevy of stars (Rosario Dawson, Salma Hayek, Swoozie Kurtz, Mindy McCready, Rosie O'Donnell, Phylicia Rashad, and Marisa Tomei) will perform in a staged reading of works written by female inmates. The event is a highlight of the two-week Until the Violence Stops festival - check their website for other great benefits and support the festival in your neighborhood. - Krissa Corbett Cavouras

8pm // Alice Tully Hall [ 1941 Broadway, between 65th and 66th Sts] // $15

PARTY: Remember Jell-o shots? Well you can get all the free ones you can handle, tonight. The only catch is you have to go to Fat Baby. But the party is fun, Mike Nouveau and Jaidee Valentine wouldn't let you down, so go, as they present...Nouveau!

Your night will be soundtracked by lots of deejays, including:
Larry Tee (Bank, Distortion Disko, Rock n Rave Allstars)
Shaun Slaughter (Lipstick, Vicious - Cali)
Denny Le Nimh (Hot Pink, Ruff Club)
Micprobes (Hot Pink, Ruff Club)
HP Lovecraft (SLC)

Oh, and free PBR from 9 to 10!

9pm // Fat Baby (112 Rivington St, between Ludlow & Essex) // Free

MUSIC: Flashy Python and the Body Snatchers are playing over at Joe's Pub tonight. 2 shows, early and late. You may recognize the singer, Alec Ounsworth of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. And look out for Gerard, who plays "Slash" in Mr. Brownstone, on guitar and violin.

Listen: Dee Oh Dee.mp3 - Flashy Python and the Body Snatchers

7:30 and 9:30pm // Joe's Pub [425 Lafayette St] // $16