Today’s “Fab 5”/ Selected NYCity Events – THURSDAY, MAR. 06, 2014.
For other useful and curated NYCity event info for Manhattan’s WestSide check out:
♦ “Notable NYC Events-Mar”, and also “on Broadway”, and “Top10 Free” in the header above.
♦ For NYCity trip planning see links in “Resources” and “Smart Stuff” in the header above.
Highlights in Jazz: ‘Salute to Ken Peplowski’
“When we first heard Ken Peplowski 30 years ago in Benny Goodman’s final reed section, we placed him as a direct continuation of those master clarinetists of the 1940s—like Goodman, Artie Shaw and Buddy DeFranco—with his immaculately clean execution, rapturous tone and sparkling melodicism. On his recent “Live at the Kitano,” with pianist Dick Hyman, every track underscores the duo’s remarkable capacity for interplay.
Thursday’s “Salute” features Mr. Peplowski’s rhythm section of choice, with pianist Derek Smith, bassist Nicki Parrott and drummer-vibraphonist Chuck Redd, as well as his two most belligerently buoyant sparring partners in guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli and tenor titan Houston Person.” (WSJ)
Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers St.
At 8 p.m./$45
212-220-1460, tribecapac.org
American Songbook 2014 – Deer Tick
Presented by Lincoln Center
“From Providence, Rhode Island, alt-country–rock crowd-pleaser Deer Tick is driven by guitarist and singer-songwriter John McCauley. Loved by audiences for the thrilling atmosphere it generates live, the band performs an intimate evening including music from the acclaimed new album Negativity, a record of personal storytelling, self-reflection, and redemption in its signature blend of folk, blues, and country rock.” (Mindy Bond, Flavorpill)
Allen Room, Lincoln Center, 60th Street and Broadway
at 8:30pm / $30-$50
212-721-6500
Donald Harrison, Ron Carter and Billy Cobham Trio (through Mar 9)
“Those who remember Cobham as the tsunami-swirling super-drummer of the Mahavishnu Orchestra will be surprised at how sensitive and swinging he becomes when working in tandem with the master bassist Carter and the New Orleans-based alto saxophonist Harrison.
As heard on Harrison’s album “This Is Jazz,” recorded live at this club in 2011, the trio exalts in the freedom that its spare configuration provides.” (NewYorker mag)
Blue Note, 131 W. 3rd St.
At 8 and 10:30 p.m./ $35 cover at tables, $20 at the bar, with a $5 minimum
212-475-8592 / bluenote.net
E. E. CUMMINGS & EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY:
TWENTIETH-CENTURY STARS
The poet Billy Collins, the actress Blair Brown, and the Millay biographer Nancy Milford join Susan Cheever, for a night celebrating her new biography, “E. E. Cummings: A Life.”
Bruno Walter Auditorium, NY Public Library for the Performing Arts, Lincoln Center.
At 6pm / No tickets necessary
poetrysociety.org
The Armory Show 2014 (through Mar 9)
“Our favorite art monster is back again to wreak havoc on the New York art scene. Now in its 16th year, the Armory Show runs four days and is broken into two sections, modern and contemporary. Featuring a dizzying amount of galleries representing 29 countries, this year’s show features a China Symposium and a special section devoted to contemporary art from China curated by Philip Tinari.
The market has also decided to expand and re-brand its Solo Projects section, now referring to it as Armory Presents and allowing participating galleries to present the work of two artists, rather than just one. Be on the look out for conceptual artist Xu Zhen’s Armory Show contributions. The “chameleon of concept” is this year’s Armory Artist Commission.
Tours are available if you need guidance navigating this show’s massiveness. We also recommend going over the course of a couple of days if you want to cover everything.” (Mindy Bond, Flavorpill)
Piers 92 & 94, 711 12th Ave
12pm-7pm / $40.00
(212) 645-6440 / thearmoryshow.com
Before making final plans, we suggest you call the venue to confirm ticket availability, dates and times, as schedules are subject to change ==========================================================
A PremierPub – Tribeca
B-Flat / 277 Church st (Btw Franklin/White)
There are some places that are tough to find, then add a layer of mystery when you do find them. B-Flat has a nondescript, almost unmarked door at street level – today’s speakeasy vibe. Open this door and you face a dimly lit stairway down to their basement location. It almost takes a leap of faith to follow the stairs down to their interior door. But open that door and a pleasant surprise awaits you.
It’s a basement jazz spot all right, but not like any traditional jazz joint you may have been to before. This place looks as fresh as today, probably because it’s only been open for 6 years. Even though it hasn’t had a chance to age gracefully, the cherry wood accents and low lighting make this small space very inviting.
There is always jazz, often progressive jazz, playing over their very discrete, stylish bose speakers, setting just the right tone as you find a seat at the bar, or one of the small tables. There is wine and beer available, but this place has some expert mixologists making some very creative cocktails, which I’m told change seasonally, a nice touch.
Come at happy hour and tasty cocktails like the el Diablo or the lychee martini are $8 – not bad. I am a sucker for any drink made with lychee and how can you not try a tequila drink named el Diablo. There is also nice selection of small bites available at happy hour and a food menu that is as innovative as the cocktail menu, so this does not have to be a happy hour only stop.
It wasn’t surprising to find a tasty prosciutto and arugula salad with yuzu dressing, but I did not expect to find such a good version of fried chicken breast on the apps menu. Here it’s called “Tatsuta.” Best bet is to sample happy hour, then dinner on a Monday or Wednesday night, when you can finish with no cover live jazz that starts around 8.
This place is tough to find (look for a small slate sandwich board on the sidewalk out front advertising happy hour) and on some nights when there is no live music it may be a little too quiet for some. But I think it’s worth searching out if you want a place with good music, food, and especially drinks, away from the maddening crowd.
Website: http://http://www.bflat.info/index.html
Phone #: 212-219-2970
Hours: Mo-Wed 5pm-2am; Th-Sat 5pm-3am; no Sun
Happy Hour: 5-7pm every day; $8 cocktails + special prices on apps
Music: Mon/Wed 8pm
Subway: #1 to Franklin; walk 1 blk E to Church; 1 blk N to bFlat
NYCity 1-2-3 : What's Happening / Manhattan's WestSide 