Today’s “Fab 5”/ Selected NYCity Events – SUNDAY, APR. 13, 2014.
For other useful and curated NYCity event info for Manhattan’s WestSide check out:
♦ “Notable NYC Events-April”, 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.
Downtown Literary Festival
“The literary diversity of downtown Manhattan will be reflected in the readings, discussions, screenings and social gatherings that are part of this second annual festival. The presenters include McNally Jackson, 52 Prince Street, between Lafayette and Mulberry Streets, SoHo; Housing Works Bookstore Cafe, 126 Crosby Street, near Houston Street, SoHo; and the Bowery Poetry Club, 308 Bowery, near Bleecker Street, East Village.
Free events are scheduled at all locations, with children’s activities beginning at 10:30 a.m. at McNally Jackson, and adult events starting at 11 a.m. at the Bowery Poetry Club and at noon at Housing Works Bookstore Cafe.” (NYT)
A schedule is at downtownliteraryfestival.tumblr.com
Spanish Harlem Orchestra
Latin jazz at it’s best
Since its original conception by producer Aaron Levinson in 2000, the Grammy Award Winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra (SHO) has established itself as a standard bearer of contemporary Latin music. Directed by world-renowned pianist, arranger, and producer Oscar Hernández, the thirteen-member all-star ensemble has reintroduced the classic sounds of New York City Salsa to music lovers worldwide. The Grammy award-winning Viva la Tradicón, SHO’s fourth album, is a stunning follow-up to their 2007 Grammy nominated United We Swing, 2004 Grammy award-winning album Across 110th St., and their 2002 debut, Un Gran Día En El Barrio.
The 12-track collection marks the orchestra’s debut album for Concord Picante. Viva la Tradicóntakes up where its three predecessors left off – stirring the pot of mid-20th century influences and keeping the salsa simmering for current and future generations.
Now in its tenth year, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra is one of the most formidable and authentic Latin jazz combos of today. Yet for all of its appeal with contemporary audiences, the group’s success is actually rooted in the past. A lively and energetic affair, Viva la Tradición draws on inspiration from the music’s history and enduring traditions. The collection is comprised largely of original compositions and arrangements of classic salsa tunes by bandleader/founder Oscar Hernandez as well as enlisting the support of veteran composer and arranger Gil Lopez on three of Lopez’s compositions (“Son De Corazon,” “Nuestra Cancion,” and “Regala De Dios).
Highline Ballroom, 431 West 16th St.
at 8pm / $28
‘The Power of Poison’ (through Aug. 10)
“The good and bad uses of poison are covered in this interactive exhibition, which includes animation and a bit of theater. In his review for The New York Times, Edward Rothstein said that this is one of the museum’s “most theatrical exhibitions” and that the curating team has “combined elements with deft curatorial alchemy, touching on every taxonomical category.” (NYT)
American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West and 79th St.
Daily from 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m./ $22, $17 for students and 60+
212-769-5200, amnh.org
Blind Boy Paxton
Jerron Paxton, a native of California, has taken to beguiling New Yorkers with his “old time music – Appalachian and Cajun and blues – playing guitar, banjo & fiddle”. (NYTIMES) Although only in his 20’s, Paxton handles the music and the stage like a seasoned professional, bringing the audience back to the ’20’s and making them wish they could stay for good.
Terra Blues, 149 Bleeker St.
Blind Boy Paxton @7PM ; followed by The Pioneers @10PM
At 7pm / $10
Columbia Jazz Ensembles featuring the great Bobby Porcelli
Looks like tonight is filled with great Latin Jazz.
New York native Bobby Porcelli is one of Latin and Afro-Cuban jazz’s most accomplished flautists and alto saxophonists. Bobby Porcelli has earned his stellar reputation through years of performing with the biggest names in Latin music. He joined the Tito Rodriguez Orchestra in 1963 and later the Machito Orchestra in 1965. Porcelli began playing with Tito Puente during 1966 and continued on with Puente for over 30 years. He is the only lead alto sax player to have played steadily with the “Big Three” from the Palladium Era (Puente, Machito, and Rodriquez).
An exciting soloist influenced heavily by Charlie Parker and Sonny Still, Porcelli has performed and recorded with Mongo Santamaria, Eddie Palmieri, Chico O’Farrill, Willie Colon, George Benson, Joe Henderson, Cedar Walton, and Bobby Watson. An original member of T.S. Monk’s sextet as well as the Monk on Monk Tentet, Porcelli currently performs with Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra.
With ensembles directed by Paul Bollenback, Ole Mathisen and Don Sickler
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC
Miller Theatre, 2960 Broadway
At 8:00pm / FREE
212-854-7799
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♦ Before making final plans, we suggest you call the venue to confirm ticket availability, dates and times, as schedules are subject to change.
♦ NYCity is a big town with many visitors where quality shows draw crowds. Try to reserve seats in advance, even if just on day of performance.
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Skyway to Heaven – New Jersey
“At dusk, you can hardly tell that the Pulaski Skyway, the “functionally obsolete” bridge in the Meadowlands, needs a billion-dollar renovation. ” April 13, 2014
Every Sunday in the NYT Metropolitan section, a photographer offers a new slice of New York. A wonderful slice of life it is – Thanks NewYorkTimes: N.Y. / Region section
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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 