Today’s “Fab 5”/ Selected NYCity Events – TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2014.
For other useful and curated NYCity event info for Manhattan’s WestSide check out:
♦ “9 Notable NYCity Events-May”, and also “on Broadway”, and “Top10 Free” in the header above.
♦ For NYCity Sights, Sounds and Stories check out our sister site: nyc123blog.wordpress.com
♦ For NYCity trip planning see links in “Resources” and “Smart Stuff” in the header above.
J&R Music Auction
It’s a sad day – the last of music and electronics mega-store J&R’s inventory is hitting the auction block.
“The iconic Park Row retailer, which shuttered last month, is selling off more than $1 million worth of new computers, cameras, TVs, audio equipment and other appliances starting Tuesday, according to an auction notice from ASM Auctioneers.
The two-day sale, which will take place inside J&R’s former 1 Park Row home on May 13 and May 14, will include a host of laptops, visual equipment, home entertainment systems, headphones, video games and other wares from brand-name retailers like Toshiba, Samsung, and Nikon.
Potential customers can peruse the products starting at 9:30 a.m., at J&R’s former store location, with the auction begining at 11:30 a.m.
Only cash or certified checks will be accepted.” (DNA Info)
Bria Skonberg
“If the Nu Hot Jazz movement has produced one indisputable star, it is the dynamic trumpet diva Bria Skonberg, who hasn’t only galvanized the neo-traditional scene, but, lately, moved beyond it. Her new album, “Into Your Own,” comes out Wednesday, with elements of global jazz and singer-songwriter pop, as well as thoughtful interpretations of Stevie Wonder (“Sir Duke” rendered like a New Orleans street parade) and John Lennon (a winsome, wistful “Julia” that tests her ballad-singing chops).
The most memorable result is a blisteringly funky rendition of “Winin’ Boy Blues” that mashes up Jelly Roll Morton and Jimi Hendrix, wailing with a sound that is equal parts trumpet, electronics, and voice. Next Sunday, she leads an all-star New Orleans parade band—dubbed Bria Skonberg’s Brass Kicker—at the second New York Hot Jazz Festival.” (WSJ- Will Friedwald)
Iridium, 1650 Broadway,
(212) 582-2121
“Music Under New York” (annual auditions)
Ever wonder how the buskers end up in the subways?
“Today, dozens of musical acts will compete for a chance to perform before millions.
The site: New York City’s subway stations. About 60 performers will take the stage, for five minutes each, before a panel of judges. (You may watch, too.) This year’s auditions include people playing Aboriginal didgeridoo, traditional Chinese orchestral music, Brazilian jazz, bluegrass and klezmer.
A subway performer turned judge, Cathy Grier, said, “I can tell in 30 seconds if they’ve got it.” She said the key traits in a busker are preparation, openness and, of course, talent.” (NYT – NewYorkToday)
Grand Central’s Vanderbilt Hall from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Marilyn Maye
“Who else but Marilyn Maye could present such a perfect and personal tribute to Johnny Carson, her longtime friend and benefactor? Departing from 54 Below’s usual Broadway-centric orientation, Ms. Maye (whom Carson introduced as “The Super Singer”) is a 1960s variety show all by herself: She’s not only a singing star and an ace comedian, but she has also the flash and dazzle of the most skillful juggler or tap dancer and her vocal acrobatics (which would be astounding even if she weren’t 86) give you the same thrill as a great trapeze artist.
Her miraculous timing is put to the test in this multimedia presentation, in which she interacts with vintage 1970s “Tonight Show” clips of herself—most movingly as part of a sequence of torch songs that builds to a medley of “Those Were the Days” and, believe it or not, “I Will Survive.” (WSJ-Will Friedwald)
The NY Observer says: “Miss her at your own peril!”
You really need to see this lady perform, she is pretty special.
I saw her at Cabaret Convention in the fall, and she outshone a dozen other performers.
54 Below, 254 W 54th St., btw Broadway and Eighth Ave
at 7pm / $50–$60 plus $25 food or drink minimum
(646) 476-3551 / 866-468-7619 / 54below.com
Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks
“If you haven’t yet checked out the Nighthawks’ new digs, what are you waiting for. “The band (which has just released their second volume of music from HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire”) now actually sounds better, audio-wise, and the menu is a vast improvement over the band’s previous venue—overall, it is a step up, to the second floor, rather than a flight down, to the basement.
Although longtime fans are currently referring to the Nighthawks as “The Iguana Troubadours,” they continue to play with the same amazing combination of skin-tight historical authenticity and sheer, relentless energy, plus a tempo that has always characterized Mr. Giordano’s bands.” (WSJ-Will Friedwald)
Iguana, 240 W. 54th St., (Btw 8th/B’way)
8pm-11pm (3 sets) / $15 cover, $20 food/drink minimum
(212) 765-5454 / iguananyc.com
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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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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 