Today’s “Fab 5″/ Selected NYCity Events – TUESDAY, JUNE 03, 2014.

Pharrell Williams
“The most ecstatic man in modern soul-pop (who surely has a grinning milliner in his entourage) can boast back-to-back songs of the summer: Last year he bopped through his guest spot on Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” and this year he’s ubiquitous on radio again for his irresistible “Happy.” He will perform that hit and material from his second solo album, “Girl,” in his Apollo Theater stage debut. “ (Anderson-NYT)
Apollo Theater, 253 West 125th Street, Harlem,
800-745-3000, apollotheater.org
At 8 p.m. / $68.50 to $153.50.

Frank Vignola’s Guitar Night with Al Caiola and Vinny Raniolo
“Although best known as the long-standing partner in time to legend Les Paul, guitarist Frank Vignola is also a premiere Djangologist and one of the instigators of the now-widespread American “Hot Club” movement. He keeps the spirit of both Reinhardt and Paul alive in his consistently entertaining (and well-choreographed) guitar duo with Vinny Raniolo. Their inspired two guitar arrangements often mash up several tunes together and reconsider familiar melodies in new contexts, like their treatment of “I Shot The Sheriff,” which reimagines Bob Marley as a French gypsy. Tuesday’s guitar extravaganza features a rare guest appearance by the 93-year-old jazz guitar master, Al Caiola, as well as a gentleman being billed as a “surprise guest.” (Major hint: His first name sounds more like a cowboy than a jazzman and rhymes with “lucky.”)” (WSJ)
The Cutting Room, 44 E. 32nd St.
at 7:30pm / $25
(212) 691-1900 / thecuttingroomnyc.com

Alexis Cuadrado Group
“The bassist Alexis Cuadrado explores his Spanish heritage with an added literary and political dimension on “A Lorca Soundscape,” a recent album featuring lyrics adapted from Federico García Lorca’s “Poeta en Nueva York,” performed by an ensemble that includes the Chilean singer Claudia Acuña. Also aboard here are the Cuban saxophonist Yosvany Terry, the Cuban-American pianist Robert Rodriguez and the drummer Mark Ferber.” (Chinen-NYT)
At 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.,
Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Rose Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, 60th St. and Broadway,
212-258-9595, jalc.org;
$35 cover, with a $10 minimum

John Waters in Conversation With A.M. Homes
“In his quest to catch rides from strangers, hitchhiker/famed filmmaker John Waters (Hairspray; Pink Flamingos) carried a sign that might not have always helped “I AM NOT A PSYCHO.” Fortunately, it took only 15 rides and eight days for this eccentric adventurer to thumb his way from hometown Baltimore to sunny San Francisco (where, it happens, he has a second home). Along the way, he gathered stories of Zen-like encounters, including encounters with a indie rock band, an octogenarian farmer, and a Korvette-driving Colorado Republican. A road trip of true wonder.” (BookForum)
Barnes & Noble, Union Square, 33 East 17th St.
212-253-0810
at 7:00pm / FREE, priority seating for this talk is given with book purchase and the event space opens at 5pm. this event should be popular.

‘Dance of Death Book Release Party’ w/ Glenn Jones
“Kindred spirits will join forces this evening when two monolithic champions from the music and literary orb celebrate the Godfather of steel string geetar wizardry, John Fahey. Rolling Stone scribe royalty David Fricke will introduce longtime New York scene staple, Swingset Magazine co-founder, VDSQ record label head and ultimate Fahey obsessive Steve Lowenthal reading from the his just-released biographical sprawl of the experimental iconoclast called Dance of Death: The Life of John Fahey, American Guitarist.

For his exhaustive tome, Lowenthal embarked on a nomadic, years-long mission, heroically researching the trials, tribulations and life of the elusive and vastly influential Fahey. No better cohort for an evening of Fahey worship is Glenn Jones, who embodies the late legend’s folk and blues finger-picking mastery, even collaborating with the guitarist back in 1997 as a member of Cul De Sac. Not to be missed.” (Brad Cohan, VillageVoice)
Ace Hotel, 20 W 29^th St.
8:00 p.m. / FREE
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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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WHAT’S ON VIEW: Special Exhibitions @ 2 MUSEUMS (Manhattan’s WestSide)

‘A World of Its Own: Photographic Practices in the Studio’ (through Oct. 5)
‘Designing Modern Women 1890-1990’(through Oct. 5)
Museum of Modern Art: 11 W 53rd St. (btw 5th /6th Ave.)
(212) 708-9400 / moma.org.

Designing Modern Women 1890-1990:

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The Art of the Brick by Nathan Sawaya (ongoing)
This exhibition by artist Nathan Sawaya is a critically acclaimed collection of intriguing and inspiring works of art made exclusively from one of the most recognizable toys in the world — LEGO® bricks. The Discovery Times Square exhibit is the world’s biggest and most elaborate display of LEGO® art ever and features brand-new, never-before-seen pieces by Sawaya. This show was named ‘One of CNN’s Ten Global Must-See Exhibitions.’
Discovery Times Square, 226 West 44th St. (btw 7th/8th ave)
866.987.9692 / http://www.discoverytsx.com

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For other selected Museum and Gallery Special Exhibitions see Recent Posts in the right Sidebar: “Selected Events + Special Exhibitions : … …” dated (06/01) and (05/30).