Today’s “Fab 5″/ Selected NYCity Events – SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014.

American Crafts Festival
Almost missed this one – it’s their last day. One hundred and eighty master artisans from every region of the United States selected on the basis of quality of workmanship and uniqueness of design, will be at their displays at the 38th ANNUAL CRAFTS FESTIVAL at LINCOLN CENTER for the Performing Arts, in addition to continuous entertainment and delicious food.

This biannual display in Lincoln Center sponsored by the American Concern for Art and Craftsmanship — it also takes place in the fall — will fill Damrosch Park.
Damrosch Park, at 62nd Street, between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues
from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. / FREE
craftsatlincoln.org.

The 9th Annual Jazz Age Lawn Party
Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra invite you to the beloved Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island. Now in its ninth year, the event has become the quintessential outdoor celebration of the Jazz Age and its living legacy.

This trip through time begins on a breezy ferry with views of Lady Liberty en route to NYC’s local treasure, Governors Island. Once ashore, a sprawling green awaits, nestled under a canopy of century-old trees, caressed by fresh sea air, surrounded by historic architecture – a dream of the 1920s hidden right in the heart of New York Harbor.

For the sixth consecutive year, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur will be our signature spirit partner. In addition, we are pleased to announce that legendary mixtress Julie Reiner (co-owner of Clover Club, Flatiron Lounge and Pegu Club) and Andy Seymour (one of America’s top mixologists) join the Lawn Party family to lend their magic to our refreshing summer cocktail list.

Jazz Age Lawn Party chef Jimmy Carbone (proprietor of Jimmy’s No. 43 in the East Village) returns to serve up his tasty fare (including “Squab on Toast,” “Sliced Beefsteak Sandwich,” “Shrimp Roll,” “Portabello Sandwich” and fresh grilled Mexican corn) to complete your al fresco feast on the Lawn.

Fabulous new features include: an additional stage for featured entertainers, brand new deluxe ticket packages, shorter lines and fun filled raffles throughout the day, along with other special surprises.
Governors Island
Free ferry service is available from the restored Battery Maritime Building, at South and Whitehall Streets, near Battery Park and the Staten Island ferry terminal.
From 11a.m. to 5p.m. / $35
dreamlandorchestra.com / govisland.com.

Aretha Franklin
The Queen of Soul is sometimes also the queen of “undisclosed health reasons,” which is why 72-year-old Aretha Franklin’s January Radio City dates are happening tonight. With recent shows topping out at a dozen or so extended numbers over 90-some minutes, the slimmed-down diva replaces stamina with nuance, blending full-range jazz improvisation with just enough full-throttle gospel flair to remind you who you’re dealing with.

Perhaps echoing the Motown musical currently on Broadway, her big band includes a half-dozen backing singers and a fulsome horn section. Franklin’s next album is reportedly a concept project on which she covers female pop faves including Donna Summer’s “Last Dance,” Barbra Streisand’s “People,” and perhaps even Beyoncé, with Babyface and Andre 3000 producing.” (Richard Gehr-VillageVoice)
Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Sixth Ave, at 50th St
at 8:00 p.m. / $55-$150
866-858-0008 / radiocity.com

Big Backyard BBQ & Music Festival
“After this week’s ceaseless cloud cover, we’re finally due for some sunshine and with it the desire to be outdoors. The New York Botanical Garden throws a fitting party on Saturday and Sunday with its Big Backyard BBQ & Music Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days at their Daffodil Hill.

Purchase plates of meat and fixins from The Strand Smokehouse including pulled pork, ribs, sides and more or a pretzel from Bronx Baking Co. There will be craft brews on hand as well like Coney Island Mermaid, Jonas Bronck’s Beer Co. and others, plus complimentary items for sampling courtesy of Taste NY. For entertainment, enjoy the sounds of some live bands, try your luck at the putting greens or one of many other activities happening over the weekend.” (Gothamist)
New York Botanical Garden
Tickets cost $30 and include access to special exhibitions at the garden.

Elio Villafranca Jass Syncopators
“The Cuban pianist Elio Villafranca favors a hardy and intelligent species of Latin jazz. Returning to the scene of a new live album, “Caribbean Tinge,” he enlists, along with the dancer Julia Gutierrez-Rivera: Steve Turre on trombone, Greg Tardy and Vincent Herring on saxophones, Carlos Henriquez on bass, Lewis Nash on drums and others.” (Chinen-NYT)
Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Rose Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, 60th St. and Broadway,
212-258-9595, jalc.org;
At 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., / $40 and $45 cover, with a $10 minimum

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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 (06/13) and (06/11).