Today’s “Fab 5″+1/ Selected NYCity Events –WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 10, 2014
For other useful and curated NYCity event info for Manhattan’s WestSide check out:
♦ “9 Notable Events-September”and “Top10 Free” in the header above.
♦ For NYCity Sights, Sounds and Stories visit out our sister site: nyc123blog.wordpress.com
♦ For NYCity trip planning see links in “Resources” and “Smart Stuff” in the header above.
Taste of the Village
“The socially conscious can use their stomachs to help fund community projects offered by the Village Alliance in Washington Square Park at this annual food and wine tasting event, which features Italian, Malaysian and Mexican cuisines, among others.” (NYT)
From 6 to 8 p.m. / $50
Washington Square Park, Washington Arch,
212-777-2173 / villagealliance.org
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
“Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, currently enjoying the succcess of having their first number one record, “Hypnotic Eye,” since forming in 1976, play Madison Square Garden, with ’80s solo star and founding member of Spencer Davis Group and Traffic, Steve Winwood in support.” (DNA Info)
Madison Square Garden,
866-858-0008 / thegarden.com
At 7:30 p.m. / $56 to $137.
Epitome | Nick Cave, Nato Thompson | An Art Book Series Event
Artist Nick Cave discusses his breathtaking new book, Nick Cave: Epitome with Nato Thompson, Chief Curator of Creative Time and contributing author. This definitive monograph surveys the artist’s exuberant and genre-defying Soundsuits, performance work, and sculptural installations, and explores the transformative power of one’s imagination and capacity for fantasy.
Nick Cave’s work may also be seen at the Jack Shainman Gallery in a major solo exhibition which runs from September 4 to October 11, 2014.
Anyone who’s ever encountered one of Nick Cave’s Soundsuits—whether in a gallery or on the street—can’t help but be fascinated with these brightly hued, provocative constructions that function as both costume and sculpture. As electrifying and colorful as the “Soundsuits” it features, Nick Cave: Epitome also showcases his latest performance work, public installations, and sculptural assemblages.
NYPL, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, South Court Auditorium
6PM / FREE, First come, first served
Auditorium doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Remembering Robin Williams
To commemorate world suicide prevention day. “This event will feature a screening of “Dead Poets Society,” the 1989 film starring Mr. Williams, preceded by a panel discussion about battling depression and coping with loss. All proceeds benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “ (NYT)
Florence Gould Hall, French Institute Alliance Française, 55 East 59th St.
800-982-2787, we-care.com/robinwilliams
At 7:30 p.m./ $15.
Louis St. Louis
“By this time he’s done everything based on his songwriting, performing, conducting and arranging prowess. Perhaps he’s best known for his work on the Grease flicks, but that’s only by people who haven’t been exposed to his propulsive playing, singing and writing. To add to the excitement, he’s joined by guests, including Loni Ackerman, Vivian Reed and Lana Cantrell. You read it right. Cantrell, who quit warbling a while ago to become a lawyer, puts down the briefcase for this rare return to the boite stage.” (David Finkle-VillageVoice)
54 Below, 254 W. 54th St. (btw Broadway/8th)
7pm / $35-$65 + food & beverage minimum of $25.
646-476-3551 / 54below.com
Elsewhere, but worth the short detour:
Culinary Consciousness, Coast to Coast
Joyce Goldstein and Danny Meyer
“California’s farm-to-table, foraging and fusion cooking brought “seasonal,” “artisanal,” “local,” “fresh” and “organic” into the national vocabulary and transformed kitchens around the world.
Join San Francisco’s Joyce Goldstein (Square One), and NYC restaurateur Danny Meyer for a discussion on the evolution of eating from coast-to-coast.” (Thought Gallery)
92nd Street Y, Warburg Lounge, 1395 Lexington Ave. at 92nd St.
at 7:00 pm / $39
212-415-5500 / 92y.org/talks
=============================================================================
♦ 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.
==============================================================================
A PremierPub – Tribeca
B-Flat / 277 Church St. (btw Franklin/White St)
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 E 1 blk to Church; N 1 blk to bFlat
NYCity 1-2-3 : What's Happening / Manhattan's WestSide 