Today’s TOP 10 – SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2015
“We search the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening,
primarily on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you don’t have to.
We make it as easy as 1-2-3.” (click on links for complete event info)
Music, Dance, Performing Arts
> Justin Vivian Bond: Love is Crazy! (also Mon May 25)
Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater, 425 Lafayette St. / 9:30PM, $25
“obsession, sex, romance and all their queer and mysterious complications.”
> Miles Davis Celebration
Smoke Jazz Club, 2751 Broadway (btw 105/106 St.) / 7PM, 9PM, 10:30PM, $40
A quartet rich with connections to jazz icon Miles Davis performs a musical tribute.
> Peter Bernstein Quartet
Village Vanguard,178 Seventh Ave. S., at 11th St. / 8:30PM +10:30PM, $30
a hard bop guitarist brings along his accomplished quartet.
> “Tap Attack!” for National Tap Dance Day
Pier 45, Hudson River Park, just off Christopher St. / 12-2PM, FREE
This open-air throwdown for tap dance enthusiasts celebrates National Tap Dance Day.
> Bill Charlap Trio
Dizzy’s Club, Jazz at Lincoln Center, 60th St. and Broadway / 7:30PM+9:30PM, $35
this is one fine trio, who have played together forever and it shows.
> Dave Holland & Prism
Blue Note, 131 W3rd St. / 8PM+10:30PM, $20+$35
long time bassist-composer Holland has been in a jazz-funk mood lately.
Smart Stuff / Other
(Lectures, Discussions, Book Talks, Literary Readings, Classes, Food & Drink, Other)
> Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit
University Place, from East 13th Street to West Third Street, / 12-6PM, FREE
typical New York sidewalk fare: oil paintings, watercolors, crafts and jewelry.
> ‘Night Lights at Wave Hill’
Wave Hill, W249th St. and Independence Ave, the Bronx / 6:30PM, $25
subway: #1 to 242nd St., then shuttle van to Wave Hill.
public garden celebrates its 50th anniversary, and this is your last chance to experience Wave Hill after dark.
Elsewhere, but the weather is nice and these island events look worth the short voyage:
> Fleet Week Music Festival
The Flagship Brewing Company, 40 Minthorne St. at Bay St./ 12-8PM,
the Staten Island beer maker closes down the block for music, eats, and their new IPA.
> Open Studios with Process Space Artists in Residence – Opening Weekend
Governors Island, LMCC Arts Center, Building 110 / 12PM – 5PM, FREE
view the artist studios, then take a stroll, have a picnic, or just enjoy the island views.
Have time for only one event today? Do this:
> Miles Davis Celebration
Smoke Jazz Club, 2751 Broadway (btw 105/106 St.) / 7PM, 9PM, 10:30PM, $40
MILES DAVIS CELEBRATION
Eddie Henderson [trumpet] Gary Bartz [alto saxophone] Orrin Evans [piano] Ed Howard [bass] Al Foster [drums]
“A quartet rich with connections to jazz icon Miles Davis performs a musical tribute timed in celebration of his May 26th birthday. Drummer Al Foster served as Miles’ drummer from the ’70s on and was the most consistent presence in his bands. Saxophonist Gary Bartz, another major jazz artist of the past 50 years, also worked notably with Miles in the early 1970s. Trumpeter Eddie Henderson was encouraged to become a musician by Miles and his influence is still strong in the playing of one of his notable protégés. In addition to these three giants, this brilliant quintet is completed by the inspired additions of pianist Orrin Evans and bassist Ed Howard. It is would difficult to find a better group of musicians to interpret Miles’ music and this group should not be missed.”
Bonus – Jazz Picks:
Many consider NYCity the Jazz capital of the world. Here are my favorite Jazz clubs, all on Manhattan’s WestSide. Check out who is playing tonight:
Greenwich Village:
Village Vanguard – 178 7th Ave. South, villagevanguard.com, 212-255-4037
Blue Note – 131 W3rd St. nr 6th ave. bluenotejazz.com, 212-475-8592
55 Bar – 55 Christopher St. nr 7th ave.S. 55bar.com, 212-929-9883
Outside Greenwich Village:
Dizzy’s Club – Broadway @ 60th St. jazz.org/dizzys, 212-258-9595
Birdland – 315 W44th St.(btw 8/9ave), birdlandjazz.com, 212-581-3080
Smoke Jazz Club – 2751 Broadway nr.106th St. smokejazz.com, 212-864-6662
Special Mention:
Caffe Vivaldi – 32 Jones St. nr Bleecker St. caffevivaldi.com, 212-691-7538
a classic, old jazz club in the Village, Caffe V often surprises with a wonderfully eclectic lineup. It’s my favorite spot for an evening of listening enjoyment and discovery.
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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, with a population of 8.5 million, had a record 56 million visitors last year and is TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Top U.S. Destination for 2015. 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 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 