Today’s Elite 8 NYC Events > THURSDAY/ NOVEMBER 29, 2019

“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.

For future NYC Events, check the tab above:  “November NYC Events”
It’s the most comprehensive list of top events this month that you will find anywhere.
Carefully curated from “Only the Best” NYC event info on the the web, it’s a simply superb resource that will help you plan your NYC visit all over town, all through the month.

OR to make your own after dinner plans TONIGHT, see the tab above;  “LiveMusic.”

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Have time for only one NYC Event today? Do This:

GEORGE BALANCHINE’S THE NUTCRACKER
NEW YORK CITY BALLET (Nov.29-Jan.5)
Opening Night at the NYS Theater, Lincoln Center/ 8 p.m.; $95+
“’Twas the day after Thanksgiving and all through the land, ballet companies began trotting out productions of “The Nutcracker,” a holiday dance tradition most grand. And in New York, the grandest among them is City Ballet’s, formally known as “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker,” which has been performed since 1954. That title rightly emphasizes this version’s secret weapon: Act II’s glorious choreography, particularly the breathtaking final pas de deux between the Sugarplum Fairy and her cavalier. Act I has its own virtuosic feat in the form of a supersize Christmas tree, which captures all the magic and wonder of this familiar tale.” (NYT-Brian Schaefer)

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7 OTHER TOP NYC EVENTS TODAY (see below for full listing)
>> DARLENE LOVE
>> The Queen of Spades
>> JOHN SCOFIELD AND DAVE HOLLAND
>> Jason Moran & the Bandwagon
>> Broadway the Calla-way 
>> Bob Dylan
>> SOLEDAD BARRIO & NOCHE FLAMENCA

You may want to look at previous days posts for events that continue through today.

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Music, Dance, Performing Arts

DARLENE LOVE
at Sony Hall / 8 p.m.; $60+
“Few artists have hustled longer and harder to pay their dues than this septuagenarian, who began singing professionally as a high school senior in 1958. With the Blossoms, Love provided vocals (often uncredited) to many top-charting songs of the 1960s, including the Ronettes’ “Be My Baby,” and spent years on the road and in the studio, singing backup for artists like Cher and Elvis Presley. A recent renaissance has brought Love into the spotlight, earning her headlining shows and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame recognition. Love’s holiday hit “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” is already playing ambiently in public spaces all over New York City; performed live in Midtown on Friday, it’s sure to bring the house down.” (NYT-OLIVIA HORN)

The Metropolitan Opera
The Queen of Spades (next Dec.2 7:30PM)
Metropolitan Opera House / 7:30PM, $103+
“Tchaikovsky’s eerie thriller of imperial Russia has its first performances at the Met since 2011. Tenor Aleksandrs Antonenko is Hermann, the fanatical gambler whose obsession with a powerful secret drives him to madness. Soprano Lise Davidsen makes her highly anticipated Met debut as his long-suffering lover, Lisa, with mezzo-soprano Larissa Diadkova as the otherworldly Countess. Baritone Igor Golovatenko is Yeletsky, baritone Alexey Markov is Tomsky, and Vasily Petrenko conducts.”

JOHN SCOFIELD AND DAVE HOLLAND (Nov. 26-Dec.1)
at the Blue Note / 8 and 10:30 p.m.; $30-$45
“There’s really no way to “O.K. boomer” these two. Each has a stint with Miles Davis on his résumé, and they’ve both been in the game for decades. But neither Scofield, an acid-toned guitarist, nor Holland, a brilliantly versatile bassist, has ever planted his feet in a set approach. And both continue to work in conversation with younger musicians — even as they carry the flag for the jazz-rock fusion movement, in which they played an essential role. Here they will perform in an intimate duet.” (NYT-GIOVANNI RUSSONELLO)

Jason Moran & the Bandwagon (Nov.26-Dec.1)
Village Vanguard, 178 Seventh Ave. S. / 8:30PM, +10:30PM, $35
“Since September, the pianist and composer Jason Moran has been applying his conceptual gifts to a mixed-media art exhibition at the Whitney, performing in mock re-creations of iconic jazz venues. For this engagement, at another famed locale a few blocks away, Moran employs his long-standing Bandwagon trio, a daringly inclusive ensemble—with the bassist Tarus Mateen and the drummer Nasheet Waits—that exemplifies the multidirectional, go-for-broke spirit of the most compelling modern jazz.” (Steve Futterman, NewYorker)

Broadway the Calla-way (Nov.26-30)
Feinstein’s/54 Below (254 W54th St., btw Broadway/Eighth Avenues). / 8PM, $85+
“Starting November 26, the Tony-nominated sisters host their own show at Feinstein’s/54 Below, performing a mixture of Broadway favorites by Sondheim, Bernstein, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Schwartz, and more. For this special Thanksgiving performance, there is a Thanksgiving dinner prix fixe with curated holiday dishes.” (Playbill)

Bob Dylan (thru Dec.6)
Beacon Theatre, 2124 Broadway / 8PM, $99+
“Bob Dylan famously maintains a restless touring schedule that renders him a nomad for much of the year but often returns him to the place of his artistic birth; this year, he settles in for a whopping ten-night stand. Among rock élites, Dylan remains peerless. His concerts are strictly pander-free zones—no cheesy pleas to clap or sing along, no glut of backup musicians, usually no “Like a Rolling Stone.” Rather, Dylan asks audiences to ignore his legend and engage with his firecracker band, its every elegant rumble rooted to the present.” (Jay Ruttenberg, NewYorker)

SOLEDAD BARRIO & NOCHE FLAMENCA
at the Joyce Theater / 7:30 pm.; $45+
“The fleet footwork of flamenco can be mightily impressive, but this company doesn’t aim to merely wow. In recent years, Noche Flamenca and Barrio, its incandescent headliner, have moved away from spectacle seeking authentic communal encounters. A new iteration of its production “Entre Tú y Yo” (“Between You and Me”) comprises three works: a revised version of “La Ronde,” which explores facets of the duet form; “Refugiados,” created 15 years ago from poems by refugee children; and “Soleá,” a semi-improvised solo by Barrio that impresses not only for its virtuosity, but for the thrilling internal drama she shares.” (NYT)

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Smart Stuff / Other NYC EventS

More Smart Stuff coming soon.

Continuing Events

NYC holiday markets – five to explore.  (Newsday)

HOLIDAY SHOPS AT BRYANT PARK

WHEN | WHERE Oct. 31-Jan. 5, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 40th Street and Sixth Avenue
INFO bryantpark.org/eat-drink/holiday-shops

UNION SQUARE HOLIDAY MARKET

WHEN | WHERE Nov. 21-Dec. 24, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, Union Square Park’s southern side
INFO urbanspacenyc.com

COLUMBUS CIRCLE HOLIDAY MARKET

WHEN | WHERE Dec. 4-24, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, 59th Street and Central Park West
INFO urbanspacenyc.com

GRAND CENTRAL HOLIDAY FAIR

WHEN | WHERE Nov. 18-Dec. 24, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday (closed Thanksgiving; open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Christmas Eve), Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal, 89 E. 42nd St.
INFO grandcentralterminal.com

GRAND BAZAAR NYC

WHEN | WHERE Nov. 24 and Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., 100 W. 77th St.
INFO grandbazaarnyc.org

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Holiday windows in NYC you won’t want to miss

“‘Tis the season! As Thanksgiving draws near, New York City’s department stores are unveiling their holiday windows. Macy’s, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, American Girl and others are each putting their festive foot forward for the holidays.” (amNY)

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COMING SOON (WFUV)

11/29-30, 12/2-3 Bob Dylan, Beacon Theatre
11/29-30 Hot Tuna, Town Hall
11/29 & 12/2 Darlene Love, Sony Hall
11/30 Guster, Terminal 5
12/1 Beirut, Terminal 5
12/4 Bon Iver, Kings Theatre
12/4 The Hold Steady, Brooklyn Bowl
12/4 Bela Fleck & The Flecktones, Town Hall

Fall Concerts (nycgo.com)

David Byrne’s American Utopia on Broadway
October 4­, 2019–January 19, 2020
Hudson Theatre
“The Talking Heads frontman hits Broadway with a show based on his latest album—but you can expect some old favorites as well.”

♦ Before making final plans, we suggest you call the venue to confirm ticket availability, plus dates and times, as schedules are subject to change.
♦ NYCity, with a population of  8.6 million, had a record 65 million visitors last year and was TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Top U.S. Destination for 2019 – the ninth consecutive year. BUT quality shows draw crowds. Try to reserve seats for these top NYC events in advance, even if just earlier on the 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

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“Pub” is used in it’s broadest sense – bars, bar/restaurants, jazz clubs, wine bars, tapas bars, craft beer bars, dive bars, cocktail lounges, and of course, pubs – just about anyplace you can get a drink without a cover charge (except for certain jazz clubs).

If you have a fave premier pub or good eating place on Manhattan’s WestSide let us all know about it – leave a comment.

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Bonus Live Music  – NYC Jazz Clubs:
Many consider NYCity the Jazz capital of the world. My favorite Jazz Clubs, all on Manhattan’s WestSide, feature top talent every night of the week.
Hit the Hot Link and check out who is playing tonight:

Greenwich Village:
(4 are underground, classic jazz joints. all 6 are within walking distance of each other):
Village Vanguard – UG, 178 7th Ave. So., villagevanguard.com, 212-255-4037 (1st 8:30)
Blue Note – 131 W3rd St. nr 6th ave. bluenotejazz.com, 212-475-8592 (1st set 8pm)
55 Bar – basement @55 Christopher St. nr 7th ave.S. 55bar.com, 212-929-9883 (1st 7pm)
Mezzrow – basement @ 163 W10th St. nr 7th Ave. mezzrow.com,646-476-4346 (1st 8)
Smalls – basement @ 183 W10th St. smallslive.com, 646-476-4346 (1st set 7:30pm)
The Stone at The New School – 55 w13 St. (btw 6/5 ave) – thestonenyc.com (8:30PM)

Outside Greenwich Village:
Dizzy’s Club – Broadway @ 60th St. — jazz.org/dizzys / 212-258-9595 (1st set 7:30pm)
Birdland – 315 W44th St.(btw 8/9ave) — birdlandjazz.com / 212-581-3080 (1st 8:30pm)
Smoke Jazz Club – 2751 Broadway nr.106th St. — smokejazz.com/ 212-864-6662 (7pm)
Jazz Standard – 116 E27 St. (btw Park/Lex) – jazzstandard.com – (1st set 7:30)

For a comprehensive list of the best places to hear All Types of Live Music in Manhattan see the tab above “LiveMusic.”

In Memoriam:
Caffe Vivaldi – 32 Jones St. nr Bleecker St. — caffevivaldi.com / 212-691-7538 (1st 7pm)
a classic, old jazz club in the Village, Caffe V often surprised with a wonderfully eclectic lineup. It was my favorite spot for an evening of listening enjoyment and discovery.
Alas, Caffe V is no more, another victim of a rapacious NYC landlord. Owner Ishrat fought the good fight and Caffe V will be sorely missed.
Cornelia Street Cafe – UG, 29 Cornelia St. corneliastreetcafe.com, 212-989-9319
And more recently we have lost Cornelia Street Cafe. After 41 years, it too became another victim of an unreasonable rent increase.

I MEMORIALIZE THESE TWO WONDERFUL CLUBS AS A WARNING.
WE HAVE TO WORK HARDER TO SAVE THESE SPECIAL PLACES.

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