NYC Events,”Only the Best” (11/01) + Museum Special Exhibitions: Manhattan’s 5th Avenue

Posted on 11/01/2018 by GregD

Today’s Elite 8 NYC Events > THURSDAY/ NOVEMBER 01, 2018

“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:“NYC Events-November”
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.

==========================================================

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

Ken Peplowski: The Great American Songbook (Nov.1-4)
Dizzy’s Club / 7:30PM, +9:30PM, $40
“The clarinet basically died out as a leading jazz instrument after the bebop onslaught of the mid-forties, but a player like Peplowski makes you wonder why. With a tone like finely woven silk, wondrous technical agility, and an itching curiosity that encompasses the stylistic breadth of mainstream jazz, Peplowski can take his outsider horn in any direction he cares to. (He plays a galloping tenor saxophone as well.) Here, Peplowski lands himself in luxury by approaching both classic and overlooked work from the heyday of American popular song.” (Steve Futterman, NewYorker)

=========================================================
7 OTHER TOP NYC EVENTS TODAY (see below for full listing)
>> Melissa Errico Sings Sondheim
>> Hungarian State Opera and Ballet
>> Joseph Keckler
>> BALANCHINE: THE CITY CENTER YEARS
>> XENOS
>> RON CARTER
>> Festival Albertine
Continuing Events
>> White Light Festival
>> Harry Potter: A History of Magic
========================================================

Music, Dance, Performing Arts

Melissa Errico Sings Sondheim (Nov.01-03)
Feinstein’s/54 Below / 7PM, $40+
“Errico is a smart-edged musical-theater leading lady whose silvery voice has brightened such shows as My Fair Lady, Amour and the Off Broadway revival of Passion. In this set, she sets her mind on songs by show-tune deity Stephen Sondheim, from the comic neurosis of “Getting Married Today” and “Everybody Loves Louis” to the despair of “No More.” (TONY)

Hungarian State Opera and Ballet (select dates thru Nov.11)
NYS Theater, Lincoln Center / 7:30PM, $10+
“The Hungarian State Opera of Budapest makes its Lincoln Center debut with a rich variety of ballet and opera productions to choose from. It will present Hungarian iconic historical opera pieces: Erkel’s Bánk bán (The Viceroy Bank), Goldmark’s The Queen of Sheba, world-famous 20th century one-act operas Vajda’s Mario and the Magician and Bartók Bluebeard’s Castle, but also beloved classical ballets: Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, and Petipa and Minkus’ Don Quixote. Those who prefer more modern ballet pieces can also see Hans van Manen’s 2017 triple bill LOL.”

Joseph Keckler
Atrium at Lincoln Center / 7:30PM, FREE
“Recently hailed by the New York Times as a “major vocal talent whose range shatters the conventional boundaries,” singer and writer Joseph Keckler folds mesmerizing storytelling and sharp wit into a rich vocal range spanning over three octaves. He’s performed his work at the Centre Pompidou (with Cabinet Magazine), Miami Art Basel, PEN American Center, and many other international venues, and has been featured on BBC America and WNYC. Keckler recently made his Off-Broadway debut in the critically acclaimed play Preludes at Lincoln Center Theater.”

BALANCHINE: THE CITY CENTER YEARS (Oct. 31-Nov. 4)
at New York City Center / 8PM, $
“Though New York City Ballet now lives elsewhere, it was born and raised at City Center. In a thrilling and ambitious project, the theater is presenting 13 significant works by the company’s co-founder, George Balanchine, that had premieres on its stage. The kicker is that the pieces will be performed over six different programs by eight major international companies, including London’s Royal Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet and Mariinsky Ballet, as well as American companies such as San Francisco Ballet, American Ballet Theater and, of course, City Ballet. Among the works that will be performed are “Serenade,” “Apollo,” “Agon,” and “The Four Temperaments.” (NYT-Brian Schaefer)

XENOS (U.S. premiere)
Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center / 7:30PM, $25+
“Whose war? Whose fire? Whose hand is this? In his final solo performance piece, choreographer and dancer Akram Khan returns to the White Light Festival with his poignant new work, XENOS. Meaning “stranger” or “foreigner,” XENOS explores the shell-shocked dreams of an Indian colonial soldier during the First World War. Combining classical Indian kathak and contemporary dance, Khan grapples with personal mythology, otherness, and the lucid reality of a world set aflame.”

“A work of defining greatness.” – Guardian (U.K.)

RON CARTER (Oct. 30-Nov. 3)
Birdland / 8:30 and 11 p.m., $30-$40
“Now 81, Ron Carter is one of the most esteemed living bassists in jazz, and probably the most recorded. His career spans pioneering work in Miles Davis’s second great quintet and alongside a good share of jazz’s other leading figures from the 1960s on. But he has always placed a special priority on his own projects. Through Saturday, Carter leads a quartet featuring the tenor saxophonist Jimmy Greene, the pianist Renee Rosnes and the drummer Payton Crossley. Next week, he appears for five nights with his Golden Striker Trio featuring Russell Malone on guitar and Donald Vega on piano.” (NYT-GIOVANNI RUSSONELLO)

=========================================================

Smart Stuff / Other NYC Events
(Lectures/Discussions, Book Talks, Film, Classes, Food & Drink, Other)

Festival Albertine (Oct. 30-Nov. 3)
Albertine, 972 Fifth Ave./
“The New Yorker staff writer Masha Gessen curates this year’s raft of discussions at the independent bookstore housed in the palatial cultural-services arm of the French Embassy. The theme for the event is “Reimagining Democracy”; it includes the topics “Rethinking Gender” (moderated by Jack Halberstam), “Redefining Normality and Disease” (with Siri Hustvedt and Laure Murat), “A Post-Work World” (with Joseph Stiglitz and Daniel Cohen), and “Beyond States and Borders,” the series kickoff, moderated by Gessen.” (K. Leander Williams, NewYorker)

=======================================================

Continuing Events

White Light Festival (through Nov.18)
“Lincoln Center’s annual White Light Festival, integrating performances from around the world in a cross-cultural extravaganza, will play six venues across the city.

The festival will include performances of Waiting for Godot from Ireland’s Druid Theatre Company, directed by Tony-winning director Garry Hynes—the first female to win a Tony Award for direction of a play.

Belgian choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui brings Sutra to the stage, featuring martial arts from China’s Shaolin monks. Hip-hop, contemporary dance, and aerial work combine in the presentation of Borderline by Company Wang Ramirez. The U.S. premiere of Blak Whyte Gray, a mix of hip-hop and African-inspired movement, makes its way from across the pond to the Lincoln Center stage, as well as the U.S. premiere of Kaija Saariaho’s chamber opera Only the Sound Remains, directed by Peter Sellars and starring Philippe Jaroussky and Davóne Tines.”

Harry Potter: A History of Magic (Now-1/27/19)
New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W.
“Gather round ye muggles and wizards, squibs and witches, tourists and natives: magic is on its way. Harry Potter: A History of Magic, commemorating the beloved series’s 20th anniversary, is now open at the New-York Historical Society. One of the most eagerly anticipated exhibits to hit the city since, well, ever, the show comes straight from the British Library in London, where, not surprisingly, it was the institution’s most successful exhibition.

Artifacts like crystal balls, Leonardo da Vinci notebooks, and the first written record of the magic word “abracadabra” are among the treasures on display, joined by original materials from author J.K. Rowling’s archives. Also on view to the public for the first time will be Mary GrandPré’s illustrations created for Scholastic’s original editions of the novels. Costumes and set models from Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which opened on Broadway in April, will be showcased in the exhibition. A long list of events will take place in conjunction with the exhibit, including trivia night, talks, an adult costume party, and more.” (cityguideny)
Daily, except most Mondays, $21, $6 ages 5-13, free 4 and younger

==========================================================================
♦ 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 63 million visitors last year and was TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Top U.S. Destination for 2018 – awesome! 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.

===========================================================
Bonus NYC events– 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:
(5 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)
Cornelia Street Cafe – UG, 29 Cornelia St. corneliastreetcafe.com, 212-989-9319 (6pm)

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)

Special Mention:
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 surprises with a wonderfully eclectic lineup. It’s 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.

========================================================

NYCity Vacation Travel Guide Video (Expedia):

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WHAT’S ON VIEW
These are My Fave Special Exhibitions @ MUSEUMS / Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue
(See the New York Times Arts Section for listings of all museum exhibitions,
and also see the expanded reviews of these exhibitions)

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

Hilma af Klint : Paintings for the Future (thru 02/03/19)

“Convinced that the world was not ready for her artistry in 1906, particularly as an underrepresented female in her field, af Klint of Sweden kept her work private. Her paintings anticipated by years “breakthroughs” by Kandinsky, Mondrian and others and were unseen before 1986. The Guggenheim rediscovers her.”

“Recognized as one of the art world’s earliest abstract painters, Hilma af Klint was a steadfast believer that her work was inspired by the spiritual. The new Guggenheim exhibition, “Hilma af Klint: Paintings for the Future,” showcases the work of this groundbreaking Swedish artist (1862-1944), whose work was rarely seen until the 1980s.” (Newsday)

Jewish Museum

‘SCENES FROM THE COLLECTION’  “After a surgical renovation to its grand pile on Fifth Avenue, the Jewish Museum has reopened its third-floor galleries with a rethought and refreshed display of its permanent collection, which intermingles modern and contemporary art, by Jews and gentiles alike — Mark Rothko, Lee Krasner, Nan Goldin, Cindy Sherman, and the excellent young Nigerian draftswoman Ruby Onyinyechi Amanze — with 4,000 years of Judaica. The works are shown in a nimble, non-chronological suite of galleries, and some of its century-spanning juxtapositions are bracing; others feel reductive, even dilletantish. But always, the Jewish Museum conceives of art and religion as interlocking elements of a story of civilization, commendably open to new influences and new interpretations.” (Farago) 212-423-3200, thejewishmuseum.org

Museum of the City of New York

NY AT ITS CORE (ongoing)
“Ten years in the making, New York at Its Core tells the compelling story of New York’s rise from a striving Dutch village to today’s “Capital of the World.” The exhibition captures the human energy that drove New York to become a city like no other and a subject of fascination the world over. Entertaining, inspiring, important, and at times bemusing, New York City “big personalities,” including Alexander Hamilton, Walt Whitman, Boss Tweed, Emma Goldman, JP Morgan, Fiorello La Guardia, Jane Jacobs, Jay-Z, and dozens more, parade through the exhibition. Visitors will also learn the stories of lesser-known New York personalities, like Lenape chieftain Penhawitz and Italian immigrant Susie Rocco. Even animals like the horse, the pig, the beaver, and the oyster, which played pivotal roles in the economy and daily life of New York, get their moment in the historical spotlight. Occupying the entire first floor in three interactive galleries (Port City, 1609-1898, World City, 1898-2012, and Future City Lab) New York at Its Core is shaped by four themes: money, density, diversity, and creativity. Together, they provide a lens for examining the character of the city, and underlie the modern global metropolis we know today. mcny.org” (NYCity Guide)

and you should be sure to check out these special exhibitions at that little museum on Fifth Ave., The Metropolitan Museum of Art
(open 7 days /week, AND always Pay What You Wish for NewYorkers)

Delacroix  (Now-1/6/19)
“This is the first comprehensive U.S. retrospective of the work of French artist Eugene Delacroix (1798-1863). The Met has teamed up with The Louvre, showcasing in chronological order some 150 pieces, including paintings, drawings, manuscripts, and prints.” (cityguideny)

‘CROWNS OF THE VAJRA MASTERS: RITUAL ART OF NEPAL’ (through Dec. 16). “Up a narrow staircase, above the Met’s galleries of South and Southeast Asian art, are three small rooms of art from the Himalayas. The space, a bit like a treehouse, is a capsule of spiritual energy, which is especially potent these days thanks to this exhibition. The crowns of the title look like antique versions of astronaut headgear: gilded copper helmets, studded with gems, encrusted with repoussé plaques and topped by five-pronged antennas — the vajra, or thunderbolt of wisdom. Such crowns were believed to turn their wearers into perfected beings who are willing and able to bestow blessings on the world. This show is the first to focus on these crowns, and it does so with a wealth of compressed historical information, as well as several resplendent related sculptures and paintings from Nepal and Tibet. But it’s the crowns themselves, the real ones, the wisdom generators, set in mandala formation in the center of the gallery, that are the fascinators.” (NYT-Holland Cotter)

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Museum Mile is a section of Fifth Avenue which contains one of the densest displays of culture in the world. Eight museums can be found along this section of Fifth Avenue:
• 105th Street – El Museo del Barrio (closed Sun-Mon)*
• 103rd Street – Museum of the City of New York (open 7 days /week)
•  92nd Street – The Jewish Museum (closed Wed) (Sat FREE) (Thu 5-8 PWYW)
•  91st Street  –  Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum (open 7 days /week)
•  89th Street –  National Academy Museum (closed Mon-Tue)
•  88th Street –  Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (closed Thu) (Sat 6-8 PWYW)
•  86th Street –  Neue Galerie New York (closed Tue-Wed) (Fri 6-8 FREE)
Last, but certainly not least, America’s premier museum
•  82nd Street – The Metropolitan Museum of Art (open 7 days /week)*
*always Pay What You Wish (PWYW) for NewYorkers

Although technically not part of the Museum Mile, the Frick Collection (closed Mon) (Wed 2-6pm PWYW; First Friday each month (exc Jan+Sep) 6-9pm FREE) on the corner of 70th St. and Fifth Avenue and the The Morgan Library & Museum (closed Mon) (Fri 7-9 FREE) on Madison Ave and 37th St are also located near Fifth Ave.
Now plan your own museum crawl (info on hours & admission updated June 2, 2015).
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For other selected Museum and Gallery Special Exhibitions see Recent Posts in right Sidebar dated 10/30 and 10/28.
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NYC Events,”Only the Best” (10/31) + Today’s Featured Pub (Greenwich Village)

Posted on 10/31/2018 by GregD

Today’s Super 7 NYC Events > WEDNESDAY/ OCTOBER 31, 2018

“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: “NYC Events-October”
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.

==========================================================

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

RON CARTER (Oct. 30-Nov. 3)
Birdland / 8:30 and 11 p.m., $30-$40
“Now 81, Ron Carter is one of the most esteemed living bassists in jazz, and probably the most recorded. His career spans pioneering work in Miles Davis’s second great quintet and alongside a good share of jazz’s other leading figures from the 1960s on. But he has always placed a special priority on his own projects. Through Saturday, Carter leads a quartet featuring the tenor saxophonist Jimmy Greene, the pianist Renee Rosnes and the drummer Payton Crossley. Next week, he appears for five nights with his Golden Striker Trio featuring Russell Malone on guitar and Donald Vega on piano.” (NYT-GIOVANNI RUSSONELLO)

=========================================================
6 OTHER TOP NYC EVENTS TODAY (see below for full listing)
>> Marnie
>> BALANCHINE: THE CITY CENTER YEARS
>> XENOS
>> JOHN HIATT 
>> Village Halloween Parade
>> Festival Albertine
Continuing Events
>> Archtober
>> White Light Festival
>> Harry Potter: A History of Magic
========================================================

Music, Dance, Performing Arts

Marnie (next Nov.3, 8PM)
Metropolitan Opera House / 7:30PM, $20+
“Composer Nico Muhly unveils his second new opera for the Met with this gripping reimagining of Winston Graham’s novel, set in the 1950s, about a beautiful, mysterious young woman who assumes multiple identities. Director Michael Mayer and his creative team have devised a fast-moving, cinematic world for this exhilarating story of denial and deceit, which also inspired a film by Alfred Hitchcock. Mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard sings the enigmatic Marnie, and baritone Christopher Maltman is the man who pursues her—with disastrous results. Robert Spano conducts.”

BALANCHINE: THE CITY CENTER YEARS (Oct. 31-Nov. 4)
at New York City Center / 8PM, $
“Though New York City Ballet now lives elsewhere, it was born and raised at City Center. In a thrilling and ambitious project, the theater is presenting 13 significant works by the company’s co-founder, George Balanchine, that had premieres on its stage. The kicker is that the pieces will be performed over six different programs by eight major international companies, including London’s Royal Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet and Mariinsky Ballet, as well as American companies such as San Francisco Ballet, American Ballet Theater and, of course, City Ballet. Among the works that will be performed are “Serenade,” “Apollo,” “Agon,” and “The Four Temperaments.” (NYT-Brian Schaefer)

XENOS (U.S. premiere, also Nov.01)
Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center / 7:30PM, $25+
“Whose war? Whose fire? Whose hand is this? In his final solo performance piece, choreographer and dancer Akram Khan returns to the White Light Festival with his poignant new work, XENOS. Meaning “stranger” or “foreigner,” XENOS explores the shell-shocked dreams of an Indian colonial soldier during the First World War. Combining classical Indian kathak and contemporary dance, Khan grapples with personal mythology, otherness, and the lucid reality of a world set aflame.”

“A work of defining greatness.” – Guardian (U.K.)

JOHN HIATT  (Oct. 29-31)
at City Winery  / 8PM, $65+
“When your songs have been covered by everyone from Bonnie Raitt to Chaka Khan to Eric Clapton and B.B. King, as Hiatt’s have, you can feel fairly secure in your American popular music legacy. The singer-songwriter has spent the past 48 years crafting tunes that lean toward country and rock while transcending genre altogether: His most famous creation, “Have a Little Faith in Me,” has been recorded by both Mandy Moore and Joe Cocker. Hiatt still writes, as evidenced by his latest release, “The Eclipse Sessions,” a collection of timeless tunes that show his unassuming mastery.” (NYT-NATALIE WEINER)

=========================================================

Smart Stuff / Other NYC Events
(Lectures/Discussions, Book Talks, Film, Classes, Food & Drink, Other)

Village Halloween Parade
Sixth Ave. from Spring St. to 16th St., 7-10PM
“It’s just the right time for Halloween: With the world feeling like more of a freak show than ever, it’s high time we party with ghouls, ghosts and villains in the flesh. And NYC’s got you covered. Beyond the best Halloween events, the city throws down every year at the Village Halloween Parade, a massive procession involving more than 50,000 night creatures. Here’s everything you need to know about the legendary costumed event.” (TONY)

Festival Albertine (Oct. 30-Nov. 3)
Albertine, 972 Fifth Ave./
“The New Yorker staff writer Masha Gessen curates this year’s raft of discussions at the independent bookstore housed in the palatial cultural-services arm of the French Embassy. The theme for the event is “Reimagining Democracy”; it includes the topics “Rethinking Gender” (moderated by Jack Halberstam), “Redefining Normality and Disease” (with Siri Hustvedt and Laure Murat), “A Post-Work World” (with Joseph Stiglitz and Daniel Cohen), and “Beyond States and Borders,” the series kickoff, moderated by Gessen.” (K. Leander Williams, NewYorker)

=======================================================

Continuing Events

Archtober  (LAST DAY)
31 days, 100+ ways to celebrate design in NYC! The eight annual, month-long festival of architecture activities, programs, and exhibitions in New York City will take place October 1-31, 2017.  Archtober’s calendar features 200 architecture and design lectures, conferences, programs, and exhibitions at more than 60+ collaborating institutions across the city.

White Light Festival (through Nov.18)
“Lincoln Center’s annual White Light Festival, integrating performances from around the world in a cross-cultural extravaganza, will play six venues across the city.

The festival will include performances of Waiting for Godot from Ireland’s Druid Theatre Company, directed by Tony-winning director Garry Hynes—the first female to win a Tony Award for direction of a play.

Belgian choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui brings Sutra to the stage, featuring martial arts from China’s Shaolin monks. Hip-hop, contemporary dance, and aerial work combine in the presentation of Borderline by Company Wang Ramirez. The U.S. premiere of Blak Whyte Gray, a mix of hip-hop and African-inspired movement, makes its way from across the pond to the Lincoln Center stage, as well as the U.S. premiere of Kaija Saariaho’s chamber opera Only the Sound Remains, directed by Peter Sellars and starring Philippe Jaroussky and Davóne Tines.”

Harry Potter: A History of Magic (Now-1/27/19)
New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W.
“Gather round ye muggles and wizards, squibs and witches, tourists and natives: magic is on its way. Harry Potter: A History of Magic, commemorating the beloved series’s 20th anniversary, is now open at the New-York Historical Society. One of the most eagerly anticipated exhibits to hit the city since, well, ever, the show comes straight from the British Library in London, where, not surprisingly, it was the institution’s most successful exhibition.

Artifacts like crystal balls, Leonardo da Vinci notebooks, and the first written record of the magic word “abracadabra” are among the treasures on display, joined by original materials from author J.K. Rowling’s archives. Also on view to the public for the first time will be Mary GrandPré’s illustrations created for Scholastic’s original editions of the novels. Costumes and set models from Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which opened on Broadway in April, will be showcased in the exhibition. A long list of events will take place in conjunction with the exhibit, including trivia night, talks, an adult costume party, and more.” (cityguideny)
Daily, except most Mondays, $21, $6 ages 5-13, free 4 and younger

==========================================================================
♦ 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 63 million visitors last year and was TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Top U.S. Destination for 2018 – awesome! 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.

=====================================================

Bonus NYC Events – Music Venues:
So much fine live music every night in this town. These are my favorite non jazz music venues on Manhattan’s WestSide. Hit the Hot Link and check out who’s playing tonight:

City Winery – 155 Varick St., citywinery.com, 212-608-0555
Joe’s Pub @ Public Theater – 425 Lafayette St., joespub.com, 212-967-7555
Beacon Theatre – 2124 Broadway @ 74th St., beacontheatre.com, 212-465-6500
Town Hall – 123 W43rd St. (btw 6/7), thetownhall.org, 212-997-6661
Le Poisson Rouge – 158 Bleecker St., lepoissonrouge.com, 212-505-3474
Sony Hall – 235 W 46th St. (btw 7/8), sonyhall.com, 212-997-5123
and one more, not exactly WestSide:
Bowery Ballroom – 6 Delancey St. boweryballroom.com,

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 discovery and enjoyment.

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.

See Below.
———————————————————————————————————-

NYCity Vacation Travel Guide Video (Expedia):
=================================================================================

A PremierPub and 3 Good Eating Places – Greenwich Village

Caffe Vivaldi / 32 Jones Street (btw. Bleecker St./W4th St.)

Café Vivaldi is a classic, intimate club located in Greenwich Village on Jones Street, the street featured on the cover of Bob Dylan’s second album, “Freewheelin’. ”

maxresdefaultEach night Ishrat, the long time proprietor and impresario, carefully curates and schedules an eclectic series of musicians. You can often see him at his table in the corner, hard at work reviewing music videos and listening to cd demos on his laptop, scouting out future bookings. Musicians come from all over to play and sing in a club in Greenwich Village. Some are local New Yorkers, others are just passing through, in town for a few days.

There is a small bar, seating maybe 10. It’s close to the stage and I find it’s a perfect spot to sip a glass of red wine while listening to the music. The room itself has the performance area at one end and a cozy fireplace at the other. The performance area here is small, dominated by a large black Yamaha Grand piano. Tables are bunched together and most people at the tables are eating lite meals or sampling the wonderful desserts.

There is also a good selection of fairly priced wines,  but you are here because of the music. You can never be quite sure what you’re going to find, and that’s half the charm of this place. It’s not a home run every night, but many nights it’s pretty special.

I remember the night I saw the most talented bossa nova group, just in from San Paulo. As I listened, I wondered if there was any better music playing anywhere else in New York City that night. And at Caffé Vivaldi there is never a cover charge. Their recently redesigned web site does give you a better idea of the type of music playing each night.

At one time Greenwich Village was filled with clubs just like this, but times change. Real estate interests have impacted the village, and not for the better. Even Caffé Vivaldi had a rough time recently, when a new landlord raised the rent exorbitantly. Fortunately, Ishrat has built a loyal following over the years, and a fund raiser and slightly more reasonable rent has kept Café Vivaldi in business.

When Woody Allen and Al Pacino wanted to make movies featuring the timeless quality of Greenwich Village they came to Vivaldi. It’s important that we keep this special place alive, for if we lose Cafe Vivaldi, NYCity will have lost a piece of it’s soul.

CAFFE VIVALDI HAS CLOSED,  JUNE 23 WAS THE FINAL NIGHT. VERY SAD.
I HAVE LEFT THIS REVIEW ON MY SITE AS A KIND OF MEMORIAL.
As reported in the “Gothamist”:
“Caffe Vivaldi, one of the last bohemian bastions of the West Village, is set to close this weekend. During its 35 years on Jones Street, the casual cafe won the hearts of locals and celebs alike, including Oscar Isaac, Bette Midler, and Al Pacino.

Despite that friendly communal atmosphere, the owners ultimately struggled to survive under their notorious vulture landlord Steve Croman, who they say waged a harassment campaign against the restaurant, and eventually tripled their rent.”

Website: http://caffevivaldi.com/
Phone #: (212) 691-7538
Hours: Music generally 7:30PM – 11PM, but varies
Lunch/Dinner 11AM-on
Subway: #1 to Christopher St.
Walk 1 blk S. on 7th ave S. to Bleecker St., 1 blk left on Bleecker to Jones St., 50 yards left on Jones St. to Caffe V.
==============================================================
“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.

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

3 Good Eating places

It’s not difficult to find a place to eat in Manhattan.
Finding a good, inexpensive place to eat is a bit harder.
Here are a few of my faves in this neighborhood:

Fish – 280 Bleecker St. (just a bit S. of 7th ave South)
This was an easy pick – the best raw bar special in town. $9 gets you 6 of the freshest oysters or clams + a glass of wine or beer. Don’t know how they can do it, but I tell everyone I know about this place. And it’s located right in the heart of some of the best no cover music in town.

Bleecker Street Pizza – 69 7th ave S. (corner of Bleecker St.)
The place is tiny and not much to look at, but this is one good slice. They like to brag that they have been voted “Best pizza in NY” 3 years in a row by the Food Network. I believe them. I would have voted for them.

Num Pang – 21 E 12th St. (btw. University Place/5th ave.)
This is a Cambodian banh mi sandwich shop that kept me well fed while I was in class nearby recently. It’s cramped, even for NYCity, but usually there is room up the spiral staircase to sit down and eat. In good weather carry your sandwich a few blocks to Union Square park. You may have to wait a few minutes, because everything is freshly made, but it’s worth it. Can you believe – an unheard of 26 food rating by Zagat.

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“3 Good Eating places” focuses on a quick bite, what I call “Fine Fast Food – NYCity Style”
No reservations needed.
========================================================
NYCity is the most diverse and interesting place to find a meal anywhere in the world. With more than 24,000 eating establishments you might welcome some advice.

◊ For all my picks of 54 Good Eating places, and essays on my favorite 18 PremierPubs in 9 Neighborhoods on Manhattan’s WestSide, order a copy of my e-book:
“Eating and Drinking on NYCity’s WestSide” ($4.99, available SPRING 2019).
◊ Order before MAY 31, 2019 and receive a bonus – 27 of my favorite casual dining places with free Wi-Fi.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

NYC Events,”Only the Best” (10/30) + Museum Special Exhibitions: Manhattan’s WestSide

Posted on 10/30/2018 by GregD

Today’s Elite 8 NYC Events > TUESDAY/ OCTOBER 30, 2018

“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: “NYC Events-October”
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.

==========================================================

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

Hungarian State Opera and Ballet (select dates thru Nov.11)
NYS Theater, Lincoln Center / 7:30PM, $10+
“The Hungarian State Opera of Budapest makes its Lincoln Center debut with a rich variety of ballet and opera productions to choose from. It will present Hungarian iconic historical opera pieces: Erkel’s Bánk bán (The Viceroy Bank), Goldmark’s The Queen of Sheba, world-famous 20th century one-act operas Vajda’s Mario and the Magician and Bartók Bluebeard’s Castle, but also beloved classical ballets: Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, and Petipa and Minkus’ Don Quixote. Those who prefer more modern ballet pieces can also see Hans van Manen’s 2017 triple bill LOL.”

=========================================================
7 OTHER TOP NYC EVENTS TODAY (see below for full listing)
>> Kate Baldwin: How Did You Get This Number?
>> DAN TEPFER
>> JOHN HIATT
>> STEELY DAN
>> Presidents of War with Historian Michael Beschloss
>> Festival Albertine
>> All About Seltzer
Continuing Events
>> Archtober
>> White Light Festival
>> Harry Potter: A History of Magic
========================================================

Music, Dance, Performing Arts

Kate Baldwin: How Did You Get This Number?
Feinstein’s 54 Below / 9:30PM, $65+
“Kate Baldwin broke through in 2009 as the enchanting star of Broadway’s Finian’s Rainbow, and has since brightened shows including Giant, Big Fish and the Broadway revival of Hello, Dolly! (for which she earned her second Tony nomination). Her latest solo set, directed by Robbie Rozelle, focuses on signature songs from her greatest roles.” (TONY)

DAN TEPFER
at Le Poisson Rouge / 9:15PM, $25
“If your world is thrown out of alignment by the news that painting by algorithm is the next big thing in visual art, you might want to sit out Tepfer’s performance of “Natural Machines,” his latest project. Or maybe you’ll take heart in the fact that while a computer is producing the extra notes that accompany his piano playing here, it is also responding in real time to Tepfer’s improvisations. And he built the machine’s algorithm, thinking closely about the harmonic shapes and physical resonances that he wanted. This week he released “Natural Machines” in album form, with videos accompanying each track; at this concert the audience will watch a virtual-reality presentation through Google Cardboard viewers as he and the computer perform.” (NYT-GIOVANNI RUSSONELLO)

JOHN HIATT  (Oct. 29-31)
at City Winery  / 8PM, $65+
“When your songs have been covered by everyone from Bonnie Raitt to Chaka Khan to Eric Clapton and B.B. King, as Hiatt’s have, you can feel fairly secure in your American popular music legacy. The singer-songwriter has spent the past 48 years crafting tunes that lean toward country and rock while transcending genre altogether: His most famous creation, “Have a Little Faith in Me,” has been recorded by both Mandy Moore and Joe Cocker. Hiatt still writes, as evidenced by his latest release, “The Eclipse Sessions,” a collection of timeless tunes that show his unassuming mastery.” (NYT-NATALIE WEINER)

STEELY DAN  (LAST NIGHT)
at the Beacon Theater / 8PM, $25+
“For the first time since Walter Becker’s passing in 2017, Donald Fagen and Steely Dan will be performing several of the band’s most beloved albums in their entirety during their semiregular residency at the Beacon. “Aja” (on Thursday and Oct. 27) and Fagen’s solo effort “The Nightfly” (on Oct. 20 and 29) get two nights each, while “The Royal Scam” (on Wednesday), “Countdown to Ecstasy” (on Oct. 24) and “Gaucho” (on Oct. 26) will each be performed for one night only. Another show, called “By Popular Demand” (on Oct. 21), will be devoted to fan favorites, and the finale (on Oct. 30) will be, fittingly, composed of the band’s greatest hits.” (NYT-NATALIE WEINER)

=========================================================

Smart Stuff / Other NYC Events
(Lectures/Discussions, Book Talks, Film, Classes, Food & Drink, Other)

Presidents of War with Historian Michael Beschloss
Roosevelt House at Hunter College / 6PM, FREE; RSVP required
“A very special evening as award-winning presidential historian Michael Beschloss discusses his brand-new book, a magisterial account of how our commanders-in-chief have led the military into, and through, armed combat against both foreign and domestic enemies over the course of two-and-a-half centuries of history. Through deep research and new interviews, Beschloss covers a range of wars and leaders, from Madison, Lincoln, Wilson, FDR, and LBJ, all the way to George W. Bush.”

Festival Albertine (Oct. 30-Nov. 3)
Albertine, 972 Fifth Ave./
“The New Yorker staff writer Masha Gessen curates this year’s raft of discussions at the independent bookstore housed in the palatial cultural-services arm of the French Embassy. The theme for the event is “Reimagining Democracy”; it includes the topics “Rethinking Gender” (moderated by Jack Halberstam), “Redefining Normality and Disease” (with Siri Hustvedt and Laure Murat), “A Post-Work World” (with Joseph Stiglitz and Daniel Cohen), and “Beyond States and Borders,” the series kickoff, moderated by Gessen.” (K. Leander Williams, NewYorker)

All About Seltzer
Temple Emanu-El, 1 E. 65th St./ 6:30PM, FREE
“Decades before Americans bought trendy sparkling water in San Pellegrino bottles or La Croix cans, New York Jews were drinking seltzer that fizzed straight out of etched-glass spritz bottles set atop pushcarts that lined the streets of Lower Manhattan or were delivered weekly in slatted wooden crates.”

=======================================================

Continuing Events

Archtober
31 days, 100+ ways to celebrate design in NYC! The eight annual, month-long festival of architecture activities, programs, and exhibitions in New York City will take place October 1-31, 2017.  Archtober’s calendar features 200 architecture and design lectures, conferences, programs, and exhibitions at more than 60+ collaborating institutions across the city.

White Light Festival (through Nov.18)
“Lincoln Center’s annual White Light Festival, integrating performances from around the world in a cross-cultural extravaganza, will play six venues across the city.

The festival will include performances of Waiting for Godot from Ireland’s Druid Theatre Company, directed by Tony-winning director Garry Hynes—the first female to win a Tony Award for direction of a play.

Belgian choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui brings Sutra to the stage, featuring martial arts from China’s Shaolin monks. Hip-hop, contemporary dance, and aerial work combine in the presentation of Borderline by Company Wang Ramirez. The U.S. premiere of Blak Whyte Gray, a mix of hip-hop and African-inspired movement, makes its way from across the pond to the Lincoln Center stage, as well as the U.S. premiere of Kaija Saariaho’s chamber opera Only the Sound Remains, directed by Peter Sellars and starring Philippe Jaroussky and Davóne Tines.”

Harry Potter: A History of Magic (Now-1/27/19)
New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W.
“Gather round ye muggles and wizards, squibs and witches, tourists and natives: magic is on its way. Harry Potter: A History of Magic, commemorating the beloved series’s 20th anniversary, is now open at the New-York Historical Society. One of the most eagerly anticipated exhibits to hit the city since, well, ever, the show comes straight from the British Library in London, where, not surprisingly, it was the institution’s most successful exhibition.

Artifacts like crystal balls, Leonardo da Vinci notebooks, and the first written record of the magic word “abracadabra” are among the treasures on display, joined by original materials from author J.K. Rowling’s archives. Also on view to the public for the first time will be Mary GrandPré’s illustrations created for Scholastic’s original editions of the novels. Costumes and set models from Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which opened on Broadway in April, will be showcased in the exhibition. A long list of events will take place in conjunction with the exhibit, including trivia night, talks, an adult costume party, and more.” (cityguideny)
Daily, except most Mondays, $21, $6 ages 5-13, free 4 and younger

==========================================================================
♦ 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 63 million visitors last year and was TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Top U.S. Destination for 2018 – awesome! 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.

=====================================================
Bonus: Nifty 9 – Best Cabarets / Piano Bars NYCity
These are my favorite places for an after dinner night on the town – music and drinks.
Hit the Hot Link and check out what’s happening tonight:

Feinstein’s/54 Below – 254 W 54th St.

The Green Room 42 – 570 Tenth Ave.

Don’t Tell Mama – 343 W 46th St.

The Rum House, in the Hotel Edison – 228 W. 47th St.

Laurie Beechman Theatre – 407 W 42nd St.

Marie’s Crisis – 59 Grove St.

The Duplex – 61 Christopher St.

Sid Gold’s Request Room – 165 W 26th St.

Cafe Carlyle, in the Carlyle Hotel – 35 E. 76th St.
This is the only one not located on Manhattan’s WestSide, and it ain’t cheap, but it has some of the finest singers.

=========================================================

NYCity Vacation Travel Guide Video (Expedia):

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WHAT’S ON VIEW
My Fave Special Exhibitions – MUSEUMS / Manhattan’s WestSide
(See the New York Times Arts Section for listings of all museums,
and also to see their expanded reviews of exhibitions)

Museum of Modern Art:

A special pat on the back to MOMA, who is now displaying art from the seven countries affected by Trump’s travel ban.

“Trump’s ban against refugees from seven Muslim-majority nations has sparked acts of defiance in NYC, from demonstrations across town, to striking taxicab drivers at JFK to Middle Eastern bodega owners closing their shops in protest. Recently, the Museum Of Modern added its two cents by bringing out artworks it owns from the affected countries, and hanging them prominently within the galleries usually reserved for 19th- and 20th-century artworks from Europe and the United States. Paintings by Picasso and Matisse, for example, were removed to make way for pieces by Tala Madani (from Iran), Ibrahim El-Salahi (from Sudan) and architect Zaha Hadid (from Iraq). The rehanging, which was unannounced, aims to create a symbolic welcome that repudiates Trump by creating a visual dialog between the newly added works and the more familiar objects from MoMA’s permanent collection.” (TONY)

‘BODYS ISEK KINGELEZ: CITY DREAMS’ (through Jan. 1). “The first comprehensive survey of the Congolese artist is a euphoric exhibition as utopian wonderland featuring his fantasy architectural models and cities — works strong in color, eccentric in shape, loaded with enthralling details and futuristic aura. Mr. Kingelez (1948-2015) was convinced that the world had never seen a vision like his, and this beautifully designed show bears him out.” (NYT-Smith)
212-708-9400, moma.org

‘THE LONG RUN’ (through Nov. 4). “The museum upends its cherished Modern narrative of ceaseless progress by mostly young (white) men. Instead we see works by artists 45 and older who have just kept on keeping on, regardless of attention or reward, sometimes saving the best for last. Art here is an older person’s game, a pursuit of a deepening personal vision over innovation. Winding through 17 galleries, the installation is alternatively visually or thematically acute and altogether inspiring.” (NYT-Smith)
212-708-9400, moma.org

Rubin Museum of Art

Chitra Ganesh: The Scorpion Gesture (Through Jan. 7)
“The Brooklyn artist’s new animations ingeniously combine her own drawings and watercolors with historical imagery, peppering the journeys of bodhisattvas with contemporary pop-culture references. Five of these pieces are installed on the museum’s second and third floors amid its collection of Himalayan art, elements of which appear in her psychedelic sequences of spinning mandalas and falling lotus flowers. (Ganesh’s works are activated, as if by magic, when viewers approach.) In “Rainbow Body,” a cave, which also appears in a nearby painting of Mandarava, is filled with people in 3-D glasses, watching as the guru-deity attains enlightenment. “Silhouette in the Graveyard” is projected behind a glass case containing a small sculpture of Maitreya, from late-eighteenth-century Mongolia, for a cleverly dioramalike effect. Prophesied to arrive during an apocalyptic crisis, the bodhisattva is seen here against Ganesh’s montage, which includes footage of global catastrophes and political protests, from the Women’s March to Black Lives Matter.” (

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For other selected Museum and Gallery Special Exhibitions see Posts in right Sidebar dated 10/28 and 10/26.
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Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

NYC Events,”Only the Best” (10/29) + Today’s Featured Pub (WestVillage)

Posted on 10/29/2018 by GregD

Today’s Elite 8 NYC Events > MONDAY/ OCTOBER 29, 2018

“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: “NYC Events-October”
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.

==========================================================

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

Elsewhere, but Rosanne is always worth the detour:

ROSANNE CASH
at Pioneer Works / 7PM, $30
“Time is shorter, I have more to say,” Cash said by way of introducing her upcoming album “She Remembers Everything,” her first release since 2014. For this event, billed as “an evening of literature and song,” the singer-songwriter will celebrate “Everything” alongside a slew of accomplished women across disciplines: the poet Staceyann Chin, the writers Maria Popova and A. M. Homes and the astrophysicist Janna Levin. They will read selections by Angela Davis, Ursula K. Le Guin and more in between songs by Cash.” (NYT-NATALIE WEINER)

=========================================================
7 OTHER TOP NYC EVENTS TODAY (see below for full listing)
>> JOHN HIATT
>> Tosca
>> STEELY DAN
>> Jim Caruso’s Cast Party
>> The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra
>>Minimalism Is Good Karma
>> Dan Barry’s This Land: America, Lost and Found:
Continuing Events
>> Archtober
>> White Light Festival
>> Harry Potter: A History of Magic
========================================================

Music, Dance, Performing Arts

JOHN HIATT
at City Winery  / 8PM, $65+
“When your songs have been covered by everyone from Bonnie Raitt to Chaka Khan to Eric Clapton and B.B. King, as Hiatt’s have, you can feel fairly secure in your American popular music legacy. The singer-songwriter has spent the past 48 years crafting tunes that lean toward country and rock while transcending genre altogether: His most famous creation, “Have a Little Faith in Me,” has been recorded by both Mandy Moore and Joe Cocker. Hiatt still writes, as evidenced by his latest release, “The Eclipse Sessions,” a collection of timeless tunes that show his unassuming mastery.” (NYT-NATALIE WEINER)

Tosca (next Oct.29)
Metropolitan Opera House / 7:30PM, $30+
“Met favorite Sondra Radvanovsky and rising star Jennifer Rowley share the title role of the volatile diva at the heart of Puccini’s operatic thriller. Joseph Calleja brings his stylish tenor to the role of Cavaradossi, Wolfgang Koch is the nefarious police chief Scarpia, and Carlo Rizzi conducts Sir David McVicar’s resplendent production.”

STEELY DAN (through Oct. 30)
at the Beacon Theater / 8PM, $25+
“For the first time since Walter Becker’s passing in 2017, Donald Fagen and Steely Dan will be performing several of the band’s most beloved albums in their entirety during their semiregular residency at the Beacon. “Aja” (on Thursday and Oct. 27) and Fagen’s solo effort “The Nightfly” (on Oct. 20 and 29) get two nights each, while “The Royal Scam” (on Wednesday), “Countdown to Ecstasy” (on Oct. 24) and “Gaucho” (on Oct. 26) will each be performed for one night only. Another show, called “By Popular Demand” (on Oct. 21), will be devoted to fan favorites, and the finale (on Oct. 30) will be, fittingly, composed of the band’s greatest hits.” (NYT-NATALIE WEINER)

Jim Caruso’s Cast Party
Birdland, / 9:30PM, $30
Jim Caruso’s Cast Party is a wildly popular weekly soiree that brings a sprinkling of Broadway glitz and urbane wit to the legendary Birdland in New York City every Monday night. It’s a cool cabaret night-out enlivened by a hilariously impromptu variety show. Showbiz superstars, backed by Steve Doyle on bass, Billy Stritch on piano and Daniel Glass on drums, hit the stage alongside up-and-comers, serving up jaw-dropping music and general razzle-dazzle.” (broadwayworld)

The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra
Village Vanguard, 178 7th Ave. South (btw W11th/Perry St.) / 8:30Pm +10:30PM, $35
world class big band with 16 members on that small stage, a monday night institution.
“Almost exactly half a century ago, the trumpeter-composer-arranger Thad Jones and the drummer Mel Lewis began their Monday-night big band residency at the Village Vanguard, establishing what became a hallowed tradition.” (NYT)

=========================================================

Smart Stuff / Other NYC Events
(Lectures/Discussions, Book Talks, Film, Classes, Food & Drink, Other)

Maira Kalman + Alex Kalman | Minimalism Is Good Karma
Rubin Museum of Art, 150 W. 17th St./ 7PM, $30
“Think small as a daughter and grandson of Sara Kalman talk about her ahead-of-the-curve choice to downsize with Minimalism Is Good Karma.

One night, in the late 1960s, long before the concept of a “carbon footprint,” Maira Kalman’s mother substantially reduced hers.

At age 60, after 38 years of marriage and two children, Sara Kalman left her husband in Tel Aviv, flew to New York City, and settled in a tiny Greenwich Village studio apartment with only a suitcase in her possession. Her commitment to simplicity and clarity extended to her wardrobe: One Friday morning, she decided she would only wear white. This “burst of personal expression” became an opportunity to create order out of chaos and live as her authentic self. In her single closet she kept her carefully curated wardrobe starched, ironed, and neatly folded. It is now a travelling exhibition and a lesson in returning to simplicity.

Sara’s daughter Maira Kalman and grandson Alex Kalman have kept her minimalist aesthetic alive through their own art and design projects. They take the Rubin stage to discuss the impact of Sara’s life on their own work and how a pared-down lifestyle might favorably affect our environment.” (ThoughtGallery.org)

Dan Barry’s This Land: America, Lost and Found: A Conversation with Colum McCann
Irish Repertory Theatre, 132 W 22nd St./ 7PM, $
“Dan Barry gives dignity even to the darkest corners of the American experience. He is the closest thing we have to a contemporary Steinbeck.” – Colum McCann

In this special one-night only free event, journalist Dan Barry discusses his new book, This Land: America, Lost and Found, with acclaimed Irish author Colum McCann.
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina and on the eve of a national recession, New York Times writer Dan Barry launched a column about America – not the one populated only by cable-news pundits, but the America defined and redefined by those who clean the hotel rooms, tend the beet fields, endure disasters both natural and manmade. For more than a decade, Barry crisscrossed the country, filing deeply moving stories from the tiniest dot on the American map to the city that calls itself the Capital of the World.

In This Land: America, Lost and Found (Black Dog & Leventhal; September 11, 2018), Barry selects nearly 100 essays from a decade of his distinctive This Land columns that explore uniquely American moments from every corner of our country.”

=======================================================

Continuing Events

Archtober
31 days, 100+ ways to celebrate design in NYC! The eight annual, month-long festival of architecture activities, programs, and exhibitions in New York City will take place October 1-31, 2017.  Archtober’s calendar features 200 architecture and design lectures, conferences, programs, and exhibitions at more than 60+ collaborating institutions across the city.

White Light Festival (through Nov.18)
“Lincoln Center’s annual White Light Festival, integrating performances from around the world in a cross-cultural extravaganza, will play six venues across the city.

The festival will include performances of Waiting for Godot from Ireland’s Druid Theatre Company, directed by Tony-winning director Garry Hynes—the first female to win a Tony Award for direction of a play.

Belgian choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui brings Sutra to the stage, featuring martial arts from China’s Shaolin monks. Hip-hop, contemporary dance, and aerial work combine in the presentation of Borderline by Company Wang Ramirez. The U.S. premiere of Blak Whyte Gray, a mix of hip-hop and African-inspired movement, makes its way from across the pond to the Lincoln Center stage, as well as the U.S. premiere of Kaija Saariaho’s chamber opera Only the Sound Remains, directed by Peter Sellars and starring Philippe Jaroussky and Davóne Tines.”

Harry Potter: A History of Magic (Now-1/27/19)
New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W.
“Gather round ye muggles and wizards, squibs and witches, tourists and natives: magic is on its way. Harry Potter: A History of Magic, commemorating the beloved series’s 20th anniversary, is now open at the New-York Historical Society. One of the most eagerly anticipated exhibits to hit the city since, well, ever, the show comes straight from the British Library in London, where, not surprisingly, it was the institution’s most successful exhibition.

Artifacts like crystal balls, Leonardo da Vinci notebooks, and the first written record of the magic word “abracadabra” are among the treasures on display, joined by original materials from author J.K. Rowling’s archives. Also on view to the public for the first time will be Mary GrandPré’s illustrations created for Scholastic’s original editions of the novels. Costumes and set models from Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which opened on Broadway in April, will be showcased in the exhibition. A long list of events will take place in conjunction with the exhibit, including trivia night, talks, an adult costume party, and more.” (cityguideny)
Daily, except most Mondays, $21, $6 ages 5-13, free 4 and younger

==========================================================================
♦ 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 63 million visitors last year and was TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Top U.S. Destination for 2018 – awesome! 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.

===========================================================
Bonus NYC events– 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:
(5 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)
Cornelia Street Cafe – UG, 29 Cornelia St. corneliastreetcafe.com, 212-989-9319 (6pm)

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)

Special Mention:
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 surprises with a wonderfully eclectic lineup. It’s 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.

========================================================

NYCity Vacation Travel Guide Video (Expedia):

================================================================================

A PremierPub / West Village

Corner Bistro / 331 W. 4th St.

Sometimes you just need a beer and a burger. If so, Corner Bistro is the place you want. Located just outside the hip Meatpacking district, this corner bar and grill is decidedly unhip, but it’s not uncrowded, especially at night. Seems that everyone knows this place has one of the better burgers in town.

kac_120405_phude_corner_bistro_bar_1000-600x450In the maze of streets known as the West Village, where West 4th intersects with West 12th (and West 11th, and West 10th, go figure), you will eventually find Corner Bistro on the corner of West 4th and Jane Street. An unassuming neighborhood tavern, it looks just like dozens of other taverns around town.

The bartender tells me that the Corner Bistro celebrated it’s 50th anniversary last year. The well worn interior tells me that the place itself is much older.

Corner Bistro has outlasted many of those other taverns around town because they know how to keep it simple — just good burgers and beer, fairly priced. The classic bistro Burger is only $6.75, and should be ordered medium rare, which will be plenty rare for most folks. Actually, it will be a juicy, messy delight – make sure you have extra napkins. I like to pull up a stool and sit by the large front window in the afternoon, where I can rest my burger and beer on the shelf, and watch the Villagers walk by.

Corner Bistro seems to attract very different groups of patrons depending on time of day. While it’s crowded with locals in the evening, in the afternoon you hear different foreign languages, and watch groups of euro tourists wander in, led by their guidebooks and smartphones.

For the classic Bistro experience, order your burger with a McSorley’s draft, the dark preferably. This is the same beer that you can get over at the original McSorley’s in the East Village, the pub that claims to be the oldest continually operating bar in NYCity. The only difference is that this McSorley’s ale is served with a smile by the bartenders here. Or you can get a Sierra Nevada, Stella, or Hoegaarden on tap if you want to go upscale a bit. Either way this is a simple, but quality burger and beer experience that is just too rare these days (sorry for the pun).
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Website: cornerbistrony.com
Phone #: 212-242-9502
Hours: 11:30am-4am Mon-Sat; 12pm-4am Sun
Happy Hour: NO
Music: Juke Box
Subway: #1/2/3 to 14th St. (S end of platform)
Walk 2 blk W. on 13th St. to 8th Ave.; 1 blk S. on 8th Ave. to Jane St.
Update:
==============================================================
“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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NYC Events,”Only the Best” (10/28) + GallerySpecialExhibits: Chelsea

Posted on 10/28/2018 by GregD

Today’s Elite 8 NYC Events > SUNDAY/ OCTOBER 28, 2018

“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: “NYC Events-October”
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.

==========================================================

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

“The Plot Against America”
92nd Street Y, Lexington Ave. at 92nd St./ 1PM, $75+
“Philip’s Roth’s masterly novel, lovingly set in the Jewish enclave of his New Jersey childhood, reimagines the Second World War-era world he grew up in as one threatened by the rise of Nazism in America, a cause advanced by the Presidential election of the aviator and Third Reich sympathizer Charles Lindbergh. The book is read onstage by an all-star lineup of actors, including Jon Hamm, Maggie Siff, Michael Stuhlbarg, Elizabeth Marvel, Ayad Akhtar, John Turturro, André Holland, and Jennifer Ehle. It unfolds in three ninety-minute segments, with intermissions.” (K. Leander Williams, NewYorker)

=========================================================
7 OTHER TOP NYC EVENTS TODAY (see below for full listing)
>> Ravi Coltrane
>> American Ballet Theatre
>> Robert Glasper
>> David Hazeltine Trio
>> Martin Rees: On the Future—Prospects for Humanity
>> H.P. Lovecraft Festival
>> First Person: Jamie Bernstein
Continuing Events
>> Archtober
>> Harry Potter: A History of Magic
========================================================

Music, Dance, Performing Arts

Ravi Coltrane (Oct. 23-28)
Village Vanguard / 8:30PM, +10:30PM, $35
“His childhood home on Long Island (the onetime domicile of his parents, John and Alice Coltrane) has been officially designated a National Treasure, and the saxophone scion continues to gracefully shoulder the substantial weight of his family legacy, three decades into his career. Coltrane, a compelling improviser and a canny bandleader, is convincingly his own man. He’s joined here by the Israeli pianist Gadi Lehavi.” (Steve Futterman, NewYorker)

American Ballet Theatre (October 17-28)
NYS Theater, Lincoln Center / 2PM, $25-$155
“For two weeks only, join ABT for a beautifully diverse fall season of mixed repertory performances, featuring World Premieres by tap dancer and choreographer Michelle Dorrance and choreographer Jessica Lang.

The season also features ABT’s world-class dancers in audience favorites including Twyla Tharp’s awe-inspiring In the Upper Room, the incomparable Jerome Robbins’s Fancy Free and Other Dances, the return of Alexei Ratmansky’s Songs of Bukovina and Wayne McGregor’s AFTERITE, and George Balanchine’s Symphonie Concertante, as well as ABT’s Studio Company in Lauren Lovette’s Le Jeune.”

Robert Glasper (thru Oct. 28)
Blue Note, 131 W. 3rd St./ 8PM, +10:30PM, $30-$45
“Spearheading a fresh movement in jazz takes focus, commitment, and not a little bit of guts, and the keyboardist Robert Glasper is ready to exhibit the lot during this nearly monthlong residency. Week one finds him at the helm of his longtime threesome with the bassist Derrick Hodge and the drummer Chris Dave, a wiry trio that juggles swing conventions and hip-hop rhythmic ploys with gleeful impunity.” (Steve Futterman, NewYorker)

David Hazeltine Trio (Oct. 26-28)
Smoke, 2751 Broadway, (btw 105th/106th Sts.) / 7, 9, +10:30PM, $38
“Any pianist who brings in the likes of the bassist John Patitucci and the drummer Al Foster—the rhythm team as carnivorous beast—to round out a trio must be pretty sure of himself. Hazeltine, a mainstay of the hard-bopping One for All ensemble, is ever ready to extol the virtues of mainstream jazz.” (Steve Futterman, NewYorker)

=========================================================

Smart Stuff / Other NYC Events
(Lectures/Discussions, Book Talks, Film, Classes, Food & Drink, Other)

Martin Rees: On the Future—Prospects for Humanity
92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave./ 7:30PM, $35
“Martin John Rees, Baron Rees of Ludlow has for over two decades been the Astronomer Royal. He moonlights as an author and joins New York Times science writer Claudia Dreifus in that capacity to discuss his new book, On the Future—Prospects for Humanity, and the fate of our species at a critical juncture.” (ThoughtGallery.org)

H.P. Lovecraft Festival (Oct.25-28)
The master of horror lives again
St. John’s Lutheran Church, 81 Christopher St. / 7:30PM, $24
“St. John’s Lutheran Church in Greenwich Village provides an appropriately dramatic setting for the 10th annual H.P. Lovecraft Festival. Lit by candlelight and bathed in ghostly mist, you’re welcomed into the world of Arkham, populated by the award-winning Radiotheatre troupe. Each will perform a blood-curdling story to your fiendish delight to a live orchestral score.” (Metro)

First Person: Jamie Bernstein | Famous Father Girl: A Memoir of Growing Up Bernstein
Center for Jewish History, 15 W. 16th St./ 2PM, $15
“Join Leonard Bernstein’s eldest daughter, Jamie Bernstein, as she discusses her new book, Famous Father Girl: A Memoir of Growing Up Bernstein. Jamie is joined by Broadway performer Alexandra Silber for conversation and music. Book sales and signing to follow.”

=======================================================

Continuing Events

Archtober
31 days, 100+ ways to celebrate design in NYC! The eight annual, month-long festival of architecture activities, programs, and exhibitions in New York City will take place October 1-31, 2017.  Archtober’s calendar features 200 architecture and design lectures, conferences, programs, and exhibitions at more than 60+ collaborating institutions across the city.

Fine Art Print Fair (Oct.25-28)
Javits Center / 12-8PM, $25
“Established in 1991, the Fine Art Print Fair is the largest and most celebrated art fair dedicated to the artistic medium of printmaking. Each year’s Fair presents an unrivaled opportunity to view and acquire outstanding works across the diverse range of periods and specialties represented by the IFPDA’s exhibiting members. While the Fair is known among museum curators and major collectors for its rare and exceptional prints, excellent works can be found in all price ranges, including exciting new projects from today’s leading and emerging artists”

Harry Potter: A History of Magic (Now-1/27/19)
New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W.
“Gather round ye muggles and wizards, squibs and witches, tourists and natives: magic is on its way. Harry Potter: A History of Magic, commemorating the beloved series’s 20th anniversary, is now open at the New-York Historical Society. One of the most eagerly anticipated exhibits to hit the city since, well, ever, the show comes straight from the British Library in London, where, not surprisingly, it was the institution’s most successful exhibition.

Artifacts like crystal balls, Leonardo da Vinci notebooks, and the first written record of the magic word “abracadabra” are among the treasures on display, joined by original materials from author J.K. Rowling’s archives. Also on view to the public for the first time will be Mary GrandPré’s illustrations created for Scholastic’s original editions of the novels. Costumes and set models from Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which opened on Broadway in April, will be showcased in the exhibition. A long list of events will take place in conjunction with the exhibit, including trivia night, talks, an adult costume party, and more.” (cityguideny)
Daily, except most Mondays, $21, $6 ages 5-13, free 4 and younger

============================================================================
♦ 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 63 million visitors last year and was TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Top U.S. Destination for 2018 – awesome! 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.

=====================================================

Bonus NYC Music Venues:
So much fine live music every night in this town. These are my favorite non jazz music venues on Manhattan’s WestSide. Check out who’s playing tonight:

City Winery – 155 Varick St., citywinery.com, 212-608-0555
Joe’s Pub @ Public Theater – 425 Lafayette St., joespub.com, 212-967-7555
Beacon Theatre – 2124 Broadway @ 74th St., beacontheatre.com, 212-465-6500
Town Hall – 123 W43rd St., thetownhall.org, 212-997-6661
Le Poisson Rouge – 158 Bleecker St., lepoissonrouge.com, 212-505-3474
and one more, not quite WestSide
Bowery Ballroom – 6 Delancey St. boweryballroom.com,

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 discovery and enjoyment.

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.
===========================================================

NYCity Vacation Travel Guide Video (Expedia):

================================================================================

Chelsea Art Gallery District*

Chelsea is the heart of the NYCity contemporary art scene. Home to more than 300 art galleries, the Rubin Museum, the Joyce Theater and The Kitchen performance spaces, there is no place like it anywhere in the world. Come here to browse free exhibitions by world-renowned artists and those unknowns waiting to be discovered in an art district that is concentrated between West 18th and West 27th Streets, and 10th and 11th Avenues. Afterwards stop in the Chelsea Market, stroll on the High Line, or rest up at one of the many cafes and bars and discuss the fine art.

Here is one exhibition the New Yorker likes:

==========================================================

For a listing of 25 essential galleries in the Chelsea Art Gallery District, organized by street, which enables you to create your own Chelsea Art Gallery crawl, see the Chelsea Gallery Guide (nycgo.com) Or check out TONY magazine’s list of the “Best Chelsea Galleries” and click through to see what’s on view.

*Now plan your own gallery crawl, but better to plan your visits for Tuesday through Saturday; most galleries are closed Sunday and Monday.

TIP: After your gallery tour, stop in Ovest at 513W27th St. for Aperitivo Italiano (Happy Hour on steroids). Discuss all the great art you have viewed over a drink and a very tasty selection of FREE appetizers (M-F, 5-8pm). OR try this NYT recommendation: “When you’re done, adjourn to the newly renovated Bottino , the Chelsea art world’s unofficial canteen on 10th Avenue (btw 24/25 St.) “

=======================================================
For other selected Museum and Gallery Special Exhibitions see recent posts in right sidebar dated 10/26 and 10/24.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

NYC Events,”Only the Best” (10/27) + Today’s Featured Pub (Midtown West)

Posted on 10/27/2018 by GregD

Today’s Super 7 NYC Events > SATURDAY/ OCTOBER 27, 2018

“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: “NYC Events-October”
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.

==========================================================

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

Mostly Monk: Mike LeDonne Trio
Dizzy’s Club / 7:30PM, +9:30PM, $45
“Pianist and organist Mike LeDonne is a modern master who in the past few decades has worked with Benny Goodman, Sonny Rollins, Milt Jackson, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Golson, and more. Many of these musicians were among Thelonious Monk’s top collaborators, and tonight LeDonne will draw upon that musical proximity and his own instrumental kinship as he joins Jazz at Lincoln Center’s annual Monk Festival.”

=========================================================
6 OTHER TOP NYC EVENTS TODAY (see below for full listing)
>> DARRAH CARR DANCE
>> Marnie
>> STEELY DAN
>> David Hazeltine Trio
>> Monk’s Dream
>> H.P. Lovecraft Festival
Continuing Events
>> Archtober
>> Harry Potter: A History of Magic
========================================================

Music, Dance, Performing Arts

Marnie (next Oct.31)
Metropolitan Opera House / 8PM, $20+
“Composer Nico Muhly unveils his second new opera for the Met with this gripping reimagining of Winston Graham’s novel, set in the 1950s, about a beautiful, mysterious young woman who assumes multiple identities. Director Michael Mayer and his creative team have devised a fast-moving, cinematic world for this exhilarating story of denial and deceit, which also inspired a film by Alfred Hitchcock. Mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard sings the enigmatic Marnie, and baritone Christopher Maltman is the man who pursues her—with disastrous results. Robert Spano conducts.”

DARRAH CARR DANCE
at Irish Arts Center / 2 and 8PM, $30
“In 2015, the fiddler Dana Lyn and the guitarist Kyle Sanna released an album called “The Great Arc,” which tackled the plight of extinct and endangered species through an enchanting, wistful mix of traditional Irish tunes and sweeping, impressionistic sounds. Carr, an Irish dancer and choreographer, and her company bring the journey of that album to life through her mix of Irish and modern dance in “Dancing the Great Arc,” with Lyn and Sanna performing live.” (NYT-Brian Schaefer)

STEELY DAN (also Oct.29,30)
at the Beacon Theater / 8PM, $60+
“For the first time since Walter Becker’s passing in 2017, Donald Fagen and Steely Dan will be performing several of the band’s most beloved albums in their entirety during their semiregular residency at the Beacon. “Aja” (on Thursday and Oct. 27) and Fagen’s solo effort “The Nightfly” (on Oct. 20 and 29) get two nights each, while “The Royal Scam” (on Wednesday), “Countdown to Ecstasy” (on Oct. 24) and “Gaucho” (on Oct. 26) will each be performed for one night only. Another show, called “By Popular Demand” (on Oct. 21), will be devoted to fan favorites, and the finale (on Oct. 30) will be, fittingly, composed of the band’s greatest hits.” (NYT-NATALIE WEINER)

David Hazeltine Trio (Oct. 26-28)
Smoke, 2751 Broadway, (btw 105th/106th Sts.) / 7, 9, +10:30PM, $38
“Any pianist who brings in the likes of the bassist John Patitucci and the drummer Al Foster—the rhythm team as carnivorous beast—to round out a trio must be pretty sure of himself. Hazeltine, a mainstay of the hard-bopping One for All ensemble, is ever ready to extol the virtues of mainstream jazz.” (Steve Futterman, NewYorker)

Monk’s Dream
Appel Room, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Broadway at 60th St./ 7PM, +9:30PM, $30+
“The bassist Russell Hall ropes together a pan-generational consort to applaud the imperishable music of Thelonious Monk, who would have turned a hundred and one in October. Among the celebrants are the vibraphonist Joel Ross, the drummer Jeff (Tain) Watts, the tap dancer Michela Marino Lerman, and the eighty-eight-year-old piano giant Barry Harris.” (Steve Futterman, NewYorker)

=========================================================

Smart Stuff / Other NYC Events
(Lectures/Discussions, Book Talks, Film, Classes, Food & Drink, Other)

H.P. Lovecraft Festival (Oct.25-28)
The master of horror lives again
St. John’s Lutheran Church, 81 Christopher St. / 7:30PM, $24
“St. John’s Lutheran Church in Greenwich Village provides an appropriately dramatic setting for the 10th annual H.P. Lovecraft Festival. Lit by candlelight and bathed in ghostly mist, you’re welcomed into the world of Arkham, populated by the award-winning Radiotheatre troupe. Each will perform a blood-curdling story to your fiendish delight to a live orchestral score.” (Metro)

=======================================================

Continuing Events

Archtober
31 days, 100+ ways to celebrate design in NYC! The eight annual, month-long festival of architecture activities, programs, and exhibitions in New York City will take place October 1-31, 2017.  Archtober’s calendar features 200 architecture and design lectures, conferences, programs, and exhibitions at more than 60+ collaborating institutions across the city.

Fine Art Print Fair (Oct.25-28)
Javits Center / 12-8PM, $25
“Established in 1991, the Fine Art Print Fair is the largest and most celebrated art fair dedicated to the artistic medium of printmaking. Each year’s Fair presents an unrivaled opportunity to view and acquire outstanding works across the diverse range of periods and specialties represented by the IFPDA’s exhibiting members. While the Fair is known among museum curators and major collectors for its rare and exceptional prints, excellent works can be found in all price ranges, including exciting new projects from today’s leading and emerging artists”

Harry Potter: A History of Magic (Now-1/27/19)
New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W.
“Gather round ye muggles and wizards, squibs and witches, tourists and natives: magic is on its way. Harry Potter: A History of Magic, commemorating the beloved series’s 20th anniversary, is now open at the New-York Historical Society. One of the most eagerly anticipated exhibits to hit the city since, well, ever, the show comes straight from the British Library in London, where, not surprisingly, it was the institution’s most successful exhibition.

Artifacts like crystal balls, Leonardo da Vinci notebooks, and the first written record of the magic word “abracadabra” are among the treasures on display, joined by original materials from author J.K. Rowling’s archives. Also on view to the public for the first time will be Mary GrandPré’s illustrations created for Scholastic’s original editions of the novels. Costumes and set models from Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which opened on Broadway in April, will be showcased in the exhibition. A long list of events will take place in conjunction with the exhibit, including trivia night, talks, an adult costume party, and more.” (cityguideny)
Daily, except most Mondays, $21, $6 ages 5-13, free 4 and younger

==========================================================================
♦ 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 63 million visitors last year and was TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Top U.S. Destination for 2018 – awesome! 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.

=====================================================

Bonus: Nifty 9 – Best Cabarets / Piano Bars NYCity
These are my favorite places for an after dinner night on the town – music and drinks.
Hit the Hot Link and check out what’s happening tonight:

Feinstein’s/54 Below – 254 W 54th St.

The Green Room 42 – 570 Tenth Ave.

Don’t Tell Mama – 343 W 46th St.

The Rum House, in the Hotel Edison – 228 W. 47th St.

Laurie Beechman Theatre – 407 W 42nd St.

Marie’s Crisis – 59 Grove St.

The Duplex – 61 Christopher St.

Sid Gold’s Request Room – 165 W 26th St.

Cafe Carlyle, in the Carlyle Hotel – 35 E. 76th St.
This is the only one not located on Manhattan’s WestSide, and it ain’t cheap, but it has some of the finest singers.

======================================================

NYCity Vacation Travel Guide Video (Expedia):

=============================================================================

A PremierPub / Midtown West

Russian Vodka Room / 265 W 52nd St (btw 7th/8th ave)

Sure, you could travel to Minsk or even Brighton Beach, for an authentic Russian experience, but why bother. On those days when you feel you must wash down your dish of kasha with a few glasses of icy, cold vodka, the Russian Vodka Room will definitely satisfy your urge.

From the outside this place looks a bit drab, and with no windows, a bit mysterious. Midtown tourists walk right by on their way to see “Jersey Boys,” just down the block.
(Alas, no more. After 10 years, “Jersey Boys” finally closed, now it’s “Mean Girls.”)

lThose in the know enter a secret hideaway, a dimly lit front room with soft jazz playing – a perfect spot for an illicit late-night rendezvous, or maybe a meet-up with your Russian spy handler, but that’s later in the evening. Early in the evening the large U-shaped bar fills with the after work happy hour crowd, a group made very happy by the much reduced prices.

Their website says: “Welcome Comrades”. Of course, this welcome focuses on dozens of different vodkas, including their own special infusions, which marinate in giant, clear glass jugs visible around the room. The large vodka martinis ensure that you won’t confuse this place with your mother’s Russian Tea Room.

But man does not live by vodka alone. Eat some food, especially the tapa like appetizers. Be decadent and try the cheese blintzes with chocolate, or try a main dish like beef stroganoff with kasha.

Your best bet is to go on a night when the piano man is playing. This guy, who looks like he has eaten a lot of those cheese blintzes, plays five nights a week from 7 to 12 (no Mondays and Thursdays). When the piano man is playing American pop tunes, and you are at the crowded, dimly lit bar testing the horseradish infused vodka, that’s when the RVR shines.

It’s the kind of place where the noise gets louder and the crowd gets happier as the happy hour goes on. I’m generally a beer guy, but I like to come here with a group of friends. We find a table in the back room near the piano man; we eat, and we drink vodka ‘till it hurts (and it will hurt).
=====================================================
Website: http://www.russianvodkaroom.com/
Phone #: 212-307-5835
Hours: 4pm-2am; Fri-Sun closes 4am (that could be trouble)
Happy Hour: 4-7pm every day
$4 shots infused vodka (2oz), $5 cosmos; $4 czech draft beer
Music: FR-SU; TU-WE / 7pm-12am
Subway: #1 to 50th St.
Walk 2 blk N. on B’way to 52nd St.; 1 blk W. to RVR
Confusingly, the Russian Samovar is right across the street, on the S. side of 52nd St.
The RVR, your destination, is on the N. side of 52nd St.
Update: music now includes a younger, trimmer piano man. “Tiny” we miss you.
Update#2: Rumor that “Tiny” is back playing only on Friday nights – need to check it out.

==============================================================================
“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.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

NYC Events,”Only the Best” (10/26) + Museum Special Exhibitions: Manhattan’s 5th Avenue

Posted on 10/26/2018 by GregD

Today’s Super 7 NYC Events > FRIDAY/ OCTOBER 26, 2018

“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: “NYC Events-October”
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.

==========================================================

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

Monk’s Dream (also Oct.27)
Appel Room, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Broadway at 60th St./ 7PM, +9:30PM, $30+
“The bassist Russell Hall ropes together a pan-generational consort to applaud the imperishable music of Thelonious Monk, who would have turned a hundred and one in October. Among the celebrants are the vibraphonist Joel Ross, the drummer Jeff (Tain) Watts, the tap dancer Michela Marino Lerman, and the eighty-eight-year-old piano giant Barry Harris.” (Steve Futterman, NewYorker)

=========================================================
6 OTHER TOP NYC EVENTS TODAY (see below for full listing)
>> DARRAH CARR DANCE
>> RON CARTER
>> STEELY DAN
>> David Hazeltine Trio
>> JOSÉ JAMES
>> Mostly Monk: Mike LeDonne Trio
Continuing Events
>> Archtober
>> Harry Potter: A History of Magic
========================================================

Music, Dance, Performing Arts

DARRAH CARR DANCE
at Irish Arts Center (8 p.m.; Oct. 27, 2 and 8 p.m., $30).
“In 2015, the fiddler Dana Lyn and the guitarist Kyle Sanna released an album called “The Great Arc,” which tackled the plight of extinct and endangered species through an enchanting, wistful mix of traditional Irish tunes and sweeping, impressionistic sounds. Carr, an Irish dancer and choreographer, and her company bring the journey of that album to life through her mix of Irish and modern dance in “Dancing the Great Arc,” with Lyn and Sanna performing live.” (NYT-Brian Schaefer)

RON CARTER (through Oct. 27 and Oct. 30-Nov. 3)
Birdland / 8:30 and 11 p.m., $30-$40
“Now 81, Ron Carter is one of the most esteemed living bassists in jazz, and probably the most recorded. His career spans pioneering work in Miles Davis’s second great quintet and alongside a good share of jazz’s other leading figures from the 1960s on. But he has always placed a special priority on his own projects. Through Saturday, Carter leads a quartet featuring the tenor saxophonist Jimmy Greene, the pianist Renee Rosnes and the drummer Payton Crossley. Next week, he appears for five nights with his Golden Striker Trio featuring Russell Malone on guitar and Donald Vega on piano.” (NYT-GIOVANNI RUSSONELLO)

STEELY DAN (also Oct.27,29,30)
at the Beacon Theater / 8PM, $60+
“For the first time since Walter Becker’s passing in 2017, Donald Fagen and Steely Dan will be performing several of the band’s most beloved albums in their entirety during their semiregular residency at the Beacon. “Aja” (on Thursday and Oct. 27) and Fagen’s solo effort “The Nightfly” (on Oct. 20 and 29) get two nights each, while “The Royal Scam” (on Wednesday), “Countdown to Ecstasy” (on Oct. 24) and “Gaucho” (on Oct. 26) will each be performed for one night only. Another show, called “By Popular Demand” (on Oct. 21), will be devoted to fan favorites, and the finale (on Oct. 30) will be, fittingly, composed of the band’s greatest hits.” (NYT-NATALIE WEINER)

David Hazeltine Trio (Oct. 26-28)
Smoke, 2751 Broadway, (btw 105th/106th Sts.) / 7, 9, +10:30PM, $38
“Any pianist who brings in the likes of the bassist John Patitucci and the drummer Al Foster—the rhythm team as carnivorous beast—to round out a trio must be pretty sure of himself. Hazeltine, a mainstay of the hard-bopping One for All ensemble, is ever ready to extol the virtues of mainstream jazz.” (Steve Futterman, NewYorker)

JOSÉ JAMES
at the Highline Ballroom / 8 p.m., $27.50+
“James has draped his purling baritone across jazz standards, the Billie Holiday songbook, his own languorous funk tunes and now the compositions of Bill Withers. James’s new album, “Lean on Me,” features a small combo of jazz musicians playing faithful renditions of Withers’s home-cooked R&B. Here James will play music from the album, joined by James Francies on keyboard, Brad Allen Williams on guitar, Ben Williams on bass and Nate Smith on drums.” (NYT-GIOVANNI RUSSONELLO)

Mostly Monk: Mike LeDonne Trio (Oct.26-27)
Dizzy’s Club / 7:30PM, +9:30PM, $45
“Pianist and organist Mike LeDonne is a modern master who in the past few decades has worked with Benny Goodman, Sonny Rollins, Milt Jackson, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Golson, and more. Many of these musicians were among Thelonious Monk’s top collaborators, and tonight LeDonne will draw upon that musical proximity and his own instrumental kinship as he joins Jazz at Lincoln Center’s annual Monk Festival.”

=========================================================

Smart Stuff / Other NYC Events
(Lectures/Discussions, Book Talks, Film, Classes, Food & Drink, Other)

More Smart Stuff coming soon.

=======================================================

Continuing Events

Archtober
31 days, 100+ ways to celebrate design in NYC! The eight annual, month-long festival of architecture activities, programs, and exhibitions in New York City will take place October 1-31, 2017.  Archtober’s calendar features 200 architecture and design lectures, conferences, programs, and exhibitions at more than 60+ collaborating institutions across the city.

Fine Art Print Fair (Oct.25-28)
Javits Center / 12-8PM, $25
“Established in 1991, the Fine Art Print Fair is the largest and most celebrated art fair dedicated to the artistic medium of printmaking. Each year’s Fair presents an unrivaled opportunity to view and acquire outstanding works across the diverse range of periods and specialties represented by the IFPDA’s exhibiting members. While the Fair is known among museum curators and major collectors for its rare and exceptional prints, excellent works can be found in all price ranges, including exciting new projects from today’s leading and emerging artists”

Harry Potter: A History of Magic (Now-1/27/19)
New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W.
“Gather round ye muggles and wizards, squibs and witches, tourists and natives: magic is on its way. Harry Potter: A History of Magic, commemorating the beloved series’s 20th anniversary, is now open at the New-York Historical Society. One of the most eagerly anticipated exhibits to hit the city since, well, ever, the show comes straight from the British Library in London, where, not surprisingly, it was the institution’s most successful exhibition.

Artifacts like crystal balls, Leonardo da Vinci notebooks, and the first written record of the magic word “abracadabra” are among the treasures on display, joined by original materials from author J.K. Rowling’s archives. Also on view to the public for the first time will be Mary GrandPré’s illustrations created for Scholastic’s original editions of the novels. Costumes and set models from Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which opened on Broadway in April, will be showcased in the exhibition. A long list of events will take place in conjunction with the exhibit, including trivia night, talks, an adult costume party, and more.” (cityguideny)
Daily, except most Mondays, $21, $6 ages 5-13, free 4 and younger

==========================================================================
♦ 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 63 million visitors last year and was TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Top U.S. Destination for 2018 – awesome! 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.

===========================================================
Bonus NYC events– 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:
(5 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)
Cornelia Street Cafe – UG, 29 Cornelia St. corneliastreetcafe.com, 212-989-9319 (6pm)

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)

Special Mention:
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 surprises with a wonderfully eclectic lineup. It’s 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.

========================================================

NYCity Vacation Travel Guide Video (Expedia):

================================================================================

WHAT’S ON VIEW
These are My Fave Special Exhibitions @ MUSEUMS / Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue
(See the New York Times Arts Section for listings of all museum exhibitions,
and also see the expanded reviews of these exhibitions)

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

Hilma af Klint : Paintings for the Future (thru 02/03/19)

“Convinced that the world was not ready for her artistry in 1906, particularly as an underrepresented female in her field, af Klint of Sweden kept her work private. Her paintings anticipated by years “breakthroughs” by Kandinsky, Mondrian and others and were unseen before 1986. The Guggenheim rediscovers her.”

“Recognized as one of the art world’s earliest abstract painters, Hilma af Klint was a steadfast believer that her work was inspired by the spiritual. The new Guggenheim exhibition, “Hilma af Klint: Paintings for the Future,” showcases the work of this groundbreaking Swedish artist (1862-1944), whose work was rarely seen until the 1980s.” (Newsday)

Jewish Museum

‘SCENES FROM THE COLLECTION’  “After a surgical renovation to its grand pile on Fifth Avenue, the Jewish Museum has reopened its third-floor galleries with a rethought and refreshed display of its permanent collection, which intermingles modern and contemporary art, by Jews and gentiles alike — Mark Rothko, Lee Krasner, Nan Goldin, Cindy Sherman, and the excellent young Nigerian draftswoman Ruby Onyinyechi Amanze — with 4,000 years of Judaica. The works are shown in a nimble, non-chronological suite of galleries, and some of its century-spanning juxtapositions are bracing; others feel reductive, even dilletantish. But always, the Jewish Museum conceives of art and religion as interlocking elements of a story of civilization, commendably open to new influences and new interpretations.” (Farago) 212-423-3200, thejewishmuseum.org

Museum of the City of New York

NY AT ITS CORE (ongoing)
“Ten years in the making, New York at Its Core tells the compelling story of New York’s rise from a striving Dutch village to today’s “Capital of the World.” The exhibition captures the human energy that drove New York to become a city like no other and a subject of fascination the world over. Entertaining, inspiring, important, and at times bemusing, New York City “big personalities,” including Alexander Hamilton, Walt Whitman, Boss Tweed, Emma Goldman, JP Morgan, Fiorello La Guardia, Jane Jacobs, Jay-Z, and dozens more, parade through the exhibition. Visitors will also learn the stories of lesser-known New York personalities, like Lenape chieftain Penhawitz and Italian immigrant Susie Rocco. Even animals like the horse, the pig, the beaver, and the oyster, which played pivotal roles in the economy and daily life of New York, get their moment in the historical spotlight. Occupying the entire first floor in three interactive galleries (Port City, 1609-1898, World City, 1898-2012, and Future City Lab) New York at Its Core is shaped by four themes: money, density, diversity, and creativity. Together, they provide a lens for examining the character of the city, and underlie the modern global metropolis we know today. mcny.org” (NYCity Guide)

and you should be sure to check out these special exhibitions at that little museum on Fifth Ave., The Metropolitan Museum of Art
(open 7 days /week, AND always Pay What You Wish for NewYorkers)

Delacroix  (Now-1/6/19)
“This is the first comprehensive U.S. retrospective of the work of French artist Eugene Delacroix (1798-1863). The Met has teamed up with The Louvre, showcasing in chronological order some 150 pieces, including paintings, drawings, manuscripts, and prints.” (cityguideny)

‘CROWNS OF THE VAJRA MASTERS: RITUAL ART OF NEPAL’ (through Dec. 16). “Up a narrow staircase, above the Met’s galleries of South and Southeast Asian art, are three small rooms of art from the Himalayas. The space, a bit like a treehouse, is a capsule of spiritual energy, which is especially potent these days thanks to this exhibition. The crowns of the title look like antique versions of astronaut headgear: gilded copper helmets, studded with gems, encrusted with repoussé plaques and topped by five-pronged antennas — the vajra, or thunderbolt of wisdom. Such crowns were believed to turn their wearers into perfected beings who are willing and able to bestow blessings on the world. This show is the first to focus on these crowns, and it does so with a wealth of compressed historical information, as well as several resplendent related sculptures and paintings from Nepal and Tibet. But it’s the crowns themselves, the real ones, the wisdom generators, set in mandala formation in the center of the gallery, that are the fascinators.” (NYT-Holland Cotter)

===========================================================
Museum Mile is a section of Fifth Avenue which contains one of the densest displays of culture in the world. Eight museums can be found along this section of Fifth Avenue:
• 105th Street – El Museo del Barrio (closed Sun-Mon)*
• 103rd Street – Museum of the City of New York (open 7 days /week)
•  92nd Street – The Jewish Museum (closed Wed) (Sat FREE) (Thu 5-8 PWYW)
•  91st Street  –  Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum (open 7 days /week)
•  89th Street –  National Academy Museum (closed Mon-Tue)
•  88th Street –  Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (closed Thu) (Sat 6-8 PWYW)
•  86th Street –  Neue Galerie New York (closed Tue-Wed) (Fri 6-8 FREE)
Last, but certainly not least, America’s premier museum
•  82nd Street – The Metropolitan Museum of Art (open 7 days /week)*
*always Pay What You Wish (PWYW) for NewYorkers

Although technically not part of the Museum Mile, the Frick Collection (closed Mon) (Wed 2-6pm PWYW; First Friday each month (exc Jan+Sep) 6-9pm FREE) on the corner of 70th St. and Fifth Avenue and the The Morgan Library & Museum (closed Mon) (Fri 7-9 FREE) on Madison Ave and 37th St are also located near Fifth Ave.
Now plan your own museum crawl (info on hours & admission updated June 2, 2015).
==============================================================
For other selected Museum and Gallery Special Exhibitions see Recent Posts in right Sidebar dated 10/24 and 10/22.
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NYC Events,”Only the Best” (10/25) + Today’s Featured Pub (Greenwich Village)

Posted on 10/25/2018 by GregD

Today’s Super 7 NYC Events > THURSDAY/ OCTOBER 25, 2018

“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: “NYC Events-October”
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.

==========================================================

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

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Plays Monk (Oct.25-27)
Jazz at Lincoln Center, Rose Theater / 8PM, $40+
“Thelonious Monk’s music is playful, profound, and universally loved. Its deceptive simplicity unites musicians of all backgrounds and offers endless opportunity for interpretation and improvisation. The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis has been performing a steadily growing Thelonious Monk repertoire since its inception (now totaling more than 40 songs), and the JLCO will one day have arrangements of all 72 original Monk compositions. Tonight you will hear the latest additions to their Monk songbook.”

=========================================================
6 OTHER TOP NYC EVENTS TODAY (see below for full listing)
>> Kombilesa Mi
>> Cynthia Scott
>> Take Me To The River – New Orleans Live!
>> Tosca
>> Ravi Coltrane
>> Incivility: Violence in Congress on the Path to the Civil War
Continuing Events
>> Archtober
>> Harry Potter: A History of Magic
========================================================

Music, Dance, Performing Arts

Kombilesa Mi
Atrium at Lincoln Center / 7:30PM, FREE
“Hailing from Palenque, the first free black town in the Americas, the hip-hop group Kombilesa Mi overlays traditional Colombian rhythms and instruments with lyrics in both Spanish and the local language, Palenquero. The result is an electrifying fusion of Palenquero music and urban rap. Proud of their heritage and passionate about music, Kombilesa Mi (Palenquero for My Friends) represents the voice of a new generation of Colombian musicians. The band’s Lincoln Center performance is part of their U.S. debut tour.”

Cynthia Scott
Smoke / 7, 9, 10:30PM, $15
“For three decades, the vocal artistry of the multi-talented Arkansas-born vocalist Cynthia Scott has encompassed the swing of jazz, the soul of blues, R&B, and the sacred stirrings of gospel music. She is loved by audiences from New York to Africa, Europe and Asia; by musicians from Wynton Marsalis to Ray Charles – who discovered her – and by jazz critics like the Chicago Tribune’s Howard Reich, who called her “a mesmerizing vocalist.”

Take Me To The River – New Orleans Live!
feat. The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Ivan Neville, Ian Neville, George Porter Jr., Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & Los Bayou Ramblers
Sony Hall / 8:00PM, $55

Tosca (next Oct.29)
Metropolitan Opera House / 7:30PM, $30+
“Met favorite Sondra Radvanovsky and rising star Jennifer Rowley share the title role of the volatile diva at the heart of Puccini’s operatic thriller. Joseph Calleja brings his stylish tenor to the role of Cavaradossi, Wolfgang Koch is the nefarious police chief Scarpia, and Carlo Rizzi conducts Sir David McVicar’s resplendent production.”

Ravi Coltrane (Oct. 23-28)
Village Vanguard / 8:30PM, +10:30PM, $35
“His childhood home on Long Island (the onetime domicile of his parents, John and Alice Coltrane) has been officially designated a National Treasure, and the saxophone scion continues to gracefully shoulder the substantial weight of his family legacy, three decades into his career. Coltrane, a compelling improviser and a canny bandleader, is convincingly his own man. He’s joined here by the Israeli pianist Gadi Lehavi.” (Steve Futterman, NewYorker)

=========================================================

Smart Stuff / Other NYC Events
(Lectures/Discussions, Book Talks, Film, Classes, Food & Drink, Other)

Elsewhere, but with all the letter bombs recently, this looks very timely:

Incivility: Violence in Congress on the Path to the Civil War
Brooklyn Historical Society, 128 Pierrepont St./ 6:30PM, $5
“If you despair of today’s political environment, and can’t imagine a more unruly and uncivil time, look no further than Joanne Freeman’s latest book, The Field of Blood: Violence in Congress and the Road to Civil War. The Yale historian documents the collapse of civil dialogue amongst members of congress in the years preceding the Civil War, from vitriolic diatribes to the infamous attack on Charles Sumner on the Capitol floor. She is joined in conversation by fellow historian and author, Alexis Coe.”

=======================================================

Continuing Events

Archtober
31 days, 100+ ways to celebrate design in NYC! The eight annual, month-long festival of architecture activities, programs, and exhibitions in New York City will take place October 1-31, 2017.  Archtober’s calendar features 200 architecture and design lectures, conferences, programs, and exhibitions at more than 60+ collaborating institutions across the city.

Harry Potter: A History of Magic (Now-1/27/19)
New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W.
“Gather round ye muggles and wizards, squibs and witches, tourists and natives: magic is on its way. Harry Potter: A History of Magic, commemorating the beloved series’s 20th anniversary, is now open at the New-York Historical Society. One of the most eagerly anticipated exhibits to hit the city since, well, ever, the show comes straight from the British Library in London, where, not surprisingly, it was the institution’s most successful exhibition.

Artifacts like crystal balls, Leonardo da Vinci notebooks, and the first written record of the magic word “abracadabra” are among the treasures on display, joined by original materials from author J.K. Rowling’s archives. Also on view to the public for the first time will be Mary GrandPré’s illustrations created for Scholastic’s original editions of the novels. Costumes and set models from Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which opened on Broadway in April, will be showcased in the exhibition. A long list of events will take place in conjunction with the exhibit, including trivia night, talks, an adult costume party, and more.” (cityguideny)
Daily, except most Mondays, $21, $6 ages 5-13, free 4 and younger

==========================================================================
♦ 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 63 million visitors last year and was TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Top U.S. Destination for 2018 – awesome! 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.

=====================================================

Bonus NYC Events – Music Venues:
So much fine live music every night in this town. These are my favorite non jazz music venues on Manhattan’s WestSide. Hit the Hot Link and check out who’s playing tonight:

City Winery – 155 Varick St., citywinery.com, 212-608-0555
Joe’s Pub @ Public Theater – 425 Lafayette St., joespub.com, 212-967-7555
Beacon Theatre – 2124 Broadway @ 74th St., beacontheatre.com, 212-465-6500
Town Hall – 123 W43rd St. (btw 6/7), thetownhall.org, 212-997-6661
Le Poisson Rouge – 158 Bleecker St., lepoissonrouge.com, 212-505-3474
Sony Hall – 235 W 46th St. (btw 7/8), sonyhall.com, 212-997-5123
and one more, not exactly WestSide:
Bowery Ballroom – 6 Delancey St. boweryballroom.com,

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 discovery and enjoyment.

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.

See Below.
———————————————————————————————————-

NYCity Vacation Travel Guide Video (Expedia):
=================================================================================

A PremierPub and 3 Good Eating Places – Greenwich Village

Caffe Vivaldi / 32 Jones Street (btw. Bleecker St./W4th St.)

Café Vivaldi is a classic, intimate club located in Greenwich Village on Jones Street, the street featured on the cover of Bob Dylan’s second album, “Freewheelin’. ”

maxresdefaultEach night Ishrat, the long time proprietor and impresario, carefully curates and schedules an eclectic series of musicians. You can often see him at his table in the corner, hard at work reviewing music videos and listening to cd demos on his laptop, scouting out future bookings. Musicians come from all over to play and sing in a club in Greenwich Village. Some are local New Yorkers, others are just passing through, in town for a few days.

There is a small bar, seating maybe 10. It’s close to the stage and I find it’s a perfect spot to sip a glass of red wine while listening to the music. The room itself has the performance area at one end and a cozy fireplace at the other. The performance area here is small, dominated by a large black Yamaha Grand piano. Tables are bunched together and most people at the tables are eating lite meals or sampling the wonderful desserts.

There is also a good selection of fairly priced wines,  but you are here because of the music. You can never be quite sure what you’re going to find, and that’s half the charm of this place. It’s not a home run every night, but many nights it’s pretty special.

I remember the night I saw the most talented bossa nova group, just in from San Paulo. As I listened, I wondered if there was any better music playing anywhere else in New York City that night. And at Caffé Vivaldi there is never a cover charge. Their recently redesigned web site does give you a better idea of the type of music playing each night.

At one time Greenwich Village was filled with clubs just like this, but times change. Real estate interests have impacted the village, and not for the better. Even Caffé Vivaldi had a rough time recently, when a new landlord raised the rent exorbitantly. Fortunately, Ishrat has built a loyal following over the years, and a fund raiser and slightly more reasonable rent has kept Café Vivaldi in business.

When Woody Allen and Al Pacino wanted to make movies featuring the timeless quality of Greenwich Village they came to Vivaldi. It’s important that we keep this special place alive, for if we lose Cafe Vivaldi, NYCity will have lost a piece of it’s soul.

CAFFE VIVALDI HAS CLOSED,  JUNE 23 WAS THE FINAL NIGHT. VERY SAD.
I HAVE LEFT THIS REVIEW ON MY SITE AS A KIND OF MEMORIAL.
As reported in the “Gothamist”:
“Caffe Vivaldi, one of the last bohemian bastions of the West Village, is set to close this weekend. During its 35 years on Jones Street, the casual cafe won the hearts of locals and celebs alike, including Oscar Isaac, Bette Midler, and Al Pacino.

Despite that friendly communal atmosphere, the owners ultimately struggled to survive under their notorious vulture landlord Steve Croman, who they say waged a harassment campaign against the restaurant, and eventually tripled their rent.”

Website: http://caffevivaldi.com/
Phone #: (212) 691-7538
Hours: Music generally 7:30PM – 11PM, but varies
Lunch/Dinner 11AM-on
Subway: #1 to Christopher St.
Walk 1 blk S. on 7th ave S. to Bleecker St., 1 blk left on Bleecker to Jones St., 50 yards left on Jones St. to Caffe V.
==============================================================
“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.

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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3 Good Eating places

It’s not difficult to find a place to eat in Manhattan.
Finding a good, inexpensive place to eat is a bit harder.
Here are a few of my faves in this neighborhood:

Fish – 280 Bleecker St. (just a bit S. of 7th ave South)
This was an easy pick – the best raw bar special in town. $9 gets you 6 of the freshest oysters or clams + a glass of wine or beer. Don’t know how they can do it, but I tell everyone I know about this place. And it’s located right in the heart of some of the best no cover music in town.

Bleecker Street Pizza – 69 7th ave S. (corner of Bleecker St.)
The place is tiny and not much to look at, but this is one good slice. They like to brag that they have been voted “Best pizza in NY” 3 years in a row by the Food Network. I believe them. I would have voted for them.

Num Pang – 21 E 12th St. (btw. University Place/5th ave.)
This is a Cambodian banh mi sandwich shop that kept me well fed while I was in class nearby recently. It’s cramped, even for NYCity, but usually there is room up the spiral staircase to sit down and eat. In good weather carry your sandwich a few blocks to Union Square park. You may have to wait a few minutes, because everything is freshly made, but it’s worth it. Can you believe – an unheard of 26 food rating by Zagat.

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“3 Good Eating places” focuses on a quick bite, what I call “Fine Fast Food – NYCity Style”
No reservations needed.
========================================================
NYCity is the most diverse and interesting place to find a meal anywhere in the world. With more than 24,000 eating establishments you might welcome some advice.

◊ For all my picks of 54 Good Eating places, and essays on my favorite 18 PremierPubs in 9 Neighborhoods on Manhattan’s WestSide, order a copy of my e-book:
“Eating and Drinking on NYCity’s WestSide” ($4.99, available WINTER 2018).
◊ Order before FEB.28, 2019 and receive a bonus – 27 of my favorite casual dining places with free Wi-Fi.

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NYC Events,”Only the Best” (10/24) + Museum Special Exhibitions: Manhattan’s WestSide

Posted on 10/24/2018 by GregD

Today’s Elite 8  NYC Events > WEDNESDAY/ OCTOBER 24, 2018

“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: “NYC Events-October”
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.

==========================================================

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

Inside Chamber Music
Debussy Sonata for Cello and Piano (1915)
Lincoln Center, Rose Studio / 6:30PM, $25
“Join distinguished composer and radio personality Bruce Adolphe for investigations and insights into masterworks performed during the Alice Tully Hall season. Inside Chamber Music lectures are beloved by regulars and a revelation to first-timers for their depth, accessibility, and brilliance. Each lecture is supported by excerpts from the featured piece, performed live by CMS artists.”

=========================================================
7 OTHER TOP NYC EVENTS TODAY (see below for full listing)
>> STEELY DAN
>> Ravi Coltrane 
>> Robert Glasper
>> American Ballet Theatre
>> Jakob Bro
>> TR’s Last War: the tumultuous last years of Theodore Roosevelt
>> Crafting Beer: Traditional Techniques, Modern Brews
Continuing Events
>> Archtober
>> Harry Potter: A History of Magic
========================================================

Music, Dance, Performing Arts

STEELY DAN (through Oct. 30)
at the Beacon Theater / 8PM, $25+
“For the first time since Walter Becker’s passing in 2017, Donald Fagen and Steely Dan will be performing several of the band’s most beloved albums in their entirety during their semiregular residency at the Beacon. “Aja” (on Thursday and Oct. 27) and Fagen’s solo effort “The Nightfly” (on Oct. 20 and 29) get two nights each, while “The Royal Scam” (on Wednesday), “Countdown to Ecstasy” (on Oct. 24) and “Gaucho” (on Oct. 26) will each be performed for one night only. Another show, called “By Popular Demand” (on Oct. 21), will be devoted to fan favorites, and the finale (on Oct. 30) will be, fittingly, composed of the band’s greatest hits.” (NYT-NATALIE WEINER)

Ravi Coltrane (Oct. 23-28)
Village Vanguard / 8:30PM, +10:30PM, $35
“His childhood home on Long Island (the onetime domicile of his parents, John and Alice Coltrane) has been officially designated a National Treasure, and the saxophone scion continues to gracefully shoulder the substantial weight of his family legacy, three decades into his career. Coltrane, a compelling improviser and a canny bandleader, is convincingly his own man. He’s joined here by the Israeli pianist Gadi Lehavi.” (Steve Futterman, NewYorker)

American Ballet Theatre (October 17-28)
NYS Theater, Lincoln Center / 2PM, $25-$155
“For two weeks only, join ABT for a beautifully diverse fall season of mixed repertory performances, featuring World Premieres by tap dancer and choreographer Michelle Dorrance and choreographer Jessica Lang.

The season also features ABT’s world-class dancers in audience favorites including Twyla Tharp’s awe-inspiring In the Upper Room, the incomparable Jerome Robbins’s Fancy Free and Other Dances, the return of Alexei Ratmansky’s Songs of Bukovina and Wayne McGregor’s AFTERITE, and George Balanchine’s Symphonie Concertante, as well as ABT’s Studio Company in Lauren Lovette’s Le Jeune.”

Jakob Bro
Jazz Standard / 7:30PM, +9:30PM, $30
“Trying to put your finger on Jakob Bro’s guitar style can be like trying to describe the essence of air. Without resorting to six-string acrobatics, Bro somehow transforms his minimalist turns into weighty, emotionally charged musical statements. He’s joined by the same hypersensitive players—the bassist Thomas Morgan and the drummer Joey Baron—who interact with him on the recent live album “Bay of Rainbows.” (Steve Futterman, NewYorker)

Robert Glasper (thru Oct. 28)
Blue Note, 131 W. 3rd St./ 8PM, +10:30PM, $30-$45
“Spearheading a fresh movement in jazz takes focus, commitment, and not a little bit of guts, and the keyboardist Robert Glasper is ready to exhibit the lot during this nearly monthlong residency. Week one finds him at the helm of his longtime threesome with the bassist Derrick Hodge and the drummer Chris Dave, a wiry trio that juggles swing conventions and hip-hop rhythmic ploys with gleeful impunity.” (Steve Futterman, NewYorker)

=========================================================

Smart Stuff / Other NYC Events
(Lectures/Discussions, Book Talks, Film, Classes, Food & Drink, Other)

TR’s Last War: the tumultuous last years of Theodore Roosevelt
Mid-Manhattan Library at 42nd St./ 6:30PM, FREE
“On his death bed he reflected, “I promised myself that I would work up to the hilt until I was sixty, and I have done it. I have kept my promise…” Highlighting the 1916 presidential campaign, America’s entry into the Great War in 1917, his fury surrounding Woodrow Wilson’s presidency, and his own sons going off to fight, TR’s Last War captures the state of American politics and paints a portrait of an indomitable spirit.”

Crafting Beer: Traditional Techniques, Modern Brews
Japan Society, 333 E. 47th St./ 6:30PM, $35
“Over the past few decades Japan has developed a formidable craft beer scene, but before that, Japanese brewers spent centuries perfecting the brewing of sake. Today, American beer brewers have started to turn to Japan for inspiration, drawing on traditional sake brewing techniques and creating unique new hybrid beverages. At this talk, Joshua M. Bernstein, beer journalist and author of Homebrew World: Discover the Secrets of the World’s Leading Homebrewers, traces how Japanese sake techniques and producers are influencing today’s beer trends. Followed by a tasting of Japanese craft beers and beers influenced by Japan. Must be 21 years of age, or older.”

=======================================================

Continuing Events

Archtober
31 days, 100+ ways to celebrate design in NYC! The eight annual, month-long festival of architecture activities, programs, and exhibitions in New York City will take place October 1-31, 2017.  Archtober’s calendar features 200 architecture and design lectures, conferences, programs, and exhibitions at more than 60+ collaborating institutions across the city.

Harry Potter: A History of Magic (Now-1/27/19)
New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W.
“Gather round ye muggles and wizards, squibs and witches, tourists and natives: magic is on its way. Harry Potter: A History of Magic, commemorating the beloved series’s 20th anniversary, is now open at the New-York Historical Society. One of the most eagerly anticipated exhibits to hit the city since, well, ever, the show comes straight from the British Library in London, where, not surprisingly, it was the institution’s most successful exhibition.

Artifacts like crystal balls, Leonardo da Vinci notebooks, and the first written record of the magic word “abracadabra” are among the treasures on display, joined by original materials from author J.K. Rowling’s archives. Also on view to the public for the first time will be Mary GrandPré’s illustrations created for Scholastic’s original editions of the novels. Costumes and set models from Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which opened on Broadway in April, will be showcased in the exhibition. A long list of events will take place in conjunction with the exhibit, including trivia night, talks, an adult costume party, and more.” (cityguideny)
Daily, except most Mondays, $21, $6 ages 5-13, free 4 and younger

==========================================================================
♦ 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 63 million visitors last year and was TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Top U.S. Destination for 2018 – awesome! 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.

=====================================================
Bonus: Nifty 9 – Best Cabarets / Piano Bars NYCity
These are my favorite places for an after dinner night on the town – music and drinks.
Hit the Hot Link and check out what’s happening tonight:

Feinstein’s/54 Below – 254 W 54th St.

The Green Room 42 – 570 Tenth Ave.

Don’t Tell Mama – 343 W 46th St.

The Rum House, in the Hotel Edison – 228 W. 47th St.

Laurie Beechman Theatre – 407 W 42nd St.

Marie’s Crisis – 59 Grove St.

The Duplex – 61 Christopher St.

Sid Gold’s Request Room – 165 W 26th St.

Cafe Carlyle, in the Carlyle Hotel – 35 E. 76th St.
This is the only one not located on Manhattan’s WestSide, and it ain’t cheap, but it has some of the finest singers.

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NYCity Vacation Travel Guide Video (Expedia):

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WHAT’S ON VIEW
My Fave Special Exhibitions – MUSEUMS / Manhattan’s WestSide
(See the New York Times Arts Section for listings of all museums,
and also to see their expanded reviews of exhibitions)

Museum of Modern Art:

A special pat on the back to MOMA, who is now displaying art from the seven countries affected by Trump’s travel ban.

“Trump’s ban against refugees from seven Muslim-majority nations has sparked acts of defiance in NYC, from demonstrations across town, to striking taxicab drivers at JFK to Middle Eastern bodega owners closing their shops in protest. Recently, the Museum Of Modern added its two cents by bringing out artworks it owns from the affected countries, and hanging them prominently within the galleries usually reserved for 19th- and 20th-century artworks from Europe and the United States. Paintings by Picasso and Matisse, for example, were removed to make way for pieces by Tala Madani (from Iran), Ibrahim El-Salahi (from Sudan) and architect Zaha Hadid (from Iraq). The rehanging, which was unannounced, aims to create a symbolic welcome that repudiates Trump by creating a visual dialog between the newly added works and the more familiar objects from MoMA’s permanent collection.” (TONY)

‘BODYS ISEK KINGELEZ: CITY DREAMS’ (through Jan. 1). “The first comprehensive survey of the Congolese artist is a euphoric exhibition as utopian wonderland featuring his fantasy architectural models and cities — works strong in color, eccentric in shape, loaded with enthralling details and futuristic aura. Mr. Kingelez (1948-2015) was convinced that the world had never seen a vision like his, and this beautifully designed show bears him out.” (NYT-Smith)
212-708-9400, moma.org

‘THE LONG RUN’ (through Nov. 4). “The museum upends its cherished Modern narrative of ceaseless progress by mostly young (white) men. Instead we see works by artists 45 and older who have just kept on keeping on, regardless of attention or reward, sometimes saving the best for last. Art here is an older person’s game, a pursuit of a deepening personal vision over innovation. Winding through 17 galleries, the installation is alternatively visually or thematically acute and altogether inspiring.” (NYT-Smith)
212-708-9400, moma.org

Rubin Museum of Art

Chitra Ganesh: The Scorpion Gesture (Through Jan. 7)
“The Brooklyn artist’s new animations ingeniously combine her own drawings and watercolors with historical imagery, peppering the journeys of bodhisattvas with contemporary pop-culture references. Five of these pieces are installed on the museum’s second and third floors amid its collection of Himalayan art, elements of which appear in her psychedelic sequences of spinning mandalas and falling lotus flowers. (Ganesh’s works are activated, as if by magic, when viewers approach.) In “Rainbow Body,” a cave, which also appears in a nearby painting of Mandarava, is filled with people in 3-D glasses, watching as the guru-deity attains enlightenment. “Silhouette in the Graveyard” is projected behind a glass case containing a small sculpture of Maitreya, from late-eighteenth-century Mongolia, for a cleverly dioramalike effect. Prophesied to arrive during an apocalyptic crisis, the bodhisattva is seen here against Ganesh’s montage, which includes footage of global catastrophes and political protests, from the Women’s March to Black Lives Matter.” (

SPECIAL MENTION (not Manhattan’s WestSide, but let’s show some love to da Bronx)
at the New York (Bronx) Botanical Garden:

‘GEORGIA O’KEEFFE: VISIONS OF HAWAI‘I’ (through Oct. 28). “Finding out Georgia O’Keeffe had a Hawaiian period is kind of like finding out Brian Wilson had a desert period. But here it is: 17 eye-popping paradisal paintings, produced in a nine-week visit in 1939. The paintings, and their almost psychedelic palette, are as fleshlike and physical as O’Keeffe’s New Mexican work is stripped and metaphysical. The other star of the show, fittingly, is Hawaii, and the garden has mounted a living display of the subjects depicted in the artwork. As much as they might look like the products of an artist’s imagination, the plants and flowers in the Enid Haupt Conservatory are boastfully real. On Aloha Nights every Saturday in June and every other Saturday in July and August, the garden is staging a cultural complement of activities, including lei making, hula lessons and ukulele performances.” (NYT – William L. Hamilton)
718-817-8700, nybg.org / easy 20 minute ride from Grand Central on Metro North.

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For other selected Museum and Gallery Special Exhibitions see Posts in right Sidebar dated 10/22 and 10/20.
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NYC Events,”Only the Best” (10/23) + Today’s Featured Pub (Times Square / Theater District)

Posted on 10/23/2018 by GregD

Today’s Super 7  NYC Events > TUESDAY/ OCTOBER 23, 2018

“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: “NYC Events-October”
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.

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

Ravi Coltrane (Oct. 23-28)
Village Vanguard / 8:30PM, +10:30PM, $35
“His childhood home on Long Island (the onetime domicile of his parents, John and Alice Coltrane) has been officially designated a National Treasure, and the saxophone scion continues to gracefully shoulder the substantial weight of his family legacy, three decades into his career. Coltrane, a compelling improviser and a canny bandleader, is convincingly his own man. He’s joined here by the Israeli pianist Gadi Lehavi.” (Steve Futterman, NewYorker)

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6 OTHER TOP NYC EVENTS TODAY (see below for full listing)
>> 54 Sings Broadway’s Greatest Hits!
>> Jakob Bro
>> Robert Glasper
>> American Ballet Theatre
>> American Tantrum: The Donald J. Trump Presidential Archives
>> Hemingway’s Artifacts: Michael Katakis with Declan Kiely
Continuing Events
>> Archtober
>> Harry Potter: A History of Magic
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Music, Dance, Performing Arts

54 Sings Broadway’s Greatest Hits!
Feinstein’s 54 Below / 9:30PM, $40+
“Broadway by the Year impresario Scott Siegel curates this monthly concert series, in which Broadway stars sing some of the Great White Way’s best-loved tunes. Performers at the October edition include Emily Janes, John Easterlin, Joshua Israel, William Michals, Kelsey Lee Smith, Michael Winther and Time Out’s own Adam Feldman.” (TONY)

Jakob Bro (also Oct.24)
Jazz Standard / 7:30PM, +9:30PM, $30
“Trying to put your finger on Jakob Bro’s guitar style can be like trying to describe the essence of air. Without resorting to six-string acrobatics, Bro somehow transforms his minimalist turns into weighty, emotionally charged musical statements. He’s joined by the same hypersensitive players—the bassist Thomas Morgan and the drummer Joey Baron—who interact with him on the recent live album “Bay of Rainbows.” (Steve Futterman, NewYorker)

Robert Glasper (thru Oct. 28)
Blue Note, 131 W. 3rd St./ 8PM, +10:30PM, $30-$45
“Spearheading a fresh movement in jazz takes focus, commitment, and not a little bit of guts, and the keyboardist Robert Glasper is ready to exhibit the lot during this nearly monthlong residency. Week one finds him at the helm of his longtime threesome with the bassist Derrick Hodge and the drummer Chris Dave, a wiry trio that juggles swing conventions and hip-hop rhythmic ploys with gleeful impunity.” (Steve Futterman, NewYorker)

American Ballet Theatre (October 17-28)
NYS Theater, Lincoln Center / 2PM, $25-$155
“For two weeks only, join ABT for a beautifully diverse fall season of mixed repertory performances, featuring World Premieres by tap dancer and choreographer Michelle Dorrance and choreographer Jessica Lang.

The season also features ABT’s world-class dancers in audience favorites including Twyla Tharp’s awe-inspiring In the Upper Room, the incomparable Jerome Robbins’s Fancy Free and Other Dances, the return of Alexei Ratmansky’s Songs of Bukovina and Wayne McGregor’s AFTERITE, and George Balanchine’s Symphonie Concertante, as well as ABT’s Studio Company in Lauren Lovette’s Le Jeune.”

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Smart Stuff / Other NYC Events
(Lectures/Discussions, Book Talks, Film, Classes, Food & Drink, Other)

American Tantrum: The Donald J. Trump Presidential Archives
Barnes and Noble Tribeca / 6PM, FREE
“A devastatingly hilarious satire that cuts closer to the truth of than any nonfiction account: Anthony Atamanuik, the creator and star of Comedy Central’s acclaimed The President Show, opens the vault and imagines Donald J. Trump’s presidential archives, exposing documents from his childhood in Queens to his toddlerhood in the Oval Office.”

Hemingway’s Artifacts: Michael Katakis with Declan Kiely
New York Public Library—Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, 476 Fifth Ave./ 6:30PM, FREE
“Author and manager of the Hemingway Estate Michael Katakis draws on 400 key objects to explore a literary life. Photos, documents, and ephemera come together to create a portrait of a legend and a legendary era.” (ThoughtGallery.org)

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Continuing Events

Archtober
31 days, 100+ ways to celebrate design in NYC! The eight annual, month-long festival of architecture activities, programs, and exhibitions in New York City will take place October 1-31, 2017.  Archtober’s calendar features 200 architecture and design lectures, conferences, programs, and exhibitions at more than 60+ collaborating institutions across the city.

Harry Potter: A History of Magic (Now-1/27/19)
New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W.
“Gather round ye muggles and wizards, squibs and witches, tourists and natives: magic is on its way. Harry Potter: A History of Magic, commemorating the beloved series’s 20th anniversary, is now open at the New-York Historical Society. One of the most eagerly anticipated exhibits to hit the city since, well, ever, the show comes straight from the British Library in London, where, not surprisingly, it was the institution’s most successful exhibition.

Artifacts like crystal balls, Leonardo da Vinci notebooks, and the first written record of the magic word “abracadabra” are among the treasures on display, joined by original materials from author J.K. Rowling’s archives. Also on view to the public for the first time will be Mary GrandPré’s illustrations created for Scholastic’s original editions of the novels. Costumes and set models from Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which opened on Broadway in April, will be showcased in the exhibition. A long list of events will take place in conjunction with the exhibit, including trivia night, talks, an adult costume party, and more.” (cityguideny)
Daily, except most Mondays, $21, $6 ages 5-13, free 4 and younger

==========================================================================
♦ 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 63 million visitors last year and was TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Top U.S. Destination for 2018 – awesome! 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.

=====================================================

Bonus NYC events– 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:
(5 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)
Cornelia Street Cafe – UG, 29 Cornelia St. corneliastreetcafe.com, 212-989-9319 (6pm)

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)

Special Mention:
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 surprises with a wonderfully eclectic lineup. It’s 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.

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NYCity Vacation Travel Guide Video (Expedia):

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A PremierPub

Jimmy’s Corner / 140 W 44th St (btw B’way & 7th ave)

IMG_2083Jimmy’s Corner is right in the heart of Times Square, but you won’t find it on the corner, it’s mid-block. Enter this long narrow bar and you are struck by the walls covered with mostly black-and-white boxing photographs, and memorabilia. Soon enough you learn that “Corner” refers to proprietor Jimmy Glenn’s long career as a corner man for some of boxing greats – Liston, Tyson, even “the greatest,” Ali.

Jimmy’s is a sort of time machine, taking you back to a time and place that no longer exists. All around you Times Square has cleaned up, grown up, assumed a new identity. Jimmy’s probably hasn’t changed a bit since it first opened in 1971. Certainly the bar itself looks original and the prices haven’t changed much either. When I brought a friend, who owns her own bar, she was surprised when she got the small tab for a round of drinks. Figured there must be a mistake, that maybe they forgot to charge for all the drinks.

Times Square today is filled with neon glitz and wandering tourists from Dubuque, but not Jimmy’s. You’ll likely find some old timer’s at the bar nursing their drinks, some younger locals at tables in the back, and maybe a few adventuresome tourists clutching their trusty guidebooks. There’s no food served here because this is just a bar, and sometimes that’s all you need.

On nights when no local team is playing, it’s a fine place to sip some drafts and listen to a great old time jukebox, with a great selection of  40s& 50s R&B and soul. On sports nights this very narrow bar can get a bit claustrophobic, filled with excited fans watching their team on the TVs. Either way, Jimmy’s is the place to be if you are looking for an old time bar in the new Times Square.
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Website: are you kidding !
(although there is a facebook page with lots of photos –
facebook.com/jimmyscornernyc)
Phone #: 212-221-9510
Hours: 11am – 4 am, except Sunday they open 12 noon
Happy Hour: not necessary, low prices all day, every day
Subway: #1,2,3 to TimesSquare 42nd st
walk 2 blks N on 7th ave to 44th st; ½ blk E to Jimmy’s

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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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