“We search the internet 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 as1-2-3.
Check the tab above: “NYC Events-October” for the most detailed, 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.
For the next three weeks we are going to try a different format – on some days we will go visual and offer a selection of the very best NYCity Instagram photos, YouTube videos, or Pinterest Pins. On other days you will find info on the Best NYC Restaurants, Top Online Travel Forums with NYC info, or Essential New York City films. We hope you will come back often to see what’s cooking here. Today it’s NYCity on YouTube and Pinterest.
There are some very fine YouTube videos and Pinterest Pins that cover New York City and are endlessly fascinating. Here are some of my faves:
“We search the internet 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 as1-2-3.
Check the tab above: “NYC Events-October” for the most detailed, 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.
For the next three weeks we are going to try a different format – on some days we will go visual and offer a selection of the very best NYCity Instagram photos, YouTube videos, or Pinterest Pins. On other days you will find info on the Best NYC Restaurants, Top Online Travel Forums with NYC info, or Essential New York City films. We hope you will come back often to see what’s cooking here. Today it’s NYCity Restaurants.
Best NYCity Restaurants
It’s not difficult to find a place to eat in Manhattan. Seems like there is at least one restaurant on every block. The New York City health department inspected over 10,000 eating establishments in Manhattan alone last year. And the selection of restaurants includes cuisines from all over the world.
Finding a good place to eat is a bit harder. We could start with New York City’s 72 Michelin-Starred Restaurants, but they are more suitable for those on expense accounts or celebrating a special event. No worries. There are many guides to good eating available, if you know where to look.
Here are a few of my favorite guides to the best restaurants in various neighborhoods:
“We search the internet 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 as1-2-3.
Check the tab above: “NYC Events-October” for the most detailed, 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.
For the next three weeks we are going to try a different format – on some days we will go visual and offer a selection of the very best NYCity Instagram photos, YouTube videos, or Pinterest Pins. On other days you will find info on the Best NYC Restaurants, Top Online Travel Forums with NYC info, or Essential New York City films. We hope you will come back often to see what’s cooking here. Today it’s Instagram Photos.
NYCity Instagram Photos > MONDAY / OCTOBER 1, 2018
We hope you enjoy this change of pace, then please return here October 18, and every day for our daily, hot off the presses event guide with “Only the Best” NYCity event info.
Today’s Super 7 NYC Events > SUNDAY/ SEPTEMBER 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 as1-2-3.
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.
ANDY BEY at the Blue Note / 8 and 10:30 p.m., $20-$35
“Mr. Bey, a 78-year-old vocalist and pianist, has a baritone unlike any other: It’s the sound of leather stretching to contain a bursting heart, or a smoldering coal that won’t go out. By the time he was 18, Mr. Bey was touring Europe with his siblings in Andy and the Bey Sisters, and in the 1970s he appeared on some influential albums, including his own classic “Experience and Judgment.” Then he seemed to vanish, taking a two-decade hiatus from the recording studio. He returned in the mid-1990s and has released a rather steady stream of fine albums since, focusing on jazz standards. He performs here in the format he favors: entirely solo.” (NYT-GIOVANNI RUSSONELLO)
NEW YORK HOT JAZZ FESTIVAL at the McKittrick Hotel / 2PM-2AM, $69+
“This annual celebration of traditional jazz forms — from New Orleans early jazz to big-band music and gypsy jazz — is now in its fifth year. This time, the festival, which is more a party than a concert, is at the McKittrick Hotel, a dimly lit event space with its own Prohibition-era theme. The lineup features over a dozen acts performing all afternoon and evening, including Evan Christopher’s Clarinet Road, Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks and the Hot Sardines.” (NYT-GIOVANNI RUSSONELLO)
The 16th Annual New York Burlesque Festival (Sept.27-30)
various locations & covers & times
“Burlesque superstars from around the globe gather in NYC for four days of shows and parties. This annual festival celebrating the art of the striptease marks its 16th year with a packed lineup of local stars like World Famous BOB, Gigi Bon Bon and Calamity Chang along with international guest performers. There will some big shows in Brooklyn and Manhattan, celebratory parties, a panel discussion and burlesque bazaar in Chelsea, and an awards event at the Highline Ballroom on Sunday night at which the Golden Pastie Awards will be handed out.” (NYCGO.COM)
CHRIS POTTER TRIO (through Sept. 30) at the Village Vanguard / 8:30 and 10:30 p.m., $35
“One of jazz’s standard-bearing tenor saxophonists since the 1990s, Mr. Potter revels in an unflinching command at almost every part of his instrument. He’s equally measured and insistent, and never grows too garrulous, even when he’s moving quickly across a leaping range. As if to unsettle his own strength — or to emphasize it — Mr. Potter often experiments with new groups and configurations. Through Sunday he is at the Vanguard with a stunning trio that he convened recently: James Francies on keyboards and Eric Harland on drums.” (NYT-GIOVANNI RUSSONELLO)
Louis Hayes Dizzy’s Club/ 7:30PM, +9:30PM, $45
“In 1956, Hayes, not yet in his twenties, joined the band of the pianist Horace Silver; his nimble drumming helped that hard-bop hero enter a peak period. No wonder the experience resides in him still. Hayes’s 2017 recording, “Serenade for Horace,” touches on some of the late master’s indelible compositions, which he brings to life here, with the support of the pianist David Bryant and the saxophonist Vincent Herring.” (Steve Futterman, NewYorker)
Smart Stuff / Other NYC Events
(Lectures/Discussions, Book Talks, Film, Classes, Food & Drink, Other)
Cloisters Medieval Festival in Fort Tryon Park / 11:30AM-6PM, FREE
“The Medieval Festival brings to life the customs and spirit of the Middle Ages. Manhattan’s Fort Tryon Park is transformed into a medieval market town decorated with bright banners and processional flags. Performers, guests and festival goers dress in medieval costume.” (cityguideny)
The Affordable Art Fair (LAST DAY)
Upgrade your space with art
Metropolitan Pavilion / mm, $10-$80
“You probably can’t paint your apartment, but that’s no excuse to leave your walls bare. The Affordable Art Fair at the Metropolitan Pavilion brings more than 70 local, national an international galleries showcasing over 300 artists, with pieces that start at just $100 for everything from sculptures to photographs, large and small, classic to contemporary. There are also workshops and tours.” (Metro)
Oktoberfest NYC: Where to grab a beer and celebrate (Sept.22-Oct.15)
“Oktoberfest may seem far off, but it’s less than a month away. The Bavarian festival is kicking off Sept. 22 in Munich and the city’s festivities will begin in earnest.
So, if you’re looking for some lederhosen-laden action closer to home, here are beer-and-sausage-fueled affairs in New York City.” (amNY)
Check here for a full description of each of 11 events.
Lukes Lobster
“Remember when lobster rolls cost less than your paycheck? Luke’s Lobster does, and to celebrate its ninth anniversary, the chain will lower the price of their signature lobster rolls to their 2009 price of $14, through October 1. And because they own their own supply chain and can pass the savings on to you, they’re permanently lowering the price to $16 after that, $1 less than the current cost.” (grubstreet)
Candytopia(thru Nov.15) Candytopia @ Penn Plaza, 145 W. 32nd St./ 10AM-8:30PM, $34
“This interactive candy exhibit, which has drawn the likes of Drew Barrymore, Gwyneth Paltrow, James Corden and Wiz Khalifa from California, has more than a dozen rooms and art installations including a swimming pool filled with about half a million giant marshmallows; unicorn-pig hybrids that fart confetti; a candy-covered Sphinx sculpture; and candy recreations of such artworks as the “Mona Lisa,” Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” and Rodin’s “The Thinker.” (amNY) & (amNY) DIVE INTO A HUGE MARSHMALLOW PIT AT CANDYTOPIA
“First it was in Los Angeles, and now it’s made its way to the east coast. Candytopia is officially open in NYC! Just like many other pop-ups, this one has uniquely designed rooms — except this one is all about candy. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll want to snag a ticket and enjoy the marshmallow pit and candy-filled rooms.” (bestproducts.com)
♦ 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:
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.
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
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.” (The New Yorker)
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.
============================================================== For other selected Museum and Gallery Special Exhibitions see Recent Posts in right Sidebar dated 09/28 and 09/26.
============================================================
Today’s Nifty 9 NYC Events > SATURDAY/ SEPTEMBER 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.
Louis Hayes Dizzy’s Club/ 7:30PM, +9:30PM, $45
“In 1956, Hayes, not yet in his twenties, joined the band of the pianist Horace Silver; his nimble drumming helped that hard-bop hero enter a peak period. No wonder the experience resides in him still. Hayes’s 2017 recording, “Serenade for Horace,” touches on some of the late master’s indelible compositions, which he brings to life here, with the support of the pianist David Bryant and the saxophonist Vincent Herring.” (Steve Futterman, NewYorker)
FUTUREFEST at the Jazz Gallery / 7, 8:30, 10PM, $25
“Year-round, the Jazz Gallery provides a platform for artistic development: It’s where the established heavyweights of New York’s improvised-music scene debut new material, and where some of the city’s most auspicious young talents perform on a major stage for the first time. Futurefest presents a full bill of rising stars, with three acts on each of its two nights. The lineup is particularly promising on Saturday, when the evening will open with a duet between the trumpeter Adam O’Farrill and the guitarist Gabe Schnider, and close with the vibraphonist Sasha Berliner’s quartet.” (NYT-GIOVANNI RUSSONELLO)
The 16th Annual New York Burlesque Festival (Sept.27-30)
various locations & covers & times
“Burlesque superstars from around the globe gather in NYC for four days of shows and parties. This annual festival celebrating the art of the striptease marks its 16th year with a packed lineup of local stars like World Famous BOB, Gigi Bon Bon and Calamity Chang along with international guest performers. There will some big shows in Brooklyn and Manhattan, celebratory parties, a panel discussion and burlesque bazaar in Chelsea, and an awards event at the Highline Ballroom on Sunday night at which the Golden Pastie Awards will be handed out.” (NYCGO.COM)
John Lloyd Young’s Broadway (Sept.25-29) Feinstein’s 54 Below / 7PM, $75+
“The Tony-winning star of Jersey Boys, both the Broadway musical and the Clint Eastwood film, brings his musical highs and puppyish eyes back to Feinstein’s/54 Below in a new set that focuses on songs from the Great White Way, including selections from Jesus Christ Superstar, The Wiz, Hair and Hamilton.” (TONY)
CHICK COREA TRIO (Sept. 25-29) at Blue Note / 8 and 10:30 p.m., $55+
“Mr. Corea, a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master, is equally well known as a pianist, composer and pioneer of jazz-rock fusion. His wakeful touch and crystal-clear harmonic style make him one of the music’s most recognizable and distinguished improvisers. His landmark, multidisc album “The Musician,” released last year, was captured at the Blue Note during a long string of shows in 2011, when he played with different ensembles over the course of a month. He appears this time in a simple trio, playing with two frequent collaborators: Carlitos del Puerto on bass and Marcus Gilmore on drums.” (NYT-GIOVANNI RUSSONELLO)
CHRIS POTTER TRIO (through Sept. 30) at the Village Vanguard / 8:30 and 10:30 p.m., $35
“One of jazz’s standard-bearing tenor saxophonists since the 1990s, Mr. Potter revels in an unflinching command at almost every part of his instrument. He’s equally measured and insistent, and never grows too garrulous, even when he’s moving quickly across a leaping range. As if to unsettle his own strength — or to emphasize it — Mr. Potter often experiments with new groups and configurations. Through Sunday he is at the Vanguard with a stunning trio that he convened recently: James Francies on keyboards and Eric Harland on drums.” (NYT-GIOVANNI RUSSONELLO)
Smart Stuff / Other NYC Events
(Lectures/Discussions, Book Talks, Film, Classes, Food & Drink, Other)
Elsewhere, but this looks too hot, and worth the detour:
Chile Pepper Festival 2018 Brooklyn Botanic Garden / 11AM-6PM, $
“The Chile Pepper Festival 2018 at Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Save the date for New York’s hottest fall tradition! Brooklyn’s end-of-summer blowout sets the Garden ablaze with scorching bands from around the world, dozens of fiery food artisans, and hours of chile-chocolate debauchery.” (cityguideny)
National Coffee Day 2018:
Free coffee & more deals in NYC
“Have you had a cup of coffee today? Chances are good, according to the National Coffee Association: About 79% of Americans reported having had a cup of coffee the previous day in a 2018 survey. Help raise that number on National Coffee Day 2018, taking place Saturday, Sept. 29 when cafes (and increasingly, cafe-bars) across the city offer free coffee and discounts on all things caffeinated.” (Metro)
The Affordable Art Fair (Sept.27-30)
Upgrade your space with art Metropolitan Pavilion / mm, $10-$80
“You probably can’t paint your apartment, but that’s no excuse to leave your walls bare. The Affordable Art Fair at the Metropolitan Pavilion brings more than 70 local, national an international galleries showcasing over 300 artists, with pieces that start at just $100 for everything from sculptures to photographs, large and small, classic to contemporary. There are also workshops and tours.” (Metro)
Oktoberfest NYC: Where to grab a beer and celebrate (Sept.22-Oct.15)
“Oktoberfest may seem far off, but it’s less than a month away. The Bavarian festival is kicking off Sept. 22 in Munich and the city’s festivities will begin in earnest.
So, if you’re looking for some lederhosen-laden action closer to home, here are beer-and-sausage-fueled affairs in New York City.” (amNY)
Check here for a full description of each of 11 events.
Lukes Lobster
“Remember when lobster rolls cost less than your paycheck? Luke’s Lobster does, and to celebrate its ninth anniversary, the chain will lower the price of their signature lobster rolls to their 2009 price of $14, through October 1. And because they own their own supply chain and can pass the savings on to you, they’re permanently lowering the price to $16 after that, $1 less than the current cost.” (grubstreet)
Candytopia(thru Nov.15)
Candytopia @ Penn Plaza, 145 W. 32nd St./ 10AM-8:30PM, $34
“This interactive candy exhibit, which has drawn the likes of Drew Barrymore, Gwyneth Paltrow, James Corden and Wiz Khalifa from California, has more than a dozen rooms and art installations including a swimming pool filled with about half a million giant marshmallows; unicorn-pig hybrids that fart confetti; a candy-covered Sphinx sculpture; and candy recreations of such artworks as the “Mona Lisa,” Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” and Rodin’s “The Thinker.” (amNY) & (amNY) DIVE INTO A HUGE MARSHMALLOW PIT AT CANDYTOPIA
“First it was in Los Angeles, and now it’s made its way to the east coast. Candytopia is officially open in NYC! Just like many other pop-ups, this one has uniquely designed rooms — except this one is all about candy. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll want to snag a ticket and enjoy the marshmallow pit and candy-filled rooms.” (bestproducts.com)
♦ 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.
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.
In 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).
=========================================================
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.
===========================================================================
Today’s Sweet 6 NYC Events > FRIDAY/ SEPTEMBER 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 as1-2-3.
For future NYC Events, check the tab above: “NYC Events-September”
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.
CHRIS POTTER TRIO (through Sept. 30) at the Village Vanguard / 8:30 and 10:30 p.m., $35
“One of jazz’s standard-bearing tenor saxophonists since the 1990s, Mr. Potter revels in an unflinching command at almost every part of his instrument. He’s equally measured and insistent, and never grows too garrulous, even when he’s moving quickly across a leaping range. As if to unsettle his own strength — or to emphasize it — Mr. Potter often experiments with new groups and configurations. Through Sunday he is at the Vanguard with a stunning trio that he convened recently: James Francies on keyboards and Eric Harland on drums.” (NYT-GIOVANNI RUSSONELLO)
Samson et Dalila (next Oct.01)
The Metropolitan Opera Lincoln Center, Metropolitan Opera House / 7:30PM, $30+
“When mezzo-soprano Elīna Garanča and tenor Roberto Alagna joined forces for a new production of Carmen at the Met, the results were electrifying. Now this star duo reunites for another sensual French opera when they open the season in the title roles of Saint-Saëns’s biblical epic Samson et Dalila. Darko Tresnjak, who won a Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical in 2014 for A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder, makes his Met debut directing a vivid, seductive staging, featuring a monumental setting for the last-act Temple of Dagon, where the hero crushes his Philistine enemies. Sir Mark Elder conducts the first new Met production of the work in 20 years.”
The 16th Annual New York Burlesque Festival (Sept.27-30)
various locations & covers & times
“Burlesque superstars from around the globe gather in NYC for four days of shows and parties. This annual festival celebrating the art of the striptease marks its 16th year with a packed lineup of local stars like World Famous BOB, Gigi Bon Bon and Calamity Chang along with international guest performers. There will some big shows in Brooklyn and Manhattan, celebratory parties, a panel discussion and burlesque bazaar in Chelsea, and an awards event at the Highline Ballroom on Sunday night at which the Golden Pastie Awards will be handed out.” (NYCGO.COM)
John Lloyd Young’s Broadway (Sept.25-29) Feinstein’s 54 Below / 7PM, $75+
“The Tony-winning star of Jersey Boys, both the Broadway musical and the Clint Eastwood film, brings his musical highs and puppyish eyes back to Feinstein’s/54 Below in a new set that focuses on songs from the Great White Way, including selections from Jesus Christ Superstar, The Wiz, Hair and Hamilton.” (TONY)
CHICK COREA TRIO (Sept. 25-29) at Blue Note / 8 and 10:30 p.m., $55+
“Mr. Corea, a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master, is equally well known as a pianist, composer and pioneer of jazz-rock fusion. His wakeful touch and crystal-clear harmonic style make him one of the music’s most recognizable and distinguished improvisers. His landmark, multidisc album “The Musician,” released last year, was captured at the Blue Note during a long string of shows in 2011, when he played with different ensembles over the course of a month. He appears this time in a simple trio, playing with two frequent collaborators: Carlitos del Puerto on bass and Marcus Gilmore on drums.” (NYT-GIOVANNI RUSSONELLO)
Smart Stuff / Other NYC Events
(Lectures/Discussions, Book Talks, Film, Classes, Food & Drink, Other)
The Affordable Art Fair (Sept.27-30)
Upgrade your space with art Metropolitan Pavilion / mm, $10-$80
“You probably can’t paint your apartment, but that’s no excuse to leave your walls bare. The Affordable Art Fair at the Metropolitan Pavilion brings more than 70 local, national an international galleries showcasing over 300 artists, with pieces that start at just $100 for everything from sculptures to photographs, large and small, classic to contemporary. There are also workshops and tours.” (Metro)
Oktoberfest NYC: Where to grab a beer and celebrate (Sept.22-Oct.15)
“Oktoberfest may seem far off, but it’s less than a month away. The Bavarian festival is kicking off Sept. 22 in Munich and the city’s festivities will begin in earnest.
So, if you’re looking for some lederhosen-laden action closer to home, here are beer-and-sausage-fueled affairs in New York City.” (amNY)
Check here for a full description of each of 11 events.
Lukes Lobster
“Remember when lobster rolls cost less than your paycheck? Luke’s Lobster does, and to celebrate its ninth anniversary, the chain will lower the price of their signature lobster rolls to their 2009 price of $14, through October 1. And because they own their own supply chain and can pass the savings on to you, they’re permanently lowering the price to $16 after that, $1 less than the current cost.” (grubstreet)
Candytopia(thru Nov.15) Candytopia @ Penn Plaza, 145 W. 32nd St./ 10AM-8:30PM, $34
“This interactive candy exhibit, which has drawn the likes of Drew Barrymore, Gwyneth Paltrow, James Corden and Wiz Khalifa from California, has more than a dozen rooms and art installations including a swimming pool filled with about half a million giant marshmallows; unicorn-pig hybrids that fart confetti; a candy-covered Sphinx sculpture; and candy recreations of such artworks as the “Mona Lisa,” Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” and Rodin’s “The Thinker.” (amNY) & (amNY) DIVE INTO A HUGE MARSHMALLOW PIT AT CANDYTOPIA
“First it was in Los Angeles, and now it’s made its way to the east coast. Candytopia is officially open in NYC! Just like many other pop-ups, this one has uniquely designed rooms — except this one is all about candy. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll want to snag a ticket and enjoy the marshmallow pit and candy-filled rooms.” (bestproducts.com)
♦ 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.
===========================================================
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.
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 09/26 and 09/24.
Today’s Sweet 6 NYC Events > THURSDAY/ SEPTEMBER 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 as1-2-3.
For future NYC Events, check the tab above: “NYC Events-September”
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.
Aakash Mittal’s Awaz Trio Atrium at Lincoln Center / 7:30PM, FREE
“Led by the “fiery alto saxophonist and prolific composer” Aakash Mittal (Minneapolis Star Tribune), the Awaz Trio sculpts sonic landscapes, pointillistic textures, and angular melodies from Indian and American improvised music. Their debut project, Nocturne, is a series of pieces that deconstructs five Hindustani evening and night ragas. The colorful dissonances, meditative silences, and punctuated rhythms that emerge paint a unique picture of the night. At times the music evokes the meditation of a world at rest, night terrors conjured by the imagination, and the slow cadence of blue light melting into darkness. Nocturne is part of the trio’s mission to create new work that explores the concept of Awaz, a Hindi-Urdu word that changes meaning between sound, noise, and voice depending on the context.”
ANGELIQUE KIDJO at Rumsey Playfield / 7 p.m., FREE
“The seemingly ageless 58-year-old singer closes the 2018 SummerStage season performing selections from the Talking Heads’ seminal 1980 album “Remain in Light,” which she covered in full this year. Produced by Jeff Bhasker, who has collaborated with Kanye West and Mark Ronson, Ms. Kidjo’s version draws out the original’s Afrobeat influences with arrangements rooted in the musical traditions of her native Benin. West African percussion and lyric guitar riffs star in her lush takes on the familiar songs, making them even more impossible not to dance to. The activist Resistance Revival Chorus opens.” (NYT-NATALIE WEINER)
The 16th Annual New York Burlesque Festival.
various locations & covers & times
“Burlesque superstars from around the globe gather in NYC for four days of shows and parties. This annual festival celebrating the art of the striptease marks its 16th year with a packed lineup of local stars like World Famous BOB, Gigi Bon Bon and Calamity Chang along with international guest performers. There will some big shows in Brooklyn and Manhattan, celebratory parties, a panel discussion and burlesque bazaar in Chelsea, and an awards event at the Highline Ballroom on Sunday night at which the Golden Pastie Awards will be handed out.” (NYCGO.COM)
John Lloyd Young’s Broadway (Sept.25-29) Feinstein’s 54 Below / 7PM, $75+
“The Tony-winning star of Jersey Boys, both the Broadway musical and the Clint Eastwood film, brings his musical highs and puppyish eyes back to Feinstein’s/54 Below in a new set that focuses on songs from the Great White Way, including selections from Jesus Christ Superstar, The Wiz, Hair and Hamilton.” (TONY)
Pamelia Stickney (Sept.25-29) The Stone at the New School /8:30PM, $20
“One has to be awfully jaded not to get a kick out of watching a skilled practitioner coax beguiling sounds from a theremin, a device that allows you to manipulate electronically induced sound waves by moving your hands through the air—in effect playing an instrument you can’t see or feel. The musical magician Stickney is joined at this residency by a host of game improvisers, including the cellist Erik Friedlander, the saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock, and the percussionist Susie Ibarra.” (Steve Futterman, NewYorker)
CHICK COREA TRIO (Sept. 25-29) at Blue Note / 8 and 10:30 p.m., $55+
“Mr. Corea, a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master, is equally well known as a pianist, composer and pioneer of jazz-rock fusion. His wakeful touch and crystal-clear harmonic style make him one of the music’s most recognizable and distinguished improvisers. His landmark, multidisc album “The Musician,” released last year, was captured at the Blue Note during a long string of shows in 2011, when he played with different ensembles over the course of a month. He appears this time in a simple trio, playing with two frequent collaborators: Carlitos del Puerto on bass and Marcus Gilmore on drums.” (NYT-GIOVANNI RUSSONELLO)
Oktoberfest NYC: Where to grab a beer and celebrate (Sept.22-Oct.15)
“Oktoberfest may seem far off, but it’s less than a month away. The Bavarian festival is kicking off Sept. 22 in Munich and the city’s festivities will begin in earnest.
So, if you’re looking for some lederhosen-laden action closer to home, here are beer-and-sausage-fueled affairs in New York City.” (amNY)
Check here for a full description of each of 11 events.
Fear & Force: New York City’s Sons of Liberty
Fraunces Tavern Museum, 54 Pearl St./ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, $7
“We may not like paying taxes, but we would never think to tar and feather the tax collector. Yet as many of the colonists prepared for what would be the American Revolution, there was an organized group who opposed the government through violent resistance. Come see objects preserved from pivotal moments relating to the New York Sons of Liberty, like the tearing down of the King George statue in Bowling Green Park, and throwing chests of tea into the New York Harbor.”
Candytopia(thru Nov.15)
Candytopia @ Penn Plaza, 145 W. 32nd St./ 10AM-8:30PM, $34
“This interactive candy exhibit, which has drawn the likes of Drew Barrymore, Gwyneth Paltrow, James Corden and Wiz Khalifa from California, has more than a dozen rooms and art installations including a swimming pool filled with about half a million giant marshmallows; unicorn-pig hybrids that fart confetti; a candy-covered Sphinx sculpture; and candy recreations of such artworks as the “Mona Lisa,” Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” and Rodin’s “The Thinker.” (amNY) & (amNY) DIVE INTO A HUGE MARSHMALLOW PIT AT CANDYTOPIA
“First it was in Los Angeles, and now it’s made its way to the east coast. Candytopia is officially open in NYC! Just like many other pop-ups, this one has uniquely designed rooms — except this one is all about candy. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll want to snag a ticket and enjoy the marshmallow pit and candy-filled rooms.” (bestproducts.com)
♦ 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:
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.
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.”)
Those 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.
Today’s Sweet 6 NYC Events > WEDNESDAY/ SEPTEMBER 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-September”
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.
Aida (next Sept.29, 8PM)
The Metropolitan Opera Lincoln Center, Metropolitan Opera House / 7:30PM, $
“In what should be a highlight of the new season, soprano Anna Netrebko sings her first Met Aida, going toe-to-toe with mezzo-soprano Anita Rachvelishvili as Amneris. Later in the season, a second star-studded cast takes over, with Sondra Radvanovsky and Dolora Zajick as the leading ladies.Tenors Aleksandrs Antonenko and Yonghoon Lee alternate as Radamès, and Nicola Luisotti and Plácido Domingo take the podium for the Met’s monumental production.”
ALL BALANCHINE (next is Feb.28, better catch it tonight)
New York City Ballet NYS Theater, Lincoln Center / 7:30PM, $35+
“This evening’s four distinctive ballets, created across more than three decades, reveal the wonderful variety of Balanchine’s neoclassical style. In Concerto Barocco he matches the serene purity of Bach. Tschaikovsky Pas de Deux is a tour de force that never fails to thrill, and Stravinsky Violin Concerto dazzles with its intricate dynamics. The ebullient Symphony in C, set to Bizet, remains one of the most treasured ballets of the Balanchine repertory.”
John Kelly Sings Joni Mitchell: Down to You Joe’s Pub / 9:30PM, $25
“Performance artist, countertenor, choreographer and professional oddity John Kelly keeps his head in the Clouds and works Blue in a musical homage to the stubbornly idiosyncratic Canadian songbird Joni Mitchell.” (TONY)
John Lloyd Young’s Broadway (Sept.25-29) Feinstein’s 54 Below / 7PM, $75+
“The Tony-winning star of Jersey Boys, both the Broadway musical and the Clint Eastwood film, brings his musical highs and puppyish eyes back to Feinstein’s/54 Below in a new set that focuses on songs from the Great White Way, including selections from Jesus Christ Superstar, The Wiz, Hair and Hamilton.” (TONY)
Pamelia Stickney (Sept.25-29) The Stone at the New School /8:30PM, $20
“One has to be awfully jaded not to get a kick out of watching a skilled practitioner coax beguiling sounds from a theremin, a device that allows you to manipulate electronically induced sound waves by moving your hands through the air—in effect playing an instrument you can’t see or feel. The musical magician Stickney is joined at this residency by a host of game improvisers, including the cellist Erik Friedlander, the saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock, and the percussionist Susie Ibarra.” (Steve Futterman, NewYorker)
CHICK COREA TRIO (Sept. 25-29) at Blue Note / 8 and 10:30 p.m., $55+
“Mr. Corea, a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master, is equally well known as a pianist, composer and pioneer of jazz-rock fusion. His wakeful touch and crystal-clear harmonic style make him one of the music’s most recognizable and distinguished improvisers. His landmark, multidisc album “The Musician,” released last year, was captured at the Blue Note during a long string of shows in 2011, when he played with different ensembles over the course of a month. He appears this time in a simple trio, playing with two frequent collaborators: Carlitos del Puerto on bass and Marcus Gilmore on drums.” (NYT-GIOVANNI RUSSONELLO)
Oktoberfest NYC: Where to grab a beer and celebrate (Sept.22-Oct.15)
“Oktoberfest may seem far off, but it’s less than a month away. The Bavarian festival is kicking off Sept. 22 in Munich and the city’s festivities will begin in earnest.
So, if you’re looking for some lederhosen-laden action closer to home, here are beer-and-sausage-fueled affairs in New York City.” (amNY)
Check here for a full description of each of 11 events.
Fear & Force: New York City’s Sons of Liberty Fraunces Tavern Museum, 54 Pearl St./ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, $7
“We may not like paying taxes, but we would never think to tar and feather the tax collector. Yet as many of the colonists prepared for what would be the American Revolution, there was an organized group who opposed the government through violent resistance. Come see objects preserved from pivotal moments relating to the New York Sons of Liberty, like the tearing down of the King George statue in Bowling Green Park, and throwing chests of tea into the New York Harbor.”
Candytopia(thru Nov.15) Candytopia @ Penn Plaza, 145 W. 32nd St./ 10AM-8:30PM, $34
“This interactive candy exhibit, which has drawn the likes of Drew Barrymore, Gwyneth Paltrow, James Corden and Wiz Khalifa from California, has more than a dozen rooms and art installations including a swimming pool filled with about half a million giant marshmallows; unicorn-pig hybrids that fart confetti; a candy-covered Sphinx sculpture; and candy recreations of such artworks as the “Mona Lisa,” Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” and Rodin’s “The Thinker.” (amNY) & (amNY) DIVE INTO A HUGE MARSHMALLOW PIT AT CANDYTOPIA
“First it was in Los Angeles, and now it’s made its way to the east coast. Candytopia is officially open in NYC! Just like many other pop-ups, this one has uniquely designed rooms — except this one is all about candy. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll want to snag a ticket and enjoy the marshmallow pit and candy-filled rooms.” (bestproducts.com)
♦ 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.
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)
‘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 outthesespecial exhibitions atthat little museum on Fifth Ave.,The Metropolitan Museum of Art
(open 7 days /week, AND always Pay What You Wish for NewYorkers)
‘OBSESSION: NUDES BY KLIMT, SCHIELE AND PICASSO’Note this is at the Met Breuer (through Oct. 7). “The highlight of this uneven but jewel-studded show of erotically charged nudes from the bequest of an eccentric woolen goods heir is Egon Schiele’s incandescent “Seated Woman in Chemise.” The 1914 drawing shows a nearly naked model seated on the floor holding apart her folded legs with her hands. From the top of her egg-shaped, doll-like head, so idealized it’s practically inhuman, to the blunt exposure of her sex, rendered as simply and honestly as the medium allows, she’s an unresolvable contest of fantasy and reality” (Will Heinrich) 212-731-1675,metmuseum.org
‘HEAVENLY BODIES: FASHION AND THE CATHOLIC IMAGINATION’ (through Oct. 8). “Let us pray. After last year’s stark exhibition of Rei Kawakubo’s irregular apparel, the Met Costume Institute is back in blockbuster mode with this three-part blowout on the influence of Catholicism on haute couture of the last century. The trinity of fashion begins downstairs at the Met with the exceptional loans of vestments from the Vatican; upstairs are gowns fit for angels in heaven (by Lanvin, Thierry Mugler, Rodarte) or angels fallen to earth (such as slinky Versace sheaths garlanded with crosses). The scenography at the Met is willfully operatic — spotlights, choir music — which militates against serious thinking about fashion and religion, but up at the Cloisters, by far the strongest third of the show, you can commune more peacefully with an immaculate Balenciaga wedding gown or a divine Valentino gown embroidered with Cranac’s Adam and Eve.” (Farago)
‘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.” (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 09/24 and 09/22.
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Today’s Elite 8 NYC Events > TUESDAY/ SEPTEMBER 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 as1-2-3.
For future NYC Events, check the tab above: “NYC Events-September”
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.
CHICK COREA TRIO (Sept. 25-29) at Blue Note / 8 and 10:30 p.m., $55+
“Mr. Corea, a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master, is equally well known as a pianist, composer and pioneer of jazz-rock fusion. His wakeful touch and crystal-clear harmonic style make him one of the music’s most recognizable and distinguished improvisers. His landmark, multidisc album “The Musician,” released last year, was captured at the Blue Note during a long string of shows in 2011, when he played with different ensembles over the course of a month. He appears this time in a simple trio, playing with two frequent collaborators: Carlitos del Puerto on bass and Marcus Gilmore on drums.” (NYT-GIOVANNI RUSSONELLO)
JEWELS(LAST DAY)
New York City Ballet NYS Theater, Lincoln Center / 3PM, $35+
“A cherished staple of the repertory since its 1967 debut, Jewels was inspired by a visit George Balanchine made to the jewelers Van Cleef & Arpels. Widely considered to be the first full-length abstract ballet, its three sections — the lyrical Emeralds, the jazz-inflected Rubies, and the regal Diamonds — express the breadth of Balanchine’s ability.”
John Lloyd Young’s Broadway (Sept.25-29) Feinstein’s 54 Below / 7PM, $75+
“The Tony-winning star of Jersey Boys, both the Broadway musical and the Clint Eastwood film, brings his musical highs and puppyish eyes back to Feinstein’s/54 Below in a new set that focuses on songs from the Great White Way, including selections from Jesus Christ Superstar, The Wiz, Hair and Hamilton.” (TONY)
Juilliard Jazz Orchestra | “Kenya” by Machito The Juilliard School, Peter Jay Sharp Theater / 7:30PM, $20
“José Madera, guest conductor John Rodriguez and George Delgado, guest percussionists”
La Bohème (next Sept.29,12:30PM)
The Metropolitan Opera Lincoln Center, Metropolitan Opera House / 7:30PM, $30+
“Puccini’s timeless masterpiece of love and loss features two casts of young stars. Sopranos Nicole Car (in her highly anticipated Met debut) and Ailyn Pérez share the role of the ill-fated Mimì, opposite tenors Vittorio Grigolo and Michael Fabiano as the ardent poet Rodolfo. After a celebrated Met debut as Mimì in 2017, Angel Blue returns as the spitfire Musetta, and Etienne Dupuis and Lucas Meachem appear as Marcello. James Gaffigan conducts.”
Pamelia Stickney (Sept.25-29) The Stone at the New School /8:30PM, $20
“One has to be awfully jaded not to get a kick out of watching a skilled practitioner coax beguiling sounds from a theremin, a device that allows you to manipulate electronically induced sound waves by moving your hands through the air—in effect playing an instrument you can’t see or feel. The musical magician Stickney is joined at this residency by a host of game improvisers, including the cellist Erik Friedlander, the saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock, and the percussionist Susie Ibarra.” (Steve Futterman, NewYorker)
Smart Stuff / Other NYC Events
(Lectures/Discussions, Book Talks, Film, Classes, Food & Drink, Other)
Governor Jerry Brown in Conversation with Author Miriam Pawel: The Browns of California Graduate Center, CUNY, 365 Fifth Ave./ 6:30PM, FREE with RSVP
“Governor Jerry Brown joins Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Miriam Pawel to talk about The Browns of California: The Family Dynasty That Transformed a State and Shaped a Nation. The book uses the Brown family dynasty to trace California history and its impact on the nation.” (ThoughtGallery.org)
The Other Munch: Extended Discussion with Writer Karl Ove Knausgaard and Directors Emil & Joachim Trier Film Society of Lincoln Center, 70 Lincoln Center Plaza / 8PM, STAND-BY ONLY
“You’ll scream for this conversation and screening of the documentary The Other Munch, which follows Norwegian writer Karl Ove Knausgaard as he guest curates an exhibition of Edvard Munch paintings at Oslo’s Munch Museum.” (ThoughtGallery.org)
Oktoberfest NYC: Where to grab a beer and celebrate (Sept.22-Oct.15)
“Oktoberfest may seem far off, but it’s less than a month away. The Bavarian festival is kicking off Sept. 22 in Munich and the city’s festivities will begin in earnest.
So, if you’re looking for some lederhosen-laden action closer to home, here are beer-and-sausage-fueled affairs in New York City.” (amNY)
Check here for a full description of each of 11 events.
Fear & Force: New York City’s Sons of Liberty Fraunces Tavern Museum, 54 Pearl St./ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, $7
“We may not like paying taxes, but we would never think to tar and feather the tax collector. Yet as many of the colonists prepared for what would be the American Revolution, there was an organized group who opposed the government through violent resistance. Come see objects preserved from pivotal moments relating to the New York Sons of Liberty, like the tearing down of the King George statue in Bowling Green Park, and throwing chests of tea into the New York Harbor.”
Candytopia(thru Nov.15) Candytopia @ Penn Plaza, 145 W. 32nd St./ 10AM-8:30PM, $34
“This interactive candy exhibit, which has drawn the likes of Drew Barrymore, Gwyneth Paltrow, James Corden and Wiz Khalifa from California, has more than a dozen rooms and art installations including a swimming pool filled with about half a million giant marshmallows; unicorn-pig hybrids that fart confetti; a candy-covered Sphinx sculpture; and candy recreations of such artworks as the “Mona Lisa,” Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” and Rodin’s “The Thinker.” (amNY) & (amNY) DIVE INTO A HUGE MARSHMALLOW PIT AT CANDYTOPIA
“First it was in Los Angeles, and now it’s made its way to the east coast. Candytopia is officially open in NYC! Just like many other pop-ups, this one has uniquely designed rooms — except this one is all about candy. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll want to snag a ticket and enjoy the marshmallow pit and candy-filled rooms.” (bestproducts.com)
♦ 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.
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’. ”
Each 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.
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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.
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.
======================================================== “3 Good Eating places” focuses on a quick bite, what I call “Fine Fast Food – NYCity Style”
No reservations needed.
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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.
Today’s Elite 8 NYC Events > MONDAY/ SEPTEMBER 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 as1-2-3.
For future NYC Events, check the tab above: “NYC Events-September”
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.
Samson et Dalila (next Sept.28)
The Metropolitan Opera Lincoln Center, Metropolitan Opera House / 6PM, $30+
“When mezzo-soprano Elīna Garanča and tenor Roberto Alagna joined forces for a new production of Carmen at the Met, the results were electrifying. Now this star duo reunites for another sensual French opera when they open the season in the title roles of Saint-Saëns’s biblical epic Samson et Dalila. Darko Tresnjak, who won a Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical in 2014 for A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder, makes his Met debut directing a vivid, seductive staging, featuring a monumental setting for the last-act Temple of Dagon, where the hero crushes his Philistine enemies. Sir Mark Elder conducts the first new Met production of the work in 20 years.”
PLUS Met Opera Opening Night in Times Square
Watch the Metropolitan Opera’s opening production, “Samson et Dalila” by Saint-Saen, on the big television screens in Manhattan’s Times Square. (Free, 6 to 9:15 p.m., timessquarenyc.org)
‘SWEETHEART OF THE RODEO’: 50TH ANNIVERSARY at the Town Hall / 7:30 p.m., $49+
“When the Byrds released their country-rock experiment “Sweetheart of the Rodeo” in 1968, it appeared to be a flop both commercially and around Nashville, where hippies were viewed with considerable suspicion. In the 50 years since, though, the album has been embraced as a milestone in country and rock — especially by those who make the kind of country music that exists on Music City’s fringes. To celebrate its golden anniversary, the Byrds’ founding members Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman are touring together for the first time in over two decades, performing the album in its entirety with the country star Marty Stuart and his band. Monday’s show is sold out, but tickets are available through the resale market.” (NYT-NATALIE WEINER)
Faculty Recital: American Brass Quintet
The Juilliard School, Lincoln Center, Paul Recital Hall / 7:30PM, $20
Kevin Cobb and Louis Hanzlik, trumpets Eric Reed, horn Michael Powell, trombone John D. Rojak, bass trombone
“The American Brass Quintet makes their annual Juilliard appearance, featuring student brass players from Juilliard. The American Brass Quintet performs works from the ever-changing brass chamber music repertoire—works often commissioned or unearthed and arranged by members of the Quintet as part of their efforts to promote the brass quintet as a significant chamber music form. Founded in 1960 and Juilliard’s resident brass ensemble since 1987, the ABQ has been hailed as “the high priests of brass” (Newsweek) and “positively breathtaking” (The New York Times).”
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)
Elsewhere, but this looks worth the detour: SIGURD HOLE at ShapeShifter Lab / 7 p.m., $15
“Sigurd Hole, a Norwegian bassist, is the kind of player whose big and understated sound can subtly deepen any group he joins; he’s among the most popular side musicians on his home country’s thriving jazz scene. Mr. Hole recently released a pair of debut albums under his own name. One is an atmospheric solo bass recording. The other contains original music influenced by Indian and Middle Eastern classical modes, which he plays in a trio. At this show, his first in New York, he will play two sets: first solo and then in a trio featuring Mark Feldman on violin and Jarle Vespestad on drums.” (NYT-GIOVANNI RUSSONELLO)
Broadway Sings Justin Timberlake: Unplugged The Green Room 42 / 7PM, +9:30PM, $20+
“At the rate Broadway is going, we can reasonably expect a Justin Timberlake jukebox musical around 2030 or so. But you can get a leg up at this evening of JT hits performed by rising musical-theater stars, backed by an acoustic band led by arranger and piano man Joshua Stephen Kartes, in this spinoff of the Broadway Sings concert series. Performers include Jalni Alladin, Gerard Canonico, Ben Fankhauser, Jai’len Josey, Corey Mach, Marla Mindelle, Colton Ryan and Natalie Weiss.” (TONY)
Smart Stuff / Other NYC Events
(Lectures/Discussions, Book Talks, Film, Classes, Food & Drink, Other)
Westworld’s Shakespeare: A Case for Serial Reading Deutsches Haus at NYU, 42 Washington Mews / 6:30PM, FREE
“Professor of English and American Studies Elisabeth Bronfen speaks on the HBO series Westworld and how the serial return of Shakespeare citations within the show functions in tandem with the narrative’s own complex loops.” (ThoughtGallery.org)
“Westworld, a postmodern splice between artificial intelligence fantasy and the classic Western, quotes no text more often than Shakespeare’s plays. This lecture explores how the serial return of these citations reflects on the seriality of this prestige television show, itself conceived as a complex narrative loop. At the same time, this lecture also looks at how rereading Shakespeare’s plays through the lens of this subsequent recycling might change our understanding of these plays.”
Fighting Back Against Attacks On Climate Science Columbia University, Law School, 435 W. 116th St.,Room 103
6:30 pm, FREE; RSVP required
“Attacks on both the message and the messengers of climate science have been disturbingly resilient. Why is that? What are the best ways to reconnect sound science with clear-thinking public action on climate change? What strategies are climate scientists and science communicators developing now?” (ClubFreeTime)
Moderator: John Schwartz, New York Times Science Reporter
Panelists
Robin E. Bell, Professor, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
David Biello, TEDEd, Science Curator
Lisa Garcia, Vice President of Litigation for Healthy Communities, Earthjustice
Jeff Nesbitt, Climate Nexus, Executive Director
Due to the overwhelming demand for tickets which have far exceeded the capacity of the room, Columbia University has decided to live stream this event.
Oktoberfest NYC: Where to grab a beer and celebrate (Sept.22-Oct.15)
“Oktoberfest may seem far off, but it’s less than a month away. The Bavarian festival is kicking off Sept. 22 in Munich and the city’s festivities will begin in earnest.
So, if you’re looking for some lederhosen-laden action closer to home, here are beer-and-sausage-fueled affairs in New York City.” (amNY)
Check here for a full description of each of 11 events.
♦ 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:
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.
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
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.” (The New Yorker)
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.
============================================================== For other selected Museum and Gallery Special Exhibitions see Recent Posts in right Sidebar dated 09/22 and 09/20.
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NYCity 1-2-3 : What's Happening / Manhattan's WestSide 