NYC Events,”Only the Best” (09/05) + US Tennis Open (Day 9)

Posted on 09/05/2017 by GregD

“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 better check the tab above: “Notable NYC Events-September”
It’s the most comprehensive list of top events this month that you’ll find anywhere.

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

Fantasyland: Kurt Andersen in Conversation with Kwame Anthony Appiah
NYPL main building Celeste Auditorium, / 6:30PM, FREE
“Fantasyland, the latest book by Kurt Andersen, bestselling author and co-creator of the public radio show Studio 360, is a comprehensive examination of our post-truth world and the history of the American instinct to believe in make-believe.

Andersen argues that the tendency to see our current “alternative-facts” moment as a new phenomenon belies four centuries of magical thinkers and true believers, hucksters and suckers, who have embedded an appetite for believe-whatever-you-want fantasy into our national DNA. From the Salem witch trials to P. T. Barnum to extraterrestrial conspiracy theories, Fantasyland suggests that America’s love of the fantastic has made this country exceptional in a way that has yet to be explored.

Andersen will speak with writer, philosopher, and NYU professor Kwame Anthony Appiah. A book signing will follow the program.”

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6 OTHER TOP NYC EVENTS TODAY (see below for full listing)

>>STEVE KUHN TRIO
>>Jeff (Tain) Watts
>>Sugar: In Concert
>>Roy Haynes
>>Daniil Simkin
>>Book Launch: Mean Men by Professor Mark Lipton
 ===========================================================

Music, Dance, Performing Arts

STEVE KUHN TRIO (Sept. 5-9)
at Birdland / 8:30 and 11PM, $40
“Mr. Kuhn is a prodigious pianist whose talents reveal themselves gently. For over 50 years he has honed a sound that’s bright and stark, especially in the upper register. His playing is pleasant and reassuring, but also distinctive: He’s influenced in equal measure by Bill Evans and Red Garland. He appears here with his working trio, featuring the bassist Steve Swallow and the drummer Joey Baron. The group will enter the studio to record its third album soon after this run of shows ends.” (NYT-GIOVANNI RUSSONELLO)

Jeff (Tain) Watts (Sept. 5-10)
Jazz Standard, 116 E. 27th St./ 7:30PM, +9:30PM, $30
“Paying tribute to Elvin Jones, the late genius of modern-jazz drumming whose name is indelibly linked with that of John Coltrane, the relentlessly propulsive drummer brings together veterans of Jones’s bands, including the saxophonists Sonny Fortune, Dave Liebman, and Ravi Coltrane. He concludes the engagement with a trio featuring the guitarist Kevin Eubanks that will also honor Jones.” (NewYorker)

Sugar: In Concert
Feinstein’s/54 Below / 7PM, +9:30PM, $30+
“Lesli Margherita, Hunter Ryan Herdlicka, Matt Hetherington, Tony Sheldon and original cast member Tony Roberts star in a concert version of this 1972 musical adaptation of Some Like It Hot, with a book by Peter Stone and a score by the Funny Girl team of Jule Styne and Bob Merrill.” (TONY)

Roy Haynes
Blue Note / 8pm,+10:30pm; $30-$45
“When this drum legend says that he’s played with “everybody,” it’s not just a figure of speech: The virtuoso’s former employers include Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Louis Armstrong, to name only a few. Haynes remains a galvanizing bandleader and garrulous crowd-pleaser, not to mention one of the hardest-swinging percussionists ever to pick up sticks.” (TONY)

Daniil Simkin
at the Guggenheim Museum / 8PM, 9:30PM, $35–$40
“Daniil Simkin, a 29-year-old principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre, has spearheaded a project resulting in Falls the Shadow, a new work composed in and for the seven-story, quarter-mile-long rotunda designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Alejandro Cerrudo choreographed the piece, which has multimedia projections engineered by Dmitrij Simkin, Daniil’s dad, who after a 25-year dance career now works as a stage designer. Performing the 30-minute premiere are Ana Lopez of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Cassandra Trenary of ABT, former Alonzo King LINES dancer Brett Conway, and the effervescent, often airborne Daniil himself. Spectators will view the piece from the spiraling rotunda, standing through the entire work: Wear comfortable shoes and leave your baggage at home.” (Elizabeth Zimmer, Village Voice)

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

Book Launch: Mean Men by Professor Mark Lipton
The New School, 66 W. 12th St./ 6PM, FREE, resv. required
“There may be human echoes to the story of “The Garbage Dump Troop,” a tribe of Kenyan baboons who shifted into a markedly less jerky society after its alpha males died off from poisoned meat. A panel of experts joins the author of Mean Men: The Perversion of America’s Self-Made Man, which synthesizes decades of psychological research to look at success stories like Steve Jobs, Lance Armstrong, and Donald Trump—all known for their meanness—and to propose more humanistic approaches to leadership. The New School.” (ThoughtGallery.org)

TODAY’S TOP EVENT

U.S. TENNIS OPEN Day 9 (thru Sept. 10)

September 1, 2017 – Sloane Stephens in action against Ashleigh Barty at the 2017 US Open.

The U.S. Open begins play today @ 12PM at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens (about 45 min. from Times Square.) This tournament serves up the world’s best tennis players right in our backyard. Celebrating its 20th year at Arthur Ashe Stadium, it is the fourth and final Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year.
subway: @ Times Square take #7 to Willets Point.

Today’s tips: Arrive Early. Security screening seems to have been ratcheted up which may cause delays to enter. Best not to bring a bag. The best, most comprehensive review of the tournament and the current state of tennis can be found at the NYTimes/Sports.

PLUS, head over to Sports Illustrated for their comprehensive list of insider tips for attending the U.S. Open.

For the full schedule of play today, click here.

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

USOpen.org Day 9 quarterfinal picks
Tuesday, September 05, 2017
Check out the picks of the USOpen.org editorial team for the Day 9 quarterfinal matches:

No. 12 PABLO CARRENO BUSTA (ESP) vs. No. 29 DIEGO SCHWARTZMAN (ARG)
Jonathon Braden: The Spaniard stays tough, determined to advance. Carreno Busta in 4.
E.J. Crawford: Schwartzman was hurting at the end of his win over Lucas Pouille, which could spell trouble against the indefatigable Carreno Busta. Carreno Busta in 4.
Andrew Eichenholz: If Denis Shapovalov could not consistently hit through the Spaniard’s steady level, it is hard to see Schwartzman doing so. Carreno Busta in 4.
Richard Finn: The little big man takes advantage of a letdown from the Spaniard after beating Shapovalov. Schwartzman wins in 4.

SLOANE STEPHENS (USA) vs. No. 16 ANASTASIJA SEVASTOVA (LAT)
Jonathon Braden: Sloane continues to thrive out of the spotlight and returns to a Grand Slam semifinal. Stephens in 2.
E.J. Crawford: Sevastova is a gutty competitor and a tough out, but this has the feel of a special run for Stephens. The American in 3.
Richard Finn: The unseeded American keeps going with the support of the home crowd. Stephens defeats Sevastova in 3 sets.
David Satriano: Stephens missed three of the past four Slams because of a foot injury but has come back and found a way to advance to the quarters, beating two seeded players along the way. Expect her run in Flushing to continue with a three-set win and a trip to the semifinals.

No. 9 VENUS WILLIAMS (USA) vs. No. 13 PETRA KVITOVA (CZE)
Robbie Frischling-Sosman: Venus saves match points before getting through in a tight 3
Shazeen Khan: Kvitova has been performing really well since returning from her injury. If she plays as well as she did against Muguruza in the last round, I expect her to defeat Venus Williams in 3.
David Satriano: Kvitova has looked sharp to this point and hasn’t expended much energy, with none of her four matches going beyond two sets. The two-time Wimbledon champion will end Williams’ chance at her first Open title since 2001 and first Slam since 2005. Kvitova in 2.
Neil Schlecht: A Tuesday-night final is what this essentially is, a heavyweight bout between two of the most aggressive players and nicest women on tour. Petra is playing with house money, and she will outlast Venus in a classic that goes to the wire.

No. 17 SAM QUERREY (USA) vs. No. 28 KEVIN ANDERSON (RSA)
Jonathon Braden: No one is playing better than Querrey right now, and the American uses the home-court advantage to oust Anderson in a Grand Slam for the second time this year. Querrey in 5.
Andrew Eichenholz: Querrey and Anderson played an absolute epic at Wimbledon, but the American has gained even more confidence since and will not allow Anderson to control points. Querrey in 4.
Richard Osborn: Buoyed by his run at the All England Club (where he stunned then-world No. 1 Andy Murray), Querrey has enjoyed a strong summer. The power-serving South African Anderson won’t give it away, but the American will advance in 5.
David Satriano: The last remaining American in the draw defeated Anderson in five sets in the fourth round at Wimbledon this year and will have the home crowd behind him, becoming the first American to reach the semifinals here since Andy Roddick in 2006. Querrey in 4.
Neil Schlecht: A titanic battle between two big-hitting, big dudes. Anderson won their last match convincingly this summer, but Sam the Wimbledon semifinalist has never looked better. The American in 4 tight ones.

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

Bonus NYC events– Jazz Venues:
Many consider NYCity the Jazz capital of the world. Here are my favorite Jazz clubs, all on Manhattan’s WestSide. Check out who is playing tonight:

Greenwich Village:
(5 are underground, classic jazz joints. all 6 are within walking distance of each other):
Village Vanguard – UG, 178 7th Ave. South, villagevanguard.com, 212-255-4037
Blue Note – 131 W3rd St. nr 6th ave. bluenotejazz.com, 212-475-8592
55 Bar – basement @55 Christopher St. nr 7th ave.S. 55bar.com, 212-929-9883
Mezzrow – basement @ 163 W10th St. nr 7th Ave. mezzrow.com,646-476-4346
Smalls – basement @ 183 W10th St. smallslive.com, 646-476-4346
Cornelia Street Cafe – UG, 29 Cornelia St. corneliastreetcafe.com, 212-989-9319

Outside Greenwich Village:
Dizzy’s Club – Broadway @ 60th St. — jazz.org/dizzys / 212-258-9595
Birdland – 315 W44th St.(btw 8/9ave) — birdlandjazz.com / 212-581-3080
Smoke Jazz Club – 2751 Broadway nr.106th St. — smokejazz.com / 212-864-6662

Special Mention:
Caffe Vivaldi – 32 Jones St. nr Bleecker St. — caffevivaldi.com / 212-691-7538
a classic, old jazz club in the Village, Caffe V often surprises with a wonderfully eclectic lineup. It’s my favorite spot for an evening of listening enjoyment and discovery.

==================================================================================
♦ Before making final plans, we suggest you call the venue to confirm ticket availability, dates and times, as schedules are subject to change.
♦ NYCity, with a population of  8.5 million, had a record 60 million visitors last year and was TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Top U.S. Destination for 2017.  Quality shows draw crowds.
Try to reserve seats for these top NYC events in advance, even if just on day of performance.
NYCity Vacation Travel Guide Video (Expedia):

================================================================================
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NYC Events,”Only the Best” (09/04) + US Tennis Open (Day 8)

Posted on 09/04/2017 by GregD

“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 better check the tab above: “Notable NYC Events-September”
It’s the most comprehensive list of top events this month that you’ll find anywhere.

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

Daniil Simkin (also Sept. 05)
at the Guggenheim Museum / 8PM, 9:30PM, $35–$40
“Daniil Simkin, a 29-year-old principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre, has spearheaded a project resulting in Falls the Shadow, a new work composed in and for the seven-story, quarter-mile-long rotunda designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Alejandro Cerrudo choreographed the piece, which has multimedia projections engineered by Dmitrij Simkin, Daniil’s dad, who after a 25-year dance career now works as a stage designer. Performing the 30-minute premiere are Ana Lopez of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Cassandra Trenary of ABT, former Alonzo King LINES dancer Brett Conway, and the effervescent, often airborne Daniil himself. Spectators will view the piece from the spiraling rotunda, standing through the entire work: Wear comfortable shoes and leave your baggage at home.” (Elizabeth Zimmer, Village Voice)

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

5 OTHER TOP NYC EVENTS TODAY (see below for full listing)

>>THE DIZZY GILLESPIE AFRO CUBAN EXPERIENCE
>>Met Summer HD Festival — La Traviata
>>Jim Caruso’s Cast Party
>>The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra
>>Mad. Sq. Eats
 ===========================================================

Music, Dance, Performing Arts

THE DIZZY GILLESPIE AFRO CUBAN EXPERIENCE
Blue Note Jazz Club / 8:00PM, 10:30PM, $30-$45
“Dizzy Gillespie was introduced to Chano Pozo in 1947 by Mario Bauza. Both became life-long friends and Dizzy and Chano Pozo developed Afro-Cuban jazz, which became extremely successful, attracting people to dance to its unique rhythms. Gillespies most famous contributions to Afro-Cuban music are the compositions “Manteca” and “Tin Tin Deo”.

Machitos Afro Cubans (formed in 1940), the creators of Cu-Bop, were a major influence on musicians like Dizzy Gillespie. Dizzy loved it so much, that in 1975, he invited Machitos son, Mario Grillo or Machito Jr., to join Dizzys band for the recording of Afro-Cuban Jazz Moods. So it only makes sense to have him join the Dizzy Gillespie (TM) Afro Cuban Experience, under the direction of John Lee, Dizzys long-time bassist.”

Met Summer HD Festival — La Traviata
The Metropolitan Opera / 8PM
FREE Opera Screenings on Lincoln Center Plaza
“Verdi’s timeless tragedy stars Sonya Yoncheva as the conflicted courtesan who hopes that pure love can save her from self-destruction. Michael Fabiano is her beloved Alfredo and Thomas Hampson is the imperious father standing in the way of their happiness.”

Jim Caruso’s Cast Party (Cabaret)
Birdland, 315 West 44th St. (btw 8/9 ave) / 9:30PM, $25
the witty host attracts broadway stars on their night off, along with up and comers.
“Part cabaret, part piano bar and part social set, Cast Party offers a chance to hear rising and established talents step up to the microphone (backed by the slap and tickle of Steve Doyle on bass and Billy Stritch at the ivories, plus the bang of Daniel Glass on drums). The waggish Caruso presides as host.” (TONY)

The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra
Village Vanguard, 178 7th Ave. South (btw W11th/Perry St.) / 8:30Pm +10:30PM, $30
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, Literary Readings, Classes, Food & Drink, Other)

Mad. Sq. Eats
Worth Square / 11AM, FREE
“The fall version of this twice-a-year event from UrbanSpace and the Madison Square Park Conservancy runs daily from September 2–29, and it’s your chance to try food from two dozen vendors who converge on the park from all corners of the city. It’ll be hard to go wrong with any of it, but we recommend the po’boys from the Gumbo Brothers and whatever sweet concoction that Renegade Lemonade, Ice & Vice, and Macaron Parlour have teamed up to create. (Hint: It’s called “Renegade Vice Parlour.”) Or, if you look at a plate of chicken and waffles and think, “Wish I didn’t have to sit at a table and bother with utensils to enjoy this,” Chick’nCone is your food trend du jour.” (Mary Bakija, Village Voice)

TODAY’S TOP EVENT

U.S. TENNIS OPEN Day 8 (thru Sept. 10)

The U.S. Open begins play today @ 11AM at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens (about 45 min. from Times Square.) This tournament serves up the world’s best tennis players right in our backyard. Celebrating its 20th year at Arthur Ashe Stadium, it is the fourth and final Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year.
subway: @ Times Square take #7 to Willets Point.

Today’s tips: Arrive Early. Security screening seems to have been ratcheted up which may cause delays to enter. Best not to bring a bag. The best, most comprehensive review of the tournament and the current state of tennis can be found at the NYTimes/Sports.

There is no other major sporting event where you can get so close to world class athletes as at the U.S. Open – on the outer field courts, the Grandstand court, and the new Armstrong stadium, temporary for just this year. These are courts where you can get a real sense of the pace of the game.

PLUS, head over to Sports Illustrated for their comprehensive list of insider tips for attending the U.S. Open.

For the full schedule of play today, click here.

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

USOpen.org Day 8 picks
By Andrew Eichenholz / Monday, September 04, 2017

MEN
(3) Roger Federer vs. (33) Philipp Kohlschreiber
Federer did not look in the same form that has helped him win two Grand Slam titles this season in his first two matches in Flushing Meadows. Both Frances Tiafoe and Mikhail Youzhny pushed the “Swiss Maestro” to five sets. But a straight-sets, rather uncomplicated victory over the tricky Feliciano Lopez should leave fans of the 19-time major champion optimistic. It will be a completely different matchup for Federer against No. 33 Philipp Kohlschreiber, who will use the angles of the court with far more topspin than Lopez to work the point rather than rush the net. The third seed has an 11-0 lead in the duo’s head-to-head, and don’t expect that to change. Federer will take another step toward a possible semifinal against Rafael Nadal in straight sets.

(9) David Goffin vs. Andrey Rublev
Those who don’t know Rublev likely will after this match. The 19-year-old is one of the best pure ball-strikers pound-for-pound in the world, and you will never find that he lacks intensity on the court. It should be an interesting clash of styles with Goffin, another excellent ground-stroker who can counterpunch with the very best. The Belgian will look to frustrate Rublev and force the Russian out of his rhythm. Expect him to try to take the baseline away from his younger opponent when possible to play on his terms rather than the Russian’s. Rublev has only dropped one set in singles or doubles this US Open, against Damir Dzumhur. And if he maintains his composure once again, look for the teenager to back up his upset of No. 7 Grigor Dimitrov with a tough five-set victory against Goffin.

WOMEN
(1) Karolina Pliskova vs. Jennifer Brady
Pliskova has not looked her best over the course of the tournament’s first week. If it wasn’t for saving match point in her third-rounder against No. 27 Zhang Shuai, the Czech would already be on her way home, with no chance of maintaining her No. 1 ranking. One thing is for sure: former UCLA Bruin Jennifer Brady will not be afraid of going for her shots against a fellow big-hitter like Pliskova, especially on the forehand wing. One of two things will happen Monday: Brady will earn the win of her life or Pliskova will return to or near the form that got her to last year’s US Open final. While Brady’s run in New York has capped off an excellent first season of Grand Slam main draws, take the latter. Pliskova in two.

Daria Kasatkina vs. Kaia Kanepi
In general, this matchup will be similar to Kasatkina’s last match, and entirely different for Kanepi. The Estonian faced a fellow big-hitter in Naomi Osaka, surviving a three-set battle in the third round. Kasatkina will attempt to put as many balls back in play as possible and use Kanepi’s aggression against her. She did a good job of that after a slow start against French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko, eventually ousting arguably the most aggressive player on tour, 6-3, 6-2. Kasatkina and Kanepi have never played before, but expect Kasatkina to advance to her first Grand Slam quarterfinal in straight sets.

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

Bonus NYC events– Jazz Venues:
Many consider NYCity the Jazz capital of the world. Here are my favorite Jazz clubs, all on Manhattan’s WestSide. Check out who is playing tonight:

Greenwich Village:
(5 are underground, classic jazz joints. all 6 are within walking distance of each other):
Village Vanguard – UG, 178 7th Ave. South, villagevanguard.com, 212-255-4037
Blue Note – 131 W3rd St. nr 6th ave. bluenotejazz.com, 212-475-8592
55 Bar – basement @55 Christopher St. nr 7th ave.S. 55bar.com, 212-929-9883
Mezzrow – basement @ 163 W10th St. nr 7th Ave. mezzrow.com,646-476-4346
Smalls – basement @ 183 W10th St. smallslive.com, 646-476-4346
Cornelia Street Cafe – UG, 29 Cornelia St. corneliastreetcafe.com, 212-989-9319

Outside Greenwich Village:
Dizzy’s Club – Broadway @ 60th St. — jazz.org/dizzys / 212-258-9595
Birdland – 315 W44th St.(btw 8/9ave) — birdlandjazz.com / 212-581-3080
Smoke Jazz Club – 2751 Broadway nr.106th St. — smokejazz.com / 212-864-6662

Special Mention:
Caffe Vivaldi – 32 Jones St. nr Bleecker St. — caffevivaldi.com / 212-691-7538
a classic, old jazz club in the Village, Caffe V often surprises with a wonderfully eclectic lineup. It’s my favorite spot for an evening of listening enjoyment and discovery.

==================================================================================
♦ Before making final plans, we suggest you call the venue to confirm ticket availability, dates and times, as schedules are subject to change.
♦ NYCity, with a population of  8.5 million, had a record 60 million visitors last year and was TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Top U.S. Destination for 2017.  Quality shows draw crowds.
Try to reserve seats for these top NYC events in advance, even if just on day of performance.
NYCity Vacation Travel Guide Video (Expedia):

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

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

NYC Events,”Only the Best” (09/03) + US Tennis Open (Day 7)

Posted on 09/03/2017 by GregD

“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 better check the tab above: “Notable NYC Events-September”
It’s the most comprehensive list of top events this month that you’ll find anywhere.

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

Roy Hargrove (LAST DAY)
Blue Note, 131 W. 3rd St./ 8PM, +10:30PM, $30-$45
“The bebop bug that got the teen-age trumpeter Hargrove, back in Texas in the nineteen-eighties left its stinger in. This vigorous improviser has since investigated other byways, including fruitful forays into Cuban music and funk, but he always returns to draw from his initial inspiration. He leads a steaming quintet that offers plenty of room for his charging and lyrical brass ventures.” (NewYorker)

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

5 OTHER TOP NYC EVENTS TODAY (see below for full listing)

>>Olga Pericet
>>Met Summer HD Festival — Nabucco
>>Kurt Rosenwinkel
>>Peter Bernstein Quartet
>>Mad. Sq. Eats
 ===========================================================

Music, Dance, Performing Arts

Olga Pericet
Repertorio Espanol / 3PM, $35+
“Whether she’s rocking flamenco’s traditional batucada or jockeying with a set of antlers, wrapping herself in fringe or shedding a jeweled vest, the remarkable dancer and choreographer Olga Pericet is always thinking outside the traditional boxes of Spanish dance. Petite and powerful, and a highlight of last spring’s Flamenco Festival at City Center, she interrupts months of international touring to spend three weeks in the intimate precincts of Manhattan’s tiny Spanish theater in a Gramercy Park townhouse, performing to live music and with her innate intensity. Spark your staycation and encounter this powerful avant-garde performer and her gifted ensemble up close.” (Elizabeth Zimmer, Village Voice)

Met Summer HD Festival — Nabucco
The Metropolitan Opera / 8PM
FREE Opera Screenings on Lincoln Center Plaza
“As the title king of Babylon, Plácido Domingo adds another role to his historic Met career, joining forces once again with Music Director Emeritus James Levine. The Metropolitan Opera Chorus delivers a poignant performance of Verdi’s famous “Va, pensiero.””

Kurt Rosenwinkel (LAST DAY)
Village Vanguard, 178 Seventh Ave. S., at 11th St./ 8:30, 10:30PM, $30
“With its Brazilian and rock flavoring, “Caipi,” Rosenwinkel’s latest recording, is a bit of a left turn for the imaginative guitarist, who has taken his place among the most gifted players in the generation that followed such visionary six-string giants as Pat Metheny and Bill Frisell. A trim trio setting, with the drummer Greg Hutchinson and the bassist Dario Fromit, will effectively showcase Rosenwinkel’s fretboard wizardry.” (NewYorker)

Peter Bernstein Quartet (LAST DAY)
Smoke, 2751 Broadway, between 105th and 106th Sts./
“In 1994, the guitarist Bernstein roped together a pretty decent band for the recording of his album “Signs of Life.” These same former up-and-comers—Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride, and Gregory Hutchinson—rejoined Bernstein for his latest album, “Signs Live!,” proving that potential can reap dividends. His supporting crew here may not be quite as illustrious, but the pianist Sullivan Fortner, the bassist Doug Weiss, and the drummer Leon Parker will surely do the fret-board marvel proud.” (NewYorker)

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

Mad. Sq. Eats
Worth Square, 11AM, FREE
“The fall version of this twice-a-year event from UrbanSpace and the Madison Square Park Conservancy runs daily from September 2–29, and it’s your chance to try food from two dozen vendors who converge on the park from all corners of the city. It’ll be hard to go wrong with any of it, but we recommend the po’boys from the Gumbo Brothers and whatever sweet concoction that Renegade Lemonade, Ice & Vice, and Macaron Parlour have teamed up to create. (Hint: It’s called “Renegade Vice Parlour.”) Or, if you look at a plate of chicken and waffles and think, “Wish I didn’t have to sit at a table and bother with utensils to enjoy this,” Chick’nCone is your food trend du jour.” (Mary Bakija, Village Voice)

TODAY’S TOP EVENT

U.S. TENNIS OPEN Day 7 (thru Sept. 10)

The U.S. Open begins play today @ 11AM at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens (about 45 min. from Times Square.) This tournament serves up the world’s best tennis players right in our backyard. Celebrating its 20th year at Arthur Ashe Stadium, it is the fourth and final Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year.
subway: @ Times Square take #7 to Willets Point.

Today’s tips: Arrive Early. Security screening seems to have been ratcheted up which may cause delays to enter. Best not to bring a bag. The best, most comprehensive review of the tournament and the current state of tennis can be found at the NYTimes/Sports.

Early in the tournament forget the Big House (Arthur Ashe Stadium). Get a grounds pass and once inside check out one of the electronic scoreboards listing matches in progress. Find a match or players that interest you. Head over to their court for some great tennis, because in this tournament even the qualifiers are great players.There is no other major sporting event where you can get so close to world class athletes as at the U.S. Open – on the outer field courts, the Grandstand court, and the new Armstrong stadium, temporary for just this year. These are courts where you can get a real sense of the pace of the game.

PLUS, head over to Sports Illustrated for their comprehensive list of insider tips for attending the U.S. Open.

For the full schedule of play today, click here.

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

USOpen.org Day 7 picks
By Clair Maciel / Sunday, September 03, 2017

MEN
(16) Lucas Pouille vs. (29) Diego Schwartzman
Without a doubt, this is the must-see match of the day. But if you decide to take a seat in Grandstand on Sunday morning, make sure you are willing to dedicate at least three hours to this match because it has the potential go the distance. Frenchman Lucas Pouille has brought some serious drama to the Open during the first week, producing a five-set thriller over Jared Donaldson in the second round, followed by coming back from a set down against Mikhail Kukushkin to reach the round of 16. His high-voltage game will be quite a match for the ATP’s leading returner, Diego Schwartzman. The 5-foot-7 Argentine uses an effective all-court game and speedy footwork to frustrate his opponents, just as he did when he toppled former champion Marin Cilic in the previous round. As long as both players feel fresh, this bout could go five rounds. And Pouille will have the edge.

Paolo Lorenzi vs. (28) Kevin Anderson
Kevin Anderson’s serve has proven to be untouchable through three rounds at the US Open. Not only has he struck 52 aces, but his serve has not yet been broken all week. He’s used this weapon to breeze through J.C. Aragone, Ernests Gulbis and Croatian upstart Borna Coric. And he’s looking to add one more name to that list: round of 16 opponent Paolo Lorenzi. The Italian workhorse plays a vicious baseline game that defeated No. 19 seed Gilles Muller in the second round, then eased past compatriot Thomas Fabbiano to score his first-ever US Open fourth-round appearance. Though Lorenzi rarely lets anything get past him, the South African’s serve might be too much to handle. Anderson advances in three.

WOMEN
(16) Anastasija Sevastova vs. (WC) Maria Sharapova
No. 16 seed Anastasija Sevastova has had a fairly favorable draw through her first three rounds at the US Open. Last year’s quarterfinalist has faced three opponents ranked outside the Top 50, allowing her to advance without dropping a set. But reaching the quarters for a second consecutive year will be a tall order (no pun intended), as the 5-foot-7 Latvian takes on 6-foot-2 former champion Maria Sharapova. While Sharapova is technically also ranked outside the Top 50, at No. 146, her game is nearly back to No. 1 status, and she’s proved that she belongs back at the top. In three, Sharapova with the win.

(30) Julia Goerges vs. Sloane Stephens
This matchup could be an interesting one, as the fiery Sloane Stephens aims for her first US Open quarterfinal berth. The American owns a 3-1 advantage over opponent Julia Goerges, all on hard courts, with Stephens taking their last meeting in the quarterfinal round of Cincinnati. Stephens has shown no signs of trouble from a recent foot injury that sidelined her for most of this season, and back-to-back semifinal finishes at US Open tune-ups in Toronto and Cincy have certainly given her the confidence she needs to secure a spot in the second week here.
But Goerges is no pushover, as she’s reached three WTA finals this season, the latest in Washington this summer, and has not yet been tested in Flushing Meadows. After three rounds, she has dropped 10 games, and her highest ranked opponent was No. 78 Aleksandra Krunic. Goerges ranks 50 spots higher than Stephens and could pose a difficult challenge, but you have to give this one to Sloane on sheer grit. The American takes it in three.

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

Bonus NYC events– Jazz Venues:
Many consider NYCity the Jazz capital of the world. Here are my favorite Jazz clubs, all on Manhattan’s WestSide. Check out who is playing tonight:

Greenwich Village:
(5 are underground, classic jazz joints. all 6 are within walking distance of each other):
Village Vanguard – UG, 178 7th Ave. South, villagevanguard.com, 212-255-4037
Blue Note – 131 W3rd St. nr 6th ave. bluenotejazz.com, 212-475-8592
55 Bar – basement @55 Christopher St. nr 7th ave.S. 55bar.com, 212-929-9883
Mezzrow – basement @ 163 W10th St. nr 7th Ave. mezzrow.com,646-476-4346
Smalls – basement @ 183 W10th St. smallslive.com, 646-476-4346
Cornelia Street Cafe – UG, 29 Cornelia St. corneliastreetcafe.com, 212-989-9319

Outside Greenwich Village:
Dizzy’s Club – Broadway @ 60th St. — jazz.org/dizzys / 212-258-9595
Birdland – 315 W44th St.(btw 8/9ave) — birdlandjazz.com / 212-581-3080
Smoke Jazz Club – 2751 Broadway nr.106th St. — smokejazz.com / 212-864-6662

Special Mention:
Caffe Vivaldi – 32 Jones St. nr Bleecker St. — caffevivaldi.com / 212-691-7538
a classic, old jazz club in the Village, Caffe V often surprises with a wonderfully eclectic lineup. It’s my favorite spot for an evening of listening enjoyment and discovery.

==================================================================================
♦ Before making final plans, we suggest you call the venue to confirm ticket availability, dates and times, as schedules are subject to change.
♦ NYCity, with a population of  8.5 million, had a record 60 million visitors last year and was TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Top U.S. Destination for 2017.  Quality shows draw crowds.
Try to reserve seats for these top NYC events in advance, even if just on day of performance.
NYCity Vacation Travel Guide Video (Expedia):

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

NYC Events,”Only the Best” (09/02) + US Tennis Open (Day 6)

Posted on 09/02/2017 by GregD

“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 better check the tab above: “Notable NYC Events-September”
It’s the most comprehensive list of top events this month that you’ll find anywhere.

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

George Cables Trio
Jazz at Kitano, 66 Park Ave., at 38th St./
“Never a star but always a guy you needed on your team, the pianist Cables provided sleek yet earthy playing for Freddie Hubbard, Art Pepper, Dexter Gordon, and other eminent jazz performers starting in the late nineteen-sixties, all the while producing substantial sessions of his own. If his ubiquity caused many to take Cables for granted, his present mastery is not to be overlooked. An ace rhythm team with the bassist Ed Howard and the drummer Victor Lewis will provide textbook support.” (NewYorker)

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

6 OTHER TOP NYC EVENTS TODAY (see below for full listing)

>>Met Summer HD Festival — Eugene Onegin
>>Kurt Rosenwinkel
>>Peter Bernstein Quartet
>>Cyrus Chestnut 
>>SAX APPEAL WITH JIMMY HEATH, GARY BARTZ, JAVON JACKSON AND DONALD HARRISON 
>>Charlie Parker Birthday Celebration
 ===========================================================

Music, Dance, Performing Arts

Met Summer HD Festival — Eugene Onegin
The Metropolitan Opera / 8PM
FREE Opera Screenings on Lincoln Center Plaza
“Anna Netrebko and Peter Mattei deliver gripping performances in Tchaikovsky’s moving opera about unrequited love. Robin Ticciati conducts one of the composer’s most popular scores. ”

Kurt Rosenwinkel (Aug 30-Sep 03)
Village Vanguard, 178 Seventh Ave. S., at 11th St./ 8:30, 10:30PM, $30
“With its Brazilian and rock flavoring, “Caipi,” Rosenwinkel’s latest recording, is a bit of a left turn for the imaginative guitarist, who has taken his place among the most gifted players in the generation that followed such visionary six-string giants as Pat Metheny and Bill Frisell. A trim trio setting, with the drummer Greg Hutchinson and the bassist Dario Fromit, will effectively showcase Rosenwinkel’s fretboard wizardry.” (NewYorker)

Peter Bernstein Quartet (Sept. 1-3.)
Smoke, 2751 Broadway, between 105th and 106th Sts./
“In 1994, the guitarist Bernstein roped together a pretty decent band for the recording of his album “Signs of Life.” These same former up-and-comers—Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride, and Gregory Hutchinson—rejoined Bernstein for his latest album, “Signs Live!,” proving that potential can reap dividends. His supporting crew here may not be quite as illustrious, but the pianist Sullivan Fortner, the bassist Doug Weiss, and the drummer Leon Parker will surely do the fret-board marvel proud.” (NewYorker)

Cyrus Chestnut (LAST DAY)
Jazz Standard, 116 E. 27th St./
“There’s a tactile feeling that emanates from Chestnut’s piano, a welcoming embrace that assures you that you’ve picked the right spot for the night. Since he arrived on the scene, in the late nineteen-eighties, Chestnut has gained renown as a trusted stylist who judiciously balances mainstream and modernist leanings, mixing high spirits and soulful, deeply satisfying improvisation touched by gospel music and the blues. Here he brings the same partners that make his new album, “There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit,” a treat: the bassist Buster Williams and the drummer Lenny White.” (NewYorker)

SAX APPEAL WITH JIMMY HEATH, GARY BARTZ, JAVON JACKSON AND DONALD HARRISON (LAST DAY)
at the Iridium / 8 and 10PM, $35-$45
“Each of these four saxophonists is a master of straight-ahead jazz, though most have dipped into other styles, too. Mr. Heath, 90, wears the hard-bop mantle: In the 1950s and ’60s, he was one of the style’s notable composer-practitioners. Mr. Bartz played in some of Miles Davis’s best jazz-rock ensembles, and honed a personal brand of frisky soul jazz. Mr. Jackson is known as a deft exponent of John Coltrane’s clear and untempered sound on the tenor saxophone. Mr. Harrison, a guiding light in the world of New Orleans culture, has a slippery and groove-soaked approach to the alto saxophone.” (NYT-GIOVANNI RUSSONELLO)

Charlie Parker Birthday Celebration (LAST DAY)
Featuring Vincent Herring, Greg Osby, Jeremy Pelt, Helen Sung, Lonnie Plaxico, and Billy Drummond
Birdland, / 8:30PM, +11PM, $40
“Born August 29th, 1920, Charlie “Bird” Parker was one of the most influential and iconic artists in jazz history. As the central figure in the development of bebop in the 1940s Bird was a legendary figure in his own lifetime and was idolized by those who worked with him including Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, Bud Powell and Miles Davis. He was the inspiration for Birdland and practically defined its mission as the home for modern jazz in New York City. Since his death in 1955 at age 34 Bird has inspired every subsequent generation of jazz artist and left a rich legacy of distinctive compositions and signature melodic vocabulary that still informs every style of jazz. For his celebration Birdland presents a group of jazz all-stars who can move seamlessly between classic and contemporary Bird-inspired material.”

TODAY’S TOP EVENT

U.S. TENNIS OPEN Day 6 (thru Sept. 10)

The U.S. Open begins play today @ 11AM at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens (about 45 min. from Times Square.) This tournament serves up the world’s best tennis players right in our backyard. Celebrating its 20th year at Arthur Ashe Stadium, it is the fourth and final Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year.
subway: @ Times Square take #7 to Willets Point.

Today’s tips: Arrive Early. Security screening seems to have been ratcheted up which may cause delays to enter. Best not to bring a bag. The best, most comprehensive review of the tournament and the current state of tennis can be found at the NYTimes/Sports.

Early in the tournament forget the Big House (Arthur Ashe Stadium). Get a grounds pass and once inside check out one of the electronic scoreboards listing matches in progress. Find a match or players that interest you. Head over to their court for some great tennis, because in this tournament even the qualifiers are great players.There is no other major sporting event where you can get so close to world class athletes as at the U.S. Open – on the outer field courts, the Grandstand court, and the new Armstrong stadium, temporary for just this year. These are courts where you can get a real sense of the pace of the game.

PLUS, head over to Sports Illustrated for their comprehensive list of insider tips for attending the U.S. Open.

For the full schedule of play today, click here.

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

USOpen.org Day 6 picks
By Ashley Marshall

MEN
(6) Dominic Thiem vs. (30) Adrian Mannarino
Thiem sports a perfect 5-0 record against Mannarino, including four hard-court wins over the past two years. He’s won the past seven sets they’ve played but comes into New York without a hard-court semifinal run in 2017. Mannarino, meanwhile, has been solid since Wimbledon, with quarterfinal appearances in Los Cabos and Montreal and a round-of-16 showing in Cincinnati, where he pushed Thiem to two tiebreak sets in defeat
Thiem has won six of the seven sets he’s played so far, and a second-round victory over American Taylor Fritz gave him a great test in the first week that should serve him well moving forward. There’s no reason to think Mannarino can win three sets against Thiem, so the Austrian advances in four.

(1) Rafael Nadal vs. Leonardo Mayer
World No. 1 Nadal was unhappy with the amount of errors he made against Taro Daniel Thursday evening, despite a four-set win which saw him lose just seven games after dropping the first set. The Spaniard is moving well and always has the option of cranking up the energy when he needs it the most.
For Mayer, he’s already played six matches over the past nine days when you take into account three qualifying matches last week in addition to a men’s doubles match on Friday. Even if Mayer was perfectly fresh, he’d need to play the match of his life to upset the title favorite. He’s lost all seven sets against Nadal in his career, a streak that runs to 10 in the final day match inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.

WOMEN
(4) Elina Svitolina vs. Shelby Rogers
Svitolina has typically saved her best performances for clay, reaching the quarterfinals of the French Open twice on either side of a run to the fourth round at Roland Garros in 2016. New York has rarely been kind to her, but she’s playing arguably the best tennis of her career this season and she’s primed for a long stay in the Big Apple this time around.
Rogers is coming off a pair of three-set battles, the latter of which against No. 25 seed Daria Gavrilova went a US Open record three hours, 31 minutes. She has a solid game, but nothing that should trouble someone who both moves smoothly and strikes the ball well from the baseline. Svitolina’s game can occasionally run cold in patches, and that alone could see the American win a set, but Svitolina ultimately wins in three.

(15) Madison Keys vs. (17) Elena Vesnina
Following Roger Federer in the night session is no enviable task, but that’s what Keys and Vesnina will be asked to do to close out Saturday in New York.
On paper, this is one of the most evenly matched third-round contests with just two seeds and two spots in the rankings separating the combatants. Keys won the only two previous matches, including 6-4, 6-0 when they met in Montreal last July, but Vesnina has looked impressive in wins over Anna Blinkova and Kirsten Flipkens. Vesnina has only been past the quarterfinals of one major in 11 years and is unlikely to have her US Open breakthrough here against the American. Make it three fourth-round appearances in a row for Keys, who powers through in straight sets.

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

Bonus NYC events– Jazz Venues:
Many consider NYCity the Jazz capital of the world. Here are my favorite Jazz clubs, all on Manhattan’s WestSide. Check out who is playing tonight:

Greenwich Village:
(5 are underground, classic jazz joints. all 6 are within walking distance of each other):
Village Vanguard – UG, 178 7th Ave. South, villagevanguard.com, 212-255-4037
Blue Note – 131 W3rd St. nr 6th ave. bluenotejazz.com, 212-475-8592
55 Bar – basement @55 Christopher St. nr 7th ave.S. 55bar.com, 212-929-9883
Mezzrow – basement @ 163 W10th St. nr 7th Ave. mezzrow.com,646-476-4346
Smalls – basement @ 183 W10th St. smallslive.com, 646-476-4346
Cornelia Street Cafe – UG, 29 Cornelia St. corneliastreetcafe.com, 212-989-9319

Outside Greenwich Village:
Dizzy’s Club – Broadway @ 60th St. — jazz.org/dizzys / 212-258-9595
Birdland – 315 W44th St.(btw 8/9ave) — birdlandjazz.com / 212-581-3080
Smoke Jazz Club – 2751 Broadway nr.106th St. — smokejazz.com / 212-864-6662

Special Mention:
Caffe Vivaldi – 32 Jones St. nr Bleecker St. — caffevivaldi.com / 212-691-7538
a classic, old jazz club in the Village, Caffe V often surprises with a wonderfully eclectic lineup. It’s my favorite spot for an evening of listening enjoyment and discovery.

==================================================================================
♦ Before making final plans, we suggest you call the venue to confirm ticket availability, dates and times, as schedules are subject to change.
♦ NYCity, with a population of  8.5 million, had a record 60 million visitors last year and was TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Top U.S. Destination for 2017.  Quality shows draw crowds.
Try to reserve seats for these top NYC events in advance, even if just on day of performance.
NYCity Vacation Travel Guide Video (Expedia):

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

NYC Events,”Only the Best” (09/01) + US Tennis Open (Day 5)

Posted on 09/01/2017 by GregD

“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 better check the tab above: “Notable NYC Events-September”
It’s the most comprehensive list of top events this month that you’ll find anywhere.

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

Cyrus Chestnut (Aug. 31-Sept. 2)
Jazz Standard, 116 E. 27th St./
“There’s a tactile feeling that emanates from Chestnut’s piano, a welcoming embrace that assures you that you’ve picked the right spot for the night. Since he arrived on the scene, in the late nineteen-eighties, Chestnut has gained renown as a trusted stylist who judiciously balances mainstream and modernist leanings, mixing high spirits and soulful, deeply satisfying improvisation touched by gospel music and the blues. Here he brings the same partners that make his new album, “There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit,” a treat: the bassist Buster Williams and the drummer Lenny White.” (NewYorker)

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

6 OTHER TOP NYC EVENTS TODAY (see below for full listing)

>>Peter Bernstein Quartet 
>>GRASSELLA OLIPHANT
>>SAX APPEAL WITH JIMMY HEATH, GARY BARTZ, JAVON JACKSON AND DONALD HARRISON
>>Met Summer HD Festival — Tristan und Isolde Acts II & III
>>Roy Hargrove
>>Charlie Parker Birthday Celebration
>>Kurt Rosenwinkel 
 ===========================================================

Music, Dance, Performing Arts

Peter Bernstein Quartet (Sept. 1-3.)
Smoke, 2751 Broadway, between 105th and 106th Sts./
“In 1994, the guitarist Bernstein roped together a pretty decent band for the recording of his album “Signs of Life.” These same former up-and-comers—Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride, and Gregory Hutchinson—rejoined Bernstein for his latest album, “Signs Live!,” proving that potential can reap dividends. His supporting crew here may not be quite as illustrious, but the pianist Sullivan Fortner, the bassist Doug Weiss, and the drummer Leon Parker will surely do the fret-board marvel proud.” (NewYorker)

GRASSELLA OLIPHANT 
at Dizzy’s Club / 7:30PM, $35
“A drummer with a light but declarative touch, Mr. Oliphant played early in his career with the vocalists Sarah Vaughan and Gloria Lynne, as well as the pianist Ahmad Jamal. He released two soul-jazz albums as a leader in the 1960s, “The Grass Roots” and “The Grass Is Greener,” both on Atlantic Records, but never became a household name. He eventually left the music business, staying away for decades before starting to perform publicly again in the new millennium. This concert at Dizzy’s takes place on his 88th birthday, and features Freddie Hendrix on trumpet, Bruce Williams on alto saxophone, Lance Bryant on tenor saxophone, Brandon McCune on piano and Chris Berger on bass. It’s the first show of the club’s monthlong Coca-Cola Generations in Jazz Festival.” (NYT-GIOVANNI RUSSONELLO)

SAX APPEAL WITH JIMMY HEATH, GARY BARTZ, JAVON JACKSON AND DONALD HARRISON (Aug. 31 to Sept. 2)
at the Iridium / 8 and 10PM, $35-$45
“Each of these four saxophonists is a master of straight-ahead jazz, though most have dipped into other styles, too. Mr. Heath, 90, wears the hard-bop mantle: In the 1950s and ’60s, he was one of the style’s notable composer-practitioners. Mr. Bartz played in some of Miles Davis’s best jazz-rock ensembles, and honed a personal brand of frisky soul jazz. Mr. Jackson is known as a deft exponent of John Coltrane’s clear and untempered sound on the tenor saxophone. Mr. Harrison, a guiding light in the world of New Orleans culture, has a slippery and groove-soaked approach to the alto saxophone.” (NYT-GIOVANNI RUSSONELLO)

Met Summer HD Festival — Tristan und Isolde Acts II & III
The Metropolitan Opera / 8PM
FREE Opera Screenings on Lincoln Center Plaza
“Sir Simon Rattle conducts Wagner’s meditation on transcendent love, with an acclaimed cast led by Nına Stemme and Stuart Skelton. Mariusz Treliński’s insightful production sets the timeless tale against a backdrop of modern-day warfare.”

Roy Hargrove (Aug. 29-Sept. 3.)
Blue Note, 131 W. 3rd St./ 8PM, +10:30PM, $30-$45
“The bebop bug that got the teen-age trumpeter Hargrove, back in Texas in the nineteen-eighties left its stinger in. This vigorous improviser has since investigated other byways, including fruitful forays into Cuban music and funk, but he always returns to draw from his initial inspiration. He leads a steaming quintet that offers plenty of room for his charging and lyrical brass ventures.” (NewYorker)

Charlie Parker Birthday Celebration (Aug 30 – Sep 02)
Featuring Vincent Herring, Greg Osby, Jeremy Pelt, Helen Sung, Lonnie Plaxico, and Billy Drummond
Birdland, / 8:30PM, +11PM, $40
“Born August 29th, 1920, Charlie “Bird” Parker was one of the most influential and iconic artists in jazz history. As the central figure in the development of bebop in the 1940s Bird was a legendary figure in his own lifetime and was idolized by those who worked with him including Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, Bud Powell and Miles Davis. He was the inspiration for Birdland and practically defined its mission as the home for modern jazz in New York City. Since his death in 1955 at age 34 Bird has inspired every subsequent generation of jazz artist and left a rich legacy of distinctive compositions and signature melodic vocabulary that still informs every style of jazz. For his celebration Birdland presents a group of jazz all-stars who can move seamlessly between classic and contemporary Bird-inspired material.”

TODAY’S TOP EVENT

U.S. TENNIS OPEN Day 5 (thru Sept. 10)

The U.S. Open begins play today @ 11AM at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens (about 45 min. from Times Square.) This tournament serves up the world’s best tennis players right in our backyard. Celebrating its 20th year at Arthur Ashe Stadium, it is the fourth and final Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year.
subway: @ Times Square take #7 to Willets Point.

Today’s tips: Arrive Early. Security screening seems to have been ratcheted up which may cause delays to enter. Best not to bring a bag. The best, most comprehensive review of the tournament and the current state of tennis can be found at the NYTimes/Sports.

Early in the tournament forget the Big House (Arthur Ashe Stadium). Get a grounds pass and once inside check out one of the electronic scoreboards listing matches in progress. Find a match or players that interest you. Head over to their court for some great tennis, because in this tournament even the qualifiers are great players.There is no other major sporting event where you can get so close to world class athletes as at the U.S. Open – on the outer field courts, the Grandstand court, and the new Armstrong stadium, temporary for just this year. These are courts where you can get a real sense of the pace of the game.

PLUS, head over to Sports Illustrated for their comprehensive list of insider tips for attending the U.S. Open.

For the full schedule of play today, click here.

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

Champions, title contenders headline Day 5 schedule

By Ashley Marshall
Thursday, August 31, 2017
  • August 30, 2017 - Marin Cilic in action against Florian Mayer at the 2017 US Open. (USTA/Andrew Ong)

The fight for a spot in the fourth round of a wide-open men’s competition continues on Day 5 in New York as two former US Open women’s champions headline the action in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

When Andy Murray withdrew from the tournament last weekend, it opened the door in the lower half of the draw for 64 other players whose chances of glory improved with his absence. Sixteen of those men are still in contention, and that will get slashed in half after Thursday’s play.

No. 5 seed Marin Cilic leads the charge in the bottom half of the draw, and he’ll look to move three wins from a spot in the final when he faces No. 29 seed Diego Schwartzman. No. 10 seed John Isner will play No. 23 Mischa Zverev in the first of two evening matches inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, and fellow seeds Lucas Pouille (16) and Kevin Anderson (28) will also be in action against Mikhail Kukushkin and Borna Coric, respectively.

On the women’s side, two of the biggest names in the game will take center stage in the biggest tennis stadium in the world.

Two-time US Open champion and No. 9 seed Venus Williams is third on in the day session against Maria Sakkari of Greece, and 2009 champion Maria Sharapova will look to continue her impressive run against American teen Sofia Kenin.

Should the former champions keep winning, they are scheduled to meet in a must-see semifinal one week from now.

Play in Ashe gets underway with 13th-seeded Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic against No. 18 seed Caroline Garcia of France, followed by rising Canadian teen Denis Shapovalov against Kyle Edmund of Great Britain.

Elsewhere around the grounds, women’s doubles top seeds Elena Vesnina and Ekaterina Makarova are in action against the all-American duo of Jennifer Brady and Alison Riske on Court 11, and mixed doubles second seeds Sania Mirza and Ivan Dodig will face Jelena Ostapenko and Fabrice Martin on Court 6.

=====================================================
Bonus NYC events– Jazz Venues:
Many consider NYCity the Jazz capital of the world. Here are my favorite Jazz clubs, all on Manhattan’s WestSide. Check out who is playing tonight:

Greenwich Village:
(5 are underground, classic jazz joints. all 6 are within walking distance of each other):
Village Vanguard – UG, 178 7th Ave. South, villagevanguard.com, 212-255-4037
Blue Note – 131 W3rd St. nr 6th ave. bluenotejazz.com, 212-475-8592
55 Bar – basement @55 Christopher St. nr 7th ave.S. 55bar.com, 212-929-9883
Mezzrow – basement @ 163 W10th St. nr 7th Ave. mezzrow.com,646-476-4346
Smalls – basement @ 183 W10th St. smallslive.com, 646-476-4346
Cornelia Street Cafe – UG, 29 Cornelia St. corneliastreetcafe.com, 212-989-9319

Outside Greenwich Village:
Dizzy’s Club – Broadway @ 60th St. — jazz.org/dizzys / 212-258-9595
Birdland – 315 W44th St.(btw 8/9ave) — birdlandjazz.com / 212-581-3080
Smoke Jazz Club – 2751 Broadway nr.106th St. — smokejazz.com / 212-864-6662

Special Mention:
Caffe Vivaldi – 32 Jones St. nr Bleecker St. — caffevivaldi.com / 212-691-7538
a classic, old jazz club in the Village, Caffe V often surprises with a wonderfully eclectic lineup. It’s my favorite spot for an evening of listening enjoyment and discovery.

==================================================================================
♦ Before making final plans, we suggest you call the venue to confirm ticket availability, dates and times, as schedules are subject to change.
♦ NYCity, with a population of  8.5 million, had a record 60 million visitors last year and was TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Top U.S. Destination for 2017.  Quality shows draw crowds.
Try to reserve seats for these top NYC events in advance, even if just on day of performance.
NYCity Vacation Travel Guide Video (Expedia):

================================================================================
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

NYC Events,”Only the Best” (08/31) + US Tennis Open (Day 4)

Posted on 08/31/2017 by GregD

Today’s Elite 8 NYC Events > THURSDAY/ AUGUST 31, 2017

“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 better check the tab above: “Notable NYC Events-September”
It’s the most comprehensive list of top events this month that you’ll find anywhere.

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

Jazzrausch Bigband
David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center / 7:30PM, FREE, but better get there early for a seat for this one.
“Founded in 2014 as the house band of a Munich club, this big band has been quietly revolutionizing the German club scene with endlessly inventive performances of everything from hip-hop and house to dubstep and classical. Over the last two years they have become a regular presence at several renowned Munich music venues, including the famed jazz club Unterfahrt, indie spot Cord, and techno club Harry Klein, making them the only resident big band of a techno club in the world. With German fans already won over, the band has begun to attract a fervent international following soon to include Lincoln Center audiences.”

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

7 OTHER TOP NYC EVENTS TODAY (see below for full listing)

>>Fini International Dance Festival
>>HELADO NEGRO
>>SAX APPEAL WITH JIMMY HEATH, GARY BARTZ, JAVON JACKSON AND DONALD HARRISON
>>Met Summer HD Festival — Tristan und Isolde Act I
>>Roy Hargrove
>>Charlie Parker Birthday Celebration
>>Kurt Rosenwinkel 
 ===========================================================

Music, Dance, Performing Arts

Fini International Dance Festival
AILEY CITIGROUP THEATER / 8PM, $20–$100
“With sponsorship from the Italian Cultural Institute, dancer-producer Antonio Fini held a showcase for dancers and choreographers in February at the Danzainfiera, in Florence. Then he held summer intensives in Villapiana Calabria in July, and in New York last week. This Thursday he gathers guest dance companies from Italy, as well as U.S.–based troupes with an “Italian connection,” for a gala event hosted by Milanese dancer and TV hostess Tabata Caldironi. Receiving a lifetime achievement award is Terese Capucilli. Also celebrated will be “extraordinary dancer” Marie Lorene Fichaux, and “rising stars” Alessio Crognale and Antonio Cangiano; these performers appear in works by Nacho Duato and Michael Mao. Completing the bill are dancers from the Rome International Dance Academy, Bologna’s JH Dance Company, Antonella Perazzo’s Movin Beat Company from Rome, and others.” (Elizabeth Zimmer, VillageVoice)

HELADO NEGRO
at the Museum of Modern Art / 6:30PM, FREE with museum admission
“Private Energy,” the South Florida-born musician Roberto Carlos Lange’s fifth album as Helado Negro, is a minor masterpiece of warmth and rhythm, and it’s been justly celebrated since its release last fall: The LP was lavished with widespread critical praise, and the standout track “Young, Latin and Proud” has been embraced by fans as an anthem of self-respect. Onstage, Mr. Lange is often joined by his so-called tinsel mammals, charmingly low-key backup dancers in shaggy, sparkly costumes.” (SIMON VOZICK-LEVINSON, NYT)

SAX APPEAL WITH JIMMY HEATH, GARY BARTZ, JAVON JACKSON AND DONALD HARRISON (Aug. 31 to Sept. 2)
at the Iridium / 8 and 10PM, $35-$45
“Each of these four saxophonists is a master of straight-ahead jazz, though most have dipped into other styles, too. Mr. Heath, 90, wears the hard-bop mantle: In the 1950s and ’60s, he was one of the style’s notable composer-practitioners. Mr. Bartz played in some of Miles Davis’s best jazz-rock ensembles, and honed a personal brand of frisky soul jazz. Mr. Jackson is known as a deft exponent of John Coltrane’s clear and untempered sound on the tenor saxophone. Mr. Harrison, a guiding light in the world of New Orleans culture, has a slippery and groove-soaked approach to the alto saxophone.” (NYT-GIOVANNI RUSSONELLO)

Met Summer HD Festival — Tristan und Isolde Act I
The Metropolitan Opera / 8PM
FREE Opera Screenings on Lincoln Center Plaza
“Sir Simon Rattle conducts Wagner’s meditation on transcendent love, with an acclaimed cast led by Nına Stemme and Stuart Skelton. Mariusz Treliński’s insightful production sets the timeless tale against a backdrop of modern-day warfare.”

Roy Hargrove (Aug. 29-Sept. 3.)
Blue Note, 131 W. 3rd St./ 8PM, +10:30PM, $30-$45
“The bebop bug that got the teen-age trumpeter Hargrove, back in Texas in the nineteen-eighties left its stinger in. This vigorous improviser has since investigated other byways, including fruitful forays into Cuban music and funk, but he always returns to draw from his initial inspiration. He leads a steaming quintet that offers plenty of room for his charging and lyrical brass ventures.” (NewYorker)

Charlie Parker Birthday Celebration (Aug 30 – Sep 02)
Featuring Vincent Herring, Greg Osby, Jeremy Pelt, Helen Sung, Lonnie Plaxico, and Billy Drummond
Birdland, / 8:30PM, +11PM, $40
“Born August 29th, 1920, Charlie “Bird” Parker was one of the most influential and iconic artists in jazz history. As the central figure in the development of bebop in the 1940s Bird was a legendary figure in his own lifetime and was idolized by those who worked with him including Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, Bud Powell and Miles Davis. He was the inspiration for Birdland and practically defined its mission as the home for modern jazz in New York City. Since his death in 1955 at age 34 Bird has inspired every subsequent generation of jazz artist and left a rich legacy of distinctive compositions and signature melodic vocabulary that still informs every style of jazz. For his celebration Birdland presents a group of jazz all-stars who can move seamlessly between classic and contemporary Bird-inspired material.”

Kurt Rosenwinkel (Aug 30-Sep 03)
Village Vanguard, 178 Seventh Ave. S., at 11th St./ 8:30, 10:30PM, $30
“With its Brazilian and rock flavoring, “Caipi,” Rosenwinkel’s latest recording, is a bit of a left turn for the imaginative guitarist, who has taken his place among the most gifted players in the generation that followed such visionary six-string giants as Pat Metheny and Bill Frisell. A trim trio setting, with the drummer Greg Hutchinson and the bassist Dario Fromit, will effectively showcase Rosenwinkel’s fretboard wizardry.” (NewYorker)

TODAY’S TOP EVENT

U.S. TENNIS OPEN Day 4 (thru Sept. 10)

The U.S. Open begins play today @ 11AM at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens (about 45 min. from Times Square.) This tournament serves up the world’s best tennis players right in our backyard. Celebrating its 20th year at Arthur Ashe Stadium, it is the fourth and final Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year.
subway: @ Times Square take #7 to Willets Point.

Today’s tips: Arrive Early. Security screening seems to have been ratcheted up which may cause delays to enter. Best not to bring a bag. The best, most comprehensive review of the tournament and the current state of tennis can be found at the NYTimes/Sports.

Early in the tournament forget the Big House (Arthur Ashe Stadium). Get a grounds pass and once inside check out one of the electronic scoreboards listing matches in progress. Find a match or players that interest you. Head over to their court for some great tennis, because in this tournament even the qualifiers are great players.There is no other major sporting event where you can get so close to world class athletes as at the U.S. Open – on the outer field courts, the Grandstand court, and the new Armstrong stadium, temporary for just this year. These are courts where you can get a real sense of the pace of the game.

PLUS, head over to Sports Illustrated for their comprehensive list of insider tips for attending the U.S. Open.

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

USOpen.org Day 4 picks
By David Satriano

MEN
(18) Gael Monfils vs. Donald Young
Monfils provided some entertainment in a straight-sets win over Jeremy Chardy on Wednesday, 7-6, 6-3, 6-4, and the Frenchman always endears himself to the pro-American crowd in Flushing. He’s made at least the quarterfinals at the US Open three times, including the semifinals last year, losing to Novak Djokovic, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-2. Still, Young, the Atlanta native, could see the crowd on his side as he looks to make it past the second round for the first time in his past seven Grand Slams events. The two men have split two head-to-head matches but haven’t played since 2011. It will be hard for Young to keep up with the unpredictable Monfils, who covers a lot of the court with his wheels and wingspan. Expect Monfils, who turns 31 on Friday, to beat Young in four sets.

(6) Dominic Thiem vs. Taylor Fritz
Thiem had a fairly easy time defeating Alex de Minaur, surrendering just games to win in three sets. Fritz, the 19-year-old from Palos Verdes, Calif., advanced to the second round of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career Wednesday with a straight-sets win over Marcos Baghdatis, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3. Fritz helped his cause with five breaks of serve but only won 55 percent of his net points (12 of 22), which could hurt him if he tries to be aggressive against Thiem, the No. 6 seed. Thiem, 23, only faced three break points (losing one of them) and won 73 percent of his net points (16 of 22). Theim wins in straight sets.

WOMEN
(25) Daria Gavrilova vs. Shelby Rogers
Gavrilova, 23, earned her first win in the US Open main draw in three tries with a straight-sets win over Allie Kiick, 6-2, 6-1, on Wednesday and didn’t expend much energy in the 60-minute match. She looked sharp, converting seven of 10 break points and making only 13 unforced errors. Rogers, the 24-year-old Charleston, S.C., native needed three sets to get past Kayla Day on Wednesday, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4. Rogers made the third round at the French Open and Wimbledon but likely will be no match for Gavrilova, who won her first WTA title last week at the Connecticut Open, the prelude to the US Open. The No. 25-ranked Gavrilova wins in straight sets.

Naomi Osaka vs. Denisa Allertova
Osaka is coming off the biggest win of her career, upsetting last year’s US Open champion, No. 6-seeded Angelique Kerber, with a 6-3, 6-1 straight-sets win in Arthur Ashe Stadium. The 19-year-old did make the third round in Flushing last year and has an advantage of having an extra day’s rest. Allertova, 27, needed 98 minutes to defeat Rebecca Peterson 6-2, 7-6 on Wednesday in a rain-delayed first-round contest and could show signs of fatigue with two matches in two days. She’s made the second round each of hte past three years at the US Open. The two have never played each other, so there’s no head to head to go one, but expect Osaka to ride her momentum into the third round, winning in three sets.

=====================================================
Bonus NYC events– Jazz Venues:
Many consider NYCity the Jazz capital of the world. Here are my favorite Jazz clubs, all on Manhattan’s WestSide. Check out who is playing tonight:

Greenwich Village:
(5 are underground, classic jazz joints. all 6 are within walking distance of each other):
Village Vanguard – UG, 178 7th Ave. South, villagevanguard.com, 212-255-4037
Blue Note – 131 W3rd St. nr 6th ave. bluenotejazz.com, 212-475-8592
55 Bar – basement @55 Christopher St. nr 7th ave.S. 55bar.com, 212-929-9883
Mezzrow – basement @ 163 W10th St. nr 7th Ave. mezzrow.com,646-476-4346
Smalls – basement @ 183 W10th St. smallslive.com, 646-476-4346
Cornelia Street Cafe – UG, 29 Cornelia St. corneliastreetcafe.com, 212-989-9319

Outside Greenwich Village:
Dizzy’s Club – Broadway @ 60th St. — jazz.org/dizzys / 212-258-9595
Birdland – 315 W44th St.(btw 8/9ave) — birdlandjazz.com / 212-581-3080
Smoke Jazz Club – 2751 Broadway nr.106th St. — smokejazz.com / 212-864-6662

Special Mention:
Caffe Vivaldi – 32 Jones St. nr Bleecker St. — caffevivaldi.com / 212-691-7538
a classic, old jazz club in the Village, Caffe V often surprises with a wonderfully eclectic lineup. It’s my favorite spot for an evening of listening enjoyment and discovery.

==================================================================================
♦ Before making final plans, we suggest you call the venue to confirm ticket availability, dates and times, as schedules are subject to change.
♦ NYCity, with a population of  8.5 million, had a record 60 million visitors last year and was TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Top U.S. Destination for 2017.  Quality shows draw crowds.
Try to reserve seats for these top NYC events in advance, even if just on day of performance.
NYCity Vacation Travel Guide Video (Expedia):

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

NYC Events,”Only the Best” (08/30) + US Tennis Open (Day 3)

Posted on 08/30/2017 by GregD

Today’s Sweet 6 NYC Events > WEDNESDAY/ AUGUST 30, 2017

“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 be sure to check the tab above: “Notable NYC Events-August”
It’s the most comprehensive list of top events this month that you’ll find anywhere.

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

Ann Hampton Callaway: Jazz Goes to the Movies  (also Thur)
at Dizzy’s Club / 7:30 and 9:30PM, $40
With pianist and vocalist Ann Hampton Callaway, pianist Ted Rosenthal, bassist Martin Wind, and drummer Tim Horner

“Ann Hampton Callaway is one of the preeminent voices of the American Songbook, a tireless performer who has reached acclaim on Broadway, in theaters, on television, and in a variety of concert halls and jazz clubs around the country. Her last performance at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola was an album release party celebrating Callaway’s tribute to the virtuosic Sarah Vaughan, also known as “Sassy” and “The Divine One.” A full concert dedicated to this legendary vocalist was a bold and formidable task, but Callaway regularly proves her ability to cover diverse and challenging material with taste, humor, and technical strength. We’re looking forward to hearing what she does next!”

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

5 OTHER TOP NYC EVENTS TODAY (see below for full listing)

>>Charlie Parker Birthday Celebration
>>Kurt Rosenwinkel
>>Met Summer HD Festival — Roberto Devereux
>>Roy Hargrove
>>The Juice
 ===========================================================

Music, Dance, Performing Arts

Charlie Parker Birthday Celebration (Aug 30 – Sep 02)
Featuring Vincent Herring, Greg Osby, Jeremy Pelt, Helen Sung, Lonnie Plaxico, and Billy Drummond
Birdland, / 8:30PM, +11PM, $40
“Born August 29th, 1920, Charlie “Bird” Parker was one of the most influential and iconic artists in jazz history. As the central figure in the development of bebop in the 1940s Bird was a legendary figure in his own lifetime and was idolized by those who worked with him including Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, Bud Powell and Miles Davis. He was the inspiration for Birdland and practically defined its mission as the home for modern jazz in New York City. Since his death in 1955 at age 34 Bird has inspired every subsequent generation of jazz artist and left a rich legacy of distinctive compositions and signature melodic vocabulary that still informs every style of jazz. For his celebration Birdland presents a group of jazz all-stars who can move seamlessly between classic and contemporary Bird-inspired material.”

Kurt Rosenwinkel (Aug 30-Sep 03)
Village Vanguard, 178 Seventh Ave. S., at 11th St./ 8:30, 10:30PM, $30
“With its Brazilian and rock flavoring, “Caipi,” Rosenwinkel’s latest recording, is a bit of a left turn for the imaginative guitarist, who has taken his place among the most gifted players in the generation that followed such visionary six-string giants as Pat Metheny and Bill Frisell. A trim trio setting, with the drummer Greg Hutchinson and the bassist Dario Fromit, will effectively showcase Rosenwinkel’s fretboard wizardry.” (NewYorker)

Met Summer HD Festival — Roberto Devereux
The Metropolitan Opera / 8PM
FREE Opera Screenings on Lincoln Center Plaza
“Soprano Sondra Radvanovsky delivers a tour-de-force performance as Queen Elizabeth, the third of Donizetti’s perilous “Three Queens,” alongside Elīna Garanča, Matthew Polenzani, and Mariusz Kwiecien.”

Roy Hargrove (Aug. 29-Sept. 3.)
Blue Note, 131 W. 3rd St./ 8PM, +10:30PM, $30-$45
“The bebop bug that got the teen-age trumpeter Hargrove, back in Texas in the nineteen-eighties left its stinger in. This vigorous improviser has since investigated other byways, including fruitful forays into Cuban music and funk, but he always returns to draw from his initial inspiration. He leads a steaming quintet that offers plenty of room for his charging and lyrical brass ventures.” (NewYorker)

Elsewhere, but this variety show of uniform quality looks worth the detour:

The Juice
at Union Pool, 484 Union Ave. Bklyn/ 7:30PM, $5
“This installment of the Juice, a recurring variety show hosted by Carmen Christopher and Conner O’Malley, is like an all-pink pack of Starburst. At 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sasheer Zamata, formerly of “Saturday Night Live”; Michelle Wolf (“The Daily Show With Trevor Noah”); Comedy Central’s Joe Pera; and Jaboukie Young-White, who recently appeared in “Rough Night,” will descend on Union Pool. With any luck, Mr. O’Malley will interrupt his duties as host to trot out one of his own hilariously over-the-top farces.” (KASIA PILAT-NYT)

TODAY’S TOP EVENT

U.S. TENNIS OPEN Day 3 (thru Sept. 10)

The U.S. Open begins play today @ 11AM at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens (about 45 min. from Times Square.) This tournament, which serves up the world’s best tennis players right in our backyard, is celebrating its 20th year at Arthur Ashe Stadium and is the fourth and final Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year.
subway: @ Times Square take #7 to Willets Point.

Today’s tips: Arrive Early. Security screening seems to have been ratcheted up which may cause delays to enter. Best not to bring a bag. The best, most comprehensive review of the tournament and the current state of tennis can be found at the NYTimes/Sports.

Early in the tournament forget the Big House (Arthur Ashe Stadium). Get a grounds pass and once inside check out one of the electronic scoreboards listing matches in progress. Find a match or players that interest you. Head over to their court for some great tennis, because in this tournament even the qualifiers are great players.There is no other major sporting event where you can get so close to world class athletes as at the U.S. Open – on the outer field courts, the Grandstand court, and the new Armstrong stadium, temporary for just this year. These are  courts where you can get a real sense of the pace of the game.

Day 3 is teeming with talent
By Mark Preston

“With rain putting a damper on yesterday’s schedule of play, Day 3 of the 2017 US Open will see the courts of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center teeming with talent, as the conclusion of the first round shares the bill with the start of the second. A total of 87 matches are scheduled for the day, featuring seven players who’ve know Grand Slam glory, including Marin Cilic, Juan Martin del Potro, Venus Williams, Petra Kvitova, Maria Sharapova, Garbiñe Muguruza and Svetlana Kuznetsova. Also featured in today’s loaded lineup are John Isner, Sam Querrey, Alexander Zverev, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Denis Shapovalov, Caroline Wozniacki, Sloane Stephens and Dominika Cibulkova. Whether they’re taking their first or second steps toward their ultimate goal of a US Open crown, each share a similar aim – just keep stepping.”

=====================================================
Bonus NYC events– Jazz Venues:
Many consider NYCity the Jazz capital of the world. Here are my favorite Jazz clubs, all on Manhattan’s WestSide. Check out who is playing tonight:

Greenwich Village:
(5 are underground, classic jazz joints. all 6 are within walking distance of each other):
Village Vanguard – UG, 178 7th Ave. South, villagevanguard.com, 212-255-4037
Blue Note – 131 W3rd St. nr 6th ave. bluenotejazz.com, 212-475-8592
55 Bar – basement @55 Christopher St. nr 7th ave.S. 55bar.com, 212-929-9883
Mezzrow – basement @ 163 W10th St. nr 7th Ave. mezzrow.com,646-476-4346
Smalls – basement @ 183 W10th St. smallslive.com, 646-476-4346
Cornelia Street Cafe – UG, 29 Cornelia St. corneliastreetcafe.com, 212-989-9319

Outside Greenwich Village:
Dizzy’s Club – Broadway @ 60th St. — jazz.org/dizzys / 212-258-9595
Birdland – 315 W44th St.(btw 8/9ave) — birdlandjazz.com / 212-581-3080
Smoke Jazz Club – 2751 Broadway nr.106th St. — smokejazz.com / 212-864-6662

Special Mention:
Caffe Vivaldi – 32 Jones St. nr Bleecker St. — caffevivaldi.com / 212-691-7538
a classic, old jazz club in the Village, Caffe V often surprises with a wonderfully eclectic lineup. It’s my favorite spot for an evening of listening enjoyment and discovery.

==================================================================================
♦ Before making final plans, we suggest you call the venue to confirm ticket availability, dates and times, as schedules are subject to change.
♦ NYCity, with a population of  8.5 million, had a record 60 million visitors last year and was TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Top U.S. Destination for 2017.  Quality shows draw crowds.
Try to reserve seats for these top NYC events in advance, even if just on day of performance.
NYCity Vacation Travel Guide Video (Expedia):

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

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

NYC Events,”Only the Best” (08/29) + US Tennis Open (Day 2)

Posted on 08/29/2017 by GregD

Today’s Sweet 6 NYC Events > TUESDAY/ AUGUST 29, 2017

“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 be sure to check the tab above: “Notable NYC Events-August”
It’s the most comprehensive list of top events this month that you’ll find anywhere.

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

Roy Hargrove (Aug. 29-Sept. 3.)
Blue Note, 131 W. 3rd St./ 8PM, +10:30PM, $30-$45
“The bebop bug that got the teen-age trumpeter Hargrove, back in Texas in the nineteen-eighties left its stinger in. This vigorous improviser has since investigated other byways, including fruitful forays into Cuban music and funk, but he always returns to draw from his initial inspiration. He leads a steaming quintet that offers plenty of room for his charging and lyrical brass ventures.” (NewYorker)

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

5 OTHER TOP NYC EVENTS TODAY (see below for full listing)

>>AXEL TOSCA
>>Kurt Rosenwinkel
>>Met Summer HD Festival — Manon Lescaut
>>EMILSEN PACHECO AND BULLA EN EL BARRIO
>>Sarah Rice: Music of the Night
 ===========================================================

Music, Dance, Performing Arts

AXEL TOSCA
at Dizzy’s Club / 7:30 and 9:30PM, $35
“As rugged as he is lithe, this pianist fuses the percussive piano stylings of Afro-Cuban montuno with the full-fisted attack of a postbopper, as well as Western classical precision and the theatricality of funk. For his debut at Dizzy’s he presents a program, “A Night in Havana,” featuring the bassist Alex Smith, the drummer Mark Whitfield Jr., the vibraphonist and percussionist Felipe Fournier, and the vocalist Xiomara Laugart.” (NYT-GIOVANNI RUSSONELLO)

Kurt Rosenwinkel
Village Vanguard, 178 Seventh Ave. S., at 11th St./ 8:30, 10:30PM, $30
“With its Brazilian and rock flavoring, “Caipi,” Rosenwinkel’s latest recording, is a bit of a left turn for the imaginative guitarist, who has taken his place among the most gifted players in the generation that followed such visionary six-string giants as Pat Metheny and Bill Frisell. A trim trio setting, with the drummer Greg Hutchinson and the bassist Dario Fromit, will effectively showcase Rosenwinkel’s fretboard wizardry.” (NewYorker)

Met Summer HD Festival — Manon Lescaut
The Metropolitan Opera / 8PM
Free Opera Screenings on Lincoln Center Plaza
“Soprano Kristine Opolais gives an enthralling performance as the mercurial title character opposite tenor Roberto Alagna as her passionate young lover, the Chevalier des Grieux. Fabio Luisi leads Puccini’s heartbreaking early masterpiece.”

Elsewhere, but this just may be worth the detour:

EMILSEN PACHECO AND BULLA EN EL BARRIO
at Terraza 7, 40-19 Gleane St. Elmhurst, NY / 8PM, $20
“Mr. Pacheco is New York’s most prominent exponent of bullerengue, the Afro-Colombian music tradition that still thrives on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. With Bulla en el Barrio, a group of more than a dozen musicians, he has performed this reverberant, boisterous music on stages across New York City over the past three years. Here the band appears at a Colombian-run, Pan-American watering hole, where the intimate surroundings will help to amplify the energy.” (NYT-GIOVANNI RUSSONELLO)

Sarah Rice: Music of the Night
Metropolitan Room, 34 W22nd St. / 7PM, $25
“Best known for originating the role of Johanna in Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd, Rice now complements her lovely soprano with the eerie sounds of the theremin.” (TONY)

TODAY’S TOP EVENT

U.S. TENNIS OPEN Day 2 (thru Sept. 10)

The U.S. Open begins play today @ 11AM at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens (about 45 min. from Times Square.) This tournament, which serves up the world’s best tennis players right in our backyard, is celebrating its 20th year at Arthur Ashe Stadium and is the fourth and final Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year.
subway: @ Times Square take #7 to Willets Point.

Today’s tips: Arrive Early. Security screening seems to have been ratcheted up which may cause delays to enter. Best not to bring a bag. The best, most comprehensive review of the tournament and the current state of tennis can be found at the NYTimes/Sports.

Early in the tournament forget the Big House (Arthur Ashe Stadium). Get a grounds pass and once inside check out one of the electronic scoreboards listing matches in progress. Find a match or players that interest you. Head over to their court for some great tennis, because in this tournament even the qualifiers are great players.There is no other major sporting event where you can get so close to world class athletes as at the U.S. Open – on the outer field courts, the Grandstand court, and the new Armstrong stadium, temporary for just this year. These are  courts where you can get a real sense of the pace of the game.

Matt Cronin’s Day 2 picks

Marcos Baghdatis vs. Taylor Fritz

The veteran Baghdatis reached the final at the Aussie Open in 2006, and at the time, it seemed that he would eventually become a Top 5 player and a force to be reckoned with at the Slams. But that never happened. In fact, here at Flushing Meadows, Baghdatis, now 32, has yet to reach the quarters, owning a sub-par 8-11 career US Open record. Fritz, one of the bounty of young American talents, is only 19 years old, and this season he has looked very good at times, notching a big win over Marin Cilic at the heard-court Indian Wells event this spring. But Fritz also sometimes becomes frustrated, and like many young players, needs to learn to be patient and understand that you cannot be perfect on court every day. Fritz, who has yet to win a main draw match at a Slam, has the game to engage in long rallies with Baghdatis, and he should win a couple of sets here. But in the end, the man from Cyprus will grind him down and win in five long sets.

(20) CoCo Vangeweghe vs. Alison Riske

August 29, 2016 – Coco Vandeweghe in action against Naomi Osaka during the 2016 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, NY.

This figures to be a very close match between these two Americans. They know each other well as they have been teammates in Fed Cup play. They are both very strong and accurate off the ground; both are capable of painting the lines. Vangeweghe, who reached the semis at the Australian Open this year, has a gigantic first serve, while Riske, whose best-career performance at a major was reaching the fourth round here in 2013, is fast and strong. Over the last few years, Vandeweghe has become more calm and a smarter player. This will go three sets and in the end, Vangeweghe will win it.

=====================================================
Bonus NYC events– Jazz Venues:
Many consider NYCity the Jazz capital of the world. Here are my favorite Jazz clubs, all on Manhattan’s WestSide. Check out who is playing tonight:

Greenwich Village:
(5 are underground, classic jazz joints. all 6 are within walking distance of each other):
Village Vanguard – UG, 178 7th Ave. South, villagevanguard.com, 212-255-4037
Blue Note – 131 W3rd St. nr 6th ave. bluenotejazz.com, 212-475-8592
55 Bar – basement @55 Christopher St. nr 7th ave.S. 55bar.com, 212-929-9883
Mezzrow – basement @ 163 W10th St. nr 7th Ave. mezzrow.com,646-476-4346
Smalls – basement @ 183 W10th St. smallslive.com, 646-476-4346
Cornelia Street Cafe – UG, 29 Cornelia St. corneliastreetcafe.com, 212-989-9319

Outside Greenwich Village:
Dizzy’s Club – Broadway @ 60th St. — jazz.org/dizzys / 212-258-9595
Birdland – 315 W44th St.(btw 8/9ave) — birdlandjazz.com / 212-581-3080
Smoke Jazz Club – 2751 Broadway nr.106th St. — smokejazz.com / 212-864-6662

Special Mention:
Caffe Vivaldi – 32 Jones St. nr Bleecker St. — caffevivaldi.com / 212-691-7538
a classic, old jazz club in the Village, Caffe V often surprises with a wonderfully eclectic lineup. It’s my favorite spot for an evening of listening enjoyment and discovery.

==================================================================================
♦ Before making final plans, we suggest you call the venue to confirm ticket availability, dates and times, as schedules are subject to change.
♦ NYCity, with a population of  8.5 million, had a record 60 million visitors last year and was TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Top U.S. Destination for 2017.  Quality shows draw crowds.
Try to reserve seats for these top NYC events in advance, even if just on day of performance.
NYCity Vacation Travel Guide Video (Expedia):

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

 

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

NYC Events,”Only the Best” (08/27) + Today’s Featured Pub (Tribeca)

Posted on 08/27/2017 by GregD

Today’s Super 7  NYC Events > SUNDAY/ AUGUST 27, 2017

“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 be sure to check the tab above: “Notable NYC Events-August”
It’s the most comprehensive list of top events this month that you’ll find anywhere.

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

Weather should be superb for this annual festival and party.

Jazz Age Lawn Party
GOVERNORS ISLAND /11AM, $45–$325
“Now in its twelfth year, the Jazz Age Lawn Party has been going on for about as long as the Jazz Age itself did. If you’ve never set sail for the Roaring Twenties via Governors Island, it’s time to get your act together. Don your best Gatsby-inspired getup for a weekend of Prohibition-era music, flappers, fancy cocktails, and rampant picnicking. This year’s performances include the swinging Dreamland Follies, Philadelphia’s Drew Nugent and the Midnight Society, and of course the man himself — Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra. Pick up a picnic tote with a pre-packed spread and bottle of rosé, or grab a bite at one of the gourmet food trucks. Stay all day for dance lessons, croquet, the Bathing Beauties and Beaus Promenade, and a Twenties-themed motorcar exhibition. On Sunday only, savor the High Court of Pie Contest, offering prizes for most creative and most booze-infused pie.” (Heather Baysa, VillageVoice)

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6 OTHER TOP NYC EVENTS TODAY (see below for full listing)

>>Kurt Rosenwinkel
>>DAFNIS PRIETO BIG BAND
>>CHARLIE PARKER JAZZ FESTIVAL
>>TRIO DA PAZ AND FRIENDS
>>Songbook Summit
>>Exploring the Secret Eats & Gritty Past of Chinatown
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Music, Dance, Performing Arts

Kurt Rosenwinkel
Village Vanguard, 178 Seventh Ave. S., at 11th St./ 8:30, 10:30PM, $30
“With its Brazilian and rock flavoring, “Caipi,” Rosenwinkel’s latest recording, is a bit of a left turn for the imaginative guitarist, who has taken his place among the most gifted players in the generation that followed such visionary six-string giants as Pat Metheny and Bill Frisell. A trim trio setting, with the drummer Greg Hutchinson and the bassist Dario Fromit, will effectively showcase Rosenwinkel’s fretboard wizardry.” (NewYorker)

DAFNIS PRIETO BIG BAND (LAST DAY)
at Jazz Standard / 7:30 and 9:30PM, $30
“Mr. Prieto, a buoyant drummer, writes music that lends an illusion of constant expansion to even the smallest ensembles. Whether he’s playing with a trio, a quartet or a slightly bigger band, he’s always assembling and realigning his components, pushing into new directions and adding layers without bogging things down. Until now, he’s never led a big band, but it’s easy to see why the challenge would appeal to him. These shows will be the first for this 17-piece band, which includes the remarkable saxophonists Roman Filiu and Chris Cheek, the pianist Manuel Valera, and the percussionist Roberto Quintero.” (NYT-GIOVANNI RUSSONELLO)

CHARLIE PARKER JAZZ FESTIVAL
“This yearly festival, celebrating its 25th anniversary through Sunday, is free, outdoors and judiciously programmed, with an emphasis on both blues tradition and diffuse innovation: basically, something close to the Platonic ideal of jazz festivals. It culminates this weekend, with concerts on Friday night and Saturday afternoon in Marcus Garvey Park, in Harlem, then an afternoon program on Sunday,downtown in Tompkins Square Park. Friday’s headliner is the Anat Cohen Tentet. On Saturday, the alto saxophonist Lee Konitz, the drummers Terri Lyne Carrington and Louis Hayes, and the vocalist Charenee Wade all lead groups. Sunday’s show features the saxophonists Joshua Redman, Lou Donaldson and Tia Fuller, as well as the vocalist Alicia Olatuja.” (NYT-GIOVANNI RUSSONELLO)

TRIO DA PAZ AND FRIENDS (LAST DAY)
Dizzy’s Club / 7:30PM, +9:30PM, $40
“Trio Da Paz has been around for 31 years, and it’s held down a summer residency at Dizzy’s for the last 10. With Romero Lubambo on guitar, Nilson Matta on bass and Duduka Da Fonseca on drums, the group calls its music “samba jazz.” It’s not false advertising; the triumvirate is given to up-tempo excursions, high on friction — not the lilting bossa nova that you might expect from a Brazilian guitar trio. These comrades will find new angles of engagement over their two-week run, during which they will welcome various special guests on different nights, including the vocalist Maucha Adnet and the trumpeter Claudio Roditi.” (NYT-GIOVANNI RUSSONELLO)

Songbook Summit (LAST DAY)
59E59 Theaters,/ 7PM, $35
“It’s delightful, it’s delicious, it’s de-lovely.
Will Anderson and Peter Anderson are identical twins who play the saxophone and clarinet. They will perform in a six-piece ensemble throughout August highlighting four great American composers: Cole Porter, Harold Arlen, George Gershwin, and Richard Rodgers. The first week is Porter, so anything goes!

“Virtuosos on clarinet and saxophone,” (The New York Times) identical twins Peter & Will Anderson return to 59E59 Theaters by popular demand for a celebration of the great American Songbook. Shining the spotlight on the work of four of its most distinguished composers (one composer each week), a 6-piece ensemble featuring vocalist Molly Ryan will perform hits such as ‘Summertime’, ‘My Favorite Things’, ‘Night & Day’,’Somewhere Over the Rainbow’, and ‘Rhapsody in Blue’.
August 22 – 27: Richard Rodgers
Featuring ‘My Favorite Things’, ‘Blue Moon’, ‘My Funny Valentine’, ‘Bewitched Bothered and Bewildered’, ‘Blue Moon’, and more!

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

Exploring the Secret Eats & Gritty Past of Chinatown
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm / $35-$39
“Join New York Adventure Club as we journey through the twisted back streets of Chinatown to eat at some of the neighborhood’s best culinary destinations, while learning about its gritty past filled with gangs and violence.”

Led by prominent neighborhood expert Mike Morgenthal, our experience will include:
A custom-made NY Adventure Club route to showcase the best Chinatown eateries hiding in plain sight.
The story of Chinatown throughout New York’s history, from the infamous Tong Gangs to the first Chinese language theater in New York City.
A bite at several different off-the-beaten-path Chinatown eateries, from scallion pancakes and dumplings, to beef jerky and steamed buns.
Come hungry!” (ThoughtGallery.org)
*Your ticket includes tastings at every eatery on the tour.
**There are no bathroom breaks on the tour

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Bonus NYC Events – Jazz Clubs:
Many consider NYCity the Jazz capital of the world. Here are my favorite Jazz clubs, all on Manhattan’s WestSide. Check out who is playing tonight:

Greenwich Village:
(5 underground, classic jazz joints. all 6 within walking distance of each other):
Village Vanguard – UG, 178 7th Ave. South, villagevanguard.com, 212-255-4037
Blue Note – 131 W3rd St. nr 6th ave. bluenotejazz.com, 212-475-8592
55 Bar – basement @55 Christopher St. nr 7th ave.S. 55bar.com, 212-929-9883
Mezzrow – basement @ 163 W10th St. nr 7th Ave. mezzrow.com,646-476-4346
Smalls – basement @ 183 W10th St. smallslive.com, 646-476-4346
Cornelia Street Cafe – UG, 29 Cornelia St. corneliastreetcafe.com, 212-989-9319

Outside Greenwich Village:
Dizzy’s Club – Broadway @ 60th St. — jazz.org/dizzys / 212-258-9595
Birdland – 315 W44th St.(btw 8/9ave) — birdlandjazz.com / 212-581-3080
Smoke Jazz Club – 2751 Broadway nr.106th St. — smokejazz.com / 212-864-6662

Special Mention:
Caffe Vivaldi – 32 Jones St. nr Bleecker St. — caffevivaldi.com / 212-691-7538
a classic, old jazz club in the Village, Caffe V often surprises with a wonderfully eclectic lineup. It’s my favorite spot for an evening of listening enjoyment and discovery.

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♦ Before making final plans, we suggest you call the venue to confirm ticket availability, dates and times, as schedules are subject to change.
♦ NYCity, with a population of  8.5 million, had a record 60 million visitors last year and was TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Top U.S. Destination for 2017.  Quality shows draw crowds.
Try to reserve seats for these top NYC events in advance, even if just on day of performance.
NYCity Vacation Travel Guide Video (Expedia):

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A PremierPub / Tribeca

B-Flat / 277 Church St. (btw Franklin/White St))

b_flat4There are some places that are tough to find, then add a layer of mystery when you do find them. B-Flat has a nondescript, almost unmarked door at street level – today’s speakeasy vibe. Open this door and you face a dimly lit stairway down to their basement location. It almost takes a leap of faith to follow the stairs down to their interior door.
But open that door and a pleasant surprise awaits you.

It’s a basement jazz spot all right, but not like any traditional jazz joint you may have been to before. This place looks as fresh as today, probably because it’s only been open for 6 years. Even though it hasn’t had a chance to age gracefully, the cherry wood accents and low lighting make this small space very inviting.

There is always jazz, often progressive jazz, playing over their very discrete, stylish bose speakers, setting just the right tone as you find a seat at the bar, or one of the small tables. There is wine and beer available, but this place has some expert mixologists making some very creative cocktails, which I’m told change seasonally, a nice touch.

Come at happy hour and tasty cocktails like the el Diablo or the lychee martini are $8 – not bad. I am a sucker for any drink made with lychee and how can you not try a tequila drink named el Diablo. There is also nice selection of small bites available at happy hour and a food menu that is as innovative as the cocktail menu, so this does not have to be a happy hour only stop.

It wasn’t surprising to find a tasty prosciutto and arugula salad with yuzu dressing, but I did not expect to find such a good version of fried chicken breast on the apps menu. Here it’s called “Tatsuta.” Best bet is to sample happy hour, then dinner on a Monday or Wednesday night, when you can finish with no cover live jazz that starts around 8.

This place is tough to find (look for a small slate sandwich board on the sidewalk out front advertising happy hour) and on some nights when there is no live music it may be a little too quiet for some. But I think it’s worth searching out if you want a place with good music, food, and especially drinks, away from the maddening crowd.

Website: http://http://www.bflat.info/index.html
Phone #: 212-219-2970
Hours: Mo-Wed 5pm-2am; Th-Sat 5pm-3am; no Sun
Happy Hour: 5-7pm every day; $8 cocktails + special prices on apps
Music: Mon/Wed 8pm
Subway: #1 to Franklin; walk E 1 blk to Church; N 1 blk to bFlat

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

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