Selected Events (12/10) + Holiday Markets in NYCity 2014

Posted on 12/10/2014 by GregD

Today’s “FAB 5″/ Selected NYCity Events – WEDNESDAY, DEC. 10, 2014
“We search the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you don’t have to. We make it as easy as 1-2-3.”

Selected Shorts – SmartStuff/ Literary Reading

Holiday Harmony: Performers from the Juilliard School  – Jazz

An Evening with Lee Grant  – Talk

Berio in NYC  – Classical Music

Andy Borowitz in Conversation with Soledad O’Brien – Comedy

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SELECTED SHORTS
Two brilliant minds co-host an evening of their work. PEN/Hemingway Award-winning Teju Cole (Open City, Every Day Is for the Thief) and Salman Rushdie (Midnight’s Children, Joseph Anton) present tales of exile, heartbreak, and home.

Performers include Blythe Danner, Michael Stuhlbarg (Boardwalk Empire, A Serious Man), Jeffrey Wright (The Hunger Games, Angels in America), and Zainab Jah (The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner).
Hosted by Matthew Love.
Peter Jay Sharp Theatre at Symphony Space, Broadway at 95th St.
7:30pm / $29, only a few seats left
212-864-5400

Holiday Harmony: Performers from the Juilliard School
“Swing into the Holidays”
A collection of favorite holiday songs and Christmas carols, reimagined by an ace trio of Juilliard jazz musicians. Their toe tapping renditions of these classic holiday tunes are guaranteed to get you into the spirit!
One New York Plaza, 1 New York Plaza
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM / FREE

An Evening with Lee Grant
FEATURING: Lee Grant, Antonio Monda
By the time she was in her mid-20s, Lee Grant was a newly-married mother, an Academy Award-nominated actress, and a celebrated Broadway star—and then she lost everything. Landing on Hollywood’s infamous blacklist, Grant began a 12-year fight to reclaim her name, accepting every theater or teaching job that came her way. In an intimate conversation, Grant recounts the defining moments of her memorable career—from her fight against the Hollywood blacklist to her triumphant return to the silver screen—and shares stories of the friendships she built with icons such as Warren Beatty, Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, and Sidney Poitier, among others.

Lee Grant is an Academy Award-winning actress and the author of I Said Yes to Everything: A Memoir. Antonio Monda teaches in the Film and Television Department at New York University. He has directed several documentaries, including the award-winning feature film Dicembre, which was presented at the Venice Film Festival.
New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West
6:30 pm / $30

Berio in NYC
Adam Tendler and Sarah Cahill, piano
“Wasserklavier,” “Rounds,” “Sequenza IV,” “5 Variazioni,” “Erdenklavier,” and “Memory” performed by Sarah Cahill and Adam Tendler in the second of two concerts featuring works composed by Luciano Berio when he lived in New York City (1965-1972).

“An exuberantly expressive pianist” who “vividly displayed his enthusiasm for every phrase” (Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times), Adam Tendler is a “maverick pianist” (The New Yorker), a “modern-music evangelist” (Time Out New York) who “has managed to get behind and underneath the notes… living inside the music and making poetic sense of it all. If they gave medals for musical bravery, dexterity and perseverance, Adam Tendler would earn them all.” (Tim Smith, Baltimore Sun).

Sarah Cahill, recently called “fiercely gifted” by the New York Times and “as tenacious and committed an advocate as any composer could dream of” by the San Francisco Chronicle, has commissioned, premiered, and recorded numerous compositions for solo piano. Cahill has researched and recorded the music by the important early 20th-century American modernists Henry Cowell and Ruth Crawford, and has commissioned a number of new pieces in tribute to their enduring influence.
The Italian Academy, 1161 Amsterdam Avenue
7:00pm / FREE

Elsewhere, but looks worth the detour:

Andy Borowitz in Conversation with Soledad O’Brien
Andy Borowitz has been called a “Swiftian satirist” (The Wall Street Journal), “America’s satire king” (the Daily Beast), “the funniest human on Twitter” (The New York Times), and “one of the funniest people in America” (CBS News’ “Sunday Morning”).

Join the award-winning creator of the eponymous satirical news column as he takes a look back at the biggest stories of the year.
92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Avenue,
8pm / $37-$57
212-415-5500
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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 (pop. 8.4 million) had 54 million visitors last year and quality shows draw crowds. Try to reserve seats in advance, even if just on day of performance.
===============================================================================

Holiday markets in NYC
New York has a wealth of holiday markets and craft fairs that you can browse if the big department stores with their holiday windows aren’t your bag.

Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Not only is there free ice-skating on Bryant Park’s 17,000-square-foot outdoor rink, but also 127 holiday shops, including 27 new kiosks and 26 eateries. New offerings such as eco-friendly clothing and accessories from Angelrox ($10–$250) and organic hair- and skin-care products from Surya Brasil (starting at $15) are up for grabs. And after you shop and skate, warm up at spacious rinkside restaurant Celsius. FYI: The vendors are only there until Jan 4, but If you want to practice your lutzes and axels with ample spinning room, try visiting during off-peak hours (open through March 1). FYI: On Tuesday, Dec 2, come for the tree, but stay for the grand lighting ceremony at 6pm, including performances on and off the ice.
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park Sixth Ave, between 40th and 42nd Sts
Until Sun Jan 4

Columbus Circle Holiday Market
This annual holiday bazaar, run by the people behind the Union Square market, features handmade items from local artisans and snacks from vendors such as Mrs. Dorsey’s Kitchen and Sigmund Pretzel Shop. Look for the market concierge to help you navigate your way through the approximately 100 booths.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market Central Park South, at Central Park West
Mon Dec 1 – Wed Dec 24

Grand Central Holiday Fair
This fair’s six-week run features 76 microboutiques plus 22 new artists and businesses boasting everything from contemporary jewelry and art objects to African crafts and Christmas ornaments. And since it’s situated inside the terminal itself, you won’t have to worry about shivering while you’re browsing the goods. Highlights include Jacques Torres Chocolates ($6-$100), man candles ($30) from The Lode Man Shop and handcrafted knit and crocheted outerwear from Spratters & Jayne ($60-$325).
Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair 89 E 42nd St, at Park Ave
Until Wed Dec 24

Union Square Holiday Market
If there’s one alfresco shopping event worth braving the cold for, it’s this one. This European-style winter market boasts more than 150 local and national vendors hawking an impressive selection of handcrafted gifts, ranging from jewelry and accessories to leather goods and artwork. Check out the brew-your-own beer kits from the Brooklyn Brew Shop ($40); handmade, monogrammed stuffed animals from Hazel Village ($39); and wooden puzzles and board games from Kubiya Games ($38). And with food vendors like Momofuku Milk Bar, Bar Suzette, Wafels & Dinges and No Chewing Allowed!, you could easily spend a whole day here.
Union Square Holiday Market 14th St to 17th St, between Broadway and Park Ave South
Until Wed Dec 24

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Artists & Fleas at Chelsea Market
Brooklyn purveyors set up shop across the river at Artists & Fleas’ seasonal pop-up bazaar, situated inside Chelsea Market. Expect to find trendy and noncommercial holiday-themed gifts vetted by husband-and-wife team Amy Abrams and Ronen Glimer, who ensure that every item is locally made and well crafted. Among the 30-plus vendors are bag designer Pamela Barsky, vinyl slinger Eat Records and vintage seller Brooklyn Bleu. Enter the building at the corner of Tenth Avenue and 15th Street.
Artists & Fleas – Chelsea Market 75 Ninth Ave, between 15th and 16th Sts,
Sat Nov 1 – Wed Dec 24

Creeds Collective Holiday Pop-up
This pop-up’s two-month run allows you to grab splurgeworthy presents from up-and-coming fashion, beauty and wellness brands for everyone on your list—or hell, let’s be honest, yourself. Our favorites include Angela & Roi handbags ($340), Dharma eyewear ($99), Coye Nokes shoes ($350) and more. And 10 percent of proceeds from every purchase goes toward Global Citizen’s (globalcitizen.org) fight against extreme poverty. The pop-up also offers complimentary mini spa treatments from natural hair- and skin-care brand THANN, a nail-art bar by Primp & Polish and a #hashtag photo booth, to reward yourself for getting through your shopping list.
Creeds Collective Holiday Pop-Up 54 Crosby St , between Broome and Spring Sts
Until Sun Dec 28

Etsy Holiday Handmade Cavalcade
Searching for a thoughtful holiday gift? You’ll find plenty at Etsy’s seventh annual holiday craft fair. For one weekend only, 62 of the e-commerce site’s finest local artists, designers and makers set up booths featuring clothing, jewelry, holiday cards, body products and more. Make sure you take advantage of the free gift wrap services, plus it pays to get here early: The first 100 shoppers each day will receive a goody bag filled with products and discounts donated by the makers.
Chelsea Market 75 Ninth Ave, at 16th St
ONLY Sat Dec 13 – Sun Dec 14

Hester Holiday Market at One Penn Plaza
The Hester Holiday Market at One Penn Plaza brings Hester Street Fair’s favorite gift and food vendors to 34th Street just in time for the holidays! This outdoor market will be a destination for one-of-a-kind shopping with curated and handmade gifts that you won’t find in any stores. Plus an incredible roster of artisanal food vendors will be fueling the holiday cheer. The holiday market will also celebrate the festivities with caroling, classes and much more! (www.hesterstreetfair.com)

This bazaar usually stays indoors for the winter, but this year, you’ll find vintage wares, crafts and other gifts at its new outdoor location. This one-of-a-kind shopping destination features curated and handmade gifts you won’t find in any store as well. Plus, there will be a full roster of artisinal food vendors to fuel the holiday cheer.
One Penn Plaza Eighth Ave, between 33rd and 34th Sts,
Mon Dec 1 – Sun Dec 21

Jingle holiday pop-up
Accessories designer Jill Schwartz curated this 6,000-square-foot shop inside Chelsea Market, featuring local and international goods perfect for gift-giving. Inside, you’ll find stylish wares by Izola and vibrant living sculptures (starting at $60) from Twig Terrariums. Plus, this pop-up has enough holiday spirit to cheer up even scroogiest New Yorker.
Chelsea Market 75 Ninth Ave, at 16th St
Tue Dec 16 – Mon Dec 29

The Soho Holiday Collective
This holiday pop-up is all about one-of-a-kind fashions from emerging designers. It’s a hands-on affair, where you can actually meet and be styled by the designers themselves. Find luxury apparel, jewelry and gift items from Jes Wade, KES, Lulu Estate Jewelry and more. After you visit with the designers, be sure to check out the pop-up’s garage style gallery, which features an array of framed pop culture photography by Rock Paper Photo and Capital Art. We imagine the classic photos of Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor will go fast.
Soho Holiday Collective Pop-up 150 Wooster St , between W Broadway and Greene St,
Until Wed Dec 24

Elsewhere, but worth a detour:

Artists & Fleas Williamsburg Holiday Market
Founders Amy Abrams and Ronen Glimer will again curate a special holiday-themed version of their weekend market, now featuring more than100 vendors inside their Williamsburg space, which expanded to the warehouse next door. Boasting sellers, artists, makers and collectors, enjoy free gift-wrapping stations, tasty treats and Christmas carolers to get you all warm and fuzzy. If off-the-wall gifts are your thing, you might want to snatch up Kt Ferris Creations’ trendy evil-eye necklaces ($28–$150), Curated Basics’ black stainless steel cuffs for guys ($40), festive knit Twinko onesies for pets or Marley & Alfie horseshoe dream catchers ($99) for your ecentric friends and family members.
Artists & Fleas 70 North 7th St, between Kent and Wythe Aves
Until Sun Dec 28

Astoria Market Holiday Markets
On three Sundays before Christmas (Nov 16; Dec 24, 21), Queens’ classic Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden transforms into an NYC-centric artisan market chock-full of handmade and vintage merchandise. Standout vendors include handmade ceramics from Mayware and delicious gluten-free baked goods from WHOS bakery. Eggnog, hot cider and roasted chestnuts are available for the peckish, too.
Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden 29-19 24th Ave, between 29th and 31st Sts, 
Sun Nov 16 – Sun Dec 21

LIC Flea & Food Holiday Market
For eight weekends before Christmas, more than 55 vendors set up shop in a warehouse space adjacent to LIC Flea & Food’s outdoor lot at this gift-geared seasonal spin-off. It’s one of the biggest indoor markets in New York, so this holiday bazaar is a can’t-miss. Featuring more than 55 vendors, the holiday offerings include everything from fashion to arts and crafts and of course, antiques. Plus, there’s plenty of food carts to fuel your search for the perfect holiday gifts. Other bonuses include live music from the Dandy Wellington band and, of course, the chance to take a photo with the big man in the red suit—Santa is here every weekend until December 21.
LIC Flea 5-25 46th Ave , between Vernon Blvd and 5th St.
Until Sun Dec 21

This comprehensive listing and much more useful holiday info, including a holiday gift guide, can be found at TONY magazine’s Christmas in NewYork Guide.

For a virtual tour of  holiday department store windows, try the slideshows at the NYT and Refinery 29.

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Selected Events (12/09) + Holiday Windows in NYCity 2014

Posted on 12/09/2014 by GregD

Today’s “FAB 5″/ Selected NYCity Events – TUESDAY, DEC. 09, 2014
“We search the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you don’t have to. We make it as easy as 1-2-3.”

When the United States Spoke French – SmartStuff/ Book Talk

Ben Watt solo  – Folk Music

Manhattan School of Music Afro Cuban Jazz Orchestra  – Jazz

Pop-Up Concerts: Mivos Quartet  – Music

Vegetarian Sichuan Cuisine class – Food & Drink

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When the United States Spoke French: François Furstenberg and Anka Muhlstein
The biographer and essayist Anka Mulhstein talks with the historian François Furstenberg about his recent book, When the United States Spoke French: Five Refugees Who Shaped a Nation, an account of the early years of the American republic through the eyes of five distinguished Frenchmen seeking refuge from their own Revolution.

François Furstenberg, the author of In the Name of the Father: Washington’s Legacy, Slavery, and the Making of a Nation, is a professor of History at Johns Hopkins University, specializing in intellectual history and political culture in the 18th and 19th centuries. In 2013, he was elected a member of the American Antiquarian Society.
Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, Margaret Liebman Berger Forum
NYPL/ Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers
Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, Room 225,
7PM / FREE
212-930-0084

Ben Watt solo (electric and acoustic)
After twenty years with Tracey Thorn in the best-selling alternative duo Everything But The Girl, and ten as as international DJ and label boss of acclaimed electronic label Buzzin’ Fly, this year saw Ben Watt return to his earliest folk-jazz roots with his first solo album for thirty-one years. Entitled ‘Hendra’, it follows his 1983 cult classic ‘North Marine Drive’, and claimed the award for ‘Best ‘Difficult’ Second Album’ at the recent AIM (Association of Independent Music) Awards 2014 in London fending off albums by Anna Calvi and Blood Orange.

Decorated with an array of four and five-star reviews on release, it features collaborations with former Suede guitarist Bernard Butler, Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour and producer Ewan Pearson. This year has seen him tour with different sized line-ups but tonight he plays solo acoustic and electric. Expect songs from ‘Hendra’ plus old gems, wild cards and stories behind the music.
(le) poisson rouge, 158 Bleecker St
8:00pm / $25
212-505-3474

Manhattan School of Music Afro Cuban Jazz Orchestra
“Led by the knowledgeable drummer and composer Bobby Sanabria, the Afro Cuban Jazz Orchestra takes a scholarly but rhythmically robust approach to Latin-jazz repertory in performance as on a fine recent album, “Qué Viva Harlem!” (Chinen-NYT)
Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Rose Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, 60th St. and Broadway,
212-258-9595, jalc.org
At 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. / $35 cover, with a $10 minimum

Pop-Up Concerts: Mivos Quartet
Bring a friend, grab a drink, and join some of today’s most interesting performers onstage at Miller Theatre on select Tuesday evenings.

“One of America’s most daring and ferocious new-music ensembles” (The Chicago Reader) makes their Miller debut with imaginative works from three composers from across the globe. The evening includes New York guitarist and composer Patrick Higgins’ darkly dramatic Aletheia and twelve “microludes” from Romanian-born composer György Kurtág – passionate, serene, and haunting in turns – that demonstrate the breadth of this young quartet’s talent.
Miller Theatre, 2960 Broadway
6PM / FREE / 212-854-7799
All concerts start at 6 p.m. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis,
and doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Elsewhere, but looks worth the detour:

Vegetarian Sichuan Cuisine class
“Chefs looking to expand their vegetarian repertoire — and anyone looking for a DIY alternative to a Chinatown dinner date — should check out Brooklyn Brainery’s Vegetarian Sichuan Cuisine class. In this 2-hour tutorial, cook/blogger Diana Kuan will guide students on a foodie adventure highlighting the basic elements of Chinese cuisine and culminating in the sampling of a meal of vegetarian dan dan noodles, kung pao sweet potatoes, and Sichuan cucumber salad.” (dnainfo.com)
Brooklyn Brainery, 190 Underhill Avenue, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.
6 p.m. – 8 p.m. / $42. Tickets are limited

===============================================================================
♦ Before making final plans, we suggest you call the venue to confirm ticket availability, dates and times, as schedules are subject to change.
♦ NYCity (pop. 8.4 million) had 54 million visitors last year and quality shows draw crowds. Try to reserve seats in advance, even if just on day of performance.
===============================================================================

Holiday Windows in New York City 2014

Do me a favor, arrange your day so that you check out these windows after dark. They are so much more impressive at night.

Barneys holiday windows
This year, the Madison Avenue shop incorporates video, light installations and more forward-thinking concepts into its holiday displays. The theme is “A New York Holiday,” and elements include an interactive scene with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a “floating city” created with 3-D mapping and light projections.
Barneys New York 660 Madison Ave, at 61st St.
Thu Dec 4 – Wed Dec 31

Bergdorf Goodman holiday windows
Bergdorf Goodman was inspired by ice this year: The shop’s holiday windows all present variations on the theme “Holidays on Ice,” with displays devoted to Halloween (with a masquerade party), Valentine’s Day and even Arbor Day. (Ice-skating trees? One can hope.)
Bergdorf Goodman 754 Fifth Ave, at 58th St.
Until Wed Jan 7

Bloomingdale’s holiday windows
This year’s holiday windows at Bloomie’s puts the famous brown shopping bags into different shopping scenes around the world—everywhere from China and France to Great Britain and Italy (and, of course, Bloomingdale’s right here in New York City).
Bloomingdale’s 1000 Third Ave, at 59th St,
Thu Dec 4 – Wed Dec 31

Henri Bendel holiday windows
Henri Bendel has partnered with the estate of Al Hirschfeld to create window displays inspired by the celebrated cartoonist’s work. In one window, you’ll see 3-D depictions of celebs like Sarah Jessica Parker, Liza Minnelli and Woody Allen; in the store itself, Bendel’s giant tree becomes a playhouse for a model of Charlie Chaplin.
Henri Bendel 712 Fifth Ave, at 56th St.
Wed Dec 3 – Wed Dec 31

Lord & Taylor holiday windows
Children from NYC schools and Women in Need shelters were asked to create drawings based on the theme “What Is Christmas Made Of?” Those works, 125 of which are featured here, inspired the scenes in this year’s display.
Lord & Taylor 424 Fifth Ave, between 38th and 39th Sts.
Thu Dec 4 – Thu Jan 1

Macy’s holiday windows
Boasting a “Dream…and Believe” theme, Macy’s 2013 holiday windows depict a young boy’s journey through a magical dreamland. The six windows on the Broadway side of the store—Dream, Giving & Sharing, Joy, Beauty, Magic and Believe—use technology and LED lights to tell the story. Visiting families can also view the classic “Yes, Virginia…” windows on the 34th street side of the store.
Macy’s Herald Square 151 W 34th St, between Sixth and Seventh Aves.
Wed Dec 10 – Wed Dec 31

Saks Fifth Avenue holiday windows
This year, Saks debuted a new Snowflake Spectacular, a 3-D light show that plays out across the department store’s exterior each evening. The dazzling display is just one element of the shop’s holiday celebration: Window displays tell the story of the Saks Yeti, and also include an interactive window where visitors can display their own Yeti name (visit saks.com/snow for more details).
Saks Fifth Avenue 611 Fifth Ave, at 49th St.
Thu Dec 4 – Wed Dec 31

Tiffany & Co. holiday windows
Behind the windows into which Holly Golightly once gazed so admiringly, Tiffany’s conjures an image of a yuppie wintertime fantasia: the Upper East Side on Christmas Eve. The miniature brownstone scenes are replete with tiny chandeliers and garlands, and those well-known baby-blue boxes are strewn beneath the trees.
Tiffany & Co. 727 Fifth Ave, between 56th and 57th Sts.
Thu Dec 4 – Wed Dec 31

This comprehensive description and much more useful holiday info, including a holiday windows slide show, can be found at TONY magazine’s Christmas in NewYork Guide.

For more holiday windows photos, try the slideshows at the NYT and Refinery 29.

For “The Definitive Guide to New York City’s 2014 Holiday Window Displays” try the NewYorkObserver

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Selected Events (12/08) + Nutcracker Performances 2014

Posted on 12/08/2014 by GregD

Today’s “FAB 5″/ Selected NYCity Events – MONDAY, DEC. 08, 2014
“We search the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you don’t have to. We make it as easy as 1-2-3.”

Holiday Cheer for FUV with Conor Oberst & Friends – Pop/Rock

In Search of the True Universe with Martin Harwit  – SmartStuff/ Lecture

From Boccaccio to Shakespeare  – Theater

James Weidman and Harvie S  – Jazz

Angel Olsen – Pop/Rock

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Holiday Cheer for FUV with Conor Oberst & Friends
“At 34, this polarizing singer-songwriter from Omaha boasts a dense catalog that includes eight albums with the emo-rock progenitors Bright Eyes and a consistent output as a solo artist. His recent solo record, “Upside Down Mountain,” is a sophisticated, earnest folk song cycle. Natalie Merchant, the Felice Brothers, Laura Marling and others also lend their voices to this evening, a benefit for the New York public radio station WFUV.” (NYT-Anderson)
Beacon Theater, 2124 Broadway, at 74th St.,
800-745-3000 / beacontheatre.com
8PM / $45 to $300.

In Search of the True Universe with Martin Harwit
This artist’s rendering shows a solar system that is a much younger version of our own. Dusty disks, like the one shown here circling the star, are thought to be the breeding grounds of planets, including rocky ones like Earth.

Astronomers are investigating the new frontiers of dark matter and dark energy, critical to understanding the cosmos but of indeterminate socio-economic promise. Astrophysicist and scholar Martin Harwit addresses these current challenges in view of competing national priorities and proposes alternative new approaches in search of the true Universe. Harwit examines how our understanding of the cosmos advanced rapidly during the twentieth century and identifies the factors contributing to this progress.
Harwit will sign copies of his book In Search of the True Universe—The Tools, Shaping and Cost of Cosmological Thought after the lecture.
AMNH, Hayden Planetarium, 79th St. and CPW
7:30pm / $15 Adults ($13.50 student, seniors)
212-769-5100 / amnh.org

Theatrical Workshop Performance: FROM BOCCACCIO TO SHAKESPEARE
An evening of theater to uncover similarities and differences between Boccaccio, Machiavelli and Shakespeare.

Following their productions of Machiavelli’s The Mandrake Root and of the three Boccaccio novellas from the Decameron that inspired it, KIT – Kairos Italy Theater, Casa Italiana’s Company in Residence – is now exploring Shakespeare’s work to discover how much the great playwright was influenced by Italian theater and literature as well as what differences emerge in the work of these three giants.

During the past weeks, led by Three Time Obie Award actor Rocco Sisto, KIT has been working on scenes from Measure for Measure while learning about the relationship between Shakespeare and Italy. On December 8th, the actors will share the result of the workshop by presenting scenes from Measure for Measure together with scenes from The Mandrake Root and Decameron, introduced by Sisto himself.
Casa Italiana (NYU), 24 West 12th St.
7:30PM / FREE
casaitaliananyu.org

James Weidman and Harvie S
“Mr. Weidman is a pianist of far-reaching capabilities, possibly best known as a sideman (to the saxophonists Joe Lovano and Marty Ehrlich, among others), though he has his own vision as a bandleader-composer. His most recent album, “Truth and Actuality,” features a trio with the bassist Harvie S, who joins him in duologue here.” (Chinen-NYT)
Jazzhaus at Le Parker Meridien Hotel, 119 West 56th St.
212-245-4535, klavierhaus.com/jazzhaus
at 7:30 and 9PM / $30; $20 for hotel guests and 65+.

Elsewhere, but looks worth the detour:

Angel Olsen
“Her video for “Hi-Five” reminds us of the weird My So-Called Life Halloween special with the gym full of sock-hopping ghosts, minus the Claire Danes monologue. And this is only one reason we like her. Angel Olsen has managed to produce this vintage, ever-reverberating sound of what seems like all current indie pop, but still stays true to her St. Louis roots. She sports a haircut and style similar to what seems to be worn by all Urban Outfitters catalog models, but still makes it look consistently cutting-edge. In short, she knows this scene and she wears it well. But the songs on this year’s Burn Your Fire for No Witness speak, or rather sing, for themselves, glowing, opulent testaments to lost love. Wallow with her, and fellow heartland band Lionlimb, tonight.” (Heather Baysa, VillageVoice)
Bowery Ballroom, 6 Delancey Street
8 p.m. / $20
800-745-3000, boweryballroom.com

==============================================================================
♦ Before making final plans, we suggest you call the venue to confirm ticket availability, dates and times, as schedules are subject to change.
♦ NYCity (pop. 8.4 million) had 54 million visitors last year and quality shows draw crowds. Try to reserve seats in advance, even if just on day of performance.
==============================================================================

For many the Holiday Season means a visit to the NYC Ballet to enjoy their performance of the “Nutcracker” ballet. Thought Gallery, a very fine site with event info on a range of NYCity cultural topics, surprises us with a comprehensive list of more “Nutcracker” performances around town than you ever imagined. Who Knew?

Going Nuts: A Roundup of Nutcracker Ballet Performances in NYC
By Troy Segal

“A FINELY AGED NUT Many a native NY-er has grown up with New York City Ballet founder George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, a holiday tradition since its debut in 1954. Balanchine based his version on the productions he himself danced in as a child in Russia. Act I serves up the spectacle: a rambunctious holiday party and an epic battle between the armies of the Nutcracker Prince and the multi-headed Mouse King. Act II is devoted to displays of dancing virtuosity by waltzing flowers, jumping candy canes and little clowns that emerge from a lady’s hoopskirt. Nov. 28–Jan. 3.

A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN Returning for the last time to the Brooklyn Academy of Music, choreographer Alexei Ratmansky’s version of The Nutcracker takes a dramatic approach to the often-saccharine classic: “The Waltz of the Snowflakes,” for example, turns into a nearly fatal blizzard for our heroine Clara, and the Sugar Plum Fairy is explicitly a projection of her desire to be all grown up, rather than just the usual showy anonymous ballerina role. Not that there aren’t plenty of sweet moments, too, from the adorable baby mouse to the magically expanding Christmas tree to the dazzling turns by American Ballet Theatre’s artists. Dec. 12–21.

DANCING IN THE STREETS In contrast to the productions above, The Knickerbocker Suite unfolds the familiar story in modern-day NYC. Those swirling snowflakes turn into shoppers, waltzing in and out of Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s; Mother Ginger, traditionally a lady whose skirts house hidden little dancers, becomes the Statue of Liberty leading a host of immigrants. The concepts are as fresh as the cast, all students of Manhattan Youth Ballet. Dec. 12–14 & 19–21.

TINY BUT TASTY The New York Theatre Ballet is a chamber dance company specializing in streamlined stories for the littlest balletomanes. Its version, dubbed Keith Michael’s The Nutcracker (after is its resident choreographer) and set in an Art Nouveau world, runs only an hour, but packs in all the big turns, using its small cast in ingenious ways and with witty fashions (the Metropolitan Opera’s resident costume designer did the garments). Dec. 19–21.

RED HOT If ballet ever merged with burlesque, the result might be something like Nutcracker Rouge. This strictly-for-grownups version—by Company XIV, which loves to mash up music, Baroque dance and texts and acrobatics—has Marie (not so much a little girl as a nubile young thing) embarking on a discovery of the sweet things in life—and we’re not talking candy canes. The classically trained dancers pose, pirouette and gyrate to the Tchaikovsky’s greatest hits, as well as Madonna’s (we said it was a mash-up, didn’t we?). If you like your hot chocolate with a little spice, this is for you. Through Jan. 4.”
(Troy Segal-ThoughtGallery.org)

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Selected Events (12/07) + Ice Skating in NYCity 2014

Posted on 12/07/2014 by GregD

Today’s “FAB 5″/ Selected NYCity Events – SUNDAY, DEC. 07, 2014
“We search the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you don’t have to. We make it as easy as 1-2-3.”

Jane Monheit – Jazz

Dave Koz & Friends  – Jazz

Handel’s Messiah and Organ Concerto  – Classical Music

Nostalgia Trains & Buses – SpecialEvent/ Subways

Bill Nye “the Science Guy” – SmartStuff/ Book Talk

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Jane Monheit
“If there’s one thing the recent work of Jane Monheit proves, it’s that maturing doesn’t mean losing freshness and immediacy. Now more than a decade into a scintillating career, the thrush might not be trying to invoke the nubile mermaid image she once projected, but she’s still performing with verve and impeccable instinct. She has always sung ballads with an understanding beyond her years, and that hasn’t changed one iota: Just when she seems to have lofted the final breathtaking note, she inevitably adds something astonishing.” (David Finkle,VillageVoice)
BIRDLAND, 315 West 44th St,
6 p.m. / $30
212-581-3080 / birdlandjazz.com

Dave Koz & Friends
“By all rights, smooth jazz should own the holiday season, and the saxophonist Dave Koz is better positioned than anyone to make it so. His expertly wrought holiday album, “The 25th of December,” features vocals by Johnny Mathis, Gloria Estefan, Eric Benét, Heather Headley, BeBe Winans, Richard Marx, Jonathan Butler and India.Arie. A related tour, touching down here, finds a place for Mr. Butler, Christopher Cross and the singer-songwriter Maysa.” (Chinen-NYT)
Best Buy Theater, 1515 Broadway, at 44th St.,
888-929-7849 /  bestbuytheater.com
7pm / $29.50 to $189.50.

Handel’s Messiah and Organ Concerto by First Church
Begin your holiday season by attending this annual favorite performance directed by organist and master of choristers Dr. William F. Entriken with soloists Ellen Goff Entriken, Cheryl Zilinyi, Sean Fallen and Andrew Martens.
Director Dr. Entriken will delight audiences with a masterful performance of Handel’s Concerto No. 13 in F, “The Cuckoo and the Nightingale.”
First Presbyterian Church Choir & Orchestra, 12 West 12th St. at Fifth Ave.
4:00 p.m. / FREE
212.675.6150.

Nostalgia Trains & Buses Return for the Holidays (Sundays thru 12/28)
Once again this holiday season, the MTA will offer nostalgia lovers the opportunity to the ride back into the past with rides on vintage buses and subway trains. There’s no better way to get around while doing your holiday shopping! Dating back to the early part of last century, the Nostalgia Train is made up of subway cars in service along the lettered lines between the early1930s to the mid-1970s. Equipped with ceiling fans, padded seats and incandescent light bulbs, the R/1 through R/9 cars served the IND and later some BMT lines. Customers will have the opportunity to hop on board as it operates along the Sixth Avenue M Subway Line.

Many New Yorkers bear fond memories of the trains. However, with the cars having been out of service for nearly 40 years, many more New Yorkers have never experienced the charm of wicker seats and ceiling fans.

The holiday “Nostalgia Train” will operate on Sundays only, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., on December 7, 14, 21, and 28.

Elsewhere, but looks worth the detour:

Bill Nye “the Science Guy”: Evolution and the Science of Creation
Emmy-award winning journalist Tom Foreman moderates the discussion on evolution and the science of creation.

Bill Nye is a mechanical engineer, science educator and CEO of the Planetary Society, who hosted the Emmy award-winning show “Bill Nye the Science Guy.” After a widely viewed debate in Kentucky with an avowed Bible literalist, Nye has written a primer on the fundamentals of evolution. Nye agrees that people everywhere must be free to believe whatever they wish, but we cannot deny our students a basic science education.

In the 21st century, we need to keep the United States competitive on the world stage, he says, and to insist that creationism has a place in the science classroom is harmful not only to our kids, but to the greater world as well. Join us for what’s sure to be a controversial and lively discussion.
92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Avenue,
7:30PM / $30
212-415-5500

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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 (pop. 8.4 million) had 54 million visitors last year and quality shows draw crowds. Try to reserve seats in advance, even if just on day of performance.
=============================================================================

Ice Skating in NYCity (nycgo.com)
Winter just isn’t winter without ice-skating in New York City. And though most of us can probably name two or three rinks off the top of our heads, we might be more than mildly surprised to find there are 15 venues open for public ice-skating this holiday season. The best known of the City’s rinks is without a doubt the Rink at Rockefeller Center—tracing figure eights while surrounded by the shops, restaurants and buildings of a NYC landmark provides the quintessential NYC skating experience—but plenty of other (frequently less crowded) options exist. Here are the ice rinks you want to head to in Manhattan:

Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Where: Sixth Avenue between 40th and 42nd Streets
When: Late October to early March
Price: Free; skate rental $15–$19
If you already own skates, this is the most affordable spot in the City—it’s the only rink that offers free admission. Bryant Park also hosts annual holiday shops, a good destination if you want to cross some gifts off your list after your turn on the ice.

Trump Rink in Central Park
Where: Central Park, mid-park between 62nd and 63rd Streets
When: Late October to first week of April
Price: Adults $11.25 (Mon.–Thurs.), $18 (Fri.–Sun.); kids 11 and under $6; seniors $5 (Mon.–Thurs.), $9 (Fri.–Sun.); skate rental $8
Few rinks can match the ambience of Central Park’s Trump Rink, especially after a fresh snowfall. If you’re there at night, be sure to look up for some prime NYC stargazing.

Rink at Rockefeller Center
Where: Fifth Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets
When: Mid-October through April
Price: Adults $27–$30, kids 10 and under $15; skate rental $12
Millions of visitors plan trips to the City every year just to catch a glimpse of skaters taking a spin on the ice below the famous Christmas tree and gilded statue of Prometheus; others will wait in long lines to experience it for themselves.

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Ice Rink at Riverbank State Park
Where: Henry Hudson Parkway between West 138th and West 145th Streets
When: November through March
Price: Adults $5, kids 11 and under $3; skate rental $6
Riverbank, in Hamilton Heights, is the only state park in Manhattan; it offers incredible river views across to New Jersey and gorgeous vistas of the George Washington Bridge.

Lasker Rink
Where: Central Park, northeast corner between 106th and 108th Streets
When: Late October to late March
Price: Adults $7.50, kids 12 and under $4; skate rental $6.50
Up in the northern reaches of the park, Lasker Rink is a bit less discovered than its sister skate center in the park (see “Trump Rink in Central Park” below)—and a much better deal.

See/Change Ice Rink
Where: Fulton and Front Streets, South Street Seaport
When: Late November to early March
Price: Adults $10, kids 5 and under free; skate rental $6
The seaport relaunched itself in 2013 after Superstorm Sandy with the opening of an outdoor ice rink. Bonus: November 28, opening night, coincides with a tree-lighting ceremony.

Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers
Where: Pier 61, West 23rd Street and Hudson River Park
When: Year-round
Price: $10; skate rental $5
Want to skate downtown…in mid-July? The enormous rink at Chelsea Piers is the place to head, though it’s a reliable stop-off any time of year.

Standard Hotel
Where: 848 Washington St., between West 12th and West 13th Streets
When: Late November until early spring (weather dependent)
Price: Adults $12, kids $6; skate rental $3
One of the hipper—and more exclusive—hotels in the City has a ground-level rink available to the public. If you can’t find the info on the main website, check standardculture.com for the latest prices and times.

nycgo.com, the website of New York City’s official marketing and tourism organization, has lots of useful NYCity info for the holidays:
Best NYC Toy Stores,
Ice Skating,
2014 Holiday Events,
Holiday Gift Guide,
Winter Events
This fine site is worth checking out when you are planning your NYCity visit.

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

Selected Events (12/06) + Top Manhattan Toy Stores 2014

Posted on 12/06/2014 by GregD

Today’s “FAB 5″/ Selected NYCity Events – SATURDAY, DEC. 06, 2014
“We search the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you don’t have to. We make it as easy as 1-2-3.”

Holiday Activities @ GrandCentralTerminal – Special Event

DAPTONE SUPER SOUL REVUE – Soul Music

Old World Wine & New World Wine – Exploring and Explaining Terroir –
Food & Drink

Cyndi Lauper & Friends Home for the Holidays – Pop/Rock

Kermit Ruffins & the BBQ Swingers – Jazz

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Holiday Activities @ GrandCentralTerminal

New York Transit Museum Annex: Holiday Train Show (through Feb. 22)
This free annual holiday treat for model train enthusiasts, featuring vintage Lionel trains, is on display in Grand Central Terminal.
starting Saturday, holiday hours (through Dec. 24) are weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex and Store at Grand Central Terminal, near the Station Master’s Office; mta.info/mta/museum.

Holiday Markets at Grand Central Terminal (through Dec. 24)
In Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal, the shops will remain up through Christmas Eve. Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; grandcentralterminal.com.

DAPTONE SUPER SOUL REVUE
“Here’s a match made in soul-music heaven. The Apollo Theatre, which hosted revues of artists from Stax and Motown Records and provided the stage—and the vibe—for James Brown’s “Live at the Apollo,” will present three nights of talent from Daptone Records, out of Brooklyn, today’s undisputed leader in high-quality, low-down, genuine old-school sounds.

Headlining each night will be the indestructible Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, supported by the Brown disciple Charles Bradley and a wealth of talent from the label, including Antibalas, the Budos Band, the Menahan Street Band, Naomi Shelton and the Gospel Queens, and the Sugarman Three. Hosted by the Dap-King guitarist Binky Griptite, these performances will be recorded for a live album.” (NewYorker)
Apollo Theater, 253 W. 125th St.
800-745-3000.

Old World Wine & New World Wine – Exploring and Explaining Terroir
“It’s important to remember that wine doesn’t exist in a vacuum. There is a reason that the Barossa Shiraz that you were drinking in college doesn’t taste just the same as the Crozes-Hermitage that you bought to take to last week’s dinner party. Where a grape is planted by a winegrower is as important as the variety he chooses.

Join us for an afternoon of tasting and talking about wine as Blue Ribbon Restaurants’ Wine Director Sam Ehrlich walks us through some of the world’s great wine regions, see through the prism of Syrah and Riesling grapes. Light snacks from Blue Ribbon’s chefs will also be served.” (ThoughtGallery.org)
Blue Ribbon Downing Street Bar, 34 Downing St.
212-691-0404
1:30PM / $55

Cyndi Lauper & Friends Home for the Holidays
“It’s time to give back! Cyndi Lauper’s annual Home for the Holidays benefit concert is back, and this time the lineup is as diverse as ever. Come join some of the most celebrated artists of the year and of all time in benefiting and raising awareness for LGBT youth homelessness. This year’s lineup includes, of course, Cyndi Lauper, alongside 50 Cent, Sufjan Stevens, Patty Griffin, Salt-N-Pepa, Liv Warfield, STRFKR, and Emily West.” (Eleanor Lambert, VillageVoice)
Beacon Theater, 2124 Broadway, at 74th St.
800-745-3000, beacontheatre.com
8PM / $50 to $2,000

Kermit Ruffins & the BBQ Swingers
“What will Santa Claus say,” this New Orleans trumpeter-singer wants to know (paraphrasing Louis Prima), “when he finds everybody swinging?” The 44-year-old Mr. Ruffins has long been on the forefront of Louisiana Neo-Traditionalism, as made clear on his current CD, “We Partyin’ Traditional Style!” (2013), as well as his 2009 Christmas album. December is a perfect month for this party-hearty performer. In fact, Mr. Ruffins and his BBQ Swingers could probably even turn Arbor Day or Groundhog Day into the party of the year.” (WSJ)
Le Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker St.,
(212) 505-3474

======================================================================
♦ Before making final plans, we suggest you call the venue to confirm ticket availability, dates and times, as schedules are subject to change.
♦ NYCity (pop. 8.4 million) had 54 million visitors last year and quality shows draw crowds. Try to reserve seats in advance, even if just on day of performance.
======================================================================

Manhattan Toy Stores (nycgo.com)
Here’s a rundown of some top Manhattan toy stores. Now buy that kid a toy.

FAO Schwarz
This store is a place to gawk: at the oversize stuffed animals, at the real people in toy soldier outfits, at the giant piano made famous by Tom Hanks movie Big and at the immensity of the space itself. Able to trace its roots all the way back to 1862 (when the founder first started vending toys out of a Baltimore shop), FAO Schwarz is a bona fide tourist attraction. These days, kids can customize certain items here—designing, for example, their own Muppet or toy car.

American Girl Place
New York City is home to a large flagship store for American Girl–brand dolls. The company has found success selling figures representing young girls from various historical periods and ethnic backgrounds. Those who’d like to further indulge their children’s desire to treat the dolls like real people can take advantage of a photo studio, a salon for dolls to get new ‘dos and a doll hospital where damaged “girls” are admitted as patients, fixed up (the store sends the dolls out for that) and shipped back to their happy owners good as new.

Scholastic Store
The retail outlet of NYC publisher Scholastic sells a full slate of the house’s titles—including popular series like Harry Potter, The Magic School Bus, Clifford the Big Red Dog and Captain Underpants. The big, colorful store also hosts craft workshops, movie screenings and other kid-friendly events. Check their website for details. Also sold on site: computer programs, games, puzzles, videos and, of course, toys.

Toy Tokyo
This East Village store caters to serious toy collectors with its selection of rare and imported items, such as hand-painted figurines and wind-up toys from Hong Kong and Japan. Expect to find the latest Transformers, Star Wars and urban vinyl (read: designer action figures made of vinyl) toys here, along with unexpected gems.

Disney Store
Cited by some as a symbol of Times Square’s now-long-ago transformation into a family-friendly destination, the Disney Store is exactly what it sounds like: a repository of Disney-branded products, including plenty of toys. If your kid is looking for a Buzz Lightyear action figure, a plush Pumbaa or, say, an Epcot Spaceship Earth play set, this is the place to find it. Thanks to Disney’s acquisition of the Star Wars franchise, you can also find lightsabers and other Lucas-related goodies.

Toys “R” Us
We’ll allow that there might be a Toys “R” Us in your hometown, but chances are that one doesn’t have its own Ferris wheel or an animatronic Tyrannosaurus rex.

Video Games New York
Filled with hard-to-find items—vintage games for systems like for NES, SNES, Atari Jaguar, Dreamcast, Neo Geo, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance and Commodore, not to mention Japanese imports and hardware for arcade machines—this store is as much a museum as a place to shop. Parents who grew up with some of those older consoles may find themselves feeling like kids again. While the used inventory is where Video Games New York really distinguishes itself, the place also carries new machines and releases.

Kidding Around
The downtown location of this store (there’s also an outpost in Grand Central Terminal) has a mom-and-pop feel, to go with some high-end, unusual gifts you might not find at a larger chain. It also sells New York City–themed toys, such as a model Staten Island Ferry.

Forbidden Planet
This cool store specializes in comics, graphic novels, manga, anime and other “alternative hobbies,” like sci-fi and role-playing games. Forbidden Planet also has a huge selection of toys and statues, and its staff, described by one customer as a “fleet of cute nerds,” is extra-helpful since they’re all enthusiasts themselves.

Nintendo World
Though the 10,000-square-foot Nintendo emporium stocks the latest WiiU games, that’s not where its primary charm lies. You’ll find that instead in T-shirts that set characters in the real New York City (for example, Mario emerging from a sewer); in vintage consoles, games and accessories (even the Gyromite robot!) under glass displays; and in the opportunity to chat with a virtual Nintendo character.

American Museum of Natural History Gift Shop
The shop at this museum—itself a must-visit for any parent with an inquisitive child—sells a wide array of science-related fare, including toys. You might find a set of glow-in-the-dark planets, a pocket microscope, a butterfly garden kit or a plush dinosaur.

blogger’s note:
AC Gears, 69 E 8th St. (b/t University Pl & Greene St in Greenwich Village)
should be added to this list. more like a toy store for adults, with some gadgets directly from Japan, you won’t find their stuff anywhere else in town.

nycgo.com, the website of New York City’s official marketing and tourism organization, has lots of useful NYCity info for the holidays:
Best NYC Toy Stores,
Ice Skating,
2014 Holiday Events,
Holiday Gift Guide,
Winter Events
This fine site is worth checking out when you are planning your NYCity visit.

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

Selected Events (12/05) + Holiday Markets in NYCity 2014

Posted on 12/05/2014 by GregD

Today’s “FAB 5″/ Selected NYCity Events – FRIDAY, DEC. 05, 2014
“We search the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you don’t have to. We make it as easy as 1-2-3.”

JOHN LENNON TRIBUTE – Pop/Rock

Burlesque-A-Pades, A Christmas Shimmy! – Performance

Pat Metheny Unity Group – Jazz

Meet the Cast: “This Is Our Youth” – Broadway Talk

George Cables Quartet – Jazz

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JOHN LENNON TRIBUTE
“Any contemporary Lennon tribute concert is a complicated thing, tying together strands of nostalgia, charity, and creative achievement. The thirty-fourth annual installation of this event includes a number of stars whose heydays were in the seventies and eighties but who have continued, for the most part, to produce interesting work: Debbie Harry, Kate Pierson, David Johansen, and Marshall Crenshaw.

Ben E. King, who sang the original version of “Stand by Me,” which Lennon covered and which was his last hit while he was still alive, will also be on hand. The rock-and-roll photographer Bob Gruen, who took many of the iconic pictures of Lennon, will be honored.” (NewYorker)
Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, at 95th St.,
212-864-5400 / symphonyspace.org
8PM / $65 to $105.

Burlesque-A-Pades, A Christmas Shimmy!
w/ Angie Pontani , Albert Cadabra , Helen Pontani , and The Maine Attraction

Get ready to deck the halls and jingle your bells with A Christmas Shimmy! Join the world-renowned cast of Burlesque-A-Pades as they present their version of A Christmas Carol this holiday season. Enjoy elements of the timeless Dickens tale flavored with the world class burlesque, illusion, humor and variety that you have come to expect from this NYC based touring revue!

This seasonal spectacular stars one of the premiere burlesque entertainers in the world, Angie Pontani, master illusionist and comedian Albert Cadabra, the high energy dance sensation The Maine Attraction, the Tap Dancing Tornado Helen Pontani, the footy sync spectacular of the Snowflake Dancers PLUS special guests! It’s a lifetime of entertainment in two hours!
Le Poisson Rouge in NoHo.
8 p.m. / $20

Pat Metheny Unity Group (through Sunday)
The guitarist, composer, and creator of the “orchestrion” has arrived in New York with his Unity Group after a 150-city tour. His quintet—saxophonist Chris Potter, bassist Ben Williams, percussionist Antonio Sanchez, and Giulio Carmassi playing piano, trumpet, and virtually everything else—should be tight. Even though Mr. Metheny is one of the most famous guitarists living, the music isn’t about the guitar; rather, as the band’s title suggests, it’s about the unity of the five players, and the empathic interplay that they’ve built up in their time together as one of the most consistently unified units in contemporary jazz.” (WSJ)
The Blue Note, 131 W. Third St.,
(212) 475-8592

Meet the Cast:
Michael Cera, Kieran Culkin, and Tavi Gevinson, “This Is Our Youth”
Join actors Michael Cera, Kieran Culkin, and Tavi Gevinson for a moderated conversation and audience Q&A about “This Is Our Youth.” The Broadway comedy—a Steppenwolf revival of Kenneth Lonergan’s play—tells the story of 48 hours in the lives of three lost young souls navigating New York City in 1982
Apple Store SoHo, 103 Prince Street
5pm / FREE

George Cables Quartet (through Sunday)
“The pianist George Cables has an elegant and gracious new album, “Icons and Influences,” that pays homage to an array of former colleagues or associates, like the saxophonist Joe Henderson and the pianist Mulgrew Miller. He’ll engage with the same loose framework in this weekend run, with Craig Handy on saxophones, Essiet Essiet on bass and Victor Lewis on drums’ (NYT-Chinen)
Smoke Jazz Club, 2751 Broadway, at 106th Street,
212-864-6662, smokejazz.com;
At 7, 9 and 10:30 p.m./ $40 cover, with a $20 minimum at 10:30 p.m. sets.

===============================================================================
♦ Before making final plans, we suggest you call the venue to confirm ticket availability, dates and times, as schedules are subject to change.
♦ NYCity (pop. 8.4 million) had 54 million visitors last year and quality shows draw crowds. Try to reserve seats in advance, even if just on day of performance.
===============================================================================

Holiday markets in NYC
New York has a wealth of holiday markets and craft fairs that you can browse if the big department stores with their holiday windows aren’t your bag.

Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Not only is there free ice-skating on Bryant Park’s 17,000-square-foot outdoor rink, but also 127 holiday shops, including 27 new kiosks and 26 eateries. New offerings such as eco-friendly clothing and accessories from Angelrox ($10–$250) and organic hair- and skin-care products from Surya Brasil (starting at $15) are up for grabs. And after you shop and skate, warm up at spacious rinkside restaurant Celsius. FYI: The vendors are only there until Jan 4, but If you want to practice your lutzes and axels with ample spinning room, try visiting during off-peak hours (open through March 1). FYI: On Tuesday, Dec 2, come for the tree, but stay for the grand lighting ceremony at 6pm, including performances on and off the ice.
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park Sixth Ave, between 40th and 42nd Sts
Until Sun Jan 4

Columbus Circle Holiday Market
This annual holiday bazaar, run by the people behind the Union Square market, features handmade items from local artisans and snacks from vendors such as Mrs. Dorsey’s Kitchen and Sigmund Pretzel Shop. Look for the market concierge to help you navigate your way through the approximately 100 booths.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market Central Park South, at Central Park West
Mon Dec 1 – Wed Dec 24

Grand Central Holiday Fair
This fair’s six-week run features 76 microboutiques plus 22 new artists and businesses boasting everything from contemporary jewelry and art objects to African crafts and Christmas ornaments. And since it’s situated inside the terminal itself, you won’t have to worry about shivering while you’re browsing the goods. Highlights include Jacques Torres Chocolates ($6-$100), man candles ($30) from The Lode Man Shop and handcrafted knit and crocheted outerwear from Spratters & Jayne ($60-$325).
Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair 89 E 42nd St, at Park Ave
Until Wed Dec 24

Union Square Holiday Market
If there’s one alfresco shopping event worth braving the cold for, it’s this one. This European-style winter market boasts more than 150 local and national vendors hawking an impressive selection of handcrafted gifts, ranging from jewelry and accessories to leather goods and artwork. Check out the brew-your-own beer kits from the Brooklyn Brew Shop ($40); handmade, monogrammed stuffed animals from Hazel Village ($39); and wooden puzzles and board games from Kubiya Games ($38). And with food vendors like Momofuku Milk Bar, Bar Suzette, Wafels & Dinges and No Chewing Allowed!, you could easily spend a whole day here.
Union Square Holiday Market 14th St to 17th St, between Broadway and Park Ave South
Until Wed Dec 24

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Artists & Fleas at Chelsea Market
Brooklyn purveyors set up shop across the river at Artists & Fleas’ seasonal pop-up bazaar, situated inside Chelsea Market. Expect to find trendy and noncommercial holiday-themed gifts vetted by husband-and-wife team Amy Abrams and Ronen Glimer, who ensure that every item is locally made and well crafted. Among the 30-plus vendors are bag designer Pamela Barsky, vinyl slinger Eat Records and vintage seller Brooklyn Bleu. Enter the building at the corner of Tenth Avenue and 15th Street.
Artists & Fleas – Chelsea Market 75 Ninth Ave, between 15th and 16th Sts,
Sat Nov 1 – Wed Dec 24

Creeds Collective Holiday Pop-up
This pop-up’s two-month run allows you to grab splurgeworthy presents from up-and-coming fashion, beauty and wellness brands for everyone on your list—or hell, let’s be honest, yourself. Our favorites include Angela & Roi handbags ($340), Dharma eyewear ($99), Coye Nokes shoes ($350) and more. And 10 percent of proceeds from every purchase goes toward Global Citizen’s (globalcitizen.org) fight against extreme poverty. The pop-up also offers complimentary mini spa treatments from natural hair- and skin-care brand THANN, a nail-art bar by Primp & Polish and a #hashtag photo booth, to reward yourself for getting through your shopping list.
Creeds Collective Holiday Pop-Up 54 Crosby St , between Broome and Spring Sts
Until Sun Dec 28

Etsy Holiday Handmade Cavalcade
Searching for a thoughtful holiday gift? You’ll find plenty at Etsy’s seventh annual holiday craft fair. For one weekend only, 62 of the e-commerce site’s finest local artists, designers and makers set up booths featuring clothing, jewelry, holiday cards, body products and more. Make sure you take advantage of the free gift wrap services, plus it pays to get here early: The first 100 shoppers each day will receive a goody bag filled with products and discounts donated by the makers.
Chelsea Market 75 Ninth Ave, at 16th St
Sat Dec 13 – Sun Dec 14

Hester Holiday Market at One Penn Plaza
The Hester Holiday Market at One Penn Plaza brings Hester Street Fair’s favorite gift and food vendors to 34th Street just in time for the holidays! This outdoor market will be a destination for one-of-a-kind shopping with curated and handmade gifts that you won’t find in any stores. Plus an incredible roster of artisanal food vendors will be fueling the holiday cheer. The holiday market will also celebrate the festivities with caroling, classes and much more! (www.hesterstreetfair.com)

This bazaar usually stays indoors for the winter, but this year, you’ll find vintage wares, crafts and other gifts at its new outdoor location. This one-of-a-kind shopping destination features curated and handmade gifts you won’t find in any store as well. Plus, there will be a full roster of artisinal food vendors to fuel the holiday cheer.
One Penn Plaza Eighth Ave, between 33rd and 34th Sts,
Mon Dec 1 – Sun Dec 21

Jingle holiday pop-up
Accessories designer Jill Schwartz curated this 6,000-square-foot shop inside Chelsea Market, featuring local and international goods perfect for gift-giving. Inside, you’ll find stylish wares by Izola and vibrant living sculptures (starting at $60) from Twig Terrariums. Plus, this pop-up has enough holiday spirit to cheer up even scroogiest New Yorker.
Chelsea Market 75 Ninth Ave, at 16th St
Tue Dec 16 – Mon Dec 29

The Soho Holiday Collective
This holiday pop-up is all about one-of-a-kind fashions from emerging designers. It’s a hands-on affair, where you can actually meet and be styled by the designers themselves. Find luxury apparel, jewelry and gift items from Jes Wade, KES, Lulu Estate Jewelry and more. After you visit with the designers, be sure to check out the pop-up’s garage style gallery, which features an array of framed pop culture photography by Rock Paper Photo and Capital Art. We imagine the classic photos of Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor will go fast.
Soho Holiday Collective Pop-up 150 Wooster St , between W Broadway and Greene St,
Until Wed Dec 24

Elsewhere, but worth a detour:

Artists & Fleas Williamsburg Holiday Market
Founders Amy Abrams and Ronen Glimer will again curate a special holiday-themed version of their weekend market, now featuring more than100 vendors inside their Williamsburg space, which expanded to the warehouse next door. Boasting sellers, artists, makers and collectors, enjoy free gift-wrapping stations, tasty treats and Christmas carolers to get you all warm and fuzzy. If off-the-wall gifts are your thing, you might want to snatch up Kt Ferris Creations’ trendy evil-eye necklaces ($28–$150), Curated Basics’ black stainless steel cuffs for guys ($40), festive knit Twinko onesies for pets or Marley & Alfie horseshoe dream catchers ($99) for your ecentric friends and family members.
Artists & Fleas 70 North 7th St, between Kent and Wythe Aves
Until Sun Dec 28

Astoria Market Holiday Markets
On three Sundays before Christmas (Nov 16; Dec 24, 21), Queens’ classic Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden transforms into an NYC-centric artisan market chock-full of handmade and vintage merchandise. Standout vendors include handmade ceramics from Mayware and delicious gluten-free baked goods from WHOS bakery. Eggnog, hot cider and roasted chestnuts are available for the peckish, too.
Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden 29-19 24th Ave, between 29th and 31st Sts, 
Sun Nov 16 – Sun Dec 21

LIC Flea & Food Holiday Market
For eight weekends before Christmas, more than 55 vendors set up shop in a warehouse space adjacent to LIC Flea & Food’s outdoor lot at this gift-geared seasonal spin-off. It’s one of the biggest indoor markets in New York, so this holiday bazaar is a can’t-miss. Featuring more than 55 vendors, the holiday offerings include everything from fashion to arts and crafts and of course, antiques. Plus, there’s plenty of food carts to fuel your search for the perfect holiday gifts. Other bonuses include live music from the Dandy Wellington band and, of course, the chance to take a photo with the big man in the red suit—Santa is here every weekend until December 21.
LIC Flea 5-25 46th Ave , between Vernon Blvd and 5th St.
Until Sun Dec 21

This comprehensive listing and much more useful holiday info, including a holiday gift guide, can be found at TONY magazine’s Christmas in NewYork Guide.

For a virtual tour of  holiday department store windows, try the slideshows at the NYT and Refinery 29.

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Selected Events (12/04) + Holiday Windows in NYCity 2014

Posted on 12/04/2014 by GregD

Today’s “FAB 5″/ Selected NYCity Events – THURSDAY, DEC. 04, 2014
“We search the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you don’t have to. We make it as easy as 1-2-3.”

The Daptone Super Soul Revue with Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings –
Soul Music

A Celebration of Bertolt Brecht’s Love Poems – SmartStuff/ Literary Reading

El Greco at the Met  – SmartStuff/ Museum Talk

Wesley Stace with Strings – Pop/Rock

Jeff Madrick on “Seven Bad Ideas” – SmartStuff/ Book Talk

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The Daptone Super Soul Revue with Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings 
“Ms. Jones and the Dap-Kings, the finest soul-funk revivalists in town, deliver a spectacle to rival James Brown on “The T.A.M.I. Show” each time they take the stage. After undergoing treatment for cancer, Ms. Jones has resumed blazing her way across stages to support the release of the group’s most recent album, “Give the People What They Want.” The band headlines all three nights of this celebration of the venerable soul imprint Daptone Records, with supporting sets from Antibalas, Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires and others.” (NYT-Anderson)
Apollo Theater, 253 West 125th Street, Harlem,
800-745-3000/ apollotheater.org
8PM / $35 to $80.

A Celebration of Bertolt Brecht’s Love Poems
Tony Kushner directs a program in honor of the publication of Brecht’s “Love Poems,” which were written between 1918 and 1955

In a stunning 1956 New Yorker piece, Hannah Arendt declared that Brecht “staked his life and art as few poets have ever done.” For this evening, writer and director Tony Kushner, awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Angels in America and a National Medal of the Arts Award by President Obama, gathers actors for a riveting performance of the Brecht’s love poems, representing work between 1918 and 1955 that often scandalized the German reading public with the force of Eros. Like Goethe, Brecht was always in love with various women, and as his daughter, Barbara Brecht-Schall, who will be present, writes in her preface to the collection this evening celebrates, “he was faithful to each of them.” Presented by the Poetry Society of America.
New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Bruno Walter Auditorium, 111 Amsterdam Ave., between 64th and 65th Sts.
poetrysociety.org.
at 6 PM / A limited number of tickets are available by advanced reservation. The remaining tickets will be distributed, first-come-first-serve, one hour before the program.

El Greco at the Met
Walter Liedtke, Curator, European Paintings, MMA
The Metropolitan Museum’s European paintings collection is rich in works by El Greco, ranging from the artist’s early years in Venice to his last projects in Toledo. This lecture considers all of the Museum’s El Grecos, including famous works such as View of Toledo and The Vision of St. John, with particular attention to new research.

This program is in conjunction with the exhibition El Greco in New York, on view November 4, 2014–February 1, 2015.
Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave.
The Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium
6:00 pm / $30 / 212-535-7710

Wesley Stace with Strings
Formerly known by his stage name John Wesley Harding, under which he performed and recorded for the past 25 years, Wesley Stace chose to step out from behind his well-established pseudonym for the album Self-Titled in honor of the increasingly personal nature of his new material. Since his critically acclaimed 1988 debut It Happened One Night, Wesley has recorded 19 records for both major (Sire, Hollywood) and independent (Mammoth, Rhino, Appleseed, Yep Roc) labels alike.

“Novels seem to take care of the intellectual business for me these days, and my songs have become a lot more intimate and autobiographical, requiring a different musical treatment entirely. It seemed ridiculous to sing them under any name but my own,” notes Stace, adding, “It’s time to bring everything under one roof.” Stace co-wrote two of the tracks from Self-Titled—“Stare at the Sun” and “When I Knew”— with the Fiery Furnaces’ Eleanor Friedberger. Both songs appear in alternate versions on Friedberger’s critically acclaimed new album Personal Record, which was entirely co-written by Stace.
David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center, Frieda and Roy Furman Stage
at 7:30pm / Target Free Thursdays

JEFF MADRICK ON “SEVEN BAD IDEAS”
Jeff Madrick, author of the new book “Seven Bad Ideas: How Mainstream Economists Have Damaged America and the World” (Knopf) and adjunct professor of economics in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences will discuss his new book in a free, public lecture. In the book Madrick takes seven widely accepted principles of economics and outlines precisely how each fails the test of real world markets.

Jeff Madrick is a regular contributor to The New York Review of Books, and a former economics columnist for The New York Times and editor of Challenge magazine. He is director of the Bernard L. Schwartz Rediscovering Government Initiative at the Century Foundation, where he is a Senior Fellow. His previous books include The Age of Greed and The End of Affluence.
The Cooper Union, Frederick P. Rose Auditorium, at 41 Cooper Square (on Third Avenue between 6th and 7th Streets)
6:30PM – 8:00PM / FREE

===============================================================================
♦ Before making final plans, we suggest you call the venue to confirm ticket availability, dates and times, as schedules are subject to change.
♦ NYCity (pop. 8.4 million) had 54 million visitors last year and quality shows draw crowds. Try to reserve seats in advance, even if just on day of performance.
===============================================================================

Holiday Windows in New York City 2014

Do me a favor, arrange your day so that you check out these windows after dark. They are so much more impressive at night.

Barneys holiday windows
This year, the Madison Avenue shop incorporates video, light installations and more forward-thinking concepts into its holiday displays. The theme is “A New York Holiday,” and elements include an interactive scene with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a “floating city” created with 3-D mapping and light projections.
Barneys New York 660 Madison Ave, at 61st St.
Thu Dec 4 – Wed Dec 31

Bergdorf Goodman holiday windows
Bergdorf Goodman was inspired by ice this year: The shop’s holiday windows all present variations on the theme “Holidays on Ice,” with displays devoted to Halloween (with a masquerade party), Valentine’s Day and even Arbor Day. (Ice-skating trees? One can hope.)
Bergdorf Goodman 754 Fifth Ave, at 58th St.
Until Wed Jan 7

Bloomingdale’s holiday windows
This year’s holiday windows at Bloomie’s puts the famous brown shopping bags into different shopping scenes around the world—everywhere from China and France to Great Britain and Italy (and, of course, Bloomingdale’s right here in New York City).
Bloomingdale’s 1000 Third Ave, at 59th St,
Thu Dec 4 – Wed Dec 31

Henri Bendel holiday windows
Henri Bendel has partnered with the estate of Al Hirschfeld to create window displays inspired by the celebrated cartoonist’s work. In one window, you’ll see 3-D depictions of celebs like Sarah Jessica Parker, Liza Minnelli and Woody Allen; in the store itself, Bendel’s giant tree becomes a playhouse for a model of Charlie Chaplin.
Henri Bendel 712 Fifth Ave, at 56th St.
Wed Dec 3 – Wed Dec 31

Lord & Taylor holiday windows
Children from NYC schools and Women in Need shelters were asked to create drawings based on the theme “What Is Christmas Made Of?” Those works, 125 of which are featured here, inspired the scenes in this year’s display.
Lord & Taylor 424 Fifth Ave, between 38th and 39th Sts.
Thu Dec 4 – Thu Jan 1

Macy’s holiday windows
Boasting a “Dream…and Believe” theme, Macy’s 2013 holiday windows depict a young boy’s journey through a magical dreamland. The six windows on the Broadway side of the store—Dream, Giving & Sharing, Joy, Beauty, Magic and Believe—use technology and LED lights to tell the story. Visiting families can also view the classic “Yes, Virginia…” windows on the 34th street side of the store.
Macy’s Herald Square 151 W 34th St, between Sixth and Seventh Aves.
Wed Dec 10 – Wed Dec 31

Saks Fifth Avenue holiday windows
This year, Saks debuted a new Snowflake Spectacular, a 3-D light show that plays out across the department store’s exterior each evening. The dazzling display is just one element of the shop’s holiday celebration: Window displays tell the story of the Saks Yeti, and also include an interactive window where visitors can display their own Yeti name (visit saks.com/snow for more details).
Saks Fifth Avenue 611 Fifth Ave, at 49th St.
Thu Dec 4 – Wed Dec 31

Tiffany & Co. holiday windows
Behind the windows into which Holly Golightly once gazed so admiringly, Tiffany’s conjures an image of a yuppie wintertime fantasia: the Upper East Side on Christmas Eve. The miniature brownstone scenes are replete with tiny chandeliers and garlands, and those well-known baby-blue boxes are strewn beneath the trees.
Tiffany & Co. 727 Fifth Ave, between 56th and 57th Sts.
Thu Dec 4 – Wed Dec 31

This comprehensive description and much more useful holiday info, including a holiday windows slide show, can be found at TONY magazine’s Christmas in NewYork Guide.

For more holiday windows photos, try the slideshows at the NYT and Refinery 29.

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Selected Events (12/03) + Nutcracker Performances 2014

Posted on 12/03/2014 by GregD

Today’s “TOP 3″/ Selected NYCity Events – WEDNESDAY, DEC. 03, 2014
“We search the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you don’t have to. We make it as easy as 1-2-3.”

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater – Dance

Yo La Tengo  – Pop/Rock

The Italian Americans: A History – SmartStuff/ Book Talk

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Sure, there is the Christmas Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center tonight (7-9PM), if you can bear the crowds, but my picks are elsewhere.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (through Jan. 4)
“If any holiday dance tradition can rival “The Nutcracker,” it’s the Ailey company’s winter season at City Center. This year’s five-week run begins with an opening night gala featuring a new addition to the repertory, Hofesh Shechter’s stormy “Uprising,” and something more familiar to Ailey regulars, the evergreen “Revelations.” Thursday’s program reprises two of last season’s hits — Wayne McGregor’s “Chroma” and Bill T. Jones’s “D-Man in the Waters (Part I)” — which bring out different sides, cool and warm, of the troupe’s exceptional dancers.” (SIOBHAN BURKE-NYT)
City Center, West 55th St. (btw Avenue of the Americas and Seventh Avenue)
Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m., Sundays at 3 and 7:30 p.m.; no performances on Christmas and New Year’s Day
212-581-1212 / nycitycenter.org, alvinailey.org / $25-$150

Yo La Tengo (also Dec.4)
“The conquering indie-rock troubadours of Hoboken, N.J., lost their favorite showroom, Maxwell’s, when it closed last year, but that hasn’t stopped them from performing around the area. They released their most recent studio album, “Fade,” last year, and that release’s cresting guitars paid homage to the surf-rock of Santo and Johnny and the Beach Boys. Next week, as the band members celebrate their 30th anniversary together, they will release a deluxe version of the 1993 classic, “Painful,” ahead of these shows.” (STACEY ANDERSON-NYT)
Town Hall,123 West 43rd St. (btw Avenue of the Americas and Seventh Avenue)
at 8 p.m./ $32.50 to $42.50
800-982-2787 / the-townhall-nyc.org

The Italian Americans: A History
This gorgeous companion book to the PBS series illuminates an important, overlooked part of American history.In this richly researched, beautifully designed and illustrated volume, Maria Laurino strips away stereotypes and nostalgia to tell the complicated, centuries-long story of the true Italian-American experience.Looking beyond the familiar Little Italys and stereotypes fostered by The Godfather and The Sopranos, Laurino reveals surprising, fascinating lives Italian-Americans working on sugar-cane plantations in Louisiana to those who were lynched in New Orleans; the banker who helped rebuild San Francisco after the great earthquake; families interned as enemy aliens in World War II.

From anarchist radicals to Rosie the Riveter to Nancy Pelosi, Andrew Cuomo, and Bill de Blasio; from traditional artisans to rebel songsters like Frank Sinatra, Dion, Madonna, and Lady Gaga, this book is both exploration and celebration of the rich legacy of Italian-American life.Readers can discover the history chronologically, chapter by chapter, or serendipitously by exploring the trove of supplemental materials. These include interviews, newspaper clippings, period documents, and photographs that bring the history to life.
Barnes & Noble, 2289 Broadway @ 82nd St.
7PM / FREE
212-595-6859 / barnesandnoble.com

==============================================================================
♦ Before making final plans, we suggest you call the venue to confirm ticket availability, dates and times, as schedules are subject to change.
♦ NYCity (pop. 8.4 million) had 54 million visitors last year and quality shows draw crowds. Try to reserve seats in advance, even if just on day of performance.
==============================================================================

editor’s note: a 2nd hard drive failure in 7 months (what’s going on here Apple!) requires a reduction in daily event info on this site until the hardware issues have been resolved. while we use borrowed equipment and until further notice, the daily “Fab 5” is now the “Top 3”. we look forward to restoring full service tomorrow – YAY!
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For many the Holiday Season means a visit to the NYC Ballet to enjoy their performance of the “Nutcracker” ballet. Thought Gallery, a very fine site with event info on a range of NYCity cultural topics, surprises us with a comprehensive list of more “Nutcracker” performances around town than you ever imagined. Who Knew?

Going Nuts: A Roundup of Nutcracker Ballet Performances in NYC
By Troy Segal

“A FINELY AGED NUT Many a native NY-er has grown up with New York City Ballet founder George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, a holiday tradition since its debut in 1954. Balanchine based his version on the productions he himself danced in as a child in Russia. Act I serves up the spectacle: a rambunctious holiday party and an epic battle between the armies of the Nutcracker Prince and the multi-headed Mouse King. Act II is devoted to displays of dancing virtuosity by waltzing flowers, jumping candy canes and little clowns that emerge from a lady’s hoopskirt. Nov. 28–Jan. 3.

A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN Returning for the last time to the Brooklyn Academy of Music, choreographer Alexei Ratmansky’s version of The Nutcracker takes a dramatic approach to the often-saccharine classic: “The Waltz of the Snowflakes,” for example, turns into a nearly fatal blizzard for our heroine Clara, and the Sugar Plum Fairy is explicitly a projection of her desire to be all grown up, rather than just the usual showy anonymous ballerina role. Not that there aren’t plenty of sweet moments, too, from the adorable baby mouse to the magically expanding Christmas tree to the dazzling turns by American Ballet Theatre’s artists. Dec. 12–21.

OLDE NEW YORK Every troupe gives The Nutcracker its own twist, but The Yorkville Nutcracker imparts an especially Gothamesque stamp to the ballet. Set in 1895, this version uses actual people and settings of the period: The children’s party is held in Gracie Mansion; the heroine is the daughter of Mayor William Strong; and she and her Nutcracker Prince ride a sleigh to Central Park and to the New York Botanical Garden in The Bronx. Yorkville is the brainchild of Francis Patrelle, founding choreographer of Dances Patrelle, a small troupe dedicated to dramatic and narrative dance. Its performers range from ballet students to principals from other companies, including New York City Ballet’s Abi Stafford and Adrian Danchig-Waring as the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier this year. Dec. 4–7.

DANCING IN THE STREETS In contrast to the productions above, The Knickerbocker Suite unfolds the familiar story in modern-day NYC. Those swirling snowflakes turn into shoppers, waltzing in and out of Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s; Mother Ginger, traditionally a lady whose skirts house hidden little dancers, becomes the Statue of Liberty leading a host of immigrants. The concepts are as fresh as the cast, all students of Manhattan Youth Ballet. Dec. 12–14 & 19–21.

TINY BUT TASTY The New York Theatre Ballet is a chamber dance company specializing in streamlined stories for the littlest balletomanes. Its version, dubbed Keith Michael’s The Nutcracker (after is its resident choreographer) and set in an Art Nouveau world, runs only an hour, but packs in all the big turns, using its small cast in ingenious ways and with witty fashions (the Metropolitan Opera’s resident costume designer did the garments). Dec. 19–21.

RED HOT If ballet ever merged with burlesque, the result might be something like Nutcracker Rouge. This strictly-for-grownups version—by Company XIV, which loves to mash up music, Baroque dance and texts and acrobatics—has Marie (not so much a little girl as a nubile young thing) embarking on a discovery of the sweet things in life—and we’re not talking candy canes. The classically trained dancers pose, pirouette and gyrate to the Tchaikovsky’s greatest hits, as well as Madonna’s (we said it was a mash-up, didn’t we?). If you like your hot chocolate with a little spice, this is for you. Through Jan. 4.”
(Troy Segal-ThoughtGallery.org)

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Selected Events (12/02) + Ice Skating in NYCity 2014

Posted on 12/02/2014 by GregD

Today’s “TOP 3″/ Selected NYCity Events – TUESDAY, DEC. 02, 2014
“We search the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you don’t have to. We make it as easy as 1-2-3.”

The Cruise: Special Screening with Bennett Miller and Ira Glass – Film

The Head and the Heart – Folk Music

Melissa Stylianou – Jazz

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THE CRUISE:
SPECIAL SCREENING WITH BENNETT MILLER AND IRA GLASS
SundanceNow Doc Club presents a special screening of Bennett Miller’s first film THE CRUISE , followed by a discussion between the FOXCATCHER director and Ira Glass.

Screening on 35mm, Miller’s 1998 breakthrough film explores the worldview and personality of New York City bus tour guide Timothy “Speed” Levitch as he takes tourists around the island of Manhattan, beautifully captured in black and white.

“One thing I love about THE CRUISE,” says Glass, “is how your idea of what the film is about shifts over the course of it. It’s very rare for any film or any work of art to do that… In The Cruise, you feel about a million different things about Timothy “Speed” Levitch. He’s the un-Bill Cunningham – the way Speed sees the streets of New York is all legend and dream – but also weirdly inspiring, and the two films would make a great double feature. Bennett Miller’s amazing, that he could meet Speed and imagine this complex, gorgeous, beautifully-shot film.”
IFC Center, 323 Sixth Avenue at West Third St.
(212) 924-7771

The Head and the Heart
“OK, so The Head and the Heart might be the poster band for a particular type of Millennial whimsy that’s almost universally scorned, even among Millennials themselves: bearded young men and long-haired young women whose principal occupation seems to be taking long, introspective road trips punctuated by meditative wandering and bonfire parties…or at least that’s what every one of their videos seems to suggest.

But navel-inspecting aside, it doesn’t change the fact that they’re a solid indie-folk sextet, and a beautifully melodic addition to the adult contemporary scene. Since 2009, the Seattle band has released two albums on Sub Pop, as well as four successful singles, including the radio-ready and undeniably uplifting “Lost in My Mind.” Get in on the love-fest tonight as they play this tour’s only New York show.” (Heather Baysa,VillageVoice)
Hammerstein Ballroom, 311 West 34th St.
800-745-3000 / ticketmaster.com
8 p.m./ $50.00

Elsewhere, but you can be sure Melissa is worth the slight detour:

Melissa Stylianou
“On her casually charming new album, “No Regrets,” Ms. Stylianou ratifies her stature as a jazz singer with a comfortable and thoughtful relationship to the standard songbook. She’s in superb company on the album, as in this one-nighter: the saxophonist Billy Drewes, the pianist Bruce Barth, the bassist Linda Oh and the drummer Matt Wilson.” (Chinen-NYT)
Jazz Standard, 116 East 27th St.
212-576-2232 / jazzstandard.net
At 7:30 and 9:30 p.m./ $25

==============================================================================
♦ Before making final plans, we suggest you call the venue to confirm ticket availability, dates and times, as schedules are subject to change.
♦ NYCity (pop. 8.4 million) had 54 million visitors last year and quality shows draw crowds. Try to reserve seats in advance, even if just on day of performance.
==============================================================================

editor’s note: a 2nd hard drive failure in 7 months (what’s going on here Apple!) requires a reduction in daily event info on this site until the hardware issues have been resolved. while we use borrowed equipment and until further notice, the daily “Fab 5” is now the “Top 3”. we look forward to restoring full service later this week.
==============================================================

Ice Skating in NYCity (nycgo.com)
Winter just isn’t winter without ice-skating in New York City. And though most of us can probably name two or three rinks off the top of our heads, we might be more than mildly surprised to find there are 15 venues open for public ice-skating this holiday season. The best known of the City’s rinks is without a doubt the Rink at Rockefeller Center—tracing figure eights while surrounded by the shops, restaurants and buildings of a NYC landmark provides the quintessential NYC skating experience—but plenty of other (frequently less crowded) options exist. Here are the ice rinks in Manhattan:

Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Where: Sixth Avenue between 40th and 42nd Streets
When: Late October to early March
Price: Free; skate rental $15–$19
If you already own skates, this is the most affordable spot in the City—it’s the only rink that offers free admission. Bryant Park also hosts annual holiday shops, a good destination if you want to cross some gifts off your list after your turn on the ice.

Ice Rink at Riverbank State Park
Where: Henry Hudson Parkway between West 138th and West 145th Streets
When: November through March
Price: Adults $5, kids 11 and under $3; skate rental $6
Riverbank, in Hamilton Heights, is the only state park in Manhattan; it offers incredible river views across to New Jersey and gorgeous vistas of the George Washington Bridge.

Lasker Rink
Where: Central Park, northeast corner between 106th and 108th Streets
When: Late October to late March
Price: Adults $7.50, kids 12 and under $4; skate rental $6.50
Up in the northern reaches of the park, Lasker Rink is a bit less discovered than its sister skate center in the park (see “Trump Rink in Central Park” below)—and a much better deal.

Rink at Rockefeller Center
Where: Fifth Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets
When: Mid-October through April
Price: Adults $27–$30, kids 10 and under $15; skate rental $12
Millions of visitors plan trips to the City every year just to catch a glimpse of skaters taking a spin on the ice below the famous Christmas tree and gilded statue of Prometheus; others will wait in long lines to experience it for themselves.

See/Change Ice Rink
Where: Fulton and Front Streets, South Street Seaport
When: Late November to early March
Price: Adults $10, kids 5 and under free; skate rental $6
The seaport relaunched itself in 2013 after Superstorm Sandy with the opening of an outdoor ice rink. Bonus: November 28, opening night, coincides with a tree-lighting ceremony.

Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers
Where: Pier 61, West 23rd Street and Hudson River Park
When: Year-round
Price: $10; skate rental $5
Want to skate downtown…in mid-July? The enormous rink at Chelsea Piers is the place to head, though it’s a reliable stop-off any time of year.

Standard Hotel
Where: 848 Washington St., between West 12th and West 13th Streets
When: Late November until early spring (weather dependent)
Price: Adults $12, kids $6; skate rental $3
One of the hipper—and more exclusive—hotels in the City has a ground-level rink available to the public. If you can’t find the info on the main website, check standardculture.com for the latest prices and times.

Trump Rink in Central Park
Where: Central Park, mid-park between 62nd and 63rd Streets
When: Late October to first week of April
Price: Adults $11.25 (Mon.–Thurs.), $18 (Fri.–Sun.); kids 11 and under $6; seniors $5 (Mon.–Thurs.), $9 (Fri.–Sun.); skate rental $8
Few rinks can match the ambience of Central Park’s Trump Rink, especially after a fresh snowfall. If you’re there at night, be sure to look up for some prime NYC stargazing.

nycgo.com, the website of New York City’s official marketing and tourism organization, has lots of useful NYCity info for the holidays:
Best NYC Toy Stores,
Ice Skating,
2014 Holiday Events,
Holiday Gift Guide,
Winter Events
This fine site is worth checking out when you are planning your NYCity visit.

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Selected Events (12/01) + Top Manhattan Toy Stores 2014

Posted on 12/01/2014 by GregD

Today’s “TOP 3″/ Selected NYCity Events – MONDAY, DEC. 01, 2014
“We search the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you don’t have to. We make it as easy as 1-2-3.”

15th Annual Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square – Special Event

Bob Dylan – Pop / Rock

Alan Turing – SmartStuff/ Book Talk

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15th Annual Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square
with Folk Legend Arlo Guthrie and Billy Porter, Tony-Winning Star of Kinky Boots

Join legendary artists, up-and-coming musicians, dancers, street performers and more as we welcome the holiday season and light up the Upper West Side with an evening of music, food, dancing and fun for everyone.

Entertainment – Lincoln Square’s sidewalks and public spaces will come alive with music, performers, processional groups, jugglers, stilt-walkers and more, making for a festive fun-filled evening along the streets of this dynamic Upper West Side neighborhood.

Foodies & Holiday Cheer – Over 30 of Lincoln Square’s finest restaurants and eateries will offer food tastings at nominal cost ($1-$4) at three separate outdoor locations from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm. Dozens of local stores and neighborhood institutions will host activities and holiday cheer throughout the evening.
5:30 pm – 9:00 pm, Rain, Snow or Shine! FREE admission
The celebration begins with the lighting of the Upper West Side Holiday Tree in Dante Park at Broadway & 63rd Street and continues along Broadway from Time Warner Center to 68th Street.

Bob Dylan (through December 3)
“Bob Dylan’s most recent release, The Basement Tapes Complete, lumbered into the spotlight a few weeks ago with a quantity and quality of critical approval it’s impossible to imagine any other contemporary artist inducing. Recorded in 1967 with the Band, during a self-imposed sabbatical, the glorious American sounds captured on these six CDs is about as authentic and as innocent as it gets.

So one can imagine Dylan, 73, seizing the opportunity to give this mightily fetishized material a final victory lap in the autumn of his career. Instead, expect Dylan to play pretty much the same glacially morphing set he’s been reworking with his crackerjack band for years. It’s what he wants you to hear during this five-night run, and it’s what will be delivered.” (Richard Gehr -VillageVoice)
Beacon Theater, 2124 Broadway, at 74th Street
8 p.m., $75.00-$190.00 / sold out – see stubhub.com for tickets
800-745-3000, beacontheatre.com

Alan Turing
From his revolutionary idea that laid the foundation for the modern computer, to his leading role in breaking the German Enigma ciphers during World War II, and finally to his tragic ending, Alan Turing led an incredible life. At the National Museum of Mathematics event, “Turing Tales,” author Andrew Hodges talks about his book “Alan Turing: The Enigma,” which inspired the new movie starring Benedict Cumberbatch, “The Imitation Game.” From 7 p.m.
National Museum of Mathematics, 11 East 26th St., Midtown.
Register and pay online.

editor’s note: a 2nd hard drive failure in 7 months (what’s going on here Apple!) requires a reduction in daily event info on this site until the hardware issues have been resolved. while we use borrowed equipment and until further notice, the daily “Fab 5” is now the “Top 3”. we look forward to restoring full service later this week.

===============================================================
♦ Before making final plans, we suggest you call the venue to confirm ticket availability, dates and times, as schedules are subject to change.
♦ NYCity (pop. 8.4 million) had 54 million visitors last year and quality shows draw crowds. Try to reserve seats in advance, even if just on day of performance.
=================================================================

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Manhattan Toy Stores (nycgo.com)
Here’s a rundown of some top Manhattan toy stores. Now buy that kid a toy.

FAO Schwarz
This store is a place to gawk: at the oversize stuffed animals, at the real people in toy soldier outfits, at the giant piano made famous by Tom Hanks movie Big and at the immensity of the space itself. Able to trace its roots all the way back to 1862 (when the founder first started vending toys out of a Baltimore shop), FAO Schwarz is a bona fide tourist attraction. These days, kids can customize certain items here—designing, for example, their own Muppet or toy car.

American Girl Place
New York City is home to a large flagship store for American Girl–brand dolls. The company has found success selling figures representing young girls from various historical periods and ethnic backgrounds. Those who’d like to further indulge their children’s desire to treat the dolls like real people can take advantage of a photo studio, a salon for dolls to get new ‘dos and a doll hospital where damaged “girls” are admitted as patients, fixed up (the store sends the dolls out for that) and shipped back to their happy owners good as new.

Scholastic Store
The retail outlet of NYC publisher Scholastic sells a full slate of the house’s titles—including popular series like Harry Potter, The Magic School Bus, Clifford the Big Red Dog and Captain Underpants. The big, colorful store also hosts craft workshops, movie screenings and other kid-friendly events. Check their website for details. Also sold on site: computer programs, games, puzzles, videos and, of course, toys.

Toy Tokyo
This East Village store caters to serious toy collectors with its selection of rare and imported items, such as hand-painted figurines and wind-up toys from Hong Kong and Japan. Expect to find the latest Transformers, Star Wars and urban vinyl (read: designer action figures made of vinyl) toys here, along with unexpected gems.

Disney Store
Cited by some as a symbol of Times Square’s now-long-ago transformation into a family-friendly destination, the Disney Store is exactly what it sounds like: a repository of Disney-branded products, including plenty of toys. If your kid is looking for a Buzz Lightyear action figure, a plush Pumbaa or, say, an Epcot Spaceship Earth play set, this is the place to find it. Thanks to Disney’s acquisition of the Star Wars franchise, you can also find lightsabers and other Lucas-related goodies.

Toys “R” Us
We’ll allow that there might be a Toys “R” Us in your hometown, but chances are that one doesn’t have its own Ferris wheel or an animatronic Tyrannosaurus rex.

Video Games New York
Filled with hard-to-find items—vintage games for systems like for NES, SNES, Atari Jaguar, Dreamcast, Neo Geo, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance and Commodore, not to mention Japanese imports and hardware for arcade machines—this store is as much a museum as a place to shop. Parents who grew up with some of those older consoles may find themselves feeling like kids again. While the used inventory is where Video Games New York really distinguishes itself, the place also carries new machines and releases.

Kidding Around
The downtown location of this store (there’s also an outpost in Grand Central Terminal) has a mom-and-pop feel, to go with some high-end, unusual gifts you might not find at a larger chain. It also sells New York City–themed toys, such as a model Staten Island Ferry.

Forbidden Planet
This cool store specializes in comics, graphic novels, manga, anime and other “alternative hobbies,” like sci-fi and role-playing games. Forbidden Planet also has a huge selection of toys and statues, and its staff, described by one customer as a “fleet of cute nerds,” is extra-helpful since they’re all enthusiasts themselves.

Nintendo World
Though the 10,000-square-foot Nintendo emporium stocks the latest WiiU games, that’s not where its primary charm lies. You’ll find that instead in T-shirts that set characters in the real New York City (for example, Mario emerging from a sewer); in vintage consoles, games and accessories (even the Gyromite robot!) under glass displays; and in the opportunity to chat with a virtual Nintendo character.

American Museum of Natural History Gift Shop
The shop at this museum—itself a must-visit for any parent with an inquisitive child—sells a wide array of science-related fare, including toys. You might find a set of glow-in-the-dark planets, a pocket microscope, a butterfly garden kit or a plush dinosaur.

blogger’s note:
AC Gears, 69 E 8th St. (b/t University Pl & Greene St in Greenwich Village)
should be added to this list. more like a toy store for adults, with some gadgets directly from Japan, you won’t find their stuff anywhere else in town.

nycgo.com, the website of New York City’s official marketing and tourism organization, has lots of useful NYCity info for the holidays:
Best NYC Toy Stores,
Ice Skating,
2014 Holiday Events,
Holiday Gift Guide,
Winter Events
This fine site is worth checking out when you are planning your NYCity visit.

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