NYCity 1-2-3 : What's Happening / Manhattan's WestSide

Today’s “Fab 5” / Selected NYCity Events – WEDNESDAY, DEC. 04, 2013

Rockefeller Center Tree-Lighting Ceremony
“Proceedings start at 7pm, but you’ll want to get there as early as you can to secure a spot. The actual lighting takes place at the end of the program; most of the two-hour event is devoted to celebrity performances (Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys and Michael Bublé have been among the recent human luminaries). Then the 30,000 energy-efficient LEDs covering the massive evergreen are switched on to oohs and aahs. If you’d rather gouge out your eyeballs with the tree’s nine-and-a-half-foot-diameter Swarovski-crystal star than brave the crush, there’s plenty of time during the holiday season to view the tree at your leisure.” (TONY mag)
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, Rockefeller Plaza
between Fifth and Sixth Aves and 48th and 49th Sts
At 7PM / FREE
212-332-6868 / rockefellercenter.com

LIVE from the NYPL:
Michael Connelly | Martin Cruz Smith
Masters of the mystery genre, bestselling-authors Michael Connelly and Martin Cruz Smith will reveal how they’ve kept readers at the edge of their seats for decades.

Inspired by the works of Raymond Chandler, Michael Connelly began his writing career covering crime for newspapers in South Florida, and later the Los Angeles Times. It was there that Connelly found the inspiration for some of his most beloved and popular characters, including Bosch, the LAPD detective at the heart of his popular series of crime novels, and Mickey Haller of The Lincoln Lawyer legal thrillers.

Hailed by The New York Times as “the master of the international thriller,” Martin Cruz Smith has created one of the most indelible characters in crime fiction:the beleaguered, incorruptible Moscow investigator Arkady Renko, whom Smith introduced to readers in his 1981 novel Gorky Park.

Connelly and Smith have kept his audience in suspense, keen to unpack the mysteries that they so masterfully craft. The best-selling authors will discuss their latest novels – Connelly’s The Gods of Guilt, and Smith’s Tatiana – and the process of developing such compelling stories and captivating characters.
NYPL-Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, Celeste Bartos Forum, 5th Ave. at 42nd St.
at 7 p.m. / $25, $15 seniors/students
212 930 0855 / LIVE@nypl.org

ESPERANZA SPALDING (through Dec. 8)
“The bassist, singer, composer, bandleader, educator, and model recently added political activist to her résumé; her new single, “We Are America,” and its accompanying video take on persistent concerns about the Guantánamo Bay detention facility. How this new involvement in social reform will play out when she brings her Chamber Music Society (an ensemble that merges jazz, classical, Brazilian, and pop elements) to jazz’s most famous basement is a tantalizing question.” (NewYorker mag)
Village Vanguard, 178 Seventh Ave. South, at 11th St.
At 8:30 and 10:30 p.m / $25 cover, with a one-drink minimum.
(212) 255-4037, villagevanguard.com

Elton John and His Band*
Captain Fantastic sheds his flashy exterior and returns to piano-laden, Americana-rooted simplicity on “The Diving Board,” his first solo studio album in seven years and another project with one of his most rewardingly challenging producers, T Bone Burnett (who worked with Mr. John and Leon Russell on their 2010 collaboration, “The Union”). Mr. John’s theatrical pipes and evocative lyrics prove transportive, especially on “Oscar Wilde Gets Out.” (Anderson-NYT)
Madison Square Garden, 7th Ave. at 33rd St.
At 8 p.m./ $49.50 to $179.50.
212-858-0008, thegarden.com

Author @ the Library:
The Art of Doing: How Superachievers Do What They Do and How They Do It So Well, with Camille Sweeney, a journalist and a MacDowell Arts Colony Fellow and Josh Gosfield, an award-winning illustrator and fine artist.

This illustrated lecture explores what it takes for someone to make it to the top of their chosen field?  It takes hard work, talent and the occasional dose of luck and more.  To find out the authors asked dozens of extraordinary people including celebrities, businessmen, artists and iconoclastic achievers, “How do you do what you do?”

They talked to Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh, actor Alec Baldwin, Freakonomics author Stephen Dubner, actress Laura Linney, rockers OK Go, startup king Bill Gross, wire walker Philippe Petit, business guru Guy Kawasaki and many more and discovered that these superachievers, however diverse their goals, shared many fascinating qualities that contributed to their success. They discuss what the audience can learn from their strategies, principles and tips and how they can apply them to their own work and personal life.
Mid-Manhattan Library, 455 5th Ave.(btw 39th /40th St.)
At 6:30PM / FREE
(212) 340-0863

Before making final plans, we suggest you call the venue to confirm dates and check times, as schedules are subject to change ================================================================================

A PremierPub + 3 Good Eating places 

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

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

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

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

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

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“Pub” is used in it’s broadest sense – bars, bar/restaurants, wine bars, tapas bars, craft beer bars, dive bars, cocktail lounges  – just about anyplace you can get a drink without a cover charge.

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

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

Patzeria Perfect Pizza – 231 W46 st (Betw 7th/8th ave)
Perfect name for a pizza joint. On a street filled with Broadway theaters, this is a real hole in the wall, but don’t let the dive look scare you away. You can never go wrong with a slice of NYC pizza, and this one is a classic thin crust. Only a few seats here, but pizza was made to eat standing up.

Shake Shack – 691 8th ave (Betw 43rd/44th st)
Danny Meyer has revolutionized the high quality burger in this town. Now he has a branch on the West Side that was desperately needed, with none of the insane lines that you find at the Madison Sq. Park location. Plus, it may be the cleanest joint to eat in all of Hell’s Kitchen.

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“3 Good Eating places” focuses on a quick bite, what I call “Fine Fast Food – NYCity Style”

That covers a wide range of food – pizza,  burgers,  food trucks/carts,  vegetarian/falafel,  ramen,  chopped salad & salad bars,  hot dogs,  bbq,  soup & sandwiches,  picnic fixins’,  raw bars & lobster rolls. No reservations needed. ================================================================================

There are other casual dining options in this neighborhood that provide good food, especially as alternatives to overpriced hotel breakfasts, and most importantly,
have free Wi-FI:

>Pret a Manger @ 11 W 42nd st (Betw 5th/6th)
Subway: #1/2/3 to 42nd st / times square

>Potbelly @ 30 Rockefeller Plaza (Betw 49/48 st)
Subway: #1 to 50th st

>Pret a Manger @ 1200 6th ave (Betw 47/48)
Subway: #1 to 50th st

◊ For a few more PremierPubs and Good Eating places see previous Featured Neighborhoods in the right sidebar.

◊ For all my picks of 54 Good Eating places and descriptions of my favorite 18 PremierPubs in 9 Neighborhoods (plus 27 casual dining places with free Wi-Fi) order a copy of my e-book: “Eating and Drinking on NYCity’s WestSide” ($3.99).
(available Winter 2013)

Today’s “Fab 5” / Selected NYCity Events – TUESDAY, DEC. 03, 2013

Victory Brewing Company Presents: Take Five Live Jazz Series
“Feel the rhythm and enjoy the sounds of modern jazz alongside specialty craft brews by the award winning Victory Brewing Company for five exclusive evenings beginning Tuesday, December 3rd at Bar Catalonia, the only bar meets art gallery setting in the heart of NYC.

From 6PM to 8PM, Victory will offer up complimentary pours of their latest, craft brews Winter Cheers & DirtWolf Double IPA.

While you whet the palate, The Markham Group, a Brooklyn-based jazz experiment by Luke Markham will play their youthful, modern take on genre classics. While the music plays, happy hour prices will be extended to all Victory draft beers.” (CityGuide)
Bar Catalonia, 206 West 41st St. (btw. 7th & 8th Avenues)
6PM to 8PM
757-947-6731

Thomas Jefferson and Alexander von Humboldt: The Transatlantic Pursuit of Science, Exploration, and Strategy in the Enlightenment
This lecture analyses the personal encounter as well as the subsequent friendship and transatlantic communication between two fascinating personalities: the Prussian explorer, scientist and geographer Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859) and the American statesman, architect, and naturalist Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826).

At the end of Humboldt’s famous expedition through the Spanish colonies he visited the United States in spring of 1804, where he met several times with then-president Jefferson. A cordial and fruitful relationship resulted, and the two men corresponded over the next 21 years, touching in their letters the pivotal events of those times, such as the independence movement in Latin America, the applicability of the democratic model on this region, the relationship between America and Europe, besides rather scholarly topics, such as the latest progress in natural history or geography as well as several technological projects.

The different worlds and the historical context in which these two Enlightenment figures lived will be explained, and how this together with their personal 5-year experience on the other side of the Atlantic, defined their respective convictions.
Deutsches Haus at NYU, 42 Washington Mews, just E of 5th ave and S of 8th St.,
at 6:30 pm / FREE
212-998-8660

Concert: Juilliard Songfest celebrates Benjamin Britten’s centennial
Program:
Britten’s Canticle II: Abraham and Isaac, Songs and Proverbs of William Blake, and other Britten songs
Juilliard singers share the stage in a concert curated and performed by Brian Zeger, Artistic Director of the Ellen and James S. Marcus Institute for Vocal Arts.

Juilliard singers performing are: sopranos Jessine Johnson and Angela Vallone; mezzo-soprano Samantha Hankey; countertenor Eric Jurenas; tenors William Goforth, Nathan Haller, Miles Mykkanen, and Michael St. Peter; and baritones Theo Hoffman, Kurt Kanazawa, and Szymon Komasa.
Lincoln Center, Alice Tully Hall, 1941 Broadway, @ W. 66th St.
At 8:00PM / FREE, tickets required
212-799-5000 / juilliard.edu

The Ben Allison Band
“On the most immediate level, bassist-bandleader Ben Allison’s new album, “The Stars Look Very Different Today,” is less of a purely pleasurable listen than his previous album, “Action-Refraction.” Whereas that 2011 release had a pair of obvious winners in the highly attractive interpretations of “Jackie-ING” and “We’ve Only Just Begun,” the new album is all original material. And it is all bass, guitars (Brandon Seabrook, Steve Cardenas) and drums (Allison Miller).

Overall, there are fewer easy hooks to hang one’s ear on. Still it’s a highly compelling work overall, the whole album flows like one extended work, and the nine individual pieces flow very smoothly from one to another and could be part of a single overarching narrative. This collection of soundscapes often, in fact, suggests a background to film or dance visuals. Plus, there’s an especially refreshing use of the banjo in a contemporary jazz concept—one doesn’t get to hear that very often.” (WSJ)
Joe’s Pub, at the Public Theater, 425 Lafayette St., at Astor Place,
At 9:30 p.m./ $20
967-7555, joespub.com

This Christmas: An Evening of Holiday Hits with Michael McDonald
Two notes. That’s all it takes to recognize the voice of Michael McDonald. Distinctive and soulful, it is one of the most yearningly emotive instruments of our times. From ’70s-era Doobie Brothers classics such as “What A Fool Believes” and solo hits like “I Keep Forgettin'” through two highly-acclaimed Motown cover albums and recent genre-busting guest spots with alternative buzz bands Grizzly Bear and Holy Ghost, the five-time Grammy-winning McDonald is that rare thing in contemporary pop – an artist whose work is both timeless and ever-evolving.
Apollo Theater, 253 W. 125th St.
At 7:30PM / $59-$99
212-531-5305 / www.apollotheater.org

Before making final plans, we suggest you call the venue to confirm dates and check times, as schedules are subject to change. ===============================================================================

Chelsea is the heart of the NYCity contemporary art scene. Home to more than 300 art galleries, the Rubin Museum, the Joyce Theater, and The Kitchen performance spaces, there is no place like it anywhere in the world.

Come here to browse free exhibitions by world-renowned artists and those unknowns waiting to be discovered in an art district that is concentrated between West 18th and West 27th Streets, and 10th and 11th Avenues.

Afterwards stop in the Chelsea Market, stroll on the High Line, or rest up at one of the many cafes and bars and discuss the fine art – my fave is Ovest on W 27th St., where the aperitivo is like Happy Hour on steroids.

WHAT’S ON VIEW: Here are 3 Special Exhibitions in Chelsea Galleries that you may want to see:

Raqib Shaw, “Paradise Lost” (until Sat. Dec 21)
East meets West in the work of this London artist, who originally hails from India, and whose sumptuous, jewel-and-enamel inlaid paintings and intricately detailed sculptures combine numerous traditions and canons—including Indian miniatures and textiles, Old Master painting, Orientalism and Surrealism. His works might be best described as visions of paradise being invaded by the forces of hell. It’s a strange mix that plays upon our notions of exoticism while sending them up. For his debut at Pace, the artist fills all three of the gallery’s Chelsea locations.
Pace Gallery 508 W 25th St. btw Tenth and Eleventh Aves
Tue–Sat 10am–6pm
212-255-4044 / thepacegallery.com

Richard Serra, “New Sculpture” (until Sat. Jan 25 2014)
Gagosian’s double dose of Richard Serra presents dueling sides of the sculptor: the popular artist name checked in a Vampire Weekend song, and the confrontational figure familiar from his earlier career.

The gallery’s West 21st Street location presents the former in fine form, with a single massive work. Curling ribbons of steel, set on edge and towering to ceiling height, nestle together to create Serra’s signature bowing and curving of space. They swallow viewers up in a phenomenological ecstasy one usually associates with, say, walking along a narrow canyon. The metal’s russet color only adds to the sensation of experiencing something more natural than man-made.

The tone, if not the scale, of the work shifts on West 24th Street, with a group of sculptures and nary a bend in sight. Hard-edged steel plates, patinated a carceral gray, get in your way like barricades around a government building. A set of enormous blocks serves as a memorial to the recently deceased sculptor Walter De Maria, a friend of Serra’s. Experiential warmth gives way to cold truths as Serra employs his legendary toughness to challenge not only gravity, but death itself.—(Howard Halle/TONY mag)
Gagosian Gallery, 522 W 21st St, btw 10th/11th Aves
Tue–Sat 10am–6pm
212-741-1717 / gagosian.com

For a listing of 25 essential galleries in the Chelsea Art Gallery District, organized by street, which enables you to create your own Chelsea Art Gallery crawl, see the Chelsea Gallery Guide (nycgo.com)

Or check out TONY magazine’s list of the “Best Chelsea Galleries” and click through to see what’s on view.

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For other selected Museum and Gallery Special Exhibitions see Recent Posts in the right Sidebar: “Selected Events + Special Exhibitions : Manhattan’s WestSide” dated (11/19) and (11/17).

Today’s “Fab 5” / Selected NYCity Events – MONDAY, DEC. 02, 2013

Holiday Markets
More than 150 vendors are selling their goods in Union Square Park, bordered by Park Avenue South, Broadway and 14th Streets, through Christmas Eve. Hours: weekdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; urbanspacenyc.com. (through Dec 24)

The Holiday Shops are just part of the seasonal events in Bryant Park, at Avenue of the Americas and 40th Street, through Jan. 5. Hours: weekdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (through Jan. 5)

In Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal, the 14th annual Holiday Fair offers 76 stalls of goods through Christmas Eve. Hours: Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. These shops have some nice stuff. Try to shop before noon and avoid the lunch time worker bee crowds. (through Dec 24)

While in GrandCentral check out the Holiday Train Show (through Feb. 23) which features a 34-foot-long Lionel model train layout. It’s on display at the New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex and Store near the Station Master’s Office. To be honest, this year’s setup is not as good as previous years and not worth a special trip to GCT. But it is FREE and  can be viewed weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. see mta.info/mta/museum.

Fourteenth Annual Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square
The Lincoln Square Business Improvement District and presenting sponsor Time Warner hosts New York’s largest holiday festival! Join legendary folk artist Arlo Guthrie, Rosie’s Theater Kids, Michael Bacon, Frank London’s Klezmer Brass All-Stars, and WABC-TV’s Sade Baderinwa 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
There will be over 20 live, free performances featuring Frank London’s Klezmer Brass All-stars, Brianna Thomas’ Jazz Quartet, world renowned DJ David Chang at the Winter’s Eve TD Bank Dance Party, GRAMMY nominated Brooklyn-based children’s band The Pop Ups at Kids’ Central, and Big Apple Circus, Kate Davis presented by Jazz at Lincoln Center and Ice Sculpting at Time Warner Center, and that’s not all!

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.

The celebration begins with the lighting of the Upper West Side Holiday Tree in Dante Park at Broadway & 63rd St. and continues along Broadway from Time Warner Center to 68th St.
At 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm, Rain, Snow or Shine!
212.581.3774 / lincolnsquarebid.org.

Fifth Annual Latke Festival
The Hanukkah classic steps into the spotlight at this spuds cook-off, judged by a panel that includes New York City Wine & Food Festival founder Lee Schrager and Food52’s Amanda Hesser. Nosh on more than 16 creative spins, like a Peking-duck-and-scallion latke from Kutsher’s and a butternut-squash-and-yogurt variety from Blue Hill. To accompany the fried bites, there will be an open bar serving Cliffton sparkling cider, Schmaltz Brewing Company beer and Brooklyn Roasting Company coffee. Ticket sales will benefit the Sylvia Center, which promotes healthy eating among kids.
Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W 18th St. between Sixth and Seventh Aves
Metropolitanevents.com
At 6:30pm $80 / 7:30pm $55
212-463-0071 / 5th-annual-latke-festival

Undressed: The Art of Sex & Seduction
Vive La Fantaisie ! Inside the Erotic Mind
Panel discussion with Esther Perel, Daniel Bergner, and Erica Lumière
Presented as part of Undressed: The Art of Sex & Seduction / Series curated by Erica Lumière
This sounds like it could be interesting.

What are the most common sexual fantasies and how do they affect relationships?
An inside look at secret sexual desires and erotic imagination in Europe and the U.S. with international couples and sex therapist Esther Perel (Mating in Captivity); New York Times Magazine contributing writer Daniel Bergner (What Do Women Want); and health & lifestyles writer/editor Erica Lumière.

Talk will be followed by a book signing.
FIAF, Florence Gould Hall, 55 East 59th Street
At 7pm/ $30
212-355-6100 / fiaf.org

Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks
“If you haven’t yet checked out the Nighthawks’ new digs, what are you waiting for. “The band (which has just released their second volume of music from HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire”) now actually sounds better, audio-wise, and the menu is a vast improvement over the band’s previous venue—overall, it is a step up, to the second floor, rather than a flight down, to the basement.

Although longtime fans are currently referring to the Nighthawks as “The Iguana Troubadours,” they continue to play with the same amazing combination of skin-tight historical authenticity and sheer, relentless energy, plus a tempo that has always characterized Mr. Giordano’s bands.” (WSJ-Will Friedwald)
Iguana, 240 W. 54th St., (btw 8th/B’way)
8pm-11pm / $15 cover, $20 food/drink minimum
(212) 765-5454 / iguananyc.com

Before making final plans, we suggest you call the venue to confirm dates and check times, as schedules are subject to change. ===========================================================================================

A PremierPub and 3 Good Eating places – West Village

Corner Bistro  /  331 W. 4th St.

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

In the maze of streets known as the West Village, where West 4th intersects with West 12th (and West 11th, and West 10th, go figure), you will eventually find Corner Bistro on the corner of West 4th and Jane Street. An unassuming neighborhood tavern, it looks just like dozens of other taverns around town. The bartender tells me that the Corner Bistro will be celebrating it’s 50th anniversary next year. The well worn interior tells me that the place itself is much older.

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

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

For the classic Bistro experience, order your burger with a McSorley’s draft, the dark preferably. This is the same beer that you can get over at the original McSorley’s in the East Village, the pub that claims to be the oldest continually operating bar in NYCity. The only difference is that this McSorley’s ale is served with a smile by the bartenders here. Or you  can get a Sierra Nevada, Stella, or Hoegaarden on tap if you want to go upscale a bit. Either way this is a simple, but quality burger and beer experience that is just too rare these days (sorry for the pun).

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Website:  cornerbistrony.com
Phone #:  212-242-9502
Hours: 11:30am-4am Mon-Sat; 12pm-4am Sun
Happy Hour:  NO
Music:  Juke Box
Subway: #1/2/3 to 14th St. (S end of platform)
Walk 2 blk W. on 13th St. to 8th Ave.; 1 blk S. on 8th Ave. to Jane St.
Update:

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“Pub” is used in it’s broadest sense – bars, bar/restaurants, wine bars, tapas bars, craft beer bars, dive bars, cocktail lounges  – just about anyplace you can get a drink without a cover charge.

If you have a fave premier pub or good eating place on Manhattan’s WestSide let us all know about it – leave a comment.
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Today’s “Fab 5” / Selected NYCity Events – SUNDAY, DEC. 01, 2013

Concert: Organ Works by Bach and Dupré
Bach Prelude and Fugue in B minor, BWV 544
Bach Chorale Prelude on ‘Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme’, BWV 645
Hugo Distler Organ Partita on ‘Nun komm’ der Heiden Heiland’, Op. 8, no. 1
Marcel Dupré Prelude and Fugue in B major, Op. 7, no. 1
With organist DAVID BALL.
St. Thomas Church, 1 W. 53rd St. @ Fifth Ave.
try this after a visit to MoMA, which is just down the block
At 5:15PM / FREE
1-212-757-7013 x303

Messiah…Refreshed! at Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center
The third annual tradition continues at Lincoln Center with the Thomas Beecham/Eugene Goossens’ 1959 Re-Orchestration for Full Symphony Orchestra
Jonathan Griffith, DCINY Artistic Director and Principal Conductor
Handel: Messiah, Lincoln Center Premiere of Eugene Goossens’ expanded orchestration
Laura Strickling, Soprano
Teresa Buchholz, Mezzo-Soprano
John Pickle, Tenor
Christopher Job, Bass-Baritone
Featuring Distinguished Concerts Orchestra International and Distinguished Concert Singers International
“A Radical Rescoring!” – The New York Times
Avery Fisher Hall, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza
at 2:00pm / $20-$100

Fizz & Chips tasting event.
Champagne and potato chips! Sounds like a stroke of genius.
“Champagnes and sparking wines are a decidedly highbrow indulgence, so there’s something intriguing about the thought of pairing delicious bubbly with the lowly potato chip. “The crisp acidity of sparkling wine cuts right through the oiliness of the chips while the wine’s lush toastiness and fruit tones pair beautifully with the salty crisps,” according to the Astor Center, who are putting that theory to the test on Sunday at their Fizz & Chips tasting event.

They’re pairing 16 fizzies with a wide range of potato chips—even salt and vinegar! If you’d like a more in-depth look at sparking wines, try on one of their champagne/alternative seminars, which include admission to the walk around tasting.” (Gothamist)

Freddy Cole Holiday Celebration*
“The singer and pianist Freddy Cole exudes a gallant but unfussy brand of cool. He is singing Christmas songs in this weekend engagement, and as usual, his maturity will most likely manifest itself as understatement.” (Chinen-NYT)
Blue Note, 131 West Third Street, Greenwich Village, (212)
At 8 and 10:30 p.m./ $35 cover at tables, $20 at the bar, with a $5 minimum.
BLUE NOTE has a good sound system, making those seats at the bar a good deal.
475-8592, bluenote.net

Wycliffe Gordon & Friends: ‘The Music of Duke, Dizzy, & the Dorseys’
“Let’s face it: as a holiday, Thanksgiving is the neglected middle child and weak sister of its much more virile siblings, Halloween and Christmas. Yet there’s one musician who can transform this underperforming holiday—as well as the weekend that follows—into a joyful celebration to compete with its alpha male brothers. Trombonist, vocalist and raconteur (who also pleases crowds with cornet and tuba), Wycliffe Gordon is a one-man show unto himself, and when he surrounds himself with an outstanding band, as he almost invariably does, the results are greater still.

A virtuosic brassman with a huge capacity for musical history, Mr. Gordon would seem to be going through the great years of jazz alphabetically, with a show that encompasses Duke (Ellington), Dizzy (Gillespie) and the Dorseys (Jimmy Dorsey and one of Mr. Gordon’s trombonist role models, Tommy Dorsey). This is Mr. Gordon’s second year playing Dizzy’s over this postholiday weekend, and if he’s going to keep up the tradition, music lovers are going to be eagerly awaiting Thanksgiving each year in the same way that kids look forward to Christmas.” (WSJ)
Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Jazz at Lincoln Center, 60th St. and Broadway,
At 7:30 and 9:30 p.m./ $40 and $45 cover, with a $10 minimum;
(212) 258-9595, jalc.org

Before making final plans, we suggest you call the venue to confirm dates and check times, as schedules are subject to change. ==========================================================================================

What’s on View:
Special Exhibitions @ 3 Museum Mile / Fifth Ave. Museums:

“Legends of the Dead Ball Era” (1900-1919) (through Dec. 1)
“Eighteenth Century Pastels” (through Dec. 29)
“Julia Margaret Cameron” (through Jan. 5, 2014)
“Medieval Treasures From Hildesheim” (through Jan. 5, 2014)
“Interwoven Globe: The Worldwide Textile Trade, 1500-1800″ (through Jan. 5, 2014)
‘Balthus: Cats and Girls — Paintings and Provocations’ (through Jan. 12, 2014)
“Brush Writing in the Arts of Japan” (through Jan. 12, 2014)
“Venetian Glass by Carlo Scarpa, The Venini Co., 1932–1947” (through March 2, 2014)
Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Ave, at 82nd St.
(212) 535-7710 / metmuseum.org

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Special Mention: Metropolitan’s northern branch at the Cloisters
Janet Cardiff / The Forty Part Motet (through Dec 8)
The Forty Part Motet (2001), a sound installation by Janet Cardiff, is the first presentation of contemporary art at The Cloisters. Regarded as the artist’s masterwork, and consisting of forty high-fidelity speakers positioned on stands in a large oval configuration throughout the Fuentidueña Chapel, the fourteen-minute work, with a three-minute spoken interlude, continuously plays an eleven-minute reworking of the forty-part motet Spem in alium numquam habui (1556?/1573?) by Tudor composer Thomas Tallis.

Visitors are encouraged to walk among the loudspeakers and hear the individual unaccompanied voices—bass, baritone, alto, tenor, and child soprano—one part per speaker—as well as the polyphonic choral effect of the combined singers in an immersive experience. The Forty Part Motet is most often presented in a neutral gallery setting, but in this case the setting is the Cloisters’ Fuentidueña Chapel, which features the late twelfth-century apse from the church of San Martín at Fuentidueña, near Segovia, Spain, on permanent loan from the Spanish Government. Set within a churchlike gallery space, and with superb acoustics, it has for more than fifty years proved a fine venue for concerts of early music.
Worth the trip to far northern Manhattan.
subway: #1 to 59th St., transfer and “take the A train” to 190th St.,
walk about ½ mile N to the Cloisters.
This is a beautiful location, esp. in the fall, overlooking the Hudson Palisades.
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‘Robert Motherwell: Early Collages’ (through Jan. 5, 2014)
‘Christopher Wool’ (through Jan. 22, 2014)
“Kandinsky in Paris, 1934–1944“ (through Apr. 23, 2014)

Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Avenue, at 89th St.
(212) 423-3500 / guggenheim.org.

‘Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Hals: Masterpieces of Dutch Painting From the Mauritshuis’ (through Jan. 19, 2014)
Frick Collection, 1 East 70th St., at Fifth Ave.
admission is by timed tickets.
288-0700 / frick.org

========================================================== Museum Mile is a section of Fifth Avenue which contains one of the densest displays of culture in the world. Ten museums can be found along this section of Fifth Avenue:

• 110th Street – Museum for African Art

• 105th Street – El Museo del Barrio

• 103rd Street – Museum of the City of New York

• 92nd Street – The Jewish Museum

• 91st Street –  Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum

• 89th Street – National Academy Museum

• 88th Street – Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

• 86th Street – Neue Galerie New York

• 83rd Street – Goethe-Institut

Last, but certainly not least, America’s premier museum
• 82nd Street – The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Additionally, though technically not part of the Museum Mile, the Frick Collection on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 70th St. and the The Morgan Library & Museum on Madison Ave and 37th St are also located near Fifth Ave. Now plan your own museum crawl. ==========================================================

What’s on View: Top Photography Exhibitions
(NYCity / Manhattan’s WestSide)   

Museum of Modern Art 11 West 53rd Street / 212-708-9400
XL: 19NewAcquisitions in Photography (through Dec. 31)
Walker Evans: American Photographs (through Jan. 26, 2014) 

Metropolitan Museum of Art 1000 Fifth Avenue (at 82nd Street) / 212-535-7710
Julia Margaret Cameron (through Jan. 5, 2014)
Everyday Ephiphanies: Photography and Daily Life Since 1969  (through Jan. 26, 2014)

ICP 1133 Avenue of the Americas at 43rd Street / 212-857-0000
Lewis Hine
The Future of America: Lewis Hine’s New Deal Photographs
JFK November 22, 1963: A Bystander’s View of History
Zoe Strauss: 10 Years
All these exhibitions run from Oct 4, 2013–Jan 19, 2014

American Museum Natural History 
79th St. And Central Park West / (212) 313-7278
Picturing Science: Museum Scientists and Imaging Technologies (through May 31, 2014)

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For other selected Museum and Gallery Special Exhibitions see Recent Posts in right Sidebar: “NYCity Events: Manhattan’s WestSide” dated 11/29 and 11/27.

Today’s “Fab 5” / Selected NYCity Events – SATURDAY, NOV. 30, 2013

Arlo Guthrie
Look who’s here at Carnegie Hall for his annual Thanksgiving concert –
it’s Mr. Alice’s Restaurant.

“This annual soiree hosted by Woody Guthrie’s son Arlo and assorted famous friends is a firm Carnegie tradition. So is the audience’s fidgeting around the 15-minute mark of “Alice’s Restaurant,” Arlo Guthrie’s satirical folk jab at 1960s counterculture; in concert, he’s known to push this college-radio favorite to a festive 45 minutes. This year, he reunites with Pete Seeger and Guthrie Family for another evening of folksy renditions and down-home anecdotes.” (Stacey Anderson – NYT)
Isaac Stern Auditorium, Carnegie Hall,
At 8 p.m./ $12.50 to $45 remaining
247-7800, carnegiehall.org

Ann Hampton Callaway, ‘Songs I Wish I’d Written’
“It’s altogether fitting that singer-pianist Ann Hampton Callaway makes a specialty of Mel Torme’s iconic routine built around the standard “Pick Yourself Up.” This extra-long, multi-faced orchestration mashes up Jerome Kern with Johann Sebastian Bach; in fact, Torme even makes beautifully sonorous noise out of singing Bach’s very name itself. We tend to forget that before Mel, jazz singers and comedians were in two different categories; it was up to Mel to create very funny shtick that was also highly musical. Ms. Callaway is perhaps Torme’s greatest living heir apparent: gifted with an amazing low voice, a miraculous level of musicianship, ears that can hear around corners, a gift for both arranging familiar standards and composing new ones, all of which works hand-in-hand with her sense of humor.

She also has a knack for finding material, from both the classic and more contemporary songbooks, ranging from the Gershwins (“Love Is Here To Stay”) to Joni Mitchell (“A Case of You”) and Paul Simon (“Bridge Over Troubled Water”) Before Torme and then Ms. Callaway, it would have seemed impossible to expect all these attributes from a single artist, but these days, nothing’s impossible.” (WSJ)
54 Below , 254 W. 54th St.,
At 8pm / $60-$70; at 11PM / $35-$45
468-7619 / 54below.com

LOS LOBOS (Saturday through Monday)
“In 1973, David Hidalgo and Louis Pérez, two kids at Garfield High, in East L.A., surprised each other with their weird tastes in music. They started playing together, and after some homemade forays into composing and recording, they enlisted Cesar Rosas, Conrad Lozano, and Steve Berlin, who remain the core of the band today.

By mixing traditional Mexican sounds into whatever was happening in the Top Forty, Los Lobos became local favorites before hitting it big nationwide, with their cover of “La Bamba,” in 1987. They are touring to celebrate their fortieth anniversary as well as the recent release of “Disconnected in New York,” an album they recorded at City Winery last year.” (NewYorker mag)
City Winery, 155 Varick St
At 8PM / $45-$65
(they added a third show but are still sold out, try the wait list for all 3 nights).
212-608-0555 / citywinery.com/newyork/

Matuto
These engaging international rockers, known for their lively sets, blend traditional Brazilian music like forró with American jazz and funk. They took that alchemy through West Africa as participants in the State Department’s American Music Abroad diplomacy program and recently released an album, “The Devil and the Diamond.” (Anderson-NYT)
S.O.B.’s, 204 Varick Street, at Houston Street, South Village,
At 8:30 and 10:45 p.m. / $15.
(212) 243-4940, sobs.com

DAVE HOLLAND
“Prism” is the name of both this super bassist’s new quartet and of its recent début album. With the pianist Craig Taborn, the guitarist Kevin Eubanks, and the drummerEric Harland in tow, Holland has all the firepower he needs to produce the surprisingly fusion-esque music he’s seeking. The results are enormously fun, in a hyperkinetic mid-seventies manner, and the sixty-seven-year-old Holland sounds like he’s thoroughly enjoying himself.” (NewYorker mag)
Birdland, 315 West 44th Street, Clinton,
At 8:30 and 11 p.m./ $40, with a $10 minimum
(212) 581-3080, birdlandjazz.com

Before making final plans, we suggest you call the venue to confirm dates and check times, as schedules are subject to change ==============================================================================

A PremierPub and 3 Good Eating places – Tribeca

B-Flat  /  277 Church st (Btw Franklin/White)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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“Pub” is used in it’s broadest sense – bars, bar/restaurants, wine bars, tapas bars, craft beer bars, dive bars, cocktail lounges  – just about anyplace you can get a drink without a cover charge.

If you have a fave premier pub or good eating place on Manhattan’s WestSide let us all know about it – leave a comment.
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Today’s “Fab 4” / Selected NYCity Events – FRIDAY, NOV. 29, 2013

Steve Davis Sextet: The Music of JJ Johnson (Friday and Saturday)
“The early years of bebop were both the first great era of extended improvisations and the golden years of jazz composition: So many major writers established themselves in such a short period that there was hardly time enough in their collective lifetimes to do them justice.

Even though James Louis Johnson (1924–2001) was hardly underappreciated in his own long and fruitful career, his music deserves to be even better known than it is. In recent years, it sometimes seems as if the only Johnson tune that everyone knows is “Lament,” which most musicians wrongly assume was written by Miles Davis.

The highly respected contemporary trombonist Steve Davis is a perfect bandleader to present the vast riches of Johnson’s, which vary from deceptively simple blues to full-length semi-symphonic works. He’ll be in the company of what amounts to New York’s other jazz repertory company (the one not based at Lincoln Center), alongside with trumpeter Eddie Henderson, saxophonist Eric Alexander, bassist John Webber, drummer Joe Farnsworth and Johnson’s own pianist, Harold Mabern.” (WSJ)
Smoke, 2751 Broadway, at 106th Street,
At 7, 9 and 10:30 p.m./ $38 cover
864-6662, smokejazz.com

Alan Gilbert Conducts Mozart’s Final Symphonies
Music lovers are thankful for Mozart’s three final symphonies, considered the pinnacle of his genius. Join Alan Gilbert and “the inspired Philharmonic” (The New York Times) for these masterworks on Thanksgiving weekend.

“Mozart’s arc was only half a rainbow—he died at 35—and his last symphonies, including the “Jupiter,” belong to a composer in his prime, with plenty more to say” (NY mag-Justin Davidson)
New York Philharmonic, Avery Fisher Hall
At 8PM / $30-$118
(try Rubenstein Atrium for day of performance discount tickets – see “onBroadway” section in header above for more info)
(212) 875-5656 / nyphil.org

Freddy Cole Holiday Celebration* (through Sunday)
“The singer and pianist Freddy Cole exudes a gallant but unfussy brand of cool. He is singing Christmas songs in this weekend engagement, and as usual, his maturity will most likely manifest itself as understatement.” (Chinen-NYT)
Blue Note, 131 West Third Street, Greenwich Village, (212)
At 8 and 10:30 p.m./ $35 cover at tables, $20 at the bar, with a $5 minimum.
BLUE NOTE has a good sound system, making those seats at the bar a good deal.
475-8592, bluenote.net

Wycliffe Gordon & Friends: ‘The Music of Duke, Dizzy, & the Dorseys’
“Let’s face it: as a holiday, Thanksgiving is the neglected middle child and weak sister of its much more virile siblings, Halloween and Christmas. Yet there’s one musician who can transform this underperforming holiday—as well as the weekend that follows—into a joyful celebration to compete with its alpha male brothers. Trombonist, vocalist and raconteur (who also pleases crowds with cornet and tuba), Wycliffe Gordon is a one-man show unto himself, and when he surrounds himself with an outstanding band, as he almost invariably does, the results are greater still.

A virtuosic brassman with a huge capacity for musical history, Mr. Gordon would seem to be going through the great years of jazz alphabetically, with a show that encompasses Duke (Ellington), Dizzy (Gillespie) and the Dorseys (Jimmy Dorsey and one of Mr. Gordon’s trombonist role models, Tommy Dorsey). This is Mr. Gordon’s second year playing Dizzy’s over this postholiday weekend, and if he’s going to keep up the tradition, music lovers are going to be eagerly awaiting Thanksgiving each year in the same way that kids look forward to Christmas.” (WSJ)
Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Jazz at Lincoln Center, 60th St. and Broadway,
At 7:30 and 9:30 p.m./ $40 and $45 cover, with a $10 minimum;
(212) 258-9595, jalc.org

Before making final plans, we suggest you call the venue to confirm dates and check times, as schedules are subject to change.
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WHAT’S ON VIEW: Special Exhibitions @ 4 MUSEUMS (Manhattan’s WestSide) 

‘Walker Evans: American Photographs’ (through Jan. 26, 2014)
American Modern: Hopper to O’Keefe (through Jan. 26, 2014)
America’s cultural landscape shifted rapidly in the early 20th century. American Modern at the Museum of Modern Art looks at this change via some of the iconic works produced between 1915 and 1950. Artists highlighted include George Bellows, Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, Alfred Stieglitz and Andrew Wyeth. In organizing the art thematically, American Modern will highlight the connections between the artists’ works.
Museum of Modern Art: 11 W 53rd St. (btw 5th /6th Ave.)
(212) 708-9400 / moma.org.
==========================================================

‘The Armory Show at 100: Modern Art and Revolution’ (through Feb. 23, 2014)
New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, at 77th St.
(212) 873-3400 / nyhistory.org.

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

New York Public Library for the Performing Arts: Al Hirschfeld Exhibition
(through Jan. 4, 2014)
“The Line King’s Library,” a display of work by Al Hirschfeld, whose specialty was theatrical caricatures, includes rare works as well as those familiar to theatergoers and readers of various publications, including The New York Times. The exhibition also includes video interviews with Mr. Hirschfeld, who died in 2003 at 99, and works by some of his contemporaries.”
NY Public Library for the Performing Arts, at Lincoln Center
111 Amsterdam Ave and 65th St.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m.,
until 8 on Mondays and Thursdays
(917) 275-6975, nypl.org/events/exhibitions/line-kings-library.

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

The Art of the Brick by Nathan Sawaya (ongoing)
This exhibition by artist Nathan Sawaya is a critically acclaimed collection of intriguing and inspiring works of art made exclusively from one of the most recognizable toys in the world — LEGO® bricks. The Discovery Times Square exhibit is the world’s biggest and most elaborate display of LEGO® art ever and features brand-new, never-before-seen pieces by Sawaya. This show was named ‘One of CNN’s Ten Global Must-See Exhibitions.’
Discovery Times Square, 226 West 44th St. (btw 7th/8th ave)
866.987.9692 / http://www.discoverytsx.com

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WHAT’S ON VIEW: Top Photography Exhibitions
(NYCity / Manhattan’s WestSide)

  Museum of Modern Art
XL: 19NewAcquisitions in Photography (through Dec. 31)
Walker Evans: American Photographs (through Jan. 26, 2014)
New Photography 2013 (through Jan. 6, 2014)
11 West 53rd Street / 212-708-9400

  Metropolitan Museum of Art
Julia Margaret Cameron (through Jan. 5, 2014)
Everyday Ephiphanies: Photography and Daily Life Since 1969 
(through January 26, 2014)
1000 Fifth Avenue (at 82nd Street) / 212-535-7710

  American Museum Natural History 
Picturing Science: Museum Scientists and Imaging Technologies          
(through May 31, 2014)
79th St. And Central Park West / (212) 313-7278 

   International Center Photography
Lewis Hine
The Future of America: Lewis Hine’s New Deal Photographs
JFK November 22, 1963: A Bystander’s View of History
Zoe Strauss: 10 Years
All these exhibitions run through Jan. 19, 2014
1133 Avenue of the Americas at 43rd Street / 212-857-0000

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

For other selected Museum and Gallery Special Exhibitions see Recent Posts in the right Sidebar: “Selected Events + Special Exhibitions : … …” dated (11/27) and (11/25).

Today’s “Fab 4” / Selected NYCity Events – THURSDAY, NOV. 28, 2013

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Yay! The Big Balloons will fly!
The parade begins at 9 a.m. at Central Park West and 77th Street and heads south to Columbus Circle, where it turns east to Avenue of the Americas and travels to 34th Street, ending at Macy’s in Herald Square. NBC will show the parade, with personalities from “Today” as hosts.
Public Viewing Areas
Central Park West: West side of street from 70th Street to Columbus Circle & east side of street from 70th to 65th
Columbus Circle: West side of street
6th Avenue: between 58th & 34th Streets
34th Street: south side of street between Broadway & 7th Avenue

Holiday Markets (through Jan. 5)
The Holiday Shops are just part of the seasonal events in Bryant Park – don’t forget the ice skating, too. At Avenue of the Americas and 40th Street, through Jan. 5. Hours: weekdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

All the other major Holiday Shops in town are closed on Thanksgiving Day.

DAVE HOLLAND
“Prism” is the name of both this super bassist’s new quartet and of its recent début album. With the pianist Craig Taborn, the guitarist Kevin Eubanks, and the drummer Eric Harland in tow, Holland has all the firepower he needs to produce the surprisingly fusion-esque music he’s seeking. The results are enormously fun, in a hyperkinetic mid-seventies manner, and the sixty-seven-year-old Holland sounds like he’s thoroughly enjoying himself.” (NewYorker mag)
Birdland, 315 West 44th Street, Clinton,
At 8:30 and 11 p.m./ $40, with a $10 minimum
(212) 581-3080, birdlandjazz.com

Jimi Hendrix Birthday Celebration
“Celebrate one of the greatest guitarists of all time with legendary Terra Blues regular, Michael Powers, and a showcase of talent from rock to blues. Every year the Terra Blues goes all out for their Jimi Hendrix celebrations and anyone in the city for Thanksgiving will find this festival a welcome home or retreat from the turkey festivities. Previous tributes are available on YouTube.” (Matt Dorville, Flavorpill)
Terra Blues, 149 Bleecker Street
Between Thompson Street & LaGuardia Place
At 10PM / $10
(212) 777-7776 / Terra Blues

Happy Turkey Day!

Before making final plans, we suggest you call the venue to confirm dates and check times, as schedules are subject to change.
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A PremierPub and 3 Good Eating Places – Upper West Side

Dinosaur /  700 w125th St. @ 12th ave.

Walk only five minutes from the 125th st. station on the #1 line to find this authentic honky-tonk barbecue joint. Some folks think Dinosaur is just a place to eat ribs. Au contraire. With 24 carefully selected taps, this is a place to drink beer, and eat ribs.

No food goes better with American craft ales than American barbecue. Dinosaur may be the best combo of good beer drinking and hearty eating in town, which makes the trip to Harlem totally worthwhile.

This second incarnation of Dinosaur in Harlem is in an old brick warehouse near the Hudson River. Don’t let that run down exterior fool you. Inside it’s a large space with huge, rough wooden columns and unfinished wooden floors and brick walls – just right for a bbq joint. As soon as you open the door you are hit with that tantalizing aroma of barbecue coming from the large open kitchen. Reminds me of all those great rib joints I frequented when stationed in North Carolina all those years ago. If your stomach wasn’t grumbling before, it is now.

Head to the bar, sit down and try to decide on a beer. It’s not an easy decision – a good problem to have. This is a pretty damn good beer list to choose from, one that most beer bars should be jealous of. I love that they feature NY craft beers. You may want to try the four beer sampler, which is always fun, and in this place may be necessary.

The Mississippi blues music playing in the background will get you in the mood for their North Carolina style barbecue, and even when it’s a full house your order shouldn’t take too long. The food is all slow smoked, so it’s already mostly done and ready to go. I always start with an order of their giant, spice rubbed wings, so good they may make you give up Buffalo wings.

Unfortunately, a place this good does not fly under the radar. There can be some humongous waits for a table at dinnertime. So you need a strategy – avoid prime time, and try not to arrive with your entire posse, which will limit your seating options.

A seat at the bar, a small table in the bar area, or in the summer, an outside table, underneath what’s left of the elevated West Side Hwy, all may open before a table inside the main dining room. Otherwise, try Dinosaur for lunch, or come very late for dinner.

Website: http://www.dinosaurbarbque.com/
Phone #: 212-694-1777
Hours: M-Th 11:30am-11:00pm; Fr-Sa 11:30am-12:00am;
Su 12:00pm-10:00pm
Happy Hour: 4-7pm every day; $1 off all drinks
Music: Fri / Sat 10:00pm
Subway: #1 to 125th st
Walk 2 blk W on 125th to Dinosaur Bar-B-Q,
just past the elevated highway

===========================================================================================
“Pub” is used in it’s broadest sense – bars, bar/restaurants, wine bars, tapas bars, craft beer bars, dive bars, cocktail lounges  – just about anyplace you can get a drink without a cover charge.

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

Today’s “Fab 5” / Selected NYCity Events – WEDNESDAY, NOV. 27, 2013

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – Balloon Inflation
Only 16 giant balloons make the cut each year. For those who would like to see the balloons spring to life between W 77th and W 81st St., inflation begins at 3 p.m. (until 10PM) outside the American Museum of Natural History, with entry at Columbus Avenue and 79th Street. Even Mayor Bloomberg will be there (77th St./CPW) at 5:30PM.

The balloons can rise as high as five stories and can be difficult to control in wind. With the weather forecast for high winds on Turkey Day, this may be your best chance to see Pikachu, Spider-Man and the other big balloons.

Fred Hersch & Julian Lage
“Much of the greatest jazz is driven by interplay rather than individual statements, as the pianist Fred Hersch and the 25-year-old guitar wiz Julian Lage show in a new album of duets titled “Free Flying.” The guitar and piano generally occupy the same harmonic and even philosophical space, and yet, rather than each staking a claim for their own territory, Mr. Hersh and Mr. Lage blend together. The most recognizable jazz standard on the album, “Beatrice,” has the twosome taking the tune somewhat faster than its composer (the late Sam Rivers on his “Fuchsia Swing Song”), but no less purposefully, deftly exploring the spaces in and around each other.” (WSJ)
Blue Note, 131 West Third Street, Greenwich Village,
At 8 and 10:30 p.m./ $30 cover at tables, $20 at the bar, with a $5 minimum.
475-8592, bluenote.net

RANDY WESTON-BILLY HARPER
“Weston, the venerated eighty-seven-year-old pianist and composer, and Harper, the seventy-year-old tenor saxophonist, have been playing together, on and off, since the early seventies, but their first duo album, “The Roots of the Blues,” which they recently recorded, has only now been released. To no one’s surprise, the veterans sound ideal together, their shared history and love of blues-inflected jazz making for rousing and deeply expressive interaction.” (NewYorker mag)
Iridium Jazz Club, 1650 Broadway, at 51st Street,
At 8 and 10 p.m./ $30 cover, with a $10 minimum.
212-582-2121, theiridium.com

Jason Moran and the Bandwagon* (through Dec. 1)
“Mr. Moran, the broadly heralded pianist and composer, has been busy of late as a bicoastal concert programmer (at the Kennedy Center and the SFJazz Center), and his next album will be a conceptual tribute to Fats Waller. Despite all that, or maybe because of it, he has kept a freshness in his interactions with Tarus Mateen on bass guitar and Nasheet Waits on drums; as the Bandwagon, they still have every bit of the grounded swagger that works so well in rooms like this one (and especially this one).” (Chinen-NYT)
Village Vanguard, 178 Seventh Avenue South, at 11th Street, West Village,
At 8:30 and 10:30 p.m./ $25 cover, with a one-drink minimum.
255-4037, villagevanguard.com

Ms. Lauryn Hill
“Now celebrating its 15th anniversary, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” made a star of its namesake creator, who wooed fans of hip-hop soul and has confounded followers ever since. As honored in a recent XXL magazine tribute by the rapper Nas, Ms. Hill’s 1998 album stands as “a timeless record, pure music” that represents a “serious moment in black music, when young artists were taking charge and breaking through doors.”

In the years since, Ms. Hill has garnered a reputation for eccentricity (cancelled concerts, jail time for tax evasion) as well as continued flashes of brilliance. Her recent single, “Consumerism,” is an anxious, angst-ridden rail against capitalism and its discontents.”
(WSJ – ANDY BATTAGLIA)
Bowery Ballroom, 6 Delancey St, near the Bowery
At 6PM & 10:30PM / $100
(212) 533-2111, boweryballroom.com

This is not on Manhattan’s WestSide, but the Bowery Ballroom is a great music venue and a Lauryn Hill performance can be worth the gamble and the trip.
take 1-2-3 to TimesSq, transfer to N/R to Prince St. walk 6 short blks E to Bowery, 2 blks S to Delancy (maybe 10 -12 minutes)

Before making final plans, we suggest you call the venue to confirm dates and check times, as schedules are subject to change. ===============================================================================

Chelsea is the heart of the NYCity contemporary art scene. Home to more than 300 art galleries, the Rubin Museum, the Joyce Theater, and The Kitchen performance spaces, there is no place like it anywhere in the world.

Come here to browse free exhibitions by world-renowned artists and those unknowns waiting to be discovered in an art district that is concentrated between West 18th and West 27th Streets, and 10th and 11th Avenues.

Afterwards stop in the Chelsea Market, stroll on the High Line, or rest up at one of the many cafes and bars and discuss the fine art – my fave is Ovest on W 27th St., where the aperitivo is like Happy Hour on steroids.

WHAT’S ON VIEW: Here are 3 Special Exhibitions in Chelsea Galleries that you may want to see:

Raqib Shaw, “Paradise Lost” (until Sat. Dec 21)
East meets West in the work of this London artist, who originally hails from India, and whose sumptuous, jewel-and-enamel inlaid paintings and intricately detailed sculptures combine numerous traditions and canons—including Indian miniatures and textiles, Old Master painting, Orientalism and Surrealism. His works might be best described as visions of paradise being invaded by the forces of hell. It’s a strange mix that plays upon our notions of exoticism while sending them up. For his debut at Pace, the artist fills all three of the gallery’s Chelsea locations.
Pace Gallery 508 W 25th St. btw Tenth and Eleventh Aves
Tue–Sat 10am–6pm
212-255-4044 / thepacegallery.com

Richard Serra, “New Sculpture” (until Sat. Jan 25 2014)
Gagosian’s double dose of Richard Serra presents dueling sides of the sculptor: the popular artist name checked in a Vampire Weekend song, and the confrontational figure familiar from his earlier career.

The gallery’s West 21st Street location presents the former in fine form, with a single massive work. Curling ribbons of steel, set on edge and towering to ceiling height, nestle together to create Serra’s signature bowing and curving of space. They swallow viewers up in a phenomenological ecstasy one usually associates with, say, walking along a narrow canyon. The metal’s russet color only adds to the sensation of experiencing something more natural than man-made.

The tone, if not the scale, of the work shifts on West 24th Street, with a group of sculptures and nary a bend in sight. Hard-edged steel plates, patinated a carceral gray, get in your way like barricades around a government building. A set of enormous blocks serves as a memorial to the recently deceased sculptor Walter De Maria, a friend of Serra’s. Experiential warmth gives way to cold truths as Serra employs his legendary toughness to challenge not only gravity, but death itself.—(Howard Halle/TONY mag)
Gagosian Gallery, 522 W 21st St, btw 10th/11th Aves
Tue–Sat 10am–6pm
212-741-1717 / gagosian.com

For a listing of 25 essential galleries in the Chelsea Art Gallery District, organized by street, which enables you to create your own Chelsea Art Gallery crawl, see the Chelsea Gallery Guide (nycgo.com)

Or check out TONY magazine’s list of the “Best Chelsea Galleries” and click through to see what’s on view.

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For other selected Museum and Gallery Special Exhibitions see Recent Posts in the right Sidebar: “Selected Events + Special Exhibitions : Manhattan’s WestSide” dated (11/19) and (11/17).

Today’s “Fab 5” / Selected NYCity Events – TUESDAY, NOV. 26, 2013

Tasting Tuesdays – Holiday Shops Tasting Tour
Join us for the Tasting Tuesdays Tour at the Bank of America Winter Village Holiday Shops!

Participants will receive a handy map and embark on a self-guided tour for nibbles and sips throughout the park. All participants are eligible to receive a gift certificate at the end of their tour, while supplies last.
Holiday Shops at Winter Village
Please sign up for your wristband and map at our check-in table at the Rink Entrance.
4:30pm – 6:00pm | Rink Entrance
Limit one gift certificate per person, maximum of two gift certificates per family.

Julie Klausner: Too Gay for Brooklyn
“Author and funny lady Julie Klausner, host of the brilliant How Was Your Week? podcast—essential listening for NYC gays…or anyone, really—returns to Joe’s Pub with a collection of witty observations and surprisingly well-sung musical numbers.”
(TONY mag)
Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater, 425 Lafayette St, Greenwich Village
between Astor Pl and E 4th St
At 7:30PM / $25 plus two-drink minimum
212-539-8778 / joespub.com

Conversation with Robert Stone and Rachel Kushner 
Two noted fiction writers — Robert Stone, a National Book Award winner for fiction in 1975 for “Dog Soldiers,” and Rachel Kushner, whose novel “Telex From Cuba” was a finalist for the 2008 National Book Award, will talk about their latest works. Mr. Stone’s “Death of the Black-Haired Girl” was released this month, and Ms. Kushner’s “The Flamethrowers” was released in the spring.” (NYT)
Strand Book Store, 828 Broadway, at 12th Street,
At 7 p.m. / purchase of a book or a gift card of $15 required
473-1452, strandbooks.com

VAN MORRISON
“The Irish troubadour has spent more than forty years fusing folk, rock, jazz, and soul into his own distinctive sound. His songwriting is sui generis—poetic, prickly, introspective, and spiritual, with an emphasis on instrumental interplay that recalls the music of such past giants as Louis Armstrong and James Brown. Last year Morrison released his umpteenth album, “Born to Sing: No Plan B,” and this fall saw the reissue of his 1970 album, “Moondance,” in vastly expanded form. He’s not always warm and engaging in concert, but he’s always Van Morrison.” (NewYorker mag)
Beacon Theater, 2124 Broadway, at 74th Street,
at 8 p.m./ $69.50 to $250.
(212) 465-6500, beacontheatre.com

Dave Holland’s Prism* (through Nov. 30)
“The bassist-bandleader Dave Holland digs back into knockabout jazz-funk mode with “Prism,” his potent new album, which features a famous old colleague, the guitarist Kevin Eubanks, along with the brilliant pianist Craig Taborn and the indomitable drummer Eric Harland. And there’s every reason to believe that this engagement, which follows a long stretch on the road, will showcase the band even more emphatically.” (Chinen – NYT)
Birdland, 315 West 44th Street, Clinton,
At 8:30 and 11 p.m./ $40, with a $10 minimum
(212) 581-3080, birdlandjazz.com

Before making final plans, we suggest you call the venue to confirm dates and check times, as schedules are subject to change.
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A PremierPub and 3 Good Eating Places – Greenwich Village

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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“Pub” is used in it’s broadest sense – bars, bar/restaurants, wine bars, tapas bars, craft beer bars, dive bars, cocktail lounges  – just about anyplace you can get a drink without a cover charge.

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

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

Fish – 280 Bleecker St (just a bit S. of 7th ave South)
This was an easy pick – the best raw bar special in town. $8 gets you 6 of the freshest oysters or clams + a glass of wine or beer. Don’t know how they can do it, but I tell everyone I know about this place. And it’s located right in the heart of some of the best no cover music in town.

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

Num Pang – 21 E 12th st (btw. University place/5th ave)
This is a Cambodian banh mi sandwich shop that kept me well fed while I was in class nearby recently. You may have to wait a few minutes, because everything is freshly made, but it’s worth it. Can you believe – an unheard of 26 food rating by Zagat.

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“3 Good Eating places” focuses on a quick bite, what I call “Fine Fast Food – NYCity Style”

That covers a wide range of food – pizza,  burgers,  food trucks/carts,  vegetarian/falafel,  ramen,  chopped salad & salad bars,  hot dogs,  bbq,  soup & sandwiches,  picnic fixins’,  raw bars &  lobster rolls. No reservations needed. ================================================================================

There are also some casual dining, chain restaurant locations in this neighborhood that have decent food, provide a good hotel breakfast alternative, and have free Wi-FI:

A. Pret a Manger @ 821 Broadway (betw 12/13 st)
Subway: #1/2/3 to 42nd st; transfer to n/q/r to 14th st/union sq

B. Potbelly @ 41 W14th st (betw 5th/6th ave)
Subway: #1/2/3 to 14th st

C. Cosi @ 53 E 8th st (betw greene/mercer)
Subway: #1/2/3 to 42nd st; transfer to n/r to 8th st

◊ For a few more PremierPubs and Good Eating places see previous Featured Neighborhoods in the right sidebar.

◊ For all my picks of 54 Good Eating places and descriptions of my favorite 18 PremierPubs in 9 Neighborhoods (plus 27 casual dining places with free Wi-Fi) order a copy of my e-book: “Eating and Drinking on NYCity’s WestSide” ($3.99).
(available Winter 2013)

Today’s “Fab 5” / Selected NYCity Events – MONDAY, NOV. 25, 2013

Holiday Markets
More than 150 vendors are selling their goods in Union Square Park, bordered by Park Avenue South, Broadway and 14th Streets, through Christmas Eve. Hours: weekdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; urbanspacenyc.com. (through Dec 24)

The Holiday Shops are just part of the seasonal events in Bryant Park, at Avenue of the Americas and 40th Street, through Jan. 5. Hours: weekdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (through Jan. 5)

In Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal, the 14th annual Holiday Fair offers 76 stalls of goods through Christmas Eve. Hours: Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. These shops have some nice stuff. Try to shop before noon and avoid the lunch time worker bee crowds. (through Dec 24)

While in GrandCentral check out the Holiday Train Show (through Feb. 23) which features a 34-foot-long Lionel model train layout. It’s on display at the New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex and Store near the Station Master’s Office. To be honest, this year’s setup is not as good as previous years and not worth a special trip to GCT. But it is FREE and  can be viewed weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. see mta.info/mta/museum.

Juilliard Orchestra
“As his run of Die Frau ohne Schatten at the Met winds to a close, conductor Vladimir Jurowski crosses the street to lead Juilliard’s best players in an all-Shostakovich program, including New Babylon, suite from Hypothetically Murdered and Symphony No. 1.” (TONY Mag)
Alice Tully Hall (at Lincoln Center), 1941 Broadway, at 65th St
At 8:00pm / $20, seniors and students $10
212-875-5050 / lincolncenter.org

VAN MORRISON
“The Irish troubadour has spent more than forty years fusing folk, rock, jazz, and soul into his own distinctive sound. His songwriting is sui generis—poetic, prickly, introspective, and spiritual, with an emphasis on instrumental interplay that recalls the music of such past giants as Louis Armstrong and James Brown. Last year Morrison released his umpteenth album, “Born to Sing: No Plan B,” and this fall saw the reissue of his 1970 album, “Moondance,” in vastly expanded form. He’s not always warm and engaging in concert, but he’s always Van Morrison.” (NewYorker mag)
Theater at Madison Square Garden,
at 8 p.m./ $69.50 to $250.
(866) 858-0008, thegarden.com

Norman Rockwell Talk
Deborah Solomon, author of the recently published “American Mirror: The Life and Art of Norman Rockwell,” will discuss the life and work of that American artist. The writer Jason Farago will also take part in the discussion.
McNally Jackson, 52 Prince Street, between Lafayette and Mulberry Streets, SoHo,
At 7PM / FREE
(212) 274-1160, mcnallyjackson.com

Fred Hersch & Julian Lage (through Wednesday)
“Much of the greatest jazz is driven by interplay rather than individual statements, as the pianist Fred Hersch and the 25-year-old guitar wiz Julian Lage show in a new album of duets titled “Free Flying.” The guitar and piano generally occupy the same harmonic and even philosophical space, and yet, rather than each staking a claim for their own territory, Mr. Hersh and Mr. Lage blend together. The most recognizable jazz standard on the album, “Beatrice,” has the twosome taking the tune somewhat faster than its composer (the late Sam Rivers on his “Fuchsia Swing Song”), but no less purposefully, deftly exploring the spaces in and around each other.” (WSJ)
Blue Note, 131 West Third Street, Greenwich Village,
At 8 and 10:30 p.m./ $30 cover at tables, $20 at the bar, with a $5 minimum.
475-8592, bluenote.net

Before making final plans, we suggest you call the venue to confirm dates and check times, as schedules are subject to change. ==========================================================================================

What’s on View:
Special Exhibitions @ 3 Museum Mile / Fifth Ave. Museums:

“Legends of the Dead Ball Era” (1900-1919) (through Dec. 1)
“Eighteenth Century Pastels” (through Dec. 29)
“Julia Margaret Cameron” (through Jan. 5, 2014)
“Medieval Treasures From Hildesheim” (through Jan. 5, 2014)
“Interwoven Globe: The Worldwide Textile Trade, 1500-1800″ (through Jan. 5, 2014)
‘Balthus: Cats and Girls — Paintings and Provocations’ (through Jan. 12, 2014)
“Brush Writing in the Arts of Japan” (through Jan. 12, 2014)
“Venetian Glass by Carlo Scarpa, The Venini Co., 1932–1947” (through March 2, 2014)
Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Ave, at 82nd St.
(212) 535-7710 / metmuseum.org

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Special Mention: Metropolitan’s northern branch at the Cloisters
Janet Cardiff / The Forty Part Motet (through Dec 8)
The Forty Part Motet (2001), a sound installation by Janet Cardiff, is the first presentation of contemporary art at The Cloisters. Regarded as the artist’s masterwork, and consisting of forty high-fidelity speakers positioned on stands in a large oval configuration throughout the Fuentidueña Chapel, the fourteen-minute work, with a three-minute spoken interlude, continuously plays an eleven-minute reworking of the forty-part motet Spem in alium numquam habui (1556?/1573?) by Tudor composer Thomas Tallis.

Visitors are encouraged to walk among the loudspeakers and hear the individual unaccompanied voices—bass, baritone, alto, tenor, and child soprano—one part per speaker—as well as the polyphonic choral effect of the combined singers in an immersive experience. The Forty Part Motet is most often presented in a neutral gallery setting, but in this case the setting is the Cloisters’ Fuentidueña Chapel, which features the late twelfth-century apse from the church of San Martín at Fuentidueña, near Segovia, Spain, on permanent loan from the Spanish Government. Set within a churchlike gallery space, and with superb acoustics, it has for more than fifty years proved a fine venue for concerts of early music.
Worth the trip to far northern Manhattan.
subway: #1 to 59th St., transfer and “take the A train” to 190th St.,
walk about ½ mile N to the Cloisters.
This is a beautiful location, esp. in the fall, overlooking the Hudson Palisades.
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‘Robert Motherwell: Early Collages’ (through Jan. 5, 2014)
‘Christopher Wool’ (through Jan. 22, 2014)
“Kandinsky in Paris, 1934–1944“ (through Apr. 23, 2014)

Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Avenue, at 89th St.
(212) 423-3500 / guggenheim.org.

‘Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Hals: Masterpieces of Dutch Painting From the Mauritshuis’ (through Jan. 19, 2014)
Frick Collection, 1 East 70th St., at Fifth Ave.
admission is by timed tickets.
288-0700 / frick.org

========================================================== Museum Mile is a section of Fifth Avenue which contains one of the densest displays of culture in the world. Ten museums can be found along this section of Fifth Avenue:

• 110th Street – Museum for African Art

• 105th Street – El Museo del Barrio

• 103rd Street – Museum of the City of New York

• 92nd Street – The Jewish Museum

• 91st Street –  Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum

• 89th Street – National Academy Museum

• 88th Street – Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

• 86th Street – Neue Galerie New York

• 83rd Street – Goethe-Institut

Last, but certainly not least, America’s premier museum
• 82nd Street – The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Additionally, though technically not part of the Museum Mile, the Frick Collection on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 70th St. and the The Morgan Library & Museum on Madison Ave and 37th St are also located near Fifth Ave. Now plan your own museum crawl. ==========================================================

What’s on View: Top Photography Exhibitions
(NYCity / Manhattan’s WestSide)   

Museum of Modern Art 11 West 53rd Street / 212-708-9400
XL: 19NewAcquisitions in Photography (through Dec. 31)
Walker Evans: American Photographs (through Jan. 26, 2014) 

Metropolitan Museum of Art 1000 Fifth Avenue (at 82nd Street) / 212-535-7710
Julia Margaret Cameron (through Jan. 5, 2014)
Everyday Ephiphanies: Photography and Daily Life Since 1969  (through Jan. 26, 2014)

ICP 1133 Avenue of the Americas at 43rd Street / 212-857-0000
Lewis Hine
The Future of America: Lewis Hine’s New Deal Photographs
JFK November 22, 1963: A Bystander’s View of History
Zoe Strauss: 10 Years
All these exhibitions run from Oct 4, 2013–Jan 19, 2014

American Museum Natural History 
79th St. And Central Park West / (212) 313-7278
Picturing Science: Museum Scientists and Imaging Technologies (through May 31, 2014)

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For other selected Museum and Gallery Special Exhibitions see Recent Posts in right Sidebar: “NYCity Events: Manhattan’s WestSide” dated 11/23 and 11/21.