December NYC Events (12/15) (continued)

Posted on 12/15/2020 by GregD

Pre Covid-19 we searched the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening, primarily on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you didn’t have to. We made it as easy as 1-2-3.

Covid-19 has required some changes for the time being. Stay Safe.

Earlier today we covered 14 Classic NYCity Films and selected event info.  Now, how about some more useful NYC information.

New York magazine is biweekly these days and every issue has a wonderful section, “The Culture Pages,” which includes a “To Do” list – 25 things to see, hear, watch, and read. Here are my favorites from the current issue (Dec.9-23).

Art

Sam Gilliam: Existed Existing
A first-tier innovator of painting.
Behold Sam Gilliam’s magisterial painterly and sculptural grandeur. Plywood objects conjure pyramids, and continental plates vie for greatness with huge flecked, layered paintings the size of barges. Gilliam is a master of his medium in total control of his art. —Jerry Saltz
Pace Gallery, 510 and 540 West 25th Street, through December 19.

Harmony Hammond: Crossings
“Material engagement.”
Since the 1970s, Harmony Hammond has made the most psychically alive, roughly sensual, optically satisfying, and epistemologically adept paintings created anywhere. This powerful exhibition of new work finds the artist in top form, claiming a rightful place in the history of modernism with constructions that pack totemic presence and visual intelligence and make wonderfully aggressive demands on the graphic field. —J.S.
Alexander Gray Associates, 510 West 26th Street, through January 16.

Theater

The Long Goodbye Online Edition
I love a cup of tea and that.
Riz Ahmed’s concept album The Long Goodbye framed British Asians’ relationship with Old Blighty as a toxic love affair, one poisoned by colonialism, partition, and pernicious racism. The original plan was for Ahmed to take the album’s accompanying hybrid show — part theatrical storytelling, part music — around the world, but the pandemic canceled the tour. Now he’ll perform an in-real-time-only event, which will be streamed once via BAM’s digital broadcast. —Helen Shaw
bam.org, December 19.

Isaac@CafeCarlyle
A holiday show.
During the holiday season for the past four years, it was a special treat to go Café Carlyle and hear Isaac Mizrahi sing and do his own brand of stand-up, accompanied by the wonderful Ben Waltzer and his six-piece band. This year, of course, it’s different, but wonderful all the same, as we can look forward to a streamable concert series. In this four-show series, each mixes songs and storytelling and features a special guest. The first show will be released on December 4 and will then remain on-demand for 30 days, with additional shows on January 8, February 12, and March 19. Isaac says my favorite thing about the show, “It’s not exactly a holiday show … it’s not not a holiday show…” —Wendy Goodman
events.broadwayworld.com, through January 3, 2021.

Dance

The Hard Nut
Visions of sugarplums.
For vigor and variation, crack open excerpts from The Hard Nut, Mark Morris’s nearly 30-year-old comic “homage” to Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. In Morris’s version, the E.T.A. Hoffmann story is reset in a kitschy ’60s suburbia, where party guests are more naughty than nice, Marie’s visions of militant rats speak to her own adolescent stirrings, and leaping Snowflakes throw fistfuls of snow into the air in little icy explosions. —Helen Shaw
markmorrisdancegroup.org/mmdg-holiday-special, December 12 to 18.

Classical Music

The Oratorio Society of New York
An abridged virtual performance.
In a normal year, professional singers would be earning a chunk of their annual income right now, dashing from Messiah to Messiah. The Oratorio Society, led by Kent Tritle, has done its best to preserve the tradition with a performance recorded outdoors, in a warmer month, rolled out in time for an at-home sing-along. —Justin Davidson
osny.org, from December 21.

Simone Dinnerstein
Live from Columbia.
When experiencing live music meant organizing an expensive night out, a two-hour concert with intermission was intended to give audiences their money’s worth. Now that it means clicking a free link, sometimes you want only a restorative half-hour. Miller Theater’s pop-up concerts satisfy that craving, and Dinnerstein is just the right pianist to keep the experience brief but intense, meditative, and surprising. Here, she pairs a Philip Glass étude with a movement from Schubert’s B-flat Sonata, two exercises in taking your time. —J.D.
millertheater.com, December 15.

*This article appears in the November 23, 2020, issue of New York Magazine. Subscribe Now!

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Watch Broadway Performances During Social Distancing

GD: Unfortunately, fans of Broadway will have to wait a little longer for shows to resume — until at least late May 2021. That hurts!

NYCGO

Broadway theaters closed on March 12 as New York City enacted rules to promote social distancing and slow the spread of Covid-19, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a show. The NYC theater community has responded with initiatives and online shows to help support its members and entertain audiences via the internet while we’re staying away from crowds.

We’ve put together a sampling of streaming performances you can watch from your laptop or phone:

Broadway, NYC, Virtual NYC

Broadway HD  Starting in 2015, this online service began offering HD versions of classic and recent Broadway plays and musicals. You can try it out for free (with a one-week trial) or buy a subscription (from $9 a month) to watch some of your favorite shows. You can see stars like Katherine Hepburn in 1973’s televised version of The Glass Menagerie as well as musical hits like Kinky Boots, An American in Paris and Cats.

Stars in the House  Broadway actor, director and writer (and radio host) Seth Rudetsky and his husband, producer James Wesley, host two shows a day from their house on YouTube. The hourlong shows, which air live at 2pm and 8pm (the usual Broadway start times), raise money for the Actors Fund, helping to provide emergency relief for those unemployed in the theater community.

Living Room Concerts  Broadwayworld.com has started posting daily concert videos from an array of performers, mainly those whose shows were running before the recent closure of Broadway. They’re posting a new video every day—stars featured include Carolee Carmello (Hello, Dolly!), Kathryn Gallagher (Jagged Little Pill) and teenager Andrew Barth Feldman, the former lead in Dear Evan Hansen.

Marie’s Crisis Virtual Piano Bar This West Village bar, known for sing-alongs to Broadway show tunes, has taken the experience online. They’re streaming two main sets of songs each evening, usually starting at 4pm, with different pianists tickling the ivories. To watch, join their Facebook group and tune in to “Sing out, Louise” (in the comfort of your own living room). You can also tip the piano players via Venmo or PayPal, with details during each performance.

Download recent shows, like the SpongeBob SquarePants musical, on Amazon   Many recent shows are available to rent or buy on Amazon and other online streamers, usually in the range of $3–12. Highlights include Rent, taped just before it ended its Broadway run; 2013’s Carousel, via Live from Lincoln Center; 2010 Tony Award winner Memphis; and the original Broadway production of Into the Woods, starring Bernadette Peters.

Virtual Hal Prince Exhibit at Lincoln Center  In December 2019, the Lincoln Center Library for the Performing Arts opened an exhibit on the late Harold Prince, the legendary Broadway producer behind megahits like The Phantom of the Opera and Sweeney Todd. While the library is closed, you can take a virtual walk-through and 30-minute guided tour of the gallery with Doug Reside, the show’s curator.

Broadway Dreams Live Lessons  The Broadway Dreams Foundation is hosting free daily lessons, led by some accomplished Broadway-caliber talent, for aspiring actors, singers and dancers. Their lineup has included actors from Frozen, Head Over Heels and Chicago. To watch, get the Zoom link from their Facebook page. Sessions begin at 1pm; each day’s links are posted five minutes before class begins, though the schedule is listed earlier than that.

Viral Monologues from 24 Hour Plays  Every year, the 24 Hour Plays event presents a series of shows that are written, cast, directed and performed in one day with the involvement of talent from the NYC theater community. Now they’re doing a mini version, with online monologues, on their Instagram account. They’re performed by actors like Denis O’Hare and penned by playwrights like David Lindsay-Abaire.

Groove to disco versions of Stephen Sondheim songs Broadway Records just released the digital version of Losing My Mind, a compilation of Sondheim songs with a dance beat. Conceived by Broadway performer Joshua Hinck and arranger Scott Wasserman, the 12-song album is an expanded version of a popular concert they put on in 2018. The album features singers like Alison Luff (Waitress) and Chip Zien (from the original Into the Woods). You can preview a track, “Unworthy of Your Love,” from Passion; hear the collection on Spotify; or order a copy from the Broadway Records site.

Broadway Backwards 2020 Encore  Broadway Cares, which produces number of annual AIDS fundraisers, has put together a special encore series of recent star-studded performances from Broadway Backwards, at which performers belt out famous show tunes with gender-swapped roles. They’re also asking viewers to support an emergency fundraiser for actors affected by the Covid-19 crisis—you can make a donation at broadwaycares.org.

Watch Broadway classics like Cabaret for free on YouTube  These days you may be wondering, “What good is sitting alone in your room?” You can get a very direct answer on YouTube by watching the 1993 version of Cabaret, featuring Alan Cumming in his breakout role. Other star turns worth checking out for free are Bernadette Peters and Mandy Patinkin in American Playhouse‘s 1986 broadcast of Sunday in the Park with George;  Carol Burnett in 1964’s Once Upon A Mattress; Nell Carter in a 1982 broadcast of Ain’t Misbehavin’; Lauren Bacall in 1973’s Applause; Gregory and Maurice Hines in 1980’s Eubie!; and Ethel Merman and Frank Sinatra in 1954’s Anything Goes.

Jason Alexander sings on Twitter  While most people know Jason Alexander as George from Seinfeld, he got his big break on Broadway in a Stephen Sondheim musical (Merrily We Roll Along). He recently went on Twitter to sing a song from the show that got him interested in theater, Stephen Schwartz’s Pippin. The beautiful ballad, “With You,” has a message of love and support we can all use today.

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NYC-Arts Top Five Picks: December 11 – December 17

Interesting. Unusual. Uniquely NYC. Highlights of this week’s top events include Making the Met, NYBG Glow, Alvin Ailey’s Virtual Winter Season and more. Get the NYC-ARTS Top Five in your inbox every Friday and follow @NYC_ARTS on Instagram or @NYCARTS on Twitter to stay abreast of events as they happen.

The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk

The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk

NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts

Manhattan / Fri, Dec 11, 2020 – Fri, Dec 18, 2020

NYU Skirball co-presents the digital tour of Daniel Jamieson’s “The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk,” a play with music and dance directed by Emma Rice, on Friday, December 11 at 7:30 pm EST (available for streaming through December 18). Co-produced by Bristol Old Vic, Kneehigh and Wise Children with support from The Carol Tambor Theatrical Foundation, the play will be performed at the UK’s Bristol Old Vic in front of a live audience and streamed on demand …

Wassef Boutros-Ghali: A Retrospective

Wassef Boutros-Ghali: A Retrospective

albertz benda

Manhattan / Thu, Nov 12, 2020 – Sat, Dec 19, 2020

albertz benda is thrilled to announce “Wassef Boutros-Ghali: A Retrospective,” the artist’s debut gallery exhibition, on view until December 19, 2020. An accomplished painter and architect, Boutros-Ghali presents paintings and drawings from the 1960’s through the present day with an emphasis on work of the past twenty years. Drawn from the artist’s personal collection, Retrospective marks the first time these pieces have been shown publicly. In his paintings, Boutros-Ghali’s primary goal is to elicit a “shock” …

TENET Vocal Artists & Virtual Holiday Tea Musicale

TENET Vocal Artists & Virtual Holiday Tea Musicale

Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts

Westchester / Sat, Dec 12, 2020 – Fri, Jan 01, 2021

The holiday season at Caramoor hits its stride with a livestreamed performance by audience favorite TENET Vocal Artists, led by Artistic Director Jolle Greenleaf, continuing the series of concerts from the Music Room that the New York Times calls “adventurous and excellent” (Dec 12). Caramoor will also offer its first Virtual Holiday Tea Musicale this season, with a streamed performance by soprano Christine Taylor Price, baritone Gregory Feldmann, and pianist Nathaniel LaNasa, as well as a self-paced virtual tour of the Rosen House (Dec 14–Jan 1). On December 18, 19 & 20, …

Brassaï

Brassaï

Marlborough Gallery

Manhattan / Tue, Dec 01, 2020 – Sat, Feb 27, 2021

The Directors of Marlborough New York are pleased to present “Brassaï,” an exhibition of seminal photographs by the lauded Franco-Hungarian artist that redefined the collective perception of nocturnal Paris and its underground subcultures during the 1930s. The exhibition will open on Tuesday, December 1, 2020, and will remain on view through Saturday, February 27, 2021. Comprised of 39 photographs printed by the artist, the exhibition culls some of his most iconic images from the series …

Landscape Art and Virtual Travel

Landscape Art and Virtual Travel

Hudson River Museum

Westchester / Fri, Aug 28, 2020 – Sun, Aug 08, 2021

At a time when the pandemic has forced us to redefine tourism, “Landscape Art and Virtual Travel” celebrates artists’ striking ability to transport us to real and imaginary places. Experiencing nature—including through images—benefits us emotionally and physically, demonstrating just one of the ways in which art has a uniquely beneficial impact on our lives. The exhibition also demonstrates some of the ways in which Native Americans, African Americans, and other marginalized people have successfully and …

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Stay home for a bit longer. Mask up and stay smart, stay safe.

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December NYC Events + 14 Classic NYC Films (12/15)

Posted on 12/15/2020 by GregD

Pre Covid-19 we searched the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening, primarily on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you didn’t have to.” We made it as easy as 1-2-3.

Covid-19 has required some changes. Stay Safe.

For December we are going to try a different format – “Top 10 Corona Culture” – updated info and video especially suited to these difficult times OR NYC related visual info (Instagram and YouTube) OR all the NYC news you need to start your day.

We hope you will come back often to see what’s cooking here.

Today it’s 14 Classic NYCity Films (plus a bunch more personal faves).

If you want to get in the mood for your visit to NYCity, then make yourself some popcorn and pick up a copy of one of these great films at your local Netflix. (and if you have seen any of these before, remember Director Robert Altman’s advice: “It’s better to see a great movie again than an average one the first time. Because even though the movie hasn’t changed, you have. And you’ll see something new..”)

The Naked City (1948)

mm

On the Waterfront (1954)

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Sweet Smell Of Success (1957) — “I love this dirty town!”, says Burt Lancaster — and so do we, in one of his signature films — a sour, caustic tale about a twisted gossip columnist, partly modeled on the legendary Walter Winchell. Lancaster is superb, and guess what, so is Tony Curtis.

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West Side Story (1961)

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Midnight Cowboy (1969) — Two drifters meet in a mutual attempt to survive in, then escape from, Manhattan’s grimy underbelly. Hoffman is incredible as Ratso. The kind they don’t make anymore, this “Cowboy” still packs a hefty wallop.

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The French Connection (1971) — Maybe the best cop movie ever, portraying one of the city’s bigger drug busts back in the day. Gene Hackman won as Oscar and became a bankable star with this movie — and it’s easy to see why.

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The Godfather (1972)

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Mean Streets (1973) — Scorsese’s breakthrough about a conflicted small-time crook and his wacko, self-destructive cousin in Little Italy. Rich in emotion, immediacy, and atmosphere, this film set the pungent, propulsive Scorsese style we’d see again in movies like 1990′s Goodfellas.

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The Godfather, Part 2 (1974) — Coppola managed to improve on a masterpiece with this one, which paints on a broader canvas and offers even richer period flavor. And for the price of Brando, we get a young Robert De Niro, who’s equally brilliant.

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Annie Hall (1977) — Inveterate New Yorker Woody Allen’s best film ever, with some hilariously dead-on insights about the bi-coastal dilemma: New York vs. Los Angeles. I’m with Woody: give me Gotham every time. This turned Diane Keaton into a star, and it’s still her signature role.

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Manhattan (1979)

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Broadway Danny Rose (1984)

Three Woody Allen films in a row may seem a bit much, but for me Woody is the quintessential NYCity film auteur. Heck, I could have added “Hannah and Her Sisters” (1986), “Crimes and Misdemeanors” (1989), and “Bullets Over Broadway” (1994).

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Moonstruck (1987) — This love letter to Brooklyn is full of charm and humanity, though some disagree… worth the price of admission for Vincent Gardenia and Olympia Dukakis alone. And look for an unusual early turn from Nic Cage as a mooning, eccentric baker.

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A Bronx Tale (1993)

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Half of this list is from the wonderful film critic John Farr. The other half (films without the write up’s) are my additional personal faves.

Heck, there are just too many great NYCity movies. Need to make room for these classics:

1910s – Regeneration (1915, Raoul Walsh)

1920s – The Crowd (1928, Dir. King Vidor); Speedy (1928, Ted Wilde)

1930s – Dead End (1937, Dir. William Wyler); King Kong (1933, Merian C. Cooper)

1940s – On The Town (1949, Gene Kelly,)

1950s – Shadows (1959, John Cassavetes); On The Bowery (!956, Lionel Rogosin); Little Fugitive (1953, Ray Ashley,..); Marty (1955, Paddy Chayefsky); Pickup on South Street (1953, Samuel Fuller )

1960s – The Apartment (1960, Dir. Billy Wilder); The Cool World (1964, Shirley Clarke); Rosemary’s Baby (1968, Roman Polansky); Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961, Blake Edwards)

1970s – a Golden Decade for NYCity Films

Hester Street (1975 Dir. Joan Silver); Klute (1971, Alan J. Pakula); Superfly (1972, Gordon Parks); Serpico (1973, Sidney Lumet); The Taking of Pelham1-2-3 (!974, Joseph Sargent); Dog Day Afternoon (1975, Sidney Lumet); Taxi Driver (1976, Martin Scorsese) (great movie but NYCity at its worst); Saturday Night Fever (1977, John Badham); The Warriors (1979, Walter Hill); All That Jazz (1979, Bob Fosse); Shaft (1971, Gordon Parks); Three Days of the Condor (1975, Sydney Pollack); An Unmarried Woman (1978, Paul Mazursky)

1980s—Do The Right Thing (1989, Dir. Spike Lee); Raging Bull (1980, Martin Scorsese); Once Upon a Time in America (1984, Sergio Leone); The Pope of Greenwich Village (1984, Stuart Rosenberg); When Harry Met Sally (1989, Rob Reiner); Ghostbusters (1984, Ivan Reitman); Wall Street (1987, Oliver Stone); Working Girl (1988, Mike Nichols)

1990s – Goodfellas (1990, Martin Scorsese); Metropolitan (1990, Whit Stillman); Kids (1995, Larry Clark); Men in Black (1997, Barry Sonnenfeld)

2000s – Man on Wire (2008, James Marsh); 25th Hour (2002, Spike Lee); Rent (2005, Chris Columbus); The Devil Wears Prada (2006, David Frankel); We Own the Night (2007, James Gray)

2010s – Black Swan (2010, Darren Aronofsky); Margaret (2011, Kenneth Lonergan); Spider-Man into the Spider Verse (2018, Bob Persichetti); Inside Llewyn Davis (2013, Ethan/Joel Cohen); Birdman (2014, Alejandro González Iñárritu); Brooklyn (2015, John Crowley); Frances Ha (2012, Noah Baumbach)

Want to know what some other folks thought were NYCity’s best movies:

The Best New York Movies: 50 Flicks About The City That Never Sleeps  (Complex)

19 Movies That Will Bring New York to You  (Vogue)

The 21 Best Films Set in New York City   (Culture Trip)

The 101 best New York movies of all time  (Time Out New York)

49 Movies That Will Transport You to New York City  (CN Traveler)

The Best Movies That Capture What It Means to Be a New Yorker (Thrillist)

We hope you enjoy this change of pace, then please return here January 1, and every day for our daily, hot off the presses event guide with “Only the Best” NYCity event info. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Now, how about some useful information about things to do right now in NYC:

Best Christmas Things to Do NYC for a Magical Time in 2020 – TONY

28 Amazing Art Exhibits Coming To New York City Between 2020 & 2021 – Secretnyc

Where to Find Things From All 50 States in NYC – TONY

20 Best Holiday Light Displays Illuminating NYC This December – Secretnyc

I Ate Dinner Outside On A 43-Degree Night… Will You? – Gothamist

Can You Get Coronavirus Inside a Restaurant? – The Atlantic

Photos: Pandemic Can’t Put A Damper On Extravagant Holiday Windows In Midtown – Gothamist

The best Christmas Lights NYC Offers And Festive Attractions – TONY

NYC Isn’t Dead: 10 Reasons Why There’s Still So Much to Love About NYC – Thrillist

============================================================ STAY HOME FOR A BIT LONGER – MASK UP AND STAY SAFE.

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December NYC Events (12/14) (continued)

Posted on 12/14/2020 by GregD

Pre Covid-19 we searched the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening, primarily on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you didn’t have to.” We made it as easy as 1-2-3.

Covid-19 has required some changes. Stay Safe.

Earlier today we covered Corona Culture. Scroll down the site for a bit to find it. Now, how about some more useful information.

In the age of Covid-19 this info from City Guide is one of the best sources of info on What’s Happening, even if some are only available in your home, and not in your favorite venue.

Places to Go in NYC: Virtual Tours of Observation Decks

City Guide News Desk

For a real sense of the city’s epic scale, you need to get up into the sky, into one of New York’s unparalleled observatories. The sometime chaos of New York sidewalks gives way to a clarity on the upper stories. The grids of streets, the flow of traffic, and architectural masterpieces from across the eras all come into clear focus. If you’re planning a visit to NYC, check out these virtual tours of our famous observation decks so you’ll be ready to choose the best one for you.

Virtual Tour: Empire State Building

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING. Ever since its 1931 completion, the Empire State Building has been the most famous skyscraper in the world. It remains a vital part of NYC and an inspiration to the millions of visitors who ascend to the ESB observation deck in every season. Newly updated features include a museum, the Observatory Experience. The result of a $165 million investment, this second floor stopover will substitute for what was once time spent waiting on line. Take a virtual tour of the space above, and check out the many features the attraction offers. 20 W. 34th St., 212-736-3100, esbnyc.com

Virtual Tour: One World Observatory

ONE WORLD OBSERVATORY. There’s only one tallest. Only one strongest. And only one destination selected as the Best New Attraction in the World. These attributes belong to One World Trade Center, and its pinnacle, the One World Observatory, rising over 100 stories in the sky. Check out this virtual overview of what you’ll find there. 285 Fulton St., 844-696-1776, oneworldobservatory.com

Virtual Tour: Top of the Rock

TOP OF THE ROCK. At this stunning perch atop Rockefeller Center, you’ll find wholly unobstructed views of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, the rivers, and all of Central Park (its size can only truly be appreciated when seen from above). The Grand Viewing Deck on the 69th floor offers unparalleled views of the city, with visibility that reaches some 30 miles on a clear day. The 70th Floor is the proverbial cherry on top, allowing visitors to experience a 360° panorama of Manhattan in all its glory. This is an open-air perch with completely unobstructed views—no glass or anything. It provides a vantage point unlike any other in the city…or the world. 30 Rockefeller Ctr., 212-698-2000, topoftherocknyc.com

Virtual Tour: Edge

The Edge

EDGE, the Western Hemisphere’s highest outdoor observation deck, opened in March 2020, just before the city went on pause. The city is looking forward to the return of this incredible, triangular deck extending from the skyscraper at 30 Hudson Yards. You can stand 100 floors above the ground and see miles and miles in every direction. The deck offers 360-degree views with jaw-dropping glimpses of the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, the Hudson River, and much more. You can tour the various features at Edge here. Level 4 inside The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards, 332-204-8500, edgenyc.com

There’s no bad time to take an eagle eye to the lives of millions of New Yorkers, but if you can time it, we’d steer you to dusk, when you can enjoy both sunset and the thrill of watching the city’s lights flickering to life.

Want more free advice on what to do and see in New York? Join our Facebook group Everything to Do NYC, a place for people to ask questions and get tips on how to make the most of the city. ============================================================

Here is some other useful NYC info to make your holiday season more enjoyable.

Magical Christmas Window Displays In NYC To See This Holiday – TONY

A First Look At The Magnificent Holiday Decorations Already Appearing In NYC – Secretnyc

Edward Hopper’s ‘Nighthawks’ Gets 21st Century Makeover – WSJ

These Outdoor Dining ‘Snow Globes’ On Stone Street Are Beyond Enchanting – Secretnyc

NYC’s Best New Restaurants & New Dishes In 2020 – Gothamist

“The Nature of Color” at the Reopened American Museum of Natural History | The New Yorker

You Can Relive NYC’s Most Dazzling Holiday Displays Thanks To This Virtual ‘Window Wonderland’ – Secretnyc

How Are The Arts Fairing Amid The Pandemic? – ny1.com

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NYC Tourism Updates for December 2020 – cityguideny.com

“The vaccine news of the last few days is nothing short of spectacular. Pfizer and Moderna have both developed 95%-effective candidates, and Moderna’s has less of a deep freeze requirement, making the logistics side more promising. Accordingly, travel stocks have been shooting up. Less publicized is a recent NYU study showing that hospitalized patients with COVID had a 26% chance of dying in March; that’s been cut all the way down to 8% now. The FDA just approved an at-home COVID test. All of it bodes well for continued recovery…..”

see here for NYC Links of Interest

see here for Everything to Do NYC Facebook Group ==============================================================

STAY HOME FOR A BIT LONGER – MASK UP AND STAY SAFE.

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December NYC Events + Top 11 NYC Corona Culture (12/14)

Posted on 12/14/2020 by GregD

Pre Covid-19 we searched the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening, primarily on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you didn’t have to.” We made it as easy as 1-2-3.

Covid-19 has required some changes. Stay Safe.

For December we are going to try a different format – “Top 10 Corona Culture” – updated info and video especially suited to these difficult times OR NYC related visual info (Instagram and YouTube) OR all the NYC news you need to start your day. We hope you will come back often to see what’s cooking here.

Today it’s Top 11 NYC Corona Culture. NEW STUFF!

1. All the Best 2020 Holiday Windows in New York City – fashionista.com

“Here’s how retailers are reimagining the seasonal tradition for an unusual year.

Many holiday traditions will be (rightfully, necessarily) put on hold in 2020, but one forges on in midtown Manhattan. 

Despite a difficult year in retail, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s and other fashion companies with flagship stores and brick-and-mortar presences in New York City are unveiling their annual holiday window displays. These debuts may be less flashy (and less crowded) than in past years, but, in many cases, they aim to convey feelings of optimism and reflect the wishes many have for the upcoming year.”

2. The best things to do in NYC this week – TONY

“The best things to do in NYC this week, includes ice skating, renting a cozy cabin at Pier 17 and more

If you’re looking for the best things to do in NYC this week or even today, there are tons of options (so long as you can social distance and wear a mask). Start by grabbing an amazing hot chocolate from Maman’s holiday pop-up or renting a cozy cabin on Pier 17 with your quar-pod. Finish up with a visit to LuminoCity on Randall’s Island and shopping locally for the whole family at the holiday markets open this year. For more ideas, scroll down to see this week’s best things to do in NYC.”

3. Missing ‘The Nutcracker’? How to Get Your Holiday Fix at Home – NYT

“Many seasonal mainstays have been reimagined for online viewing this year. Here are some of our favorites, from “A Christmas Carol” to Handel’s “Messiah.”

4. The best holiday markets open in NYC this year – TONY

“At a holiday market, NYC offers the best decorations, food and winter activities to get you in the merriest of moods

Shopping for holiday gifts for your clan can be stressful, so you might as well enjoy yourself while hiking up that credit card balance. And you will, as long as you nab presents from vendors at the best holiday markets in NYC. While fancy Christmas window displays may entice you, these winter bazaars offer many perks such as free-admission ice-skating, mouthwatering treats for purchase, supporting local small businesses this year and more in addition to one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones.”

5. Take a Virtual Drive Down Sunset Boulevard and Listen to The Boston Pops – NYT

“This week, make the perfect cheese board, dance with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater or listen to authors read excerpts from their work.”

6. This Google doc shows all NYC restaurants and bars with heaters – TONY

“We’re started a running list of more than 100 places to stay warm while eating and drinking outdoors across the five boroughs.”

“Sanford Biggers, Félix Fénéon and the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s history of itself are some of the exhibitions that remain open to the public.”

8. These are the best New York City holiday markets for kids and families in 2020 – amNY

“Looking for the perfect gift this holiday season? Look no further because NYC offers only the best of the best when it comes to fashion, home goods, art, food and more. This year may look different than the rest; however, some of the city’s most iconic holiday markets are still open for business and have adjusted procedures to enforce social distancing so that families can shop safely and enjoy the holiday cheer outside of the house. You can purchase everything from home-made to name-brand at these holiday markets in NYC!”

9. The best Christmas shows in NYC this holiday season – TONY

“Our guide to holiday stage fun in 2020, with plenty of streaming Christmas Carols and Nutcrackers to yuletide you over.

Christmas shows are on everyone’s mind as New Yorkers prepare for the holidays. Theaters are still closed this year, and how can you have Christmas in New York without a generous array of Nutcrackers and A Christmas Carols? With that in mind, we’ve scoured the internet to find dozens of the best holiday-themed theater and dance shows that you can stream this year to help you stay in high spirits, from shows aimed at kids to a few that are definitely not. Check out our chronological list of holiday shows and find the ones that are right for you.”

10. The best live theater to stream online this week

“The pandemic crisis has had a devastating effect on the performing arts. Broadway has shut down until at least June, and the ban on large gatherings in New York currently extends to all other performance spaces as well. So the show must go online—and streaming video makes that possible. Here are some of the best theater, opera, dance and cabaret events from across the country (and around the world) that you can watch today without leaving home, many of which will help you support artists and worthy charities. Scroll past the day-by-day listings to find events that have already premiered but can still be seen for a limited time. We update this page on a weekly basis.” (TONY)

11. Igloo-Shaped Polygons for Outdoor Dining – WSJ

“The plastic domes used by restaurants to keep patrons safe take advantage of a shape discovered by ancient mathematicians.”

bonus#1: The fastest places to get a COVID-19 test in NYC – TONY

“CityMD sites will now close 90 minutes earlier every day—here’s where else you can go for a quick, reliable test.”

bonus#2: A Walk Through Harlem, New York’s Most Storied Neighborhood – The New York Times

“Our critic chats with the architect David Adjaye about Hotel Theresa, Marcus Garvey Park, the home of Langston Hughes, the Y.M.C.A. and other landmarks.”

We hope you enjoy this change of pace, then please return here December 1, and every day for our daily, hot off the presses event guide with “Only the Best” NYCity event info.

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Stay home a bit longer – Mask up and stay safe

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December NYC Events (12/13) (continued)

Posted on 12/13/2020 by GregD

Pre Covid-19 we searched the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening, primarily on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you didn’t have to.” We made it as easy as 1-2-3.

Covid-19 has required some changes for the time being. Stay Safe.

Earlier today we covered Weekend Corona Culture (scroll down a bit to find it). Now, how about some more useful information.

Things to Do This Week in NYC  (12/7-12/13)

In the age of Covid-19 this info from City Guide is one of the best sources of info on What’s Happening, even if some are only available in your home, and not in your favorite venue.

CityGuideNY

(12/7-12/13) ” There’s more to do in NYC now than there’s been since the mid-March lockdown, including the reopening of many of the city’s cultural destinations. This detailed map of restaurants shows over 10,000 venues now serving; included in that number are more than 5,000 places where you can eat outside. More than 340 streets have been closed to traffic and opened to expanded outdoor dining plans, many with plenty of warmth to get you through cooler nights. Read on for more reopenings and other things to do in NYC this week!”

THE ROCKEFELLER CENTER CHRISTMAS TREE RETURNS!

rock center tree 2020

The 2020 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has been installed, an 11-ton Norway spruce from Oneonta, New York. The big lighting ceremony and concert took place on Wednesday, with the tree now lit from 6am to midnight daily. You can view in groups of up to four with a free virtual ticket. Entrances for viewing will be limited to 49th and 50th Sts. at Fifth and Sixth Aves.; masks and social distancing must be respected. Viewing times will be limited to 5 minutes per group. Learn more here. The tree remains lit until noon on January 10th.

 

LUMINOCITY RETURNS!

luminosity Randall's island

For the second year in a row, New York City gets its own city of lights. LuminoCitysprawls across several acres of Randall’s Island with an immersive art experience that brings original storytelling through five themed parks.You can explore evocatively named spots The Mysterious Forest, The Dangerous Dunes, The Forgotten Ruins, The Hidden Land of Hria, and The Mystical Moon Land. In addition, there are food trucks, special theme nights, and a curated holiday market. The installation is open now and runs through January 5th.

HOLIDAY EXPRESS RETURNS

jerni holiday express
 

The annual holiday tradition Holiday Express: Toys and Trains from the Jerni Collection is back to celebrate the golden age of toys and transportation. Now through February 21st at the New-York Historical Society, you can explore trains and stations that date from the turn of the 19th century to the WWII era, showcasing evolutions in design. New for this year are several items not seen for years, including the rare, elaborately detailed Märklin Grand Station (1904–08). Precautions are taking place for the pandemic, including the closure of the crawl-space viewing bubble this year.

THE RINK AT ROCKEFELLER CENTER RETURNS!

rock center rink

Photo: Patina Restaurant Group. The world’s most famous patch of ice is welcoming skaters to Rockefeller Center for the 2020-2021 season. Last Saturday marked the official return, with limited capacity and skate times to ensure social distancing safety. (The experience is mostly outdoors, which will help as well.) Daily hours at the rink will be 9am-midnight. While you’re in the area, check out the tree, an 11-ton Norway spruce from Oneonta, transformed into a glittering symbol of the holiday.

MANHATTAN’S ONLY PRODUCTION BREWERY OPENS

torch and crown brewery

Photo: Torch & Crown Brewing Company.

SoHo is newly home to the city’s first legit brewery in who knows how many decades. Torch & Crown Brewing Company’s long-awaited brewery and restaurant has opened up in a massive, tri-level space outfitted with state-of-the-art brewing equipment, subterranean fermenters, and a gleaming full-service kitchen. The menu is kicking off with 10 brews, New York wines and ciders, an all-New York spirits cocktail menu, and a very shareable mix of large and small plate savories.

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Things to Do in New York in December: Events for Each Day This Month – thoughtgallery.org

GD: ThoughtGallery is my primo site for “Smart Stuff” – the types of events you will find fascinating if you are just a little curious. Check them out – ThoughtGallery

“Although we are still mostly in the virtual realm, several in-person experiences dot our December roundup. Most all of us can’t say goodbye to 2020 quickly enough, but we have some good opportunities for looking back, and looking forward. We’re especially eager for presentations on Jung and tarot, John Coltrane, and a Filipinx holiday cooking demo.”

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The 25 best cheap eats in NYC

Eat for $10 or less at the best restaurants with cheap eats in NYC

UPDATE, October 29 2020: Dining out in New York City has never been so different than this year and it’s not only because restaurants had to shut down their dining rooms for more than six months. The current crisis has put a renewed focus on more affordable food options, whether you’re scarfing down tacos from a food truck or ordering dumplings from a mom-and-pop business in Chinatown. At Time Out New York, we’ve done the homework for you in discovering dishes, old and new, that are all $10 or under. 

“The hefty prices at many New York restaurants can at times make the dining scene feel like it’s only for the elite. But some of the best restaurants in NYC still serve affordable bites for $10 or less. Dining on a budget in New York doesn’t have to feel like a constraint with our picks for jerk chicken, Sicilian-style pizza, creative veggie burgers, underground buffets, Cuban bakeries and more.”  (TONY) =============================================================

Stunning ‘Edge’ Observation Deck Is Making NYC’s Skyline Sparkle For The Holidays

“The brand-new Edge definitely has some of the (if not the) most incredible views in all of New York City.

At 1,131 feet high, and as the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, it makes sense! And now you can catch those views while also getting in the holiday spirit with their gorgeous new light displays.

(For more fun facts on Edge itself, see here).

The Skyline Steps, where you can sit and marvel at the sights, have been decked out with almost 50,000 holiday lights and garland!” (secretnyc.co)

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The best museum exhibitions in NYC right now

“Searching for listings and reviews for the best New York museum exhibitions and shows? We have you covered. New York City has tons of things going for it, from incredible buildings to breathtaking parks. But surely, the top of the list includes NYC’s vast array of museums, covering every field of culture and knowledge: There are quirky museums and interactive museums, free museums and world-beating art institutions like the Metropolitan Museum. Between them, they offer so many exhibitions, of every variety and taste, that it’s hard to keep track of them. But if you’ve starting to suffer a sudden attack of FOMA, fear not! We’ve got you covered with our select list of the best museum exhibitions in NYC.”  (TONY)

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The best musicals now on BroadwayHD – TONY

“Watch these classic musical theater performances from the comfort of your couch”

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Bonus: Weekend culture watch list: The ultimate holiday shows list: 81 ‘Christmas Carols,’ ‘Nutcrackers’ and more – Los Angeles Times

“Our gift to you: a stocking stuffed full of star-studded virtual shows this holiday season, including “Saturday Night Live” star Pete Davidson in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Andrew Lincoln of “The Walking Dead” fame in “A Christmas Carol,” an intimate concert with chanteuse Lila Downs and a pandemic edition of “Taylor Mac’s Holiday Sauce.” Here are more than 80 shows, including the big-name extravaganzas, globe-hopping affairs and hometown entertainment for those looking to support local talent — all listed largely in chronological order.”

Remember, you don’t have to be in LA to enjoy these wonderful virtual events.

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STAY HOME FOR A BIT LONGER – MASK UP AND STAY SAFE.

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December NYC Events + NYC Weekend Corona Culture (12/13)

Posted on 12/13/2020 by GregD

Pre Covid-19 we searched the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening, primarily on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you didn’t have to.” We made it as easy as 1-2-3.

Covid-19 has required some changes for the time being. Stay Safe.

For December we are going to try a different format – “Top 10 Corona Culture” – updated info and video especially suited to these difficult times OR NYC related visual info (Instagram and YouTube) OR all the NYC news you need to start your day.

We hope you will come back often to see what’s cooking here.

Today it’s NYC Weekend Corona Culture (Sun). NEW STUFF!

9 Actually Fun Things to Do in NYC This Weekend – Thrillist

Thrillist, a site with tons of food, drink, travel & entertainment info, introduces folks to the coolest things to do in NYC (and other places when you are traveling). I like to check them out regularly. You should, too.

“Well, it looks like this weekend might be indoor dining’s last hurrah for a while! Although a step backwards in the shutdown leaves many of NYC’s beloved restaurants in an even more precarious position, you can still support your favorite local businesses by ordering delivery, eating outdoors, and taking your cocktails to-go.

Before Cuomo makes his final call, this weekend is full of ways to warm up this long winter. Throw back some Thai bar snacks while you watch a sci-fi Thai monster movie, order in latkes to celebrate the beginning of Hanukkah, or start a new Christmas tradition with an outdoor performance of The Nutcracker—we’ve rounded up nine actually cool things to eat, drink, see, and do in NYC this weekend. And as always, please wear a mask and social distance responsibly.

Celebrate Hanukkah with a plate of latkes

Weekend-long
Citywide
Hanukkah starts this week, and you don’t need to be Jewish to celebrate! We’ve rounded up the city’s best golden, crispy latkes so you can enjoy the holiday’s star dish without starting a grease fire in your apartment (want to order a different plate of latkes for eight straight nights? We’re not here to judge!). For dessert, skip the Manischewitz macaroons and snack on jelly-filled sufganiyot from Bread’s Bakery or a bag full of nutty, chocolatey rugelach from Lee Lee’s Rugelach.
Cost: Varies
 

Drink up at a Thai B-movie night

Friday, December 11 – Saturday, December 12
Bushwick
This weekend, Mao Mao is serving up Thai street food with a side of sci-fi Thai monster movies. The recently opened spot will be projecting the 1974 film Hanuman vs. 7 Ultraman onto the wall, fulfilling all of your tokusatsu dreams. While you watch, sip a drink special (one Leo beer and a flask of ya dong—Thai moonshine—for $17) and snack on fried chilis, Thai Lay’s potato chips served with lime mayo, and shrimp chips.  
Cost: Snacks start at $4
 

Order the baby back ribs at a new Harlem spot

Weekend-long
Harlem
Bixi, a brand-new cocktail bar and pan-Asian restaurant from the team at Harlem fave Lido, is now open for dinner. The small space—10 fit inside at 25% capacity, plus a dozen more outdoors—has big flavors, including Japanese yam tempura with pickled ginger syrup, wings with lemongrass and ponzu, five-spice baby back ribs served with plum and orange BBQ sauce, and a cocktail menu peppered with lychee, yuzu, and Thai chili. 
Cost: Food starts at $9
 

Sip some liquor at a prohibition pop-up

Friday, December 11 – Saturday, December 12
FiDi
Bathtub Whiskey, a pop-up from the folks behind Bathtub Gin, is here to fulfill all of your speakeasy fantasies. While drinking illicitly indoors doesn’t seem too far-fetched these days, they’re upping the experience with classic cocktails—which can be taken to go if you’d rather recreate the speakeasy vibe at home—and a super-sized bacon and whiskey flight with salted maple bacon with Crown Royal, pomegranate molasses bacon with Aberfeldy 12, and house-marinated bacon with Glyph Spice.
Cost: Cocktails start at $16; bacon and whiskey flights are $7

Toast to the reopening of Marie’s Crisis

Weekend-long
West Village
Marie’s Crisis, the piano bar that kept us singing Broadway tunes through the height of the pandemic over Facebook Live, is reopening its red door IRL. They’ll be open 1 to 10 pm on weekends, but be prepared for a line—they’re only letting in 15 people at a time. While this might be the last weekend for indoor dining for a while (and singing seems… suspect), you can toast to the beloved bar with a cocktail and then continue your show tune karaoke session on your headphones while heading home.
Cost: Depends how much you tip the piano player
 

Try some Portuguese classics without leaving NYC

Saturday, December 12
Lower East Side
Wareong, a pop-up collaboration started by minority-owned small businesses, is hosting their third dinner at the Market Line food hall right off the Williamsburg bridge in the LES with a one-day celebration of Portuguese cooking. With a menu featuring salted, dried cod bacalhau; arroz de marisco with lobsters, mussels, clams, and shrimp; fried rabbit; and pastries with Malabor gourd jam for dessert, it’s like hopping a flight to Lisbon without all the hand sanitizer and security lines.
Cost: Tickets for indoor dining are $125; delivery is $140
 

Start a new Christmas tradition with The Nutcracker

Saturday, December 12
Staten Island
A lot of Christmas traditions are on pause this year, but you can still celebrate with a socially-distant performance of The Nutcracker. The Spotlight Repertory Theater in Staten Island is putting on a “radio play” of the classic Christmas story at the Alice Austen House, set to the familiar music of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker suite. It’s all outdoors, so make sure to dress warmly and bring a blanket or two so you don’t freeze your sugar plums. 
Cost: Tickets are $25
 

Shop a socially-distant holiday market

Saturday, December 12 – Sunday, December 13, 3-7pm
Gowanus
With so many of the city’s holiday markets on pause this year, Parklife is filling the void with a socially distant shopping experience where you can snack on tacos and queso and sip hot cocktails while you browse the wares from local businesses. There’ll be gifts for everyone on your list —the vendors are selling ceramics, homemade masks, hot sauce, jewelry, candles, and more. Masks are required at all times, so come prepared (and maybe buy a few more while you’re there!). 
Cost: Free to browse
 

Get inspired at an exhibit of activist photography

Weekend-long
Long Island City
Flux Factory, a community art space in Queens, is exhibiting Transforming America in Real Time!, featuring photographs from events organized by activist and Queens native Lashawn “Suga Ray” Marston. With images from a Social Unrest for Change Demonstration, when activists stopped traffic for 8 minutes and 46 seconds in honor of George Floyd, and a Freedom Tour bus trip to Washington, DC, the exhibit is part of Flux Factory’s Rhizome Project, which provides a platform to celebrate Black narratives. 
Cost: Free

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Things To Do in New York in December – loving-newyork.com

What is there to do in December in New York?

NYC in December is amazing as preparations for the Holiday season begins. With countless things to do, concerts to attend, and events happening throughout the city, one thing is for sure – your trip won’t be boring!

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Here’s where you can see the best NYC holiday windows this year – amNY

“2020 may have brought many changes this year, but the traditional unveiling of NYC holiday windows will still be here”

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The best art shows and exhibits in NYC

“Check out our suggestions for the best art exhibitions you don’t want to miss, including recently opened shows and more

With New York’s art scene being so prominent yet ever-changing, you’ll want to be sure to catch significant exhibitions. Time Out New York rounds up the best art shows and exhibits in NYC, from offerings at the best photography and art galleries in NYC to shows at renowned institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim.” (TONY)

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“An exploration of Josephine Baker, an avant-garde trumpeter and the composer John Adams are among the highlights.

With many opera houses and concert halls still closed by the pandemic for months to come, the musical action has moved online. That’s been the case since March, of course — but as winter arrives and outdoor presentations grow more difficult, artists and institutions are creating digital presentations with more care and intention.

There is a flood of offerings out there. Here are 10 highlights from what’s coming in December.”

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WFUV-FM 90.7 is my fave local radio station. Noncommercial, member-supported with a format of adult album alternative music, WFUV is doing it’s best to keep us connected to our music with a comprehensive, updated list of live music online.

WFUV Live Online (December 10 – December 16)

FUV Top 10 Songs
1. Kathleen Edwards, “Hard on Everyone” (Dualtone)

2. Black Pumas, “I’m Ready” (ATO)

3. Kurt Vile, “How Lucky” (Matador)

4. Sunflower Bean, “Moment in the Sun” (mom + pop)

5. Bruce Springsteen, “Letter to You” (Columbia)

6. Lake Street Dive, “Making Do” (Nonesuch)

7. Romy, “Lifetime” (Young Turks)

8. Gorillaz feat. Beck, “The Valley of the Pagans” (Warner)

9. Fleet Foxes, “Can I Believe You” (ANTI)

10. Fiona Apple, “Under the Table” (Epic)

Online concert calendar and links at wfuv.org/livestreams

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Go Ahead, Binge Old Movies and Jam Out to ’90s Hits – NYT

Decades old movies, songs and video games have ssurged in popularity over the pandemic. Psychologists say conjuring nostalgia during stressful times is a healthy coping mechanism.

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Stay home for a bit longer. Mask up and stay safe.

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December NYC Events (12/12) (continued)

Posted on 12/12/2020 by GregD

Pre Covid-19 we searched the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening, primarily on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you didn’t have to.” We made it as easy as 1-2-3.

Covid-19 has required some changes for the time being. Stay Safe.

Earlier today we covered Weekend Corona Culture (scroll down just a bit to find it). Now, how about some more useful information. (NEW STUFF)

The best things to do in NYC this weekend

“The best things to do in NYC this weekend includes rooftop ice skating, a cookie crawl, holiday markets and more

“Looking for the best things to do in NYC this weekend? Whether you’re spontaneous, searching for things to do in NYC today, or love to plan ahead, you can have a fun holiday weekend by heading out to the Bronx Zoo Holiday Light Show, checking out the new installation in the Flatiron District, taking part in a “cookie crawl,” shopping at a number of holiday markets, or ice skating on top of the William Vale. Whatever you do, get out there and make it a fall weekend to remember” (TONY)

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Sanford Biggers, Félix Fénéon and the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s history of itself are some of the exhibitions that remain open to the public.

 
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“Department stores are in trouble. Tourism is a mess. But behind the glass vitrines, the show goes on.”

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Christmas in New York – What is there to do in NYC at Christmas?

“Christmas in New York is a very special time in the city and arguably the most wonderful time of the year. There’s so much to do and so many things you really shouldn’t miss. As locals, we know about the most interesting events, most exciting shows and places you have to visit while visiting New York during Christmas.” (loving-newyork)

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When it comes to reopenings, we’re seeing a lot of positive news–most major museums reopened, we got to watch a baseball season, and the holidays are being reimagined. In other cases, reopening is further off–the Met Opera and Philharmonic cancelled their entire 2021 seasons, and Broadway will remain dark until at least June. But whatever the case, 6sqft has put together a list of reopenings, postponements, and cancellations for New York City’s many museums, performance venues, outdoor spaces, and events

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The best places to go ice-skating in NYC

“It’s time to lace up your skates—the best ice skating rinks in NYC are waiting for you. As one of the most beloved cities to spend the holidays in, NYC has plenty of indoor and outdoor rinks where you can glide and practice your toe jumps. To help narrow down your options, we’ve ranked the top places to go, from the iconic Rink at Rockefeller Center or lower-key rinks at NYC parks like Central Park. You can even make a full-day out of it when you shop at one of the city’s best holiday markets, followed by sipping hot chocolate and skating on The Rink at the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. If you’d rather stay warm while on the ice, there are many all-weather indoor rinks, including spots that offer roller skating.” (TONY)

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Missing ‘The Nutcracker’? How to Get Your Holiday Fix at Home – NYT

Many seasonal mainstays have been reimagined for online viewing this year. Here are some of our favorites, from “A Christmas Carol” to Handel’s “Messiah.”

 
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Times editors have handpicked 11 stories for you to enjoy. Welcome to The Weekender. (NYT)

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STAY HOME FOR A BIT LONGER – MASK UP AND STAY SAFE.

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December NYC Events + NYC weekend corona culture (12/12)

Posted on 12/12/2020 by GregD
 

Pre Covid-19 we searched the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening, primarily on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you didn’t have to.” We made it as easy as 1-2-3.

Covid-19 has required some changes for the time being. Stay Safe.

For December we are going to try a different format – “Top 10 Corona Culture” – updated info and video especially suited to these difficult times OR NYC related visual info (Instagram and YouTube) OR all the NYC news you need to start your day.

We hope you will come back often to see what’s cooking here.

Today it’s NYC Weekend Corona Culture (sat). NEW STUFF!

“Our critics and writers have selected noteworthy cultural events to experience virtually.”  (NYT)

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In a tough year, NYC’s holiday windows are a glittering homage to hope – NY Post

“Joy to the world: The holiday windows have come! The COVID-19 pandemic has upended virtually every holiday tradition — sitting on Santa’s lap, caroling, gathering at Grandma’s. But it actually is beginning to look a lot like Christmas outside Bloomingdale’s, Bergdorf’s, Saks and Macy’s.”

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60 Magical Things To Do In New York City This December – secretnyc.com

“It’s officially December and that means holiday mania!

As 2020 comes to a close, New York City is bustling with activities — and even with various safety measures in place due to the pandemic, there’s simply no better place to get in the spirit of the season.

From bar transformations, dazzling light displays, and all the icy fun and shopping in between—here are 55 magically festive things to do in NYC this month.”

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5 NYC Art Gallery Shows to See Right Now – The New York Times

“Thornton Dial’s “Flying Tiger,” Thomas Eggerer’s protest painting, Harriet Korman’s brilliant canvases, Sheida Soleimani’s portraits of Iranian-U.S. relations, and Etel Adnan’s tapestries.”

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This Stunning Livestream Will Transport You To A Magical Concert By Candlelight – secretnyc.com

Journey to a calm, glowing concert at this upcoming piano performance.

This December, the popular Fever Originals Candlelight series is bringing you an elegant classical music concert that you can experience right from the comfort of home!

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” Here are feeds that will take you back to the optimism of modernist book design, back to the days when men wore hats or just back to the time before the coronavirus.”

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STAY HOME FOR A BIT LONGER – MASK UP AND STAY SAFE.

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December NYC Events (12/11) (continued)

Posted on 12/11/2020 by GregD

Pre Covid-19 we searched the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening, primarily on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you didn’t have to.” We made it as easy as 1-2-3.

Covid-19 has required some changes for the time being. Stay Safe.

Earlier today we covered Top 9 Corona Culture.  Now, how about some more useful NYC information.

New York magazine is biweekly these days and every issue has a wonderful section, “The Culture Pages,” which includes a “To Do” list – 25 things to see, hear, watch, and read. Here are my favorites from the current issue (Dec.9-23).

Art

Sam Gilliam: Existed Existing
A first-tier innovator of painting.
Behold Sam Gilliam’s magisterial painterly and sculptural grandeur. Plywood objects conjure pyramids, and continental plates vie for greatness with huge flecked, layered paintings the size of barges. Gilliam is a master of his medium in total control of his art. —Jerry Saltz
Pace Gallery, 510 and 540 West 25th Street, through December 19.

Harmony Hammond: Crossings
“Material engagement.”
Since the 1970s, Harmony Hammond has made the most psychically alive, roughly sensual, optically satisfying, and epistemologically adept paintings created anywhere. This powerful exhibition of new work finds the artist in top form, claiming a rightful place in the history of modernism with constructions that pack totemic presence and visual intelligence and make wonderfully aggressive demands on the graphic field. —J.S.
Alexander Gray Associates, 510 West 26th Street, through January 16.

Theater

The Long Goodbye Online Edition
I love a cup of tea and that.
Riz Ahmed’s concept album The Long Goodbye framed British Asians’ relationship with Old Blighty as a toxic love affair, one poisoned by colonialism, partition, and pernicious racism. The original plan was for Ahmed to take the album’s accompanying hybrid show — part theatrical storytelling, part music — around the world, but the pandemic canceled the tour. Now he’ll perform an in-real-time-only event, which will be streamed once via BAM’s digital broadcast. —Helen Shaw
bam.org, December 19.

Isaac@CafeCarlyle
A holiday show.
During the holiday season for the past four years, it was a special treat to go Café Carlyle and hear Isaac Mizrahi sing and do his own brand of stand-up, accompanied by the wonderful Ben Waltzer and his six-piece band. This year, of course, it’s different, but wonderful all the same, as we can look forward to a streamable concert series. In this four-show series, each mixes songs and storytelling and features a special guest. The first show will be released on December 4 and will then remain on-demand for 30 days, with additional shows on January 8, February 12, and March 19. Isaac says my favorite thing about the show, “It’s not exactly a holiday show … it’s not not a holiday show…” —Wendy Goodman
events.broadwayworld.com, through January 3, 2021.

Dance

The Hard Nut
Visions of sugarplums.
For vigor and variation, crack open excerpts from The Hard Nut, Mark Morris’s nearly 30-year-old comic “homage” to Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. In Morris’s version, the E.T.A. Hoffmann story is reset in a kitschy ’60s suburbia, where party guests are more naughty than nice, Marie’s visions of militant rats speak to her own adolescent stirrings, and leaping Snowflakes throw fistfuls of snow into the air in little icy explosions. —Helen Shaw
markmorrisdancegroup.org/mmdg-holiday-special, December 12 to 18.

Classical Music

The Oratorio Society of New York
An abridged virtual performance.
In a normal year, professional singers would be earning a chunk of their annual income right now, dashing from Messiah to Messiah. The Oratorio Society, led by Kent Tritle, has done its best to preserve the tradition with a performance recorded outdoors, in a warmer month, rolled out in time for an at-home sing-along. —Justin Davidson
osny.org, from December 21.

Simone Dinnerstein
Live from Columbia.
When experiencing live music meant organizing an expensive night out, a two-hour concert with intermission was intended to give audiences their money’s worth. Now that it means clicking a free link, sometimes you want only a restorative half-hour. Miller Theater’s pop-up concerts satisfy that craving, and Dinnerstein is just the right pianist to keep the experience brief but intense, meditative, and surprising. Here, she pairs a Philip Glass étude with a movement from Schubert’s B-flat Sonata, two exercises in taking your time. —J.D.
millertheater.com, December 15.

*This article appears in the November 23, 2020, issue of New York Magazine. Subscribe Now!

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In the age of Covid-19 this info from City Guide is one of the best sources of info on What’s Happening, even if some are only available in your home, and not in your favorite venue.

CityGuideNY

NYC RESOURCES

cosi fan tutti met opera

The Metropolitan Opera is streaming operas FREE nightly.

The New York Public Library provides access to more than 300,000 FREE e-books and e-audio books.

NYC Health information page for COVID-19.

NYC restaurant world information.

Stream hundreds of Broadway shows (by subscription).

15 Broadway shows you can watch from home.

Broadway performances live—from stars’ living rooms.

The New York City Ballet presents a spring digital season.

Virtual programming will keep you connected to the York Theatre Company.

One World Observatory has made One World Explorer, the attraction’s Digital Skyline Guide, available for remote watching. Virtual helicopter tours of the city’s most iconic sites are available now.

51 New York TV shows and movies.

5 eras of New York to enjoy in books and movies.

2,500 museums and galleries you can visit virtually.

The New York Botanical Garden in bloom from home.

Exploring Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Times Square.

The Top of the Rock launches a brief virtual tour on YouTube.

Livestreamed fitness classes.

Fun at-home activities for kids.

6 podcast series to help you understand New York.Discover the best of New York, from hidden gems to iconic landmarks, through The New York Landmarks Conservancy’s “Tourist in your own Town” Video Series.

VIRTUAL MUSEUMS

Explore the world of design with Cooper Hewitt.

Experience the Intrepid Museum anywhere.

New-York Historical Society from home.

A portal to the map collection of the Brooklyn Historical Society.

The Brooklyn Museum remotely.

Guggenheim Museum from home.

The Morgan’s exhibitions.

Virtually visit the Louis Armstrong House Museum.

The Merchant’s House Museum from home.

rubin shrine room virtual tour

You can take a virtual tour of the Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room at the Rubin Museum of Art. (You can find two hours of meditative chanting as well, if you’re searching out some respite.) The Rubin has also, for the first time, launched a digital assemblage of more than 300 items from the museum’s collection.

VIRTUAL TALKS, LECTURES, AND EVENTS

Thought Gallery has hundreds of livestream talks, lectures, performances, and more. Check out sessions with celebs, live concerts, and opportunities to learn the latest on everything from science to philosophy to social justice

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WFUV-FM 90.7 is my fave local radio station. Noncommercial, member-supported with a format of adult album alternative music, WFUV is doing it’s best to keep us connected to our music with a comprehensive, updated list of live music online.

WFUV Live Online (December 10 – December 16)

 
12/10 Mountain Man, “Live from the Garden” concert series
 
12/10 The Decemberists’ Colin Meloy
 
12/10 Ingrid Michaelson’s Holiday Hop
 
12/11 M. Ward album release
 
12/11 Bootsy Collins live at Bear Creek
 
12/11 Cyndi Lauper “Home for the Holidays” concert
 
12/11 Los Lobos “Still Home for the Holidays”
 
12/12 Gorillaz, livestream from London
 
12/12 Charly Bliss, “It’s a Blissful Live”
 
12/13 Brandi Carlile “Still Home for the Holidays”
 
12/13 Andrew Bird “Gezelligheid”
 
 

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Stay home for a bit longer. Mask up and stay safe

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December NYC Events + Top 9 NYC Corona Culture (12/11)

Posted on 12/11/2020 by GregD

Pre Covid-19 we searched the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening, primarily on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you didn’t have to.” We made it as easy as 1-2-3.

Covid-19 has required some changes for the time being. Stay Safe.

For December we are going to try a different format – “Top 10 Corona Culture” – updated info and video especially suited to these difficult times OR NYC related visual info (Instagram and YouTube) OR all the NYC news you need to start your day.

We hope you will come back often to see what’s cooking here.

Today it’s Top 9 NYC Corona Culture. NEW STUFF!

1. How to to get a rapid COVID test in NYC – TONY

“CityMD sites will now close 90 minutes earlier every day—here’s where else you can go for a quick, reliable test.”

2. What’s Open in NYC | The Official Guide to New York City – nycgo.com

“Businesses across all five boroughs are working toward a common goal: to welcome back guests, employees and the community at large while ensuring everyone’s health and safety. Use this hub as a starting point for what’s open right now or opening soon, and make sure to follow up directly with any venue to confirm hours and protocols before you visit.”

3. Where to see The Nutcracker ballet in NYC in 2020 – TONY

“Find a version of the holiday classic that is right for you with our 2020 guide to The Nutcracker ballet in NYC”

4. The best live theater to stream online this week – TONY

“Theaters are closed for now, but you can find great stage stars and events streaming online today

The pandemic crisis has had a devastating effect on the performing arts. Broadway has shut down for at least the rest of 2020, and the ban on large gatherings in New York currently extends to all other performance spaces as well. So the show must go online—and streaming video makes that possible. Here are some of the best theater, opera, dance and cabaret events from across the country (and around the world) that you can watch today without leaving home, many of which will help you support artists and worthy charities. Scroll past the day-by-day listings to find events that have already premiered but can still be seen for a limited time. We update this page on a weekly basis.”

5. -70 NYC restaurants with heaters for outdoor dining – 6sqft

“Though indoor dining is permitted at 25-percent capacity in New York City, a lot of people still don’t feel 100-percent comfortable with the idea. Luckily, the city made its outdoor dining program permanent and year-round and gave restaurants the go-ahead to install outdoor heat lamps. If you’re looking for one of these spots to dine al fresco without shivering, we’ve begun a running list throughout the city.”

6. Manhattan’s only production brewery is now open in Soho – 6sqft

“A massive new brewery and restaurant opened in Soho last week, becoming the only production brewery in Manhattan. Located at 12 Vandam Street, Torch & Crown Brewing Company measures 9,000 square feet over three levels and boasts soaring ceilings, ivy-covered walls, and enough seating for 250 people inside and 180 people in their heated outdoor space.”

7. -230 Fifth Rooftop Igloo Bar Will Reopen For The Season Next Week – secretnyc.co

Winter is right around the corner, and that means rooftops will start to turn into wintery wonderlands (especially with outdoor dining continuing all year round)—and the Igloo Bar at 230 Fifth is the first to pop up!

8. A Visitor’s Guide to MoMA and the Met – The New York Times

“What you need to know before you head back to the museums, from safety precautions to the exhibitions still on view.”

9. Why This Billionaire Will Never Leave New York – The New York Times

“For the cosmetics mogul and philanthropist Leonard Lauder, the city, with its museums, public transit and parks, is an explorer’s delight.”

Bonus#1: Train Your Muscles Without a Gym – The New York Times

“Get to a nearby park and get in shape (safely).”

Bonus#2: When the Bronx was a Forest: Stroll Through the Centuries – NYT

“Yankee Stadium was the site of a salt marsh. Concourse Plaza was a valley. Our critic walks with Eric Sanderson, a conservation ecologist.”

We hope you enjoy this change of pace, then please return here December 1, and every day for our daily, hot off the presses event guide with “Only the Best” NYCity event info. 

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Stay home for a bit more – Mask up and stay safe

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