City Week: July 1 – July 8, 2011
We continue Part II of our round-up of the summer arts with the best in museum shows, theater and dance. It’s the perfect time to revel in all of the not-to-be missed festivities taking place in the city over the next couple of months.
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City Week: June 24 – July 1, 2011
Every year, around this time, we are assaulted with a barrage of summer options when it comes to free and fun cultural activities, so here’s part one of our guide to some of the best things we think you shouldn’t miss.
Outdoor Music & Art
Midsummer Night Swing
Think of it as Swing thing if you must, but don’t forget that this Lincoln Center tradition comes with some of the best tango, cumbia, salsa, samba and um… keyboard renditions of ’80s music out there. Enter by lottery at midsummernightswing.org for free admission to the opening night, or check out the Soul Train tribute June 28. Throughout the festival, food and cocktail offerings (under $10) will match the regions of the music. June 27–July 16, midsummernightswing.org; $90 six-night pass, $160 full season, individual tickets $17.
Summer on the Hudson
Riverside Park and West Harlem Piers Park are home to the 11th year of New York’s largest free festival, this year offering over 75 blocks of free summer events, including films, live performances, an open-air dance party & more. Ends Nov. 11. Visit nycgovparks.org for schedule & information.
Mark di Suvero at Governors Island
Storm King Art Center presents about a dozen of the artist’s works, all around the island, in the largest outdoor display of di Suvero’s work since the ’70s. The massive, industrial-inspired sculptures are supplemented by an evolving indoor installation with photographs and videos of di Suvero’s work and his artistic process, and visitors can download a special tour app or take a Guide by Cell tour of the exhibition. Ends Sept. 25, Governors Island, stormking.org/exhibitions/governors-island.
Madison Square Music: Oval Lawn Series
Once a week, skip happy hour and head over to the park to hear a variety of nationally-touring bluegrass, folk, jazz and soul acts—perhaps while you wait for your turn in line at Shake Shack. Lionel Loueke Trio, Edmar Castenada Trio and special guest Andrea Tierra perform July 6. Wednesdays through the summer. Check out madisonsquarepark.org/music for more details.
Washington Square Music Festival
Tuesdays in July and August, visit New York’s second longest-running free outdoor classical music series, founded in 1953. This year’s program includes music by Mozart, Schubert, Astor Piazzolla and more, with performances from The Charles Mingus Orchestra, Stanley Drucker, Anton Arensky String Quartet and others. Tuesdays, July 12–Aug. 2, washingtonsquaremusicfestival.org.
Target Free Thursdays
Lincoln Center presents free music and comedy performances on Thursday evenings all summer. On June 23, catch Mighty Third Rail as they fuse hip-hop, poetry, beatboxing and classical instruments. On June 30, singer/songwriter Julie Gold performs old favorites and music from her new CD. Thursdays, David Rubinstein Atrium at Lincoln Center, Broadway betw. W. 62nd & W. 63rd Sts., lincolncenter.org/atrium; 8:30, free.
Summer Soirée
The Staten Island Museum honors Staten Island’s African American Social Entrepreneurs and celebrates its new Portraits of Leadership exhibition with a musical reception to benefit the It’s Your Museum initiative. Musical offerings include live jazz with Jeannine Otis and a special guest performance by Broadway’s Vinie Burrows. June 26, Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Gardens, statenislandmuseum.org; 4-7, $75.
Pop-Up Pianos
As part of Make Music New York, Sing For Hope places 88 pianos—60 uprights and 28 grands, decorated by artists and designers like Isaac Mizrahi and Diane von Furstenberg—at random indoor and outdoor locations throughout the five boroughs, so passers-by can torture tourists with awkward renditions of “Heart and Soul” or delight listeners with Debussy. Through July 2, www.pianos.singforhope.org.
Elastic City
Artists and designers lead more than 20 conceptual walks around the city, giving participants a new perspective on these urban environments. Examine shadows in Coney Island, form a new relationship with the sun in Downtown Manhattan, time-travel through Tin Pan Alley or make small talk with strangers in Brooklyn. Select dates all summer, elastic-city.com/walks; $20.
Music Events
Mostly Mozart
Mozart takes the spotlight as always, but Stravinsky, Beethoven, Handel, Hadyn and Schubert get some time to shine as well. This year’s festival features performances from Joshua Bell, Takács Quartet, Emerson String Quartet, Budapest Festival Orchestra, Mark Morris Dance Group and others. Aug. 2-27, Lincoln Center, mostlymozart.org.
Salon Series
Joe’s Pub and The Annie O. Music Series co-host this varied music and cabaret series, featuring performances from Weimar New York (July 13), Sxip Shirey and Raya Brass Band (Aug. 3), Martha Wainwright (Aug. 22) and Francisca Valenzuela (Sept. 20), as Joe’s Pub undergoes renovations throughout the summer. The Cooper Square Hotel, 25 Cooper Sq., 21st Fl., joespub.com; $15+.
Film
Film Society at Lincoln Center
Lincoln Center houses the most lauded film series in the city—and will soon have a whole new cinema—and this summer’s selections are especially enticing. June opens with an homage to Italian film, as it’s the 150th anniversary celebration of the movement responsible for Italy’s modern configuration the Risorgimento. Open Roads: New Italian Cinema explores films such as Mario Martone’s We Believed, inspired by the elements that led to Italian independence. Open Roads also marks the American premiere of Giulio Manfredonia’s political satire Whatsoeverly, and director Dianni Di Gregorio’s new film The Salt of Life. 70 Lincoln Center Plaza, filmlinc.com.
Museum of Modern Art
MoMA kickstarts its summer film series with an exhibition of Academy Award-winning director Kathryn Bigelow’s works. Crafting Genre: Kathryn Bigelow includes films written, directed and produced by Bigelow, from early films like Near Dark, thrillers like Point Break and films covering contemporary issues like The Hurt Locker, for which she won an Oscar. And stick around the museum this summer to enjoy a vicarious vacation to Ireland with Revisiting The Quiet Man: Ireland on Film (through June 3) or some fun for the whole family with Pixar Revisted, a film series and exhibition celebrating 20 years of Pixar’s animated works (June 25–July 9). 11 W. 53rd St., moma.org.
City Week: June 17 – June 24, 2011
SATURDAY, JUNE 18
MUSIC
Sea Goddess Song—Southern Italian folk music, dance and theater company I Giullari di Piazza and Brazilian guest percussionist Dende perform in “Honoring the Sea Goddess,” with Neapolitan, Sicilian, Afro-Brazilian, Afro-Cuban and Dominican music. Cathedral of St. John the Divine/St. James Chapel, 1047 Amsterdam Ave., stjohndivine.org/seagoddess; 8 p.m., $25.
THEATER
Witchita Love—Repertorio Español presents the world premiere of the off-beat romantic comedy Locuras en Wichita, a play in which a Puerto Rican woman and Mexican man fall in love when they meet at an assisted-living home in Kansas. 138 E. 27th St., repertorio.org/wichita; $25.
SUNDAY, JUNE 19
THEATER
Angelina on Stage—The Vital Theatre Company resumes performances of Angelina Ballerina: The Musical, a family-friendly show based on the well-known children’s book about a dancing mouse. Dicapo Opera Theatre, 184 E. 76th St., angelinathemusical.com; 1 p.m., $29–$49.
MUSEUM
Green Photography—The Museum of the City of New York presents Moveable Feast: Fresh Produce & the NYC Green Cart Program, an exhibition that documents the NYC program that provides communities with access to fresh fruits and vegetables via hundreds of independently owned, mobile produce stands known as Green Carts. Featuring new photography by LaToya Ruby Frazier, Thomas Holton, Gabriele Stabile, Will Steacy and Shen Wei, the exhibit chronicles the initiative over the course of a year. The photographs capture not only the Green Carts, but also the stories of the vendors, customers and the communities in which they are located. 1220 5th Ave., mcny.org.
TUESDAY, JUNE 21
MUSIC
Mountain of Music—Miller Theatre at Columbia University School of the Arts presents the open-air premiere of John Luther Adam’s Inuksuit, a large-scale piece for 99 percussionists, as part of Make Music New York. Morningside Drive at 110th Street, millertheatre.com; 5 p.m., free.
THURSDAY, JUNE 22
JAZZ
Jazz Serenade—Eliane Amherd performs music from her new CD Now & From Now On. Cover includes free edamame, popcorn and beverages. Miles Cafe, 212 E. 52nd St., 3rd Fl., milescafe.com/ny; 8:30 p.m., $19.99.
City Week: June 3 – June 10, 2011
FRIDAY, JUNE 3
FILM
Ziggy Played Guitar—The Museum of Art and Design will screen D.A. Pennebaker’s Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, capturing the band on the night of July 3, 1973, on what was purported to be the final appearance of Bowie’s legendary glam-rock alter ego. 2 Columbus Circle, 212-299-7777; $10.
SATURDAY, JUNE 4
DANCE
City of Dance—10 choreographers present six programs, performed by four companies at the Gotham Dance Festival, plus matinee performances from six emerging dancers and choreographers. The Joyce Theater, 175 8th Ave., 212-242-0800; $10+.
SUNDAY, JUNE 5
EVENT
Experimental Tribute—The 16th annual Vision Festival honors the achievements of 70-year-old free-jazz artist Peter Brötzmann, with seven days of innovative experimental music, dance, poetry and art. Abrons Arts Center, 466 Grand St., visionfestival.org; $30+.
MUSIC
New York Premieres—Harpsichordist Elaine Comparone and The Queen’s Chamber Band end their season at St. Mark’s Church In-the-Bowery with an annual program of world and New York premieres. 131 E. 10th St., 212-280-1086; 2:30 p.m., $25.
MONDAY, JUNE 6
ART
Nine Decades of Art—The Grace Institute is celebrating the work of Marge Chapman and June Felter, two artists in their nineties, with the new exhibit Two California Artists: Celebrating their 90’s in NYC. 1233 2nd Ave., 212-832-1389; 9 a.m.–9:30 p.m., Free.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8
THEATER
As It Is In Heaven—3Graces Theater Company presents As It Is In Heaven, a 10th anniversary revival of Arlene Hutton’s play, which portrays an 1830s Shaker community shaken by the arrival of a newcomer. Cherry Lane Studio, 38 Commerce St., 212-239-6200; 7 p.m., $18.
City Week: May 20 – May 26, 2011
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FRIDAY, MAY 20
Photography
Hiroshima: Ground Zero 1945—Haunting, once-classified images from United States army photographers documenting the destruction the atomic bomb at Hiroshima will be showcased in this exhibit at the International Center of Photography, May 20 through Aug. 28. 1133 6th Avenue, 212-857-0001; $12.
SATURDAY, MAY 21
Dance
Nocturnes and Knees—The Rebecca Stenn Company performs “Fantasy, Lies, Hubris & Voyeurism,” to the music of Chopin, as part of the Soaking WET series. West End Theatre, 263 W. 86th St., 2nd Fl., rebeccastenncompany.com; $20.
SUNDAY, MAY 22
Music
Fantastical Life—Jessica Sibelman and The New York Chamber Virtuosi present “An Evening of Fantasy,” featuring the world premiere of Sibelman’s “Cinderella Suite,” a new version of Tchaikovsky’s “Sleeping Beauty,” and Wieniawksi’s “Faust Fantasy.” Merkin Music Hall, 129 W. 67th St., 212-501-3300; 8, $25.
MONDAY, MAY 23
Theater
Domination and Desire—Tyrannical mother Bernarda Alba attempts to dominate her five unmarried daughters in Federico Garcia Lorca’s La Casa de Bernarda Alba, all of whom harbor a secret passion for the same man. Repertorio Español, 138 E. 27th St., 212-225-9999; 11, $25.
TUESDAY, MAY 24
Art
Park as Palette—The Public Art Fund presents Sol LeWitt – Structures, 1965-2006, a free, outdoor career retrospective that kicks off today of LeWitt’s work, with 27 works spanning over 40 years. City Hall Park, publicartfund.org.
THURSDAY, MAY 26
Music
American Romantics—The New Amsterdam Singers present “With a Lily in Your Hand: American Works in the Romantic Style,” at The Church of the Holy Trinity, with works by Dominick Argento, Morten Lauridsen, Fenno Heath and others. 316 E. 88th St., 212-568-5948; 8, $20+.
City Week: May 6 – May 12, 2011
FRIDAY, MAY 6
ART
Inside the Artists’ World—For three days, over 30 artists in more than six buildings in the West Chelsea area open their studio doors to the public, for a series of free, self-guided tours that participants can create online. Locations vary, westchelseaartists.com; 12–6 p.m., free.
MUSIC
Decade of Glory—The Young People’s Chorus of New York City celebrates the 10th anniversary of Transient Glory with the world premiere of Michael Harrison’s Hijaz and a retrospective of other significant Transient Glory compositions. 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., 212-415-5500; 8 p.m., $10.
Tudor Time—Parthenia, a Consort of Viols, presents “The Four Ages of Elizabeth – A Tudor Songbook,” featuring works by Henry VIII and others at Corpus Christi Church. 529 W. 121st St., 212-866-0468; 8 p.m., $25.
SATURDAY, MAY 7
DANCE
Ballet Buffet—The Joffrey Ballet School Performance Company’s inaugural performances feature seven new ballets from choreographers associated with major companies around the world. Miller Theatre, 2960 Broadway, 212-254-8520; 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., $20.
MUSIC
With Blossoms Comes Music—The “Spring for Music” festival at Carnegie Hall features performances from seven major orchestras. 881 7th Ave., springformusic.com; 7:30, $15–$25.
SUNDAY, MAY 8
THEATER
Chekhov Salute—John Strasberg’s Accidental Repertory Theater presents his own work, Adam’s Apples, inspired by Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard. The Living Theatre, 21 Clinton St., 212-868-4444.
TUESDAY, MAY 10
ART
Master of Mood—Rembrandt & His School: Masterworks from the Frick & Lugt Collections at the Frick Museum draws into its last week. 1 E. 70th St., 212-288-0700; 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11
DANCE
New Dance for New York—The ABT II company performs the New York premiere of Jessica Lang’s Vivace Motifs and works by George Balanchine, Anthony Tudor and others. The Kaye Playhouse, 695 Park Ave., 212-772-4448; 8 p.m., $25+.
City Week: March 11 – March 17, 2011
FRIDAY, MARCH 11
ART
Institute for the Study of the Ancient World—The exhibit Nubia: Ancient Kingdoms of Africa opens March 11. 15 E. 84th St., 212-992-7800.
MUSIC
Fordham University—Fordham presents “Voices Up: Songs for James Joyce and Hart Crane,” featuring the songs of Joyce, with Samuel Barber and Victoria Bond. Lincoln Center, West 60th Street & Columbus Avenue, 12th Fl. Lounge, 212-636-6000; 7:30, Free.
theater
Wittenberg—The Pearl Theatre Company performs the New York premiere of David Davalos’ new comedy, which sees Doctor John Faustus and Reverend Martin Luther battling for the allegiance of a star pupil at Wittenberg University in 1517. New York City Center Stage II, 131 W. 55th St., 212-581-1212.
SATURDAY, MARCH 12
ART
Leslie Feely Fine Art—Bella Pacifica: Bay Area Abstraction, 1946-1963: A Symphony in Four Parts. 33 E. 68th St., 5th Fl., 212-988-0040.
DANCE
Soaking W.E.T.—Now in its eighth season at the West End Theater, Soaking W.E.T. features eight choreographic works in contemporary dance. Through March 13, West End Theater, 263 West End Ave., 212-337-9565; $15.
SUNDAY, MARCH 13
MUSIC
Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church—Violinist Cyrus Beroukhim and pianist Barbara Pogdursky play works by Dvořák, Debussy, Ginastera, Szymanowski and John Kaefer. 921 Madison Ave., 212-288-8920; 3, $15.
TUESDAY, MARCH 15
CULTURE
JapanNYC—Carnegie Hall and others present part two of this citywide festival of Japanese arts and culture, with a lineup of over 40 events, including performances by the NHK Symphony Orchestra led by André Previn, Martha Graham Dance Company, Deerhoof and Friends, and others. Through April 9, times, prices and locations vary. Visit carnegiehall.org/japannnyc for more information.
THURSDAY, MARCH 17
PHOTOGRAPHY
AIPAD Photography Show—The Association of International Photography Art Dealers presents the annual exhibition of fine art photography. Through March 20, Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Ave., 212-616-3930; 11 a.m., $25+.
City Week: February 11 – February 17, 2011
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11
DANCE
New York Theatre Ballet—The company revives Merce Cunningham’s “Septet” at Signatures II. Today and tomorrow, Florence Gould Hall, 55 E. 59th St., 212-355-6160; 7 p.m., $25.
MUSIC
Weill Recital Hall—Baritone Edward Parks and pianist Ken Noda perform Schubert’s complete Winterreise song cycle. Carnegie Hall, 881 7th Ave., 212-247-7800; 7:30 p.m., $42+.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12
THEATER
Weill Recital Hall—The Pearl Theatre Company performs Richard Wilbur’s translation of Molière’s comedic text, which tests the theory of opposites attracting in matters of love. New York City Center Stage II, 131 W. 55th St., 212-581-1212; $55+.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13
DANCE
Ronald K. Brown & Evidence—The company celebrates 25 years at The Joyce with the world premiere of On Earth Together. Ends today, The Joyce Theater, 175 8th Ave., 212-242-0800; 10+.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15
ART
Jane Kahan Fine Art—Gloria F. Ross brings together rare works by top American artists in Rebirth of Modern Tapestry. Opens today, 330 E. 59th St., 212-744-1490; special gallery hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16
DANCE
Flamenco Hoy—Choreographers Rafael Estévez and Nani Paños, with musical direction by Chano Domínguez, present one of the most popular contemporary flamenco shows in Spain by Carlos Saura. Opens today, New York City Center, 130 W. 56th St., 212-581-1212; 8 p.m., $35+.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17
MUSIC
Zankel Hall—Soprano Measha Brueggergosman performs works by Mozart, Schubert, Berg and others with pianist Justus Zeyen. Carnegie Hall, 881 7th Ave., 212-247-7800; 7:30 p.m., $42+.
City Week: February 4 – February 10, 2011
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4
JAZZ
ArtsEcho Galleria—Chris Crocco’s Fluidic Duo performs with Crocco on guitar and Peter Slavov on bass. 455 W. 43rd St., 646-692-6277; 8 p.m., $10.
DANCE
New Chamber Ballet—Miro Magloire presents his New Chamber Ballet in three world premieres. Today and tomorrow, City Center Studios, 130 W. 56th St., 4th Fl., 212-868-4444; 8 p.m., $12+.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5
ART
Music Memorabilia Show—In honor of Black History Month, the show will feature rare jazz records of legendary performers including Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong and others. Tip Top Shoe Building, 155 W. 72nd St., 4th Fl., 212-579-0689; 10 a.m., Free.
DANCE
Summation Dance Company—The company presents the world premiere of its first evening-length work, Keep Your Feathers Dry. Baryshnikov Arts Center, 450 W. 37th St., 212-868-4444; 7:30 p.m., $12+.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8
DANCE
Ronald K. Brown & Evidence—The company celebrates 25 years at The Joyce with the world premiere of On Earth Together. Opens today, The Joyce Theater, 175 8th Ave., 212-242-0800; 7:30 p.m., $10+.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9
MUSIC
Juilliard—Juilliard’s annual recital by Paul Jacobs’ organ students takes place on the Holtkamp organ in Paul Hall, and features six organists. Paul Hall, 155 W. 65th St., 212-769-7406; 8 p.m., Free.
JAZZ
Miles Cafe—Manhattan-based French vocalist Pascalito and his Brazilian musicians perform songs from his new album, Neostalgia. 212 E. 52nd St., 212-371-7657; 7:30 p.m., $20+.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10
FILM
Metropolitan Museum of Art—Documentary A Day on the Grand Canal with the Emperor of China (1988) finds British artist David Hockney sharing his insights as he compares two Chinese scroll paintings, one of which depicts the Qianlong emperor. This film is presented in conjunction with the exhibition The Emperor’s Private Paradise: Treasures from the Forbidden City. Bonnie J. Sacerdote Lecture Hall, Uris Center for Education, 212-535-7710; 2 p.m., Free with museum admission.
City Week: January 28 – February 3, 2011
FRIDAY, JANUARY 28
DANCE
Thunderbird American Indian Dancers—Theater for the New City hosts the 36th annual Dance Concert and Pow Wow, featuring dance, stories and traditional music. Opens today, Theater for the New City, 155 1st Ave., 212-254-1109; 8 p.m., $10.
ART
Metropolitan Museum of Art—The “Drop-in Drawing” event allows visitors to join art instructors in the galleries for informal sketching fun. Open to guests of all ages. Instruction repeats every 30 minutes and materials are provided. 1000 5th Avenue, Ancient Near Eastern Art galleries, 2nd floor, 212-535-7710; 6:30–8:30 p.m., Free with museum admission.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 30
MUSIC
92nd Street Y—Alumni of the Yale Russian Chorus perform a concert of traditional Russian folk, composed and liturgical songs, led by conductor Daniel Gsovski. 1395 Lexington Ave., 212-415-5500; 3 p.m., $35.
MONDAY, JANUARY 31
MUSIC
Juilliard—Harpsichordist Kenneth Weiss performs J.S. Bach’s Goldberg Variations. Paul Hall, 155 W. 65th St., 212-769-7406; 8 p.m., Free.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1
DANCE
Natalie Green & Juliana F. May—Green presents “nerves like tombs, nerves like nettles,” while May & MAYDANCE offer “Gutter Gate.” Opens today, Dance Theater Workshop, 219 W. 19th St., 212-691-6500, dancetheaterworkshop.org; 7:30 p.m., $20.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2
MUSIC
American Irish Historical Society—In celebration of James Joyce’s birthday, soprano Judith Kellock and pianist Janice Weber assembled a program featuring the composition of Ross Lee Finney, which incorporates all of Joyce’s 36 “Chamber Music” poems into an hour-long cycle. 991 5th Ave., 212-288-2263; 2 p.m., $10+.
DANCE
New York City Ballet—The company performs The Magic Flute, the comedic tale for all ages, set to a score by Riccardo Drigo. David H. Koch Theater, 20 Lincoln Center, 212-721-6500; 7:30 p.m., $20+.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3
EVENT
Avery Fisher Hall—Alan Gilbert conducts the Philharmonic’s School Day Concerts, designed exclusively for children. Today’s event caters to students in grades 3-6. Lincoln Center, 10 Lincoln Center Plz., 212-721-6500, nyphil.org; 10:30–11:30 a.m. and 12–1 p.m.
