Best bets for Downtown arts events
BY SCOTT STIFFLER
Who in their right mind would ever want to escape the city for overhyped, overplayed, undeserving destinations like the Hamptons? If it’s a pleasant diversion you want, why go anywhere else? There’s a reason the world flocks to NYC (and it’s not that new pedestrian mall in Times Square). No, it’s the culturally enriching, good times to be had by all — much of it happening within walking distance of the place you call home.
Whether you’re a restless resident on the prowl for something to occupy your already overstimulated urban mind — or charged with the daunting task of showing your out-of-town guests the best our city has to offer — Downtown summertime arts activities are sure bets in the quest to be enlightened and entertained.
To that end, here’s our totally biased, not nearly comprehensive (but still worth your while) compilation of area activities and events happening from now through the middle of the summer. They’re not arranged according to genre or date — and a select few aren’t even happening in what any reasonable person would consider part of Downtown. Drives you nuts, doesn’t it? Well, stop nitpicking and focus on something palpable to complain about — like NYC’s relentlessly oppressive July heat. Then remind yourself that, all things considered, you live in the greatest city in the world — and resolve to enjoy that rare privilege to its fullest.
Some of your favorite artists, activities or venues may be conspicuously absent — that’s why we’re encouraging our readers to submit their suggestions for worthy arts events to be featured in our mid-summer through Labor Day “Summer in the City” arts edition (coming to you around mid-July). Email Scott@DowntownExpress.com. In the meantime, though, consider these artful offerings; and stay cool.
WALKS/READINGS: POET’S HOUSE
On June 10th, Poet’s House presents “Poetic City,” an evening of free outdoor readings and musical performances celebrating the organization (whose 50,000-volume poetry library and literary center is moving to Ten River Terrace in Battery Park City later this year). In anticipation of their new location, they invite you to pack a picnic lunch and gather (at 7:00p.m.) at the pavilion in Nelson A. Rockefeller Park in Battery Park City, one block south of Chambers Street and River Terrace. Come early (6:00p.m.) to take a free Poetic Walking Tour of Battery Park City. Then, enjoy readings from Jane Hirshfield, Major Jackson, Ed Sanders, and Brenda Shaughnessy — as well as Joy Askew performing the music of groundbreaking vocalist and composer Meredith Monk.
Want to become a beloved supporter of Poet’s House? Their 14th annual “Poetry Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge” rewards deep-pocketed donors with the opportunity to witness readings in rare settings by distinguished poets and actors. The event starts in the park in front of the Municipal Building at One Centre Street (at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge). Along the way, poets Hettie Jones, Thomas Lux, Natasha Tretheway and Kevin Young pause to share famous poems inspired by the bridge. Upon arrival in Brooklyn, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Galway Kinnell will recite Whitman’s “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry.” The proceedings conclude with a festive dinner at Bubby’s in Brooklyn (featuring a poetry reading by Bill Murray). June 8, 6:30p.m. to 9:30p.m; tickets begin at $250 (reservations required) and can be purchased by calling (212) 431-7920, x2211. Visit www.poetshouse.org.
THEATER: HERE
What are the chances of encountering two separate puppet works exploring the works of a famous American poet? Very, very good — at least if you show up at HERE for “A Night with Walt Whitman.” Bart Buch’s “Ode to Walt Whitman” finds two lonely puppets meeting in an online gay chatroom where their poetic dialogue contrasts with Whitman’s America (lovers and comrades) and Garcia Lorca’s America (machines and tears). Then, in Brian Selznick’s “Live Oak, With Moss,” the action takes place within a single suitcase — with puppets interpreting a sequence of Whitman love poems amidst fire, floods and snow. Tickets are $20; 7:00p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, June 3rd through June 7th.
Also at HERE, two paranoid xenophobes try hard to keep the world at bay, but only end up becoming objects of suspicion in their own right. That’s the absurd premise of “machines machines machines machines machines machines machines.” Central to the curiously repetitive title are the extraordinarily complex machines onstage, which exercise maximum effort for minimum gain. Tickets are $20; June 2 through 27. For times and days or to purchase tickets, visit www.here.org. HERE is located at 145 Sixth Avenue.
ART: COURTROOM ARTISTS SALUTE NYPD
Three award-winning courtroom illustrators who’ve made careers drawing the likes of Madoff, Manson and Gotti have turned their considerable talents towards the behind-the-scenes men and women who bring these offenders to justice. “The Police in Our Community” depicts members of the NYPD on routine patrol in the subway and on horseback— as well as images of rescue boats, police divers and officers securing USAir flight 1549 upon its spectacular landing in the Hudson. Artists Elizabeth Williams, Bill Robles and Aggie Kenny are the contributors. Once the exhibit closes, their drawings will be up for sale at a gala fundraiser to benefit The New York City Police Museum (100 Old Slip, between Water St.; and South St.); Opens June 16th, runs through the fall. For more information, visit www.nycpolicemuseum.org.
GALA: LEAP OF FAITH
As the 21st century dawned, a group of artists and intellectuals took a bold leap of faith by gathering together to create “a new kind of Jewish community in Greenwich Village.” Ten years later, The New Shul is celebrating its first decade. On June 3rd, their “Leap of Faith Gala Event” honors co-founders Holly Gewandter and Ellen Gould. Show up to help The New Shul move boldly into the future, as you cheer on Gould (not content to rest on her laurels, she’ll entertain with a performance from her Emmy Award-winning one-woman show). Wednesday, June 3rd, 7:00p.m. at The Museum of Jewish Heritage; 36 Battery Place. After the gala, continue the celebration with cocktails, dinner, a raffle and a fair amount of spirited revelry at Battery Gardens Restaurant (opposite 17 State Street). For more information, visit www.newshul.org.
OUTDOOR EVENT: THE BIG DRAW
The Drawing Center, inspired by the wildly popular United Kingdom program “The Big Draw,” brings an Americanized version of the much-loved event to our shores. This fun, free, day-long celebration of drawing encourages people of all ages to participate in artist-led projects which promise to change the way we think about creativity and self-expression. The three site-specific venues are all the mental motivation you need — providing ample subject matter for your newly stimulated imagination. Pick up a free sketchbook and become inspired by The Bosque at Battery Park, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, or the World Financial Center Winter Garden. Visit www.drawingcenter.org or the website of the co-sponsoring organization: www.RivertoRiverNYC.com and find all the information you need regarding location and logistics. As for the when, it happens 11:00a.m to 4:00p.m. on June 18th.
BENEFIT: Above and Beyond Dance
If you’ve ever dreamed of running away and joining the circus — or becoming a dancer — Above and Beyond Dance is for you. Their spring benefit party delivers drinks, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. The entertainment (equally appropriate for children and adults), will include “Rise ”— choreographed for two dancers on stilts and three dancers on the ground. The company will also present a sneak peek at a new work currently in development, which explores the nature of personal strength through a power struggle between two dancer/gymnasts. As you may have guessed, Above and Beyond fuses dance and circus arts work. The proceeds of this benefit will support the company’s Fall season at The Flea Theater. May 31st, 6:00p.m.,at Murray Street Studio (19 Murray Street, btw. Church & Broadway). Tickets are $35. For reservations, call (917) 974-7216 or visit www.AboveAndBeyondDance.com.
ART: AMERICA’S CHINATOWN VOICES
Through August 8th, this outdoor event uses the fence encircling the Columbus Park as its canvas. Artists Nathalie Pham & Avani Patel will perpetually install and maintain dozens of panels where community people, children, artists and other New Yorkers can express themselves in writing and painted images. Presented by the Asian American Arts Centre, “America’s Chinatown Voices” gives those who call this corner of NYC home the chance to speak their mind, or just express their joy. Those expressions will be constantly updated — as each weekend, artists and volunteers will arrive to repaint the panels with comments from new participants. For more information visit, www.nyc.gov/parks/art. Look for updates on www.artspiral.org. The Asian American Arts Centre is located at 26 Bowery, 3rd floor. For information on AAAC, call (212) 233-2154.
PUBLIC ART: A CLEARING IN THE STREETS
Amidst downtown Manhattan’s concrete and asphalt, a flowering meadow has begun to grow. It has nothing to do with opportunistic grass pushing through a cracked sidewalk—and everything to do with what was once a 60-foot deep freshwater pond. Set in Collect Pond Park, “A Clearing in the Street” allows nature to reclaim a patch of the public plaza through the installation of a temporary landscape commissioned by the Public Art Fund. A ten-sided plywood structure houses a self-contained meadow, offset by a panoramic interior mural of a vast blue sky. From now through October, seeds and seedlings within that structure will evolve and flower. Visit and witness its progress throughout the summer; and know the materials used in its construction will eventually be recycled by neighborhood community gardens. For more information, visit www.publicartfund.org. Collect Pond Park is located on Leonard Street between Centre and Lafayette Streets.
ART: DIXIE FUN DANCE THEATRE
Proving that the first step to having a good time is to not take yourself (or your art) too seriously, Dixie Fun Dance Theatre presents “The Lonely, Post-Modern, Artsy-Fartsy Peep Show.” They invite you to walk the red carpet in front of the Tribeca Cinemas and become part of a party that seems normal at first glance (food, drink, DJs). Then, walk a bit further and discover two inflated stages surrounded by booths. When prompted, enter a booth and see a short private performance by a solo artist. It may seem like you’re watching TV, but promises to be much more entertaining (thanks to the choreographers, singers and miscellaneous funky entertainers pulling booth duty). From 8:00p.m. to 11:00p.m., June 24th through June 26th, at Tribeca Cinemas. (13 Laight Street). Tickets are $25, available in advance at www.dixiefundance.com.
EVENTS: 2009 RIVER TO RIVER FESTIVAL
Summertime in Downtown Manhattan is defined by the definitive destination event know as the “River to River Festival.” As culturally comprehensive and geographically expansive as its name implies, the Festival delivers a seriously stacked menu of free music, dance and cultural events beginning May 31st. and occurring at, among other places, the World Financial Center, South Street Seaport, Rockefeller Park, Battery Park, and Castle Clinton National Monument.
For a complete, incredibly dense and detailed programming schedule (plus all the details on events listed below), visit www.RiverToRiverNYC.com.
That might be a good idea, since some of the events require tickets (although all events are free). Meantime, though, here are some highly worthwhile highlights:
New York City Opera brings opera downtown with three distinct varied programs for the opera novice and expert alike – in three different River To River venues from June 25 to 27.
The “Movie Nights on the Elevated Acre” series includes screenings of “The Seven Year Itch” (July 6) and “West Side Story” (July 20).
On June 13th,“Children’s Day at the Seaport” sees the return of this much-anticipated annual event. This year’s schedule includes Robbert Bobbert and the Bubble Machine, The Seaport Express Train Ride and do-it-yourself creations at the Arts & Crafts Pavillion
Brasil Guitar Duo delivers a seamless blend of traditional and Brazilian works, making it one of the preeminent guitar duos of its generation. June 29th at the Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts.
Pay homage to the 40th Anniversary of Woodstock with Steven Bernstein’s Millennial Territory Orchestra. They’ll play the music of Sly & The Family Stone on July 16 at Castle Clinton National Monument, Battery Park at State Street. Their special guests include legendary Funkadelic keyboardist Bernie Worrell, and an array of vocalists including Sandra Saint Victor and Shilpa Ray. Tickets will be distributed 2 per person, outside Castle Clinton on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 5:00PM on the day of the show.
Didn’t quite make it to Woodstock? Didn’t get your fill of Woodstock talent on July 16? Richie Havens (July 23rd) and Arlo Guthrie (July 30) perform at Castle Clinton in Battery Park.
Famed Indian composer Karsh Kale and Timeline perform with GamelaTron, “The world’s first and only robotic Gamelan orchestra,” 9:00p.m., at the World Financial Center Winter Garden on July 21st.
In celebration of Merce Cunningham’s 90th birthday, The Joyce Theater is co-producing a Merce Cunningham Dance Company’s site-specific event — which celebrates the work of the legendary choreographer. August 1st at 6:00p.m, and August 2nd at 2:00p.m. and 6:00p.m., at Rockefeller Park.
In “Songs for a Shiny Hot Night,” John Kelly sings The Joni Mitchell Songbook at Castle Clinton in Battery Park at 7:00p.m. on August 6th.
Like your music loud and percussive? Get your fill of it, and more, with the 12-hour torrent that is the “Bang on a Can Marathon.” Ryuichi Sakamoto, the Bang on a Can All-Stars, Bill Frisell, Tortoise, and “many others” will perform works composed by Gavin Bryars, Michael Gordon, David Lang, Julia Wolfe and Evan Ziporyn. The marathon begins at 12:00p.m., May 31st, at the World Financial Center Winter Garden.
At the “American Ballroom Theater Colors of the Rainbow Team Match,” talented dancers from New York City public schools compete as they Fox Trot, Merengue, Rumba, Swing and Tango their way to the coveted Grand Prize. June 20, 1:00p.m and 4:00p.m., 220 Vesey Street – World Financial Center, Winter Garden
New York City Opera performs a one-hour version of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,” featuring New York City Opera soloists and orchestra. This truncated version, sung in English (and packed with comedy and colorful costumes), is a great way to introduce opera to skeptical kids who may emerge from the experience as lifelong fans. June 25th, 7:00.pm., at Rockefeller Park; River Terrace and Warren Street.
art: NIGHT PAINTINGS
For nearly twenty years, NYC resident Tom Keough has focused on painting urban and country landscapes set in the hours after sundown. “Tom Keough: Night Paintings” is an exhibition of his recent works. Focusing on quiet NYC settings, Keough’s ominous yet melancholy vision of urban alienation will seem both familiar and strange to anyone who calls this densely populated city home. Mysteriously empty streets, dark alleys and overlooked corners are transformed by the effects of man-made light and heaven-sent snow. Frozen in time and devoid of activity, they convey a sense of solitude normally achieved only in empty movie backlot visions of Gotham. Through July 31, at Hal Bromm Gallery; 90 West Broadway (at Chambers Street); 212-732-6196.
