Candlelight yoga, soothing reflexology and a challenging bootcamp are all on the plate, when Mathews-Palmer Park hosts Healthy Hell’s KitcheNights.
HEALTHY HELL’S KITCHENIGHTS
How do you turn a kitchen into a gym? If you’re the West 45/46 Block Association, all it takes is a park, some top-notch instructors, and a group of neighbors who prefer their fitness with a little fresh air.
“Healthy Hell’s Kitchenights” will turn Mathews-Palmer Park into an outdoor community center, by offering three fitness and wellness programs. At 7:30 p.m., Birgit Nagale’s “Reflexology” class gives you self-care tips for administering pressure, in order to relieve pain and stress. Also at 7:30 p.m., personal trainer Josue Castaneda’s “Going Green Bootcamp” has fun and challenging exercises, for which no workout equipment is needed (just bring a mat and a bottle of water). That mat also comes in handy at 8:30 p.m., when Victoria Wells leads a calming “Candlelight Yoga” class meant to liberate your mind and strengthen your body. Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Kunalini, and Yin are among the styles you’ll learn (by doing!).
Free & wheelchair accessible. Mon., July 7 & 14 (events start at 7:30 & 8:30 p.m.). At Mathews-Palmer Park (45th or 46th St., btw. Ninth & Tenth Aves.). For info, email west45thstreet@gmail.com. “Like” and follow the event sponsors, at facebook.com/westfortyfifthstreet.blockassociation. Learn about park, at nycgovparks.org/parks/matthewspalmerplayground/history.
The New Amsterdam Summer Orchestra (the seasonal incarnation of the Symphony Orchestra, seen here) performs at St. Peter’s Church (346 W. 20th St.) on July 17.
SUMMER MUSIC IN CHELSEA
The New Amsterdam Symphony Orchestra’s appropriately named seasonal incarnation — the New Amsterdam Summer Orchestra — returns to St. Peter’s Chelsea for their annual two-part “Summer Music in Chelsea” series (which benefits the church’s Food Pantry program). On July 17, Matthew Oberstein conducts works including Haydn’s “The Creation” and Beethoven’s “Overture to Creatures of Prometheus.” Soprano Angela Leson and baritone Christopher DeVage are the soloists. On September 9, an all-Mozart program includes “Sinfonia Concertante” and “Overture to La finta giardiniera.” Yuga Cohler guest conducts, with Katarzyna Bryla (violin) and Elzbieta Weyman (viola) as the soloists.
Thurs., July 17 & Tues., Sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m. At St. Peter’s Church (346 W. 20th St., btw. Eighth & Ninth Aves.). Suggested Donation: $10 ($5 for students & seniors). For info on the concert, the food pantry, and upcoming events, call 212-929-2390 or visit st.peterschelsea.com. For info on the Orchestra, visit nasorch.org.
The Rubin Museum of Art’s July 20 Block Party doubles as a 10th Anniversary celebration and the launch of their Family Sundays program.
THE RUBIN MUSEUM OF ART’S CHELSEA BLOCK PARTY
For a place so well-suited for inward contemplation, they sure know how to throw an outdoor party. In celebration of its 10th Anniversary, the Rubin Museum of Art is bringing the Himalayas out of the building and into the street —for an afternoon of music and performance from the Dance Theater of Nepal, the Milarepa Children’s Theater & Chorus, and The Tibetan Community of NY & NJ. Other activities include getting henna tattoos, amulet and mask-making, street chalk, drawing, and face painting. Inside the Museum, Buddhist monks will create an intricate sand mandala, and classical South Asian and Himalayan musicians will perform.
This free celebratory event also serves as the launch of RMA’s new Family Sundays program — which invites families to create art, join special tours, and explore on their own with thematic gallery searches. Whether roaming solo, joined by a friend or with the whole family in tow, you’ll need more than one visit to fully appreciate the Museum’s aesthetically stunning, spiritually fulfilling, and intellectually challenging collection of Tibetan, Chinese, Indian, Afghan, Bhutanese, Mongolian, Nepalese, and Pakistani art.
Free. Rain or shine on Sun., July 20, 1– 4 p.m. Inside, and in front of, The Rubin Museum of Art (150 W. 17th St., btw. Sixth & Seventh Aves.). For info, call 212-620-5000 or visit rubinmuseum.org.
LENOX HILL HealthPlex OPEN HOUSE
Later this summer, on the site of the former O’Toole Building, the North Shore/LIJ Hospital System will debut the first phase of its Lenox Hill HealthPlex facility — in the form of a 24/7 emergency department. Over the next year, other elements of the medical center (on the upper floors) will begin providing health and wellness services. In anticipation of the emergency room becoming operational, the public is invited to attend an Open House, during which they can ask the staff questions about services, and learn about current and future plans for the HealthPlex.
Tues., July 8 (3-6:30 p.m.) & Sat., July 12 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.). Tours last approximately 30 minutes. At Lenox Hill HealthPlex (30 Seventh Ave., btw. W. 12th & 13th Sts.). To attend, RSVP by sending an email to wkawadler@nshs.edu or just stop by. For more info on the facility, visit lenoxhillhealthplex.org.
–BY SCOTT STIFFLER
