This week we’re introducing “The A List,” our personal picks of the most interesting, noteworthy arts events happening downtown (and sometimes Brooklyn).
Music Well known for her original songs and soulful guitar work, Grammy-nominated blueswoman Susan Tedeschi took a different turn on her fourth album, “Hope and Desire,” and paid tribute to the R&B, folk, and gospel greats she adores. Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Iris Dement, and Aretha all get special treatment by this thirty-something singer who orbits the same roots and blues sphere as Janis and Bonnie Rait. She performs at 8 PM Friday, October 21 at Irving Plaza. 17 Irving Pl. Tickets $25. (212-777-6800; irvingplaza.com).
Film Though you wouldn’t guess it from the title, “Shopgirl” is actually more about art than commerce. The Steve Martin film, adapted from his book by the same name, is based upon real life multimedia artist Allyson Hollingsworth, who was working in a gallery Steve Martin frequented. A relationship bloomed (and subsequently fell off the bud), but Hollingsworth still served as Martin’s muse. Her art is featured throughout the film, but Claire Danes takes her place on screen. Opens in theaters October 21.
Art The road trip is practically an American rite of passage—you can’t hope to know the country without taking one—so it’s fitting that Mitch Epstein’s classic Americana images were all taken while the New York photographer was on the road. His exhibit, Recreation: American Photographs 1973-1988, spans some 30 years of travels and includes twenty-five works of seemingly banal scenes of yard sales, motorboating, and crowded beaches from Cocoa Beach, Florida to New Orleans. Many of the colorful, captivating images were taken in the 70s, and reflect the innocence and regional traits still intact in the years before globalization and the war on terror. It closes this Saturday, October 22. Sikema Jenkins & Co. 530 W. 22nd St. (212-929-2262; brentsikkema.com)
Dance Seven years ago, performer Hank Smith put together a show of tap, conversations, and film clips from legendary tap dancers like Charles “Cookie” Cook and “Buster” Brown. This time around, Smith’s “Story of Tap Sequel” focuses on a different generation, and reminds us that tap lives on through accomplished dancers such as Ayodele Casel, Michelle Dorrance, Jared Grimes, DeWitt Fleming, Jr., and Calvin Booker, all of whom share their stories and rhythmic footwork this week at Dixon Place. 258 Bowery. Saturday and Sundays, October 22-29 at 8 PM. Tickets $10-$15. (212.219.0736 x110; dixonplace.org).
