events

10TH ANNIVERSARY NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL FRINGE FESTIVAL “The Devil and Billy Markham” features Billy who just can’t turn down a bet, especially when the odds are against him. So when the greatest trickster of them all, the Devil himself, challenges Billy to a game of dice, the wheels are set in motion for a battle you’re not soon to forget. This one-man musical comedy is based on the 6-part, 1979 poem “Billy Markham” by Shel Silverstein. Fri., 8/11 at 5pm; Sat., 8/12 at 8pm; Tues., 8/15 at 9pm; Wed., 8/16 at 9:15pm; Fri., 8/18 at 5pm and Sun., 8/20 at 12:45pm. Henry Street Settlement, Recital Hall, 466 Grand St. at Pitt St. $15. 212-279-4488. Pictured above is New York City resident Dave Toomey. Visit www.FringeNYC.org for tickets or information on other festival performances.

CELEBRATION OF NYC’S HERITAGE OF PRIDE Joe’s Big Gay Luau will feature performances by some of the City’s favorite stars and Broadway talent. Those featured include comedienne Judy Gold, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy’s Jai Rodriguez, pictured, and more. Natalie Joy Johnson will host the event. Also enjoy games and prizes. Sat., June 24. Starts at 11pm. Joe’s Pub, 425 Lafayette St. www.joespub.com. $20. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Joey DiPaolo AIDS Foundation and Camp TLC, a summer camp for teens living with HIV and AIDS. Call 212-539-8778 to purchase tickets.

Art-Business Workshop, Series is designed to strengthen the business skills of arts-related businesses and nonprofits in Lower Manhattan. Two series. Series 1, Debt Financing for Arts Organizations: June 15 – Beyond Grants, Other Options for Financing; June 22 – How Much Do I Need and How Do I Get It; July 6 – Show Me the Money, Understanding Financial and Management Tools. Series 2, Creative Arts Marketing: July 13 – Getting the Word Out-Reaching Your Audience; July 20 – Conducting Market Research; July 27 – Developing Your Message. 110 William St., 7th Floor. RSVP required, contact Carlene at 212-618-8862 or cjones@seedco.org. Free.

Art Exhibit and Open Studio, Three Tribeca artists and painters, Scotto Mycklebust, Brian Delacey and Nana Park, will open their new art studio to the public and collectors to meet the artists, view their work and celebrate their new Tribeca art studio. Come and place your bid in the silent art auction and enjoy refreshments. Sat., June 10 from 4-8pm. 401 Washington St., studio 5E, on Laight St., bet Washington & Greenwich Sts. 917-697-0844.

Benefit for St. Brigid’s, Bards for St. Brigid’s is an evening of readings, opinions, music and more to help save NY’s historic Irish Famine Church, located at Avenue B and East 8th Street, from demolition. Thurs., June 15 at 7pm. $20. Benefit will take place at Connolly’s 45, 121 W. 45th St., bet 6th & 7th Aves., 3rd floor event room. 212-597-5126. www.savestbrigid.com.

Cornelia Street Café Events, Enjoy live entertainment nightly including musical performances and poetry readings. Check www.corneliastreetcafe.com for detailed information. 29 Cornelia St., bet W. 4th and Bleecker Sts. 212-989-9319.

Free Hearing Screening, Sponsored by the League for the Hard of Hearing. Every Tuesday from 12-2pm and Thursday from 4-6pm. League for the Hard of Hearing, 50 Broadway. To schedule an appointment, contact 917-305-7766 or appointments@lhh.org. www.lhh.org.

Getting the Most out of Business Technology, The third in a series of forums for small business owners. Features a panel discussion on how small business owners can identify, purchase and maintain the best software and hardware systems for their needs. Tues., June 20 from 6-7:30pm. NYU Palladium, 140 E. 14th St. $10, Free for NYU students with id. Reservations are required and can be made at www.manhattancc.org.

Hardship: It’s Not Just an Inconvenience, The Historic Districts Council will discuss the issues surrounding the hardship provision included in the New York City Landmarks Law. Wed., June 14 at 6pm. Neighborhood Preservation Center, 232 E. 11th St. Free, reservations required. 212-614-9107. hdc@hdc.org.

How To Build Your Own Computer, Learn how to work inside your own computer, make upgrades or build a computer from scratch. Presentation by LIU Computer Science Adjunct Professor Kennard Gopaul. Sat., June 10 from 11am to 4pm. Monte Sion Christian Church, Basement Reception Hall, 297 E. 3rd St., bet Aves. C & D, 718-551-4733: Free. Bring a light lunch. Call or stop by to make a reservation. Space is limited.

Live and Become, View the film by Radu Mihaileanu about an Ethiopian boy whose mother conspires to send her seven-year-old son to Israel as part of a group of Ethiopian Jews during "Operation Moses." In Amharic, French and Hebrew with English Subtitles. Wed., June 7 at 7pm. Free, donations will be accepted for Operation Promise. Guest speaker to follow film. The Brotherhood Synagogue, 28 Gramercy Park South, 20th St. bet 3rd Ave. & Irving Pl. 212-674-5750.

Long Term Care Insurance, Long Term Care is not an issue that only affects older people, accidents and illnesses can happen anytime. Find out about your options at an educational seminar. McBurney YMCA, 125 W. 14th St., bet 6th & 7th Aves. Thurs., June 8 from 6-8pm. Free. For more information, call Johana Teran at 212-741-6383.

Meditation Gathering, A gathering of prayer, devotional songs and meditation, open to all spiritual seekers, in an atmosphere of peace and love. Tues. at 8:30pm & Fri. at 8:30pm. Bhaktivedanta Vedic Church, 96 Ave. B bet 6th & 7th Sts. 646-436-7010. www.ramakrishnananda.com . Free.

2006 Summer Sings Series, 35th annual concert series presented by the West Village Chorale with audience participation choral readings. Mondays, thru Aug. 14, excluding July 3, at 7:30pm. St. Luke in the Fields, 487 Hudson St., one block south of Christopher St. $12, $10 for seniors and students.

Teen Spring Photo Program, Review the basics of photography with 35 mm SLR cameras, learn new techniques of photography, challenge and stretch your creative mind and showcase your work in a public exhibition. Thru June 10, Saturdays from 10am – 1pm. Pier 40 Picnic House in Hudson River Park, W. Houston St. $50 registration fee, cameras and all other costs will be covered. Ages 13 – 19 years. Register now by calling Matthew Washington at 212-757-0981 x204.

Weight Watchers, Slim down for the summer with Weight Watchers. 10 weeks, $140. Register by Wed., June 7. First meeting is Fri., June 9 at noon. McBurney YMCA, 125 W. 14th St., bet 6th & 7th Aves. For more information, call Barbara Parker at 212-741-6373.