HIROSHIMA AND NAGASAKI COMMEMORATION
For a nation that continues to drop bombs, we’re conspicuously silent when it comes to contemplating the irony (and human cost) of destruction from above in the name of peace down below. Every year, Pax Christi Metro New York shines its laser target on the big one — to commemorate the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and encourage the abolition of nuclear weapons today. This year’s theme: “Interfaith Perspectives on Nuclear Weapons.” After providing an overview of Catholic teachings on the topic, Hiro Sakurai (chairman of the UN Committee on Disarmament, Peace and Security, representing lay Buddhist organization Soka Gakkai NGO) and Ibrahim Ramey (of the Muslim American Society) will speak. Preceding the talk and discussion will be an interfaith prayer. Following it will be a public witness. Sun., Aug. 7, 2:30-4:30pm, in Casserly Hall (below St. Joseph’s Greenwich Village Church; enter on Washington Place, just off Sixth Ave.). Pax Christi Metro New York is located at 371 Sixth Ave. For info, call 212-420-0250 or visit nypaxchristi.org.
PUPPETRY WORKSHOP
Chances are when you (or your kids) were learning to spell and count while watching Sesame Street, Michael Earl was racking up four Emmy awards for his work as a puppeteer on that much-loved show. (At 19, he was hired to replace the original Mr. Snuffleupagus). Years ago, a conversation with Jim Henson (about chronic employee turnover due to lack of training) led Earl to create a Muppeteer teaching course. Until now, Earl’s classes have only been taught to professional puppeteers and to actors looking to add a new skill set. He’ll be teaching a one-day beginning TV puppetry workshop on then an intermediate level class (which covers on-camera eye focus, lip-sync, character voices, puppet choreography, improv and behind-the-scenes Muppet stories). Sat., Aug. 13 and Sun., Aug 14; 10am-5pm each day. At Simple Studios (134 W. 29th St., 2nd floor, btw. 6th &7th Aves.). For info or to register, call 818-986-9944 or visit puppetschool.com.
RADIO HAPPY HOUR
After two years of strange days, good times, crowded rooms and plenty of laughs, the amiable folks at Radio Happy Hour are calling it quits. The final taping of this modern take on the old fashioned radio show (performed in front of a live audience) isn’t going gently, or quietly. The stacked bill of performers includes Twin Sister, Mike Doughty, Jenny Slate, Matt Pond PA, Franz Nicolay, Arden Myrin, Max Silvestri, Gabe Liedman, author Arthur Phillips, John & Molly Knefel, US Air Guitar Champion William Ocean and a few others. Fri., Aug 12, 6:30pm. At (Le) Poisson Rouge (158 Bleecker St.). Reservations strongly recommended ($5 in advance, $10 at the door). Call 212-505-3474 or visit lepoissonrouge.com. On Twitter: @lprnyc.
Compiled by Scott stiffler
