Another building saved by a fireman’s camera: This shot of Engine Co. No. 31’s former Lafayette St. quarters is part of the “Historic Firehouses of Manhattan” photo exhibit, on view through Dec. 8 at the NYC Fire Museum.
PHOTO EXHIBIT: HISTORIC FIREHOUSES OF MANHATTAN
What does it say about a man who spends his entire career on call to run towards danger, only to occupy his “golden years” by preserving buildings in a manner that flames can’t touch? New York’s Bravest never punch the clock, apparently. They just find a new outlet for that drive to save things. When gold watch time came for FDNY Lieutenant Stephen Healy, he shifted his focus to capturing the architectural beauty of Manhattan firehouses built from the 1800s to the early 1900s. Healy’s “Historic Firehouses of Manhattan” is a photo series on exhibit through early December, at the New York City Fire Museum — an appropriate host venue on many levels, given that the museum occupies a renovated 1904 Beaux-Arts building that was once home to Engine Company No. 30, and now houses a renowned collection of fire-related artifacts from the 18th century to the present (including hand-pumped fire engines, horse-drawn vehicles and all manner of tools and equipment).
Nov. 22-Dec. 8. At the New York City Fire Museum (278 Spring St., btw. Hudson & Varick Sts.). Open daily, 10am-5pm. Admission: $8.00 ($5.00 for children 12 and under, seniors & students). Call 212-691-1303 or visit nycfiremuseum.o
Victor Garber narrates “The Night Before Christmas,” at The Chelsea Symphony’s annual holiday concert.
CHELSEA SYMPHONY: ANNUAL HOLIDAY CONCERT
The Chelsea Symphony has been expanding its geographic reach lately, with performances at Bargemusic, Symphony Space and Lincoln Center. But in early December, the vibrant, self-governing, 50-piece non-profit ensemble will be putting their own spin on that “home for the holidays” tradition, by setting their peripatetic sleigh down at St. Paul’s, for the group’s eighth annual holiday concert. Conducted by co-founder Yaniv Segal and co-Artistic Director Mark Seto, the seasonal offerings include Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite” and Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride.” The brass section takes center stage, with a performance of Schubert’s “Magnificat” arranged by (and featuring) trumpeter Warren Wernick. Following in the footsteps of marquee names including David Hyde Pierce, Charles Busch and Andrea Martin, special guest Victor Garber (the complex man from “Argo” and “Alias”) will do the narration duties for resident composer Aaron Dai’s “The Night Before Christmas.”
Fri., Dec. 6 at 8pm. At St. Paul’s Church (315 W. 22nd St., btw. Eighth & Ninth Aves.). Free, with a suggested donation of $20 at the door. A reception and a silent auction, to benefit the orchestra, will follow the performance.
— BY SCOTT STIFFLER
