For the benefit of Revolution Books: Eve Ensler reads from “In the Body of the World,” on Sept. 19.
BY SCOTT STIFFLER | REVOLUTION BOOKS’ BENEFIT AUTHOR SERIES PRESENTS EVE ENSLER
Go ahead and make that joke about being in the red. They’ve probably heard it before, maybe even told it — although the possibility of Revolution Books closing its doors is no laughing matter. The lease on their 26th St. store is up, and $30,000 must be raised by the end of the month if they’re to remain in Manhattan. Let’s hope. In addition to Housing Works Bookstore Cafe and Bluestockings (both located below Houston), Chelsea’s own Revolution Books is one of the city’s essential brick and mortar destinations for printed political material as well as author readings, film screenings, open mic events and passionate discourse on social justice and human rights issues. On Sept. 19, playwright and activist Eve Ensler (“The Vagina Monologues”) steps up to the plate, as the fourth speaker in Revolution Books’ benefit author series. She’ll be reading from her new book, “In the Body of the World” — a memoir about her battle with stage 4 uterine cancer in 2010 at the age of 57. A discussion follows the reading.
Thurs., Sept. 19, at 7pm. At Revolution Books (146 W. 26th St., btw. Sixth & Seventh Aves.). General admission: $35 ($100 benefit premium ticket includes book signed by the author). For info, call 212-691-3345 or visit revolutionbooksnyc.org. Regular hours: Mon.-Sat., 12-7pm.
Gabriel Abularach performs on Sept. 20, at the Wesbeth Music Festivl.
THE WESTBETH MUSIC FESTIVAL
Presented by Westbeth Music Works (a coalition committed to strengthening the musical contingent of the Westbeth Artists Housing community), the seventh annual edition of this festival marks both a return to form, and a rebirth (after Sandy flooded the basement spaces, destroying irreplaceable art, music equipment and livelihoods). The showcase of in-house jazz, funkadelic and vocal talent also features the debut of Westbeth Kids’ Groove — a day of music and art for, and with, children.
On Fri., Sept. 20, 8-9:30pm (in the community room), Michael Moss and Billy Stein celebrate the release of their CD, “Intervals.” Then, until 11pm, it’s ZONE (with Arelene Gottfried & Gabriel Aubularach) and Music Now (Ras Moshe, Shayna Dulberger, Katie Bull & John Pietaro).
On Sat., Sept. 21, 1-5pm in the courtyard, “Soundwaves” features Madeline Yayodele Nelson & Egbe Omo Shekere, Luanda Capoeira, Richard Hundley’s Art Songs, Jim O’Donnell Blues, Valerie Ghent’s Funky 5, John Eckert’s NYJAZZ9 and the Chris Hunter Quartet. From 6-9pm (in the community room), the “Chamber Meets Jazz” roster includes Mike Holover’s Brass Sextet, Beth Griffith & John McGuire, Poet Ilsa Gilbert, Marie McAuliffe and Dave Gould. Then, from 9-11pm, “Dance Party” has performances from Barry Temkin & The Raytones, Paul Muranyi and Dave Mann’s funkadelic Mannmadesound.
The Westbeth Kids Groove, 11am-5pm on Sun., Sept. 22 (in the courtyard) has storytelling sessions from Regina Ress and entertainment from The Luanda Capoeira, Perry Dance Kids Kabaret, Hal Miller (from “Sesame Street”) with the PS41 Songbirds Choir;, The GrooveCats Jazz Band, JJROC, Catalyst, Minda Cowen’s Violin Ensemble. The festival concludes, from 6-11pm in the community room, with “Voices of Westbeth” — featuring Val Hawk & The Bob Dorough Quartet, Alexandra Leff, the Janet Parrish Trio, Ken Wade, Eve Zanni & The Sweethots and Marya Zimmet.
Free. Fri., Sept. 20 through Sun., Sept. 22. At the Westbeth community room (155 Bank St.) and courtyard (Washington & Bank Sts.). For info and a schedule of events: westbethmusicworks.org and westbeth.org.
