UNIVERSAL PEACE DAY AND PAX CHRISTI METRO NY’s ANNUAL HIROSHIMA/NAGASAKI MEMORIAL
Three solemn yet ultimately hopeful events will commemorate the 69th anniversary of the U.S. bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, by contemplating the destructive power of nuclear weaponry as well as the world’s capacity to peacefully coexist.
Pax Christi Metro New York’s annual Hiroshima/Nagasaki Memorial begins with a screening of “The Ultimate Wish: Ending the Nuclear Age,” followed by a discussion with co-producer Dr. Kathleen Sullivan. Then, there will be a silent procession and public vigil. Sun., Aug. 3, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Greenwich Village Church (Washington Pl. and Sixth Ave.). Free. For more details, call 212-420-0250 or visit nypaxchristi.org.
Universal Peace Day, on Tues., Aug. 5, is an annual event marked by public gatherings throughout the world, with the goal of achieving a shared vision of peace, while transforming a remembrance of horror into a rededication of life. Locally, a Peace Walk begins at 5 p.m. with a gathering at Union Square West (btw. 14th & 15th Sts., by the Gandhi statue). A Native American opening ceremony is followed by appearances from The Raging Grannies, The Living Theatre, Russell Daisey, Bruce Markow and others. At 7:15 p.m., the exact moment of the Hiroshima bombing, there will be a Peace Bell Ringing Ceremony followed by a minute of prayers for peace and a global singing of John Lennon’s “Imagine.” After the singing, there will be a silent peace walk from Union Square to Saint John’s Lutheran Church (81 Christopher St.).
At the church, an interfaith service is followed by “Concert for a World Without War.” This year’s installment features performers who’ve appeared at Universal Peace Day events over the last 30 years. Currently scheduled talent includes Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul and Mary), David Amram, Guy Davis, the Peaceniks, Spook Handy, Namaya, Bruce Markow, Atsuko Yuma, Hilario Soto and Russell Daisey.
Suggested concert donation: $10. For info: universalpeaceday.com. Universal Peace Day is a program of the New York City Peace Museum (nycpeacemuseum.org). Also visit universalpeaceday.org. Twitter: @ringbells4peace. Facebook: facebook.com/reingbells4peace.
NEW DIRECTIONS IN SOLO PIANO LUNCHTIME CONCERT SERIES
The future of solo piano performance is now — or at least it will be, for four days in August. That’s when the New Directions series will present free lunchtime concerts dedicated to charting new frontiers in virtuosity. The Aug. 18 and 19 performances feature two young NYC-based Cuban pianists: Grammy Award nominees Elio Villafranca and Manuel Valera. The following two concerts welcome world-renowned performers Vadim Neselovskyi and Laszlo Gardony, who will interpret New York jazz through their perspectives as master improvisers and observers of American piano culture.
This series is presented by Arts Brookfield — which, now through December, will celebrate its 25th Anniversary by offering the public the chance to have their artwork displayed at Brookfield’s office properties around the globe. For info on how to participate, visit artsbrookfield25.com. It’s the digital home of their “Art Set Free” program, and the possible future host of your own artistic contribution.
Free. From 12:30–1:30 p.m. daily, Mon, Aug. 18 through Thurs., Aug. 21. At Arts Brookfield (in the lobby of One Liberty Plaza, at 165 Broadway). For more information on the New Directions Solo Piano series, visit artsbrookfield.com/event/newdirections.
