Compiled by Scott Stiffler
Music Vinson Valega
Drummer/Composer Vinson Valega and his group (Anton Denner on alto sax; Chris Bacas on tenor sax; Mike Fahn on trombone; Matthew Fries on piano and Gary Wang on bass) celebrate Valegra’s new CD with this one-night-only live performance. That CD, by the way, is “Biophilia.” As for the fleeting gig? Feb. 26 — with sets at 7:30 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.; at Smalls Jazz Club (183 West 10th St., at 7th Ave.). $20 general admission. For reservations (highly recommended), call 212-252-5091.
Art
LES HISTORY
“Sampling and Revisions: The L.E.S. deframed” juxtaposes archival photos from the Lower East Side Tenement Museum with those of contemporary artists. The desired effect? You’ll hopefully be thinking, and talking, about the connection between the neighborhood’s history and its current energy and dynamism. Opening Reception: Wednesday March 3, 7 – 9 p.m.; runs through March 24; at Gallery Bar; 120 Orchard St. (just north of Delancey). visit www.gallerybarnyc.com and www.tenement.org.
Theater
A BEHANDING IN SPOKANE
Christopher Walken and Sam Rockwell star in the world premiere of Martin McDonagh’s “A Behanding in Spokane.” With those two leads — plus that strange, ominous title — an intense night out seems like a safe bet. A man searching for his missing hand, two con artists, and an overly curious hotel clerk populate this black comedy. Currently in previews. Opens March 4, for a 16-week run. At the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, 236 West 45th Street. For tickets, call 212-239-6200 or 800-432-7250. Visit www.ABehandinginSpokane.com.
Second thoughts: two would-be gay parents and one reluctant surrogate.
Theater
ALL THAT MIGHT HAPPEN
As more and more states move to block gay adoptions (whether at the ballot box or in the legislature), this play demonstrates how sometimes, good old-fashioned second thoughts trump politics when it comes to throwing up roadblocks on the journey to forming a family. It’s February, 1984. A mere 24 hours before two gay men plan to sign an agreement with a surrogate mother to have a child, she arrives on their doorstep to tell them she’s changed her mind. Through March 6, at Thurs. through Sat. at 8:00 pm at Manhattan Theatre Source (177 MacDougal St., between Waverly Place and West 8th St.). For Tickets ($18), call 212-352-3101.
Dance
XENAKIS AND JAPAN
This evening of music and dance highlights composer/architect Iannis Xenakis — whose art has been informed by a lifelong interest in Japanese music and theater. Italian choreographer Luca Veggetti will present several premieres set to the music of Xenakis — featuring performances by bassist Robert Black, shakuhachi virtuoso James Nyoraku Schlefer, and performer Ryoko Aoki (coming from Tokyo just for this performance; so let’s hope she has time for some off-site fun). Feb. 28, 8:00 p.m. at Judson Church (55 Washington Square South). For tickets ($15 general admission, $10 for students/seniors), call 888-749-9998.
