Talks & Readings
PRESERVATION 2030
The Historic Districts Council hosts its 14th annual preservation conference exploring the future of NYC’s historic neighborhoods in the midst of the population and construction boom. Starting with the Mayor’s PlaNYC2030 and co-sponsored by more than 100 community-based groups, the symposium includes panels such as “Tools of the Trade: Preservation Practices for the Next Generation” and “Urban Neighborhoods of the Future.” On Sunday, HDC leads five related walking tours through areas that have recently undergone dramatic transformations: Flushing, Queens; Greenpoint and Williamsburg; the far West Village; the LES; and Richmond Hill, Queens. March 7-9. The New School in the Swayduck Auditorium. 65 Fifth Ave. 212-614-9107, hdc.org
Theater
LIFE IN A MARITAL INSTITUTION
Confronting “20 years of monogamy in one terrifying hour,” the talented storyteller divulges the intricacies of intimacy. Several of his anecdotes, particularly confessions of peccadilloes stemming from flirtations and dalliances with other women, are hard to hear. But Braly, former winner of Moth’s Grand Slam, is to be commended for successfully braiding stark honesty with hilarity, which allows the private stories of his marriage to mirror universal desires for both the familiar and unknown. Directed by Hal Brooks (“NO CHILD…”). Through March 16. 59E59 Theaters. 59 E. 59th St. 212-753-5959, 59E59.org
Music
LASCIVIOUS BIDDIES
A self-described “all female cocktail pop quartet,” The Lascivious Biddies blend jazz and cabaret with humor and infectious energy. The Villager wrote that “their classical, airy jazz arrangements, rich four-part harmonies, and salty yet charming lyrics culminate in a sound reminiscent of WWII cabaret performers, jazz greats, and a little Joan Jett attitude thrown into the mix.” Playing piano, melodica, double bass, guitar, and vocals, the NYC-based band performs at Drom, a new venue in the East Village, and is preceded by the entertaining Isle of Klezbos at 8. March 12 at 9:30 p.m. Drom. 85 Ave. A. 212-777-1157, biddies4ever.com
Film
WETLANDS PRESERVED
The story of the legendary Tribeca rock club, which opened in 1989 as an “eco-saloon,” includes vintage footage, original recordings, and new digital animation. Tracing the venue’s history as a proving ground for talent, the film features interviews with Bob Weir, Dave Matthews, Blues Traveler, and Phish’s Mike Gordon, along with an eclectic range of excellent music. Opens March 14. Cinema Village. 22 E. 12th St. 212-924-3363, wetlandspreserved.com. Sundays in the City features celebrated independent features, shorts, fan films, animation, and documentaries. March 9 and 16. Tribeca Cinemas. 54 Varick St. sundaysinthecity.com
Dance
SOUTHERN COMFORT
Inspired by country music legends Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Patsy Cline, the dances in this cabaret-style performance are backed by live music from The Dang-It Bobbys. Brian McCormick, in Gay City News, wrote of the company’s 2006 DancemOpolitan: “If you’re looking for expressions of joy, grief, love, rock ’n’ roll, and childlike imagination, you will find them. And if you’re looking for new choreographic voices emerging in young, practiced, and well-established dance makers, you will find them all at Dancenow/NYC.” March 14 and 15 at 9:30 p.m. Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater. 425 Lafayette St. 212-967-7555, dancenownyc.org
