Compiled by sarah norris
Reading
Liza Monroy reads from her novel, “Mexican High.”
The Shrinks Are Away
When the therapists go on vacation in August, New Yorkers turn to literature to cure our neuroses! Local author and writing teacher Susan Shapiro hosts this yearly event, featuring wine critic Alice Feiring (“The Battle for Wine and Love”), memoirist Kimberlee Auerbach (“The Devil, the Lovers and Me”), sociologist Jonathan Fast (“Ceremonial Violence”), and novelist Liza Monroy (“Mexican High”). Wine will be served courtesy of the Portland, Oregon Indie Wine Festival. Aug. 6 at 7 p.m. Free. McNally Robinson. 52 Prince St. 212-274-1160, mcnallyrobinsonnyc.com.
Dance
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
Two new programs include “Palladio,” Artistic Director Jim Vincent’s third piece for HSDC, inspired by the Italian architect and set to a score by Karl Jenkins. “Extremely Close,” choreographed by dancer Alejandro Cerrudo, revolves around the poignant and intimate piano solos of Philip Glass and Dustin O’Halloran. Both pieces provide great additions to the company’s exuberant, athletic and innovative repertoire. Aug. 4-16. Mon–Wed 7:30 p.m.; Thu–Fri 8 p.m.; Sat 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. $44 general, $33 members. The Joyce. 175 Eighth Ave. 212-691-9740, joyce.org.
Theater
Fringe Festival
The 12th annual New York International Fringe Festival is the largest multi-arts festival in North America, with more than 200 companies from all over the world performing for 16 days in 19 venues. To give you a taste of what’s in store, a selection of titles: “The Boy in the Basement,” “A Silly Silverstein Show,” and “Johnny Law: Courtroom Crusader.” Free launch party on August 7 at Home (532 W. 27th St.) from 10-11 p.m. Ages 21+. Aug. 8-24. $15. Performances are 2 p.m. to midnight on weekdays, and noon to midnight on weekends. Venues vary. 866-468-7619, fringenyc.org.
Photo credit Tony David
In Joyce Carol Oates’s “Zombie,” Bill Connington plays serial killer Quentin P.
Music
The Charlie Parker Festival Hunger March Band playing in 2007.
Charlie Parker Birthday Festival
Highlights of this annual three-week celebration of jazz musician Charlie Parker, hosted by A Gathering of the Tribes, include a group art exhibition, an evening of films from the year of Parker’s death, and mulitple high-energy concerts. A day-long street fest on August 29 features a free block party, artist flea market, poetry open mic reading, and a street concert by the Stumblebum Brass Band. Aug. 7-29. Contributions accepted at the door. Tribes Gallery Garden. 285 E. Third St. 212-674-3778, tribes.org.
Music
Barbez
The New York band Barbez weaves a haunting mosaic of old-world cabaret, Eastern European folksong, contemporary classical and experimental rock into a uniquely beautiful and personal soundscape. With its unconventional lineup, mixing rock rhythm sections and theremin, clarinet, and classical percussion, they play music from their latest album, “Force of Light,” inspired by Holocaust poet and survivor Paul Celan, and new work from a forthcoming record. Aug. 12 at 7:30 p.m. $12. Le Poisson Rouge. 158 Bleecker St. 212-796-0741, lepoissonrouge.com. barbez.com.
