By Scott Stiffler
Art
Photo supplied by the artist
Michael Anastasio’s “Rock Climber”
GAY PRIDE GROUP SHOW
Although there’s nothing wrong with marching down Fifth Avenue in little more than a rainbow boa and a thong, powerful contributions to June’s Gay Pride observances can be found on the walls as well as in the streets. “Gay Pride Group Show” contains contributions from over a dozen artists whose work celebrates the acceptance that started 40 years ago when a watershed incident at a bar called Stonewall started it all. Curator Harv Toback says this exhibition is designed to “acknowledge and rejoice in the Gay Pride Movement victories.” As if you need another reason to be proud, a portion of the proceeds from this show will be donated to God’s Love We Deliver. Through July 2; at Gallery 225, 225 West 14th Street (btwn. 7th & 8th Aves.). For galley hours and more information, call 917-880-2752 or visit www.225gallery.net.
Fruits of artistic labor, from the 2008 event
MUSEUM WITHOUT WALLS
Established in 1985, Art Without Walls is dedicated to fostering original and innovative social, historical, cultural and educational fine arts programs throughout NY State. This event, “Museums Without Walls: 9/11, City, Country, Memories, ” features an Art Exhibition/Sale whose artfully designed works delve into the wishes, dreams, interests and personalities of those who lost their lives on 9/11. Free; Saturday, June 20, from 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.; at Battery Park. For information visit www.artwithoutwalls.net.
Theater
Photo by Kimberly Scott
Karen Malina White
PEARL CLEAGE
Since June 12, Richard Allen Center for Culture and Art has been sponsoring performances, readings and forums which praise, analyze and otherwise celebrate the work of acclaimed activist, novelist and dramatist Pearl Cleage. “Convergence: A Theatrical Study of Pearl Cleage” concludes on June 21. Friday, June 19, at 7:00p.m., Karen Malina White (Charmaine of “The Cosby Show” fame ) returns to the role in Cleage’s “Chain” which she first played 16 years ago — a young NYC crack addicts who was chained to a radiator by her family (as a last resort to keep her away from the destructive drug). At the Shooting Star Theater, 40 Peck Slip, South Street Seaport. $10. For information on times at dates of all the events, call 917-239-6690 or visit https://web.me.com/raccaseaportsalon/www.raccaseaportsalon.com/Welcome.html
Theater
Photo by Paul Meo
Geoff Molloy and Daniel Pollack (older man)
THE DEER PARK
In March of 2007, Norman Mailer invited actor/director Stephan Morrow to co-direct a film of his play “The Deer Park.” Sadly, with Mailer’s passing, that project never materialized. As a tribute to what might have been, though, Morrow, The Great American Play Series and The Nuyorican Poets Café present “The Deer Park” (or “Hollywood Goes to Hell”) for two nights only — the final production to have Mailer’s personal imprint. Using 1950s Hollywood as a metaphor for Purgatory (and framing the action within the context of the Nevada Atomic tests of the time), Mailer’s dark humor and spicy dialogue shines as much light on his era as it does a 2009 full of Hollywood stars gone wild and nuclear proliferation gone mad. Need to discuss much? A post play confab between audience and director might help you leave the room feeling a little better. Sunday June 21 at 5:00p.m. and Monday, June 22 at 7:00p.m.; at Nuyorican Poets Café, 236 East Third Street (btwn. Aves B & C). Tickets: $15, $10 for students/seniors. Call 212-505-8183 or visit www.nuyorican.org.
Music
Photo by David Plakke
Avram Fefer
Avram Fefer Trio
Help longtime LES resident and jazz saxophonist Avram Fefer celebrate the release of this ninth CD. Praised by the online journal “All About Jazz,” as possessing an “undeniable spiritual feel for the music, “Fefer (who wrote most of the tracks on the CD) will be joined by Michael Bisio (bass) and Warren Smith (drums). Not just a party, of course, the event will feature performances from the new release, “Ritual” (find it on www.cleanfeed-records.com). June 22, 9:00p.m., at The Local 269, 269 East Houston Street (corner of Suffolk Street). Tickets are $10. Visit www.AvramFefer.com.
