James Lavadour, “Blanket,” 2005. Part of the “Off the Map” show of contemporary Native American landscape paintings, opening at the National Museum of the American Indian March 3.
Choreographers of the World Dance New Amsterdam presents “Urban Citizen,” a festival of choreography by four progressive artists from around the globe, including Mei-Yin Ng of MEI-BE WHATever (above), a Malaysian choreographer who will perform excerpts of “Cinderella Toe Jam” and “Cinderella Toe Jam II — Royal Pink,” an exploration of restrictions on female movement and expressions of femininity. Feb. 8-10 and Feb. 15-17 at 8 p.m. $20 general admission/$15 for members. Dance New Amsterdam, 280 Broadway, 2nd Floor, 212-279-4200, www.dnadance.org.
CLASSES
DANCE FITNESSLose weight and have fun. 2 locations. Tues. & Thurs. at noon, Mon. & Wed. at 1:10 p.m. The Knitting Factory, 74 Leonard St., bet Church & Broadway. Mon. & Wed. at 4:30 p.m. Sandra Cameron Dance Center, 199 Lafayette St., bet Broome & Kenmare. $120 for a two-month unlimited pass. First class is free. Jazzercise NYC, 212-374-1175, www.jazznewyork.net.
Comedy
ZEHL STEEN THINK POUNDAn evening of sketch comedy at The Tank. Tickets $7. Sat., Feb. 3 at 10 p.m. The Tank Space for Performing & Visual Arts at Collective: Unconscious, 279 Church St., 212-563-6269, www.thetanknyc.org.
DANCE
NYC Dance Makers Performers 40 and over bring dances choreographed for film to the stage in an encore performance sponsored in part by a grant from Montauk Theater Productions at Shooting Star Theater, Feb. 3-4, Chelsea Studios, 151 W. 26th St., 5th Fl. Call 917-770-6336 for reservations. Suggested donation: $20.
Urban CitizenA festival of choreography by artists from around the globe. Thurs.-Sat., Feb. 8-10 and Feb. 15-17 at 8 p.m. $20. $15 for members. Dance New Amsterdam, 280 Broadway, 2nd Floor, 212-279-4200, www.dnadance.org.
EVENTS
Free Hearing screenings at the League for the Hard of HearingEvery Tues. from 12-2 p.m. and every Thurs. from 4-6 p.m. Call or email to schedule an appointment. League for the Hard of Hearing, 50 Broadway, 6th floor, 917-305-7766, appointments@llh.org, www.lhh.org.
Ladies’ Night OutCatch up with friends and unwind from the week at neighborhood tapas and wine bar, Azafran. Fri., Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m. 77 Warren St. Bet. Greenwich and W. Broadway. Organized through the Battery Park City Neighbors Association. www.bpcnpa.com.
Parents’ Network BREAKFASTParents, expectant parents and babies 0-12 months are invited to enjoy a monthly breakfast. Share tips, seek advice and meet other new moms and dads. First Tues., Feb. 6. from 10-11:30 a.m. Free for BPCNA members and first timers. Membership applications available at the event or at www.bpcnpa.com. Applebee’s on Vesey St. Organized through the Battery Park City Neighbors Association.
Studio visit with Carter KusteraGet a glimpse into the working method of artist Carter Kustera, who will discuss his paintings and product design work at his studio on Orchard Street. The longtime resident of the Lower East Side first started exhibiting in 1980s and continues to exhibit nationally and internationally. He creates paintings and sculptures in his studio but also has been successful in commercial ventures, such as design work for Barney’s. FREE, but reservations are required. Sun., Feb. 4, 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., 197 East Broadway, 212.780.2300, ext. 378.
Tribeca Meet & Greet Second Wednesday of the month from 6:30-9 p.m. at various area restaurants. Have a drink, do some networking and exchange some ideas with people from local businesses, schools, newspapers, restaurants and more. 212-220-1459, dcleaver@tribecapac.org.
EXHIBITS
Black and White on BlackA group show celebrating Black History Month, including photographer Maureen Beitler’s series “Faith in Harlem”; Jerry Dantzic’s “Jazz Legends”; and Ming Smith’s “August Wilson’s Pittsburgh.” Reception on Feb. 15, 6 to 9 p.m. Ends March 11. PhotoGraphic Gallery, 252 Front St., 212-227-2287 www.photographicnyc.com.
A Blessing to One Another: Pope John Paul II and the Jewish PeoplePope John Paul II used his papacy to promote tolerance, understanding and dialogue among the world’s different religions. This exhibition is a celebration of his legacy. Continues Through Feb. 23. Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place, 646-437-4200, www.mjhnyc.org.
BPCPC Group Exhibit Annual exhibition of works created in Battery Park City Parks Conservancy’s painting and drawing classes. Through Feb. 28, weekdays from 2-4 p.m. Battery Park City Parks Conservancy, 2 South End Ave., 212-267-9700, www.bpcparks.org.
Chinese Art StarsEthan Cohen Fine Art presents a group exhibit of the best contemporary Chinese sculptors, photographers, printmakers and painters working today. Through Mar. 7. 18 Jay St., 212-625-1250, www.ecfa.com.
Changing Climate, Changing Colors Working in a variety of mediums, and coming from a wide range of religious, cultural and political backgrounds, the 24 Muslim artists in” Changing Climate, Changing Colors” shed light on the diverse interpretations of Islam today. Through March 16. Abrons Arts Center, 466 Grand St., 212-598-0400, www.henrystreet.org/arts.
The Dimension of LineRosemarie Castoro. Through Mar. 31. Hal Bromm, 90 West Broadway at Chambers, 212-732-6196, halbromm@gmail.com.
FloodwallA Multimedia art installation of over 600 dresser drawers collected by New Orleans artist Jana Napoli after Hurricane Katrina. Through Feb. 9. 7 am-11 p.m. daily. Liberty Street Bridge. World Financial Center. www.Floodwall.org.
Fragments of Change A group show by four mid-career artists, Michiko Itatani, CarrieMoyer, Sheila Pepe, Christy Rupp. Through March 1 at the EDUCATIONAL ALLIANCE / ERNEST RUBENSTEIN GALLERY, 197 East Broadway, 212-780-2300, ext. 378.
“From the Heart: The Photojournalism of Ruth Gruber”Ruth Gruber is being honored with an exhibition at the Museum of Jewish Heritage that celebrates the life’s work of the 95-year-old journalist and activist. Through Oct. Free, with cost of museum admission. 36 Battery Pl., 646-437-4337, www.mjhnyc.org.
Stan Gaz, “Ash Series” A series of photographic drawings combining symbolic imagery with ash evokes a sense of fragility, memory, and mortality. Mar. 8- Apr. 8. Abrons Art Center, 466 Grand St., 212-598-0400, henrystreet.org/arts.
Rachel Haas: “Urban Synagogues”Profound Structures and Sacred Spaces on view in Tribeca. The 25-year-old artist depicts architecture from around the globe in charcoal drawings and paintings, her first solo show in New York City. Through Mar. 4. Synagogue for the Arts Gallery Space, 49 White St., 212-966-7141.
International Residency Program Exhibition A group show of eight of the 17 resident artists from Location One’s International Residency Program. Feb. 13 through March 17. Opening reception Feb. 13, 6 to 8 p.m. Location One, 26 Greene St., bet Grand & Canal Sts., 212-334-3347.
Let Everything be Temporary or When is The Exhibition? Piles of wrapped individually wrapped candies, rubbish, and other constantly devalued displays to interact with. Curated by Elena Filipovic. Artists include Michel Blazy, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Gabriel Kuri, Oksana Pasaiko, Tomo Savic-Gecan and Joelle Tuerlinckx. Through Feb. 17. Tues.-Sat. 11-6 p.m. Apexart, 291 Church St., 212-431-5270, www.apexart.org.
Ryan McGinley, “Irregular Regulars”Photographer Ryan McGinley has turned his attention away from friends and onto Morrissey fans in his first solo show at Team gallery. In these vibrant, often monochromatic pictures, he captures the star-struck gazes of rapt audiences and recasts Morrissey, in still moments on stage, as a godlike creature. Through Feb. 10. Team, 54 Grand Ave., 212-279-9219; www.teamgal.com.
New VisionsA group exhibit of artworks produced in the studio programs at Henry Street Settlement’s Community Consultation Center. Through Mar. 2. Abrons Art Center, 466 Grand St., 212-598-0400, henrystreet.org/arts.
Christine Taylor Patten: “Micro/Macro”Selected works from a series of over 2,000 one-inch crow quill and ink drawings on three-inch paper will be exhibited along with one seven by twenty-four foot drawing. Also, Eleanore Mikus: View drawings and paintings including “Tablets” from the early 1960s and later folded paper works. Through Feb. 10. The Drawing Center, 35 Wooster St., 212-219-2166, www.drawingcenter.org.
Harriet Shorr: “Persephone”New Paintings & Works on Paper. Through Mar.3. Gallery Hrs: 11-6 p.m. Tues.-Sat. Cheryl Pelavin, 13 Jay St., 212-925-9424, www.cherylpelavin.com.
Silence A group exhibition that focuses on artists’ uses of and responses to silence, as manifested in sculpture, installation, composition, works on paper, and time-based practices. Opening performance Wed., Jan. 31 by Matthew Burtner, Study 1.0 (feedback) for radio tranceiver, 7 p.mm & 8 p.m. Through March 31. Gigantic Artspace, 59 Franklin St., bet Broadway & Lafayette, 212-226-6762, www.giganticartspace.com.
Soho Photo Exhibitions “Seeing the Unseen” features work by members of the Seeing With Photography Collective, a group of visually impaired, sighted, and blind photographers. “Upstate, New York” features collection of photos by Soho Photo memberVeronica Szarejko, of women in a small town restaurant,“Off the Beaten Path: Minorities in Asia” is an exhibit of photographs taken along the Silk Road by Michael Schenker. Tyko Lewis’s first exhibit at Soho Photo is untitled. Feb. 6- Mar. 3. Soho Photo, 15 White Street., 212-226-8571, www.sohophoto.com.
FILMS
SILENT FILMS WITH THE ALLOY ORCHESTRA Alfred Hitchcock’s 1929 Blackmail, Clarence Brown’s 1925 The Eagle, and Buster Keaton’s 1926 The General will be accompanied by live music scored and performed by the Alloy Orchestra 7 p.m., Wed. – Fri., Feb. 7-9 at the Winter Garden. Free. 212-945-0505, www.worldfinancialcenter.com.
MUSIC
The Laura Dreyer TrioBrazilian music, including original bossa novas and sambas and traditional songs from the Brazilian repertoire. Sat. 1-4 p.m. No Cover. Reservations recommended. DEKK, 134 Reade St. 212-941-9401.
GOTHAM CHAMBER OPERApresents Rossini’s rarely performed one-act comic opera, “Il Signor Bruschino,” Tickets $30-$65. Through Feb. 3, Abrons Art Center, 466 Grand St., 212-598-0400, henrystreet.org/arts.
Gospel Choir CompetitionWatch gospel choirs from Maryland to Michigan compete for $10,000 in prizes. Feb. 3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Winter Garden at the World Financial Center. Free. 220 Vessey Street, 212-945-0505, www.worldfinancialcenter.com.
Doug HendersonMultichannel sound works by the composer/performer/sound artist, including “Giving Up the Ghost,” a layered recording of 200 cups of coffee brewed by a dying espresso machine. $15/$10 students/free for members. Feb. 17, 8 p.m., Roulette, 20 Greene St., 212-219-8242, www.roulette.org.
Highlights in Jazz: 34th AnniversaryVince Giordano and the Nighthawks, Trio Da Paz, Sol Yaged, and special guest Lew Soloff. Thurs., Feb. 8 at 8 p.m. $30 general admission, $27.50 for students. Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers St., 212-220-1460, www.tribecapac.org/music.htm.
Knitting Factory Line-Up Jonathan Richman, featuring Tommy Larkin on the drums, with Special Guest: KIKO VENENO , Thurs., Feb. 1 – Sun. Feb. 4; Slick Rick featuring the Adam Deitch Project with Special Guest, The original Legendary Skull Caps, Fri., Feb. 9; All Time Low, Self Against City, Driving East, Sun Scene, Beyond Hope Lies, Mon., Feb. 12; Diamanda Galas’s “Valentine’s Day Massacre, Feb. 14. Call for times/prices. The Knitting Factory, 74 Leonard St., 212-219-3132, www.knittingfactory.com.
Live JazzGary Wang on bass and Lee Metcalf on guitar. Thurs. 7:30-10:30 p.m. VinoVino, 211 West Broadway, bet Franklin and White, 212-925-8510.
MUSIC WITH A VIEW Kathleen Supové curates this series of emerging or mid-career composers at The Flea Theater through May. The February installment, moderated by Nick Dikovsky, will feature the work of Lisa Karrer and Hans Tammen. Feb. 5., 7 p.m. 41 White St., 212-229-0051 ext. 101, www.theflea.org.
Stone Street Sessions at Ulysses’ Folk HouseMr. North, Feb. 3 and Feb. 17; Track Rabbit, Feb. 24, Fluke, Mar. 11; Gervish, Mar. 12; Time Blane Band/Pie Boys Flat, Apr. 7. All shows begin at 10:30 p.m. 93 Pearl St., 212-482-0400, www.ulyssesbarnyc.com.
WALLACE RONEY The famous trumpeter, composer and bandleader will launch the Abrons Arts Jazz Series in a performance featuring his brother and saxophonist Antoine Roney, pianist Robert Irving III, bassist Clarence Seay, drummer Eric Allen, and turntablist Val. The Valentine’s-themed concert will be hosted by WBGO host Monifa Brown. $25, General Admission. 8 p.m., Fri., Feb. 9. Abrons Arts Center, 466 Grand St., 212-352-3101; www.theatermania.com.
The TRINITY CHOIR The Trinity Choir continues its 2006-2007 concert season with a performance of “Jephte” by Giacomo Carissimi and “Lætaniæ della Beata Vergine” and “Messa à Voci da Cappella” by Claudio Monteverdi with the Rebel Baroque Orchestra. Tues., Feb. 6, 6 p.m. Tickets $15-$40. Trinity Church (Broadway at Wall Street), 866-468-7619, www.ticketweb.com.
The Vinson Valega/Lee Metcalf Trioplays jazz standards from the Great American Songbook of Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Duke Ellington and more. Sun. from 7-10 p.m. No Cover. Reservations recommended. DEKK, 134 Reade St. 212-941-9401
TALKS & READINGS
Architectural HistoryEarly 20th Century tallest buildings, Corporate Image and Needle-pointed Skyscrapers presented by Majorie Grimm, Architectural History Instructor, Emeritus, The New School. Sun., Feb. 4, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. 49 Fulton St., West Wing, Tuesday Evening Hour Inc., 212-385-3650.
Infertility DiscussedA discussion of the Jewish Theological and Ethical issues surrounding the topic. Panel moderated by journalist Lisa Castleman Glazer will include Dr. Sara Barris, Rabbi Barry Freundel, Dr. Lawrence Grunfeld and Pamela Madsen. Wed., Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. Free, donation suggested. Museum of Jewish Heritage — A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, 36 Battery Pl., 646-437-4202, www.mjhnyc.org.
New York Review of Science Fiction Horror writer Kit Reed is the guest this month at the New York Review of Science Fiction Reading Series event, curated and produced by Jim Freund. Feb. 6, 6:30 p.m., $5 suggested donation. South Street Seaport Museum, Melville Gallery, 213 Water Street. 212.748.8568, southstseaport.org.
Robert Pinsky on Robert Frost and W.C. WilliamsThe Poets House presents former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky in the inaugural lecture of their “Branching Out NYC” series, in which contemporary poets explore the work of their groundbreaking predecessors. Co-sponsored by the Poetry Society of America and the Tribeca Performing Arts Center at BMCC. Funded by the New York Council for the Humanities. Feb. 6 at 7 p.m., Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Borough of Manhattan Community College, 199 Chambers St., $10, Free to students, Poets House and PSA Members, half-price to Lower Manhattan residents, 212-431-7920, www.poetshouse.org.
Seaport Book ClubExplore a different book related to the New York harbor of the Maritime Atlantic on the second Thursday of each month. This month’s book, “Black Jacks,” by W. Jeffrey Bolster, covers the history of African American sailors. $5 suggested donation. Space is limited, so R.S.V.P. by phone or email. South Street Seaport Museum, 213 Water Street. 212-748-8568, lshope@southstseaport.org, www.southstseaport.org.
Tuesday Evening HourFeb. 6: “Afghanistan & Pakistan: Before the Soviets.” Slides and lecture by educator, nature and travel photographer Miri am Balmuth. Feb. 13: “City Architecture of Poland.” Slides and lecture by Eastern European urban specialist George Berry. Feb. 20: “Great Train Rides Around the World.”Slides and lecture reflecting on rides across six-continents by travel writer and photographer Karl Zimmermann. Feb. 27: “Photographic Society of america: Showcase 2004 Winners from 13 Chapters.” Slides and lecture by PSA member Laverne Muzelak. All lectures begin at 6:30 p.m. $2 suggested donation. Tuesday Evening Hour, 49 Fulton St., 212-385-3650.
THEATER
Drawing Board SeriesCutting-edge theater and dance artists developing new work during a two week residency at the Abrons Art Center present their works-in-progress. James Scruggs & Kristen Marting present “Rus” Feb. 10 at 8 p.m. Free. Abrons Art Center, 466 Grand St., 212-598-0400, henrystreet.org/arts.
Night Kitchen Radio TheaterAdaptations of well-known classics with a contemporary twist, the Night Kitchen Radio Theater combines star-studded casts, scores by famous composers, and sound effects by renowned sound designer Bob Bielecki. Each performance airs on XM Satellite Radio. Yorinks’ “The Session,” Feb. 4; Twain’s “1601,” Feb. 18; James’ “What Maise Knew,” Mar. 4; and Wells’ “The Invisible Man,” Mar. 18. Free. Abrons Art Center, 466 Grand St., 212-598-0400, henrystreet.org/arts.
OresteiaDavid Johnston’s adaptation of Aeshylus’s “Oresteia” begins previews Feb. 14 for a limited run at Access Theater, 380 Broadway, 212-868-8444, www.smarttix.com.
The Pod ProjectIn this surreal experiment in personalized theater, individual audience members shuffle from one, glowing “pod” to the next, where actors waiting in each deliver a one-on-one performance of 13 scenes, ranging from a moutaintop ski-lift to a woman showering in a bathroom (above). Created and directed by Naked Angels writer and actor Nancy Bannon, with lighting by Tony-winning designer Brian MacDevitt, “The Pod Project” promises that no two viewers will experience the show the same. Tickets $25. Through February 11. 20Greene Gallery, 20 Greene, 800-838-3006, www.brownpapertickets.com.
The Polish Play: A Conflation of MacbethA play by Alfred Jarry. Avenue Q’s Jordan Gelber stars in the Katharsis Theater Production. Through Feb. 18. Wed-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. at 7 p.m. $18. Walker Space. 46 Walker Street, 212-868-4444.
STRAIGHT DRAMA RockMill Entertainment presents the premiere of “Straight Drama,” an urban tale about the manager for the hottest hip-hop and R&B radio station in NYC who is forced to decide between a dre am job, her family, and her true love. $35 (includes gift bag and VIP status at a NYC hotspot with complimentary drinks and free buffet). Sat., Feb. 3, 8 p.m. World Financial Center Winter Garden. 220 Vessey Street, 347-715-2402, www.myspace.com/straightdr ama.
TOURS
Fraunces Tavern MuseumSelf-Guided Tours Visit the museum between 10 am and 5 p.m. on Saturdays for a self-guided tour of the exhibitions. $4 adults, $3 for kids 18 and under. Fraunces Tavern Museum, 54 Pearl Street, 212-425-1778, www.FrauncesTavernMuseum.com.
Wall Street Walking Tour Free 90-minute guided walking tour weaving together the history, events, architecture and people of Downtown. Thursdays and Saturdays at noon. Meet at the steps of the National Museum of the American Indian. One Bowling Green. Alliance for Downtown NY, 212-606-4064. www.downtownny.com
Listings Requestsfor the Downtown Express may be mailed to Nicole Davis at 145 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10013-1548 or e-mailed to nicole@downtownexpress.com. Please include listings in the subject line of the e-mail and provide the date, time, location, price and a description of the event. Information must be received two weeks before the event is to be published. Questions, call 646-452-2507.
