Lou Reed will be making a special appearance to read from, discuss, and sign his book, “Pass Thru Fire: the Collected Lyrics.” Wed., Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. Free. Housing Works Book Café. 126 Crosby St. (betw. Prince & Houston Sts.) 212-334-3324, housingworksbookstore.org.
CLASSES
Adult Art ClassesCollage, Drawing, Painting, Photography, Pottery, Sculpture. Dozens of evening weekend and daytime classes. Ongoing, Educational Alliance Art School East Broadway 212-780-2300, ext. 378, 197 edalliance.org/artschool.
Dance and PilatesBallet, jazz, tango, hip-hop, and modern dance classes offered for all levels. $16/class, discounts for multiples. Ongoing, Dance New Amsterdam, 280 Broadway (entrance at 53 Chambers St.) 2nd Floor. 212-279-4200, dnadance.org.
Downtown BoathouseOffers a number of kayaking classes and trips for a variety of levels. Go to the Park office and get an identification card (cost $9), which is needed for any class in the park. Ongoing. 241 W. Broadway, 646-613-0740, downtownboathouse.org.
Adult Fitness ProgramYoga at 9:15 a.m. on Mondays, Zumba at 7 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays and Total Body Workout on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. Free trial classes, Downtown Community Center, 120 Warren St., manhattanyouth.org.
Table Tennis Training ProgramTable tennis training and play to players of all skill levels, and provide a venue for players of all ages to come together, enjoy the sport, and build new friendships. Mon.-Fri,10 a.m.-1 p.m. $100 a year for people ages 6-15 and 50 and older, $200 for others. American Asian Cultural Center of Tribeca, 384 Broadway, lower level. 646-772-2922.
New Beginnings Chair YogaTrinity Church’s seniors group meets for one hour of gentle yoga while seated 10-11 a.m. Ongoing, TRINITY CHURCH, Broadway at Wall St. 212-602- 0747, trinitywallstreet.org.
WEIGHTWATCHERSWeekly meetings to help motivate you and keep you focused. Stop dieting and start living! Come and meet our friendly group and new leader. From $9 per week. Tuesday afternoons at 3.30pm. Doors open from 3.00pm for weigh in. Caring Community Room, Level 2, 310 Greenwich St. Entry at side of building next to Washington Market Park.646-673-5096.
DANCE
Eight Strokes and the Moving World by H.T. Chen & Dancers – The focus of this series will center on the theme of demystification, revealing not only elements of choreography but also clarifying valuable lessons in Chinese history and culture. The performances are innovative one hour presentations complete with narration, audience participation, video presentation, and vibrant dance excerpts of traditional and contemporary dance. Jan. 12-16, Jan. 20-23, Jan. 27-30, Feb. 2-4, Feb 6, Feb. 9-13, Apr. 21-24 Chen Dance Center, 70 Mulberry St., 2nd. Fl. 212-349-0126 chendancecenter.orgGallim DanceLed by Artistic Director Andrea Miller, this on-the-rise company now returns to Joyce SoHo with a pair of dynamic, evening-length works from January 9-18, 2009. Fiercely physical, Andrea Miller’s dances deal with various aspects of the human condition, intercutting moments of deep seriousness with others of sly humor. Blush: (world premiere) Jan. 9 at 8pm, Jan. 10 & 11 at 3 p.m., Jan. 13, 16 & 17 at 8 p.m., and Jan. 18 at 3 p.m. I Can See Myself in Your Pupil: Jan. 9 at 3 p.m., Jan. 10 at 8 p.m., Jan. 11 & 12 at 8 p.m. Q&A with the artists, will follow the January 13 performance with hosted by Ashleigh Leite. Joyce Soho 155 Mercer St. (212) 431-9233. joyce.org
The Only Tribeis a fantasia that blends together masks, movement and sociology in an abstract interpretation of a short story by Rebecca Bannor-Addae. Through Dec. 20th, Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m., $30, $15 students 3KD Art & Technology Center, 80 Greenwich St. 212-352-3101 3LDNYC.org
EVENTS
Arts for Art, Inc. Gala FundraiserArtists of all ages and disciplines have come together with the local community to build a Center for Innovative Arts in the Lower East Side. Dinner and open bar is from 7:30-9:30 p.m. and performances are from 9:30 –11 p.m. Dec. 15. Tables start at $2,000, individual tickets start at $250. For performances only, $50 and $35 for students/seniors. The Angel Oresanz Foundation, 172 Norfolk St., 212-254-5420, brownpapertickets.com, info@artsforart.com.
Fairway Bus Trips every ThursdayShopping trip to Fairway (Red Hook, Brooklyn) welcome to all senior citizens. Two van pick-up spots, 8:45 a.m. on River Terrace across from Pan Latin and at 9 a.m. on South End Ave. in front of the Chase bank. The van leaves Fairway at 11 a.m. for the return trip to BPC. Sponsored by BPCNA and the Downtown Alliance, bpcna.org.
Free Hearing Screenings at the League for the Hard of HearingEvery Tues. from 12-2pm and every Thurs. from 4-6 p.m. Call or email to schedule an appointment. LEAGUE FOR THE HARD OF HEARING, 50 Broadway, 6th Fl. 917-305-7766, appointments@llh.org.
Battery Park City Neighborhood Association, Embassy Suites Hotel Atrium, 102 N. End Avenue at Vesey St., bpcna.orgParents’ Network Holiday Party Refreshments will be served. There will be a play space, toys for children and a gift to take home. This event is open to member parents and their children. Annual membership is $50 and membership applications will be available at the event. Dec. 16 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Battery Park Neighborhood Association, The Verdesian, 211 North End Avenue, bpcna.org
EXHIBITS
Dark Systems In his first New York solo exhibition of ink paintings, Evan Gruzis explores the banal and the theatrical, driven by the dichotomy between the technique of watercolor and ink painting, and his own conceptual impulses. Dec. 10 – Dec. 23 Deitch projects 76 Grand St. 212-343-7300 deitch.com
Drawing Review: 37 Years of Works on PaperDrawings spanning 37 years by more than 40 artists who are, or have been, represented by the gallery since 1971. The drawings comprise a wide spectrum of techniques and materials reflecting the broad range of subject matter of the artists. Through Dec. 23. The Ronald Feldman Gallery, 31 Mercer St. 212-226-3232, feldmangallery.com.
Kehinde Wiley Down This exhibition consists of four new large-scale paintings inspired by images of fallen warriors, saints, and classical mythology by Kehinde Wiley Down. Through Dec. 20. Deitch Projects, 18 Wooster St., 212-343-7300 deitch.com.
Beauty Surrounds UsFeaturing an elaborate Quechua girl’s dance outfit, a Northwest Coast chief’s staff with carved animal figures and crests, Seminole turtle shell dance leggings, a conch shell trumpet from pre-Columbian Mexico, and an Inupiak (Eskimo) ivory cribbage board. Two interactive media stations show visitors in-depth descriptions of each object. Ongoing. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN, One Bowling Green, 212-514-3700, nmai.si.edu.
Celebrating Central ParkSara Cedar Miller, the official photographer and historian for the Central Park Conservatory, will exhibit her work capturing colorful blooms, glorious autumn landscapes, snow-covered arches and majestic trees, fountains and water bodies. Through Jan. 3. SoHo Photo, 15 White St., 212-226-8571, sohophoto.com.
EntanglementsArt by Zoe Keramea, including “Nine Blocks,” a sculptural ensemble of nine cubes, each surrounded by a painted black ribbon. Through Jan. 6. DietzSpace, 429 Greenwich St., dietzspace.org.
FriendsMore than 42 works by artists that are long time friends and associates of the gallery and their artist friends. There was no theme given for this show except that the format for the works be smaller than 30 square inches and that the artists include someone they really like as a friend and admire artistically. The result is a very lively mix of sculpture, painting, photography, digital art and drawing from artists covering six decades in age. Through Jan. 3. Free. Tues-Sat, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cheryl Pelavin Fine Arts, 13 Jay St., 212-925-9424, cherylpelavin.com
If These Walls Could TalkAs Manhattan’s oldest surviving building, 54 Pearl Street has witnessed nearly 300 years of the city’s history. Ongoing. $4, $3 seniors and children under 18, and free to children under six. Fraunces Tavern Museum, 54 Pearl St. 212-425-1776, frauncestavernmuseum.com.
Monarchs of the SeaIn celebration of the ocean liner era, this permanent exhibition features plans, models and memorabilia evoking the majesty and magic of a time when ocean liners were considered the last word in luxury travel. $10 general admission, $8 seniors/students, $5 children 5–12, under fives are free. South Street Seaport Museum 12 Fulton St (bet Front & South Sts). 212-748-8786, southstseaport.org.
Paintings of Israel and New Yorkby Brian Shapiro – an exhibition of oils on canvas, spanning more than a decade, focuses on everyday life in Israel and New York and reflect a realistic, humanist vision of landscape, architecture, and people. Dec. 11 – Jan. 11 Synagogue for the Arts Gallery Space, 49 White St. 212-966-7141 synagogueforthearts.org
STARF***ER CONCERT 76 PHOTOS BY NOBBY CLARKYears after STARF***ER: The Rolling Stones Live in London ‘76 concert set a standard for onstage decadence, excess and sheer rock and rock ‘n’ roll energy, 120 never-before-seen photographs of the now legendary event by acclaimed entertainment photographer Nobby Clark will be on view, coinciding his book launch. Through Dec. 20, Tribeca Arches, 172 Duane St., 212-289-2227.The Shooting of the Jews in Ukraine: Holocaust by Bullets Interviews, photographs and artifacts unveil evidence of the murder of 1.5 million Ukrainian Jews when Nazis invaded the Soviet Union through Mar. 22
Woman of Letters: Irène Némirovsky and Suite FrançaiseExhibit examines the life, work, and legacy of this enthralling, often controversial, literary figure. Tours begin at 5 p.m. and continue every 30 minutes until 6:30 p.m. through March. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required. $10 adults, $7 seniors, $5 students, children under 12 free. Museum of Jewish Heritage 39 Battery Place 646-437-4202, mjhnyc.org
Vertical Cities: Hong Kong | New York Examines the evolving identities of these world’s two great skyscraper cities. Both island cities with perfect harbors, evolved from colonial ports into dominant centers of international finance and commerce. As they grew, each embraced the skyscraper as the principal instrument of modern urbanism. Through Feb. $5 general, $2.50 seniors/students. Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Pl (bet Little West St & 1st Pl). 212-968-1961, skyscraper.org
A Salute to 9/11: Hands Across the WaterAn exhibition of works by renowned British police photographer Neil Kitson showcasing the 9/11 New York City ceremonies honoring the victims of the World Trade Center tragedy. Through Jan.3. $7, Seniors, students and children ages 6-18 $5.00, Children under 6: Free, NYPD members: n/c, NYC Police Museum, 100 Old Slip (bet. South & Water Sts). 212-480-3100, nycpolicemuseum.org.
Re:ConstructionBridges the efforts of public partners and the creative community to improve the quality of life in Lower Manhattan through the creation of places of attraction. The three-pilot projects are “Best Pedestrian Route” (John St, east of Bway), “Fulton Fence” (Fulton St east of Bway), and “Concrete Jungle” (Bway, bet. John & Ann Sts). reconstructionnyc.org.
Keith Haring: Houston Street and Bowery MuralThe Keith Haring Foundation, Goldman Properties and Deitch Projects announce the Recreation of the famed Keith Haring’s celebrated Houston Street and Bowery mural—an instant downtown landmark after Keith painted it in the summer of 1982. DEITCH PROJECTS, in collaboration with the Keith Haring Foundation. Through Dec. 31 Houston St. & Bowery. 212-343-7300, deitch.com
MUSIC
Margot Leverett and The Klezmer Mountain BoysKlezmer clarinetist Margot Leverett joins forces with today’s stars of klezmer and bluegrass to deliver a holiday concert that explores the shared musical spirit of two genres. Appalachian and southern fiddle tunes by Bill Monroe meet klezmer melodies from pre-war Russia & Eastern Europe to create music that is raw, funny, soulful and foot-stomping. Dec. 14 at 12:30 p.m., Free.New York African Chorus EnsembleThe ensemble entertains and educates about the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa through music interspersed with recitations by James Stovall of poetry by renowned poet Langston Hughes, Dec.16 at 12:30 p.m., Free.ETHEL & Annie-B Parson: Waiting for Green – A World PremiereWaiting for Green is the a new site-specific work commissioned by Arts World Financial Center. Dec.19 at 12:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Joshua Nelson and his Kosher Gospel Choir return for Challah-lujah Concerts with Special Guests Cissy Houston and Frank London. Dec. 25, 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. $35 adults, $25 students/seniors, $20 members. Museum of Jewish Heritage—A Living Memorial to the Holocaust. Museum box office (646) 437-4202 mjhnyc.org
Avram Pengas and the Noga Group with Magda FishmanTwenty-year veteran of New York’s downtown music scene, guitarist and Bouzouki virtuoso Avram Pengas performs Israeli pop hits, Arabic melodies, Persian rhythms and traditional Yiddish songs with his band the Noga Group. For this special holiday performance, the band will be joined by versatile Israeli vocalist and trumpeter Magda Fishman. Dec. 22, at 12:30pm, Free.The AccidentalsVisitors may shop and dine to the innovative sounds of this award-winning a capella group as they perform holiday carols. December 5, 7, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 20 and 23, Weekdays 12-2 p.m., Weekends 2-4 p.m, Free. World Financial Center Winter Garden, 220 Vesey Street, 212-945-0505, worldfinancialcenter.com.
The Trinity Choir’s Renowned Messiah Concert The Trinity Choir and their renowned annual performance of George Frederic Handel’s Messiah Dec.14, 3 p.m. Dec. 16 7:30 p.m. $50 premium seating tickets, $30 general admission Trinity Church Broadway at Wall St. 212-602-0800 trinitywallstreet.org
THEATER
Dance Dance RevolutionPerformance group Les Freres transforms the Ohio Theater into a bombed-out discothèque as it fuses unmerciful Japanese rave music with deeply regrettable sophomoric comedy in this futuristic dance spectacular. Riffing on fizzy dance musicals like Flashdance and death sport movies such as Rollerball, Dance Dance Revolution is set in an Orwellian society where dance is illegal. Through Dec. 20. $18. Ohio Theater, 66 Wooster St., 212-868-4444, smarttix.com or lesfreres.org.
DAWNThe U.S. premiere of DAWN, by Thomas Bradshaw, is directed by Flea Artistic Director Jim Simpson. The play revolves around Hampton, an abusive alcoholic who has completely alienated his wife and children. Can he stop drinking and make up for the past, even amidst some very dark revelations of incest and pedophilia? DAWN is one father’s story of redemption and reconciliation — with a twist. Through Dec. 6, performance times vary. The Flea, 41 White St., 212-226-0051, theflea.org.
Trap Door PartyVancouver’s MOVE: the company makes its American debut with this full-length work created by Canadian choreographic wunderkind Josh Beamish. With a fresh take on traditional forms, Beamish tracks the motivation and progress of six individuals who leave it all behind to create a Utopian society. Trap Door Party is an appealing work influenced by court dancing, Celtic movement and classical ballet. The sound score blends classical music and orchestral covers of Aphex Twin songs by Alarm Will Sound. Joyce SoHo, 155 Mercer St., Dec. 18-20, 8 p.m. and 3 p.m. (Dec. 20 only). 212-334-9907
This is BurlesqueA racy new weekly revue featuring Murray Hill, neo-burlesque star Angie Pontani, The World Famous Pontani Sisters, and others. Thurs-Sat at 8pm. $25. CORIO, 337 West Broadway (at Grand St). smarttix.com, thisisburlesque.com.
The Very Sad Story of Ethel & Julius, Lovers and Spyes, and about Their Untymelie End while Sitting in a Small Room at the Correctional Facility in Ossining New YorkIn this Object Theatre-style production, CAMT will explore the myths surrounding the Rosenbergs’ purported betrayal of the atomic bomb secret to the Soviet Union. The play will show the whole first half of the 20th century, from the immigration of Ethel’s and Julius’ parents at the beginning of the century to the Great Depression and WWII, two monumental historic events that were both formative for the Rosenbergs. Through Dec.14, Thurs.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m., Theater for the New City, 155 First Avenue, 212-254-1109, theaterforthenewcity.net.
Urban CandlesA new play by Ellen Lewis
READINGS AND TALKS
Book Talk and Signing with Gail FenskeIn the first history of this great urban landmark, /The Skyscraper and the City: The Woolworth Building and the Making of Modern New
York/ (University of Chicago Press), author Gail Fenske illuminates how the Woolworth Building is a compelling lens through which to view the distinctive city culture of Progressive Era New York. Dec. 16, 6:30 p.m., Free. The Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place, RSVP to programs@skyscraper.org.
Book Talk and Signing with Lou Reed/Pass Thru Fire: the Collected Lyrics/ Dec. 17, 7 p.m. Free. Housing Works Book Café. 126 Crosby St. (betw. Prince & Houston Sts.) 212-334-3324, housingworksbookstore.org.
“World-wide Adventure by Local ArtistsSlide Lectures Tuesdays, Jan 6 – May 26, 6:30 p.m. $2 donation. Tuesday Evening Hour, 49 Fulton St.212-964-3936 call for weekly travel slide lecture schedule tuesdayeveninghour.com
All You Need to Know about U.S. Citizenship Informational Talk about Obtaining U.S. Citizenship, also in Spanish Free 12 p.m. Dec. 30 New Amsterdam Library 9 Murray St. 212-732-8186 nypl.org
TOURS
Public Art Walking ToursLMCC offers a series of three self-guided audio tours exploring public art downtown. Titled “Art and Security,” “Art and the Body,” and “Monuments and Memory,” the 45-minute tours are narrated by Perry Garvin and William Smith. Download the free tours to your iPod or other MP3 player and start walking. lmcc.net.
Tribute WTC 9/11Walking tours of Ground Zero. Daily. VISITORS CENTER, 120 Liberty St. For hours and info, visit tributewtc.org.
Wall Street Walking TourFree 90-minute guided walking tour weaving together the history, events, architecture and people of downtown. Thurs. and Sat. at noon. Meet at the steps of the National Museum of the American Indian. One Bowling Green, Alliance for Downtown NY, 212-606-4064, downtownny.com
Museum at Eldridge StreetGuided tours led by historian-trained docents tell the story of the 1887 landmark synagogue, and illuminate the experience of the East European Jewish immigrants who settled on the LES in the late 19th century. Sun.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $10 adults, $8 seniors, $6 children Museum Of Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St. 212-219-0888, eldridgestreet.org.
Listings Requestsfor the Downtown Express may be mailed to Listings Editor at 145 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10013-1548 or e-mailed to listingseditor@gmail.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 646-452-2472.
