CLASSES
Adult Art Classes Collage, 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.
Adult Fitness Program Yoga 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.
Dance and Pilates Ballet, 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 Boathouse Offers 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.
Downtown Purim Carnival Celebrate the holiday of Purim with JCP at our annual family carnival! There will be music and food, crafts, friends, children’s entertainment galore, and of course the Purim Spiel! $36 per family Mar. 8 11 A.M. – 2 P.M. PS 234, 292 Greenwich Street 212-334-3522 jcpdowntown.org
Table Tennis Training Program Table 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.
Figure Drawing A traditional figure drawing class for beginners and advanced students interested in sketching people.$220 includes materials fee, Feb 4 – Mar. 29 (8 Wednesdays) Meeting Room at The Verdesian 211 North End Avenue (bet. Warren and Murray Streets) 212.267.9700, ext. 348 or 366, bpcparks.org
New Beginnings Chair Yoga Trinity 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.
WEIGHTWATCHERS Weekly 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
Forever A world premiere by Laura Peterson Choreography, this dance for four people will be performed in a large luminous white circle with the audience looking into its patterned multi-colored world while listening to the bumpy vocal loopings of Lumberob. Tickets: $20, $15, Members, $17, Students. Feb. 20-21, 8 P.M., Feb. 22, 3 P.M., Dance New Amsterdam, 280 Broadway, 2nd Floor (entrance on Chambers) 212-625-8369, dnadance.org
My Name is a Blackbird Choreographer, Molly Shanahan’s live hour-long solo performance will be performed to the backdrop of original music by three composers, including songwriter Andrew Bird. The New York premiere will be run from Apr. 9 – 11. $20 General Admission, $15 Students / Seniors. Joyce Soho 155 Mercer St. 212-242-0800, www.joyce.org/calendar_soho.php
Soul Samurai Ma-Yi Theater Company in association with Vampire Cowboys Theatre Company, presents the world premiere production of “SOUL SAMURAI,” written by Qui Nguyen and directed by Robert Ross Parker, with fight choreography by Mr. Nguyen $25 / students and seniors $20 Feb. 14 – Mar. 15, performance times vary, Here Arts Center, 145 Sixth Ave., entrance on Dominick St. 212-352-3101, here.org
Voice Hearers Indian inspired dance choreographed by Jonathan Hollander to music by Tribeca resident and world-renowned composer Meredith Monk General admission is $35; student & senior tickets are $20; and gala tickets including performance and reception are $150. Mar. 5-6. Opening Night Mar. 5 BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center 199 Chamber Street (212) 220-1460 tribecapac.org/dance.htm
EVENTS
Fairway Bus Trips every Thursday Shopping 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 Hearing Every Wed. 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.
City Winery Pairing Series Pairings is a unique “blend” at City Winery: an intimate concert series — served with fine wine — that will take place on City Winery’s main stage every Thursday evening, starting in January 2009. Each concert will be preceded by an optional tasting or private dinner, followed by personal performances from some of today’s most respected musicians. Pricing varies. 8 P.M. seating, 9 P.M. show155 Varick St. 212 608-0555 citywinery.com
Joan Rivers Stand Up Act With the closing of The Cutting Room, legendary comedian brings her her live stand-up act to The Lower East Side. Tickets are $30 with a portion of the proceeds going to Joan Rivers’ favorite charities: God’s Love We Deliver and Guide Dogs for the Blind. Live performances every Tuesday at 7:30pm from February 3 – 24 The Slipper Room, 167 Orchard St. For reservations call 212-352-3101 or visit SpinCycleNYC.com
Kiss My Hearts Ass Short Films About Love curated by Davy Rothbart. Free Feb. 11 – Mar. 21 212-431-5270 apexart.org 291 Church St., 212-431-5270
EXHIBITS
Beauty Surrounds Us Featuring 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
Avanti Duo – Kaleidoscope NY ‘09: Paintings by Elinore Bucholtz and Diane Hardy Waller presents the contrasting, emphatic complementary visions of two painters evoking a variety of responses to the vibrancy, energy and impact of the city. Free Feb 26-Mar 29 Reception Feb 26, 6-8 P.M. Synagogue for the Arts Gallery Space 49 White St. 212-966-7141 synagogueforthearts.org
Ben Jones: The New Dark Age Interdisciplinary artist Ben Jones presents a solo show of between-media video sculpture, light painting, and “drawing in the digital age” Free Feb 5 – Feb 28 Deitch Projects 76 Grand St. 212-343-7300 deitch.com
Candid Portraits of Celebrities from the 1960s and 1970s a photography exhibition of 36 portraits of American heroes, Hollywood notables and photography icons by photographer Dick Swift. Free Through Feb. 28, Wed. – Sun., 1-6 P.M. and by appointment Soho Photo Gallery 15 White St. 212 226-8571sohophoto.com
Dark Matter Artist Rico Gatson will exhibit a large-scale video installation, sculpture, paintings, and works on paper that continue his exploration of racial issues and shared cultural histories. Free Feb 13-Mar 14, Gallery hours Tues. – Sat. 10 A.M. – 6 P.M., Monday by apptmt. Ronald Feldman Fine Arts Gallery 31 Mercer St. 212-226-3232 feldmangallery.com
Experiments with Matter In her first NYC gallery solo show Mindell Seidlin’s new work displays the artist’s freedom of choice in disregarding the original meaning or purpose of “useful” items, transforming matter that is no longer suitable for its intended use into art: includes experiments with collage, autobiographical elements and mixed media. Jan. 15-Feb. 22 Mon. Wed. Thurs. 1-5 P.M., Tues. 1-7 P.M and by appointment Synagogue for the Arts Gallery Space, 49 White St. 212-966-7141 synagogueforthearts.org
If These Walls Could Talk As 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.
Krappy Kamera Exhibition will feature images that have been produced using equipment from the lowest end of the technological scale. The concept underlying this show is that in the hands of an artist, any piece of equipment can be used to create engaging photographs. Free Mar. 3 – Apr. 4, Opening Reception: Mar. 3, 6 – 8 P.M. Gallery Hours: Wed. – Sun., 1-6 P.M., and by apptmt, Soho Photo Gallery, 15 White St. 212-226-8571, sohophoto.com
Monarchs of the Sea In 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.
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 Française Exhibit examines the life, work, and legacy of this enthralling, often controversial, literary figure.Through March. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required. $12 adults, $10 seniors, $7 students, children under 12 free. Hiding in Plain Sight: Pre- and Post-War French Cinema Film Series examines how the Nazi occupation of France influenced French cinema long after the war had ended, and how filmmakers took on the task of exploring complex and often controversial topics about this period of French history; in tandem with Irène Némirovsky exhibit. Check with museum for viewing times Museum of Jewish Heritage 36 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
Re:Construction Bridges 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.
MUSIC
Rehearsals: Tuesday Male Chorus needs singers (Popular Standards and the American Song Book) for its annual Immigrant Heritage Week Concert on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 7:30 PM and Spring Concert Rehearsals every Tuesday, between 6:30 & 8:30 PM at St. Margaret’s House, 49 Fulton St., near the South Street Seaport, beginning Jan. 13
A New Dance Every Workday Lunch Hour? Undercurrents & Exchange a new five-to-ten-minute-long world premiere dance piece presented every Monday through Friday, Features choreographies by Marissa Nielsen-Pincus and Tara O’Con, February 2 through 27 at 1:00 P.M.World Financial Center Winter Garden, 220 Vesey St. 212-945-0505 worldfinancialcenter.com
Choral Festival Celebrates Nature through Jewish Music Performers include Shir Chadash and Shirei Chesed choirs conducted by Cantor Natasha J. Hirschhorn $10 Adults, $7 Students / Seniors $5 Members Feb. 22, 2:30 P.M. Museum of Jewish Heritage—A Living Memorial to the Holocaust 36 Battery Pl. 646-437-4339 mjhnyc.org
Concerts at One Trinity Wall Street invites you to take a break from the cold and warm up with a mid-day afternoon concert as they celebrate the 41st year of the Concerts at One performance series. Suggested Contribution: $2 February 23; March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 1-2 P.M. St. Paul’s Chapel (Broadway and Fulton Street) 212-602-0747 trinitywallstreet.org
Pathmark Gospel Choir Competition For the first time, great U. S. choirs, this time from Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and South Carolina, are joined by an outstanding choir from Canada. Prizes total $10,000. Free. Feb. 28, 12:30 P.M.– 5 P.M. The World Financial Center Winter Garden, West St. between Vesey and Liberty Sts. 866-893-1812, pathmark.com
New York Scandia Symphony Directed and conducted by Dorrit Matson, program includes Carl Nielsen’s Prelude from “Maskarade” and Symphony No. 5, and Johan Svendsen’s Cello Concerto with cellist Lawrence Zoernig as the soloist. This concert is part of Scandia’s 18th annual season of presentations in the popular “Concerts at One” A $2 donation is suggested. Trinity Church, Broadway & Wall St. 212-602-0747, trinitywallstreet.org
THEATER
A Slight Headache A metaphysical drama of mother and daughter joined by their hair set in a 19th century Dime Museum. Tickets $20 Mar. 20 – Apr.19, Thurs. – Sun. 7:30 P.M. South Street Seaport Museum, Melville Gallery, 213 Water St. 212-868-4444, smarttix.com.
Battle of the Bards This is a one-night-only theater competition pitting New York City’s hottest emerging theater companies against each other in a stage-fight to the finish. General admission is $15.00. VIP admission is $75.00 and includes table seating and complimentary beverages, foods and a VIP gift bag. This event will benefit Partial Comfort Productions’s seventh theatrical season. Feb. 20, starts at Doors open at 6, performances start at 7:30. 212-352-3101 TheaterMania.com.
Five Throws a new work based on Sophocles’ Antigone written and directed by Rachel Dickstein $25/ $20 students/seniors Feb.22-Mar.28, Wed. – Sat. 8 P.M.3LD 80 Greenwich St. at Rector St 212-352-2101 3LDnyc.org
Start HERE: Innovative Theater for Young People Start HERE’s mission is to bring multi-disciplinary performances from around the world to NYC’s children and families.
Diva is the name of the inventive/captivating puppetry of Denmark visionary Sofie Krog $20 Adults / $12 Children Feb. 27, 7 P.M., Feb. 28- Mar 1, 3 and 7 P.M. HERE Arts Center, 145 Sixth Ave. 212-352-3101 here.org
This is Burlesque A 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 by Andrea James will be directed by Harold Dean James and Karen Oughtred. The play is a Grand St). smarttix.com, thisisburlesque.com.
Love/Stories (Or But You Will Get Used to It) In this world premiere of Itamar Moses’ play, nothing is what it seems in these five funny and poignant short plays. A couple moving in together finds that greater intimacy can have surprising results. And much more. Jan. 29-Mar. 9 $20 Performance times vary. The Flea Theater, 41 White St. 212-226-2407, theflea.org
Tartuffe Moliere’s classic comedy adapted and directed by Jeff Cohen Mar. 6- Mar.29
Crazy Head Space a new musical, Mar.12 – April 5
STUDIO 42’s New Play Reading Series Feb. 16 – Mar. 30
Unknown Production’s New Play Reading Series featuring work by Emily Conbere, Crystal Skillman, Maggie Smith, and Jeff Cohen will be presented on Sunday afternoons Mar. 15 – Apr. 5 Tickets $18. A special $40 Seaport Theatre Pass for admission to all shows, readings and extra performance events is also available. Theater at South Street Seaport Fulton St. at South St.212-868-4444 smarttix.com.
The World Premiere of Kaspar Hauser: a foundling’s opera a music-theater piece by Tony-nominee and Obie-winner Elizabeth Swados and Erin Courtney of 13P. $25 Feb. 13 – Mar. 28, Wed. – Sat. at 7pm, Sat. matinee at 3pm. The Flea Theater, 41 White St. (212) 352-3101 theflea.org
Sixty Miles to Silver Lake In this world premiere production, playwright Dan LeFranc and Obie Award-winning director Anne Kauffman team up to see just how much time and space can exist between the pleather seats of a father’s used car.$25; $35 Reserved Seating Jan. 22 – Feb. 8 at Soho Rep 46 Walker St. (212) 941-8632 sohorep.org
Courtesy of W.W. Norton
Poet Marie Howe will lead a workshop, “Breaking Through: A Generative Workshop for All,” for four Wednesdays, April 1-22, 6:30-9 p.m. $325. Space limited, no application necessary. Poets House. Poets House. 594 Broadway, Suite 510. 212-431-7920 or email classes@poetshouse.org.
READINGS AND TALKS
Access Restricted: Capital of the World a free nomadic tour and lecture series that encourages the public to experience rarely visited Downtown locales through the lenses of architecture and planning, art, history, sociology, political science, and law. Free Five lectures and tours through April 28. Schedule and meeting places vary. 212-219-9401 lmcc.net
Book Talk and Signing with Michael Rockland Author of “The George Washington Bridge: Poetry in Steel” Free, Feb. 26, 6:30 – 8 P.M. The Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Park Pl. R.S.V.P at programs@skyscraper.org , skyscraper.org.
Debut Novel Pictures at an Exhibition Explores Looted Jewish Art join author Sara Houghteling in conversation with stolen art expert Marilyn Henry for the New York launch of her mesmerizing debut novel Pictures at an Exhibition. $5 non-members, free for members Feb. 24, 12:30 P.M. Museum of Jewish Heritage—A Living Memorial to the Holocaust. Edmond J. Safra Plaza, 36 Battery Place Tel: 646-437-4339 mjhnyc.org
Habeas Lounge – A Public Art Project: Focus on the Economy L.A.-based artist Linda Pollack is creating a modern day salon in a former flower shop on the concourse level of One New York Plaza (Whitehall & Water Sts.), where New Yorkers can gather for four hours every weekday to discuss the great economic issues of the day. Free, Feb. 17 – May 1, Mon. – Fri. from12 P.M. – 4 P.M.
TOURS
Public Art Walking Tours LMCC 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 9/11 Walking tours of Ground Zero. Daily. VISITORS CENTER, 120 Liberty St. For hours and info, visit tributewtc.org.
Wall Street Walking Tour Free 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 Street Guided 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.
Access Restricted: Capital of the World a free nomadic tour and lecture series that encourages the public to experience rarely visited Downtown locales through the lenses of architecture and planning, art, history, sociology, political science, and law. Free Five lectures and tours through April 28 Schedule and meeting places vary. 212-219-9401 lncc.net
Listings Requests for 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.
