thelistings

CLASSES

The Battery Park City Parks Conservancyis sponsoring a number of classes for adults through October 31. Participants work in color and/or black and white, rendering subjects of their own choice in a variety of media. “Elements of Nature Drawing” takes place in the gardens of Wagner Park. (Instructed by Enid Braun.) “Figure Al Fresco” and “Drawing in the Park” take place at the South Cove (access: West Thames St.) and “Volleyball After Work” and “Tai Chi” at Esplanade Plaza (access: Liberty St.) All classes are free. For more information, call 212 267 9700 or visit www.bpcparks.org.

Spanish Language Discussion Groupled by Javier Molea, a Spanish language literature expert. No preparatory reading is required; Borges, Cortazar, Fuentes, and other superlative Latin American writers are discussed. Every Saturday at noon. Free. McNally Robinson Booksellers, 52 Prince St. (btw Lafayette and Mulberry). 212-274-1160, www.mcnallyrobinsonnyc.com.

DANCE

Changing Roomis part of an ongoing project by photographer Anja Hitzenberger that explores the relationship between the human body and outdoor architectural spaces. Each week she photographs performers and dancers of different shapes and movement backgrounds. Each week also brings a new installation by architect/designer Illya Azaroff, as well as live performances, which feature dancers moving through the changing installations. July 27 at 6 pm. July 28 at 7pm includes both a performance and party. Free. 145 Nassau St (btw Spruce and Beekman). 212-679-3653.

Hot!This New York celebration of queer culture has been happening every July since 1991. It includes full-length and shorter works in performance, music, theater, dance, literature, poetry, spoken word, puppetry, burlesque, drag and circus. The works presented are at all various stages of development, from works-in-progress to polished pieces. Through Aug. 25.Moving MenNew works for male dancers, curated by Michael C. Burke. July 31 at 8pm. Tickets are $12-$15.Dixon Place, 258 Bowery (at Houston St). 212-219-0736. For more information, visit https://hot.dixonplace.org.

Residue Dance TheaterPremiere of “Color Codes: A Point of Hue” by Tribien Pollard. Through July 29 at 8pm. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $12 students and seniors. Joyce Soho, 155 Mercer St. (at Houston). 212-334-7479. www.joyce.org.

EVENTS

Free Hearing Screenings at the League for the Hard of HearingEvery Tues. from 12-2pm and every Thurs. from 4-6pm. Call or email to schedule an appointment. League for the Hard of Hearing, 50 Broadway, 6th Fl. 917-305-7766, appointments@llh.org, www.lhh.org.

Ground Zero Independence RideRescue and recovery workers will convene to lauch a massive motorcycle motorcade from Ground Zero in lower Manhattan to Pomona, NY for a family BBQ with musical entertainment by Dan Lawson’s Blues Band and Brothers of the Road. The ride will raise money for Tuesday’s Children, which provides services for the families of 9/11, and Anderson House, a halfway house for women recovering from drug addiction. July 28. Registration is available at 7am on the morning of the ride and the bikers will depart at 9:30am. Donation of $50. Ground Zero at Church & Vesey Sts. For more information, please call 908-534-5818 or visit www.groundzeroindride.com.

Horticultural VolunteersCultivate your love of gardening at the Battery Park City Parks Conservancy, which operates and organically maintains the beautiful gardens of the area. Work alongside horticulturists every Wed. morning, 7:30 am – noon, through October 31. Volunteers must be at least 18. For information and an application, call 212-267-9700 ext. 364. www.bpcparks.org

Independent Features Film FestivalThe festival will officially select films by a global audience via a web-based competition. The top 21 films will go on to be screened at the festival from July 27 – 29. Tickets are on sale now. Tribeca Cinemas, 54 Varick St (at Laight St). For information, call 212-941-2001 or visit www.tribecacinemas.com.

League of Independent Theater Convocationis an organization dedicated to strengthening independent theater in NYC by fostering productions performed in 99-seat theaters. The League invites the public to join them in a panel discussion of the Actors Equity showcase code and welcomes commentary on what improvements should be made to the code. July 31 at 7:30pm. Free. 279 Church St. www.leagueofindietheater.blogspot.com.

Pathmark Bus TripsWeekly grocery shopping excursion open to all senior citizens every Thursday. Two van pick-up spots, 8:45am on River Terrace across from Pan Latin and at 9am on South End Ave. and Rector Pl. The van leaves Pathmark at 11:00am for the return trip to Battery Park City. For a reservation, contact Ella Reape at 212-945-3255. www.bpcnpa.org.

Story Sunday Special: Pirates!Climb aboard the tall ship Peking to hear tales of pirate adventures on the high seas. July 29 at 1pm. Free with museum admission.Underground HistoryWhat can objects tell us about our past? Visit New York Unearthed and reconstruct history through the artifacts archaeologists have found beneath our city streets. July 28 at 1pm. $12 adults/$8 students and seniors. South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton St. 212-748-8753, www.southstreetseaportmuseum.org.

EXHIBITS

Beauty Surrounds UsThis exhibition of 77 works from the museum’s collection features an elaborate Quechua girl’s dance outfit, a Northwest Coast chief’s staff with carved animal figures and crest designs, Seminole turtle shell dance leggings, a conch shell trumpet from pre-Columbian Mexico, a Navajo saddle blanket, and an Inupiak (Eskimo) ivory cribbage board. The exhibition includes two interactive media stations, at which visitors may access in-depth descriptions of each object and, through virtual imaging technology, view and rotate a selection of the objects to examine them more closely. Through Fall 2008.Off the Map: Landscape in the Native ImaginationNative Americans explore the idea of landscape and its multiple meanings in this new group show featuring work by Jeffrey Gibson, Carlos Jacanamijoy, James Lavadour, Erica Lord and Emmi Whitehorse. Through Sept. 3. Admission to the museum is free. National Museum of the American Indian, George Gustav Heye Center, One Bowling Green, 212-514-3700, www.AmericanIndian.si.edu.

Beyond Borders: The Contemporary Urban AestheticAn exuberant exhibit of graffiti-inspired artwork made of spray paints, markers, ballpoint pens, acrylics, and oils on a variety of surfaces. Featured artists include David Pham aka Gaze, Zekis, Native, Chris Cortes, Meres, Jason Cosmi, Karski, Michael Ponce, Sien, Space, Spaze Crafte One, and Zento. The show is curated by Michael Ponce and Lois Stavsky. Through Aug. 9. Klatch, 9 Maiden Lane (between Broadway and Nassau St.) 646-345-1169 or 917-562-8468.

Alexander Calder in New Yorkis the artist’s first-ever multi-work sculpture exhibition in New York City’s public spaces. An engineer by training, Calder’s works speak of his ability to work with industrial materials and also “demonstrate his joyful imagination, his sense of harmony and balance, and his lifelong interest in color, abstraction, scale and anthropomorphism.” Through Fall 2007. City Hall Park, Lower Manhattan, bordered by Broadway, Chambers St., Centre St. and Park Row. From the Heart: The Photojournalism of Ruth GruberThis exhibition at the Museum of Jewish Heritage celebrates the life’s work of the 95-year-old journalist and activist. Through Oct.The Other Promised Land: Vacationing, Identity, and the Jewish-American DreamThis exhibition explores the history of Jewish vacationing in America from 1890 to the present, focusing on such legendary destinations as Atlantic City, the Catskills, Florida, Israel, and New York. Through Jan. 1, 2008.Daring to Resist: Jewish Defiance in the HolocaustThis large-scale exhibition, presented in association with Ghetto Fighters’ House, Israel, brings to light the stories of men, women, and children who defied the Nazis. Through July 2008. $10 adults/$7 seniors/$5 students. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, 36 Battery Place, 646-437-4202, www.mjhnyc.org.

Leah Gelpe, “I Was On The Right”This sound installation encases the dialogue of departed intimacies that reverberates against the tile, metal, and glass interiors of the small rooms we inhabit. This installation was previously installed in a very small car and has been recreated in a bathroom of the venue for the Collective:Unconscious UndergroundZero Festival. Through Aug. 5. Free. 279 Church St. www.leahgelpe.net, www.weird.org.

If These Walls Could Talk: 54 Pearl StreetAs Manhattan’s oldest surviving building, 54 Pearl Street has witnessed nearly three centuries of the city’s history. Built as a home by Stephen Delancey,a Huguenot refugee turned successful merchant, in 1719, 54 Pearl Street represented the commercial, multi-cultural nature of early New York. Until December 31, 2008. $4.00 general, $3.00 seniors and children under 18, and free to children under 6. Fraunces Tavern Museum, 54 Pearl St. 212-425-1776, www.frauncestavernmuseum.com.

International Artists-In-Residence ExhibitionThe second International Residency Program group show of the 2006-2007 season represents a diverse range of artistic approaches and many works in progress. Featured artists: Jeanette Doyle (Ireland), Cliff Evans (USA), Krist Gruijthuijsen (The Netherlands), JueiHsien Hsu (Taiwan), SoYoun Jeong (Korea), Miguel Palma (Portugal), Bundith Phunsombatlert (Thailand), Jani Ruscica (Finland) and Eric Van Hove (Belgium). Through Jul. 28. Location One, 26 Greene St. (btw. Grand & Canal), 212.334.3347, https://location1.org.

Jim Isermann, “Vinyl Smash Up, 1999-2007”is an exhibition of decal works. Six different vinyl pieces, made between 1999-2007 and executed in Los Angeles, Grenoble, Paris, and Frankfurt, will cover the interior walls of the gallery space from floor to ceiling. Through Aug. 4. Deitch Projects, 18 Wooster St. 212.343.7300, www.deitchprojects.com.

The Most Curatorial Biennial of the UniverseCurators, artists, writers, and anyone so inclined are invited to submit work to an exhibition in which “all submissions are accepted” and “nothing (legal) will be censored.” Up to 1000 works will be accepted. Through Aug. 11. apexart, 291 Church St., 212-431-5270, www.apexart.org.

Policing a Changed Citychronicles how the NYPD has used new technology, community outreach, and intelligence gathering to fight crime and terrorism since 9-11. Ongoing. $5 suggested donation, $3 seniors, $2 children 6 – 12. New York City Police Museum, 100 Old Slip (btw South and Water Sts). 212-480-3100, www.nycpolicemuseum.org.

David Robin, “Series 8”These eight new richly colored photographs by Robin capture thematic variations of water. Through Aug. 25. Steven Amedee Gallery, 41 N. Moore St. (btw Varick and Hudson). 212-343-1696.

MUSIC

A Special Musical EveningWith performer-composer-accompanist Woody Regan on the piano, and special guests. July 28 at 8pm. Tickets are $20, with discounts offered for seniors, students and children. Seaport District Cultural Association Gallery and Performance St (SW corner of Beekman and Front Sts, entrance on Front). 718-852-7773, www.shootingstartheater.com.

Conservatory Stars Organ FestivalTrinity Church Wall Street will present its second series of summer concerts featuring Felix Hall (Peabody Institute) performances on its state-of-the-art virtual pipe organ. All performances will be held at Trinity Church, Broadway at Wall Street, Thursdays 1 – 2pm. Through Aug. Admission to the concerts is free to the public. For more info on Trinity Church-St. Paul’s Chapel, go to www.trinitywallstreet.org

The FlatlandersTheir sincere lyrics and rustic rhythms have delighted audiences since 1971. Join legends Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock as they serve up classic Texas-style Americana at the Castle. Aug. 2 at 7pm. Castle Clinton National Monument, Battery Park. 212-835-2789, www.rivertorivernyc.com.

Folks on the Island!An American folk music festival on Governor’s Island presents outdoor concerts every Saturday afternoon in July. This week features “Ribbon of Highway/Endless Sky: A Tribute to Woody Guthrie,” designed to showcase Woody’s songs, words and spirit. The show, originated by singer-songwriter Jimmy Lafave, focuses on the entire scope of Guthrie’s career so that all of his music, known and unknown, recorded and unrecorded, can be experienced by the audience. July 28 at 1:30. Free admission and ferry service. For information, visit www.folksontheisland.com.

Live JazzGary Wang on bass and Lee Metcalf on guitar. Thursdays, 7:30-10:30 p.m. VinoVino, 211 West Broadway (between Franklin and White), 212-925-8510.

Music Under New YorkMusicians of the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s Arts for Transis program features lunchtime performances for Downtown crowds. Dates vary throughout the summer, from noon to 2pm. Free. Zuccotti Park (Broadway and Liberty St.) 212-835-2789.

A Night of Billie Holiday Remixed and Re-imaginedPresented by the Turntables on the Hudson, this show will feature DJs Nickodemus and Jazzy Nice, plus Nappy G on percussion and Jay Rodriguez of Groove Collective on the saxophone. Experience a jazz legend as you’ve never heard her before. Aug. 3 at 7pm. Free. South Street Seaport, Pier 17. 212-SEAPORT.

Mavis StaplesCelebrating her newest album release, “We’ll Never Turn Back,” soul legend Staples performs a special concert featuring updated “freedom songs” of the Civil Rights Movement along with classic Staple Singers hits. Aug. 1 at 7pm. Free. Rockefeller Park at Battery Park City. 212-945-0505.

Summer Stars: Elizabeth KeuschSoprano Keusch is described by critics as a “complete artist” who is celebrated worldwide for her musicianship and commitment to contemporary music. She will be singing the New York premiere of Judith Weir’s “King Herald’s Saga.” July 30 at 7:30pm. Free. Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts at Pace University (entrance on Spruce St). www.rivertorivernyc.com.

Sunset Jam on the HudsonDrumming circles led by a master. Borrow Djembe and conga drums, bells, shakers, and sticks or bring your own to play with Maguette Camara. July 27 from 6:30 – 8:30pm. Free. Wagner Park (Battery Place btw West St and First Pl) 212-267-9700.

TALKS & READINGS

Kids Story Time with Arts and CraftsKids ages 2 to 8 are invited to listen to a reading from one of our favorite picture books. The reading is sometimes presented by a local children’s book author, and at other times by children’s book staff. Story time will be followed by guided crafts and activities. Every Saturday at noon.Dalia Soferin conversation with HarperCollins editor Lee Boudreaux. The Author/Editor series brings writers and editors together for a conversation about the process of creation. Iranian native Sofer’s novel “The Septembers of Shiraz” tells the story of a man wrongly imprisoned by the Ayatollah’s government, and its effects on his family in Iran and New York. Sofer will speak with Boudreaux about the challenges and rewards of turning traumatic experience into fiction. Aug. 1 at 7pm. Free. McNally Robinson Booksellers, 52 Prince St. (btw Lafayette and Mulberry). 212-274-1160, www.mcnallyrobinsonnyc.com.

THEATER

AbsintheThe most sultry acro-burlesque variety show in town featuring seductive artists performing amazing feats of balance, strength and danger with unfathomable flexibility. Through September 30. Showtimes vary, call for details. Tickets are $50, $55 and $69.La VieTheatro-batic show filled with aerial acrobatics, wild characters and wicked music. Through September 30. Showtimes vary, call for details. Tickets are $25 and $55. Spiegelworld at the Fulton Fish Market, South St under the Brooklyn Bridge. 212-279-4200, www.spiegelworld.com.

Absolute Brightnessis a puppet/physical theatre performance that links the inexplicable connections between an all-but-forgotten human computer, an Italian monk from 1600 and a woman in 2007. Conceived by Sharptoolstheatre. July 28 and 29.Cagedis a short film about animals in captivity that deals with the feeling of being trapped and wanting to find a new way to escape, with animation by Tim Sweeney and music by Richard Leo Johnson. Through Sept. 2.Free and Compulsory: My Year of IneducationA solo comedy that explores the catastrophic mishaps of a first year teacher in an “at risk” urban high school. Written and performed by Jamie Lyn Smith. July 31 and Aug. 1.In the Company of Treesis a meditative spectacle on the substance of life, with comedy, violence, and music, written and directed by Peter McCabe. July 27.Reading the Waterfollows a young woman’s exploration of the mysterious life and death of ther father. This one-woman show is a personal investigation of identity and loss that uncovers the life of an introverted scientist at sea. Written by and featuring Monica Hunken with dramaturgy by Nadia Foskoluo. July 31 and Aug. 1.“65”follows a man on a surreal journal as he confronts issues of bipolar disorder, alcoholism and divorce. Written and performed by Hal Fickett. Aug. 2 and 3.Sun Sheets and Small ShoesA piece of dance theater and puppetry featuring 4 female dancers, 3 puppeteers, 3 children, 1 violinist, and hundreds of baby shoes.

Choreography and design by Michael Bodel. July 28 and 29.Trigger Happy JackThe story of a girl, armed with barking spiders and painted bottle caps, who is determined to survive in the City of the Sky. Written by Timothy Braun; performed and directed by Alexis Macnab. Aug. 2 and 3. All shows are part of the American Living Room Festival In its 18th year, this festival supports the development of new, multi-disciplinary works and artists in a setting that strives to make theatre as much a part of everyday life as watching TV. All performances are at 8:30pm. Tickets are $15 ($10 for donors). HERE Arts Center, 145 6th Ave (btw Spring and Broome, entrance on Dominick). 212-352-3101, www.here.org.

The Flying Machine in “Journey to the End of the Night”The Flying Machine is an international collaboration. Here the troupe uses its array of styles in a theatrical recreation of the suicide of French author Louis Ferdinand Celine. July 27 and 28 at 7:30pm; July 29 at 2pm. www.theflyingmachine.org.Stolen Chair in “Commedia dell’ Artemisia”A masked force in rhyming couplets, satirizing the controversial trial of Italian Renaissance painter Artemisia Gentileschi. Written by Kiran Rikhye, directed by Jon Stancato. July 27 at 9:30pm and July 28 at 5pm. www.stolenchair.org.Unadulterated Puppet MayhemDrama of Works performs “Sid & Nancy Punch & Judy Show”; David Ives’ “Words, Words, Words” with tiny monkey puppets trying to write Hamlet; and “Puppet Kafka.” Exploding Puppet Productions performs “Die Hard: The Puppet Musical,” a singing sock-puppet parody of the 1980s action movie. July 30 at 7:30pm. www.dramaofworks.com, www.diehardpuppetmusical.com. Tickets to all performances are $15. All shows are presented by Collective:Unconscious as part of its UndergroundZero Festival, which runs through Aug 5. 279 Church St. Box office is 212-352-3101, schedule and online ticketing at www.weird.org.

TOURS

East Village Walking ToursEvery Tues. thru Sun. at 11:00 a.m. (weather permitting). $12 per person, $8 for LES residents and guests. Meeting at the Astor Place “cube,” located on a traffic island in the middle of E 8th St. (between Lafayette and 4th Ave.) For more information, visit https://eastvillagetours.com.

Wall Street Walking TourFree 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 Sarah Norris 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.