Calendar
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
ART
ONLINE ART All the participants in the group show “Buy It Now” used the auction Web site eBay as inspiration or for materials. Pattie Lee Becker’s sculpture “The Collector” incorporates eBay purchases including a Ziploc bag of porcupine quills ($12) and a taxidermied bird ($5). The show’s curator, Megan Foster, contributed a silkscreen depicting a dish stacker that she bought on the site for $5. Sarah Sweeney’s photograph “El Capitan Revised” is a version of one of 22,000 slides documenting 20 years of a family’s history – on eBay, the trove cost $17. The work in the show is also on sale on the auction site. Look for items being sold by “BlackWhite718.” Through Monday, January 31, Friday-Monday, noon-6 p.m., Black & White Gallery, 483 Driggs Ave., between North 9th and North 10th streets, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, 718-599-8775, free.
RIDING HIGH The UBS Art Gallery displays classic carousel animals created between 1890 and 1920. The animals on view boast ornate saddles, carved flowers, mirrors, and jewels. Highlights include a horse clad in medieval armor, a growling tiger, and a greyhound standing at attention. The pieces come from the Charlotte Dinger Collection, and the exhibit was organized by the Morris Museum in Morristown, N.J. Reception: Tonight, 6-8 p.m. Exhibit: Today through Monday, January 3, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., UBS Art Gallery, 1285 Sixth Ave., between 51st and 52nd streets, 212-713-2885, free.
BEAUTY, THE BEAST An exhibit of feminist artist Martha Rosler’s photomontages focuses mostly on work from two series. “Bringing the War Home: House Beautiful/In Vietnam” was made between 1967 and 1972, and “Beauty Knows No Pain, or Body Beautiful,” from 1965 to 1974. For the latter series, Ms. Rosler cut out female body parts from issues of Playboy and pasted them onto advertisements for kitchen appliances and lingerie. Several new collages are also included in the exhibit. Through January 8, Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Gorney Bravin + Lee, 534 W. 26th St., between Tenth and Eleventh avenues, 212-352-8872, free.
BENEFITS
WOMEN TO WATCH Comedian Sandra Bernhardt serves as master of ceremonies for a gala luncheon put on by New York Women in Film & Television. The entertainment organization presents Muse Awards to actresses Susan Lucci and Lee Grant, production designer Kristi Zea, and the co-chairwoman of the Walt Disney Company, Anne Sweeney. Thursday, 11:30 a.m. V.I.P. cocktails reception, 12:30 p.m. luncheon, New York Hilton, 1335 Sixth Ave., between 53rd and 54th streets, 212-838-6033, $125 and up.
THE MEZZO-SOPRANOS A benefit concert for the New York Festival of Song focuses on works for mezzo-sopranos. “How ’bout those Mezzos” includes performances by Frederica von Stade and Kimberly Barber accompanied by the artistic director of the festival, Steven Blier. Songs by Handel, Mozart, Ravel, Sondheim, Bolcom, and Copland are on the musical menu. Thursday, 6:30 p.m. cocktails, 7:30 p.m. program, Rafael Vinoly Architects, 50 Vandam St. at Varick Street, 646-230-8380, $350.
BOOKS
STRANGE AT THE SEAPORT Susanna Clarke discusses her novel “Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell” (Bloomsbury). The sprawling work of science fiction tells the story of two magicians in 19th-century England who changed the country’s future. Friday, 7-9 p.m., South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton St., between Front and South streets, 212-748-8735, $5 suggested donation.
DANCE
WORKING ON IT Dance in Progress showcases work by Erin Cornell, MyName & Company/Kepple + Osorio, and Morgan Thorson. The series invites emerging choreographers to try out new ideas in a two month laboratory that culminates in a public performance. Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m., the Kitchen, 512 W. 19th St., between Tenth and Eleventh avenues, 212-255-5793 ext. 11, $12.
FAMILY
CRACKED TEAM David Parker’s “Nut/cracked” is an interpretation of the holiday favorite “The Nutcracker” that features traditional pointe work, singing, and “booty shaking.” Mr. Parker uses pop versions of Tchaikovsky’s melodies by composers including Duke Ellington and Glenn Miller. Eleven teenaged dancers join professional performers, including Mr. Parker himself. Tomorrow through Wednesday, December 22, 7:30 p.m., Dance Theater Workshop, 219 W. 19th St., between Seventh and Eighth avenues, 212-924-0077, $25.
NEW NUTCRACKER “Clara’s Christmas Dreams” is a new adaptation of “The Nutcracker” that is told all in verse accompanied by music and dancing. E. Thomalen’s interpretation sets the story in Hamburg against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars and follows Clara as she sinks into a high fever she caught when she brought presents to a nearby soldier’s hospital. The StageRight Productions show is intended for children between the ages of 4 and 14. Through Friday, December 31, Friday, 2 and 7 p.m., Saturday, 1, 4, and 7 p.m., Sunday, 2 and 5 p.m., Monday, 7 p.m., occasional additional performances, the Theatre at Saint Clements Church, 423 W. 46th St., between Ninth and Tenth avenues, 212-352-3101, $50.
FILM
WATER WORK The low-budget, sans-special-effects suspense film “Open Water” is screened tonight. The film tracks a young couple accidentally left behind on a scuba diving trip in shark infested water. After the screening, filmmakers Chris Kentis and Laura Lau discuss their work. Tonight, 7:30 p.m., Makor, 35 W. 67th St., between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue, 212-415-5500, $15.
MOVIE MEMENTOS The 100th anniversary of the Loews movie theater chain is celebrated with an exhibit at the American Museum of the Moving Image. Highlights in “From Penny Arcade to Megaplex” include a chandelier from New York’s Capitol Theater, archival film footage (including Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh’s arrival at the premiere of “Gone With the Wind”), several doorman and usher uniforms, a Shirley Temple paper-doll teaser for the 1935 film “Curly Top,” and a 1930 photograph of a Loews theater on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. The exhibit is part of “Behind the Screen,” the museum’s core exhibit. Wednesdays and Thursdays, noon-5 p.m., Fridays, noon-8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m., American Museum of the Moving Image, 35th Avenue at 36th Street, Astoria, Queens, 718-784-0077, $10 general, $7.50 seniors and students, $5 for members and children under 5, free for all Fridays between 4 and 8 p.m.
FOOD & DRINK
SAVORY SPICES Chef, author, and photographer Lois Ellen Frank joins chef Walter Whitewater for a discussion and tasting of spicy Southwestern dishes. Tonight, 7 p.m., American Museum of Natural History, Linder Theater, 79th Street and Central Park West, 212-769-5200, $15 general, $13.50 seniors, students, and members.
SPARKLING CONVERSATION Wine writer Anthony Giglio, a contributor to The New York Sun, hosts an evening exploring the best sparkling wines for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Chef Aldo Monosi prepares festive foods to accompany the tasting. Mr. Giglio also signs his new book, “Cocktails in New York” (Rizzoli International), a compendium of 100 classic cocktail venues in New York City. The event is sponsored by Women for WineSense. Tomorrow, 6:15-6:40 p.m. reception, 6:40-9 p.m. tasting and signing, Lisca Restaurant, 660 Amsterdam Ave. at 92nd Street, 212-456-2978, $55 general, $45 members. Note: Reservations and pre-payment required at www.acteva.com/go/newyorkwine.
HOLIDAYS
IRISH LIGHT Irish singer-songwriter Roger Gillen performs holiday music and tells seasonal stories in his show “Love’s Pure Light.” Tonight through Saturday, tonight-Friday, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, 3 and 7:30 p.m., the Lamb’s Theatre, 130 W. 44th St., between Sixth Avenue and Broadway, 212-239-6200, $30 general, $25 Saturday matinee.
RING IN THE HOLIDAYS Artist Faith Ringgold narrates a Christmas program at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Boys Choir of Harlem performs favorites such as “Silent Night” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” Tomorrow, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., Metropolitan Museum of Art, Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Ave. at 82nd Street, 212-570-3949, $40, reservations required.
ROCK AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE Local musicians play covers of Christmas songs by the Ramones, the Kinks, the Sex Pistols, James Brown, and John Lennon at a downtown concert called “Have Yourself a Rock ‘n’ Glitter Christmas.” Friday, 7:30-11 p.m., Crash Mansion, 199 Bowery at Spring Street, 212-982-7767, $20.
MUSIC
THEY’VE BEEN THINKIN’ Rap-rockers Linkin Park sign copies of the book “From the Inside” (Bradson), which documents the multi-platinum band’s 2003-04 world tour. Photographer Greg Waterman snapped candid shots and the band members themselves added captions. Today, 5:30 p.m., Borders Books Wall Street, 100 S. Broadway at Wall Street, 212-964-1988, free.
SOUTHPAW SOUNDS Indie singer-songwriter Juliana Hatfield performs in Brooklyn. Amy Miles opens. Tonight, 8 p.m. doors open, Southpaw, 125 Fifth Ave., between St. Johns Place and Sterling Place, Park Slope, Brooklyn, 718-230-0236, $12.
BACK TO BACH The weekly concert series Midtown Concerts presents an afternoon “Bach Extravaganza” performed by the women’s Renaissance and Baroque chamber group Sympatica. The program includes the Sonata in G minor BWV 1034 for recorder and harpsichord, selections from “Das Orgelbuchlein,” and the English Suite in G minor BWV 808 for keyboard. Tomorrow, 1:15 p.m., Church of St. Francis of Assisi, 135 W. 31st St., between Sixth and Seventh avenues, 212-967-9157, free.
POETRY
ART AND COMMERCE Poets House’s book sale, which features duplicate copies from its 45,000-volume collection, closes with a bang today with last-chance discounts. Today, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Poets House, 72 Spring St., between Lafayette and Crosby streets, second floor, 212-431- 7920, free.
READINGS
RAIL GOOD TIME Contributors to the Brooklyn Rail read from their work at an event hosted by the journal’s fiction editor, Donald Breckenridge. Shelley Jackson is the author of the breakthrough hypertext novel “Patchwork Girl.” For her current project, “Skin,” she is creating a story on the bodies of volunteers who tattoo one word somewhere on their skin. Writer Nelly Reifler joins her at the reading. Tonight, 7 p.m., Brooklyn Public Library, 718-230-2100, free.
STATEN ISLAND STORIES The next installment of the Staten Island Museum’s Club Cicada performance series features local storytellers Ben Jacobs and Joyce Parr. The “Winter Stories for Grown-Ups” program includes works by Langston Hughes and O. Henry. Friday, 7:30 p.m. doors open, 8-10 p.m. show, Staten Island Museum, 75 Stuyvesant Place, between Hamilton Avenue and Wall Street, Staten Island, 718- 727-1135, free.
TALKS
MATH AND MONEY A debate about education funding examines the equation “Schools + Money = Smarter Students.” Is it “obvious arithmetic” or an “education fairy tale”? Panelists include the executive director of the Campaign for Fiscal Equity, Michael Rebell, and a senior fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institute, Eric Hanushek. A senior contributing editor at Institutional Investor, Harvey Shapiro, moderates the discussion, which focuses on New York’s funding difficulties. The debate is sponsored by the Donald & Paul Smith Family Foundation. A reception follows. Tomorrow, 6:30 p.m., CUNY Graduate Center, 365 Fifth Ave. at 34th Street, 646-452-9995, free, reservations requested.
DA VINCI DECODED Art history professor Martin Kemp discusses the life, work, and methods of Leonardo da Vinci, addressing the question of whether he was primarily an artist or a scientist, and the nature of his prolific contributions to both fields. Friday, 6:30 p.m., Cooper Union, Wollman Auditorium, 51 Astor Place at Fourth Avenue, 212-353-4195, free.
THEATER
BLIND MEMORIES Jan Lauwers’s “Isabella’s Room” explores the memories of a 94-year-old blind woman who has been experimented on by a research hospital. Doctors have projected images directly into her brain. The production questions whether her manufactured memories are real or false. Presented by the ensemble Needcompany, “Isabella’s Room” is performed in French with English surtitles. Mr. Lauwers discusses the performance piece before one of the performances (Thursday, 6 p.m.). Tonight and Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Brooklyn Academy of Music, Harvey The ater, 30 Lafayette Ave., between Ashland Place and St. Felix Street, Brooklyn, 718-636-4100, $20-$45.
GAMES OF THE ART The performance piece “Game/Play” features dancers, musicians, and actors presenting staged versions of dozens of Asian games. Performers from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, and Burma present children’s clapping games, rhyming word games, and others. The performance is a companion to the exhibit “Asian Games: The Art of Contest.” Saturday, 8 p.m., Sunday, 2 p.m., Asia Society, 725 Park Ave. at 70th Street, 212-517-2742, $20 general, $16 members, seniors, and students, $8 children under 16. Exhibit: Through Sunday, January 16, Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., open Fridays until 9 p.m., $10 general, $7 seniors, $5 students, free for members and children under 16.
TOURS
VILLARD VIEW A walking tour explores Midtown’s historic Villard Houses, designed in the early 1880s. Architectural historian Francis Morrone, who writes the column “Abroad in New York” for The New York Sun, leads the Municipal Art Society tour. Thursday, 9:30 a.m., 212-935-3960 for meeting place and required reservations, free.
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