BENEFIT

DRESS CODE: ADIDAS Hip-hop artists Missy Elliott, DMC, Chuck D, Doug E. Fresh, Mos Def, Wyclef, Fabulous, and Tweet honor the memory of a Run DMC member, the late Jam Master Jay, at a gala benefiting the Jam Master Jay Foundation for Music. The evening includes dinner, surprise performances, and lots of dancing. The organization provides funding for music programs in public schools. Friday, February 25, 8 p.m., Skylight, 275 Hudson St. at Dominick Street, 212-228-5558, $250 and above. Please go to www.jmjfoundationformusic.org for more information.

BOOKS

RACE MATTERS Melanie Bush discusses her book “Breaking the Code of Good Intentions: Everyday Forms of Whiteness” (Rowman & Littlefield). It explores how racial inequality is furthered by how Americans think – or do not think – about white identity. Sunday, 4 p.m., Brooklyn Public Library, Central Library, Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, 718-230-2100, free.

DARING DOGS Gay Salisbury reads from “The Cruelest Miles” (W.W. Norton), her book chronicling how 20 dog teams delivered medicine to icebound Nome, Alaska, during a deadly diphtheria epidemic in 1925. The daring dash inspired the annual Iditarod Dog Sled Race. The story also has a New York connection: The first dog to reach Nome, Balto, is immortalized by a bronze statue that now stands in Central Park, dedicated to the “endurance, fidelity and intelligence” of the canine rescuers. Monday, 7 p.m., Half King, 505 W. 23rd St. at 10th Avenue, 212-462-4300, free.

COMEDY

SUNDAY SNICKERS The “Sunday Night Improv” series, which has played at various venues around the city since 1992, is now at the 78th Street Theater Lab on Sundays. The show features performers from Chicago City Limits, Ka-Baam, the Improvoholics, and other comedy groups. Sundays through February 27, 7 p.m., 78th Street Theatre Lab, 236 W. 78th St. at Broadway, 212-353-7716, $10.

COMICS

GRAPHIC DETAILS The Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art’s book club tackles David B.’s graphic novel “Epileptic” (Pantheon). Attendees should come to class having read the book and prepared to discuss it. Monday, February 28, 6:30 p.m., MoCCA, 594 Broadway, between Houston and Prince streets, suite 401, 212-254-3511, $3 general, free for members.

DANCE

LIKE THE WIND The American Tap Dance Foundation’s weekend “Winter Intensive” features a three-part performance by Brenda Bufalino and a selection of new tap choreography. Ms. Bufalino performs some of the dances from her 50-year career in “Dancing Against the Wind, Dancing With the Wind, Dancing With the Wind at Her Back” (Saturday, 8:30 p.m., $20). The next evening, she joins Tony Waag to host an evening of ensembles and solo tap dancers on the form’s cutting edge (Sunday, 8:30 p.m., $15). Both performances: FIT Katie Murphy Amphitheater, 227 W. 27th St. at Seventh Avenue, 646-230-9564.

FEET DON’T FAIL The Brooklyn Arts Council celebrates traditional dance with the “Folk Feet” festival. An afternoon performance includes the African-American steppers Gowanus Wildcats, the Panamanian folk dancers Conjunto Nuevo Milenio, square dancers the AL’e’MO, and the Maimouna Keita West African Dance Company (2-5 p.m.). Afterward, everyone can attend workshops in Trinidadian limbo, Swedish couple dance, Persian freestyle, and many other forms (5-7 p.m.). Sunday, 2-7 p.m., early arrival suggested, Brooklyn Arts Council, Whitman Theater, Nostrand Avenue and Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, 718-625-0080, free.

FAMILY

LUNAR LIONS Lunar New Year celebrations end with a roar at this weekend’s lion dances on the streets of Chinatown. More than 20 local troupes will parade through the streets accompanied by cymbals and drums. Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Mott, Mulberry, and Bayard Streets from Canal Street to Chatham Square will be closed for this event, and festivities take place on all streets in Chinatown, free.

FILM

SPOOKY SCREENS BAMcinematek gets scary during two upcoming film series. Up first is a survey of the work of “the French Hitchcock,” Henri-Georges Clouzot. “Le Corbeau” (“The Raven,” 1943) is a mystery in which citizens of a small town begin receiving letters that expose their indiscretions. Produced during the Occupation, the film drew ire from both the Germans and the French (Friday, 2, 4:30, 6:50, 9:15 p.m., in French with English subtitles). BAM’s annual horror series kicks off on Monday, providing more spooky screenings. First up is “The Wicker Man” (1973), a mystery about a police officer on a mission, a missing young girl, a haunted island, and an enormous man made of wicker (Monday, 3 and 9:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. kick-off party). All screenings: Brooklyn Academy of Music, 30 Lafayette St., between Ashland Place and St. Felix Street, Brooklyn, 718-636-4100 for information, $10 general, $7 seniors, students on Monday-Thursday, and children under 12, $6 members.

SHORT STUFF The Oscar contenders for best documentary short subject rarely reach the big screen, but serious film fans can see all five of this year’s hopefuls in a row. After the Underdog Film Festival’s afternoon screening, the audience votes on which film they think deserves the statuette. And the nominees are: “Autism is a World,” “The Children of Leningradsky,” “Hardwood,” “Mighty Times: The Children’s March,” and “Sister Rose’s Passion.” Saturday, 1 p.m. doors open, 1:30-4:30 p.m. event, Anthology Film Archives, 32 Second Ave., between 1st and 2nd streets, $20. Please go to www.underdogfilmfestival.com for tickets.

WILL TO LIVE Japanese New Wave director Nagisa Oshima’s “The Man Who Left His Will on Film” (1970) is screened in Williamsburg as part of the Ocularis film series. Set in 1960s Tokyo, the film follows a young man who finds an apparently nonsensical “last will and testament” film left by a fellow activist who jumped to his death while fleeing police. Sunday, 7 p.m., Galapagos, 70 N. 6th St., between Kent and Wythe avenues, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, 718-388-8713, $6.

UNDER THE SEA “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie” finds the popular Nickelodeon character embarking on a big-screen adventure to rescue his boss, King Neptune. Though the film’s goofy protagonist has recently become a target in some quarters, parents can rest assured: the film is rated squarely PG. Monday-Friday, February 25, 1:30 p.m., Saturday, February 26, noon, Museum of the Moving Image, 35th Avenue at 36th Street, Astoria, Queens, 718-784-0077, $10 general, $7.50 seniors and students, free for members.

FOOD & DRINK

ALL HAIL ALE A bank of vintage 1938 beer engines help dispense beer at the fifth annual Real Ale Cask Festival. The menu includes cask ales such as Adnams Tally-Ho Strong Ale and Dark Star Festival, some never before served in New York. And yes, it really lasts until 4 in the morning. Friday, 1-4 a.m., Saturday, noon-4 a.m., Sunday, noon-2 a.m., the Brazen Head, 220 Atlantic Ave. at Court Street, Brooklyn, 718-488-0430, free to attend, 21 and older.

SCRUMPTIOUS SCROLL Congregation Chasam Sopher and the Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy co-sponsor a family walking tour that stops by some of the neighborhood’s tastiest eateries. Children can enjoy a miniature scavenger hunt with stops at Gus’s Pickles, Economy Candy, and a pizzeria. The tour ends with a lesson about the method of Torah writing at Chasam Sopher from Rabbi Shmuel Wolfman. Monday, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., meet at Kehila Kedosha Janina, 280 Broome St. at Allen Street, 212-777-5140, $12 in advance, $14 at the door, $10 children in advance, $12 children at the door. 476 2003 545 2013503 1726 589 1736

SNEAK-PEEK SIPS Chef David Bouley’s new spot, Upstairs@BouleyBakery, will open this spring. For those who just can’t wait until then, bar chef Albert Trummer offers up a taste of some of the brand-new cocktails he’s created, served with hors d’oeuvres by Mr. Bouley. Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Danube, 30 Hudson St. at Duane Street, 212-791-3771, $55.

HEALTH

‘GATES’ JOG There will only be one official Central Park run while “The Gates” are on display. Registration is closed for the 5-kilometer NYC2012 Run for the Olympic Bid, designed to drum up awareness for the city’s Olympic dreams, but all are welcome to cheer on the runners. Tuesday, 7:15 p.m., Central Park, enter at 61st Street and Fifth Avenue, free. Please see www.nyrr.org for details.

MUSIC

VITAL ORGANS Juilliard organists perform a program that includes Charles-Marie Widor’s Symphony no. 6 in G Minor and Franz Liszt’s Adagio in D-flat Major. John Hong also performs his own variations on the Korean national anthem. Friday, 8 p.m., Lincoln Center, Alice Tully Hall, West 65th Street near Columbus Avenue, 212-769-7406, free, tickets required, available at box office.

YOKO TO THE RESCUE The experimental music club Tonic is facing extinction due to rising rents, a robbery, and the expense of a recent plumbing repair. It is holding a series of benefit concerts with the goal of raising $100,000. This weekend, Yoko Ono celebrates her 72nd birthday at the venue, joined by her son, Sean Lennon. The evening will include music and film. Saturday, 8 p.m., Tonic, 107 Norfolk St., between Delancey and Rivington streets, 212-358-7501, $50. Please visit www.tonicnyc.com for a list of benefit shows.

SONGS FOR SUDAN New York musicians band together in a concert benefiting Action Against Hunger’s efforts in war ravaged Darfur, Sudan. The eclectic program includes performances by jazz guitarist Peter Mazza, bansuri-bamboo flutist Steve Gorn, pianist Murray Weinstock, and members of Broadway Inspirational Voices. Sunday, 6 p.m., Knitting Factory, 74 Leonard St., between Church Street and Broadway, 212-219-3132, $12 in advance, $15 at the door.

BEETHOVEN’S BEST Pianist Richard Goode performs as part of the “Keyboard Virtuosos II” series at Carnegie Hall. The program includes work by Bach, Schoenberg, Beethoven, and Debussy. In the pages of The New York Sun, Adam Baer has described Mr. Goode as “our most self-effacing and illuminating of Beethoven interpreters.” Sunday, 8 p.m., Carnegie Hall, Isaac Stern Auditorium, 57th Street and Seventh Avenue, 212-247-7800, $23-$87.

PUBLIC ART

TAKING TO THE STREETS Central Park is not the only place that public art is flourishing. New Yorkers can get a peek at the next wave of outdoor art – while it’s still in the planning stages – at an exhibit in Bronxville. “Before and After” explores the potential for public art installations in Westchester County. Participating artists offer their proposals in the form of sculptures, murals, video, and ceramics. Above is Sheila Berkley’s concept to transform Main Street in New Rochelle, seen in its actual “before” version at right. Other artists have set their sights on benches, kiosks, fences, bus stops, fountains, and sidewalks throughout the county. The exhibit is part of the Westchester Arts Council’s bid to establish a “coherent” public-art program in the county. Through April 12, Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, noon-2 p.m., Sunday, 2-10 p.m., Concordia Gallery at Concordia College, 171 White Plains Road, Bronxville, N.Y., 914-337-9300, free.

PRESIDENT’S DAY

HISTORY ON DISPLAY The New-York Historical Society celebrates President’s Day with a week of Founding Father festivities. Items on display include the gilded carriage that reportedly traveled down Fifth Avenue to George Washington’s inauguration, the pistols used during the Hamilton-Burr duel, and the death mask of Thomas Paine. The exhibit “Alexander Hamilton: The Man Who Made Modern America” closes on February 28. Saturday through Sunday, February 27, Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West at 77th Street, 212-873-3400, $10 general, $5 seniors, students, and teachers, free for children under 12.

OLD-FASHIONED FUN Modern families can celebrate George Washington’s birthday in 19th-century style. The Crosswicks Dancers perform traditional English country dances and put on a historical fashion show at the “Birthday Ball.” Sunday, 1-3 p.m., Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden, 421 E. 61st St., between York and First avenues, 212-838-6878, $10 general, $8 members, $5 children under 14, reservations recommended.

MONDAY, MONDAY The Metropolitan Museum of Art will stay open on President’s Day as part of its “Holiday Monday” program. Among the highlights: the Peter Paul Rubens drawing exhibit, “WILD: Fashion Untamed,” and a rooftop view of “The Gates.” Monday, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave. at 82nd Street, 212-535-7710, $15 general, $10 seniors, $7 students, free for children under 12.

READING

MANHATTAN MAN Playwright Donald Margulies reads from his script for “Brooklyn Boy,” which is currently playing at the Manhattan Theatre Club’s Biltmore Theatre. Mr. Margulies then joins cast members Adam Arkin, Polly Draper , and Allan Miller for a question-and-answer session with the audience. He also signs copies of the script for “Brooklyn Boy.” In his review of “Brooklyn Boy” for The New York Sun, Jeremy McCarter wrote that Mr. Margulies is “more than gutsy; he is one of the ablest dramatists now writing.” Friday, 6 p.m., Barnes & Noble Lincoln Triangle, 1972 Broadway at 66th Street, 212-595-6859, free.

SOUND

HEARING THINGS Sound artist Joe Diebes presents “Premonitions,” an exhibit that combines natural and synthetic sounds. In “Aviary,” empty birdcages emit digitally altered birdcalls. The mounted piece “Sotto Voce” projects soft white noise and whispers from several locations in the gallery. Through Saturday, February 26, Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Paul Rodgers/9W Gallery, 529 W. 20th St., between Tenth and Eleventh avenues, ninth floor, 212-414-9810, free.

STORIES

COCOA CHANNEL The hot chocolate will flow like water at the Moth’s next storytelling event. Author Jonathan Ames hosts the food-themed fun, which takes place at City Bakery as part of its season-long celebration of the joys of hot cocoa. Storytellers include Eve Ensler, Dan Barber, and Jessica Harris. Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. doors open, 8 p.m. performance, City Bakery, 3 W. 18th St. at Fifth Avenue, 212-868-4444, $30.

TALKS

THE SOL ALSO RISES NYU’s King Juan Carlos I of Spain Center and the government of Navarra, Spain, host a celebration of Ernest Hemingway’s connection to Pamplona. The mayor of Pamplona, Yolanda Barcena, gives a short presentation, and a panel discussion features the author’s son, Patrick Hemingway, along with several scholars. Guests can also taste a selection of food and wine from Spain’s Navarra region. Friday, 6:15 p.m., NYU King Juan Carlos I of Spain Center, 53 Washington Square South, between Thompson and Sullivan streets, 212-998-3650, free.

CRYSTAL BALL An astrologer for Vanity Fair, Michael Lutin, makes his predictions for 2005 in the next installment of his ongoing series. A sampling of the stars’ advice? Aries should “find someone to hang out with” and Sagittarius needs to “face it – you need love.” Book publisher Judith Regan will be Mr. Lutin’s guest for the evening. Saturday, 8 p.m., Makor, 35 W. 67th St., between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue, 212-415-5500, $25.

THEATER

ALL FOR LOVE In the Elizabethan play “The Shoemaker’s Holiday,” a young aristocrat is tapped to join Henry V in invading France. Instead, he stays in London and disguises himself as a shoemaker in order to woo a middle-class girl for whom he has fallen. Runs: Through Sunday, February 27, Friday, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, 2 and 7:30 p.m., Sunday, 3 p.m., Storm Theatre, 145 W. 46th St., between Sixth and Seventh avenues, 212-868- 4444, $19.

HARD WORK An English translation of French playwright Jean-Claude Grumberg’s “The Workroom,” set in Paris during the years following World War II, opens this weekend. The play depicts eight war survivors attempting to repair their lives. Moni Yakim directs the Unbound Theatre production. Opens: Saturday, 7 p.m. Runs: Through Saturday, March 12, Wednesday-Saturday, 8 p.m., matinees at 3 p.m. on March 5 and 12, Manhattan Theatre Source, 177 MacDougal St., between Waverly Place and 8th Street, 212-868-4444, $15.

INTERNATIONAL ENQUIRER Sir Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s comedy of manners “The School for Scandal,” first produced in 1777 in London, is revived in Brooklyn. The play has a timeless message: When a wealthy middle-aged man marries a beautiful young woman, gossip follows. Lincoln Center’s production of Sheridan’s play “The Rivals” closed in January. Opens: Saturday, 8 p.m. Runs: Through Sunday, March 6, Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m., Sunday, 3 p.m., the Gallery Players, 199 14th St., between Fourth and Fifth avenues, Park Slope, Brooklyn, 718-595-0547, $15 general, $12 seniors and children under 12.

STAR TALK Actors in “Verbatim Verboten” read word-for-word transcripts of taped conversations of the rich and famous. The lineup changes, but covertly recorded chats involving Britney Spears, Mayor Giuliani, Michael Alig, Orson Welles, Madonna and her daughter Lourdes, and Enron executives are in regular rotation. Mondays through February 28, 6:30 p.m. doors open, 7:30 p.m. show, Fez Under Time Cafe, 380 Lafayette St. at Great Jones Street, 212-533-2680, $10.

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