ARCHITECTURE

BUILDING BLOCKS “David Adjaye: Making Public Buildings” is an exhibit of the Ghanaian architect’s projects, currently on view at the Studio Museum in Harlem. Mr. Adjaye is the architect of the “Idea Store,” an innovative library of sorts with two London locations, at Whitechapel Road and Chrisp Street. “One of the paradoxes in [his] projects to date … is that they are most impressive where they are least functional and most ornamental,” critic James Gardner writes in the August 9 New York Sun. Featured commissions include Mr. Adjaye’s design for the Denver Museum of Contemporary Art, above. Through Sunday, October 28, Wednesday–Friday and Sunday, noon–6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., 144 W. 125th St., between Lenox and Seventh avenues, 212-864-4500, $7 general, $3 seniors and students, free for members and children under age 12.

ART

RIGHT BEFORE THE EYES Barbara Mathes Gallery presents an exhibit of paintings by German artist Karin Kneffel, who takes both somber and over-size looks at ordinary items: In one painting, a distant cityscape is seen through a giant bunch of ripe cherries. Selections include “Carpet” (2006). Through Saturday, September 8, Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Barbara Mathes Gallery, 22 E. 80th St., between Fifth and Madison avenues, 212-570-4190, free.

DANCE

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND Jennifer Muller/The Works performs a trio of dance pieces as part of the “Summer In The Square” outdoor series presented by Union Square Partnership. Among the featured dances is “Bounce” (2003), a signature piece of the company set to a bold score by Lawrence Nachsin, and “Island” (2005), which was inspired by Roberto Dutesco’s photographs of wild horses on Sable Island, the small Canadian island southeast of Nova Scotia. The latter features an original score by Marty Beller, a drummer for the band They Might Be Giants. The newest piece, “Edge” (2007), explores the nature of fear, and what propels individuals to pursue the unknown. It is set to the music of Zap Mama. Tomorrow, 12:30 p.m., center lawn at Union Square Park, between Broadway and Park Avenue South, enter at 16th Street from east or west side of park, 212-691-3803, free.

MUSIC

FLAIR FOR FLAMENCO A castanet is a percussion instrument of Spanish and Portuguese origin, made of twoshellsheldtogetherbyastring. The founder of the Danza España troupe, Andrea Del Conte, is a wellknown castanet player as well as a flamencodancer. Sheofferslessons on the instrument and dancing instruction to students who bring their own instruments. Tonight, 6 p.m., Lotus Music & Dance, 109 W. 27th St., between Sixth and Seventh avenues, 212-627-1076, $30.

CHARLIE PLAYS BEBOP Saxophonist and composer Charlie Kohlhase is best known for his work in the Bostonjazzscene. Hislatestalbum, “Good Night Songs,” includes a contribution by Danish saxophonist John Tchicai. Mr. Kohlhase performs two sets at the Stone performance space. The first set features guitarist Duck Baker. The second features Mr. Kohlhase’s band, the Explorer’s Club, which includes drummers Miki Matsuki and Chris Punis. Tonight, 8 and 10 p.m., the Stone, corner of Avenue C and 2nd Street, $10 a set.

NATIONAL TREASURE The National’s most recent album of dark, dramatic indie pop, “Boxer,” has helped this New York band to gain wider exposure beyond their home bases in Brooklyn and Cincinnati. The group recently finished a tour during which they opened for the Arcade Fire. Band members include lead singer Matt Beminger. The National performs this weekend as part of the River to River Festival, with bands Takka Takka and the Forms. Friday, 7 p.m., South Street Seaport, Pier 17, FDR Drive at Fulton Street, 212-732-7328, free.

POETRY

RING TONE The Bowery Poetry Club presents a tone poem, which is read by a group of poets. A tone poem can refer to the overall theme of a work, but in other cases also describes an orchestral composition that is typically based on literature or folk tales. Among the featured readers are Iris Schwartz, Thomas Fucaloro, Greg McDonald, and Erich Christiansen. Tomorrow, 8 p.m., Bowery Poetry Club, 308 Bowery, between Bleecker and Houston streets, 212-614-0505, $6.

THEATER

AND JULIET IS THE SUN Andràs Visky’s “Juliet: A Dialogue About Love” is featured among the offerings presented during the 11th annual New York International Fringe Festival. In this play a woman’s love for her husband is tested while she is imprisoned with her children in a detention camp. Christopher Markle is director and Melissa Hawkins is cast in the title role. Thursday, 7 p.m., Saturday, 2:30 p.m., through Sunday, August 26, dates and times vary, Independent Theater, 52-A W. 8th St., between Sixth Avenue and Macdougal Street, 212-279-4488, $15.

To submit an event for consideration for the Calendar, please wire the particulars to calendar@nysun.com, placing the date of the event in the subject line.