Happenings for Week of July 16th, 2007

Tuesday, July 17th, 2007



Museum Exhibit: Gold (C, E)
Gold - an enduring icon of wealth, beauty and power. Since the beginning of recorded
history, the rise of influential societies has coincided with their ownership of this precious substance. Gold was probably the first metal worked by humans. Gleaming nuggets of gold were easy to find and collect from stream banks, and were easily shaped with simple tools. The oldest worked-gold objects, the products of the ancient Thracian civilization, were made as early as 4400 BC, and were discovered at a burial site in Varna, Bulgaria. Through the centuries, as many other cultures developed, gold became a symbol of wealth, luck, power and magic. The importance of gold in the civilizations of every era makes all ages "golden."
@ American Museum of Natural History
200 Central Park West
(79th Street and Central Park West)
$21
For more information: amnh

Midsummer Night Swing (C, D, E)
Songs like Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and Chattanooga Choo-Choo soar through the air in this amazing recreation of a World War II USO show by the smoldering California-based swing band.
@ Josie Robertson Plaza - Lincoln Center
(Columbus Avenue between 62nd and 65th Streets)
6:30p
$15, though free if dance outside 'gated area'
For more information and to buy tickets: lincoln

Phil Woods Plays Q and Ollie: (C, M)
The Music of Quincy Jones and Oliver Nelson (Code: T-TC5JJ01-01)
Nobody plays the music of Quincy Jones and Oliver Nelson like Grammy-winning saxophonist, bandleader and arranger Phil Woods. A disciple of both "Q" and "Ollie," Woods leads a "little big band" in an imaginative and original look at the music of these two greats.
@ 92nd Street Y
1395 Lexington Avenue (at 92nd Street)
8p
$50
For more information and to buy tickets: 92y

Wednesday, July 18th, 2007

Book Discussion: Chuck Klosterman, Word for Word (E, L)
Klosterman was called ‘one of America’s top cultural critics’ by Entertainment Weekly. Pop-culturist Chuck Klosterman explains: “Things That Are True”; “Things That Might Be True”; and “Something That Isn’t True At All” in his latest book told in three parts.
@ Bryant Park Reading Room
Located on the 42nd Street side of the park, under the trees
(between New York Public Library and 6th Avenue)
12:30 - 1:45p
Free
For more information: bryantpark



Spreadsheets for Business (E)
Mac Specialists take you through the basics of spreadsheet and database design on the Mac, covering both Microsoft Excel 2004 and FileMaker Pro 8.5
@ Apple Store
767 Fifth Avenue (between 58th and 59th Streets)
7 - 8p
Free
For more information: apple

Outdoor Concert: Toumani Diabate's Symmetric Orchestra (A, C, M)
Descended from an illustrious line of griots (West African ceremonial singer/musicians), this Grammy®-winning virtuoso of the 21-stringed kora updates an ancient tradition through modern arrangements for the 21st century.
@ Rockefeller Park
Chambers and West Broadway
7p
Free
For more information: financialcenter



Movie Screening: Nacho Libre (A, F)
Jack Black is at his comic best as Ignacio, a disrespected cook at a Mexican monastery that can barely afford to feed the orphans who live there. Inspired by a local wrestling hero, he decides to moonlight as the not-so-famous Luchador "Nacho Libre" to earn money for the monastery not to mention the admiration of beautiful nun Sister Encarnacion.
@ Pier 54 (between 14th Street and Hudson River)
Dusk (usually 8:30p)
Free
For more information: hudsonriverand amazon

Thursday, July 19th, 2007

Wine Tasting: Beat the Heat - The Great Grapes (D/F, E)
We continue our "Beat the Heat" Summer Tasting series with a tribute to the great grapes of the world. We will be in the expert hands of Jeff Davis from Lauber Imports, who will be pouring the following:
Clos Robert 2005 - Chardonnay
Baileyana "Firepeak" 2005 - Pinot Noir
Avignonesi Vino Nobile Montepulciano 2004 - Sangiovese
Chateau Malbat 2005 - Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot
@ Le Du Wines
600 Washington Street (@ LeRoy Street)
6 - 8p
Free
For more information: leduwines

Gallery Opening and Artists Reception (A, C, D/F)
Christine Desiree: Vibrate
She describes this work as ‘chromotherapy paintings’, which are created using the worlds’ most advanced technology in energy efficient LED’s, data enablers and DMX programming. Through this process her works are able to achieve over 16.7 million colors in their spectrum, and over 100 million color variations.
@ Brenda Taylor Gallery
511 West 25th Street (between 10th and 11th Avenues)
6 - 8p
Free
For more information: brendataylor

Investigative Journalism: Finding the holy sh*t story (E, L)
Forgive us for being vulgar, but Bob Woodward calls it "the holy sh*t story", a story that makes your jaw drop as you shriek, well, you know. That, in essence is what journalism should do: uncover fascinating stories that change the public dialogue. But in an era where journalism has been sullied by the likes of Jayson Blair and Stephen Glass, along with sloppy, agenda-based reporting everywhere you look, it isn't as easy to capture an editor's attention or convince him to look past his skepticism. In this introductory class, you'll learn how to find and report stories that shine and sell them. Investigative reporting is like taking a powerful flashlight into a basement. You think something might be lurking down there, but you don't know what it looks like or how big it might be. It takes skill, courage, and patience. Investigative reporting is how you find the news that would otherwise never be reported-the high cancer rates in a certain neighborhood, the fat expense accounts at the respected charity, or the racial profiling in a city's police department. You have a hot tip, or a just a strong suspicion, but how do you really nail the story?
@ Media Bistro
494 Broadway (between Spring and Broome Streets)
6:30 - 9:30p
$65
For more information and to sign up: mediabistro

Friday, July 20th, 2007

Gallery Opening and Artists Reception (A, C, D/F)
ConTEXTual
ConTextual" words are an integral part of the creative process announcing either their own opinions on a subject, informing the viewer of known or little known facts or forming their own narrative within the imagery. The exhibition features paintings, sculptures and photographs which incorporate text into the media.
@ Ch’I Contemporary Fine Art
293 Grand Street (between Havemeyer and Roebling Streets), Williamsburg, Bklyn
6 - 9p
Free
For more information: chi



I Love New York: World Fare (A, C, D, F, M)
Queens Theatre in the Park broadened its programming and audience reach and launched the annual summer Latino Cultural Festival in 1997 as a response to the rapidly changing demographic profile of its community. What began as a local effort to serve Latino audiences (now one-fourth of the population) has become, by this 10th anniversary, a major cultural attraction for Latinos in the Northeast. Additionally, this event is attracting broad crossover audiences interested in world music, contemporary dance, and avant-garde theater. Now what began as a modest cabaret series with one headline act has grown into the nation’s most important Latino multidisciplinary cultural festival, with 12 days of events showcasing the full diversity of Latino and Latin American performing arts: the music, dance, theater, film, visual art, and spoken word; the folkloric, the traditional, and the modern.
Featuring: Folkloric Ballet Mestizo (dance), La Cumbiamba eNe Ye (music) and El Carro (film)
@ Flushing Meadows Corona Park
6:30 - 10:30p
Free
For more information: queens

Dance Performance: Noche Flamenca (C, D)
Noche Flameca returns to New York, as the company brings its pure, authentic brand of flamenco to the intimate setting of Theater 80. The company is known for its transcendent and deeply emotional performances.
@ Theater 80
80 St. Mark's Place (between 1st and 2nd Avenues)
8p
$55
For more information and to buy tickets: tickets

Saturday, July 21st, 2007



Water Taxi Beach (F/D, S)
400 tons of NJ beach sand and a Long Island City wharf with Amazing view of Midtown NYC. This 44,000 square foot beach just a 4-minute Water Taxi ride from midtown Manhattan boasts brilliant sunshine during the day, a volleyball net, tents for shade from the sun, live music, entertainment and cultural events in the evening and delicious food at Water Taxi Beach. There isn't any swimming but we call it a beach. We have 4 to 6 inches of sand and lots of people running about Queens with their shoes off, tossing a blow-up football and folks kicking back with leisure drinks. Your welcome to bring your own water. We don't allow coolers, outside food or drink. Glass containers are not allowed on the beach for any reason. Food and beverages are available during posted hours. You can check out our menu. Our food and drinks are priced with respect. When in our parking lot, or inside our tented area, foot wear is required. Sorry, Pets are not allowed. There is no swimming at the beach.
Water Taxi Beach is located at the New York Water Taxi Hunters Point Ferry stop in Long Island City, Queens.
For beach hours and events, visit: water
Free admission before 8p

Art Exhibit: Magic in Ancient Egypt: Image, Word, and Reality (A, C)
How the Egyptians, known throughout the ancient world for their expertise in magic, addressed the unknown forces of the universe is explored in this exhibition of twenty objects from the Brooklyn Museum's world-famous collection. Ancient Egyptians did not distinguish between religion and magic. They believed that the manipulation of written words, images, and ritual could influence the world through a divinely created force known as Heqa, personified as the eldest son of the solar creator Atum. Heqa could be used by the gods to control and sustain the universe and by humans to deal with problems of ordinary life. The exhibition includes a relief of a son of Ramesses II, Prince Khaemwaset, who became legendary as a sage and magician; a bronze figure of the goddess Isis, known as "great of magic," holding a cobra that also had magical powers; a magical healing stela inspired by myths of Isis healing Horus of a scorpion bite; and a headrest with images of Bes and Taweret, deities who protected the dead and the living.
@ Brooklyn Museum
200 Eastern Parkway (@ Washington Avenue), Brooklyn
$8
For more information: brooklyn



7th Annual Siren Music Festival (A, C, D, M)
This festival is a free, all-day, all-ages music festival featuring live international, national, local bands and DJs performing on two outdoor stages throughout the historic Coney Island amusement park. This free, all-day, all-ages music festival features live international, national, local bands and DJs performing on two outdoor stages in historic Coney Island.
Featuring:
New York Dolls, M.I.A., Cursive, We Are Scientists, Voxtrot, Matt and Kim, The Black Lips,
Dr. Dog, Noisettes, Lavender Diamond, The Detroit Cobras, Elvis Perkins IN dEARLAND,
The Twilight Sad and White Rabbits
Located: Coney Island (on West 10th Street and Stillwell Avenue off of Surf Avenue)
Free
12 - 9p
For more information: siren

Walking Tour: Green-Wood Cemetery (E, S)
The lush plantings, shimmering lakes, and rolling hills of Brooklyn's Green-Wood Cemetery inspired the creation of Central Park. As one of America's first garden cemeteries, Green-Wood, with its contemplative beauties, became New York's most scenic and choice location to spend eternity. Impressive mausoleums, often adorned with stained glass windows, and exquisite sculptures and monuments celebrate the lives of America's rich and famous.
See works by such noted artists and designers as Stanford White, Daniel Chester French, Richard Upjohn, Warren & Wetmore and Augustus St. Gaudens. Among the many stops will be the final resting places of Louis Comfort Tiffany, Horace Greeley, Samuel F. B. Morse, Peter Cooper and Leonard Bernstein.
Meet @: Green-Wood Cemetery Main Entrance
Gate at 5th Avenue and 25th Street in Brooklyn
1 - 3:30p
$20, Payable on Site
There is free parking inside the entrance gate of Green-Wood Cemetery.
For more information and to sign up: tour



Les Nubians come to NYC (M)
Music is every moment of our lives," says Helene Faussart, one half of the Afropean hip hop/R&B duo Les Nubians. Helene and her sister/bandmate, Celia, found that this feeling connected them with people in Jamaica, Egypt, Cameroon, Chad, London, their native Paris and other locales around the world as they embarked on the journey that led to their newest album 'One Step Forward.' Les Nubians' singing sisters have traveled the world, soaking up the sounds of reggae, afro-beat, pop and electronica while collaborating with a host of respected musicians. The sisters met and worked with traditional folk musicians, as well as artists at the apex of every genre from Afro-jazz to British breakbeat to Cameroonian hip hop.
@ BB Kings
237 West 42nd Street (between 7th and 8th Avenues)
8p, doors open at 6p
$26 in advance, $28 day of show
For more information and to buy tickets: bbkingblues

Sunday, July 22nd, 2007



Summer Nostalgia Train Excursions: Summer Celebration at Rockaway Park (D, E, S)
Passengers will board the Nostalgia Train and ride the vintage R 1/9 vintage trains to Rockaway Park for a big band dance party celebrating the 70th birthday of the Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge and the 75th Anniversary of Jacob Riis Park. When you get there, get your Lindy hopping to some summertime swing, stay onboard for bonus rides, enjoy the beach on a ranger-guided sunset tour, or simply soak up the surf and picnic by twilight.
2 - 9p
$30
For more information, make reservations and find out meeting location call: 718.694.1867 or go to mta

Casym Steel Orchestra Play in Central Park (C, M)
CASYM's mission is to provide an alternative to the “street life" and the organization works closely with other civic, cultural and education organizations like Crown Heights Youth Collective, Medgar Evers College and the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. The CASYM Steel Orchestra comprises 90 young members between the ages of 7 to 21. It is the most visible and successful aspect of CASYM’s program and has performed throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. This professional orchestra has performed with jazz legend Lionel Hampton, the Harlem Boys choir, the Calypso King of the World the Mighty Sparrow and Calypsonian David Rudder.
The Charles A. Dana Discovery Center
Inside the Park at 110th Street (between Fifth and Lenox Avenues)
4 - 6p
Free
For more information: centralparkand CASYM

Summer on the Hudson: Acoustic Sundays (M)
Featuring: Matt Munisteri and Brock Mumford
Enjoy spectacular sunsets as you listen to Matt Munisteri and Brock Mumford. Brock Mumford's members have been playing moldy old music since before they were even old enough to have their bus passes stolen, so they're not inclined to beat the easy retreat into retro cliché, haphazard ironic pastiche, or faux-folksy hokum.
@ Pier I
West Side Highway and 70th Street
7p
Free
For more information: parks

Monday, July 23rd, 2007



Farmer's Market Nutrition (D/F, E)
Learn what fresh fruits and vegetables are available at your local farmer's market. Get recipes and tips on selecting and storing fresh produce. Free tastings will by provided in this informative talk with Jennifer Klein, RD, Montefiore Medical Group.
Bronx Library Center
310 East Kingsbridge Road (between East 192nd Street and Celia Cruz Boulevard)
6p
Free
For more information: event

Book Discussion: (L, M)
Practicing: A Musicians Return to Music with Glenn Kurtz
The remarkable odyssey of a classical guitar prodigy who abandons his beloved instrument in defeat at the age of twenty-five, but comes back to it years later with a new kind of passion. With insight and humor, Glenn Kurtz takes us from his first lessons at a small Long Island guitar school at the age of eight, to a national television appearance backing jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie, to his acceptance at the elite New England Conservatory of Music. He makes bittersweet and vivid a young man’s struggle to forge an artist’s life and to become the next Segovia. And we see him after graduation, pursuing a solo career in Vienna but realizing that he has neither the ego nor the talent required to succeed at the upper reaches of the world of classical guitar and giving up the instrument, and his dream, entirely.
@ Barnes and Nobles
1972 Broadway (@ 66th Street)
7p
Free
For more information: bn


Key to Activities

A Art
C Cultural
D Dance
D/F Drink/Food
E Education
F Film
L Literature
M Music
NP Non-Profit
P Party
S Sport