Happenings for Week of July 2nd, 2007

Monday, July 2nd, 2007



HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival presents: Paper Moon (F)
Peter Bogdanovich directs father-daughter team Ryan and Tatum O’Neal, playing Depression-era grifters who scam recently widowed women and hilariously seek out the big score.
@ Bryant Park Lawn
6th Avenue between 40th - 42nd Streets
5 - 11p
The films begin at sunset (between 8-9p)
Free
For more information: film-festival



Book Reading and Signing (E, L)
Kotter’s Back with Gabe Kaplan
The start of the popular 70s sitcom Welcome Back Kotter shares the email correspondence from his efforts to get his face on a postage stamp, visit outer space with Jimmy Carter and other outrageous pranks.
@ Barnes and Noble
4 Astor Place (between Broadway and Lafayette)
7p
Free
For more information: bn

Tuesday, July 3rd, 2007

Museum Exhibit: Contemporary Furniture makers Explore Chinese Traditions (A, C)
This exhibit brings together 27 masterpieces of historic Chinese furniture with 27 pieces of contemporary studio furniture created specifically for the exhibition. The 22 contemporary artists represented come from the United States, Canada, Japan, and China. This exhibition demonstrates the interchange of ideas and inspiration across time and geographic boundaries. At the same time, it reflects increasing opportunities for cross-cultural exchange among contemporary artists in North America and China, as China emerges into the global art community.
@ Museum of Arts and Design
40 West 53rd Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues)
$9
For more information: mad

Wine Tasting: Admiral Wines (D/F, E)
Taste the wines of Portugal: Tinto Anfora, Cardeal DAO, Porca de Morca and Famega Vinho Verde.
@ Chelsea Wine Vault
75 Ninth Avenue (between 15th and 16th Streets)
3 - 6p
Free
For more information: chelseawinevault

Nik Bärtsch’s Ronin (M)
What he’s come up with amounts to a whole new musical concept. This is music that throbs with a pulsating dynamism that’s almost hypnoti woven into the rhythmic tapestry is startling imagery that grows from simple beginnings. Bärtsch’s mysterious music will be around for a lot longer than the quick fix that majority taste seems to clamour for.
@ Joes Pub
425 Lafayette Street (between Astor Place and East 4th Street)
7:30p
$18
For more information and to buy tickets: joespub



Savion Glover returns to NYC (A, C, D)
Another thrilling production that keeps tap dancing fresh, alive and current. The dancer and choreographer behind Mumbles, the tap dancing penguin hero of "Happy Feet," Savion Glover inspires all ages with a joy and energy all his own. His effervescent feet transform into musical instruments, so you can hear dance as well as see it.
@ Joyce Theater
175 Eighth Avenue (@ 19th Street)
7:30p
$44
For more information: joyce

Wednesday, July 4th, 2007 (Independence Day)

Fourth of July Celebration: (C, H)
Living History Days History comes alive for with revolutionary heroes, troops, and portrait artists. Meet George Washington (portrayed by Michael J. Grillo) and Benjamin Franklin (portrayed by Jack Sherry). Have your portrait drawn as a Revolutionary soldier. Join historical re-enactors from 2nd New York Provincial Battalion, the 4th New York Regiment, and an officer from His Majesty's Royal Navy to find out what life was like during the Revolution and more.
@ New York Historical Society
170 Central Park West (@ 77th Street)
10 - 5p
Free admission to all Council District 6 residents* and anyone wearing Red, White and Blue.
* Upper West Side from West 54th Street (between 8th Avenue and the Hudson River) to West 96th Street (between Central Park and the Hudson River) Please bring proof of residency to receive free admission.
For more information: nyhistory

Rock Junket: East Village Rock n’ Roll Walking Tour (A, C, E, S)
Rock, Punk and Glam. Three genres of music that helped form the history of a rock culture. New York City's East Village helped introduce new music, rock 'n' roll fashion and a way of life to the world. Now you can check out the sites and stories of The Ramones, New York Dolls, CBGB's, Andy Warhol, The Velvet Underground, The Fillmore East, Led Zeppelin, Iggy Pop and more. Find out where they played, lived, shopped and shot album covers, plus soak up the rich musical history of this historic Lower East Side neighborhood. Although many of these landmarks have changed, the memories continue to inspire up and coming New York City bands.
Meeting Location:
Near East 9th Street and 3rd Avenue (exact location will be provided after you sign up)
1 - 3p
$25
For more information and to sign up: RockJunket



Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest (C, D/F, H, S)
This contest has been held at Nathan's Famous on the corner of Surf and Stillwell avenues in Coney Island each year since 1916, according to legend. A group of 20 steely-eyed individuals line up behind a 40-foot table to begin the 12-minute contest. These competitors, known in the sport of competitive eating as gurgitators, may not appear athletic to the untrained eye of John Q. Public. However, they are among the finest athletes in the world.
@ Nathans
1310 Surf Avenue (@ Stillwell Avenue), Coney Island
12p
Free
For more information: nathans

Sunset Wednesdays (C, S)
Enjoy the best that summer has to offer as the sun sets over the Hudson River and Palisades. Stretch your perceptions on a Gallery Tour of Thoreau Reconsidered in Glyndor Gallery. Walks include highlights from the Flower Garden, Wild Garden, Herb and Dry Garden, Aquatic Garden and other areas at their summer peak.
@ Wave Hill
4899 Independence Avenue (@ West 249th Street), Bronx
$4
10 - 9p
For more information and directions: wavehill

American Independence Day Big Band Swing Party BBQ (C, D, D/F, H, P)
It's Independence day, time to be free, play, have fun, drink too much and party. Join Joe Battaglia and The New York Big Band for our Independence Day Swing Party. Don't miss this amazing 17 Piece Swing Band. Acclaimed as one of the finest Big Bands in the Country today. The quality of this band is reminiscent of the big band era, with a repertoire including sophisticated dance, jazz, and latin music.
@ Columbus 72
100 Columbus Avenue (between 71st and 72nd Streets)
8p
$15 (pre-payment required)
For more information and to sign up: reallive




Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks (C, H)
The nation’s largest and most incredible birthday bash lights up the night sky with over 120,000 bursts of color, light and breathtaking pyrotechnics from around the world. Open your ears and heart to the fireworks soundtrack on radio station 1010wines or watch it live on NBC (channel 4).
Viewing locations on FDR: Pedestrian access to the FDR Drive for viewing will be at 23rd, 38th and 42nd Streets only.
9p
Free
For more information: fireworks

Thursday, July 5th, 2007

Museum Exhibit: The Great Cover-Up: American Rugs on Beds, Tables and Floors (A, C, E)
The impulse to cover interior surfaces has historically been both utilitarian and decorative. Early American rugs were yarn sewn, shirred, appliquéd, and embroidered. As many surviving rugs attest, the best examples transcend function through the graphic power of their color and design. “The Great Cover-up: American Rugs on Beds, Tables, and Floors” will feature approximately 65 rugs that span the end of the 18th through the mid-20th centuries. Originally, hand-sewn and hooked rugs were enjoyed only within the intimate confines of the home. Today, their public appreciation provides a fascinating glimpse into the private spaces of American life.
@ American Folk Art Museum
45 West 53rd Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues)
$9
For more information: folkart

Gin Tasting (D/F, E)
Come and enjoy classic gin and tonics with Bulldog London Dry gin.
@ Astor Wine and Spirits
399 Lafayette Street (@ 4th Street)
6 - 8p
Free
For more information: astor



Yoga Lessons (C, E, S)
Awaken the body’s potential with revitalizing movement, stretching, breathing, and poses. Some of yoga’s benefits include weight loss, deeper sleep, release from pain and arthritis, and a more youthful appearance. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy movement. Mats are provided. If Lawn is closed, classes are held in front of the Bryant Monument, between the Bryant Park Grill and Café
@ Bryant Park
Sixth Avenue (between 40th and 42nd Streets), southwest corner
6 - 7p
Free
For more information: bryantpark

Battery Park City: Parks' River and Blues Concert (M)
Back by his Band, master guitarist/songwriter Duke Robillard performs the blues, exploring the ways jazz, swing and the blues are linked.
@ Wagner Park
Battery Place/Esplanade/First Place
7p
Free
For more information: nyc

Friday, July 6th, 2007

Sculpture Exhibit: (A, C, E)
On Chapels, Caves and Erotic Misery, by Christian Tomaszewski
Since 2004, Christian Tomaszewski has been plunging into the entrails of David Lynch's cult classic Blue Velvet (1986). Tomaszewski has been meticulously reconstructing parts of the film in real space: exploring the ability of architectural fragments to convey dramatic narrative. Tomaszewski is fascinated by the challenge of superimposing one space and structure onto another: the first, artificially woven together through film editing; the second, a totalizing structure defined by the walls and activities of the exhibition space. Both sets of conventions dissolve in their collision, leading to a third reality, which is a thematic structure in itself.
@ SculptureCenter
44 - 19 Purves Street (off of Jackson Avenue), LIC
$5
For more information: sculpture



Museum Exhibit: The Shapes of Space (A, C, E)
Radically adapting the Minimalist incorporation of the perceiving viewer into the space of the artwork, a number of artists working today have created installations which depend upon the viewer's active participation for their completion. Generous in spirit, these works act as zones for social exchange, activating the space between people. Piotr Ukla_ski's adaptable wall-to-wall installation Untitled (Dance Floor) (1996) transforms the institutional space of the museum or gallery into a sound-synchronized, light-flashing disco, subverting the normal use of the site and encouraging visitors to dance, mingle, and otherwise interact with one another.
@ Guggenheim Museum
1071 5th Avenue(at 89th Street)
ONLY on Fridays, beginning at 5:45 p.m. the museum hosts Pay What You Wish, otherwise $18
For more information: guggenheim

Steve Cohen’s Chamber Magic: A Demonstration of Modern Conjuring (A, S)
Steve Cohen, The Millionaires' Magician, performs internationally for celebrities, tycoons and aristocrats. When he is not traveling, Cohen can be found at New York's famous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel performing his sold-out public show: 'Chamber Magic.' Cohen recreates the intimacy of 19th century parlor performances by baffling his guests in the close quarters of a private suite. Each show is limited to 40 guests, so everyone experiences the magic close up. You will literally be inches away from state-of-the-art magic and world-class mind reading. Steve will cause objects to move without touching them, and will attempt to reveal personal information about you and others in the audience, whom he has never met.
@ Waldorf Towers
50th Street (between Park and Lexington Avenues)
(exact location will be provided once you purchase a ticket)
7p
$55
For more information and to sign up: Magic

Saturday, July 7th, 2007



Live Earth Concert (The Concert for a Climate in Crisis) (A, C, E, M, NP)
This concert is a monumental music event that will bring together more than 2 billion people on 7/7/07 to raise awareness about global warming. With 24 hours of music across 7 continents, and performances by more than 150 of the world's top musicians, Live Earth will engage, connect, and inspire individuals, corporations and governments to take action to solve the climate crisis.
The Concerts for a Climate in Crisis NEW YORK: The Police, Bon Jovi, Kanye West, Roger Waters, Fall Out Boy, Akon, Kelly Clarkson, The Smashing Pumpkins, Melissa Etheridge, John Mayer, Alicia Keys, Ludacris, KT Tunstall, Sheryl Crow, AFI, Dave Matthews Band
@ Giants Stadium
50 State Route 120,East Rutherford, NJ 07073
Doors open @ 1p, show starts @ 2:30p
Tickets vary: $83 - $350
Please help reduce green house gas emissions caused by people traveling to the Live Earth Concert at Giants Stadium. You are urged to carpool or take mass transit wherever possible.
For bus service from New York City. Shuttle bus will also be provided from the Secaucus Transfer Station to the Stadium. For train schedules to the Transfer Station. Due to construction at the Meadowlands Sports Complex parking @ the Complex is very limited & we suggest carpooling or taking mass transit.
For more information and to buy tickets: liveearth



Luxury Chocolate Walking Tour (C, D/F, E, S)
Get closer to the NY’s most cherished chocolate boutiques and thus live its inimitable lifestyle. You will feel more joyful, energetic and connected to the world after you will go through this European-style experience in the heart of the city that never sleeps. Delve into the heart of the city with us and discover its dark secrets.Our exclusive contact with the best chocolatiers out there helped us design a tour that would stir your senses by combining a drop of fantasy, a dash of stylish adventure, and a spoon full of great taste. We are not trying to be Willy Wonka, but we would like to share with you a wonderful experience in the world of chocolate.
Meeting place: Saks Fifth Avenue
611 Fifth Avenue (@ 49th Street)
(exact meeting location will be provided after purchase of ticket)
12p
$70
For more information and to sign up: ChocoTours

Screening: Art Talk with Lynn Davis and Arthur C. Danto (A, C)
The eminent art critic, professor and philosopher Arthur Danto talks to photographer Lynn Davis about her work and her world view. Her exhibition Illumination: The Photographs of Lynn Davis.
@ Rubin Museum of Art
150 West 17th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenue)
4p
Free with admission, $10
For more information: rma

Ellsworth and Hicks perform in Brooklyn (M)
Guitarist George Ellsworth and clarinetist Phil Hicks are an acoustic roots/blues duo from Brooklyn who have been performing for sixteen years. What sets this pair apart is the casual way they come across as throwbacks to a time when songwriters sought to make some sense of the world, rather than settle for vocal acrobatics.
@ The Waterfront Museum
290 Conover Street Pier 44 (@ Reed Street), Brooklyn
8p
$8
For more information: waterfront

Sunday, July 8th, 2007



Mountain Biking (S)
Confident Novices to Expert bikers can ride with our experienced guides on Trails.com's # 1 rated mountain biking trail in NY, right in your backyard.You can take it fast and hard, or slow and sure through twists and turns, undulating hills, occasional rocks and conspiring roots.The course will be varied among 10 mile, 16 mile, or 25 mile trails, depending on comfort level & ability. We will also break throughout the day as needed.
Bring: Your lunch, snacks, 2L water in a backpack and bike helmet. Mountain bike & biking gloves if you have them. You must bring your own helmet, regardless of whether you are renting a bike.
Time: 9 - 5p (meet at 8:40 for check-in)
Meeting Place: 73rd Street and Broadway, NE corner (in front of Apple Bank)
$85 with your own bike
$135 with bike rental
For more information and to sign up: outdoorbound.
Save $5.00 - after signing up email: info@outdoorbound.com and let them know you found out about trip from Laura’s List.

Brooklyn County Fair (F/D, M)
Featuring: Uncle Leon & the Alibis, JD & the WWJDs, The Jack Grace Band, Yarn, Dock Oscar and the Miscreants of Love, The Becky Birmingham Band, Tom Burris, Kamara Thomas and Rex Moroux
Bar-b-que provided by Spanky's BBQ
@ Galapagos Art Space
70 North 6th Street (between Wythe and Kent Avenues), Brooklyn
1 - 9p
Free
For more information: galapagos

Film Screening: Scarlet Empress and Queen Christina (Double Feature) (F)
In von Sternberg’s relentless excursion into style (Scarlet Empress), he explores the excess and sex-capades of the Russian court, especially Catherine the Great. Queen Christina is lifted far above its origins, party by Mamoulian and party by Garbo herself.
@ Symphony Space
2537 Broadway (@ 95th Street)
6p
$11
For more information and to buy tickets in advance: symphonyspace

Monday, July 9th, 2007

Book Discussion and Signing: (A, C, L, M)
Let’s Spend the Night Together: Backstage Secrets of Rock Muses and Supergroupies With Author, Pamela Des Barres and Patti D’Arbanville
Pamela Des Barres has been called the Queen of the Groupies; she paired up with everyone from Jim Morrison to Mick Jagger to Frank Zappa, led the first Groupie Supergroup (the cult favorite band The GTOs), and wrote all about it in her first book I’m With The Band. Now Miss Pamela has gathered her fellow former rock muses, both famous and infamous, for Let’s Spend The Night Together, a collection of stories and interviews that sets out to prove that the girls behind the scenes were a vital part of making the music happen. She will be joined by Warhol protege Patti D’Arbanville, who is featured in the book, and other special guests.
@ McNally Robinson
52 Prince Street (between Mulberry and Lafayette Streets)
7p
Free
For more information: mcnallyrobinson

Key to Activities

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