COMPILED BY SCOTT STIFFLER
BOOK RELEASE PARTY: REVEREND BILLY
It’s been years in the making — and now, finally, there’s a book, which chronicles an epic journey almost as long and inviting as its title (“The Reverend Billy Project: From Rehearsal Hall to Super Mall with the Church of Life After Shopping”). Co-authored by Rev. Billy and Savitri D, (and edited by the Columbia journalism professor Alisa Solomon), it chronicles the good Reverend and his choir of conspicuous consumption-loathing zealots as they stir up trouble in a blessedly satirical, performance art sort of way. Worthy recipients of their activism include Coney Island, Union Square and various Starbucks and Chase Manhattan locations. Mon., June 13, 7pm at The Housing Works Bookstore & Cafe (126 Crosby St., btw. Lafayette & Broadway). For event info, call them at 212-334-3324 or visit shophousingworks.org. Also visit revbilly.com.
MUSIC: JUGALBANDI
Established in June 1997 as a non-profit cultural organization dedicated to promoting and preserving traditional music and dance of South Asia (with a special emphasis on Indian classical music), Kalavant Center for Music and Dance delivers on that mission statement — rather well, we’re thinking — with “Jugalbandi” (which means “together”). In any language, that’s an appropriate word for this fusion of Indian classical music and Western jazz music. The evening’s performances demonstrate how the melodic and rhythmic languages of Indian classical music (like jazz) has a rich and diverse origin. The event organizers note, “Though these musical traditions are markedly different, in their effort to uplift and engage the spirit the traditions are highly compatible.” The ensemble includes Swagata Chakraborty (vocals); Ustad Kadar Khan (tabla); Javed Khan (sitar); Imran Khan (tabla); Premik Russell Tubbs (saxophone) and Joe Kaminski (trumpet). Sun., June 12, 6pm. At St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery (131 E. 10th St., at 2nd Ave.). For tickets ($25; $15 for students/seniors), call 212-475-2348. Kalavant Center for Music and Dance is located at 326 E. 11th St.). Visit kalavant.org.
PHOTOGRPAHY: AN EYE
ON ARCHITECTURE
The Center for Architecture’s exhibition “An Eye on Architecture: Photographs from the Archive of Norman McGrath” reveals the artist’s photographic mastery throughout the past 50 years — including some iconic shots of the original Penn Station (documented during its demolition), and recent photos of the reconstruction of the World Trade Center site. The black and white silver prints, from McGrath’s archive, date back to the early 1960s. The exhibit also includes more recent color work and digital prints. Of that new digital format, the artist notes, “You can learn faster because you can see your mistakes right away. But the aesthetic challenges remain the same. With all modern technology at one’s disposal, there is still no substitute for the discerning photographer’s eye; in my case, it is an eye for architecture.” Through June 25. At The Center for Architecture’s Helfand Gallery (536 LaGuardia Place). Open Mon.-Fri., 9am-8pm and Sat., 11am-5pm. For info, cal l 212-358-6126 or visit aiany.org.
EXHIBIT: WIGGINS, WIGGINS & WIGGINS
Presented by the oldest art club in the country (The Salmagundi Club), “Wiggins, Wiggins & Wiggins: Three Generations of American Art” is an exhibition that, like its sponsoring venue, knows a little something about legacy. This multi-generational exhibition and sale brings together the works of J. Carleton Wiggins (1848-1932), Guy C. Wiggins (1883-1962) and Guy A. Wiggins (1920-present). The Wiggins artists have been members of the Salmagundi Club from the time it was founded in 1871 (Carleton Wiggins, the first generation to take up the profession of artist, served as Club President from 1911-1913). With three generations of creative output represented, viewers can see how each critically-acclaimed artist built on the family sensibility — while adding their own unique sensibilities to the mix (Carleton’s atmospheric landscapes reflect the influence of the French Barbizon painters and the Hudson River School, Guy C.’s urban images reflect the spirit of American Impressionism and Guy A.’s still lifes and urban scenes express the vision of the New Realism). Free. On view June 13-July 1. Mon.-Fri., 1-6pm and Sat./Sun., 1-5pm. At The Salmagundi Club (47 Fifth Ave., btw. 11th & 12th Sts.). Call 212-255-7740 or visit salmagundi.org. A reception will be held on Mon., June 13, 5–8pm (with Guy A. Wiggins in attendance). Works on view will be available for purchase.
