Compiled by Scott stiffler
HIROSHIMA AND NAGASAKI COMMEMORATION
For a nation that continues to drop bombs, we’re conspicuously silent when it comes to contemplating the irony (and human cost) of destruction from above in the name of peace down below. Every year, Pax Christi Metro New York shines its laser target on the big one — to commemorate the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and encourage the abolition of nuclear weapons today. This year’s theme: “Interfaith Perspectives on Nuclear Weapons.” After providing an overview of Catholic teachings on the topic, Hiro Sakurai (chairman of the UN Committee on Disarmament, Peace and Security, representing lay Buddhist organization Soka Gakkai NGO) and Ibrahim Ramey (of the Muslim American Society) will speak. Preceding the talk and discussion will be an interfaith prayer. Following it will be a public witness. Sun., Aug. 7, 2:30-4:30pm, in Casserly Hall (below St. Joseph’s Greenwich Village Church; enter on Washington Place, just off 6th Ave.). Pax Christi Metro New York is located at 371 6th Ave. For info, call 212-420-0250 or visit nypaxchristi.org.
PUPPETRY WORKSHOP
Chances are when you (or your kids) were learning to spell and count while watching Sesame Street, Michael Earl was racking up four Emmy awards for his work as a puppeteer on that much-loved show. (At 19, he was hired to replace the original Mr. Snuffleupagus). Years ago, a conversation with Jim Henson (about chronic employee turnover due to lack of training) led Earl to create a Muppeteer teaching course. Until now, Earl’s classes have only been taught to professional puppeteers and to actors looking to add a new skill set. He’ll be teaching a one-day beginning TV puppetry workshop and then an intermediate level class (which covers on-camera eye focus, lip-sync, character voices, puppet choreography, improv and behind-the-scenes Muppet stories). Sat., Aug. 13 and Sun., Aug 14; 10am-5pm each day. At Simple Studios (134 W. 29th St., 2nd floor, btw. 6th &7th Aves.). For info or to register, call 818-986-9944 or visit puppetschool.com.
RADIO HAPPY HOUR
After two years of strange days, good times, crowded rooms and plenty of laughs, the amiable folks at Radio Happy Hour are calling it quits. The final taping of this modern take on the old fashioned radio show (performed in front of a live audience) isn’t going gently, or quietly. The stacked bill of performers includes Twin Sister, Mike Doughty, Jenny Slate, Matt Pond PA, Franz Nicolay, Arden Myrin, Max Silvestri, Gabe Liedman, author Arthur Phillips, John & Molly Knefel, US Air Guitar Champion William Ocean and a few others. Fri., Aug 12, 6:30pm. At (Le) Poisson Rouge (158 Bleecker St.). Reservations strongly recommended ($5 in advance, $10 at the door). Call 212-505-3474 or visit lepoissonrouge.com. On Twitter: @lprnyc.
THEATER: NO CHILD…
Don’t miss Lower East Side native Nilaja Sun’s funny, frustrating, thought-provoking and layered multi-character solo show about the sorry state of our public school system — told from the point of view of those who find themselves while trying to teach, learn or just survive. Sun’s “No Child…” concludes its long Barrow Street Theatre run just in time for all the back to school concerns it so skillfully dredges up. For a conversation about the show — by native Canadian Marc Charbo and former NYC public school student Latima Stephens, see the Arts section of our website (thevillager.com). Tues.-Sat. at 7:30pm; Sun. at 2:30pm. Through Aug. 14, at the Barrow Street Theatre, 27 Barrow Street (at 7th Ave. S.). For tickets ($40), call 212-868-4444 or visit smarttix.com. Student tickets ($15) are available at the box office on the day of performance. For more info, visit barrowstreettheatre.com.
NEW YORK CONCERTI SINFONIETTA
Julie Jordan, Artist-in-Residence at the Church of St. Joseph in Greenwich Village, presents students with invaluable performing opportunities through her continuing series of “Julie Jordan Presents” concerts. They’ll be performing with Jordan’s professional orchestra — the New York Concerti Sinfonietta — led by conductor Paul Hostetter and featuring guest solo pianists from the China Conservatory: Chang-Xin Guan, Xiao-Xue Hu, Xiao-yu Guo and Da Wen Li. Tues., Aug. 9, 7pm at the Church of St. Joseph (371 Ave. of Americas, btw. Waverly and Washington Place). Admission is $20 at the door (inquire at dr.juliejordan1@gmail.com for info on student and senior discounts). The concert will be followed by a reception. For more info, visit juliejordanpresents.com.
