DANCE | EVENTS | EXHIBITS | MUSIC | TALKS & READINGS | THEATER | TOURS
CLASSES
The Battery Park City Parks Conservancy
is sponsoring a number of classes for adults beginning this month. In Swim lessons (Beginner and Intermediate levels I and II), participants learn and refine various strokes and breathing techniques. Other classes include Baby and Me Swims for parents and children ages 1-3, tai chi, and yoga. Prices vary, discounted for members. COMMUNITY CENTER at Stuyvesant High School, 345 Chambers St (access: West St.) 212 267 9700, bpcparks.org.
The Educational Alliance Art School
is offering a variety of classes beginning on Jan 22: Beginning Drawing, Figure Drawing, Chinese Brush Painting, Abstract Painting, Acrylic Painting, Oil Painting, Pottery, Clay Sculpture, Stone Carving, Welding steel sculpture, Wire sculpture, Photography and more. 197 E. Broadway. 212-780-2300 x 378, email artschool@edalliance.org.
DANCE
Battery Dance Company
The 33rd season features “The Other Side,” a new collaboration by choreographers Daniel Cardoso, Thaddeus Davis and Jonathan Hollander that examines how and why mankind oppresses. Other works include “I’ll Take You There,” with an urban pulse, and “Shell Games.” Special guest Quorum Ballet of Lisbon. Student matinees on Feb. 13 at 1pm, Feb. 14 at 10am and noon, and a gala performance on Feb. 13 at 8pm. $35, $15 students, seniors & dancers. TRIBECA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, 199 Chambers St. 212-220-1460.
Nijla Y. Yatkin/NY2 Dance
“Wings of Desire” includes NY premieres of “For People With Wings” and “Echoes of Hope for Those Still on the Ground.” Feb. 14-16 at 8pm. $20 general, $15 students/seniors. JOYCE SOHO, 155 Mercer St. (at Houston). 212-334-7479. joyce.org.
EVENTS
Sword Dance Festival
The 23rd annual festival of traditional English sword dancing features 12 teams performing mystical and vigorous rapper sword dancing, with live music on fiddle, accordion and other instruments. Performances around the city will be held simultaneously in libraries, museums, churches, and other public spaces. Free. Feb. 16 at 9:15am. STATEN ISLAND FERRY TERMINAL, 1 Whitehall St. (at South St). halfmoonsword.org.
The Art of Storytelling With Ishmael Hope and Lily Hudson.
Among the North Pacific Coast nations, traditions and history are passed from generation to generation through stories and songs. The director of outreach for Perseverance Theatre of Juneau, Hope has experience as a storyteller all over Alaska and started the annual festival of Beyond Heritage, a celebration of contemporary and traditional Alaska Native culture, now heading into its sixth year. Feb. 9 at 2pm. Free. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN, Diker Pavilion, One Bowling Green, 212-514-3823, AmericanIndian.si.edu.
Free Hearing Screenings at the League for the Hard of Hearing
Every Tues. from 12-2pm and every Thurs. from 4-6pm. Call or email to schedule an appointment. League for the Hard of Hearing, 50 Broadway, 6th Fl. 917-305-7766, appointments@llh.org.
EXHIBITS
30th Anniversary Exhibition
Featuring work by Carlos Alfonzo, Luis Frangella, Keith Haring, and David Wojnarowicz. Each of these 4 artists had early solo shows with Hal Bromm Gallery, launching successful careers tragically cut short by AIDS. 30 brings to light the important early works they created as well as the strong creative and social bonds between them. Thru March 28. HAL BROMM GALLERY, 90 W. Broadway (at Chambers St.) By appointment. 212-732-6196 or email hbartanddesign@gmail.com.
Willard Boepple, “Room” 2 sculptures made either of poplar wood and brushed aluminum. Known for work drawn from utilitarian objects such as ladders, shelves and mechanisms with cogs, Boepple has focused his concerns on architectural reference that could contain aspect of this former work, implying human activity without human presence. Thru Feb. 16. MAIDEN LANE EXHIBITION SPACE, 125 Maiden Lane. 212-206-6061.
Beauty Surrounds Us
77 works from the museum’s collection features an elaborate Quechua girl’s dance outfit, a Northwest Coast chief’s staff with carved animal figures and crest designs, Seminole turtle shell dance leggings, a conch shell trumpet from pre-Columbian Mexico, a Navajo saddle blanket, and an Inupiak (Eskimo) ivory cribbage board. The exhibition includes 2 interactive media stations, at which visitors may access in-depth descriptions of each object. Thru Fall 2008.
Listening to Our Ancestors: The Art of Native Life Along the North Pacific Coast
An exhibition from 11 Native communities of more than 400 objects—including ceremonial masks, carvings, clothing, baskets and tools. Sections are assembled by curators from the Coast Salish, Makah, Nuu-chah-nulth, Kwakwak’wakw, Heiltsuk, Tsimshian, Gitxsan, Nisga’a, Haida, and Tlingit communities. Ongoing. Free. Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian. Admission to the museum is free. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN, George Gustav Heye Center, 1 Bowling Green, 212-514-3700, AmericanIndian.si.edu.
Ann Marie Rousseau, “Interior Light”
An exhibition of lith process silver gelatin prints by the photojournalist and author of “Shopping Bag Ladies: Homeless Women Speak About Their Lives.” amrousseau.com. Thru March 1. SOHO PHOTO, 15 White St (btw 6th Ave & W. Bway). 212-226-8571, sohophoto.com.
Daring to Resist: Jewish Defiance in the Holocaust
This large-scale exhibition, presented in association with Ghetto Fighters’ House, Israel, brings to light the stories of men, women, and children who defied the Nazis. Thru July.
The Other Promised Land: Vacationing, Identity, and the Jewish-American Dream
This exhibition explores the history of Jewish vacationing in America from 1890 to the present, focusing on such legendary destinations as Atlantic City, the Catskills, Florida, Israel, and New York. Thru 2007. $10 adults/$7 seniors/$5 students. Children 12 and under are admitted free. MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE — A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, 36 Battery Pl. 646-437-4202, mjhnyc.org.
Fighting Irishmen: Celebrating Celtic Prizefighters
When the Irish immigrated to New York, landing at the South Street piers, they brought this pugilistic tradition with them This exhibit traces the history of these fighting Irish, from the 19th century to the present day. Curated by James Houlihan.
Model Ships From religious artifacts to treasured collectibles to engineering prototypes, this exhibit traces the history of model watercraft from ancient times to the present.
There Once Was a Neighborhood: The Lower East Side, 1937-1950
Photographs taken by Rebecca Lepkoff capture the lives and times of a vibrant, close-knit and functional multi-ethnic community. These images uncover a forgotten time and place and reveal how the LES has both stayed the same and changed forever.
Soundings Treasures from the museum’s permanent collection, including scrimshaw, ship portraits and models, signal flags and more. All exhibitions are ongoing. $8 general admission, $6 seniors/students, $4 children 5-12, under 5s are free. SOUTH STREET SEAPORT MUSEUM, 12 Fulton St (bet Front & South Sts). 212-748-8786, southstseaport.org.
Heroes
This exhibit looks at the many people from diverse backgrounds who joined together to win America’s independence. Paintings on exhibit include Henry Hintermeister The Drill Master, John Ward Dunsmore’s The Message from Lexington, and Dennis Mallone Carter’s Molly Pitcher at the Battle of Monmouth. Ongoing. Adeline Moses Loeb Gallery.
If These Walls Could Talk
As Manhattan’s oldest surviving building, 54 Pearl Street has witnessed nearly 3 centuries of the city’s history. Ongoing. $4, $3 seniors and children under 18, and free to children under 6. FRAUNCES TAVERN MUSEUM, 54 Pearl St. 212-425-1776, frauncestavernmuseum.com.
Inside the Fence
This exhibit serves as a tribute to the dedicated people in transportation, sanitation, and construction trades who played a major role in supporting the recovery at the World Trade Center site, and also provides a glimpse into current projects in development in construction, sanitation and transit based upon increased awareness and innovative technologies developed after the attacks. Thru June 9. THE TRIBUTE WTC VISITOR CENTER, 120 Liberty St. tributewtc.org.
“I Suppose I Shall Be Impeached for It…”
Theodore Roosevelt, Augustus Saint-Gaudens and America’s Most Beautiful Coin. Examples of early cameos are displayed along with classical numismatic prototypes, and the centerpiece of the exhibit is the progression of the design process for new coinage. Thru March. FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF NY, 33 Liberty St. (btn Nassau & William). numismatics.org.
Peter Kayafas, “Recent Photographs of America”
From Pennsylvania to California, from front lawns to county fairs, back roads to museum interiors, this America, captured in black and white photos, is beautiful in its plainness and forsaken in its magnificence. Thru March 1. SASHA WOLF GALLERY, 10 Leonard St. 212-925-0025, sashawolf.com.
Monarchs of the Sea
In celebration of the ocean liner era, this permanent exhibition features plans, models and memorabilia evoking the majesty and magic of a time when ocean liners were considered the last word in luxury travel. $8 general admission, $6 seniors/students, $4 children 5-12, under 5s are free. South Street Seaport Museum, WALTER LORD GALLERY (213 Water St). 212-748-8786, southstseaport.org.
Shalom Neuman, “Toxic Paradise/America”
Large sculptural paintings depicting mankind’s cruelty to the planet as well as modeling paste, acrylic paint and found objects surrounded by little plastic figures. Thru April 10. FUSIONARTS MUSEUM, 57 Stanton St. 212-995-5290, artnet.com/fusionartsmuseum.html
New York Modern
This futuristic exhibition analyzes the predictions of the early 20th century in the work of leading architects and planners such as Hugh Ferriss, Raymond Hood, Harvey Wiley Corbett, and the Regional Plan Association, as well as science fiction imagery and futuristic films. Thru April. $5 general, $2.50 seniors/students. SKYSCRAPER MUSEUM, 39 Battery Pl (btw Little West St & 1st Pl). 212-968-1961, skyscraper.org
NEW YORK TRACES: 1970-2007, PHOTOGRAPHS OF LAWRENCE MARK STERN
images of the building of the WTC, art shows and happenings on the landfill surrounding it, and throughout the decades since the 70s, the street people and the architecture of individualism and imagination. Thru Feb. 17. SYNAGOGUE FOR THE ARTS GALLERY SPACE, 49 White St (bet Broadway & Church). 212-966-7141, email info@synagogueforthearts.org.
Policing a Changed City
chronicles how the NYPD has used new technology, community outreach, and intelligence gathering to fight crime and terrorism since 9-11. Ongoing. $5 suggested donation, $3 seniors, $2 children 6-12. NYC POLICE MUSEUM, 100 Old Slip (btn South & Water Sts). 212-480-3100, nycpolicemuseum.org.
Random Utterness
A group show of NY-based artists of Hungarian origin, including the X-ray-based works of Agnes Denes, the projected paintings of George Peck, and the gestural drawings of Tamas Veszi. Thru March 8. HUNGARIAN CULTURAL CENTER, 447 Broadway, 5th Fl. 212-750-4450, culturehungary.org.
Rare Tribal Textiles from China
An exhibition of Chinese Tribal Textiles from the Minority Peoples of China known as: Miao, Gejia,Yao, Yi, Dai, Li, and Zhang. Many more garments, banners, festival jackets and blankets have been added to fill the gallery, from Dai, Hainan as well as Gejia and Miao. Thru Feb. 29. ASIAN AMERICAN ARTS CENTRE, 26 Bowery (just below Canal St, 3rd fl. Press bell #3.) 212.233.2154, artspiral.org.
Re:Construction
bridges the efforts of multiple public partners and the creative community to both highlight and enliven the process of rebuilding while improving the quality of life in Lower Manhattan through the creation of places of attraction, curiosity and anticipation. The 3 pilot projects are “Best Pedestrian Route” (John St, east of Bway); “Fulton Fence” (Fulton St east of Bway); and “Concrete Jungle” (Bway, bet. John & Ann Sts). reconstructionnyc.org.
Renascence
internationally juried exhibition of new media works showcases installations, net art, video and interactive sculpture that combine visual art and technology in innovative ways, featuring artists who have disabilities – ranging from polio, deafness and mental illnesses – to consider a rebirth of the senses and convey their personal experiences through art. Thru March 16. World Financial Center Winter Garden, 220 Vesey St. 212-945-0505, worldfinancialcenter.com.
The (Self)Promotion Show
A video exhibition of 30-second TV commercials created by the public to advertise apexart. Vote for the winner, who will receive $1500 and have their ad aired on TV. Ads are also available for viewing online. Thru Feb. 16. apexart, 291 Church St. 212-431-5270, apexart.org.
Wired
This exhibit explores how contemporary artists use wire in different ways to define space, create form and use line in three-dimensions. David Finn, Joyce Goodman, Naomi Grossman, Nancy Koenigsberg, Judy Moonelis, Alex Pimienta, Eric Rhein and Elise Siegel. Thru March 3. EDUCATIONAL ALLIANCE GALLERY, 197 E. Broadway (bet. Jefferson & Clinton). 212.780.2300, ext.378
MUSIC
Thomas Buckner, “Interpretations”
The avante-garde vocalist performs the music of Stuart Saunders Smith, Dan Joseph, Jon Gibson, Somei Satoh, Leroy Jenkins, and Mel Grave. Feb. 14 at 8pm. $15, $10 students/seniors. ROULETTE, 20 Greene St (bet. Canal & Grand). 212-219-8242, roulette.org.
The Harlem Quartet
including Ilmar Gavilan, violin (1st); Melissa White, violin (2nd); Juan-Miguel Hernandez, viola; and Desmond Neysmith, cello, perform works by Ravel, Marsalis and Straghorn. Feb. 11, 1-2 pm.
Lee Musiker Celebrating his recent musical triumph conducting the New York Philharmonic as Music Director for Barbara Cook’s 80th birthday celebration, the pianist plays some of his valentine favorites. Feb. 14, 1-2pm. Both concerts suggested $2 contribution. Trinity Church St. Paul’s Chapel (Broadway and Fulton Sts.) 212-602-0800, trinitywallstreet.org.
The Yellow Star: Celebrating Extraordinary Acts by Ordinary People
World premiere opera by Bradley Detrick is set in August 1943, as Denmark’s Jews were faced with the horrifying order that had loomed during three years of German occupation: deportation to Nazi work camps. But through the heroic and dedicated efforts of Danish citizens, nearly all of the country’s Jews were able to escape to neutral Sweden. Feb. 13 at 6:30pm. $20, $15 students/seniors. MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE — A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, 36 Battery Pl. 646-437-4202, mjhnyc.org.
TALKS & READINGS
Kids Story Time with Arts and Crafts
Hosted by Yvonne Brooks, author storyteller, and artist. Ages 2-7.Every Sat. at noon. Free.
Spanish Language Discussion Group led by Javier Molea, a Spanish language literature expert. No preparatory reading is required; Borges, Cortazar, Fuentes, and other superlative Latin American writers are discussed. Every Sat. at noon. Free. McNally Robinson Booksellers, 52 Prince St. (btn Lafayette & Mulberry). 212-274-1160, mcnallyrobinsonnyc.com.
NY MODERN LECTURE SERIES
To expand the themes of the current exhibition NY Modern, museum director Carol Willis presents lectures examining the development of a new aesthetic in skyscraper design and ideas of urban planning. Remaining talks are Feb 12, Harvey Wiley Corbett: “New Stones for Old;” March 4, Raymond Hood: The “Brilliant Bad Boy” of NY Architecture; March 11 Rockefeller Center: The Future in Amber. For all 5 cost is $50 non-members, $25 members. SKYSCRAPER MUSEUM, 39 Battery Pl (bet Little West St & 1st Pl). 212-968-1961, skyscraper.org
Tuesdays at 9
This weekly forum, led by Naked Angels Theater Company’s creative directors, attracts over 100 people who gather to listen and participate in cold readings of scenes, short plays and fiction. Free. TRIBECA CINEMAS, 54 Varick St. (at Laight St.). nakedangels.com.
City Architecture of Poland
Architect George Berry presents a slideshow of his photos. Tuesday Evening Hour nonprofit slideshow program. Feb. 12. at 6:30pm. $2. 49 Fulton St. 212-964-3936, tuesdayeveninghour.com.
THEATER
Blue Coyote’s Happy Endings
10 playwrights have created 10 new short plays about the lives of sex workers, and the results are raunchy, humorous and emotional Scribes include David Johnston, Blair Fell, Boo Killebrew, David Foley, John Yearley, Brian Fuqua, and others. Feb. 12-March 1. Tues at 9pm, Wed-Sat at 8pm. $18. ACCESS THEATER, 380 Broadway (at White St). 212-868-4444, smarttix.com.
Lower Ninth
A new play inspired by the effects of Hurricane Katrina about 2 men stranded on a roof. As Malcolm and E-Z struggle to survive, they must battle heat, hunger, and their pasts. Written by Beau Willimon, directed by Daniel Goldstein, and featuring Gaius Charles, James McDaniel, and Gbenga Akkinagbe. Feb. 14-April 5. $40-$45.
OFFENDING THE AUDIENCE
Revival of Peter Handke’s play, directed by Jim Simpson, featuring a cast of 22 members of The Bats, the resident acting ensemble at The Flea. The audience is asked to abandon every expectation, to be the subject of the actors’ gaze the way that they are the subject of ours. Thru Feb. 23. $10. FLEA THEATER, 41 White St. (btw Broadway & Church). 212-352-3101, flea.org.
Rus
An intimate multimedia psychosexual mystery. Lost in a labyrinth of repeating memories and trapped in a failing marriage, Rus yearns to feel something new. After a car accident connects him to Sonny, a gay hustler, he descends into a world of sex, drugs and violence. Feb. 15-March 15. HERE ARTS CENTER, 145 Sixth Ave (bet. Spring & Broome, entrance on Dominick). 212.352.3101, here.org.
This is Burlesque
A racy new weekly revue featuring Murray Hill, neo-burlesque star Angie Pontani, The World Famous Pontani Sisters, and others. Thurs-Sat at 8pm. $25. CORIO, 337 West Broadway (at Grand St). smarttix.com, thisisburlesque.com.
TOURS
Getting By: Immigrants Weathering Hard Times
Tours of the German Jewish Gumpertz (1870s) and Sicilian Catholic Baldizzi (1930s) family apartments reveal the fascinating endeavors of both groups as they forged new paths in America. One hour. Thurs, Fri 1-4:30pm; Sat, Sun 11am-4:30pm; Tue, Wed 1-4:30pm. $17, $13 students/seniors. Lower East Side Tenement Museum, 108 Orchard St (at Broome St). 212-982-8420, tenement.org.
Lower East Side Stories: Walking Tour
In collaboration with local residents, the museum has created a 90-minute walking tour that looks at the neighborhood’s past and present, focusing on specific sites in both historical and contemporary contexts. Sat. and Sun. 1 and 3pm. $17 adults, $13 students, and $3 seniors. Tenement Museum, 108 Orchard St. 212-431-0233, tenement.org.
East Village Walking Tours
Every Tues. thru Sun. at 11a.m. (weather permitting). $12 per person, $8 for LES residents and guests. Meeting at the Astor Place “cube,” located on a traffic island in the middle of E 8th St. (btn Lafayette & 4th Ave.) For more info, visit eastvillagetours.com.
Public Art Walking Tours
The Lower Manhattan Cultural Council offers a series of 3 theme-based, self-guided audio tours exploring the meaning, reception and context of public art Downtown. Entitled “Art and Security,” “Art and the Body,” and “Monuments and Memory,” the 45-minute tours are narrated by Perry Garvin and William Smith. Download the free tours to your iPod or other MP3 player and start walking. lmcc.net.
Wall Street Walking Tour
Free 90-minute guided walking tour weaving together the history, events, architecture and people of Downtown. Thurs. and Sat. at noon. Meet at the steps of the National Museum of the American Indian. One Bowling Green, Alliance for Downtown NY, 212-606-4064, downtownny.com
Listings Requests for the Downtown Express may be mailed to Sarah Norris at 145 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10013-1548 or e-mailed to listings@downtownexpress.com. Please include listings in the subject line of the e-mail and provide the date, time, location, price and a description of the event. Information must be received two weeks before the event is to be published. Questions, call 646-452-2472.
