August 23, 2013


  
In this Edition:
  



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Weekly Snapshot

Summer has heated up again in the city. Check out this week's Foodie Section for Waterfront Dining, with spots to eat outside while enjoying the breeze of the river. And my Special Feature has some out of the city performances
and festivals worth leaving the island for.   

   
 Have a great week!   
 
  
  
  


Norma Knows New York City 
 
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See the below categories for my event picks for the  
Everyday Events...Calendar     

Kicked off last night with West Side Story.

Following performances will include the Oscar nominated film, Silver Linings Playbook.  
 

August 24  Arthur Ashe Kids' Day

Although tickets to the stadium show are sold out, the grounds are still open to the public... free activities for the whole family. 

 

August 26 to September 9 US Open 

Officially begins on Monday!  I've gotten my tickets and was ecstatic to see Roger Federer get in his car yesterday morning in the city.

  

And if you can't get tickets to the US Open, here's the next best thing...tickets are free for the US Open Qualifying Tournament, through today (August 23).  

 

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays  

Hudson River Parks Summer of Fitness 

Last chance to enjoy these free classes to keep you in shape and outdoors!      

 

Saturdays  Hester Street Market
Open through October, extended hours in summer... shop for fresh foods, jewelry, and gifts.
   
CulturalCultural Pursuits...    
   The Open House New York Architectural Tour is in October, but here is a teaser for you....  an evening boat trip up the East River with Jason Davidson as your tour guide. The annual October citywide event opens its door to hundreds of architectural treasures.     

 

Through September 28  Monte-Carlo Legends  

The Forbes Gallery will feature photos of international elite icons such as Cary Grant, Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra. This photography exhibit celebrates 150 years of timeless style. While there, check out the "Jewelry in the Space Age" exhibit. 

 

Ongoing  American Legends:  From Calder to O'Keeffe     

The Whitney  Museum is currently showcasing its collection of artwork from the first half of the century. 

 
CurtainCurtain Up...    
 
August 23  Sunset on the Hudson
Free local music on Pier 45 (at Christopher Street). This week is Max Gallico with Sinclair Jennings Jr.

 

Through August 24  Mostly Mozart 

An annual festival of concerts, opera performances, late-night recitals, and world premieres.

 

August 24  Previews Begin:   

Romeo and Juliet on Broadway

Order your tickets for the most famous tragic love story, Romeo and Juliet, returning to Broadway after 36 years. Starring Orlando Bloom... need I say more?

 

August 24 to September 2 
2013 Summer HD Festival

Free festival at the Metropolitan Opera; a ten-day sequence of magnificent performances including The Tempest and Otello.

 

Through August 25  Charlie Parker Jazz Festival 

A downtown and uptown celebration that I attend each year. An American jazz festival showcasing a dynamic lineup of jazz icons and emerging artists.

   

August 26  Forever Ray: A Musical Tribute to Ray Charles

At B.B. King Blues Club, reserve your seat for this uplifting musical tribute with jazz, blues, country, and R&B.

 

Live performance at Cercle Rouge.

 

Saturdays  Bargemusic "Music in Motion" 

Weekly concerts featuring a one hour performance, followed by Q&A with the musicians.    

IN THE MOVIES... 

Some of my favorite 'curtain ups' happen on the big screen. Below are some flick picks, indoor and out: 

   

 

 

 

 

Central Park Conservancy Outdoor Film Festival 

August 24  Silver Linings Playbook

August 25  The Shining  

 
Blue Jasmine
Woody Allen's latest film stars Alec Baldwin, Cate Blanchett, and Peter Sarsgaard (among others) and is about a NYC housewife that flees to San Francisco after her wealthy husband goes to prison (sound like Madoff anyone?)

Thérèse
Starring Audrey Tautou, the movie is said to be fabulous!

The Butler
Oprah Winfrey, Forest Whitaker, Mariah Carey, Vanessa Redgrave, James Marsden... need I say more? One of the most talked about movies out there. 
   
DiningFor the Foodie... 
 

August 24  Blues BBQ 

At Pier 84 (at West 44th Street), back for the 14th year in a row, enjoy live Blues and Roots musicians and great barbeque.


WATERFRONT DINING...

Boat Basin 

West 79th Street & the Hudson River

A NYC classic, I've wandered in many times for a drink after walking up Hudson River Park.  

 

 

  

Central Park Boathouse 

Central Park off of 72nd Street & 5th Avenue  

What better way to spend an afternoon in Central Park than to dine at the Boathouse.  A gondola ride will add to your perfect dining experience.

 

 

 

Chelsea Brewing Company 

Chelsea Piers - Pier 59 (at 18th Street)

My friends and I enjoy dining al fresco after a game of tennis at Chelsea Piers

 

Frying Pan 

Pier 66 (at 26th Street)

A great brunch spot for a Sunday afternoon.  

 

La Marina 

348 Dyckman Street

Take a bike ride from lower Manhattan and enter a new world with the most amazing views of the city.

 

Pacific Grill 

89 South Street

Help the South Street Seaport get back on its feet at this new hot spot. 

 

Pier i Cafe 

70th Street & Riverside Park South

A laid back spot to grab a bite and enjoy the views.

 

 

Riverpark

450 East 29th Street

Tom Colichhio's East Side restaurant... hip and trendy with food you can expect from him.

 

Special Feature... Feature
Out of the City Festivals & Performances  
 
Each year, there are amazing festivals and performances both in the city and out of the city. So, I thought I'd feature a few that I have been to in the past and may attend this year as well.

Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival
Garrison, New York
Just over 1 hour from Manhattan via car or Metro North Railroad
Through September 1, you can get tickets to King Lear, All's Well That Ends Well, and the Three Muskateers.  And on August 31st, the closing lawn party will feature live music, food and drink.

Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Saratoga, New York
Just over 3 hours from Manhattan via car or Amtrak
John Mayer, Kid Rock, Maroon 5, are just a few of the upcoming performances. September 7th is the Wine & Food Fest Grand Tasting, for the foodie like me. Check the calendar for all of the goings on in Saratoga.

Tanglewood Music Festival
Boston, Massachusetts
4-5 hours from Manhattan via car, under 4 hours via Amtrak's Acela Express
Musical performances for any taste... from Harry Connick Jr. to the Boston Pops to Beethoven.

Wally Lake Fest
Hawley, Pennsylvania
Just over 2 hours from Manhattan via car or bus
This weekend, head to the Poconos for the annual outdoor festival with featuring live music, BBQs, parades, boating activities, and more.

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