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Norma's Weekly Snapshot 
While many of us head out of the city on Memorial Day weekend to celebrate the unofficial start of summer, sometimes I like to stay local and enjoy the city when it is less crowded. There are plenty of events to keep you busy close to home.
Memorial Day is also a day of remembering the men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces. Why not do something in the city to commemorate in that thought?
You can attend the parade, and I've included other events and ideas for this holiday weekend .
Norma Knows New York City
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Send to other savvy New Yorkers and hip visitors, so they can
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 General Events... 
May 24 Opening of Governors Island
Home to many outdoor summer events, including one of my favorites, the Jazz Age Lawn Party in June. May 28 "Fit with Tara Stiles"Fitness guru Tara Stiles will be driving through the city in a glass mobile truck. If that isn't enough to get your attention, keep an eye out for her in-room yoga classes at W hotels across the city!
May 31 Verve Cliquot Polo Classic In its third year at Liberty State Park, they're teaming up with City Harvest. Polo match, champagne bars, food trucks... polo and champagne, how much more civilized can you get? See/Change Events As a supporter of the rebounding Seaport area, I hope that you'll all visit their website for upcoming spring and summer events. I'm looking forward to seeing Breakfast at Tiffany's this Sunday at their new outdoor cinema.
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Cultural Pursuits... 
Through May 31 ar*chi*tec*ton*ic
This curated exhibition at Site109 (109 Norfolk Street) features the works of British artists, Painter Andy Burgess, and Photographer Tom Leighton. The artists use strong architectural lines and vibrant colors in their work to create compelling compositions.  Roof Garden Cafe
With our spring like weather, there's no better place to be outside than the roof garden at the MET (1000 5th Avenue). Dan Graham's exhibit is sensational - part garden maze, part modernist skyscraper! You'll understand the art of looking as you view glimpses of your own reflection in this magical maze.
Frank Lloyd Wright and the City: Density vs. Dispersal The exhibition, at MoMA (11 West 53rd Street), examines the tension in Wright's thinking about the growing American city in the 1920s and 1930s... with a 12 foot by 12 foot model of one of his plans. Through June 1st.
Visiting Hermes on Madison (692 Madison Avenue) delights all fashionistas. Experiencing an intriguing art exhibit by Miranda Lichtenstein in this magnificent showroom is an added treat. The exhibit represents 46 photographic images produced from 2012-2013. Through June 4th. Jean-Michel Basquiat Drawing 22 works on paper and two paintings from the collection of Herbert and Lenore Schorr, who were the artist's devoted collectors, supporters, and friends. At the Acquavella Galleries (18 East 79th Street). Through June 13th. Pierre SoulagesFrench painter, engraver, and sculptor, Pierre Soulage's exhibit is on exhibition at the Dominique Levy Gallery on the Upper East Side (909 Madison Avenue). Through June 27th. Everything: Part I First solo exhibit by the famed cartoonist, Lynda Barry, premiers at the Adam Baumgold Gallery (60 East 66th Street). Through July 11th. 
Charles James: Beyond Fashion At The Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 5th Avenue); an exquisite exhibition showcasing James' sculptural and scientific approach to the creation of his ball gowns. Through August 10th. Self-Taught Genius: Treasures from the American Folk Art Museum A compilation of 100 of the museum's treasured works (2 Lincoln Square). Through August 17th. Lygia Clark: The Abandonment of Art, 1948-1988 Over 300 of her drawings, paintings and sculptures from the 1940s through the 1990s on display at MoMA (11 West 53rd Street) through August 24th.
Palaces for the People
Spanish immigrant Guastavinos' contribution in tile is seen in some of America's greatest public spaces. View his works at the Museum of the City of New York (1220 Fifth Avenue). Through September 7th.
Multiple Exposures: Jewelry and Photography
The exhibit at The Museum of Art and Design (2 Columbus Circle) showcases how contemporary jewelry artists transform images in this digital age. Through September 14th.
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.  Curtain Up...
May 25 Aspects of Andrew: Lloyd Weber
Head to 54 Below (254 West 54th Street), Broadway's Super Club, to be entertained by music from a true Broadway icon.
May 27 Megan Hilty
One of my favorite Broadway performers will debut at the Café Carlyle (35 East 76th Street). I first became a fan of Megan when she starred as Glinda in the award winning play Wicked, and continued being mesmerized by her voice as the star of the TV show Smash. Through June 7th.
May 28 New York Philharmonic Biennial
Besides the majestic venues of Lincoln Center and the MET, a kaleidoscope of 50 contemporary composers from over 12 countries will perform at other various venues throughout the city through June 7th.
May 30 & 31 John Pizzarelli Quartet with Special Guest Jane Monheit
Jazz guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, John Pizzarelli, performs at the Appel room (60th Street & Broadway) at Jazz at Lincoln Center.
New York City BalletThe spring season opened on April 29th at the David H. Koch Theater (Lincoln Center). Through June 8th. American Ballet TheatreThe Spring Season at the Metropolitan Opera House (Lincoln Center) has begun! From Cinderella to Don Quixote... Performances through July 5th.  Lady DayTony award winner, Audra McDonald, takes on the role of legendary Billie Holiday in a fantastic performance at the Emerson Bar and Grill in Circle in the Square (1633 Broadway). Through August 10th. THEATER & FILM:  May 25 King Lear
National Theater presents a live screening of Shakespeare's play, King Lear, performed at Symphony Space (2537 Broadway) and directed by the renowned director Sam Mendes.
Under My Skin
For those of you that have enjoyed movies like Working Girl and Big, you'll enjoy this uproarious comedy. Through a twist of fate, a successful yet arrogant business man and a single mother switch bodies thanks to the help of an angel...seeing things from the "other side." Through July 6th at the Little Shubert Theatre (422 West 42nd Street).
Cabaret
I experienced the most amazing New York evening recently when I saw Cabaret at Studio 54 (254 West 54th Street). Both Alan Cumming and Michelle Williams are show-stoppers, and the Kit-Cat band is superb! A magnificent revival with performances through July 11th.
Of Mice and Men 
A limited engagement of the revived literary Steinbeck classic. Actors James Franco, Chris O'Dowd, and Leighton Meester make their Broadway debuts in this emotional American Depression-era tale. At the Longacre Theater (220 West 48th Street) through July 27th.
Bullets Over Broadway
Famed Woody Allen film hits Broadway at the St. James Theatre (246 West 44th Street). Marin Mazzie and Zach Braff deliver outstanding performances! The musical comedy is loaded with laughs and colorful characters. Through September 28th.
If/Then The Musical
A favorite performer of mine, Idina Menzel of Wicked, stars in this musical about a woman that returns to life in NYC discovering endless possibilities where chance and choice collide. At the Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 West 46th Street). Through October 12th.
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
I'm looking forward to seeing this again later this month. If you enjoyed Jersey Boys as much as I did, you'll be equally entertained watching this musical as she sings songs from her early days as a Brooklyn teenager to those well-known hits as a top recording artist. Through November 16th at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre (124 West 43rd Street). Rocky We all know the story of Rocky Balboa, and I have to say that I was skeptical about how this could transfer from screen to Broadway... but I was taken by surprise. Rocky knocks it out of the park with the scenic showplace, the sound and lighting, and a terrific cast. At the Winter Garden Theatre (1634 Broadway) through November 23rd. Visit previous snapshots for more favorites in theater.
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For the Foodie...
The Lambs Club (132 West 44th Street) presents a Bloody Mary Bossa Nova Brunch in their lounge from 11am to 3pm May 24th & 31st. While dining, you'll listen to the sounds of a great jazz group... I'm going before I see the play Beautiful.
May 27 to 31 New Taste of the Upper West Side
A 7th annual celebration of prominent chefs of the UWS, supporting the maintenance of Theodore Roosevelt Park (Columbus Avenue and West 79 Street). This year, it will be hosted by Alex Guarnaschelli of Butter Restaurant!
May 29 Brooklyn Uncorked
29 of New York State's wineries will showcase their fine wines, along with food samplings from such notable dining spots as Gramercy Tavern and Murray's Cheese.
Annual event in Madison Square Park (5th Avenue between 24th & 25th Streets) featuring some of NYC's most popular restaurants and food vendors including
Momofuku Milkbar, Roberta's Pizza, and Red Hook Lobster Pound.
June 7 to 8 Big Apple Barbeque
12th annual event at Madison Square Park. Celebrate a long standing culinary and music tradition with live performances from emerging and established rock, blues and soul artists.
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Enjoy the outdoors... visit last week's snapshot for biking tours and resources.
Outdoor movie series begins tonight with Top Gun on the Intrepid (45th Street & 12th Avenue) ... a perfect show for Memorial day weekend.
In its 26th year, it is the city's celebration of the sea services. Nearly 1,500 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen will participate this year. Check the website for events all over the city, including parades and live
One Intrepid Square (12th Avenue & 46th Street)
Located right on the Hudson River, The USS Intrepid is a National Historic Landmark. It was one of 24 Essex-classaircraft carriers built during World War II for the United States Navy. Take a guided tour, an audio tour, or just walk around on your own to experience the history. Check the website for special events going on this weekend.
170 Central Park West (76th & 77th St)
The Memorial Wall features 83 letters sent home from Vietnam, the Walk of Honor has all of the names of those killed in Vietnam, and at the center is the beautiful Reflecting Fountain.
The East Coast Memorial, located at the southern end of Battery Park, honors the 4,601 missing American servicemen who lost their lives in the Atlantic Ocean while engaged in combat during World War II. The New York Korean War Veterans Memorial, north of Castle Clinton, honors military personnel who served in the Korean Conflict. There are many other monuments to view while on your way...
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| Norma Knows New York City/ East 76th Street / New York, New York 10021 |
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