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Norma's Weekly Snapshot
Even though the calendar claims it's still spring, in New York City summer is officially underway! This week our summer plans continue to rev up with plenty of options for eating, drinking, exercising and of course all the outdoor live music and entertainment options. My Weekly Snapshot includes my favorite summer events for the week ahead.
Visit past Weekly Snapshots for all of my Summer Features:
There are lots of ideas for Father's Day... visit my Special Feature for my top ideas for the perfect gift or to plan the best day together.
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... 
June 14 Jazz Age Lawn Party
At Governor's Island, an annual prohibition era soiree (How very Gatsby!). The quintessential outdoor celebration of the jazz age. June 14 & 15 14th Annual American Crafts FestivalAt Lincoln Center featuring 180 master artisans from around the world.
June 15 Central Park Sunset TourThis is not only perfect for the visitor, but also for the New Yorker like myself. Besides touring the historic spots such as Strawberry Fields and Tavern on the Green (and of course movie locations), the expert guides showed us hidden gems and told us facts that I never knew about my favorite city in the world! Various dates available through July 13th. 
June 15 Sunday Night Film Club: Monuments Men
Dinner and movie for $55 per person at The Crosby Street Hotel (79 Crosby Street). Enjoy dinner and cocktails in The Crosby Bar, then at 8pm, the movie screening.
June 17 The Works' Spring Gala
Gala Performance by Jennifer Muller/The Works at New York Live Arts (219 West 19th Street), followed by Dinner, Celebration & Silent Auction at Manhattan Penthouse (80 Fifth Avenue). This gala supports The Works and honors Valerie Wilson Travel. Here are 2 spots to go watch the games:
- Sonny's Soda Shoppe
The Mondrion SoHo (9 Crosby Street)
Visit this rooftop cocktail bar and Gelateria, inspired by the famed Italian beach resort Forte Dei Marmi. The indoor/outdoor penthouse turns into a 1950s era Italian beach club so you can cheer on the games with Italian style and spirit while sipping crisp Peroni. Entry by reservation only.
- Macao Trading Company
311 Church Street
Special summer cocktails and lunch menu available when you come to watch the big games.
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Cultural Pursuits...
Through June 13 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 14 Alexander CalderThis is your last chance to view this incredible exhibit at the Gagosian Gallery (980 Madison Avenue). Burning Bright... Tiger, tiger
A captivating group exhibition of renowned artists. Through July 31st at the Stux Gallery (24 West 57th Street).
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. Italian Futurism, 1909-1944: Reconstructing the Universe
A truly amazing exhibit that I was fortunate to view during its installation at the Guggenheim (1071 Fifth Avenue) - Italian futurism from its inception to its demise in World War II. Through September 1st. Kara Walker's "A Subtlety"Kara Walker says goodbye to one of the last remaining warehouses in Brooklyn, the Domino Sugar Factory through an installation of magnificent sculptures. Through July 6th at the Domino Sugar Factory in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. 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. 
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. 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.
ON THE RADAR: 
June 27 Jeff Koons: A Retrospective
The Whitney Museum (945 Madison Avenue) presents this exhibit by the most controversial artist of the post war period. This is his first major museum presentation in NYC. Through October 19th.
July 23 to 26 Limited Runs Marilyn Monroe Photographs
Limited Runs is hosting a traveling exhibition of rare, never before published Marilyn Monroe photographs. The show recently launched in LA and will travel to San Francisco before wrapping up here in NYC this summer at SUMO Contemporary Art Gallery (37 Walker Street). The show includes photographs by Thomas "Doc" Kaminski, Allan "Whitey" Snyder, Milton Greene, Lani Carlson, and Mischa Pelz.
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Curtain Up...
MUSIC & DANCE:
Through June 14 Chelsea Music Festival
100 artists from around the world gather in the eclectic neighborhood of Chelsea to celebrate a German and Brazilian program through music, food and art.
June 16 Idina Menzel
One of my favorite singers will be performing for the first time in Radio City Music Hall one night only. She truly is the "Streisand" of her generation!
June 19 through 29 River to River Festival
The festival collaborates with the Night of the Museum in extending hours to all of the city's downtown museums on the 21st. Check the schedule for events. Through June 22 Alvin Alley Dance Theater
A spectacular evening of dance by both established and young dancers, along with the most noted choreographers, at the David H. Koch Theatre (Lincoln Center).
Through June 30 Blue Note Jazz Festival
In its fourth year, showcasing over 150 premier artists at more than 15 venues throughout the city. Visit their website to find your favorite artist. American Ballet TheatreThe Spring Season at the Metropolitan Opera House (Lincoln Center) has begun! From Cinderella to Don Quixote... Performances through July 5th. THEATER: This year's Tony Awards were exciting and many of the plays I've featured this week and in previous weeks took home awards... including Audra McDonald for her portrayal of Billie Holiday in Lady Day! Through June 15 Act OneTony Award Winner for Best Scenic Design of a Play! This electrifying play of Moss Hart's showbiz memoirs, a rags to riches story, is a portrayal of Hart's dream of making it as a Broadway Legend. A knockout cast, starring Tony Shalhoub as the younger Hart, will keep you thoroughly entertained. At the Vivian Beaumont Theater (Lincoln Center). Through June 22 The Players Theatre Short Play FestivalAn intimate setting for only 50 viewers is the perfect setting for this festival at The Players Theatre (115 MacDougal Street), "Only in New York." Each week the festival will feature works of 5 different playwrights presenting their own unique tales inspired by NYC.  Through June 29 All the Way
The Tony Award Winner for Best Play! Bryan Cranston has Golden Globes and Emmy awards for "Breaking Bad," now he adds a Tony to the list for Best Performance by a Lead Actor. Cranston's expert performance portrays one of the most controversial presidents of the 20th century...LBJ. At the Neil Simon Theater (250 West 52nd Street). After MidnightBroadway's Cotton Club musical and Tony Award Winner for Best Choreography! I was fortunate to see Patti LaBelle in a featured role. Get ready for Gladys Knight who will be performing from July 8th to August 3rd. The show is a combination of the big hits from Duke Ellington's band and the best dancing on Broadway! Through August 31st at Brooks Atkinson Theatre (256 West 47th Street).  Beautiful: The Carole King Musical 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). The show took home 2 Tonys - Best Sound Design and Jessie Mueller took home for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role! Brits Off BroadwayAnnual festival of British theater in NYC. Check the website for a play that will pique your interest. Through June 29th at the 59 East 59 Theaters.
Buyer & Cellar
At the Barrow Street Theater (27 Barrow Street) through August 31st. An outrageous comedy about the price of fame as an LA actor goes to work in Barbra Streisand's basement. You'll soon see why this is the longest running off-Broadway comedy.
 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. 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. hrough June 22nd.
Mothers and Sons I had the pleasure of seeing this play in its previews at The Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street). The show by Tony award winning playwright, Terrance McNally, stars Tony and Emmy award winner Tyne Daily in a remarkable performance. A compassionate and touching look at the evolving definition of family. Through June 29th.
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.
Shakespeare in the Park: Much Ado About NothingShakespeare in the Park performances begin tonight! It's worth standing in line at The Delacorte Theater (81 Central Park West) for the free performances of Shakespeare's classic tale. You may recognize Hamish Linklater as Benedick. Through July 6th... and later this summer, King Lear!
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).
ON THE RADAR:
June 21 Make Music New York
A live, free musical celebration on the longest day of the year. Over 1,300 concerts on streets, sidewalks, and parks across the five boroughs.
June 22 through 29 The Old Woman
At Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), you won't recognize the chameleons portraying the two staring roles. Oscar nominated William Dafoe and international ballet superstar, Mikhail Baryshnikov, are a dapper odd couple in comedic roles.
June 24 Midsummer Nights Swing
Through July 12 at Lincoln Center, this is one of my favorite events of the summer. New York City's best dance party under the stars. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or novice, you'll sample salsa, swing and an array of other dances. I look forward to the 26th, when the music of ABBA will be featured!
I know it's summer when SummerStage begins in Central Park! Free outdoor concerts all summer. I will highlight my favorites as the season continues. Through August 23rd.
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For the Foodie... 
Fifty Sommeliers will be on hand for City Winery's 3rd Annual Grand Tasting (155 Varick Street) to provide in-depth tips on a wide spectrum of wines. New this year, the event will also serve spirits and mixology tastings. Proceeds from the event support "Wheeling Forward," a nonprofit charity that helps people with disabilities.
Through June 30 Sud de France FestivalFor New York Foodies... with some diverse events for learning, and others for sheer enjoyment. Concerts, wine tasting, seminars and local restaurant events.  ON THE RADAR:
June 21 The Bon Appétit Grub Crawl Jump from place to place on the Lower East Side or in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. "Eat, Drink + Crawl."
June 21 New Amsterdam Market
Their next market features vendors in every food category. Purchase tickets for their June 23rd American Catch Night Market and Fundraiser.
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SPECIAL FEATURE... Father's Day Ideas
GRAB A BITE... 
122 West 26th Street (6th & 7th Avenues)
Bottomless brunch while watching the World Cup, the Yankees take on Oakland, or any other sporting event on their many big screens. Pier 61 on West 23rd Street
Set sail for a brunch or dinner on the water! Gourmet dining, live piano music, and beautiful views of the skyline.
131 West 3rd Street (MacDougal Street & 6th Avenue)
Get tickets to a show at one of the most famous jazz spots in the city! Every Sunday, a $29.50 ticket gets you a live show, brunch, and one drink - one of the best tickets in town!
56 Beaver Street (at William Street)
Great steak for dad and terrific sauce. They just opened a location in the Hamptons last year as well!
132 West 44th Street (6th Avenue & Broadway)
This speakeasy-type restaurant has a delicious and entertaining live jazz brunch!
GIVE A GIFT...
Cooking with Amar'e
Get him this cookbook by New York Knicks' power forward Amar'e Stoudemire.
Multiple locations in NYC
Everything you can think of to get the perfect shave.
200 Fifth Avenue (at 23rd Street) Give him the ultimate of Italy for the foodie, from pastas to olive oils to barbeque tools. City Winery Give the gift of wine. Use code DAD2014 for $25 off wine membership.Josh Bach Ties133 Beekman Street Silk ties are hand-finished in NYC.
Paul Smith
142 Greene Street (at West Houston Street) 108 Fifth Avenue (at 16th Street) Visit their SoHo or Flatiron location; at this men's shop, you can get him anything from a standard tie to formal cufflinks.
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| Norma Knows New York City/ East 76th Street / New York, New York 10021 |
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