July 4, 2014
Norma's Weekly Snapshot       

While a lot of NYC is tall buildings and concrete, the city offers a wide array of outdoor activities to take advantage of in the summer months.

 

This week's Special Feature includes options so you can stay fit with the NYC skyline as your backdrop. Get ready to...

Explore Central Park.

Practice your yoga moves on a rooftop.

Set sail on the Hudson River.

Play tennis in the sunshine.  

Visit past Weekly Snapshots for all of my Summer Features:
 
Enjoy your 4th of July Weekend... visit last week's Snapshot if you're still not sure what to do to commemorate the holiday. 
 
  
  

   Norma Knows New York City

What's
What's in this issue?  
General Events 
Cultural Pursuits
Curtain Up 
For the Foodie
Special Feature: Outdoor Fitness
Click here for previous Weekly Snapshots.

 

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 GeneralGeneral Events...        

          

Escape the Room 

The hottest new attraction in the city. A room has been painstakingly designed by an expert puzzle master for both young and old... you have 60 minutes to figure a way out!  Midtown and downtown locations with themes like "Escape the NYC Apartment" and "Escape the Office," it's sure to be an hour full of surprises.    


July 6 & 10  Central Park Sunset Tour
This is not only perfect for the visitor, but also for the New Yorker.  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!  
 
July 13  Bastille Day    

This annual street fair on 60th Street (between Lexington & 5th Avenues) is presented by the French Institute of Alliance.  From crepes to formage, you'll enjoy an afternoon sampling wonderful food, sipping French wines, and listening to great music.   A summer fete with something for everyone.


Through July 13   FIFA World Cup 
Here are 2 more spots to go watch the games:
Visit previous Weekly Snapshots for a few more...

Birreria
Birreria
Eataly - 500 Fifth Avenue (23rd & 24th Streets)
After grabbing a few Italian specialties for the home, go to the roof to grab a bite to eat and watch the games.

The Standard Biergarten
The Standard Hotel - 848 Washington Street (Little West 12th & 13th Streets)
Offering Brazilian-themed eats, an outdoor bar in the Meatpacking District at a hip hotel.   
CulturalCultural Pursuits...      
Harmony Korine

OPENING & CLOSING SOON:
    

The Gagosian Gallery (821 Park Avenue)

Through July 11 Harmony Korine: Shooters  

Visit the Gagosian Gallery for this collection of paintings. The latest addition to the galleries is their compact 1,000 square foot storefront space.

 

Domino Sugar Factory (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)
Through July 6  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. 

ONGOING EXHIBITS:

 

The International Center of Photography (1133 Avenue of the Americas)
Caio Reisewitz   

The ICP is exhibiting large scale, colorful photographs of Caio Reiswitz, Brazil's leading contemporary photographer. Through September 7th.

 

The Guggenheim Museum (1071 Fifth Avenue)

Italian Futurism, 1909-1944: Reconstructing the Universe 

A truly amazing exhibit that I was fortunate to view during its installation - Italian futurism from its inception to its demise in World War II. Through September 1st.

Garry Winogrand 

 

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.          


Garry Winogrand Retrospective 

Gary Winogrand, renowned  NYC street photographer, will exhibit over 175 of his iconic images and unseen prints at The Met.  This is his first exhibit in twenty five years. Through September 21st.  




The Museum of Art and Design (2 Columbus Circle)

Multiple Exposures: Jewelry and Photography
The exhibit at The Museum of Art and Design showcases how contemporary jewelry artists transform images in this digital age. Through September 14th.      

 

Lygia Clark
NYC Makers

While at MAD, visit this sweeping cross section of productions invented by artists living in NYC.  Through October 12th. 

 

The Museum of Modern Art (11 West 53rd Street)

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 through August 24th.           

 

Conceptions of Space

Also at MoMA, Twenty projects by contemporary artists. Through October 19th.  

 

New-York Historial Society

(170 Central Park West)  

Madeline in New York: The Art of Ludwig Bemelmans   

Madeline in New York opens! More than 90 original artworks from creator Ludwig Bemelmans will honor the 75th anniversary of this beloved school girl. An exhibit for all ages! Bemelmans Bar, one of my favorite bar and lounges in the city, was named in honor of Madeline's amazing illustrator.  Through October 19th.

Robin Rice Gallery
Robin Rice Gallery (325 West 11th Street)
Summertime Salon
A photographic exhibit Robin Rice herself curates to exemplify the 56 exhibited artists' strengths and aesthetics. Through September 7th.
  

The Rubin Museum of Art (150 West 17th Street)    

Bodies in Balance: The Art of Tibetan Medicine   

The Rubin Museum, which features collections of art from the Himalayas, is currently showcasing this fascinating exhibit on Tibetan healing. Through September 8th.

 

Stux Gallery (24 West 57th Street) 

Burning Bright... Tiger, tiger
A captivating group exhibition of renowned artists, through July 31st
 
 
The Whitney Museum  (945 Madison Avenue)
The Whitney 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.  Also visit Rockefeller Center for Koons' Split-Rocker plant, soaring 37 feet above the public square... the half-pony, half-dinosaur sculpture is grown from 50,000 flowering plants. 
 
Toulouse-Lautrec
ON THE RADAR:
  

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.   

 

July 26  The Paris of Toulouse-Lautrec

Prints and posters by this renowned artist will be on display through March 22nd, 2015 at MoMA.

.  
CurtainCurtain Up...        
 
MUSIC & DANCE:    
   
Live concerts at the Prospect Park Bandshell all summer long.

Head to Madison Square Park for free live music through August 6th.  

 

Free music through August 7th in Union Square.

 

A summer staple... visit PS1 (22-25 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City) Saturdays through September 6th for live experimental music, surrounded by art. 

 

July 5  54 Sings 1776
A special tribute at 54 Below (254 West 54th Street).  Show your patriotism during the holiday week, listening to a showcase of American tunes.  
 
Through July 5 American Ballet Theatre
The Spring Season at the Metropolitan Opera House (Lincoln Center) has begun!  From Cinderella to Don Quixote... Performances through July 5th.

July 6  Bargemusic Festival
Free classical music concerts all summer at Fulton Ferry Landing. This weekend features the music of Beethoven.
MoMA Sculpture Garden

July 6  MoMA's Summer Garden
The perfect respite... listen to jazz and classical music in the museum's exquisite sculpture garden. Sundays through July 27th.

Through July 6  Summertime Classics

Experience the New York Philharmonic with a distinct summertime flair and colorful commentary of conductor and host Bramwell Tovey. 

Free outdoor concerts all summer. Get there early to get a good spot for these great bands.  

Performances to wow and delight through August 16th... music, dance, art.

July 7  The New York Musical Theatre Festival
Through the 27th, the festival provides a platform to introduce new shows and new perspective into the world of musical theater. Visit the website for tickets.

Broadway's biggest hits are sung by many top performers. I plan to stop by on the 10th to hear songs from If/Then, Rocky, and Wicked, a longtime favorite!

 

July 11  NY Philharmic in Central Park
Grab your blanket, snacks, and friends and head to Central park for a concert under the stars.
   
Through July 12  Midsummer Nights Swing
This Lincoln Center event is one of my favorites 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.

July 12 to 27  The Bolshoi 
As a part of the Lincoln Center Festival, adventurous performances at Lincoln Center from one of the world's most esteemed ballet production companies.   Three full-length ballets will be performed with intense drama and emotion. This is our city's first opportunity to experience the combined talents of the Bolshoi Ballet along with opera and a symphonic orchestral accompaniment.


THEATER:
 
Below are my picks for on and off Broadway. Summer is a perfect time to slip into an air-conditioned theater to see the spring openings perfected.  
Through July 6  Shakespeare in the Park:  Much Ado About Nothing

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. King Lear starts on July 22nd, starring Annette Bening and John Lithgow!         


Through July 6  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."  At the Little Shubert Theatre (422 West 42nd Street).      
 
July 6 & 10  Irving Berlin's America
A rag-to-riches story of one of America's most popular songwriters at 13th Street Repertory Company (50 West 13th Street).

July 9  Don't Tell Mama

A high energy evening of listening to songs from the dynamic duo of "Judy and Liza" at Don't Tell Mama (343 West 46th Street).  The two award winning performers sing classic solos and duets that were made famous by the greatest mother/daughter team in show biz.

The Passenger

 

July 10 to 13 The Passenger 

The multi-tiered theatrical stage at the Park Avenue Armory (643 Park Avenue) is a breathtaking setting for this opera's unshakeable depiction of the haunting memories of WWII.

 

Through July 11  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.  

Broadway'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 that follows the legendary songwriter 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 won for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role.
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.  
 
Here Lies Love
This musical retraces the journey of Filipina First Lady Imelda Marcos from her rise to power to her descent into infamy. The show at The Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street) blends the passion of politics with heart-pounding dance beats. Through September 6th.  

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.   


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.

 

Visit previous snapshots for more favorites in theater.     

 

 

          

ON THE RADAR: 

 

July 14 & 15  The Bacon Brothers with Cindy Alexander 

Purchase tickets for this City Winery concert (155 Varick Street); you can even get a ticket to the pre-show meet & greet!  

 

Foodie  
For the Foodie...

July 7 to 14  French Restaurant Week  

Celebrate Bastille Day's weekend festival while dining in some of the city's finest restaurants where many prix fixe menus are offered.  My top picks are...

 

UPTOWN:

 

Orsay Restaurant
 

Bistro Le Steak 

1309 Third Avenue (at 75th Street)  

The bustling corner bistro offers a $17.89 Prix Fixe for lunch and dinner with a menu that changes daily. 

 

Orsay Restaurant

1057 Lexington Avenue (at 75th Street)  

The French restaurant has a sophisticated-chic atmosphere.  For lunch and dinner, a $35.78 prix fixe features entrees such as Salmon Ballotine with cucumber relish and Duck Leg Confit with a summer salad.
  
 
DOWNTOWN:

A.O.C.

314 Bleecker Street (at Grove Street) 

Sit in their garden and enjoy a glass of wine with your meal.  Their $17.89 menu for lunch and dinner offers Black Angus Hanger Steak or Daurade Sauce Vierge.

  

155 Grand Street (at Lafayette Street)

Experience a taste of Paris in the city with their $17.89 or $35.78 options for dinner. Steak au Poivre with French Fries and Crème Caramel are on the menu.  

 

MIDTOWN:

 
Pigalle

 

Brasserie

100 East 53rd Street (Park & Lexington Avenues)

French cuisine with a modern twist in a sleek environment. Their $35.78 dinner offers dishes such as Moules Frites, Marinière or Piccante and Brook Trout Almondine. 

 

Pigalle

790 8th Avenue (at 48th Street) 

This busy theater-district eatery is like a stage-set replica of a French brasserie, offering consistent French fare for a $35.78 dinner.  

 

 
SPECIAL FEATURE... Outdoor FitnessFeature 

I've found these outdoor activities for you to enjoy so you can stay fit in the fresh air beyond the standard gym.
 
Visit a recent Snapshot for my Biking Special Feature.


BEACH VOLLEYBALL: 
Leagues Available at Hudson River Park
Pier 25 - North Moore Street & 12th Avenue

GENERAL EXERCISE:
Fashion, Fitness, Fabulous
Free Get Fit Bootcamps Saturdays and Sundays.

Hudson River Park's Summer of Fitness 
Free outdoor classes every Tuesday on Pier 25 (North Moore Street & 12th Avenue).

The Rise
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday classes. 

EXPLORATION:
Shorewalkers

'See New York at 3 miles per hour'... Sign up for an escorted walk focused on parks, waterways, bridges, iconic buildings and historical sights.

 

 
GOLF:

The Golf Club at Chelsea Piers 

Pier 59 - 18th St. & Hudson River Park

  

Miniature Golf 

Pier 25 - North Moore Street & 12th Avenue

 

 

 

ON THE WATER:

Boating at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park

 

Various Locations  

  

Manhattan Sailing School
385 South End Avenue

 

TENNIS: 

Mid-park at around 93rd Street  

West Houston Street on the West Side Highway 

 

Riverside Clay Tennis Association 

Riverside Park near 96th Street   

 

Sutton East Tennis Club 

59th Street & York Avenue

 

Washington Market Park 

Chambers Street on the West Side Highway   

 

YOGA:

 

Bryant Park
Tuesdays at 10am and Thursdays at 6pm.

Riverside Park
Wednesdays at 6pm.
 
Sacred Sounds Yoga
Wednesdays at 6:30pm on Pier 46 (Charles Street on the West Side Highway).

Yogamaya
Tuesdays at 6:30PM at 14th Street Park (at Tenth Ave)
Norma Knows New York City/ East 76th Street / New York, New York 10021