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Norma's Weekly Snapshot 
With its vastness and tall buildings, it is easy to forget that Manhattan is an island. Additional island destinations nearby offer spectacular waterfront, culture, entertainment and adventure. I've focused this week's Special Feature on NYC island hopping, so you can escape for a quick summertime excursion.
Visit past Weekly Snapshots for all of my Summer Features:
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...  Visit lower Manhattan for an evening of dining, shopping and exploring. 60 partners, including noteworthy restaurants, retailers and museums will participate in this enjoyable weekly event.
AIANY Around Manhattan Architecture Tour
The Yacht Kingston, the newest addition to the Classic Harbor Line fleet, is offering an amazing Manhattan Architectural Tour. As you circumnavigate our city, you'll uncover nooks and crannies of the waters surrounding our island and learn about its many hidden secrets. Various dates available, meeting at Pier 62 (West 22nd Street & Hudson River).
August 9 & 10 Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival 
An annual sporting and multicultural event, celebrating the 5th moon of lunar. Watch 120 dragon boat teams participate in this colorful event. Starting at 10:30am until 4pm at Mead Lake at Flushing Meadows.
August 9 & 16 Summer Streets
7 miles of NYC's streets are opened for people to play, run, walk and bike. Activities include arts and crafts workshops, live musical performances, dance workshops, a 25-foot climbing wall, and a 160-foot zipline. 7am to 1pm, from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park, along Park Avenue and
connecting streets.
August 10 Shape Up NYC
Summer of Fitness on the Hudson River (14th Street) from 6:30-7:30pm. Class features Dance Xross Fitness, a combination of dance, kickboxing, strength training, and soul line dancing.
August 12 Black Chalk
A British thriller evening at Club Monaco's flagship store on 5th Avenue. An evening of shopping and celebrating the latest novel by Christopher Yates, entitled Black Chalk. 6:30pm at the Strand at Club Monaco (160 Fifth Avenue).
August 13 Adrienne Landau Fall/Winter 2014 Preview
Join Prima Ballerina Tattiana Berenova and International Principal Dancer Ramon Thielen for a delightful evening to introduce the mission of UNDER THE RAINBOW in the New York area. RSVP.
August 10 Shape Up NYCSummer of Fitness on the Hudson River (14th Street) from 6:30-7:30pm. Class features Dance Xross Fitness, a combination of dance, kickboxing, strength training, and soul line dancing. 
ON THE RADAR:
Tickets are now on sale for matches at this year's Open. I plan on purchasing mine, as I do each year and will be on the lookout for one of my favorites, Raphael Nadal, who is on track to play despite a wrist injury.
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Cultural Pursuits... ANTON KERN GALLERY (532 West 20th Street)
DisplayedI enjoyed their current exhibition curated by Mathew Higgs, featuring works by 18 artists. Through August 22nd.
The four sculptures, on view until August 3rd, come from the Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection.
CHRISTIE'S (20 Rockefeller Plaza)
Don't Quit Your DaydreamThe iconic NYC institution is currently featuring this exhibit which showcases works of Christie's staff members. Through August 21st.
THE CLOISTERS (Fort Tryon Park) They're celebrating their 75th anniversary! The Cloisters has the most amazing collection of art and architecture of medieval Europe, presented by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, along with an exquisite garden. Visit the website for all that is offered for your next visit.
DISCOVERY TIMES SQUARE MUSEUM (226 West 44th Street) The Art of the Brick
A collection of intriguing and inspiring works of art made from one of the most recognized toys in the world... Legos. Perfect for everyone in your family. CNN names this exhibit in their top 10 must see global exhibitions! Through September 7th. DOMINIQUE LEVY GALLERY
Materials of post-war art and contemporary art. Visit their two current exhibits: Hypothesis for an Exhibition (909 Madison Avenue) and Gino De Dominicis (30 East 74th Street). Both exhibits through August 16th. THE FORBES GALLERIES (62 5th Avenue) Titian Meets West Side Story: The Work of Edward MelcarthAlthough Abstract Expressionism was the style of choice throughout the 1950's, except for his early career, Melcarth worked as a figurative painter until the end of his life. Melcarth found inspiration in Venice and you can see some of his works on display through November 1st. THE FRICK COLLECTION (1 East 70th Street)
Summer Nights at the Frick
Enjoy summer nights on August 15th... free evenings inspired by special exhibitions. Visit the website for more information. Also, make sure to view their current exhibit by French artists, Enlightenment and Beauty: Sculptures by Houdon and Clodiun through April 5th, 2015.
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.
INTERNATIONAL CENTER OF PHOTOGRAPHY (1133 Avenue of the Americas) Caio Reisewitz The ICP is exhibiting large scale, colorful photographs by Caio Reiswitz, Brazil's leading contemporary photographer. Through September 7th. 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.
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. NYC MakersWhile 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.
Le Corbusier: An Atlas of Modern Landscapes
Le Corbusier, a celebrated artist of three dimensions... a breathtaking exhibit through September 23rd. The Paris of Toulouse-Lautrec Prints and posters by this renowned artist will be on display through March 22nd, 2015.
THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN (2900 Southern Boulevard, The Bronx)
Great American Gardens and The Women Who Designed Them
This Garden-wide exhibition celebrates early 20th-century America's most influential women in landscape architecture and design as well as garden photography. Through September 7th.
NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY (170 Central Park West)
Madeline in New York: The Art of Ludwig Bemelmans
Madeline in New York is open with more than 90 original artworks from creator Ludwig Bemelmans honoring the 75th anniversary of this beloved school girl. An exhibit for all ages! Bemelmans Bar, one of my favorite bars in the city, was named in honor of Madeline's amazing illustrator. Through October 19th. ROBIN RICE GALLERY (325 West 11th Street) Summertime SalonA photographic exhibit Robin Rice herself curates to exemplify the 56 exhibited artists' strengths and aesthetics. Through September 7th.
SOHO ARTS WALK (Various Locations) One of my favorite daytime activities. Walk along the cobblestone streets of SoHo, as you follow along with a map of participating established galleries such as the Broome Street Gallery and the Martin Lawrence Gallery. Through August 21st.
THE SKYSCRAPER MUSEUM (39 Battery Place) Times Square, 1984The exhibit captures the decisive moment and transformation of the urban renewal of Times Square... now known as the crossroads of the world. Through January 2015.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.
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Curtain Up...
MUSIC, PERFORMANCE, DANCE:
 Live concerts at the Prospect Park Bandshell all summer long. BargemusicNew York's floating concert hall, moored in Brooklyn, under the Brooklyn Bridge. View their website for this week's concerts... all under the stars. At the David H. Koch Theater (20 Lincoln Center Plaza), The New Yorker calls it the "the most awaited show of the spring-summer dance season" so expect an exquisite performance!
A summer staple... visit PS1 (22-25 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City) Saturdays through September 6th for live experimental music, surrounded by art. 
3 weeks of dance, music, and concerts in Lincoln Center... and it's all free!
Through August 10 Allen Toussaint
Toussaint, an acclaimed New Orleans musician, composer, producer, and singer, has collaborated with performers such as Paul McCartney and the Rolling Stones. Visit the website to purchase tickets for these performances at Joe's Pub (425 Lafayette Street).
Order tickets for a performance of this renowned Cuban jazz trumpeter at The Blue Note (131 West 3rd Street). Some shows are already sold out, so don't miss out!
We all know laughter is the best medicine. The 2014 Female Comic Award will be announced at "Ladies of Laughter" at the Gotham Comedy Club (208 West 23rd Street). Cheer on as some of the funniest women compete for the national title.
Broadway's biggest hits are sung by many top performers on Thursdays in Bryant Park (5th to 6th Avenues, from 40th to 42nd Street).This week includes music from Motown the Musical.
Through August 16 Lincoln Center Festival
Performances to wow and delight through August 16th at Lincoln Center... music, dance, art.
Through August 23 Mostly Mozart Classical music concerts at Lincoln Center.
THEATER & FILM:
And I And SilenceAt Signature Theatre Company's Pershing Square Signature Center (480 West 42nd Street), a politically engaging production that portrays a compelling picture of friendship against the odds in a segregated America of the 1950's. Through September 14th. 
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.
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.
I experienced the most amazing New York evening 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, extended through the end of the year.
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.
The Law of Return
Nominated by the Washington Theater festival as the Best Outstanding New Play, "The Law of Return" is now playing at the 4th Street Theater (84 East 4th Street) through August 24th. Get ready for 85 minutes of espionage; a suspenseful spy thriller by Martin Blank.
The Maids
The Sydney Theater company returns to the Lincoln Center Festival with this long awaited play starring Cate Blanchett. A story about the rituals of the infamous French Papin sisters. Although I normally preview a play first, with Cate Blanchett staring in the leading role, a preview isn't needed! Through August 16th.
Mala Hierba
Last chance to see this production by Second Stage Theatre at their McGinn/Cazale Theatre (2162 Broadway). I saw the show in previews and it's fabulous. Through August 9th.
For Hitchcock aficionados, don't miss "Rear Window" at the Leonard Nimoy Theater on August 12th and August 31st. (2537 Broadway).
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 August 17th. Shakespeare in the Park: King Lear It's worth standing in line at The Delacorte Theater (81 Central Park West) for the free performances of Shakespeare's classic tale, starring Annette Bening and John Lithgow! Through August 17th.  At The Flea Theater (41 White Street) through August 10th, the show was written by Academy Award-winning Playwright, screenwriter and director Preston Sturges.
This is Our YouthAt the Cort Theater (138 West 48th Street) starting on August 18th. A living snapshot of moments when the three young characters venture out into a world on their own, armed only with ideas they have developed as teenagers. Starring Michael Cera and Kieran Culkin.
Visit previous snapshots for more favorites in theater.
ON THE RADAR:
 August 16 & 17 Jazz Age Lawn Party Put on your flapper gown and head to Governors Island to take a step back in time enjoying the music, inventions, and dancing of the 1920s. It is a prohibition ear soiree with music by the renowned Michael Aranella band. August 17 Aaron Neville For those Aaron Neville fans, buy your tickets now to see him perform at City Winery (155 Varick Street). August 18 to 22 Central Park Conservancy Film Festival Nightly movies under the Central Park stars include Big and The Way We Were. August 21 Seaport Film & Food Festival (Amelie) Part of the international film and food series, enjoy a delicious array of free French cuisine and drinks, followed by an outdoor free screening of Amelie at Front/Row stage (Fulton & Front Streets). August 23 & 24 Charlie Parker Jazz Festival Then the week later, enjoy the music of Charlie Parker at various locations throughout the city... August 29 & 30 Paulo SzotOne of my favorite singers will perform at 54 Below (254 West 54th Street) in August. Tickets go fast, so if you're as captivated by this Brazilian opera star as I am, I suggest you buy your tickets now. I hope he'll sing a few tunes from his starring performance in South Pacific!  One of my top playwrights, Neil LaBute, will open his latest production of "The Money Shot" at the Lucile Lortel Theater (121 Christopher Street). Heather Graham stars in an insightful comedy about ambitions, art and status in an era where very little is taboo. September 6 Gipsy Kings The GRAMMY winning band will be returning to the United States to continue the group's 25th Anniversary Tour. At the Beacon Theatre (2124 Broadway).
 A terrific ticketed event. Enjoy a tribute to Bob Marley and Jimmy Buffet, while walking along the grounds, viewing our city's skyline, and enjoying great seafood such as lobster rolls and oysters.
September 7 Mike Birbiglia: Thank God for JokesOne of my favorite comedians, star of Sleepwalk With Me will be at BAM's Howard Gilman Opera House in Brooklyn. There is a special performance for BAM members on September 5th.
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For the Foodie...
August 9 Prosciutto Tasting Visit Eataly (200 Fifth Avenue) from 12pm-6pm for a free tasting as part of Prosciutto Week.
August 10, September 14 & 21 Mario Batali Family Dinners Enjoy family dinners with Mario Batali chefs at the New York Botanical Garden. Spend an exceptional day and evening visiting Mario's kitchen gardens of vegetable and herbs and picking up some of his special recipes. A garden-to-table meal is prepared by chefs of Batali's hospitality group.
Through August 15 Summer Restaurant Week
Visit my last few weekly snapshots for dining recommendations.
ON THE RADAR
 August 21 Taste of Tennis
The world's greatest tennis players and NYC's top chefs showcase their culinary skills at this annual event at the W New York (541 Lexington Avenue). Mingle with the pros, sip signature cocktails and enjoy the tastings of small plates.
August 23 Blues BBQ Festival
Back for its 15th year anniversary, America's best blues and roots musicians entertain, while you sample food from three of the city's best barbecue restaurants...Mighty Quinn, Delaney's and Dinosaur BBQ. A rain or shine event at Pier 84 in Hudson River Park.
IN HONOR OF SUMMER'S MOST PERFECT DISH!
Whether you're looking for lobsters or lobster rolls to satisfy your fresh seafood cravings, nothing says summer like cracking open a succulent lobster. Below are my top picks around the city to the growing array of options. If you can't be seaside in Maine, here's the next best thing.
Grand Banks
Pier 25 (at North Moore & West Street)
Try their amazing lobster roll.
Lobster Place
Located inside Chelsea Market - 75 Ninth Avenue (at West 16th Street)
Luke's LobsterVarious locations around the city. Don't forget the Food Truck - keep your eyes open!
 North River Lobster Company Pier 81 (at 41st Street & West Street) Pearl Oyster Bar
18 Cornelia Street (between West 4th & Bleecker Streets)
Their "Big Red" food truck has been voted best in the country.
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Special Feature... NYC Island Hopping 
The Bronx
What?
If you saw the movie by this name, then you know the deal. A small community with a small town feel and a charm all its own.
How to get there? A quick drive or take the #6 train north to Pelham Bay Park (the last stop). Transfer to City Bus BX 29 towards City Island.
What to do? Walk along City Island Avenue, the island's main drag. It's home to most of the island's shops and restaurants, and some amazing 19th century mansions, once owned by sea captains. Also, visit the City Island Nautical Museum.
Where?Brooklyn
What?
A residential neighborhood known for its beach and amusement attractions.
How to get there?
D, F, N or Q to the Stillwell Avenue Station.
What do do?
Outside of the must-do ride on the Cyclone and eating Nathan's Famous hot dog, there are plenty of events going on all summer... from Circus side shows to the Coney Island Museum, there's something for everyone.  Where?
In New York Harbor
What?
The museum's exhibits chronicle Ellis Island's role in immigration history.
How to get there?
Take the ferry from Battery Park.
What to do?
Take the audio tour and learn all about immigrants' journey into the United States. Research your own history before you come and you may be able to follow your ancestors' path! On your way back, visit the Statue of Liberty.  Where?
Long Island
What?A large center island on Long Island which is a major summer beach destination for New Yorkers, with easy access to the sand via foot. With no cars allowed on the island, it is easy and safe to get around.
How to get there?
Take the Long Island Railroad to Patchogue, Bay Shore, or Sayville, then hop on the ferry.
What to do?Spend a weekend at The Palms at Ocean Beach. Lounge at the beach, go surfing, take a bike ride, and engage in other outdoor activities. At the end of your day, grab a bite outside at Maguire's bayfront Restaurant. Where?In Upper New York Bay, off the southern tip of Manhattan
What?A former military base, it is officially part of the burrough of Manhattan.
How to get there?
Take the 1 train to South Ferry Station, then take the ferry.
What to do?
Bring your own bike or rent one and take a scenic ride. Upcoming events include the Jazz Age Lawn Party (August 16-17) and the The NYC Volkswagen Traffic Jam (August 24), a spectator-judged vintage Volkswagen car show and picnic. Where?The East River What?
An oasis in the middle of New York City.
How to get there?
Take the 4, 5, or 6 train to 125th Street. Then take the M35 bus.
What to do?Take a bike ride (8 miles of pathway). Play golf at the Randall's Island Golf Center at the indoor/outdoor two-tier driving range with 80 stalls, a 36-hole mini golf course, and a short game area with sand bunker and grass tees. Or play tennis at Sportime on one of the 20 indoor/outdoor courts... also home to Manhattan home of the John McEnroe Tennis Academy. After your game, grab a beer at the Beer Garden & Grill.
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| Norma Knows New York City/ East 76th Street / New York, New York 10021 |
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