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Norma's Weekly Snapshot 
It's hard to believe Labor Day is next weekend! I know many of us are squeezing all we can from these final days of the season to make some lasting memories. This week's Special Feature highlights my favorite outdoor things to do to enjoy the last summer holiday weekend, while staying local and enjoying the peace and quiet.
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...  
Even though it's still the preseason, gear up for a great NYC rivalry by watching the game!
Intrepid Museum - Pier 86 (West 46th Street and 12th Avenue)
From 7:30pm to 10:30pm, star-gaze with local astronomers on high-powered telescopes. In addition to the outside viewing, there will also be talks and hands-on demonstrations inside the Museum.
USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (Flushing, NY) Tickets are on sale for matches at this year's Open. I already have my tickets in hand for a couple of the matches. But if you can't score a ticket, the next best thing is watching it on a jumbo screen at Brooklyn Bridge Park from August 30th through September 8th. Bryant Park will also have outdoor Watch Parties using a 55" TV to display the matches. Various Participating Locations
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.  ON THE RADAR:September 4 - 11 Mercedez-Benz Fashion WeekOne of my favorite weeks of the year, Fashion Week showcases spectacular spring/summer 2015 collections for the fashion forward set.
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Cultural Pursuits... 
AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY (Central Park West at 79th Street) August 26 Astronomy Live: Life on Other WorldsTake a voyage through the solar system and explore other new worlds at the Hayden Planetarium. Visit the website for other programs at the planetarium.
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. 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) Jean-Antoine Houdon and Claude Michel were two of the foremost sculptors in France during the late eighteenth century. Their sculpture will be shown together for the first time, highlighting the artists' expressive ranges. Through April 5, 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 Fifth Avenue)
Italian Renaissance Drawings from the Robert Lehman Collection
15th and 16th century drawings of the Italian Renaissance from Central and Southern Italy. A special emphasis is placed on drawings of Florentine masters, such as Leonardo Da Vinci. Through September 1.
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 MORGAN LIBRARY & MUSEUM
(225 Madison Avenue)
Gatsby to Garp: Modern Masterpieces from the Carter Burden Collection
Modern masterpieces from celebrated 20th century writers such as Faulkner, Fitzgerald, and James. I was in awe viewing these first edition manuscripts. Visit on Fridays for Free Friday Evenings, concerts and lectures. Through September 7th.
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 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 at MoMA through September 23rd. The Paris of Toulouse-Lautrec Prints and posters by this renowned artist will be on display at MoMA through March 22, 2015.
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.
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:
Dell'Arte Opera Ensemble presents "A Summer of Shakespeare." You'll be entertained by such plays as Falstaff, Macbeth, and Songs and Sonnets. Through August 24th.
Brooklyn Bridge
New York's floating concert hall, moored in Brooklyn, under the Brooklyn Bridge. View their website for this week's concerts... all under the stars.
Charlie Parker Jazz Festival Various Locations
Enjoy the music of Charlie Parker on August 23rd and 24th.
THEATER & FILM: 
What's the best way to get tickets? Try the Broadway Ticket Lottery. This is truly one of the best finds for securing tickets to Broadway shows. The website lists the simple process for both Broadway Rush and Lottery tickets. On each day of the week, the featured Broadway shows offer discounted tickets via rush tickets and lotteries. A bit of patience and an early arrival will often score you excellent seats at the best price.
Also, September 1 to 14 is Broadway Week - enjoy two-for-one Broadway tickets at participating theaters; many of my favorite shows are participating! And I And SilenceSignature 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
Stephen Sondheim Theatre (124 West 43rd Street)
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. The show took home 2 Tonys - Best Sound Design and Jessie Mueller won for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role.
 Between Riverside & Crazy Atlantic Theater Company (330 West 16th Street) A witty comedy about an ex-cop and his ex-con son living in NYC. The writing and acting are excellent. Through August 23rd.
Bullets Over Broadway
St. James Theatre (246 West 44th Street)
Famed Woody Allen film hits Broadway. Marin Mazzie and Zach Braff deliver outstanding performances. The musical comedy is loaded with laughs and colorful characters. Through September 28th.
Studio 54 (254 West 54th Street)
I experienced the most amazing New York evening when I saw Cabaret. Both Alan Cumming and Michelle Williams are show-stoppers, and the Kit-Cat band is superb! A magnificent revival, extended through January 4th.
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. Through October 12th.
The Law of Return 4th Street Theater (84 East 4th Street)
Nominated by the Washington Theater festival as the Best Outstanding New Play, "The Law of Return" is now playing through August 24th. Get ready for 85 minutes of espionage, a suspenseful spy thriller by Martin Blank.
 The Long Shrift
Rattlestick Playwrights Theater (224 Waverly Place)
Through August 23rd, the show is the directorial debut of James Franco. It's a play about a tense reunion between a 28-year old man and his former female classmate after his release from prison for a crime he did not commit. Also at the theater through August 28th is Phoenix, starring Julia Stiles.
Bryant Park (42nd Street at 6th Avenue) Free showings of the Shakespeare play is being shown in Bryant Park through August 30th on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. Grab a spot on the lawn to take in this ideal summer comedy in a perfect setting.
Brooks Atkinson Theatre (256 West 47th Street) No one forgets their first love! A.G. Gurney, one of my favorite playwrights, has created a funny and emotional play about the powerful connection of love. Choose from a star studded cast that will perform for a series of performances. Candice Bergen, Martin Sheen and Angelica Houston are on the list. Opening September 18th through February 1, 2015.
Mother The Celebration of Whimsy (21-A Clinton Street) A play by Broadway performer Melinda Buckley will debut at the Fringe Festival. It portrays a tale of two women who are thrust into the painful moments of the sandwich generation. August 22nd & 23rd.
 The Irene Diamond Stage at The Pershing Square Signature Center (480 West 42nd Street) 1960s songwriter Bert Berns will have the audience "twist and shout", as he performs any of his 51 hits. The story is told through the eyes of his daughter Jamie. A great untold story of rock-n-roll; through September 14th. The Leonard Nimoy Theater (2537 Broadway)
For Hitchcock aficionados, don't miss "Rear Window" on August 31st.
This is Our YouthCort Theater (138 West 48th Street) Starting on August 18th, it is 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. Through January 4th.
Visit previous snapshots for more theater favorites.
ON THE RADAR:
August 29 & 30 Paulo Szot54 Below (254 West 54th Street)
One of my favorite performers, 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!  September 3 A Tribute to Duke EllingtonThe Alvin Ailey Studio (405 West 55th Street)
Order your tickets for an UNDER THE RAINBOW event, honoring Duke Ellington and his daughter, Mercedes, with special dance performances from former dancers from the Bolshoi and Dance Theatre of Harlem and featuring the young ladies from the International Ballet training program. Great raffle prizes will be awarded (including 7 nights at The Saint James Club in Antigua). The individual ticket price is now $50... please spread the word as this will be a wonderful program. The young women are truly special.
September 4 The Money Shot
Lucile Lortel Theater (121 Christopher Street)
One of my top playwrights, Neil LaBute, will open his latest production of "The Money Shot." 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 Beacon Theatre (2124 Broadway)
The GRAMMY winning band will be returning to the United States to continue the group's 25th Anniversary Tour.
Governors Island
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 JokesBAM's Howard Gilman Opera House (Brooklyn)One of my favorite comedians, star of Sleepwalk With Me is coming to BAM. There is a special performance for BAM members on September 5th. September 8 & 9 Amy GrantCity Winery (155 Varick Street)  After 10 years since her last full studio album, Amy Grant will perform at the City Winery for 2 nights only. Meet & Greet tickets available as well. October 7 to 11 Betty Buckley The Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street) Betty Buckley, known as "the voice of Broadway," will celebrate her new "Ghostlight" recording. October 20 A Delicate BalanceJohn Golden Theater (252 West 45th Street)
Glenn Close returns to Broadway with John Lithgow in Edward Albee's "A Delicate Balance." A moving play about a married couple struggling to maintain equilibrium when they open up their home to friends and family in need.
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For the Foodie...
August 23 Blues BBQ Festival
Pier 84 (West 44th Street & West Street)
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 in Hudson River Park.
August 31 Left Bank117 Perry Street
 | | Maison Premiere |
The Left Bank restaurant, part of the Red Cat and Harrison family, is showing the movie Casablanca at 8pm. This West Village American tavern specializes in delicious Italian food. A perfect venue for dining and being entertained during Labor Day weekend.September 1 Maison Premiere298 Bedford Avenue - Brooklyn Doors open at noon for a Labor Day event that includes an assortment of premier oysters and chilled seafood, a full bar, and live music. Feel like you're on a holiday retreat when you walk out onto their patio or garden.
New York Botanical Garden
Enjoy family dinners with Mario Batali chefs. 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.
September 19 5th Annual International Pairing Series Presented by American Airlines
City Winery (155 Varick Street)
City Winery teams up with American Airlines partner once again for the 5th annual food and wine pairing dinners. Each event features remarks by a leading regional expert, a three-course dinner, and three flights of wine highlighting the traditional styles of the region.. this one focuses on California. I go each year and this year I plan to attend the Italian-focused dinner on October 28th.
September 30 Dine Around Downtown
One Chase Manhattan Plaza
Up to 50 restaurants come together at one food fair. New eateries are opening all the time and this is the place to sample it all. Check back for a full list of participants in the coming weeks.
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Special Feature... Local Labor Day Activities
STAY
Visit the Islands of New York City. My recent Weekly Snapshot included recommendations such as City Island, Coney Island, and Fire Island. LOUNGE It's easy to get to the beach... just hop on the Long Island Railroad to get off at Long Beach. Just a 5 minute walk gets you right on the sand. There is a fee to get onto the beach, but it's worth it to be away from larger crowds and have a pleasant day. RUNNYCRuns hosts a 5K and 10K on September 1st on another island... Roosevelt Island. End the run with an ice cream cone to cool you off. 
DRINK
Both on the Hudson River, The Frying Pan (at 26th Street) and Grand Banks (at North Moore Street) make you feel like you've set sail. The Frying Pan was recently refurbished and Grand Banks is brand new.
SAIL
Classic Harbor Line offers many options including Architecture Tours, private charters, Sunset Sails, and Day Sails.
TASTE
Pour & Pedal offers tours of the North Fork wineries every Saturday and Sunday through October.
VISIT
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.
VIEW
Mark your calendar for September 6th... The NYC Labor Day parade begins at Fifth Avenue and 44th Street and continues up Fifth Avenue to 64th Street.
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| Norma Knows New York City/ East 76th Street / New York, New York 10021 |
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