September 5, 2014

Norma's Weekly Snapshot 
       

    

During early September the spotlight shines on tennis and fashion to help us welcome the new season! I've chosen to highlight Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (September 4 to 11) in my Special Feature... while many shows and events are invite-only during the fashion-craze, I have included some notable events open to all who celebrate the clothes and the catwalk.


 

Peruse the films for the upcoming New York Film Festival September 26 to October 12 - tickets go on sale to the public this Sunday, September 7th.  


 

 
   


    Norma Knows New York City

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

 

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General Events...General 
  
September 6  Run for Her
Pier 84 (West 44th Street & West Street)
If you didn't register, watch as others lace up for the annual 5K Run and Friendship Walk to support ovarian cancer research and awareness.

September 7  NY Yankees vs KC Royals
Yankee Stadium
The Yankees play at home and while this may not be a special game, I've gotten tickets to say farewell to my favorite baseball player, Derek Jeter.   

Through September 8  US Open
USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (Flushing, NY)
This week it's all about tennis and I'm rooting for Federer! If you haven't been able to score a ticket, the next best thing is watching it on a jumbo screen at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Bryant Park will also have outdoor Watch Parties using a 55" TV to display the matches.

Through September 11 Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week
Various Locations
One of my favorite weeks of the year, Fashion Week showcases spectacular spring/summer 2015 collections for the fashion forward set.


Every Tuesday until September 30th  Lower Manhattan Tuesdays 
Various Participating Locations
V
isit lower Manhattan for an evening of dining, shopping and exploring.  60 partners, including noteworthy restaurants, retailers and museums will participate.


ON THE RADAR:

September 17  Central Perk

199 Lafayette Street 

The famous Friends coffee shop will be opening through October 18th. Now in London, Warner Brothers is bringing the pop-up replica to NYC in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the adored series.      

  

September 17 to 21  New York Art, Antique & Jewelry Show

Park Avenue Armory (643 Park Avenue) 

Purchase tickets to have access to view pieces from over 70 exhibitors. 

 

September 18   Sip for the Sea  

Central Park Zoo 

The Wildlife Conservation Society hosts an annual fundraiser of sustainable wines and foods that will support the New York Aquarium and to celebrate a commitment to marine conservation in New York and around the globe. 

   
September 18 to 28  PHOTOVILLE 

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Third annual pop up village; over 50 photo exhibitions. All displayed photographs use shipping containers to feature artists' works as standalone exhibits.  Music and food vendors will also be on hand. 

  

October 1 to 31 Archtober  

4th annual month-long festival of architecture and design.  The activities, programs and exhibition are so vast that I can't pick my favorites.  Peruse their calendar and select those of interest.

October 4 & 5   25th Annual Autumn Crafts Festival 

Lincoln Center (64th Street & Columbus Avenue)

250 craft displays from all over the country at Lincoln Center. Plenty of entertainment and craft demonstrations.  Also October 11 & 12.    

  

October 11 & 12  openhousenewyork
Various Locations
I look forward to this event each year; gain access to over 200 of the city's coolest and most exclusive architectural sites and landmarks. It's a special opportunity to view many of the hidden gems in the city.        

October 14  92Y Annual Street Festival
Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street
Live performances, arts and crafts, learning opportunities, and discounts on events and classes.

October 20 - 26  Spa Week 

Various Locations  

$50 spa treatments at select spas throughout the city. Make your appointments now. I will highlight my favorites as the week approaches.  


Cultural Pursuits...Cult
      
Last chance to visit the following 5 exhibits, closing on September 7th:
 
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.

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.

THE MORGAN LIBRARY & MUSEUM 
(225 Madison Avenue) 

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.  

 

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY (5th Avenue at 42nd Street)
The ABC of It: Why Children's Books Matter
In our digital world, I believe that we need to be continually reminded about the importance of books for children.  This exhibit has something for everyone. 

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. 

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.
 
THE FORBES GALLERIES (62 5th Avenue) 
Titian Meets West Side Story: The Work of Edward Melcarth
Although 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 sculptures will be shown together for the first time, highlighting the artists' expressive ranges. Through April 5, 2015.

Helen Frankenthaler
GAGOSIAN GALLERY 
(900 Madison Avenue)
Helen Frankenthaler Composing with Color: Paintings 1962-1963
Opening on September 11th, the exhibition focuses on the short period that Helen used color rather than line. Through October 18th.
 
THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART (1000 Fifth Avenue)

Garry 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 showcases how contemporary jewelry artists transform images in this digital age. Through September 14th.     

    

 

NYC Makers

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

Mac Conner

 

THE MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK (1220 Fifth Avenue)
Mac Conner: A New York Life 

Opening on September 10th, New York's saga of the original Mad Men!  Hand-painted illustrations for advertising campaigns and women's magazines during the years after World War II. Through January 15, 2015. 

 

THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART (11 West 53rd Street) 

Conceptions of Space 

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.

THE SKYSCRAPER MUSEUM (39 Battery Place)
Times Square, 1984
The 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 most controversial artist of the post war period.  This is his first major museum presentation in NYC. Through October 19th. 


ON THE RADAR: 

Theodore Rousseau
METROPOLITAN PAVILION (125 West 18th Street)
September 25 to 29 
Affordable Art Fair 
In the past I have purchased wonderful pieces of art, all reasonably priced (as the name implies). All pieces range from $100-$10,000.
 
THE MORGAN LIBRARY & MUSEUM  (225 Madison Avenue) 
    
September 26
The Untamed Landscape: Theodore Rousseau and the Path to Barbizon 
70 works of Theodore Rousseau's approach to open-air oil sketches. Through January 18, 2015.  
Egon Schiele

NEUE GALLERIE 
(1048 Fifth Avenue)
October 9 
Egon Schiele: Portraits
One of the 20th century's most important artists, the exhibit showcases portraitures by the masterful Austrian artist, Egon Schiele.  Through January 19, 2015.

THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART (11 West 53rd Street)  

October 12 

Henri Matisse: The Cut-Outs 
Opening for the first time in twenty years, the exhibit includes painted sheets cut into various shapes and sizes, thus creating lively compositions of contrasting colors. I especially look forward to seeing his largest cutout, "swimming pool," a 54-foot long frieze.


.  
CurtainCurtain Up...         
 
MUSIC, PERFORMANCE, DANCE:    
          
September 7  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 Jokes
BAM'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 Grant
City 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.   

 

September 8  Works and Process

Guggenheim Museum - Peter B. Lewis Theater (1071 Fifth Avenue) 

Celebrating 30 years of performing arts, discussions and world premieres. See and hear acclaimed artists in an intimate setting. Through December 15th.  

 

September 9 BAM 2014 Next Wave Festival 

Brooklyn Academy of Music (30 Lafayette Avenue - Brooklyn)
Avant-garde music, theater, opera, and dance. Two performances I will be attending are the revival of Tony Kushner's Angels in America and Shakespeare's Sonnets with a score by Rufus Wainwright. Through December 20th.

September 11 to 14  Romeo & Juliet 

The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College (East 68th Street between Park & Lexington Avenues)

A dramatic dance ensemble, celebrating Shakespeare's 450 birthday!

 

 

 

Through September 30  

Coca-Cola Generations in Jazz Festival  

Dizzy's Coca-Cola (10 Columbus Circle)

The festival features up-and-coming musicians alongside jazz masters.

 

 

 

 

 

THEATER & FILM: 

What's the best way to get tickets?
  Try the Broadway Ticket Lottery. This is 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. 

Through September 14  Broadway Week
Enjoy two-for-one Broadway tickets at participating theaters; while most of my favorite shows are participating, many have been sold out.


And I And Silence

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 

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 

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. 

 

If/Then The Musical 
Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 West 46th Street) 

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 Money Shot 
Lucile Lortel Theater (121 Christopher Street) 
One of my top playwrights, Neil LaBute, opens 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. 

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.  

  

Cort Theater (138 West 48th Street)

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.   

 

You Can't Take It With You 

Longacre Theatre (220 West 48th Street)
James Earl Jones and Rose Byrne star in this touching comedy by Moss Hart that portrays the relationship between two families when their children become engaged. Now in previews, opens September 28th.  Through January 4th. 

 

Visit previous snapshots for more theater favorites.       

 

ON THE RADAR: 

 

September 12 & 13  Fall for Dance Festival 

Delacorte Theater in Central Park

Two free evenings of dance in association with The Public. 

   

September 16 & 17  Peter Sparling's Notes on a Voyage 

Martha Graham Studio (55 Bethune Street)  

Martha Graham Dance Company performs in the West Village.

   

 

September 16 & 17  New York Philharmonic

Lincoln Center - Avery Fisher Hall (10 Lincoln Center Plaza) 

The Opening Gala Concert and the following evening will showcase music of Italian Cinema..."La Dolce Vita!"

   

September 18  Love Letters

Brooks Atkinson Theatre (256 West 47th Street)
No one forgets their first love!  A.G. Gurney 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, Brian Dennehy, Martin Sheen, and Carol Burnett are on the list. Opening September 18th through February 1, 2015.

September 23  NYC Ballet Fall Premiere
Lincoln Center
I'll be attending Stravinsky & Balanchine on the 25th, a legendary collaboration.


September 24 to October 24  Rita Wilson
Cafe Carlyle (35 East 76th Street)
I enjoy her roles in movies such as Sleepless in Seattle and look forward to hearing her sing at one of my favorite venues.

September 26 to October 12  New York Film Festival
The 52nd annual festival always features the premieres of many of the best films. I'm hoping to attend the opening night of Gone Girl, starring Ben Affleck. Having read the book, I'm intrigued to see if the movie will be equally suspenseful.  Tickets go on sale on the 7th.   Have your list ready!

October 2  Billy & Ray

Vineyard Theatre (108 East 15th Street) 

Director Garry Marshall of Pretty Woman fame, will direct this true story that portrays the life of these two artists (Billy Wilder & Raymond Chandler) and how they battled the Hollywood censors and each other. 

 

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 7 - November 11   White Light Festival
Complimentary events at Lincoln Center throughout the month to lighten your soul... abstract musical events that illuminate our lives. 

  

October 20  A Delicate Balance
John 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.


Foodie 
For the Foodie... 

Governor's Island

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.

146 Essex Street

Returns Sundays from 1-6pm. A 4-course brunch with two glasses of champagne will be offered for $45pp. 

 

September 11 to 21  88th Annual Feast of San Gennaro 

Little Italy
An annual tradition in NYC, food vendors and a spirited crowd throughout Little Italy celebrating Italian culture.
 
September 11 to 28  New York Oyster Week 
 Various Participating Restaurants

All things oysters with food and wine pairings. I plan to visit the Atlantic Grill on the Upper East Side and Lure Fishbar in SoHo, two of the participating restaurants.
 


ON THE RADAR:
 
September 12 to 14
  Taste Talks Festival 
  

Various Locations

A foodie's haven... Panels and workshops featuring noted chefs such as Mario Batali and Alex Guarnaschelli of Butter Restaurant.

  

September 13  The Vendy Awards
Governors Island
10th annual street vendor cook-off.  Judges will determine the best of the best of our multitude of food street vendors. Purchase tickets and check out the nominees on the website.

September 14 & 21  Mario Batali Family Dinners 
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. 
City Winery (155 Varick Street)
City Winery teams up with partner American Airlines 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 28  Atlantic Antic
Atlantic Avenue - Brooklyn

10th annual celebration, touted as the largest street fair in our boroughs. Food, music and shopping.

 

September 30  Dine Around Downtown 
One Chase Manhattan Plaza
U
p 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.

October 16 to 19  The Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival
Presented by Food & Wine magazine, this is one of my top food events since its proceeds go to a great cause, the fight to end hunger (No Kid Hungry & Food Bank for New York City.   Legendary culinary icons from around the globe will dazzle you with their talents.

October 29 to November 2  Annual NYC Food Film Festival
Watch a food film, then eat the food in the film! Gives new meaning to "dinner and a movie." 
Special Feature...
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
Through September 11
Feature 
Many of us aren't lucky enough to have front row seats to the groundbreaking fashion shows so, click here to tune in live for select shows.
 

September 5 & 6  Refinery29 Pop-Up Miniature Golf
Refinery29 Country Club (82 Mercer Street)
A pop-up surrealist miniature golf course with nine holes inspired by nine designers, such as Marc Jacobs, DKNY, and DVF.

September 5 to 7  Glamour's Street Glam
Chelsea Market (410 West 16th Street)
Hosted by Glamour Magazine, stop by for free makeup applications, eyebrow styling, and skin care treatments.

September 6  Mackage Party & Shop
Mackage - 123 Mercer Street
The brand will host an event to celebrate its partnership with cosmetics company butter LONDON. Receive complimentary manicures and shopping while listening to tunes by a live DJ.

September 7   Lower East Side
Opening Night Art + Fashion 
Various Locations
Fashion shows and receptions at over 40 galleries will make this a memorable evening. Also, an Orchard Street Block Party!
Opening Ceremony (35 Howard Street)
Spike Jonze has scripted a one-act play. Co-written by actor Jonah Hill and directed by Spike, the play will feature actors, models, and Opening Ceremony's forthcoming collection.

September 9 & 11  New York City Fashion Tour
Various Locations 
Seek New York is hosting an extended version of their popular designer-led Garment District tour, focusing on New York Fashion Week. Includes a visit to a factory, showroom or insider spot, a look at fashionable landmarks, and a Fashion Week gift.
 
Through September 11  Bon Appetit Feast or Fashion
Various Locations
A partnership between Bon Appetit Magazine and the dining app I Know the Chef so the public can get reservations at over 75 restaurants.

WHERE TO EAT: 
Many of the restaurants around Lincoln Center will be serving Fashion Plate Prix Fixe Lunches & Dinners September 4th to 11th.  My top picks are: 
A Voce

A Voce
10 Columbus Circle, 3rd Floor
Italian Cuisine
Three Course Prix Fixe Lunch: $33

Atlantic Grill
49 West 64th Street
Seafood
Three Course Prix Fixe Lunch: $25
Three Course Prix Fixe Dinner: $40
Monday through Friday only

Lincoln Ristorante
142 West 65th Street
Italian Cuisine 
Lincoln Ristorante

Two Course Prix Fixe Lunch: $36  
Wednesday through Friday only
Two Course Prix Fixe Weekend Brunch: $36 

The Smith
1900 Broadway
New American Cuisine
Complimentary Sparkling Morning Punch with any Breakfast Entrée 
Three Course Prix Fixe Lunch: $27
Monday through Friday only


Norma Knows New York City/ East 76th Street / New York, New York 10021