|
|
|
|
Norma's Weekly Member Snapshot: I BIKE NY
In honor of a true Spring weekend , I've designated this week's Special Feature to one of my favorite outdoor activities, biking! From bike tours to rentals and accessories, here's your one stop shop for riding on the pavement.
New Yorkers share my enthusiasm for biking; I look for every excuse to get outside and ride in a city that has become much more bike friendly in recent years.

Norma Knows New York City
|
Cultural Pursuits...
Looking for a new way to see a museum? Check out Museum Hack, guided tours (up to 9 people) of the Met and the American Museum of Natural History. Led by experienced guides well-versed in art history, it's a way to see the works through a new lens.
EVENTS:
Park Avenue Armory (643 Park Avenue)
Exhibitors from more than 80 of the world's leading photography art galleries.
CLOSING THIS WEEK:
MARLBOROUGH GALLERY (40 West 57th Street) Chihuly at MarlboroughThrough April 11 An exhibition of new work by artist and glass sculptor Dale Chihuly. MNUCHIN GALLERY (45 East 78th Street) Kazuo ShiragaThrough April 11 Kazuo's exhibit of 18 pieces of work traces his signature foot paintings throughout his career.THE ROBIN RICE GALLERY (325 West 11th Street) Brian Pearson Through April 12 A photographic exhibition by Brian Pearson, a medley of black and white images split between the figurative and the architectural.
ONGOING EXHIBITS:
AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
(Central Park West at 79th Street)
Through August 9
Exhibit uncovers the causes of nature's forces.
ANDREA ROSEN GALLERY (525 West 24th Street)
Through April 25 This exhibition explores the ways artists create credible "imprints" and the various approaches to mark-making.
ARSENAL GALLERY (Central Park - 64th Street and 5th Avenue) Conserving Our City of Nature: The Artwork of Alan MesserThrough April 23 Messer's detailed paintings, illustrations, and field sketches of New York City's avian wildlife and habitats.
BROOKLYN MUSEUM (200 Eastern Parkway - Brooklyn) Basquiat: The Unknown Notebooks
April 3 through August 23 View the large scale works of this illustrious painter along with sketches from his personal notebooks. DAVID ZWIRNER GALLERY (525 West 19th Street) Alice Neel Drawings and Watercolors 1927-1978Through April 18 Neel was one of the great American painters of the twentieth century and a pioneer among women artists.
DELHI ART GALLERY ( The Fuller Building - 41 East 57 Street) Indian Modern - Narratives from 20th Century Indian ArtThrough June 6 The exhibition at the new 7,000 square feet gallery includes rare early works by some of the 42 artists on view.
ELLIS ISLAND
Unframed - Ellis IslandOngoing Life-size historic photographs of Ellis Island immigrants are displayed on the south side of Ellis Island. GAGOSIAN GALLERIES
In the StudioThrough April 18 In one location (980 Madison Avenue), photography... in another (522 West 21st Street), paintings by artists like Picasso and Jasper Johns. GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM (1071 5th Avenue) INTREPID SEA, AIR, & SPACE MUSEUM (Pier 86 - 46th Street & 12th Avenue) Hubble@25
Through September 15 Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope, the exhibition showcases the history of this project and its scientific achievements. View artifacts, photographs, and Hubble-produced images .THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART (1000 Fifth Avenue) Thomas Hart Benton's America Today Mural RediscoveredThrough April 19 A captivating exhibit of 1920s America in New York City.
Fatal Attraction
Through June 14
Not to be confused with the movie by the same name, New York-based artist Piotr Uklański exhibits his photographs. The theme of the exhibit is Eros and Thanatos, the intertwined concepts of life force and death.
THE MORGAN LIBRARY & MUSEUM (225 Madison Avenue) Lincoln Speaks: Words That Transformed a NationThrough June 7 This exhibition focuses on Abraham Lincoln's mastery of language and how his words changed the course of history. MUSEUM OF ARTS & DESIGN (2 Columbus Circle) Richard Estes: Painting New York CityThrough September 20 Photorealistic painter Richard Estes exhibits his works. Ralph Pucci: The Art of the MannequinThrough August 30 A display of thirty works taking you on a journey of his ever changing fashion. |
| |
Latin America in Construction
|
This Is for Everyone: Design Experiments for the Common Good Through January 31, 2016 Digital age design encompassing fashion and furniture.
NAHMAD CONTEMPORARY (980 Madison Avenue) Richard Prince Through April 18 This exhibit displays Artist Richard Prince's iconic fashion shot between 1982 and 1984.
NEUE GALLERY NEW YORK MUSEUM FOR GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN ART (1048 Fifth Avenue) Gustav Klimt and Adele Bloch-Bauer: The Woman in Gold Through September 7 View the original painting that inspired Helen Mirren's role in her new movie by the same name.
THE NEW MUSEUM (235 Bowery) 2015 Triennial: Surround Audience
Through May 24 NYC's only recurring international exhibition devoted to the early careers of artists from around the world... 51 artists from 25 countries. NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY (5th Avenue at 42nd Street)
Public Eye: 175 Years of Sharing Photography Through September 4
The first-ever retrospective survey of photography organized by the Public Library. How have we been engaged over time? Are we risking our privacy in pursuit of a more public photography? The exhibit explores these questions.
Sinatra: An American Icon Through September 4 A tribute to the life of the legendary actor and singer, Frank Sinatra. A multimedia exhibit showcasing memorabilia never before seen.
PRATT MANHATTAN GALLERY (144 West 14th Street) Performing Franklin FurnaceThrough April 30 Martha Wilson's exhibition. Consider attending the performance series February 26th through March 1st.
SKYSCRAPER MUSEUM (39 Battery Place)
Ten Tops Through September 13 Focuses on a group of the world's tallest buildings 100 stories and higher. A perfect exhibit for this museum!
ON THE RADAR:
THE ROBIN RICE GALLERY (325 West 11th Street) April 22 Pelican Finn An exhibition of photographs by Gesi Schilling illustrating the relationship between individual and environment while specifically capturing a Cuban American woman's relationship to the Florida Everglades. Through May 31st with opening reception on April 22nd . PIER 94 (711 12th Avenue) April 23 through 26 ArtExpoThe largest fine art marketplace - annual expo brings the biggest publishers, galleries and collectors face to face with hundreds of established and emerging artists. THE WHITNEY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART (99 Gansevoort Street)
May 1 America is Hard to See Premiering at the downtown opening of the Whitney Museum. View this inaugural exhibit of over 650 pieces from 400 artists through September 27th. THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN (900 Southern Blvd - The Bronx) May 16 Frida Kahlo: Art, Garden, LifeThe first exhibition to examine Frida's appreciation for the beauty and variety of the natural world, as evidenced by her home, garden, and use of plant imagery in her artwork. Through November 1st. NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY (170 Central Park West)
|
Curtain Up...
FILM:
Crosby Street Hotel (79 Crosby Street) For $55 per person, enjoy dinner and a movie... 3-course meal followed by a viewing of the Oscar nominated movie, The Imitation Game.

The Walter Reade Theater at Lincoln Center (165 West 65th Street)
General admission or season passes available for the film series featuring new independent films... you won't know what you see until you arrive, but you'll be able to discuss the movie afterwards with directors, producers, distributors, critics and each other. Also April 26th.
MUSIC, PERFORMANCE, DANCE:
Tuesdays & Wednesdays Jazz NightsThe Lambs Club (132 West 44th Street) Live jazz from new and up and coming performers.
April 10 & 11 Celebrating Lady Day Jazz at Lincoln Center - Rose Theater (10 Columbus Circle) Special concerts in honor of Billie Holiday.
April 14 through May 8 Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci Metropolitan Opera House (30 Lincoln Center Plaza) A one act opera set in a Sicilian setting. Marcelo Alvarez mesmerizes the audience playing dual tenor roles.
April 15 Poetry & the Creative Mind Alice Tully Hall (1941 Broadway) Readings from many celebrities such as Nick Cannon, Holly Hunter and Gloria Steinem.
April 15 through 17 Boston Symphony Orchestra Carnegie Hall (881 Seventh Avenue) April 16 Andres Laprida - Brazilian Jazz and Tango Cafe Wha? (118 MacDougal Street)
Performance by Andrés Laprida, a popular guitarist/composer from Argentina. Also April 23rd. |
| | Marilyn Maye: Her Way, A Salute to Frank Sinatra | April 17 through May 30 Her Way, A Salute To Frank Sinatra 54 Below (254 West 54th Street)
Marilyn Maye, a living legend, performs in a special tribute to Sinatra.
Through May 3 Rockettes New York Spring Spectacular
Radio City Music Hall (1260 Avenue of the Americas) A new show inspired by the magic of NYC in the spring; a musical celebration of the energy, places, people, passion and promise that make this city spectacular. Limited engagement.
Through June 16 LIVE from the NYPL
New York Public Library (11 West 40th Street)
Spring Speaker Series - mark your calendar for Diane von Furstenberg on May 6th!
THEATER:
UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS:
April 13 Our Class The Temple Emanu-El Skirball Center (One East 65th Street) A reading, followed by a Q&A session with award-winning writer Tadeusz Słobodzianek. Performers include Ellen Burstyn and Kathleen Turner.
ONGOING PRODUCTIONS:
Palace Theater (1564 Broadway)
American Stage debut of the story about a young artist who discovers life and love after returning from the war. Now in previews, opens April 12th, through November 22nd.
Application PendingThrough April 19 Westside Theatre (407 West 43rd Street) A comedy starring Christina Bianco about the cutthroat world of kindergarten admissions at a New York private school.
The Audience
Helen Mirren stars in an electrifying performance as Queen Elizabeth. 60 years, 12 prime ministers, but only 1 Queen!
Through September 13 Stephen Sondheim Theatre (124 West 43rd Street) This musical follows the legendary songwriter from her early days as a Brooklyn teenager to well-known hits as a top recording artist.
Churchill
Through July 12 New World Stages (340 West 50th Street) An extraordinary one man show at New World Stages. Cry, Trojans!Through April 19 St. Ann's Warehouse (29 Jay Street) Told from the Trojans' side of the story, The Wooster Group tackles Shakespeare's wartime play, Troilus and Cressida.
Through October 18 Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street)
The lead actor, a recent graduate of Julliard, is brilliant. The story unfolds with a mathematically precocious adolescent with behavioral problems uncovering truths and secrets.
Through April 3, 2016
Broadway Theater (1681 Broadway) One of the most romantic stories of our time. Now in previews, opens April 21st, through April 3rd, 2016.
Cort Theater (138 West 48th Street) Funnyman Larry David focuses on 15 characters as each deals with a death in the family. Ghost QuartetThrough May 18 The McKittrick Hotel (542 West 27th Street) Home of the popular Sleep No More, the show blurs the line between theater and contemporary music performance. It is staged in the round in an intimate setting with the musicians seated amongst the audience.
Gigi Through October 4 Neil Simon Theatre (250 West 52nd Street) Tony Award winning musical returns to Broadway starring Vanessa Hudgens. Now in previews, opens April 8th, through October 4th. Grounded Through May 17
The Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street) Tickets on sale now for this spellbinding play starring Academy Award Winner Anne Hathaway. This new play is about the complicated consequences of waging war without leaving home.
Through May 3 The Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street) The creative team from the Tony Award winning "In the Heights," has produced another show stopper. An inventive new musical about the young immigrant who changed America... Alexander Hamilton. Coming in July to Broadway.
Hamlet Through May 10 Classic Stage Company (136 East 13th Street) "To be, or not to be? That is the question." With Peter Sarsgaard as the lead, the answer is definitely to be!
The Heidi Chronicles Through August 9
Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street)
Starring Elisabeth Moss and Jason Biggs, it's a coming of age story of three iconic decades of culture... the 60s, 70s and 80s. Now in previews, opens March 19th, through August 9th.
Through April 12 The Laura Pels Theatre (111 West 46th Street) Roundabout Theater Company presents a Sondheim masterpiece, inviting us back into the world created by the Grimm brothers.
The King and I
Through July 5
Lincoln Center Theater (150 West 65th Street) The revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's The King and I, starring Kelli O'Hara, is now in previews, opens April 16th, through July 5th.
Living on Love
Through August 2 The Longacre Theatre (220 West 48th Street) The world's most famous opera singer Renée Fleming plays the world's most famous opera singer. It's a "glamorous romp through the world of music, marriage and celebrity." Also starring Jerry O'Connell. The Mystery of Love & SexThrough April 26 Lincoln Center Theater (150 West 65th Street) The story of four individuals whose lives remain inextricably intertwined over time... starring one of my favorite actresses, Diane Lane! On the 20th Century Through July 5
American Airline Theatre (227 West 42nd Street) Love, lust, and mischief collide in this musical comedy starring Broadway showstopper, Kristin Chenoweth. In previews now, opens March 12th, through July 5th.
On the TownThrough September 1
Lyric Theatre (213 West 42nd Street)
The feel good play of the season. Broadway's largest orchestra and cast make us fall in love with the city again. A story of sailors on a whirlwind NYC tour.
Skylight
Through June 21 Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street) Carey Mulligan and Bill Nighy star in the sold out London engagement of a sentimental love story. Now in previews, opens April 2nd, through June 14th.The Visit Through September 6 Lyceum Theater (149 West 45th Street) The creators of Cabaret and Chicago have another winner! The Visit, starring Chita Rivera of West Side Story fame, is the tale of young love, seduction, and sweet revenge. Wolf Hall Through July 5 Winter Garden Theatre (1634 Broadway) Parts 1 and 2 ... 2 major plays, 1 royal event. Performed in repertory, Hilary Mantel's exhilarating stories of power and persuasion in Tudor England will transport you to the volatile court of King Henry VIII.
ON THE RADAR IN CURTAIN UP:
|
| | Carnegie Hall Family Concert |
April 18 Carnegie Hall Family Concert: Take the Stage with Broadway StarsCarnegie Hall (881 Seventh Avenue) Purchase tickets to this incredible event - learn the music and dance moves from shows such as Grease, Les Misérables, and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Performed by a cast of Broadway all-stars led by Tony Award winner Jessie Mueller. April 21 through May 2 John Pizzarelli with Daniel Jobim Cafe Carlyle - The Carlyle Hotel (35 E 76th Street) World-renowned jazz guitarist and singer comes to the iconic Cafe Carlyle. .. one of my top performers.
April 22 Blythe GrudaBowery Electric (327 Bowery) An intimate set of original songs by this amazing performer. April 22 through 26 Mark Morris Dance GroupHoward Gilman Opera House (BAM - Brooklyn) Two programs from this acclaimed dance group. |
| | Balanchine Black & White Festival | April 27 The Rose TattooSamuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street) Patti LuPone and Bobby Cannavale perform in a one-night only reading of Tennessee Williams' play. April 28 through May 9 Balanchine Black & White FestivalDavid H. Koch Theater (20 Lincoln Center Plaza) Performances focus on the minimalist vision of Balanchine - 12 works highlighting movement and music alone. April 30 Doctor Faustus Classic Stage Company (136 East 13th Street) Tickets go on sale to the public for this anticipated show starring Chris Noth (Sex & the City). Performances begin May 29th.May 1 through 7 Columbia University Film Festival 2015Film Society of Lincoln Center - Walter Reade Theater (165 West 65th Street) 28th Annual Columbia University Film Festival (CUFF), a weeklong program of screenings, screenplay readings and special events in New York. |
| |
The New York Pops 32nd Birthday Gala
|
May 4 The New York Pops 32nd Birthday Gala Carnegie Hall (881 Seventh Avenue) The New York Pops celebrates 32 years of bringing music to New York City. Guest performers include Alan Cumming, Sutton Foster, Victor Garber, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Bebe Neuwirth, Kelli O'Hara, and Camp Broadway Kids. May 4 through 9 Harlem Jazz Shrines FestivalHarlem Locations An annual event celebrating the classic clubs and venues that made Harlem the Jazz Mecca. May 6 & 7 The Collegiate ChoraleCarnegie Hall (881 Seventh Avenue) The Collegiate Choral presents The Road of Promise, conducted by Kurt Weill. It is the story of a young boy who knows nothing of his Jewish heritage and finds himself in a synagogue under threat of persecution. May 14 through 21 Soho International Film FestivalVillage East Cinemas (189 2nd Avenue) 6th Annual festival celebrates cutting-edge digital technology and honors traditional forms of storytelling.
|
 For the Foodie...
NEW ON THE SCENE:
This bakery still has an air of secrecy about it, being located in an office building in Tribeca. Coming from a Bouley and French Laundry alum, New Yorkers in the know come here for the freshly baked breads and pastries.
Francela1429 Third Avenue (Upper East Side)
The newest Mediterranean market from Chef Orhan Yeğen who has perfected Turkish cooking at about a dozen restaurants around town. His newest Upper East Side addition is a counter service spot popular for a quick lunch or to-go meals.
EVENTS:
April 11 & 12 New York Culinary Experience
International Culinary Center (462 Broadway) Enjoy the festivities as the event pays tribute to chef David Bouley. Hands-on cooking classes and discussions with 30 renowned chefs including Lidia Bastianich, Jacques Torres, and Alex Guarnaschelli.
Through April 12 Food Book FairWythe Hotel (80 Wythe Avenue - Brooklyn) Annual festival celebrating the intersections of food culture and the writing that brings them to life - lectures, panel discussions, and food tastings highlight the 3-day event. ON THE RADAR:
April 24 & 25 Capture NYC
The Waterfront (222 12th Avenue)
A celebration of beautiful artisan wines, local cuisine and spirits.
April 27 NYC Taste of the Nation 23 Wall Street Join the city's finest chefs, sommeliers and mixologists; a night of dining in support of No Kid Hungry's work to end childhood hunger in the America. Mix, mingle, and enjoy food and drink prepared by more than 60 top chefs and bartenders. Event co-chairs include Danny Meyer and George Stephanopoulos.
May 1 Five Boro Craft Beer Festival Various Locations 30 craft brewers, plus local food vendors and live music.
May 2 Brooklyn Crush Wine & Artisanal Food Festival: Spring 2015 Edition Industry City, Factory Floor (Brooklyn) Over 200 wines to taste and a sampling of local Brooklyn food vendors.
|
Special Feature... I BIKE NY 
EVENTS:
April 19 Bike Brooklyn Baseball
Old Stone House (Brooklyn)
100 years of baseball in 9 miles and 3 hours of biking! Stops along the way at some of baseball's most historic spots.
Central Park
Take a bike ride while enjoying views of the beautiful Cherry Blossoms.
May is Bike Month! Take the Bike to Work Challenge.
Join the friendly competition - workplace against workplace - to see who can bike to work the most from May 1 - 22. May 3 TD Five Boro Bike TourCyclists from around the world in all skill levels are welcome to join this major ride through the five boroughs of NYC... on streets completely free of cars.
May 10 CycloFemme 2015 Various locations Global celebration of women on bikes. Rides will be led in cities around the world, on every kind of bike. May 15 Bike Home From Work DayIf you biked to work, then bike home... and head to DUMBO for an after work party featuring popup shops, music, and plenty of local food vendors. May 15 and 16 NYC Bike ExpoPenn Pavilion (33rd Street & 7th Avenue) Bike enthusiasts unite at this annual expo. May 16 2015 American Heart Ride Rotation Bicycle Center (Southampton, NY) A cycling experience and fundraiser to benefit the American Heart Association. Choose your distance to ride and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Hamptons. May 16 Ride to MontaukStart your day in Manhattan, Babylon, or Mastic Shirley and pick the distance that's right for you. All routes end in Montauk! GENERAL RESOURCES:
Bike New York
An organization that promotes cycling in all five boroughs. They have opportunities for learning how to ride and provide resources for bikers of all levels. BikeNYCStories, events and biking tips for all skill levels.
NYC Bike MapsLooking for the perfect route... find riding maps of all 5 boroughs. Click here for a website that lists all the rules every city biker should know.
VelojoyThe website includes routes and rides, biking gear, and even city cycling 101 for the newbie. Information every city biker needs to know, all in one place.
BIKING TIP: Lock up your bike! If there's one area you don't want to cut corners, it's in purchasing the right lock. Kryptonite has a NYC series that includes " New York Fahgettaboudit" locks. One of the best strategies is to use two entirely different types of locks in combination together to stump thieves and keep your valuable property safe. BIKES, ACCESSORIES, & REPAIRS: Bowery Lane Bicycles55 Chrystie Street
Need a custom bike? A friend of mine had hers built for a reasonable price... all made locally.
250 Lafayette Street, 288 7th Avenue, and 476 Fifth Avenue (Park Slope)
Along with bikes and accessories, they specialize in bike repairs, tune-ups, and high performance services. Why not take a Bike Maintenance Class there as well to learn the basics and more advanced repair?
All sorts of necessities and accessories for the urban cyclist. |
| |
Eleanor's: Hand-Painted Red Apple Helmet
|
CitibikeNow a staple in the city, if you haven't tried it out now is the time. Take a short spin to test it out, or look at a monthly membership.
Shop online for chic biking accessories... unique and fashionable helmets (think the Big Apple), attachable bags for storage, and plenty of basket choices. They even sell clothing to accommodate the bike, like a stylish skirt that allows for easy pedaling and even has secret pocket for much-needed items. BIKING TOURS:
Bike the Big AppleFrom Central Park at Night to custom tours, tours to get you out and riding about town. Bike and RollCheck out their 9/11 Memorial Tour. Blazing Saddles3 hour Brooklyn Bridge or Central Park Tours with a knowledgeable guide. Central Park Bike ToursDid you know that over 300 movies and TV shows have scenes in Central park? Take a Movie Scene Tour for a walk (or cycle) down movie memory lane.
|
 Recent Weekly Snapshots
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|