 |
Norma's Weekly Member Snapshot:
NYC Island Hopping
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 this holiday weekend or any time this summer.
Visit last week's Snapshot for ideas for this holiday weekend - Happy Independence Day!
Norma Knows New York City
|
Send to other savvy New Yorkers and hip visitors,
|
 GENERAL EVENTS |
The High Line (West 13th & Washington Streets)
Every Tuesday until October you can peek into high powered telescopes on the High Line and chat with the experts.
July 6 Books Beneath the Bridge
Various Locations
Free summer literary series Mondays in July & August. Each night will feature authors, representing six of Brooklyn's best independent bookstores and include readings, discussions, and signings.
ON THE RADAR:
July 12 Bastille Day
60th Street between Lexington & 5th Avenue
This annual street fair is presented by the French Institute Alliance. From crepes to formage, you'll enjoy an afternoon sampling wonderful food, sipping French wines, and listening to great music.
July 18 City of Water Day
Governors IslandEntertainment, education, and adventure on Governors Island in celebration of our waterfront.  July 25 Urban Mudder Randall's Island A 5-mile challenging athletic event on Randall's Island. Proceeds will support the children's charity of Make-A-Wish. July 25 & 26 NYC Poetry FestivalGovernors Island
250 poets over 2 days... if you're a poetry lover, come to hear free readings.
July 27 Harlem Week
Various Locations
Celebrate Harlem through August 22nd with musical events, film festivals, fashion shows, and more.
August 2 Summer Streets
See the map online
On 3 consecutive Saturdays, 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, plenty of snacks, a 25-foot climbing wall, and a 160-foot zipline. 7:00 am to 1:00 pm, from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park, along Park Avenue and connecting streets. August 2nd, 9th, 16th.
|
CULTURAL PURSUITS
|
|
ONGOING EXHIBITS:
AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
(Central Park West at 79th Street)
Through August 9
Exhibit uncovers the causes of nature's forces.
|
| |
Basquiat: The Unknown Notebooks
|
BROOKLYN MUSEUM (200 Eastern Parkway - Brooklyn) Basquiat: The Unknown NotebooksThrough August 23 View the large scale works of this illustrious painter along with sketches from his personal notebooks.
DAVID ZWIRNER GALLERY (537 West 20th Street) Through July 24 A major new installation in forged weatherproof steel.
ELLIS ISLAND
Ongoing
Life-size historic photographs of Ellis Island immigrants are displayed on the south side of Ellis Island.
Ongoing
Tells the story of immigration to America before the processing station opened in 1892 and after it closed in 1954. THE FRICK COLLECTION (10 East 71st Street) Leighton's Flaming JuneThrough September 6 British artist Frederic Leighton's paintings are on exhibition. On June 26th, visit for Nights at the Frick, f ree after-hours access to the collection with an evening of free programs inspired by this iconic painting.
GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM (1071 Fifth Avenue)
Storylines: Contemporary Art at the Guggenheim
Through September 9
This incredible exhibit brings together over 100 works and examines how artists forge new paradigms for storytelling through painting, photography and sculpture.
INTREPID SEA, AIR, & SPACE MUSEUM (Pier 86 - 46th Street & 12th Avenue)
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.
THE JEWISH MUSEUM (1109 Fifth Avenue)
Through September 27
The first exhibition to explore how avant-garde art influenced the look and content of early network television.
MADISON SQUARE PARK Teresita FernándezThrough Winter 500 feet of sprawling sculptures made of golden canopies suspended above the park's pathway. An eye-catching exhibit.
THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART (1000 Fifth Avenue)
Through November 1
It feels like summer and a perfect time to visit the Met's Roof Garden. Besides the beautiful view and delicious drinks, Pierre Huyghe's minimalist installation is mystifying and adds to the view.
China: Through the Looking GlassThrough August 16
The Costume Institute and the Collaborative Department of Asian Art showcase the fashionable imagination of Asian designs, exploring the impact of Chinese aesthetics on Western fashion.
|
| |
Navigating the West:
George Caleb Bingham and the River
|
Van Gogh: Irises and Roses Through August 16
THE MORGAN LIBRARY AND MUSEUM (226 Madison Avenue)
Through October 11
For the first time in three decades, the original manuscript will travel from the British Library in London to New York, where it will be joined by original drawings and letters, rare editions, vintage photographs, and fascinating objects... many never before exhibited.
MUSEUM OF ARTS & DESIGN (2 Columbus Circle)
Through September 20
Through August 30
A display of thirty works taking you on a journey of his ever-changing fashion.
MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK (1220 Fifth Avenue)
Through September 13
An exhilarating exhibit of 50 years of New York landmarks.
Hip Hop Revolution
Through August 13
Exhibit will take us back to the early days of Hip Hop and showcase the work of three NYC photographers who documented the scene between 1977 and 1990.
THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART (11 West 53rd Street)
Through March 31, 2016 Exhibition of past three decades of 30 international artists whose works range in their approach to political, social, and cultural flux of our global landscape.
This Is for Everyone: Design Experiments for the Common Good
Through January 31, 2016
Digital age design encompassing fashion and furniture.
Andy Warhol: Campbell's Soup Cans and Other Works, 1953-1967Through October 12Andy Warhol's famous Campbell Soup Cans are on display.Yoko Ono: One Woman Show, 1960-1971Through September 7MoMA features a compilation of approximately 125 of her early objects, works on paper, installations, performances, audio recordings, and films, surveying the decisive decade that led up to her unauthorized exhibition. NEUE GALLERY NEW YORK MUSEUM FOR GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN ART (1048 Fifth Avenue)
Through September 7View the original painting that inspired Helen Mirren's role in her latest movie by the same name.
NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY (170 Central Park West)
Through October 12
Nine decades of his art are on display for the first time.
|
| |
Frida Kahlo: Art, Garden, Life
|
THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN Frida Kahlo: Art, Garden, Life Through November 1The inaugural 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. 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 4A tribute to the life of the legendary actor and singer, Frank Sinatra. A multimedia exhibit showcasing memorabilia never before seen.
PARK AVENUE ARMORY (643 Park Avenue)
Through August 2
Philippe Parreno constructs a sculpted space where a series of events fold and unfold onto the vast space of the Armory. An amazing sensory journey! PETZEL GALLERY (456 West 18th Street)
Seth Price - Drawings: Studies for Works 2000-2015 Through July 17 Best known for his sculpture, video, and writing, New York based Price's drawings will be on display. POSTMASTERS GALLERY (54 Franklin Street) Eddo Stern - Vietnam Romance Through July 11 An installation exploring the relationship between war and gaming.
RANDALL'S ISLAND
Through November Annual summer art exhibitions on Randall's Island's shoreline. ROBIN RICE GALLERY (325 West 11th Street)
Summertime Salon
Through September 6Annual photographic exhibition featuring the works of the gallery artists as well as a few newcomers.
SOCRATES SCULPTURE PARK (Long Island City) The Living PyramidThrough August 30
Stop by and see New York City artist Agnes Denes' work.
THE SKYSCRAPER MUSEUM (39 Battery Place)
Ten TopsThrough September 13Focuses on a group of the world's tallest buildings 100 stories and higher. A perfect exhibit for this museum!  WHITNEY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART (99 Gansevoort Street)America is Hard to See Through September 24 Recently premiering at the downtown opening of the Whitney Museum. View this inaugural exhibit of over 650 pieces from 400 artists.ON THE RADAR:AMERICAN FOLK ART MUSEUM (2 Lincoln Square) Folk Art and American ModernismJuly 18 through September 27 This exhibit traces folk art from fishing shacks to the walls of major art museums.
|
CURTAIN UP
|
FILM:
Visit my recent Snapshot for all of the outdoor film this summer! Through July 8 New York Asian Film FestivalFilm Society of Lincoln Center (70 Lincoln Center) North America's leading festival of popular Asian cinema. MUSIC & DANCE:
The Lambs Club (132 West 44th Street)
Live jazz from new and up and coming performers.
Through July 3 DanceBrazil
The Joyce Theatre (175 Eighth Avenue)
Purchase tickets to watch this captivating group perform capoeira learned in the urban setting of Bahia, Brazil.
Through July 4 Cinderella
Metropolitan Opera House (30 Lincoln Center Plaza)
The American Ballet Theatre Company performs this classic as part of the Spring Season.
July 6 Lincoln Center Festival
Lincoln Center
Performances to wow and delight... music, dance, art. Through August 2nd.
July 6 through 11 Danny Elfman's Music from the Films of Tim Burton
Avery Fisher Hall (10 Lincoln Center Plaza)
Danny Elfman's music from the films of Tim Burton will be presented with a full orchestra and choir.
July 7 Hudson Square Museum & Wine Festival
City Winery (155 Varick Street)
A fun, free after-work backyard party held every Tuesday through August 11th.
Bryant Park
Broadway's biggest hits are sung by many top performers each Thursday. This Thursday, performances include music from Wicked and STOMP.
July 9 Hudson Riverrocks
Hudson River Park Pier 84 (at West 44th Street)
Free outdoor concert series on the river. Also July 23rd and August 6th.
July 9 MoMA Nights Museum of Modern Art (11 West 53rd Street) - Sculpture Garden
The perfect respite... listen to jazz and classical music in the museum's exquisite sculpture garden on Thursdays in July & August.
July 10 Sunset on the Hudson
Hudson River Park Pier 45 (at Christopher Street)
Free live music each Friday this summer through August 21st.
Through July 11 Midsummer Night Swing
Lincoln Center
Tickets are on sale for one of my favorite events 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. 
Central Park
Every Tuesday, the city's oldest free classical music series.
Through August 12 Celebrate Brooklyn
Prospect Park Bandshell
Free concerts all summer.
MoMA PS1 (Long Island City)
Each Saturday, warm Up is experimental live music, DJs, and dancing in the outdoor courtyard of MoMA PS1 in Queens.
 THEATER:Through November 30 Union Square Theatre (100 East 17th Street) The energetic production has returned to NYC! A comedic spoof where 4 actors portray over 150 characters. An Act of GodThrough August 2 Studio 54 (254 West 54th Street) Emmy and Golden Globe winner, Jim Parsons, stars in the 90-minute comedy in which God and his devoted angels answer some of the deepest questions of mankind.An American in Paris
Palace Theater (1564 Broadway)
American Stage debut of the story about a young artist who discovers life and love after returning from the war. Through December 20
Nederlander Theatre (208 West 41st)
World Premiere musical based on the awe-inspiring true story behind the world's most beloved song. Now in previews, opens July 16th, through December 20th.
Through January 3, 2016
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 September 13
New World Stages (340 West 50th Street)
An extraordinary one man show at New World Stages.
Through January 3, 2016
Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street)
Now a Tony Award Winning play! 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.
 Finding Neverland
Through December 20
Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (205 West 46th Street)
Starring Kelsey Grammer. The amazing story of how Peter became Pan.
Fish in the Dark
Through August 1
Cort Theater (138 West 48th Street) Funnyman Larry David focuses on 15 characters as each deals with a death in the family. Seinfeld buddy Jason Alexander replaced Larry for the remainder of the show's run. The FlickThrough August 30 Barrow Street Theatre (27 Barrow Street) Set in a run-down movie theater in central Massachusetts, this is Annie Baker's Pulitzer Prize-winning play.Fun HomeThrough January 3, 2016 Circle in the Square Theatre (235 West 50th Street) Performance brings the actors and audience within close proximity. Tony Award Winning play depicting the theme of seeing your parents through adult eyes.
Guards at the TajThrough July 12 Linda Gross Theater (336 West 20th Street) An Atlantic Theater production directed by Tony nominee Amy Morton. The play stars Tony-nominated actors Omar Metwally and Arian Moayed. Happy Days
Through July 18
The Flea Theater (41 White Street)
Tony Shalhoub stars in Sam Beckett's play that is newly relevant to a generation burdened by climate change and environmental doom.
Through August 30 The Signature Theater (480 West 42nd Street) World premier by Pulitzer prize winning playwright of the Flick. John is directed by Sam Gold and is the story of a young couple's struggle to stay together.
Through January 3, 2016
Lincoln Center Theater (150 West 65th Street)
The revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's play, starring Tony Award Winner Kelli O'Hara.
Of Good StockThrough July 26 New York City Center (131 West 55th Street) Alicia Silverstone stars in this play about a reunion of three daughters. In previews now, opens June 30th, through July 26th. On the 20th CenturyThrough July 19
American Airline Theatre (227 West 42nd Street) Love, lust, and mischief collide in this musical comedy starring Broadway showstopper, Kristin Chenoweth.
On the TownThrough December 6
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. Penn & TellerThrough August 16 Marquis Theatre (46th Street between Broadway & 8th Avenue) For the first time in 25 years, this duo returns home bringing astonishing tricks from their record breaking Las Vegas show.  PreludesThrough July 19 Lincoln Center Theater (150 West 65th Street) A musical fantasia set in the mind of a Russian composer as he attempts to overcome his writers block and return to composing. A Queen for a DayThrough July 26 Theatre at St. Clement's (423 West 46th Street) Many of the former stars of The Sopranos (such as Vincent Pastore) have joined forces in this production... a new mafia story. Shakespeare in the Park: The TempestThrough July 5
The Delacorte Theater (81 Central Park)
It's worth standing in line for the free performances of Shakespeare's classic tale. Starring Sam Waterston and Jesse Tyler Ferguson. And later this summer, Cymbeline will star Hamish Linklater. |
| |
Ziegfeld's Midnight Frolic
|
The Taming of the ShrewThrough July 12 The Players Theatre (115 Macdougal Street) A comedic Shakespearean classic on stage in the Village.
Wolf HallThrough July 5 Winter Garden Theatre (1634 Broadway) 2 major plays, 1 royal event. Performed in repertory, Hilary Mantel's exhilarating stories of power and persuasion in Tudor England transport you to the volatile court of King Henry VIII.
Ziegfeld's Midnight FrolicThrough June 27 Speakeasy Dollhouse (234 West 42nd Street) A hidden theater in the Heart of Times Square, purchase tickets for an evening of music, magic, and mystery.
ON THE RADAR:
July 11 National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America
Carnegie Hall (881 Seventh Avenue)
Annual summer concert bringing together the brightest young players from across the country - the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America. Performance marks the beginning of an international tour to cities across China.
July 11 4 Knots Music Festival Hudson River Park Pier 84 (at 44th Street) Listen to renowned and emerging artists at this annual festival.
July 13 Hamilton
Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 West 46th Street)
A show stopper that got its start at the Public Theater earlier this year. An inventive musical about the young immigrant who changed America... Alexander Hamilton. Previews begin July 13th, opens August 6th.
July 14 Bastille Day Tribute to Edith PiafCafe Wha? (115 Macdougal Street)
A special Bastille Day show, featuring French singer Yael Dray and Argentinian guitarist Gabriel Hermida, paying tribute to France's national diva. July 14 Colbie Caillat & Christina Perri
Hudson River Park Pier 97 (at 55th Street)
Hudson River Park partners with Live Nation to present this waterfront ticketed show.
July 14 & 15 Lowdown Hudson Music Fest
Brookfield Place New York - 230 Vesey Street
Blues legends come together at Brookfield Place to entertain during this festival.
July 15 through 18 The Wild Party New York City Center (131 West 55th Street) Starring the infamous Sutton Foster... the decadent era of the 1920s is captured by the artistic performance of Ms. Foster. July 17 Idina Menzel Jones Beach One of my absolute favorite performers will be performing for one night only. Her talent goes well beyond her Disney song and I will definitely be purchasing tickets! July 20 Broadway Unplugged The Town Hall (123 West 43rd Street) Annual concert event featuring Broadway stars belting out hits. Also at the Town Hall, Broadway Rising Stars on July 13th.
July 21 through 30 31st Annual Jazz in July Festival92Y (1395 Lexington Avenue) A jazz series featuring the true titans of jazz and brilliant new stars of the next generation. July 22 Lincoln Center Out of DoorsLincoln Center 3 weeks of dance, music, and concerts in Lincoln Center... and it's all free! Through August 9th. July 25 Mostly Mozart Lincoln Center Classical music concerts through August 22nd. Order your tickets now. July 26 Kaiko Matsui B.B. King Blues Club This contemporary jazz performer is internationally acclaimed and is making a stop in NYC on a world tour.
July 31 Meghan Trainor
Hudson River Park Pier 97 (at 55th Street)
Hudson River Park partners with Live Nation to present this waterfront ticketed show.
August 3 Beautiful - The Carole King Musical: Songs in Concert / Scott Shea Central Park SummerStage
Free concert with music from the Broadway hit!
August 4 Ramblers and Strugglers: Old Time Music in the Big City
Museum of the City of New York (1220 Fifth Avenue)
An evening of old time blues by two outstanding folk groups based in the city. Of course, don't forget to take in the exhibits during your visit.
|
| |
Ramblers and Strugglers: Old Time Music in the Big City
|
|
FOR THE FOODIE
|
 EVENTS:
Daily Seaport SmorgasburgSeaport District along Fulton Street Smorgasburg market includes eight food vendors and a bar open seven days a week for lunch, dinner, and drinks. Vendors include Pizza Moto, Ramen Burger, and Red Hook Lobster Pound.
Grand Central - Vanderbilt Hall Free tastings from selected shops and restaurants, plus special offers and live music. Wednesdays throughout July. ON THE RADAR:
July 13 through 19 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. Here are my top picks: July 20 NYC Restaurant WeekVarious Locations Restaurant Week returns through August 14th - lunch $25, dinner $38. I will feature my personal recommendations in the upcoming weeks.
|
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. 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 to 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... there's something for everyone, from Circus side shows to the Coney Island Museum.
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.
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 Short, 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.
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
