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Norma's Weekly Member Snapshot:
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| | Saddleshoe NYC Street Art Tour |
Gotham Footprints
New Yorkers can quickly rack up miles walking to and from our destinations. Often enough though, we don't slow down to see what's really going on around us.
Why not walk for fun? Check out my Special Feature for some of the hottest and coolest walking tours across town. Put away the heels and strap on a comfy pair of shoes to discover a new side of the city.
Norma Knows New York City
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Click here to visit recent Snapshots and Special Features.
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Send to other savvy New Yorkers and hip visitors,
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 GENERAL EVENTS |
Now Open Bryant Park Outdoor ActivitiesBryant Park
There is so much to do during the summer in Bryant Park - from outdoor dance and exercise classes to a live piano player... check the calendar for the full schedule.
Tuesdays Stargazing on The High LineThe 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.
ON THE RADAR:
August 2 Summer Streets
See the map online
On 3 consecutive Saturdays, 7 miles of NYC's streets are open 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.
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| | Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival |
August 8 & 9 Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival
Flushing Meadows - Queens
An annual sporting and multicultural event, celebrating the 5th moon of lunar. Watch 120 dragon boat teams participate in this colorful event.
August 15 25th Anniversary Coney Island Sand Sculpting Contest
Coney Island
Walk the boardwalk to view sand castles built by sculptors... amateurs to semi-professionals compete for prizes in this annual contest.
August 31 to September 13 US Open
USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center - Queens
Tickets are now on sale for matches at this year's Open. I plan on purchasing mine, as I do each year.
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CULTURAL PURSUITS
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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. |
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Jazz-minh Moore: Middle of Nowhere
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CLAIRE OLIVER GALLERY (513 West 26th Street)
Jazz-minh Moore: Middle of Nowhere
Through July 31
The two dozen new paintings in this Road Trip Series are inspired by images and experiences from Claire's road trip through the Southwest. DAVID ZWIRNER GALLERY (537 West 20th Street) Through July 24 A major installation in forged weatherproof steel. WHITNEY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART (99 Gansevoort Street)
DANCENOISE: Don't Look Back
Through July 26
Live performances and a retrospective installation. VAN DER PLAS GALLERY (156 Orchard Street)
Summer Salon 2015
Through August 31 Opening reception for this exhibit is tonight from 6-8pm, displays works from various artists including Green Intersections, Quartered by Toni Silber-Delerive. ONGOING EXHIBITS:
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Folk Art and American Modernism
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AMERICAN FOLK ART MUSEUM (2 Lincoln Square) Folk Art and American ModernismThrough September 27 This exhibit traces folk art from fishing shacks to the walls of major art museums.AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY (Central Park West at 79th Street)
Through August 9
Exhibit uncovers the causes of nature's forces. Jean-Michel Cousteau's Secret OceanThrough January 2016 Visit the American Museum of Natural History to take a breathtaking journey around the underwater world as Cousteau introduces 30 species shown for the first time on film... created over a three year period. 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.
DISCOVERY TIMES SQUARE (226 West 44th Street)
The Hunger Games
Through January 3, 2016
The world premiere exhibition is open! Katniss fans will go wild for authentic costumes, props, and highly interactive hands-on experiences exploring the world of Panem.
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.
GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM (1071 Fifth Avenue)
Storylines: Contemporary Art at the Guggenheim
Through September 9
This exhibit displays 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.
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Revolution of the Eye: Modern Art and the Birth of American Television
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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.
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Van Gogh: Irises and Roses
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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
Displays thirty of his works of 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.
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.
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. Through September 7
Portrays the mass movement of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North. NEUE GALLERY NEW YORK MUSEUM FOR GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN ART (1048 Fifth Avenue)
Through September 7
View 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.
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!
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Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?
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RANDALL'S ISLAND Through November Annual summer art exhibitions on the shoreline of Randall's Island. RICHARD TAITTINGER GALLERY (154 Ludlow Street) Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?Through August 22 A summer showcase of contemporary artists from Africa. 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.
WINSTON WACHTER FINE ART GALLERY (530 West 25th Street)
Scott Patt: Bigger. Smaller. Funnier
Through August 31
The gallery showcases the works of Scott Patt. The paintings inspire viewers to consider overlooked humorous and poignant moments in life.
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CURTAIN UP
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FILM:
 Visit my recent Snapshot for all of the outdoor film this summer! This week's movie picks:
Crosby Street Hotel (79 Crosby Street)
For $55 per person, enjoy dinner and a movie. A 3-course meal is followed by a viewing of this incredible film.
MUSIC & DANCE:
The Lambs Club (132 West 44th Street)
Live jazz from new and up and coming performers.
July 24 & 31 Gin & Jazz Series
SixtyFive at the Rainbow Room (30 Rockefeller Plaza)
Bar and cocktail lounge offers classic gin cocktails with modern twists on the highest rooftop dining terrace.
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.
Bryant Park
Broadway's biggest hits are sung by many top performers each Thursday. This Thursday, performances include music from LES MISÉRABLES and Matilda. Thursdays through August 13th.
July 30 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.
Through July 30 31st Annual Jazz in July Festival
92Y (1395 Lexington Avenue)
A jazz series featuring the true titans of jazz and brilliant new stars of the next generation.
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.
July 31 Sunset on the Hudson
Hudson River Park Pier 45 (at Christopher Street)
Free live music each Friday this summer through August 21st.
Central Park
Every Tuesday, the city's oldest free classical music series.
Through August 9 Lincoln Center Out of Doors
Lincoln Center
3 weeks of dance, music, and concerts in Lincoln Center... and it's all free!
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:
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The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey
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39 StepsThrough 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. The Absolute Brightness of Leonard PelkeyThrough October 4 Westside Theatre Downstairs (407 West 43rd Street)
An off-Broadway production of a tenaciously optimist and flamboyant 14 year old boy who goes missing from his small Jersey shore town. Now in previews, opens July 27th, through October 4th.
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. Amazing GraceThrough 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.
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 January 10, 2016 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 January 10, 2016 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.
Through September 6
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.
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 August 2 Lincoln Center Theater (150 West 65th Street) A musical fantasia set in the mind of a Russian composer as he attempts to overcome his writer's block and return to composing.
Ruthless
Through September 12
St. Luke's Theatre (308 West 46th Street)
Called "the mother of all musicals," I've seen it and can attest... it's a hilarious show starring 10-year old Tori Murray.
Shakespeare in the Park: Cymbeline
Through August 23
The Delacorte Theater (81 Central Park)
It's worth standing in line for the free performances of Shakespeare's tale. Starring Hamish Linklater.
Shows for Days
Through August 23
Lincoln Center Theater (150 West 65th Street)
A favorite performer of mine, Patti LuPone, stars in a semi-autobiographical play about a community theater in rural Pennsylvania.
Summer Shorts Festival
Through August 29
59E59 Theaters (59 E 59th Street)
An annual event featuring new and favorite American playwrights.
The Weir
Through August 23
Irish Repertory Theatre (132 West 22nd Street)
The acclaimed revival returns to the stage. What starts out as "blarney" turns into haunting ghost stories.
Ziegfeld's Midnight FrolicThrough August 29 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.
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FOR THE FOODIE
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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.
Various Locations Restaurant Week returns through August 14th - lunch $25, dinner $38. Make your reservations... visit last week's Snapshot for my top recommendations. Click here for even more picks. ON THE RADAR:
August 1 & 2 Summer Soirée Dinners
54 Below (254 West 54th Street) Dinner by candlelight, piano music, and seasonal flavors from the farmers market. 
August 7 Taste on the Beach
Long Beach, NY
Take LIRR out and spend an evening enjoying a wide variety of Food, Wine, Craft Beer, and live music on one of the most beautiful beaches along the Atlantic Ocean.
August 14 The Great Food Truck Derby
Bridgehampton I'll use any excuse to go out to the Hamptons and here's a great one... a bonanza of ethnic and mobile eats from New York City and Long Island food trucks park.
August 14 & 15 Brooklyn Beer & Wine Festival
Restoration Plaza - Brooklyn Two-day festival featuring 40-50 craft beers, artisanal wines, and curated cuisines from local food vendors.
August 16 Food Truck RallyGrand Army Plaza - Brooklyn Sampling of cuisines from around the world from New York's best food trucks. August 22 Blues BBQ Festival
Hudson River Park - Pier 26 (at North Moore Street)
Back for its 16th year anniversary, America's best blues and roots musicians entertain, while you sample food from three of the city's best barbecue restaurants. 
August 26 through 29 Taste of Tennis
Multiple Locations
The world's greatest tennis players and NYC's top chefs showcase their culinary skills at this annual event.
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SPECIAL FEATURE: Gotham Footprints
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Foodies Unite for an amazing tour of the Meatpacking District and Chelsea Market (a cook's paradise). After a few hours with Addie Tomei, Marisa's spirited Village-savvy mom, you'll find yourself navigating the village like a pro. You can even create your own customized tour.
Adriana Trigiani Book Tours
Author and tour director, both in our city and abroad. Her book, Lucia Lucia, displays her true love for NYC... it is set in 1950s Big Apple. For an overview of our city, her Classic NYC Tour will uncover both uptown and downtown sites.
Saddleshoe Tours
Walk through some of the city's most historic streets viewing a mix of commissioned and illegal works that give this city the character it is known for. You'll encounter art that's planned but also find it in unexpected places and learn the stories behind it all.
Big Onion Walking Tours
Explore the luxurious Upper East Side learning about the people, institutions, and scandals that have made it what it is today. During your tour with one of the most well-known tour guide companies in the nation, you will uncover the layers of history NYC has experienced and hear more about the elites including the Vanderbilts, Whitneys, and the Astors who left a lasting cultural impression on the city.
Streetwise New York Tours
An off-the-beaten path adventure tour focused on the history, life and foods of NYC's past and present immigrant communities. Tours can be customized and are led by a spirited guide. One of the newest tour company in the city, the tours trace the immigrant experience through the historic landmarks of the Lower East Side to the diverse ethnic enclaves of Queens.
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