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Norma's Weekly Member Snapshot:
For Thrill Seekers
Summer can be an ideal time to relax, but adventurous opportunities lie around the corner for those looking for a bit of a challenge. You don't have to go far to test your boundaries, try something new, and experience a real adrenaline rush.
This week's Special Feature includes some exciting exploits in and out of the city. Hop on a bike, hang onto a trapeze next to the city skyscrapers, or zip-line through lush landscape to connect with nature while keeping active. View my picks for creative activities that truly challenge, with options for all levels.
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.
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Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival
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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.
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 9 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. Also August 16th. And as part of Summer Streets, make reservations for Slide the City, a giant water slide in Foley Square, on Centre and Lafayette streets on the 8th and 15th!
Through August 22 Harlem Week
Various Locations
Celebrate Harlem with musical events, film festivals, fashion shows, and more.
ON THE RADAR:
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. On August 29th seize your chance to rub elbows with some of the top names in tennis at the Party with the Pros event.
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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.  Through August 9 The LoMan Arts Festival
From 23rd Street to South Street Seaport New York City's first-ever mural festival. The event brings large-scale works by acclaimed mural artists to 21 lower Manhattan neighborhoods. Festival includes film screenings, panel discussions, and a live graffiti battle.
AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY (Central Park West at 79th Street) Through August 9 Exhibit uncovers the causes of nature's forces.
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.
 ONGOING EXHIBITS:
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)
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.
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.
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Highlights from the Collection:
Summer 2015
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HELLY NAHMAD GALLERY (975 Madison Avenue)
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 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.
Through August 16
This exhibition draws on the "Doll Girls" subculture of people who alter themselves with makeup, dress and even cosmetic surgery to look like anime characters, baby dolls or Barbie.
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.
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China: Through the Looking Glass
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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.
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.
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Everything is Design: The Work of Paul Rand
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MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK (1220 Fifth Avenue)Through September 13
An exhilarating exhibit of 50 years of New York landmarks.
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 GoodThrough September 6 A captivating presentation of the graphic and cinematic influence of one of the most well respected film directors. In tandem with this presentation is an exhibit of 34 works from his poster collection. Through September 7
The first U.S. museum solo show of Berlin-based artist Simon Denny. Adopts the architectural typology of the industry tradeshow, staging literal platforms for content drawn from various recent bodies of Denny's work.
Through 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 |
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One-Way Ticket: Jacob Lawrence's Migration Series and Other Works
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Portrays the mass movement of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN (Broadway & Bridge Street) Glittering World: Navajo Jewelry of the Yazzie Family Through January 10, 2016 Glittering World presents the story of Navajo jewelry through the lens of one of the most celebrated jewelry making families of our time.
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.
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Frida Kahlo: Art, Garden, Life
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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
A retrospective survey of photography. 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.
RANDALL'S ISLAND Through November Annual summer art exhibitions on the shoreline of Randall's Island. |
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Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?
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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! VAN DER PLAS GALLERY (156 Orchard Street) Summer Salon 2015
Through August 31 Displays works from various artists including Green Intersections, Quartered by Toni Silber-Delerive. WHITNEY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART (99 Gansevoort Street)America is Hard to See Through September 24 Recently premiering at the downtown opening of the 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
Patt's paintings inspire viewers to consider overlooked humorous and poignant moments in life.
WOOLWORTH BUILDING (233 Broadway)
Through August 31st
The lobby of this historic landmark was closed to the public for 12 years, but it's recently reopened for tours. Take in the grand marble staircase, glass mosaic ceiling and striking murals in this architecture of commerce.
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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 movie starring Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy.
MUSIC & DANCE:
The Lambs Club (132 West 44th Street)
Live jazz from new and up and coming performers.
New York City Center (130 West 56th Street)
The world's most celebrated dancing partners, the extraordinary Natalia Osipova and Ivan Vasiliev, are reunited for two performances.
Through August 9 Lincoln Center Out of Doors
Lincoln Center
3 weeks of dance, music, and concerts in Lincoln Center... all free!
August 11 Hudson Square Museum & Wine Festival
City Winery (155 Varick Street)
A fun, free after-work backyard party, the last in a summer series.
Prospect Park Bandshell
Free concerts all summer.
Bryant Park
Broadway's biggest hits are sung by many top performers each Thursday. This Thursday, performances include music from The King & I and other hot shows... the last in the summer series.
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 August .
August 14 through 30 FringeNYC
Various Locations
Tickets now on sale for shows throughout the city... musicals, operas, drama, dance, comedy and more.
The Joyce Theater (175 Eighth Avenue)
An adventurous festival performed by a mix of choreographers and
dancers. This Saturday and Sunday will feature New York City Ballet Principal Dancer Ashley Bouder.
Lincoln Center Classical music concerts. Order your tickets now.
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:
 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. Through October 4th. 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.
Through February 28, 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.
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Colin Quinn The New York Story
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Colin Quinn The New York StoryThrough August 16 Cherry Lane Theatre (38 Commerce Street) Directed by Jerry Seinfeld, the play bemoans the rise and fall of Quinn's hometown city (formerly known as New York). It's Quinn is at his satirical best... poignantly depicting NYC as the crossroads of the world.
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. Through January 10, 2016 Starring Kelsey Grammer. The amazing story of how Peter became Pan.
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 June 5, 2016 Circle in the Square Theatre (235 West 50th Street) Performance brings the actors and audience within close proximity. Tony Award Winning play about seeing your parents through adult eyes.
Hamilton
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 31, 2016
Lincoln Center Theater (150 West 65th Street)
The revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's play, starring Tony Award Winner Kelli O'Hara.
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.
Ruthless
Through January 2, 2016
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. Three Days to SeeThrough August 16 Theatre 79 (79 East 4th Street) An inspired performance about Helen Keller and her take on romance, culture, and politics.|
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Ziegfeld's Midnight Frolic
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Through September 6
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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August 7 Taste on the Beach
Long Beach, NY Take LIRR to 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.
Various Locations Restaurant Week returns through August 14th - lunch $25, dinner $38. Make your reservations... visit a recent Snapshot for my top recommendations. Click here for even more picks. 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.
ON THE RADAR:
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: For Thrill Seekers
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IN THE CITY:
Alley Pond Adventure Course
Oakland Gardens - Queens
The course include a zip-line, a climbing and bouldering wall, swings, nets, leaps and balance platforms. This is the first challenge course in New York City and is perfect for team building, whether with your family, group of friends, or coworkers.
Boulder in Central Park
3 locations in Central Park - Rat Rock, Cat Rock, Worthless Boulder
An offshoot of rock climbing, bouldering concentrates on climbing challenges under 10 feet in height. Rat Rock is best for beginners.
Horseback Ride on the Beach
Jamaica Bay - Brooklyn
Take a guided instructional ride on the beach.
Pier 40 - at Houston & West Streets
Fly through the air with the greatest of ease... experts teach you the basics on top of the roof in Hudson River Park. Classes available through October. The school also offers classes in trampoline and silk rope climbing. I've tried both trapeze and trampoline and both are very fun to do with friends!
Mountain Bike in 5 Boroughs
The New York City Mountain Bike Association builds and maintains trails in all five boroughs of New York City, so grab your bike and visit the website for trail options. Play Kayak Polo
Hudson River Park Pier 66 (at 26th Street)
Basic swimming ability is needed, but beginners are welcome to play and compete.
Rockaway Jet Ski
Rockaway Beach - Queens
Put the pedal to the medal on the water... the only NYC water sports company offering true self-directed Jet Ski Rentals. They also offer paddle boarding and other water sports.
OUT OF THE CITY: Discover Outdoors Adventure company that picks you up in the city for various activities such as hiking, paddling, beaches, vineyards, bike tours throughout NY, NJ, PA and CT.
Hunter Mountain Zip Line
Hunter, NY
The largest zip line in the United States.
North Fork Bicycle Tour
Pour & Pedal offers tours of the Long Island Wine Country on bike. Schedule a ride on Saturdays and Sundays through October. Also available for the Hamptons.
Outdoor Connections
Guided adventure tours leaving from NYC and offering various adventures from hiking and kayaking to white water rafting.
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