Norma's Weekly Member Snapshot:  Mountain High
 
The recent blizzard had people strapping on their skis in the middle of Times Square, but that doesn't last!  What better time than now to hit the slopes for some fresh air and exercise? There is still plenty of time for those avid skiers in NYC to strap on their skis for some mountainside adventure.
 
This week's Special Feature is all about skiing/snowboarding escapes... whether you take it easy on the bunny trail or navigate challenging black diamonds, I've highlighted trips that are close enough from the city for a day or two's escape but offer prime conditions for outdoor enthusiasts.   
 
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GeneralGENERAL EVENTS
Featherstone Fine Jewelry 
February 19 through 28  NYC Beer Week

Multiple Locations  
Annual ten-day celebration of craft beer throughout NYC... events include festivals, tastings, menu pairings, and beer dinners.  
 
Through February 21  Greenwich Village Antiquarian Book Fair
490 Hudson Street
37th annual book fair includes maps, prints, postcards, and collectibles.

February 24 & 25  Gems & Jewels
Featherstone Fine Jewelry - Tribeca
Visit the studio to view recent collections from a recent trip to Arizona while sipping on a glass of champagne! RSVP now.

Through March 6  Bank of America Winter Village
Bryant Park
Skate, shop, and dine this winter.

ON THE RADAR:
   
February 27  The Orchid Show
  New York Botanical Garden
 Much-anticipated annual show opens at The New York Botanical Garden. Stay tuned for more information on Orchid Evenings as well. Through April 17th.

March 8  BNP Paribas Showdown
Madison Square Garden
A one-night tennis event... twenty-one-time Grand Slam Champion Serena Williams will take on close friend and former world number one Caroline Wozniacki.
 
March 10 through 12  Japan Week
Grand Central Terminal
An annual promotional event aimed at encouraging travel to Japan. This year, discover Hokkaido and Northern Tohoku, home to natural and man-made wonders that even seasoned travelers miss. 

March 17   St. Patrick's Day Parade
5th Avenue between 44th Street and 79th Street
A day to celebrate Irish heritage... isn't everyone Irish on St. Paddy's Day?
New York International Auto Show


Macy's Herald Square (151 West 34th Street)
One of the first signs of Spring!  Through April 3rd.
 
March 25  New York International Auto Show
Javits Center (655 West 34th Street)
The largest auto show, I make it a point every year to attend. It's exciting to see (and sit in) upcoming releases from car companies... plus concept cars which feel like stepping into either a Science Fiction or James Bond movie! Through April 3rd. 
 
CutluralCULTURAL 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.
                  
CLOSING THIS WEEK: 
Lynn Umlauf

ANTON KERN GALLERY
(532 West 20th Street)

Through February 20
The Kern gallery promotes international art with a futuristic bent.     
 
GALERIE ZURCHER (33 Bleecker Street)
Lynn Umlauf 
  
Through February 25
I love that her creations, both paintings and sculptures, were created in a farmhouse in Tuscany.  




GLADSTONE GALLERY
(515 West 24th Street)
Marisa Merz
Through February 20
Turin-born Marisa Merz will exhibit paintings, sculptures and drawings.  Now 90, you will marvel at her illustrious works.  

THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART (1000 Fifth Avenue)

Jacqueline de Ribes: The Art of Style
Through February 21
An exquisite exhibit from the Costume Institute: a retrospective of a Parisian aristocrat.
Superheroes in Gotham

NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY
(170 Central Park West)
Superheroes in Gotham
Through February 21
Terrific exhibit on the history of comic books.   

RACHEL UFFNER GALLERY (170 Suffolk Street)
Open Time
Through February 20
Both Nikholis Planck and David Armacost will exhibit their works in the theme "Open Time."


STEVEN KASHER GALLERY
(515 West 26th Street) 
Through February 20 
75 vintage black and white prints spanning Draper's career. 



 
ONGOING EXHIBITS: 
 
AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY (Central Park West at 79th Street)
The Secret World Inside You 

Through August 14
The exhibit takes visitors on a tour of the human body.
  
Jean-Michel Cousteau's Secret Ocean
Ongoing
Take a breathtaking journey around the underwater world as Cousteau introduces 30 species shown for the first time on film.   

The Butterfly Conservatory
Through May 29
The butterflies are back! Enter a room filled with beautiful butterflies of many different species... great for all ages.   
View the cast of a 122-foot-long dinosaur. This species is so new that it has not yet been formally named by the paleontologists who discovered it!
 
BENTLEY MEEKER  (465 Tenth Avenue) 
Through March 11
An installation which embraces and embodies the dynamic nature of CORE and the artists they are inspired by.

CENTER FOR ITALIAN MODERN ART (421 Broome Street)
Giorgio Morandi
Through June 25
An annual installation dedicated to one of the best known Italian artists of the 20th century and focuses on the artist's rarely seen works from the 1930s.
  

Al Held: Black and White Paintings

CHEIM & READ (547 West 25th Street)
Al Held: Black and White Paintings
Through March 26
Captivating exhibition of black and white paintings by Al Held, known as the painter of ideas.
 
COOPER HEWITT  (2 East 91st Street)
Through August 7
Pixar fans will enjoy this exhibit, which traces the creation of the rarely seen sketches, paintings, and sculptures of Pixar's popular characters. 





DISCOVERY TIMES SQUARE (226 West 44th Street)
Through February 29
With all of the craze about Star Wars, it's the perfect time to see the comprehensive exhibit of memorable costumes from this incredibly iconic (and ongoing) film series.  

DOMINIQUE LEVY GALLERY (909 Madison Avenue)
Drawing Then
Drawing Then
Through March 19
Innovation and influence in American Drawings of the Sixties.

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. 
    
GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM (1071 Fifth Avenue) 
Through March 27
Over seventy works by ten artists examining an important new development in contemporary photography.

Peter Fischli David Weiss: How to Work Better
Through April 27
A survey of sculpture, photography and video that questions everyday life with humor and sincerity
   
INTREPID SEA, AIR & SPACE MUSEUM (Pier 86 - West 46th Street & 12th Avenue)
On the Line: Intrepid and the Vietnam War
Now open
A major exhibition exploring the events and impact of the Vietnam War through the lens of the Intrepid.  
      
THE JEWISH MUSEUM (1109 Fifth Avenue)
Unorthodox
Through March 27
An exhibit showcasing the impact of unorthodox concepts on orthodox systems.

Marcel Broodthaers: Écriture
MADISON SQUARE PARK
Through Winter
500 feet of sprawling sculptures made of golden canopies suspended above the park's pathway.  An eye-catching exhibit.     
 
MICHAEL WERNER GALLERY  (4 East 77th Street)
Marcel Broodthaers: Écriture
Through March 26
An exhibit of major post-war period. 



MORGAN LIBRARY & MUSEUM (225 Madison Avenue)
Wagner's Ring: Forging an Epic
Through April 17
An intimate look at the creation of Wagner's masterpiece, including original music manuscripts.

Warhol by the Book
Through May 15
A visual exploration of Warhol's lifelong career as a book artist.

THE MUSEUM OF ART & DESIGN (2 Columbus Circle)
Wendell Castle Remastered
Through February 28
An acclaimed figure of the American art furniture movement.  
 
MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK (1220 Fifth Avenue)
Jacob A. Riis: Revealing New York's Other Half
Through March 20
Features photographs by Riis and his contemporaries, as well as his handwritten journals and personal correspondence.
Ocean of Images
 
MUSEUM OF CHINESE IN AMERICA (215 Centre Street)
Chinese Style: Rediscovering the Architecture of Poy Gum Lee, 1923-1968
Through March 27
Lee's modernist influence is seen in the development of NYC's Chinatown.

MUSEUM OF MODERN ART (11 West 53rd Street)
Through March 20
The 30th anniversary features 19 artists from 14 countries.

Soldier, Spectre, Shaman: The Figure and the Second World War
Through March 20
Range of artistic responses focused on human figures.

Through April 10
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. 

Jackson Pollock: A Collection Survey, 1934-1954
Through May 1
Previews of one of my favorite artists, Jackson Pollock
.  
 
Marcel Broodthaers: A Retrospective
Through May 15
Another exhibit about the poet turned artist.
 

Munch and Expressionism
NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN (Bronx, NY)
Close: A Journey in Scotland - The Photography of Allan Pollok-Morris
Through March 16
Inspirational landscapes from famed Scottish photographer.    

NEUE GALERIE NEW YORK MUSEUM FOR GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN ART (1048 Fifth Avenue)
Munch and Expressionism
Through June 13
 
Edward Munich's influence on his German colleagues.



NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY (170 Central Park West)
Silicon City: Computer History Made in New York  
Through April 17
There is sure to be plenty of interest in this exhibit with all of the buzz about the Steve Jobs movie.

PREMIERE EXHIBITIONS 5th AVENUE (417 Fifth Avenue)
Now open
Explore the treasures of Tutankhamun dynasty.
 
ROBIN RICE GALLERY (325 West 11th Street)
Bill Phelps: Autodrone
Through March 6
A photographic exhibition featuring what he calls "Exotic machinery."
Ten Tops
 
ROOSEVELT HOUSE (47-49 East 65th Street)
Women Take the Lead
Through April 2
The newly remodeled historic Roosevelt House recently opened showcasing the first special exhibit featuring relics from women of the suffragette movement... from Elizabeth Cady Stanton to Eleanor Roosevelt, Suffrage to Human Rights.

THE SKYSCRAPER MUSEUM  (39 Battery Place)
Ten Tops
Through February

Focuses on a group of the world's tallest buildings 100 stories and higher.  A perfect exhibit for this museum! 
 
SOCIETY OF ILLUSTRATORS
(128 East 63rd Street) 
Tuesdays & Thursdays
For those that have a talent for sketching, stop by Tuesday or Thursday evenings for sketch night and see the latest exhibit
 
UNIX GALLERY (532 West 24th Street)
Peter Anton: I Love You  
Through March 20  
Peter Anton's exhibit elaborates on the connection between art and our emotional needs 
Julian Schnabel: 6 Rose Paintings

VITO SCHNABEL GALLERY (43 Clarkson Street)
Julian Schnabel: 6 Rose Paintings
Through March 8
Famed director's 6 paintings depict the roses that grow in the cemetery near Van Gogh's grave in Auvers-sur-Oise, France.

WHITNEY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART (99 Gansevoort Street) 
Flatlands
Through April 17
Pairings by five artists conjuring a sense of space that is dimensionless.  





ON THE RADAR:
  
THE JEWISH MUSEUM (1109 Fifth Avenue)
Isaac Mizrahi: An Unruly History
March 18
The first museum survey devoted to the American designer who makes clothing, hosted a television show, and performed his own cabaret act. Through August 7th.

THE MET BREUER (Madison Avenue & 75th Street)
Opening Weekend
March 18 through 20
Modern and contemporary programs are expanding to the landmark building designed by Manuel Breuer.  Open to members the weekend of March 8 through 13.  Excited for the inaugural exhibits! 
 
METROPOLITAN PAVILION (125 West 18th Street)
PULSE New York Contemporary Art Fair
March 3 through 6
Discover and collect the most amazing contemporary art from around the world... I've purchased a few of my favorite pieces in the past from this show.

Affordable Art Fair
March 30 through April 3
New artists, thousands of contemporary artworks, hands-on workshops, talks, and tours with fellow art lovers. Thousands of original paintings, prints, sculptures and photographs ranging from $100-$10,000.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Asia Week
March 10 through 19
Celebrate Asian Art at multiple museums and cultural institutions throughout New York City.
 
PIER 36  (299 South Street)
Art on Paper
March 3 through 6
Modern and contemporary artists who look to paper as an influence in sculpting, drawing, painting, and photography.
  
PIER 92 (12th Avenue at 55th Street)
Architectural Digest Design Show
March 17 through 20
Shop the latest in furniture, accessories, lighting, art, kitchen, bath, and building products and attend seminars offered by leading talent from the world of design.  

Dining by Design
March 17 through 21
Brings together internationally renowned and local talent to create dining installations to raise money for DIFFA's work fighting HIV/AIDS.

The Armory Show
 
March 3 through 6
New York's premier international art fair, showcasing over 200 galleries.

CurtainCURTAIN UP
FILM:
                       
February 21  Sunday Night Film Club: Knight of Cups
Crosby Street Hotel (79 Crosby Street)
For $55 per person, enjoy dinner and a movie. A 3-course meal is followed by a special pre-release viewing of this film starring Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett and Natalie Portman.
    
MUSIC & DANCE:

Mondays  Rainbow Room
Rainbow Room (30 Rockefeller Plaza)
Don't miss Max Weinberg for dinner seatings on Mondays in November.  Also, I love that they are serving a special Sunday brunch and dinner & dancing on Friday nights. It's an iconic spot and a must-see!
 
Tuesdays & Wednesdays Jazz Nights
The Lambs Club (132 West 44th Street)
Live jazz from new and up and coming performers.    
  
Friday Nights  Friday Nights to Remember
The Regency Bar & Grill (Loews Regency Hotel - 540 Park Avenue)
Quincy Jones recording artist, Michael Fredo performs every Friday at 7:30pm... get the feel of old school New York jazz with a new twist.


Ongoing  New York Live Arts
New York Live Arts (219 West 19th Street)
Chelsea based programs feature the most innovative movements. Check out Lear through the 20th... Shakespearean tragedy with a deeply personal performance in the role of the riveting Lear.
 
Winter Season   New York Philharmonic   
Avery Fisher Hall (10 Lincoln Center Plaza)   
Visit the schedule for upcoming concerts through the remainder of the season.  
 


 
Through February 20  Jean-Christophe Maillot's Cinderella  
Multiple Locations
Clubs across the city such as Feinstein's/54 Below, The Public Theater, and Iridium will entertain their audiences with memorable cabaret selections.
 
 
February 21 & 22  The Secret Garden in Concert
David Geffen Hall (10 Lincoln Center Plaza)
200 singers, NYC chamber orchestra,  and a Broadway cast.

February 23  Rita Wilson
Cafe Carlyle (35 East 76th Street)
One of my favorite performers will perform through March 5th.  And don't miss Woody Allen & The Eddy David New Orleans Jazz Band Mondays through June 14th.

February 24 through 27  Pacific Northwest Ballet
New York City Center (131 West 55th Street)
Program features the contemporary ballet of world renowned George Balanchine

February 25 through 28  New York Dance Festival
Roosevelt Hotel (45 East 45th Street)
Purchase tickets to watch live ballroom dance competitions!

 
February 28   Sondheim Unplugged
54 Below (254 West 54th Street)
Annual event features some of Broadway and cabaret's most dynamic voices, accompanied by piano only, honoring the work of Broadway's master composer. Also March 27th. 
 
Through February 28  New York City Ballet 
Lincoln Center Plaza 
Get your tickets for one of the upcoming ballets.  
 
Through March 3  Truffles: A Murder Mystery Jazz Dinner
Duane Park (308 Bowery)
Great jazz coupled with whodunnit?  



Through March 20  Harkness Dance Festival
92Y (1395 Lexington Avenue)
Five weeks of choreographers and performers presenting powerful innovations of contemporary dance.
 
 
Through March 27  Bargemusic Winter Festival
Fulton Ferry Landing - Brooklyn Bridge
Bundle up to hear exceptional chamber music presented on a floating barge at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge!  

Lincoln Center
Various locations within Lincoln Center's venues. Outstanding artists... all in intimate settings.   
 
 
Through May  La Boheme  
The Metropolitan Opera House (Lincoln Center Plaza)
Puccini's immortal tale of tragic young love set amidst the rooftops of bohemian Paris.  Madama Butterfly also in production through April. 
  
Through February 21
Lyceum Theatre (149 West 45th Street)

Electrifying performance of Arthur Miller's classic.  
 
An American in Paris
Through November 20
Palace Theater (1564 Broadway) 
American Stage debut of the story about a young artist who discovers life and love after returning from the war.    
 
As You Like It
Through February 27
The Players Theatre (115 Macdougal Street)
"All the world's a stage" in William Shakespeare's romantic comedy.   

Through September 4
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.
 
Blackbird 
Through June 12
Belasco Theatre (111 West 44th Street)
The star-studded cast includes Michele Williams and Jeff Daniels; they will perform one of the most powerful dramas of the century.  An uncomfortable relationship reunites between an older man and a younger woman. Now in previews, opens March 10th through June 12th. 

Bright Star
February 25 through March 4
Cort Theatre
(138 West 48th Street)
I have followed Steve Martin's career as an actor and banjo player for many years. I'm delighted that he has expanded his talents as the songwriter of this musical (with Edie Brickell's talents at work also).  As he said in an interview, he wanted to create music that would be an anthem to optimism, writing songs that would bring joy to the audience. Previews begin February 25th, opens March 4th.   

Buried Child
Through April 3
The New Group at The Pershing Square Signature Center (480 West 42nd Street)
Sam Shepherd's play will star Ed Harris and Amy Madigan (among other familiar faces) and is the first revival in two decades. The play focuses on the family's economic troubles as seen through the lives of an Illinois farming family.  
 
The Color Purple
Through July 3
Bernard B Jacobs Theatre (242 West 45th Street)
Broadway revival starring Jennifer Hudson.   
      
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time 
Through August 14
Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street) 
A Tony Award Winning play! The lead actor, a graduate of Julliard, is brilliant. The story unfolds with a mathematically precocious adolescent with behavioral problems uncovering truths and secrets. 

Daddy Long Legs
Daddy Long Legs
Through January 2017
Davenport Theatre (354 West 45th Street)
An upbeat musical that tells the tale of an orphan and her anonymous benefactor.

Fiddler on the Roof
Through September 4
Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway) 
The acclaimed show returns to Broadway, a favorite of mine.


       
Through July 3
Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (205 West 46th Street)
The amazing story of how Peter became Pan.
   
Through October 9
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 January 29, 2017
Richard Rodgers Theatre
(226 West 46th Street)
An inventive musical about a young immigrant who changed America... Alexander Hamilton.       

Hold On To Me Darling
February 24 through April 3
Linda Gross Theater (336 West 20th Street)
Atlantic Theater Company's outstanding new play from acclaimed playwright Kenneth Lonergan examines the cost of fame, fortune, and the pursuit of the American Dream.

Hughie
Through June 12
Booth Theatre
(222 West 45th Street)
Oscar winner Forest Whitaker makes his Broadway debut in Eugene O'Neil's theatrical masterpiece which investigates the themes of loneliness and redemption. Now in previews, opens February 25th through June 12th. 
 
The King and I 
Through September 4
Lincoln Center Theater (150 West 65th Street)
The revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's play, starring Tony Award Winner Kelli O'Hara.
        
Mike Birbiglia: "Thank God for Jokes
Through March 13
Lynn Redgrave Theater (49 Bleecker Street)
Comedian, writer, and actor, Mike Birbiglia stars in a one-man-show of modern day joke telling.
 
Nice Fish
Through March 27
St. Ann's Warehouse (45 Water Street)
Three time Tony winner Mark Rylance stars in a play about two fisherman waiting for the one last catch of the season! 

Noises Off 
Through March 13
American Airlines Theatre (227 West 42nd Street)
A Broadway revival of comedy chaos and embarrassing hi-jinks... starring one of my top performers, Megan Hilty.  
 
Through November 20
Marquis Theatre (1535 Broadway)
High-energy performance about Emilio and Gloria Estefan.        


Prodigal Son
Through March 27
New York City Center (131 West 55th Street)
Oscar nominated director John Patrick Shanley hits it out of the park once again in an explosive portrait of a young man on the verge of salvation or destruction.  
    

Ruthless
Through June 18
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.     
 
School of Rock
Through October 2
I'm a fan of Andrew Lloyd Weber and I'm sure there will no exception to the quality of his newest musical based on the film starring Jack Black.

Tappin' Through Life
Through March 13
New World Stages (
340 West 50th Street)
A song and dance musical starring Broadway legend Maurice Hines.   

ON THE RADAR: 
     
February 29  The Crucible
Venue to be announced
Arthur Miller's famed production of the timeless parable of morality returns to Broadway. Previews begin February 29th, opens April 7th through July 17th.
 
March 1  Dry Powder
The Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street)
John Krasinski, Claire Danes, and Hank Azaria star in this funny new drama.  Tickets are currently sold out, but they may release additional tickets. Through April 24th.

March 2 
Jerry Seinfeld: The Homestand
The Beacon Theatre (2124 Broadway)
Try to grab tickets for any of the upcoming monthly performances in 2016.

March 2 through 13  Shen Yun
The David H. Koch Theater At Lincoln Center (20 Lincoln Center Plaza)
A celebration of 5,000 years of Chinese music and dance in one evening.

March 2 through 19  Flamenco Festival
Carnegie Hall (881 Seventh Avenue), New York City Center (131 West 55th Street), The Town Hall (123 West 43rd Street) 
An Andalusian festival taking place in three NYC locations.

March 3 through 13  Rendez-Vous with French Cinema
Film Society of Lincoln Center (70 Lincoln Center Plaza)
The best in French film under one roof.



March 6  TalkCinema

March 7  Between Heaven and Earth
Carnegie Hall (881 Seventh Avenue)
Distinguished Concerts Orchestra and Distinguished Concerts Singers International presents a variety of music by young voices.

March 11  The New York Pops - 42nd on 57th: Broadway Today
Carnegie Hall (881 Seventh Avenue)
The New York Pops brings the best of Broadway uptown.

March 12  Whoopi Goldberg
Kings Theatre (Brooklyn)
An evening with Whoopi - who could resist?
 
March 15  Shuffle Along
Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street)
Six-time award winner Audra MacDonald returns to Broadway.  Previews begin March 15th, opens April 28th through October 9th.

March 15  Paul Taylor's American Modern Dance
David H. Koch Theater (20 Lincoln Center Plaza)
They will perform two premieres by Paul Taylor - Sullivaniana and Dilly Dilly, plus 14 Taylor classics and (for the first time ever), a work by Martha Graham - Diversion of Angels. Through April 3rd.

March 16 through 27  New Directors/New Films
Film Society of Lincoln Center (144 West 65th Street) & The Museum of Modern Art (11 West 53rd Street)
Dedicated to the discovery and support of emerging artists, visit the website for the schedule of films.
 
March 18 through 22  NYC Improv Festival
Peoples Improv Theater (123 East 24th Street)
Annual festival celebrating improvisation from all across the world.
 
March 19  The Temptations & The Four Tops
Kings Theatre (Brooklyn)
Two iconic groups together for one night only!

March 20  The Father
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street)
The infamous Frank Langella stars in Florian Zeller's new play. I've always been mesmerized by him since his role as Dracula. Previews begin March 20th, opens April 14th through June 12th.
 

March 24  American Psycho
Schoenfeld Theatre (236 West 45th Street)
American Psycho returns to Broadway as a musical... a carnal carnival of song and dance.  Previews begin March 24th, opens April 20th.
 
March 31  Tuck Everlasting The Musical
Broadhurst Theatre (235 West 44th Street)
If you could live forever, would you? Take a journey you'll never forget in this new musical about love, family, and living life to the fullest!  Previews begin March 31st, opens April 26th through January 1st. 
 
April 5 through 9  Paulo Szot
Feinstein's/54 Below (254 West 54th Street)
One of my top Broadway performers, Paulo Szot... Tony Award winner and former star of South Pacific sings songs from Gershwin and Lerner and Lowe. Tickets sell out; order early! 
 
FoodFOR THE FOODIE
 
Hot Chocolate Festival

 
EVENTS:
 
February 23  Sixth Annual New York International Pairing Series
City Winery (155 Varick Street)
Part of a series of dinners showcasing the wine and food of a specific region. This event focuses on Brazil.  The next one is on March 18th and highlights Argentina.

Through February 28  Hot Chocolate Festival
City Bakery (3 West 18th Street)
Everyday a different flavor at one of the best hot chocolate spots in the city!
   
ON THE RADAR: 
March 3  Good Spirits
La.venue (608 West 28th Street)
NYC's best chefs and bartenders partner to create the most delicious pairings. 
 


March 4 & 5 
Wine Riot
69th Regiment Armory (68 Lexington Avenue)
Taste hundreds of new wines... it's wine tasting for the thirsty and curious.

March 11  Choice Eats
Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th Street)
Annual tasting event will feature over 50 handpicked NYC restaurants. Sample the best dishes from participating restaurants along with complimentary craft beer pairings, wine, and liquor.
 
FeatureSPECIAL FEATURE:  MOUNTAIN HIGH 
Looking for a day away on the slopes? Whether you ski or snowboard or even just enjoy sitting by the fireplace in the lodge, here are my picks within a few hours of NYC.

ORGANIZED DAY TRIPS: 
Visit these websites for organized Day Trips from Manhattan and Brooklyn to the mountains I've listed below.  Some also offer trips to Vermont ski resorts. 

Next local trips:  Hunter Mountain Day Trips February 20 & 27

Hampton Jitney
Taking you to the sun AND to the snow! 
Next local trip:  Hunter Mountain Day Trip March 4

Paragon Sports
Next local trips:  Hunter Mountain Day Trips February 20, 24, 27 
                                Wyndham Mountain Day Trips February 21 & 28
 
Next local trips:  Camelback Mountain Day Trips February 20, 21, 26, 27, 28
                         Hunter Mountain Day Trips February 20, 21, 23, 27, 28

Next local trips:  Hunter Mountain Day Trips February 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 28  
                                Wyndham Mountain Day Trips February 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 28
                                Mountain Creek Day Trips February 20, 21, 26, 27, 28


LOCAL MOUNTAINS: 

Camelback Mountain Resort
Tannersville, PA (Poconos)
Distance from the city: 85 miles - 1.5 hour drive
No car?  Use the services above to get there.  
What's cool about Camelback?  It's a great place to learn to ski or snowboard with so many novice trails. Visit
the Thirsty Camel or Glen Lodge Smoke House for some evening live music.



Catamount Ski Area
Hillsdale, NY (The Berkshires, on the NY/MA border)
Distance from the city: 110 miles - 2.5 hour drive
No car?  Try out the Jitney!
What's cool about Catamount?  It's one of the oldest original operating ski areas in the Northeast.  The Catamount region also has plenty to do including retail outlet shopping, movie theaters, museums, fitness centers, galleries, antique stores, and historic towns.  
 
Hunter Mountain
Hunter, NY (Catskills)
Distance from the city:  130 miles - 2.5 hour drive
No car?  See the links above to get to Hunter.
What's cool about Hunter?  Outside of the usual skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing... they also have seasonal zipline and canopy tours.
 
Mountain Creek
Vernon, NJ
Distance from the city: 60 miles - 1.5 hour drive
No car?  Take NJ Transit from Port Authority (just under 2 hours) or take the NYC Snow Bus.
What's cool about Mountain Creek?  Not only is it close to the city, in the summer it's a Water Park!
 

Windham, NY (Catskills)  
Distance from the city:  140 miles - 2.5 hour drive
No car?  See the links above, but you can also book your own bus ticket through Adirondack Trailways from Port Authority (3.5 hours).  
What's cool about Windham?  Besides the fact that all the trail names start with "W," they have a spa, mountain yoga, and terrain parks for the experienced skier.