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 Norma's Weekly Member Snapshot: I BIKE NY
As we all wait for a true Spring weekend, I've designated this week's Special Feature to one of my favorite outdoor activities: biking! From bike tours to rentals and accessories, here's your one stop shop for riding on the pavement.
New Yorkers share my enthusiasm for biking; I look for every excuse to get outside and ride in a city that has become much more bike friendly in recent years.
Norma Knows New York City
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Send to other savvy New Yorkers and hip visitors,
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 GENERAL EVENTS |
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Once the blossoms are in bloom, visit on a Wednesday and take a tour. Or on Saturdays and Sundays, take a tour of the seasonal highlights of the garden. Then, as part of the festival, visit April 30 & May 1 for the Sakura Matsuri, a weekend celebrating Japanese culture.
Park Avenue Armory (643 Park Avenue)
Over 200 American and international dealers will exhibit, bringing a selection of rare books, maps, and manuscripts.
Various Locations
$50 treatments at spas throughout the city.
ON THE RADAR:
April 17 Earth Day
Union Square
Live performances, interactive displays, and events that include information on green products. Sign up for the Earth Day 5K Green Tour on April 22nd, then attend the Green Festival from April 15th through 17th at the Javits Convention Center.
Watch as thousands of women take to the hills of Central Park - this is the largest all women's half marathon in the country.
April 20 through 23 Design on a Dime
Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th Street)
More than 50 of the world's top interior designers create unforgettable room vignettes... which is then donated and sold for 50 to 70 percent off retail pricing!
April 25 Hester Street Fair
Corner of Hester & Essex Streets
One of the best street fairs opens for the season! A collection of NYC's best vendors, from the finest foods to vintage clothing to jewelry and home goods. Open Saturdays through October.
April 29 through May 1 Antique Garden Furniture Fair
The New York Botanical Garden (Bronx, NY)
Annual fair with an expansive collection of ornament, decorative art, and furniture for the home and garden.
April 30 & May 1 37th Annual: Spring Crafts on Columbus
Columbus Avenue from 77th to 81st Street
Annual craft show - also May 7th & 8th and 14th & 15th.
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CULTURAL PURSUITS
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Wagner's Ring: Forging an Epic
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MORGAN LIBRARY & MUSEUM (225 Madison Avenue)
Through April 17
An intimate look at the creation of Wagner's masterpiece, including original music manuscripts.
MUSEUM OF MODERN ART (11 West 53rd Street)
Through April 11
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.
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The AIPAD Photography Show
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PARK AVENUE ARMORY (643 Park Avenue)
The AIPAD Photography Show New York
April 14 through 17
Exhibitors from more than 80 of the world's leading photography art galleries showcase their works.
PIER 94 (711 12th Avenue)
Artexpo
April 14 through 17
The largest fine art marketplace - annual expo brings the biggest publishers, galleries and collectors face to face with hundreds of established and emerging artists.
WHITNEY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART (99 Gansevoort Street)
FlatlandsThrough April 17 Pairings by five artists conjuring a sense of space that is dimensionless.
ONGOING EXHIBITS:
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!
CENTER FOR ITALIAN MODERN ART (421 Broome Street)
Giorgio Morandi
Through June 25
Dedicated to one of the best known Italian artists of the 20th century, the exhibit focuses on the his rarely seen 1930s works.
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Pixar: The Design of Story
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COOPER HEWITT (2 East 91st Street)
Through August 7
Pixar fans will enjoy this exhibit, tracing the creation of the rarely seen sketches, paintings, and sculptures of Pixar's characters.
DISCOVERY TIMES SQUARE (226 West 44th Street)
Through May 30
With all of the craze about Star Wars, it's the perfect time to see the exhibit of memorable costumes from this iconic film series.
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)
INTREPID SEA, AIR & SPACE MUSEUM (Pier 86 - West 46th Street & 12th Avenue)
Isaac Mizrahi: An Unruly History
Through August 7
The first museum survey devoted to the American designer who makes clothing, hosted a television show, and performed his own cabaret act.
THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART (1000 Fifth Avenue)
Through May 15
Vigée Le Brun: Woman Artist in Revolutionary France
This is the first retrospective of Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun, one of the most important of all women artists.
THE MET BREUER (Madison Avenue & 75th Street)
Unfinished: Thoughts Left Visible
Through September 4 197 works from the Renaissance to the present. The exhibition examines a subject critical to artistic practice: the question of when a work of art is finished.
MORGAN LIBRARY & MUSEUM (225 Madison Avenue)
Through May 15 A visual exploration of Warhol's lifelong career as a book artist.
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Edgar Degas: A Strange New Beauty
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MUSEUM OF MODERN ART (11 West 53rd Street)
Edgar Degas: A Strange New BeautyThrough July 24The exhibition includes approximately 120 rarely seen monotypes, 60 related paintings, drawings, pastels, sketchbooks, and prints-that show Degas at his most modern.
NEUE GALERIE NEW YORK MUSEUM FOR GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN ART (1048 Fifth Avenue)
Munch and Expressionism
Through June 13
Exhibit focuses on Edward Munch's influence on his German colleagues.
The Art and Whimsy of Mo Willems
Through September 25
Brings together original art, sketches, and inspirational drawings from Willem's most popular series (Sesame Street) and stand-alone classics.
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Shakespeare's Star Turn in America
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NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY (42nd Street & 5th Avenue) Shakespeare's Star Turn in AmericaThrough May 27 The exhibition will document the on-going popularity of Shakespeare's plays in North America from Colonial times to present day. The artifacts include programs, engravings, photographs, set and costume designs, costumes, letters, and prompt scripts.
PREMIERE EXHIBITIONS 5th AVENUE (417 Fifth Avenue)
Now open
Explore the treasures of Tutankhamun dynasty.
ROOSEVELT HOUSE (47-49 East 65th Street)
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.
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. While there, check out Rick Meyerowitz in the National Lampoon, through April 23rd, an archive of original artwork created by illustrator and author Rick Meyerowitz.
WHITNEY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART (99 Gansevoort Street)
Laura Poitras: Astro Noise
Through May 1
The first solo museum exhibition by this artist, filmmaker, and journalist. The installation builds on topics important to Poitras, including mass surveillance, the war on terror, the U.S. drone program, and torture.
WHITNEY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART (99 Gansevoort Street)
April 27 through February 12 Human Interest: Portraits from the Whitney's CollectionOffers new perspectives on one of art's oldest genres. Drawn entirely from the Museum's holdings, 100+ works reveal how artists have reinvented portraiture during the last sixty years.
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CURTAIN UP
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 FILM:
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 Oscar nominated movie starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara.
Various locations
MUSIC & DANCE:
Mondays Rainbow Room
Rainbow Room (30 Rockefeller Plaza) Don't miss Max Weinberg for dinner seatings on Mondays in November. Also, I l ove 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. Ongoing New York Live Arts
New York Live Arts (219 West 19th Street)
Chelsea based programs feature the most innovative movements.
Spring Season New York Philharmonic
Avery Fisher Hall (10 Lincoln Center Plaza)
Visit the schedule for upcoming concerts through the remainder of the season.
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.
Cafe Carlyle (35 East 76th Street)
An incredible performer in her own right (how could she not be as the daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore?)... don't miss Woody Allen & The Eddy David New Orleans Jazz Band Mondays through June 14th.
April 14 Jerry Seinfeld: The Homestand
The Beacon Theatre (2124 Broadway)
Try to grab tickets for any of the upcoming monthly performances in 2016.
April 14 through 17 The Manhattan Transfer
Blue Note (131 West 3rd)
Winners of 10 Grammy Awards, the group is a cornerstone for great pop and jazz hits. |
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Martha Graham Dance Company
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New York City Center (131 West 55th Street)
One of my favorite dance companies returns to New York City Center celebrating its 90th anniversary season.
April 15 Yo-Yo Ma & Emanuel Ax
Carnegie Hall (881 Seventh Avenue)
The incomparable Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax perform Beethoven's complete sonatas.
Through April Lincoln Center's American Songbook
Various locations within Lincoln Center's venues. Outstanding artists... all in intimate settings.
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 and Otello April 20th through May 6th.
Through June 16 LIVE from the NYPL
New York Public Library (11 West 40th Street)
Annual Spring Speaker Series... check out the calendar.
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 October 16
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.
Bright Star
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Bright Star
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Through October 9
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.
Cagney
Through July 3
Westside Theatre (407 West 43rd Street)
How exciting - this musical follows the life of James Cagney from the streets of New York to vaudeville, then to a Hollywood tough guy. Now in previews, opens April 3rd through July 3rd.
The Color Purple
Through October 2
Bernard B Jacobs Theatre (242 West 45th Street)
Through August 28
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 LegsThrough January 8, 2017 Davenport Theatre (354 West 45th Street)
An upbeat musical that tells the tale of an orphan and her anonymous benefactor.
Dry Powder
Through May 1
The Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street)
John Krasinski, Claire Danes, and Hank Azaria star in this funny new drama. Tickets are sold out, but they may release additional tickets.
Eclipsed
Through June 19
John Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street)
After a limited run at The Public Theater, this show starring Academy Award Winner Lupita Nyong'o, hits Broadway!
The Father
Through June 12
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street)
The infamous Frank Langella stars in Florian Zeller's new play. I've been mesmerized by him since his role as Dracula. Now in previews, opens April 14th through June 12th.
Fiddler on the Roof
Through September 4
Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway)
The acclaimed show returns to Broadway, a favorite of mine.
Through December 18
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
 Head of PassesThrough April 24 The Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street) Phylicia Rashad stars in this deeply moving new drama about family, acceptance and the power of faith. Hold On To Me DarlingThrough April 17 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. 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.  Long Day's Journey into NightThrough June 26 American Airlines Theatre (227 West 42nd Street) The tale of an ordinary summer's day with extraordinary consequences... stars the incredible Jessica Lange, who has wowed in American Horror Story, along with Gabriel Byrne and Michael Shannon!
Mike Birbiglia: "Thank God for Jokes"
Through May 29
Lynn Redgrave Theater (49 Bleecker Street)
Comedian, writer, and actor, Mike Birbiglia stars in a one-man-show of modern day joke telling.
Mobile Unit: Romeo & Juliet
April 11 through May 1
The Public Theater (425 Lafayette)
The Mobile Shakespeare Unit brings this classic tale to the stage! The Mobile Unit presents free Shakespeare to prisons, homeless shelters, centers for the elderly, and other community venues throughout the five boroughs. They then present the show at The Public Theater, providing New York audiences with low cost tickets to world-class Shakespeare.On Your Feet
Through November 20
Marquis Theatre (1535 Broadway)
High-energy performance about Emilio and Gloria Estefan.
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School of Rock
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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 RockThrough 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. Shuffle Along
Through October 9
Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street)
Six-time award winner Audra McDonald returns to Broadway. Now in previews, opens April 28th through October 9th.
Note: Audra McDonald will not appear in performances from June 19 through September 12, 2016.
Tuck Everlasting The Musical
Through January 1 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. 
Waitress
Through January 1
Brooks Atkinson Theatre (256 West 47th Street)
Based on the 2007 film, Tony Award Winner Jessie Mueller stars in this new musical with music by Sara Bareilles. What a show! Now in previews, opens April 24th through January 1st.
ON THE RADAR:
April 17 TalkCinema
The Walter Reade Theater at Lincoln Center (165 West 65th Street)
General admission or season passes available; film series features new independent films... you won't know what you see until you arrive, but you'll be able to discuss the movie afterwards with directors, producers, distributors, critics and each other.
April 18 through 21 Art of the RealFilm Society of Lincoln Center ( 10 Lincoln Center Plaza) Third annual festival featuring boundary-pushing nonfiction film.  April 19 New York City Ballet Spring Season Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (20 Lincoln Center Plaza)
The spring season begins with Jewels, one of the most brilliant works of Balanchine . Visit the website for the full schedule through May 29th.
April 19 Patti LuPone: Don't Monkey with Broadway Peter Jay Sharp Theatre at Symphony Space (2537 Broadway) She is synonymous with Broadway so what a treat to see her perform classic Broadway tunes! April 20 & 21 10,000 ManiacsCity Winery (155 Varick Street) Critically acclaimed band performs two nights only! April 21 through 26 Tribeca Innovation Week
Various locations Passes available for this week of discussions and festivals around technology, gaming, film, and media.
April 23 A Streetcar Named Desire
St. Ann's Warehouse (Brooklyn Bridge Park)
The iconic production stars X-Files' own Gillian Anderson!
April 24 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. May 1 Paula ColeCity Winery (155 Varick Street) Grammy winner and 7 time Grammy nominee Paula Cole performs.
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FOR THE FOODIE
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ON THE RADAR:
April 16 Wine on Wheels
City Winery (155 Varick Street)
Purchase tickets for wine tasting and silent auction featuring over 200 wines served by over 60 of New York City's most esteemed sommeliers.
April 16 & 17 New York Culinary Experience
The International Culinary Center (462 Broadway)
Hands-on cooking classes and discussions with 30 renowned chefs including Amanda Freitag, Carla Hall, and Gabriel Kreuther.
April 25 NYC Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry
225 Liberty Street
Join the city's finest chefs, sommeliers and mixologists for a night of dining in support of No Kid Hungry's work to end childhood hunger in the America.
Wythe Hotel (80 Wythe Avenue - Brooklyn) Annual festival celebrating the intersections of food culture and the writing that brings them to life - lectures, panel discussions, and food tastings highlight the 2-day event.
May 7 & 8 New York Vegetarian Festival
The Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th Street)
Taste vegetarian delights from local vendors. I'm always surprised at the amazing tastes available.
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SPECIAL FEATURE: I BIKE NY
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 BIKING TIP:
Lock up your bike! If there's one area you don't want to cut corners, it's in purchasing the right lock. Kryptonite has a NYC series that includes New York Fahgettaboudit lock. One of the best strategies is to use two entirely different types of locks in combination together to stump thieves and keep your valuable property safe.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
April 29 & 30 NYC Bike Expo Pier 36 (299 South Street) Visit over 100 bicycle and accessory exhibitors and attend biking presentations and classes... all free.
May 1 TD Five Boro Bike TourCyclists from around the world in all skill levels are welcome to join this major ride through the five boroughs of NYC... on streets completely free of cars.
May 8 CycloFemme 2016  Various locations Global celebration of women on bikes. Rides will be led in cities around the world, on every kind of bike. May 16 through 20 Bike to Work Week Annual challenge in the city - details forthcoming. |
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Ride to Montauk
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May 13 & 14 NYC Bike Expo69th Regiment Armory (26th Street & Lexington Avenue) Bike enthusiasts unite at this annual expo. May 21 2016 American Heart Ride Rotation Bicycle Center (Southampton, NY) A cycling experience and fundraiser to benefit the American Heart Association. Choose your distance to ride and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Hamptons. Start your day in Manhattan, Babylon, or Mastic Shirley and pick the distance that's right for you. All routes end in Montauk! GENERAL RESOURCES:
 Bike New York
An organization that promotes cycling in all five boroughs. They have opportunities for learning how to ride and provide resources for bikers of all levels - and biking tips! BikeNYCStories, events and biking tips for all skill levels. Looking for the perfect route... find riding maps of all 5 boroughs. Click here for a website that lists all the rules every city biker should know. VelojoyThe website includes routes and rides, biking gear, and city cycling 101 for the newbie. Information every city biker needs to know.
BIKES, ACCESSORIES, & REPAIRS:
55 Chrystie Street
Need a custom bike? A friend of mine had hers built for a reasonable price... all made locally.
250 Lafayette Street, 288 7th Avenue, and 476 Fifth Avenue, plus a location in Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Along with bikes and accessories, they specialize in bike repairs, tune-ups, and high performance services. Why not take a Bike Maintenance Class there as well to learn the basics and more advanced repair?
All sorts of necessities and accessories for the urban cyclist. Ciel Bikes360 East 65th Street "A bicyclist's paradise." Bikes of all shapes and sizes, plus gear from popular cycling brands. Now a staple in the city, if you haven't tried it out now is the time. Take a short spin to test it out, or look at a monthly membership.
BIKING TOURS:
Bike the Big AppleFrom Central Park at Night to custom tours, tours to get you out and riding about town. 
Bike and RollDay and night bike tours of the most famous sites and hidden gems. Guided bicycle tours, self-guided rides, and Segway tours are available. Blazing Saddles 3 hour Brooklyn Bridge or Central Park Tours with a knowledgeable guide. Central Park Bike Tours2 hour leisure tours of the park.
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April 17 
