Governors Island
Norma's Weekly Member Snapshot:
NYC Island Hopping
 
With its vastness and tall buildings, it is easy to forget that Manhattan is an island.  Additional island destinations nearby offer spectacular waterfront, culture, entertainment and adventure.

I've focused this week's Special Feature on NYC island hopping, so you can escape for a quick summertime excursion this holiday weekend or any time this summer. 
 
 
 
   Norma Knows New York City   
What's in this issue?
Like us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter
GeneralGENERAL EVENTS
Saturdays  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. 
 
Saturdays & Sundays 
Smorgasburg
Brooklyn
Saturdays at East River State Park, Sundays in Prospect Park 
Artisanal outdoor market featuring over 100 food vendors. 
  
The High Line (West 13th & Washington Streets)
Every Tuesday until October you can peek into high powered telescopes on the High Line and chat with the experts.

Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic 
June 4  Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic 
Liberty State Park (Jersey City, NJ)
In its 9th year... polo match, champagne bars, food trucks... polo and champagne, how much more civilized can you get?

June 4 & 5  Rose Garden Weekend
New York Botanical Garden
Two days of live music, tours with rose experts, and refreshments.


June 4 & 5  American Crafts Festival
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
380 craft displays selected from every region of the United States. Continuous entertainment and craft demonstrations. Also June 11th & 12th.


June 6 through 10  Daybreaker Week
Various Locations
A week-long festival of morning experiences with DJs and music to support social and environmental causes.
 
 
Through October 31 
Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 Fifth Avenue)
The perfect time to visit the Met's Roof Garden; beautiful view and delicious drinks and now Cornelia Parke's PsychoBarn
 
ON THE RADAR:

June 11 & 12 Jazz Age Lawn Party 
Governor's Island
An annual prohibition-era soiree (How very Gatsby!). The quintessential outdoor celebration of the jazz age. Also August 13 & 14.

June 18  The Mermaid Parade
Coney Island
Visit Coney Island for the largest parade in the nation.  Over 1,500 creative individuals celebrate ancient mythology.  Then grab a famous hot dog at Nathan's Famous and ride the Cyclone for the true Coney Island experience!
 
 
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 SOON:  
Munch and Expressionism 

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.
 
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.  
Ongoing
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 his rarely seen 1930s works.
          
Pixar: The Design of Story 

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 September 5
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
 
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. 
    
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.  
 
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 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.   

Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology 
METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
(1000 Fifth Avenue)
Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology
Through August 14
The exhibit explores the differences between fashion made by hand vs. by machines in the modern age.




Crime Stories: Photography and Foul Play
Through July 31
This exhibition explores the multifaceted intersections between photography and crime, from 19th-century "rogues' galleries" to work by contemporary artists inspired by criminal transgression.

MORGAN LIBRARY & MUSEUM
(225 Madison Avenue)
Through September 18
Completed when he was just twenty-three years old, this piece has long been recognized as the artist's first mature work, his first masterpiece.
Through July 10
An ongoing exhibition series featuring some of the world's greatest collections of medieval manuscripts, printed books and bindings, literary manuscripts, private letters and correspondence, and original music.

MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
 (11 West 53rd Street)
Edgar Degas: A Strange New Beauty
Through July 24
The exhibition includes approximately 120 rarely seen monotypes, 60 related paintings, drawings, pastels, sketchbooks, and prints-that show Degas at his most modern.

NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY (170 Central Park West)
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.   
 
FLOW.16
RANDALL'S ISLAND PARK   
FLOW.16
Through November
Annual summer art exhibitions, aimed at fostering appreciation of the shoreline through artistic expression. 
 
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.    

WHITNEY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART (99 Gansevoort Street) 
Human Interest: Portraits from the Whitney's Collection
Through February 12 
Offers 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.  

ON THE RADAR: 
 
FIFTH AVENUE
Museum Mile Festival
June 14
New York's biggest block party.  All museums from 82nd to 105th are free and open to the public... with no cars in sight!


Metropolitan Museum of Art 
CurtainCURTAIN UP
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 epic movie about the life of Prince.

Through June 8  Open Roads: New Italian Cinema
The Film Society of Lincoln Center
The most diverse and extensive lineup of contemporary Italian film.


MUSIC & DANCE:

Tuesdays & Wednesdays Jazz Nights
The Lambs Club (132 West 44th Street) 
Live jazz from new and up and coming performers.     
  
 
New York Philharmonic

Spring Season  
New York Philharmonic   
Avery Fisher Hall
(10 Lincoln Center Plaza)   
Visit the schedule for upcoming concerts through the remainder of the season.   
 
      
June 3  Stars in the Alley
Shubert Alley, west of Seventh Avenue between 44th & 45th Streets
Experience the magic of Broadway!  An annual 90-minute concert featuring the best snapshot of Broadway theater from this season and from ongoing shows.

June 3 through 5   The Governors Ball Music Festival
Randall's Island Park
Tickets are selling out for this annual 3-day festival, so book yours now. Performers include Beck, Kanye West, and The Killers.  Food vendors include by CHLOE, Momofuku Milk Bar, and Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream.  SOLD OUT. 

June 7  Washington Square Music Festival
Washington Square Park
Live music in the park from Classical to Jazz.  Also June 14th, 21st, and 28th. 


June 8 through 21  Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
David H. Koch Theatre (20 Lincoln Center Plaza)
The weeks of performance kick off with The Ailey Spirit Gala
benefit, a one-night-only performance featuring Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ailey II, The Ailey School, and AileyCamp. Check the schedule for performances.  

Through June 11  New York Philharmonic Biennial
Lincoln Center
Visit the website for upcoming performances.  From Oscar Wilde in opera to Shared Madness in Williamsburg, from electroacoustic music to a marimba concerto... new music and the city.  
 

Through June 16  LIVE from the NYPL
New York Public Library (11 West 40th Street) 
Annual Spring Speaker Series... check out the calendar. 

Through June 30   Blue Note Jazz Festival 
Various Locations
Festival showcases over 150 premier artists at more than 15 venues throughout the city. Visit their website to find your favorite artist. Some highlights include Al Jarreau and the Music of Edith Piaf.

Through August 31  Summerstage
Central Park
Opens for the summer season... free concerts all summer.  Check the schedule for upcoming performances.
 

THEATER:

An Act of God
Through September 4
Booth Theatre
  (222 West 45th Street)
Last year starred Jim Parsons and this year will be even better when it stars Sean Hayes! Hayes (as God himself) reveals the mysteries of the Bible and answers the questions that have plagued mankind since the beginning of time.  Now in previews, opens June 6th through September 4th.


American Psycho
Through September 25
Schoenfeld Theatre
(236 West 45th Street)
American Psycho returns to Broadway as a musical... a carnal carnival of song and dance.

An American in Paris
Through January 1, 2017
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 January 8, 2017
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 11
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

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 September 25
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.  
 
The Color Purple
The Color Purple
Through October 2
Bernard B Jacobs Theatre
(242 West 45th Street)
Broadway revival starring Jennifer Hudson.  
  
The Crucible
Through July 17
Walter Kerr Theatre
(219 West 48th Street)
Arthur Miller's famed production of the timeless parable of morality returns to Broadway... starring Academy Award Nominee Saoirse Ronan
(Brooklyn).    
   
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time 
Through September 4
Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street) 
A Tony Award Winning play! The lead actor is brilliant; the set design is mesmerizing. The story unfolds with a mathematically precocious adolescent with behavioral problems uncovering truths and secrets.

Daddy Long Legs
Through January 8, 2017
Davenport Theatre (354 West 45th Street) 
An upbeat musical that tells the tale of an orphan and her anonymous benefactor.    

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
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.
 

Fid
dler on the Roof
Through December 31
Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway) 
The acclaimed show returns to Broadway.
 
  
Through August 21
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.  Tickets are in high demand!            
Through September 4
Lincoln Center Theater (150 West 65th Street)
The revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's play, starring Daniel Dae Kim of the TV shows Lost and Hawaii Five-0.

Long Day's Journey into Night
Through 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 wows in American Horror Story. Plus Gabriel Byrne and Michael Shannon! 
  
Through January 1, 2017
Marquis Theatre (1535 Broadway)
High-energy performance about Emilio and Gloria Estefan.          

 
Paramour

Paramour
Through February 19, 2017
Lyric Theatre (213 West 42nd Street)
Set in the world of Golden Age Hollywood, Cirque du Soleil makes its Broadway debut! Now in previews, opens May 25th through February 19th.




Ruthless
Through September 10
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 February 5, 2017
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.

Shakespeare in the Park: The Taming of the Shrew
Through June 26
The Delacorte Theater (81 Central Park)
It's worth standing in line for the free performances of Shakespeare's classic tale in a magical setting.  

Shuffle Along
A Streetcar Named Desire 

Through October 9
Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street)
Six-time award winner Audra McDonald returns to Broadway.  Note: Audra McDonald will not appear in performances from June 19th through September 12th.

A Streetcar Named Desire

Through June 4
St. Ann's Warehouse (Brooklyn Bridge Park)
The iconic production stars X-Files' own Gillian Anderson!
 
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!       
   
Waitress
Through January 1, 2017
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.
 
ON THE RADAR:  
 
June 15 & 16  New York Philharmonic in the Park
The Great Lawn - Central Park
One of my favorite summer events.  Pack a picnic and head to the Great Lawn for a night of music under the stars.

June 16   Summer in the Square 
Union Square
Free music Thursday nights through August 11th.

June 16 through 26  River to River Festival  
Various Locations
Live experiences including dance, music, visual art, and new media projects in public parks, in historic landmarks, on Governors Island, and along the waterfront. Check the schedule for events, including the Night at the Museums on June 21st with free admission to 14 museums and cultural institutions in Lower Manhattan.

June 18   Summer Solstice
Cathedral of St. John the Divine (1047 Amsterdam Ave)
A concert that begins in darkness and continues through sunrise.


Various Locations  
A live, free musical celebration on the longest day of the year. Over 1,300 concerts on streets, sidewalks, and parks across the five boroughs.    

June 21 through July 19  Midsummer Night Swing
Lincoln Center
Tickets are on sale for one of my favorite events of the summer.  New York City's best dance party under the stars.  Whether you're a seasoned dancer or novice, you'll sample salsa, swing, and an array of other dances. 


June 22  Metropolitan Opera in the Park
Central Park Summerstage
Another one of the summer events I look forward to every year in Central Park! Get your friends together and bring a blanket and snacks and feast your ears on the music of the Met.


June 26   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.
 
 
FoodFOR THE FOODIE
EVENTS  
      
June 4  Taste of the Upper West Side - Best of the West
Columbus Ave between West 76th and 77th Streets
An exclusive VIP Reception. More than 45 fabulous Upper West Side restaurants are preparing unique and delectable dishes

June 6  Taste of Times Square
46th Street from Broadway to 10th Avenue
Over 50 restaurants share their finest tastes from around the globe.
Taste of Summer

June 6  Chefs' Tribute: ¡Qué rico! Celebrating Latino Cuisine & Culture
Rockefeller Center
Chefs will create Latin-inspired dishes for more than 1,000 guests... in its 31st year.

June 8   Taste of Summer
Bethesda Terrace - Central Park
Our city's renowned chefs will serve their finest cuisine, amidst the iconic setting of the Bethesda Terrace, with music from one the city's best DJs. Proceeds benefit the restoration and maintenance of Central Park.

ON THE RADAR:

June 11 & 12 
Madison Square Park 
14th annual event celebrates a long standing culinary and music tradition with live performances from emerging and established rock, blues, and soul artists.
FeatureSPECIAL FEATURE: NYC ISLAND HOPPING 
City Island
Where? 
The Bronx

What?
If you saw the movie by this name, then you know the deal.  A small community with a small town feel and a charm all its own.


How to get there? 
A quick drive or take the #6 train north to Pelham Bay Park. Transfer to City Bus BX 29 towards City Island.

What to do? 
Walk along City Island Avenue, the island's main drag.  It's home to most of the island's shops and restaurants, and some amazing 19th century mansions, once owned by sea captains.  Also, visit the City Island Nautical Museum .

Where?
Brooklyn

What?
A residential neighborhood known for its beach and amusement attractions.

How to get there?
D, F, N or Q to the Stillwell Avenue Station.

What to do?
Don't miss the Mermaid Parade on June 18th... and outside of the must-do ride on the Cyclone and eating Nathan's Famous hot dog, there are plenty of events going on all summer... there's something for everyone, from Circus side shows to the Coney Island Museum.
Ellis Island

ELLIS ISLAND
Where?
In New York Harbor

What?
The museum's exhibits chronicle Ellis Island's role in immigration history.

How to get there?
Take the ferry from Battery Park.

What to do?
Take the audio tour and learn all about immigrants' journey into the United States.  Research your own history before you come and you may be able to follow your ancestors' path! On your way back, visit the Statue of Liberty.
Where?
Long Island

What?
A large center island on Long Island which is a major summer beach destination for New Yorkers, with easy access to the sand via foot. With no cars allowed on the island, it is easy and safe to get around.

How to get there?
Take the Long Island Railroad to Patchogue, Bay Short, or Sayville, then hop on the ferry.

Fire Island - Maguire's
What to do?
Spend a weekend at The Palms at Ocean Beach. Lounge at the beach, go surfing, take a bike ride, and engage in other outdoor activities. At the end of your day, grab a bite outside at Maguire's Bayfront Restaurant.





Where?
In Upper New York Bay, off the southern tip of Manhattan

What?
A former military base, it is officially part of the burrough of Manhattan.

How to get there?
Take the 1 train to South Ferry Station, then take the ferry.

What to do?
Bring your own bike or rent one and take a scenic ride. Upcoming events include the Jazz Age Lawn Party (June 11 & 12 and August 13 & 14) and the Vintage Baseball Game (July 30). Visit the website for more summer events.

RANDALL'S ISLAND
Randall's Island
Where?
The East River

What?
An oasis in the middle of New York City.

How to get there?
Take the 4, 5, or 6 train to 125th Street. Then take the
M35 bus.
  
What to do?
Take a bike ride (8 miles of pathway). Play golf at the Randall's Island Golf Center at the indoor/outdoor two-tier driving range with 80 stalls, a 36-hole mini golf course, and a short game area with sand bunker and grass tees  .  Or play tennis at Sportime on one of the 20 indoor/outdoor courts... also home to Manhattan home of the John McEnroe Tennis Academy. After your game, grab a beer at the Beer Garden & Grill.