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Governors Island
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Norma's Weekly Member Snapshot:
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
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GENERAL EVENTS
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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.
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Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic
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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:
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!
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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.
CLOSING SOON:
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Munch and Expressionism
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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.
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.
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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 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
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.
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Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology
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METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART (1000 Fifth 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 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.
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.
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FLOW.16
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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)
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! |
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Metropolitan Museum of Art
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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 epic movie about the life of Prince.
MUSIC & DANCE:
Tuesdays & Wednesdays Jazz Nights The Lambs Club (132 West 44th Street) Live jazz from new and up and coming performers. |
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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 FestivalRandall'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 TheaterDavid 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.
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|  | 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.
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.
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The Color Purple
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The Color Purple
Through October 2 Bernard B Jacobs Theatre (242 West 45th Street)
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 LegsThrough 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! |
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The Father
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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.
Fiddler on the Roof
Through December 31 Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway)
The acclaimed show returns to Broadway.
Through August 21
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. HamiltonThrough 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 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 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.
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Paramour
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ParamourThrough 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 RockThrough 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 |
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A Streetcar Named Desire
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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.
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.
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FOR THE FOODIE
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EVENTS
June 4 Taste of the Upper West Side - Best of the WestColumbus 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 Square46th Street from Broadway to 10th Avenue Over 50 restaurants share their finest tastes from around the globe.  |
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Taste of Summer
| June 6 Chefs' Tribute: ¡Qué rico! Celebrating Latino Cuisine & CultureRockefeller Center Chefs will create Latin-inspired dishes for more than 1,000 guests... in its 31st year. June 8 Taste of SummerBethesda 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.
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 SPECIAL FEATURE: NYC ISLAND HOPPING
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City Island
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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.
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.
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.
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Fire Island - Maguire's
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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.
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.
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