WEDNESDAY 5/21 WEDNESDAY 5/21 Around Town "Ailey ...
Around Town
"Ailey At The Apollo!" Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation gala benefit feat. performances by Alvin Ailey Dance Theater dancers & students, reception & celebrity appearances incl. Missy Elliot & Jasmine Guy; Apollo Theater, 253 W. 125th St. (betw. Frederick Douglass & Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvds.), 212-767-0590 x223; 7, $150-$450.
"Artists Slide Night" Share slides of your best works at informal gathering or just check out others' work; 6th & Ave. B Garden, 6th St. (Ave. B), sign-up 917-539-4772; 8:30, free.
"Dine Around Downtown" Downtown Alliance pres. sixth-annual celebration of food & drink feat. live entertainment & $3-$5 dishes from over 40 popular downtown restaurants Moran's, Pico & Ciao Bella Gelato; Chase Manhattan Plaza, Nassau & William Sts. (betw. Liberty & Pine Sts.), 212-566-6700, www.downtownny.com; 11-3, free [raindate Thurs.].
Girl Scout Council of Greater New York's 28th-Annual Tribute Dinner Inside Edition's Deborah Norville emcees night feat. reception, silent auction, dinner, keynote speaker Andrea Jung & local Girl Scouts; Marriott Marquis, 1535 B'way (betw. 45th & 46th Sts.), 212-645-4000 x247; 6-10, $500.
Open House Meet teachers & students, visit welding & stone carving classes, see current art exhibit & watch ceramic throwing & glazing videos while enjoying refreshments; Educational Alliance, 197 E. B'way (Jefferson & Clinton Sts.), 212-780-2300 x428; 6 p.m., free.
"Spring Fever Festival" Opening night of breedingground's eclectic festival feat. different art, theater, dance, film & music performances nightly. Tonight, free drinks, food, music & Bjork-inspired dance piece "All is Full of Love" from Broadway choreographer Josh Walden; the Brooklyn Lyceum, 227 4th Ave. (betw. Union & President Sts.), 347-683-7698, www.breedingground.com; 6-12, free.
"Thinking and Drinking" Dust off your noggin & head downtown to compete in five fast rounds of random trivia for prizes of $10-$25 bar tabs; Dempsey's Pub, 61 2nd Ave. (betw. 3rd & 4th Sts.), 212-388-0662; 7:30, free.
Film/Video
"Asian Films Are Go!!!" Screening of 19 contemporary movies from Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Taiwan & India incl. director Masuri Fumihiko's 2002 live-action dramedy Ping Pong, Ryuhei Kitamura's 2000 horror about demoic demensions Versus & Ram Gopal Varma's 2002 crime thriller Company, all w/English subtitles; Anthology Film Archives, 32 2nd Ave. (2nd St.), 212-505-5181, www.subwaycinema.com; website for full sched., $8 [repeats Thurs.-Mon.].
"From Distant Shores: 15 Years of the Hubert Bals Fund" Screenings showcase filmmakers from developing nations. Today, from Mexico/Spain, Carlos Reygadas' 2002 suicide drama JapÛn, Spanish w/English subtitles (3), from Palestine/Israel, Elia Suleiman's 1996 drama Chronicle of a Disappearance, Arabic/French/Hebrew w/English subtitles (6) & from Peru, director Francisco Lombardi's 1990 class drama Fallen From Heaven, Spanish w/English subtitles (8 p.m., repeats Fri. at 3); MOMA's Gramercy Theater, 127 E. 23rd St. (betw. Lexington & Park Aves.), 212-777-4900, www.moma.org; see website for full sched., $12, $8.50 st./s.c. [through 5/25].
"Hollywood Comedy Classics" Senior citizens series screens director Preston Sturges' 1941comedy adventure Sullivan's Travels, about a director (Joel McCrea) who teams up with a gal (Veronica Lake) & researches hobo life; American Museum of the Moving Image, 35 Ave. (36 St.), Astoria, 718-784-4520; 10:30 & 1, free.
A Woman is a Woman New 35mm print of Jean-Luc Godard's 1961 homage to American musicals screens daily, starring Anna Karina, Jean-Paul Belmondo & Jean Claude Brialy; Film Forum, 209 W. Houston St. (betw. Varick St. & 6th Ave.), 212-727-8110; 1, 2:45, 4:30, 6:15, 8 & 9:45, $9.75, $5 child. under 12 [repeats Thurs.-Tues., through 5/29].
Lectures
"Arts & Letters Series" Author John Griesemer discusses new historic novel Signal & Noise, which "provides a look inside the world of laying the transatlantic cable"; South Street Seaport, Melville Gallery, 213 Water St. (betw. Fulton & Beekman Sts.), 212-748-8649; 3-5, $3 don.
"The Newark Teachers Strike of 1970 and 1971" The eleven week strike lead to the imprisonment of nearly 200 teachers. Author Steve Golin (The Newark Teachers Strikes: Hopes on the Line) & panelists examine how ethnicity & gender influenced "reactions of the union and its supporters'; Brecht Forum, 122 W. 27th St., 10th fl. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-242-4201; 7:30, $10.
Readings
The Book of Salt Monique Troung concocts life of Gertrude Stein & Alice B. Toklas' gay, Vietnamese cook; Chelsea Barnes & Noble, 675 6th Ave. (21st St.), 212-727-1227; 7, free.
An Evening With Ontario Review Press Poet Jan Harris & novelist Edward Hower represent Princeton, NJ press co-founded by u-know-who; Three Lives & Co., 154 W. 10th St. (Waverly Pl.), 212-741-2069; 7.
Fantastic Fiction This week, Scott Westerfield (The Risen Empire) & John Kessel (Stories for Men); KGB, 85 E. 4th St. (betw. 2nd Ave. & Bowery), 212-505-3360; 7, free.
Signal & Noise From Amazon.com: "The laying of the transatlantic telegraph cable in the 1860s can be a riveting subject for a novel..."; South Street Seaport, Melville Gallery, 213 Water St. (betw. Fulton & Beekman Sts.), 212-748-8649; 7.
Thrillers with Conscience Nicholas Ware (Surfing the CIA) & Joshua Ortega (Frequencies); Housing Works Used Book Cafe, 126 Crosby St. (betw. Houston & Prince Sts.), 212-334-3324; 7, free.
Workshops
"Chakras and Healing" Class focuses on seven chakras & ways to master your bodies energy system; New York Open Center, 83 Spring St. (betw. B'way & Lafayette St.), 212-219-2527; 7:45, free.
THURSDAY 5/22
Around Town
"ArtSlam Pt. 3" Asian artists network Godzookie pres. slam series feat. 35mm slide, VHS video & audio works from Asian & Asian American visual artists; The Asian American Arts Centre, 26 Bowery St., 3rd fl. (betw. Bayard & Canal Sts.), 212-233-2154; 7 p.m., free.
NEMO Charity event feat. David Dalrymple for House of Field fashion show, cocktails & food by Nobu, performance from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs & raffle?proceeds benefit the Lymphoma Research Fund; Roxy, 515 W. 18th St. (10th Ave.), 212-349-2910 x209; 7:30, $135, $100 adv.
"Spring Fever Festival" continues w/events & performances daily incl. Blum Dance Theatre's Egg, My Mother's Eyeball & Whimsical Bloodhound (9, repeats Fri.) & high life & The Lives of Inanimate Objects screenings (Fri. at 10); the Brooklyn Lyceum, 227 4th Ave. (betw. Union & President Sts.), 347-683-7698, www.breedingground.com; 6-12, free [repeats Fri. & Tues. 6-12 a.m., Sat. & Sun. 12-12, through 6/7].
You Back the Attack! We'll Bomb Who We Want Reception feat. artist/author Micah Ian Wright's slide show & exhibit addressing the war aborad?also signs copies of his new release; the Chisholm Gallery, 55 W. 17th St., 6th fl. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-243-8834; 6 p.m., free.
Film/Video
Comedian Screening of director Christian Charles' 2002 documentary that follows Jerry Seinfeld through the backstage world of stand-up?followed by q&a w/Charles & producer Gary Streiner; JCC, 334 Amsterdam Ave. (76th St.), 646-505-5708, www.jccfilm.org; 7:30, $10.
"DanceAfrica Films" Happy 200th birthday Haitian flag! Bamcinématek screens two docs. dealing w/Haiti's economic difficulties incl. Looking For Life, directed by Claudette Coulanges & Jean-Rene Rinvil's short Laviché, both Creole & French w/English subtitles?followed by q&a w/Rinvil; BAM Rose Cinema, 30 Lafayette Ave. (Ashland Pl.), Ft. Greene, 718-777-FILM, www.bam.org; 7:30, $10, $7 st., $6 s.c./child. under 12.
Christopher Felver Library highlights Felver's 20-year career w/screening of the director's 1996 doc. The Cony Island of Lawrence Ferlinghetti, preceded by short The History of the Airplane; Donnell Library Center, 20 W. 53rd St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-621-0609; 2:30, free.
Lectures
"Artists on Artists Lecture Series" Ongoing series feat. Tony Oursler discussing Robert Whitman's work; Dia Center for the Arts, 548 W. 22nd St. (betw. 10th & 11th Aves.), 212-989-5566; 6:30, $6, $3 st./s.c.
"Covering the Courts" Cynthia McFadden (ABC News), Henry Schleiff (Court TV) & judicial professionals explore legal & ethical questions. Topics incl. cameras in court & jury deliberation; Museum of Television & Radio, 25 W. 52nd St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-621-6600; 6-7:30, $15.
The Gotham Center: Capital City Historian Tom Kessner examines his new book Capital City: New York City and the Men Behind America's Rise to Economic Dominance; CUNY Grad Center, 365 5th Ave. (34th St.), 212-817-8215; 6:30-8:30, free.
"Literary Moonlighting" New York TimesTalk pres. Ralph Blumenthal speaking w/ journalists Phillip Tauban (Secret Empire), Verlyn Klinkerborg (The Rural Life) & Amanda Hesser (Cooking For Mr. Latte). Discussion feat. how they "juggle" day jobs & commit to literary ventures; Tishman Aud., New School, 66 W. 12th St. (6th Ave.), 1-888-NYT-1870; 6:30-8:30, $25.
"Understanding Our World: Arianna Huffington With Jeff Greenfield" Greenfield chats w/Huffington, a syndicated columnist & author of Pigs at the Trough: How Corporate Greed and Political Corruption Are Undermining America; 92nd St. Y, 1395 Lexington Ave. (92nd St.), 212-415-5500; 8, $22.
Readings
Liverpool Fantasy Larry Kirwan (Irish band Black 47) imagines a world where the Beatles broke up in 1962 (Lennon's on the dole & Paul has gone Vegas); Astor Place Barnes & Noble, 4 Astor Pl. (betw. B'way & Lafayette St.), 212-420-1322; 7:30, free.
Humanity Dick: The Eccentric Member for Galway The life of Richard Martin?"king of Connemara, legendary duelist and humanitarian landlord"; American Irish Historical Society, 991 5th Ave. (80th St.), 212-288-2263; 6:30.
Workshops
"Belly Dancnig" Tap into your seductive side. Five-week course introduces Middle Eastern & Turkish dance rhythmus, hip gyrations, finger symbols & veil work; New York Open Center, 83 Spring St. (betw. B'way & Lafayette St.), 212-219-2527; 6-7:15, $90 [through 6/26].
"Gotham Writers' Workshop" Ongoing class pres. William Norris (Snapshots) sharing fiction writing techniques; Barnes & Noble, 240 E. 86th St. (betw. 2nd & 3rd Aves.), 212-794-1962; 7-8, free.
"Magic of the Ordinary: Recovering the Shamanic in Judaism" Encounter life's mysteries! Rabbi Gershon Winkler reveals the "core intention and content of Jewish shamanic traditions"; New York Open Center, 83 Spring St. (betw. B'way & Lafayette St.), 212-219-2527; 8, $16.
FRIDAY 5/23
Around Town
"The Rock N Rollerskating Party" Dig out the tube socks & head far East of Williamsburg to roller derby around caged?mostly-girl?bands incl. the Assault, Monsterpuss & broadband; OfficeOps, 57 Thames St. (betw. Morgan & Knickerbocker Aves.), Williamsburg, 718-418-2509; 8, $5 incl. skate rental.
"Speak Out!!!" Join Seven Neighborhood Action Partnership (SNAP) at forum addressing the need to repeal the Rockefeller drug laws & voice your opinion; Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Goldwurum Aud., 1425 Madison Ave., 1st fl. (98th St.), 212-831-5237; 6:30, free.
Film/Video
The Apple "Sunshine@Midnight" series pres. Menaham Golan's 1980 plot-less musical set in futuristic 1994; Sunshine Cinema, 143 E. Houston St. (betw. 1st & 2nd Aves.), 800-555-TELL; 12 a.m., $10, $6.50 s.c. [repeats Sat.].
"DanceAfrica Films" BAMcinématek screens films celebrating African & African-American culture. Today, the U.S.-premiere of director Thomas Allen Harris' 2001 doc. That's My Face exploring the identity of a Bronx man (2 & 7, repeats Sat.-Tues. at 4:30 & 8)?late screening followed by q&a w/Thomas; BAM Rose Cinema, 30 Lafayette Ave. (Ashland Pl.), Ft. Greene, 718-777-FILM, www.bam.org; website for full sched., $10, $7 st., $6 s.c./child. under 12 [continues Sat.-Tues., through 5/29].
SATURDAY 5/24
Around Town
"Avenue of the Americas Festival" feat. arts & crafts, demos, food & merchandise?proceeds benefit the Chelsea Reform Democratic Club; 6th Ave.(betw. 14th & 23rd Sts.), 646-230-0489; 11-6, free.
"The Heineken Triple Team Challenge" Heineken pres. 3-on-3 basketball tournament feat. music & skills events incl. slam-dunk & three-point shooting contests?proceeds benefit the NY Chapter of the National Urban League; Chelsea Piers, Pier 63, 23rd St. (12th Ave.), 212-686-5300, www.heinekenusa.com; 9-5, free to watch.
Peripheral City: Rediscovering the Gowanus Canal All aboard 16-seat pontoon boat, manned by Cpt. Bill Sheehan, for floating tour of the Gowanus Canal feat. live performances along the way by artist collective Red Dive; meet at 400 Carroll St.(betw. Bond & Nevins Sts.), 212-615-6797; hourly 12-4, $20 [repeats Sun. & Mon.].
Rare Black Video & DVD Fair Over 800 new videos & DVDs incl. all-Black cast films from 1928-1950, classics, Josephine Baker & Paul Roberson films, 70s flicks, docs. & independent releases?proceeds benefit the National Museum of African American Cinema; New York State Black Films & Video Archives, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building, 163 W. 125th St., 2nd fl. (7th Ave.), 212-749-5298, www.aboutharlemarts.org/fair.asp; 10-8, free.
"Sunnyside Lions Festival" feat. merchandise & food from over 150 vendors, pony rides & children's rides?proceeds benefit Sunnyside Lions Club; Greenpoint Ave.(betw. 44th & 48th Sts.), Queens, 646-230-0489; 11-7, free.
Film/Video
"Czech Horror and Fantasy on Film" screens director Zbynek Brynych's 1964 drama The Fifth Horseman is Fear (2 p.m.) & Juraj Herz's 1968 dramedy The Cremator (4:30), each preceeded by Jan Svankmajer's animated shorts; American Museum of the Moving Image, 35 Ave. (36 St.), Astoria, 718-784-4520; free w/adm.
Readings
Afro-Caribbean Writers Poetry reading hosted by Martine Dominque; Cornelia St. Cafe, 29 Cornelia St. (6th Ave.), 212-989-9318;, $8 incl. free drink.
Workshops
"Thru the Eye of the Beholder" Cut! Director Betty Kaplan (Almost a Woman) answers "nuts and bolts" industry questions. Learn about script development, funding, casting, marketing & production; El Taller Boricua Gallery, Latino Cutural Center, 1680 Lexington Ave. (betw. 105th &106th Sts.), 212-561-0191; 3-5, $20.
"WingTSun Technique" Don't be a victim. Class teaches how to defend against street attackers & escape holds?plus learn the difference between self-defense & "sports orientated martial arts"; City WingTSun, 68 W. 39th St. (6th Ave.), 203-722-1926; 4-6, $25.
"Writing Spring" Zen practicioner Christian McEwan teaches writers & artists ways to "embrace the season"; Zen Center of New York, 500 State St. (Atlantic Ave.), Bklyn, 718-875-8229; 10-4, $60.
SUNDAY 5/25
Around Town
"The Barnes Foundation" Join art historian Toby Falk's day trip to visit the late Dr. Albert Barnes' extensive art collection in Merion, Pennsylvania feat. works by famed artists incl. Monet, Degas, Seurat, Picasso, Matisse & Cazanne; 92nd St. Y, 1395 Lexington Ave. (92nd St.), res. req. 212-415-5500; 9-7:30, $80.
"Manhattan Avenue Festival" arts & crafts, food & merchandise from over 300 vendors?proceeds benefit North Brooklyn Development Corp.; Manhattan Ave.(betw. Greenpoint & Bedford Aves.), Brooklyn, 646-230-0489; 11-7, free.
"Radical Chelsea-Ladies' Mile Walking Tour" Author/tour guide Bruce Kayton's three-hour Chelsea romp touches upon anarchist Carlo Tresca, Emma Goldman, Margaret Sanger & the birth control movement, communist party headquarters & 1913's Paterson pageant; meet at Chelsea hotel, 222 W. 23rd St. (betw. 7th & 8th Aves.), 718-492-0069; 1, $10.
SpringFest Annual celebration feat. music from the Lost Bayou Ramblers (3) & Lucy Kaplansky (4:30), discussion w/botanical artists (12), tour of the peonies & irises (1 & 3) & poetry reading w/Sam Hamill & Matsu Basho (2); Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave. (Carroll Pl.), Bklyn, 718-623-7200; 12, free w/adm.
Film/Video
"A Floating World" Screening of 16mm & video works "unhinged from the norms of standard-fare drama" incl. Kenneth Anger's Eaux d'artifice (1953), Bruce & Norman Yonemoto's Vault (1984) & Karen Yasinsky's still life w/cows (2000); Ocularis at Galapagos, 70 N. 6th St. (betw. Wythe & Kent Aves.), Williamsburg, 718-388-8713; 8:30, $6.
Workshops
"Nia Workshop" Explore and unleash your creative beast! Intense workout opens "physical, mental, emotional & spiritual body" through sequence of easy moves, influenced by martial & healing arts; Joyous Life Center, 119 W. 23rd St. #700 (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), res. req. 212-352-9910; 1-3, $20.
MONDAY 5/26
Around Town
"Broadway Astoria Celebrates Memorial Day" feat. over 350 vendors, outdoor cafe, community group tables, children's rides & pony rides?proceeds benefit Broadway Astoria Merchants and Professionals Assoc.; B'way(betw. Crescent & 42nd Sts.), Astoria, 646-230-0489; 11-7, free.
"Turtle Bay 2nd Avenue Festival" Arts & crafts, food & antiques from over 200 vendors & community groups w/proceeds benefiting the Turtle Bay Assoc.; 2nd Ave.(betw. 43rd & 55th Sts.), 646-230-0489; 11-6, free.
Readings
"Voices of Peace and Dissent From Ground Zero" The Worth Street Theater Co. pres. series feat. local actors sharing poetry, commentary, writings & reflections; Tribeca Playhouse, 111 Reade St. (betw. W. B'way & Church St.), 212-868-4444; 8, $20.
TUESDAY 5/27
Around Town
Tuesday Night Trivia It's probably not as much fun as watching Donny Osmond host Pyramid, but prizes do incl. $10-$25 bar tabs; Baggot Inn, 82 W. 3rd St. (betw. Sullivan & Thompson Sts.), 212-477-0622; 7:30, free.
Film/Video
"Joan of Arc" Retrospective screens Carl Theodor Dreyer's 1928 b&w silent drama The Passion of Joan of Arc (12:30 & 6:30, late screening feat. live music accompaniment) & Jean-Luc Godard's 1962 b&w prostitution dramaMy Life to Live (3:30 & 9); Florence Gould Hall French Institute, 55 E. 59th St. (betw. Madison & Park Aves.), 212-355-6160;, $8, $6 st.
"Koreans and Japanese in Film" Producer Lee Bong-U introduces U.S.-premiere of director Yoichi Sai's 1993 day-in-the-life drama All Under the Moon, about Korean taxi driver working in Japan?Japanese & Korean w/English subtitles; Japan Society, 333 E. 47th St. (betw. 1st & 2nd Aves.), 212-832-1155, tkts. 212-752-3015; 6:30, $9, $5 st./s.c.
"New Films From Nick Zedd" Screening of director Zedd's shorts Wheat Paste Terror, Lord of the Cock Ring, Tom Thumb, Police State & Thrust In Me, feat. appearance by Zedd at preshow pizza & beer reception; Pioneer Theater, 155 E. 3rd St. (Ave. A), 212-254-3300, www.twoboots.com; 7, 8 scrrening, $8.50.
Trembling Before G-d Director Sandi Simcha Dubowski's 2001 doc. reveals "the hidden lives of gay & lesbian Orthodox & Hasidic jews"?early screening followed by Jewish identity discussion w/Dubowski; Makor, 35 W. 67th St. (betw. Columbus Ave. & Central Park W.), 212-601-1000; 7:30 & 9:45, $10.
Lectures
"Arts & Letters Series" See the world's most breathtaking ports & waterways. Maritime painter John Stobart reviews his full-color illustration book The Age of the Steam and Sail?signing follows; South Street Seaport, Melville Gallery, 213 Water St. (betw. Fulton & Beekman Sts.), 212-748-8649; 7-9, free.
"Playwrights and Performers" Series pres. actress Si?n Phillips reviews & signs copies of Public Places: My Life in the Theater, With Peter O'Toole and Beyond?signing follows; Drama Book Shop, Inc., 250 W. 40th St. (betw. 7th & 8th Aves.), RSVP 212-944-0595; 7, free.
Readings
Hunting in Harlem From Publishers Weekly: "Three ex-cons join Horizon Realty's Second Chance Program...moving desirable African-American tenants (read: professionals) into the apartments of various impoverished lowlifes who have recently met with untimely fatal accidents"; Barnes & Noble, 396 6th Ave. (betw. Waverly Pl. & W. 8th St.), 212-674-8780; 7:30, free.
A Night to Celebrate the Memory & Poetry of Kenneth Rexroth... as well as the publication of his complete poems by Copper Canyon Press; Bowery Poetry Club, 308 Bowery (betw. 1st Ave. & Bleecker St.), 212-614-0505; 7.