Illustration by Brian Taylor

It’s still the early part of the season, the good part, when summer hours kick into effect (for the luckiest among us), before the tourist invasion starts and the city starts to heat up and emit that special odor that’s uniquely New York in August.

There’s no better time to be in the city for those who love culture or the outdoors. Every street corner seems to sing with its own event or festivity, and even the most jaded New Yorker can find something to pique their interest.

Those fortunate enough to live here are in the epicenter of a marathon celebration that runs all the way through the dog days of August.
Inside, we’ve created a handy-dandy guide to the best live concerts, film festivals, theater openings, museum shows, outdoor events, summer reading series and more that will help you plot out the next few months of your life.

So heat up the grill and pour yourself a cold one. We hope you’ll find something that will brighten your summer within these pages.

-Allen Houston, Executive Editor of Manhattan Media

Music
Top 10 Concerts
Reading Summer Film
Film
Best June Events for Kids
Cultural Events & Festivals
Hamptons Events
Celebrity Summer Guide
Out of Town
Summer Reading Series
Theater
Eats & Drinks
Top Food of Summer
Museums
Outdoor
Bike Share
Top Bike Trails
TV Guide

Summer Guide was compiled by Allen Houston, Marissa Maier, Megan Bungeroth, Adam Rathe, Robby Ritaco, Laura Shin, Armond White, Regan Hofmann, Rachel Khona, Angela Barbuti, Sean Creamer, Anam Baig, Andrew Rice, Magdalena Burnham, Doug Strassler, Max Sarinsky, Whitney Casser, Robin Elisabeth Kilmer and Andrew Bartel, Ed Johnson

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1

Forbidden Passion—A highly theatrical adaptation of the classic weepie Brief Encounter (itself based on a Noel Coward short play), this production has prestige and theatrical magic written all over it. Studio 54, 254 W. 54th St., 212-719-1300; times vary, $37-$127.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2

The Heist Festival— Film Forum’s caper-centric series features an exciting selection of diffuse features, from Walter Matthau as a parachuting bank robber in Don Siegel’s Charley Varrick to The Wrong Trousers, Nick Park’s best Wallace & Gromit short film. Be sure to take advantage of Film Forum’s two-for-one double feature ticket special to catch such inspired pairings as Blue Collar, Paul Schrader’s directorial debut, and Robert Wise’s Odds Against Tomorrow, which stars Ed Begley, Gloria Grahame, Robert Ryan and Shelley Winters. Also don’t miss Un Flic, Jean-Pierre Melville’s masterfully tight-lipped final film and Richard Fleischer’s demented Armored Car Robbery. 209 W. Houston St., 212-727-8110, www.filmforum.org.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3

Batsheva Dance Company—The extraordinary, instinctive dancers of this Israeli company perform a mix of familiar and new material in this bare bones adaptation of Ohad Naharin’s Project 5, the newest being “B/olero,” a hypnotic duet. Alternating male and female casts perform during the run. The Joyce Theater, 175 8th Ave., 212-691-9740; 2 p.m., tickets start at $10.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 4

Six Degrees of Marvin Hamlisch—This won’t be a cheap concert, but it’s sure to be a fun night. Hamlisch’s quirky personality and his place as a social fixture and sometime companion of the beautiful at gilded events have obscured his actual accomplishments. Yes, he wrote the James Bond song “Nobody Does It Better.” He also composed the underrated score to A Chorus Line. Most of the surviving stars of that show join up with Robert Klein, Liz Callaway, Victor Garber and Lesley Gore in a benefit for the Actors Fund. Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, 212-864-5400; 7:30 p.m., $50-$250.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5

Derrick Guild: After Eden—After Eden is a collection of fastidiously imagined botanical fictions. These impossible plant forms, meticulously realized, owe themselves to the artist’s 22 months on Ascension Island. A British dependency in the mid-Atlantic with only three indigenous plants, the island’s lush rain forest has been an ongoing work of human ingenuity since the mid-18th century. What British botanists achieved in real life, Guild mimics on canvas. These are the botanical equivalent of capriccios, fantastical species of flowering plants instead of invented architectural ruins. Allan Stone Gallery, 113 E. 90th St., 212-987-4997; 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Free.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6

Drawings from Ribera to Goya—While we’ve seen plenty of Goya, this is the first museum exhibition to be held in New York City devoted to the broad tradition of Spanish draftsmanship, and includes works on loan from the Met, the Hispanic Society of America and extraordinary sheets from The Morgan Library & Museum, the Princeton University Art Museum, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and individual collectors. The Frick, 1 E. 70th St., 212-288-0700; 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; $18.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7

The Last Newspaper—Curious why every newspaper is going gaga over this exhibit? Well, it’s built into the title, so we all feel we must give it some ink. The artwork in this exhibit will be from William Pope.L, Wolfgang Tillmans and Aleksandra Mir. But most everyone seems excited about the working “newsroom” that produces a weekly printed paper. See? Now you can appreciate all of our hard work by seeing the process of creating it. The New Museum, 235 Bowery Street, 212-219-1222; 11 a.m.-9 p.m., $12.

The festival, in its fifth year, will feature art and music on each Sunday this September. Students from the Manhattan School of Music will perform opera arias for the first event.

Parmacotto, the parent company of restaurant Salumeria Rosi Parmacotto located across the street form Verdi Square, donated the floodlights that will brighten the statue. Go to www.verdisquarefestival.com for more information on future events this September.

Compiled by Alice Robb and Reid Spagna

Thursday, August 5

Celebrating Color—Lincoln Center hosts Art + Revolution: Celebrating Black August! as part of its Free Thursdays schedule sponsored by Target. The event combines music, movies and discussion to commemorate the month of African-American culture. David Rubenstein Atrium, Lincoln Center, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, 212-875-5456; 8:30 p.m., Free.

Living in Space?—Bestselling author Mary Roach delves into the subject with her latest, Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void. The book takes a witty look at what would happen if your average person lived in space. Documentation of tests detail how humans would react if their most basic needs (normal food, bathing and a solid ground to walk on, etc.) were taken from them in space. Barnes & Noble, 2289 Broadway, 212-362-8835; 7 p.m., Free.

Friday, August 6

Mixed Mediums—The Denise Bibro Fine Art gallery is presenting Summer Selections 2010. The exhibit features the work of 19 artists, ranging in mediums from encaustic paints to 3-dimensional assemblage. Denise Bibro Fine Art, 529 W. 20th St., Ste. 4W, 212-647-7030; 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Free.

Saturday, August 7

Argentine Tango Party—Singles and couples of all ages and levels are welcome. A group lesson is held during the first hour; light refreshments are served. Jackets are required for men. Buttenweiser Hall, 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., 212-415-5500; 8 p.m.-2 a.m., $15.

Sunday, August 8

Clarinetist in the Garden—Bang on a Can and The Noguchi Museum are teaming up to present Music in the Garden, a concert series in the Museum’s sculpture garden. The series wraps up with contemporary composer and clarinetist Evan Ziporyn, who plays his own pieces and those of other musicians. The Noguchi Museum, 901 33rd Road, Queens, 718-204-7088; 3 p.m., $5-$10.

Sacred Music—The Summer Festival of Sacred Music at St. Bartholomew’s continues with a service featuring music for women’s voices. St. Bartholomew’s Church, corner of Park Avenue and East 51st Street, 212-378-0222; 11 a.m., Free.

Monday, August 9

Portraits—A painter whose pieces describe the American experience, Asha Canalos is displaying portraits at Saint Peter’s Church. Portraits aims to document “the idiosyncratic people” Canalos has met throughout her life. Saint Peter’s Church, 619 Lexington Ave, 212-935-2200; 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Free.

Superman Returns to Metropolis—Bam! Pop! Wow! Free superhero movies at the East River (complementary popcorn included) as part of the RCN Superhero series. For this week’s installment, Christopher Reeve returns to the silver screen in the original Superman film. Waterside Plaza (at East 25th Street and the FDR Drive), 212-340-4208; at dusk (8:30 p.m.), Free.

Tuesday, August 10

Nanny Returns—Renowned authors Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus visit Barnes & Noble to introduce their newest work of fiction. Infused with the experiences of its authors (both were once New York City caregivers), Nanny Returns is the sequel to the #1 New York Times bestseller, The Nanny Diaries. Barnes & Noble, 150 E. 86th St., 212-369-2180; 7:00 p.m., Free.

Wednesday, August 11

Underground Music—The MTA Arts for Transit’s Music Under New York program continues its summer concert series, which brings members of New York’s diverse underground music scene to Broadway and West 66th Street. Music lovers are invited to bring lunch and friends to a performance featuring jazz musicians Jason Green and Donald Malloy from Cleveland and Maxidekalu from Guinea. West 66th Street and Broadway; 12 p.m.-2 p.m, Free.

Subway Posters—The Museum of Modern Art’s latest exhibit delves below the streets of London to find its inspiration. Underground Gallery: London Transport Posters, 1920’s-1940’s explores the bills that hit the subway tunnels after World War I, turning each platform into a subterranean art gallery. The Museum of Modern Art, 11 W. 53 St., 212-708-9400; 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., $12-$20.

Thursday, August 12

Short Shows—The country’s top playwrights show off their work at Summer Shorts, a theater festival that embraces the stage’s short form. The first series of shorts runs until the end of August. 59E59 Theaters, 59 E. 59th St., 212-279-4200; $18.

Sleeping Beauty Puppets—CityParks Kids continues its summer 2010 programming with a PuppetMobile performance of Sleeping Beauty. Beautiful Princess Aurora and friends come to life in this updated version of the fairytale classic reset in Central Park’s Belvedere Castle. West 116th Street and Riverside Drive, 212-360-8359; 11 a.m., Free.

Interactive Theater—Mister Jack is an interactive Don Juan comedy by playwright, novelist and editor Marvin Kaye, co-founder of the Open Book. Don Juan’s Final Night, a short one-act, is presented in the same evening. The Drilling Company Theatre, 236 W. 78th St., 212- 799-3753; 8:15 p.m., $10-$15.

Cross-Cultural Music—Genre-defying ensemble Lojva and the Kontraband performs chamber-jam music drawing on Old World sounds, tango, classical forms, Gypsy melodies and Russian street music. David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center, 61 W. 62nd St., 212-875-5350; 8:30 p.m., Free.

Compiled by Max A. Goldstein and Alice Robb

Friday, July 2

Museum Sale—The Metropolitan Museum of Art begins its summer sale, with up to 50 percent off selected merchandise, including the museum store’s elegant jewelry, illustrated books, home décor and more. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue, 212-570-3894; 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Free.

Caribbean Music—Rockstone Productions presents The Pan Man, a musical about Lypo Tom and his family on the island of Trinidad, and Lypo’s attempt to win his school’s talent show by playing “Pan Music.” The cast features David Duncan, Karen Holder and Ryan Joseph, directed by Michelle Mannette-Gomez. Baruch Performing Arts Center, 55 E. 25th St., 646-312-5073 or www.baruch.cuny.edu/bpac; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., $15 to $30.

Saturday, July 3

Parks and Recreation—The Arsenal Gallery presents Before They Were Parks, an exhibition exploring the surprising history of 36 of New York City’s parks. Photographs, artifacts and memorabilia document these parks’ transformation from burial grounds, estates and jails to the green spaces we cherish. The Arsenal Gallery in Central Park, 64th Street and Fifth Avenue inside Central Park, third floor, 212-360-1311; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Free.

Best Bookbinders—The Grolier Club decides that you can judge a book by its cover with an exhibition highlighting some works by the world’s best bookbinders. “Bound for Success” features 117 superb bindings from the 2009 international bookbinding competition, organized by the British group Designer Bookbinders. The exhibit runs through July 31.The Grolier Club, 47 E. 60th St., 212-838-6690; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Free.

Twain’s New York—To mark the anniversary of 100 years since his passing and to share stories about Mark Twain’s decades-long relationship with New York City, Upper West Sider Peter Salwen leads a walking tour of fascinating and little-known Twain-related landmarks and sites in lower Manhattan. Meet at the southwest corner of Broadway and Spring Street, 917-620-5371 or www.salwen.com/twain.pdf; 11 a.m., $20.

Glimpse the Galaxy—For nearly 20 years, the Hubble Space Telescope has dazzled the world with unprecedented views of the cosmos. The new IMAX film Hubble offers viewers a chance to witness historic spacewalks and stunning images of galaxies far, far away. Leonardo DiCaprio narrates. American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at West 79th Street, 212-769-5200; 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., $14 to $24.

Tuesday, July 6

Kids’ Broadway—The Tudor City Greens outdoor concert series continues with “A Child’s Garden of Verse: Songs By, About, For and With Children.” The concert is hosted by Broadway performer Raissa Katona Bennett (Phantom of the Opera, Chess) and features a host of award-winning Broadway and cabaret performers. South Park of Tudor City Greens Park, enter at Tudor City Place between East 41st and 42nd streets, between First and Second avenues, 718-791-5739; 12 p.m., Free.

Love at Feinstein’s—Renowned vocalist Eric Michael Gillett performs classic songs from the Great American Songbook in a tribute to one of America’s most beloved composers, Harold Arlen. The show, dubbed Hooray for Love—Gillet Sings Arlen, features Arlen songs such as “Blues in the Night,” “Got to Have Me Go with You” and “This Time the Dream’s on Me.” Loews Regency, 540 Park Ave., 212-339-4095 or feinsteinsatloewsregency.com; 8:30 p.m., $25 to $40 with a $25 food and drink minimum.

Classical Central Park—The Jupiter Symphony Chamber Players performs in Central Park as part of the Naumburg Orchestral Concert Series, the oldest free outdoor concert series in the United States. The band performs Friedrich Dotzauer’s “Cello Quintet in D minor, Op. 134,” Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Piano Concerto in D minor” and Felix Mendelssohn’s “Octet in E-flat major, Op. 20.” Central Park, Naumburg Bandshell, 72nd Street Cross-Drive, 212-501-7809 or www.naumburgconcerts.org; 7:30 p.m., Free.

Wednesday, July 7

Stand-up Comedy—Legendary comedienne Joan Rivers presents an evening of her newest and most outrageous riffs on Hollywood, pop culture, celebrities and awards show fashions. The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W. 42nd St., 212-352-3101; 9 p.m., $30 plus $15 food or drink minimum.

Prohibited—The Museum of the City of New York transforms its terrace into a sizzling speakeasy. Enjoy live music by The Moonlighters while sipping cocktails that were popular during the Prohibition era. At that time, juice, sugar, water or bitters were typically added to the bootleg or smuggled alcohol to mask the bad taste and poor quality. Former borough historian Cal Jones provides free tours of the exhibit America’s Mayor: John V. Lindsay and the Reinvention of New York. Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave., 212-534-1672; 6 p.m., $15.

Samurai Play—Japanese Director Yukio Ninagawa returns to Lincoln Center with a production of Musashi, a play about a rivalry between fictional Japanese fighters Musashi and Kojiro. Musashi is part of the Lincoln Center Festival 2010, a collection of plays, musicals, dances and more that continues until July 25. David H. Koch Theater, 20 Lincoln Center Plaza, 212-870-5570; 7:30 p.m., $35 to $100.

Movies and More—The annual “Summer on the Hudson” festival kicks off with a series of movies under the stars. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket and lose yourself in Neverending Story as the sun sets over the Hudson River. Other upcoming events include kayaking, yoga, peewee soccer and basketball. Movie screens at Pier I in Riverside Park South, West 70th Street at the Hudson River, 212-408-0219, www.riversideparkfund.org; 8:30 p.m., Free.

Wonderful Hector Coris—Acclaimed cabaret vocalist Hector Coris presents one of the final New York City performances of his solo show Life is Wonderful, which earned him the 2010 MAC Award for Outstanding Male Vocalist. Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St., 212-757-0788 or www.donttellmamanyc.com; 7 p.m., $14 with a two-drink minimum.

Thursday, July 8  

Young Tappers—Tap City Intensive, where tap students from across the country take classes taught by a star-studded faculty, presents Tap Future, by students attending the Tap City Intensive. Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, 212-864-5400; 7 p.m., $12 to $22.

Shakespeare’s Parking Lot—The Drilling Company presents Shakespeare’s Love’s Labours Lost as part of its Shakespeare in the Park(ing) Lot series. Love’s Labours Lost will be preformed every Thursday through Saturday until July 28, and is directed by Kathy Curtis. Municipal Parking Lot, corner of Ludlow and Broome Streets, 212-873-9050 or www.drillingcompany.org; 8 p.m., Free.

Hip Hop—CityParks Kids continues its summer 2010 programming with a hip-hop performance by Secret Agent 23 Skidoo. Morningside Park, 123rd Street and Morningside Avenue, 212-360-8359; 10:30 a.m., Free.

Balkan Band—The Jewish Museum’s Summer Nights series continues with Ansambl Mastika, one of New York’s best Balkan bands. The band draws its music from Europe, the Mediterranean basin and the Middle East. The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., 212-423-3337; 7:30 p.m., $12 to $15.

Compiled by Alexandra Waldhorn

Friday, June 18 

Motion Art—Susan Mastrangelo’s show, Slice of Life, presented by the Midtown Arts Common, captures the figural gestures of humans experiencing both the banality and the excitement of daily life. Exhibitors call it a “proscenium of the street, arrested in motion.” Narthex Gallery at Saint Peter’s Church, 619 Lexington Ave., 212-935-2200; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Free.

Jazz Festival—George Wein’s CareFusion Jazz Festival kicks off with an all-star lineup from the Jazz Gallery, including Roy Hargove, Claudia Acuna, Ambrose Akinmusire, Lage Lund, Gerald Clayton, Kendrick Scott, Ben Williams, Pedro Martinez and Miguel Zenon. Through June 25. Symphony Space, Peter Jay Sharp Theatre, 2537 Broadway, 212-864-5400; 8 p.m., $15.

Ukrainian Icons—The Museum of Biblical Art examines the culture and history of Ukraine with 70 icons, crosses, textiles, chalices and other rare liturgical objects from Kyiv’s famed Monastery of the Caves, many never shown before in the U.S. This historic Orthodox Christian monastery was founded in 1051 and is the oldest Orthodox monastery in Eastern Europe. Museum of Biblical Art, 1865 Broadway, 212-408-1500; noon to 6 p.m., $7.

Saturday, June 19 

Ships Ahoy—Take a trip on a retired fireboat and 103-year-old tug on the Hudson River, and a dockside tour of a former Coast Guard steamship. Noted maritime historian Norman Brouwer talks about historic ships throughout the afternoon on the former U.S. Coast Guard Lighthouse Tender, Lilac. North side of Pier 40 at Houston Street and the Hudson River, reservations recommended, www.nrhss.org; 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Free.

Swing Time—Hone your Charleston skills for the season finale of the New York Swing Dance Society, which starts again this fall. The Solomon Douglas Swingtet provides the music. St. Jean the Baptiste Church Hall, 184 E. 76th St., 212-NY-NYSDS; 7 p.m. to midnight, $11 to $15.

Upscale Flea—Visit The MARTE, the weekly Manhattan Artisan Retail and Trade Emporium. The upscale market is a collaboration between the host school’s Parents Association and this paper’s publisher, Manhattan Media. Proceeds go to P.S. 63. Kids receive free Hawaiian shaved ice all day and lucky shoppers receive free Broadway tickets throughout the day. P.S. 63, Fourth Street between First Avenue and Avenue A, 212-268-0501; noon to 6 p.m., Free.

Good Cause—Support the Youth Empowerment Scholarship, which helps teenagers and foster kids enrolled in college, by taking in a performance of Dream Babies, a musical about youth living in foster care, presented by the Riant Theater. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School, 120 W. 46th St., 646-623-3488; 8 p.m., $25 to $250.  

Sunday, June 20

Opera Benefit—The mid-19th-century melodrama, Linda di Chamounix, by Gaetano Donizetti, plays tonight. All proceeds benefit the Trinity Place Shelter for homeless LGBT youth. Trinity Lutheran Church of Manhattan, 164 W. 100th St., 212-877-0509; 7 p.m., $10 suggested donation.

Monday, June 21

Optical Illusion—A reception celebrates Diane Englander’s Paintings and Drawings, which goes on view today. A former consultant to non-profits before she began to paint full-time in late 2007, Englander is known for making her canvases appear larger than they are with minimal use of lines and rich, often glowing surfaces. Saint Peter’s Church, downstairs Living Room Gallery, 619 Lexington Ave., 917-922-0666; 6 p.m., Free.

Celebrate Pride—The annual LGBT celebration, Spirit of Pride, focuses on a number of plays and musicals that examine global issues in the LGBT community, such as family and adoption, religion and relationships, and the military. Among the performers are Bobby Steggert, Brian Childers, Jeremy Lawrence, Mildred Dred Gerestant and Donnetta Lavinia Grays. Cathedral of St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Avenue, 212-316-7337; 7:30 p.m., Free.

Greek Visionary—Described as one of the largest musical events in the city’s history, the fourth “Make Music New York” celebrates the music of visionary Greek composer Iannis Xenakis, with performances throughout Central Park. Events include Persephassa in rowboats, an Oresteia puppet show and the Yale Percussion Group. Follow interactive electronic performances in the Meatpacking district, more than 100 punk bands on Governors Island and hundreds of homegrown ensembles playing all over town. Throughout the city, www.makemusicny.org; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Free.

Street Sounds—Give your musical talent a test and sit down at one of 60 pianos installed on the city’s streets, part of Sing For Hope, a public service organization for artists. The project is part of “Play Me, I’m Yours,” a worldwide public art project by British artist Luke Jerram. An opening festival offers free concerts in public spaces throughout the city. Find a piano at Lincoln Center, Central Park (Merchants’ Gate, Bandshell, Dana Discovery Center) and Riverside Park, among 30 other Manhattan locations. www.nycstreetpianos.com; through July 5, Free.

Tuesday, June 22

Frick History—See how the former home of Adelaide and Henry Clay Frick was transformed into a museum. A collection of architectural drawings, photographs and other materials are gathered in the educational display, “From Mansion to Museum: The Frick Collection Celebrates Seventy-Five Years.” The Frick Collection, 1 E. 70th St., 212-628-4417; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.,
$5 to $18.

Climate Talk—A discussion focuses on how climate change, energy and national security are connected, and why their effects threaten the stability of different world regions. John Mroz, president and CEO of the Eastwest Institute, moderates the panel, featuring leading experts like rear admiral Neil Morisetti, climate and energy security envoy of the U.K. Ministry of Defense and Foreign Commonwealth office. The American Museum of Natural History, Kaufmann Theater, first floor, West 79th Street and Central Park West, 212-769-5200; 5:30 p.m. for wine, coffee and snacks for purchase, with the discussion starting at 6:30 p.m., Free.  

Artists’ Health—Oil painter and illustrator Roberto Parada shares his insight on how he made his studio a safer place after being diagnosed with bone marrow failure. He discusses what art supplies to get rid of and why, and how to keep oil painting in his life safe. Society of Illustrators, 128 E. 63rd St., 212-838-2560; 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., $7 to $15.

Summer Series—The Naumburg concert series kicks off in Central Park tonight with The Knights. The ensemble, led by conductor Eric Jacobsen, performs works by Mendelssohn, Schubert and Dvorak, featuring cellist Jan Vogler, and a rarely performed work by Morton Feldman. The first 100 attendees receive DVDs. Concert ground in Central Park, south of the 72nd Street cross-drive, 212-501-7809; 7:30 p.m., Free.

Wednesday, June 23

Wilcock on Warhol—Join Village Voice founder John Wilcock in a discussion of the new edition of his book, The Autobiography and Sex Life of Andy Warhol. First published in 1971, the book was the first oral biography of the artist during the early years of his fame. The New York Public Library, south court auditorium, 476 Fifth Ave., 917-275-6975; 6 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.), Free.

Colson Conversation—Join New York-based novelist Colson Whitehead, author of Sag Harbor, in conversation with Samantha Hunt, author of The Invention of Everything Else, at the Bryant Park Reading Room in a shady corner of the park. Bryant Park Reading Room, 42nd Street side of the park between the back of the Public Library and Sixth Avenue, 212-768-4242; 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m., Free.

Food on Film—The New York City Food Film Festival, hosted by and benefiting the Food Bank for New York City, kicks off with “The Great New York City Shuck ’N’ Suck,” an all-you-can-eat oyster feast, four short oyster films and a shucking contest. Films continue across the city until June 27. Water Taxi Beach, South Street Seaport, 89 South St., www.nycfoodfilmfestival.com; 7 p.m., $95.

MGM Classics—Join the popular Upper West Side institution Sing! Sing! Sing! and belt out some of the best tunes from MGM’s famed musicals. Anne Phillips and Michael Shepley play piano and the audience takes over with songs, including “The Trolley Song,” “Singin’ in the Rain” and “Taking a Chance on Love.” The Triad, 158 W. 72nd St., 212-786-9064; 7 p.m., $10 plus two-drink minimum.

Thursday, June 24

Cotton and Friends—The James Cotton Blues Band and an all-star line-up of contemporary blues giants, including Taj Mahal, Hubert Sumlin, Pinetop Perkins, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Shemekia Copeland, Darrell Nulisch and David Maxwell, play for a special one-night show. Cotton, the greatest living blues harmonica master, shows what the blues are really about. Rose Theater, Broadway at West 60th Street, 212-721-6500; 8 p.m., $35 to $85.

Play the Park—Central Park becomes a virtual board game for Arbor Day weekend. The “World Park” is an interactive walking tour and trivia contest temporarily installed in the park, and anyone with a web-enabled smart phone can participate. Upon arrival, everyone is given a map of the park with destinations to find, where they can scan “Parkcodes,” small digital trees, for interesting facts, questions and historical tidbits about the park. People can compete against their friends for correct answers with the built-in scorecards. Download the scan reader ahead of time and bring headphones. Also on Saturday. Central Park entrance, 59th Street and Fifth Avenue, 917-520-2892; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Free.

Vietnam Views—Lincoln Center presents a free screening of the Academy Award-nominated documentary The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers. The film traces Ellsberg’s decision to leak 7,000 pages of top-secret government documents on the Vietnam War to the New York Times, risking his life and career to stop a war he helped plan. His son, Robert Ellsberg, who was involved with his father’s work and subsequent indictment, speaks at the event. Bruno Walter Auditorium, 40 Lincoln Center Plaza, 212-343-9668; 2:30 p.m., Free.

Sing Along—The event “SING! SING! SING!” presents a sing-a-long tribute to lyricist Oscar Hammerstein, “It Might as Well Be Spring.” Co-hosts Anne Phillips, a long-time Upper West Sider, and Michael Shepley provide piano and anecdotal accompaniment and lyric sheets for everyone. Special guest Amy Asch, editor of The Complete Lyrics of Oscar Hammerstein II, joins in the merriment. Tunes from Hammerstein’s collaborations with composer Richard Rodgers (including Oklahoma! and The Sound of Music) round out the set list, as well as a selection of his other work. The Triad, 158 W. 72nd St., 212-786-9064; 7 p.m., $10 cover, plus two-drink minimum, cash only.

Saturday, May 1

Island Amble—Join the Shorewalkers for the annual “Great Saunter,” a 32-mile walk around the periphery of the island of Manhattan. Starting at the South Street Sea Port, walkers can take part in all or a portion of the stroll as it makes its way along the city’s outskirts and comes full circle by the evening. Highlights include lunch at Inwood Hill Park, parrots in Washington Heights, and views of New York’s parks and waterways. Meet at Fulton Street at South Street Seaport, 212-663-2167; 7:30 a.m., $20.

Elite Homes—The New York Junior League leads a tour of some of New York’s most stylish and extravagant homes as part of its 15th annual “Spring House Tour.” Beginning with breakfast and ending with lunch and cocktails, the self-guided tour takes visitors through elegantly furnished and designed homes and gives a glimpse into the artistic and architectural splendor in some of Manhattan’s most sought-after neighborhoods. All proceeds benefit the league’s community impact programs. New York Junior League, 130 E. 80th St., 212-288-6220; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., $85 in advance, $95 at event.

Walking Tour—Writer and tour guide Maria Dering leads the Fitz-Green Halleck & Friends walking tour through the southern part of Central Park. Find out who exactly Fitz-Green is, visit the ghostly band shell, an almost-cemetery, some grand old trees, a refreshing fountain and a wonder dog. Suitable for families. Meet at the southeast corner of West 72nd Street and Central Park West, 646-573-9509; 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., $10.

Kids’ Fair—The Columbia Greenhouse Nursery School presents its spring fair, with rides for kids, a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, food vendors, a rummage sale, games and crafts. Rain date May 2. 116th Street between Amsterdam Avenue and Morningside Drive, 212-666-4769; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Free.

Francophiles—The Park Avenue Chamber Symphony, a highly regarded non-professional ensemble, presents a concert of French and French-inspired music, “Rhapsodie.” The program features internationally acclaimed clarinetist Jon Manasse and includes works by Bizet, Debussy and Gershwin. Also May 2 at 3 p.m. All Saints Church, 230 E. 60th St., 917-749-3654; 8 p.m., $20.

Moroccan Shakespeare—Theater Ten Ten presents its new rendition of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, re-
imagined with an Elizabethan/Moroccan flair. Ten Ten is known for its reputation as the city’s longest continuously operating Equity off-off-Broadway theater. Through May 23. 1010 Park Ave., 212-352-3101; 7 p.m., $25.

Sunday, May 2

River Festival—The Parks Department kicks off the 10th annual “Summer on the Hudson Festival” at Riverside Park South with the New York City Irish Dance Festival. The day features live Celtic music and dance, Irish language classes, a singer’s circle and crafts for children. The festival continues throughout summer Wednesdays and Sundays with kids’ movie nights, Mamapalooza, yoga and pilates demonstrations and all kinds of music. Riverside Park South, Pier I at West 70th Street, 212-408-0219; 1 to 8 p.m., Free.

Charcoal Animation—The Jewish Museum presents South African Projections: Films by William Kentridge, through Sept. 19. Through a process he calls “Stone Age,” acclaimed artist Kentridge renders charcoal drawings, which he revises, erases, redraws and photographs to create short animated films. The Jewish protagonists he illustrates embody the social, political and moral legacy of apartheid as they navigate the uncomfortable ironies of a white Jewish minority holding a privileged position in a racist society. The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., 212-423-3200; 11 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., $12.

Monday, May 3

Broadway on the East Side—Feinstein’s at Loews Regency presents a special night with Broadway star Terri White in her new show, “Life is Good!” White most recently appeared in the revival of Finian’s Rainbow, and is set to play Mama Morton in the Broadway production of Chicago. The new show, which runs at the Regency Hotel, includes Bobby Peaco on piano and Jay Leonhart on bass, and features songs about love, renewed hope, cherished memories and old friendships. 540 Park Ave., 212-339-4095; 8:30 p.m., $40 tickets, $25 food and drink minimum.

Tuesday, May 4

Health Workshop—New York-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical College offer free health and wellness seminars. Experts explain how to “Manage Your Pain: Taking the Ache Out of Aging,” followed by a moderated Q&A. Uris Auditorium, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Ave., 212-821-0888; 6:30 p.m., Free.

Wednesday, May 5

Lunch and Legacy—The Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute at Hunter College hosts a benefit luncheon at the newly restored Roosevelt House, the former home of Franklin and Eleanor. Dr. Blanche Wiesen Cook, a professor of history and women’s studies, leads the discussion “Eleanor Roosevelt’s Legacy: Affordable Housing, Public Education, Healthcare for All.” 47-49 E. 65th St., 212-772-4087; noon, $125.

Turn Off the Tube—The Kill Your TV Reading Group discusses the tragic Victorian novel The Mayor of Casterbridge, by Thomas Hardy. The group encourages intellectual debate and stimulating discussion of top-notch literature. Logos Bookstore, 1575 York Ave., 212-517-7292; 7 p.m., Free.

Breakthrough Musicians—The Alissa Grimaldi Performance Series mounts its final recital of the season, showcasing mostly opera arias with the occasional musical theater number and a piano accompanist. Alissa Grimaldi is the cofounder of the Singers Studio for Opera, and her series offers performers an opportunity to build experience while providing the audience with access to fresh talent. Christ and St. Stephen’s Church, 122 W. 69th St., 212-679-3461; 8 p.m., $10.

Thursday, May 6

Pathways Art Show—The Midtown Arts Common and Saint Peter’s Church host an opening reception to showcase works by members of the Art and Writing Workshop, a program run by the organization Pathways to Housing. Led by artist, writer and filmmaker Rachael Romero, the workshop, in conjunction with Housing First, allows formerly homeless people to participate in and engage with the artistic community. The Doc Wallace Trio performs. Saint Peter’s Church, 619 Lexington Ave., 212-935-2200; 6 p.m., Free.

Seismic—The recent volcanic eruption in Iceland has many asking how can we predict when volcanoes will become active? Dr. Stephen Malone, of the department of earth and space science at the University of Washington, explains how scientists use the latest technology to predict volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. American Museum of Natural History, Linder Theater, Central Park West at West 79th Street, 212-769-5200; 6:30 p.m., $10.

Benefit Run for Kids—Change for Kids hosts a 5K family fun race to raise money for the fitness and nutrition programs at its partner elementary schools. Competitive and casual runners of all ages are welcome. Riverside Park, 103rd Street Promenade, 212-213-8061; 6:30 p.m. $25 kids, $30 adults.

Monster Literature—John Matteson, author of a Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of Louisa May Alcott, joins two writers publishing their own supernatural mash-up versions of Alcott’s seminal novel Little Women in “Monster Throwdown: Vampires, Werewolves & Louisa May Alcott.” Lynn Messina (Little Vampire Women) and Porter Grand (Little Women and Werewolves) discuss how they altered Alcott’s classic and whether the Victorian author would approve. A book signing follows. Symphony Space, Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theater, 2537 Broadway, 212-864-5400; 7 p.m., $10.

Global Photography—The Arsenal Gallery inside Central Park presents an exhibit of new photography by Leah Oates, Transitory Space, running through June 18. Oates has traveled around the world to photograph abandoned spaces that have been well worn by human existence. Her work highlights the disquieting beauty she has found in Beijing, Newfoundland and New York’s Van Cortlandt and Pelham Bay parks. Arsenal Gallery, 830 Fifth Ave., 212-360-8163; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Free.

Starry Nights jazz concerts drew nearly 1,000 visitors to the Rose Center for Earth and Space.

“I remember Ravi Coltrane playing, John Coltrane’s son. At one point he looked out and saw about 60 kids jumping up and down to the music-and not kids music, but real jazz,” recalled Walker, who became host when the station began broadcasting select performances five years ago. “That’s got to be thrilling for any musician, being able to have that dialogue with the next generation.”
Admission to the concerts was free with a suggested donation, and the early set time of 5:30 p.m. allowed parents to bring their pint-sized offspring.
Brian Rutenberg, a painter and former drummer, said he was delighted to be able to expose his children to great live music in a spectacular setting.
“It was such an impressive set-up under that big sphere, everything bathed in blue light. What a nice, glamorous detour in the Friday night bath time/bed time routine,” he said, adding that he found the staff patient and accommodating-even when his 2-year-old crawled under the piano.
Many of the artists who performed here over the years welcomed the rare opportunity to play for families.
“That’s what jazz is supposed to be, music for the people,” said Houston Person, the legendary sax player and a Starry Nights regular. “Looks like only the rich can afford it these days.”
Lynn Hassett, the museum’s marketing director, would not discuss the program’s price tag or the extent of the budget, saying that the museum was “loath to talk money.” “Starry Nights is a very expensive proposition to put on, and it was a tough budget decision each year,” Hassett added.
Andy Rowan, producer of Starry Nights, conceded that the series was never profitable. “But you have to balance that against all the goodwill, against the people who walked in and joined the museum, people who would never have thought of it before,” he said.
According to WBGO’s Walker, the current financial climate left the museum struggling.
“In terms of what they told us, they’re too busy looking for $3 million to support their ongoing science programs, they don’t have time to look for a few thousand dollars for a night of free live jazz,” he said.
Still, Walker said he felt hopeful that somewhere out there some organization or individual would get involved.
“This is an incredible opportunity to come in as a sponsor,” he said. “Anytime you can put art in front of people-especially children-you’re doing yourself a favor and you’re doing the world a favor. And God knows we need more of that, not less.”