Are You suprised ? WEDNESDAY 12/18 Around Town Coat ...
Around Town
Coat Drive Spread holiday cheer by donating a wearable adult or children's overcoat, jacket or parka to MTA LIRR & New York Cares 14th-annual clothing drive for the needy; Penn Station escalators, 34th St. entrance (betw. 7th & 8th Aves.), 212-598-5800, www.nycares.org; 7:30-9:30, free & so generous.
Fetes De Noel Bryant Park becomes a winter wonderland feat. arts & crafts from Ellis Island Immigration Museum, the American Museum of Natural History & over 80 local artists?plus holiday music, readings & family entertainment (Sat. & Sun.); Bryant Park, 6th Ave. (betw. 40th & 42nd Sts.), 212-472-1522; 11-7:30, free [repeats Thurs.-Sat., Mon. & Tues. 11-7:30, Sun. 12-6].
Fourth-Annual Holiday Light Show Haagen-Dazs transforms Grand Central into winter wonderland w/six video-projection, 3-D art displays feat. swirling snowflakes & dancing scarves by artists & designers incl. Leo Villareal, Mumbleboy & KDLAB; Grand Central Terminal, 42nd St. (Park Ave.); 11 a.m., free [through 12/31].
Garment Center Holiday Bargain Shopping Trip Michael Kaback, a 35-year garment center pro, pres. his sixth-annual showroom & warehouse tour feat. amazing selections at bargain prices, often below wholesale?bring cash; meet at Golda Meier Statue, 1411 B'way (39th St.), 212-370-4214; 11, $15 [repeats Fri. at 10, Sat. at 11, Mon. at 2:30].
Grand Central Holiday Train Show Explore a detailed miniature world feat. underground & elevated subways of yesteryear & today, an upstate suburban commuter village, bridges, hills & Greg Ruth's festive mural; Transit Museum Gallery, Grand Central Terminal, 42nd St. (Park Ave.), 212-878-0106; 8-8, free [repeats Thurs.-Fri., Mon. & Tues. 8-8, Sat. & Sun. 10-6, through 1/11].
Indian Market 2002 feat. handmade jewelry incl. turquoise, crafts & quilts by 12 Native American artisans?plus Huichol yarn-painting & beading demos; American Indian Community House Gallery, 708 B'way, 2nd fl. (betw. Washington Pl. & E. 4th St.), 212-598-0100; 12-8, free [repeats Thurs.-Sat.].
Norma Kamali Vintage Sale feat. clothing & accessories from sample lines incl. swimwear, evening gowns & sportswear?plus a century's worth of items from Kamali's private collection, all under $100; Norma Kamali, 11 W. 56th St., 3rd fl. (betw. 5th & 6th Sts.), 212-957-9797; 10-6, free [repeats Thurs.-Sat., Mon. & Tues.].
RMC Sample Sale feat. assorted sweaters for $5, wool sweater coats for $55, knit blouses for $40 & halters w/leather strap for $25; 216 W. 18th St. (betw. 7th & 8th Aves.), 212-929-3883; 12-7, free.
Family
The Butterfly Conservatory Tropical Butterflies alive in the winter?a great way to forget the gloomy winter blues; American Museum of Natural History, 79th St. (Central Park W.), 212-769-5200?call for hours; $17 adults, $12.50 st., $10 child.
Carendo the Liar An original opera, sung entirely by second graders, about jealousy & deceit at the bottom of the ocean; Brooklyn P.S. 314, 59th St. (betw. 3rd & 4th Aves.), Bklyn, 718-402-0087; 10:30 a.m., free [repeats Thurs. & Fri.].
New Shanghai Circus The acclaimed 20-member troupe defies gravity & executes breathtaking feats as they stretch the limits of human ability. Exotic scenery & distinctive music help celebrate 2000 years of Chinese circus tradition; New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St. (B'way), 212-239-6200; call for sched., $10-$30 [through 1/12.].
The Polar Express Experience Take an imaginary journey into the fantastic world of Chris van Allsburg's novel, complete w/antique locomotive, & discover the true spirit of the holiday season; Bronx Zoo, 185th St. (Southern Blvd.), 718-367-1010; 5-9, $10, $7 s.c., $6 child [nightly through 1/6].
Prospect Park's Kate Wollman Rink has reopened for months of outdoor skating, glide over well-maintained & freshly polished ice?fun for the whole family!; Prospect Park, Ocean Ave. entrance, 718-287-6431?call for rink hours & other info; $4, $2 s.c./child.
Film/Video
"Directors from the Edge" Closing out this series is the 1994 drama Movie Days?in Icelandic w/English subtitles; Scandinavia House, 58 Park Ave. (betw. 37th & 38th Sts.), 212-779-3587; 6:30, $9 [through 12/18].
The Gangs of New York Now's as good time as ever to join the American Museum of the Moving Image, because tonight they're having a members-only preview screening of Martin Scorsese's anticipated film adaptation. This crime drama is set in lower Manhattan circa 1960s, Leonardo DiCaprio plays an Irish-American immigrant & Cameron Diaz a beautiful pickpocketer who DiCaprio falls for?discussion w/screenwriter Jay Cocks follows screening; 35th Ave. (36th St.), Astoria, 718-784-4520; 7, $10.
Long Night's Journey into Day Leftist filmmaker Kevin Ryan joins screening of doc. chronicling the South American Truth and Reconciliation Committee, which was established to help overcome human rights abuses related to apartheid; Brecht Forum, 122 W. 27th St. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-242-4201; 7:30, $6-$10 sliding scale.
Newfilmmakers pres. "The Art of Train Hopping" & "Short Program" Three shorts are shown at 6 p.m., followed by series of videos & 16 mm films at 7:15; Anthology Film Archives, 32 2nd Ave. (2nd St.), 212-505-5181; 6, $5.
Sinatra Amidst the Pyramids Debut screening of Sept. 27, 1979 benefit concert held in Egypt, performed outside among the Sphinx & pyramids, incl. songs "My Way" & "New York, New York"; Museum of Television & Radio, 25 W. 52nd St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-621-6800; 7, $10, $8 st./s.c., $5 child. under 13 [repeats Thurs.-Sun. & Tues., through 2/2].
The Trials of Henry Kissinger Documentary traces journalist Christopher Hitchens' justification for having Henry tried for war crimes; Makor, 35 W. 67th St. (betw. Columbus Ave. & Central Park W.), 212-601-1000; 7:30 & 9:30, $9 [repeats Thurs.].
"A Tribute to Walt Disney and His Studio" Two-part series feat. "The Live-Action Feature Film" portion on Weds. & celebrates "The Animated Feature Film" every Thurs. in Dec. Today, popular children's story Mary Poppins preceded by seven-minute, 16 mm short "Alice Cans the Cannibals"; Donnell Library Center Aud., 20 W. 53rd St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-621-0609; 2:30, free [through 12/26].
Lectures
The Metropolitan Opera Guild pres. an interview w/soprano Catherine Malfitano & baritone Kim Josephson, creators of the roles of Eddie & Beatrice Carbone in A View from the Bridge; the Kaplan Penthouse, 70 Lincoln Center Plaza (65th St.), 212-769-7028; 6:15, $15.
Readings
Robert Ashley & Emily XYZ, whose "Private Lives, an opera for television, is widely considered to be the precursor of 'music-television'" at the Poetry Project, St. Mark's Church, 131 E. 10th St. (2nd Ave.), 212-674-0910; 8, $10.
Fantastic Fiction F. Paul Wilson (24 novels incl. The Haunted Air & The Tomb) plus Sarah Smith (The Vanished Child, The Knowledge of Water) at KGB, 85 E. 4th St. (betw. 2nd & 3rd Aves.), 212-505-3360; 7, free.
Workshops
Health Issues Anonymous 12-Step group meeting for those living w/health concerns; St. Luke's-Roosevelt Center, Rm. 205, 324 W. 108th St. (betw. B'way & Riverside Dr.), 212-362-7214; 5:30-7, free.
Working from the Heart Can't seem to find a job that suits you, one that you don't loathe the idea of waking up in the morning & going to? Maybe you need a holistic approach to finding the career. Find out how, today at McBurney YMCA, 215 W. 23rd St. (betw. 7th & 8th Aves.), 212-741-9210; 7, $20.
THURSDAY 12/19
Around Town
"Paul Winter's 23rd-Annual Winter Solstice Celebration!" Mark winter's true beginning w/African music & dance performances from Lucky Moyo, Theresa Thomason, Chris Berry, Forces of Nature Dance Theater Ensemble & Valerie Dee Naranjo; the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Ave. (112th St.), 212-662-2133; 7:30, $29-$65 [repeats Fri. at 7:30, Sat. at 2 & 7:30].
Family
Cool Happenings Screening of the sci-fi action feature w/computer generated characters, Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, an adventure where Earth is under siege by alien creatures threatening to extinguish life & the challenge to save the human race is up to only one man, Dr. Aki Ross?under 17 must be accompanied by an adult; Sony Wonder Technology Lab, 550 Madison Ave. (56th St.), 212-883-7858; 6, free.
Lucky Pendants Make your own luck w/colorful jewelry pieces?for toddlers & their grownups; Staten Island Children's Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace (Snug Harbor Rd.), 718-273-2836; 1:30, free.
Preparing for the Unexpected A presentation led by the American Red Cross offers families & businesses safety steps to take during a disaster; 150 Amsterdam Ave. (betw. 66th & 67th Sts.), 212-875-2547, www.nyredcross.org to reg.; 6, free.
Film/Video
"Altman's 70s" Films series closes out w/story about young lovers in the 30s, Thieves Like Us, starring Shelley Duvall; Film Forum, 209 W. Houston St. (Varick St.), 212-727-8110; 2, 4:30, 7, 9:30, call for prices.
Max Much anticipated upcoming film starring John Cusack as a German-Jewish art dealer has debut screening at JCC, 334 Amsterdam Ave. (betw. 75th & 76th Sts.), 646-505-5708; 7:30, $12.
"My Name Is Andrei Tarkovsky" Last movie in series to be screened before BAM closes for the holidays (12/20-2/13) is Stalker, a 160 min. psychological sci-fi drama described as "futuristic journey into the age-old mystery of the human mind"; BAM Rose Cinemas, 30 Lafayette Ave. (Ashland Pl.), Ft. Greene, 718-636-4100; 8:30, $9, $6 st./s.c.
"A Tribute to Walt Disney and His Studio" Second half of two-part series celebrates "The Animated Feature Film" w/cute love story, Shrek, which feat. voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy & Cameron Diaz. Sixteen mm animated short, "Pluto's Surprise Package," follows feature; Donnell Library Center Aud., 20 W. 53rd St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-621-0609; 2:30, free [through 12/26].
Lectures
"Artist on Artist" As part of a series, William Kentridge lectures on Bruce Nauman, whose work was recently presented by Dia Center for the Arts, 548 W. 22nd St. (betw. 10th & 11th Aves.), 212-229-2744; 6:30, $6, $3 st./s.c.
Readings
The Last Stand of Mr. America Jason Flores-Williams holds first-ever reading at last cool watering hole on Lower East Side; Motor City Bar, 127 Ludlow St. (Rivington St.), 212-358-1595; 6.
New Yorker's Fiction Live Culled from pages of the periodical, Richard Dreyfuss (does not become another Steve Martin) reads Jeffrey Eugenides & two other actors take on David Foster Wallace (but will they wear do-rags?) & Tobias Wolff; Shine, 285 W. B'way (Canal St.), 212-941-0900 or www.ticketweb.com, 8, $15.
Workshops
Make-Ahead Holiday Cakes Learn how to make some absolutely delicious holiday treats that don't loose their flavor by hanging out in the fridge for a bit; Institute of Culinary Education, 50 W. 23rd St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-847-0700; 6-11, $95.
Meditation As we all know, along w/all the fun, the holidays can be a real bitch. Join Sharon Salzberg & let her guide you in a meditation to celebrate the heart so you can relieve some stress & fully enjoy all the new presents you will be receiving; Jivamukti Yoga Center, 404 Lafayette St. (betw. E. 3rd St. & Astor Pl.), 212-353-0214.
FRIDAY 12/20
Around Town
Artist's Slide Night Informal gathering where artists can show slides of their recent or fav works; Pete's Candy Store, 709 Lorimer St. (betw. Frost & Richardson Sts.), Williamsburg, sign-up 917-539-4772; 7-9, free.
"Christmas in Little Italy" Enjoy classic Italian neighborhood's holiday festivities feat. 25-foot tree lighting (12/20, 6 p.m.); Most Precious Blood Church, 109 Mulberry St. (betw. Hester & Canal Sts.); parade feat. Santa Claus & free goodies (12/21, 2 p.m.); Mulberry St. (betw. Canal & Broome Sts.)?plus performances all weekend long by the Sorento Cheese Carolers; 212-764-6330.
"Lights in the Heights" Join the Fast and Fabulous lesbian & gay cycling club on 25-mile Christmas light-lit night ride through Dyker Heights' spectacularly decorated streets?helmets are required & wet weather cancels a trip; meet at SW corner of Chambers St. (Park Row), Horace Greeley Statue, 212-567-7160; 6:30, free.
Family
The Little Moon Theater Original musical based on book by Irene Haas, about a troupe of child actors who travel from town to town granting wishes through their performances; TADA! Youth Theater, 15 W. 28th St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-252-1619; call for times, $15, $7 child. [through 1/20].
Film/Video
Welcome to the Terrordome Sci-fi thriller described as a cross between Sankofa, Do the Right Thing and Blade Runner; Imagenation Digital Soul Cinema, 135 W. 118th St. (betw. 7th & Lenox Aves.), 866-841-9135 x7482; 7 & 9:30, $7.
Lectures
"What's New in the Field of Memory Enchantment?" Emma Schulman gives an update on the latest ways of improving & maintaining memory?move over Ginko Biloba; Dorot, 246 W. 80th St. #6 (betw. B'way & W. End Ave.), 212-769-2850; 1-2, $3-$5 contrib.
Workshops
Italian Christmas Baking Learn how to make an array of beautiful, traditional Soprano-style Xmas treats, incl. Sicilian fig cookies; Institute of Culinary Education, 50 W. 23rd St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-847-0700; 10-3, $90.
SATURDAY 12/21
Around Town
Are You a Wrap Star? Meet Hair Candy founder Robin Tolkan-Doyle, as she shares her latest creation: Pin Ups, hair pins feat. kitsch photos of vintage centerfolds; Henri Bendel, 712 5th Ave. (betw. 54th & 55th Sts.), 212-247-1100; 11-6, free [repeats Sun.].
Hot Shaves Anthony Logistics for Men pres. free hot shaves?plus Anthony Sosnick, founder of the natural men's product line, shares valuable skincare advice; Barneys New York, 660 Madison Ave. (61st St.), RSVP 212-826-8900; 12-5, free.
The New York City Record & CD Collectors Expo New, used & collectable CDs, LPs & tapes in all genres?first 100 customers receive free CD; Embassy Ballrooms, Holiday Inn, 440 W. 57th St. (betw. 9th & 10th Aves.), 973-773-6067; 10-4, $6.
Family
Birding Activities Find the 12 wintering birds hidden in the Nature Center w/a holiday sing-along to follow; Prospect Park Audubon Center Boathouse, Lincoln Rd. (Ocean Ave.), 718-965-8954; 1-2, free.
Beauty and the Beast Musical composed by Mark McGee & Brenda Bell presented by Literally Alive for children ages 3-10?hands-on interactive creative workshop held prior to each show; YWCA, Hitchcock-Rockefeller Aud., 610 Lexington Ave. (53rd St.), 212-866-5170; 1, $15 show, $5 workshop [through Sun.].
A Muppet Family Christmas Screening of beloved holiday movie where Kermit & the gang drop in on Fozzie's mom for an unexpected holiday visit; Museum of Television & Radio, 25 W. 52nd St. (5th Ave.), 212-621-6600; 12:30, $10, $8 s.c., $5 child.
The Search for Life: Are We Alone? Look Up! A star show designed to share the wonders of life w/children aged 4-6; American Museum of Natural History, 79th St. (Central Park W.), 212-769-5800; 10:15, call for prices [repeats Sun].
Sky Rink Though the weather outside is frightful, the temperatures are just perfect at the indoor skating in Chelsea Piers; 23rd St. (West End Ave.), 212-336-6100; call for hours, $18.25, $14.75 child.
Film/Video
"Directed by Martin Scorsese" Comprehensive two-month retrospective incl. every feature, doc., short & commercial this American filmmaker shot, continues w/really long, documentary-ish A Personal Journey with Martin Scorsese Through American Movies; American Museum of the Moving Image, 35th Ave. (36th St.), Astoria, 718-784-0077; 2, $8.50 [repeats 12/22, through 12/29].
SUNDAY 12/22
Around Town
Annual Toy Drive Bring new unwrapped toys to Raven's toy box! They'll be donated to local charities that give underprivileged children Christmas presents & what's nicer than that?; Raven, 194 Ave. A (14th St.), 212-529-4712; call for specifics.
Big Brother is Watching "Surveillance Camera Outdoor Walking Tours" reveal the frightening abundance of cameras that monitor public spaces. This week: tourists abound at 6th Ave. festivities; meet on NE corner of 48th St. (Park Ave.), 212-561-0106; 2, free.
Blessing of the Animals Six ministers & a rabbi walk into a church & spend an hour blessing beloved pets, treasured stuffed animals & photos of beasts of burden?sounds like the beginning of a joke, but it's true, so don't miss out!; Central Presbyterian Church, Park Ave. (64th St.), 212-838-0805; 6:30-7:30, free.
Family Disco Dance We are family!? Let mom & dad show you how to do the Locomotion, the bump & the hustle?plus snacks for wee ones & full bar for the elders; Jack Rose, 771 8th Ave. (47th St.), 212-586-7425; 5, $12.
A Road Once Traveled The Central Park Conservancy pres. a history buff's wet dream, tour of Harlem Meer's strategic environs, key in seeing attackers during the American Revolution & War of 1812; meet at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, Central Park, 110th St. (5th Ave.) 212-860-1370; 1, free.
Family
A Charlie Brown Christmas An inaugural Peanuts special where Charlie Brown upsets the rest of the gang by picking out a scraggly tree for the group's play; Museum of Television & Radio, 25 W. 52nd St. (5th Ave.), 212-621-6600; 12:30, $10, $8 s.c., $5 child.
Unusual Character Collage Get a "dog's-eye view" of how William Wegman turns his dogs into characters by using costumes, settings & props. Then create your own take-home collage out of various materials; Children's Museum of Manhattan, Tisch Bldg., 212 W. 83rd St. (B'way) 212-721-1234; call for class times, $6 [through Tues.].
Film/Video
"The Christmas That Almost Wasn't" Holiday claymation spoof based on Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer guaranteed to make you question Santa's motives, created by writing/production team Liebography, screens as part of Two Boots' "Film Slam" held at Pioneer Theater, 155 E. 3rd St. (Ave. A), 212-254-3300; 2, $5.
Readings
Ten Pell Books hosts poets Ruth Altermann, Peter Bushyeager, Lydia Cortes, Bill Kushner, Be LaRoe, Susan Mills, Lewis Warsh & Phyllis Wat at Cornelia St. Cafe, 29 Cornelia St. (6th Ave.), 212-989-9319; 6-8, $6.
MONDAY 12/23
Family
Winter Vacation Celebration Spend a vacation day visiting both the Museum's permanent & family exhibitions along w/a gallery talk & a drop-in art workshop; Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Ave. (92nd St.), 212-423-3225; $8, $5.50 st./s.c. [through Weds.]
Film/Video
Les Enfants du Paradis Tragic love story from 1945 screens tonight as part of the Monday Night 16 mm Film Series at Barbes, 376 9th St. (6th Ave.), Park Slope, 718-965-9177; 9, free.
"Mondo Mondays" Retro series screens double dose of Liza with Liza with a Z & Goldie & Liza Together; Den of Cin, Two Boots, 44 Ave. A (betw. 3rd & 4th Sts.), 212-254-0800; 8, $5.
Readings
"Saturn Series" Dylan Pool plus open mic hosted by William Duke & Sue Polo; 213 2nd Ave. (13th St.), Bill@poetrycentral.com; 7:30, $3, 1 drink min.
TUESDAY 12/24
Around Town
Pure Country NYC Weekly country stomp & music night w/DJ Alan Kohn; line dance lessons courtesy of Rona Kaye at Jack Rose, 771 8th Ave. (47th St.), 212-247-7518; 6:30, $13.
Tuesday Night Trivia It's probably not as much fun as Family Feud, but prizes do incl. $10-$25 bar tabs; Baggot Inn, 82 W. 3rd St. (betw. Thompson & Sullivan Sts.), 212-477-0622; 7:30, free.
Film/Video
The Producers 1968 Academy Award-winning comedy feat. Gene Wilder in his big screen debut, as part of Xmas Eve dinner party at Makor, 35 W. 67th St. (betw. Columbus Ave. & Central Park W.), 212-601-1000; 6 & 7:30, $30 [screening only on 12/26 at 7:30 & 9].