February 12 – 16th
Dance On Camera film festival celebrates the worlds of Ballet, Jazz, and Contemporary Dance; Modern and Postmodern legends; stories from countries where female dance is taboo but nevertheless practiced; and a spotlight on the exciting world of Trapeze. Co-presented with the Film Society of Lincoln Center.
Locations, lineup and ticket info go to http://dancefilms.org
Previews begin February 11th
Loosely based on the real-life experiences of Jack Johnson, the first African-American heavyweight world champion, The Royale tells, in six rounds, the fictional story of Jay “The Sport” Jackson, a charismatic Heavyweight Champion. It’s 1905 and as Jackson faces his opponents and confronts his demons – he exposes the troublesome events in his life that have propelled him into the ring with a desire to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
Lincoln Center Theater http://www.lct.org/shows/royale
At the foot of the Manhattan Bridge in what once was an adult movie theater is now the Mahayana Buddhist Temple, the oldest Chinese Buddhist temple on the East Coast, founded in 1962. Beyond the entrance is a simply decorated room with a little temple, but follow the hallway to the main chamber and you will see an awe-inspiring sight. Behind a banquet table laden with offerings of flowers,oranges and apples sits a 16 foot golden Buddha backlit by a neon-blue halo. Here on one of the busiest streets in Chinatown you can find peace and relaxation, sit and meditate for awhile and savor this unique experience, all are welcome.
Mahayana Buddhist Temple 133 Canal Street( between Bowery & Chrystie Street )
Previews January 27th Opens February 8th
The sold-out theatrical experience of 2015 returns! Based on the beloved writings of Frank L. Baum, The Woodsman tells the story of the Tin Woodsman, the woman he loved, and the witch that would stop at nothing to keep them apart. Back by popular demand, the ensemble of Strangemen & Co. brings this beautiful Land of Oz to life through spectacular life-size puppetry and original music.
New World Stages 340 West 50th Street tickets at Telecharge http://www.telecharge.com
Founded in 1980, the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history, heritage, culture and diverse experiences of people of Chinese decent in the United States.The museum was designed by Maya Lin, the American designer and artist who at the age of 21 designed the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. In the lobby, the Journey Wall’s bronze tiles are engraved in both Chinese and English with family names, places of origin in China and where they settled in the US. On-site, audiences have access to fresh innovative exhibits and culturally rich programs, including a core exhibition featuring 160 years of Chinese American history, interactive educational opportunities for families, children and school groups. One gallery in the Museum recreates a combined general store, post office and travel agency, a vital lifeline for immigrant families to connect with relatives in China and Chinatowns across the US.
The Museum will be hosting a Lunar New Year Family Festival on Saturday February 20th from 11-4pm. Celebrating with zodiac themed arts and crafts, festive music , storytelling and dance performances.
Museum of Chinese in America 215 Centre Street (212) 619-4785 http://mocanyc.org
February 26th – March 20, 2016
During four weekends beginning the end of February, the New York International Children’s Film Festival invites families to explore the world without leaving NYC. Over 25,000 parents, children, and filmmakers are treated to the best new films for ages 3 – 18 at venues throughout NYC. Each year a highly selective slate of the best animation, documentary and experimental films from over 2,500 international submissions are presented. This year 100 new films from around the world, representing more than 30 countries and 15 languages will be featured. There will be 75 film screenings, 20 feature films and 6 unique short film programs all for ages.
Since 1997, 33 festival films have been recognized with Academy Awards and nominations, and in 2011, New York International Children’s Film Festival became an Oscar qualifying event.
More info @http://nyicff.org
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When I’m wandering around Chinatown I love to stop into all the little shops; the really old ones that carry colorful Chinese lanterns, happy buddha statues, back scratchers and lucky money. But the shop I have been going to for years and buy everything from beautiful tea sets to silk robes is Pearl River Mart.
Over a quarter of a century ago a small group of young, overseas Chinese men and women decided to start a small retail store in New York City’s Chinatown. Back then there was no direct trade between China and the U.S. They decided China had much to offer America and set off to introduce quality Chinese goods to this country. From this idea sprouted Pearl River Market the first Chinese-American department store. It was an instant success. Today they carry over 15,000 products ranging from the amazingly practical to the chic and stylish to the curious and exotic.
Pearl River Mart 477 Broadway (800) 878-2446 http://www.pearlriver.com
Through February 28th
The Bard Graduate Center Gallery exhibition on Swedish Wooden Toys represents the first in-depth study of the history of wooden playthings in Sweden from the seventeenth to the twenty-first century. Featuring remarkable doll houses, puzzles and games, pull toys, trains, planes, automobiles, and more, this exhibition explores Sweden’s long and enduring tradition of designing, making and consuming wooden toys – from the simplest handmade to the mass produced forms. The exhibit examines the cultural embrace of the wooden toy as a sign of timelessness and quality. Sweden’s forests provided an abundant natural resource for both the toy industry and amateur toy makers. This exhibition not only reviews the production of Sweden’s toy industries but also explores the practice of handicrafts, the educational value of wooden playthings, and the vision of childhood that the Swedish have promoted worldwide.
Bard Graduate Center Gallery 18 West 86th Street (212) 501-3023 http://bgc.bard.edu
Tuesday, March 1st 6pm
Meet Fern Mallis, creator of New York Fashion Week. Her new book, “Fashion Lives: Fashion Icons with Fern Mallis”, presents 19 interviews with American fashion luminaries such as Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs, and Tom Ford. A book signing will follow the presentation.
Fashion Institute of Technology, Pomerantz Art and Design Center for tickets go to http://fitnyc.edu/museum/events
You’ve been out in the cold all day, maybe sledding at the Central Park Winter Jam, curling in Prospect Park or perhaps you participated in the No Pants on the Subway event ( in which case you really need something warm to drink)? What better way to warm up than with a nice cup of hot chocolate. Here are three of my favorite places.
Max Brenner-Union Square 841 Broadway between 13th and 14th Street
At Max Brenner’s, the king of chocolate, you can get your classic cup of hot chocolate but what about trying something new, swiss whipped, peanut butter or my favorite Mexican spicy, hot chocolate with red chili, cinnamon, nutmeg and pepper? Hot chocolate is so important here they designed a special mug called the Hug Mug, meant to be hugged in both hands to create the ultimate drinking experience.
The City Bakery- 3 West 18th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue
The hot chocolate here is so rich, thick and chocolaty it’s like a candy bar exploding in your mouth. Not surprising it’s so delicious,they take their hot chocolate very seriously every February City Bakery hosts a Hot Chocolate Festival, serving a different hot chocolate every day.
Lexington Candy Shop 1226 Lexington at 83rd Street
Founded in 1925, Lexington Candy Shop is NYC’s reminder of a bygone era when soda fountains and luncheonettes were fixtures in every neighborhood throughout the city. The cocoa here is good old fashion Nestle, but the atmosphere is worth the trip.