NEIGHBORS’ DAY AT THE WHITNEY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART | A year goes by after somebody new moves next door, and you’ve either struck up a friendship or filed a lawsuit from the carpal tunnel effects of dialing 311 to complain about the noise. Fortunately, for those living in close proximity to the Whitney Museum of American Art, the first anniversary of its arrival on Gansevoort St. is, by and large, a cause for celebrating how successfully this Uptown transplant’s art, architecture and sweeping terrace vistas have woven themselves into the fabric of the neighborhood.
In a gesture of gratitude to a Downtown community that, says museum director Alice Pratt Brown, “has embraced us from the start,” residents of the 10011, 10012, 10013 and 10014 zip codes will be granted free admission on April 30 — just in time to view the “Laura Poitras: Astro Noise” and “Open Plain” exhibitions, closing May 1 and May 14, respectively.
Sat., April 30, 10:30am-10pm, at the Whitney Museum of American Art (99 Gansevoort St., btw. Washington & West Sts.). For tickets (two per household; children and teens under 18 always admitted without charge), visit whitney.org/neighborsday. For general info, call 212-570-3600.
VISITING NEIGHBORS TALENT SHOW | Is it simply coincidence that “American Idol” aired its final episode so close to the date of this annual talent show organized by the Visiting Neighbors senior care organization? Maybe they just couldn’t take the competition from Chelsea’s most talented singers and dancers of a certain age. Cheer them on at this 2–4pm event, the highlight of a street fair that will take place all day on Sat., April 30, on Eighth Ave., from W. 14th to W. 23rd St. For more info on the show, and how you can be a Visiting Neighbors volunteer, call 212-260-6200. On the web: visitingneighbors.org.
PENN SOUTH CERAMICS STUDIO SALE | Two mere months from now, when offering summertime guests a refreshing beverage or a light snack, you can note with pride that the delivery system is locally sourced. Cups, plates and platters become conversation pieces, when they’ve been crafted by the instructors and students of the Penn South Ceramics Studio. This spring sale, smartly timed to supply the perfect gift for Mother’s Day procrastinators, packs the Studio workspace with reasonably priced items of the previously mentioned ilk — plus bowls, votive, and jewelry. If mom still cherishes that ceramic frog kitchen sink sponge cozy you made in the third grade, then sign up for a class and surprise her next year with a kiln-fired item of your own creation.
Sat., May 7, 11am–6pm at the Penn South Ceramics Studio (276 Ninth Ave., entrance at NE corner of 26th St.). Visit pennsouthceramics.com.
“MUSIC IN CHELSEA” MOTHER’S DAY CONCERT | “M” is for the many things she gave you, and “D” is for the suggested donation of $10 — at this Mother’s Day-themed concert from the Chelsea Musica woodwind chamber ensemble, whose “Hearts and Flowers” program of love songs and lullabies will include selections by Becker, Brahms, Britten, Dvorak, Handel, and Mozart. The guest vocalists are baritone Benjamin Niemczyk and countertenor Tyler Wayne Smith. Chelsea-based poet Laura Wynter will read thematically appropriate original works, including “Loving Hand of Nature,” “The Homecoming,” and “Kitchen.”
Sun., May 8, 4pm at St. Peter’s Chelsea (346 W. 20th St., btw. Eighth & Ninth Aves.). Suggested donation: $10 ($5 for seniors/students). Proceeds benefit the food pantry at St. Peter’s. Visit chelseamusica.nyc.
TADA! YOUTH THEATER PRESENTS “UP TO YOU” | It’s a blast from the past that’s a sign of our times, when the TADA! Resident Youth Ensemble gets transported back to 1977, for an hour-long exploration of self-identity, interpersonal drama, and fiercely competitive campaign tactics. Appropriate for ages 5 and up, the original musical “Up To You” finds the cheerleaders, bullies, geeks and jocks of Hamilton High embroiled in the race for Student Council President, which comes down to a choice between the candidate whose platform is built on the promise of a disco homecoming, and the one who just wants to stop the pranks plaguing the school. The May 14 show is followed by an interactive workshop that allows the audience to perform on the TADA! Stage alongside “Up To You” cast members, with whom they’ll learn a song and dance from the show.
Through May 21: Sat. & Sun. at 2pm & 4pm (no shows May 8). Special performances Wed., May 4 at 10am & 12pm, and at 7pm on Fri., May 13 & 20. At TADA! (15 W. 28 St., btw. Broadway & Fifth Ave.). For tickets ($25 for adults, $15 for children; May 14 interactive ticket, $10 extra), visit tadatheater.com.
“UP ON THE ROOF” ART EXHIBIT | It’s no leap for Ellen Bradshaw to paint tall buildings — but the skyscrapers, bridges, public plazas and water towers in her current exhibit didn’t materialize in a single bound, or, necessarily, at rates faster than a speeding bullet. They did, however, all originate from time spent on perches high above the city. Created over the past year, inspiration for “Up on the Roof” struck, says Bradshaw, suddenly and sometimes by accident.
A lawyer’s office, her own 25th floor balcony, a rooftop bar and the window of her husband’s room at the Hospital for Special Surgery (as he recovered from a knee replacement!) all commanded Bradshaw’s attention, then her brush. Herald Square, the East River, the Empire State Building and a panoramic view of Flatiron District water towers get the same moody but inviting treatment she gives to her strikingly composed collection of street level images from the South Street Seaport, the High Line and the late, great Fulton Fish Market. Here, however, the view is strictly bird’s eye — but the action (pedestrians in mid-stride, fog crawling across bridges) is once again observed from a distance, and given a soft glow that still somehow manages to vibrate with cinematic intensity.
Through May 14 at Pleiades Gallery (fourth floor of 530 W. 25th St., btw. 10th & 11th Aves.). Hours: Tues.–Sat., 11am–6pm or by appointment. Visit ellenbradshaw.com.
–BY SCOTT STIFFLER
