05/22

Thursday Nights at The Museum

7 p.m. Film & Music: Raw/Cooked artist Mike Ballou screens a selection of his Super 8 films onto a handmade screen that resembles a semitruck, to live musical accompaniment by Brian Dewan. In the 1990s Ballou was one of the founders and leading artists involved with the Four Walls Slide and Film Club, an informal monthly venue for collaborative and homespun time-based works, hosted for years in Ballou's Williamsburg garage studio. 7pm. Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 718-638-5000, brooklynmuseum.org

At Last I Am Born: A Morrissey Birthday Celebration

Featuring a live set by The Sons & Heirs, NYC’s tribute to The Smiths & Morrissey DJ Matt Heart Spade, a reading by Tony Fletcher, author of A Light That Never Goes Out And a Smiths-inspired congregation of vegetarian food and fashion! 7pm pre-lounge party, show, 8pm. The Bell House, 149 7th St., Brooklyn, NY 718-643-6510, thebellhouseny.com

American Ballet Theatre 2013 Spring Season

The dance company's annual residency at the Met Opera house includes Onegin, Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes/A Month in the Country/Symphony in C, Don Quixote, an Alexei Ratmansky premiere, Le Corsaire, Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake, Sylvia, and the Sleeping Beauty. Through July 6. Metropolitan Opera House, Amsterdam Ave. & 64th St., NY 212-362-6000, abt.org

Frogs: A Chorus of Colors

Back by popular demand, this delightful exhibition introduces visitors to the colorful and richly diverse world of frogs. More than 150 live frogs, from the tiny phantasmal dart-poison frog (which is less than an inch long) to the enormous African bullfrog (which can be as big as 8 inches in diameter), are shown in re-created habitats, complete with rock ledges, live plants, and waterfalls. Featuring approximately 25 species from such countries as Argentina, Bolivia, Borneo, Brazil, China, Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Paraguay, Russia, Sumatra, the United States, and Uruguay, the exhibition explores the evolution and biology of these amphibians, their importance to ecosystems, and the threats they face in the world's changing environments. Interactive stations throughout the exhibition invite visitors to activate recorded frog calls, view videos of frogs in action, and test their knowledge about these fascinating amphibians. Through Jan. 5, 2014. American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park West, NY, 212-769-5100, amnh.org  

Madame Tussauds New York Offers Theater Lovers with ‘Kids Go Free, every Wednesday, until the end of June

Setting the stage as the perfect preshow for a Broadway matinee, Madame Tussauds New York is offering theatergoers free admission to the wax attraction for kids (ages 12 and under) when accompanied by a full-paying adult and presentation of a Broadway show ticket. The offer starts today and can be redeemed each Wednesday until June 26. 10am-8pm. Madame Tussauds New York, 234 W. 42nd Street between 7th and 8th Avenue, 866-841-3505, madametussauds.com/NewYork.

Brewery Night Tasting w/Ommegang Brewery

For this month’s Brewery Night tasting, Bar Catalonia will host Ommegang Brewery, New York’s local purveyors of Belgian style ales. Guests can enjoy a complimentary assortment of specialty tastings and chat it up with the Ommegang team. Ommegang brewery, based in Cooperstown, NY, creates six ales year-round, as well as an extensive and imaginative range of seasonal and specialty ales. The beers have won a national following by connoisseurs of fine beer and are distributed in 45 states and internationally. 6pm-8pm. Bar Catalonia, 206 West 41st Street, NY, 757-947-6731, barcatalonia.com

05/23

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

In concert. Also May 25, 26. Beacon Theatre, 2124 Broadway, NY, 212-465-6225 beacontheatrenyc.com

Jane Monheit

In just over thirteen years, critically acclaimed jazz vocalist Jane Monheit's honey-smooth vocals, silky phrasing and natural knack for storytelling have earned her two Grammy nominations and established her as one of her generation's most beloved and accomplished vocalists. Jane returns to Birdland to celebrate the release of her 11th CD, "The Heart Of The Matter." 8:30pm & 11pm. Through May 25. Birdland, 315 W. 44th St., NY, 212-581-3080, birdlandjazz.com

Retrospective

Featuring more than 100 garments, accessories, and textiles from the Museum's permanent collection, Retrospective begins with a selection of fashions that references historical periods prior to the eighteenth century, including a 1981 gold lame ensemble by Zandra Rhodes and a 1999 painted silk chiffon gown by Alexander McQueen for Givenchy Couture, both of which draw inspiration from sixteenth-century England. The remainder of the exhibition showcases groupings of period fashions -- from 18th century to grunge -- and their more recent revivals. Through Nov. 16. Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, 227 W. 27th St., NY 212-217-4558, fitnyc.edu  

05/24

Shipwreck! Pirates & Treasure

SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure will capture your imagination and take you on an incredible journey through thousands of years of maritime history. Experience hurricane-force winds, pick up treasure with a robotic arm, and explore the mysteries of the deep. This exhibit features over 500 authentic artifacts, including gold and silver treasures, as well as the incredible science and technology used to work thousands of feet below the ocean's surface. Through Jan. 5, 2014. Discovery Times Square, 226 W. 44th St., NY 866-987-9692, discoverytsx.com/exhibitions/shipwreck

Memorial Day Weekend at The Intrepid

Join the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum as they kick off their annual Summer Salute to Heroes with Memorial Day Weekend activities that honor our service men and women. Through May 28. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, W. 46th St. and 12th Ave., NY, 212-245-0072, intrepidmuseum.org

WWII & NYC 
When World War II broke out, New York was a cosmopolitan, heavily immigrant city, whose people had real stakes in the war and strongly held opinions. WWII & NYC will explore the impact of the war on the metropolis, which played a critical role in the national war effort, and how the city was forever changed. Through May 27. New York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, NY, 212-873-3400, nyhistory.org

Brian Haner

Best known as Guitar Guy from The Jeff Dunham Show, Brian Haner is that perfect combination of skilled guitar player and stand-up comedian. Brian was part of the largest comedy tour in the world while on the road with Jeff, seen live by over 2 million people. He was also part of the Jeff Dunham Christmas Special, the highest rated show in the history of Comedy Central, seen by 20 million people. Through May 26. Gotham Comedy Club, 208 W. 23rd St., NY , 212-367-9000, gothamcomedyclub.com

Full Moon Dinner Cruise Series

Spend an evening cruising New York Harbor under a full moon. Enjoy the spectacular sights of New York when the moon is at it's fullest, illuminating the city's skyline. 7pm. Spirit Cruises, Chelsea Piers, 23rd St. & the Hudson River, 866-483-3866, spiritofnewyork.com

Don Quixote

The stage explodes with one show-stopping performance after another in this feast of choreographic fireworks. Celebrated knight Don Quixote and his devoted squire, Sancho Panza, are positively heroic when it comes to aiding the spirited maiden Kitri and her charming amour in Cervantes' delightful comedy. Through May 30. Metropolitan Opera House, Amsterdam Ave. & 64th St., NY 212-362-6000, abt.org

9th Annual Alzheimer’s Awareness Night

Support the New York Mets, baseball fans and members of the Alzheimer's community when they unite to help strike out Alzheimer’s disease. In an on-field ceremony prior to the Mets-Braves game, the Mets will pay special tribute to the New York City Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association in recognition of the free services it offers to the more than 265,000 New Yorkers who have this fatal disease. Tickets can also be purchased by contacting Christina Andrews of the New York Mets Group Sales Department at 718- 559-3069 or candrews@nymets.com. The first 250 to purchase Pepsi Porch tickets will receive a Limited Edition Alzheimer's Awareness Night T-shirt. T-shirts will be available for pick up in the Pepsi Porch. 6:30pm. Citi Field, 126th St and Roosevelt Ave, Flushing, NY, 201-407-8513, Mets.com/Alzheimers

Tracy Morgan

Currently starring on NBC’ s Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning 30 Rock. Through May 26. Carolines on Broadway, 1626 Broadway, NY 212-757-4100, carolines.com

Harbor Lights Sail Onboard Manhattan by Sail’s Clipper Party

Enjoy New York Harbor’s most iconic sites and magnificent skyline on board New York City’s tallest ship and the newest (and biggest) addition to the Manhattan By Sail Fleet, the topsail schooner Clipper City. The 158-foot long sailboat was built in the mid-1980s using plans purchased from the Smithsonian. Designed with her new cargo in mind, the decks of Clipper City are spacious and comfortable, with ample seating, a full bar amidships and a raised quarter deck back aft that allows for unparalleled views of the harbor. See the world’s most famous skyline lit to life on board Manhattan By Sail’s Harbor Lights Sail. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the East River at night as the Clipper City set sails among the colorful lights of the harbor. The Harbor Lights Sail occurs most Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and continues through Saturday September 28. Manhattan By Sail, South Street Seaport, Pier 17, 212-619-0907, manhattanbysail.com

Tom Waits Tribute: Small Change

Small Change, Vermont's first Tom Waits tribute band, is led by jazz guitarist and vocalist Bob Gagnon. The band sprung from a group of jazz musicians, some of whom had played together for 20 years, who share an appreciation for the jazz-influenced songs of Tom Waits. Each song played by Small Change showcases the playing of seasoned jazz and rock musicians while staying true to the stories and characters described in Waits' lyrics. 7:30pm. Lucille’s, 237 W. 42nd St., NY, 212-997-4144, bbkingblues.com

Wasabassco Burlesque

Since it's birth in 2004 Wasabassco has been producing finely curated burlesque events throughout New York and across the nation. Varying in size from intimate evenings of cabaret to multi-night extravaganzas, Wasabassco always presents couple-friendly risqué fun and, of course, the finest in contemporary striptease. Team Wasabassco is headed by Doc Wasabassco, The Kingpin Of Burlesque, and his shows regular feature Evelyn Vinyl, Gal Friday, Hazel Honeysuckle, Marlo Marquise, Medianoche, Nasty Canasta, Natasha King, Peekaboo Pointe, Sapphire Jones, Stormy Leather, and many, many more. 7:30pm. Highline Ballroom, 431 W. 16th St., NY 212-414-5994, highlineballroom.com

Memorial Day Weekend Dining Cruises

Kick off the summer with a fun and festive Cruise aboard Spirit! You'll dine on freshly prepared buffets. Dance to a variety of DJ music. And see amazing views of the city from the water. Through May 26. Spirit Cruises, Chelsea Piers, 23rd St. & the Hudson River, 212-727-7768, spiritofnewyork.com

05/25

Macy Gray Performing: On How Life Is

Macy Gray performs songs from her new collection, Covered. 8pm  Also May 26. City Winery, 155 Varick St., NY 212-608-0555, citywinery.com/newyork

Ari Shaffir, Derek Gaines, Joe DeRosa, Jay Oakerson, Dante Nero and More

The best in standup comedy. 11:59pm. The Stand Restaurant and Comedy Club, 239 Third Ave., NY, 212-677-2600, thestandnyc.com

05/26

Civil War in Manhattan Walking Tour

Highlights include: Abraham Lincoln, the candidate and president Greeley, the abolitionist editor Confederate plot to burn down New York The Draft and Draft Riots The Monitor & New York shipbuilding General Grant, General Sherman, and Admiral Farragut. 1pm. Various locations. Joyce Gold History Tours of NY, NY 212-242-5762, joycegoldhistorytours.com

The Shirelles, Featuring Beverly Lee

Beginning in 1958 as schoolgirls in Passaic, New Jersey, The Shirelles quickly became rock & roll's first female supergroup and were the inspirations for a legion of female groups that followed. The Shirelles are the original "Dream Girls" and have earned their exalted place in modern musical history. Their long string of hits include: * Soldier Boy * Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow * Dedicated To The One I Love * Mama Said * Baby It's You * Foolish Little Girl * What A Sweet Thing That Was * Boys * I Met Him On A Sunday. 8pm. B.B. King Blues Club & Grill, 237 W. 42nd St., NY, 212-997-4144, bbkingblues.com

Watson Adventures’ Secrets of Central Park Family Scavenger Hunt

Join Watson Adventures on a unique scavenger hunt for kids and adults! Kids and adults work together to explore the park below 72nd Street. To score points, you’ll have to find Stuart Little, stick your tongue out at a rude animal, learn the motto of a hidden eagle, decipher a secret code by the pond seen in Home Alone 2, spot Cupid at the Carousel, unscramble a message in the sky, and find a witch turned to stone. For ages 7 and up. Kids must be accompanied by an adult, and vice versa. Advance purchase is required via http://www.watsonadventures.com. Questions? Call 877-9GO-HUNT. 1pm. Starting at the Arsenal at 5th Avenue and 64th St., NY, 877-946-4868, watsonadventures.com

The Shins

Live in concert. Williamsburg Park, 50 Kent Ave., Brooklyn NY,  williamsburgparkbk.com

SNEAK PEEK, NEXT WEEK

05/27

NY Philharmonic Memorial Day Concert

Tickets are first-come, first-served and available the day of the performance at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine. Tickets will be handed out at 6pm. Cathedral of St. John the Divine, 512 W. 112th St., NY, nyphil.org

The Civil War and American Art

This major loan exhibition will explore how American artists responded to the Civil War and its aftermath. The exhibition follows the trajectory of the conflict: from the palpable unease on the eve of war to the heady optimism that it would be over with a single battle, to the growing realization that this conflict would not end quickly, to grappling with the issues surrounding emancipation, the need for reconciliation as the war ended, and the uncertainty about how to put the country back together in its wake. It will feature some of the finest works made by leading figure painters such as Winslow Homer and Eastman Johnson, landscape painters such as Sanford R. Gifford and Frederic E. Church, and photographers such as Mathew Brady and George Barnard. The exhibition at the Metropolitan coincides with the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863) and the New York City Draft Riots (July 13-16, 1863), violent disturbances that made New Yorkers more painfully aware than ever before of the war and its implications. Through Sept. 2. Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., NY 212-535-7710, metmuseum.org

Biagio Antonacci

Romantic balladeer Biagio Antonacci emerged in the early '90s to become one of the most successful Italian pop singers of the decade. 8pm. Also May 28. Highline Ballroom, 431 W. 16th St. NY, 212-414-5994, highlineballroom.com

Dave Davies of The Kinks

Live. Third show added by demand. Through May 29. 8pm. City Winery, 155 Varick St.

NY, 212-608-0555, citywinery.com/newyork

 

Annual Memorial Day Ceremony

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum will host its annual Memorial Day commemoration ceremony to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while servicing in the United States Armed Forces. 11am. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86 (W. 46th Street and 12th Avenue), NY, 212-245-0072, intrepidmuseum.org

05/28

Zephyr Hidden Harbor Tours-Fire, Floods and Floating Containers

These tours focus on the effects of Hurricane Sandy on the maritime industry and waterfront, and the region's planning for sea-level rise and other manifestations of global warming. This tour traverses the East River from Queens to Governors Island, including the East Side of Manhattan, Newtown Creek & Brooklyn Navy Yard & Gowanus Bay. New York Water Taxi, Pier 16, South Street Seaport, 866-987-2542, nywatertaxi.com

Bryant Gumbel and Allen Grubman

HBO's Real Sports host Bryant Gumbel speaks with entertainment lawyer Allen Grubman at 92nd Street Y about his career, his views on journalism, America and the world at large.

8:15pm. 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., NY, 212-415-5500 , 92y.org

ONGOING

Punk: Chaos to Couture

An examination of punk's impact on high fashion from the movement's birth in the early 1970s through its continuing influence today. Featuring approximately one hundred designs for men and women, the exhibition will include original punk garments and recent, directional fashion to illustrate how haute couture and ready-to-wear borrow punk's visual symbols. Through Aug. 14. Metropolitan Museum of art, 1000 Fifth Ave., NY 212-535-7710, metmuseum.org

I, You We

I, you, we: three very commonplace words. These pronouns -- with all their implied complexities of meaning -- provide an unexpected guide for assessing the works of art from the 1980s and early 1990s in the Museum's collection. What becomes apparent in this survey of paintings, sculpture, drawings, prints, and photographs is how the personal, social, and collective issues and concerns of the artists of this time are still relevant several decades later. Through Sept. 1. Whitney Museum of Art, 945 Madison Ave., NY, 212-570-3600, whitney.org

Spectacle: The Music Video 

This groundbreaking exhibition explores music video as an important and influential art form in contemporary culture and is the most comprehensive museum exhibition on music videos presented to date. Spectacle highlights the form's place at the forefront of creative technology, its role in pushing the boundaries of innovative production, its important role as an experimental sandbox for filmmakers, and its lasting effects on popular culture globally. The exhibition features more than 300 videos, presented alongside artifacts and interactive experiences, and will be installed in the Museum's 4,000 sq.-ft. changing exhibitions gallery, amphitheater gallery, and other spaces. Through June 16. Museum of the Moving Image, 718-777-6888, movingimage.us

Whales: Giants of the Deep

A new exhibition that transports visitors to the vibrant underwater world of the mightiest animals on Earth. Whales explores the latest research about these marine mammals as well as the central role they have played for thousands of years in human cultures. From the traditions of New Zealand's Maori whale riders and the Kwakwaka'wakw peoples of the Pacific Northwest to the international whaling industry and the rise of laws protecting whales from commercial hunting, the exhibition traces the close connections humans and whales have shared for centuries. Through Jan. 5, 2014. American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park West, NY, 212-769-5100, amnh.org

The Roof Garden Commission: Imran Qureshi

Pakistani artist Imran Qureshi has createed a site-specific work atop The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden this summer. Considered one of the leading figures in developing a "contemporary miniature" aesthetic, integrating motifs and techniques of traditional miniature painting with contemporary themes, Qureshi is the first artist to create a work that will be painted directly onto the surfaces of the Roof Garden. The work will relate to elements from his earlier works while responding to the broad vistas of nature in Central Park that can be viewed from the Roof Garden, as well as to the area's architectural and historical contexts. Through Nov. 3. Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., NY 212-535-7710, metmuseum.org