THU. OCT. 21
Free Film Fest
Come see “Corto Circuito,” a presentation on relevant and controversial short films from Latin America, through Saturday, at the King Juan Carlos I Center Auditorium at NYU, tonight and tomorrow at 7 p.m., Saturday starting at 3 p.m. On Saturday, join feature artist Ximena Cuevas. (All movies have English subtitles.) The center is at 53 Washington Square Park South. Call 212-998-3650 for more information.
Debating Modernism
A show of such significance has not been mounted in the United States in nearly thirty-five years. This extraordinary collection of noted works from public and private collections offers an unparalleled viewing opportunity for the art world and the public, including works of Jim Dine, Willem de Kooning, Franz Kline, Andy Warhol, George Segal, Sol Le Witt, Mark Rothko, Richard Pousette-Dart, Frank Stella, Robert Motherwell, Roy Lichtenstein and Louise Nevelson. “An American Odyssey, 1945-1980 (Debating Modernism)” at 11 a.m. at Queens Community College Art Gallery in Bayside, New York. For further information, directions, or parking arrangements, call 718-631-6327. For information on the exhibit, visit qccartgallery.org.
Spooky Haunt
Producers Publicity Outfitters are proud to announce the creation of the city’s only genuinely frightening haunted house attraction, on the entire bottom floor of the Clemente Soto Velez Cultural Center – all 9,000 square feet (located at 107 Suffolk Street between Rivington and Delancey). The chills start Oct. 21, and end on Halloween, Oct. 31, running Thur. – Sat. from 7 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are $20, and $15 for very, very bold 16-year-olds and under. A new tour every 5 minutes. For more information call 212.946.2098 or got to hauntedhousenyc.com.
Kenneth’s Frequency
“If it bleeds it leads, baby!” Enter anchorman Dan Rather, man behind the mysterious mugging, opening tonight at the 78th Street Theatre Lab, 236 W. 78 St. This “why-dunit” theorizes that Rather’s climb to the top of the American media empire may have hinged upon the same natural disaster — Hurricane Carla, which struck the Texas coast in 1961 and catapulted Rather from his local newsroom onto the national stage, destroying the career of his fellow Texan, novelist Donald Barthelme. Performances are Thu.-Sat. at 8 p.m. through Nov. 21. Tickets are $15 at 212-868-4444.
“Hello, Boys!”
After getting rave reviews as a host to NYC’s Gay and Lesbian Comedy Fest, Mac award-nominee Michael Conley returns in his critically acclaimed show “Hello, Boys.” Opening today for Thursdays through November 21, go see what the Cabaret Hotline calls “Amazing.” Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St. $10 cover & 2-drink minimum. Reservations at 212-757-0788 and michaelconley.com.
Mr. October
Join Leroy Neiman for a signing of “Casey at the Bat” todat at 12:30 p.m. at Barnes & Noble Lincoln Triangle, 1972 Broadway at 66th St. 212 595-6859. Please, no memorabilia.
FRI. OCT. 22
Art Against Hate
“Arte Contra La Homofobia,” an art exhibition of photography, painting and sculpture, curated by Javier Soriano, hosts its closing gala tonight. Artworks by: Javier Soriano, Cassandra, Troi, Arias, Jose Arias, Zoe Sullivan, Cristian Peqa, Deborah Cherena & Rico. Sponsored by Colectivo Mexicano and the SOMOS Project. This art show aims to inform and to educate our community on subjects like homophobia, lesbophobia and HIV/AIDS. 6 p.m. at Casa Puebla, 2710 Broadway, second floor. Call 718-573-9179 or visit JavierSoriano.com for more information. Free.
Klea Blackhurst
This international sensation delivers the goods, live, at Opia tonight. Described as the “jolly broth of a lady with a voice the size of a TWA terminal,” who took New York by storm in 2001 with her award-winning and critically-acclaimed tribute to Ethel Merman “Everything The Traffic Will Allow” now turns her passion for musical-theatre history towards the “checkered” (his own word!) Broadway career of composer Vernon Duke in her all new show “Autumn in New York: Vernon Duke’s Broadway.” Tonight at 7 p.m., tomorrow at 9 p.m. at Opia, 130 E. 57 St. $30 cover with $15-drink minimum.
SAT. OCT. 23
Black 47
Black 47 will play four consecutive Saturdays at Connolly’s, 121 W. 45th St. (between 6th and Broadway) before their upcoming Irish tour. The N.Y. dates are Oct. 23 and 30, Nov. 6 and 13. This will mark Black 47’s 15th season of Saturday nights in New York City. Gigs start at 10:30 p.m. sharp. $10 Call 212- 597-5126 for more information.
Concerts for Change
Housing Works Used Book Café and Concerts for Change present an evening benefit featuring popular writers Jonathan Ames (“Wake Up, Sir!”), Nick Flynn (“Another Bullshit Night In Suck City”), James Frey (“A Million Little Pieces”), Darin Straus (“Chang And Eng”), Nelly Reifler (“See Through”) and Stephen Elliott (“Looking Forward To It or How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The American Political Process”). Tickets are $10-25 availabale at concertsforchange.org. 7:30 p.m. Housing Works Café is at 126 Crosby St. between Houston and Prince Streets.
Glam Slam 2004
Created in 1998 by poet Emanuel Xavier, this annual event has become one of NYC’s most unique spoken-word experiences by combining the excitement of the legendary ball scene and the power of poetry. Celebrity judges score four open poetry categories and the winner of each competes for grand prize ($100) and the annual championship title. Trophies are awarded to each winner and special guests from the House of Xavier perform throughout the evening. Hosted annually with much attitude and positive energy by the fabulous Mother Diva Xavier. 7 p.m. at the Bowery Poetry Club, 308 Bowery. $10/$5 for pre-confirmed contestants.
Carnegie Hall
The Grammy Award-winning Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, opens its 32nd season tonight, with Garrick Ohlsson. Ohlsson makes his debut with Orpheus, playing the New York premiere of Paul Chihara’s new orchestration of Chopin’s “Piano Concerto No. 1” in E-minor. Also included in the program is Orpheus’ first ever performance of Brahms’ “Haydn Variations” as well as the “Transylvanian Dances” of Hungarian composer Sándor Veress. These nationalistic but original dances plunge into the lively, rustic rhythms of eastern European folk idioms. Tickets are available at 212-247-7800 or carnegiehall.org. Additional information about the season at 212-96-1700.
Women’s Event
Tonight at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers, Karen Williams emcees an event honoring Kate Clinton –– comedian, author and activist ––at an evening of cocktails, dinner, a luxury auction, dancing, a raffle and an awards presentation. Women’s Event attendees will enjoy beautiful views of the Statue of Liberty and Hudson River through Pier Sixty’s floor-to-ceiling windows, and savor the culinary creations of renowned caterer Abigail Kirsch. $250 tickets at 212-620-7310 or at gaycenter.org. 7 p.m.
La Contessa’s Variety Show
Hector Lugo as La Contessa, the Puerto Rican Dame Edna, stars in this fabulous variety show put up by the Gay and Lesbian Acting Company, Inc., the only “openly out” not-for-profit acting company in America. With guests from “Broadway, the subways and other lesser known ways,” this show promises to be deliciously camp-ertaining! The show takes place at the Greenwich Street Theatre, 547 Greenwich St. $19.99. For tickets and more information, visit theatermania.com or call 212-352-3101.
Upholding Gender Rights
On the 6th anniversary of the founding of the New York Association of the Gender Rights Advocacy, join drag divas Yolanda, Tina Benez and Clover Honey get fabulous. 3-5 p.m. at GMHC (Tisch Building, 4th floor) 119 W. 24th St. (btwn. 6th and 7th Aves.) Admission is complimentary with a tax-deductible donation, membership or renewal. For more information, call 718-499-0928 or visit nyagra.tripod.com.
Lavender Torah
Biblical text study for lesbians and gays. Engage in a lively and thought-provoking discussion about the relevance of the week’s Torah portion with other New Yorkers. Then bring Shabbat to a close together with the moving ceremony of Havdalah. No previous experience necessary; no particular affiliation or ideology required. Refreshments provided. For more information, please call Hayyim at 212.663.1544. Co-sponsored by The JCC in Manhattan and Congregation B’nai Jeshurun. Event is on three Saturdays, through Nov 20. 5–7:30 p.m. Jewish Community Center at 334 Amsterdam Ave. at 76th St. Free.
SUN. OCT. 24
Larry Kramer Tribute
The evening begins with introductory remarks by Calvin Trillin, followed by performances of excepts of Kramer’s work and then a discussion with Tony Kushner and Kramer, moderated by Adam Feldman, theater critic for Time Out magazine. Kramer’s play about the early years of AIDS, “The Normal Heart,” has been produced all over the world and has recently had an enormously successful revival at the Public Theater. 7:30 p.m. at the 92 St. Y, 1395 Lexington Ave. $25 Call 212 415 5500 for tickets.
MON. OCT. 25
GMHC Lincoln Center Benefit
A special one-night only, all-star concert featuring Tony Award-winners and others will perform “Show Stoppers!” a salute to the best of Broadway at Avery Fisher Hall, Broadway and 65 St. at 8 p.m. Stephen Bogardus, Melissa Errico, Randy Graf, Ellen Greene, George Hearn, Carol Lawrence, Priscilla Lopez, Andrea McArdle, Melba Moore, Robert Morse and others to be announced are some of the stars that will perform in this once-in-a-lifetime musical event. V.I.P. tickets are $250- $1,000, available at 212-367-1472 or gmhc.org. Regular tickets are $55- $200 available at 212-721-6500.
WED. OCT. 27
Reading at the Y
“By The Book: Writing By Queer Jews” by Aryeh Lev Stollman, Aaron Hamburger, T Cooper, Bruce Shenitz.” Homosexuality and Judaism aren’t thought to go hand-in- hand. Yet for a new generation of writers, the two ideas don’t seem antithetical at all. Come discover why in an evening of readings and discussion with writers Aryeh Lev Stollman (“The Far Euphrates”); T Cooper (“Some of the Parts”); Aaron Hamburger (“The View from Stalin’s Head”); and Bruce Shenitz (“The Man I Might Become: Gay Men Write About Their Fathers”). Presented with Congregation Beth Simchat Torah. 7:30 p.m. $12 in advance, $15 at the door 35 W. 67th St. 212 413 8841.
THURS. OCT 28
Sexual Masquerade
The Museum of Sex and The One Year Lease Theatre Company present the Second Annual Masquerade tonight. In addition to exclusive access to all the exhibits of the museum, admission includes open bar, hors d’oeuvres, music, raffles, deluxe gift bags and more. Dress befitting a masquerade is recommended, though costumes of all sorts are welcome at this kinky bash. Free masks will be available at the door. 7 p.m. at 233 Fifth Avenue at E. 27th St. $30 advance/$40 at the door. Call 212-352-3101 for tickets.
FRI. OCT. 29
Tears for Fears Concert
Tonight at the Trump Taj Majal in Atlantic City, New Jersey, British pop icons Tears For Fears founding members Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith will reunite for the first time in 14 years. Twenty shows are confirmed with more expected. The ”Everybody Loves A Happy Ending Tour” comes on the heels of the September 14 release of their highly acclaimed new CD of the same title. One of the most beloved British bands to emerge in the post-new wave era of the early 1980’s, Tears for Fears broke through as international superstars in 1985 when their sophomore album “Songs From The Big Chair” sold over 5 million copies in the U.S. alone. 9 p.m. Call 800 315 9344 for tickets.
Marc’s Music
Come watch openly gay singer/composer/pianist Marc MacBarron Kessler perform his original rock songs at The Duplex. Joined by lead guitarist/singer Michael Vecchio from the alternative rock band Passersby, tonight’s a great chance to see two upcoming musicians. $10 cover with a 2-drink minimum. 61 Christopher St., 7 p.m. 212-255-5438.
Burlesque Memorial
David Leopold, fondly called the prince of perversion, special guests and scantily clad men in an evening dedicated to the spirit of the late comedienne Margaret Trigg. This “sometimes stomach churning” performance includes dance stylings of Abrahams and Caramelli, appearances by Billy Idol Jr., the O’ Debra Twins and folk legend Dan Smollyan. $5. 8 p.m. at Collective Unconscious, 279 Church Street. For reservations, call 212-254-5277 or visit weird.org.
SAT. OCT. 30
Ladies Fest
Ladyfest East will present two film programs tonight at 8 p.m. and tomorrow at 6 p.m. at OfficeOps, 57 Thames Street, 2nd floor, Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Take the L train to Morgan Ave. The two film programs are sponsored by Women Make Movies and include work by 16 women filmmakers in two different programs. $7. Visit ladyfeast.org for complete schedule.
Square Dancin’ Halloween
The Big Apple Ranch is hosting a Halloween Hoedown tonight with early lessons at 8 p.m. for beginners and dancing at 9 p.m. There’s going to be a “heap of country-western dancing with a side of salsa, waltz and swing.” 39 W.19 St., between 5 and 6 Aves., 5 floor. Visit bigappleranch.com or call 212-358-5752 for details.
WAX Wonder
A benefit to launch Phase II, the Williamsburg Art Nexus (WAX) presents an evening of dance with 20 extraordinary performers tonight. Enjoy the pleasure of a three-course meal and a four-course performance including hula hooping groove squads drawing audiences into the dancing space. Commedia Dell’Arte trained waiters will serve audience food and revelry as they watch works old, new, revisited and specially tailored for the occasion. Admission $40 for a banquet table (includes 3 course meals and drinks), $20 general. The event takes place at 205 N. 7th St., Williamsburg. Reservations at 718-599-7997.
Dance 208,
Come to the Halloween dance with DJ Nita, hosted by Empress Trai La Trash and the Imperial Court, with celebrity judges and our HalloQueen Costume Contest, in part sponsored by Get Out The Vote $10/$6 (LGBT Community Center members or before 9:45 p.m.) Decor by David Aviles 9 p.m. at 208 W. 13 St. Dance the night away in a low-attitude, fun atmosphere.
SUN. OCT. 31
Canine Halloween
Fun treats for dogs and their owners at Downtown Doghouse and Latka’s Treats Doggy Halloween Party. Dogs will have the opportunity to ‘bob for hot dogs’ and do other fun tricks. Donna Lozito, noted dog psychic, tells owners what their dogs are really thinking. Noon- 6 p.m. at the Downtown Doghouse, 239 W. 18th St. For more information, call 212.924.5300.
Letters to the President
For two nights only, right before the election, watch this Off Broadway offering slated as a special benefit for the Actors’ Fund for America. Directed by John Znidarsic, “Dear George: Letters to the President” presents dramatized excerpts of 1500 letters received by the president between Memorial and Labor Days. The letters include a variety of opinions on 9/11, Iraq, terrorism, the economy and gay marriage. 7 p.m. at 45 Bleecker St., Tickets are available through TheaterMania.com and 212-352-3101.
XXX Halloween Ho-Down
You can’t miss an event which calls itself a “Triple XXX Halloween Ho Down” and promises 8 “new naked farmhands” who “need a’ milkin’.” $20 all night, open bar 10-11 p.m. The Hole,
29 Second Ave. 212-330-6936
