THU.OCT. 5
Last Chance Andrea Meislin Gallery is pleased to present “Arena,” the first New York solo exhibition for Toronto artist Frank Rodick. In the artist’s own words, the title of this exhibition refers to “a place of spectacle, a place of combat and/or entertainment, a place where we come together to watch other members of our species encounter each other in ways that perhaps take us simultaneously outside of ourselves and deeper within.” Each photograph within the series evokes a wide spectrum of primeval human emotions, taking the viewer on “a journey into primal territory.” The imagery is often highly sexual, suggesting pleasure and ecstasy, while concurrently evoking pain and death. These oppositions are also present in the compositions of each work, which are at times deep and confining, and ambiguous and distant, especially in the depiction of a typically intimate, tangible, and inviting subject matter. The juxtaposition of these conflicting sensations directly confronts and provokes the viewer. 526 W 26th St., # 214. 212-627-2552. Ends Oct. 7
Brian Brooks Moving Company The queer young choreographer presents his latest work for his dynamic troupe, “again again,” working with repetition and rigorous physicality, pushing the limits of endurance and perception. Dance Theater Workshop, 219 W. 19th St. $20 at 212-924-0077. Through Oct. 7.
Georgia Boy This cabaret show is a true story of Robert Vest, a former evangelistic music minister (think Jerry Farwell) who was married with three children and trying to ignore his homosexuality. He came out. He divorced his wife. He lost his job. He lost his religion, was shunned by the church. He had to move to away. Leaving children…now 14, 13, and 11, he moved to New York to be embraced by gay society…not…and is still trying to rediscover himself through his religious beliefs. He will be moving back to Florida to be with children in October, and with this show, is in the process of reinventing himself. Tonight and Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. The Triad Theater, 158 W. 72nd St. 212-352-3101 or theatermania.com. $15 cover plus two drink minimum.
FRI. OCT. 6
Ear To The Earth How can sound help us better understand our environment and engage in today’s critical ecological issues? “Ear to the Earth,” a festival conceived and organized by Electronic Music Foundation, will kick up the volume of the earth’s sonic life with concerts, installations, public art, and panel discussions that explore our interaction with natural and man-made worlds through sound. For a week, an international team of sound artists, environmentalists, scientists and educators will convene in downtown venues including the World Financial Center, Judson Church and 3-Legged Dog Arts & Technology Center (3LD), to present and discuss a wide and compelling body of works based on the sounds and images of the environment, encouraging people to listen to the world. The festival will launch with an opening reception at 3LD tonight from 7-10 p.m., featuring a brief demonstration on sonifications of temperature projections for New York City by digital media artist Andrea Polli and Dr. Cynthia Rosenzweig (NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies), followed by performances of the NYSoundmap by members of the NYSAE (New York Society for Acoustic Ecology) and a live remix of the archives of the NYSAE’s radio station, Giant Ear))). For a complete schedule of festival events, go to eartotheearth.com.
I See No Stranger Sikhs live in the popular imagination—they are known for their courage and resolve, and for their striking appearance and distinctive dress. Less well known, however, are Sikh beliefs and ideals, and the roots of Sikh culture and art in the traditions of North India. This exhibition will present approximately 100 works from the sixteenth through the nineteenth century, including paintings, drawings, textiles, metalwork, and photographs that identify core Sikh beliefs and explore the plurality of Sikh cultural traditions. The Rubin Museum of Art, 150 W. 17th St. Through January 29, 2007. Mon. & Thu. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Wed. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $10; free on Fri. from 7-10 p.m. 212-620-5000.
X Party The X Party, the hottest dyke bi queer trans dance party that happens the first Friday of every month, invites you to “Smash the System!” celebrating the revolutionary women who get things done in this Party to Benefit the Womens Peace Encampment Herstory Project. In the summer of 1983 2,000 women went over the fence at the Seneca Army Depot in Romulus, New York to protest nuclear weapons. What are you doing this week? DJ Ingie Pop and Biance revolutionize the dance floor with ‘80s pop music and go-go goddess Randee Riot leads the gyrations. $3 beers plus drink specials all night! 21 & over. 10 p.m.-4 a.m. at Remote Lounge, 327 Bowery btwn. Second & Third Sts. $10 at 212-228-0228.
Queer Love Stories Gato Flaco Productions presents “Love Scenes,” a sexy, touching, laugh-out-loud funny look at gay New Yorkers falling in and out of love. Moe Bertran plays six characters including a twenty-year-old hustler falling for his kinky mentor, a Broadway producer in a locker room brawl with the starlet who’s after his man, a fifty-something martini drinker whose partner wants to have an open sexual relationship, and a drag diva ending her search for a rich husband to settle for true love. Fri. & Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 3:30 p.m. through Oct. 16. Wings Theatre, 154 Christopher St. $20 or TDF at 212-627-2961 or wingstheatre.com.
SAT. OCT. 7
Uncle Lige’s Sword Eric Rhein presents a selection of his wire drawings and sculptures from the last decade. Rhein creates delicate constructions from wire, paper, and found objects, weaving personal stories and experiences into intricate patterns. Works from “The Leaf Project,” which Rhein conceived in 1996 to pay tribute to friends who had died of complications from AIDS, anchor the exhibition with recognition of the magnitude of loss during the height of the epidemic. The work reflects the transformation that Rhein has experienced as a long-term survivor, from a concentration on AIDS-specific issues to a broader reflection on humanity and the natural world. Rhein dedicates this exhibition to the memory of his uncle Lige (Elijah) Clarke, a pioneer along with his lover Jack Nichols, in the Gay Rights movement of the late 1960s and early ‘70s. The sword is used as a metaphor for Clarke’s courage and indomitable spirit. Manhattan-based Rhein has been exhibiting his sculptures and wire drawings for over 20 years in the U.S., London, Paris, Munich, Stockholm, and Tokyo. Free. The LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th St. 212-620-7310. Through Nov. 3.
Transgressive Gloss Accomplished fashion photographer Steven Klein has created a series of iconic yet risqué images not just of Madonna and Branjolina, but Tom Ford, Justin Timberlake, David Beckham, and Naomi Campbell, treating these superstar subjects as actual collaborators in order to realize his own vision. Willing to subvert their own images, they show us that even modern celebrities can experience the existential ennui that we all feel from time to time. Wessel + O’Connor Fine Art, 111 Front St., Suite 200, btwn Adams and Washington Sts. in DUMBO. Wed.-Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Through Nov. 4. 718-586-1700.
SUN.OCT. 8
Visual AIDS Every month, Visual AIDS invites guest curators, drawn from both the arts and AIDS communities, to select several works from the Frank Moore Archive Project. October’s web gallery features a two-part show entitled “stardust,” curatd by Leah Oates. The most visited HIV/AIDS-related site on the web, The Body contains a rich collection of information on topics ranging from HIV prevention, state-of-the-art treatment issues, humor, and art. thebody.com/visualaids.
The Faggots Return Known for his quirky twee performances, anti-folk songwriter/performance artist Dan Fishback bursts onto the stage with bombastic rock bravado in “The Faggots,” backed by a trio of heterosexual musicians, branded by Fishback with Smurf-like faggot names—Brainy Faggot (Dibson Hoffweiler on guitar), Scruffy Faggot (Chris Maher on bass), and Pensive Faggot (Gregg Mervine of King Django on drums). “The Faggots” play dark, minimalist punk versions of Fishback’s songs, recalling the fury of Bratmobile and the restrained regality of PJ Harvey. Imagine Elmo as the substitute lead singer of Hole. Joining them will be Urban Barnyard (8 p.m.), which only sings songs about animals in the city, Gina Young (9 p.m.), a fierce riot-grrl dyke-folk troubador, and The Ettes (11 p.m.), a girl-band from L.A. 10 p.m. at Cakeshop, 152 Ludlow St. $5 cover; 212-253-0036
MON.OCT. 9
Grains Of Sand This award-winning documentary reveals the struggles of the citizens of Maclovio Rojas in Tijuana, Mexico as they battle the state government’s attempts to evict them from their homes. Filmmaker Beth Bird followed the fiercely determined residents for three years as they persistently petitioned the state for basic services like running water, electricity and pay for their teachers, only to be met with bureaucratic stonewalling. This compelling and ultimately inspiring documentary is an eye-opening look at the human cost of globalization and a moving testament to the power of grassroots activism. Bluestockings, 172 Allen St. btwn. Stanton & Rivington Sts. 7 p.m. $5-10 suggested.
TUE.OCT. 10
A Rakish History of Men’s Wear From tight hose and doublets to codpieces to the wasp-waisted frock coat that preceded the modern suit, the history of men’s fashion is more innovative and less conservative than is generally known. Bringing together nearly 200 illustrated books, prints, photographs, and watercolor sketches, A Rakish History of Men’s Wear surveys men’s dress from antiquity to the present. Drawing mainly from the Art and Architecture Collection of the Library’s Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division, the items on display tell the intriguing story of how men’s wear swung between ostentation and restraint until the early modern era. The exhibition pays particular attention to the rakes and rebels, from George “Beau” Brummell in the nineteenth century to style icons like Sean Combs today, who have defined masculine fashion. The New York Public Library, Fifth Ave. at 42nd St., in the Edna Barnes Salomon Room, third floor. Tue.-Wed. 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Thu.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 1-5 p.m. Closed Mondays and national holidays.Through Apr. 7.
WED.OCT. 11
Come Out NYU’s LGBT Pride Month Program, SoulforceNYC, and Empire State Pride Agenda’s Pride in the Pulpit initiative host an event on NYU’s campus to mark National Coming Out Day. This free event will include a screening of the documentary “Equality U,” which traces the 2006 Equality Ride—an action that took recent graduates and young adults on a seven week “Freedom Ride” to religiously affiliated academic institutions and military academies that actively discourage and discriminate against LGBT students. RSVP by Oct. 7 to Soulforcenyc@aol.com.
On The QT Queer lit has a new home in QT—the reading series for provocative new queer writing at Dixon Place. Taking the torch from Dixon Place’s Homotext reading series founded in 1995, QT—New Queer Text welcomes writers who draw from the broad range of queer experience and push the limits of language. R U A QT? Come to Dixon Place and find out! The series kickoff reading will be Wednesday, October 11, which happens to be National Coming Out Day. Dixon Place and QT are thrilled to welcome superstar lesbian writer Eileen Myles, appearing with the Seattle Stranger’s Nate Lippens. 258 Bowery, second fl., btwn. Houston & Prince Sts. 7 p.m. $5 or TDF at 212-219-0736 or dixonplace.org.
THU.OCT. 12
Ax And Orpheus The Grammy Award-winning Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, a leader in the exploration of classical and contemporary repertoire with multiple roles as performer, educator, and innovator, will perform tonight at Carnegie Hall. The world renowned ensemble will be joined in an all Mozart program by guest artist pianist Emanuel Ax. The program opens with the Overture to “Cosi fan tutti” and includes Piano Concerto in C Major, K.503; Piano Concerto in G Major, K.453 and Symphony No. 35, “Haffner.” Founded in 1972 by a group of musicians who aspired to perform orchestral repertoire without a conductor, Orpheus is a self-governing organization. Central to its distinctive personality is its unique practice of sharing and rotating leadership roles. For every work, the members of the orchestra select the concertmaster and the principal players for each section. Orpheus has collaborated with many of the great artists of our time including Isaac Stern, Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, Emanuel Ax, Dawn Upshaw, Renée Fleming, and Evelyn Glennie. $30 -$88 at the Carnegie Hall Box Office, Seventh Avenue at 57th St., CarnegieCharge at 212-247-7800, or online at carnegiehall.org. Isaac Stern Auditorium at 8 p.m.
Merce The father of 21st century dance, Merce Cunningham, and composer Mikel Rouse ask audiences to bring their iPods to the premiere of “eyeSpace.” Set to Rouse’s score, the dancers’ precision is complemented with décor and costumes by Williamsburg artist Henry Samelson. “Scenario MinEvent” and a revival of “Crises” (1960) will complete the evening. Each ticket purchased for any of these performances at The Joyce Theater entitles the bearer to receive from the iTunes Store a free download of Rouse’s score, “International Cloud Atlas,” for Cunningham’s “eyeSpace.” Go to merce.org/joyce to obtain the download code, downloading instructions and further information. Audience members are requested to bring their own iPods loaded with the score to play during the performance of “eyeSpace.” iPod Shuffles will also be available for loan—at no cost—at the theater. 175 Eighth Ave. Oct. 10-15, Tue.-Wed 7:30 p.m. Thu.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $44; 212-242-0800.
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