7 Days & 7 Nights

THUR. APR. 29

Gay Vacation Ideas

International Gay & Lesbian World Travel Expo is a lively event that attracts both consumers and the travel trade, offering an unparalleled opportunity to meet travelers face-to-face and to develop a dynamic sales network of retail agents serving the gay market. 4 to 8 p.m. at Chelsea’s Metropolitan Pavilion, 119 W. 19 St. Visit communitymarketing inc.com for more information.

Behind the Beatles

As part of a special centennial-year film series, The Jewish Museum in New York screens “The Brian Epstein Story,” a film that tells the story of The Beatles’ manager, a leader of the music revolution that changed popular culture forever. A Jewish homosexual who came of age in working class Liverpool, Epstein was also a man with many demons. This documentary offers a fascinating glimpse at his life and includes rare Fab Four footage, as well as exclusive interviews with Paul McCartney. In keeping with the film festival format, the program will include an introduction and post-screening discussion with Debbie Geller, the film’s producer and author of “My Life: The Brian Epstein Story.” 6:30 p.m. at the Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Ave. $12, $10 for students and seniors and $9 for members. Visit jewishmuseum.org for more information.

Rites of Return

Theater for the New City presents Victoria Linchon’s original drama “Rite of Return,” a play which confronts the violence and inequality in both America and Israel, and examines the choices that are made in response. Runs until May 23. 155 First Ave. (at E. 10 Street) Call 212 245 1109 for tickets and times. $10.

Meet the Artist

Two Boots Pioneer Theater’s Artists-In-Residence film series, in collaboration with the Howl Film Festival and the Federation of East Village Artists (FEVA), present an anthology of Angel Orensanz’s last four years of video work. The evening will consist of a screening of Orensanz’s video work, two short films by Luis Bunuel : “Un chien Andalou” (1928), “Andalusian Dog,” and “Tierra sin pan” (“Land without Bread”) (1932), followed by a reception at 9 p.m. to meet the artist and an exhibition of his work. Orensanz’s digital compositions are built around extremely elaborate stagings inside his studio and itineraries throughout emblematic world locations. 7 p.m. at the Pioneer Theater, 155 E. 3 St. $10, $ 6.50 for Pioneer members. Call 212 254 3300 or visit twoboots.com/pioneer.

Opening Night

The National Black Theatre is proud to present the opening of the musical “Serenade the World: The Music and Words of Oscar Brown Jr.” with original music created by Genovis Albright and featuring the Oscar Brown Jr. Trio: Bob Cunningham, Ann Belmont, and Phil Young. The performance incorporates music, poetry and lyrics of the father of rap—Oscar Brown Jr. He is an American icon whose live musical legacy includes a prestigious career that spans over 40 years of theatrical and night club experience.  Tickets for this special event are $50 and include the opening night performance with a reception immediately following.  Reservations Preferred. 7:00 p.m. at the National Black Theatre, 2031 Fifth Ave. Call 212 722 3800 for reservations.

FRI. APR. 30

Friday Night Stories

This series dramatizes short stories in a cabaret setting. Its third installment, starring Tom Andersen, Lisa Asher, Bobby Belfry, Phil Geoffrey Bond, Scott Coulter, Brandon Cutrell, Erik Pickering, Michael Stewert and Lennie Watts, will feature “My Queer Youth” by Phil Geoffrey Bond. From childhood memories of Osh-Kosh-Be-Gosh play clothes, to getting up the nerve to ask a boy out on a first date – “My Queer Youth” is the coming-of-age tale of a gay little boy carving out an existence in the heartland of America. 9 p.m. at The Duplex Cabaret Theatre, 61 Christopher St. $8 cover, ($5 for members of MAC and Cabaret Hotline), as well as a two-drink minimum. For reservations, call 212 255 5438.

Playtime for Boys

Marilyn Galfin, a professional comic, clown and mime will facilitate a social for single gay men that uses theatre games and innovative mingling techniques to introduce all the men in the room to each other. Through laughter and playing, the ice will break and even shy men will loosen up and have a great time. There may even be a romantic hook-up. 8 to 10 p.m. at the LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13 St. $17 Call 212 989 8549 or visit laff-aprama.com to register.

SAT. MAY 1

Traditional meets Contemporary

The Abrons Arts Center at Henry Street Settlement presents The Breaking Lines Dance Festival featuring the Kun-Yang Lin Dancers in an on-going exploration into the power of movements to inform spiritual, emotional, psychological, and physical states of being and to search for a state of balance. Mr. Lin will present a repertory that is a fusion of traditional Chinese dance forms with the modern vocabulary of his new American home. 8 p.m. and Sun. May 2 at 3 p.m. at the Abrons Arts Center, 466 Grand St. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. For tickets call 212 598 0400 or visit theatermania.com

Queer Conference

LaGuardia Community College is hosting this year’s Queer CUNY conference, “Celebrating the Global Rainbow” with keynote speaker Verna Eggleston, the New York City commissioner of human resources. Workshops include “What’s in a Name?” “To Queer or Not to Queer?” and “Teaching Queer 101” among many others. 11a.m. registration at LaGuardia Community College, 31-10 Thomas Avenue, Queens. For free registration and more information, call 718 482 5193.

Jewish Film Fest

The Fourth Annual Brooklyn Jewish Film Festival celebrates the 80th birthday of actor and musician Theodore Bikel with his friends from the world of entertainment. The celebration begins with a screening of “The Russians Are Coming! The Russians Are Coming!” directed by Norman Jewison. When a Soviet submarine captain comes up for a look at America off the coast of a small island in Maine, he runs aground. He sends his two English-speaking crewmen to procure a boat with enough power to pull them off. The two English speakers and six Russian sailors don’t exactly blend in, and the town is convinced that they are being invaded. After the screening a special appearance by Theodore Bikel and others will follow the screening. 7:30 p.m. at BAM Rose Cinemas, 30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn. Tickets are $10. Call 718 636 4100 or visit www.bam.org.

SUN MAY 2

Bears in the Buff

In Bear Cafe’s venture into showcasing art by and for the Bear and Cub and their admirers, these men present Woolsrake Photography. The photographer, James Kempster, will exhibit his latest works and talk one-on-one with folks in BC’s coffeehouse setting. His photographs include erotica, candid and posed shots of men on the street as well as nudes. 3 to 6 p.m. at the LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13 St. $4 cover plus a large bottle of a non-alcoholic beverage or fruit, cheese, munchies or dessert to share potluck style. Visit woolsrake.com for information.

Bodies in Motion

Sundays at three…dance previews series presents “Bodily Abode,” a performance of new choreography by dancers from the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company. This program of short works celebrates the artists’ diverse countries of origin, as well as movement styles ranging from classical ballet to post modern. 3 p.m. at the 92nd St. Y, 1395 Lexington Avenue. $10, advance purchase recommended, 212-415-5552.

Village House Tour

The Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation hosts the “Hidden from View” house tour featuring the hidden histories, gardens and interiors of some of the Village’s most iconic homes, a benefit to aid this non-profit organization. The houses range from the former home of an eccentric and iconoclastic captain of industry, to an intact wood-frame house reputedly built for one of New York’s most prominent freed slaves and Revolutionary war heroes. Tour runs from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., with a cocktail reception from 5 to 7 p.m. at a grand restored Greek Revival home on West 11th Street. Tour tickets begin at $85 and tour and reception tickets begin at $200.  All proceeds support the work of the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation. Visit gvshp.org to reserve a spot. Tickets may be purchased before the tour at St. Luke’s Church, 487 Hudson Street.

MON. MAY 3

Lucille Lortel Awards

The 19th Annual Lucille Lortel Awards ceremony will be presented for outstanding Off Broadway achievement. “Frozen” and “Valhalla” top the list of shows with six nominations, and “Bug,” “Caroline, or Change” and “Small Tragedy” with five nominations each. 7 p.m. at the Minetta Lane Theater, 18 Minetta Lane. $50 tickets can be purchased at the Minetta Lane Box Office at 212 420 8000.

Dennis O’Hare Live

Out Professionals presents Tony Award-winning actor Dennis O’Hare interviewed by Entertainment Weekly’s Dave Karger, who covers music, movies, and television. Currently, O’Hare is performing in the recently opened “Assassins” which examines the history of presidential assassins in America. 7-8:30 p.m. at the LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13 Street. Members $7 and non-members $10. 212 620 7310

Benefit Gala

Ballet Hispanico will celebrate its 26th “Noche de Gala” at The Plaza Hotel hosted by Graciela Daniele, Phylicia Rashad, Ann Reinking and Chita Rivera.  The evening begins with cocktails and salsa lessons from members of the company, followed by dinner in the grand ballroom and performances by the world-renowned Ballet Hispanico Company and children from the Ballet Hispanico School, to be followed by dancing till midnight with the music of the Cal James Orchestra. All proceeds from the event will support the Ballet Hispanico education initiatives programs and the work of the company and school. Festive attire. 7p.m. at the Plaza Hotel, Fifth Ave. at Central Park South. Single tickets $500 & $750 and tables $5,000-$10,000. Call 212 362 6710, ext. 39.

TUE. MAY 4

Paddle on the Hudson River

Orientation for Paddle with Pride, a June 12, 24-mile paddling event to benefit the LGBT Community Center. Paddle with an estimated 300 other folks in rafts and kayaks on the Hudson River along the sprawling Manhattan skyline. 6 p.m. at the LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th St. paddlewithpride.org

WED. MAY 5

Sophie B. Hawkins performs tonight at 7p.m. at B.B. King’s, 237 W. 42 St. Tickets are $22.50 in advance at 212 997 4144 or at bbkingblues.com.

Remembering Brown Vs. Board of Ed.

In this talk, Professors Alan Dershowitz and Charles J. Ogletree, Jr. of Harvard University speak on: “Reflection on the First Century after Brown vs. Board of Education.” Discuss with these scholars the legacy of the groundbreaking decision and its effects on American society today. 8:15 p.m. at the 92nd St. Y, 1395 Lexington Ave. Tickets are $25. 212 415 5500

THU. MAY 6

Oy Vey! Feeling Farklempt?

The 14th St. Y presents a one-session crash course, “Instant Yiddish.” Through games and songs, this is a Yiddish language simcha not to be missed!  Learn Yiddish words. 7 p.m. at the 14th St. Y, 344 E. 14 St. Class fee is $12 for Y members and $18 for the general public. 212 780 0800

FRI. MAY 7

Patty Griffin Performs

Singing sensation Patty Griffin performs live. 8 p.m. at the Town Hall, 123 W. 43 St. Tickets are $25. 212 840 2824 or ticketmaster.com

Two Left Feet?

SpeakOut: LGBT voices for recovery presents the first ever “No Talent” talent show. Sing, dance, read a poem, juggle, karaoke, show us what you got (or don’t got!). 8-10 p.m. at the LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13 St. Free To sign up, contact Deb Goldstein at 212 620 7310 or e-mail her at [email protected].

Fashion and Talent Show

Uni Aum Entertainment presents Seân Shane Curtis, also known as “The Harry Belafonte of this millennium,” in “Show It Off,” a spring fashion and talent show. 5:30-9 p.m. at New York City College of Technology’s Klitgord Auditorium, 285 Jay St., Brooklyn. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased by calling Ronnie at 646 234 0191.

Imani Henry Performs

BAX/Brooklyn Arts Exchange presents, “Living in the Light,” a new multi-media theater piece written and performed by Imani Henry with direction and choreography by inter-disciplinary artist Baraka de Soleil. Henry documents living and breathing inside the largest Caribbean community in the U.S. juxtaposed with images of slavery and the Caribbean’s history of colonialization. He explores the specific multi-national African immigrant communities that shaped Flatbush and depicts how people co-exist in this neighborhood. Imani Henry, is an activist, performer and writer.  As a solo performer, Imani has toured nationally and has been featured at a wide array of venues including The Boston Center for the Arts, The Apollo Theater and national anti-war rallies. 8p.m. tonight and tomorrow, Sunday May 9, at 6 p.m. at BAX/Brooklyn Arts Exchange, 421 Fifth Ave., Brooklyn. Admission is $15 or $10 for members and $8 for low-income attendees. For information or reservations, call 718 832 0018 or visit bax.org.

SAT. MAY 8

Saturday Night Swing Club

Hot swing dancers, Angie Whitworth and Chad and Midori Fasca of the Sandra Cameron Dance Center, lead an evening of swing dancing, jitterbugging, and Lindy-hopping to live music from the 1930s, ‘40s, and ‘50s with performances and special guests. Light refreshments are included. A group lesson is held during the first hour. 7 p.m.–1a.m. at the 92nd St. Y, 1395 Lexington Avenue. $15 at the door.

Patricia Highsmith Tribute

Housing Works Used Book Cafe celebrates the release of a Patricia Highsmith biography, “Beautiful Shadow: A Life of Patricia Highsmith” by Andrew Wilson (Bloomsbury). Wilson will read from his book and lead a panel discussion on Highsmith’s life and work, with Gary Indiana, Meg Wolitzer, and others. Drawing on Highsmith’s voluminous personal papers, and the testimonies of her closest friends, Andrew Wilson has written the first biography of the author who died in 1995. Wilson illuminates the dark corners of Highsmith’s life, casts light on the mysteries of the creative process, and reveals the secrets that the writer chose to keep hidden until after her death. 7 p.m. at the Housing Works Used Book Café, 126 Crosby St. Free admission but donations of used books are welcome.

SUN. MAY 9

Irish Drama

The Play Company presents “Trust,” a play written by Gary Mitchell and directed by Erica Schmidt offering a rare glimpse of contemporary life in Protestant Belfast through he eyes of a working class family. 7 p.m. at The Kirk Theater, 410 W. 42 St. $15 tickets can be purchased at 212 239 5258.

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