THU. JUL 21
Kicking Ash
There’s new help for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people in the Bronx who want to quit smoking, thanks to a series of bold new initiatives. The American Legacy Foundation has funded a series of programs run by the Bronx Lesbian & Gay Health Resource Consortium to educate LGBT people about their health and encourage them to participate in local smoking cessation and prevention programs. “Queer and Healthy in the Bronx: Smoking Cessation for LGBT Persons and their Families” involves several smoking cessation projects, including the innovative “Gurlz Kick Ash!” and the “Spot Next Door” programs. Information on all of these smoking cessation programs can be found at: blghrc.org or at 718-292-4368.
Public Art
Each summer, The Kitchen presents public talks by internationally renowned artists working at the crossroads of contemporary art, performance, and new media as part of its Sidney Kahn Summer Institute. Past talks have included those by Vito Acconci, Laurie Anderson, Christo and Jeanne Claude, Carl Hancock Rux and Carolee Schneemann. Tonight it’s Matthew Ritchie at 7 p.m. at 512 W. 19th St.
Dance Off
Riverside Park South hosts Terry Dean and Katie’s “Danceoff!” as part of the “Summer on the Hudson” cultural series. Enjoy performances all night long from some of today’s most electrifying and brilliant dancers. 7 p.m. in Riverside Park South on the plaza in front of Pier I. Enter at the Hudson River at W. 68th or W. 72nd Sts. Free admission. Call 212- 408-0219 or visit nyc.gov/parks or riversideparkfund.org for the complete schedule.
FRI. JUL 22
Lenox Lounge
Guitarist Roni Ben-Hur plays live at the Lenox Lounge, tonight and tomorrow, with John Hicks on piano, Rufus Reid on bass, Leroy Williams on drums and Steve Kroon on percussion. Three sets nightly at 9, 10:30 p.m. and midnight at 288 Lenox Ave. between 124th and 125th Sts. in Harlem. $20 plus one-drink minimum. Call 212 427 0243 for additional information.
Male Desire Two
Mary Ryan Gallery exhibits a series of artists in celebration of Jonathan Weinberg’s book “Male Desire: The Homoerotic in American Art,” published by Harry N. Abrams, through Sep. 10. Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5p.m. 212-397-0669. Proceeds from the book sales will go to the Manuscripts and Archives Division of the New York Public Library.
Pen Pals
Playwright Barbara Kahn creates an insightful and touching drama of the conflicted America we are daily becoming, in which childhood friends find themselves on opposing sides and democracy’s values fade in favor of fundamentalist religious values. Sean Siebert directs. Presented as part of the Fresh Fruit Festival at Blue Heron Arts Center, 123 E. 24th St. Today and Jul. 24, 8: 30 p.m. Jul. 24 at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 at 212-352-3101.
Values Horrors Show
Butch, political, performance artist Susana Cook returns to “HOT! the NYC Celebration of Queer Culture,” with “The Values Horror Show,” a new play that deftly combines political satire and dark humor to question the horrors unleashed under the discourse of morality. In this biting social commentary, Cook conjures up the troubled historical ghosts of her native Argentina and compares the rhetoric used by the repressive military regime of Rafael Videla from the mid-1970s with some of American politicians’ current discourse. Come see the real story behind bigotry and terrorism. Fri. and Sat., through Jul. 30 at 10 p.m. $10-$15 sliding scale at door; $12 advance at theatermania.com; 212-219-0736 x110 or dixonplace.org. 258 Bowery, 2nd fl., between Prince & Houston Sts.
Tim Rogerson
The artist is debuting his newest collection of works, set to hit a national 25-city gallery tour through July of 2006, at Ocean Galleries in New Jersey. The gallery will present live jazz music during evening receptions with artist Rogerson, a rising star in the art world, as he unveils “Cosmopolitan Pop: A Colorful Series of Paintings About Everyday Life and the Games People Play.” The exhibition kicks off at Ocean Galleries at 7 p.m. tonight at 9618 Third Ave., Stone Harbor, New Jersey. Call 609-368-7777 for directions and more information.
SAT. JUL 23
Grieving for Genevieve
Gay City News arts writer Kathleen Warnock presents the premiere of her new play, developed at TOSOS II and presented as part of the Midtown International Theater Festival. “Grieving for Genevieve” revolves around the lives of the three Peck sisters, originally from Baltimore—Danni (the alienated one who lives in New York), Delilah (a much-married rocker) and Angel (a nun), and the mother who thinks she can run their lives better than they can. As Delilah prepares to marry for the third time, suddenly it all changes. Peter Bloch directs. Workshop Theatre, 312 W. 36th St., fourth fl. Today at 2:30 p.m.; Jul. 28 and Aug. 6, 5:30 p.m.; Jul. 31, 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 5, 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $15, $12 for students, seniors at smarttix.com.
Fiesta Filipino
The Asian Pacific Alliance of New York (APANY) hosts its tenth annual celebration of Filipino pride, cuisine, music and cultural heritage. Buffet dinner, with treats, cakes and non-alcoholic drinks will provide energy for an evening of entertainment and friends. Admission is $8 for APANY members, $10 otherwise. LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th St., 7:30-10:30 p.m. For complete information, visit http://members.aol.com /apany/.
Jackie Does Jersey
The Theater Project, Union County College’s professional theater company, presents “Jackie, An American Life,” playwright and satirist Gip Hoppe’s comedy directed by the company’s artistic director Mark Spina, that follows the late former first lady as she comments on the roller coaster events of her life. “The story of America’s obsession with Mrs. Kennedy may tell us more about ourselves than about the object of our fascination,” director Spina said. 1033 Springfield Ave., Cranford, New Jersey. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. through Jul. 31. $20, ($12 on Thu.). Reservations at 908-659-5189 or TheTheaterPro-ject.com.
SUN. JUL 24
Acoustic Sundays
Part of the “Summer On The Hudson” cultural series, Riverside Park South presents this exciting series of free outdoor concerts. Live jazz, R&B, rock, salsa and urban folk performances. Call 212-408-0219 or visit riversideparkfund.org for specific programs. Every Sun. through Jul. 31 from 6-8:30 p.m. at Riverside Park South. Enter at Riverside Drive and W. 68th or W. 72nd Streets. Free admission. Food and drinks will be on sale at Maritime Café.
Somewhere In Between
Transgendered Israeli playwright by Ronny Almog and his troupe of talented performers challenge our ideas about “the other sex” and our own in this clever, funny multi-media assault on cherished gender notions. What sex is God? What is a man? A woman? And do we have to choose up side or is there somewhere in between? The show comes here after successful runs in Tel Aviv and California. Today and Jul 27, 7 p.m.; Jul. 25 and 26, 8 p.m. Part of the Fresh Fruit Festival at Blue Heron Arts Center, 123 E. 24th St. Tickets are $20 at 212-352-3101.
MON. JUL 25
What’s Your Problem?
Hector Coris and Paul L. Johnson present a new musical comedy revue aimed at nothing less than saving the world from rampant stupidity with snappy tunes. The cast includes Travis Bloom, Hector Coris, Matthew Myers and Dawn Trautman. Paul L. Johnson is musical director. Today and Jul. 26 and 28, 6 p.m.; Jul. 27, 8:30 p.m. Presented as part of the Fresh Fruit Festival at Blue Heron Arts Center, 123 E. 24th St. Tickets are $20 212-352-3101.
Will Wikle
Tonight Scott Nevins presents Will Wikle, the openly gay housemate on “Big Brother 5,” at Monday night’s hottest gay party at Therapy. Wikle will give a private peek inside his latest TV ventures as host of two hot new shows, Bravo’s “Battle of the Network Reality Stars” and LOGO’s new travel show “Round Trip Ticket.” Music by DJ Aaron Elvis. Showtime is at 11 p.m. 348 W. 52nd St. Free
Robert Smithson
The Whitney Museum of American Art is proud to present the work of this artist—who died in 1973 at 35—which includes the well-known “Spiral Jetty” and films, photographs, writings, sculptures and more. Exhibit runs through October. 945 Madison Ave. at 75th St. Open Wed.-Sun. 212-570-3633; $12.
TUE. JUL 26
Lose the Habit
The American-Italian Cancer Foundation, in tandem with the American Cancer Society and the Actor’s Fund of America hosts a weekly support group for women trying to stop smoking. The group meets Tue., 6 to 7 p.m. at the Aurora, 475 W. 57th St. at Tenth Ave., second fl. To register or get more information on this program or other anti-smoking programs of the American-Italian Cancer Foundation, e-mail losethehabit@yahoo.com or call 212-628-9090.
Mayoral Forum
A coalition of citywide groups and elected officials will meet with Mayor Michael Bloomberg to discuss the future of community parks and open spaces. Registration is required die to enormous response. Visit parks1.org/mayoralforum or call 212-838-9410 x 233 for tickets. 7 p.m. at New York University’s Skirball Center for the Performing Arts at 566 LaGuardia Pl., between Washington Square South and W. Third St.). Ticket vouchers will be sent via e-mail or mail to those who have registered. You must bring this voucher for admission.
Dance Event
The Jewish Community center in Manhattan presents “Birth of the Phoenix” by the Vertigo Dance Company of Israel in three evenings of outdoor performances in Riverside Park through Thursday. Free at 8:30 p.m. near the 73rd St. track, adjacent to the Hudson River. Enter the park at 72nd Street and go down toward the river. Call 646 505 5708 for tickets.
Homomuseum
What do Alexander the Great, J. Edgar Hoover, Gertrude Stein and Andy Warhol all have in common? Exit Art continues a two-month exhibition structured around the idea of an imaginary national art museum dedicated to LGBT artists. From the West Side Piers to Sal Mineo to Mercedes McCambridge to Quentin Crisp. 475 Tenth Ave. at 36th St. For more information, call 212-966-7745.
WED. JUL 27
Women’s Professional Basketball
Tonight at 6 p.m., the women’s network of Out Professionals and GO NYC magazine host a Madison Square Garden pre-game reception with Kym Hampton, N.Y. Liberty all-star player, before the game with the Houston Comets. $65 per ticket for open bar, hors d’oeuvres, Liberty giveaways and game admission. Call 212-489-8212 or e-mail lynx@outprofessionals.org for more information.
Diagnosis: Jew Pain
Michael Feldman wrote and performs this story of a nice Jewish boy confronting the problem of what to do when both the boy and girl next door look equally appealing? Funny and smart, this one-man show brings alive Feldman’s journey as outsider—a Jew in a Christian nation, a bisexual in a world of sexual battlegrounds. This show scored big in last year’s Fringe Festival. Today, 10:30 p.m. Jul. 30, 7 p.m. Presented as part of the Fresh Fruit Festival at Blue Heron Arts Center, 123 E. 24th St. Tickets are $20 at 212-352-3101.
Favored Nations Present
Soho Think Tank’s 12th annual Ice Factory Festival, a summer series of new work, is one of the strongest ever. Favored Nation Theatre presents “Psyche,” written by Deborah Wallace and directed by Leon Ingulrud. James Barry was born in 1796 and was a surgeon and a soldier who fought duels and treated lepers. He was tried for sodomy and acquitted. He was also a woman. An epic musical about war, medicine, sexuality and love, told through the life of a flamboyant and fascinating human being who chooses to love only in the dark. “Psyche” uses unique physical work that director Ingulrud pioneered at SITI Company. The Ohio Theatre, 66 Wooster St. between Spring and Broome Sts. Tickets are $15/ $10 for students and seniors at Smarttix at 212-868-4444 or at smarttix.com.
Jason Mraz
This native Virginian started playing guitar and writing songs when he was 18. His style is solely his own, combining country and rock with elements of folk, jazz, and even hip-hop. In 2004, he released a live CD, “Tonight, Not Again” on Atlantic Records and is currently on tour with Alanis Morrisette. His newest effort, “Mr. A-Z,” on Atlantic Records hit the street on Jul. 26. Tonight, he is at Housing Works Used Book Café at 8:30 p.m. All proceeds support this not-for-profit organization that provides housing, healthcare, advocacy and other services to homeless people living with HIV and AIDS. 212-334-3324, 126 Crosby St., one block east of Broadway between Houston and Prince Sts.
Free Movie in the Park
Every Wed., weather permitting, through Aug. 17, Riverside Park hosts “Movies Under the Stars.” 8:30 p.m. at Riverside Park South, at the end of Pier I at 68th St. Free admission, food and drink will be on sale. Call 212- 408-0219 or visit nyc.gov/parks for complete summer movie listings.
THU. JUL 28
Summer Photography
The LGBT Community Center’s National Museum of LGBT History hosts two summer shows, one highlighting the work of the New York Gay and Lesbian Photography Club, which celebrates the diversity of contemporary photography, with nudes, still lives and landscapes executed in media including traditional black-and- white, “straight” and manipulated digital work and alternative processes. Photographer Christine Blackburn displays images of LGBT life in Cuba, which she has found is one of moderate acceptance, with the occasional repressive backlash. For more information on the club, e-mail eieio@nyc.rr.com. 208 W. 13th St., 212-620-7310. Through Aug. 12.
Homo Hip Hop Poetry Jam 2
This award winning festival event returns, curated by baron and hosted by ButtaFlySoul. This is not your 12-year-old nephew’s hip hop. This jam brings together top spoken word LGBT artists Prince Chulo, Jesse Alick, Kyana Brindle and Tai Freedom Ford with their verbal acrobatics about growing up different in a hostile world. In words that sear, amuse and shock, poets let us to see why, though different and diverse, LGBT people are united. 10 p.m. Presented as part of the Fresh Fruit Festival at the Blue Heron Arts Center, 123 E. 24th St. Tickets are $15 212-352-3101.
Ain’t We Got Fun!
Michael McFaden wrote and directs this Jazz Age musical set against the backdrop of the 1929 stock market crash. It’s a love story about Oscar and Benny pursuing fame in gangland Chicago. The musical brings to life many forgotten songs of the ‘20s and ’30s such as “Masculine Women, Feminine Men.” “Help!(The Girls Are After Me)” and “Gay Love.” Tonight through Jul. 31 Blue Heron Arts Center, 123 E. 24th Street, as part of the Fresh Fruit Festival. Tickets are $25 at 212-352-3101.
FRI. JUL 29
Fresh Melange
The Fresh Fruit Festival hosts an evening of short works by women, including Carolyn Gage’s “Calamity Jane Sends a Message To Her Daughter,” Pamachene Belle, also by Carolyn Gage, Ayin Adams’ “From Brooklyn to Maui” and “Tender Hooks,” by Colette Paige. Today, 6 p.m. Jul. 30, 5 p.m. Blue Heron Arts Center, 123 E. 24th St. Tickets are $15 at 212-352-3101.
Women and HIV
Gay Men’s Heath Crisis hosts a discussion with Hella Von Unger, PhD on her findings from an interview study on lesbian and bisexual women with HIV/AIDS. Women living with HIV/AIDS are often faced with conflicting information about woman-to-woman HIV/STD transmission. The event is free, open to the general public at GMHC’s Tisch Building, Room 405, 119 W. 24th St., NYC. For more information, call Krishna Stone at 212-367-1016 or send an e-mail to krishnas@gmhc.org.
gaycitynews.com
