Have you ever been to a compost party? Well, now’s your chance! “The Enchantment is Back…Come to a Lamplit Celebration of Decay” says a flier for a composting demonstration and “party” on Thursday at 6 p.m. at the West 104th Street community garden. Food and refreshments will be served by lamplight, and you will learn how to compost.
If you’re not into that, there are dozens of other great events this week, including Open House New York (OHNY), a series of architectural tours that let you into lots of places that are normally closed to the public; Our friend Maria has more on OHNY here. And the Museum of Natural History is hosting its monthly One Step Beyond concert on Friday.
Below, check out our list of events this week. We will likely add more as the week progresses. And email us at info at westsiderag dot com to let us know about upcoming events.
Please double-check times and prices with the event producer. Many venues offer special pricing for students, seniors and members.
Monday
2 p.m.
Charlie Chaplin’s The Gold Rush, with accompaniment by the New York Philharmonic “The Gold Rush” was re-released by Chaplin in 1942 with several scenes cut out and with added narration and musical score. The film will be presented at the 49th New York Film Festival in a new restoration of the original 1925 version undertaken by the Criterion Collection and Cineteca di Bologna at L’Immagine Ritrovata Laboratory, a new score restoration by Timothy Brock, and live musical accompaniment by members of the New York Philharmonic. At the Film Society of Lincoln Center.
7 p.m.
New York Film Festival Surprise Screening The Film Society of Lincoln Center will put on an unnamed film by a “master filmmaker”. At the Film Society of Lincoln Center. $20.
7 p.m.
80th Anniversary Tribute to the Group Theatre Estelle Parsons, Lois Smith, George Bartenieff, Marsha Warren of the Paul Green Foundation, Tony Award winner Frances Sternhagen, and more will be joining the ReGroup ensemble onstage for this celebration. For the first time ever, the 23 plays presented by the famed Group Theatre will be woven together into an evening celebrating The Group’s 80th Anniversary as a fundraiser for the ReGroup Theatre Company. Legends of the stage will join the acclaimed ReGroup ensemble to present these plays along with the history of the Group in this one night only event. At Symphony Space. $55 ($75 day of show).
8 p.m.
David Afkham Conducts the Juilliard Orchestra 28-year-old Haitink protégé and award-winning German conductor, David Afkham, conducts an all-Romantic program. Afkham has been mentored by such eminent artists as Valery Gergiev and Bernard Haitink; serves as a conducting fellow of both the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Richard Wagner Association of Bayreuth; and has led the London Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Cleveland Orchestra. Juilliard’s orchestral season opens on October 10 with Afkham’s highly anticipated New York debut, in which he will direct performances of Brahms’s monumental Second Piano Concerto and Tchaikovsky’s beloved Fourth Symphony. At the Peter Jay Sharp Theater. Standby admission only.
Tuesday
10 a.m.
Hippo Playground Class: Creative Tuesday Art Class Join Marina, an experienced early childhood art teacher, for a creative Tuesday in the Hippo Art Studio. Each week, toddlers ages 2-4 will create artwork inspired by favorite stories, authors, artists, seasons and the ever-inspiring NYC. Classes will be limited to 10 children with accompanying caregivers and will be filled on a first come first served basis. In the Park House at Riverside Park’s Hippo Playground. $15.
11:30 a.m.
Hippo Playground Class: Mommy & Me Music Class Loretta Daley is a musical theatre professional with 15+ years experience teaching babies and young children in numerous Upper West Side programs.
Loretta’s classes for 1-2 year-olds include circle time filled with rhythmic games using a variety of instruments, animated story telling, puppetry and other engaging, musical activities. In the Park House at Riverside Park’s Hippo Playground. $15.
12 p.m.
Toe-Tappin’ Tuesdays – Dixieland Jazz with the Gotham Jazzmen The Gotham Jazzmen bring you all your old favorites and more on Tuesdays from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center, Bruno Walter Auditorium. FREE.
2:30 p.m.
Karloff, the Monster (and the Gentleman) Starring Boris Karloff, Marian Marsh, and Katherine DeMille. New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center, Bruno Walter Auditorium. FREE.
6:30 p.m.
Friends of Morningside Park Fundraiser With music, wine and food. In the Cathedral House at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. $75 to $125.
7 p.m.
Charles Rice-Gonzalez Introduced by Jaime Manrique: Chulito Charles Rice-Gonzalez’s stirring novel Chulito, follows South Bronx queer youth culture, exploring the possibilities of being macho and being in a same-sex relationship. Acclaimed writer Jaime Manrique introduces tonight’s Hispanic History event. At the 82nd Street Barnes & Noble. FREE.
7 p.m.
Cory Richards: Gasherbrum II – The Hardest Way Successfully climbing a Himalayan peak is a long shot even on a good day. So when Cory Richards set out last winter to summit Pakistan’s 8035-meter Gasherbrum II, the odds were against him. Cold and blizzards amplified his suffering, yet summit he did, making the peak’s first-ever winter ascent and surviving an avalanche while descending. Cory is a rising star of alpinism, and a skilled photographer and videographer who has shot for National Geographic. His talk takes you to the perilous edge of adventure, where the risks are high but the rewards can be life-changing. For FREE tickets, please visit: www.thenorthface.com/speakerseries. At Symphony Space. $8.
7 p.m.
Fall Sneak Preview 2: Thalia Film Club with host Marshall Fine Join host Marshall Fine, film critic for the Huffington Post and three-time chair of the New York Film Critics Circle, in his second installment of provocative pre-release films, featuring behind-the-scenes conversations with more surprise special guests. Subscribers will not only see new films before they reach theaters, but will get the opportunity to engage in discussions with creative talents from those films after the screenings. At Symphony Space. $24.
10 p.m.
Ken Yates Born and Raised in London, Ontario, Ken Yates holds true to his roots as a Canadian singer/songwriter by following the influence of such folk stars as Neil Young. Self described first and foremost as a guitar player, Yates reaches out to his fans by crafting rhythmic guitar arrangements blended seamlessly with melodies that transport his listeners into the world of his lyrics. A recent graduate from Berklee College of Music in Boston, his debut CD, “The Backseat EP” has been grabbing the attention of listeners worldwide, most notably from John Mayer who recently blogged about the up and coming singer/songwriter’s song “I Don’t Wanna Fall In Love”. At Symphony Space. FREE.
Wednesday
9 a.m.
Walk NYC Walk NYC is a program that encourages New Yorkers of all ages to get fit while enjoying the outdoors. Parks will staff locations throughout the city with trained walking instructors to lead one-hour walks. Meet at 83rd Street & Riverside Drive. FREE.
2 p.m.
Guitar Afternoon Enjoy free live music performed by jazz guitarist Bill Wurtzel and guest musicians each Wednesday from 2 to 3 pm. Folk Art Museum. FREE.
7 p.m.
OUT@NYSEC: Inaugural Launch OUT@NYSEC is an innovative series of workshops, lectures, and social events with a broad spectrum, serving the LGBTQ community. Learn more about upcoming programs and services, join old friends and meet new ones, and come out and celebrate. This is the first night, and will serve as an introduction. At the Society for Ethical Culture. FREE.
7 p.m.
Gina Rudan: Practical Genius Gina Rudan, President of Genuine Insights Inc., a contemporary professional development and training practice, discusses her new book Practical Genius and a process she has developed for uncovering your hidden talents. At the 82nd Street Barnes & Noble. FREE.
8 p.m.
Neighbors Meeting to Discuss Proposed West End Avenue Historic District Extensions The Upper West Side may soon be home to 800+ new landmarks, as the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) seriously considers landmark designation expansion in the area between Broadway and Riverside Drive, from 70th to 107th Street. American Youth Hostel. FREE.
Thursday
4 p.m.
“Let’s Talk about Water” screening and panel discussion “Let’s Talk about Water” – Screening and panel discussion about the environment that provides our water. At New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center, Bruno Walter Auditorium. FREE.
5 p.m.
Meet the Actor: Antonio Banderas, “The Skin I Live In” Join Golden Globe–nominated actor Antonio Banderas (“Evita”) to discuss his new film, “The Skin I Live In.” In the film, directed by Pedro Almodóvar, Banderas plays a plastic surgeon whose wife was burned in a car crash, and whose goal is to create a synthetic skin that might have saved her. What he creates is a skin that can withstand any kind of assault. At the Upper West Side Apple Store. FREE.
6 p.m.
Urban Composting Workshop/Party By NYC Compost Project. At W. 104 St. Community Garden, 6-10 W. 104 St. For info 212-865-3451. FREE.
7 p.m.
Tim Riley: Lennon: The Man, the Myth, the Music — The Definitive Life With his provocative new book about John Lennon, NPR critic and journalist Tim Riley breaks down the walls of mythology that for years have surrounded the life of a working-class poet, activist and pioneering rock ‘n’ roller. At the 82nd Street Barnes and Noble. FREE.
7 p.m.
Meet the Filmmaker: Wes Anderson, “The Royal Tenenbaums” Reserve Join Oscar-nominated filmmaker Wes Anderson as he discusses the 10th anniversary of his masterpiece, “The Royal Tenebaums,” which had its world premiere at the NYFF 2001. At the Upper West Side Apple Store. FREE.
8:30 p.m.
Sidi Touré Sidi Touré made his first guitar as a child, constructing it from his wooden writing slate in the ancient town of Gao, Mali. In 1976, Touré became the youngest member of Gao’s regional orchestra, the Songhaï Stars and won best singer twice at the Biennales du Mali. Touré’s music is an acoustic desert blues practiced in both the local Songhai tradition and American blues style. He creates a pleasant oasis in his most recent album, “Sahel Folk” for those who want to explore the dessert traditions through West African storytelling. The music of Sidi Touré echoes a rich heritage. At the David Rubenstein Atrium. FREE.
9:30 p.m.
Verona Red As part of Chicago’s music scene for more than three years, Verona Red is dually recognized for their refreshing sound and contagious live energy. Filled with bass-drum climbing, floor grinding, instrument swapping and insults to your mother, their live performance always receives praise from venues, bands and drunkards alike. At Symphony Space. FREE.
Friday
8 a.m.
Walk NYC Walk NYC is a program that encourages New Yorkers of all ages to get fit while enjoying the outdoors. Parks will staff locations throughout the city with trained walking instructors to lead one-hour walks. Meet at 83rd Street & Riverside Drive. FREE.
8 a.m. (until 1 p.m.)
Green Market Choose from fresh produce & dairy, artisanal breads, baked goods, meats & poultry, honey, eggs. Clothing/textile recycling bin on-site. 97th Street and Columbus.
5 p.m.
Jazz Legend Fall Series Musicians play at Whole Foods. This week: Vinnie Knight. At the Columbus Square Whole Foods (at 97th Street). FREE.
5:30 p.m.
Free Music Fridays Featuring NLX, Laura Meyer, Maddy Wyatt At the Folk Art Museum. FREE
9 p.m.
One Step Beyond with Best Coast Launch your weekend with drinks and dancing at the most explosive party this side of the Milky Way. See and be seen under the stars as live bands, DJs, and VJs present the hottest music and project dynamic visuals at the Rose Center for Earth and Space. Cocktails keep the party going. At The Museum of Natural History. $25. (21 and older)
10 p.m.
Nora McCarthy A striking woman of unusually elastic voice, Nora McCarthy infuses her music with poetry and theatricality that’s both stark and sensual and has thus far had a very productive and significant musical career. At Symphony Space. FREE.
Saturday
All Day
Open House New York Take tours of the city’s architecture as people open their homes to gawkers. Performances and events for kids too. Full passport is $150.
10 a.m.
Wee Worship Children’s Street Fair The fair will feature a bouncy castle, pony rides, arts and crafts, food, a rummage sale (children’s items), and entertainment. The fair will run from 10am-2pm rain or shine! In front of Trinity Lutheran Church on 100th Street between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues. FREE.
12:30 p.m.
Tavern on the Green Tour Discover the sheepfold that became a world famous restaurant, a parade ground that became the Sheep Meadow, the Children’s District, The Mall including its statues and American Elm Trees, and much more. Tavern on the Green (67th Street off Central Park West). FREE.
2:30 p.m.
Classical Guitar Concert presented by Charles Mokotoff and Alexander Dunn Mr. Mokotoff and Mr. Dunn perform works of Boccherini, Brahms, Granados, Ponce, and Solis. At New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center, Bruno Walter Auditorium. FREE.
8 p.m.
Andy & Jerry’s: A Tribute to the Gonzalez Brothers Andy and Jerry Gonzalez are arguably the most important siblings in Latin jazz. Between the Fort Apache Band and Conjunto Libre, the Gonzalez’s have been at the forefront of music that has shaped the lives of countless musicians and listeners. In this tribute, GRAMMY winners Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, joined by Andy and Jerry on stage, will cast the brothers in a retrospective of their greatest moments. New pieces for Andy and Jerry will be premiered, including Arturo O’Farrill’s Ft. Apache Concerto. At Symphony Space. Tickets start at $30.
Sunday
All Day
Open House New York Take tours of the city’s architecture as people open their homes to gawkers. Performances and events for kids too. Full passport is $150.
10 a.m.
Poetry Reading Bring your favorite poems or lines of poetry, and share your experiences. At the Society for Ethical Culture. FREE.
10:30 a.m.
Neighborhood Volunteer Day Join Riverside Park Fund to help make Riverside Park a more beautiful place. Our monthly volunteer projects are a great way for individuals of all skill levels to make meaningful contributions to the park. These dates are a perfect way for ParkRovers and other individual volunteers to meet their neighbors learn more about volunteering in Riverside Park. Contact Director of Volunteers, Lynda Miller at 212-870-3070 or grassroots@riversideparkfund.org for more information or to volunteer for this day.
2:30 p.m.
The Best of Times: The Music of Jerry Herman Performance by the Philhallmonic Society, under the direction of Founder/Musical Director Phil Hall. New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center, Bruno Walter Auditorium. FREE.
Ongoing Events
Lincoln Center: American Ballet Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Chamber Music Society, NYC Ballet, War Horse
NYPL for the Performing Arts: Residue: Installation by Eiko & Koma, Marlboro Music at 60
American Museum of Natural History: Ongoing Exhibits