UrbanBaby New York

This weekend, a mod circus, free museum days and a bonus, encore screening at the New York International Children’s Film Festival.

See
46 Circus Acts in 45 Minutes
The New Victory Theater
From Brisbane, Australia comes Circa, a “new circus” troupe that melds the circus as we know it (sans the animals) with contemporary dance, theater and a mix of new technologies. This 60-minute cheeky show (yeah, yeah the title says it’s 45 minutes) features four athletic artists flying high and performing acrobatics and fantastic free-falls.
When: Runs March 19th - April 4th. Check newvictory.org for showtimes and to purchase tickets. Tickets for non-members run $12.50 - $35.00. Tickets also available at (646) 223-3010.
Where: The New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St., bet. Seventh and Eighth Aves.

Watch
Shorts for Tots
New York International Children’s Film Festival
Tickets for screenings at the NYICFF sell out fast, but another screening of Shorts for Tots has been added. The 65-minute screening features the best of short films and animation from around the globe, including the UK, Sweden, Japan and the U.S. Attendees will receive voting ballots to select the NYICFF 2010 winning films!
When: Sun. 3/21, 12:30pm. To purchase tickets, $10 per person, visit gkids.tv. (Ages 3-6)
Where: Scholastic Theater, 557 B’way, bet. Prince and Spring Sts.

Go
Super Sabado
El Museo del Barrio
As part of its Target Free Third Saturdays program, the museum is hosting a day of family activities, including storytelling, tortilla making and tours through the exhibit Voces y Visiones: Four Decades through El Museo del Barrio’s Permanent Collection.
When: Sat. 3/20, 11am-8:30pm. Check elmuseo.org for event times.
Where: El Museo del Barrio, 1230 Fifth Ave. @ 104th St.

Do
Free CMOM Admission Day
Check out the Children’s Museum of Manhattan’s day of free events, sponsored by Ser Padres magazine. Activities include yoga classes (10am-5pm, 5 and older), a bilingual sing-along with Louie Miranda (10:30-11am), dancing with Baby Loves Salsa (1-2pm), stethoscope making (2-5pm, 5 and older), birthday hat making (10-11:15am & 1:30-3pm) plus a meet-and-greet (2-2:40pm) and dance jam session (3:30-3:40pm & 3:50-4pm) with the eco-friendly Big Green Rabbit.
When: Sat. 3/20, 10am-5pm. Free. Check event times above. (All ages)
Where: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, The Tisch Bldg., 212 W. 83rd St., 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

Multiples - sequels, prequels, spin-offs, trilogies, bridge lines - seem to have a certain cachet in both pop and high culture. It means you and your movie, book or design line continue to resonate and be relevant.

Well, this is take two for the casting call we first told you about in January. That call was for a reality show focusing on pregnant women who appreciate couture fashion and concierge services. The show features a well-known, high-end maternity designer helping subjects look and feel like “million dollar mommas.” The program has now been officially picked up by a major network, and producers need a few more big personalities to round out the cast. Think of the women/characters who dominate The Real Housewives franchises and the fab four of Sex and the City (The sequel’s due out in May, and the blogosphere is buzzing about which character will be the next to get pregnant.).

If you’re pregnant and due between May and July of 2010, this could be your chance in the spotlight. Be aware that, if chosen, during the course of taping, the show’s designer/expert extraordinaire will advise you on prenatal fitness and nutrition, as well as some of the more stressful aspects of raising an urban baby, including navigating the school scene.

HOW TO APPLY:

Producers are here March 25th through April 9th to meet candidates. Those interested should e-mail MaternityMomNYC@gmail.com IMMEDIATELY with the following info.:

1. Name, city and due date. (Must be in tri-state area.)

2. Why are couture maternity clothing and concierge services a must during your pregnancy?

3. What are your feelings about being pregnant? Excited? Nervous?

4. Are there any special circumstances regarding your pregnancy? Is this your first child? Was it hard to conceive? Are you expecting twins?

5. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your partner (if applicable). What makes you unique?

6. Phone number and e-mail address.

7. Please include a recent picture.

This weekend in NYC - how Curious George really saved the day, Sid the Science Kid and jazz, baby! Just remember to set your clocks ahead one hour on Sunday for Daylight Savings Time.

Hear
Putumayo Kids Jazz Playground Concert
A great antidote to cringe-inducing children’s music. The Putumayo Kids’ Jazz Playground Concert Tour hits NYC this weekend. The Jazz Playground album is the first jazz album for the family from Putumayo Kids, a children’s music label dedicated to introducing kids to music from around the world. This Saturday’s show at the Scholastic store features Oran Etkin performing a selection of international jazz songs. (The Israeli-born Etkin has earned high praise from The New York Times’ jazz critic Ben Ratliff.) True family entertainment.
When: Sat. 3/13 at 11am and 1pm. Free but reservations are required. Call 212-389-3800 to reserve spots. (All ages)
Where: The Scholastic Store’s auditorium, 557 B’way (bet. Prince and Spring Sts.). Stroller entrance at 130 Mercer St.)

See
“Curious George Saves the Day: The Art of Margret and H.A. Rey”
The Jewish Museum
Illustrator H.A. Rey and his wife, Margret, an author and artist, brought Curious George to America 70 years ago. This exhibit chronicles the Reys’ incredible back story: their dramatic escape from the Nazis, their subsequent survival and the creation of the world’s most famous monkey. The Jewish Museum’s exhibition opening Sunday features nearly 80 original drawings and watercolors; many of the works are on display for the first time. The exhibition also includes an interactive, touch-screen timeline, preparatory dummy books, a reading room and H.A.’s journals detailing the Reys’ journey to freedom.
When: Opens Sun. 3/14; free with the price of admission.
Where: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave. at 92nd St., 212-423-3200, thejewishmuseum.org.

Go
Sid the Science Kid Family Day
New York Hall of Science
Come meet Sid, the star of the PBS KIDS show. “Super fab lab investigations,” a meet-and-greet with Sid and special screenings of the show are all part of the day’s events.
When: Sat. 3/13 (and Sun. 3/21). Super fab lab investigations run from 10am-5pm. The meet-and-greet with Sid is from 10am-4pm, and the Sid screenings are at 11:30am, 2 and 3pm. Free with the price of admission. Tickets available at the museum and 48 hours in advance at nysci.org.
Where: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Queens, 718-699-0005.

Do
New York Theatre Ballet’s Cinderella
Known for its family dance programs in an intimate setting, NYTB presents the beloved story of Cinders and her socially-challenged step-sisters.
When: Sat. 3/13 and Sun. 3/14, 11am, 1 and 3:30pm. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com. (Ages 3 and up)
Where: French Institute/Florence Gould Hall, 55 E. 59th St. (bet. Park and Mad. Aves.)

Check out
New York Family’s Camp Fairs
It’s not too late to learn about summer camp options. New York Family magazine is hosting more camp fairs this weekend. Directors from more than 40 camps - day camps and sleepaway camps - will be on hand. (Camps are for kids ages 3-13.)
When: Sat. 3/13, noon to 3pm, on the UES and Sun. 3/14, 2-5pm) on the UWS. Free.
Where: UES - Lycee Francais de New York, 505 E. 75th St. and York Ave.
UWS - Rodeph Sholom Middle School, 168 W. 79th St. (bet. Columbus and Amsterdam Aves.)

Remember: the clocks!

Let’s take stock of what we know about Curious George: He’s a monkey of few (no) words. His inquisitiveness gets him into trouble. He’s friends with the man in the yellow hat who has no name. And millions of moms are incredibly thankful for the easy-on-the-eye Jack Johnson who sings the theme song in the movie. What you might not realize is that Curious George’s creators have their own incredible back story, and that’s the focus of a new exhibit opening this Sunday at The Jewish Museum.

“Curious George Saves the Day: The Art of Margret and H.A. Rey” chronicles the Reys’ dramatic escape from the Nazis, their subsequent survival and the creation of the world’s most famous monkey. Illustrator H.A. and his wife, Margret, an author and illustrator, were both born to Jewish families in Germany. They lived together in Paris from 1936-1940 and fled on their bicycles with their drawings just hours before the Nazis entered the city. Turns out, those illustrations, including some of a curious monkey then named Fifi, were key to their survival. Perhaps that’s why a common theme of the Curious George stories is how George saves the day after a narrow escape. And George is often seen with his bicycle. The Reys arrived in New York after a four-month journey through Europe and Brazil.

The Jewish Museum’s upcoming exhibition features nearly 80 original drawings and watercolors; many of the works are on display for the first time. The exhibition also includes an interactive, touch-screen timeline, preparatory dummy books, a reading room and H.A.’s journals detailing their journey to freedom.

It would seem that the non-speaking Curious George has a lot to say.

“Curious George Saves the Day: The Art of Margret and H.A. Rey” begins Sun. 3/14 at The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave. at 92nd St., 212-423-3200. Check thejewishmsueum.org for museum hours.

Artwork credit:

H.A. Rey, final illustration for “This is George. He lived in Africa,” published in The Original Curious George (1998), France 1939-40. H.A. & Margaret Rey Papers, de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection, McCain Library and Archives, The University of Mississippi. Curious George, and characters, created by Margret and H.A. Rey, are copyrighted and trademarked by Houghton Mifflin Harcrout Publishing Company. Copyright 2009 by HMH.

H.A. Rey, unpublished drawing, United States, C. 19502-1960s. H.A. & Margaret Rey Papers, de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection, McCain Library and Archives, The University of Mississippi.

This weekend in NYC, think Squamata; the snakes and lizards are back on Central Park West. Beach Fossils or Bizet? You can hear both. Or check out a special seminar for parents dedicated to the cloth (as opposed to disposables).

Hear
Kidrockers Concert: Beach Fossils & Bottle Up and Go
Definitely not your typical kids’ music. In fact, it’s adult music made kid-friendly. Kidrockers concert organizers pluck artists from the heart of the indie music scene to introduce to families. The Beach Fossils play contemporary, guitar-driven pop reminiscent of the Beach Boys. Bottle Up and Go is a blues stompin’ duo.
When: Sun. 3/7, 1-2:30pm; $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Tickets available at brownpapertickets.com. Kids must be accompanied by an adult and vice versa.
Where: The Living Room, 154 Ludlow St. (bet. Stanton & Rivington Sts.)

The Little Orchestra Society presents
A Musical Toy Store
In this Lolli-Pops Concert, kids will learn how spinning tops, rocking horses, bouncing balls and other toys inspired composers to write the music featured in the program. Prokofiev, Bizet, Schumann and Haydn all get the magic Little Orchestra treatment.
When: Sat. 3/6 at 10:30m and noon and Sun. 3/7 at 1 and 2:30pm; tickets are $12 and $40 and are available at littleorchestra.org.
Where: Kaye Playhouse, Hunter College, East 68th St. (bet. Park and Lex. Aves. located on the North side of E. 68th St.)

See
Lizards & Snakes: Alive!
American Museum of Natural History
The lizard and snakes are returning for a six-month stint at the American Museum of Natural History. More than 60 of these live creatures will be on display at AMNH in exquisitely prepared habitats. The exhibit also includes interactive stations, fossils and video.
When: Sat. 3/6 through Mon. 9/6; free with the price of admission.
Where: The American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th St. Visit amnh.org for museum hours, admission prices and online ticketing. 212-769-5100.

Do
Cloth Diapering Seminar
Madison Rose Maternity
Cloth diapers are making a comeback as more and more of us go the eco-friendly route. But that little, nondescript piece of cloth can be intimidating. This seminar will go over the different types of cloth diaper options and how to care for them. Skeptics welcome.
When: Sun. 3/7 at 10:30am; $15. Must pay in advance to reserve spot. Call 347-689-3365 or e-mail info@madisonrosematernity.com.
Where: Madison Rose Maternity, 313 Court St., Carroll Gardens.

Photo Credit: Copyright D.Finnin/AMNH

We’ve all heard the ubiquitous proverb: “It takes a village to raise a child.” Well, the same can be said of having a baby, especially in NYC where there is a service to help with nearly every aspect of pregnancy and new parenthood (including a meal delivery service for breastfeeding women). Maternity wear designer Rosie Pope is that village.

The British designer already gives us clothes that are so chic and streamlined, you’ll want to have them taken in to wear post-pregnancy. Now this bubbly overachiever you can’t help but like - Pope was accepted into Edinburgh Medical School, trained as a dancer at Alvin Ailey, modeled extensively and studied neuroscience at Columbia - is extending her brand and opening the doors to MomPrep. MomPrep, housed in a studio two blocks from Pope’s UES boutique, is the ultimate pregnancy/new mom center. MP offers both private and group classes, including A-Z of Childbirth (a comprehensive labor and delivery primer), Parenting 101 (baby care basics), Baby & Infant CPR, Pre-natal Yoga, Pre-natal Pilates plus a lactation class with the cheeky name Got Jublies? The Sweet Dreams sleep seminar and Baby & Me Yoga Play Date with Rosie and her little guy are also on offer. (The medical-related courses are all taught by l&d nurses.)

Pope says her goal is to have a “lifestyle brand for your entire pregnancy … one-stop shopping for your 40 weeks of pregnancy” so you won’t have to run all over town. She recalls being pregnant and taking a Lamaze class “in the psych ward of a hospital. I had to keep going to the bathroom, and then they would have to keep buzzing me back in” to the classroom because of the tight security.

The best thing about MomPrep? No ERB required.

MomPrep classes begin next week. Visit rosiepopematernity.com and scroll down for a full list of offerings.

*MomPrep, 1316 Mad. Ave. Call 212-608-2036 (Rosie Pope Maternity) for pricing and scheduling.

*Rosie Pope Maternity, 1265 Mad. Ave. (bet. 90th and 91st Sts.)

This weekend in NYC, spuds get substantial time on the big screen, Grammy nominees Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could are front and center at a benefit concert plus more …

See
Little Airplane Production’s Small Potatoes
at the 12th Annual BAMkids Film Festival
Catch Small Potatoes, a short film from the award-winning Little Airplane Productions. It features animated potato characters Home Fry, Olaf, Ruby and Nate. Small Potatoes is actually a short film series, with each film showcasing a different musical style. The Small Potatoes film “Imagination (Give It a Try)” is showing this weekend. Screenings are followed by a Q&A with Little Airplane President Josh Selig. Selig is essentially “Mr. Kids’ TV;” the guy founded Little Airplane Productions (responsible for The Wonder Pets! and Oobi!) and received 10 Emmys for his writing on Sesame Street. Later you can download the Small Potatoes iPhone ebook.
When: Sat. 2/27 and Sun. 2/28 @ 10am and 12:30pm.
Where: BAM Rose Cinemas, 30 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn.

***For other films screening at the BAMkids Film Festival this weekend, visit bam.org. ***

Hear
Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could
Housing Works Benefit Concert and Sale
This Sunday, catch Grammy 2009 nominees Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could at the Housing Works Bookstore Cafe. The band possesses that magical “cross-generational appeal,” meaning you’ll actually like the music. It’s rock, R&B and shades of 70s feel-good vibes. As part of the benefit concert, Housing Works is also having a weekend blowout sale on new books, gently-used books, picture, board and pop-up books.
When: Sun. 2/28 @ 11am; $15 for adults and kids older than one. Tickets are available at housingworks.org. The book sale runs Saturday and Sunday.
Where: Housing Works Bookstore Cafe, 126 Crosby, 212-334-3324.

Or …

Check out
Dirty Sock Funtime Band
at The Jewish Museum
The Dirty Sock Funtime Band has been featured on Noggin’s Jack’s Big Music Show and fuses rock with - if you can believe it - funk, ska, R&B, hip hop, country AND … klezmer! Now that’s an accomplishment. Kids should come dressed in Purim costumes to celebrate the holiday. (We’re pretty sure Esther dressed nothing like Lady Gaga.)
When: Sun. 2/28 @ 2pm; tickets, available online at thejewishmuseum.org, are $16 for adults, $11 for kids, with slightly lower prices for museum members. (Ages 3 and up)
Where: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave. (at 92nd St.), 212-423-3337

Do
The Pregnant New Yorker
Alternative Health Event
Janet Markovits, founder of The Pregnant New Yorker, and a panel of experts will give you the lowdown on prenatal massage, yoga and acupuncture, the role of a doula, nursery feng shui and tips for effectively using your pelvic muscles during labor.
When: Sat. 2/27, 1-3:30pm. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Register at thepregnantnewyorker.com.
Where: Renew Physical Therapy, 149 Madison Ave. (bet. 31st and 32nd Sts.), Suite 903.

Living in NYC, we’re what you might call hyper-dependent on services. And we’re not just talking high-end stuff such as drivers and live-in housekeepers. We can have almost anything delivered at any time of day: food, groceries, books, repaired shoes, drugs (legal, of course), etc. Then think of all the tasks the guys in your building handle: receiving packages and dry cleaning, catching mice, changing light bulbs.

Well, a new downtown event planning company can help you navigate the birthday party (mob) scene. Ella & Me organizes parties from start to finish for the eight-and-under set. They’ll “build the party” and then bring it to you, either at your home or another location. You can pick from a list of Ella & Me party themes, including colored sand art, bird feeders, splatter painting, cooking/baking, shadow box and jewelry making, or suggest your own theme. The sky’s the limit. The “me”of Ella & Me is Melissa Marra (Ella is her daughter), who’s a digital media sales professional with a penchant for party planning. She started Ella & Me in her West Village nabe after noticing a lack of party venues. Marra’s got some great ideas for off-the-beaten-path fiesta locales and has no problem traveling outside her zip code to help you and your DC celebrate his birthday.

If you build it, they (Junior’s BFFs) will come. How Field of Dreams.

Visit ellaandmenyc.com for more details and contact info.

This weekend in NYC, Super Sabado, musical produce, a carnaval and a carnival …

Go
La Vida es un Carnaval!
El Museo del Barrio’s Super Sabado
Check out the recently revamped El Museo del Barrio sans admission as part of its Target Free Third Saturdays program. The exhibit “Nexus New York: Latin/American Artists in the Modern Metropolis,” closing at the end of the month, showcases innovative Caribbean and Latin American artists who lived in NYC before World War II and influenced the American avant-garde. Super Sabado family activities include mask and jester hat making, a book reading, gallery tours, a photo station and the “Sounds of Carnaval” performance at 4pm. The concert features the Candombe Jazz Project, playing Candombe, which is a drum-based musical style from Uruguay, and the Capoeira Arts Dance group performing high-energy Afro-Brazilian dance.
When: Sat. 2/20, 11am-8:30pm; free. Visit elmuseo.org for specific events and times. (All ages)
When: El Museo del Barrio, 1230 Fifth Ave. @ 104th St., 212-831-7272.

See
Tribeca Cinemas Kids Club
As part of “feisty females” day, the Kids Club is airing Abby in Wonderland featuring Sesame Street’s Abby Cadabby, the pink, furry fairy-in-training.
When: Sat. 2/20 @ 10:30am; tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for kids. Tickets available at tribecafilm.com. (Ages 3 and up)
Where: Tribeca Cinemas, 54 Varick St., 212-941-0041.

Hear
The Fuzzy Lemons
This citrus family rock band does it all: reggae, funk, folk, pop, ska, surf rock and more. The group will be performing at Knitting Factory Brooklyn. (As many of you know, the original Knitting Factory was a defining force on the downtown music scene … and maybe in your pre-baby, pre-married world.)
When: Sat. 2/20 @ 11am; $10 per child and adults accompanying children are free. Tickets available at knittingfactory.com.
Where: Knitting Factory Brooklyn, 361 Metropolitan Ave., Brooklyn.

Do
Purim Family Carnival
Head to the JCC on the UWS for a few hours of carnival games and treats. Holiday costumes encouraged.
When: Sun., 2/21, 10am-1pm; $13 for members, $15 for non-members. Kids under one are free. (All ages)
Where: The JCC in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave. @ 76th St. jccmanhattan.org.

Photo Credit: Joaquin Torres-Garcia, Fourteenth Street (Calle Catorce), 1920, Collection of CDS Gallery, NY, copyright 2009 ARS, New York, VEGAP, Madrid. On view at El Museo del Barrio through 2/28.

As parents of urban babies, we’re all about the latest, greatest and most cutting edge for every aspect of our lives - fashion, baby gear, PDAs, etc. But sometimes the “new, new thing” is ancient history, a sort of hyper retro chic if you will.

Enter salt spas.

The Ancient Greeks, including “the father of medicine,” Hippocrates, were well aware of the therapeutic value of salt. And in the 1800s, Eastern Europeans suffering from respiratory problems would seek relief in salt caves. Now the salt spa, wildly popular in Europe and Israel, has come stateside, specifically to Chelsea. Ron Rofe, whose family has three salt spas in Israel, has just opened Halo/Air Salt Rooms on West 22nd Street. The spa is for both adults AND kids. Each salt room, a carefully controlled “microclimate,” is built with salt mined from Ukranian salt caves 300 meters below ground. A salt aerosol is pumped into the rooms. This “halotherapy” can alleviate some of the symptoms associated with allergies and hay fever, asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus problems and even the common cold. That’s because salt has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Halotherapy is also a sort of urban pollution detox and can clean harmful airborne particles from your airways

The kids’ salt room is really just a salt-ified playroom with inviting mini-me mod furniture and toys. The adult rooms feature leather lounge chairs, flat-screen TVs and music so you can catch up on some much-needed R&R during your salt therapy. Serenity now.

Rofe plans to open salt spas on the UES and UWS, Brooklyn and Jersey. Now that’s a saline solution.

Halo/Air Salt Rooms, 133 W. 22nd St., bet. Sixth and Seventh Aves., 646-666-0554. haloair.com.