Archive for October, 2009

A haunted ship, a monster mash, a lot of pumpkin beautification and some arias for a famous story about chocolate. Happy Halloween!

Climb Aboard
Spooktacular at the Intrepid
The newly renovated Intrepid will feature a haunted house, pumpkin painting, magic shows, stilt walkers and scarecrows. Free admission for visitors in costume.
When: Sat., 10/31 and Sun., 11/1, 11am-4pm; magic shows at noon and 2pm; free with admission. (Ages 3-12)
Where: The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, 46th St. and 12th Ave., intrepidmuseum.org.

Go
American Museum of Natural History
Curious George, Clifford the Big Red Dog and Miffy are just a few of the characters that will be on hand to greet costumed kids as they arrive for the museum’s 14th annual Halloween celebration. Children can wander the halls and go trick-or-treating. The festivities will include live performances, stilt walkers and a master pumpkin carver.
When: Sat., 10/31 from 2pm-5pm; $10. Tickets can be purchased at amnh.org.
Where: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West and 79th St.

Do
Monster Mash Fest at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum
A Mad Scientist’s Lab, Creepy Crawly Creatures plus Wee Little Monsters (fun, scary stories for the five-and-under set). A costume parade closes down the party each night.
When: Fri., 10/30 and Sat., 10/31 from 5pm-8pm; $10 per person. Recommended - purchase tickets ahead of time at the museum’s admissions desk. (All ages)
Where: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Mark’s Ave. 718-735-4400, brooklynkids.org.

March
The Scholastic Store’s Halloween Costume Parade
Head down to Soho to accompany your little goblin in a parade “around Soho” (about a 1/2 a block). Kids can make goodie bags in preparation for evening trick-or-treating. Storytime features a reading of There was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Bat.
When: Sat., 10/31, 3pm; free. (All ages)
Where: The Scholastic Store, 557 B’way (bet. Prince and Spring St.).

Taste
Chocolate Show
For when the trick-or-treating haul simply doesn’t suffice. The KidZone at the 12th Annual Chocolate Show will host the Chocolate Club @ UCF. Members of the University of Central Florida’s club will teach Chocolate 101. Kids can learn how chocolate is made and what the difference is between white, dark and milk chocolate. (Entry to the Chocolate Club requires a small donation to Share Our Strength, a national organization dedicated to ending child hunger.) Also in the zone, check out edible arts ‘n’ crafts and catch a sneak peak of The Golden Ticket, a new opera based on Roald Dahl’s beloved Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Oompa Loompa.
When: Fri., 10/30, noon-8pm; Sat., 10/31, 10am-8pm; Sun., 11/1, 10am-5pm. Advance tix, $28 per adult, available online at ticketmaster.com. Adults, $30 at door, kids under 5 are free, kids 5-12 are free with adult (2 kids per adult with each additional child costing $8).
Where: The Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St. chocolateshow.com.

Most of us remember that poster in college that was in practically every dorm on campus (besides Monet’s Water Lilies and the three Budweiser girls!) - it was a 1950 Robert Doisneau black-and-white photo of a man kissing a woman in Paris. For those really in the know, you’ll remember it’s entitled Le Baiser de l’Hotel de Ville. Even though it’s now time for “grown-up” art, there’s a way to recapture the artistry and realism of that image with some subjects closer to home - your family.

Russian-born photographer Lev Gorn shoots in Doisneau’s documentary-style in the tradition of “the street photograph.” Whether in black and white, color or sepia-toned, his images capture not just his subjects but a more universal, timeless element that transcends the moment. And that makes his work perfect for hanging in a living room alongside your own art, be it from Christie’s or the corner flea market. Gorn shoots with four different kinds of film. No digital action for this purist. Avoiding posed photos, he takes pictures in a natural setting and will even come to your apartment before a session to help select clothes for the shoot as well as a spot in your home to eventually hang the photos. One of Gorn’s specialties is an oversized photo in plexiglass; his mastery of texture and color are particularly apparent in these large-scale pieces. (Traditional sizes also available.)

Sounds like a holiday card that could really stand out.

Visit levgornphotography.com.

A slice of Central Park goes orange, a famous NYC haunted house tones down the scare factor for families, and Lolli-Pops and Sippy Cups turn to the sound of music.

Do
Central Park’s Pumpkin Festival
A scarecrow competition, pumpkin carving and decorating plus hay rides, face painting and live performances.
When: Sat., 10/24, noon-5pm, rain or shine; free. For specific event times, visit nycgovparks.org. (All ages)
Where: Central Park , 72nd St. transverse.

Go
Kids’ Day at Nightmare: Vampires
For the first time, the producers of New York City’s largest haunted house are doing a children’s version. No big scary monsters or surprises here, just candy, balloon shows, and a tour led by Count Dracula through a series of galleries that give an overview of vampire history.
When: Sat., 10/24, 10am-3pm, $15 per person. (Up to age 10)
Where: 623 B’way (enter at Mercer)

Hear
Lolli-Pops’ Animal Tales
The Little Orchestra’s Lolli-Pops will present “Animal Tales” this weekend. The concert features Daniel Pinkham’s music based on the Caldecott Award-winning children’s book Make Way for Ducklings. The characters Bow the Panda, Toot the Bird, Buzz the Bee and Bang the Lion each represent a different family of the orchestra and help teach kids about music.
When: Sat., 10/24 at 10:30am and noon; Sun., 10/25 at 1pm & 2:30pm. Tickets are $12 and $40. To order tickets, visit littleorchestra.org or call 212-971-9500. (Ages 3-5)
Where: Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College, 899 Tenth Ave.

See
The Sippy Cups Halloween Dance Party
The Sippy Cups are playing Brooklyn. The group, well-known on the kiddie rocker scene and founded by parents of preschoolers, is stopping at Kingsborough Community College as part of its Time Machine 2009 Tour. The concert will feature songs from their newest album, The Time Machine. Kids who come in costume get a special treat.
When: Sun., 10/25, 2pm. $12 per ticket. To order tickets, visit kbcc.cuny.edu or call 718-368-5596. Running time: 1 hr.(All ages)
Where: Kingsborough Community College at the Leon M. Goldstein Performing Arts Ctr., 2001 Oriental Blvd., Brooklyn.

Shop
Bonpoint Sample Sale
Plan accordingly. Next week, the French children’s couture house is holding a sample sale. Save up to 75% on tres chic kids’ clothing, including coats, cardigans and shoes. Because a purchase is so much easier to justify when the item is on sale.
When: Wed., 10/28, 8am-7pm and Thu., 10/29, 8am-3pm.
Where: The Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St., (bet. 6th and 7th Aves.), 5th flr. (No strollers permitted on premises.)

When we commit to live here and raise a family, we pretty much know what we’re signing on for regarding the cost of living- that just about everything will be more expensive (sometimes way more expensive) than in most other parts of the country. And, yet, even we can get sticker shock.

Consider museum admission prices, which at many of the biggies will run you around $20 per adult and $9-$12 per kid, unless you have a membership. (The typical U.S. museum charges $7, and 41% of American museums are free.) Well, tomorrow the Guggenheim will be free. “Guggenheim Free Day” celebrates the golden anniversary of the museum; 50 years ago, the doors of the Frank Lloyd Wright building were opened to the public. So carpe diem and catch the Kandinsky retrospective. Vasily Kandinsky, the Russian-born, abstract art pioneer, is one of the artists most closely associated with the museum. His work has been collected by the Guggenheim since its inception and is said to have “inspired the creation of the building.” The Guggenheim will be hosting an entire day of special activities, including:

Story Circle - Readings of picture books, including I’d Like the Goo-Gen-Heim. (Runs on the hour from 11am-3pm.)

Guggenheim Cookies - At 3pm, the museum will put out 1,000 free “GuggenheimKids” cookies, a sugar rush to reinvigorate kids after they’ve trekked up the museum’s giant spiral.

Just Drop In - Interactive stations throughout the museum where kids can view art and give an artistic response.

Anniversary Eye Tours - Interactive tours conducted by museum educators and offered in five languages.

Harry Winston Jewels - For one day only, HW’s diamond jewelry inspired by the museum will be on display in the Guggenheim Store.

Wed., 10/21, 10am-5:45pm, “Guggenheim Free Day” at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave. at 89th St., 212-423-3500, guggenheim.org.

Kandinsky photo credit: Red Spot II (Krasnoe Pyatno II), 1921. Oil on canvas, 137 x 181 cm, Stadtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus, Munich. Copyright 2009 Artist Rights Society (ARS), New York/ADAGP, Paris

Countdown to Halloween. A pumpkin patch in Madison Square Park, “apple picking” on the aptly-named Orchard Street, sun salutations at sunset and the FunkeyMonkeys on the UES.

Go
Mad. Sq. Park’s Fall Kids Fest
The Madison Square Park Conservancy holds its 2009 Fall Kids Fest. Festivities include pumpkin picking and decorating, Halloween-themed arts ‘n’ crafts, face painting, a costume swap, concerts and book readings (by the authors of Runaway Mummy, Ghoulish Goodies and Bone Soup).
When: Sat., 10/17, 10:30am-1:30pm; free. Rain (coverage under tents) or shine. (All ages)
Where: Madison Square Park, bet. Fifth and Mad. Aves. and 23rd and 26th Sts.

Do
Pajama Yoga
Your kids can strike a pose in their jammies tomorrow night. Karma Kids is hosting its Friday night Pajama Yoga class. Yogi juniors will be led on a “yoga adventure,” listen to a story and receive a lavender foot rub (Parents might be able to get in on that action as well!).
When: Fri., 10/16, 6:30-8pm. $15 per child. (Ages 4-6)
Where: Karma Kids Yoga, 104 W. 14th St., 2nd flr, bet. Sixth and Seventh Aves., 646-638-1444. Call ahead to reserve a space.

Eat
Apples on Orchard: New York City Apple Day
The Lower East Side Business Improvement District presents its second annual festival celebrating all things apple. Head down to the LES to what was once the site of an apple orchard - Orchard Street (bet. Broome and Grand Sts.). Watch apple cider being made in an apple cider press. Sample apples from local farms (”apple picking” NYC-style) plus apple sausage, apple pies, apple tarts and apple turnovers (sounds a little too much like the Bubba Gump shrimp monologue from Forrest Gump.) Arts ‘n’ crafts for kids plus musical performances are also part of the day’s activities.
When: Sun., 10/18, 11am-4:30pm; free. Rain (coverage under tents) or shine. (All ages)
Where: Orchard Street bet. Broome and Grand Sts., lowereastsideny.com.

Hear
The FunkeyMonkeys Concert
The FunkeyMonkeys (Yep, that’s the way they spell Funkey.) will be bringing their quirky mixture of music, comedy sketches and improv to The Jewish Museum this Sunday. The group, whose name sounds like a Ben & Jerry’s flavor, was started by Joshua Sitron, who, at the time, was the composer and musical director for Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer. The FunkeyMonkeys will be playing their new single “Baba Ganoush (Do You Want to Eat a Pita?)”
When: Sun., 10/18, 11:30m and 2pm; $16 for adults, $11 for kids; tix available at thejewishmuseum.org.(Ages 2-6)
Where: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave. at 92nd St.

We’ve got a lot of great-looking cupcakes in this city. With sprinkles, assorted candies and carefully sculpted fondant flowers, they get high marks for design and presentation … but not necessarily for taste. The whole style over substance thing (kind of like a few of your old boyfriends).

So we welcome OMG Cupcakes NYC’s entrance into the marketplace. The new online cupcake delivery service is managing to turn out not only well-rounded cupcakes but also gluten-free and vegan versions. Think Hazelnut Mocha Mousse, Pumpkin Pie with Cream Cheese frosting, Agave Vanilla with Vanilla “Butter” Cream frosting, Red Velvet, Spicy Hot Chocolate and Lemon Lime. One of OMG’s breakout stars is the Chocolate Peppermint cupcake; it’s got the perfect amount of mint without being overpowering. Caliente Hot Chocolate, Maple and Carrot Cake are a few of the gluten-free, vegan choices on offer. What makes OMG’s cupcakes such palette-pleasers is that the flavoring is in both the icing and the cake. And rest assured, these cupcakes clean up nicely (they’re pretty). Andie Markoe-Byrne, who started OMG with her mom, Nella Liska, knows a thing or two about aesthetics. She’s an internationally-known make-up artist who has beautified countless fashion models and celebrities, including Uma Thurman and Fergie. Markoe-Byrne is a vegan who is allergic to wheat, and her mom suffers from Celiac disease, hence the bakery’s gluten-free (GF), vegan selection. Markoe-Byrne calls gluten-free products “the worst criminals on the baking scene” and after sampling mediocre GF cupcakes everywhere from Paris to NYC and L.A., notes, “I was tired of eating hockey pucks.”

OMG offers free delivery to most of Manhattan and will also go the distance to parts of Brooklyn, Queens and Jersey to satisfy your sweet tooth.

At the risk of borrowing too heavily from Gossip Girl, OMG, OMG!

Available at omgcupcakesnyc.com or by calling 1-866-OMG-CUPC.

The butterflies are back in town as is Harold and a certain-colored crayon. The Shake Shack goes Bavarian while an African folktale goes hip-hop. Plus Boo at the Zoo for you.

Go
The Butterfly Conservatory:
Butterflies Alive in Winter
Twelve years ago, The American Museum of Natural History held what was supposed to be a one-time event featuring fluttering members of the Order Lepidoptera. The exhibit proved to be so popular that AMNH has hosted an annual exhibition of live butterflies ever since, explains Hazel Davies, Manager of Living Exhibits at the museum. The Conservatory’s butterflies hail from farms in Florida, Costa Rica, Kenya, Malaysia, Ecuador and Thailand. Because the butterflies typically live only two-three weeks, the museum receives about 500 pupae (AKA replacement butterflies) per week, via DHL and FedEx no less, during the run of the exhibit. They’re released into the vivarium once they emerge. Note: dress (undress) appropriately. It’s 80 degrees inside the vivarium with 75% humidity.
When: Starts Sat. 10/10 and runs through 5/31/10. (Open daily 10am-5:45pm). Time-specific tix for exhibit include general admission: $24 adults, $18 seniors/students, $14 children (2-12). Available online at amnh.org.
Where: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th St.

See
Zomo the Rabbit: A Hip-Hop Creation Myth
The Hip-Hop Theater Festival brings us a modern adaptation of classic African folklore. The plot: Zomo must perform three tasks before he can receive the ultimate power from The Sky God. Set in NYC, the story leads to the celebration of hip-hop culture.
When: Fri., 10/9 at 3pm; Sat., 10/10 at 3pm; Sun., 10/11 at 1pm. $20 per ticket, available at theatermania.com. (Ages 4 and up)
Where: Ohio Theater, 66 Wooster St., bet. Spring and Broome Sts.

Eat
Shacktoberfest
The Shake Shack is honoring Oktoberfest with specials inspired by the Bavarian festival. Think sausages done Shake Shack style, Apple-Strudel- and German-Chocolate-Cake-flavored Concretes (a super dense custard shake) plus seasonal beers. The Shack’s signature burgers and fries, plus all other items on the regular menu, are also available for your consumption.
When: Now through Sun., 10/11; 11am-11pm. shakeshack.com.
Where: Madison Square Park- SE corner of Mad. Sq. Pk, near Madison Ave & E. 23rd St.
UWS - 366 Columbus Ave. at 77th St.

Do
Boo at the Zoo
For the next four weekends, the Bronx Zoo is going all out for Halloween with the Haunted Safari, mask making from recycled materials, a hay maze, bats and cats, plus more. Kids ages 3-12 who come in a wildlife costume are admitted free with an adult who is paying a full-priced admission.
When: 10/10-10/12, 10/17-10/18, 10/24-10/25 and 10/31-11/1. Check bronxzoo.com for specific activity times.
Where: Bronx Zoo, Fordham Rd. and Bronx River Parkway.

Watch
The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon
As part of its 2009-2010 Target Family Fun series, Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts presents The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon, based on the book series by Crockett Johnson. The Enchantment Theatre Company’s production features life-size puppets, music, masks and magic.
When: Sun., 10/11 at 2pm. Runs approx. 50 minutes. $6 per ticket. Available online at brooklyncenteronline.org or by calling (718) 951-4500. (Ages 5 and up.)
Where: Brooklyn Ctr for the Performing Arts, Walt Whitman Theatre at Brooklyn College, 2900 Campus Rd. & Hillel Place (1 block west of “The Junction.”)

Photo credit (Butterfly): AMNH\D.Finnin.

Before we put a man on the moon, before Diane von Furstenberg debuted her iconic wrap dress, and before the Dow ever crossed 1,000, PLAY-DOH was introduced. Now, half a century later, a New York City pre-school teacher is putting her own spin on the classic molding compound.

Brittany Shapiro (AKA “Miss Brittany”) has been making homemade play dough for years for her preschool classes and has witnessed plenty of impromptu snacking on her concoctions. She came up with the idea for organic play dough after hearing about all the toy recalls due to lead paint, etc. (PLAY-DOH has been non-toxic since its creation in 1956.) The ingredients for Miss Brittany’s Organic Preschool Fun Dough are listed on the side of the box and include organic canola oil, Mediterranean sea salt and kosher cream of tartar (healthier than raw cookie dough!). The deluxe kit comes with three colors, an apron, rolling pin and shapes for making impressions.

Finally, a way to keep rolling in dough.

Available online at organicfundough.com and locally at apple seeds and The Craft Studio.

Rock out with They Might Be Giants and a giant whale. Shop for a cause. Check out the latest and greatest in all things baby. Get your dill on. And visit the mother of all street fairs in Brooklyn.

Shop
Moms Shop
Think pink. Shop pink. Divalysscious Moms, along with Cookie Magazine and the Madison Avenue Business Improvement District, launch the 10th Annual Madison Avenue Pink Ribbon Project with Moms Shop in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Children’s stores on Madison, including Cozy Cuts for Kids, Baby CZ and Petit Bateau, will open early and have entertainment for your brood so you can get some power shopping done. Sammie and Tudie, the Funky Divas and Broadway Babies are just a few of the acts lined up. Each participating retailer along the avenue will choose a “pink item” from its collection. Ten percent of the proceeds from the pink item sales will be donated to breast cancer organizations.
When: Sat., 10/3, 9am-12pm; free kids’ activities.
Where: Madison Ave. from 57th St. to 87th St., momsshop.com.

Shop (Again)
The Baby Show NYC
Check out the latest in baby products and services at this show which celebrates pregnancy and new motherhood. Visit the show’s nursery design showroom and the stroller test-drive track. Seminars at the show will cover subjects including cord blood banks, doulas, pelvic health and greening for baby.
When: Sat., 10/3 from 11am-7pm and Sun. 10/4 from 10a-6pm. Register online at thebabshownyc.com, $20 for a one-day ticket, $30 for a two-day ticket. $30 for a one-day ticket and $40 for a two-day ticket at the door.
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St. (bet. 6th and 7th Aves.).

Hear
They Might Be Giants
at The American Museum of Natural History
TMBG at the AMNH. Grammy-winning rockers John Flansburgh and John Linnell perform songs from their latest album, Here Comes Science, as part of the museum’s “Sunday under the Whale” series. What better way to learn about the elements in the periodic table, our solar system and photosynthesis.
When: Sun.10/4, 11am and 2pm. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Lines will begin forming in the Hall of Biodiversity starting at 10:15 for the morning show and at 1:30 for the afternoon performance. Free with the price of museum admission.
Where: Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th St., 212-769-5100, amnh.org.

Taste
Ninth Annual NYC Pickle Day
Set in the heart of the old Pickle District of the Lower East Side, this festival pays tribute to a quintessential old NY food. Sample pickles from around the world and around the corner. Kids can partake in pickle arts and crafts, face painting and more. Exhibits and illustrations detail the science of pickling.
When: Sun., 10/4, 11am-4:30pm; free.
Where: Parking lot on Broome St. bet. Essex and Ludlow, nyfoodmuseum.org.

Do
35th Annual Atlantic Antic Street Festival
When it comes to music and food choices, you’ll have a lot on Atlantic Avenue this Sunday. Ten live musical stages will feature everything from rock and R&B to kids’ music and belly-dancing. Treats from around the globe, including baklava and funnel cake, plus all of your favorite street fair fare will be on offer. Face painting, pony and inflatable rides are also part of the day’s festivities running through the heart of brownstone Brooklyn.
When: Sun., 10/4, 10am-6pm; free.
Where: Atlantic Ave. from Hicks St. in Brooklyn Heights to Fourth Ave. in Boerum Hill, atlanticave.org.