On ZDNet: Office Web Apps up close
UrbanBaby New YorkUrbanBaby New York

Music

Weekend Events

Thursday, October 8th, 2009

Butterfly from AMNH exhibitThe 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 CrayonHarold 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.

Weekend Events

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

Moms ShopRock 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.

Weekend Events Plus Fashion’s Night Out

Thursday, September 10th, 2009

Baby CZ girl in sweaterThe city will be even more alive than usual tonight. Many stores, including those below, will be open until 11pm with special events and activities to celebrate Fashion’s Night Out (FNO). After doing your part to stimulate the local economy, you can spend the weekend learning about the guy who basically put NYC on the map, or check out some of the city’s many Arts offerings for kids.

Baby CZ (FNO)
Carolina Zapf has just opened her first brick and mortar store to showcase her classic clothing lines for babies and children, including the luxury two-ply cashmere apparel for which she’s known. Now you can get in on the act; Zapf has launched a line of cashmere sweaters for women. Tonight, shop the fall collections and register to win a $500 shopping spree. The designer will also be on hand.
820 Madison Ave. (bet. 68th and 69th), 212-288-8030, babycz.com. (6-11pm)

Blue Tree (FNO)
Phoebe Cates’ charming UES boutique will be serving champagne and macaroons as shoppers peruse her eclectic mix of home goods, gifts, toys and kids’ clothing from around the world.
1283 Madison Ave., (bet. 91st and 92nd Sts.) 212-369-2583, bluetreenyc.com. (Open until 11pm)

Destination Maternity (FNO)
Massages, reps from 7 for All Mankind, “Mama Glow” prenatal yoga sessions (6:30pm & 7:30pm) and supermodel Veronica Webb are all part of Fashion’s Night Out at Destination Maternity’s flagship store on Madison. Webb, along with yoga instructor Latham Thomas and DM’s head designer, will take part in a panel on health, beauty and fashion that will be run by Vogue Senior Editor Abigail Walch (8-9pm).
28 E. 57th St. at Madison, 212-588-0220, destinationmaternity.com.(Open until 11pm)

The Upper Breast Side (FNO)
New York’s go-to breastfeeding resource center will have a special sale for one day only. Dessert snacks will be on offer as well as goodie bags, until supplies last. Throughout the evening, lactation consultants and doulas will be mingling with guests.
135 W. 70th St., (bet. B’way and Columbus Aves.), 212-873-2653, upperbreastside.com. (Open until 11pm)

For the weekend, when you’re done giving your plastic a workout or have had it with window shopping …

See
Jemima Puddle Duck
Hudson Vagabond Puppets presents its production of Beatrix Potter’s tale of an absent-minded duck who ventures out to find a place to lay her eggs. What she finds is trouble.
When: Sat. 9/12 at 1pm & 3pm, Sun. 9/13 at 1pm; adults $15, kids $10. Tickets available at theatermania.com.
Where: The West Side YMCA’s Marjorie S. Dean Little Theater at 5 W. 63rd St. Enter on 64th St.

Visit
New Amsterdam Village
See Bowling Green Park done up like a Dutch village. It’s all in the name of celebrating the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Henry Hudson when he was working for the Dutch East India Company. Wooden shoe making, glass blowing and a floral workshop are some of the craft activities set up in the village. Sample Dutch cheese, herrring and sirup waffles and check out live performances throughout the week.
When: 11am-7pm daily through 9/14; free. (All ages) Download a schedule of events at ny400.org.
Where: Bowling Green Park.

Do
New Island Festival on Governors Island
Also part of the NY400 events, the New Island Festival celebrates Dutch theater, dance and music. Events include a waterwalk, an archaeological dig,”Flying Piano” performances and a show featuring a cow that jumps through a hoop.
When: Fri. 9/11-Sun. 9/13, 11am-11pm; many of the events are free, but for others you’ll need a pass - $35 for an all-access, one-day “Passport.” For specific event times and directions, visit newislandfestival.com.
Where: Governors Island (free ferry available).

Try
WeBop! Jazz at Lincoln Center
Trial these classes which allow kids to explore jazz through movement, song, storytelling and play.
When: Sat. 9/12 11:30am (4-5 yrs) and 12:30pm (3-5 yrs); free. (Trial classes for younger children are already full.)RSVP to Xenia Rubinos at 212-258-9835.
Where: Louis Armstrong Classroom at the Irene Diamond Education Ctr. in Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center, at B’way and 60th.

Create
The Jewish Museum’s Sculptural Honey Vessels Workshop
Craft a one-of-a-kind honey container in preparation for Rosh Hashanah.
When: Sun. 9/13, 12-4pm; free with museum admission. (Ages 4 and up)
Where: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave. at 92nd St., 212.423.3200, thejewishmuseum.org.

Weekend Events

Thursday, September 3rd, 2009

Howl! Kids

It may be Labor Day weekend, but there are still a few things to do around the city.

Go
Howl! Kids
Part of the Howl! Festival, the Lower East Side’s annual cultural arts fest, Howl! Kids offers free wall painting and sculpture classes plus various performances, including Taikoza Japanese drumming, Riverdancing and the City Parks Department’s Mobile Puppet Theater Production of Sleeping Beauty. The Downtown Orchestra Chamber will be on hand to introduce kids to instruments used in classical music.
When: Sat. 9/5 and Sun. 9/6; free (all ages). Check howlfestival.com for event times.
Where: Tompkins Square Park, bet. 7th and 10th Streets and Avenues A & B.Eat (and maybe Shop)
American Girl Grandparents’ Day
DD can take her Nana or Grandpa (and AG doll) to American Girl Place and enjoy a special meal. Then browse. So many little shoes, so little time. Commemorative pic included.
When: Sun. 9/6 at 5:30pm; $54 per person (ages 6 and up). RSVP to 1-877-247-5223.
Where: American Girl Place, 609 Fifth Ave. at 49th St., americangirl.com.

Hear
Summer HD Festival: La Boheme and more
The Metropolitan Opera wraps its Summer HD Festival, a 10-night run of productions from its Emmy- and Peabody-Award winning series, Live in HD. Watch opera under the stars. Productions are presented on a gigantic screen outside the opera house. Tonight’s featured production is Peter Grimes. La Boheme will show on Friday, Orfeo ed Euridice on Saturday, Il Trittico on Sunday and Madama Butterfly on Labor Day.
When: Thu. 9/3 - Mon. 9/7, starting nightly bet. 7:45 and 8PM; free. Check metfamilyopera.org for specific times.
Where: Lincoln Center Plaza in front of The Metropolitan Opera House. 2800 seats available.

Do
Raising Citizens: My Dream Job
As part of its Raising Citizens program, The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is hosting its My Dream Job series over Labor Day weekend. Kids and their families have the opportunity to meet NYC professionals and learn about what inspired these featured workers to pursue their chosen careers. A professional clown who has performed with Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus and firefighters from Station 74 are just a few of the featured guests. Check cmom.org for schedule of other professionals.
When: Fri. 9/4-Mon. 9/7; no cost on Target Free First Friday night. All other days, patrons must pay museum admission. (Ages 5 and up)
Where: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St. (bet. B’way and Amst.), 212-721-1234.

Weekend Events

Thursday, August 27th, 2009

Countdown to Labor Day …

Hear
The Metropolitan Opera’s Summer HD FestivalMetropolitan Opera
The Met’s Summer HD FestivalStarting this Saturday for 10 consecutive nights, The Metropolitcan Opera will present award-winning productions from its popular “The Met: Live in HD” series. Each opera will be shown on a giant screen in front of the opera house at Lincoln Center. Watch the stars under the stars; the productions feature opera greats, including Renee Fleming and Juan Diego Florez. Donizetti’s comic opera La Fille du Regiment will be shown on Saturday, Romeo and Juliette on Sunday.
When: Sat. 8/29 - Mon. 9/7. Nightly performances begin between 7:30 and 8pm; free tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis (3,000 seats available). Visit metoperafamily.org for exact times and schedule.
Where: In front of the Metropolitan Opera house at Lincoln Ctr.

Go
Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day
There are few events more New York than the NYC Marathon, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the U.S. Open. Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day kicks off the Open with a day of interactive games, tennis clinics and musical entertainment.
Unfortunately, the big afternoon concert with Jordin Sparks is already sold out.
When: Sat. 8/29, 9:30am-1pm; free.
Where: USTA Billie Jean King Nat’l Tennis Center, Flushing Queens, usopen.org.

Do
NYC Adventures
The NYC Department of Parks and Recreation and Backpacker magazine turn Central Park into an urban adventure playground. Trampoline performances, kayaking, yoga clinics, rock-climbing walls, a bike helmet giveaway and obstacle courses are all on tap.
When: Sat. 8/29, noon-4pm; free.
Where: Central Park Bandshell. Enter 72nd St from either side of Park, nycgovparks.org.

Dance
Let’s Dance Brooklyn!
This Fort Greene dance studio is hosting an open house on Sunday. It’s an opportunity to meet LDB instructors and for kids to trial a free dance class.
When: Sun. 8/30, Open House, 11am-2pm; Toddler & Parent Dance (ages 15 mos.-3yrs), 11:30am and 12:15pm; Creative Ballet (ages 3.5-5yrs.), 1pm; free.
Where: Let’s Dance Brooklyn, 138 S. Oxford St., Fort Greene, Brooklyn

Shop
Still Hip’s Bag Sale
The funky Clinton Hill resale boutique is getting ready to “purge” its summer and overstocked gear fall and winter inventory. Buy a bag for $15 or $18 and then go search sale bins and tables for kids’ clothing, maternity wear, toys and gear. Still Hip carries brands such as Zutano, Oilily, Hanna Andersson and Cadeau.
When: Sun. 8/30, noon-3pm (or until supplies last!
Where: Still Hip, 238 Grand Ave. (near Clifton), Brooklyn, 718-398-0008, stillhipbrooklyn.com.

Weekend Events

Thursday, July 30th, 2009

SandmanWe may be over this humidity kick, but Mother Nature doesn’t appear to be on board with that. A little escapism please …

Look
CMOM’s Summer Snow?
Maybe the Martha Madigan photos of snowmen will offer some much-needed relief. The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is hosting Madigan’s exhibit of pictures of snowmen in various states of melting as well as “snowmen” made of sand. Madigan’s work is part of collections at the Met, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Using Madigan’s photos as inspiration, kids can make snowman dioramas and collages.
When: Opens Sat. 8/1 (and runs through Jan. 3rd), 10am-5pm; free with museum admission.
(Diorama making at noon, 2, 3 & 4pm. Collages from 10-11:15am).
Where: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, The Tisch Bldg, 212 W. 83rd St. (bet. Broadway and Amsterdam), 212-721-1223, cmom.org.

Hear
Yuto Miyazawa
Japanese child rock prodigy Miyazawa will be performing at the Highline Ballroom. Named last August in the Guinness Book of World Records as “The Youngest Professional Guitarist,” Miyazawa has played at NYC hotspots B.B King Blues Club & Grill and The Cutting Room.
When: Sun., 8/2, 2pm, $10 in advance, $12 at the door.
Where: The Highline Ballroom, 431 W. 16th St., (bet. 9th and 10th Avenues), 212-414-5994; tickets available ticketweb.com.

See & Do
Evening Stars: Merce Cunningham Dance Company
Co-produced with The Joyce Theater and River to River Festival, the Merce Cunningham Dance Company is offering three free performances. Works were choreographed specifically for this site. The late Merce Cunningham, who passed away last Sunday, was one of the masters of contemporary dance. He will be honored after Saturday’s performance with a special tribute.
When: Sat., 8/1 at 6pm & Sun., 8/2 at 2pm and 6pm; free.
Where: Rockefeller Park, 29 River Terrace (bet. Chambers and Barclay Sts.), rivertorivernyc.com.

Dance in the Park: Family Movement Workshop with the Merce Cunningham Dance Company
Warm up before the show Saturday with dancers from the company who will assist families in creating their own dance “events.”
When: Sat., 8/1 and Sun., 8/2 at 4pm, free; age 6 and older.
Where: Rockefeller Park, 29 River Terrace, (bet. Chambers and Barclay Sts.). Reservations requested. E-mail name and number of participants in your party to mcdcfamilyday@joyce.org.

Listen
Bilingual Buds’ “The Three Bears”
Bilingual Buds sponsors an afternoon of Mandarin Chinese storytime at the Lincoln Triangle Barnes & Noble. The classic tale will be read in both Mandarin and English.
When: Sun., 8/2, noon; free.
Where: Barnes & Noble, 1972 Broadway (at 68th St.), bilingualbudsnyc.com.

Weekend Events

Thursday, July 16th, 2009

Franz West sculptureDo
The Ego and the Id
On your way to the zoo or midtown, head to the base of Central Park and check out this newly-installed sculpture from internationally acclaimed artist Franz West. No major time commitment and the trip is worth it. In bubblegum pink and other whimsical colors, the aluminum sculpture soars 20 feet high. Visitors can sit in stools that are built into the sculpture. West’s work has been featured at MoMA and other museums around the world.
When: 7/15-3/10; free.
Where: Doris C. Freedman Plaza, 60th St. and Fifth Ave., at entrance to Central Park, publicartfund.org.

Hear
Nation Beat
Give me a beat. Enjoy this concert/dance lesson combo. Nation Beat is mixture of thunderous Brazilian drumming, New Orleans rhythms, Appalachian-inspired bluegrass, funk, rock and country blues. Before the concert, Nation Beat will teach a free Brazilian dance class.
When: Sat., 7/18, 4-5pm, Brazilian dance class; 5-6pm Nation Beat concert; free.
Where: Riverwalk Commons on Roosevelt Island, (Take F train to Roosevelt Island or Roosevelt Island Tram at 59th and 2nd), rooseveltlive.com.

See
The Secret of Kells
Catch the U.S. premiere of this new animated film that just picked up an award at the Edinburgh Film Festival. Presented here by the New York International Children’s Film Festival, the Irish movie tells the story of 12-year-old Brendan who must take on Vikings and a serpent god to finish the legendary Book of Kells. A cut above typical kiddie fare on the silver screen.
When: Sat., 7/18 and Sun. 7/19, 11am. Ages 6 and up; $8.50 for children, $12.50 for adults.
Where: IFC Center, 323 W. Sixth Ave. (at W. Third), (212) 924-7771, gkids.com.

Shop
Firefly Children’s Boutique
Who doesn’t love a sample sale? Coats and vests are 10% off already reduced prices.
Where: South Street Seaport, 224 Front St., 646-416-6560; Park Slope, 240 Seventh Ave. (at Fourth St.), 718-965-3535 fireflychildrensboutique.com

Photo credit: Seong Kwon, courtesy of Public Art Fund

Weekend Events

Thursday, July 9th, 2009

Brother Joscephus

For your “staycation.”

Go
Sportacular Family Fitness Fest
Move it, move it at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. Play games from around the world, navigate an obstacle course, and watch competitive Double Dutch jumpers plus beach tennis and fencing demos.
When: Sat. 7/11 & Sun. 7/12, 11:30am-5pm (All ages); Free with the cost of admission.
Where: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Avenue (at St. Marks Ave.),
(718) 735-4400, brooklynkids.org.

See
Central Park SumerStage Family Day
Yo Gabba Gabba! characters DJ Lance and Brobee hit SummerStage, along with The Fresh Beat Band (They’ve got a Nickelodeon show on the way.) and award-wining children’s book author and illustrator Iza Trapani. Puppeteers from the famed Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater will perform a modernized Sleeping Beauty.
When: Sun. 7/12, 3-7pm; Free.
Where: Central Park SummerStage at Rumsey Playfield, 212-360-2777,
summerstage.org.

Hear
Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra
Take it Big Easy. The only thing missing is the gumbo at this ROOSEVELT L!VE concert. Brother Joscephus et al. bring the sounds of New Orleans to Riverwalk Commons.
When: Sat. 6/11, 4-6pm; Free.
Where: Riverwalk Commons on Roosevelt Island (Take F train to Roosevelt Island or Roosevelt Island Tram at 59th and 2nd), rooseveltlive.com.
Shop
Giggle
The Summer 2009 Sale is in full swing. Enjoy 70% off on clothing, bedding, bags, stationery and toys from Giggle’s well-edited collection of top brands, including Cabana Life, Tea and Egg by Susan Lazar.
When: Now until supplies last.
Where: UES - 1033 Lexington Ave. (at 74th St.), 212-249-4249.
SoHo - 120 Wooster St. (between Prince & Spring), 212-334-5817.
(Plus all other Giggle stores and online at giggle.com.)

Rock on!

Tuesday, July 7th, 2009

Laurie Berkner

By the time kids here hit preschool, they’ve already heard swear words in 14 different languages and are well aware of how to hail a cab (and mute Taxi TV!). Street smarts comes with our zip codes. But that doesn’t mean certain parts of the city aren’t intimidating for Junior.

A jam-packed Madison Square Garden or Beacon Theatre - even if the main attraction is Thomas - can be daunting. Let’s not even discuss sensory overload. Little Airplane Productions - the company behind Nick Jr.’s award-winning Wonder Pets!- is opening a cozy new music venue (room for 100 people) called Little Airplane Cafe. Throughout the summer, the South Street Seaport “Cafe” will feature prominent, family-friendly artists in a living room set-up. First up this Sunday is the American Idol of the Crayola crowd: Laurie Berkner. “It will be a treat to play in such an intimate setting,” says Berkner. Milkshake! and best-selling children’s author Jon Scieszka (The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales) are also slated to take the stage later this summer.

Hey, it is the 40th anniversary of Woodstock.

When: 7/12, 7/26 & 8/9 at 1pm; $8 per ticket for pre-orders, $10 at the door.

Where: Little Airplane Cafe at Little Airplane Productions, 207 Front St., South Street Seaport, 212-965-8999. Visit littleairplane.com.

Weekend Events

Thursday, June 25th, 2009

berkner.jpgThis weekend: Plan a two-day escape.

Go
The Laurie Berkner Band
This kiddie superstar group performs their first-ever Pajama Party concert. Kids can wear PJs and bring a favorite stuffed animal — and families are encouraged to donate a pair of new pajamas or children’s book to donate to The Pajama Program.
When: Sun. 6/28, 1pm & 4pm, $25 & $35.
Where: Town Hall, 123 West 43rd St., 212-307-4100, ticketmaster.com.

Do
Become an Asian Architect
Families will explore the galleries and look for architectural details such as doorways, homes, palaces and mounds — then create their own architectural models.
When: Sat. 6/27, 2pm; Ages 5+; $10.
Where: Rubin Museum of Art, 150 West 17th St. (at 7th Ave.), 212-620-5000, rmanyc.org.

Hear
Baby Loves Salsa
The Jose Conde Band brings salsa music to all ages in this family matinee.
When: Sat. 6/27, 11am.
Where: 431 West 16th St. (bet. 9th Ave. & 10th Ave.), 866-468-7619, ticketweb.com.

Visit
Clifford Fun in the Sun
Dance, play beach games, and enjoy readings of beach-themed Clifford stores.
When: Sat. 6/27, 3-7pm, Ages 3-7; Free.
Where: The Scholastic Store, 557 Broadway, 212-343-6166.