Bullet Catch

So much of what passes for modern entertainment is mean spirited; pitting people against each other in horrible competitions or trying to make fools of volunteers in some way. So it was a real breath of fresh air when Rob Drummond stood with his volunteer from the audience of Bullet Catch and said, "I will not be making fun of you or trying to embarrass you. We're here together to enjoy this journey." The audience loudly and positively affirmed this noble and good-hearted gesture and with that the stage was set for a very magical journey that blurred the lines between magic show and story telling.

Bullet Catch is now playing at 59E59 Theatres. It revolves, as the title suggests, around the infamous bullet catch; a feat so dangerous that even the amazing Harry Houdini refused to attempt the trick. Rob Drummond skillfully builds the necessary tension during the hour long show as he deftly pulls off magic tricks and tells the story of an unsuccesfful attempt at the bullet catch with the help of an audience member.

It's part story telling, part magic show, but what really carries the show is the sincerity and showmanship of Rob Drummond. Unlike so many so-called entertainers, Drummond isn't out to get a cheap laugh at the expense of someone else. You get the feeling that he's getting as much out of the show as we are and I really think that's what makes it such a special show.

Bullet Catch is playing now through April 21st. I highly recommend this show. The 59E59 Theatres rarely disappoint and this show is no exception. Great story. Impressive magic. And a sincere performance that reminds us of the good in each other.

 

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BYOB Painting Lounge

Our Masterpieces

If you're looking for something fun to do in New York City, I suggest checking out the Painting Lounge. From their FAQ:

Painting Lounge is a teaching art studio featuring daily group BYOB painting classes in a relaxed, social setting. Our experienced instructors make painting a masterpiece easy, fun and totally stress free. All supplies are included, and don't forget we are BYOB (bring your own beverage), so bring a little liquid courage to help get those creative juices flowing!

This was a wonderful birthday present I got this year. You can see the two pieces we did in the photo.

I have never painted in my life and I must say it was a lot of fun. I was sure my painting would turn out terrible, so I was really surprised by how much I actually liked it!

This was probably one of the easiest classes they have but all of the classes are designed for beginners. All the materials are provided, and the instruction made it all really easy to pursue your artistic vision.

Whether you're visiting or live here, the Painting Lounge makes for a great evening of fun. Plus you get to go home with your very own masterpiece! I imagine someone visiting the City starting out at MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) and actually seeing some of Andy Warhol's famous paintings and then heading over to the Painting Lounge to actually create one! (Other artists are also possible, of course).

 

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Photography Center

There's a ton of great art in our Galaxy. If you're looking for something fun to do this Thursday come on out to  a great exhibit at the Photography Center. Admission is free. There will be free refreshments. And there will be some amazing eye candy to enjoy.

The exhibit centers around black and white portraits of lesbian couples, illustrating the deep connection possible between two women. The exhibit is particularly meaningful because the artist only recently came out in the past few years.

So come on out this Thursday, February 10th, from 6 to 8pm to the Photography Center located at 51 West 14th Street on the second floor.

Etiquette Unraveled

Lake Simmons

How does one person entertain a crowd for 90 minutes without saying a word? I have no idea, but that's exactly  what Lake Simmons does in "Etiquette Unraveled."  Using a range of music from Led Zeppelin to J. Strauss, and an ingenious set, Lake Simmons and the crew from One Arm Red did an amazing job of captivating the audience and pushing the boundaries of our imaginations. Lake Simmons breaks the fourth wall throughout the performance and it worked every time. At one point she sets up a tea party next to one of the audience members and has "tea" with him. In this day and age when million-dollar special effects are the norm and our imaginations have little work to do, I found this performance wonderfully refreshing. One of my favorite parts was the "cat orchestra" where Simmons carefully takes out one stuffed cat after another until she has an entire orchestra. She had the audience in the palm of her hand. 

The theatre was very cozy. The sound and lighting were perfect. And they had some great refreshments. I thoroughly enjoyed the show. If you're looking for something different, something that's going to give you imagination a work out, something that will make  you laugh and think hard, definitely check out Etiquette Unraveled.  Click here for more information.

Museums

New York City has some of the world's best museums. Some of them can get a bit pricey for my tastes. Who am I kidding? It's not my tastes; it's my budget!

Artist Ron Anteroninen

The good news, though, is you can get into just about any of them for free on the right day and at the right time. Two of the best museums in the Galaxy--the American Museum of Natural History and the Metropolitan Museum of Art--have "suggested donations," meaning you can pay as little as you like. Click here for more information.

And check back here often as I'll be reviewing many of the great exhibits going on.


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Free New York City

Our Galaxy

People tend to complain about how expensive New York City is to live in, but the truth is there is a lot of fun to be had for free here. From Urban Camping to free movies and open bars to some of the world's best museums there is no shortage of really fun stuff to do for free in New  York City. I collect links to great free stuff, and I'm always on the look-out for more. Click here for a  Sqworl page with nearly 40 links to great free stuff to see and do in New York City. Some of the stuff isn't available during the winter but bookmark it and you're wallet will thank you.

Unity: Life and Death Photography

You'll want to RSVP for this: The opening reception for photographer Ekatherina S Thursday, January 13th from 6 to 8 PM.

Shifting the Gaze

"Shifting the Gaze" is another great exhibit at the Jewish Museum. It's a feminist exhibit that, in the words of the curator:

...explores how social revolutions take place not only in the realm of ideas and politics, but in style and form.

You can find the exhibit on the second floor. They have some really incredible feminist artists like Joan Semmel, Louise Fishman, and Melissa Meyer.

Miriam Schapiro's "Fanfare" from 1958 was my favorite piece:

Don't forget the Jewish Museum is free on Saturdays!




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