MUSIC MAN SPEAKS, TOO
When folk-rocker Graham Nash comes to New York for two shows at City Winery this month, you can expect more than just a concert.
“I talk to the audience — I don’t want them to just be witnessing someone singing,” says Nash, 73. “I’m a communicator. I want to communicate stuff that’s going on. Inequality. Love. Police brutality.”
Expect tracks off of Nash’s great early solo albums, “Songs for Beginners” (1971) and “Wild Tales” (1973), plus songs he’s worked on with his bandmates in the Hollies (“Carrie Anne”) and Crosby, Stills & Nash (“Marrakesh Express,” “Teach Your Children,” “Just a Song Before I Go”) since the 1960s.
“I’m a very lucky, grateful man,” he says. “I’ve had a great life, and I get to speak my mind and create music.” Graham Nash at City Winery, 155 Varick St., Sunday and Monday, 8 p.m. For info, visit www.citywinery.com.
-Gersh Kuntzman
BAT’S ALL, FOLKS
Today, you can’t swing a dead cat without hitting a superhero. But when “Batman” opened in 1989, the big-screen appearance of the Caped Crusader was an event.
Director Tim Burton gave the film a gothic tinge, and his gamble on casting Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne paid off. The funnyman with the freaky eyebrows tapped into the flip side of normalcy. And while the script gave the Joker little to do, all Jack Nicholson had to do was show up in memorable makeup and the job was complete.
Kim Basinger co-starred as the requisite damsel in distress, and Danny Elfman’s lurching hero march gave the musical theme a twisty edge. This Gotham City is a claustrophobic set where strange heroes hide in the dark. Friday-Sat urday at midnight, Sunshine Cinema, 143 E. Houston St. (212) 260-7289.
-Joe Neumaier
IN THE LAP OF LUXURY
Usually it’s the dive bars that go to the dogs.
But Thursday, it’s one of the swankiest hotels feting pups. The Ritz-Carlton in Battery Park is hosting Yappy Hour from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Dogs will be allowed off-leash. As their humans quaff cocktails and nosh on appetizers, the pups can indulge in water flavored with chicken broth, organic treats and lush dog beds from LazyBonezz.
There’s no cover fee. Last month’s Yappy Hour went better than anticipated: The hotel was expecting 30 to 50 people and their dogs, but about 100 people showed, says a spokeswoman for the Ritz-Carlton.
This month’s canine co-host is Tinkerbelle, a 5-pound Papitese (a papillon and Maltese mix). She may look familiar — Tinkerbelle was a shelter dog who achieved some fame when Ralph Lauren used her in print ads, and she was in a video for Dog Adoption Month. For more information, call (212) 344-0800.
-Jacqueline Cutler
START YOUR ENGINES
Liberty State Park will become the home to some fancy wheels on Sunday, Aug. 30, for the Liberty Harbor Exotic Car Event. You’ll be able to get up close and personal with cars you’ve only dreamed about driving — Maseratis, Ferraris and Lamborghinis, to name a few. Many of the rides are also on display at the famous Concours d’Elegance in Palm Springs and Amelia Island, Fla. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Jersey City Medical Center’s new Women’s Health Center at Grove Street. Tickets are $25 at www.eventbrite.com/e/new-york-harbor-exotic-car-event-tickets-17990058750 . -Meredith Engel
LOOKING GOOD
Check out new ways to express yourself.
* To celebrate the “Be Bold. Be Unexpected. Be You” campaign with transgender model Andreja Peji and actress/blogger Jamie Chung, Make Up For Ever dusts up free consultations and tips on Friday from noon to 7 p.m. The Sephora Beauty Studio in Union Square, 45 E. 17th St.
*Levi’s expands its NFL Collection, featuring gear for New York Jets and Giants fans. Root for the home team in a varsity trucker jacket, crewneck T- shirt, plaid button-up or denim jean jacket. For men and women at Levi.com and select Levi’s stores.
*Can’t get enough of Hello Kitty? Sanrio has rolled out a pop-up shop in Times Square and a permanent store in The Shops at SkyView Center in Flushing, Queens. For more info, go to sanrio.com. -Joe Dziemianowicz
BACKPACKS VS. BULLIES
TOMS has released its new StandUp backpack collection. With every purchase, proceeds go to training staff and counselors to respond to bullying incidents. The campaign teams TOMS with No Bully and Crisis Text Line. The backpacks, available in different colors and patterns, retail from $39 to $54. TOMS also has a Fall Giving promotion underway, which means all Toms.com purchases, through Aug. 31, support bully prevention. See toms.com/fall-giving for details.
-Christopher Moore
SPIN CITY
After a two-year delay in opening, the SeaGlass Carousel is whirling in Battery Park City. The under-the-sea-themed ride features 30 fish seats. Rides run 10 a.m. to 10 p.m; first come, first served. See thebattery.org/seaglass.
