7 things to do this weekend in NYC: April 12-14
Here are some noteworthy events to check out this week — including an eagerly anticipated street festival in the Meatpacking District and a bold new circus show for the family. There is even free access to one of the city’s premier art institutions.
Art
Whitney Biennial
Whitney Museum of American Art — 99 Gansevoort St. New York, N.Y. 10014
Through Aug. 11. Every day 10:30 a.m to 6.pm. Closed Tuesdays.
With a 2024 theme of “Even Better Than the Real Thing,” the Whitney Museum’s 81st installment of its biennial celebration features 71 visionary artists and collectives “[examining] various throughlines that reflect the precarity of the past two years.” Curators Chrissie Iles and Meg Onli worked with artists from around the world who reflected on their present moment and where their creative practices stood in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
One highlight from the massive exhibition is visual artist Carmen Winant’s “The last safe abortion,” comprising thousands of archival photographs taken in women’s health clinics throughout the Midwest (pictured above). And choreographer Ligia Lewis’ first video installation “A Plot, A Scandal,” features dancers exploring histories of escaping from slavery and revenge.
Tickets are $30, with discounts available for seniors and students. Kids 18 and under enter free. Free Friday evenings and the second Sunday of every month.
Comedy
Josh Wolf
Gramercy Theatre — 127 E. 23rd St., New York, N.Y. 10010
Sat. April 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Josh Wolf of “Chelsea Lately” will bring his brand of humor to Gramercy’s historic music venue. The Boston native’s relatable standup material is heavily inspired by his family. Wolf, 54, is also known to incorporate music into his set, as he does when hosting his own comedy show “The Fantastical Jamboree” at Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club in Las Vegas.
Tickets start at $27.50
Film
“Selena Brunch”
Alamo Drafthouse Staten Island — 2636 Hylan Blvd., Suite 230, Staten Island, N.Y. 10306
Sat. April 13 and Sun. April 14 at 11:30 a.m.
The 1997 Gregory Nava film that made Jennifer Lopez a Hollywood star is getting a nice revisit at Alamo Drafthouse with a “Selena Brunch” this weekend. While enjoying a special menu created for the occasion, see Jenny from the Block in her breakthrough role as the late Tejano star who was tragically murdered at 23. Dishes include a breakfast club sandwich, blueberry donut French toast bake and breakfast tacos, in addition to the regular refreshments on offer.
Though the downtown Brooklyn showings are already sold out, there are still tickets at the Staten Island location.
$12 admission. Prices range from $11.95 to $15.95 for food items.
Music
Cécile McLorin Salvant: Book of Ayres
The 92nd Street Y — 1395 Lexington Ave., New York, N.Y. 10128
Sat. April 13 at 7:30 p.m.
For its 150th anniversary season, the Upper East Side cultural and community center will feature Cécile McLorin Salvant‘s world premiere commission of curated material performed on multiple instruments by a group of top improvising musicians. The three-time Grammy Award winner has Sullivan Fortner on keys, Emi Ferguson on flute, Dušan Balarin on theorbo/lute, Yasushi Nakamura on bass and Keita Ogawa on percussion. Stories from different cultures will be told through an exploration of jazz, Baroque music and electronica.
Tickets start at $40.
Family
I’mPossible
New Victory Theater — 209 W 42nd St., New York, N.Y. 10036
The Brooklyn-based Omnium Circus company, which prides itself in inclusivity and accessibility for both patrons and performers, kicks off a two-week run of its latest show this weekend in Times Square.
“I’mPossible” lives up to its goal to make the Big Top experience accessible to audiences of all abilities with a 90-minute show featuring a gymnast who uses a wheelchair, an aerialist born without legs, and a deaf storyteller.
All performances will incorporate audio description, captioning, sensory-friendly lighting and sound, and a calm environment where movement and vocalization from audience members are welcome.
Tickets start at $28.
Theater
Super Freak: The Rick James Story
Kings Theatre — 1027 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y. 11226
This weekend only. Various showtimes.
The wild life and hard times of late R&B/funk great Rick James gets the jukebox musical treatment in Je’Caryous Johnson‘s production starring Mint Condition frontman Stokley Williams in the titular role.
The Motown artist, who rose to fame in the 1980s with a string of hits including “Super Freak,” “Give It to Me Baby” and “Mary Jane,” died at age 56 – leaving behind a colorful legacy of meteoric success largely overshadowed by legal troubles and substance abuse problems. Catch one of five shows at Brooklyn’s historic King’s Theatre as part of the musical’s national tour.
Tickets start at $54.75 (before fees).
Free
If you have an upcoming weekend event you’d like to submit for consideration in an upcoming roundup, please email: nycevents@nydailynews.com with the details. Consideration does not guarantee inclusion.
Return of The Red Umbrellas
Gansevoort Plaza — 38 Gansevoort St., New York, N.Y. 10014
Sun. April 14 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
With uneven weather patterns, last week’s earthquake and Monday’s solar eclipse, spring in New York City got off to a very peculiar start this year. But the opening up of the Meatpacking District’s iconic Red Umbrellas is a welcome sign of the season.
Saturday’s launch event will include a bevy of free activities for all ages hosted by local businesses. Visitors to the cobblestoned plaza can take in live music, art workshops, complimentary custom portraits by artist Laura Baran, free bites from STK Steakhouse and French bakery Maman, and a performance by Graham 2 — the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance’s second dance company.
Free
If you have an upcoming weekend event you’d like to submit for consideration in an upcoming roundup, please email: nycevents@nydailynews.com with the details. Consideration does not guarantee inclusion.
