CONCERTS

FOLK/POLITICAL/SOCIAL CONCERT SERIES—The Peoples’ Voice Café, an alternative coffeehouse, organizes weekly concerts and events celebrating humanitarian issues and concerns. The cafe is run as a not-for-profit collective and concerts are held Saturdays from 8-10:30 p.m. at The Community Church of New York Unitarian Universalist, 40 E. 35th St. (between Madison and Park Aves. Wheelchair-accessible). Suggested donation: $20; $12 for PVC members; more if you choose; less if you can’t; no one turned away. For more information, call (212) 787-3903 or visit peoplesvoicecafe.org.

Mar. 23, Folk bands The Siegel Family & Friends and Hudson Valley Sally (Terry Collition, John Fisher, Laurie Siegel and David Tarlo).

Mar. 30, singer-songwriters Reggie Harris & Pat Wictor.

JAZZ—Baruch Performing Arts Center, 55 Lexington Ave. at E. 25th St. (between Third and Lexington Aves.), presents Aaron Diehl Trio “Virtuoso at Play” on Thurs., Mar. 28 at 8 p.m. as part of the Milt Hinton Jazz Perspectives Series. Aaron Diehl, the classically trained pianist and composer, has made an indelible mark on the jazz world, with a rare affinity for early jazz, mid-20th century “third-stream” music, and modern classical works. The trio, with Aaron Kimmel, drums, and David Wong, bass, will perform music from the latest album, “Space, Time, Continuum,” and will also give a sneak preview off of the upcoming album. Tickets are $16-51 and can be purchased at baruch.cuny.edu/bpac.

THIRD STREET MUSIC SCHOOL SERIES—LiveSOUNDS presents free performances by faculty and their guests most Fridays at Third Street Music School from October to March. Concerts take place Friday evenings at 7 p.m. at the Anna Maria Kellen Auditorium at 235 E. 11th St. between Second and Third Aves. Third Street and its auditorium are wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit thirdstreetmusicschool.org.

Mar. 29, Chiu-Chen Liu, viola.

THEATER 

MARIONETTE THEATER—Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave. at E. 10th St., presents Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theatre (CAMT) in an update of its “Johannes Dokchtor Faust, a Petrifying Puppet Comedye,” running Mar. 21-Apr. 7. This classic of the Czech marionette repertoire is traditionally used to make fun of a king or a local mayor.  The company’s adaptation was initially developed in 1990 and its topical references are being updated to the current topsy-turvy political climate. Translated and directed by Vit Horejs. “Faust,” the story of a man who sold his soul to the devil in the quest for ultimate knowledge, has captured the imagination of writers, composers, artists and audiences for over five centuries. In this production, the Faust tale is staged with age-old technical tricks of Czech puppetry, including fire and thunder, hellish gargoyles and underwater creatures. The script is the first definitive American translation of a classic Czech text. The production has become a favorite and quintessential part of CAMT’s repertoire. Melissa Elledge provides accordion accompaniment and Karl Peddler of the acoustic punk duo The Head Peddlers performs on slide guitar. Performances are Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. and Sun. at 3 p.m. Tickets, $15 general, $12 seniors and students, can be purchased by calling (212) 868-4444 or by visiting theaterforthenewcity.net.

OPERA EXCERPTS—Marc A. Scorca Hall at National Opera Center, 330 Seventh Ave., 7 fl. (between 28th and 29th Sts.), will present Fusion Theatre’s “A Night at the Opera,” semi-staged extracts from different operas on Mar. 23 and 30 at 8 p.m. Fusion Theatre will present Spinto Soprano Eilin O’Dea and Tenor Byron Holman in this production of extracts (duets and arias) from “Aida,” “Tosca” and “Madama Butterfly.” Musical direction is by pianist Maestro Brian Holman. The excerpts presented will be representative of the dramatic and musical journey of each of the chosen operas and the performers, dual-trained as classical actors/opera singers, aim to maintain their absolute commitment to dramatic truth. The performances will be in Italian without surtitles. Tickets, $35, are available online at brownpapertickets.com or 1-800-838-3006.

TWO ONE-PERSON PLAYS—Academy Award nominee Jake Gyllenhaal and Tony Award nominee Tom Sturridge will star in “Sea Wall/A Life,” playing at Public Theater, 425 Lafayette St. at Astor Pl., through Mar. 31. Sturridge performs “Sea Wall,” an astonishing monologue about love and the human need to know the unknowable. Gyllenhaal presents “A Life,” a meditation on how we say goodbye to those we love most. Directed by Carrie Cracknell and written by Simon Stephens and Nick Payne, this performance is an exploration of the beauty of life and meaning of love. Tickets, $110 with a $2 facility fee, are available online at publictheater.org or by calling (212) 967-7555.

DRAMA—The Irish Repertory Theatre, 132 W. 22nd St., presents “The Shadow of a Gunman” by Sean O’Casey on the Francis J. Greenburger Mainstage, running through May 25. Director is Ciarán O’Reilly. It’s 1921, and the Irish War of Independence rages on the streets of Dublin as Irish revolutionaries clash with British auxiliary forces. Aspiring poet Donal Davoren tries to avoid the conflict, but when Donal learns of a rumor that he is a gunman on the run, he cannot resist the curiosity it stirs in beautiful young Minnie Powers… and he cannot escape the attention of his other neighbors. As the rumor grows, the war outside moves closer to home with tragic consequences. “The Shadow of a Gunman” premiered at The Abbey Theatre in 1923 to immediate success, establishing Sean O’Casey’s career as a playwright at age 43. This work was last seen at Irish Rep in 1999. To purchase tickets, $70 ($50 for rear seating), or for more information, visit irishrep.org or call (212) 727-2737. Performances are Wed. and Sat. at 3 and 8 p.m., Tues. and Thurs. at 7 p.m., Fri. at 8 p.m. and Sun. at 3 p.m.  

OTHER PERFORMANCES

COMEDY/VARIETY—“No Name… & A Bag O’ Chips” comedy/variety show producer Eric Vetter presents a show at Otto’s Shrunken Head, 538 E. 14th St. between Aves. A and B, on Fri., Mar. 22 at 7 p.m. On Mar. 22, scheduled performers will include co-host storyteller Maggie Nuttall (New York Frigid Festival), Alex “The Assassin” DeSuze (musical duo BinderSuze), storyteller/performer Robin Bady (“Nancy Drewinsky and The Search For The Missing Letter,” Bady House Storytelling), Veronica Garza (NPR, TMZ) and a few surprises. House band The Summer Replacements, including Carl (BabyFreak) Fortunato and Fernando (Dr. Sandman) Morales Gonzalez will also perform. No cover, no minimum. Performers subject to change; for more information, contact (347) 885-3466 or email nonamenyc@hotmail.com.

BALLET—The Joyce Theater, 175 Eighth Avenue (at 19th St.), presents Ballet Hispánico in a contemporary dance performance with two world premieres from Mar. 26-31. Ballet Hispánico’s program features passionate and culturally relative works that explore the vast connections between the Latinx and Asian diasporas. Annabelle Lopez Ochoa offers an exploration of identity in her stirring “Sombrerísimo.” In two separate world premieres by Edwaard Liang and Bennyroyce Royon, the choreographers touch on historic issues that are particularly resonant today, including migration, immigration, journeying, and assimilation. In “el viaje,” Liang presents an emotional and thought-provoking journey of the Chinese diaspora in his new work. Featuring classical music by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Liang evokes emotion through moving sound and lush movement to exemplify how many individuals feel when one leaves one’s homeland or country of birth to seek a new life, including moments of remembering, sharing, and letting go. Liang particularly focuses on the Chinese mass emigration from the nineteenth century to 1949 and the Chinese-Cuban diaspora to explore identity and the ghosts of a former life. Performances are Tues.-Wed. at 7:30 p.m., Thurs.-Fri. at 8 p.m., Sat. at 2 and 8 p.m.; and Sun. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $10 and are available for purchase in person at The JoyceTheater Box Office, by phone at (212) 242-0800, or online at Joyce.org. Ticket prices are subject to change.

STORYTELLING/CONCERT—Horse Trade Theater Group presents “The Adam Wade Show,” on Tues., Apr. 2 at 7 p.m. at Under St. Marks (94 St. Marks Pl. between First Ave. and Ave. A). The Adam Wade Show is a collection of humor-filled event with stories, music and video shorts. Cover is $10. A different featured guest starts off the show each month. For more information or to purchase tickets in advance visit horsetrade.info.

BURLESQUE—Bathtub Gin, 132 Ninth Ave. between W. 18th and 19th St., a speakeasy-style bar, presents burlesque acts on Tuesday and Sunday nights at 9:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:20 p.m. For reservations or more information, visit bathtubginnyc.com or call (646) 559-1671. 

COLD READINGS OF NEW WORKS—Theatre 80’s William Barnacle Tavern, 80 St. Marks Pl., presents “Tuesdays@9,” a free weekly cold reading series hosted by Off-Broadway theater company Naked Angels. The venue is open at 6 p.m., the house is open at 8:30 p.m. Each week excerpts from very new work (novels, solo pieces, plays, screenplays, musicals, songs, etc.) are cold-cast and presented within a communal and social environment. Writers and actors may participate through our open submissions policy. One need only attend to be eligible–submissions will not be accepted via email. Or simply drop by to hear some great new work in process. For more information, visit nakedangels.com or email info@nakedangels.com. No tickets needed.

BURLESQUE—Horse Trade Theater Group presents “Stand Up and Take Your Clothes Off” on Sun., Apr. 7 at 8 p.m. at The Kraine Theater, 85 E. 4th St. This is a fast paced, sexy show that each month features NYC’s funniest female comics and sassiest burlesque acts. Hosted by Kerryn Feehan and Jillaine Gill with DJ Stevie C and Stage Kitten Stockholm Filly. Cover is $15 ($10 in advance online). For more information or to purchase tickets in advance visit horsetrade.info.  

FAMILY/CHILDREN 

EVENTS AT LIBRARY FOR BABIES, TODDLERS AND OLDER CHILDREN—New York Public Library’s Epiphany Library, 228 E. 23rd St. between Second and Third Aves., presents the following programs for children:

“Playtime Party” on Thurs., Mar. 21 and Tues., Mar. 26 at 10 a.m. Open playtime for babies and toddlers ages 0-3.

“Baby & Toddler Story Time: Bitty Book Buddies” followed by open play on Fri., Mar. 22 and 29 at 10:30 p.m. and Wed., Mar. 27 at 12:30 p.m., This is an interactive program for babies and toddlers ages 0-36 months. Hear stories, sing songs, play with puppets and make new friends. Limited to 30 children. First come, first served, no latecomers. Music and toys will be provided before and after the program.

“Saturday Block Party” on Sat., Mar. 23 at 10 a.m.  This is unstructured and open-ended free play time with Lego Bricks. Bring your camera to document your creations. Children of all ages are welcome.

“Toddler Craft: Spring Flowers” on Thurs., Mar. 28 at 10:30 a.m. Children ages 1-3 and their caregivers will get creative with fun process art for toddlers. Craft is limited to the first 25 children. No pre-registration is required.

NORDIC CRAFTS—Scandinavia House, 58 Park Ave. at E. 38th St. presents a series of spring events and activities for children. Saturday workshops at 2 p.m. for kids ages 5-10 related to the exhibition, “Nordic Impressions: Contemporary Art from Aland, Denmark, Finland, Greenland, Iceland Norway and Sweden.” Workshops will include a brief visit to the gallery, followed by an activity, with “Cut it Out: Collage Art” on Mar. 23; and “Bird is the World: Claymations” on Mar. 30. Admission $10. For more information, visit Scandinaviahouse.org or call (212) 779-3587.

Sat., Apr. 13 at 11 a.m., the Hans Christian Andersen Storytelling Center presents fairytales, folk stories and adventures from Scandinavia and the far north for children age five and up. (Also May 11.) Free.

BOOK READINGS & ACTIVITIES—Barnes & Noble, 33 E. 17th Street, presents story time

on most Saturdays at 11 a.m. with coloring and activities afterwards. For more information call (212) 253-0810 or visit bn.com.

Mar. 23, Little Blue Truck’s Springtime by Alice Schertle. At 12:30 p.m., interactive stories about chess.

Apr. 13, Drew Pendous and the Camp Color War by Cool School. 

ART WORKSHOP—The Rubin Museum of Art, 150 W. 17th St., presents “Family Sundays,” free activities from 1-4 p.m. Drop into the Education Center for some art-making, and there will be a 2 p.m. family exhibition tour, and go on your own thematic gallery search. Ages 3 and older with accompanying adults. Throughout the month of March, the theme is “Handmade Hues.” Holi, the festival of colors and love, signifies the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. Children will construct their own handmade paper using the bright and vibrant hues of Holi during our March Family Sundays. For more information, visit rubinmuseum.org or call (212) 620-5000.  

CUB/BOY SCOUTS PACK 422—Scout Pack 422 is part of the Greater NY Councils and the Big Apple District and is sponsored by The Epiphany R.C. Church at 373 Second Ave. off of 21st St. Meetings are held in the Parish Hall. Cub Scouts meet on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., Boy Scouts meet on Thursdays at 6:45 p.m. Parents and new scouts are invited to meetings. For more information, call Maureen Riley at (917) 837-3311.

CUB/BOY SCOUTS PACK 414—Scout Troop 414 is part of the Greater New York Councils and the Big Apple District and is sponsored by the Immaculate Conception Church, 414 E. 14th St. Meetings are held in the school auditorium every Tuesday evening from 6:30-8 p.m. Parents and new Scouts are invited to meetings. For more information, visit troop414nyc.org.

TEENS/TWEENS 

3D DOODLER—New York Public Library’s Tompkins Square Library, 331 E. 10th St., presents “3D Doodler!” on Mon., Mar. 25 at 4 p.m. 3Doodler is a 3D doodling pen that allows you to create objects from drawing in the air or on surfaces. Participants will create physical structures from 3Doodler pens. Ages 8-12 and teens only.    

GAMING—New York Public Library’s Tompkins Square Library, 331 E. 10th St., presents “Game On for Tweens/Teens!” on Wednesdays at 3:30-4:30 p.m. Gamers ages 8-18 play PS4, Wii, and Retro games in the basement. No registration needed. Ages: 8 and up. For more information, call (212) 228-4747.

ANIME/MANGA CLUB—New York Public Library’s Tompkins Square Library, 331 E. 10th St., presents an Anime and Manga Club on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. Read Manga. Watch Anime. Earn and win prizes. No registration necessary. For more information, call (212) 228-4747.

AUTHOR EVENTS  

MEMOIR—National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South, presents a book reading and signing with A Tokyo Romance author Ian Buruma on Tues., Mar. 28 at 8 p.m. When Buruma arrived in Tokyo in 1975, a young film student in love with Japanese theater and movies, Japan was little more in his mind than a fantasy of a faraway land. But he soon found his way to the heart of the city’s underground culture, even accepted as a member by an avant-garde Butoh group. A Tokyo Romance is a portrait of a young writer and the city that shaped him. Buruma is also the author of Their Promised Land: My Grandparents in Love and War, Murder in Amsterdam: Liberal Europe, Islam, and the Limits of Tolerance, and The China Lover: A Novel, among other books. For more information, call (212) 475-3424 or visit nationalartsclub.org. Proper attire is encouraged for ladies and gentlemen at all times. Please refrain from using electronic devices during the event. 

MEMOIR—Barnes & Noble, 33 E. 17th St., presents Gigi Gorgeous in promotion of He Said, She Said! a memoir by the YouTube star, transgender activist, actress and model on Tues., Apr. 2 at 7 p.m. This is a ticketed event. One ticket ($20.68) includes one pre-signed book and one photo. No books or memorabilia will be signed at the event. Eventbrite is the only authorized dealer for this event. Visit GigiGorgeousNYC.eventbrite.com for tickets and more information. For more information, visit bn.com or call (212) 253-0810.

DISCUSSIONS

FINANCIAL GUIDANCE SERIES—The New York Public Library’s Science, Industry & Business Library, 188 Madison Ave. at 34th St., presents the following series of financial help discussions. Seating is limited and on a first come, first-seated basis at the lower level conference Room 018. For information on the following programs, call (917) ASK-NYPL (917-275-6975) Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Fri., Mar. 22 at 1:15 p.m. “Planning a Successful Retirement.” Where will the money come from? Learn about the variety of tax advantaged accounts that you can setup to help you acquire the nest egg necessary for retirement. Presented by SIBL Staff.

Sat., Mar. 23 at noon. “Making Cents of Mutual Funds and ETFs.” Jennifer Weber, CFP, discusses mutual funds and how they can help you create a diversified portfolio, as well as specific attributes to consider when investing in them. Also reviewed are ETFs: how they resemble mutual funds and how they’re different.  Presented by the Financial Planning Association of Metro NY.

Mon., Mar. 25 at 1:15 p.m. “Life Skills: Budgeting, Credit & Debt.” Get an introduction to savings and budget concepts. Learn about banks and banking products, including debit and credit cards and how to reduce debt. Presented by SIBL staff.

Tues., Mar. 26 at 3 p.m. “Understanding Financial Statements.” Financial statements are the best way to show the viability of your start up and measure your progress. They monitor the evolution of your business so you see what is working and how to respond in a crisis. Richard H Konrad, CFA, CFP, explains how financial statements are constructed, how to determine how well you are doing, and what you need to change. Presented by the Financial Planning Association of Metro NY.

Thurs., Mar. 28 at 1:15 p.m. “Mutual Funds & ETFs.” Learn the differences between mutual funds and ETFs, concepts such as net asset value and capital gains distributions and how to read a mutual fund statement. Presented by SIBL staff.

FIT MUSEUM—National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South, presents “FashionSpeak Fridays Exhibitionism: 50 Years of The Museum at FIT” on Fri., Mar. 22 at 7 p.m., an illustrated lecture, discussion and performance. The director of The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Valerie Steele, will give a virtual tour of the museum’s retrospective celebrating its 50th anniversary. On display until April 20 and taken from the museum’s permanent holdings, “Exhibitionism” is bringing back a selection of styles from 33 of the most influential exhibitions since 1971.
Steele has organized more than 25 diverse exhibitions since 1997 and is also the author/ editor of more than 25 books and the founder and editor-in-chief of Fashion Theory: The Journal of Dress, Body & Culture. Exhibition inspired outfits are encouraged. RSVP: RSVPFashion@thenationalartsclub.org

WOMEN ARTISTS BEFORE 1945—New York Public Library’s Tompkins Square Library, 331 E. 10th St., presents the interactive talk, “Finding Her Way,” on Sat., Mar. 23 at 11 a.m. American women artists working before 1945 had to navigate societal expectations of women’s domestic roles with their drive to be professionals. This talk will examine works by women artists who collectively paint a picture of a changing America. Led by Rena Tobey. For more information, call (212) 228-4747. 

EXHIBITS 

ABSTRACT—The National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South, presents an exhibit by longtime member artist Abner Hershberger, throughout March. The exhibit is comprised of 25 paintings and mixed-media works. Hershberger’s work has been inspired by the Midwest landscape of North Dakota where he grew up. He later lived in Stuyvesant Town. The abstracted aerial perspective of the various farm crops and textures, cultivation patterns, irrigation influences, and seasonal variations has provided Hershberger unending subject matter to explore artistically. Abner is Professor of Art Emeritus at Goshen College in Indiana, having taught there from 1965-1999, and served as Art Department Chair twenty years. For more information, visit nationalartsclub.org. 

PAINTINGS—Wendigo Productions/Art on A Gallery, 24 Ave. A between E. 2nd and 3rd Sts., presents “The Art of Jason Ackerman,” running through Mar. 28. Closing reception Mar. 28 from 6-8 p.m. Ackerman is an international award-winning tattoo artist and painter who has been tattooing for about 10 years in South Florida and New York. He began his tattoo career in Boca Raton where he apprenticed at Big Kahuna Tattoo. Since parting from Big Kahuna, He has made a home back in Boca at his own shop A Stroke Of Genius. His tattoos are a culmination of anything bright, creepy, and loud with his own twist on it. Gallery hours: Mon.-Sat. 1-8 p.m., Sun. 1-7 p.m. For more information, call (212) 300-4418 or visit artonagallery.com.

ARTISTIC PROPAGANDA—The Marquis Gallery at the National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South, presents “From Constructivism to Socialist Realism: Artistic Propaganda in Applied Graphic Art of the 1920s–1930s in the USSR,” running through Mar. 29. The exhibition is a selection from R.R. and R.N. Bagichev collection of domestic industrial graphic art of the early Soviet Union. The collection totals over 1200 works that comprise a unique body of material for studying the printing and graphic arts of the domestic packaging industry during a period of radical transformation in everyday life after the establishment of the Soviet power. The collection is valuable in that it primarily contains the early printings of industrial graphic arts, including unique works, as well as works created through the joint efforts of the founders of constructivism, Aleksandr Rodchenko and Vladimir Mayakovsky. The period in question, following the Russian civil war, also coincided with the Red Terror — a period characterized by severe hunger against a backdrop of spectacular parades and depictions of happy builders of a “socialist society.” Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, visit nationalartsclub.com or call (212) 475-3424. 

PAINTINGS—Lyons Wier Gallery, 542 W. 24th St., presents Joshua Meyer’s “Courting Incoherence,” a series of paintings on view through Mar. 30. Thick layers of paint work to articulate fleeting forms, flirting with realism.  Each composition’s single, central figure dematerializes from a dense nest of brushstrokes into a pictorial space on the edge of abstraction. Gallery hours: Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information, call (212) 242-6220 or visit lyonswiergallery.com.

SCULPTURE—Tyler Rollins Fine Art, 529 W. 20th St. #10W, presents “The World Outside,” an exhibit of sculptural works by Sopheap Pich, running through Apr. 19. The second of a two-part exhibition of new works by Pich, “The World Outside” features seven floor-standing or wall-hanging sculptures, mainly organic in form. Constructed from strips of bamboo and rattan, Pich’s primary media, they also make use of a diverse array of natural materials, including goat hide, stone, and antler, as well as naturally curved bamboo stalks. The title of the exhibition takes its inspiration from Louis MacNeice’s poem “Snow,” in which the narrator is transfixed by the contrast between a vase of pink roses placed in front of his window, and the snowy scene outside. For more information, call (212) 229-9100 or visit trfineart.com. 

MUSEUM AT FIT 50th ANNIVERSARY—The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Seventh Ave. at 27th St., presents “Exhibitionism: 50 Years of the Museum at FIT,” running through Apr. 20. celebrates the 50th anniversary of what Michael Kors calls “the fashion insider’s fashion museum” by bringing back 33 of the most influential exhibitions produced since the first one was staged in 1971. Taken entirely from the museum’s permanent holdings, more than 80 looks will be on display. Founded in 1969 as The Design Laboratory and Galleries at FIT, it became The Museum at FIT in 1994, and was accredited by the American Alliance of Museums in 2012. From the beginning, MFIT served multiple audiences, including students, designers, and the public. Hours: Tues.-Fri. from noon-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun.-Mon. closed. For more information, visit fitnyc.edu/museum. 

HISTORY OF FABRIC—The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology’s Fashion & Textile History Gallery, Seventh Ave. at 27th St., presents “Fabric in Fashion,” running through May 4. This exhibition explores the vital role played by textiles in creating Euro-American women’s fashion over the last 250 years. The examination of textiles is often separated from that of the fashionable silhouette, yet historically, textiles were as important as the cut of clothing in keeping up with current fashion. This exhibition will delve into the mechanics of textiles, looking at how fibers and weaves build the materiality of fashion. It will also explore the cultural influence of fabric. The Western world’s demand for fashionable textiles of silk, cotton, wool, and synthetics has had enormous repercussions across the globe. It will highlight both clothing and flat textiles from the museum’s permanent collection, examining how the physical properties of specific fabrics determine the way a piece of clothing interacts with the body, as well as how the design and cultural associations of textiles reveal the social motivations that drive fashion forward. The exhibition is organized by Elizabeth Way, assistant curator of costume. Gallery hours: Tues.-Fri. from noon-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun.-Mon. closed. For more information, visit fitnyc.edu/museum. 

FOR SENIORS 

PLAY READING  GROUP—The Stein Senior Center, 204 E. 23rd St., has launched a play reading group, led by Nancy Finn and Carmine Bracale. All are invited to group meetings on the first and third Fridays of each month from 10 a.m.-noon. Participants will be looking at plays from Shakespeare to modern. Scripts with large print will be supplied. No experience with the plays necessary. A contribution is requested.

ART HISTORY CLASS–The Stein Center, 204 E. 23rd St., offers an art history class every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 12 noon. Participants enjoy examples of visual arts, including painting, sculpture and architecture from around the world. Awesomely beautiful and culturally important art works are projected on a large screen accompanied by bold face printed text and spoken comments by leader Judy Collischan, Ph.D. Discussion, participation and interaction are encouraged. No experience with art or its history is necessary. A modest contribution is requested, and all are welcome to attend.

RUBIN MUSEUM PROGRAMS—Rubin Museum of Art, 150 W. 17th St., presents “Senior Mondays.  On the first Monday of the month from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., seniors (65 and older) receive free admission to the galleries. The day includes a range of free programs including a docent talk. For more information, visit rubinmuseum.org.

OTHER EVENTS 

BOOK SWAP—New York Public Library’s Epiphany Library, 228 E. 23rd St. between Second and Third Aves., presents a book swap on Tues., Mar. 26 at 4 p.m. Bring one of more books to swap with other book lovers. Price of admission is one book to swap. Please bring clean books in good condition. Limit to one bag or box of books to trade at a time. All genres accepted and any remaining books can be left as donation. For more information, call (212) 679-2645 or visit nypl.org/locations/epiphany.

ONGOING EVENTS

HISTORIC RED LIGHT DISTRICT TOUR—The Museum of Sex and tour guide Robert Brenner present “Satan’s Circus,” a historic walking tour through NoMad (north of Madison Square Park), at one time a world-famous red light district filled with saloons, dance halls, gambling dens, and houses of ill-repute. The area has been expurgated by the passage of time and a succession of reformers, but there are still remnants of its licentious past including: the alley where American popular music was born, hotels where Lillian Russell, Samuel Clemens, Oscar Wilde, and Nikola Tesla hung out, a gay bathhouse with a tragic history and the flower district where you could purchase more than just orchids. Tours take place on Saturdays from noon-2 p.m. Adults only. Tickets, $20, can be purchased at museumofsex.com. Museum admission not included.

CROCHET AND KNITTING GROUP—The New York Public Library’s Epiphany Library, 228 E. 23rd St., has a crochet and knitting group that meets bi-monthly on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon. This is a volunteer-led group. All are invited to participate and socialize with others and even pick up some extra tips and tricks as you work your own creations. Please bring your own supplies. Pattern books will be provided to peruse and borrow. For more information, call (212) 679-2645.

IRISH DANCE LESSON & LIVE MUSIC—Theatre 80, 80 St. Marks Pl., and William Barnacle Tavern present a weekly celebration of Celtic culture. The evening will be a participatory experience for the audience, including dance lessons and an all welcome seisuin. It is a night when people can do much more than sit and take in the excellent performances. Every Monday evening at 8 p.m., Ceile (Irish Dance) lessons with Megan Downes. $10. At 9 p.m. – Seisiun (Irish music session) with Deirdre Corrigan, Dan Gurney & Friends. For more information, call (212) 388-0388 or visit theatre80.wordpress.com. 

FILM SCREENINGS—The Epiphany Library, 228 E. 23rd St., screens films every Thursday at 2 p.m. To contact the branch for more information, call (212) 679-2645. 

TOURS OF CENTER FOR JEWISH HISTORY—Center for Jewish History, 15 W. 16th St., offers free tours (exclusive of the YUM galleries) on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. Tours last approximately 1 1/2 hours and include the exhibitions of the American Jewish Historical Society, the American Sephardi Federation, the Leo Baeck Institute and the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research, as well as the Reading Room, Genealogy Institute and other public spaces. Tours for groups of 10 or more can be scheduled by calling (917) 606-8226.

UNION SQUARE WALKING TOURS—The Union Square Partnership presents free, weekly walking tours of Union Square. The 90-minute tour explores the social and political history of the neighborhood through discussions of the people, history, architecture and forces that have shaped this community. You’ll hear how Union Square got its name, see where the legendary Tiffany & Co. once stood and learn how to read the clock (yes, it’s a clock!) on “The Metronome” sculpture and so much more! The tour begins at the Abraham Lincoln statue by the 16th St. transverse in Union Square Park, Sat. at 2 p.m. Look for the guide holding a Union Square: Crossroads of New York sign. Reservations required for groups. For more information, call (212) 517-1826 or visit unionsquarenyc.org.

FLATIRON WALKING TOURS—The Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership Business Improvement District (BID) provides free, year-round historic walking tours of the district, led by local historian professional guides. The tours take place every Sunday starting at 11 a.m., and meet at the tip of the Flatiron Building (new location). No advance registration is required. The walking tour highlights some of the city’s most notable landmarks, including: the New York Life Insurance Building, the MetLife Clock Tower, the Appellate Courthouse and the Flatiron Building. Historians leading tours are: Miriam Berman, author of Madison Square: The Park and Its Celebrated Landmarks; Mike Kaback and Fred Cookinham. For more information visit www.flatirondistrict.nyc.

POETRY WORKSHOP—The Epiphany Poets group meets at the Muhlenberg Public Library at 209 W. 23rd Street, between Seventh and Eighth Aves. every third Friday of the month from 2-4 p.m. It is a workshop so each person brings a poem — bring 12 or 13 copies to hand to each person and then discuss each work. The group is helpful and collegial. If there is time, a second poem by those who have brought one can be discussed.