CONCERTS

ROCK & MORE—Irving Plaza, 17 Irving Pl., presents the following concerts. Visit irvingplaza.com for tickets.

Oct. 18 at 7 p.m., The Damned ($34-$39).

Oct. 19 at 7 p.m., The Coronas ($20).

Oct. 20 at 8 p.m., Turnpike Troubadours, $25-$27.

Oct. 21 at 7 p.m., Masego (sold out).

Oct. 22 at 7 p.m., Phora, $27-$59.

Oct. 23 at 7 p.m., G. Herbo (sold out).

Oct. 24 at 7 p.m., She Wants Revenge, $25-$55.

Oct. 26-27 at 6:30 p.m., Clutch (sold out).

Oct. 29 at 7 p.m., Minus the Bear, $47-$141 (Oct. 28 sold out).

Oct. 30 at 7 p.m., Chief Keef, $25.

Oct. 31 at 7 p.m., GWARoween Part II, $25. 

ROCK & MORE—The Gramercy Theatre, 127 E. 23rd St., presents the following concerts. Visit thegramercytheatre.com for tickets.

Oct. 18 at 6 p.m., Dying Fetus, $22-$46.

Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m., Stabbing Westward, $30-$107.

Oct. 21 at 7 p.m., Sebastian Bach, $26-$28.

Oct. 23 at 7 p.m., Alexandros, $40-$42.

Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m., Big Data, $18.

Oct. 25 at 7 p.m., Parsonsfield and Sawyer Fredericks, $20-$35.

Oct. 27 at 7 p.m., Monster Magnet, $25-$46.

Oct. 28 at 7 p.m., Carach Angren, $20.

Oct. 31 at 8 p.m., Cypress Hill, $59-$177.

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.

Oct. 20, folk singer and guitarist Thea Hopkins and folk/Irish/music singing trio Marie Mularczyk O’Connell & The Mountain Maidens.

Oct. 27, singer and guitarist Aaron Fowler and activist singer Joel Andy. 

ACOUSTIC/WORLD MUSIC—Rubin Museum of Art, 150 W. 17th St., presents “Spiral Music,” acoustic music on select Wednesday evenings at the base of the museum’s spiral staircase, free, from 6-9 p.m. Artists who specialize in music from the Himalayas and South Asia are invited to forge a connection between their music and the art in the galleries.

Oct. 24, Tristan Teshigahara Pollack, musician, guitarist, writer who has scored music for films; and Michael Larocca, composer, drums, percussion, acoustic and electronic music.

Nov. 14, Vinay Desai, tandoor. 

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.

Oct. 26, Emily Brausa, cello.

Nov. 2, Music in America, faculty concert with pre-concert lecture by Margaret Mills.

ACCORDIONS—Music in Chelsea presents Bachtopus, a contemporary accordion ensemble will play music by contemporary composers and Johann Sebastian Bach on Sun., Oct. 28 at 4 p.m. at St. Peter’s Church, 346 E. 20th St. between Eighth and Ninth Aves. Proceeds from the concerts benefit the church’s food pantry. Suggested donation: $10, $5 for seniors and students. For more information, call (212) 929-2390 or email mic@stpeterschelsea.com.

THEATER 

ISRAEL-THEMED PRODUCTIONS—At a moment when American and Israeli Jews are increasingly challenged to have meaningful and productive conversations about Israel and Zionism, LABA: A Laboratory for Jewish Culture and the Theater at 14th Street Y, 344 E. 14th St., will present “Bridging the Israeli and American Divide,” two upcoming Israeli-themed productions that address hot-button issues from the past and present. These provocative productions will feature works by Israeli and Israeli-American artists wrestling with Israeli and Jewish narratives, history, memory, and experience. Each production will be followed by facilitated conversations that allow for audience engagement. Tickets are available at 14streety.org.

“The Hearing,” a real transcript, staged reading, directed by Ronit Muszkatblit. In English, Thurs., Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m. In Hebrew, Fri., Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Free, RSVP required. Taken from actual transcripts, this true story follows Adam Verete, a public high school teacher in Israel whose classroom discussion about ethics and the morality of the army inflamed a student with opposing views. The play presents competing narratives that bring to light allegations, threats and issues of responsibility and asks the vital question: Whose freedom of speech do we protect? First conceived and performed by Renana Raz in Israel, this play was a commission by the Israeli Stage in Boston.

“Theo’s Dream,” by Zohar Tirosh-Polk, staged reading, directed by Ronit Muszatblit, in collaboration with the Jewish Plays Project, LABA: A Laboratory for Jewish Culture, and Highbrow Productions. Free. RSVP required. Thurs., Oct. 25, Fri., Oct. 26 and Sat., Oct. 27 at 7:30 p.m. A radical, hallucinogenic trip through the fever dream of Theodore Herzl, the brilliant prophet and founder of the State of Israel.

DRAMA—Baruch Performance Arts Center, 25th St. between Lexington and Third Aves., presents “Anna Christie,” a music drama based on Eugene O’Neill’s award-winning play. Anna Christie, abandoned as a child, suffers a life of hardship and carries a dark secret from her past. An emotional union with her father and a chance encounter with a merchant sailor propels a riveting struggle between love and the sea. Twelve performances will run through Oct. 21. Nancy Rhodes is artistic director. Performances are Thurs., Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. with a Sun. matinee at 3 p.m. For tickets, $36-$59, student rates also available, call Ovation Tix at 866-811-4111 or visit encompasstheatre.org.

DRAMA—The Tank, 312 W. 36th St. between 8th and 9th Aves., presents the world premiere of “When We Went Electronic,” written by Caitlin Saylor Stephens, directed by Meghan Finn, with songs by Sarah Frances Cagianese and Caitlin Saylor Stephens from Oct. 25-Nov. 11. Schools Out. It’s 2008. Two Made in USA American Apparel models search for their missing memory after a tragically fun night. But when really weird things start happening, the girls begin to question the synthetic-ness of their own materials and if what they think happened was real. Meghan Finn and Rosalind Grush are artistic directors. Performances are Thurs.-Sun. at 8 p.m. Tickets ($35 VIP; $25 general; $15 students) are available for advance purchase at thetanknyc.org.

DRAMA—Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave., (at E. 10th Street) presents “Recovery” a new drama centering around the drug epidemic, running through Oct. 28. “Recovery” is a drama of three young women, all lost in the pain of addiction, and their mothers. They meet at a place called The Mountain Rehab, where all six women must confront their problems, and are influenced and guided by two competing characters who battle for their souls: Reverend Stephanie Jackson, the spiritual director of the institution who is also a recovering alcoholic, and a Demon who embodies all temptation. He is Rev. Jackson’s Jungian shadow. Like the Devil in Daniel Webster, he manifests her inner demons and challenges her for the souls of the young women. The play explores the experience of addiction from the perspective of two generations. Denial is portrayed as a powerful tool in the weaponry of darkness and facing truth is portrayed as a painful path but the only one that leads to lasting recovery. The audience is taken on an uplifting journey from darkness to light. Director is Steven Morrow. Performances run Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 3 p.m. $18 general admission, $15 seniors and students. For tickets, visit theaterforthenewcity.net or call (212) 254-1109.

DRAMATIC READING—This fall, The Resident Acting Company, a new troupe drawn from the performing ensemble of The Pearl Theatre Company, presents “The Language Series,” a new readings series at The Players, 16 Gramercy Park South. The series is devoted to plays that delve into the use of words to lie, deceive, manipulate, conquer, tell the truth, work out the meaning of life and even to find love. On Oct. 29, Hannah Cowley’s “The Belle’s Strategem” will be read at 7 p.m. In the story, Letitia Hardy is engaged to marry the handsome and wealthy Doricourt, but there is one problem: he seems totally uninterested in her. She loves him and is determined to get him to feel the same. So she endeavors to get him to hate her as she believes it will be easier to flip hate into love rather than indifference into love. Pirandello’s “It Is So (If You Think So)” will be read on Nov. 19, concluding the series. Tickets, $35, are available online at racnyc.org. Cash bar begins at 6 p.m. and the reading starts at 7 p.m.

SOLO SHOW (HOLOCAUST DENIAL THEME)—The New Group, the Cell, and Prospect Theater Company at 59E59 presents “Hoaxacaust!,” running through October (extended from Sept. 30) at the Theater at the 14th Street Y, 344 E. 14th St. What roles should past horrors play in defining religious views, self-perception, even politics? Is there such a thing as a contemporary Jewish identity independent of the Holocaust? Should there be? What if the Holocaust had never happened? Writer/performer Barry Levey explores this as he tracks down deniers from Illinois to Iran, on a journey to discover the shocking truth. (Please note this production will contain adult language.) General admission $25. For tickets, visit 14streety.org.

DRAMA—The Irish Repertory Theatre, 132 W. 22nd St., presents “On Beckett,” running through Nov. 4. Bill Irwin can’t escape Samuel Beckett. He has spent a lifetime captivated by the Irish writer’s language. In this intimate 90-minute evening, Irwin will explore a performer’s relationship to Beckett, mining the physical and verbal skills acquired in his years as a master clown and Tony Award-winning actor. Irwin’s approach to the comic, the tragic, to every side of Beckett’s work – including “Waiting for Godot,” “Endgame,” and “Texts for Nothing” – will allow audiences to experience the language in compelling new ways. To purchase tickets, $70 ($50 for rear seating), or for more information, visit irishrep.org or call (212) 727-2737. Performances are Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 and 8 p.m., Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.

INTERACTIVE—Speakeasy Dollhouse presents “The Girl Who Handcuffed Houdini,” running through Nov. 10 at Theatre 80, 80 St. Marks Pl. Transporting audiences to 1926, the year Harry Houdini died, Speakeasy Dollhouse unravels the mystery of his untimely death. Written and directed by Cynthia von Buhler and based on her comic book series from Titan Comics/Hard Case Crime, “The Girl Who Handcuffed Houdini” follows private investigator Minky Woodcock on her first case. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle believes Houdini is not merely a magician but has supernatural powers; Bess Houdini suspects her husband is cheating on her. Minky goes undercover as Houdini’s new assistant, and when the great illusionist dies, Minky’s investigation leads her to the darkest of secrets. Audience members will witness Harry Houdini’s final days through an immersive theater experience in which they are assigned a character to follow and then view events through that character’s point of view. They might find themselves attending a séance, helping the magician rehearse backstage, sipping absinthe in a speakeasy, spying on an affair in a hotel room, witnessing an attempted murder, visiting Houdini in his hospital room, or viewing his body in the morgue. All attendees “travel via train” to watch Houdini’s final month of performances, including his iconic Water Torture Chamber act, in Rhode Island, Montreal and Detroit. Tickets, $100 ($200 VIP) can be purchased online at brownpapertickets.com. For more information, visit theatre80.wordpress.com.

FAMILY/CHILDREN 

EVENTS FOR TODDLERS AND OLDER CHILDREN—The Tompkins Square branch of the New York Public Library, 331 E. 10th St., presents the following events for children throughout the month of October:

Yoga for Kids on Thursdays, Oct. 18 and 25 from 4-4:45 p.m. In this class, children will engage in fun group activities to learn about yoga and mindfulness. Together, children will find ways to connect to their own body and mind, others, and their environment in order to focus more on the moment and cope with the world around them. For ages 5-12.

Toddler Time. Ongoing Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. Fun books, play, and music for the toddler set. No registration required.

Library Playdate. Ongoing Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. Play is one of six practices to promote early literacy skills in young children. For children ages 18 months-5 years.

Mother Goose Rhyme Time. Ongoing Wednesdays at 2 p.m. Enjoy thirty minutes of songs, nursery rhymes, and fingerplays that get everyone involved in the fun. For children birth through 18 months.

Movies for Kids. Ongoing Mondays at 4 p.m. New release kids’ movies.

For more information, call (212) 228-4747. 

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

 “Baby & Toddler Story Time: Bitty Book Buddies” followed by open play on Mon., Oct. 22 and 29 at 12:30 p.m. and Wed., Oct. 24 at 12:20 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.

“Maker Space: Monster Mash” on Mon., Oct. 22 at 4 p.m. for children age four and up. Participants will make a monster using a variety of craft materials. This program will take place in the 3rd floor community room.

“Pixelcraft: Creator” on Tues., Oct. 23 at 3 p.m. Children will create their very own Pixelcraft coloring book to take home. Choose pixel characters from popular books, movies, comics and TV. Kids will use the library’s colored markers. Program takes place in the Children’s Room. Recommended for children ages five and up. No pre-registration necessary.

“Spooky Family Flick Night” on Wed., Oct. 24 at 4 p.m. This program will take place in the third-floor community room for children and their guardians.

“Toddler Halloween Party” on Fri., Oct. 26 at 11 a.m.  There’s lots of non-spooky fun to be had with games, crafts and giveaways.  Costumes encouraged. Ages 1-3. No pre-registration required.

“Family Game Day” on Sat., Oct. 27 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Check out the collection of board games for children ages three and up. Games available include Jenga, Connect 4, Candy Land, Battleship, HedBanz, Sorry, Clue Jr., Uno and more. This program will take place in the children’s room on select Saturdays.

For more information, call (212) 679-2645 or visit nypl.org/locations/epiphany. 

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.

Oct. 20, Elbow Grease by John Cena. At 2 p.m., games and book swag.

Oct. 27, How to Scare a Ghost by Jean Reagan.

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 October, participants are invited to “Rings of Reason.” Children will explore ideas of growth and belonging with this art-making activity, called Tree Rings / Reflect Select / Self Visions. It is inspired by Matti Braun’s immersive installation R.T/S.R/V.S., which features a shimmering reflecting pool interspersed with tree stumps as stepping stones. Just as tree rings show the passage of time, participants will use a slice of a tree trunk to make a print, then add symbols, drawings, and writing to represent important events, people, and places that have made the artists who they are today. For more information, visit rubinmuseum.org or call (212) 620-5000.  

IMPROV WITH CHILDREN—Peter Michael Marino’s “Show Up, Kids!” extends its run at The Kraine Theater, 85 E. Fourth St., through Oct. 28. This interactive, improvised family show for kids 3-10 years old puts a comedic, theatrical twist on the traditional kids’ show. When the main attraction doesn’t show up, Pete enlists the help of the kids to write it, direct it, choose music for it, and design it. What could possibly go wrong? Performances are Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. All tickets, $10, are available at horsetrade.info. For more information, visit showuptheshow.com/kids.

THEATER—Daryl Roth Theatre’s DR2, 103 E. 15th St., presents “The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show.” The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by author/illustrator Eric Carle has delighted generations of readers since it was first published in 1969 selling more than 43 million copies worldwide. The timeless classic has made its way off the page and onto the stage. Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show” features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets, faithfully adapting four of Eric Carle stories, The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, Mister Seahorse, The Very Lonely Firefly and of course, the star of the show – The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The New York show in 2017 will also feature Brown Bear, Brown Bear and 10 Little Rubber Ducks. Performances run Thurs.-Sun. Most mornings and afternoons. For schedule or tickets, $49-$90, visit hungrycaterpillarshow.com.

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.

AUTHOR EVENTS 

TALK ON EAST VILLAGE IN THE 80s—The Tompkins Square branch of the New York Public Library, 331 E. 10th St., presents “The East Village in the 1980s,” a conversation with Penny Arcade, Clayton Patterson, Chris Rael on Fri., Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. Penny Arcade a.k.a. Susana Ventura is an internationally respected performance artist, writer, poet and experimental theatre maker. Clayton Patterson began exhibiting the photographs he took of local residents in the space’s front window in the 1980s and video of the Tompkins Square Park police riots in 1988. Chris Rael is one of New York City’s most prolific veteran composers and a founder of the pioneering Indo-pop group Church of Betty and indie music label Fang Records. Moderator is Andy McCarthy, a reference librarian at the Milstein Division of US History, Local History, and Genealogy at NYPL, and a former NYC doubledecker bus tour guide.

An exhibition, “A Look Back on the East Village of the 1980s” will be on view at the library from Oct. 19-Nov. 1. This show will focus on the creative counter culture of the surrounding neighborhood in the 1980s. It will present important, vital highlights from the night club scene, along with the music, theater, and art activity of that period.

JEWISH HISTORY—The National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South, presents a book reading and signing with historian Sir Simon Schama on Tues., Oct. 30 at 6:30 p.m. Sir Schama will speak about his latest book, Belonging: The Story of the Jews 1492-1900. In this second volume of his Jewish history trilogy, Schama studies a crucial time period — from the expulsion of Jews from Spain, to the beginnings of Zionism — by immersing his readers in the lives of individuals both well-known and obscure. In June Schama was knighted by Queen Elizabeth. Proper attire is encouraged for ladies and gentlemen at all times. Please refrain from using electronic devices during the event. For more information, call (212) 475-3424- or visit nationalartsclub.org.

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.

JEWISH HISTORY/ANTI-ZIONISM CAMPAIGN—YIVO Institute for Jewish Research at the Center for Jewish History, 15 W. 16th St., presents “Anti-Zionist” Campaign in Poland, 1967-1968, and its Echoes Today, on Tues., Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. In March, 1968, in reaction to a student rebellion, the communist government of Poland launched a noisy propaganda campaign against the alleged Zionists, who were accused of a conspiracy to undermine socialist Poland. The campaign of slander, harassment, and persecution forced half of Poland’s Jews into exile and deeply affected the life of those who remained. For the fiftieth anniversary of the events this year, POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw prepared an exhibition and a rich program of educational and cultural events. This coincided with a stormy debate on the recent “Holocaust defamation law,” bringing mass attention to the program and opening a controversy on the nature of and responsibility for the campaign of 1968. Dariusz Stola, the director of POLIN, will discuss how this history is presented in their current temporary exhibition and the controversies surrounding it. Admission is $10, $5 for students. For more information, visit yivo.org.

EXHIBITS

DRAWINGS, PAINTINGS & SCULPTURE—Carter Burden Gallery, 548 W. 28th St., presents three new exhibitions: “GUNS!……LOCKS!……CHAINS!”in the East Gallery featuring Roz Dimon, Scott Geyer and Jay Moss;“The Last Straw”in the West Gallery featuring Andrea Lilienthal;and “On the Wall”featuring Susan Lisbin, running Oct. 18-Nov. 8.  The reception will be held Oct. 18 from 6-8 p.m.

Dimon presents white-on-black digital drawings of guns printed on canvas. The inverted drawings purposefully create an x-ray-like illumination of the subject matter, if not for the viewer to analyze the inner mechanics of the weapon than to see what the object represents to the individual.

Geyer presents realistic still life oil paintings that he finds on his extensive walks throughout New York City. The pieces unite contrasting light and shadow with complimentary colors into compelling compositions of weatherworn metal.

Lilienthal presents the piece “Dark Round,” a floor installation, in the exhibition “The Last Straw.”  The installation fills the West Gallery space with a glittering halo of black-pigmented straw bales surrounding a stellar cavity. Lilienthal combines natural elements with synthetic materials such as paint and glitter,
Lisbin presents over thirty clay shapes on one wall and three large papier-mâché pieces on the other.

Moss presents detailed sculptures influenced by social issues, war, and peace. They satirize his surroundings and instigate wonder, curiosity, and sometimes shock. Moss has worked both figuratively and abstractly, creating forms with a saw and chisel in a variety of woods that he then assembles with other materials, including lead, metal and cloth.

The gallery hours are Tuesday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more information, visit carterburdengallery.org.

SCULPTURE—Baruch College’s Sidney Mishkin Gallery, 135 E. 22nd St., presents “Pleasing Curves: Sculpture” by Charlie Kaplan, featuring seven works by the Los Angeles-based artist through Oct. 26. Kaplan studied welding, blacksmithing, and he worked in clay, wood, and other media before being introduced to marble. Over the course of several years he studied in Pietrasanta, Italy — just ten miles from Carrara — where he developed a deep knowledge of the material, learning about the various types of marble, as well as honing his skill in bronze casting. While some artists sketch out a design or begin with a model in clay, Kaplan uses the direct method of working with the stone. A modernist, Kaplan strives to bring out the curves he finds so pleasing in his minimalist designs, curves that make the marble flow like water. One of Kaplan’s works, “Soaring,” 2018 will be permanently installed in the Baruch College library. Gallery hours: Mon.-Fri. from 2-7 p.m. For more information, call (646) 660-6652.

BLACK AND WHITE AND SEPIA ILLUSTRATIONS—The 14th Street Y, 344 E. 14th St., presents “What the Night Sings,” paintings from the novel by Vesper Stamper, running through Oct. 26. “What the Night Sings” is about two teen Holocaust survivors who meet on the day of their liberation from Bergen Belsen camp, and what it takes for them to rebuild their lives from the ground up. Author-illustrator Stamper has created black and white, sepia-toned ink wash paintings that call to mind the archival documentation of the Holocaust during World War II, while using metaphoric imagery which describes the inner landscape of the characters.

SCULPTURE, DRAWINGS & PHOTOGRAPHS—The Grand Gallery at the National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South, presents “Onetime Planet, 2018” by Ken Hiratsuka, running through Oct. 26. Hiratsuka was formally trained as a stone sculptor in his native Japan. Upon moving to New York in 1982, he immediately took inspiration from the early downtown street artists. Soon, along with Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat, he became a major force in the alternative art scene and helped to shift this movement from the periphery of the art world into its center. Hiratsuka found his perfect canvas in the granite and bluestone sidewalk slabs scattered throughout New York. In the process of perfecting his “oneline” technique he carved nearly forty sidewalks, and in 2008 was commissioned by Goldman Properties at 25 Bond Street to create RIVER, a carved granite sidewalk – one hundred feet in length. Hiratsuka has exhibited internationally and has created public commissions in Japan, South Korea, Kenya, Brazil and Ibiza, among other sites. 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 “That’s All They Really Want,” a collection of oil paintings by Cobi Moules, on view through Nov. 3. In paintings that explore nature, Moules incorporates multiple self-portraits. The locations of Moules’ compositions are equally important. All of the locations were previously depicted in paintings by the Hudson River School. Through the exploration of the grand American landscape and the reflection on mid-19th century American landscape painting, Moules navigates the parallels between the Hudson River School and the religious ideology that was an integral part of the transgender artist’s formative years. while disrupting the original narrative. Gallery hours: Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information, call (212) 242-6220 or visit lyonswiergallery.com.

COMIC ART & ILLUSTRATION—Wendigo Productions/Art on A Gallery, 24 Ave. A between E. Second and Third Sts., presents “The Mainstream: Comix Group Art Show,” curated by Dean Haspel, running through Nov. 8. Artists are Christa Cassano, Marguerite Dabaie, Simon Fraser, Fred Harper, N. Steven Harris, Joan Reilly, Frank Reynoso, Cynthia Von Buhler. For more information, visit artonagallery.com or call (212) 300-4418.

DR. SEUSS—Pop International Galleries, 195 Bowery (at Spring St.), presents “The Art of Dr. Seuss Collection,” 20 years of rare editions, running through Nov. 15. Now in its 20th year, The Art of Dr. Seuss Collection continues to reveal fascinating and never-before-seen images from the entire breadth of Seuss’s career. On view will be the newest works in the collection, as well as works that have sold out long-ago. Select rare works will be available for acquisition during this look back at 20 years. Visitors and collectors can explore and acquire works from Dr. Seuss’s best-known children’s books, as well as The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss, a collection based on many decades of artwork which Dr. Seuss created at night for his own personal pleasure. Perhaps the wackiest and most wonderful elements of the collection are Dr. Seuss’s three-dimensional “Unorthodox Taxidermy”sculptures with names like The Carbonic Walrus, The Two-Horned Drouberhannis, and the Goo-Goo-Eyed Tasmanian Wolghast, to name a few. Each of these Estate-Authorized limited editions has been adapted and reproduced from Theodor Seuss Geisel’s original drawings, paintings, or sculptures. Additionally, each work bears a posthumously printed or engraved Dr. Seuss signature, identifying the work as an authorized limited edition commissioned by the Dr. Seuss Estate. For more information, call (212) 533-4262 or visit popinternational.com.

DECONSTRUCTED FASHION—The Fashion & Textile History Gallery at Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Seventh Ave. at 27th St., presents “Fashion Unraveled,” running through Nov. 17. This exhibition explores the roles of memory and imperfection in fashion. It also highlights the aberrant beauty in awed objects, giving precedence to garments that have been altered, left unfinished, or deconstructed. These selections underscore one elemental fact about clothing: that it is designed to be worn and has, in some cases, been worn out. Traces of wear, shortened hemlines, and careful mends can be found even on haute couture designs. These alterations signify the lasting economic and emotional value of clothing and, in some cases, challenge the concept of fashion as a strictly ephemeral, disposable commodity.  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.

PINK IN FASHION—The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Seventh Ave. at 27th St., Special Exhibitions Gallery presents “Pink: The History of a Punk, Pretty, Powerful Color,” running through Jan. 5, 2019. By museum’s director and chief curator, Dr. Valerie Steele, “Pink” features approximately 80 ensembles from the 18th century to the present, with examples by designers and brands such as Elsa Schiaparelli, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Alessandro Michele of Gucci, Jeremy Scott of Moschino, and Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons. The exhibition will be accompanied by a book published by Thames & Hudson and a free symposium on Oct. 19, that will be livestreamed. Although pink is popularly associated with little girls, ballerinas, and all things feminine, the stereotype of pink for girls and blue for boys only really gained traction in the United States in the mid-20th century, and the symbolism of pink has varied greatly across world history. By placing men’s, women’s, and children’s pink clothing from both Western and non-Western cultures — including India, Africa, Mexico, and Japan — in a historical context, “Pink: The History of a Punk, Pretty, Powerful Color” corrects popular misconceptions and encourages viewers to question clichés and received opinion. The exhibition also places pink in a global context, exploring how the color has been used in non-Western cultures. In the center of the gallery is a grouping of platforms, “Rose/Eros” and “Pink: The Exposed Color,” exploring the erotic connotations of pink. The second gallery expands audience perspectives on pink and shows how contemporary designers are increasingly challenging traditional ideas about sweet, pink femininity. Rei Kawakubo, the radical designer behind Comme des Garçons, has been especially influential with collections ranging from “Biker/Ballerina” to “18th-Century Punk. 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 in our theater, gallery tours, and a writing workshop. For more information, call (212) 620-5000 or visit rubinmuseum.org. 

OTHER EVENTS 

NEW YORK BALTIC FESTIVAL—Scandinavia House, 58 Park Ave. (between 37th and 38th Sts.), co-presents the inaugural 2018 “New York Baltic Film Festival” with 18 films, running Oct. 18-21 with films at various times. The festival features seven U.S. premiere and 9 NYC premieres screenings. Starting off the festival will include notable classic films, such as “The Devil’s Bride” (1974), that have rarely been seen outside of Europe as well as the latest features, documentaries, and animation films from some of the best established and upcoming filmmakers from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. NYBFF highlights will include special director appearances with Arūnas Matelis for “Wonderful Losers: A Different World;” Virginija Vareikytė for “When We Talk About the KGB;” Raimo Jõerand for the U.S. premiere of “Rodeo;” and “Merija’s Journey” with director Kristina Zelve. Closing out the festival, director Reinis Abele among others will be present to talk about the docudrama “Baltic Tribes.” Tickets are $12 per film, $90 for series pass. For more information, visit scandinaviahouse.org. 

WEBINAR ON GESNERIAD PLANTS—The Gesneriad Society presents a free webinar on “The Marvelous World of Columnias” on Sat., Oct. 20, beginning at 11 a.m. at the LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th St., between 7th and 8th Aves. There will also be a plant sale featuring a variety of gesneriad plants that are hard to find locally. 

EDGAR ALLAN POE STORY TELLING—Merchants House Museum, 29 E Fourth St., presents “Killing an Evening with Edgar Allan Poe” from Oct. 22-13 and 31 at 7 p.m. each might.  In 1845, Edgar Allan Poe lived on Amity Street (now West 3rd Street), just blocks from the Merchant’s House. His publication of The Raven had brought him instant fame and invitations to the city’s most fashionable literary salons. John Kevin Jones will take on the role of the great master of horror in the Tredwells’ candlelit double parlor for a hauntingly memorable performance of Poe’s thrilling tales, The Tell-Tale Heart, The Cask of Amontillado, and The Raven. “Killing an Evening with Edgar Allan Poe, Murder at the Merchant’s House” is presented in association with Summoners Ensemble Theatre and directed by Dr. Rhonda Dodd. Tickets are $18. Seating is strictly limited. All ticket sales are final. For more information, call (212) 777-1089 or visit merchantshouse.org.

WALKING MEDITATION AROUND SCULPTURES IN PARK—The Madison Square Park Conservancy and the Rubin Museum of Art present “Walking Meditations,” guided walking meditations at the park around Arlene Shechet’s sculpture installation, “Full Steam Ahead. The walks will be on Monday mornings from 7-8 a.m. on Oct. 22 and 29 and Nov. 5, 12, 19 and 26. For more information, visit madisonsquarepark.org.

DIANNE WIEST READING SAMUEL BECKETT—As part of Madison Square Park Conservancy’s installation at the park by artist Arlene Shechet, “Full Steam Ahead,” Academy Award and Oscar winner Dianne Wiest will perform pieces by Samuel Beckett’s “Happy Days” from Oct. 22-26 from noon-1 p.m. Wiest, wearing a sculptural costume by Shechet, will perform by “Full Steam Ahead,” the installation of sculptures at the park’s north end by the emptied reflecting pool that debuted on September 25. For more information, visit madisonsquarepark.org.

JOB SEARCH/RESUME WORKSHOP—The Tompkins Square branch of the New York Public Library, 331 E. 10th St., presents a job search and resume workshop on Sat., Oct. 27 at 3 p.m. The event will cover these important aspects of any job search: Establishing values, skills, long/short term career goals, areas of interest; resume/Cover letter (content, formatting, layout); job search strategy (job boards, social networking, company research); and outreach approach (emailing contacts, relationship-building, establishing meaningful connections). The instructor, Heather Metcalf, is an independent consultant specializing in career strategy and personal development. She focuses on helping others uncover their mission and find work they are passionate about.  

ONGOING EVENTS

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 southwest corner of Madison Square Park (in front of the William Seward statue) at 23rd Street and Broadway. 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.

DOWNTOWN MAFIA WALKING TOUR—NYC Gangster Tours presents “The Rise and Fall of the American Mafia Walking Tour” Fridays and Saturdays at 6 p.m. Not for the faint of heart, this premium tour goes from the East Village down to Little Italy and tells the tale of the arrival of a secret sect of Sicilian criminals in the late 19th century, the growth and Americanization of this criminal empire in the 20s and 30s and the slow decline throughout the late 20th century from the rise of the drug trade. This tour stops outside the tenements, cafes, restaurants, social clubs, funeral homes and even alleyways where it all happened. Tours start in front of the space formerly occupied by Lanza’s restaurant, 168 First Ave., near E. 10th St. Fri. and Sat. at 6 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. Cost is $35. For more information, call 855-NYGANGS or visit nycgangstertours.com.