CONCERTS 

HEBREW AND YIDDISH MUSIC—Center for Jewish History’s YIVO Institute for Jewish Research, 15 W. 16th St., presents “Sweet is Thy Voice: The Song of Songs in Concert” on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. Shir hashirim, “The Song of Songs,” is the ur-love poem. An ecstatic erotic book found in ketuvim (writings) in the Hebrew bible, it has been a source of inspiration for generation after generation of Hebrew love poems, and has inspired musical settings in a variety of languages, and from a variety of Jewish and non-Jewish perspectives. This concert will feature a selection of songs that set to music excerpts of “The Song of Songs” or texts inspired by it, in languages ranging from Hebrew and Yiddish to English, Russian, German, and Latin. Composers include Claudio Monteverdi, J.S. Bach, David Lang, Joseph Rumshinsky, Arnold Perlmutter and Herman Wohl, Mikhail Gnesin, Lazare Saminsky, and Lyubov Streicher. The concert will also include new works commissioned by Loren Loiacono and Na’ama Zisser engaging with “The Song of Songs” from contemporary perspectives. Performances by the following artists: Singers, Molly Quinn, Marie Marquis, Kristin Gornstein, and Jonathan Woody; Miki Sawada, piano; Jacob Ashworth, violin; Colin Brookes, viola;
Clare Monfredo, cello; and Ian Rosenbaum, percussion. Tickets, $15, $10 students, are available online at yivo.org/song-of-songs.

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.

Dec. 7, Hugh Sam, piano.

Dec. 14, Neil Kirkwood, piano.

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.

Dec. 8, singer/songwriters and guitar players Charlie King and Deborah Silverstein.

Dec. 15, “Journeys in Songs Perspectives from Immigrant Songwriters,” featuring Johannesburg native Toby Tobias and London-born Rupert Wales.

MUSIC BY WOMEN COMPOSERS—Metropolitan Playhouse, 220 E. 4th St. between Aves. A and B, presents the Uhuru Quartet, on Mon., Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. This is a winter concert of women composers “Celebrating Women in Music,” that features the works of Camila Agosto, Sato Matsui, Pauline Oliveros, Florence Price, and Caroline Shaw. The Uhuru Quartet is Harriet Langley, violin; Manami Mizumoto, violin; Lauren Siess, viola; and Thapelo Masita, cello. Tickets are $25, general; $20 students and seniors $20. Children under 18 years: $10. To purchase, call 800-838-3006 or visit metropolitanplayhouse.org.

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.

Dec. 12, Camila Celin, sarod player; and Ehren Hanson, tabla player.

Dec. 19, Steve Gorn, gansuri player; Ehren Hanson, tabla player.

ACOUSTIC—The New York Public Library’s second annual East Village Arts Festival is running through Dec. 15. As part of the festival, there will be a music performance by EL&G Guitar & Voice Thurs., Dec. 13 at 5 p.m. at the Tompkins Square branch of the library, 331 E. 10th St. EL&G is a duo combining the talents of vocalist Elizabeth Luthringer and guitarist Gregory Askins. They will be performing classical arias from the Baroque and Romantic era, as well as a large variety of popular and jazz standards. For more information, call (212) 228-4747.

CLASSICAL—The New York Public Library’s second annual East Village Arts Festival is running through Dec. 15. As part of the festival, there will be a music performance on Sat., Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. at the Tompkins Square branch of the library, 331 E. 10th St. A Music Collaboration: Singer Lyudmila Krivorutskaya and Pianist Svetlana Levina. The program will feature ancient Russian romances, lyrical songs, serenades in Italian, psalms, and songs in English and Hebrew performed by Lyudmila. Svetlana will perform classical works by famous composers of the 19th and 20th centuries. For more information, call (212) 228-4747.

THEATER 

SHAKESPEARE—Teatro Circulo, 64 E. 4th St., present First Maria Ensemble’s production of “Macbeth,” which emphasizes the witches, from Dec. 6-21. Director Celeste Moratti, who also plays Lady Macbeth, holds that the loss of a child is the catalyst to the tragedy. She explains that Lady Macbeth is in extremis from three miseries: the physical pain of being unable to nurse, the grief of loss itself, and the loneliness of having her husband in battle. The idea of a political plot against Duncan seizes her as a way for the couple to start life over. She decides to focus on their new future when she hears of the Witches’ prophesies. Lord Macbeth is similarly keen for a new start and also jealous of any man who has sons. That is why he will kill not only Macduff’s wife but also his heirs. Without a son, Lord Macbeth has no legacy and he is tortured to think that Banquo’s legacy will live on while his will not. The function of the Witches is to convince people that things which are made up are actually happening. They give Macbeth a suggestion here, a nudge there, but he curses himself by believing what is implanted into his head. This, according to Moratti, evokes what happens on a national level today. Performances are Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 and 8 p.m. $25 general admission, $20 seniors and students. For tickets call (212) 868-4444 or visit smarttix.com. For more information, visit firstmaria.com.

DRAMA—Metropolitan Playhouse, 220 E. 4th St., presents “Shadow of Heroes,” bringing Robert Ardrey’s documentary play to the stage for its first New York revival, running through Dec. 9, will be at the Playhouse home at Alex Roe directs. In a Budapest safe house in 1944, the eve of the Nazis’ defeat, Communist resistance leader Lászlo Rajk waits with his trusted deputy János Kádár for his wife Julia, who brings instructions from the approaching Russian liberators. From here, the play tells the entwined personal stories of these three fighters as they continue to struggle to create a new future for a broken country, right up to its occupation by the Soviets in 1956. The story of devoted believers in an idealistic cause confronting both political foes and their own crises of faith is an uncommonly nuanced and powerful portrait of human conviction and betrayal. It is also a stirring political history, drawn from meticulous research of the brutal, often absurd power politics of Hungary’s Soviet-controlled government. Tickets, $30 general admission, $25 students/seniors, and $10 children 18 and under, are available online at metropolitanplayhouse.org or by calling 1-800-838-3006. Performances are Thurs.-Sat. at 7:30 p.m. and Sun. at 3 p.m. plus Tues., Nov. 27 and Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. and Wed., Nov. 21 and 28 and Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. 

DRAMA—Joe’s Pub, 925 Lafayette St. at Astor Pl., presents “Wild Goose Dreams,” running through Dec. 16. After its initial run in Public Studio, Hansol Jung’s new play returns to The Public in a co-production with La Jolla Playhouse. Minsung is a “goose father,” a South Korean man whose wife and daughter have moved to America for a better life. Deeply lonely, he escapes onto the internet and meets Nanhee, a young defector forced to leave her family behind in North Korea. Amidst the endless noise of the modern world, where likes and shares have taken the place of love and touch, Minsung and Nanhee try their best to be real for each other. But after a lifetime of division and separation, is connection possible? Tony nominee Leigh Silverman directs this strikingly original play with music, about two people from two cultures forced to choose between family and freedom. Performances run at 7:30 p.m. each night and 1:30 p.m. on Sat. and Sun. Tickets start at $55 plus fees. For tickets or more information, visit publictheater.org. 

CHRISTMAS—The Irish Repertory Theatre, 132 W. 22nd St., presents “A Child’s Christmas in Wales,” running through Dec. 30. In Dylan Thomas’ iconic story, songs are sung, cakes and sweets are abundant, and the frozen city parks are laden with mysteries and adventures for wild boys and girls to explore. This favorite Irish Rep tradition features both classic and contemporary Christmas music interwoven with Thomas’s story of a snowy Christmas Day in Wales. Adapted and directed by Charlotte Moore, musical direction by John Bel 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. There will be no performance on Wed., Dec. 5.

OTHER PERFORMANCES 

BURLESQUE & VARIETY—The Horse Trade Theater Group presents “Ten-Foot Rat Cabaret” on Sat., Dec. 8 at 10:30 p.m. at Under St. Marks, 94 St. Marks Pl. The show features comedy, music, burlesque, vaudeville and more hosted by Canadian import Jillian Thomas. Created and produced by Rob Dub and Gregory Levine. The Fishnet Follies perform at each show. Visit tenfootrat.com for the latest show information. 21 and up to drink, 17 and up or accompanied by guardian to enter. Admission is $15, $10 in advance by calling (212) 868-4444 or visiting horsetrade.info. 

CABARET SHOWDOWN AND WINNERS SHOWCASE—Horse Trade Theater Group presents “The Cabaret Showdown” on Sun., Dec. 9 at 7 p.m., at Under St. Marks, 94 St. Marks Pl. The show features host Mark McDaniels, co-host Diana Byrne as DiVanna, resident judge Donald Garverick. Do you have what it takes to be a cabaret champion? Contestants compete for the chance to star in their own show or cabaret. Come to compete or be in the audience. Cover is $12, which includes a drink ($10 without a drink). Before the show, at 5:30 p.m. is the Cabaret Showdown Winners Showcase. Last month’s winner will star in their own show. Admission is $10. For more information visit horsetrade.info.

COMEDY—Uncle Function, a sketch comedy troupe, will present a series of sketches at its third annual special edition comedy show, “The Uncle Function Christmas (NOT Holiday) Spectacular!” at The Peoples Improv Theater, 123 E. 24th St., on Mon., Dec. 10 at 8 p.m. and Thurs., Dec. 20 at 9 p.m. Each show will feature original sketches, live music, dancing, cookies, candy, and super special guests including: Matt Rogers (JFL New Faces, Las Culturistas) and Rachel Wenitsky (Reductress) on Dec. 10 and Taylor Ortega (Disney’s “Kim Possible”), Max Ash (UCB Comedy) and storyteller Adam Wade (“Inside Amy Schumer,” HBO’s “Girls”) on Dec. 20. Uncle Function is Chris Cafero, Russell Daniels, Jessica Frey, Douglas Goodhart and Gianmarco Soresi. Just like your real uncles, these Uncles will make you laugh, cry, think, feel moderately uncomfortable and then send you back to your parents, forever changed. The Uncles are also partnering with Marine Toys for Tots. Audience members are encouraged to bring a donated toy to each show, which will be hand-delivered to local children this holiday season. Tickets are $10. For more information, visit thepit-nyc.com.

COMEDY—Twin brothers Max and Nicky Weinbach presents “Vintage Basement with Max & Nicky,” a monthly neo-retro night of stand-up comedy and music, next on Mon., Dec. 17 at 9 p.m. at Under St. Marks, 94 St. Marks Pl. between 1st Ave. and Ave. A. This vintage style variety show features the additional talents of four stand-up comics as well as original songs. $7 in advance at horsetrade.info or $10 at the door. For more information, visit maxandnicky.com/vintage-basement.

STORYTELLING—“Word the Storytelling Show,” a monthly series at The Sidewalk Stage, 94 Ave. A at E. 6th St., will hold its next show on Wed., Dec. 19 at 8 p.m. Lineup includes Paulina Brusca, Ken Wade, Marla Schultz, Chris Korbel, Gilda Konrad and Music with Jeff Macauley. $5 suggested admission, one-drink minimum. For more information visit wordthestorytellingshow.com.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL—Merchant’s House Museum, 29 E. 4th St. presents “A Christmas Carol at the Merchant’s House, Charles Dickens in New York, 1867,” running through Dec. 29. Dickens, portrayed by John Kevin Jones, will tell his timeless Christmas tale in the museum’s elegant double parlor. Surrounded by 19th century holiday decorations and flickering candles, guests will be transported back 150 years in this captivating one-hour performance created from Dickens’ own script. This production is presented by Summoners Ensemble Theatre in association with the Merchant’s House Museum and directed by Rhonda Dodd. Performances are Tues.-Sat. at 7 p.m. and Wed. also at 5 p.m. and Sun. at 6 p.m. Tickets are $30-$105 with a pre-show toast (mulled wine, taste of Christmas fare) option ($30-$35) on certain evenings. For more information, visit merchantshouse.org or call (212)-777-1089.

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.

FAMILY/CHILDREN

HOLIDAY CRAFTS—The New York Public Library’s second annual East Village Arts Festival is running through Dec. 15. As part of the festival, the following craft activities will take place at the Tompkins Square branch of the library, 331 E. 10th St. All materials will be supplied.

Fri., Dec. 7 at 3:30 p.m. Children’s St. Nicholas Day craft.

Mon., Dec. 10 at 3:30 p.m. Children’s Santa Claus craft.

Thurs., Dec. 13 at 3:30 p.m. Children’s Kwanzaa craft.

Fri., Dec. 14 at 3:30 p.m. Children’s Omisoka origami craft.

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

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.

Fri., Dec. 7 at 7 p.m., Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. Children get free hot chocolate and a cookie from the café, and are encouraged to wear their favorite cozy pajamas.

SOLO SHOW—Horse Trade presents “Chalk” on Sat., Dec. 8 at 2:30 p.m. at The Kraine Theater (85 E. 4th St. between 2nd Ave. and Bowery). “Chalk” is a playful one-man show that invites audiences into a hand-drawn world where imagination is made real and anything can happen. Charlie Chaplin meets Harold and the Purple Crayon. $15; $5 for kids under 12. Tickets may be purchased in advance at horsetrade.info. The next performance is on Jan. 12.

MUSICAL—Theaterlab presents “Witch Christmas,” a Making Light Production running Dec. 21-23 at 357 W. 36th St., third floor. This one-act musical is ideal for releasing holiday stress and embracing holiday joy. A poetic healing for hoarders, two slovenly witches adopt three children to assist in cleaning their haunted home. Suitable for all ages. Performances are Fri., Dec. 21 and Sat., Dec. 22 at 7 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 23 at 4 p.m. Tickets, $25, are available at theaterlabnyc.com. 

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

“Pixelcraft: Creator” on Tues., Dec. 11 at 3:30 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 5-12. No pre-registration necessary.

“Kids Storytime: Holiday Book Buddies” on Thurs., Dec. 20 at 3:30 p.m. Children ages four and up will hear classic and contemporary picture books read aloud.

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

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 December, the theme is “Treasured Terma.” What messages do you have for your future self? It is said that the Buddhist master Padmasambhava left terma, or hidden treasures, concealed in the ground, lakes or even the sky. These were meant for future discovery by highly-skilled students of Tibetan Buddhism. Following the terma tradition and in celebration of the end of 2018, December’s Family Sunday project encourages you to examine your connection to time by handcrafting a time capsule to treasure for the future. Participants welcome to bring your personal mementos, magazine and newspaper clippings, or other souvenirs to create your unique time capsule. 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 

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.

CHINESE CHESS—New York Public Library’s Epiphany Library, 228 E. 23rd St., presents Chinese Chess for teens age 13-18 on Tues., Dec. 18 at 3 p.m. Chinese Chess, also known as Xiang-Qi, is a strategy board game. It has a profound relationship with traditional Chinese virtues including loyalty, wisdom, Filial piety and so on. For ages 13-18 years old. Presented by Wall Street Chinese. For more information, call (212) 679-2645 or visit nypl.org/locations/epiphany.

AUTHOR EVENTS

CENTRAL PARK AND LOWER EAST SIDE—The New York Public Library’s second annual East Village Arts Festival is running through Dec. 15. As part of the festival, Stephen Wolf, an East Village author will speak on Fri., Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m. at the Tompkins Square branch of the library, 331 E. 10th St. Wolf, who lived on East First street from 1976 to 2000, will talk about his recent book, Central Park Love Song and share his Lower East Side experience. For more information, call (212) 228-4747.

MEG WOLITZER (THE FEMALE PERSUASION)—The National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South, presents a free conversation with Meg Wolitzer, author of The Female Persuasion on Tues., Dec. 11 t 8 p.m. Wolitzer will appear in conversation with journalist and author Ruth Franklin about her latest best-selling novel. Wolitzer takes as her subject the eternal struggle of women in society to gain the power and leadership that is overdue them. At the same time, she makes the reader care deeply about the struggle of one particular young woman, Greer Kadetsky, as she finds her way in work, love, and friendship, in the shadow of a charismatic mentor, Faith Frank — a second-wave feminist whose galvanizing speaking style and sexy boots conjure up an entire era. Amazon Studios and Nicole Kidman recently acquired the rights to The Female Persuasion. Franklin is the author of Shirley Jackson: A Rather Haunted Life. 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

ROSANNE CASH CD SIGNING & DISCUSSION—Rosanne Cash will be at Barnes & Noble, 33 E. 17th St., on Wed., Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. for a special performance and signing of her new CD, “She Remembers Everything.” Cash and Dan Rizzie will be in conversation with Talia Schlanger, host and producer of World Café. A limited number of wristbands for event access will be distributed with purchase of the featured title(s) beginning at 9 a.m. the day of the event. For more information, visit bn.com or call (212) 253-0810. 

EXHIBITS

BEAUTY PHOTOGRAPHY—Art on A Gallery, 24 Ave. A, presents “Raw: Lips Exhibition,” photography by Finnish makeup artist Neea Kurne, running through Dec. 13. Kurne started creating lip art as a hobby on her Instagram account. She takes all photos herself, uses her own lips as canvas and does not edit or manipulate them – what you see is what you get. For more information, call (212) 300-4418 or visit artonagallery.com. 

EAST VILLAGE ARTS FESTIVAL/GROUP SHOW—The New York Public Library’s second annual East Village Arts Festival will run through Dec. 15.  Throughout those two weeks, there will be all kinds of performances, workshops, displays by local artists, and visits from local organizations. Visual art by local artists will be on display at the Tompkins Square Library, 331 E. 10th St. Featured artists are: Ana Marton, Agnieszka Hołda, Blake Sandberg, Jenn Cacciola, John C. Fields, Lucille Krasne, Mark Panzarino, Mark Roggeman, Meagan J. Meehan and Sabina Mollot. The students of the Sixth Street Youth Program and Washington Square Park Eco Projects are also participating. For more information, call (212) 228-4747 or visit nypl.org. 

CARTOONS/ILLUSTRATIONS—The School of Visual Arts’ SVA Chelsea Gallery, 601 W. 26th St., 15th floor, presents “The Masters Series: Roz Chast,” running through Dec. 15. This is a comprehensive retrospective of her career and includes never-before-seen cartooning and illustration work, selections from her more than 20 books, a new hand-drawn mural, notebooks Chast kept in high school, embroideries, hooked rugs and hand-dyed pysanky, or Ukrainian-style Easter eggs. Chast’s work has appeared in numerous magazines through the years, including The Village Voice, National Lampoon, Scientific American, Harvard Business Review, Redbook and Mother Jones, but she is most closely associated with The New Yorker. In addition to hundreds of cartoons and illustrated essays, she has created some 10 covers for the publication, and her nervous sense of humor and energetic style has become intrinsic to its identity. Gallery hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

NAC 120th ANNIVERSARY—The National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South, presents “The National Arts Club 120th Anniversary Exhibition: A Living Legacy,” celebrating the permanent collection, running through Jan. 4, 2019. During the months of November and December, the Galleries of The National Arts Club will proudly display treasures from the Permanent Collection. As well as a showcase for masterworks from the original Artist Life Members, the exhibition will celebrate artists who have lived and worked at the NAC, Medal of Honor recipients, and Members whose generosity has expanded the Collection and made ongoing restoration projects possible. The Grand Gallery will feature master landscapes from the founding Artist Life Members, enhanced by contemporary works by recent Medal of Honor recipients and important guest artists who have exhibited at the Club in the past decade.

The Gregg Galleries will display works on paper and sculpture. Works from Rembrandt to Robert Indiana will be included as well as tributes to resident artists, past and present – Everett Raymond Kinstler, Diana Kan, Chen Chi and Richard Seyffert. Sculpture by Daniel Chester French, Paul Manship, Victor David Brenner and Marc Mellon will enhance the space. Selections from the Club’s Archives will hang in the Marquis Gallery. The Trask Gallery will celebrate the NAC Exhibiting Artist Members in its many manifestations over the last 120 years. Forty current EAM members have created special works, inspired by The National Arts Club that will be for sale to benefit the club and the Adopt-a-Masterpiece Program.

Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, visit nationalartsclub.com or call (212) 475-3424. 

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. 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.

19th CENTURY NEW YORK CHRISTMAS—Merchant’s House Museum, 29 E. 4th St. presents “And… It’s Christmas! At Home with the Tredwells, a 19th Century Christmas,” running through Jan. 7. Guests will enter the 1850s and join Seabury and Eliza Tredwell (the couple that used to inhabit the building with their family and servants), as they celebrate the season with elaborate holiday parties, festive food, and gift giving. Their elegant parlors are decorated with swags of evergreens, brilliant holly berries, white mistletoe, and red-leafed poinsettias – and a table top tree festooned with ribbons and candles. In the kitchen, the Irish servants are preparing the plum pudding, shucking the oysters, and readying the punch bowl. Upstairs in the bedrooms, the gifts for relatives and friends are set out and the Tredwell daughters are dressing in their finest silks. Many of our modern holiday traditions, from table-top Christmas trees, to presents and stockings, Christmas carols and songs (and Santa Claus) originated in mid-19th century New York. Event included with regular admission, $15, students and seniors $10, free for children under 12. Hours: Thurs., noon-8 p.m., Fri.-Mon., noon-5 p.m.

FOR SENIORS

COLORING—The New York Public Library’s Epiphany Library, 228 E. 23rd St., presents a coloring club for adults 50 or older on Thurs., Dec. 13 at 10:30 a.m. Participants get creative and enjoy music in a no-pressure atmosphere. All supplies provided but feel free to bring your own. For more information, call (212) 679-2645. 

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 

BIRD ART WORKSHOP—The New York Public Library’s second annual East Village Arts Festival is running through Dec. 15. As part of the festival, a Bird Art Open Studio with Washington Square Park Eco Projects will take place at the Tompkins Square branch of the library, 331 E. 10th St. on Thurs., Dec. 6 at 4 p.m. Try your hand at biological illustration with bird species you can find in New York City such as the Red-tailed Hawk, Rock Dove (aka pigeon), Magnolia Warbler, White-throated Sparrow, and more. Bird specimens and art supplies provided. Open to all ages and abilities. For more information, call (212) 228-4747. 

JEWELRY WORKSHOP—The New York Public Library’s second annual East Village Arts Festival is running through Dec. 15. As part of the festival, on Sat., Dec. 8 at 11 a.m. there will be a jewelry making workshop. Led by award-winning local jewelry artist Joan Reinmuth, this class will apply complex ideas by using up-cycled elements, simple tools, and techniques. Bring your own lost broken jewelry pieces or dig through Joan’s curious collection. Registration is open at nypl.org/blog/2018/11/14/second-east-village-arts-festival-tompkins-square-library. For more information, call (212) 228-4747. 

LES-THEMED FILM SCREENINGS—The New York Public Library’s second annual East Village Arts Festival is running through Dec. 15. As part of the festival, two films will be screened at the Tompkins Square branch of the library, 331 E. 10th St. on Fri., Dec. 14 at 3:30 p.m. Two 16mm films will be shown from the reserve collections of the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. “The Godfather Comes to Sixth St.” (1975; 25mins.) Dir: Mark Kitchell presents what happens to a neighborhood on the Lower East Side in New York City when a Hollywood film crew takes over the area to film part of “The Godfather, Part II.” Includes interviews with the residents, film director Francis Ford Coppola, and members of the block association. “The Heart of Loisaida” (1979; 30 mins.) Dir: Bienvenida Matias and Marci Reaven shows efforts on New York’s Lower East Side to revive abandoned buildings through the work and persistence of the local, predominantly Latino residents. For more information, call (212) 228-4747. 

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 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.

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 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.