ART BEAT: Visit 5 FABULOUS ART FOUNDATIONS in New York City

The Brant Foundation, Basquiat exhibit (photo: Tom Powel imaging)

By Jacquelin Carnegie

The Brant Foundation

In New York City, there are many great ways to have culturally-inspiring experiences and lots of wonderful places to see incredible art. While you may be familiar with all the major museums, there are also several, really special art foundations you might not have heard about, where the spaces they’re housed in are often as interesting as the art: 
Downtown
The Brant Foundation
421 East 6th St, btw 1st Ave - Ave A; brantfoundation.org (Open: Wed-Sun; Fee or Free Admission depending on exhibit)

Successful businessman and philanthropist Peter Brant has many eclectic interests, but his main passion is contemporary art. He’s been an avid collector since his college days when his first acquisitions included two Andy Warhols and a Franz Kline! Lucky for us, Brant has put his impressive collection on display, first in Greenwich, Connecticut and now in a stunning new location in New York City. The building, a former ConEd substation, has been redesigned as an exhibit space which is as knockout as the artwork on display. [Enjoy a virtual tour of Brant’s extensive Jean-Michel Basquiat collection.] 

Judd Foundation
101 Spring St, www.juddfoundation.org; Tel: 212/219-2747 (Open: Tues-Sat; Admission Fee; Guided tours only, book in advance) 

Judd bedroom, Dan Flavin light sculpture
(photo: James Ewing; Courtesy Judd Foundation)

You don’t have to be a fan of Donald Judd’s artwork to appreciate a visit to his former home and studio in Manhattan's SoHo district. First, the beautifully-restored, 19th-century, cast-iron building is one of the few remaining in the neighborhood. Next, Judd designed and built many of the everyday items in the home such as dining tables, chairs, desks, etc. And, the space is filled with works by some of Judd’s favorite artists such as Dan Flavin and Frank Stella. Judd bought the building in 1968; a visit provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of a successful, modern artist.

Resnick-Passlof Foundation

The Milton Resnick & Pat Passlof Foundation
87 Eldridge St; resnickpasslof.org; Tel: 646/559-2513 (Open: Thurs-Sat, 11am-6pm; Free Admission; Closed in Aug.)

Milton Resnick and Pat Passlof were Abstract Expressionist painters who lived and worked on Manhattan’s Lower East Side in a building that was once a synagogue. Since their passing, the space has been renovated into a showplace for their signature paintings as well as for exhibits of work by other Abstract Expressionist artists. The Foundation also presents lectures, poetry readings, and musical programs in this magnificent space.

Chelsea
The FLAG Art Foundation
545 West 25th St, 9th Fl, btw 10th-11th Ave; http://flagartfoundation.org; Tel: 212/206-0220 (Open: Wed-Sat, 11am-5pm; Free Admission)

Nicolas Party: Pastel, 2021, FLAG 
(photo: Steven Probert)

Financier, philanthropist, collector, and art patron Glenn Fuhrman launched The FLAG Art Foundation as a non-profit, exhibit space to encourage the appreciation of contemporary art. The marvelous, imaginative exhibits are meant to attract a diverse audience. FLAG generally presents four to six exhibits a year of both established and emerging artists. The Foundation also invites a creative group of individuals—artists, athletes, writers, historians, fashion designers, museum directors--to guest curate these fab exhibits.

Hill Art Foundation
239 Tenth Ave, at 24th St, 3rd Fl, https://hillartfoundation.org
(Open: Tues-Sat, 11am-5pm; Free Admission)

Hill Art Foundation

For forty years, former financier J. Tomilson Hill and his wife have been passionate art collectors. The Hill Art Foundation is a lovely way for them to share their collection with the public: allowing visitors to see how they think about art as well as how they juxtapose and display pieces. While the Foundation reflects the Hills’ personal taste, it’s also about sharing—encouraging the viewer to reflect on and engage with the pieces to find new interpretations of the works on view. The galley space itself is stunning, on the 3rd & 4th floors of the Getty building designed by famed architect Peter Marino.

Marvelous Mosaic: 5+ Great Ways to Celebrate Irish Culture & St. Paddy’s Day in NYC

By Jacquelin Carnegie – (New York, NY)

Every March, it’s time to dig out that bright green sweater and brace yourself for gallons of green beer, rowdy teenagers, and lousy weather--it's Saint Paddy’s Day in New York! But, Irish culture is so rich and varied, it should be celebrated for more than just one day! Here are some great ways to do so all year long in New York:

Come for The Craic

Irish Arts Center 

Celtic AppalachianCelebration II 

(photo: Brandilyn Davidson & Erin Baiano)

726 11th Ave (btw 51-52 St), Tel: 212/757-3318; www.irishartscenter.org

The IAC is a treasure-trove of Irish cultural activities. Throughout the year, attend concerts, dance performances, plays, films, lectures or readings, and be sure to enjoy “the craic” (great conversation). If you’re bitten by the Irish bug, the IAC also offers classes for children and adults in Irish music, dance, language, and history. Great annual events include: St. Patrick's Day Open House (Free): Celebrate Irish music & dance with performances and craft workshops for the whole family. Book Day: Snag a free book by a great Irish or Irish-American author.

Discover Irish Playwrights

Donnybrook! (photo: Carol Rosegg)

The Irish Repertory Theatre

132 West 22nd St; Tel: 212/727-2737; www.irishrep.org

The Irish Rep features plays and musicals by well-known and emerging Irish and Irish-American playwrights. 

Get Some Culture

American Irish Historical Society

991 Fifth Ave., at 80th St.; Tel: 212/288-2263, www.aihs.org 

Founded in 1897, the AIHS celebrates the Irish-American experience with a focus on contemporary Irish culture. Events range from talks to art exhibits to readings and concerts on the harp, piano, penny whistle, and bodhrán. All take place in AIHS’ magnificent Beaux-Arts townhouse.
Thrill to the Music

In New York, there are Irish musicians playing everything from traditional, to rock to pop. No matter what your taste, there’s a band for you.
Paddy Reilly's Music Bar (519 2^nd Ave., at 29^th St.; Tel: 212/686-1210; www.paddyreillysmusicbar.us): In NYC, there’s an Irish pub on almost every corner, but this is one of the best with great Irish music; Black 47 got their start here.

New Fave: Emmet Cahill the hottest Irish tenor and lead singer of the fab Celtic Thunder group.

Old Favorites: For 25 years, Black 47 was “Rockin’ The Bronx,” giving voice to the joy and the sorrow of all the Irish immigrants who’ve found a second home on Bainbridge Avenue and in other New York boroughs. Band leader Larry Kirwan now does occasional solo gigs. Some years, The Celtic Tenors, doing traditional songs, and The Saw Doctors, with their folk-rock vibe, roll into town. 

Larry Kirwan of Black 47

Sober St. Patrick’s Day® - This is a wonderful way to enjoy the sprit of the day with great Irish entertainment--acclaimed musicians, dancers, singers, comedians--but without the rowdy drunks.

Worship in Gaelic

The Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral

263 Mulberry St, corner of Mott & Prince, Tel: 212-226-8075; www.oldcathedral.org
Long before people worshiped at Saint Patrick's Cathedral (1879), on Fifth Avenue and 50^th St., they came here to the city's first Cathedral Church, founded in 1809. Today, Mass is given in English, Spanish, Chinese, and, on occasion, in the Irish language, Gaelic. Throughout the year, there are lovely concerts and other cultural offerings.

 (photo: Laura_Mexico)

Saint Patrick's Day Parade

The first St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York was held in 1762, when Irish ex-patriots and Irish soldiers marched through the city. Every year, the Parade heads up Fifth Avenue, from 44th St to 86th St.

Did you know that there are other regions, referred to as "Celtic Nations," that share this heritage with Ireland: Brittany, France; Wales; Scotland; the Isle of Man & Cornwall.

(Often, Brittany's BZH NY society invites musicians from Brittany to perform and celebrate St. Patrick's Day in New York.)

Dutch Treat: Discover New York City’s Dutch Sites -- Past & Present

By Jacquelin Carnegie

“View of New Amsterdam” 1664, Johannes Vingboons

Even though the Dutch were only in charge here for some 50 years back in the 1600s, they had a profound influence on the city. It’s said that the unique character of New York is a result of the entrepreneurial spirit and open-minded tolerance of the early Dutch settlers.

The Dutch made New York harbor one of the most prosperous ports in America and, some 400 years later, the city is still the most important metropolis in the world.
When the British took over in 1664, and New Amsterdam became New York (in honor of the Duke of York, King Charles II’s brother), many Dutch street and neighborhood names and historic sites remained as well as the original settlers. Today, Dutch influence is still felt throughout the city.

PAST: EXPLORE THE VESTIGES OF NEW YORK’S DUTCH PAST
Take a Walk on the Dutch Side
Although no Dutch buildings still exist from the New Amsterdam period (all were destroyed in the Great Fire of 1835), you can still walk some of the original streets:

Stone Street 

Back in the 1640s, the Dutch colonists laid out many narrow, dirt lanes such as South William Street (Slyck Steegh - muddy lane). Stone Street (Hoogh Straet - High Street) was the main drag in New Amsterdam, the first cobblestone-paved street in the city. The water’s edge was then a block away at Pearl Street (Paerlstraat), while Wall Street (Waal Straat) marked the end of town.
New Amsterdam had a remarkable number of taverns and that tradition is alive and well today on Stone Street. In nice weather (April-Nov), it resembles an outdoor beer garden with communal picnic tables in the street.
Go on a Walking Tour
Discover New York’s 17th-century Dutch roots on a guided or self-guided, walking tour. Learn about Dutch landmarks, architecture, monuments and street names:
Guided Tour: The Bowery Boys - New Amsterdam Tour: Dutch Roots of New York
How did the Dutch city of Nieuw Amsterdam become New York City?
On this 2-hour tour, walk along the original street grid & learn about the complex history of lower Manhattan in the 1600s.
Audio Self-Guided Tours: How Dutch is New York? - The New Amsterdam Tour & The Brooklyn Tour. New Amsterdam Trail: The 8 stops on this Trail commemorate the legendary journey of Henry Hudson in 1609 to what became New Amsterdam & then New York.

VISIT HISTORIC DUTCH SITES
These are some highlights that still exist from Dutch New York:

Van Cortlandt House Museum

Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum
5816 Clarendon Rd, Brooklyn, NY; Tel: 718/629-5400; wyckoffmuseum.org 
A relic from the New Amsterdam period, the Wyckoff Farmhouse is probably the oldest, still-existing structure in New York City, dating back to 1652.
Van Cortlandt House Museum
Broadway at West 246th St; Tel: 718/543-3344; https://www.vchm.org
Built in 1748, on a plantation that is now the magnificent Van Cortlandt Park. The house is furnished to depict how it may have looked during the period from 1749 to 1823. During the Revolutionary War, George Washington stayed at the Van Cortlandt House, at least twice.
Dyckman Farmhouse Museum
4881 Broadway at 204th St; Tel: 212/304-9422; www.dyckmanfarmhouse.org 
This farmhouse, built by William Dyckman in about 1784, was once part of a thriving 250-acre farm. Learn about the transformation from farming community to urban neighborhood.

Stadt Huys (City Hall) 1642, 71 Pearl St; courtesy NYPL

St. Mark’s Church-in-the-Bowery
131 East 10th St.; Tel: 212/674-6377; stmarksbowery.org 
This property, once owned by Peter Stuyvesant in 1660, it’s the oldest site of continuous worship in New York City.
Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace
28 East 20th St.; Tel: 212/260-1616; www.nps.gov/thrb - The Roosevelt family was part of the original group of Dutch merchants who made their fortunes turning New York harbor into a prosperous port.

ADMIRE DUTCH ART

"Herman Doomer" Rembrandt, 1640;
The Met Museum

Dutch Masters on View: Works by renowned Dutch artists such as Frans Hals, Rembrandt, Vermeer, van Dyck and van Gogh are on exhibit at several NYC museums: The Frick (1 East 70th St; www.frick.org); The Met (1000 Fifth Ave at 82nd St; www.metmuseum.org); MoMA (11 West 53 St; www.moma.org) - See work by modern Dutch artists such as Piet Mondrian, Willem de Kooning, and contemporary designers such as Hella Jongerius & Marcel Wanders. 
The Museum of the City of New York (1220 Fifth Ave at 103rd St; www.mcny.org) - Timescapes, a documentary, traces the history and development of New York City over the past 400 years. 

PRESENT: NEW YORK’S DUTCH PAST CONTINUES
It’s only fitting that New York, that got its’ start from the Dutch, continues to benefit from “Dutch treats”:

“Stil Life” Floris van Schooten, 1630

Try Some Dutch Food
Typical Dutch Treats: Haring (herring), Krokets (croquettes), Gouda (cheese), Poffertjes (small pancakes), Stroopwafel (waffle-like cookies with caramel filling), and Indonesian Rijsttafel.
Russ & Daughters: Hollandse Nieuwe (New Catch Holland Herring) - Each year, during the late spring and early summer, the herring in the North Sea reach their peak condition. In Holland, the start of this season is a national holiday. In New York City, Russ & Daughters imports them directly from the Netherlands and holds a “Herring Pairing” party in July. Traditionally, this fish is eaten by holding the whole herring by the tail and dropping it into your mouth.
Wonderen Stroopwafels Café (GCT, Lower-Level Dining Concourse, LC-11, 89 East 42nd St; https://wonderenstroopwafels.com) - Located in Grand Central Terminal’s dining concourse, this dessert stand offers classic Dutch Stroopwafel cookies.
Java Indonesian (455 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY; Tel: 718/832-4583; java.com) - Try this popular Dutch-Indonesian dish: Rijsttafel, rice served with little, side dishes of spicy meats, shrimp, chicken, veggies, fruits, etc.

DISCOVER DUTCH CULTURAL HERITAGE
Here are some more ways to continue your exploration of this fascinating period of New York’s Dutch history:

Russel Shorto book

Read All About It: Start by reading these great books by historian Russell Shorto: “The Island at the Center of the World” - New Amsterdam began as a trading post for the Dutch West India Company in 1624 but evolved into a unique, progressive enclave where people of different nationalities, religions & races lived together. "Taking Manhattan" - The British were able to take over the island in 1664, because they arrived with war ships while New Amsterdam was defenseless.
“Amsterdam: A History of the World's Most Liberal City” - Read about the source of the Dutch, 17th-century, enlightenment ideas that took root in New Amsterdam.

New Amsterdam History Center (https://newamsterdamhistorycenter.org)
- Offers interactive, online tools to explore New Amsterdam then, and New York now. The Holland Society of New York (https://hollandsociety.org) - Collects and preserve information regarding the early history and settlement of New Netherland by the Dutch. Dutch Culture USA

(https://www.dutchcultureusa.com) - Provides information on Dutch cultural activities in the U.S.

“New Amsterdam 1660” courtesy: So St Seaport Museum

South Street Seaport Museum
12 Fulton St & 213 Water St; https://southstreetseaportmuseum.org - Located in the historic seaport district of New York City, the museum preserves and interprets the history of New York as a great port city.

CHECK OUT MODERN-DAY DUTCH INFLUENCE
New Amsterdam Plein & Pavilion - In Peter Minuit Plaza, in front of the Staten Island Ferry Terminal, the New Amsterdam Plein is a novel NYC Visitor Info kiosk, snack bar & restrooms, designed by Dutch architect Ben van Berkel of UNStudio. (Looks like it was built for The Jetsons.)
Park on Governors Island (New York Harbor; www.govisland.com) - Dutch landscape architects & urban planners, West 8, were part of a team who designed the exceptional park concept on the renovated Governors Island.
Tiptoe Through the Tulips

“New Visions of Old New York” New Amsterdam History Center

From late April to early May some 50,000 tulips are in bloom at the New York Botanical Garden (www.nybg.org) and in the city parks (www.nycgovparks.org). 
Then, wander over to The Bowery (bouwerij - farm), up to Harlem (Haarlem), over to Brooklyn (Breukelen), and out to Coney Island (conyne – rabbits) to continue your exploration of Dutch New York!

5 Great Ways To “Edutain” The Kids in NYC

Tim McKiernan, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,
The New Victory Theater (photo: Eric Woolsey)

By Jacquelin Carnegie 

In New York City, the options to keep kids occupied are endless. Here are some that expose your children to a range of cultural activities while helping them learn to appreciate the offerings:
Song & Dance (& Juggling) on Broadway

The New Victory Theater

209 West 42nd St.; Tel: 646/223-3010; www.newvictory.org
The New Victory Theater puts on shows that thrill children and delight adults. Hands-down the best entertainment for kids (and their parents) in New York City. The performances are geared to different ages from lively acrobatics for the wee ones to musicals and serious dramas for teens and pre-teens. The New Vic also offers workshops in juggling and other fun activities your little sprout will get a kick out of learning.

Classical Music Made Easy
The Little Orchestra Society
Tel: 212-971-9500; www.littleorchestra.org
(Geared to ages 3-12) 

The Little Orchestra Society, Lolli-Pops concert
(photo: Noah Stern Weber)

If you’ve ever wondered how to get a youngster interested in classical music, here’s the answer. At these concerts, music is not just played, it’s explained. In a fun, entertaining way, the orchestra conductor introduces the young audience members to all the different instruments (and the sounds they make). The kids learn some background about the composer and the piece of music they’ll hear. Then, when the concert starts, an imaginative dramatization with actors, dancers, and life-size puppets accompanies the music. The kids are completely engrossed and blissfully happy as they learn to appreciate the joys of classical music.

Sleep with the Fishes & Dinosaurs!
A Night at the Museum - AMNH
American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West at 79th St.; Tel: 212/769-5570; http://bit.ly/MYJmeN (Cost: $225 per person; Members: Discounts; 

Sleepover with the Whales (photo: ©AMNH/R.Mickens)

Open to: 6-12 year olds)
This is a child’s dream come true—staying in the museum overnight to go exploring by flashlight! Knowledgeable guides help the kids explore the live-animal exhibits and lead them on fun “museum quests.” After snacks, and checking out the dinosaurs, kids get to bed down on cots set up under the famous blue whale, next to African elephants, or at the base of a volcanic formation. By morning light, there are sure to be some future anthropologists and paleontologists among the sleepyheads. (Back after a 5-year hiatus!)

Bilingual Entertainment
Society of the Educational Arts (SEA)
Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural & Educational Center
107 Suffolk St.; Tel: 212/529-1545; www.teatrosea.org

Goldilocks (Ricitos y Los Tres Ositos), SEA

In our globalized world, it’s important for children to learn other languages. Today, Spanish is one of the most important. Here’s a way to expose kids with a spoonful of azúcar. Teatro SEA presents marvelous, bilingual musicals--versions of famous fairy tales such as Cinderella (Cenicienta) and Goldilocks (Ricitos y Los Tres Ositos)--and plays as well as Hispanic folk tales and elaborate puppet shows. ¡Vámonos!

A Museum Just for Kids!

CMOM, EatSleepPlay

Children's Museum of Manhattan
212 West 83rd St.; Tel: 212/721-1223; www.cmom.org
The interactive exhibits here combine play and learning. They are geared to teaching children about: creativity and analytical thinking, healthy lifestyles, and the world’s diverse cultures. In addition to the fun, hands-on exhibitions, every week CMOM offers tons of kid-friendly workshops, classes and performances, many free with admission.

Part II: 7 Great Places to Hear Cool Jazz on a Budget in NYC

By Jacquelin Carnegie - (New York, NY) Jazz clubs are not the only place to hear great music. In NYC, there are several unique venues to enjoy jazz on a budget.

(photo: Evi Abeler)

UNIQUE JAZZ VENUES

Saint Peter’s Church
619 Lexington Ave, at 54th St; Tel: 212-935-2200; www.saintpeters.org
Saint Peter’s Church is a sanctuary for jazz! There's a Jazz Vespers (Sundays, 5pm, Free) and midday Jazz on the Plaza in the summertime (July thru early Sept; Thursdays, 12:30pm-1:30pm, Cost: donation).

Louis Armstrong House Museum
34-56 107th St, Corona, Queens; Tel: 718/478-8274; www.louisarmstronghouse.org
Any jazz lover should make a pilgrimage to the house "Satchmo" lived in from 1943 until his death in 1971 in this working-class, Queens neighborhood. An added treat is the Summer Concert Series in the magnificent garden. With the addition of the new Louis Armstrong Center, just across the street, there will be year-round events.

Lucky Dogs Jazz Band with "Satchmo"

Jazz Foundation of America 

- Monday Night Jam

(Mondays: 6pm, be sure to check the calendar; Free at the Jazz Museum)

For the past 30+ years, the Jazz Foundation of America has helped keep jazz & blues alive by aiding musicians in-need. This includes musicians who've played with everyone from Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday to Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones. Usually, on Monday nights, you can hear some of these greats, along with up-&-comers, jam for free!

Nick Hempton

The National Jazz Museum in Harlem
58 West 129th St; Tel: 212/348-8300; www.jmih.org 

The Jazz Museum offers concerts, educational exhibits, and several interesting programs such as “Jazz for Curious Listeners” and “Harlem Speaks,” an interview series; it's definitely worth a visit. The NJMH also does events in conjunction with the Jazz Foundation & Jazz at Lincoln Center.

AFFORDABLE JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER & JUILLIARD

Jazz at Lincoln Center
Frederick P. Rose Hall, Broadway at 60th St; www.jazz.org
There are several affordable ways to enjoy jazz at this great venue: Dizzy’s Club - Late Night Session ($15, after 11pm); Hot Seats ($10) for select concerts in the Rose Theater; The Appel Room ($10 for students); Listening Parties - (Free) Listen to new jazz albums with the

Dizzy's Club (photo: Frank Stewart)

performers who recorded them or learn about late, great jazz artists.
Call: 212-258-9800 to find out about more JALC free/cheap events.

The Juilliard School (Tel: 212/769-7406; juilliard.edu) Throughout the school year, Juilliard offers many, free & affordable jazz concerts by The Juilliard Jazz Orchestra and the Juilliard Jazz Ensembles in Paul Hall (155 West 65th St) and other venues. Since most Juilliard grads go on to fame-and-fortune, hear them now for free! (Live Stream some concerts.)
FREE SUMMER JAZZ FESTIVALS IN NYC

Charlie Parker Jazz Festival (August) & Jazz Mobile (July & August).  

Jazz Nights in NYC: Jazz fans check out gigs for the fabulous sax players Nick Hempton and his band and the great Mike DiRubbo. 
Find out about other festivals and New York City's jazz scene all year long from: Hot House Jazz & The New York City Jazz Record.

(Even post-COVID, please double check all event listings before heading out!)