A Dynamic and Musical Storytelling Experience
See illustrator and songwriter Morgan Taylor’s popular and innovative pop rock concert, Gustafer Yellowgold’s Show. The show is filled with Taylor’s catchy and original story-songs about Gustafer (a friendly creature who came to Earth from the sun), performed alongside a large screen displaying vividly colored animations with karaoke-style subtitles. This special performance will feature a larger band than is usually heard at the shows, with a string section and additional bassist/vocalist added to the ensemble, performing an array of new tunes from this year’s DVD/CD release, Gustafer Yellowgold’s Mellow Fever, along with Gustafer classics like “I’m from the Sun” and “Pterodactyl Tuxedo.” Sunday, November 15 at 2pm. $16; $11 children. The Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Avenue. 221-423-3337. www.thejewishmuseum.org.
An Afternoon of Art, History, and Family
Explore the Vasily Kandinsky exhibition and enjoy art-making activities, live performances, and storytelling at Fall Family Day at the Guggenheim Museum. The Kandinsky exhibition brings together more than 100 colorful, rarely traveled works, and a historic opportunity for a reexamination of Kandinsky’s visionary legacy. The retrospective draws from two other institutions: Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus in Munich and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. November 22, 2-5pm. $15 per family of two adults and four children; $5 additional participant. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Avenue. 212 423 3500. www.guggenheim.org.
An Ageless Tradition
Young dancers from the renowned Joffrey Ballet School will perform Tchaikovsky’s seasonal favorite, The Nutcracker. This timeless holiday tradition blends enchanting music and lavish costumes with world-class choreography and talent. The unique production has been adapted from the original by John Magnus and features additional choreography by faculty members of the school. Friday, December 18, at 7pm; Saturday, December 19, at 2 and 7pm; Sunday, December 20, at 2pm. $25-$60. NYU Skirball Center, 566 LaGuardia Place. 212-352-3101. www.skirballcenter.nyu.edu.
Beloved Stories on the Stage
The renowned children’s books by Emmy Award-winning and New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Mo Willems come alive on stage at Pigeon Party. This energetic and interactive show, which features original music and comedy, encourages the audience to decide the plot. As children follow the adventures of Pigeon, they’re challenged to stop him from driving the bus and get to decide if he should go to bed or stay up late. Appropriate for ages 3 and older. Saturday, November 7, at 1:30pm. $25. Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers Street. 212-220-1460. www.TribecaPAC.org.
Indulge in Everything Chocolate
Chocolate lovers and foodies alike can taste and purchase gourmet chocolates, baked goods, specialty foods, ice cream, cheeses, wine, beer, coffees, and more at the Chocolate World Expo. A variety of all-natural, organic, raw, vegan, fair trade, dairy-free, gluten-free, sugar-free, low-glycemic, kosher, and ethnic-style products will also be available. Children can shop for unique holiday gifts for their teachers and enjoy “bounce house” inflatable rides and more in an entertainment area. To celebrate the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s voyage, a Hudson Valley-themed art exhibit by artist John Beerman, who is the great-grandson (six times over) of Henry Hudson, will be on display. The Beatles tribute band, Ob-La-Di, Bla-Da, will also perform. The Westchester County Center is easily accessible by MetroNorth railroad. Sunday, December 6, 11am-6pm. Advance $12, $7 children 5-11; at the door $15; $10 children 5-11; FREE children under 5. The Westchester County Center, 198 Central Avenue, White Plains. 914-995-4050. www.ChocolateWorldExpo.com.
Make Some Music
Go on a unique and interactive musical journey at the Players Theatre’s Percussion People. Listen to a variety of performances that feature traditional percussion instruments such as the marimba, xylophone, rope drum, drums, bongos, and djembe, as well as some non-traditional music makers. A pre-show workshop will teach the audience how to build instruments and create their own music. Sunday, November 1. 10:30am workshop; 11am show. $25. The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal Street (between 3rd and Bleecker). 212-352-3101. www.theplayerstheatre.com.
