W42ST Daily — 9/11/2020

Dear friends, 

Gather round. Group hug. I’m parting ways with W42ST. I know – I’m not crying, you are. I’m leaving with the very best of memories. I’ve had a world of fun, learned so much, met the very best of people, and have nothing but love and gratitude for the fierce, glorious humans of Hell’s Kitchen. We’ve had five and a half years of this crazy adventure … and it will go on without me. Phil will keep producing daily content and appearing in your inbox with all the latest news on what’s happening in Hell’s Kitchen – keep supporting him. 

You have one more week of me, so let’s have a blast and toast the future. After that, who knows? But I’m open to suggestions. Email me. Perhaps we might work together in the brave, new, post-COVID world? In the meantime, you can find me at ruthwalker.me – where I’ll be blogging and newslettering and generally musing on life.

Thank you for your support, kind words, cocktails, and laughter. I’ll see you in the Pocket Bar!


NEW YORK STORIES
Tekoa Butler sums up how, surely, most teachers, parents, and students are feeling about going back to school in nine days: “It’s going to be weird,” she says. Read the full story about the reality of going back to school as a teacher here. And tell me how you’re feeling – reply to this email and let’s talk about your concerns, hopes, and experiences.


THE WEEK’S VIRTUAL CALENDAR

TODAY
Buglisi Dance Theatre presents Table of Silence, a dance performance live streamed from Lincoln Center in memory of 9/11. Watch it here.

Shameless plug coming up. One of the first things I’ll be doing in my post-W42ST world is working with the fabulous husband-and-husband team behind the concept store MAISON 10. They’re going home – to their original storefront on W29th St – with an exclusive exhibition from Bronx-born artist Julia Rivera (as well as gorgeous jewelry, bags, books, homewares, and more). To allow for social distancing, the relaunch event takes place over the next three days, with a maximum of 15 people at each slot. Reserve yours here (I’ll be there every day, so come and say hey). 

Sean Kelly Gallery reopened yesterday, with a solo exhibition by Joseph Kosuth called ‘Existential Time’. Find out more.

Get your glad rags on for a 30-minute freestyle dance party. The theme is Night on the Town. It’s donation based – join here.

TOMORROW
The 9/11 Museum reopens to the public. Plan your visit.

305 Fitness is holding outdoor, 45-minute, socially distanced classes all morning at Bryant Park. The cost is $30 – sign up here.

Join Corey Johnson’s office in a neighborhood clean-up. Sign up here.

The Cloisters reopens. Plan your visit.

SUNDAY
Hershey Felder performs George Gershwin, live from Florence. Tickets are $55 – find out more.

MONDAY
The Revenger’s Tragedy was written a few years after Hamlet, and is a searing examination of humankind’s social need for justice and our animal desire for vengeance. Red Bull Theater is live streaming the play tonight, for free (but give a donation if you can).

Chasten Buttigieg, the husband of former Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg, discusses his memoir with Mandy Moore, a candid story about growing up gay in a small Midwestern town. Each ticket includes a copy of the book.

Playwright Anna Deavere Smith interviews activist Twilight Bey as part of her series of conversations about the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement.

TUESDAY
Black Opera celebrates the 75th birthday of the late Jessye Norman with a 90-minute virtual gala of performances and tributes. Watch it here.

Broadway performers Michael Longoria, Margo Seibert, and Rona Siddiqui are this week’s Broadway Buskers. Tune in here.

WEDNESDAY
Join a free, in-person, socially distanced workout in Central Park. Book your slot.

NYCB principal dancer Tiler Peck and former NYCB principal dancer Stephanie Saland work on the “green” solo from Jerome Robbins’s Dances at a Gathering. Watch them here.

THURSDAY
The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) reopens with its major exhibition of innovative stained glass by British artist and painter. Brian Clarke. Find out more.

SUPPORT W42ST