Paris Theatre

The Paris Theatre is the first of the post-war movie houses constructed in Manhattan. It is located at 4 West 58th Street next to Bergdorf Goodman and directly across from the Plaza Hotel. Currently showing at the theatre is the movie called "The Artist," winner of 5 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director.
The theatre opened on September 13, 1948, with Marlene Dietrich cutting the ribbon in the presence of the Ambassador to France. The original movie operator, Pathe, ran the theatre until 1990. Loew’s then took over, and the theatre was known for a while as the Fine Arts Theatre. Renamed the Paris Theatre, as of 2009, City Cinemas is the movie operator. This luxurious art house in Manhattan’s Midtown has an Art Moderne exterior. The auditorium has blue velvet walls and seating for 421 on the main floor and in the 150 in the balcony. It has excellent projection and sound. The atmosphere is elegant, including with well attired and helpful staff. The Paris Theatre is one of the very best places to see art house films in Manhattan. It frequently plays foreign films (especially French films). Many premieres have been hosted by the Paris Theatre. (Information from http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/307).

Armory Art Show - Modern and Contemporary at Piers 92 and 94

The Armory Art Show is a major international contemporary and modern art fair that draws thousands of the art industry's top collectors, curators and museum directors at Pier 92 and Pier 94 on the far west side of Manhattan. Last night, the 2012 edition of the show opened. This "boutique-style" art show, now in its 14th year features artworks presented by 120 exhibitors. A good combination of different kinds of art characterizes this event. Pier 92 shows historically significant Modern art, which generally encompasses styles extending from the late 1800s to the 1970s including Cubism, Surrealism and Expressionism, among others, with prints by famous artists such as Pablo Picasso and Chuck Close. Pier 94 features Contemporary art, generally defined as having been produced after World War II. Post-modern and avant-garde installations make up the bulk of the pier. This year, Scandinavian art is also represented in a new section called "Armory Focus: The Nordic Countries." In one section where works by Scandinavian artists are on display, there's a section called "free stuff" where free posters are available. "Within the lounge are artist multiples or posters created by the artists presented here and they're all free. So you can come by here and put together a collection of about 15 different artists," says Armory Show founder Paul Morris. The show runs through March 11. Admission is $30, or $60 for the full four days.

Broadway Marquee: EVITA starring Ricky Martin

Evita is back on Broadway! TIM RICE and ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER's Tony Award®-winning musical returns to Broadway at last, starring Grammy® Award winner RICKY MARTIN (Les Misérables), Olivier Award winner ELENA ROGER (Piaf), and Tony Award winner MICHAEL CERVERIS (Sweeney Todd). Previews begin March 12 at the Marquis Theatre located at 1535 Broadway between 45th and 46th Streets.

Rafael Barrios Sculptures on Park Avenue

Obtusa, 2011

Triphasique, 2011

Triphasique, 2011

Acrobatica, 2011

Centrifuga, 2011

Flight, 2011

Malabarismo Lineal, 2011

Trifascica, 2011

Last Sunday, the sculptures of Venezuelan artist Rafael Barrios were unveiled on Park Avenue. Most of the pieces are being exhibited for the first time.  His works, mostly made of steel and acrylic lacquer  alter the viewers' perception and state of mind. At a distance, the sculptures appear to be voluminous, but as you approach them, they are actually thin. As Barrios states, the sculptures are about “dislocating our perception in such a way that our mind’s eye will insist that you are seeing something that you are not.” The sculptures will be on view until June 30, 2012. 

2004 Otis Maybach 57 from JAY Z and Kanye West "Otis" Video For Auction

Up for auction at the Phillips de Pury & Company at 450 Park Avenue is the customized 2004 Maybach 57 that was used in Jay-Z and Kanye West’s music video for the Grammy Award winning “Otis” off of their Platinum-certified album Watch the Throne. The Maybach 57 is estimated at a value between $100,000 and $150,000. The auction (Contemporary Art Evening Sale) will take place on March 8. The Otis Maybach has chassis no. W240 a, engine type Gas V12 and a 4-wheel brake ABS system. Auction host and chairman of Phillips de Pury & Company, Simon de Pury said, “Jay-Z and Kanye West are towering figures in contemporary culture. They have greatly contributed to the artificial barriers between art, music, fashion and cinema to come down. Their video for ‘Otis’ became an instant classic. The Maybach they have transformed for it has the starring role.” A good portion of proceeds from the auction will go to Save the Children which is “the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need around the world.Save the Children has helped 2.5 million children and families in the Horn of Africa through feeding, water trucking, healthcare and education.”

POP Burger

POP Burger is a trendy burger joint created by designer Ali Tayar in Manhattan. It attracts local s for quick stops during the day. One of its branches is located at 14 East 58th Street. The restaurant's front is casually cool with an installation of illuminated words and phrases from the menu. The seat-yourself dining area in the back is a casually cool setting of steel tables and Andy Warhol's Campbell's soup art on the wall.