Art museums and dance

In this Issue: New York City's museums reflect the diversity of this city and our nation. This summer you can enjoy exploring different cultures by visiting these wonderful art institutions. Those who love great music and want to dance under the stars will want to spend an evening at Lincoln Center plaza enjoying Midsummer Nights Swing. If you are looking for multicultural art or an evening of live music and dance, here are our recommendations:

ART | MUSIC AND DANCE

ART

Now - August 18, 2002 the Asia Society presents 'Banaras: The Luminous City.' This exhibition focuses on the historical, religious and cultural significance of this most important of Indian cities. Banaras which once served as a central point for trade, today is one of the oldest living cities in the world and is a revered pilgrimage site for millions of Hindus. The exhibit is composed of 19th-century photographs from the Alkazi Collection of Photography as well as contemporary photographs. The Asia Society is America's leading institution dedicated to fostering understanding of Asia and Communication between Americans and the peoples of Asia and the Pacific. Through art exhibitions and performances, films, lectures, seminars and conferences, the Asia Society presents the uniqueness and diversity of Asia. The core collection of the Asia Society is composed of over three hundred master works from South, Southeast and East Asia, dating from 2000 B.C. to the 19th Century. The works cover many artistic media including paintings, ceramics and sculpture. The Asia Society, 725 Park Avenue (at 70th Street) is open Tuesday - Sunday 11:00 am - 6:00 pm, and Friday until 9:00 pm. For more information, please call (212) 288-6400 or go to their web site www.asiasociety.org.

The Paine Webber Art Gallery features short-term exhibitions from New York cultural institutions. Currently on display through September 13, 2002 is 'Six Continents of Quilts' This exhibit celebrates the tradition of quilt making by showcasing the extraordinary talents of over fifty contemporary artists from North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Many of the artists have drawn on their own cultural heritages for inspiration, translating traditional materials, practices or imagery into a contemporary composition. The UBS Paine Webber Art Gallery is located at 1285 Avenue of the Americas (between 51st and 52nd Streets.) The gallery's hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and admission is FREE. For information on this and future exhibits please call (212) 713-2885 or go their web site, www.ubspainewebber.com/PWIC/CDA/main/1,1194,SE82-L1100-L2122-L3128-EN128,00.html.

Now-September 8: The Morgan Library presents 'David to Cézanne: Nineteenth-Century French Drawings,' the Morgan's first large-scale exhibit of French nineteenth-century drawings. Over one hundred drawings from the Morgan as well as private collections will be on view. The exhibit includes an extensive representation of the work of Delacroix, Ingres and Degas as well as examples of later Impressionist such as Cézanne, Manet, Redon, Renoir and Seurat. The Morgan Library began as the private library of financier Pierpont Morgan, one of America's greatest collectors and cultural benefactors. As early as 1890 Morgan had begun to assemble a collection of literary and historical manuscripts, early printed books, and old master drawings and prints. Fulfilling the vision of its founder, the Morgan Library has become an internationally recognized center for research as well as a vital museum. The Morgan Library is located at 29 East 36th Street (at Madison Avenue.) For more information, please call (212) 224-2446 or go to their web site, www.morganlibrary.org.

Now-October 15: The National Museum of the American Indian presents 'Booming Out: Mohawk Ironworkers Build New York.' This exhibit of 67 photographs honors Mohawk ironworkers from two Native communities: Akwesasne, which straddles Ontario, Quebec and New York state, and Kahnawake near Montreal. The images, taken by photojournalists and the ironworkers themselves, reflect the towering contribution Mohawk people have made to the United States, Canada and, especially, New York City. Their work is reflected in the Empire State Building, the George Washington Bridge, Rockefeller Center, and the glory that was the World Trade Center. The National Museum of the American Indian is located at One Bowling Green between Whitehall and State Streets. The museum is open Friday through Wednesday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm and Thursday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm. For more information, please call (212) 514-3700 or go to their web site, www.conexus.si.edu.

MUSIC AND DANCE

July 16 - July 27 - Lincoln Center presents "Midsummer Night Swing." Enthusiastic crowds converge at Lincoln Center's Josie Robertson Plaza to participate in the country's hottest outdoor dance party. People of all ages- beginners to experts- move their feet to a host of rhythms provided by some of the world's leading dance bands. Dance instructors are on hand at each performance to teach a few smooth moves. Many people come by just to listen to the infectious beats. Dance instructors will take you through the moves from 6:30 - 7:30pm and the dancing officially begins at 8:00pm. No ticket is necessary to enjoy one of these wonderful evenings from most anywhere around Lincoln Center. However, if you would like to show off your moves on the raised dance floor a ticket may be purchased for $12.00 by calling CenterCharge at (212) 721-6500 or by going to their web site, www.lincolncenter.org.

July 16 - Tango with Tanguardia.

July 17 - Swing with Dick Hyman and Jim Cullum's Jazz Band.

July 18 - Punta - African Dance with the international Garifuna Band with special guest James Lovell.

July 19 - Salsa Dura with Jimmy Bosch.

July 20 - Highlife, Makossa, Soukous - African Dance with Floxy Bee.

July 23 - Disco with Nile Rodgers and Chic.

July 24 - Swing with the Billy Strayhorn Orchestra conducted by Michael Hashim.

July 25 - Cuban Funk with Yerba Buena.

July 26 - Brazilian Partner-Style Samba with Grupo Saveiro.

July 27 - Swing with Illinois Jacquet.

July 29 in Damrosch Park. Lincoln Center kicks off another "Mostly Mozart" series with a free concert. The Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra will perform works by Mozart and Mendelssohn. Enter Lincoln Center through the Plaza. Proceed straight ahead towards the Opera House and veer left. You'll see an open area with a band shell. This is Damrosch Park. The concert begins at 8:00 p.m. and seating is available.