It’s hard for me to believe that next month will mark 23 years of my “In Tune With June!” column. However, there was a life before then. I was writing “June on Jazz,” a monthly column for New Jersey Jazz magazine. At that time, I became acquainted with many musicians, including a fine guitarist/vocalist named Marty Grosz. He even invited me to sing with his group a couple of times. Boy, did I love that! The very talented guitarist was the son of a famous German painter, George Grosz (although Marty didn’t like to talk about his dad). So with the above in mind, I was curious to visit the Neve Galerie, a museum at Fifth Avenue and 86th Street that is dedicated to Austrian and German art.The museum occupies the former home of Cornelius Vanderbilt III. It is compact and exquisite – a jewel box kind of place. The owner is Ronald Lauder. If the name Lauder sounds familiar, it’s because he is the cosmetics heir the son of the late Estèe Lauder. He is estimated to be worth $2.7 billion – and only 62-years-old. Five years ago, Lauder opened his Neve Galerie. I did see some of the art of George Grosz and found it disturbing, perhaps because he was painting when the world was leading up to World War II. The Neve Galerie does not admit unaccompanied children under the age of 16; no one under the age of 12 is allowed in at all. So, if you plan to go, don’t take the kiddies. Lauder explains that this is owing to the erotic nature of some of the art. Some fear that he doesn’t want his precious holdings touched by small, grubby hands. It wouldn’t be right to omit telling you about the museum’s restaurant, Café Sabarsky, a replica of a Viennese coffee-house. With Sacher Torte and spaetzle on the menu, I had trouble finding something to eat – too many calories, very rich. My friends, who know how to enjoy life, loved the soup and the pastries. By the way, even if you don’t go into the museum, you can nosh at Café Sabarsky.
When my son, Andy Robert, invited me to lunch at the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Terminal, I was delighted. I thought that in addition to enjoying his company (I just love being with him!) and a good fish meal, it would be interesting to tour Grand Central and write about it. However, I must admit, I was overwhelmed by its size and all it has to offer. With over 100 retail shops and restaurants, Grand Central Terminal is a destination in and of itself. The total land area is 48 acres. It extends from 42nd to 50th Streets between Lexington and Madison Avenues, a New York City landmark. The building is 380 feet wide by 340 feet deep and rises eight stories. Nearly 700,000 people pass through Grand Central Terminal each day. The two clocks, one above the information booth and the other above the entrance, are considered priceless. The information clock has four faces made of solid opal, while the clock on the façade contains the world’s largest example of Tiffany glass. When in the main concourse, if you look up there’s a 120-foot high aquamarine ceiling with sparkling constellations. At various times, Grand Central Terminal houses art galleries, a rail history museum and innumerable temporary exhibitions. Oh yes – there’s also a fresh food and produce marketplace. It all takes my breath away. Go see for yourself – no charge.
When I was in grade school, admittedly a long time ago, the teacher would have us make Valentine cards to exchange with others in the class. Some years later, as a teenager, I would judge my popularity by the number of cards I received. Now Valentine’s Day is very commercialized. In fact, it’s the second largest card-sending holiday of the year behind Christmas. Who do you think buys most of the cards? I was surprised to learn that women purchase about 85 percent of all valentines (of course! We ladies are more romantic than most guys!). Some refer to Valentine’s Day as “Hallmark Holiday.” The town of Loveland, Colorado (yes, Virginia, there is such a town!) does a large post office business around Feb. 14. This year, the day falls on a Wednesday and I may have a solution for you in case you are wondering how to observe it with your sweetie. At the World Financial Center on that day, love perfumes the air in its Winter Garden. Exactly on Feb. 14 at 12:30 p.m., there’s a romantic afternoon planned. It’s called “Lunchtime For Lovers With Julian Fleischer.” Who, you ask, is Julian Fleischer? I’m told that he is a world-renowned jazz and pop vocalist. He is scheduled to perform “a charming afternoon of songs about love and food” (the two most important things in life!). The popular crooner will also be taking requests from the audience. I’m finding it difficult to narrow down my choice. There are so many love songs I enjoy. Oh well, if you can’t make it to the World Financial Center on Valentine’s Day, there are many more events in the Winter Garden throughout the season. There are art exhibits, a celebration of Black History Month with gospel and spiritual music, and even silent films with live music. The films include a 1929 Alfred Hitchcock movie, one with Buster Keaton and another with Rudolph Valentino. The Valentino movie is considered to be his best work. If none of the above appeals to you, here’s another choice. On Friday, March 2 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., there’s a tasting festival. From crab cakes and dumplings, to gelato and mini-burgers, the World Financial Center’s restaurants prepare sample signature menu items for $1-5. All events are free – no tickets required! For more specifics, log onto www.worldfinancialcenter.com or phone (212) 945-0505.
No matter how old you are, you probably know the story of the little princess who falls under a bad spell and snoozes for 100 years (that’s some nap!). Well, the 2007 New York City Ballet winter season opened with 13 performances of “The Sleeping Beauty.” Staged by Peter Martins, he has created an enchanting revival of the luminous classic ballet. Requiring over 100 dancers, he revitalized “The Sleeping Beauty.” There’s an atmosphere of fairy tale magic that brings the audience into a mystical world, where spells are cast, a fairy comes to the aid of a handsome prince, and Puss in Boots comes to dance for royal guests. The company’s most lavish production, one critic called it “the grandest, fullest and finest achievement of classical ballet” set to a glorious Tchaikovsky score. The set designs suggesting the passage of time during the princess’ 100 year slumber are amazing. It’s a Sleeping Beauty for today: beautiful dancing, larger-than-life characters and beautiful music. There are 13 performances through Feb. 25. Throughout 2007, NYCB provides programs for kids and families, including children’s workshops. And a special date to note: on Saturday, Feb. 24, at 11 a.m., there’s a ballet for young people. If you can go to the New York State Theater at Lincoln Center, you too will be entranced.