Leslie Cheung
Actor-turned-singer Leslie Cheung is Hong Kong’s answer to David Hasselhoff. Except that he has talent. Born in Hong Kong and educated there and in England, Cheung returned to his native country to star in a series of films and then recorded a début album, ‘The Wind Blows On’, that proved to be a massive hit. He’s yet to crack the incredibly lucrative Japanese market in a big way, but has a dedicated legion of followers who will ensure that these gigs, in one of Tokyo’s more cavernous venues, are a sell-out.
The Domain
Edo Period Paintings from the Nezu Collection
One of the bonuses of Japan’s 200-year total self-imposed exclusion from the rest of the world, which lasted until the 1850s, is that it encouraged the development of rich individual styles in every field of the arts. This exhibition of circa 30 paintings dates from the period just before Japan opened itself up again, and provides an interesting insight into the way people saw themselves and their lives at a time when Tokyo was the biggest city in the world.
The Shop at The Ritz-Carlton
As an unusual gift for that world traveller, consider souvenirs from the hotel voted best in North America. You can buy a down-comforted bed that Julia Roberts and Oprah Winfrey claimed ‘the perfect sleep’, make martinis in a sterling silver-plated shaker ($47.50) and serve them in signature iced glasses from The Greenhouse ($35). Cobalt blue glasses are $12.50, crystal ashtrays $25 and full-length bathrobes $100. For a mattress/spring set (the hotel has sold more than 400) you’ll shell out $799-$1,199.
Chelsea Rising
All across the US, artists look questioningly to New York City to find out what’s ‘really happening’ in art. The Contemporary Arts Center has taken the step of turning its art galleries into Manhattan on the Bayou with a wide-ranging show that provides a core sample of work being made and shown in the art-intensive Chelsea district. In an odd way, the show is very reassuring, showing that more than a little of the cutting edge work is deadly dull. Highlights include photography by Simen Johan and John Schabel, Susanne Kuhn’s paintings and Karen Guisti’s paper cut-out constructions.
Wave Hill
675 W 52nd St at Independence Ave (1-718-549-2055)
Travel: Metro North train from Grand Central Terminal to Riverdale. Tue, Thu-Sun 9am-5:30pm; Wed 9:30am-dusk. $4, $2 concessions, no admission charge Tue. No credit cards.
Wave Hill, with its formal European gardens, is now a venue for concerts, educational programs and exhibitions, including a permanent sculpture garden featuring works by Henry Moore, Alexander Calder and Willem de Kooning.
Rick Moody
Uber writer Rick Moody comes to town tonight to read from some of his novels. The 35-year-old wrote ‘The Ice Storm’, which became an Ang Lee-directed film. Next up was the critically acclaimed short story collection ‘Ring of Brightest Angels’ written to defeat the ‘suburban writer’ tag. This was followed by ‘Purple America’, a laugh-out-loud funny book with heart-wrenching tragedy at its core. He has won the O Henry Award, the Pushcart Prize and the Paris Review’s Aga Khan Prize. Recognised by The New Yorker as one of America’s most talented writers under 40, don’t miss this opportunity to hear him read.
Maria
The latest project at the Roxy is the Tuesday night Maria session, when women DJs and performers from Vienna’s digital underground will be given the run of the place. Among those appearing in February are the electronic duo Ginanina, 2 Step DJ Soraya, Electric Indigo and FM4 radio regular Carina Schwann. Women artists will supply the visuals and drinks and good humour come via Zivko, possibly Vienna’s most charming barman in the city.
No siempre somos los últimos…
