Tabloid City with Pete Hamill, introduced by Tom Robbins
Lower East Side Tenement Museum
Thurs, May 12

Veteran journalist and novelist Pete Hamill’s newest work is equal parts thriller and intimate social portrait. In Tabloid City, chaos unfolds for a kaleidoscope of New York City characters during the 24 hours following the murder of a wealthy socialite. The talk will be introduced by author Tom Robbins.

Le Conversazioni: Films of My Life: An Evening with Jonathan Franzen and Paul Schrader
Morgan Library & Museum
Tues, May 10

Jonathan Franzen (celebrated author of The Corrections and Freedom) and Paul Schrader (acclaimed director of Affliction and Mishima, and screenwriter of Taxi Driver and Raging Bull) talk about the films that have influenced their lives and discuss the relationship between words and image, books and films. Moderated by Antonio Monda, Director of the Le Conversazioni literary festival.

Photograph by Bob Estremera

Open House: 75th Anniversary
Merchant’s House Museum
Wed, May 11

On May 11, 1936, the Merchant’s House first opened to the public. On May 11, 2011, visitors can tour the house and servants’ quarters, which are open permanently for the first time in the museum’s history. Admission is 50 cents (the 1936 admission fee).

The Fats Waller Dance Party
Harlem Stage Gatehouse
Fri, May 13 & Sat, May 14

Jason Moran and Meshell Ndegeocello transform Harlem Stage into a dance party, as they awaken the spirit of Fats Waller and recreate the dance floor of Harlem’s long-gone jazz shrine, Small’s Paradise.

Table by Joshua Friedman Courtesy of Joshua Friedman Design - joshuafriedmandesign.com

Model Citizens NYC 2011
Chelsea Art Museum
Fri, May 13–Sun, May 15

This is the third annual, free-of-charge showcase of work by more than 90 American and international independent and emerging designers working in furniture, products, ceramics, glass, textiles, home decor, art objects and jewelry. On Saturday there is a free shuttle to the Chelsea Art Museum from the opening day of the International Contemporary Furniture Fair at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

Figurative Drawing Device by Nova Jiangv - Courtesy of Eyebeam Art + Technology

Objectivity: Notebook Hacking, Collaborative Drawing and New Collections
Eyebeam Art + Technology
Sun, May 15

Moleskine notebook fans, designers, artists and Eyebeam Art + Technology Center join for a one-day event exploring how the contemporary nomad navigates information-saturated digital and urban landscapes. Featuring two workshops concerning notebook hacking and collaborative drawing and an exhibition/reception with complimentary drinks. Free with RSVP.

Recommendations courtesy of NYC-ARTS.org