A Song for the Horse Nation
On view now at the National Museum of the American Indian is the exhibition “A Song for the Horse Nation.” A central aspect to Native American culture is their enduring bond with horses. Beyond a means to travel, hunt or defend, horses are considered fellow living beings to be respected. Equipment of horse culture includes artfully crafted saddles and bridles, blankets and ornamentation like horse masks. Clothing and objects such as dance sticks with horse motifs highlight the reverence for the bravery and grace of the horse. The museum is part of the Smithsonian Institution, open 7 days a week, and admission is free of charge. “A Song for the Horse Nation” is on view through July.

Antiquing in NYC
We continue our look at visual art this week as the best antique dealers in the country come to the city. Whether you’re a collector or an admirer, it’s a great way to come out of the cold and support two good causes. At the Metropolitan Pavilion is the American Antiques Show, benefitting the American Folk Art Museum. American design shines and history comes to life with decorative art, sculpture and textiles, and paintings by artists like Grandma Moses. It’s the “Year of the Quilt” at the museum so a number of dealers will feature these homespun artworks. It’s also the show’s 10th anniversary. Featured objects include traditional tin gifts made to celebrate a Victorian 10th wedding anniversary. At the Park Avenue Armory is the Winter Antiques Show, now in its 57th year. 74 exhibitors will showcase fine furniture, sculpture, and painting from America, Europe, and Asia. The Winter Antiques Show benefits the East Side House Settlement and will be on view through January 30th.

Tango Inferno
In dance, direct from Buenos Aires – the company Tango Inferno is heating up the stage at the Joyce Theater with “The Fire Within.” Accomapnied by music group Quatrotango, “The Fire Within” takes you through the history of this stirring Argentinian dance form, from its origins in the red-light district of Buenos Aires, to the ballrooms of today. Get to the show 30 minutes early and bring your dancing shoes to join the dancers onstage for a pre-performance tango. Performances run through next sunday.

Gypsy Jazz
Joe’s Pub is keeping things hot with the weekend jazz festival “Django A-Go-Go.” Jazz pioneer Django Reinhardt revolutionzed guitar playing with his style of “Gypsy jazz.” The festival is organized by French virtuoso guitarist Stephane Wrembel, who will take the stage with other musicians from the US and France to pay tribute to Reinhardt and his music. Highlights of the schedule include the Hot Club of Detroit, guitarist Alfonso Ponticelli, Chicago group Swing Gitan, and the Sinti Swing Quartet featuring brothers and guitarists Sebastien and Youri Felix, and jazz violinist John Intrator.

Ethan Hawke Off-Broadway
Off-Broadway the New Group Theater presents a world premiere of the tense family drama “Blood from A Stone.” Written by first-time playwright Tommy Nohilly and directed by Scott Elliott, Gordon Clapp, and Ann Dowd lead the dysfunctional New England working class family. Ethan Hawke stars as Travis, who returns home to find his family unraveling. Catch “Blood from A Stone” through February 5th.

Ecstatic Music at Merkin
For two months this winter, Merkin Concert Hall will host the Ecstatic Music festival – kicking off Monday with a free 6-hour music marathon. With 14 new musical collaborations and over 150 composers, songwriters and performers participating, the Ecstatic Music Festival features music that defies classification, where classical meets pop and connects a diverse blend of composers and musicians. This Wednesday, catch the Chiara String Quartet. Next Saturday Craig Wedren will perform with the American Contemporary Music Ensemble. Highlights of the festival include performances by the quartet So Percussion, and the eclectic chamber groups Alarm Will Sound, Bang on A Can All-Stars, and Newspeak. The musical innovation continues at the acclaimed Merkin Concert Hall through the spring.