7 Things to do in NYC this weekend: June 14-16
Among the events to check out this weekend is a highly anticipated documentary about Luther Vandross debuting at the Tribeca Festival, an Afro-Latin jazz jam uptown and a powerful group art exhibition downtown.
Film
“Luther: Never Too Much”
Village East by Angelika — 181-189 Second Ave., Manhattan (East Village)
Fri. June 14 at 5:45 p.m., Sat. June 15 at 11 a.m.
Perfectly timed to debut in New York City during Black Music Month — and days after the reissue of a long-out-of print album — Dawn Porter‘s elegantly crafted documentary on Luther Vandross debuts this weekend at Tribeca.
The film, which will stream on CNN in 2025, chronicles the late R&B/pop crooner’s life, from his early years singing with the Listen My Brother group at the Apollo Theater and serving as a backing vocalist for David Bowie, Bette Midler and Roberta Flack to his death in 2005.
Despite success as a platinum-selling solo artist, the Manhattan native endured many personal, professional and health struggles before a debilitating stroke in 2003.
Taking its title from his 1981 song, “Never Too Much” offers diehard fans a treasure trove of rare archival footage, exclusive interviews and new revelations about the singer-songwriter.
$28.
Comedy
“Charlene Kaye: Tiger Daughter”
Brooklyn Comedy Collective @Eris — 167 Graham Ave., Brooklyn (East Williamsburg)
Fri. June 14. 8:30 p.m., 9:45 p.m.
The singer, songwriter and comedian who has gained newfound popularity with her TikTok series parodying Taylor Swift and Dua Lipa songs has added more performances to her new one-woman show after the first sold out.
In “Tiger Daughter,” Charlene Kaye brings a relatable story about identity and defying expectations. “You don’t need to be Asian to understand the show; you just need to have a mother,” says the 37-year-old Honolulu native, whose credits include “Starkid,” “Succession” and “SNL.” After her NYC run, the show will head to Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August.
$15.
Art
“Saturn Gives Structure to the Dream”
Superposition Gallery — 52 Walker St., Third Fl., Manhattan (Tribeca)
Through June 17
With her newest exhibit, gallery founder Storm Ascher curated works by 17 artists in media including painting, sculpture and collage.
Ascher says the mission for this show, her largest group exhibition since starting the space five years ago, is “to respond to the firestorm of recent immeasurable reckonings, which come with the inevitable passage of time, that are causing us all to question our current reality while transitioning into a new era.”
“It’s all mine,” (pictured) is the latest work painted by Gisela McDaniel, an Indigenous Chamorro artist known for rich oil paintings highlighting the stories of women and nonbinary people who have survived trauma.
Free.
Theater
“What Became of Us”
Atlantic Stage 2 — 330 W, 16th St., Manhattan (Chelsea)
Through June 30, various times
This weekend, Emmy Award winners Shohreh Aghdashloo and Tony Shalhoub step into the roles of two siblings born worlds apart in the world premiere production of Shayan Lotfi‘s poignant play, which traces their lives from childhood into their older years. Rosalind Chao and Tony Award winner BD Wong kicked off the first month of the two-hander about family connections lost and later restored, helmed by Jennifer Chang.
Tickets start at $65.
Dance
“Contemporary Dance: Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, Robin Dunn’s ‘SHOUT’ & Kevin Wynn Tribute”
Bryant Park — Bryant Park Lawn, Manhattan (Midtown)
Fri. June 14. 7 p.m.
Robin Dunn, a veteran choreographer and creative director who has worked with U2, Missy Elliott, Chris Brown and “Sesame Street,” brings to Bryant Park a high-energy, uplifting piece that blends hip hop and contemporary jazz dance styles. Vocalists Christina Morgan Diaz and Chanique Rogers will join the show, which includes the Ailey School’s Martell Ruffin, dancer and fashion model Manuela D. Sanchez and recent University of the Arts grad Brooke Brookshire.
The evening picnic performance will also include performances by Brooklyn’s Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE dance company and a tribute to beloved dancer and choreographer Kevin Wynn, who died last year.
Free.
Free
“Carnegie Hall Citywide: The Pedrito Martinez Group”
Riverbank State Park. Manhattan (Harlem)
Sat. June 15. 7 p.m.
For those who missed Pedrito Martinez jamming with José James at the Blue Note in April, the Cuban-born percussionist will headline a free show as part of he Carnegie Hall’s free concert series hitting neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs this summer. The group, nominated for a Best Latin Jazz Album Grammy in 2015, will put on a show mixing Afro-Latin sounds, jazz, and funk that will surely get the audience moving their feet.
Free.
Family
Play Street Museum Upper West Side — 805 Columbus Ave., Manhattan (UWS)
Various times
James and Kristina Payne opened the first NYC location of the national small-format museum franchise in February.. They call it a place where children from 1 to 8 have the opportunity to use their imagination, creativity and discovery skills in a one-of-a-kind interactive environment focused on unstructured play.
$35 per child ages 1-8 and $10 per adult. Older & younger children are free if accompanied by a paying sibling.
If you have an upcoming weekend event you’d like to submit for consideration in an upcoming roundup, please email: [email protected] with the details. Consideration does not guarantee inclusion.