New York Adventure Club

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1982788702384

Imagine a voice so enchanting that it silences a bustling crowd; a melody so captivating that it turns heads in unison towards the sound. This is the power of jazz singer Sarah Vaughan, whose voice transcended the boundaries of jazz, touching hearts around the globe. From singing in local clubs in her hometown of Newark, NJ to becoming a global jazz icon, it's time to uncover the musical journey of one of jazz's greatest talents.

Join New York Adventure Club as we examine the musical legacy of Sarah Vaughan (1924-1990), whose celestial voice and indelible impact on jazz and American music made her an international icon.

Led by award-winning author Will Friedwald, who is widely considered one of the nation's most prolific music writers, our journey through the incredible life and music of Sarah Vaughan will include:

• Sarah's early years in Newark and Harlem, where she sang in local clubs and entered amateur night contests, eventually triumphing at the World Famous Apollo Theater on West 125th Street
• Her apprenticeship in the big bands as a piano player, and singer with the great Earl Fatha Hines, Dizzy Gillespie, and fabulous Billy Eckstine (who she made a classic series of duets with)
• A survey of her classic hits and signature songs like "Broken Hearted Melody," "Perdido," "Don't Blame Me," and, of course, her musical calling card, "Misty"
• A discussion around her years of touring and playing clubs and concert halls all over the world, teaming up with great musical partners along the way, like Nat King Cole and Tony Bennett

Afterward, we'll have a Q&A with Will — any and all questions are welcomed and encouraged!
Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay for one week.
See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar
**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you're using the latest version of your internet browser
***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week
****If the event has already passed, but it's been less than a week, you can still register for it on our website's active replay section!

About Will
Will Friedwald is a featured arts writer for The Wall Street Journal and Vanity Fair, and the award-winning author of ten books on music and popular culture, including the new Straighten Up and Fly Right: The Life and Music of Nat King Cole, as well as A Biographical Guide To The Great Jazz And Pop Singers, Sinatra: The Song Is You, Stardust Melodies, Tony Bennett: The Good Life, Looney Tunes & Merrie Melodies, and Jazz Singing. He has written over 600 liner notes for compact discs, received ten Grammy nominations, and appears frequently on television and other documentaries. He is also a consultant and curator for Apple Music.

Testimonials
"The included videos and songs were wonderful." -Paul
"Authoritative and memorable with great images" -Martin
"Well curated. Priced right and well done technically and for content." -John
"The archival footage was a joy to see" -R

Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
This event is an educational presentation organized by New York Adventure Club and is not affiliated with the Estate of Sarah Vaughan, her record labels, publishers, or any other associated rights holders. Our event is a fan-inspired experience celebrating the life, music, and legacy of Sarah Vaughan. Any references to Sarah Vaughan, her recordings, performances, or likeness are made solely for educational and commentary purposes, and no official endorsement or sponsorship is implied. All names, recordings, and related trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Categories: Virtual, Art & Entertainment

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1982786310229

What do Rihanna, Anne Hathaway, Reese Witherspoon, and Crazy Rich Asians all have in common? Tucked away on the 7th floor of a building in the heart of the New York City Garment Center is a century-old business that has created fabric flowers for everyone including A-list celebrities and film & television productions. Now's your chance to visit the historic facility where they're all made, one individual flower at a time.

Join New York Adventure Club for a private exploration of M&S Schmalberg, a fourth-generation family-owned business in Manhattan's Garment District that has been hand-making custom fabric flowers for over 100 years.

Led by one of the company owners, our unique experience with the last custom flower maker in New York City will include:

• An overview of the artificial flora industry, and how fast fashion and offshoring have affected the niche fashion craft
• The history of M&S Schmalberg, from brothers Morris and Sam Schmalberg starting the business in 1916, to becoming the premier fabric flower makers for top fashion designers including Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, and Marc Jacobs
• A private tour of the historic factory to see the fabric flower process from beginning to end — from cutting out the fabrics in a myriad of different designs, to hand assembling petals into tulips, carnations, or other varieties
• A live demonstration by the company's veteran artisans of the century-old cutting machines and custom-made hydraulic presses still in operation

Afterward, you'll have the opportunity to shop for your own custom-made M&S Schmalberg fabric flowers (at a steep discount), and even go home with a stylish piece of history!

Click here to read a featured article of M&S Schmalberg in The New York Times!

See you there!

*This experience is only conducted on weekdays when the factory is in operation

**Guests are encouraged to bring photos of clothes or dresses they want to pair with a fabric flower so the M&S Schmalberg staff can assist with finding the perfect match after the tour concludes

Testimonials
"The event was so much more that I expected! Not only did we get to see the actual steps (and equipment) to make BEAUTUFUL silk flowers, but we got to hear about a family’s history and how the business came to be. I learned so much. Walking home last night, I passed a store on the UES than had some silk (or otherwise) flowers strewn in its window. Thanks to the instruction from Adam Brand, I was easily able to identify them as NOT M&S Schmalberg’s flowers. I didn’t realize how many of their lovely flowers I’ve already seen on favorite TV shows and runways and galas. Thank you!" -Linda

"The owner giving the tour, the family story, and seeing the workroom. Super interesting." -Kala

"Adam is so passionate about the business, the heritage and present and future. He was fantastic." -Dena

"This was so special! It's rare to see inside a family owned factory like this, especially in NYC." -Justin

"Loved that they took the time to let us into their private workspace. Interesting and beautiful creations!" -Margaret

"Resonate tour and history of a vintage business still operating." -Gabriella

"A rare look inside a historic NYC industry." -Jerry
"The opportunity to see a working factory. Guide had lots of stories about his family and the business and was willing to allow photos." -Meryl

"One of the very best trips I’ve ever taken with you. The machines they’ve used for a hundred years still in use today was fascinating. Completely authentic — workers making flowers as we walked through. A trip that truly surpassed expectations. Nice shopping opportunity at the end too!" -Deb

Disclaimer
Event takes place rain or shine.

By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1981587884706

What if a single museum could tell the entire story of Western art — not just through its paintings, but through its architecture, gardens, and carefully curated interiors? Inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art lies a treasure trove of masterpieces that trace the evolution of Western creativity, from the sacred stillness of medieval chapels to the bold energy of modern cityscapes. It's time to embark on an epic visual journey through time as we uncover the hidden narratives, artistic breakthroughs, and cultural forces behind one of the world’s most extraordinary museum collections.

Join New York Adventure Club for a five-part series exploring the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s world-class collection of Western Art — each session highlighting a distinct era and theme within this extraordinary institution. In Part Four: Impressionism, we’ll explore the revolutionary works collected by Louisine and Henry Osborne Havemeyer, whose bold embrace of modern art helped bring the Impressionist movement to America.

Led by Sylvia Laudien-Meo — art historian, museum educator, and NYC tour guide — this art-centric virtual journey will feature:

• An introduction to the Havemeyer family, their ties to Mary Cassatt, and their pioneering role in collecting Impressionist art
• Pre-Impressionist works by Corot and Courbet, whose innovations laid the groundwork for modernism
• Masterpieces by Edouard Manet, including depictions of modern life like Boating and Gare Saint-Lazare
• Monet’s luminous landscapes, filled with water, light, and atmosphere
• Degas’ ballerinas in motion, captured in drawings, paintings, and bronze sculpture
• Mary Cassatt’s portraits of motherhood, showcasing her distinct blend of intimacy and innovation
• Selections from the 1915 Suffrage Exhibition, where art intersected with social activism
• Other Havemeyer-acquired treasures, including Old Masters and Japanese works that influenced the Impressionists

Afterward, we'll have a Q&A with Sylvia — any and all questions are welcomed and encouraged!
Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay through one week after the entire series concludes.
See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar
**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you're using the latest version of your internet browser
***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week after the series finale
****If the event has already passed, but it's been less than a week since the series finale, you can still register for it on our website's active replay section!

The Met's Western Art Collection Series
Part 1: The Cloisters (Thursday, February 26 @ 5:30pm ET)
Part 2: Nature & Landscape (Thursday, March 5 @ 5:30pm ET)
Part 3: The Gilded Age (Thursday, March 12 @ 5:30pm ET)
Part 4: Impressionism (Thursday, March 19 @ 5:30pm ET)
Part 5: NYC in Modern Art (Thursday, March 26 @ 5:30pm ET)

About Sylvia
Sylvia Laudien-Meo is a freelance Art Historian who works in and around the city in various capacities, specializing on Modern and Contemporary art, with a strong focus on Public Art. She teaches art history at Fairleigh Dickinson University and has been working as a museum educator at MoMA, the Guggenheim and the Jewish Museum for over many years, engaging visitors in conversation based, interactive art experiences of permanent collections and changing exhibitions.
For the Municipal Art Society, UFT, Brandeis Univ., and private clients, she has been touring the city for over 20 years, exploring art and architecture, parks, neighborhoods and history. Working in various different capacities gives her a unique opportunity to make intriguing connections and weave together the complex perspectives that make out the tapestry of our fascinating city.
SLM holds a Masters Degree in Art History (with minors in History and American Studies) from the Joh. Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany, as well as a Tourism degree from the EST in Paris France.

Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: Virtual, Art & Entertainment

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1983678476723

In the early 20th century, the Woolworth Building in downtown Manhattan not only dominated the NYC skyline, but also held the title of "tallest building in the world" for over 17 years. What secrets lie behind its towering limestone and terracotta façade? Now’s your chance to step inside one of New York’s most breathtaking interiors — a hidden architectural marvel that's been off-limits to the public since 2020 (until now).

Join New York Adventure Club for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Woolworth Building — commissioned by retail magnate Frank Woolworth in 1910 to house his company’s corporate headquarters, this neo-Gothic style skyscraper designed by architect Cass Gilbert laid claim to the world’s tallest building from its opening in 1913 until 1930.

Led by licensed NYC tour guides and Woolworth Building experts Bob Gelber or Ed Welter, this official experience — and the only way inside this private building — will include:

• The story behind the “Cathedral of Commerce,” from its creation by retail magnate F.W. Woolworth to its groundbreaking design by Cass Gilbert
• A look at the exterior’s intricate terracotta façade, rich with neo-Gothic ornamentation and symbolic details
• A private tour of the soaring lobby, with its marble-clad walls, vaulted ceilings, and hidden symbols embedded in the architecture
• A visit to the subterranean vault, where the building’s original safe deposit boxes are tucked beneath its towering frame
• A special trip to the mezzanine balcony, offering a close-up view of the vaulted mosaic ceiling, richly inspired by the opulence and patterns of the Byzantine Empire

See you there!

*There are no public restrooms on the tour, so please plan accordingly
**This tour is limited to the lobby and first sub-level
***Please refrain from wandering around the lobby before, during, or after the tour

About Bob
After retiring from the New York State Court System, Bob Gelber became a licensed New York City tour guide to share his deep knowledge and passion for his hometown. Over the past twelve years, he has led visitors through neighborhoods many tourists overlook, while also serving as a docent at the Woolworth Building and volunteering at both the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Open House New York. A longtime member of the Guides Association of New York City, Bob has served on its Board of Directors and several key committees. From Central Park to the Lower East Side — and even chocolate-themed walks through SoHo — Bob brings history to life with every step.

About Ed
With over four decades of experience in construction and nearly 15 years in the tourism world, Ed Welter brings a unique perspective to New York City's built environment. After starting his guiding career at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in 2010, Ed went on to become a senior docent and trainer at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, where he has been sharing the site’s powerful story since its earliest days. A licensed NYC tour guide since 2012, Ed also led Woolworth Building tours from 2014 until their pause in 2020 — and is excited to return as the tour program resumes with New York Adventure Club. His deep knowledge and passion have guided countless tours across Lower Manhattan, from the Brooklyn Bridge to City Hall Park, including topics like the Five Points, the African Burial Grounds, and the history of terrorism in New York.

Testimonials
"The tour of the lobby was full of secrets and mysteries and astonishing design. The lobby tour guide was kind, passionate, and extremely knowledgeable." -Simon
"Very informational. Knowledgeable lobby tour guide." -Jacqueline
"The guide was very knowledgeable and history interesting. My first with adventure club, not the last. I enjoyed it very much." -Judy
"...The guide was great… provided just enough information and stories, answered questions… and best of all really enjoyed seeing this iconic building up close! Wonderful event. Just the right amount of time." -Aimee
"A fascinating combination of history, architecture and biography in a magnificent building. The guide was exceptional." -Beth
"Informative on architecture, history, and history of Woolworth himself. Also notable comments on the strains between Woolworth and his architect, Cass Gilbert. Excellent speaker, humorous, personal, and interested in all facets of the building." -Margaret
"The history and love that went into building this magnificent building" -Jojo
"The information about Woolworth himself and the history of the 5 and 10 business was particularly good. Makes me want to learn more. Of course, just getting access was a treat. It's kind of a hidden treasure." -Leandro
"It was highly informative and the guide was engaging." -E
"Didn’t realize that this beautiful building was not open to the public so it was very special. Also the building was awesome. Guide was terrific." -Murray
"The guide was so knowledgeable, explained everything in an interesting way, was patient with questions and managed the group well. It was outstanding!!" -Betsy
"Tour guide's knowledge of the subject." -Lucien

Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours