Picks Of The Week: April 16-22

Reduce, reuse and recycle
is the motto of the week as we prepare for Earth Day. Check out these creative
events that reduce boredom, such as a
band that reuses kitchen tools as
instruments and art projects that use recycled
materials. —

Monday, April 16
Mama Glow Salon Series
Presents East Coast Premiere of More
Business of Being Born at Scandinavia House
58
Park Avenue
6-9:30pm

Maternity lifestyle brand Mama Glow presents Ricki Lake‘s More
Business of Being Born. The film
takes a practical look at birthing options and features celebrity birth stories
from Alanis Morissette, Gisele Bundchen and more. Don’t miss the
cocktails beforehand and the film discussion afterward! New York Family is a proud media sponsor.

Tuesday, April 17
Launch Party for The Very Fairy Princess: Here Comes the
Flower Girl at Books of Wonder
18
West 18th Street
4-6pm

Julie Andrews and her daughter Emma Walton
Hamilton launch the third book in their The Very Fairy Princess series, Here Comes the Flower Girl.
Fairy princess Gerry is going to be a flower girl at her Aunt Sue’s wedding,
but she must save the day when bad weather threatens to ruin it! Recommended for ages 3-8. For this event,
Books of Wonder requests that no books be brought from home.

Wednesday, April 18
McKenna Mirror Craft or
“Take the Challenge” Scavenger Hunt at the American Girl Place
609 Fifth Avenue
3:30-5pm

Girls ages eight and older can have an American
Girl-filled afternoon! Celebrate the American Girl of the Year, McKenna, by
doing a paper mirror craft with inspiring messages or going on a scavenger hunt
throughout the Fifth Avenue flagship store.

Thursday, April 19
Spanish Storytime at
McNally Jackson Books
52 Prince
Street
4:30pm

Tots through
four-year-olds can join children’s educator Edda Martinez for bilingual stories
and songs. Free.

Friday, April 20
Earth Day Workshop at the Jacadi Madison Avenue Boutique
1242
Madison Avenue
3:30-4:30pm

Celebrate Earth Day by learning the importance of
recycling and creating a sculpture out of recycled items. Parents will receive
10% off any purchase in the boutique and a complimentary tote bag.

Saturday, April 21
The Billy Jonas Band at Symphony
Space
2537 Broadway
11am

The percussion-based Billy Jonas Band uses
“instruments” such as buckets, broom handles, bottles, pots and pans
to create an infectious, folksy beat for some Earth Day-inspired tunes.

The
Dicapo Opera Theatre presents La Traviata
this weekend in a family-friendly one-hour production, part of its Opera
for Kids series. Children will get to experience Giuseppe Verdi’s masterpiece
which portrays a classic love story. Stick around for the post-performance Q
& A session!

Sunday, April 22
Green Festival 2012: New York City at Javits Center North
655
West 34th Street
11am-6pm

The nation’s largest green living event will celebrate
its 11th year by bringing the New York City green community
together for the first time. Kids can enjoy the Green Kids’ Zone, stocked with
activities and crafts, while adults check out the Green Economy Expo and
marketplace of more than 300 eco-friendly businesses. Festival also takes place Saturday, April 21.

Orli Shaham’s Baby Got
Bach at Le Poisson Rouge
158
Bleeker Street
11am

In their final performance
of the season, Baby Got Bach woos little ones with piano jams, DIY instruments,
Ashley the Ballerina and comedy.

PHOTO CREDIT: JAMES MARTINDALE