New Year's Eve Eve
This year, our band of revelers will attended the annual New Year's Eve Eve Salon on December 30th at The Player's Club. Before the dance, a group of us met at Bocca, an Italian restaurant specializing in Roman cuisine, for a tasty dinner. You can view photos of the Salon event here.
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Monday, December 19, 2016
Week of December 19th, 2016
Wednesday, December 21st: LFNY York Wing Alumni Event
The LFNY invited its alumni to return to the school and tour its new state of the art building. It was a nice addition to the campus. Photos here.
The LFNY invited its alumni to return to the school and tour its new state of the art building. It was a nice addition to the campus. Photos here.
Monday, December 12, 2016
Week of December 12th, 2016
Monday, December 12th: Midtown Carol Sing
St. Bartholomew Church - St. Bart's to its friends, held its annual Christmas Carol sing-along on the church steps on Park Avenue, and we were there! A few of us took part in one of the most delightful traditions of the NYC Christmas season. After the singing, we stepped inside to warm up with cider and hot chocolate and cookies.
St. Bartholomew Church - St. Bart's to its friends, held its annual Christmas Carol sing-along on the church steps on Park Avenue, and we were there! A few of us took part in one of the most delightful traditions of the NYC Christmas season. After the singing, we stepped inside to warm up with cider and hot chocolate and cookies.
Monday, October 24, 2016
Week of October 24th, 2016
Saturday, October 29th: Princeton Club Halloween Ball
The Theme was "If You've Got It, Haunt It" and haunt it they did at an all-ivy affair in midtown. Look at how dashing!
The Theme was "If You've Got It, Haunt It" and haunt it they did at an all-ivy affair in midtown. Look at how dashing!
Monday, October 3, 2016
Week of October 3rd, 2016
Friday, October 7th: Jackie and Cassini
The National Arts Club played host to a fascinating lecture by author and editor, Lauren Marino, on the collaboration between one of the country's most fashionable first ladies & the designer who costumed Camelot. Oleg Cassini styled Jackie Kennedy for every major event and appearance she attended as First Lady, from her husband's inauguration on, including the couple's State visit to Buckingham Palace.
Saturday, October 8th: Comic Con
Our little band of intrepid explorers took in the sights at the 2016 NYC Comic Con. While we did not exactly dress up, our T-Shirts (and one set of pajamas) proudly displayed our affiliations.
The National Arts Club played host to a fascinating lecture by author and editor, Lauren Marino, on the collaboration between one of the country's most fashionable first ladies & the designer who costumed Camelot. Oleg Cassini styled Jackie Kennedy for every major event and appearance she attended as First Lady, from her husband's inauguration on, including the couple's State visit to Buckingham Palace.
Saturday, October 8th: Comic Con
Our little band of intrepid explorers took in the sights at the 2016 NYC Comic Con. While we did not exactly dress up, our T-Shirts (and one set of pajamas) proudly displayed our affiliations.
Monday, September 26, 2016
Week of September 26th, 2016
Monday, September 26th: PREformances series at the JCC
For eight seasons, "PREformances with Allison Charney" has accomplished the wonderful mission of giving top level performers an opportunity to debut new material, and providing lucky audience members with a chance to catch a sneak peek of new talent and repertoire.
This PREformance was no exception. We were treated to the first public performance of mezzo-soprano Karolina Pilou singing the aria "Il Vecchiotto Cerca Moglie" from The Barber of Seville. Ms Pilou will "officially" debut in role of Berta at the Met this Spring.
In addition, pianist Joel Fan delighted us with an inspired interpretation of Chopin's piano piece, Polonaise-Fantaisie Op.61 in preparation for his recording session for his latest CD release.
It is opportunities like these that are at the heart of the Performance series, founded by soprano Allison Charney, an accomplished soprano in her own right and a charming hostess for this remarkable series.
For photos from the event, click here. For More about the series and for upcoming dates, click here.
Monday, September 26th: All French Program at Carnegie Hall
Pianist Katya Grineva and cellist Byron Duckwall collaborated on an all French program, inspired by the Age of the Impressionists. The duo covered works by Saint-Saens, Debussy, Satie and Ravel, among others.
Duckwall provided very insightful and colorful commentary about the composers and the works performed. The historical context and the artistic notes enhanced the audience's understanding of and appreciation for the selected pieces.
Tuesday, September 27th: Puccini in Love
Together with the NY Arts & Sciences Salon, we were delighted to share an evening in Bryant Park for opera al fresco. NY City opera treated us to arias from 3 of Puccini's most beloved works, La Boheme, Madame Butterfly, and Tosca.
In addition to the music, we enjoyed a tasty dîner en plein air and even snuck in some prosecco for a friendly toast.
For eight seasons, "PREformances with Allison Charney" has accomplished the wonderful mission of giving top level performers an opportunity to debut new material, and providing lucky audience members with a chance to catch a sneak peek of new talent and repertoire.
This PREformance was no exception. We were treated to the first public performance of mezzo-soprano Karolina Pilou singing the aria "Il Vecchiotto Cerca Moglie" from The Barber of Seville. Ms Pilou will "officially" debut in role of Berta at the Met this Spring.
In addition, pianist Joel Fan delighted us with an inspired interpretation of Chopin's piano piece, Polonaise-Fantaisie Op.61 in preparation for his recording session for his latest CD release.
It is opportunities like these that are at the heart of the Performance series, founded by soprano Allison Charney, an accomplished soprano in her own right and a charming hostess for this remarkable series.
For photos from the event, click here. For More about the series and for upcoming dates, click here.
Monday, September 26th: All French Program at Carnegie Hall
Pianist Katya Grineva and cellist Byron Duckwall collaborated on an all French program, inspired by the Age of the Impressionists. The duo covered works by Saint-Saens, Debussy, Satie and Ravel, among others.
Duckwall provided very insightful and colorful commentary about the composers and the works performed. The historical context and the artistic notes enhanced the audience's understanding of and appreciation for the selected pieces.
Tuesday, September 27th: Puccini in Love
Together with the NY Arts & Sciences Salon, we were delighted to share an evening in Bryant Park for opera al fresco. NY City opera treated us to arias from 3 of Puccini's most beloved works, La Boheme, Madame Butterfly, and Tosca.
In addition to the music, we enjoyed a tasty dîner en plein air and even snuck in some prosecco for a friendly toast.
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| photo credit: Jennifer Thomas |
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| photo credit: Jennifer Thomas |
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| photo credit: Jennifer Thomas |
Saturday, October 1st: Board Game Night
Many thanks to our hosts, Suzy & Mark Chronowitz for holding Board Game Fest at their home. In addition to old favorites, we played a new game, Hoax, and the general consensus was favorable. Players need to impersonate various pretenders to a large fortune in order to see who will be left as the sole heir. A bit like Clue meets Bull$hit, it provides opportunities to put on funny accents. It is a great option for large, boisterous groups. Our Forbidden Island score was 1 Loss and 1 Win. Damn you, Waters Rising card...
Monday, September 19, 2016
Week of September 19th, 2016
Monday, September 19th: Art Deco lecture
The Princeton Club hosted gallery owner Ben Macklowe who treated us to a very interesting lecture on all the different factors contributing to and influencing Art Deco style in jewelry. The period between the First and Second World Wars was a time of radical change in modern life. Art, fashion, and broadened international communications all played key roles in defining the styles and tastes of the era that was most famously dominated by the geometric lines and striking simplicity of the Art Deco movement.
From innovations in metalworking to the opening of international trade routes to the influences of Chanel and Bauhaus, Macklowe connected the major cultural influences of the time to the design and evolution of interwar jewelry. He was an engaging speaker and held his audience's attention.
Tuesday, September 20th: Nancy Cunard
During the Jazz Age, the flapper roll call from Josephine Baker to Zelda Fitzgerald reached its aristocratic high point with Nancy Cunard. Heiress to a shipping fortune, a champion (and lover) of jazzmen, a hard-drinking sybarite, and relentlessly on the move to be wherever the party was, the fashion-forward Cunard was a meal ticket for gossip columnists. But the wild tales mask her own prodigious talent for poetry, which Dr. Charles A. Riley II ‘79, professor of literature and author of more than thirty books, explored in a vivid portrait of this fascinating figure.
Cunard ran with a regular Who's Who of the 1920s Art Pack and had intimate knowledge of many of her contemporary poets from T.S. Eliot & Ezra Pound to Pablo Neruda. Her own haunting verses were well presented by Dr. Riley and were a delightful surprise.
Dr. Riley was one of the most animated and interesting speakers to grace the Princeton Club and spoke about his subject with obvious passion and great knowledge. His next book comes out in May, and we hope to have him back at the club at that time.
The Princeton Club hosted gallery owner Ben Macklowe who treated us to a very interesting lecture on all the different factors contributing to and influencing Art Deco style in jewelry. The period between the First and Second World Wars was a time of radical change in modern life. Art, fashion, and broadened international communications all played key roles in defining the styles and tastes of the era that was most famously dominated by the geometric lines and striking simplicity of the Art Deco movement.
From innovations in metalworking to the opening of international trade routes to the influences of Chanel and Bauhaus, Macklowe connected the major cultural influences of the time to the design and evolution of interwar jewelry. He was an engaging speaker and held his audience's attention.
Tuesday, September 20th: Nancy Cunard
During the Jazz Age, the flapper roll call from Josephine Baker to Zelda Fitzgerald reached its aristocratic high point with Nancy Cunard. Heiress to a shipping fortune, a champion (and lover) of jazzmen, a hard-drinking sybarite, and relentlessly on the move to be wherever the party was, the fashion-forward Cunard was a meal ticket for gossip columnists. But the wild tales mask her own prodigious talent for poetry, which Dr. Charles A. Riley II ‘79, professor of literature and author of more than thirty books, explored in a vivid portrait of this fascinating figure.
Cunard ran with a regular Who's Who of the 1920s Art Pack and had intimate knowledge of many of her contemporary poets from T.S. Eliot & Ezra Pound to Pablo Neruda. Her own haunting verses were well presented by Dr. Riley and were a delightful surprise.
Dr. Riley was one of the most animated and interesting speakers to grace the Princeton Club and spoke about his subject with obvious passion and great knowledge. His next book comes out in May, and we hope to have him back at the club at that time.
Monday, September 12, 2016
Week of September 12th, 2016
Thursday, September 15th: Le Dîner En Blanc
Le Dîner En Blanc took over Battery Park in a stunning display of style and elegance. 5,000 diners all clad in white, sat at tables dressed in white linens and set with white china. Our table featured very creative friends whose elaborate costumes and headpieces garnered quite a lot of attention.
Press coverage and photos:
Le Dîner En Blanc took over Battery Park in a stunning display of style and elegance. 5,000 diners all clad in white, sat at tables dressed in white linens and set with white china. Our table featured very creative friends whose elaborate costumes and headpieces garnered quite a lot of attention.
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| Our Table |
Press coverage and photos:
- Basia's Album: https://www.facebook.com/basia.malinowska/media_set?set=a.879628318805476&type=3
- Raphael's Album: https://www.facebook.com/rpungin/media_set?set=a.10153772839721302.1073742437.501376301&type=3
- Village Voice: http://www.villagevoice.com/slideshow/heres-a-look-inside-this-years-secret-diner-en-blanc-party-9117197
- CBS News Video: https://www.facebook.com/rpungin/videos/10153772652106302/
- Untapped Cities: http://untappedcities.com/2016/09/15/2016-nyc-diner-en-blanc-hits-downtown-waterfront-at-robert-f-wagner-park/
- Women's Wear Daily: http://wwd.com/fashion-news/they-are-wearing/they-are-wearing-diner-en-blanc-new-york-city-10194541/
- Daily Mail: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3792564/Thousands-high-society-diners-gather-New-York-s-ultra-exclusive-Diner-en-Blanc-dress-white-bring-table-chairs.html
Sunday, September 18th: Midieval Fair at The Cloisters
Fort Tryon Park was taken over by knights and ladies of the realm.
Monday, September 5, 2016
Week of September 5th, 2016
Tuesday, September 6th: Amor Towles Book Signing
Novelist Amor Towles discussed his latest book with a standing room only crowd at Barnes and Noble. The Gentleman from Moscow, tells the story of a young Russian aristocrat held under house arrest in a hotel in Moscow, where he meets a varied cast of characters. His first novel, The Rules of Civility, remains one of my favorite books.
Saturday, September 10th: Swing Remix featuring Ron Sunshine and his Orchestra
Friends old and new gathered to enjoy the always fabulous orchestrations of Ron Sunshine and his Orchestra. We had great balcony seats for the dance performances, where we indulged in chocolate mousse cake and prosecco... A well-deserved break from dancing our feet off.
Novelist Amor Towles discussed his latest book with a standing room only crowd at Barnes and Noble. The Gentleman from Moscow, tells the story of a young Russian aristocrat held under house arrest in a hotel in Moscow, where he meets a varied cast of characters. His first novel, The Rules of Civility, remains one of my favorite books.
Saturday, September 10th: Swing Remix featuring Ron Sunshine and his Orchestra
Friends old and new gathered to enjoy the always fabulous orchestrations of Ron Sunshine and his Orchestra. We had great balcony seats for the dance performances, where we indulged in chocolate mousse cake and prosecco... A well-deserved break from dancing our feet off.
Monday, August 29, 2016
Week of August 29th, 2016
Wednesday, August 31st: Wet Wednesday
Wet Wednesday returned at The Princeton Club. Our group expanded as we met lots of lovely new people.
Thursday, September 1st: Cocktails aboard the Languedoc
A few LFNY alumni met up aboard the French frigate, Languedoc, docked in Brooklyn. The view of the Manhattan skyline was fabulous and the food wasn't bad either.
Saturday, September 3rd: Lunch on City Island
We drove up to City Island and met friends for a decadent lunch at Sea Shore. Then we walked off the extra calories during a scenic walk the length of this hidden NY gem.
Wet Wednesday returned at The Princeton Club. Our group expanded as we met lots of lovely new people.
Thursday, September 1st: Cocktails aboard the Languedoc
A few LFNY alumni met up aboard the French frigate, Languedoc, docked in Brooklyn. The view of the Manhattan skyline was fabulous and the food wasn't bad either.
Saturday, September 3rd: Lunch on City Island
We drove up to City Island and met friends for a decadent lunch at Sea Shore. Then we walked off the extra calories during a scenic walk the length of this hidden NY gem.
Monday, July 18, 2016
Week of July 18th, 2016
Wednesday, July 201th: Wet Wednesdays - Columbia hosts cocktails at The Princeton Club
A lively group convened by Druce met for cocktails and conversation on the terrace of The Princeton Club. Thanks to Tamara for the photos.
A lively group convened by Druce met for cocktails and conversation on the terrace of The Princeton Club. Thanks to Tamara for the photos.
Monday, July 11, 2016
Week of July 11th, 2016
Wednesday, July 14th: Bastille Ball
LFNY Alumni and friends were out in full force to celebrate France's Independence Day.
LFNY Alumni and friends were out in full force to celebrate France's Independence Day.
Monday, July 4, 2016
Week of July 4th, 2016
Midsummer Night Swing 2016
According to tradition, The Harlem Renaissance Orchestra closed out everyone's favorite summertime Swing series. Taking place in Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park, dancers from all over the NYC area reunite every year at this fabulous dance.
According to tradition, The Harlem Renaissance Orchestra closed out everyone's favorite summertime Swing series. Taking place in Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park, dancers from all over the NYC area reunite every year at this fabulous dance.
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| photo credit: M. Batiuchok |
Monday, June 27, 2016
Week of June 27th, 2016
Thursday, June 30th: Hemingway's Paris
The NY Arts & Sciences Salon presented a lovely evening devoted to Hemingway's experiences in Paris. Speaker, Liz Kemble of Travellati tours painted a very complete picture of the man and his city. For more info, visit the NYASS website here.
The NY Arts & Sciences Salon presented a lovely evening devoted to Hemingway's experiences in Paris. Speaker, Liz Kemble of Travellati tours painted a very complete picture of the man and his city. For more info, visit the NYASS website here.
Monday, May 30, 2016
Week of May 30th, 2016
Saturday, June 4th: Great British Scavenger Hunt
Our resourceful group met members of the St. George Society in Central Park to participate in the Great British Scavenger Hunt. Clues led us all over Manhattan to various landmarks highlighting the longstanding friendship between the US and Great Britain. Our group came in 3rd, a very respectable showing! We celebrated our victory at a British Pub.
More of Druce's photos here.
Slideshow here.
Cute wrap-up video here.
Our resourceful group met members of the St. George Society in Central Park to participate in the Great British Scavenger Hunt. Clues led us all over Manhattan to various landmarks highlighting the longstanding friendship between the US and Great Britain. Our group came in 3rd, a very respectable showing! We celebrated our victory at a British Pub.
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| Our team bedraggled but victorious. |
Slideshow here.
Cute wrap-up video here.
Monday, April 11, 2016
Week of April 11th, 2016
Saturday, April 16th: Victorian Ball
Event organizers Gemini & Scorpio threw a Victorian Ball at the Abigail Adams House. Every detail was pretty authentic and well-planned. A chef prepared authentic dishes from the period, and dinner was served by candlelight. Afterwards, our friends partook in the dancing.
Event organizers Gemini & Scorpio threw a Victorian Ball at the Abigail Adams House. Every detail was pretty authentic and well-planned. A chef prepared authentic dishes from the period, and dinner was served by candlelight. Afterwards, our friends partook in the dancing.
Monday, February 8, 2016
Week of Feb 1st, 2016
Friday, February 5th: The Petroushka Ball
A lively band of us met for dinner at the always delightful Brasserie 8 1/2. After our stunning lemon tarts, we walked over to the Plaza Hotel for an evening of Russian enchantment. Thank you to Basia, Maitri and Druce for photos.
A lively band of us met for dinner at the always delightful Brasserie 8 1/2. After our stunning lemon tarts, we walked over to the Plaza Hotel for an evening of Russian enchantment. Thank you to Basia, Maitri and Druce for photos.
Monday, January 25, 2016
Week of January 25th, 2016
Thursday, January 28th: NY Arts & Sciences Salon event, Ain't Misbehaving
Many thanks to Margaret Batiuchok and Charlie Meade for bringing the history of Swing to life so vividly for us.
As usual, the staff of Neapolitan Express took very good care of us, and the food was delicious. Especially the Nutella dessert! :-)
See all photos here.
Many thanks to Margaret Batiuchok and Charlie Meade for bringing the history of Swing to life so vividly for us.
As usual, the staff of Neapolitan Express took very good care of us, and the food was delicious. Especially the Nutella dessert! :-)
See all photos here.
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| photo credit: George Candler |
Monday, January 18, 2016
Week of January 18th, 2016
Friday, January 22nd: A Royal Carnevale Ball
The crown Prince of Italy graced us with his presence at Uomo Moderno's Carnevale Party on the rooftop of the Hudson Terrace. We showed up in our best masked attire and braved the snowstorm home.
The crown Prince of Italy graced us with his presence at Uomo Moderno's Carnevale Party on the rooftop of the Hudson Terrace. We showed up in our best masked attire and braved the snowstorm home.
Monday, January 11, 2016
Week of January 11th, 2016
Saturday, January 16th: Roots & Wings' Silver & Gold Gala
Over $50K was raised to benefit this worthy organization's programs in third world countries around the globe. View more event photos here.
Over $50K was raised to benefit this worthy organization's programs in third world countries around the globe. View more event photos here.
Monday, January 4, 2016
Week of January 4th, 2016
Friday, January 8th: Mad Hot Ballroom
Stephanie Shapiro taught a clear and enjoyable crash course in Foxtrot, Rhumba and Waltz. After that, our class joined social dancers at Mad Hot Ballroom for a night of dancing and delight at You Should Be Dancing studios.
Saturday, January 9th: Andrea del Sarto @ The Frick Collection
The Frick exhibited beautiful drawings by Florentine painter, Andre del Sarto (1486-1530.) A wonderful way to spend an afternoon...
Saturday, January 9th: Swing Remix with Jan Marie & The Mean Reds
The lively band delighted the crowd.
Stephanie Shapiro taught a clear and enjoyable crash course in Foxtrot, Rhumba and Waltz. After that, our class joined social dancers at Mad Hot Ballroom for a night of dancing and delight at You Should Be Dancing studios.
Saturday, January 9th: Andrea del Sarto @ The Frick Collection
The Frick exhibited beautiful drawings by Florentine painter, Andre del Sarto (1486-1530.) A wonderful way to spend an afternoon...
Saturday, January 9th: Swing Remix with Jan Marie & The Mean Reds
The lively band delighted the crowd.
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| photo credit: Margaret Batiuchok |
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