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New-York Historical Society to Host Free Friday Concerts and Films, Spring 2013

Related: New-York Historical Society, Bank of America

The New-York Historical Society is proud to announce a partnership with Bank of America to bring free cultural programming to the Upper West Side on Friday nights in the spring of 2013.

With its generous support, Bank of America has made possible a suite of concerts that will celebrate notable musical styles and acclaimed musicians who helped shape the creative spirit of a nation during WWII and its aftermath. Bank of America also joins us in presenting "World War II and Its Legacy in Film," our Bernard and Irene Schwartz Classic Film Series on Free Friday Nights which includes major musicals, comedies, and dramas of the time with opening remarks by notable directors, editors, writers, actors, and historians. The films and concerts both complement New-York Historical's blockbuster exhibition WWII & NYC.

"Access to the arts remains a focus of ours, here in New York City and throughout the country," said Jeff Barker, New York City president, Bank of America. "New-York Historical offers an incredible selection of programming, which should be shared with the widest audience possible."

The Free Friday Night Concerts will feature Jay Leonhart, a world-renowned bassist and songwriter who has been performing professionally for more than fifty years. Throughout his illustrious career, he has performed with many legendary musicians of the twentieth century, including Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Barbara Cook, among others. He has recorded numerous solo albums and continues to tour nationally. He will be joined by his family, friends, and special guests for the concerts.

Highlights from the spring "World War II and Its Legacy in Film" series include: Young Mr. Lincoln (1939) on March 1 at 7 pm, introduced by Lincoln scholar, Harold Holzer; Wuthering Heights (1939) on April 19 at 7 pm, with film director William Wyler's daughter Catherine Wyler in conversation with Lesley Stahl; and the great romantic British classic I Know Where I'm Going! (1945) on May 31 at 7 pm, introduced by Martin Scorsese's longtime award-winning editor Thelma Schoonmaker.

In addition to attending the concerts and films, audience members will also be able to enjoy extended Museum hours before the evening's cultural program-during which they can explore fascinating exhibitions and robust collections of art, artifacts, documents, and ephemera relating to the history of New York and the nation.

Concerts
It's Been a Long, Long Time: Songs of Longing and Joy from World War II
Friday, March 15, 2013 | 7 pm

The Life and Music of Judy Garland
Friday, April 5, 2013 | 7 pm

Frank Sinatra: "Here's To Ol' Blue Eyes!"
Friday, May 10, 2013 | 7 pm

Films
Abe Lincoln in Illinois (1940)
Bernard and Irene Schwartz Classic Film Series
Featuring: Harold Holzer, Ron Simon
Friday, March 8, 2013 | 7 pm
As the war raged in Europe, Americans found solace and inspiration in a film chronicling the nation's greatest president and his electrifying rise to national prominence. Directed by John Cromwell. Starring Raymond Massey. 110 min.

The Gang's All Here (1943)
Bernard and Irene Schwartz Classic Film Series
Featuring: Richard Brody, Will Friedwald
Friday, March 22, 2013 | 7 pm
Two experts celebrate this classic musical in which a soldier's budding romance is complicated by his posting in the Pacific...and by his fiancée! Directed by Busby Berkeley. Starring Alice Faye, Carmen Miranda, Phil Baker. 103 min.

That Hamilton Woman (1941)
Bernard and Irene Schwartz Classic Film Series
Featuring: Michael Korda
Friday, March 29, 2013 | 7 pm
Michael Korda discusses the great romance of Lady Hamilton and Admiral Nelson and how their love saved England. The film, made with Churchill's input and encouragement, compares Britain's struggle against Napoleon to its resistance against Hitler's plans for world domination. Directed by Alexander Korda. Starring Vivien Leigh, Laurence Olivier, Alan Mowbray. 128 min.

Wuthering Heights (1939)
Bernard and Irene Schwartz Classic Film Series
Featuring: Catherine Wyler, Lesley Stahl
Friday, April 19, 2013 | 7 pm
The tumultuous feelings of a world on the brink of war are reflected in this riveting adaptation of Emily Brontë's classic novel of love and betrayal. Directed by William Wyler. Starring Merle Oberon, Laurence Olivier. 103 min.

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