Monday, March 23
As the official exhibition of the Frank Sinatra Centennial, "Sinatra: An American Icon" showcases 100 years of Sinatra legacy. From Hoboken, N.J., Sinatra came from humble Italian-American roots. He learned to sing mostly on his own. As popular music’s first true teen idol, Sinatra began his career making girls swoon and fronting big bands during the years of the Second World War. The exhibition features never-before-seen photos, family mementos, rare correspondence, personal items, artwork and recordings. New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center, 40 Lincoln Center Plaza, Lincoln Square, Upper West Side. 12 p.m. until 8 p.m. Free.
Tuesday, March 24
“Life of Cats: Selections from the Hiraki Ukiyo-e Collection” illustrates the long history of Japan’s attraction to cats. Since arriving in Japan aboard ships transporting sacred Buddhist scriptures from China in the mid-sixth century, cats have been at the heart of Japanese life, folklore, and art. Download the audio tour here. Tues. to Thurs. 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Japan Society, 333 E. 47th St., Midtown. $12.
Wednesday, March 25
Think "American Idol," but in the heart of the West Village. In “Stonewall Sensation,” the cream of the crop of New York City’s singing talent compete for cash prizes at the legendary Stonewall Inn, the birthplace of the modern gay rights movement. Every Wednesday, 10 p.m., 53 Christopher St., West Village. Free.
Thursday, March 26
Join international relations expert Jordan Reimer for the discussion “The ISIS Effect: A New Threat In a Changing Middle East.” In a region still whirling from the after-effects of the Arab Spring, the rise of ISIS threatens to destabilize several more countries, turn Arab governments against each other, and cause perpetual war in the Middle East. This course will examine the rise of ISIS and the wide-ranging effects it has on the entire region. From 6:30 p.m., Brooklyn Brainery, 190 Underhill Ave., Prospect Heights. $10, bookings required.
