Well hello February. Lots to do this month in our awesome city. But let’s fast-forward to March 14, because we’re celebrating, and we want you there! If you’re looking for a non-Superbowl activity tomorrow, celebrate Beethoven’s 250^th Birthday.  And yes, there are Koalas in NYC and they’re for a good cause. Celebrate Chinese New Year in Chinatown. Eat chocolate and drink wine for a good cause. Looking for a theater experience? Valerie Smaldone says Laura Linney is luminous in her solo performance in “My Name Is Lucy Barton.” The museums are hopping too. Head to MoMA for a special event. And The Morgan and the MET have interesting new exhibits.

March. 14. It’s a Tomatoes Celebration and You’re Invited

The Three Tomatoes Book Publishing (the latest venture from The Three Tomatoes) is celebrating our authors and you’re invited. We’ll have wine, snacks, entertainment, and a fun conversation. Triad Theater in NYC from 2:30 to 4:30. The event is FREE, but you must RSVP!

Feb. 2. Celebrate Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5

Head to the Peter Norton Symphony Space ad treat yourself to a drink at the bar, then get a fascinating, “behind the music” tour of Beethoven’s famous Fifth: understand the cultural context of this history-changing work – even when the ink was still drying – and peek inside the musical architecture through explorations of its key themes, featuring musical demonstrations played by the orchestra. Then, sit back as we treat you to a performance of the complete work. From 4 PM to 6 PM. Tickets are $25-$40.

Feb. 9. Chinatown Celebrates New Year

Head downtown for the parade (starts at 1 PM) and the festival and celebrate “The Year of the Rat.” See colorful floats, marching bands, lion and dragon dancers, antique cars, beauty queens, and performers. Get the details.

Feb. 13. Chocolate and Wine for a Good Cause Too

Not that we need a good cause for chocolate and wine, but in this case it’s an added benefit. Enjoy decadent food, sample sweet and luxurious chocolate, and sip on wine while meeting talented theatre-artists in this benefit for Ripple Effect Artists – A Theatre Organization that mounts productions and talk-backs with a purpose of promoting causes and provoking dialogue. This fundraiser helps us with the current season to raise awareness for immigration reform. Get details and tickets.

Feb. 15. Dear Human: A Spoken Cinema Performance at MoMA

This live cinematic essay performance by Tiffany Shlain takes the audience on a journey across the past, present, and future of the relationship between humanity and technology. Incorporating live narration, moving images, original animations, an evocative soundscape, and audience participation, Dear Human invites the audience to investigate how technology both amplifies and amputates our humanity and how to make sure we stay human in our 24/7 world.  Tickets now on sale.

Koalas in NYC

No you’re not seeing stranger things. There are stuffed Koalas hanging out on street poles and subway stations around the city, to remind us that about about one billion Australian animals have perished in the ongoing bushfires. The stuffed animals were placed there by WIRES, an Australian Wildlife Rescue Organization, to help raise awareness (and money) for all those in danger. You can learn more and donate here.