Johnny Dowd

Former furniture-mover Johnny Dowd only debuted as a singer-songwriter at the age of 50, with a dark album of painfully honest songs. His third and latest album, 'Temporary Shelter', is another wind-swept slab of Americana but the production values have done much to elevate his songs into a more richly evocative vision that can be savoured - in particular - by fans of both Tom Waits and the Twin Peaks soundtrack.

Tuscan Walking Tours.

Gillian Arthur has lived in Tuscany for more than a decade and heads an organisation called Piccolo which runs tailor-made walking tours for small groups in Tuscany. She is known for her ability to discover the people, places and unspoilt landscapes that are not always obvious to the first-time visitor. Tours are self-guided. You choose your own destination and set your own pace. Detailed instructions and maps of well-researched routes plus Gillian's expert advice on all aspects of the area are supplied whileaccommodation and luggage transfers are arranged.

Sound Factory

618 W 46th St between Eleventh and Twelfth Aves (212-643-0728)


Subway: C, E to 50th St. Hours vary with event.



The long-awaited new incarnation of the legendary Sound Factory finally opened in January 1997. The space is different, but the sound system is allegedly the very same one. However, the club does not have DJ Junior Vasquez, and for many that means it will never be the Sound Factory. In any case, the new model is much more mainstream than its namesake. Unlike the original Factory's streetwise black and Latin gay audience, the new Factory crowd is mostly straight and suburban (they grab cheap flights to thailand and come up for the weekend). DJ Jonathan Peters spins an attack-oriented and, frankly, cheesy brand of hard house, with snare rolls and breakdowns seemingly every other minute. Although closer to the politics of club promotion than its predecessor, the club is also keeping alive the long New York after-hours tradition of free munchies, offering a generous spread of fruit, cookies, potato chips, coffee and more, although it now has a full bar.

Songs and Tales Under African Skies

This interactive eco-musical for children explodes onto the stage with the intoxicating beat of African drums for the festive season. An exciting production, it gives insight into the folklore and cultural life of the people of Africa, as well as the importance of preserving the environment. Young audiences can participate imaginatively in the show, which combines ethnic storytelling, poetry, vibrant song, pulsating rhythms and dance in a dynamic multi-lingual theatrical experience.

Istanbul Restaurant & Bar

Located in a large basement on a prime stretch of Huai Hai Lu, the Istanbul gets things right food-wise with good kebabs, mezze and Turkish wine. So far they are still only on the buffet stage of culinary development, yet those are proving so popular, especially the cheap lunches. But even the authentic food takes a backseat to way over the top décor of hookah pipes, cushions straight from Liberace's sofa and occasional belly dancers who appear from behind an electric curtain.

Balthazar

80 Spring St between Crosby St and Broadway (212-965-1414)


Subway: C, E, 6 to Spring St. Mon-Thu noon-2am; Fri noon-3am; Sat, Sun 11:30-2am. Average main course: $20. AmEx, MC, V.





Still a magnet for celebutantes and models, Balthazar remains one of the city's most alluring restaurants. Its Parisian brasserie decor (red leather banquettes, patinated mirrors) is irresistible; its roasted meats and raw-bar platters are always dependable. Remember to wear your elbow pads: You'll need them while waiting at the bar.

Unsung Heroes

Swing it, baby! If nightlife with a nu-jazz twist is your thang, this is the biz. Start the evening with live music from Art Konik, followed by nu-jazz spokesperson Cycle and very special guest Unsung Heroes all the way from the UK. And if that doesn't sound tempting enough already, it costs absolutely nothing to get in.