Things to Do in Manhattan This Week - - May 12-18

Thursday, May 12

Manhattan Borough Presidential Forum at The Lesbian and Gay Community Center
Meet the candidates for Manhattan borough president and hear their positions on issues that are important to the gay and lesbian community.
The LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th St. between Greenwich and Seventh Avenues, 212-620-7310, FREE

Indigenous Filmmakers at MOMA
The “First Nations/First Features” series kicks off today at MOMA, showcasing films by indigenous directors from around the world. Tonight’s features are "Radiance," about Aboriginal women in Australia, and "Smoke Signals," a Cheyenne/Arapaho film with a screenplay by novelist Sherman Alexie.
Museum of Modern Art, 11 West 53rd St. near Madison Ave., 212-708-9400
Showtimes: 6:00 p.m. – Radiance, 8:30 p.m. – Smoke Signals. Adult Admission $10, Seniors $8, Students $6

Weezer at Roseland
Rockers Weezer, who just released their fifth album, play Roseland with Ringside opening.
Roseland Ballroom, 239 West 52nd St. near Eighth Ave., 212-777-6800
Show starts at 6:45 p.m.

Alvin Ailey Gala
Enjoy performances from members of the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, Ailey II, and the Ailey School, followed by a reception gala hosted by honorary chair Sean “Puffy” Combs. Proceeds go toward scholarships for students at the Ailey School.
Apollo Theater, 253 W. 125th St. near Seventh Ave., 212-405-9026, $175-$6700
Performance at 7 p.m., followed by reception.

Lionel Richie Opera
Yes, that’s right. Ars Nova presents Neal Medlyn’s Lionel Richie Opera. In the words of Mr. Medlyn, “it's a one-man opera made entirely of songs from Mr. Richie's seminal greatest-hits collection "Back to Front" which come together to tell an epic and tragic tale of revenge, lust, unwanted pregnancy, unicorns, mass murder, cowardice, hope, and livestock!” 'Nuff said.
Ars Nova, 511 West 54th St., 212-868-4444.
10 p.m., Admission $10

Friday, May 13

Friday the 13th Festival
Make Friday the 13th your lucky day. Merchants on 13th Street are offering 13% discounts, $13 tasting menus, and other 13-themed products. What better way to laugh in the face of superstition?
E. 13th St. between Broadway and 5th Ave., 212-807-6502.
Noon – 8 p.m.

Learn Belly Dancing
The Learning Annex is offering “Belly Dancing – Tone Your Body and Turn on Your Lover” – a three-session class starting tonight. The class is for women only and taught by belly dancer Altagracia. Students will have a chance to show off their moves at Café Figaro after class. Register with the Learning Annex for class location.
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Sunset Singing Circle
Kumbayah, Manhattan style. Join guitarist Terry Roche to sing folk songs, rounds and chants as the sun sets over the Hudson River.
Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park pavilions (enter at Battery Park), 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.