A Quick Look at the 2014 THE NEW YORKER FESTIVAL

It's almost October, which means it's almost time for The New Yorker's annual Festival. For it's 15th season, this year's festival is "a three-day celebration that will once again bring together an esteemed and exciting group of writers, thinkers, artists, and other luminaries from a wide range of fields including film, music, television, politics, food, sports, literature, and technology." Since these events sell out quickly (and many already are), I've decided to highlight the theatrical and music events.

Stephen Sondheim Talks with Adam Gopnik - Stephen Sondheim is perhaps one of Broadway's most beloved composers and lyricists, as many consider themselves diehard fans of the man's genius. Likewise, anyone who reads The New Yorker will recognize Adam Gopnik's name, as he has been regularly writing for the magazine since 1986. The exciting event, happening at Acura at SIR Stage37, 508 West 37th Street at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 10, will let audiences sit in on an intimate conversation where a Broadway titan and legend will get to discuss his varied career and artistry.

Randy Newman Talks With Susan Morrison - Singer-songwriter Randy Newman sits down with Susan Morrison, articles editor of The New Yorker and the editor of The Talk of the Town and Shouts & Murmurs, to share his artistry with an intimate audience. Randy Newman is known for scoring films such as Ragtime, The Natural, and the three Toy Story films. He was also seen last summer at New York City Center when he performed FAUST in concert. This conversation will take place at the Gramercy Theatre, 127 East 23rd Street at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 10.

Aboard The Last Ship - The much-anticipated new musical by pop icon Sting is about to begin previews at the Neil Simon Theatre. As part of The New Yorker's Festival, audiences will be able to catch a performance of the new Broadway musical and then be treated to a post-show conversation with Sting, who wrote the music and lyrics, John Logan, the playwright, Joe Mantello, the director, and actress Rachel Tucker. Adam Gopnik will moderate the discussion. The performance begins at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 11 at the Neil Simon Theatre, 250 West 52nd Street.

Buster Poindexter Talks With Susan Morrison - New York Dolls' frontman David Johansen's alter-ego is known as Buster Poindexter. As Poindexter, Johansen has released four albums. Also, Johansen sang for several years with Hubert Sumlin, released two albums with his own country-blues group, the Harry Smiths, worked with Charles Ludlam's Ridiculous Theatrical Company, and has appeared in Scrooged, Let It Ride, and other movies. You can catch Buster Poindexter in conversation with Susan Morrison at the Gramercy Theatre, 127 East 23rd Street at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 11.

Sharon Van Etten Talks With Sasha Fere-Jones - Indie-rock and folk singer, Sharon Van Etten has released four albums: BECAUSE I WAS IN LOVE, EPIC, TRAMP, and ARE WE THERE. Audiences may also recognize her from her collaborations with Zach Condon of Beirut, John Cale, J. Mascis, the War on Drugs, and Nick Cave. And popular bands The National and Bon Iver have covered her songs live in concert. She joins Sasha Frere-Jones, The New Yorker staff writer and pop-music critic, for an intimate conversation in the Sheen Center, 18 Bleecker Street at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 11.

Imagine Dragons Talks With John Seabrook - Imagine Dragons burst onto the music scene with "It's Time," the lead single off their certified double platinum debut album NIGHT VISIONS. Now, with a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance for "Radioactive," five Billboard Music Award awards (including Top Duo/Group of the Year), and a second album is forthcoming, the vastly popular group will sit down to chat with John Seabrook, a contributor to The New Yorker since 1989 and a staff writer since 1993. Catch this conversation at the Gramercy Theatre, 127 East 23rd Street at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 11.

Jeremy Denk - Jeremy Denk, a classical pianist who has performed with the Boston Symphony, the Chicago Symphony, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Philadelphia Orchestra, takes the MasterCard Stage at SVA Theatre 2, 333 West 23rd Street at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 12. Audiences will recognize him from his many visits to Carnegie Hall, and he makes his New York Philharmonic debut this October. Denk also began contributing to The New Yorker in 2012. Also, in 2013, he received a fellowship from the MacArthur Foundation.

Neil Young Talks With Nick Paumgarten - Canadian singer-songwriter whose career spans more than fifty years, Neil Young co-founded the rock band Buffalo Springfield in 1966. Then, in 1969 he joined Crosby, Stills & Nash. He has released thirty-five studio albums as a solo artist, has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, and In 2012, he published his first memoir, Waging Heavy Peace. His second memoir, Special Deluxe, will be published in October. Audiences can catch him in conversation with Nick Paumgarten, a staff writer at The New Yorker, at Acura at SIT Stage37, 508 West 37th Street at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 12.

In addition to these events, 2014's The New Yorker Festival will see Broadway-alum Jeff Goldblum in conversation with Larissa MacFarquhar, comedienne Mindy Kaling chatting with Emily Nussbaum, Edward Snowden talking via live video stream with Jane Mayer, and America's favorite girl Lena Dunham talking with Ariel Levy among others. No matter your personal tastes, The New Yorker is hosting a wide berth of cultural events that in essence cater to everyone. For tickets and more information about this year's Festival, please visit http://festival.newyorker.com.