“I still want to do my work, I still want to do my livingness. And I have lived. I have been fulfilled. I recognized what I had, and never sold it short. And I ain’t through yet!” proclaimed that towering figure in American sculptor art, Louise Nevelson, late in life. And she did go on, many years after this affirmation of “livingness.” Ms. Nevelson was famous for saying, when introduced to people, “Have I slept with you?”

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Hot women, hot drag queens and once-hot British Prime Ministers will liven up the month of June in NYC.

On June 11, iconic pop goddess Debbie Harry will perform at amfAR’s “Honoring with Pride” fund-raiser. Among the honored: Oscar-nominated stylist Patricia Field and The Lady Bunny. The latter is the chanteuse, comic, founder of Wigstock, and never seen unless in full drag. This happens at The Edison Ballroom. Call (212) 806-1607. Dress is festive, natch.

On June 15, two of Hollywood’s most enduring stars will be feted in NYC. MGM’s incredible survivor Debbie Reynolds (now playing the Carlyle Hotel) will be honored at a Friar’s Club luncheon. Miss Reynolds, contrary to her old “Tammy” image, has quite a salty, wicked tongue. The Friars adore her.

In another part of town on the same day, Carroll Baker, she of the sexy honky-tonk voice and famous for films such as “Giant,” “Baby Doll,” “The Carpetbaggers” and “Harlow,” receives the Medal of Honor from the National Arts Club. 

Miss Baker is a fabulous actress and woman, who had to flee to Europe (where she had a hell of a good time!) after being blackballed in Hollywood – she didn’t want to make any more movies like “The Carpetbaggers.” This is a big night – Elaine Stritch, Rex Reed, Marian Seldes, Eli Wallach, Anne Jackson and Mercedes Ruehl pay homage. Call (212) 475-3424.

And on June 22, Tony Blair (I always think of him as the actor Michael Sheen opposite Helen Mirren in “The Queen”) will appear at the 92nd Street Y, interviewed by Matthew Bishop. They will chat about the impressive philanthropic work of the former British prime minister, not what he and wife Cherie really think about Queen Elizabeth II. Oh, well. Still, call (212) 415-5500. Maybe Tony will loosen up onstage.

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One more: On June 10, in little old New York, Woody Allen is to host a screening of his latest movie, titled “Whatever Works.” It stars Larry David, Evan Rachel Wood, Patricia Clarkson and Henry Cavill (you know Cavill as the handsome, cruel-but-conflicted, Lord Suffolk in “The Tudors”).

This movie is notable in that it marks Woody’s return to the environs of Manhattan after several successful movies set in London and Spain. The Cinema Society hosts. Welcome back, Woody!

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I haven’t had a chance to read the new Vanity Fair. But I am impressed by the cover. There’s Johnny Depp, and a cover-line screams “Uncensored! Unscripted! Unleashed!” It also should have said “Un-retouched!” Johnny looks great, but you can actually see the rough texture of his skin and a few lines. What – you think only women are photoshopped into ridiculous perfection? Good for you, Johnny, show us your real face.


Image: Vanity Fair

However, I can’t say I’m that crazy about the new cover of Esquire. Not because there’s a naked lady. When is there not a naked lady on a magazine these days? But she’s covered in lettering that refers to what’s inside the mag. (Actually it’s the first 48 words of the latest from Stephen King.) We have to read her body. It is distracting. But probably only to me. Others will love to read her. Leonardo DiCaprio certainly does! It’s his ladylove, Bar Rafaeli.


Image: Esquire

This Esquire is very avant garde. You can’t tell where stories begin or find the byline and sometimes you don’t know what they are talking about anyway. I liked reading about the men’s fashion. It’s so funny. I can’t believe any well-dressed guy would pay any mind to it.