Floating Lanterns Ceremony

The Book of Mychal readings
Daily News columnist Michael Daly reads from his biography of Fire Department Chaplain Father Mychal F. Judge, chronicling his heroic life and death—he is recognized as the first official victim of the September 11 attacks. FREE Barnes & Noble, 267 7th Ave at 6th St, Park Slope, Brooklyn. (718-832-9066). Fri 5 at 7pm. Borders, 10 Columbus Circle at W 58th St (212-823-9775). Mon 8 at 7pm.

“Art in Spite of It All” Art Rally
Brooklyn artists hold a rally to “convey the time we live in.” It’ll feature an installation by Risha Gorig, symbolizing the past, as well as cartoonist Eddie Cherry “drawing the present.” Blues singer Dana Athens will perform. FREE Foley Square, intersection of Duane, Lafayette, Centre and Pearl Sts (917-337-0906). Sept 10 noon–6pm.

September 11 Commemoration Ceremony
Only victims’ relatives and survivors will be allowed to descend into the lowest level of Ground Zero to lay wreaths and pay their respects. The names of all 2,751 victims will be read, and taps will be played. There will be four moments of silence for when each plane hit and the towers fell, and sundown will see the return of “Tribute in Light,” the two white pillars that slice through the sky near the site. FREE Zuccotti Park, Liberty St between Broadway and Church Sts (212-442-8953). Sept 11 8:40am–12:30pm.

9/11 WTC Memorial Annual Floating Lanterns Ceremony
Attended by more than 1,000 people last year, this interfaith ceremony has become a spiritual and nonpolitical way of remembering 9/11. There will be paper lanterns for attendees to inscribe, Japanese drumming and choral music, an interfaith prayer and meditation session, and Buddhist sutra chanting. FREE Pier 40, W Houston St at Hudson River (212-678-0305). Sept 11 6–9pm.

In Memoriam: New York City, 9/11/01
This Emmy-winning HBO documentary chronicles the attacks from the perspective of then-mayor Rudolph Giuliani and his staff. The 60-minute film—containing photos and video from more than 100 witnesses—is considered a panoramic record of the day. Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave at 103rd St (212-534-1672, mcny.org), Sept 11 at 11am, 3pm; $9, students $5.

9/11 First Responder Benefit Concert
Talib Kweli and Dead Prez headline this hip-hop benefit hosted by KRS-One and featuring a dozen acts. Proceeds benefit the FealGood Foundation, a charity that advocates on behalf of ailing 9/11 first-responders. Manhattan Center Grand Ballroom, 311 W 34th St between Eighth and Ninth Aves (212-279-7740). Sept 11 7:30pm–2am; $20–$25.

“Past and Future in the Middle East: Seven Years Since 9/11”
Harvard law professor and Council on Foreign Relations adjunct fellow Noah Feldman discusses the tragedy as the catalyst for current U.S. foreign policy. He also assesses what may be expected from the next administration. Kaufmann Concert Hall, 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave at 92nd St (212-415-5500, 92y.org). Sept 11 at 8pm, $27.

In the Shadow of No Towers reading and music
Actor and author Eric Bogosian reads excerpts from Art Spiegelman’s graphic novel In the Shadow of No Towers, accompanied by a musical ensemble. Issue Project Room, The (OA) Can Factory, 232 3rd St at 3rd Ave, third floor, Gowanus, Brooklyn (718-330-0313, issueprojectroom.org). Sept 11 at 8pm, $15.

Calling: An Opera of Forgiveness
This La MaMa E.T.C. production recounts the experience of a downtown family, beginning the morning of September 11, and lasting until one month after the tragedy. The opera, starring soprano Nicole Tori and bass-baritone Roland Burks, is based on A Mother’s Essays from Ground Zero, librettist and director Wickham Boyle’s collection of nonfiction stories. La MaMa E.T.C., 74A E 4th St between Second Ave and the Bowery, first-floor theater (212-475-7710, callingtheopera.com). Sept 12–28; Thu–Sat 8pm; Sun 2:30pm, 8pm. $20–$25.