NYC alumni return to their roots

Paul Shaffer
Then: Shaffer was hired to play piano for the newly created Saturday Night Live by its musical director, Howard Shore, in 1975. He became the bandleader for Late Night with David Letterman in 1982 (when Dave was still on NBC)—and when Letterman defected to CBS, Shaffer followed.
Now: Shaffer describes himself as an “old fart,” having traded in bachelorhood for marriage and kids. And he’s still with Dave after 27 years of sidekickdom. Expect a tune or two when actor Glenn Close interviews him: She agreed to the chat on the condition that they sing together.
See him live! Paul Shaffer in Conversation with Glenn Close: 92nd Street Y, 1295 Lexington Ave at 92nd St (212-415-5500, 92y.org). Tue 10 at 8pm, $27.

Darryl Pinckney
Then: After graduating from Columbia University, literary critic, playwright and novelist Pinckney became a frequent contributor to The New York Review of Books, writing essays and reviews that cemented his reputation as a leading African-American cultural critic.
Now: Pinckney is currently working on his third book, and wrote several insightful articles about President Obama before and after the election. He admits to occasionally reading NYRB reviews in lieu of the books themselves; appropriate, since he’ll fete the publication that gave him his start on Thursday 5.
See him live! “Celebrating Ten Years of New York Review of Books Classics”: New York Public Library, Fifth Ave at 42nd St (917-275-6975, nypl.org). Thu 5 at 7pm, free.

Andrew McCarthy
Then: The Manhattan-born, prep-school-bred actor found success early on in iconic ’80s films like Pretty in Pink and Mannequin. Like many of his Brat Pack cohorts, his career faltered, and roles in even forgettable movies (uh, Weekend at Bernie’s II?) dried up.
Now: McCarthy may yet experience a renaissance: He’s recently filmed several features, including Snatched, which reunites him with Bernie’s buddy Jonathan Silverman. Just don’t expect him to discuss any Less than Zero–style shenanigans at “Afterbirth,” a storytelling event—it’s all about adventures in parenting.
See him live! “Afterbirth”: Carolines on Broadway, 1626 Broadway between 49th and 50th Sts (212-757-4100, carolines.com). Sat 7 at 4pm, $22 plus two-drink minimum.

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