Keeping on the theme of the New York Times and “Readings and Talks”, I just noticed that the schedule for the New York Times 2009 Arts and Leisure Weekend was listed on Ticketweb.com. I guess this sort of a scoop, since the official schedule hasn’t been posted on the Times website yet. Here’s one little nugget you might be interested in:

Jan 10, 2009
6:00 PM EST
Vampire Weekend / New York Band
TimesCenter Stage – New York, NY $30.00

Smart, indie pop from four former Columbia students: how they got together, the success of their debut album and where they’re headed now. Interviewed by New York Times culture reporter Ben Sisario.

See the full Arts and Leisure Weekend schedule after the jump, (though the rest of it is kind of meh). Tickets for all events go on sale Monday, November 17.

Jan 8, 2009
6:00 PM EST
Glenn Close, Tate Donovan, Rose Byrne, Todd A. Kessler, Glenn Kessler, Daniel Zelman / Never Settle
TimesCenter Stage – New York, NY $30.00

The Emmy-winning star with co-stars and the creators-writers-producers of the FX series, “Damages,” the legal thriller set in New York , talk about driven characters and high-stakes battles. Interviewer to be announced.

Jan 8, 2009
6:00 PM EST
Pilobolus / Inside Out
TimesCenter Stage – New York, NY $30.00

The dancers and artistic directors of the innovative dance troupe reveal a behind-the-scenes look at their newest collaboration, “Darkness and Light,” with acclaimed puppeteer Basil Twist, and discuss the steps the company has taken to become a pioneering 21st century American arts organization. Interviewed by Robin Pogrebin.

Jan 8, 2009
8:00 PM EST
Barbara Walters, Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sherri Shepherd, Elisabeth Hasselbeck / The View
TimesCenter Stage – New York, NY $30.00

The co-hosts of the Emmy-winning daytime talk show discuss how they tackle some of today?s most controversial topics, each from her personal perspective. Interviewed by New York Times media reporter Jacques Steinberg.

Jan 9, 2009
8:00 PM EST
Kathy Bates / Creating a Role
TimesCenter Stage – New York, NY $30.00

The Academy Award-winning actress talks about her career in film, her collaborations with directors and actors, including on the set of the current release, “Revolutionary Road.” Interviewer to be announced.

Jan 10, 2009
2:00 PM EST
Tavis Smiley / A Voice for Change
TimesCenter Stage – New York, NY $30.00

The broadcaster, author, advocate, philanthropist and host of the award-winning PBS late-night talk show gives his perspective on the news and issues that are shaping American life today. Interviewer to be announced.

Jan 10, 2009
4:00 PM EST
Keith Olbermann / Countdown
TimesCenter Stage – New York, NY $30.00

The MSNBC host and political commentator on the influence of cable news and opinion on today?s political dialogue ? and segments like his show’s “the worst person in the world.” Interviewed by New York Times editorial page editor Andrew Rosenthal.

Jan 10, 2009
6:00 PM EST
Vampire Weekend / New York Band
TimesCenter Stage – New York, NY $30.00

Smart, indie pop from four former Columbia students: how they got together, the success of their debut album and where they’re headed now. Interviewed by New York Times culture reporter Ben Sisario.

Jan 10, 2009
8:00 PM EST
Lewis Black / Beyond Comedy
TimesCenter Stage – New York, NY $30.00

Many things get under his skin, but the comedian, author and actor frequently has the last laugh. Interviewed by New York Times television critic Alessandra Stanley.

Jan 11, 2009
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Peter Baker, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Jeff Zeleny / bama’s First 100 Days

White House Watch: The team of Times reporters assigned to cover the new administration discuss what to expect in the President-Elect’s critical early months in office. Interviewed by Richard L. Berke.

Jan 11, 2009
2:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Gal Costa & Cassandra Wilson / Jazzy Numbers

Tropicalismo and home-grown American jazz: two Grammy-winning vocalists, one Brazilian and one New Yorker by way of Mississippi, listen to recordings that have meant the most to them and riff on what matters in music. Interviewed by Ben Ratliff.

Jan 11, 2009
4:00 PM – 5:15 PM
Salman Rushdie / The Literary Imagination & Political Freedom

On the 20th anniversary of the controversy over “The Satanic Verses” and the fatwa against him, the internationally acclaimed author talks about the relationship between literature and tolerance – and how literary and political freedom are connected here and around the world. Interviewed by Roger Cohen.

Jan 11, 2009
6:00 PM – 7:15 PM
HAIR’S Galt MacDermot, Oskar Eustis, Cast Members / Let the Sun Shine In

The tribal-rock musical hit from 1968 has new relevance today with its timeless message of hope, peace and change. The show’s composer, members of the cast and the Public Theater’s artistic director discuss the parallels, with a performance from the show, which opens on Broadway in March. Interviewed by Patrick Healy.

Jan 11, 2009
8:00 PM – 9:15 PM
Patti Smith / Punk Rock “˜n’ Poetry

The singer, songwriter, poet, artist and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer talks about her recent world tour with her band and what it’s like to be back in New York writing and making music. Interviewed by Jon Pareles.