24/Seven

We're moving!

2011-08-03T16:24:00.000-04:00

For future arts and entertainment coverage in Brooklyn, please refer to our new website, BrooklynDaily.com, under the subject 24/Seven.

There, you'll find all the same great coverage, as well as our unparalleled calendar listings.

Thanks for reading!

Best bet: Dengue Fever plays Southpaw tonight

2011-08-03T13:29:00.000-04:00

By Meredith Deliso

Southpaw is home to some Cambodian cool tonight, as Dengue Fever comes to the Park Slope venue for a rare intimate show.

The LA band is known for its eccentric lyrics and worldly mix of 1960s surf-pop and psychedelic rock that’s an homage to a bygone era of Southeast Asian rock.

The group broke out in 2008 with its third album, “Venus on Earth,” which showcased its campy humor, epitomized by that disease-referencing name, and catchy guitar riffs on “Tiger Phone Card” and “Sober Driver,” which comment on the peculiarities of modern relationships.

The band’s newest album, “Cannibal Courtship,” has a similar vibe, with its blend of surfer rock, Cambodian folk and dark humor that further explores complicated couples.

But the real treat is frontwoman Chhom Nimol. The Phnom Penh native sings in a captivating, sultry mix of English and Khmer that’s perfect for the band’s power pop ballads and haunting melodies. Sure, you can’t understand her half the time, but it still sounds great.

Dengue Fever at Southpaw [125 Fifth Ave. at Sterling Place in Park Slope, (718) 230-0236], Aug. 3 at 9 pm. Tickets $15. For info, visit spsounds.com.

Your Celebrate Brooklyn Pick of the Week!

2011-08-01T09:00:00.001-04:00

By Meredith Deliso

You’ve enjoyed a whole summer of free concerts, now here’s a chance to give back — again.

Sufjan Stevens’s Aug. 2 benefit concert for Celebrate Brooklyn sold out so quickly that an Aug. 3 show has been added.

The Kensington resident is a borough favorite thanks to the strength of albums including “Michigan” and “Illinois,” part of his “50 States Project,” a self-admitted promotional gimmick where he said he’d compose an album for each state (there’s no way his “New York” beats Lou Reed’s), and such twee song titles as “A Conjunction Of Drones Simulating The Way In Which Sufjan Stevens Has An Existential Crisis In The Great Godfrey Maze.”

Then there was his curious 2007 ode to the Brooklyn–Queens Expressway in “The BQE,” a film scored with instrumental music, commissioned by the Brooklyn Academy of Music as part of its Next Wave Festival.

Live, the multi-instrumentalist makes his shows an event, thanks to elaborate lighting, choreography and costumes. It’s not a bad way to bid adieu to this beloved concert season.

Sufjan Stevens at Celebrate Brooklyn at the Prospect Park band shell [Ninth Street and Prospect Park West in Park Slope, (718) 683-5600], Aug. 3 at 7 pm (Aug. 2 show sold out). Tickets $35. For info, visit www.bricartsmedia.org.

The Weekend: 7.29-7.31

2011-07-29T13:56:00.001-04:00

Friday, July 29

Gowanus: Calling all kings of New York — the Bell House is hosting a "Newsies" sing-along tonight. There'll be trivia and a dance off, so practice those high kicks.

Fort Greene/Williamsburg: An animation festival lands at the Brooklyn Academy of Music and Automotive High School this weekend — but don't expect Bugs Bunny.

Windsor Terrace: The Bard meets Brooklynese in the newest production from Brave New World Repertory Theater — "The Merry Wives of Windsor (Terrace)." Also Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday, July 30

Coney Island: Coney's got talent in the second annual Coney Island Talent Show, right on the Boardwalk.

Red Hook: Practice your "Arg, mateys!" A pirates festival comes to the Enviromedia Mobile, a traveling nature and maritime museum.

Sunday, July 31

Prospect Heights: That's no toga party — a free production of Sophocles' "Antigone" comes to Mount Prospect Park today.

Carnie talent show comes to Coney Island

2011-07-29T10:30:00.001-04:00

By Alex Rush

The carnie competition is back!

The second annual Coney Island Talent Show returns to the Boardwalk on July 30, paying homage to the neighborhood’s history as the early 20th century capital for kooky entertainment.

This year’s contest will feature circus freaks and sideshow geeks (hey, it’s what the category’s called), including contortionists and celebrity impersonators; dance troupes; and a costume contest. There’s also a “creative kids” round for pre-teens and teens who think they have what it takes to be the People’s Playground’s next great circus performer.

The show’s host may be just as entertaining as the competing acts: World Famous BOB — a longtime staple on the city’s burlesque and drag queen circuit known for Marilyn Monroe-look and the ability to mix martinis with her cleavage — will lead the annual ode to Coney’s past, when sword-swallowers and men who could blow smoke through their ears were a dime a dozen.

“It’s really great to bring the entertainers together with people from the community to celebrate the tradition,” said Gin Minsky, a Bushwick-based dancer who will be competing with a less-bodily harming, 1940s-style swing routine.

The Coney Island Talent Show on the Boardwalk (between W. 10th and W. 12th streets), July 30 from 4 to 8 pm. Free. For info, visit www.thirstygirlproductions.com.

One serious play

2011-07-29T10:00:00.001-04:00

By Meredith Deliso

It’s no toga party when the Xoregos Performing Company does a free performance of Sophocles’s tragedy “Antigone” this month at Mount Prospect Park.

The July 31 show, at the park near the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, marks the company’s first Brooklyn stop for its annual summer show, which travels to various parks and libraries.

And this is a serious play: In the Theban civil war, two brothers who died leading opposite sides of the battle for the thrown. The new king, Creon, decides to honor one, Eteocles, while refusing to honor the other, the rebel Polyneices.

The injustice drives their sister, Antigone, to defy the king, and bury Polyneices herself — even though punishment means being buried alive.

Written more than 1,500 years ago, the play has remained relevant thanks to one central question.

“The whole idea is do you follow your conscious, or do you follow man-made laws that you know are wrong?” said director Shela Xoregos. “The audience has to make up their minds.”

“Antigone” at Mount Prospect Park [enter on Eastern Parkway next to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in Prospect Heights, (212) 239-8405], July 31 at 6:30 pm. Free. For info, visit www.xoregos.com.

Spread the 'Newsies'! Sing-along tonight

2011-07-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

By Meredith Deliso

Calling all kings of New York.

Tonight, the Bell House hosts a sing-along to “Newsies” — that early-1990s Disney musical based on an 1899 strike by the city’s newsboys (you know, the ones who yell “Extra, extra! Read all about it!”).

The film stars a fresh-faced, pre-Batman Christian Bale as the leader of a ragtag clan of poor newsies, who go on strike when publishers Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst try to take some of their profits.

It’s pretty cheesy stuff — the boys have names like Specs and Boots, and there’s plenty of big group dance numbers and fist-raising anthems including “King of New York” and the Musketeers-esque “Seize the Day” — but that’s all part of the fun.

All musical numbers will be subtitled so you can sing along, and there’ll be themed drinks, trivia and costume contests, and a Newsies dance-off. So work on your high side kick now.

“Newsies” sing-along at the Bell House [149 Seventh St. between Second and Third avenues in Gowanus, (718) 643-6510], July 29 at 8 pm. $8. For info, visit www.thebellhouseny.com.

Arg, matey! Pirates Festival coming to Red Hook this weekend

2011-07-28T19:41:00.001-04:00

By Jared Foretek

Calling all Brooklyn buccaneers!

Enviromedia Mobile, a travelling nature and maritime museum in Red Hook, will throw its first ever Treasure Cove Pirates Festival on July 30 — and you won’t have to hand over a single copper piece to be there.

The festival will feature pirate theater, pirate music, pirate “edutainment,” and yes, even a pirate ship, while leaving out all the scurvy, mutiny, and rum binges.

“It’s a fantastic festival,” said Ludger Balan, the museum’s culture director. “It’s as good as any one that goes on around the country.”

Indeed, these maritime celebrations are a common occurrence in places like Northern California, Tampa, Fla., Georgia’s Tybee Island, even Wisconsin.

In what’s sure to be a highlight of the family-friendly event — beyond photo-ops with Jack Sparrow look-alikes — young aspiring sailors can meet a team of seamen who set the record for the most days at sea without seeing land (1,152 days, or three years!). Reid Stowe and Soanya Ahmad’s record-setting vessel, the Schooner Anne, will be anchored nearby for visits.

Kids will also be able to participate in a catch-and-release fishing tournament, make arts and crafts, and canoe with the organizers, who will all be dressed as “The Pirates of Red Hook” — a team of buccaneers who “plunder for the natural resources of the urban estuary,” said Balan.

So start practicing your “Arg, mateys!” now.

Treasure Cove Pirates Festival at IKEA/Erie Basin Park [Beard Street between Otsego and Dwight streets in Red Hook, (347) 224-5828], July 30, 11 am-5 pm. Free. For info, visit emmredhookpirates.blogspot.com.

This cartoon festival is no child's play

2011-07-28T19:35:00.001-04:00

By Haru Coryne

Brooklyn’s biggest animation festival features plenty of cartoons — but it’s no child’s play.

The eighth annual Animation Block Party presents nearly 100 short films over the course of three days, with love stories and war films screening at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in Fort Greene and Automotive HS in Greenpoint from July 29 to 31.

Just don’t expect “Looney Tunes.” The animated shorts promise to capture the full variety of filmmaking as an art form, with plenty of abstractionism to boot.

“Parents come here expecting Bugs Bunny and Mighty Mouse, and all of a sudden they get some German experimental film with nudity,” said festival founder Casey Safron.

Take, for instance, Williamsburg filmmaker Becky James “Shapes in the City.” The difficult-to-define piece runs just under five minutes and follows the “life” of a simple, geometric shape — with all the action of a dark, 1940s noir.

“There’s a murder, there’s a dance scene, there’s theft,” said James. “There’s even a circle smoking a cigarette on a corner.”

Animation Block Party at the Automotive High School [50 Bedford Ave. near N. 13th Street in Greenpoint, (718) 218-9301] and BAMcinématek [30 Lafayette Ave. between St. Felix Street and Ashland Place in Fort Greene, (718) 636-4100], July 29-31. Free. For info, visit www.animationblock.com/summerfest2011.

It's 'The Merry Wives of Windsor...Terrace!'

2011-07-27T10:00:00.001-04:00

By Meredith Deliso

Hey, Shakespeare — Fuhgeddaboudit!

Brave New World Repertory’s newest site-specific production adds some much-needed “dese” and “dems” to update the Bard, Brooklyn-style.

In “The Merry Wives of Windsor (Terrace),” a free production running July 28–31, the company takes some liberties with Shakespeare’s domestic comedy, setting it in the neighborhood during the 1980s with the knight Falstaff reimagined as a low-level gangster, and the women he tries to swindle as big haired, “Real Housewives” types.

And, of course, there’s lots of Brooklynese — a bit of Clifford Odets mixed with that guy from Avon — but does it work?

“The Brooklyn accent sings with this language in a way Shakespeare probably would have been surprised by,” said company founder Claire Beckman, who stars as Mistress Ford in the play. “The cadence and music of Brooklynese plays beautifully with Shakespeare’s language.”

Still, the play did require some changes — the Thames, a body-dumping ground in the original, becomes the Gowanus Canal; and Prospect Park, Canarsie and Carroll Gardens substitute for English parks and neighborhoods. And, of course, Windsor is always referred to as Windsor Terrace.

“Our Brooklyn take on the play is a very affectionate love letter to an old Brooklyn that’s disappearing,” said Beckman (save, of course, for pubs like Farrell’s on Prospect Park West). “We set it back before the information age, when people were a little more social, out on their stoop messing in each other’s business, and Brooklyn was a little bit louder and less gentrified.”

And this being the ’80s, think big hair, shoulder pads and leggings.

“Since we’re playing him as a mob guy, we’ve got Falstaff in a track suit, with a gold chain kind of look,” said director John Morgan.

Keeping with the theme, the play will also take place in the heart of Windsor Terrace, outdoors at Holy Name Parish’s Our Lady’s Field, right next to the little league baseball field.

“The audience will be watching the action, and right behind them is the background of Brooklyn brownstones,” said Morgan. “And we’re right on Windsor Place. You can’t be any better than that.”

“The Merry Wives of Windsor (Terrace)” at Our Lady’s Field at Holy Name Parish [130 Windsor Pl. at 16th Street in Windsor Terrace, (718) 768-3071], July 28 and 29 at 5 pm, July 30 and 31 at 3 pm. Free. For info, visit www.bravenewworldrep.org.

Bueller...Buelller...

2011-07-27T09:00:00.001-04:00

By Meredith Deliso

Don’t play hooky on this coming-of-age classic.

“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” — John Hughes’s much-loved comedy about a popular high school senior who gets away with cutting school — screens at McCarren Park tonight as part of the SummerScreen outdoor film series.

The series’ theme is cool movies — and it wouldn’t be complete without this 1986 film.

The story follows a day in the life of the titular character (a baby-faced Matthew Broderick), who feigns illness to run around Chicago with his girlfriend and neurotic best friend Cameron (Alan Ruck).

It’s the perfect day — the trio takes in a game at Wrigley Field, visits the Sears Tower, browses the Art Institute of Chicago, and even assumes a central role at the Von Steuben Day Parade, where Bueller lip-syncs “Danke Schoen” and “Twist and Shout.”

The movie is great, but if it’s not enough to get you to play hooky for a few hours, there will be food from Pizza Moto, V-Spot, Bark Hog Dogs and Coolhaus, as well as brews from SixPoint.

Bueller himself couldn’t have planned a more perfect outing.

“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” at McCarren Park ballfields (Bedford Avenue and N. 12th Street in Greenpoint, no phone), July 27, movie starts at dusk. Free. For info, visit www.thelmagazine.com.

Your Celebrate Brooklyn Pick of the Week!

2011-07-25T09:00:00.001-04:00

By Meredith Deliso

Celebrate Brooklyn isn’t just about music.

The outdoor festival brings the Mark Morris Dance Group to Prospect Park on July 28 for an evening of spellbinding works that honor the Fort Greene company’s 30-year history.

Joined by two other borough cultural powerhouses — the Brooklyn Philharmonic, in its first appearance under Artistic Director Alan Pierson, and the Brooklyn Interdenominational Choir — the company cherry picks from its decades-long history for a program of spellbinding original works.

Kicking things off is “Resurrection” (2002), pictured, set to Richard Rodgers’s “Slaughter on 10th Avenue” and with costumes by Isaac Mizrahi. That’s followed by “Lucky Charms” (1994), an explosive piece set to an original score by Jacques Ibert, and, lastly, one of the famed choreographer’s earliest, most-celebrated pieces, “Gloria” (1981), a walk-and-crawl duet set to the first movement of Vivaldi’s “Gloria in D.”

With Morris himself taking the baton to conduct the symphony, and the choir joining in for the echoing refrains of “Gloria,” it promises to be a powerful, moving finale that will be a highlight of the outdoor summer festival season across the city — not just in Brooklyn.

Mark Morris Dance Group at Celebrate Brooklyn at the Prospect Park band shell [Ninth Street and Prospect Park West in Park Slope, (718) 683-5600], July 28 at 8 pm. Free. For info, visit www.bricartsmedia.org.

Catch these 'old-timers' at Jalopy

2011-07-22T09:00:00.002-04:00

By Meredith Deliso

These musicians are old-timers — and they hardly have any wrinkles on their faces.

The twentysomething members of the Union Street Preservation Society don’t touch a track that’s younger than 60, and when writing their own string arrangements, strictly look to rag time and early Americana roots — hence calling themselves the “preservation society.”

“The type of music that we play generally tends to be antique — something to preserve,” said mandolinist Sara Bouchard.

On Sunday, the Park Slope-based band (that’s where Union Street comes in) celebrates its debut EP, “Spring to Rust,” a collection of bluegrass and proto-jazz-inspired songs, at — where else? — Jalopy, the Red Hook home of old-time tunes.

“We’re excited and honored to be doing the CD release there,” said guitarist Dave Leiberman. “There’s really no other place we would want to do it.”

At the release party, you can except the quintet’s own original mix of bluegrass, blues, country and early jazz, along with some newly favorite jazz standards, including “Some of These Days,” made popular by Ella Fitzgerald, and “Crazy Blues,” considered by many to be the first recorded blues song.

“This is universally and objectively the best kind of music,” said Leiberman. “Why wouldn’t anyone love it?”

Union Street Preservation Society at Jalopy [315 Columbia St. between Hamilton Avenue and Woodhull Street in Red Hook, (718) 395-3214], July 24 at 7:30 pm. $5. For info, visit www.jalopy.biz.

Pig out at 3rd Ward this Saturday

2011-07-21T10:00:00.001-04:00

By Meredith Deliso

It’s OK to pig out at this party.

On July 23, 3rd Ward’s annual, aptly named Pig Out returns, transforming the Bushwick art space into an urban pig roast.

In a season of barbecues, it’s one of the best — and it certainly doesn’t hurt that this foodie free-for-all is free.

Come hungry for the BBQ fare, manned by chef Jeremy Spector of the Brindle Room, as well as some cooking demonstrations, including chocolate sculpture and knife-sharpening. There will also be workshops in bicycle care and how to do an algae cast. That one’s just for fun.

The party will also feature DJs and live music, courtesy of the Union Street Preservation Society and Northern Bells. So you can bust a move, in addition to your gut.

Annual Pig Out at 3rd Ward [195 Morgan Ave. between Meadow and Stagg streets in Bushwick, (718) 715-4961], July 23, 2-9 pm. Free. For info, visit www.3rdward.com.

Catch a rising star

2011-07-21T09:00:00.001-04:00

By Meredith Deliso

Theophilus London is a star — and he hasn’t even released a full-length album yet.

The snazzily dressed MC has been the toast of city’s press, handily sold out a show at the Music Hall of Williamsburg last month, and has been garnering deafening buzz for his debut album, “Timez are Weird These Days,” for the past few months (that album, by the way, finally dropped this week).

So it seems like a no-brainer to check out this musical nebula when he plays a free — yes, free — show at the Weeksville Heritage Center’s garden on Saturday.

Thanks to a few EPs, London’s associated with his 1980s electro-soul sound, though his influences are as varied as Marvin Gaye, Leon Ware and Morrissey.

The Weeksville party will feature an outdoor show by London and opener Phony Ppl, as well as food from NY Dosa, Wafels and Dinges, Nha Toi, La Table Exquise and Kem’s Jerk.

The hip hopper dreams of being Jay-Z big one day, so catch him before his next show is at Madison Square Garden.

Theophilus London at Weeksville Heritage Center [1698 Bergen St. between Buffalo and Rochester avenues in Bedford-Stuyvesant, (718) 756-5250], July 23 at 6 pm. Free. For info, visit www.weeksvillesociety.org.

Hot dog! Wiener cookoff this Saturday

2011-07-20T10:00:00.001-04:00

By Meredith Deliso

Now here’s a competition that really finds out who’s the top dog.

The Great Hot Dog Cookoff returns to Kelso on July 23 with some of the most-creative concoctions between a bun.

“Some of them are pretty ridiculous,” said cookoff founder Kara Masi. “It’s a completely silly event.”

Masi started the cookoff six years ago at her Fort Greene apartment as a way to eat some really good hot dogs, as well as raise money for a cause. The gathering was so popular, she had to find a bigger venue — and that’s where Kelso in Clinton Hill came in.

This year, the cookoff is raising money for the Food Bank for New York City, and will feature such hot dog combinations as the Cracker Jack Daniels — a hot dog coated in a whiskey caramel sauce and topped with pretzels and peanuts; a dog topped with truffle oil, fontina, caramelized onions, and sauteed spinach; and a hybrid of a veggie frito pie and a chile dog.

“People really get into it,” said Masi. “Some of the teams have been doing rounds of test dogs for weeks.”

Among the 24 competitors vying for Top Dog and Best in Show will be Nick Suarez (pictured). The founder of another foodie competition, the Food Experiments, won two years ago for his fried corn salad hot dog. This year, he’s back with his own take on the classic chili-cheese hot dog, topped with short rib chili, as well as a cheesy fondue sauce, homemade Persian cucumber pickles, deep-fried jalapeno chips and slaw.

“I always thought chili-cheese dogs are the best kind of hot dog, so I want to really elevate the classic to another level,” said Suarez.

In addition to all the hot dogs, you can feast on ice cream from SoCo Creamery, Sodastream and P&H fizzy drinks, and of course, brews from Kelso.

“Beer is the perfect thing to wash down hot dogs,” said Masi.

Great Hot Dog Cookoff at Kelso Brewery [529 Waverly Ave. between Fulton Street and Atlantic Avenue in Clinton Hill, (718) 398-2731], July 23 at 2 pm. Tickets $45 and must be purchased in advance. For info, visit thegreathotdogcookoff.com.

New market for Downtown Brooklyn opening Saturday

2011-07-20T09:00:00.001-04:00

By Meredith Deliso

This is not your average container store.

Vendors return to the old site of the Albee Square Mall this month, when the long-awaited Dekalb Market, a temporary shopping center constructed from shipping containers pieced together like Leviathan Legos, opens on July 23.

The newest market for the borough — which joins a crowded field that already includes the Brooklyn Flea in nearby Fort Greene, as well as the Brooklyn Flea, Smorgasburg and Northside Market, new to Williamsburg this year — has an added edge by bringing food and crafts makers to the site seven days a week, year-round, rather than only on the weekend.

The 40 or so vendors setting up shop in the containers include Cheeky Sandwiches, Robicelli’s, of cupcake fame, and Sour Puss pickles on the food front, and 3rd Ward, Harriet’s Alter Ego, and Little Poco on the crafts and clothing front.

“It’s a wide variety,” said Jessica Tolliver of Urban Space Management, the group putting together the market. “We’re hoping to provide something new and interesting to people in the area.”

Beyond shopping, market goers can check out the market’s on-site farm, which will feature cooking demos, as well as live music and a beer garden. The weekend will also feature more vendors setting up shop at the temporary market, which will be operating until CityPoint is complete.

“Urban Space really focuses on going into areas that are not being used to full potential and putting something there for the community to enjoy,” said Tolliver. “This is a great opportunity for that.”

Dekalb Market (322 Flatbush Ave. Ext. between Willoughby and Fleet streets in Downtown, no phone), opening July 23. Open seven days a week from 11 am to 7 pm. For info, visit dekalbmarket.com.

Storybook Burlesque brings your Cinderella like you've never seen it before

2011-07-19T20:32:00.001-04:00

By Meredith Deliso

This ain’t your Disneyfied version of Grimm’s fairy tales.

Storybook Burlesque is adding some pasties and overt sex appeal to the same old “Cinderella” and “Sleeping Beauty” in a new show inspired by the brothers’ dark tales.

“We like to see how far we can take something and still make it recognizable and entertaining,” said troupe member Victoria Privates. “Storybrook Burlesque to me means being able to interpret one piece of literature in a wide variety of ways. And we always like being a little cheeky.”

For her, that means a “straight up classical burlesque” take on the lesser-known story, “The Moon.”

“It’s just sparkling and pretty, like the moon,” said Privates.

Other stories getting a sensual spin include “The Frog Prince,” “Rumpelstiltskin,” “Cinderella,” and “Sleeping Beauty.” Host Cyndi Freeman, aka Cherry Pitz (pictured), will also dress up like a sexy fairy godmother.

It should go without saying, but this fairy tale adaptation is not for kids.

Storybook Burlesque presents “Grimm’s Fairy Tales” at the Coney Island Sideshow Theatre [1208 Surf Ave. at W. 12th Street in Coney Island, (718) 372-5159], July 21 at 9 pm. Tickets $12 at the door. For info, visit www.storybookburlesque.com.

Photo by Stefano Giovannini

Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival needs your help

2011-07-19T11:52:00.000-04:00

We're big fans of Eugene Mirman's comedy festival at the Bell House and Union Hall, which brings in such names as Kristen Schaal, Mike Birbiglia, Sarah Vowell, Daniel Kitson, David Cross, Jon Glaser, we could go on.

If you're fans too, the team put together a Kickstarter fund to help them "bring the awesome" this year.

If that's not enough, here's a list of things they'll do with the money:

-Pay a living wage to the people who work really hard to make this event possible.
-Build an ice cream limo or buy an ice cream truck
-Pay comedians enough money to afford one very nice meal and maybe even buy a pair of shoes.
-Fly out and put up some performers so that we can have more events/ panels/ shows/ comedy/ music
-Set up a petting zoo outside of our venue
-Awkward Party Bus
-Have musical guests on some of our shows
-Have fun after-parties
-Pay recent college grads to have sex in a pit (probably not, but we’ll see how much money we raise)
-Delicious free food!
-More surprises!

More classes at the Brooklyn Brainery announced

2011-07-19T11:47:00.000-04:00

The Brooklyn Brainery, that bastion of DIY education in Carroll Gardens, has released its new schedule. Here's your pick of the new classes this month and next:

One Session
The Whats and Whys of Programming Languages - daytime!
Backyard Chickens - all you need is a patch of dirt and some know-how
Edible Botany - brush up on your Latin and learn to tell a pumpkin from a squash
Cocktail Alchemy - infuse your way to awesome drinks
Solving Crossword Puzzles - tips and tricks from two expert solvers
How I Learned to Solve a Rubik's Cube in 2 Minutes - you'll impress everyone
Jars of Joy: Homemade Chutneys - or, what to do when you have too many tomatoes
English Grammar - never confuse 'lie' and 'lay' again
How to Kill at Karaoke - everything you need for a stellar performance
Cooking 101: Organic, Local, Sustainable - eating well, on the cheap

Longer Night Courses
Music Theory for Non-Musicians - demystifying music for the rest of us
Living Philosophy - back for an August session!
Sustainability vs. Culture - plastic, shelter + food
Playwriting: Your First Work - two weeks to your first play

Our Celebrate Brooklyn Pick of the Week!

2011-07-18T09:00:00.001-04:00

By Meredith Deliso

Practice your finger snaps — a “West Side Story” dance and sing-along is coming to Prospect Park.

On July 21, Celebrate Brooklyn screens the Academy Award-dominating 1961 musical.

This being a “Romeo and Juliet” for 1950s Manhattan, Romeo is an American gangster, Tony, his Juliet a Puerto Rican immigrant, Maria. Their balcony is a fire escape, the feuding families two gangs, the Jets and the Sharks.

You can guess where it’s headed for our two doomed lovers, but not before some gorgeous and enduring melodies sung by the cast, including “Tonight,” “I Feel Pretty,” “Maria,” “America,” and “Jet Song,” to name just a few. The lyrics will be featured on the screen so you can sing along, too, and pre-screening there will be a choreographer teaching the famous steps to the musical.

Indeed, one of the film’s most-memorable moments hardly has any dialogue at all — that famous finger-snapping prologue, that features some of the most graceful punks you’ll ever see.

But you better choose your allegiance in advance — Sharks enter at 11th Street, Jets at Ninth Street.

“West Side Story” dance and sing-along at Celebrate Brooklyn at Prospect Park [Ninth Street and Prospect Park West in Park Slope, (718) 683-5600], July 21 at 8 pm. Free. For info, visit www.bricartsmedia.org.

The Weekend: 7.15-7.17

2011-07-15T16:27:00.000-04:00

Friday, July 15

Brooklyn Heights: Theater 2020, a new local company, puts on a production of "Romeo and Juliet."

Saturday, July 16

DUMBO: Go kayaking under the Manhattan Bridge as part of a waterfront festival, then check out Q-Tip as he headlines the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival.

Borough-wide: It's National Ice Cream Day — so get out there and get some crazy ice cream.

Park Slope: Bring the kids to Prospect Park for a free concert by Dan Zanes, the king of the kid's music scene.

Sunday, July 17

Carroll Gardens: Smith Street Stage puts on a production of "Macbeth" in Carroll Park. Make it a picnic.

Your favorite new read, handpicked by your favorite bookstore

2011-07-15T08:00:00.001-04:00

Who can you always count on when you’re in a bind and need a good book? Your neighborhood bookstore, of course, whose employees read all the newest books before you do. That’s why we’re running this semi-regular column featuring must-reads, handpicked and written about by the staff at some of our favorite independent bookstores in Brooklyn.

The BookMark Shoppe’s pick: “The Templar Legacy”

For any fan waiting for the next Dan Brown novel, then “The Templar Legacy” by Steve Berry is a must read this summer! Book One in the Cotton Malone series, “The Templar Legacy” has all of the history and mystery as “The Da Vinci Code,” with a twist of conspiracy. If you are already a Mallone follower, then check out the newest installment, “The Jefferson Key.”

— Bina Valenzano, co-owner, The BookMark Shoppe [8415 Third Ave. between 84th and 85th streets in Bay Ridge, (718) 833-5115].

Greenlight’s pick: “The Devil All the Time”

Following up on “Knockemstiff,” which was his gritty debut collection of interconnected stories, Donald Ray Pollack’s new book takes place in the same rural back-country town and surrounding areas. And I gotta say, it feels somehow wrong to say I like a book that makes me feel so unclean, but it’s dang good. If you like Pete Dexter or Chuck Palahaniuk, then Pollack is right for you.

— Rebecca Fitting, co-owner, Greenlight Bookstore [686 Fulton St. between S. Elliott Place and S. Portland Avenue in Fort Greene, (718) 246-0200].

WORD’s pick: “The Chairs Are Where the People Go”

This book is part-philosophy, part-self-help, part-business, but without any of the bulls—t you probably associate with those categories. Sheila Heti worked with Misha Glouberman to write down his thoughts on cities, education, art, love, charades, and other important things — in short, smart chapters that cohere closer and closer as the book goes on. Full of sharp insights and never boring. Next time you find your brain needing a jump-start, this is the book to dive into.

— Stephanie Anderson, manager, WORD [126 Franklin St. at Milton Street in Greenpoint, (718) 383-0096].

Nautical and nice

2011-07-14T11:00:00.001-04:00

By Kim Lightbody

Don’t miss the boat on this festival.

A tugboat and barge from the early 1900s are docking at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 6 this month, bringing with them nautical-themed fun to Brooklyn Heights.

The aptly named “Tug and Barge Week,” running from July 15 to 25, will include activities like kayaking and fishing, as well as theater and live music on dry land.

“We’re trying to bring back the waterfront,” said David Sharps (pictured), captain of the Waterfront Museum and Showboat Barge, which will move upriver from its longtime Red Hook home for the festival. “Too many times, we rebuild waterfront parks and we ‘miss the boat,’ so to speak. There’s pedestrian piers and volleyball courts, but where’s the waterfront use?”

Along with Pamela Hepburn, captain of a 1907 tugboat, Sharps has planned 10 days of outdoor fun to change local attitudes about the East River. On July 16, adventurous locals can go kayaking under the Manhattan Bridge, fishing off the Pier, and watch a squid dissection, among other things. And on July 24, families can come see Showboat Shazzam, a circus show aboard the docked barge that includes flying trapezes, acrobats, and features Captain Sharps himself as a vase-balancing trickster.

Plus, each day of the program visitors can explore the Waterfront Museum on the barge, which is housing an art exhibition dedicated to deep-sea creatures.

“There’s a lot of activity,” said Sharps. “We’re trying to highlight the importance and significance of our water highway, for both commerce and enjoyment.”

“Tug and Barge Week” at the Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6 [Atlantic Avenue and Furman Street in Brooklyn Heights, (718) 624-4719] from July 15 to 25. For info, visit www.brooklynbridgepark.org.

A new twist on a Shakespearean classic

2011-07-14T10:00:00.004-04:00

By Meredith Deliso

In this “Romeo and Juliet,” the young lovers have faith, as well as feuding families, to contend with.

Theater 2020, a new Brooklyn Heights-based company, puts a new twist on Shakespeare’s enduring love story with a Hindu Romeo and Muslim Juliet in its production of “Romeo and Juliet,” running at Saint Charles Borromeo on Sidney Place starting tonight and then later this month at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier One.

The producers were inspired to add this religious element to the play after reading about a Muslim girl in India killed by her family for dating a Hindu boy. When the boy found out, he killed himself.

“It was ‘Romeo and Juliet,’” said Judith Jarosz, who runs the company with her husband, David Fuller.

This isn’t the first time the bard’s classic has been staged with some poetic license; last year, Bensonhurst’s Genesis Repertory did a Brooklynized version of the play, where the star cross’d lovers were a Russian-Jewish Romeo from Sheepshead Bay and a Palestinian Juliet from Bay Ridge. The modernized version had the cast in baseball caps, sneakers and hijabs, and the men wielded swords instead of guns.

Theater 2020’s production doesn’t take as many liberties, though there will be hijabs sported by the Capulets, as well as Middle Eastern dancing and music, and some Jim Henson-style puppets.

“Obviously ‘Romeo and Juliet’ has lasted for hundreds of years, but I was just looking for some contemporary feel,” said Fuller, who directs. “The idea of a girl falling in love with boy whose parents don’t approve of is just timeless. I think everyone in the world can relate to that.”

Theater 2020’s “Romeo and Juliet” at Saint Charles Borromeo [21 Sidney Pl. at Livingston Street in Brooklyn Heights, (718) 624-3614 ], July 14 to 24, Thursdays at 7 pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sundays at 3 pm. Tickets $18. Also at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier One (at the foot of Old Fulton Street in DUMBO), July 30 at 6 pm and July 31 at 2 pm. Free. For info, visit www.theater2020.com.

Photo by David Fuller

Joan Jett plays a free show tonight in Coney Island

2011-07-14T07:30:00.001-04:00

By Alex Rush

The Beep loves rock ’n’ roll!

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, known for the 1982 single and jukebox favorite “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll,” will kick off Borough President Markowitz’s free summer concert series tonight.

Jett and her longtime band will bring their guitar-driven, hard rock songs to a new venue this year, as Markowitz begrudgingly changed venues this summer after a lawsuit over noise violations.

The concerts are now in the W. 21 Street lot that used to host the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, which can hold more than 2,000 people.

The new location may be about a mile away from the original concert series site, but the spirit of the gigs remains the same.

“While the shows are in a slightly different location, tens of thousands of Brooklynites will still get the same high quality, free concerts,” said Markowitz.

The annual gigs will celebrate the golden oldies every Thursday night through Aug.18. Other classic acts include 1960s pop phenomenon The Monkees, doo-wop group The Spinners and Cheap Trick, famous for the hit record “I Want You to Want Me.

Seaside Summer Concert Series [W. 21 Street between Surf Avenue and the Boardwalk in Coney Island, (718) 222-0600], July 14 through Aug. 18 at 7:30 pm. Free. For info, visit, www.brooklynconcerts.com/seaside.html.

A morality tale, set in DUMBO

2011-07-13T19:51:00.001-04:00

By Chuck O’Donnell

DUMBO is now the stuff of legend.

In the new short comic book story, “DUMBO, A Pagan Walks Among Us,” the neighborhood gets its own fable, thanks to musician JG Thirlwell’s careful cadence and artist Jen Ferguson’s protean pallet of pencils, watercolors, inks, pastels and acrylics.

The two DUMBO neighbors collaborated on the piece for “Cousin Corinne’s Reminder #3,” an anthology published by BookCourt that champions Brooklyn’s authors, photographers, artists and cartoonists, including novelist Emma Straub and comic book artist Josh Neufeld.

“I was asked to write something about Brooklyn and I thought it would work to write about something that illustrates the changing face of Brooklyn,” said Thirlwell.

His story begins with couples sipping coffee as they stroll down the street, passing mothers out for leisurely walks with their kids in today’s “dainty DUMBO” — a safe haven for poets and indie filmmakers. Then the story flashes back to the balmy Saturday afternoon when Thirlwell was slashed on the hand by a mugger on York Street when he first moved here in the 1980s.

The police soon apprehend a man they’re pretty sure cut Thrilwell. But Thirlwell is presented with a moral dilemma when he isn’t sure he can identify the man. Does he go along with the cops, who strongly suggest which man in the lineup he should pick? Or does he listen to his nagging conscience that whispers he might be sending the wrong man to jail?

Ferguson saw Thirlwell’s story of as an urban fable, so she gave the comic book a little bit of an “Alice in Wonderland” whimsy by depicting the characters as rabbits.

“Employing the rabbit characters fits squarely in the tradition of the fable, where anthropomorphized creatures tell a moral or folk tale,” said Ferguson.

“Besides,” she said, “I just like to draw rabbits.”

“Cousin Corinne’s Reminder # 3” release party at BookCourt [163 Court St. between Pacific and Dean streets in Cobble Hill, (718) 875-3677], July 14 at 7 pm. Free. For info, visit bookcourt.org.

Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival starts today

2011-07-11T16:24:00.001-04:00

By Alex Rush

Make sure to clean out your ears for the headliner at this year’s Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival.

Q-Tip, the leader of influential hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest, is the main act at the borough’s seventh annual rap revelry. The veteran emcee also dabbles in jazz, funk and soul, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see him rocking with a live band at the Brooklyn Bridge Park stage on July 16.

The opening artists on the festival’s bill are a mix of old-school and new-school underground rappers. For instance, the East New York duo M.O.P has been rhyming in its signature screaming style since the early 1990s, while Eternia is a Canadian MC who’s set to break through in the states.

But the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival is more than just a concert — it’s a full week of events. Concert-organizer Brooklyn Bodega will also host an art exhibition, DJ competition, panel discussion on music-related issues and a block party at the Tobacco Warehouse in DUMBO. So follow the Q-Tip lyric and “check the rhyme.”

The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival at Brooklyn Bridge Plaza and Tobacco Warehouse (26 New Dock St. at Water Street in DUMBO, no phone), July 11-16. Ticket prices vary. For info, visit www.bkhiphopfestival.com.

Our Celebrate Brooklyn Pick of the Week!

2011-07-11T09:00:00.001-04:00

By Meredith Deliso

This one’s for the kids.

Celebrate Brooklyn all about the family this month, when Dan Zanes comes to the Prospect Park band shell on July 16.

It’s all part of the festival’s annual Ezra Jack Keats Family Concert, which celebrates the legacy of the trailblazing children’s author with readings and music.

Zanes is a trailblazer of another sort. The wild haired, Fort Greene-based rocker sits comfortably atop the kiddie music thrown, which he’s dominated since releasing “Rocket Ship Beach” more than 10 years ago, introducing children and adults alike to his laid-back, rock and roll groove that urges kids to “jump up” “let’s shake” as he plucks a banjo, guitar or mandolin while sporting one of his cheery, colorful suits.

Here, Zanes and crew will team up with the Brooklyn Youth Orchestra and dancers from Bed Stuy Veterans for a full-fledged party that will sure to get you jumping up and shaking your hips.

Dan Zanes at Celebrate Brooklyn at the Prospect Park band shell [Ninth Street and Prospect Park West in Park Slope, (718) 683-5600], July 16 at 4 pm. Free. For info, visit www.bricartsmedia.org.

The Weekend: 7.8-7.10

2011-07-08T12:15:00.002-04:00

Friday, July 8

Williamsburg: It's game on at the Brick, as its annual Game Play festival — video games meets theater — returns tonight with a free preview of all the pieces.

Gowanus: The Gowanus Canal has never been sexier, thanks to "La Calisto," a bedroom comedy of the gods running at Proteus Gowanus.

Park Slope: If you like free entertainment — and hey, who doesn't! — the Old Stone House hosts a production of "The Miser," and, nearby, Los Lobos go to town at Celebrate Brooklyn at Prospect Park.

Borough-wide: Find the best hot summer dance party near you!

Saturday, July 9

Park Slope: "Endure" gives a new definition to the term "long-running theater," as the one-woman show takes you through Prospect Park, trailing a marathoner.

Canarsie: Floyd Bennett Field is now home to JellyNYC's legendary parties. Don't worry, there's a bus from Williamsburg that will get you there and back.

Manhattan Beach: Hot jazz continues at Kingsborough Community College tonight, with the Danny Repole Swing Band.

Sunday, July 10

Williamsburg: The Feast of the Giglio is back — and today is the first "dance." Don't know what we're talking about? Check it out for yourself. You have to see it to believe it.

Cobble Hill: Head to Smith Street, as the strip gets turned into a giant petanque game for the annual Bastille Day festivities.

Vive la France! Bastille Day festivities to take over Smith Street

2011-07-08T10:00:00.002-04:00

By Jared Foretek

Georg Bucher once said that the French revolution, like Saturn, devoured its own children. The good news is that on Smith Street, you can devour patisseries.

The street’s annual Bastille Day celebration is upon us again, featuring games, music, and tasty French food.

Bar Tabac, Robin des Bois and Provence en Boite will once again shut down restaurant row between Bergen and Pacific streets on July 10 for the celebration of French independence with live bands (expect to hear “La Marseillaise” more than once), and pétanque — aka French bocce.

It’s actually North America’s largest pétanque tournament, with more than 80 teams.

“We have a lot of teams from local businesses; it’s big in the French ex-pat community here,” said Allison Whittinghiol, a server at Bar Tabac. “It’s a big party.”

Over at Provence en Boite, owner/chef Jean-Jacques Bernat will be offering up some special holiday fare.

“We still have the barbecue, we serve chicken brochette, French fries, croque monsieur, and we make a special pastry for this day,” said Bernat. “Voila!”

Bernat said the pastries would include éclairs and flan, which is what the Spanish call crème caramel.

“Everybody parties. When you have something to celebrate it’s always a nice moment,” he added.

Bastille Day on Smith Street [Smith Street between Bergen and Pacific streets in Cobble Hill, (718) 923-0918], July 10, 11 am-10 pm. For info, visit www.bartabacny.com.

The newest hipster party can be found at Floyd Bennett Field

2011-07-08T08:30:00.002-04:00

By Meredith Deliso

Hipsters, this summer’s Woodstock awaits — and it’s only a bus ride away in Brooklyn.

Starting this month, Floyd Bennett Field will be home to Jelly NYC’s next big outdoor summer concert series.

Called Rock Beach, the party promoter abandons its usual Williamsburg stomping grounds, where it hosted concerts at McCarren Park (the so-called Pool Parties), the Williamsburg Waterfront and, last summer, a gravel lot on Wythe Avenue, for the wilds of MIll Basin the Jamaica Bay-bordered national park.

“After five years of Pool Parties in Williamsburg, we are very excited to be moving out to the Aviator Sports Complex near one of our favorite summer destinations,” said the organizers in a statement announcing the series. “We are looking forward to leaving Bedford Avenue behind and offering an ultimate weekend destination and adventure for all ages.”

To help those clueless as to where Floyd Bennett Field is, there will be a bus leaving from Williamsburg to bring you to and from the concerts. At $20, it’s a steal, considering what a car service would cost you.

The concerts kick off on Saturday, with performances from indie acts Penguin Prison, Wild Yaks, Janka Nabay and The Bubu Gang, and Monogold. And the series wouldn’t be in the spirit of those initial Pool Parties without some slip ’n’ slide and dodgeball.

For some more outdoor fun, organizers promise beach volleyball, swimming pools filled with ice cold water, and giant inflatables.

Beyond the kick-off, the series continues for five more Saturdays this summer — July 24, Aug. 7 and 20, and Sept. 3 and 10. The last three weekends also feature camping, timed to coincide with the park’s campsite explosion that will make Floyd Bennett Field the nation’s largest urban campground — so you can have your own summer of love, so to speak.

Rock Beach at Floyd Bennett Field [3159 Flatbush Ave. off the Belt Parkway in Marine Park, (718) 758-7500], starting July 9 from 2 to 8 pm. Free. RSVP required. For info, visit www.rockbeachus.us.

Game on at the Brick

2011-07-08T08:00:00.001-04:00

By Meredith Deliso

This year’s Game Play Festival, which features theatrical works that draw inspiration from the world of video gaming, offers as many different types of shows as there are consoles.

“We have the most diverse selection of acts this year,” said Chris Chappell, producer of the Brick Theater’s three-year-old festival. “The concept’s pretty simple — combining performance and gaming — but there are so many different ways that it can manifest itself.”

Chappell’s own theater company, Sneaky Snake Productions, is adding to the mix with “Brainexplode!,” a live-action, interactive adventure game where audience members navigate a character, whose brain has been wired to explode in one hour, through various obstacles and help prevent his timed doom.

In more live-action game play, “Modal Kombat” features a game of Tetris, where the controllers are guitars, and the audience yells out each move to the players. It was a hit at last year’s festival.

“You wouldn’t really see it anywhere else,” said Chappell.

For a more straightforward theatrical experience, playwright John DeVore presents “Son of Pong” (pictured), featuring stories about growing up with a video game junkie father.

As usual at The Brick, opening tonight, consists of a free cabaret — a preview of all the shows, so you can decide which ones are worth putting a quarter in the slot for.

And it wouldn’t be a proper video game festival without a chiptune dance party (July 16), where you can move to vintage video-game inspired chiptune music, with playable video games from the 1980s and ‘90s on hand for some truly old-school fun, consoles included.

Game Play Festival at the Brick [575 Metropolitan Ave. between Union Avenue and Lorimer Street in Williamsburg, (718) 907-6189], July 9-31. Tickets $15 (opening night cabaret on July 8 is free). For info, visit www.bricktheater.com.

'My Brooklyn' chronicles changing character of the borough

2011-07-07T15:48:00.001-04:00

On the heels of "Battle for Brooklyn" comes another borough-centric film, "My Brooklyn," that tags itself as "the battle for the soul of a city."

This fight is one over character. The film, by longtime borough residents Kelly Anderson and Allison Lirish Dean, chronicles the changes in Brooklyn in recent years, and the role of public policy in shaping them. In production since 2006, the film was shot in Downtown, Williamsburg, Park Slope and Bed-Stuy.

The film is currently in post-production. Check out the trailer below, and if you'd like to see more, the filmmakers are raising money through Kickstarter to help finish it.

My Brooklyn trailer - Watch First please from Kelly Anderson on Vimeo.

The Gowanus Canal has never been sexier

2011-07-07T11:00:00.001-04:00

By Meredith Deliso

The Gowanus Canal has never been sexier.

For two weekends this month, a 17th-century opera about love, seduction and lust among the Greek gods comes to the banks of the polluted waterway.

“It’s pretty much a bedroom comedy of the gods,” said Judith Barnes, artistic director of Vertical Player Repertory, which stages the Italian opera, “La Calisto,” from July 8 to 16 at Proteus Gowanus.

Since the bed is a central theme of the opera, it’ll be the main stage piece of Francesco Cavalli’s production, which follows Jove’s seduction of the virginal mortal Calisto by disguising himself as the virgin goddess Diana. He succeeds, but poor Calisto doesn’t make out so well, turned into a bear by Jove’s jealous wife, Juno.

“The opera itself is a very light and comic take on this transformation story,” said Barnes.

In addition to the lovely sopranos and baritones, a live baroque ensemble will fill the courtyard with music during the opera’s two-week run at the outdoor space.

“I’ve loved that space for years,” said Barnes. “There’s fire escapes along the side for the gods to descend from the heavens, windows for spies to peak out of, and alleyways for amorous dalliance.”

Sounds like a match made in heaven.

“La Calisto” at Proteus Gowanus [543 Union St. at Nevins Street in Gowanus, (718) 243-1572], July 8, 10, 14 and 16 at 8 pm. Tickets $30. For info, visit www.vpropera.org.

Photo by Tom Callan

This show is on the run

2011-07-07T10:00:00.002-04:00

By Meredith Deliso

Talk about a run woman show.

In “Endure,” Melanie Jones brings you through the hills and paths of Prospect Park, an immersive play inspired by that curious hobby incomprehensible to anyone who hasn’t felt the urge to do the New York City Marathon — long-distance running.

Jones, who’s finished four marathons herself, is a running junkie, doing a loop around Prospect Park daily. Being out on the road for hours at a time training for these grueling races inspired her to document the experience.

“When I was out there for a long time, I started to notice that almost every human experience under the sun came up while I was running,” said Jones. “There would be moments of complete bliss and utter perfect happiness, followed by rage the likes of which I’ve never heard of.”

With such rich, dramatic ground to draw from, Jones wrote “Endure,” a stream-of-consciousness narrative that documents one woman’s ups and downs while running 26.2 miles, from start to finish — in a play that lasts only 45 minutes.

In the show’s two runs — on July 9 and 16 — Jones will lead audience members through Prospect Park as they listen along to an audio file, downloaded to an iPod in advance of the show.

“It’s an adventure,” said Jones. “We go off the grid, I’ll tell you that much.”

For those who may pale at the thought of running, fear not. The show only covers about three miles, and Jones herself does the majority of the exercise.

“I didn’t want to exclude people who might be intimidated by running,” said Jones. “You do not have to run. And nobody gets left behind.”

Of course, to fully experience “Endure,” it can’t hurt to work up a sweat.

“Endure” meets at the Old Stone House in Washington Park [Fourth Avenue between Third and Fourth streets in Park Slope, (718) 768-3195], July 9 and 16 at 11 am. Free. You must RSVP in advance to download the audio file. For info, visit www.runwomanshow.com.

'The Miser' comes to the Old Stone House

2011-07-07T09:00:00.001-04:00

By Alex Rush

Molière is going modern.

The French playwright’s satirical comedy, “The Miser,” first performed in 1668, gets the 21st-century treatment Park Slope’s Piper Theatre. It’s the same story about a man’s quest for social status, though some references have, of course, been updated.

“People won’t have any trouble seeing themselves reflected in the play,” said Welker White, who wrote and directs the adaptation, which updates Molière’s sharp dialogue with references to contemporary pastimes such as surfing the Internet.

The play, which runs on the lawn of the Old Stone House starting tonight, follows Harpagon, a money-grubbing man who wants to marry his children off to rich families. Not all, of course, goes according to plan, as his children have suitors of their own in mind.

White, who has lived in Park Slope for nearly 20 years, says she was also drawn to “The Miser” because the plot allows for a lot of physical comedy. So expect her actors to be extremely animated — a technique suited for “The Miser’s” outdoor venue.

“We’ll have big emotions and big physical comedy that can be communicated across the big Old Stone House lawn,” said White.

“The Miser” at the Old Stone House [Fifth Avenue at Third Street in Park Slope, (718) 768-3195], July 7–8, 14–15, 21–22, 8:30 pm. Free. For info, visit www.theoldstonehouse.org.

Movies with a View returns, with 'Manhattan'

2011-07-07T08:00:00.001-04:00

By Meredith Deliso

Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Movies with a View outdoor film series returns next week — with a movie called “Manhattan.”

Forgive the snub, and head to Pier 1 tonight — after all the Spike Lee of Manhattan never made a movie called “Brooklyn,” so this is the next best thing.

This summer tradition is focusing on the “view” part of the name, as most of the films screened have a Manhattan focus — which only makes sense, given the city views from the park at the foot of Old Fulton Street.

Woody Allen’s 1979 dramedy is a nostalgically black-and-white study on arrested development, starring Allen and Mariel Hemingway as his much younger love interest. Diane Keaton, who shares the bench with Allen’s character in the iconic shot under the 59th Street Bridge, is the more age-appropriate flame.

It’s a must-see, even if it is about that other borough.

“Manhattan” at Pier 1 [Old Fulton Street at Furman Street in DUMBO, (718) 802-0603], July 7 with seating starting at 6 pm and the movie beginning after sunset. Free. For info, visit brooklynbridgepark.org.

Get Baked: Red Hook bakery joins gay marriage band wagon

2011-07-06T22:31:00.001-04:00

Add another Brooklyn business that's doing its part to make weddings fabulous.

Baked is giving away a giant wedding gay to the first gay couple to confirm its getting married once same-sex marriage is legal starting July 24, reports Eater. That's a $1,000, for free! (Well, almost free: you'd still have to pay a consultation fee and delivery fee).

For the many who don't make the cut, the Red Hook Bakery is also offering 10 percent off all cakes for couples until Sept. 1.

Couples that don't win the cake can still get in on the good cheer. They're offering 10 percent off all cakes for couples that sign on before September 1.

Baked [359 Van Brunt St. at Dikeman Street in Red Hook, (718)222-0345].

More classes at the Brooklyn Brainery

2011-07-06T22:11:00.002-04:00

The Brooklyn Brainery, that bastion of DIY education in Carroll Gardens, has released its new schedule. Here's your pick of the new classes this month:

One Session (Evening) Classes
The Road to the Civil War: The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down
What Dickens Drank: Historic Summer Cocktails
Exploring Natural Perfume
All is Not Fair in Copyright: An Introduction to Fair Use
How to Kill at Karaoke
Cooking 101: Organic, Local, Sustainable
From Seeds to Stems: World Spices

Lonnnnnnnger Night Courses
Make Sense of Your Senses: The Science of Perception - starts July 7!
Sustainability vs. Culture: Plastic, Shelter + Food
Playwriting: Your First Work
DIY Sandal Making

Backwards Beekeeping Workshop - Saturday, July 9, 1 pm, free!
Lecture by Kirk Anderson and Sam Comfort on treatment-free beekeeping. Part of a whole weekend of beekeeping awesomeness.

The Giglio is back — starting tonight!

2011-07-06T18:28:00.001-04:00

By Alex Rush

The more things change, the more the Feast of the Giglio stays the same.

The Williamsburg tradition of local strongmen hoisting a three-ton statue of a saint while onlookers snack on Italian street food hasn’t changed much in its 124-year history. And that’s just the way frequent feast-goers like it.

“People who have grown up in the neighborhood want the tradition to stay the same so they can experience it year after year,” said Vinny Occuito, this summer’s head “Capo,” who directs the Giglio lifters.

The Feast of the Giglio honors Italy’s St. Paulinus, who in the fifth century offered himself into slavery to save his son and then managed to escape. When he returned to his hometown, he was showered with lilies. The church-sponsored Havemeyer Street celebration pays tribute to St. Paulinus with the giglio, which means lily but is actually a giant tower equipped with a model of the saint.

After more than 120 years, the “Dancing of the Giglio” is still the festival’s main attraction. Who wouldn’t want to see 130 men carry a lily-covered, 80-foot-tall tower on their shoulders through the street for five hours? And if that wasn’t enough heavy-lifting, an additional 120 men parade around with a life-size reproduction of St. Paulinus’s boat. Three lifts will occur during the festival, the first on July 10.

Of course, the Feast is also famous for its carnival rides, fried dough-hawking vendors and daily masses at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.

Salud!

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Feast and Festival of the Giglio [275 N. Eighth St. at Havemeyer Street in Williamsburg, (718) 384-0223], July 6-17. The giglio is lifted on July 10 at 1 pm, July 13 at 6 pm and July 17 at 1 pm. For info, visit www.olmcfeast.com.

Photo by Stefano Giovannini

Our Mus-o-meter registers Ladybug Transistor's 'Clutching Stems'

2011-07-06T18:27:00.001-04:00

The Ladybug Transistor has been making albums in Brooklyn before Williamsburg was cool, wearing its new wave influences on its sleeve. But to really get a sense of what it’s all about, we leave that up to the math of the Mus-o-meter (you can also check them out at Knitting Factory tonight).

Take the new wave aesthetic of Joy Division’s 1979 debut, “Unknown Pleasures.” Then add …

Morrissey’s inflections and melancholy on The Smiths 1986 album, “The Queens is Dead.” Then add …

The playful melodies of Belle and Sebastian on its 1996 album, “If You’re Feeling Sinister. The result?

The Ladybug Transistor’s seventh album, “Clutching Stems.”

Your Celebrate Brooklyn Pick of the Week!

2011-07-04T09:00:00.001-04:00

By Meredith Deliso

Once upon a time, Los Lobos was just another band from East L.A.

More than 30 years since releasing their debut album, the Wolves have become one of the foremost Latin music bands around.

Since 1984, the Grammy Award-winning band has had the same lineup, helping to perfect its wide-reaching blend of traditional regional Mexican folk music like cumbia and boleros, rock and roll, blues, R&B, and country — plus a killer version of “La Bamba,” for the 1987 Ritchie Valens biopic.

On July 8, Los Lobos brings its stellar live act to the Prospect Park band shell for Celebrate Brooklyn, where the forefathers of Chicano rock will be joined by some of the new guard on Latin rock scene: Mexico City’s Hello Seahorse! and, from around these parts, electro rockers Zigmat.

And then, the wolves will howl.

Los Lobos at Celebrate Brooklyn at the Prospect Park band shell [Ninth Street and Prospect Park West in Park Slope, (718) 683-5600], July 8 at 7 pm. Free. For info, visit www.bricartsmedia.org.

Pool party at the Double D today!

2011-07-02T07:30:00.001-04:00

By Meredith Deliso

Suit up — the public pools are open.

On Wednesday, hot Brooklynites (and Mayor Bloomberg) took the first big cannonball of the summer as the city’s 54 outdoors pools opened for the season.

The opening couldn’t be more poignant than at the Douglass-Degraw pool at Thomas Greene Playground — affectionately known as the Double D. Last summer, the Boerum Hill pool nearly closed for good due to budget cuts. But, thanks in large part to efforts from the crawl stroke-loving community, who came out in droves to sign petitions and write letters to their representatives, the pool was saved two weeks later.

“The more people who come show how important it is for the area,” said pool advocate Sam Neely who launched a Facebook group to save the pool, at the time.

With that sentiment in mind, the Friends of Douglass Greene Park is throwing a party today across the street from the beloved pool to celebrate a wet, cool summer once again. There’ll be live music, games and food — just remember, wait 30 minutes after eating until swimming.

Party across the street from the Double D [Douglass Street between Third Avenue and Nevins Street in Boerum Hill, (718) 625-3268], July 2 from 2:30-5 pm. Free. For info, visit www.friendsofdouglassgreenepark.org.

Your favorite new read, handpicked by your favorite bookstore

2011-07-01T19:25:00.003-04:00

The BookMark Shoppe’s pick: “Fragile”

On the surface, “Fragile” is a story of the kidnapping of a young girl in a small town outside of New York City. But beneath this simple story, Lisa Unger shows how one single event can turn an entire community apart, and how life will never be the same, not only for the family involved, but the whole town.

— Bina Valenzano, co-owner, The BookMark Shoppe [8415 Third Ave. between 84th and 85th streets in Bay Ridge, (718) 833-5115].

Greenlight’s pick: “What You See in the Dark”

I have a soft spot for books set in my hometown, Bakersfield, California, often described as “dusty” — it’s two hours from L.A. and a world apart. Manuel Muñoz makes the combination of small-town intimacy, desert bleakness, and the proximity to Hollywood into the perfect setting for a tragic and unconventional late 1950s noir mystery, featuring a shy Mexican singer, the town’s golden boy, a failing hotel, and the making of “Psycho,” among other elements. It’s masterfully written, with great characterizations and a powerful sense of atmosphere, and the story is as haunting as an old country song.

— Jessica Stockton Bagnulo, co-owner, Greenlight Bookstore [686 Fulton St. between S. Elliott Place and S. Portland Avenue in Fort Greene, (718) 246-0200].

WORD’s pick: “The Curfew”

You should read this novel partly because it will make you think, and partly because it is surprising, but mostly because it’s brilliant. Jesse Ball has created an intense portrait of a family being torn apart by war without giving any details other than those of the characters themselves — the war, their city, their country, all are unspecified, making the book a universal cry against political violence. But William and Molly, father and daughter, are achingly familiar, and their story will catch you and hold you captive. “The Curfew” is a short, precise and haunting masterpiece.

— Jenn Northington, events manager, WORD [126 Franklin St. at Milton Street in Greenpoint, (718) 383-0096].