TOMORROW: GAMES, FOOD, SCHOOL SUPPLIES for the Kids in Crown Heights

S.O.S. Crown Heights (Save Our Streets) is hosting a street party tomorrow on Kingston Av from Eastern Parkway to St. Johns.

They're a great group with a great cause and there'll be food, games, sports and giveaways all for the kids. Spread the word, share the streets.

For more info contact SmithJ@crownheights.org

SOUL SUMMIT IS BACK! THIS SUNDAY FORT GREENE PARK!

(Photo from 2011 Soul Summit)

Soul Summit, the dance party made of love peace and of course, soul, will return to Fort Greene Park's top hill this Sunday and if the past is any indication you will not want to miss it.

Dj's on hand will be mixing Rare Grooves, House and Dance Classics. Adding to the soundscape will be an untold number of drummers and percussionists who are likely to show and then their hands to the rhythm.

If that's not enough the Soul Summit a festive tradition that began in the early 2000's, is a free gathering, customarily filled with dancers of all ages, united in gracefully soul speaking motion.


But don't take my words for it, here's photos from previous years.






Beside the dancing crowds, the nearby hill side usually becomes an family affair of spread blankets and spread plates of home cooked meals, children rollicking and tumbling and older folks laying back and enjoying the summer fun.



And here's a clip of video (a little shaky sorry) from the last Soul Summit of 2009 when in the middle of the set a light but persistent rain began to fall. How the crowd responded is part of why this event is so spiritual for many, it basically became a baptism.

The Soul Summit has been a hard to find event for years now, because the times the group producing the event has been given to hold the event has been altered nearly every year since it began the City.

Originally the dance party was held at the same Cuyler Gore Park on Fulton. It moved and expanded to Fort Greene where it was a weekly Sunday event.

However one year the part was shut early by the park's department and it was called off for that summer. Ever since the even has occurred and on occasion had it's permits revoked seemingly without reason. Some years there have been no events at all. So I was happy to hear last week there will be at least one this Sunday. Hopefully there will be more this summer.

Nothing has been as good as that magical day in the summer of 2011 when The Fort Greene Music Fest, a full on free music festival was put on in Fort Greene Park, which had local food vendors at booths semi-encircling the soccer field, a stage with emerging artist and world famous musicians, among others Game Rebellion, and headliner Yasiin Bey (aka Mos Def).
Despite that being a peaceable day, attended by thousands, where profits were made and no entry charged (run-on alert) that ended on time (sunset) and didn't destroy the park, new home owners in the area complained and a similar event hasn't been held since.

So with the track record of the past, I really suggest if you're a dancer or lover or music, or just want to take the kids out and enjoy good energy, you come out to the Soul Summit this sunday, who knows how long it will go on, so like summer, enjoy it while's here.

Read about previous years' Soul Summit's here:
http://umbrooklynborn.blogspot.com/2010/07/soul-summit-today-fort-greene-park.html
http://umbrooklynborn.blogspot.com/2011/08/ft-greene-park-summer-2011-dsc0316.html

Live Blogging from Smorgasburg

Decided to check out the Smorg in person and against my better judgement I came here hungry.

I can report that as of 2:45p it's beautiful out, and packed with foodie and sun-lovers

But of the well known and desired food tents, most have serious lines.

Also I won't call anybody out but $4 Croissants & $7 tamales are not my thing.

3:10p finally scored!! Takoyake Balls!! and they are tasty! I'm used to the traditional method of a fried dough ball with a bit of octopus in the center, topped with ginger and bonito flakes. These from "Teriyaki Balls" have three styles: filled with Shrimp, Country Sausage and one I can't remember because I didn't try it.

The shrimp was very good but the country sausage turned a familiar favorite of mine into a delicious new experience which sounds corny but it's true they had optional toppings of corn and almond flakes which were surprisingly good. I ate it so fast I took no pictures.

3:40 about to get my lamb-burger on from "Landhaus" along with a mint lemonade.

Got the burger, very good! Nice bit of feta shiracha and a medium rare lamb patty. Very nice.

Also I guess people are getting their fill
(or food is running down?) cause the lines are running shorter.

Also can anyone in here say "excuse me" rather pushing their way through a crowd? Yeesh.
I wanted to try the "people's pops" but I was full up on mint lemonade, next time... 

Rhubarb seems like an easy sell, few can really say what it's supposed to taste like so if its sweet and refreshing you're golden.

Hipster styling in full effect (remember this year knit hats are to be worn like Smurfs, or like you're a Be-Boy from 1982

Maple Bacon on a Stick!!! Courtesy of Landhau. I really wanted some of this, Landhau will shall meat again.

Yes there's alot of Landhau picks, cause there's a lot I loved.

I admit it, the name and its turn on a phrase, turned me off. Though I love big ribs and I can not lie.

As I recall Handsome Hanks was the fish stand everyone was waiting in line for.

How green is grilling again?

Great name, plus points for the country table cloth pattern. Next time my soon to be friends....

Another proud Wolverine.

So all in all I now see why Smorgasburg is the event it is. If you've got a squad of friends it's definitely worth hitting it off if for no other reason than to extend your comfort foodie zone. And with offerings like Rhubarb, Cornflakes on Country Sausage stuffed Teriyaki Balls and more there's definitely room to expand mind and body.

I'll be back next week with more full mouthed opinions.

Take a bite out of gentrification! Some Spring Weekend Events in Brooklyn

The first big weekend of Spring 2013 begins!

Tomorrow my eyes and ears will be fixed on the Brooklyn Museum & Targét's 1st Saturday!

There was a moment back in the Fall when it seemed some sort of local grinchery had conspired to end the 1st Saturday's citing too much foot traffic. Ironic since a major goal of 1st Saturdays when they were started was to draw foot traffic to the Museum. Anywhoo. It seems smarter heads prevailed.
Film Screening, Music, Dance Party, Curator Talks (not necessarily in that order) will be going.
Check Brooklyn Museum for details.

Also tomorrow Smorgasburg is back! 

I confess I spent most of last year missing it and rueing the delicious stories I heard from friends and the bloggie-verse. But I plans to rectify that tomorrow. And you should too if you like food and acting out Portlandia skits. Sat in Williamsburg, Sun in D.U.M.B.O. 11a-6p Details at http://www.smorgasburg.com

Throw your arms around foodie-ism and artisanl everything! Take a bite out of gentrification!

This is by no means a complete list of what's happening this weekend. If you have an event you'd like to post here, feel free to leave a comment or email me direct at umbrooklynborn @ gmail.

Have a great weekend.

AfroPunk Festival Rain or Shine in BKlyn this WkEnd

AFRO PUNK POSTPONED DUE TO HURRICANE IRENE

For evacuation zone info go to

http://gis.nyc.gov/oem/he/index.htm

As you should know by now this year's Afro Punk Festival has been indefinitely postponed due to Hurricane Irene, which is slated to hit late Saturday and all day Sunday.

With the mandatory evacuations of coastal NYC and the scheduled shut down of mass transit at 12 noon today, no to mentioned the forecasts of 60+ MPH winds, its not wonder the shot won't be going on any time too soon.

The line up included Santigold, Janelle Monae, Cee-Lo and FISHBONE during a rare NYC concert appearance! Plus skaters, Bmxers, vendors of food, gear and culture in all directions, what could be bigger than that? Possibly a hurricane.

Damn.

Current forecasts continue to show a possibility of a direct hit with NYC this saturday and sunday which of course are were the days of the festival. I've been looking forward to this for weeks since the announcement dropped back in July and now the elements seem to conspire against it.

Well the forecast held does hold open the possibility of a miss inland, or even better out to sea.

But after the stage collapse recently in Indiana that killed 7 due impart to a bad storm, you can bet people will err on the side of caution.

I hope the festival and especially the concert go off without a hitch, and as of now the promoters promise the festival will happen rain or shine. One thing is certain with that line up like that there's an incredible amount of talent and energy ready to be released so a storm is coming to Brooklyn's Commodore Barry Park (near the Navy Yard) whether it's made of a maelstrom or music we'll have to wait and see.

For more details check the Afro Punk Website: http://www.afropunk.com/

Afro Punk Festival scheduled for Saturday Aug 27 and Sunday Aug 28 @ Commodore Barry Park

Free to Enter
Cancelled.

View Larger Map

Photo Wednesday 05/19/10: Video Beat Box Edition

As mentioned in last week's post, this past Saturday was Habana Outpost's Annual Block Party, and on top of an afternoon of good food, beautiful sun soaked people churning around the intersection at South Portland and Fulton St. there was also a near endless amount of music. The performances were headlined by Bajah and The Dry Eye Crew (who will be on stage with The Roots July 11th at Celebrate Brooklyn) and as if B&DEC's blend of Sierra Leone inspired Hip Hop was not enough, along came a surprise special guest in the form of the Original Human Beat Box, Doug E. Fresh. Doug dropped some classics, played a little music history, led a light hearted call & response, busted some fly olSkool moves and of course, spread love the Brooklyn way. Video below...

Weekend One-Liners 7/04-7/05

HAPPY JULY4th Brooklyn and Beyond!

Statue of Liberty's Crown re-opens: [NY1]

Macy's Fireworks (snubbed Brooklyn, boo...)

Int'l African Street Fair: http://www.iaafestival.org/

Afro Punk Festival @ BAM http://www.afropunk.com/page/afropunk-2009

B'klyn Museum 1st Saturdays: http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/visit/first_saturdays.php

Weekend One-Liners 6/20-6/21

Saturday June 20th
Coney Island
2009 Mermaid Parade is Saturday, June 20th, 2PM! Rain or Shine! King Neptune *Mr. Harvey Keitel and his Queen Mermaid Daphna (*as we've reported, and all should know, Harvey Keitel is also Brooklyn Born)

Empire Fulton Ferry State Park (in D.U.M.B.o.)
THE 5th ANNUAL BROOKLYN HIP-HOP FESTIVAL TAKES PLACE 12-8 PM
(so many artists and events)including: Pharoahe Monch, DJ Premier, Styles P, dead prez, Smif N Wessun and much more info at Brooklyn Bodega

Fort Greene
TamarRaqs Summer Solstice Hafla (part of BAM Café, Tamar hosts a night of Raqs Sharqi, or bellydancing.)

Saturday June 20th
Floyd Bennett Field (Far southern end of Flatbush Ave (extension) toward Rockaway)
Brooklyn Music Festival With Reggae And Ska Music, Feat Beenie Man, Big Daddy Kane and more @ Floyd Bennett Field

Sunday June 21st
Park Slope
Seventh Heaven Street Fair feat. (among others) "Panda with Cookie"

Weekend One-Liners 6/6-6/7

This weekend's one-liners:
Today and tomorrow, Atlantic Art Walk: http://atlanticavenueartwalk.com/home/

Tomorrow Sun 6/7 1st Annual Brooklyn Beer Experiment: http://www.thebrooklynbeerexperiment.blogspot.com/ [gmap]

Happy Brooklyn Day! ...you too Queens

Happy Brooklyn (-Queens) Day!

Today is Brooklyn day and you know what that means right-- what?

You don't know what that means? Allow me.

Originally Brooklyn Day was first celebrated in 1829 to promote religious instruction an evolved over the years until a wider celebration of civic pride in Brooklyn which eventually was forced to drag Queens along like a tag-along little sister into the spotlight and the day was re-christened Brooklyn-Queens day. At least that's how the Nuns at St. Teresa's used to make it sound.

If you want more than my biased historical account, here's a more detailed history about the day on Barry Popik's (whoever he is) site: http://www.barrypopik.com/index.php/new_york_city/entry/brooklyn_queens_day/

Brooklyn-Queens Day originated as a Protestant holiday celebrated in the City of Brooklyn in 1829. Back then it was known, and fondly remembered by some, as Anniversary Day. Anniversary Day is celebrated annually on the first Thursday in June, commemorating the founding of the First Sunday School on Long Island. The first parade was held in Brooklyn June 1829.

The New York State Legislature enacted, in 1959 at the request of the Queens Federation of Churches, the bill permitting the schools in both Kings and Queens Counties to be closed on this day. It was signed by Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller.

As a kid going to parochial school in Crown Heights, Brooklyn Day was the verification that I lived in the greatest city on Earth. How many other Cities have a special day that gets kids a day off from school, in June no less, like we needed it!

my photo from an unrelated Brooklyn celebration, feat: The Brooklyn Steppers

But sure enough the 1st Thursday in June is always celebrated as Brooklyn Day (unless the 1st Thursday occurs the same week as Memorial Day) and we Catholic or parochial school kids would get the day off, run amok, argue with truant minded police officers and or stand in front of the Public Schools like PS 316 and taunt the poor bastards locked within.

Looking for a Brooklyn-Queens Day event?

Here's one, uber-cool Clinton Hill resale kids clothing/toy story "Still Hip" is celebrating the day with a mix, and discounts on local eats:

HIP MIXER
bklyn-queens day edition
Thursday, June 4 | 7-9pm | FREE
In honor of Brooklyn-Queens Day I am inviting some of my born n' bread friends to mix it up. Find out what it was like growing up in NY and what is in store for the next generation of Brooklynites.

The hiP mIXer is a great way to network with local parents, teachers and the community of professionals that support Still Hip. There will be snacks and drinks as well as a great network of amazing people. It's all about community!
• 25% off all purchases from 7-8pm
• off at Luigi's Pizzeria
• off at Le Grand Dakar
• off at Nu Yu Day Spa (if you make an appointment during the mixer)
• Mirrors is making special BQ Coctails and extending their happy hour till 9pm!!!

More details on "Still Hip" at http://stillhipbrooklyn.com/stillhip/SHclasses.htm

So Celebrate the day, make your own Brooklyn-Queens history and pass it on!

DANCE AFRICA in and around BAM! This Weekend!

Feel that 84 degree sun? Before you leap from that digital box and squeaky office chair I wanted to remind you that Brooklyn's beloved Dance Africa festival is happening inside and outside BAM this Memorial Day weekend.



Expect good looking people, performances, crafts, an outdoor shopping bizarre and a ton of island and soul food so good, best to get on line now.

Ashland Place and Lafayette Avenue outside and inside BAM.

For more info check their link [www.bam.org].

Below more pics from last year, don't say I didn't tell ya!


Local Colors


Food Crowds






Rhythms for Everyone

I went to the 2009 Brooklyn Blogfest, few words, pix

I attended the 2009 Brooklyn Blogfest at powerHouse books in D.U.M.B.o.



Besides the sticker-shock at seeing people who I had unconsciously created mental images for materialize in the flesh, it was a great opportunity to find out what the grassroots on the otherside looks like. All sincerity it looks like sweet creativity.

I don't have much of a post, getting busier these days still moving(within B'Klyn of course), more to come on that but here's what stood out to me:

The celebration of what I'll call "everyarts"; the expressions of personal often unrefined but deeply personal perspectives and aesthetics which are the center of what any artwork is, that is what I say on display at the Brooklyn Blogfest. I thought it was empowering in the way the cliche'd siblings organic and grassroots are truly meant to be.

Also I dug what seemed to be a spoken uninhibited stream of consciousness displayed by Jake Dobkin. When the guy has a point, believes in it, he makes it.

Dobkin on personal blogs: "we all have to accept... that we're really not that interesting"

Here's a few pix of what I saw:



Otherwise I was too busy listening to the speakers, watching great photos and poignant videos and otherwise being informed to take more pics. And I left the evening without any snark on mine or anyone's parts. Impressive.

Battlestar Galatica Ends

So BSG is over as of tonight's two hour series final.

Le sigh.

I'm still trying to figure out who's massive widescreen tv I'm watching it on, so let a brother know! Meanwhile here are some strangely fascinating cupcakes I found while trolling for a watch-spot. Frak.
Cupcake report from "Cakes That Take the Cake"

1st Day of Spring events ahead

Happy Spring 1st! Soon these clouds too shall pass revealing a new world of rainbows and wonder.

Here's a few events coming sooner and later:

Tomorrow @ Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Free guided tours are offered Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. Meet in front of the Visitor Center. (Group tours are available for a fee; call 718-623-7220 or visit the group tours page for information.)

Of course next month April 9th is the Cherry Blossom Festival はなみ (hanami)
But there's plenty of events between now and then, check their calendar for details. GMAP

--

Next week Saturday the 28th at the Brooklyn Children's Museum they be chasing the rainbow (these days who isn't) and breaking it into all it's lovely pieces and colors (like a piggy bank) ages 5 and up, two sessions one at 11am the next at 3pm.
Here's their words:

Chase Wonder Why Workshop Series: Colors of the Rainbow

Get ready for those April showers—come find out how rainbows are made! Hear stories about how people once explained this colorful phenomenon, take a look at a rainbow up close, and craft your own recycled rainbow art to decorate your room. Pot of gold not included.

Brooklyn Children’s Museum / 145 Brooklyn Avenue / Brooklyn, NY 11213 /GMAP

---

An for those of you who simply want to sit cafeteria style, eat corn and burritos from a truck whilst pretending not to people watch, you'll be happy to know that in less than 30 Days Habana Outpost will re-open! Yah! [GMAP]

--

Have a spring event to post? Feel free to drop a comment.

Bed-Stuy Art Hap'nins Sun Jan11+Last Night's Brooklyn Moon

Hello Brooklyn and beyond. Last night after 5am the moon was cheesy as in color and it's size being mighty like the kind of wheel I expect to find in Zabars. I've gotta fix my camera. It was amazing, I got crap shots. Here's one:

really, it was the moon I tell ya's ..arrugh.. stupid broke camera

In other news this Sunday Jan 11th there's a hap'ning going on. A convergence of Art and video, both of which I'm a fan. Should be a good Sunday afternoon spent (after the Giants stomp Philly on my sunday) off the beaten path in that funky Bed-Stuy way-station area between Pratt and Williamsburg , here's the release/details:

Gelato ArT/Video SaloN
Sunday
Jan 11th - 3pm-until
178 Walworth St between Willoughby & Myrtle Ave,4th fl [GMAP]

So its the beginning of the New Year, and first of all Gisella and Garon would like to thank all of those beautiful souls who graced us with their presence and the several Art Salon's we held Last Year.

Soon we will be uploading video and stills of all events to our upcoming Gelato blog.

Now its time get ready to receive the blessings to come, to begin festivities anew, and to start the New Year with thoughts of Love and Prosperity. Its also time to get out the old to show or sell and bring in the new! - new friends, new inspiration, new music, and new opportunities to marry Art, Commerce & Fun.

THis SunDay, We are having the first OPen House Gelato ArT/ Video SaloN and we are having it in cooperation with Gary Campbell, at our dream space, Gary's loft on Walworth -which has hosted many beautiful events,some pictures of which you may find here & on www.noumenon9.com , and You are Well Come to come through for 5 minutes or 5 hours.

There will be:

Light Refreshments and some Gelato, of course, bringing food or treats is very much appreciated and enhances your karma!

Artwork to see, sell or buy, from various artists such as:
Garon Peterson - Garonteed Love T- Shirts and Hoodies & maybe art
Gisella Sorrentino - Photos (www.gazephotography.com),
Gary Campbell - Paintings (www.noumenon9.com),
Laurie Krupp - Altar,
Pete Waldman - Galaxy glass pieces, -
Ron Jean Gilles - Jewelry/t-shirts,
Drew Kidd - Photos -www.myspace.com/drewkidd,
possibly some vintage clothing pieces from Heather La Mastro,

Live Music will be set up in the front room with Zeb playing his amazing Oud ( a string instrument) over his phat homemade beats and & DJ's playing a very cool music mix for when we all decide to boogie

and whatever good vibe you bring.

Directions:

View Larger Map
"G" train to Myrtle /Willoughby - walk up Myrtle to Walworth and make a left - go to 178 closer to Willoughby

"G" train to Bedford/Nostrand - walk down Nostrand against the traffic to Willoughby, turn left, walk two blocks to Walworth, just past the Home Depot, turn right on Walworth, go to 178

The email mentioned other potential coolness privy only to those you show up, and that includes a possibility for naked art (they're making the art, you're invited to be naked). Sounds like surprises for all!

I don't actually know the organizers (Gelato), this info came to the magical mystical BrooklynBorn mailbox, I do happen to know one of the artists,(that would be Ron Jean Gilles who's jewelry and friendship I've appreciated since the time we were artists at Chashama) although I was unaware he's down with this. Hope to see you there (right after the Giants stomp Phillyon nobody actually), dress warm, it's still brick out.

Free at Last?

I picked this up thanks to the Clinton Hill Blog, its a list of events celebrating the Sailor's Memorial in Fort Greene park which has been fenced in for the past two summers.



The events will feature, art, music starting on this Friday the 14th and continuing on all day Saturday the 15th.

Here's a quick list of the schedule and the link to
the monument itself.

Come be a part of history and honor our country as we re-light the monument, which has been dark for over seventy years!
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1908 dedication of the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument, a grand celebration will take place on November 15, 2008 in Fort Greene Park. The majestic Stanford White-designed Monument which stands in the heart of the Park is one of the most important and sacred memorials in our country. It honors the remains of over 11,500 POWs, interred in a crypt beneath the Monument, who perished for the cause of freedom during the American War of Independence.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2008
5:30-7:30 PM - Kick-Off Reception at MoCADA, 80 Hanson Place.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2008 RAIN OR SHINE
Full Day of Free Spectacular Activities in Fort Greene Park
10:00 AM - 7:30 PM .

Hap'nins Thu-Sun 7/10-7/13

Last weekend's 4day sabbatical has me in a mood so I present suggests for the weekend of 7/10 - 7/13

Thurs 7/10
FREE SPRAY PAINT @
„INOPERAbLE in Nü York"
10th, 6pm-1am,
ONE NIGHT ONLY
Alphabeta, 70 Greenpoint ave. Brooklyn

Basically this event is happening at Alphabeta a new supply store catering almost exclusively to the needs of spray paint artists. The store has been condemned by an attention deprived politician which of course means everyone will be enticed to check it out. Plus free paint!
more details: http://overspraymag.com/blog/?p=436

Friday 7/11 (an iPhone WILL be mine!)
Artist's Reception @RE*POP
68 Washington Avenue (near Navy Yard)
7:30 - 11pm



(also Friday)
Celebrate Brooklyn
Prospect Park Bandshell
Music by "Brazilian Girls" "Chicha Libre" - "Ticklah" - 7pm (Free)

Note* Despite the band's name actual brazilian girls are not promised to appear.
yeh that disclaimer is part of all the band's press since I met them years ago at nublu, but it's no less fun a reminder than;
"There's no sex in the champane room"

Saturday 7/12
Second to Last day to catch the Murakami Retrospective
@ Brooklyn Museum (without the funky first saturday crowds *ahh*)



Sunday 7/13
Movie outdoor night at Habaña Outpost
(I don't know which movie is playing, but haven't I've helped enough?)