Jan 282013
 

Although this video was originally posted over the summer, I just stumbled upon it yesterday.

The 28-minute segment features a nice cross section of the Bay Ridge universe – from local soap manufacturer Megan Brame-Finkelstein of Metropolis Soap Company; restaurateurs Raiwa and Jmana Bishara of Tanoreen and entrepreneur/artist John Avelluto of the Owl’s Head wine bar, as well as a glimpse at Bay Ridge’s music scene with homegrown punk band the So So Glos and jazz composer/ traditional Arab musician Amir El Saffar.

Enjoy.

Sep 052012
 

This story was originally published on August 21.

A musical ensemble led by saxophonist and composer Alex Violette – whom Harlem World Magazine calls a rising star, brings the sweet sounds of jazz to Owl’s Head Park on Saturday, September 8, from 12 noon to 3 p.m.

The event, known as Jazz In The Park, will include free activities for children and is a great way to introduce the whole family to a new aesthetic experience.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs, blankets, light snacks, and soft drinks. Grilling and alcoholic beverages are unfortunately a no-no.

In a written statement, Councilman Vincent Gentile said, “Now with newly paved pathways, benches, fencing and landscaping – the Owl’s Head Park Overlook is the destination spot for families to enjoy beautiful weather, scenery and cultural performances sponsored by the Bay Ridge Arts + Culture Alliance… I hope everyone will help me kick-off this season with a little jazz in the park!”

Just another reminder that you can find something for everyone on the Bay Ridge Odyssey Events Calender.

Owl’s Head Park is located at 68th Street and Shore Road.

Aug 292012
 

Evgenia Efremova.

A classical music concert that’s sure to be memorable – starring a pianist currently billed as a legend in Brooklyn’s Russian-American community, will be coming to 4th Avenue’s Good Shepherd Lutheran Church [7420 4th Ave] on Sunday, September 9.

According to a bio provided by organizers, pianist Evgenia Efremova first met composer Dmitri Shastakovich at age 6, and proceeded to impress the musical giant with her prodigious talent. She later graduated from the Leningrad [now St. Petersburg] Conservatory.

Ms. Efremova is slated to perform Alexander Borodin’s Small Suite; in addition to Elegie, Polichinelle, as well as the Prelude from Sergei Rachmaninoff ‘s Morceaux de Fantaisie.

The performance, which is sponsored by Brooklyn’s Russia Meet-up group, Art on the Corner, and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, begins at 2 p.m.

A nominal donation of at least $10 per attendee is suggested. Please see the event’s official meetup.com page for more details.

Don’t get left out in the dark. You can learn about more awesome Bay Ridge events like this by checking out the Bay Ridge Odyssey Events Calender.

Aug 132012
 

For over four decades the Brooklyn Arts Council [BAC] has lent services and support to artists of “all disciplines,” from performance art to film and visual media, according to BAC President Ella Weiss – who is featured in the above video.

As BAC’s website states, each year the organization “distributes over $350,000 in grants to help fund hundreds of projects by Brooklyn artists and organizations.” During the summer months, they also hold seminars throughout the borough in order to assist creative locals – many of whom might not be familiar with the application process required to score some much-needed funding.

The annual seminar series will be coming to the Bay Ridge Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library [7223 Ridge Blvd] tomorrow, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The discussion will include:

  • An overview of the 2013 grant opportunities offered by BAC.
  • An explanation of the application process.
  • Tips on writing a successful grant.
  • A Q&A session, and an opportunity to meet BAC staff, as well as other applicants.

The video covers the seminar beginning at the three minute mark. Click here to RSVP.

Jul 262012
 

While unseasonably cool temperatures and rain made the weather less than cooperative for a summer street fair, Bay Ridge’s first Summer Stroll on Third Avenue last Friday still managed to be a success, writes Melisa Stumpf for the Home Reporter.

Summer Stroll, which closes 3rd Ave from 82nd Street to 89th Street, returns for three more dates in July and August.  The event “transforms” the thoroughfare into a pedestrian mall complete with block-by-block street themes.

Attendees enjoyed the outdoor stands and sidewalk tables set up by local businesses, which included some offbeat promotional tactics. Continue reading »

Jul 022012
 

On four select Friday nights this summer, 3rd Avenue between 82nd Street and 89th Street will be awash in entertainment for all ages, as the Summer Stroll struts its stuff, writes Helen Klein for the Home Reporter.

On July 20, July 27, August 10, and August 17, from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., bustling 3rd Avenue will “transform” into a pedestrian mall complete with block-by-block street themes. Continue reading »