Culture and Arts Events

For a list of all BPL Culture and Arts Events visit our events calendar. You can also subscribe to our RSS feed.

Acknowledgments

Brooklyn Public Library gratefully acknowledges the many donors who have provided generous support for public programs at the Dr. S. Stevan Dweck Center for Contemporary Culture, including:

Los Blancos; The David Geffen Foundation; the Fund for the Humanities; Cheryl and George Haywood Endowment for Cultural Diversity; the Kahn Endowment for Humanities Programs; the Miriam Katowitz and Arthur Radin Fund; Mapleton Endowment; National Endowment for the Arts; New York State Council on the Arts; Martin L. and Rona Schneider; Sandra and Peter Schubert Endowment Fund; the Shen Family Foundation; and numerous individuals through their gifts to the annual Support Our Shelves campaign.

  • Lunchapalooza Kids! Storytelling
    Wednesday, May 22, 2013 11:30AM
    Central Library, Plaza

    Kids can enjoy stories told by professional performers. Flor Bromley tells, “In a Land of Frogs and Princesses” Join us in traveling to faraway places to discover things are not what you expect. Frogs may indeed be princesses and princesses may be frogs!

  • Lunchapalooza! Bushwick Book Club
    Wednesday, May 22, 2013 12:30PM
    Central Library, Plaza

    Eat your lunch to literature-inspired music! Local songwriters plumb the depths and scrape the ends of a chosen literary gem to create that rare and beautiful thing--a new song. Literary inspiration ranges from Charles Darwin to Dr. Seuss to Raymond Carver. Members of The Hip Hop Book Club and special guests from ArtStart will perform hip hop pieces inspired by children’s stories and Grimm’s Fairy Tales.

  • Lunchapalooza Kids! Storytelling
    Wednesday, May 29, 2013 11:30AM
    Central Library, Plaza

    Kids can enjoy stories told by professional performers. Liz Parker tells “The Monster in the Mountain”: Help the monster overcome his fear in this tale of courage.

  • Lunchapalooza! Buyu Ambroise Quintet
    Wednesday, May 29, 2013 12:30PM
    Central Library, Plaza

    Ambroise combines traditional Afro-Haitian beats with the smooth improvisational grooves of enticing bass lines, melodic brass solos and piano explorations in the styles of American jazz greats such as John Coltrane and Wayne Shorter.

  • Great Books Discussion Series: Latin American Literature
    Wednesday, May 29, 2013 2:00PM
    Central Library, Information Commons Lab

    Noted translator Alfred MacAdam leads a five-part series on works by Jorge Luis Borges, Carlos Fuentes and Gabriel García Márquez. This first session is a general introduction to Latin American literature, with particular attention to Borges, the Argentine short-story writer, essayist, poet and translator.

    This series is made possible through Brooklyn Public Library’s Fund for the Humanities, established through the generous support of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Additional funding was provided by The Hearst Foundation, Inc.; the Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation; The Starr Foundation; the Leon and Muriel Gilbert Charitable Trust; the Henry and Lucy Moses Fund, Inc., and a gift in memory of Samuel and Pauline Wine.

  • Russian Literary Series: Trio of Award Winning Authors
    Saturday, June 1, 2013 3:00PM
    Central Library, Dweck Center

    A panel of three writers, all of whom received major Russian literary awards: Andrei Gelasimov, the winner of 2009 National Bestseller for his novel "The Gods of the Steppe"; poet Maxim Amelin, the winner of 2013 Alexander Solzhenitsyn Award, and novelist and literary historian Alexei Varlamov, the winner of the 2009 Big Book Award for his fictionalized biography of the writer Alexei Tolstoi. New York-based writer and journalist Vadim Yarmolinets will moderate the discussion. To register, please visit www.brownpapertickets.com and enter the keyword Brooklyn Public Library. Limit 3 tickets per person.

    This series is made possible in part with support from the National Endowment for the Arts and with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

  • Lunchapalooza Kids! Storytelling
    Wednesday, June 5, 2013 11:30AM
    Central Library, Plaza

    Kids can enjoy stories told by professional performers. Liz Parker tells “New York's Magic Subway Car”: What is in this magic subway? You decide! This interactive journey involves play, make believe, and lots of fantastical creations.

  • Lunchapalooza! Susan Pereira & Sabor Brasil
    Wednesday, June 5, 2013 12:30PM
    Central Library, Plaza

    Sabor Brasil is acclaimed for blending traditional Brazilian genres with a contemporary jazz sound. From hot samba to cool bossa nova, elegant chorinho and the exotic rhythms of Bahia, along with modern Brazilian jazz, Sabor Brasil captivates audiences with its unique and electrifying performances

  • Plaza Swing Series: Matt Munisteri and His Syncopated Detonators
    Wednesday, June 5, 2013 6:30PM
    Central Library, Plaza

    Munisteri leads his band through the swinging music of the 1920s-1940s. Munisteri is a virtuosic guitarist whose new album contains the lost music of Willard Robinson. Dance lessons are at 6:30, band starts at 7 pm. Rain date is June 6

    This series is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

  • Russian Literary Series: Gennady Katsov
    Saturday, June 8, 2013 4:00PM
    Central Library, Dweck Center

    New York-based poet and journalist Gennady Katsov presents his new project "Slovosfera", which includes 180 poetic meditations inspired by the masterpieces of world art. The multimedia presentation will include a slide show, poetry reading and musical tribute by the renowned piano player and composer, Vadim Neselovsky. To register, please visit www.brownpapertickets.com and enter the keyword Brooklyn Public Library. Limit 3 tickets per person.

    This series is made possible in part with support from the National Endowment for the Arts and with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

  • Lunchapalooza Kids! Storytelling
    Wednesday, June 12, 2013 11:30AM
    Central Library, Plaza

    Kids can enjoy stories told by professional performers. Flor Bromley tells, “Trickster Tales”: This collection of stories involves sneaky characters who use wit and humor to trick their often bigger and scarier opponents.

  • Lunchapalooza! Ariadna Castellanos
    Wednesday, June 12, 2013 12:30PM
    Central Library, Plaza

    Spanish pianist and composer, Castellanos , is one of the emerging talents on the Flamenco and Jazz scene. Her recent album "Flamenco en Black and White" was produced by Grammy winner Javier Limón.

  • Great Books Discussion Series: Latin American Literature: Borges
    Wednesday, June 12, 2013 2:00PM
    Central Library, Information Commons Lab

    This session discusses Borges’s book, Labyrinths, an English language collection of short stories and essays.

    This series is made possible through Brooklyn Public Library’s Fund for the Humanities, established through the generous support of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Additional funding was provided by The Hearst Foundation, Inc.; the Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation; The Starr Foundation; the Leon and Muriel Gilbert Charitable Trust; the Henry and Lucy Moses Fund, Inc., and a gift in memory of Samuel and Pauline Wine.

  • Plaza Swing Series: Nu d’Lux
    Wednesday, June 12, 2013 6:30PM
    Central Library, Plaza

    Incorporating Afro-Cuban and Afro-Puerto Rican vocal stylings, the Cuban tres guitar, violin, trombone, trumpet and a modern-groove rhythm section of New York's finest percussionists, Nu d’Lux travels from the sweetest Son to amped up and funky modern Cuban numbers with astounding ease. Dance lessons are at 6:30, band starts at 7 pm.Rain date is June 13

    This series is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

  • Haitian Vodou in New York City
    Saturday, June 15, 2013 2:00PM
    Central Library, Dweck Center

    Ayiti Fasafas, the Haitian Community Cultural Initiative, and the Center for Traditional Dance and Music present Vodou artists and practitioners, who will demonstrate a variety of the Vodou art forms practiced locally. They will also honor New York City mambos.

  • Lunchapalooza Kids! Storytelling
    Wednesday, June 19, 2013 11:30AM
    Central Library, Plaza

    Kids can enjoy stories told by professional performers. Liz Parker tells, “Ocean Motion”: This underwater adventure will dive deep into the sea to explore the world below. No scuba gear necessary.

  • Lunchapalooza! Nepo Soteri
    Wednesday, June 19, 2013 12:30PM
    Central Library, Plaza

    Soteri is a guitarist and vocalist who infuses music of his native Rwanda with American jazz, R & B, and African-Caribbean beats. He is African citizen-of-the-world, both in terms of his life journey and musical vocabulary.

  • Plaza Swing Series: Paul Shapiro’s Ribs and Brisket Revue
    Wednesday, June 19, 2013 6:30PM
    Central Library, Plaza

    Shapiro adds a little Yiddish flavoring to a distinctly American music that thrived in the 1930s and 40s: hard-swinging jump blues. Vocal powerhouse Cilla Owens lends her talents to this eclectic mash up of Jewish novelty songs and jazz. Dance lessons are at 6:30, band starts at 7 pm. Rain date is June 20

    This series is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

  • Conversations with People Who Create in Brooklyn - Fantastic Food
    Wednesday, June 19, 2013 6:30PM
    Central Library, Information Commons Lab

    Photographer Randy Duchaine will chat with individuals featured in his photographic exhibition, "Created in Brooklyn". Learn about their businesses; the challenges they’ve faced and the success they’ve found.

    Charlie Sahadi, Sahadi’s © Randy Duchaine www.bklynpubliclibrary.org/infocommons

  • Make Music New York: Underground Horns
    Friday, June 21, 2013 4:30PM
    Central Library, Plaza

    Underground Horns is a Brooklyn based 6-piece brass band playing Afro Funk Bhangra New Orleans grooves and beyond. Make Music New York is a live, free musical celebration across the city that takes place each June 21, the longest day of the year. On that day, hundreds of public spaces throughout the five boroughs become impromptu stages for over 1,000 free concerts.

  • Lunchapalooza Kids! Storytelling
    Wednesday, June 26, 2013 11:30AM
    Central Library, Plaza

    Kids can enjoy stories told by professional performers. Flor Bromley tells “Cuentos de mi abuela”: Bilingual stories from my grandma to you! A collection of Flor's favorite stories from Peru and South America.

  • Lunchapalooza! Isle of Klezbos
    Wednesday, June 26, 2013 12:30PM
    Central Library, Plaza

    ISLE of KLEZBOS approaches tradition with irreverence and respect. This soulful, fun-loving powerhouse all-women’s klezmer sextet has toured from Vienna to Vancouver since 1998. Band repertoire ranges from rambunctious to entrancing: neo-traditional folk dance, mystical melodies, Yiddish swing and retro tango, and genre-defying originals.

  • Great Books Discussion Series: Latin American Literature: Fuentes
    Wednesday, June 26, 2013 2:00PM
    Central Library, Information Commons Lab

    We’ll discuss Carlos Fuentes’s novel The Death of Artemio Cruz, which is considered to be a milestone in the Latin American literary movement.

    This series is made possible through Brooklyn Public Library’s Fund for the Humanities, established through the generous support of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Additional funding was provided by The Hearst Foundation, Inc.; the Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation; The Starr Foundation; the Leon and Muriel Gilbert Charitable Trust; the Henry and Lucy Moses Fund, Inc., and a gift in memory of Samuel and Pauline Wine.

  • Plaza Swing Series: Swingtime Big Band
    Wednesday, June 26, 2013 6:30PM
    Central Library, Plaza

    This 20-piece band plays authentic recreations of the timeless swing music of such great Big Band leaders as Count Basie, Artie Shaw, Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington among many others. Dance lessons are at 6:30, band starts at 7 pm. In case of rain, event will be held in the ballroom of Union Temple at 17 Eastern Pkwy.

    This series is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

  • Conversations with People Who Create in Brooklyn - Design Craft
    Wednesday, June 26, 2013 6:30PM
    Central Library, Information Commons Lab

    Photographer Randy Duchaine will chat with individuals featured in his photographic exhibition, "Created in Brooklyn". Learn how their dedication to their craft, shaped their careers and led them to extraordinary accomplishments

    Avi Abel, Watermark Designs © Randy Duchaine www.bklynpubliclibrary.org/infocommons

  • Great Books Discussion Series: Latin American Literature: García Márquez
    Wednesday, July 10, 2013 2:00PM
    Central Library, Information Commons Lab

    After finishing the Fuentes discussion, we will begin discussion of Gabriel García Márquez’s novel, One Hundred Years of Solitude, which tells the multi-generational story of the Buendía family.

    This series is made possible through Brooklyn Public Library’s Fund for the Humanities, established through the generous support of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Additional funding was provided by The Hearst Foundation, Inc.; the Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation; The Starr Foundation; the Leon and Muriel Gilbert Charitable Trust; the Henry and Lucy Moses Fund, Inc., and a gift in memory of Samuel and Pauline Wine.

  • Plaza Swing Series: Mona’s Hot Four
    Wednesday, July 10, 2013 6:30PM
    Central Library, Plaza

    Clarinetist Dennis Lichtman leads the quartet through trad-jazz gems such as, “My Blue Heaven”, “Tiger Rag”, “Avalon” and many more. Vocalist Tamar Korn sits in for the show. Dance lessons are at 6:30, band starts at 7 pm. Rain date is July 11

    This series is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

  • Conversations with People Who Create in Brooklyn – Urban Adventures
    Wednesday, July 10, 2013 6:30PM
    Central Library, Information Commons Lab

    Photographer Randy Duchaine will chat with individuals featured in his photographic exhibition, "Created in Brooklyn". Join us to hear about how and why they pursued these extraordinary activities in the urban environment.

    Lance Pinn, Brooklyn Boulders © Randy Duchaine www.bklynpubliclibrary.org/infocommons

  • Plaza Swing Series: Paulo Stagnaro Quartet
    Wednesday, July 17, 2013 6:30PM
    Central Library, Plaza

    Berkelee College of Music presents this rising percussionist and composer, who has shared the stage with with Marcus Miller, Danilo Perez, Paquito D'Rivera, and Gloria Estefan, among many others. He’ll lead his band through the Salsa, Timba, Bolero, and Cha Cha Cha. Dance lessons are at 6:30, band starts at 7 pm. Rain date is July 18.

    This series is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

  • Conversations with People Who Create in Brooklyn – Art & Music
    Wednesday, July 17, 2013 6:30PM
    Central Library, Information Commons Lab

    Photographer Randy Duchaine will chat with individuals featured in his photographic exhibition, "Created in Brooklyn". Meet Brooklynites whose vision has advanced our access and enjoyment to music, art, theater and more.

    www.bklynpubliclibrary.org/infocommons