Ha Jin & NYT's Astead Herndon + Lydia Polgreen @ the Library! 'Carmen' @ BAM! And, ugh, Chipotle by Nitehawk.
Plus: Two concerts Saturday night! Two author reads @ Community Bookstore! Comedy Shows Selling Out!
Welcome back to your Park Slope events newsletter. As always, links to sources are in (parentheses) after each event. Follow our IG for updates as events change.
Book Now
We have a habit of knowing what sells out.
NoBudge Short Film Festival and Afterparty @ Nitehawk on 2/5: “NoBudge is happy to present a new program of twelve short films from a group of emerging indie filmmakers mostly based in New York. This edition explores a range of unusual relationships and questionable behavior that finds its characters in modes of scheming and rationalizing. A mix of drama, comedy, and animation, the program moves between naturalistic, strange, absurd, and provocative. Eight of the films are premieres and each director will be in attendance for a post-screening Q&A and Afterparty.” (7:15 PM, Nitehawk)
🤣🎤️Liz Miele Does All Her New Jokes on Sunday 1/28: “Miele is a NYC comedian that has appeared on Comedy Central, FOX, AXS TV, Hulu and NPR’s Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me. She's been featured in The New Yorker, NY Times, Runner's World, Psychology Today and The Guardian. She has several viral videos on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok including jokes ‘Feminist Sex Positions,’ ‘Dating Is Harder for Comedians,’ and ‘F*ck Finland.’ ” (5:00 PM, Union Hall, $15)
Major Lol Vibes With Rachel Kaly on 2/16: “A night of comedy with Kaly and friends! Featuring Grace Kuhlenschmidt and Rufat Agayev”(7:30 PM, Union Hall, 12)
Get Involved
Openings and Closings
The old Ample Hills space next to Nitehawk will be filled by…Chipotle: “Sadly, just spoke with the contractors,” wrote a poster on the Park Slope Together Facebook page. “I thought they were joking at first, but they said they were serious.” (Park Slope Together on FB)
SlopeSuds Hairdresser Moves from South Slope to North Slope. (IG)
Thursday, January 25th
🤖Brooklyn Robotics League Park Slope Team: “This program is in partnership with First LEGO League and a systemwide Brooklyn Public Library competition will be happening this January 2024. If you are in between the ages of 9 to 17, please register with your parent's permission and join the team!” (3:00 PM, Park Slope Library)
📕Ha Jin Discusses 'The Woman Back From Moscow': “Join BPL Presents as Jin comes to Brooklyn to discuss his latest novel, The Woman Back From Moscow. Through the life of a remarkable woman—based on pioneering stage director Sun Weishi (1921–1968)—this epic novel immerses us in the multifaceted history of China’s Communist Party.” (7:00 PM, Central Library)
🇫🇷🍷French Night @ Winemak'Her Bar: “After the feast, we invite you to delve into the soul of French chanson with the film "La Vie en Rose," recounting the extraordinary life of Édith Piaf. A captivating journey through the streets of Paris, accompanied by Piaf's unforgettable voice, with English subtitles so that everyone can share in this magical moment.” (7:30 PM, Winemak'Her Bar, $35)
🎭Black Box New Play Festival : “Now in its 27th year, our playwright-focused festival aims to polish and perfect a collection of new plays and offer a home where playwrights can deepen their stagecraft and hold a mirror up to our time.” (7:30 PM, Gallery Players, $25)
😂📵Ramy Youssef: Ramy Youssef performs at Union Hall. (7:30 PM, Union Hall, SOLD OUT)
🎟Hot Bitch Bingo @ Parklife: “A bingo night with prizes! booze! trivia! glitter! and Hope Morawa! It’s not just ANY BINGO; she calls the balls, you call the shots (there will be shots).Plus trivia! And side quests too! Bring a friend! Bring a date! Bring your grandma (old people love me!)” (8:00 PM, Littlefield)
Friday, January 26th
🌼🌻Conservatory Highlights Tour: “Discover plants from faraway places and different climates around the world on this tour of the Steinhardt Conservatory. Free with Garden admission.” (1:00 PM, Brooklyn Botanical Garden)
🎮Teen Tech Time: Gaming: “Join us at our Teen Tech Time program where you can play various PS4 or Switch games in a friendly, competitive environment, or just hang out. Board games and card games are also available.” (3:30 PM, Park Slope Library)
📗Kate Manne Presents Unshrinking With Virginia Sole-Smith: “For as long as she can remember, Kate Manne has wanted to be smaller. She can tell you what she weighed on any significant occasion: her wedding day, the day she became a professor, the day her daughter was born. She’s been bullied and belittled for her size, leading to extreme dieting. As a feminist philosopher, she wanted to believe that she was exempt from the cultural gaslighting that compels so many of us to ignore our hunger. But she was not.” (7:00 PM, Community Bookstore)
🎟😂The First Wives Club Live Screenplay Reading (SOLD OUT): “Wake up and smell the audit, Morty! Get ready to grow from love and screw the world as Kevin Zak, Jeffery Self, and Littlefield present The First Wives Club, a live reading of the 1995 Robert Harling screenplay! Whether you’re a sensitive and highly strung person, Monique’s mother, or science fiction young, this event is for you and all your old friends. Grab your pearls and get your tickets now! And remember, don’t get mad…get everything!” (7:00 PM, Littlefield, $10)
💃Live Salsa @ Sahadi'S: “Come hang out in Courtyard 3/4 at Sahadi’s Industry City every Friday and listen and dance to live Latin music by Cuarteto Guataca – One of NYC’s biggest salsa parties. ” (7:30 PM, Sahadi's)
🤣🎤️Emmy Blotnick Is Running Her Hour: “Blotnick concocts sixty (60) minutes of standup comedy for your enjoyment!” (7:30 PM, Union Hall, $10)
💋👠Rupaul’S Drag Race Screenings @ Parklife: “Drag Race is back on Friday, January 5 with 14 new drag queens competing for the $200,000 grand prize and the title of America’s next drag superstar! In the two-part series premiere, the queens will show off their stuff in the annual talent show. ” (8:00 PM,Littlefield)
Saturday, January 27th
🌳💃💪🏼Upbeat Pop! Dance Fitness At The Boathouse: “Come prepared to shake, roll, grapevine, and clap to your favorite upbeat pop songs. We will use this time to cultivate joy and silliness while getting a great workout and reaping the benefits of cardiovascular fitness. ” (10:00 AM, Prospect Park)
🐦🐤Introduction To Birdwatching Outings: “Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory outings is for you! Every Saturday, join Prospect Park Alliance and a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club on an introductory walk to learn the basics of birding and search for the dozens of species that visit Prospect Park through all seasons.” (10:00 AM, Prospect Park)
🪴📸Composition In Photography Class @ BBG: “The Garden is a wonderful place to explore a wide variety of plant species, open spaces, even architecture. Sometimes, more is not better. In this class we will narrow our focus. Looking at and photographing one or two subjects in depth will allow us to explore the infinite ways of seeing through the camera. We will meet at BBG and online—one week photographing, the next week reviewing and critiquing the work and exploring more, if there’s time. Any camera will do, even smartphones. As this is a composition class, technical information will only be given as needed to explore your project.” (11:00 AM, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, $217)
🎼🎭’Carmen’ @ BAM: “Acclaimed English director Carrie Cracknell brings a vital new production of one of opera’s most enduringly powerful works, reinvigorating the classic story with a staging that moves the action to the modern day and finds at the heart of the drama issues that could not be more relevant today: gendered violence, abusive labor structures, and the desire to break through societal boundaries. ” (12:00 PM, BAM, $34)
👃Natural Perfume Blending Class @ BBG: “Examine the art of natural perfumery. Gain a basic understanding of the sense of smell, the history of perfume, the advent of synthetic ingredients, and the return to naturals. Explore perfume ingredients and formulation, and leave with two bottles of your own bespoke perfume. All materials provided.” (1:00 PM, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, $74)
Saturday Night
🗣Benefit Concert Featuring Lucie Freeman: “An evening of classical, jazz, and musical theater singing featuring Lucie Freeman and young musicians. All to benefit and bring awareness to NAPS (National Association for Premenstrual Syndromes). Entry is free with a suggested donation of $10.” (5:00 PM, Old Stone House)
🎼Yoko Yates Quintet: “Yates and her quintet will be performing new compositions for the recording of her next album (her debut album ‘Mystic Life’ was released in 2022 from SteepleChase records label). The quintet will feature Yoko Yates (Piano/Compositions), Jamie Baum (Flt./AFlt.), Sam Sadigursky (Cl./BCl./ ASax.), Aryeh Kobrinsky (Bass), and Jeff Hirshfield (Drums).” (7:30 PM, Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, $21)
🤣🎤️Jenny Hagel Gives Advice (SOLD OUT): “Hagel is an Emmy-nominated writer/performer for Late Night with Seth Meyers, and she loves two things: performing comedy and telling people what to do. And in this show she'll get to do both! In "Jenny Hagel Gives Advice," Jenny will invite audience members to submit written questions about their relationships, careers, and finances. Then Jenny and a special guest comedian will give their best, most professional (not professional at all) life advice.” (7:30 PM, Union Hall, $12)
🤣🎤️Mary Beth Tapes Her Half Hour (SOLD OUT): “A comedian, writer, and actor based in New York City. She made her late-night television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Mary Beth has headlined sold out shows at New York Comedy Fest, Netflix Comedy Festival, and the Edinburgh Fringe. Her feature script You're My Best Friend was featured on 2022's The Black List.” (9:30 PM, The Bell House, $10)
🤣🎤️AIDS/Lifecycle Fundraiser Show Hosted By Blair Dawson: “Dawson is hosting a fundraising show to bike 545 miles for AIDS/Lifecycle! 100% of the net proceeds for this event go to life-saving services offered by San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center.” (10:00 PM, Union Hall, $18)
Sunday, January 28th
🌼🌻Conservatory Highlights Tour: See Friday listing. (1:00 PM, Brooklyn Botanical Garden)
🏛Sunday Art: New Years Celebration @ Brooklyn Museum: “Bring the family to this free drop-in program celebrating Lunar New Year. We’ll create art inspired by the collection and enjoy a lion dance performance by the Chinese Freemasons Athletic Club.” (2:00 PM, Brooklyn Museum)
🪦Civic Solidarity: Conversations On Death & Society: “Join us for an open forum on the past, present, and future of socially and environmentally sustainable memorialization and burial in New York City. This event is sponsored by the New York Community Trust and presented by Columbia University DeathLAB and The Green-Wood Cemetery. We invite you to share your thoughts, hopes, and questions about disposition and memorialization, both personal and societal.” (2:00 PM, Green-Wood Cemetery)
🤣🎤️Liz Miele Does All Her New Jokes: See Book Now section above. (5:00 PM, Union Hall, $15)
🤣🎤️Comedy Fundraiser For Gaza: “NYC's best and brightest comedians in solidarity with the people of Gaza - all profits from the night go to MedGlobal's Gaza Emergency Appeal! MedGlobal is a humanitarian charitable non-governmental organization that provides emergency response and health programs to build resilience among vulnerable communities around the world.In response to the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the surrounding region, MedGlobal is launching a significant humanitarian initiative aimed at providing aid to the injured and bolstering hospital resources. They are committed to promoting peace and standing in solidarity with the innocent victims affected by this crisis.” (8:00 PM, The Bell House, $45)
Monday, January 29th
📙Gathering Wool: Knit And Crochet: “Join us for a knitting/crocheting/needlework get together. Share your projects and your fiber inspirations.” (11:00 AM, Park Slope Library)
📕Brooklyn Robotics League: Central Library Team: “Do you love LEGOS, robotics, teamwork and making a difference? Then join the robotics team at Central Library every Monday from 4 PM to 5:30 PM to build and solve missions with a Lego Robot! Meet like-minded individuals to team up in preparation for the 2024-2024 theme, Masterpiece, to learn STEM skills!” (4:00 PM, Central Library)
📗Linnea Axelsson Presents Aednan: “Axelsson, the winner of Sweden’s most prestigious literary award, makes her American debut with an epic, multigenerational novel-in-verse about two Sámi families and their quest to stay together across a century of migration, violence, and colonial trauma.” (7:00 PM, Community Bookstore)
🤣🎤️David Cross: Shootin' The Shit, Seein' What Sticks (SOLD OUT): “We did it! And now we're doing it again. It's time to put together more material for my next tour. So please join me for the latest round of, Shootin' The Shit, Seein' What Sticks shows and rediscover the joy of winter nights in a dank Brooklyn basement.” (10:00 PM, Union Hall, $15)
Tuesday, January 30th
🪴Plant-O-Rama 2024: “Metro Hort Group’s largest annual event for professionals in horticulture, attracting up to 1,000 gardeners, designers, nurseries, growers, landscapers, arborists, and educators working in public parks, botanical gardens, and private and corporate gardenscapes, the many private Edens dotting the New York City tri-state region.” (9:00 AM, Brooklyn Botanic Garden)
📕Stomp, Clap & Sing With Jam-I-Am: “Brooklyn's premiere children's music ensemble! We'll take you on a hands-on musical journey around the world, exploring instruments and musical styles of all cultures. One can expect some familiar kids' classic songs as well. Jam-I-Am is Will Leet (folk/rock singer-songwriter), jazz vocalist, Sam Bowers, and Latin percussionist, C-Bass Chiriboga on special occasions. We have over 10 years of experience working with children and performing in New York City, and it is always a joy for us to perform at the Brooklyn Public Library! ” (10:30 AM, Central Library)
📕Slip Stitch Knitting Group: “Looking to share your current knitting project with others? Come join like-minded folks on their yarn journey in the Info Commons. Bring your own yarn and tools and meet with other fiber artists for a fun hour of improving your cabling, frogging your mistakes, and picking up every dropped stitch. Drop-ins welcome, space limited.” (5:00 PM, Central Library)
📕Ayesha Rascoe Discusses 'HBCU Made' With Astead Herndon: “Join Greenlight Bookstore and BPL Presents for a conversation around HBCU MADE: A Celebration of the Black College Experience, edited and with a foreword by Ayesha Rascoe, host of National Public Radio’s Weekend Edition Sunday. This joyous and moving collection includes a distinguished and diverse set of contributors including Oprah Winfrey, Stacey Abrams, Branford Marsalis, Roy Wood Jr, along with other prominent and up-and-coming alumni..” (7:00 PM, Central Library)
🤣🎤️Alison Leiby: Abortion Show (A Work In Progress): “Alison Leiby is taking her acclaimed off-Broadway performance, Oh God, A Show About Abortion, and reworking it. The story is the same (spoiler: she still has an abortion), but she's working through some new thoughts and jokes along with some of the original material to make it fit in this new moment.” (7:30 PM, Union Hall, $15)
Wednesday, January 31th
🌳Winter Corps: “Volunteers will assist in raking, minor shoveling, litter pick up, and other landscaping needs. The group meets at a different location every week. All volunteers who RSVP will receive a reminder email with the meeting location before the event.” (10:00 AM, Prospect Park)
🪴Floral Design: What To Do With That Vase—On-Site: “Bring that beautiful but odd vase that you got as a gift and work with the instructor to figure out how to make a beautiful floral arrangement that complements your container. You bring the vase, the instructor brings the flowers...together you?ll make a fine duet. Please bring your own shears.” (6:00 PM, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, $40)
🪦Death Cafe: “The Death Cafe is a simple concept. Bring strangers together to discuss one of the great universal truths: death. With thousands of chapters in over 26 countries around the world, Death Cafes are informal gatherings that aim to “increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their lives.” There is no set agenda, but small group conversations might include thoughts on burial versus cremation, green burials, what music you want played at your funeral, or a personal experience you had dealing with grief.” (6:15 PM, Green-Wood Cemetery)
📕Adam Shatz Discusses Frantz Fanon With Lydia Polgreen: “Shatz discusses 'The Rebel’s Clinic,' his biography of the writer-activist who inspired today’s movements for social and racial justice with Lydia Polgreen. In the era of Black Lives Matter, Frantz Fanon’s shadow looms larger than ever. He was the intellectual activist of the postcolonial era, and his writings about race, revolution, and the psychology of power continue to shape radical movements across the world.” (7:00 PM, Central Library)
🤣🎤️Alison Leiby: Abortion Show (A Work In Progress): “Alison Leiby is taking her acclaimed off-Broadway performance, Oh God, A Show About Abortion, and reworking it. The story is the same (spoiler: she still has an abortion), but she's working through some new thoughts and jokes along with some of the original material to make it fit in this new moment.” (7:30 PM, Union Hall, $15)
Thursday, February 1st
🤣🎤️Alison Leiby: Abortion Show (A Work In Progress): “Alison Leiby is taking her acclaimed off-Broadway performance, Oh God, A Show About Abortion, and reworking it. The story is the same (spoiler: she still has an abortion), but she's working through some new thoughts and jokes along with some of the original material to make it fit in this new moment.” (7:30 PM, Union Hall, $15)
🎟Dan Licata & Charles Gould: Two Guys Who Ruin The Vibe!: “You don’t wanna get stuck on a ski lift with these guys! With special guest Grace Kuhlenschmidt!” (8:00 PM, Littlefield, $10)
🍿💝Spoons Toons & Booze Valentines After Dark: “Everyone knows that all you need is love and the same goes for our animated friends! Experience the powerful emotions of your favorite Saturday morning cartoons maneuvering crushes, first dates and relationships…and the backswing of heartbreak, breakups and unrequited love. Hosted by SecretFormula’s cartoon and cereal experts Michael Austin and Nell Casey!” (9:15 PM, Nitehawk)
Let us know any questions you have in the comments!