FESTIVE!

Pianos in Fort Greene Park and Monday’s musical festivities were only the beginning of the festive spirit that is Fort Greene and Clinton Hill.  And, now that the park has been added to the new subway map, watch out!  As we enter this first weekend of summer here’s a few things to add to your calendar.

Get started on Thursday, June 24, in Fort Greene at the Kumble Theater at Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus, Flatbush Avenue (DeKalb/Willoughby) with the premier of “A Ramp To Paradise,” the groundbreaking dance narrative of the legendary underground dance club Paradise Garage. Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center (THPAC) has kicked it up a notch by adding a post-performance Talk Back and a old fashioned Dance Party to follow in Clinton Hill.  The party takes place at Jelani Lounge, 507 Waverly Avenue (Fulton/Atlantic) at 9:30 pm.  Your performance ticket stub gets you in gratis, all others pay $10.  Performance tickets are $15, $12 for seniors and students. Meet THPACs chairman, Alex Smith, Jr. in The Local, New York Times Blog.

Want a little food with your dancing?  Then stroll on over to Le Grand Dakar in Clinton Hill, 285 Grand Avenue (Lafayette/Clifton) for "Senegalese Summer," in celebration of chef Pierre Thiam's battle on Iron Chef America.  For $25, or $30 if you make up your mind at the last minute, you may enjoy a selection of Senegalese delectables, unlimited sangria and music by Mandekalu and Jojo Kuo and the Afrobeat Collective.  Thursday, June 24, 7:00 pm. Tickets may be purchased online at Lake Isle Press.

You may want to use Friday to rest up for Saturday before heading over to the courtyard garden of St. Lukes Church, 259 Washington Avenue (DeKalb/Willoughby), for the Society For Clinton Hill’s Summer Picnic.  It’s potluck, so bring your favorite dish and the Society will provide the beverages.  Children are welcome and newcomers to the neighborhood are requested. The Picnic takes place from 2:00 until 5:00 pm. RSVP to Roslyn at 718.744.4910.
 

After the picnic there will still be five hours left to enjoy the Fort Greene Festival.  Hey, you might even win a Vespa, a $100 gift certificate from Pathmark, a spa treatment at Nu Yu Day Spa, or tickets to see FELA! On Broadway. Hip Hop artist and actor, Common, headlines the performances and for seven bucks you can enjoy a Food Tasting featuring local restaurants.  It all starts at noon and runs through 10:00 pm.  Fort Greene Park.  

Now you’ve got six days to recuperate before the 39th Annual International African Arts Festival.  The four-day event is chock full of activities for children and adults, there’s plenty to eat and there’s even a parade.   Entertainment includes vocal and band performances, puppet shows, belly dancing, drumming, poetry, dance and a fashion show.  July 2-July 5, 10:00 am - 9:00 pm daily. Commodore Barry Park, Park Avenue (No. Elliott Pl.).  Visit the website for event dates and times.

Have Fun!