Allison Russel (pictured performing 'You're Not Alone' with Brandi Carlile) will perform at BAM on Jan. 16
BAM’s annual MLK tribute, and 15 other things to do this weekend
It's also Friday the 13th, so see some scary-ass movies at Nitehawk — plus the Winter Jazzfest marathon kicks off Saturday
It’s a three day weekend (so long, New Year’s resolutions) and it’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 16, so there are many days and ways to celebrate his legacy this month. For starters, BAM hosts what purports to be New York’s largest public celebration in honor of Dr. King, with musical performances, visual art, movies and kids’ activities through January 20.
More kid-friendly MLK fare is on offer at Brooklyn Children’s Museum starting Saturday, and there will be a day of service in Prospect Park where volunteers can give back to the community in a tangible way.
Elsewhere on the calendar, this week also brings us Friday the 13th. Catch some scary movies at Nitehawk Williamsburg or party at the “Carrie” Prom in Williamsburg. And Sunday doesn’t have to be so scary when you’re listening to some of the best funk and soul performers playing the hits of Marvin Gaye at Brooklyn Bowl.
Read on to find out what’s going on across the borough this weekend.
Friday, January 13
MLK Jr. Tribute at BAM
Various times through January 20
Brooklyn Academy of Music’s 37th Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will run all weekend and beyond. Brooklynites can celebrate his legacy at two BAMcafé Live concerts this weekend. On Friday, Jamaican-born bassist and activist Russell Hall performs from his jazz, opera, reggae, and roots music-inspired catalog. Hall’s blistering chops and perpetual groove have quickly made him one of the city’s preeminent bassists. And on Sunday, you can see HARRIET TUBMAN. Their genre-defying sound is inspired by soul, rock, jazz, blues, and avant-garde. All ages. 30 Lafayette Avenue. The main event will be hosted at Howard Gilman Opera House on Monday, January 16. Civil rights lawyer and law professor Sherrilyn Ifill will deliver the keynote address. Grammy-nominated performer Allison Russell and Vy Higginsen’s award-winning choir Sing Harlem will perform. Free.
Horror movies for Friday the 13th at Nitehawk Williamsburg
Various times
Friday the 13th comes around every 212 days, which is frequent than Christmas, so why not “celebrate” with a horror movie at Nitehawk Cinema on Friday? You can catch new releases like the new camp classic “M3GAN,” about a killer AI-powered doll, or “Skinamarink,” a totally eerie horror about two children waking up in the middle of the night to find their father is missing. Or if you want to see a surefire classic, David Cronenberg’s 1986 remake of “The Fly” starring Jeff Goldblum plays at 11:55 p.m. Ages admittance varies depending on the movie rating. 136 Metropolitan Avenue. Tickets are $15.50.
Positive Vibrations art exhibit opening reception
6 to 9 p.m. and runs through February 5
Gallerist duo Collect with Lulu and Silvertuna Studios are proud to present Positive Vibrations at City Point on Friday. This group exhibit includes paintings, sculptures, and murals by graffiti and contemporary artists, muralists, and … pro skaters. Some of the featured artists include Gary Lichtenstein, HISS XX, and Praxis. 445 Albee Square West.
“Carrie” Prom
8 to 10:30 p.m.
Bar and event space Crystal Lake Brooklyn turns 5 this week and to celebrate, they want to raise a little hell. “Carrie” Prom will have $5 drinks, courtesy of Misguided Spirits/Jim Beam, a spinning disco ball, and dancing all night. The best dressed will be awarded … with blood? There’s only one way to find out! Put on your best prom wear, or at least something you don’t mind being splattered with fake blood, and party like it’s 1976. 647 Grand Street. Free.
Saturday, January 14
Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Saturday through Monday
Join the Brooklyn Children’s Museum to celebrate the life and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through interactive performances and more. Daily events feature shadow puppet performances and puppet-making with Nehprii Amenii; poster-making and protest marching with Brooklyn-based musician Fyütch; and the creation of a community dream cloud in BCM’s ColorLab art studio. 145 Brooklyn Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11213
Brooklyn National Blood Drive
8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
January is National Blood Donor Month and you’re invited to share some hemoglobin on Saturday at St. Columba Church in Marine Park. All blood types are needed from those who are able to donate. If you donate, remember to eat and drink before giving, and bring an ID with you. Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are accepted if space is available. 2245 Kimball Street.
Storytime for kids at the Sunset Park Library
10:30 to 11 a.m.
Stop by the Sunset Park Library on Saturday for a break from all the bustle. Kids are encouraged to bring their favorite books and librarians will have books to share as well. Stories, music, and rhymes will be enjoyed by all. All ages. 4201 4th Avenue. Free.
Brooklyn Wine Fest
1 to 4:30 p.m. and 6 to 9:30 p.m.
Dry January is out. Wet January is in! Warm up over a glass of your favorite vino or try one of the hundreds of new wines from around the world at Brooklyn Wine Fest on Saturday. Guests can sample wine during one of two sessions, paired with live entertainment, food, and games at City Point Brooklyn. Ticket holders will receive a souvenir 5 oz. tasting glass and discount admission are available for designated drivers. 21+. 415 Albee Square West. Tickets are $19.
Winter Jazzfest Marathon comes to Brooklyn
6 p.m. until late
The 18th annual Winter Jazzfest hits Manhattan and Brooklyn this weekend, and on Saturday night, a new show starts nearly every 30 minutes at venues across the borough. Pick your favorite spot for the night, like National Sawdust, Club Curious, or Baby’s All Right, etc., or bounce around town to hear sounds from Gilles Peterson, Genghis Don & The Empire, or the Ghost Funk Orchestra (the latter play at 12:45 p.m.). We only touched the surface of artists and venues to choose from — head over to Winter Jazzfest’s website for the full line-up. Check the venues for age requirements as they vary. Various locations. Tickets are $65 for the Brooklyn marathon.
Culture Clash: The Ultimate Caribbean & African Experience
10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Spice up your winter with high-quality sounds and come dance to the best afrobeats, soca, dancehall, ampiano and hip hop played by DJ Mohogany, Vibes Unit, Slice, Hol Up, & DJ Ron. This ultimate Caribbean & African party experience is presented by The Wave NYC and Upper Echelon at Schimanski on Saturday night. The party starts at 10 p.m. and goes on until the early morning hours. 21+. 54 North 11th Street. Tickets are $20 to $30.
Sunday, January 15
BagelFest Winter Games
Doors open at 9:30 a.m.
So you think you can bagel? Celebrate National Bagel Day like never before with competitions including a bagel toss, bagel stacking, a bagel roll, bagel eating (naturally) and more. Just register in advance if you plan to compete. Your $39 ticket comes with a bagel flight and mimosa. BKLYN Studios at City Point, 445 Albee Square W.
Grizzlies v. Nets at Barclays Center
7 p.m.
The Oklahoma City Thunder comes to Barclays Center on Sunday to play the Nets in a game dedicated to the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. As of writing, the Nets are in second place in the Eastern Conference and OKC are in thirteenth place in the Western. Come root for Brooklyn’s finest in what could be a slam-dunk win for the Nets. 620 Atlantic Avenue. Ticket prices vary.
Under The Influence: Marvin Gaye
Doors at 6 p.m., show at 8 p.m.
Hear some of Marvin Gaye’s his best songs (and deep cuts), performed by some of the funkiest, most soulful performers today. Under The Influence is a series of tributes to the masterworks of master artists, and under the musical direction of Casey Benjamin, you can hear a dozen musicians pay tribute to the authority on sexual healing this Sunday at Brooklyn Bowl. P.U.D.G.E. (The Jungle) will open the show and a portion of the show’s proceeds will benefit the New York Women’s Foundation. 21+. 61 Wythe Avenue. Tickets are $20.
Dead Night Ft. Busy’s Dead Collective
7 p.m.
Pack your favorite box of rain and chill your way into Monday at The Sultan Room in Bushwick. You’ll hear an evening of music by Jerry Garica and Grateful Dead, lovingly dubbed “Dead Night,” and played by Brian “Busy” McQuade and friends. Expect to hear local musical legends and familiar faces from the Dead community, plus local vendors selling their wares. 21+. 234 Starr Street. Tickets are $16.
The Polar Lounge at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
5 to 10 p.m.
Here’s a unique idea for staying warm this winter: Visit this outdoor, rooftop polar lounge with seats and sculptures carved from ice, back for the second year. Okay, that won’t keep you warm, so host Harriet’s Rooftop has parkas from Moose Knuckles to help guests stay warm. And when you really need a break from the cold, you can cozy up in Harriet’s Lodge, adorned with furry blankets and all of the comforts of après. Ticketholders will receive a cocktail courtesy of Proximo Tequila. 21+. 60 Furman Street. Tickets are $50 per person and VIP Tables cost $400 (both have a one-hour time slot).
Monday, January 16
Day of service at Prospect Park
Starting at 10 a.m.
Honor Dr. King’s legacy with a day of service in Prospect Park. Join volunteers and the Prospect Park Alliance to spruce up the Music Pagoda. Volunteers will be asked to spread wood chips, rake leaves, remove litter and more. Families, teens and adults are welcome. Register in advance. Prospect Park Music Pagoda.
