Brokelyn

We just came across this limited-time deal from a very Groupon-like coupon site called KGB Deals (no espionage involved, we’re pretty sure). The deal’s for two tickets to a crossover Brooklyn Philharmonic concert and Brooklyn Museum exhibit on Sunday, May 16. The event is called Music Off the Walls, and you’ll hear a Philharmonic chamber ensemble, pianist and electric guitarist play music composed in the last decade, about the art installation Extended Family, whose works are also from the last decade. $14 (regularly $30) will get you and a guest museum admission, along with tickets to a 1 p.m. guided tour of the exhibit and to the 2 p.m. concert. The deal on KGB ends Friday, May 7 at midnight, or until the 88 remaining coupons are gone. Buy the coupon here.

He's cute! Whiskey Rebel Alex Battles.

If you’re still in town, one of our favorite free local traditions is Target First Saturdays at the Brooklyn Museum (we like it so much we don’t mind name-checking the corporate sponsor).  Since this month’s party happens on July 4, the Museum is offering limited public access to their roof—one of the highest views (of what, we’ll see) in the borough. The line up is called America Remix, with an emphasis on the remix. Read the rest of this entry »

Michael Jackson at Brooklyn Museum in 2007, courtesy of Ebony Magazine/Matthew Rolston.

There’s a whole lot of Brooklyn love today for Michael Jackson, who was last here two years ago when the crew at Ebony Magazine did a gorgeous photo shoot with him at our very own Brooklyn Museum. Here he is, photographed by Matthew Rolston for a special collector’s edition on Jackson, 25 years after Thriller.

“Michael wanted to be photographed in an artistic setting and the Brooklyn Museum gladly accommodated us all,” said the magazine’s creative director, Harriet Cole. “We shot in the midst of ancient and contemporary history, and it was powerful to be in that space.”

Thanks for visiting, Michael. A lot of people around here really miss you.

Check back for details on Michael Jackson memorial events around Brooklyn this weekend, and please email any info to jonathan@brokelyn.com.

Brooklyn Museum. Photo by Howard Brier

In Brooklyn, even the museums have insider secrets: like when you can go and not pay. Unbeknownst to many a culture hound, the Brooklyn Museum, Children’s Museum, Botanic Garden and the New York Aquarium all have special times during the week or month when you can wander in without reaching into your pocket. Without further ado…
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For those who always say they’re going to catch First Saturdays at the Brooklyn Museum but never think of it until the second or third Saturday, here’s your reminder: it’s tonight. An all-Islam program is headed by the Brooklyn Qawwali Party (left), a slamming 11-piece orchestra that adapts the music of Pakistani vocal giant Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. They perform at 5 and 9:30. Also, from 9 to 11 in the parking lot, an Islamic rhythm-infused DJ dance party. Tonight’s full lineup is available here.

Fred Flare photo by Stefan Tonio

For the Brooklyn teen in search of ways to stretch that ever-waning allowance dollar, five ways to work it out:

GREENPOINT
What happens when you gather all the cutest merchandise one could possibly find and put it in one store for sale? You get Fred Flare (left) The brand with the ultimate cute factor has been an online shop for over 10 years, with affordable and stylish findings: clothing, accessories, home goods, etc.  But they just recently opened a physical location in Greenpoint. With nice employees and a cheerful design, this little store could be the happiest place in Brooklyn. Fred Flare, 131 Meserole Ave, 718-349-1257, www.fredflare.com. Read the rest of this entry »