Brokelyn

Chromeo on the waterfront in 2010. Photo by Flickr's Guy Eppel.

Too lazy or ideologically opposed to join Occupy Wall Street? Don’t fret, you can get your screaming-friendly politics in without leaving Brooklyn at tomorrow’s Community Board 1 meeting. Free music lovers take note: Open Space Alliance director Stephanie Thayer will take the podium to make a statement on the future of the beloved-by-some, hated-by-others East River Park concerts. And then there’s the public hearing part, which is where you get your say. The meeting starts at 6:30 you have to sign up by 6:15 to speak. Judging by the last public meeting OSA attended, there’s going to be plenty of bitching about barely connected issues from people who say they “like music” but also think East River Park belongs solely to those who live in a two-block radius. Be prepared to get shouted down as a fraud if you don’t live on North 7th and Wythe. The meeting is being held at — seriously — the Swinging Sixties Senior Center at 211 Ainslie St.

We’ve missed mentioning this so here’s a post to make up for it: You would do well not to miss the Afro-Punk Festival at Commodore Barry Park this weekend because 1) it’s free and 2) the lineup is RIDONKULOUSLY GOOD. The two-day fest features Das Racist, Santigold, Fishbone, Gym Class Hereos, Toro Y Moi, Reggie Watts and, the big man at the top, CEE-LO! Plus, food trucks, local vendors, an art wall (including a mural made of 140 skateboards), skateboarding, BMXing and other groovy times. And if none of that piques your interest, Cee-Lo has got some news for you.

Crazy Feelies! Crazy free! July 23 at Prospect Park.

Our summer Google Calendar is getting slathered in digital ink real quick like: those nice folks at Celebrate Brooklyn! have just released their lineup of free shows at the Prospect Park bandshell that start June 10 with Andrew Bird and end Aug. 6 with Ailey II. The big shows get a little crowded, but the secret is to make a day at the park of it: you can show up early, set up your picnic, and spend a few lovely hours in the park waiting in line for the show. So who will you be lining up to see this summer? Full lineup below, via the Village Voice:  Read the rest of this entry »

Chairlift, Wednesday at the Knitting Factory

Twis the week before Christmas and all through the borough there are cheap shows to be seen. Commence your pre-holiday week with a comedic jaunt led by MC Mr. Napkins at Littlefield. Sojourn on with Kelli Scarr at Zebulon on Tuesday and then continue to Bruar Falls on Wednesday for the Food Stamps. Then for your week’s Dénouement, chill with the John McNeil Quartet  at Puppet Jazz Bar. As always, nothing more than $5. Read the rest of this entry »

The Constellations, Wednesday night at BK Bowl

If you missed Body Language last week, they’re getting down and electric for another free show tonight at Brooklyn Bowl. Bow Ribbons is popping off with a record release show at Zebulon on Tuesday. Then on Wednesday, the Constellations will bring you back to BK Bowl or head to Coco 66 for So So Santo and Able Hearts in what will surely be a stunning musical explosion. As always, nothing more than $5. Read the rest of this entry »

Body Language, Monday at BK Bowl

Hungry? Make some totally non-sexually-suggestive metaphorical sandwiches with Body Language tonight at Brooklyn Bowl. Or go folk yourself with some classical guitar melodies and ambient keyboards at the Issue Project Room on the Gowanus waterfront. Stroke your bagpipe urge with the caterwauling Celtic/South East Asian ensemble group that is Blarvuster. Or finish off your week with The Ravages at Hank’s Saloon. As always, free to $5. Read the rest of this entry »

The Grey Race, Wednesday at Bk Bowl

You may still be stuffed with leftovers, but that’s no reason to forgo your weeknight routine. This week’s shows include plenty of jazz at Puppets, some extensive line-ups at Zebulon and Bruar Falls, a launch party with The Grey Race (plus free drinks) at BK Bowl and a jonka video party at Southpaw. And, this week, everything’s 100 percent free.

Monday, Nov. 29
I Love You, Buoyant Sea, TBA: Bruar Falls, 245 Grand St. between Roebling St. and Driggs Ave., Williamsburg, free, 8 p.m. Read the rest of this entry »

Hank and Cupcakes, Tuesday at BK Bowl

Start your week off strong with a hot cupful of musically ambiguous electronica by Dan Friel. Mmm, fresh. If that doesn’t sate your appetite, bite your way through Hank & Cupcakes Tuesday night at the Brooklyn Bowl. And if all this splurging leaves you feeling out of sorts, take a chance at getting better with Viva L’American at Zebulon on Wednesday. Nothing’s gonna get them Thanksgiving juices flowing like a free show. Gobble gobble. Read the rest of this entry »

Feather and Folly, tonight at Zebulon

If you missed your chance last week, check out Superhuman Happiness at Coco 66 tonight. They’re playing along with Oars, a sufficiently psychedelic rock band. Beyond that, there’s Feather and Folly, a couple of dance parties, sexy stuff and a few Ms: Megafortress, Mokaad, Miwa Gemini and Moomaw. All free or $5 as usual.

Monday, Nov. 15
Superhuman Happiness, Oars: Coco 66, 66 Greenpoint Ave. between Franklin and West Sts., Greenpoint, $5, 8 p.m. Read the rest of this entry »

Black Hollies, Friday night at Bruar Falls

There’s a ton to see and hear this week… as long as you’re around or heading up to W’burg. Bruar Falls, BK Bowl and Zebulon are the spots for indie galore, a music video film fest + band battle and a vinyl love affair. Or, if you’re staying south(ish), Roots Café will provide the free PBR and tunes to match the café’s Southern vibe. All free or $5, as usual.

Tuesday, Nov. 9
Silver Sound Music Video Film Festival + Band Battle, featuring Dinosaur Feathers: Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave. between N. 11th and N. 12th Sts., Williamsburg, $5, 7 p.m. Read the rest of this entry »