The new Prospect Park recording studio

If you’re a musician in need of studio time, put down the mic and pick up a rake.

In an unusual new program funded by REI through the National Audobon Society, New Yorkers can exchange Prospect Park volunteer time for recording hours in a state-of-the-art new sound studio in the park’s Audobon Center. Spend eight hours gardening, weeding or erecting erosion barriers, for instance, and you can get three recording hours–enough time to record a single track–in the “Beat Cave,” as the studio is called. 

Jonathan Wells, who’s in charge of education programs at the Audobon Center, says the new recording studio is geared toward hip-hop artists and singer-songwriters; 16-piece swing bands need look elsewhere.

Why, you may wonder, does the Audobon Center have a recording studio at all? It has nothing to do with red-tailed hawks. “We’re looking to engage young people in the environment through the arts in a non-traditional manner,” he told Brokelyn. “With this program people can actively participate in conservation, express themselves, and have fun doing it in a unique way.”

The Audobon Center is also looking for an audio engineering student for an internship, which comes with a modest stipend. You need to have recording chops; you’ll gain studio management skills. The only catch is that for both the volunteer program and the internship, you have to be under 26, owing to the terms of the grant, which is specifically aimed at “young people,” Wells said.

For more information, call 718-287-3400 x309.

We are SO there this summer! Photo courtesy of Trust for Governor's Island.

It served as an army base for 200 years following the Revolutionary War — now the only battles are over picnic tables. Over the past few summers, Governors Island has gone from an unused historical curiosity to a reinvented summer day-trip destination with a full calendar of artsy fare, concerts and other frolicsome events, most of them free. That makes it pretty much the best thing to happen to summer around here since the Brooklyn Bridge Park got a spiffy makeover.

Also free is the Brooklyn-Governors Island ferry that leaves from Pier 6 at Atlantic Avenue and Columbia Street every ten minutes on summer Saturdays and Sundays. (Get the ferry schedule here.) Here’s some of what’s in store starting Friday, when the island officially opens for the season:

FREE STUFF

• Classical concert series: Governors Island’s first classical-contemporary concert series, Rite of Summer, offers free concerts July 2, August 13, and September 4 at 1pm and 3pm. The first show, led by keyboardist/conductor Jed Distler, features over 40 of New York’s top musicians. Show number 2 features rock/electronica-inspired string quartet Ethel. The third and final concert brings pianist/co-directors Blair McMillen and Pam Goldberg, and will include up tempo violin and piano duos by John Adams, JS Bach and others.

• MiniGolf: Figment MiniGolf, a free mini 14-hole golf course designed with the theme of “Bugs and Features,” is modeled on insect-inspired designs submitted by budding artists. No need to bring your Callaway—everything is provided. Open from May 27- September 25.

• Fashion exhibit: The Empire Historic Arts Fund’s exhibit, Designs for Living, showcases historic couture fashion and accessories from 1795 – 2011, from icons including Balenciaga and Dior. This three-part exhibit is housed in Building 10, Nolan Park, and is open Fridays from 10-5 and weekends from 10-7.

• Free bikes!: While you can bring your own wheels to enjoy the island’s five miles of car-free biking, on Fridays through September 23, Bike and Roll, the Island’s bike rental outlet, lets you borrow a bike for free for up to an hour.

• Sculpture Garden: Storm King Art Center presents roughly a dozen or so works of world-renowned sculptor Mark di Suvero. The pieces, many of which are large-scale and composed of steel, wood, and cables in beautiful form, will be scattered all around the Island for the public to admire and explore. Opens Friday.

• Polo classic (and celebrities): Who needs the Hamptons when you can get a free seat at the Veuve Cliquot Polo Classic? This year they allocated even more room for the public to sit and picnic as they watch polo, all for free. You won’t be rubbing elbows with glamorous co-hosts Donna Karan and Marc Jacobs, or with emcee Hugh Jackman, but you’re going to feel every bit a socialista. June 5 at noon.

• Fly a free kite: The Governor’s Island Alliance provides free kites to the public on July 23, starting at 11 am.

• City of Water Day festival: Free boat tours, music, food, and more on July 24, starting 10am.

• Vintage bug contest: Volkswagen Traffic Jam 2011, a spectator-judged vintage VW car show and picnic on August 13, starting at 10 am

• Figment Art Project: A mainstay on the Island since 2007, this display of interactive and participatory art has swelled in numbers with each passing year—both in visitors as well as contributing artists, locations, and public support. This year, it runs from June 10 – 12.

Jazz Age Dance Party, Flickr photo by Stephanie Smith.

Not Free, But Honorable Mention

• Organic Market: Starting in July, you can purchase produce from Added Value, a Red Hook-based farm that also grows fruit and vegetables on a 3-acre patch of the island’s Picnic Point.

• 1920s Dance Bash: 20’s Jazz-Age Dance Party, Tickets are only $7 in advance, or $10 upon reaching the island. The event features dance instruction, picnicking, and games. I saw this as an outsider last year when it sold out, and my jealously was palpable. Don’t forget to bring a picnic basket and your A-game dance skills. And by A-game, I mean your previously unappreciated skills for doing The Charleston. June 25-26, 11am.

• Tall Ship Cruise: World Science Festival’s “All Aboard the Mystic Whaler!” takes you and your child over 7 years old around the harbor to sing seafaring songs, learn about science of the immediate surroundings and water inhabitants, and appreciate the inner workings of a tall ship as you learn to chart your own course through the harbor. $25 per person, June 4 at 11am and 3:30pm. Deck tours are given in between sailings.

For more information on Governors Island events and what you can and can’t bring to the island (ie, your own booze), see the official site.

C'mon, look how happy they are!

The music business is in the metaphorical toilet. And you, a super talented musician, can’t get a gig, while Gwyneth Paltrow just signed a $900,000 music contract. Like I said: toilet. What’s a talented, caring person like you to do with your skills? Put down your warm can of PBR and read this ad in search of a part-time musician with a “diverse musical repertoire, including: Caribbean, reggae, gospel and standards” to play at a Brooklyn nursing home to “help enhance the quality of life and therapeutic environment“ for residents.” So while Gwyneth is being paid money she doesn’t need to make music that no one likes, you can brighten up a large group of people by playing music you all enjoy.

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.

Vorhees, The Present, New Moods: Zebulon, 258 Wythe Ave. between N. 3rd St. and Metropolitan Ave., Williamsburg, free, 9 p.m.

Open Jam Session hosted by John McNeil/Mike Fahie: Puppets Jazz Club, 481 Fifth Ave. at 11th St., Park Slope, free, 9 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 30
Candles of Paradise, Grey Gersten, Love-in, Daniel Carter, Shahzad Ismaily, Indigo Street, Ches Smith: Zebulon, free, 9 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 1
FirstLive Launch Party w. The Grey Race, La Realit, plus a special guest & a free drink for the first 50: Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave. between N. 11th and N. 12th Sts., Williamsburg, free, 6 p.m. (doors)

McDonalds, Beach Arabs, Food Stamps: Bruar Falls, free, 8 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 2
Scott Brown Trio, Evil Giraffes on Mars, Puppets Jazz Club, free, 6 p.m.

jonka Video Party and Performance: Southpaw (Down South), 125 Fifth Ave. between Sterling and St. John’s Pl., free, 8 p.m.

Ruby Rae, The Cupcake Diaries, Olivia Mancini: Bruar Falls, free, 8 p.m.

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.

Feather and Folly, Zachary Cale, La Defense, Plates Of Cake: Zebulon, 258 Wythe Ave. between N. 3rd St. and Metropolitan Ave., Williamsburg, free, 9 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 16
Megafortress, Andrew Brady, Brian Moran, Motorcycle money: Zebulon, 258 Wythe Ave. between N. 3rd St. and Metropolitan Ave., Williamsburg, free, 9 p.m.

Oceanographer, Minor Stars, Leslie Sisson (of Wooden Birds): Bruar Falls, 245 Grand St. between Roebling St. and Driggs Ave., Williamsburg, free, 8 p.m.

Mercy Mercy Mercy (DJ dance party): Coco 66, 66 Greenpoint Ave. between Franklin and West Sts., Greenpoint, $5, 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 17
Sexy Neighbors, Dead Sexy Sheila, Advaita, Manuel Zombie, No Fun: Party Xpo, 929 Broadway at Melrose St., Bushwick, $5, 8 p.m.

Human Eye, Sex Beet: Knitting Factory, 361 Metropolitan Ave. at Havemeyer St., Williamsburg, free (w. RSVP), 9 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 18
Mokaad, Zongo Junction: Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave. between N. 11th and N. 12th Sts., Williamsburg, $5, 9 p.m.

Miwa Gemini, Moomaw, Baby Copperhead, Gravid Wives, Dance party with “Cityfun DJs” afterward: Zebulon, 258 Wythe Ave. between N. 3rd St. and Metropolitan Ave., Williamsburg, free, 9 p.m.

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.

Oceanographer, Giggles!, more: Bruar Falls, 245 Grand St. between Roebling St. and Driggs Ave., Williamsburg, free, 8 p.m.

Nom De Whom, Wrist Cutter and the Hangmen, Bangladeafy: Zebulon, 258 Wythe Ave. between N. 3rd St. and Metropolitan Ave., Williamsburg, free, 9 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 10
Roots in the Raw w. Ryan Lamm, Alex Fox, Pat Hull, Tom Evanchuck: Roots Café, 639A Fifth Ave. between 18th and 19th Sts., South Slope, free, 7 p.m.

The Purse Snatchers, Man Benu, The New Colossus: Bruar Falls, free, 8 p.m.

Overseas: Zebulon, free, 9 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 11
Up Died Sound, Amen Dunes, Mike Wexler: Zebulon, free, 9 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 12
Black Hollies, Strangers Family Band, The Runaway Suns: Bruar Falls, free, 8 p.m.

Chris Q. Murphey, Brian Elmquist, Amanda Khiri & Band: Roots Café, free, 8 p.m.

Super Human Happiness, Soft Landing: Zebulon, free, 9 p.m.

I Love Vinyl: On the B-Side: Brooklyn Bowl, $5, 11:55 p.m.

I Am The Heat, playing for Haiti tonight

Combine the high-stylin’ festivities of Fashion Week with doing some much-needed good, and you get what we call an unmissable night out. Tonight, Sept. 14, at the Knitting Factory, the W’Burg brand Brooklyn Royalty is throwing Fashion Rocks for Haiti, a back-to-school fundraiser and indie gogo launch party. It’ll be an evening of live music, exclusive BKR fashion and dollars to help educate girls in Haiti.

The night’s chock-full musical line-up includes Food Stamps at 8, Neon Dynamite at 9, I Am The Heat at 10 and Miniboone to finish things off at 11. And all your rocking-out will benefit the Jeremie Project, an organization created in 2009 to provide education for disadvantaged young women in Haiti. All proceeds from the party will go toward this fall’s tuition, uniforms and school supplies.

And, because it is Fashion Week, there’ll be free screenprinting of an exclusive, limited edition Brooklyn Royalty design. Just bring your own blank tee to get styled or buy one of theirs (another $10 for the cause).

Fashion Rocks for Haiti, Tues., Sept. 14, 7 p.m. to midnight, $10, at the Knitting Factory, 361 Metropolitan Ave., Williamsburg

Reggie Watts, Tuesday at Fort Greene Park

Did the rain keep you from some of this past weekend’s hottest events? Make up for it with the usual chock-full week of free and cheap tunes. Show your love for Brooklyn based musician/comedian Reggie Watts at Fort Greene Park. And while you’re at it, stop by Zebulon for some jazzy improvisationals with Mostly Other People do the killing. Nearly everything we’ve listed this week is free, so get out there and listen to something new already.

Monday, Sept. 13
Open Jam Session hosted by John McNeil/Mike Fahie: Puppets Jazz Club, 481 Fifth Ave. at 11th St., free, 9 p.m.

Ghastly City Sleep, Ivana XL, Pygmylush: Zebulon, 258 Wythe Ave. between N. 3 and Metropolitan, free, 9 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 14
Reggie Watts, Naomi Shelton & Gospel Queens: Fort Greene Park, free, 6:30 p.m.

Greg Davis, Ben Vida, Geoff Mullen, Lussuria: Zebulon, 258 Wythe Ave. between N. 3 and Metropolitan, free, 9 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 15
Raccoon Fighter, New Madrid, The Barrens, The Ne’re Do Wells: Bruar Falls, 245 Grand St. between Driggs Ave. and Roebling St., $5, 8 p.m.

Translations, Heliotropes: The Woods, 48 S. 4^th St. between Wythe and Kent Aves., free, 9 p.m.

Mostly Other People do the Killing, Matt Mottel and the uptight island: Zebulon, 258 Wythe Ave. between N. 3 and Metropolitan, free, 9 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 16
Drunken Sufis, Cesspool: Bruar Falls, 245 Grand St. between Driggs Ave. and Roebling St., free, 8 p.m.

Christopher Willits, Taylor Deupree + Lawrence English: Zebulon, 258 Wythe Ave. between N. 3 and Metropolitan, free, 9 p.m.

The Pioneers of Seduction, Aug. 31 at Bruar Falls

Not the most hopping week ever for cheap music in the BK atmosphere, but there’s still plenty to keep your attention. Definitely head out to tonight’s open jam session (Aug. 30) at the Slope’s Puppets Jazz Club. We hear it’s facing some hard times and could use the support. What else? Go ahead and wake up beautiful with the Pioneers of Seduction, or get into some do-it-yourself, home-studio-sound head sway with Family Lumber.

Monday, Aug. 30
Open Jam Session hosted by John McNeil/Mike Fahie: Puppets Jazz Club, 481 Fifth Ave. at 11th St., free (but that’s up to you), 9 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 31
The Pioneers of Seduction: Bruar Falls 245 Grand St. between Driggs and Roebling, free, 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 1
Beat Radio, Family Lumber: The Woods, 48 S. 4^th St., free, 8 p.m.

Dan Peck Trio, Talibam!, Ryan Sawyer (Stars Like Fleas), C. Spencer Yeh, Nate Wooley: Zebulon, 258 Wythe Ave. between N. 3rd and Metropolitan, free, 9 p.m.

FRIDAY
8pm:

9pm: The Machine (honing their Pink Floyd skills for 20+ years) perform a mix of Floyd standards @ Brooklyn Bowl, $15

5pm-3am (thru Saturday): Puppets Jazz Bar (South Park Slope) is facing the possibility they may have to close their doors. help to keep them open at this two-day fundraiser. no cover, pay what you can.

SATURDAY
3pm: Support Greenpoint Open Studios with a good old-fashioned water balloon fight + have the chance to win cash money. Undia St. mural (West st. + the East River), $10.

9pm: Post-punk hero Thurston Moore joins experimental duo White Out for a show @ Knitting Factory, $10 adv/$12 dos

SUNDAY
10am-4pm: Jupiter’s Motorcycles hosts the first annual Gowanus block party/motorcycle, car + art show. Human foosball(?!), trike racing for the kids, grub from local vendors, plus a free after party @ Littlefield. 8th st btwn 2nd + 3rd aves.

12-5pm: Celebrate Michael Jackson’s birthday with Spike Lee, tunes spun by DJ Spinna, more. Prospect Park’s nethermead, free.

1-5pm: 2x2x2 bbq! NYC Daily Deals will be grillin’ up $2 franks and burgers and serving $2 well drinks and beer in honor of their second birthday. bonus: raffles! bell house, free admission (rsvp).

gates @ 2pm: ‘super special guests!’ close out this year’s Jelly Pool Parties with some help from Delorean and Dominique Young Unique. east river state park, free.

ALL WEEKEND
9am-6pm (+ 9/4-5): Borough Park’s Maple Lanes celebrates 50 years (!) with 50-cent games

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