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Picking up The BEAT …

Editor, Our Time Press
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New world-class festival, showcasing borough’s emerging performing artists, set for Sept. 12-23

The BEAT Festival (Brooklyn Emerging Artists in Theater), the borough’s first festival to showcase the borough’s emerging artists in theater, dance, and voice  will be held from September 12-23, featuring an all-star lineup of cutting-edge performing artists – artists from Brooklyn, in Brooklyn, for Brooklyn – performing at venues in every corner of the borough. All general admission tickets are $20, with festival passes and VIP packages also available at www.BEATBrooklyn.com.

This year’s all-star lineup includes: in theater, Lemon Andersen, Elevator Repair Service, Radha Blank, The Irondale Ensemble and Theater Group Dzieci; in dance, Noémie Lafrance, Creative Outlet Dance Theatre, Marshall Davis Jr., Kimberly Bartosik/daela, and Courtney Giannone; and in voice, American Opera Projects & Opera On Tap, and Ishmael “Ish” Islam.
Among the performances are two Brooklyn artists who are debuting their work in Brooklyn for the first time. Lemon Andersen will perform his one-man show “County of Kings” – first presented by Spike Lee at the Public Theater in Manhattan –  in the borough where he was born and raised, and that inspired this biographical account of a kid who had to find his way after losing both of his heroin-addicted parents to AIDS.

Elevator Repair Service, a nationally renowned theater ensemble, will also make their Brooklyn debut with a performance of “Shuffle” at the Brooklyn Public Library.  This multi-media performance installation uses an algorithm to feed portions of classic texts like “The Great Gatsby” and “The Sun Also Rises” to iPods held by the performers as they are sent to diverse areas of the performance space. There is no traditional divide between players and audience in this piece; the audience and actors are side-by-side as the performance spontaneously happens amongst the stacks.

“Many of these performers have had the experience of performing internationally to large audiences, but have had little to no opportunity to perform in Brooklyn for Brooklyn residents,” says artistic director Stephen Shelley. “BEAT creates a platform to celebrate what is already here: extraordinary world-class performers who stand as the greatest innovators of the performing arts.”

“Brooklyn is the Creative Capital of New York City, with more artists, dancers, singers, writers and other ‘creative types’ per square inch than just about anywhere, and it’s because of innovative ventures like the BEAT Festival that our borough’s scene continues to thrive and grow,” saysBrooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz.

Brownsville Heritage House’s Jazz House Band Rocks Crowd

Mary Alice Miller
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By Mary Alice Miller

Bopping heads and tapping feet filled the audience last Saturday at Brownsville Heritage House.
Word on the Street – the house band – entertained the young and not so young with an afternoon of jazz. “It was beautiful. I have been coming ever since they started having this concert,” said Ms. Woods, who couldn’t stop smiling when the set ended. “I haven’t missed one.” Julia Blunt concurred, “I loved it. I love jazz.”

Brownsville Heritage House’s monthly jazz concert was the brainchild of drummer Wade Barnes. A few years ago, Barnes approached Ms. Patricia Deans, chairperson of Brownsville  Heritage House, with the idea of providing jazz to the local community and schools. He wanted to collaborate on giving community children somewhere to go in terms of learning music.

“We encourage the community to bring their family and children; it’s a family experience,” said Ms. Deans. “Bringing jazz into Brownsville is part of the healing that is very much-needed.”
“Word on the Street Ensemble was formed by Wade Barnes about four years ago,” said Vincent Chancey who plays the French horn. “Wade passed away this past March,” said Chancey.  “We are carrying on the band in his tradition.” Chancey added, “The crowds are incredible. Every time we come it’s a good house. They love the music. It’s beautiful to see them here.”

The Word on the Street Ensemble presents their jazz concert at Brownsville Heritage House every third Saturday. Besides Chancey, core members of Word on the Street include saxophone player Bill Saxton, drummer Dave Gibson , Bob Cunningham on bass and  Roy Meriwether, piano. Sometimes the ensemble brings different musicians with them, including an occasional songstress.

“It is important to bring jazz to Brownsville,” said Meriwether. “There’s no jazz around here.”  He observed, “They seem to appreciate it,” an understatement considering the crowd stood on their feet and applauded several times during the concert.

Attendee Carolyn Johnson-Lee offered a series of accolades. “I thought it was fantastic. The musicians were right on time. The audience enjoyed it,” she said. “It was a great experience and I am looking forward to even more enlightening things like this.  Johnson-Lee has been coming to the concert for the past several months. “I came and saw the importance to the community, the importance historically,” said Johnson-Lee, “and this is something I need to be a part of.”

Iris Robinson, Secretary of the Board for Brownsville Heritage House, encouraged attendees to “Tell your friends. Have a wonderful day of fellowshipping and enjoying good music, refreshments and all the good stuff.”

The “good stuff” Robinson referred to is the wall-to-wall art that fills every available nook in Brownsville Heritage House. There is elaborate art made from carved wood, mirrors, corrugated cardboard and metal. Figurines range from 2″ tall to a life-sized Nelson Mandela made from papier-mâché. Collections include themes from ancient Egypt, China and native North Americans. The Middle Passage is thoroughly represented with pictures of Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass. There is an encased display of authentic slave handcuffs juxtaposed with modern handcuffs, contrasting how much things have changed yet remain the same. Amid all the visual stimulation stands life-size pictures of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle.

“The community is responding to these cultural events. I do this for the children,” said Ms. Deans. “They have a very rich culture and history, and they need to know it.”

BSVAC: On Frontlines for Tragedy’s Aftermath; At the Forefront for Emergency Prevention, Intervention

Bernice Elizabeth Green
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Bernice Elizabeth Green

The Bedford-Stuyvesant Volunteer Ambulance Corps is revving up for its 25th year providing emergency services for the community … with an added focus to its already-extraordinary missions.

“As we prepare for school to open next month, let’s give our children a headstart on life,” says BSVAC co-founder Rocky Robinson, “by giving them the information they need to survive and deal with dangers they already know about in these modern times.”

In 1988, Rocky Robinson, with Victor Perez, founded the Corps as a community-based emergency responder to help the injured, maimed and traumatized.  Injured people were virtually dying for help.  BSVAC was there to pick up the dead as well.

So while BSVAC’s 25th birthday is celebrated in August, it is September that is closest to Robinson’s soul.

“September is Emergency Preparedness Month and National Children’s Awareness Month,” says Robinson. “It’s also the time when kids go back to school.”

So this year, Robinson, who ran the 2000 Olympic torch through the streets of Bed-Stuy, is again raising the torch to light the way for the school year’s long-distance run: he’s asking guardians to give young people a headstart on emergency prevention and intervention.

As September EMS month approaches, he is asking the village to support the American College of Emergency Physicians’ list of checkpoints designed to assist parents.
“Parents develop an action plan if there is an emergency as well as medical and dental checkups,” he advises. “You should advise children about potential dangers in a way that empowers them.”

Here’s the ACEP checklist.

Checklist:

·    Organize your child’s medical history records and emergency medical contact information.  Provide copies of this information to your child’s school and any day care providers with instructions to take it with them to the emergency department if your child is sick or injured.  The form should include information related to prescription medications, medical problems or previous surgeries as well as pertinent family history and emergency contacts.  Free forms can be downloaded at http://www.emergencycareforyou.org/EmergencyManual/MedicalForms/default.aspx.  An emergency information form is also available for children with special needs.  Complete a consent-to-treat form and give copies to the school nurse and any day care providers to keep in your child’s record and to take with them if your child should need to go to the emergency department.  The form will allow caregivers to authorize medical treatment.

·    Coordinate with the school nurse and your child’s physician to develop action plans for any health issues such as asthma or food allergies.  Communicate these plans to all appropriate caregivers.

·    Schedule medical and dental checkups before school starts.  Some children will need immunizations.  Consider vision and hearing tests since impairment can adversely affect learning.  Consider a sports checkup if your child will be playing sports.

·    Review and do a dry run with your child of his or her route to school, explaining potential hazards along the way.  If your child walks to school, make sure he or she understands potential traffic dangers.

·    If your child takes the bus, establish a safe, visible pickup/drop-off spot, preferably with a group of children and in an area where they can be clearly seen by adults.  If your child drives to school, make sure he or she obeys all laws and wears seat belts.

·    Make sure your children know how to telephone for help.  Post emergency contact numbers by every telephone in your home.  Have them practice how to call 911 or the local emergency number and give their names, address and a brief description of the problem.
Develop a family emergency plan in case something happens on the way to (or from) and while at school.  Be aware of the emergency and evacuation plans for your children’s schools.
“And call BSVAC to arrange for us to speak at your school, PTA meeting, or any community event,” says Robinson.

Donations to the BSVAC should be sent to: bsvac.org or call 718 453-4617

Calendar 8/23/12

Editor, Our Time Press
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TODAY!
Thurs., Aug 23rd
5pm – 6pm: The Rock Shop: Park Slope, 249 4th Avenue (bet. Carroll & President Sts). The Brooklyn Book Festival, supported by AT&T, is hosting a press meet-up and Happy Hour to celebrate the release of this year’s schedule of Bookend Events. RSVP TO mzustovich@brooklynbp.nyc.gov, 718-802-3832 by noon on Thurs., Aug 23rd

THIS WEEKEND!
Fri., Aug 24th
1pm – 7pm: FARMERS’ MARKET¾ Brownsville Youth Market at Rockaway Ave @ Livonia Ave, in its second season, the market has expanded to two days per week, increasing access to farm-fresh foods for Brownsville residents. Market Partners: Brownsville Partnership accepts SNAP/EBT/Food Stamps, and at participating markets for every $5 spent consumers get $2 in Health Bucks that can be spent at the market.  For info., call 1-800-522-5006 or visit www.nyc.gov/health/farmersmarket

Sat., Aug 25th
Saturdays, 9a-3p, through November 17th: Hattie Carthan Community Farmers Market growing fresh food and healthy people in Central Brooklyn since 2009 at Clifton Place at Marcy Ave. (next to the Hattie Carthan Community Garden)

9am-3pm: FARMERS’ MARKET ¾East New York Farms has opened its farmers’ market for the 2012 season. Come out and find the freshest and healthiest foods in East New York- homegrown fruits and vegetables, fish, baked goods, organic produce, ice cream, coffee, cooked foods, and more. For more information call East New York Farms at 1-718-649-7979 or visit www.eastnewyorkfarms.org

9am– 3pm: FARMERS’ MARKET¾ Brownsville Youth Market : Rockaway Ave @ Livonia Ave, Brownsville Recreation Center, Linden Blvd between Mother Gaston Blvd & Christopher Street. Call 1-800-522-5006 or visit www.nyc.gov/health/farmersmarket.

11am-2pm: The DEDICATORS presents A Meet & Greet Community Luncheon hosted by NYS Assemblywoman Annette M. Robinson; keynote speaker Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes. Corlette NY Restaurant, 193A Nostrand, bet. Hart & Pulaski.  No cost. 917-854-7918.

12noon-7pm: Not Another Child (NAC), a Bedford-Stuyvesant –based non-profit anti-violence group, will host the King Ron Playing 4 Change Tournament at Banneker Playground on Lafayette and Marcy Aves in BK, NY.

3pm-7pm: South Africa Festival: Bedford- Stuyvesant YMCA, 1121 Bedford Ave (Gates Ave entrance). Prizes, food, crafts, entertainment, auctions, vendors.  All proceeds from this event will benefit the YMCA youth programs in South Africa. For more info 917-843-4250

Starting 12 noon-  : AFRO PUNK FEST: The 2012 festival has the most stellar lineup yet with Erykah Badu, Gym Class Heroes, Janelle Monae, Das Racist, Skindred, Toro Y Moi, Toshi Reagon, Reggie Watts, Spank Rock, Ninjasonik, The Memorials, Bad Rabbits, Gordon Voidwell, Cerebral Ballzy, Phony Ppl, Body Language and more.  The Nike Battle for the Streets Skate Competition1. 5 Afro Punk Bites & Beats food trucks. @Commodore Barry Park, Brooklyn Navy Yard, NY

Sun., Aug 26th
Sundays, 1p-6p, thru November 2012, we continue to celebrate the Community Farmers Market, 49 Van Buren bet. Tompkins &Throop. Buy Fresh Local Fruits and Vegetables; a tour our herBAN FARM; buy FRESH Eggs, check out our cooking demos, HERBAL APOTHECARY, weekly compost drop off.

9am – 12noon: COMMUNITY FESTIVAL: 2012 Brooklyn Dominican Parade & Festival @ Graham Ave & Broadway, Set up for sponsors begins – Showtime for Parade is 12:00 pm – The Annual Parade ends at the festival which continues until 7 pm. Children’s rides, arts & crafts as well as local and popular entertainment. ALL AGES!  For more info contact: Caesar Pilot (VP Diversity Projects ¾GALOS Corporation), Phone: 212–243-1177  & 917–748-2264.

4pm -6pm Laugh Out Loud: Comedy Fund-raiser @ Berean Baptist Church, 1635 Bergen St, Brooklyn, New York 11213-2416

UPCOMING
Tues., Aug 28th:
5pm-8pm Bedford- Stuyvesant FREE MEDICAL SERVICES¾ No Health Insurance For Medical Care? The Brooklyn Free Clinic is open every Tuesday from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm at 613 Throop Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11226 (bet MacDonough St & Decatur St) servicing the Bedford-Stuyvesant Neighborhood, BY APPOINTMENT ONLY: 347 920-8379    WEBSITE: http://www.brooklynfreeclinic.org/Home

Thurs., Aug 30th
7pm: A post-screening panel discussion at the New York City premiere of Soul Food Junkies. Walter Reade Theater in Lincoln Center (located at 165 W. 65th St., New York City). General Admission: $25 advance/$30 at the door. Tickets are available at the Lincoln Center box office by calling 212-875-5600, and via www.filmlinc.com.

(Compiled by Lucia Jean)

South African Organizer Forges Connections for Youth in two Worlds… Through the Bedford “Y”

Bernice Elizabeth Green
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Global Connections: Sindisa & a student he counsels, Justin White, at the Bedford-Stuyvesant YMCA. Photo: Valon Beasley

Sindisa Joshua Mrulekana’s intentions to fulfill an assignment for a YMCA program have grown into a major celebratory event that connects two continents through the portal of the YMCA.

The Bedford Y’s second annual South Africa Festival takes place this Saturday, August 25th at the Y headquarters, 1121 Bedford Avenue, 3:00pm-7:00pm.   And excitement around the event — which benefits YMCA youth programs in Africa – is growing.

The festival promises something for everyone and for every age, including prizes, food, fashion, jewelry, crafts, entertainment, auctions and more.   The entertainment ranges from South African dances by Bedford Y teens to drumming to performances by native South African artists.

Lebogana Mokwena, a member of the General Consulate, will address the crowd on the cultural significance of the event, and provide an overview on what is happening in South Africa today.

So as the architect of Saturday’s festival, Sindisa, a counselor of teens at the Bedford Y,  is more than a “party host.” He is considered a strategist and gifted organizer.

Through a partnership with the International YMCA and the Global Teens Program, young men like Sindisa are brought from South Africa or sent to South Africa from New York to learn how to change communities and children’s lives.

Last year, Sindisa participated in the International Camp Counselling program.  Among other tasks, Sindisa was assigned to launching and maintaining a youth leadership program for teens in his native land. Part of Sindisa’s learning experience also was focused on raising capital for the Capetown Y.

He thought of making his fundraiser a carnival.  The first annual event occurred a year ago, and more than 100 people showed up.  With this year’s second event, Sindisa and his team at the Y may be on the road to making Brooklyn history: the South Africa Festival annual end-of-summer event, here in Central Brooklyn,  may join the ranks of Dance Africa and the International African Arts Festival, in time.

Sindisa quickly points out the integral differences between the YMCAs in New York and the YMCA in Capetown. “In America, the Y is membership-based, with fees, pay and facilities; in South Africa, the Y is volunteer-based; people are dealing with socio-economic challenges, and making change in their communities.”

“Part of what the fund will do,” Sindisa told us, “ is get South African YMCA youth the supplies and programming for high school students at risk. The programs will empower young people for life, leadership and service” — which is the core objective of YMCAs in Brooklyn and throughout the world.  And cause for celebration.

Tee-shirts are $15.   Food will be sold. Among the Brooklyn-based festival sponsors are Bombay Heights, Peaches, Rowe’s, and Madiba restaurants.
The YMCAs of New York work in partnership; the Greenpoint YMCA is sponsoring Sindisa’s stay, while the “Bed-Stuy Y” is employing him.  Sindisa’s target goal is $3000. For more info: sjoshua.mru@gmail.com, 917-843-4250,
sa-fundraiser.tumblr.com

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