Red Hook Jazz Festival 2013 At The Urban Meadow: 10 Incredible Bands For $10

The Red Hook Jazz Festival, a fun, family-friendly outdoor event held every summer at the Urban Meadow, is back for a sixth year with two Sundays in June. The Festival is sponsored by the Brooklyn Arts Council, The House Of Pizza & Calzone and help from the volunteers of the Urban Meadow Community Garden.  The event costs $10 for adults. It's free or kids.

Mark your calendars. Here are all the details:

Big Bang Productions presents the 6th annual RED HOOK JAZZ FESTIVAL 2013 on two consecutive Sundays, June 9 and June 16 in the Urban Meadow, a community garden on the Columbia Waterfront District.  

Celebrating its sixth installment this year's Red Hook Jazz Festival line-up features some of the world's most forward-thinking jazz musicians and composers playing today, with a focus on female artists and drummers, featuring the vocalist Fay Victor, the pianist Kris Davis, and saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock and Allison Miller (in both categories), Clarence Penn, Mike Pride, Mark Feber, Ted Poor, and Tom Rainey.Highlights of horn players are: Seamus Blake, Ralph Alessi, Tony Malaby Jon Irabagon, Loren Stillman, and Adam Kolker. Other well players include bassists Ben Street, Chris Lightcap, Drew Gress and Ken Filiano guitarist Adam Rogers, Nate Radley and Paul Kogut, piano players Gary Versace and James Carney and many other incredible musicians. 

The Red Hook Jazz Festival prides itself on being a homegrown jazz festival featuring an amazing line-up of mostly local talent. Where other festivals rely on corporate sponsorships and donations, the RHJF is an all-volunteer event proud to support a wide variety of superb figures in New York City and Brooklyn jazz, both young and old. The RHJF has truly developed a tradition of presenting great music with a laid back vibe, an outdoor setting, and a strong family-friendly focus, while striving to develop the next generation of jazz audiences. 

Last year, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz gave the RHJF a proclamation, and this year the RHJF is proud to announce a grant award from the Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC). 

The Urban Meadow is located at the corner of President & Van Brunt Streets in Brooklyn, NY. This year's RHJF is sponsored by the Brooklyn Arts Council, the House of Pizza & Calzone, and the Urban Meadow. 

Both days start at 1pm and end at 6pm. Entrance is $10 per adult/ kids attend free. Details, event schedule and directions follow below.For up to date announcements on the RHJF, visit: http://www.facebook.com/RedHookJazzFestival and the Urban Meadow's website: http://urbanmeadowbrooklyn.blogspot.com/p/directions-to-urban-meadow.html.

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Incompetence? Construction Crew At Former Sokol Brothers Furniture Store On Columbia Street Strikes Water Main A Second Time

(photo credit: Ty Berry)

The site at 251-255 Clumbia Street on march 27, 2013

For the second time since construction began on a new 7-story condominium building on the site of the former Sokol furniture store at 251-255 Columbia Street, construction crews have damaged the water main, causing the site to flood.
The first time was at the end of January 2013.  The water main break caused flooding in several nearby residences and prompted the NYC Department of Buildings to issue a complete stop-work order.  The order was lifted shortly afterwards and construction resumed.
But just yesterday, the site flooded again.  Yes, you guessed it.  The crew managed to damage the water main again.  Prompting another full stop work order.  This time the FDNY requested a structural  stability inspection.

The photos above were sent to me by Ty Berry,  Columbia Waterfront  resident and author of the blog The Culver Local.
In a post entitled Construction in New York (or, A Study in Incompetence), Ty writes:

For the first 6 months we lived near the site, little happened save for excavation. Then, at the end of January, something did happen. They broke a water main. We woke up to find the site next door flooded with 4+ feet of water. FDNY eventually pumped it dry, but work was stopped at the site for the better part of two months. It was, sadly, not much of a surprise. We had spent months watching the site be managed with a level of professionalism that was marginal at best - an aimless construction team animated by the occasional visit by what I can only guess is the owner of the property. From our vantage point, the construction contractor(s) were rarely managed by anyone.Fast forward to last week and - finally - work began again. They laid a partial slab foundation and just today completed excavation work on the site. In fact, it was around the time they completed excavation that I was roused from my desk to see what was going on. I looked out my window and saw, little to my surprised, water pouring into the newly excavated foundation. They had struck the water main. Again.

The construction site was pumped out by the FDNY last night and work has resumed.
Incompetence?  Probably.

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Spring Egg Hunt At Urban Meadow On Columbia Waterfront This Sunday

This Sunday, Urban Meadow is hosting a Spring Easter Egg Hunt. complete with a visit from the Easter Bunny.  Don't miss it.  It's bound to be a lot of fun.

Columbia Waterfront Spring Egg Hunt & Easter Bunny!

Everyone is invited to the cutest local egg hunt around on Sunday, March 31 from 10-12 pm. To make room for all the kids, babies up to age 4 will hunt in the Urban Meadow and kids five and up will be in next door Mother Cabrini playground. The forecast is in the 50s for Sunday- and special guest the EASTER BUNNY will hop in around 11 o'clock!

Bring your baskets and don't be late - doors open for the hunt right at 10 AM. Corner of President and Van Brunt Streets. For more information see the Urban Meadow website: urbanmeadowbrooklyn.blogspot.com.

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Great News For Neighborhood Gardeners: Gowanus Nursery To Re-Open March 23rd

(photo credit: Gowanus Nursery)

Best news for all neighborhood gardeners and certain proof that spring is most definitely around the corner. After their yearly winter hiatus, the Gowanus Nursery is re-opening next week-end. I can hardly wait.
From their Facebook page:

With many projects still under way, it is with sweat on our brow that we mention our opening date, March 23rd, 2013March hours: Saturday and Sunday 11-5 Early April Hours: 10-6 Thursday through Sunday.

Gowanus Nursery

9 Carroll Street, Brooklyn, NY.

(718) 852-3116

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Clock Works On Columbia Street Hosting Kids Matinee Series And Puppet Kabarett

For two September weekends in a row, Clock Works at 196 Columbia Street is hosting a Kids Matinee series featuring puppets, cartoons, songs and crafts.  Make sure to join the fun your little ones.
All seats are $10.

September 22 and 23 

&

September 29 to 30

  Saturdays at 11AM to 2 PM

Sundays at 2PM

Reserve Tickets or Inquiry at 212.614.0001 

or e-mail info@cosmicbicycle.com

Also, Clock Works is hosting Das WunderKummer Puppet Kabarett, a special Save The Clock Works! Edition on Friday September 28th and Saturday, September 29th at 8 PM.   The event features Great Small Works, Ralph Lee Mettawee River Company and more special guests.

Suggested Price : $20 ($10 minimum)
If you can's make it to the event, you can support the efforts of The Clock Works Theatre, click here.

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Columbia Waterfront Residents Get Opportunity To Meet New Red Hook Container Terminal's Stevedore

On February 9th, Columbia Waterfront residents will have the opportunity to meet with Phoenix Beverage Company, the new stevedore of the Red Hook Container terminal at a community meeting to "help build and maintain a good relationship between the port and its neighborhoods."

This past fall, the beverage distributor replaced American Stevedoring, Inc. (ASI) as the group responsible for operating the Red Hook Container Terminal on behalf of the Port Authority.

This meeting has been organized by the Columbia Waterfront Neighborhood Association (COWNA), Congressman Jerrold Nadler and Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, Councilmember Brad Lander, State Senator Daniel Squadron, Assemblywoman Joan Millman as well as Community Board Six.

The is an opportunity to talk with about building and maintaining a good relationship between the port and its neighborhoods.

Meet The New Stevedore!

Thursday February 9, 2012, 6:30 pm

Postgraduate Center for Mental Health

177 Columbia Street at Degraw Street

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Share In The Bounty Of The Urban Meadow Community Agricultural Program

I just came across this information from the Urban Meadow down by the Columbia Waterfront and thought it would interest others. Read on:

The Urban Meadow Community Supported Agriculture Program (CSA) is pleased to announce share availability for the 2011 season, which will run from the first Saturday in June through the last Saturday in October. If you're interested, please hurry and get in contact, because we expect slots to fill up quickly!

The cost of a share is $450 for the season and includes a delivery of vegetables each week from Ant Hill farm. Please note that a small number of subsidized shares are available. Inquire about membership or any other details using the links and information below.

Check out Urban Meadow CSA's website here for more information.

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Remembering Latticini Barese

For decades, Latticini Barese at 138 Union Street had the best fresh mozzarella in the neighborhood, hands down. Their fresh ricotta was amazing as well. Joe Balzano Sr.'s deli closed back in 2002, leaving many in the neighborhood pining for his cheese and sandwiches. The New York Times even dedicated an article to it when it closed its doors.

Every time I cross the B.Q.E. at Union Street, I look up and see the fading, chipping sign and think of the place.

Does anyone remember it and miss it as well?

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A Moment Back In Time: The Bakery On Columbia Street, Now Long Gone

The bakery at 230 Columbia Street back in the winter of 1948

The same spot on Columbia Street today

Columbia Street at Union Street, where # 230 would have stood.

How cool is this great black and white photograph taken of neighborhood residents and policemen on Columbia Street? This winter scene took place in 1948 and was taken in front of a bakery store at #230 Columbia St., between Union and President Streets.

The bakery and the actual building is long gone, unfortunately. It was most probably taken down shortly after 1975, when the city began digging a trench for a sewer line at Columbia and President Street, to connect to the Red Hook Sewer treatment plant. According to the South Brooklyn Network, during the excavation, "water seeped into the constuction trench. As workers pumped it out, the water table fell, weakening the foundations of nearby buildings. Two buildings collapsed, and one man was killed. 33 buildings were demolished as a safety measure, and many remaining businesses and residents were pulled out."

Do any of the old timers in the neighborhood remember this bakery? What was its name. Would love to find out more about it.

Related Posts:

Back In Time On Columbia Street: Of Photographers And Fuel Trucks

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Jazz Returns To Red Hook Urban Meadow This Fall

Expect a great line-up and fabulous music when the Red Hook Jazz Festival returns to Red Hook's Urban Meadow this coming Saturday. Located on the corner of President Street and Van Brunt Street, the Urban Meadow is a community garden in the Columbia Waterfront area, which hosts not only wonderful events, but serves as a green oasis for many neighborhood families.

Read on for more information about the jazz festival:

Welcome back from the summer and to another fantastic Red Hook Jazz Festival show at the Urban Meadow. Next Sunday, September 19 from 12 PM - 6 PM, suggested donation is $5 for adults and free for kids (all proceeds go to support the activities of the Urban Meadow). And once again the line-up includes mostly incredible Brooklyn talent. The weather promises to be beautiful so pack your picnic blankets and come to a cool outdoor venue for great music. See the Urban Meadow blog for complete information about the show, and the Urban Meadow, including directions.

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Get Ready For Big PortSide BlueBQ And Support Our Waterfront

I don't know about you, dear Reader, but I am going to stay right here for the 4th of July week-end. Forget trying to get out of he city without getting stuck in traffic. Instead, its going to be backyard barbecues with friends and taking advantage of an empty city. Besides, there are so many can't -miss events planed for this special week-end. Like this one below, right here on the waterfront. Read on:

Help bring the CB6 Waterfront to life

Big Portside New York

BlueBQ

Saturday, July 03, 2010 from 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Pier 11 Atlantic Basin, Red Hook

enter Bowne St & Imlay St

Pioneer St & Conover St

no parking available on site during this event

Support PortSide programs this summer

PortSide NewYork has been working to create great waterfront programs in CB6. This year, we are offering expanded programs during a July+August stay in Atlantic Basin, Red Hook while we continue negotiating our permanent lease for that place.

Please support these exciting BlueSpace programs. If you can't come to the July 3 FunRaiser, you can donate on line at the event website.

Tickets: Adults $35, Kids $10 on sale here

A fundraiser in the spirit of our fun and educational programs:

BBQ from 6-8:30

Guests are invited to linger later to watch the sun set over the harbor

on pier 11, summer home of the Mary A. Whalen

Food from The Good Fork, Red Hook Lobster Pound, Tom Cat Bakery, Trader Joes, Betty Brooklyn and more

Featuring:

• Peter Waldman, the Balloon Meister
• Jack Putnam of South Street Seaport channelling Herman Melville
• Live auction
• kids wading pool, games, chalk, bubbles n balls
• music by Smitty & more TBA

And don't forget to go check out the live auction page. below are three examples of what you can bid on.

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"Take Your Father To A Jazz Show Day" At The Urban Meadow This Sunday

photo credit: The Urban Meadow

Get ready for the second Sunday of great music as part of the Red Hook Jazz Festival at the Urban Meadow. It will be a day on the Columbia Street Waterfront, right under the cranes in a beautiful outdoor spot. Many of the musicians who'll be playing the RHJF live in Brooklyn - from Carroll Gardens to Park Slope to Ditmas Park, Brooklyn is represented (and there will even be a few guests from Manhattan!)

Suggested admission at the door is $5 for adults, kids are free. (All proceeds go to support the Urban Meadow Garden and activities.)

Red Hook Jazz Festival

Part II

Sunday, June 20th

1:00pm – 5:00pm

1:00pm

James Carney with Tony Malaby, Chris Lightcap, Dan Weiss

2:00pm

Chris Lightcap with Tony Malaby, Chris Cheek, Craig Taborn & Gerald Cleaver

3:00pm

Todd Sickafoose's Tiny Resistors with Jonathan Goldberger, Mike Gamble, John Ellis, Alan Ferber & Ches Smith

4:00pm

Harris Eisenstadt’s Canada Day with Nate Wooley, Matt Bauder, Chris Dingman & Eivind Opsvik

For More Information go to: urbanmeadowbrooklyn.blogspot.com

The Urban Meadow is located on the corner of President Street and Van Brunt Streets in the Columbia Street Waterfront area of Brooklyn.

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This Saturday, Multi-Family Tag Sale To Benefit Summit Street Community Garden

Don't know about you, but I love stoop sales and tag sales. And thankfully, there are plenty of those held every spring week-end in the neighborhood.

This Saturday, the Summit Street Community Garden at Columbia Street is holding a multi-family tag sale to benefit the beautiful blooming oasis that local residents have created.

Saturday, May 22nd

9am-2pm

Summit St. Garden (corner of Summit and Columbia)

rain date: Sunday, May 23rd

proceeds to benefit the Summit Street Garden

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