OPERATION GIG! PORCH CONCERTS: MAGGIE CARSON AND MARCUS JADE; LA MADRUGADA Y SANCTUARIO

From Operation Gig!:

Sat Aug 9 4-6pm
Maggie Carson and Marcus Jade
335 Rugby Rd
Two fantastic local singer-songwriters, Maggie Carson and Marcus Jade, serenade us this Saturday. Maggie Carson carries the torch of folk music and Marcus Jade stamps his own transcendent Delta blues.

Sun Aug 10 4-6pm
La Madrugada y Sanctuario
484 Rugby Rd
La Madrugada Y Sanctuario collaboration is a multicultural NYC based sextet exploring Afro-Caribbean rhythms through salsa staples, originals and folklore.

----------------------------------------------------

Operation Gig! concerts sometimes get canceled because of weather conditions that aren't suitable for outdoor activities. Before you go to the concert, check the Operation Gig! website (https://www.operationgig.org/) to see if it's been canceled.
 
Operation Gig! provides live music performances outdoors on weekends.
 
The series, held on the porches of private houses in Ditmas Park, started in July 2020 in order to offer a venue where musicians could perform during the pandemic. This provides them with a source of income and provides a safe space for people to gather to enjoy live music.
 
Although the performances are free, the suggested $10 donation to the musicians is more than welcome. Donate either at the performance itself or to the tax-deductible Operation Gig Musician Guarantee Fund on GoFundMe.
 

Operation Gig! t-shirts can be purchased here; the proceeds go to the Operation Gig Musician Guarantee Fund.

KENSINGTON DOG RUN FIFTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION (FREE)

 

Celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the Kensington Dog Run on Saturday, August 9th, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Bring your favorite refreshments, if you like.

Located on Coney Island Avenue in the Parade Ground near Prospect Park, the Kensington Dog Run opened in 2020. It came to fruition after years of grassroots planning and organizing by neighborhood dog owners who wanted to create a dog run where dogs could enjoy the benefits of exercising, socializing, and breathing fresh air off-leash.

The project was made possible with allocated funds via Participatory Budgeting from New York City Councilmember Mathieu Eugene of District 40 and via Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams' capital allocations. The balance of the funds needed were covered by Councilmember Brad Lander of District 39. 

The Kensington Dog Run Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Location

Kensington Dog Run

397A Coney Island Avenue

between Kermit Place and Caton Avenue

Kensington, Brooklyn

(map) 

https://www.facebook.com/KensingtonDogRun

https://www.instagram.com/kensingtondogrun/ 

66TH PRECINCT NATIONAL NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME, 2025 (FREE)

 

National Night Out Against Crime

 Tuesday, August 5th

5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

 

Join the 66th Precinct, 66th Precinct Community Council, and Community Board 12 for National Night Out Against Crime on Tuesday, August 5th, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

 

Highlights of the evening will include free food, drinks, ice cream, rides, bounces, games, giveaways, and more.

 

For more information, contact the 66th Precinct Community Affairs Office at (718) 851-5601. 

 

National Night Out Against Crime is held annually on the first Tuesday in August. The National Association of Town Watch created the event in 1984. 

Prior to that, in the 1970s, as one aspect of the Women's Liberation Movement, women created their own non-governmental, grass-roots event--called "Take Back the Night"--with the goal of protesting and deterring violence against women through their visible presence outdoors.

From the website of National Association of Town Watch:

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.

Location

66th Precinct

5822 16th Avenue

between 58th and 59th streets

Borough Park, Brooklyn 

phone: (718) 851-5611

website: http://www1.nyc.gov/site/nypd/bureaus/patrol/precincts/66th-precinct.page

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NYPD66pct

OPERATION GIG! PORCH CONCERTS: THE YOON SUN CHOI QUARTET; NUMBER CRUNCHERS

 

From Operation Gig!:

Sat Aug 2 4-6pm
The Yoon Sun Choi Quartet
225 Argyle Rd

Vocalist and composer Yoon Sun Choi brings her adventurous quartet to the stage for an afternoon of dynamic, genre-defying music.

Known for her fearless improvisation and deeply expressive voice, Choi draws from jazz, songwriting, and experimental traditions to create music that is both intricate and emotionally direct.

She’s joined by longtime collaborators Jacob Sacks (keyboards), Lim Yang (bass), and Vinnie Sperrazza (drums)—three of NYC’s most versatile improvisers. Together, they shape spontaneous compositions that are spacious, rhythmic, and deeply alive.

This is music that embraces risk, beauty, and the unexpected.

Sun Aug 3 4-6pm
Number Crunchers
336 Westminster Rd

Number Crunchers is a synth-jazz fusion group that draws inspiration from a variety of genres, including funk, bossa nova, and electronica. Dan Kessler (chapman stick), Dave Fugel (sax), Eric Reeves (drums), Julia Chen (keys). 

 

----------------------------------------------------

Operation Gig! concerts sometimes get canceled because of weather conditions that aren't suitable for outdoor activities. Before you go to the concert, check the Operation Gig! website to see if it's been canceled.
 
Operation Gig! provides live music performances outdoors on weekends.
 
The series, held on the porches of private houses in Ditmas Park, started in July 2020 in order to offer a venue where musicians could perform during the pandemic. This provides them with a source of income and provides a safe space for people to gather to enjoy live music.
 
Although the performances are free, the suggested $10 donation to the musicians is more than welcome. Donate either at the performance itself or to the tax-deductible Operation Gig Musician Guarantee Fund on GoFundMe.
 

Operation Gig! t-shirts can be purchased here; the proceeds go to the Operation Gig Musician Guarantee Fund.

 

BOOK DISCUSSIONS: "ANOTHER COUNTRY" AND "I'M GLAD MY MOM DIED" (FREE)

 

Book Discussion: Another Country 

Tuesday, July 29th

6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

 

From the Windsor Terrace Library:

Set in 1950s New York, Another Country explores love, race, and identity through the lives of friends grappling with grief, desire, and the pressures of societal expectations. Baldwin’s bold novel delves into interracial and same-sex relationships, offering a powerful look at human connection in a divided world. Please ask for a copy at the front desk.

Location

Windsor Terrace Library

160 E. 5th Street

between Fort Hamilton Parkway and Caton Avenue

Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn

phone: (718) 686-9707

https://www.bklynlibrary.org/locations/windsor-terrace

https://www.facebook.com/WindsorTerraceLibrary 

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Book Discussion: I'm Glad My Mom Died

Friday, August 8th

2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 

From the Kensington Library:

Join our book discussion group on "I'm glad my mom died" by Jennette Mccurdy! Share your thoughts on the book and get to know other readers in your community.  

"A heartbreaking and hilarious memoir by iCarly and Sam & Cat star Jennette McCurdy about her struggles as a former child actor--including eating disorders, addiction, and a complicated relationship with her overbearing mother--and how she retook control of her life"

Visit the branch to check it out. No need to finish the book beforehand. All are welcome!

Register in advance at https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/book-discussion-group-kensington-auditorium-20250808-0200pm. 

 

Location

Kensington Library

4207 18th Avenue

between E. 2nd and E. 3rd streets

Kensington, Brooklyn

(718) 436-0545

https://www.bklynlibrary.org/locations/kensington 

https://www.facebook.com/KensingtonLibraryBPL

KARAOKE SATURDAYS AT SHENANIGANS PUB (FREE ADMISSION)

 

Karaoke Saturdays

Every Saturday, 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

 

Sing your heart out at Shenanigans Pub every Saturday night from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.--or listen as the other karaoke fans belt them out!

Big G is the host. Admission is free.

Location

Shenanigans Pub

802 Caton Avenue

corner of E. 8th Street

Windsor Terrace/Kensington, Brooklyn

(718) 633-3689

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077592924507 

"LEARN TO PLAY THE UKULELE" WORKSHOPS (FREE)

 

"Learn to Play the Ukulele" Workshops

Sunday, July 27th

Saturday, August 16th

Sunday, August 17th

10:30 a.m. to noon

 

Learn to play the ukulele at one or more of three free workshops on Sunday, July 27th, Saturday, August 16th, and Sunday, August 17th, from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

 

Bring your own ukulele.

 

The workshops are open to all skill levels. They're designed for adults and older children who would like to learn to play the ukulele or are in the early stages of learning.

 

Location 

East Fourth Street Community Garden

171 E. 4th Street

between Fort Hamilton Parkway and Caton Avenue

Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn

https://eastfourthstreetgarden.tumblr.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/246036418909475

 

CRAFT CIRCLE MEETUP ON SATURDAY (FREE)

 

The Craft Circle

Saturday, July 26th

3:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

 

From The Craft Circle: 

Crafts group! We’re still at it! Miss my crafty neighbors! Saturday July 26, Cortelyou Road Library At Argyle Road, 3pm.

The Craft Circle will meet at the Cortelyou Library on Saturday, July 26th, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

 

The Craft Circle is a free, informal meetup where neighbors knit and crochet together or work on other crafts. You can bring something that you're already working on or you can learn a new craft.

 

All skill levels are welcome, and learners are welcome.

 

Location

Cortelyou Library

1305 Cortelyou Road

between Argyle and Rugby roads

Ditmas Park, Brooklyn

(718) 693-7763 

https://www.bklynlibrary.org/locations/cortelyou 

https://www.facebook.com/cortelyoulibrary/

SUNDAY CONCERT CANCELED. OPERATION GIG! PORCH CONCERTS: THE MARTINEZ-TEUBAL-LANOUGUERE TRIO, THE SIVAN ARBEL EXPERIENCE, THE DRD MODERN ORGAN TRIO

 

From Operation Gig!



Fri 7/25 6-8pm
The Martinez-Teubal-Lanouguere Trio
303 Westminster Rd

The Martinez-Teubal-Lanouguere Trio draws from a wide variety of musical styles: Latin-American folk music, jazz, progressive rock, free improvisation, classical music and some hints of Middle Eastern music. 

 

Sat 7/26 4-6pm
The Sivan Arbel Experience
492 Marlboro Rd

Rooted in jazz and rich with global rhythms, The Sivan Arbel Experience invites you to awaken your body and remember our shared humanity. 

 

SUNDAY'S CONCERT HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS.

Sun 7/27 4-6pm
The DRD Modern Organ Trio
131 Buckingham Rd

DRD Modern Organ Trio, a collaboration of Rafael Rosa (guitar), Dylan DeFeo (organ) and Danny Borg (drums), brings interpretations and new arrangements of jazz, blues, classic soul, R&B, funk, Latino & Brazilian standards and classics.

----------------------------------------------------

Operation Gig! concerts sometimes get canceled because of weather conditions that aren't suitable for outdoor activities. Before you go to the concert, check the Operation Gig! website or Facebook page to see if it's been canceled.
 
Operation Gig! provides live music performances outdoors on weekends.
 
The series, held on the porches of private houses in Ditmas Park, started in July 2020 in order to offer a venue where musicians could perform during the pandemic. This provides them with a source of income and provides a safe space for people to gather to enjoy live music.
 
Although the performances are free, the suggested $10 donation to the musicians is more than welcome. Donate either at the performance itself or to the tax-deductible Operation Gig Musician Guarantee Fund on GoFundMe.
 

Operation Gig! t-shirts can be purchased here; the proceeds go to the Operation Gig Musician Guarantee Fund.

 

72ND PRECINCT NATIONAL NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME, 2025 (FREE)

 

National Night Out Against Crime

 Tuesday, August 5th

3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Join the 72nd Precinct for National Night Out Against Crime on Tuesday, August 5th, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Highlights will include free live music, games, bounce houses for children, a bike raffle, and activities for all ages.

National Night Out Against Crime is held annually on the first Tuesday in August. The National Association of Town Watch created the event in 1984. 

Prior to that, in the 1970s, as one aspect of the Women's Liberation Movement, women created their own non-governmental, grass-roots event--called "Take Back the Night"--with the goal of protesting and deterring violence against women through their visible presence outdoors.

From the website of National Association of Town Watch:

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.

Location

Sunset Park

entrance at 44th Street and Sixth Avenue, in the soccer field

Sunset Park, Brooklyn

------------------------------------------------

72nd Precinct Community Council

https://www.facebook.com/72nd-Precinct-Community-Council-1611883092371304

72nd Precinct

phone: (718) 965-6311

http://www1.nyc.gov/site/nypd/bureaus/patrol/precincts/72nd-precinct.page

CompStat report (crime statistics)

https://www.nyc.gov/assets/nypd/downloads/pdf/crime_statistics/cs-en-us-072pct.pdf

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NYPD72pct

LIVE MUSIC FROM SPAIN, VENEZUELA, CUBA, AND BRAZIL WITH THE TOMAS RODRIGUEZ TRIO

 

Music in the Plaza: Tomas Rodriguez

Thursday, July 24th

5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

 

From Tomas Rodriguez:

Next Thursday, July 24th we return to Kensington Plaza for a live outdoor performance featuring music from Spain, Venezuela, Cuba and Brazil as well as original compositions. 

With guests Enrique Lopez on guitar/tres and Manuel Carro on percussion and vocals. 

Hope to see you there....(if you are in NYC). 

Location

Kensington Plaza

114 Beverley Road

between Church Avenue and E. 2nd Street

Kensington, Brooklyn

(map)

 

P.S. 179 SCHOOLYARD IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC IN THE "SCHOOLYARDS TO PLAYGROUNDS" PROGRAM

 

P.S. 179 has joined the list of 268 New York City public schools that already participate in the city's Schoolyards to Playgrounds program, which was launched in 2007. The schoolyards are open to the public when school isn't in session. 

 

During the school year, the schoolyards are open from Monday through Friday from the end of the school day until dusk and on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 8:00 a.m. to dusk. During the summer, they're open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to dusk.

 

New York City established a goal in 2015 of having 85% of New Yorkers live within walking distance of a park or open space by 2030. The Schoolyards to Playgrounds program increases the public's access to green space in neighborhoods that are further away from a park than a ten-minute walk (one-quarter of a mile).

 

The Schoolyards to Playgrounds program is co-managed by the Department of Education, Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Trust for Public Land.

Location

P.S. 179

202 Avenue C

between E. 2nd and E. 3rd streets

Kensington, Brooklyn

 

OPERATION GIG! PORCH CONCERTS: AIDAN & ALIDA, THE GREAT LONGMEADOW FIRE, BAKLAVA EXPRESS

 

From Operation Gig!



Friday, July 18th, 6pm-8pm

Aidan & Alida 

1415 Dorchester Rd

This guitar/voice and accordion duo performs passionate renditions of folk songs from Latin America. Featuring the legendary Roy Nathanson on sax!

 

Saturday, July 19th, 4pm-6pm

The Great Longmeadow Fire 

455 Marlborough Rd 

The Great Long Meadow Fire blends gothic Americana, gospel blues, New Orleans jazz and swampy rock n' roll to make a dark and danceable sound. 

 

Sunday, July 20th, 4pm-6pm
Baklava Express
770 Rugby Rd

Baklava Express is a NYC based Middle Eastern fusion project, led by Oud player Josh Kaye. The band performs original music, influenced by the traditions of the Arab world and Turkey, as well as Jazz, Flamenco, and Eastern European Folk music. The eclectic influences and vast differences in the musical backgrounds of its members have created a group whose style is distinct, yet genre defiant.

----------------------------------------------------

Operation Gig! concerts sometimes get canceled because of weather conditions that aren't suitable for outdoor activities. Before you go to the concert, check the Operation Gig! website or Facebook page to see if it's been canceled.
 
Operation Gig! provides live music performances outdoors on weekends.
 
The series, held on the porches of private houses in Ditmas Park, started in July 2020 in order to offer a venue where musicians could perform during the pandemic. This provides them with a source of income and provides a safe space for people to gather to enjoy live music.
 
Although the performances are free, the suggested $10 donation to the musicians is more than welcome. Donate either at the performance itself or to the tax-deductible Operation Gig Musician Guarantee Fund on GoFundMe.
 

Operation Gig! t-shirts can be purchased here; the proceeds go to the Operation Gig Musician Guarantee Fund.

 

SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES IN ALBEMARLE PLAYGROUND (FREE)

 

Summer Activities in Albemarle Playground

Tuesdays and Thursdays

July 15th through August 21st

10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

 

"The Singing Winds in Albemarle Playground" annual series offers free summer activities for all ages, including

• arts and crafts,
• gardening,
• science and engineering,
• chess,
• checkers, and
• playground games.

Also offered from 11:30 a.m. to noon is a storytelling circle with Jill Reinier.

Location

Albemarle Playground

McDonald Avenue

near Albemarle Road, behind the P.S. 230 Lower School

Kensington, Brooklyn

 

WRITING WORKSHOP (FREE)

Writing Workshop

Friday, August 15th 

6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Rain Date: Friday, August 22nd

 

From Newkirk Community Garden: 

Join us for a writing workshop inspired by the Newkirk Community Garden!  

In this workshop, you will be guided by several prompts to explore the garden with your senses, your imagination, and your care.  

We will spend the first ten - fifteen minutes of the workshop introducing ourselves, leading into quiet contemplation and observation of the garden. 

The next half hour will be devoted to writing; participants will choose to create a poem, an essay, a short story, a letter to a politician, or any form of writing to communicate the experience of the garden, linking it to community and a sense of place in the world.  

The workshop will be guided by Sherri Machlin, garden member, author,  and a composition instructor and art librarian for CUNY.  

Journals and pens will be provided.  

Location

Newkirk Community Garden

736 E. 8th Street, at Newkirk Avenue

Kensington, Brooklyn

phone: (347) 903-7297 

https://www.newkirkgarden.com

https://www.facebook.com/groups/newkirkcommunitygarden/

https://www.instagram.com/newkirkcommunitygarden/ 

LET'S WRITE TOGETHER: A WRITING WORKSHOP IN THE COMMUNITY GARDEN (FREE)

 

Writing Workshop 

Saturday, July 19th

3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

From Micky Shorr:

Micky Shorr will offer a writing workshop in the East Fourth Street Community Garden on July 19 from 3.30-5. 

She’ll offer a writing prompt as a suggestion that people can use. We’ll all write for an allotted amount of time. Then we’ll all be encouraged to share this first draft piece of writing, although there is no requirement. 

Group members will offer feedback about what they liked about what they heard. 

This is not a critique group; all writing genres and levels of experience are welcome.

Micky Shorr, a NY Writers Coalition-trained leader, has facilitated writing groups in public libraries--including the Windsor Terrace branch--both online and in person.

Location

East Fourth Street Community Garden

171 E. 4th Street

between Fort Hamilton Parkway and Caton Avenue

Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn

https://www.facebook.com/groups/246036418909475

https://eastfourthstreetgarden.tumblr.com

KNIT + CROCHET MEETUP (FREE)

 

Knit + Crochet Meetup

Sunday, July 20th

2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

From The Craft Salon:

Join us for our monthly Knit + Crochet Meetup. Chat with seasoned stitchers and beginners alike. Come to learn! This free workshop is open to adults and teens. Pop in or stay for the long haul!

The free meetup has a capacity of 20 adults.  

 

Register in advance at https://www.hisawyer.com/the-craft-salon-studio/schedules/activity-set/1520078.

 

------------------------------------------

The Craft Salon is a multi-disciplinary arts and crafts studio that offers workshops and classes for children and adults of all ages. 

A neighborhood favorite, The Craft Salon is owned and operated by community-minded creative artist Dari Litchman.

 

SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT

 SMALL BUSINESSES.

 

Location

The Craft Salon

1101 Church Avenue, first floor

corner of Stratford Road

Kensington, Brooklyn

(917) 324-8290

dari@thecraftsalonstudio.com

https://thecraftsalonstudio.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Thecraftsalonstudio

https://www.instagram.com/thecraftsalon/

https://www.tiktok.com/@the_craft_salon_ny

 

FRIDAY NIGHT KRAFT KLUB (FREE/DONATION-BASED)

 

Friday Night Kraft Klub

Friday, July 18th

6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

 

From Dari Litchman at The Craft Salon:

What is this, you ask? WELL… It’s something I’ve been dreaming up! Every other Friday we are going to meet and CRAFT. It’s gonna be FREE/donation based. I will put supplies out on the table or you can bring something you’re working on.

I will lead a “project” but there’s no stakes involved if you’re not feeling it. Just come, bring a bottle, order in some dinner, hang with a friend, and let’s have COMMUNITY CRAFTING! 

KRAFT KLUB is open to adults only (21+) 

Twenty adults can be accommodated. Register at https://www.hisawyer.com/the-craft-salon-studio/schedules/activity-set/1520079.

------------------------------------------

The Craft Salon is a multi-disciplinary arts and crafts studio that offers workshops and classes for children and adults of all ages. 

A neighborhood favorite, The Craft Salon is owned and operated by community-minded creative artist Dari Litchman.

 

SUPPORT LOCAL, INDEPENDENT

 SMALL BUSINESSES.

 

Location

The Craft Salon

1101 Church Avenue, first floor

corner of Stratford Road

Ditmas Park, Brooklyn

(917) 324-8290
dari@thecraftsalonstudio.com

https://thecraftsalonstudio.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/Thecraftsalonstudio/ 

https://www.instagram.com/thecraftsalon/ 

https://www.tiktok.com/@the_craft_salon_ny