Park Slope Planner: The Best Events February 20-23

Enjoy this lovely and warm (comparatively) weather, which is supposed to continue through the weekend, by coming out of hibernation and seeing what the neighborhood has to offer! There are tons of used books to be purchased, comics to be drawn with George O’Connor, music and podcasts to listen to, and more:

Park Slope United Methodist Book Sale
When: Thursday, February 20, 7-9pm; Friday, February 21, 7-9pm; Saturday, February 22, 9am-5:30pm, Sunday, February 23, 12:30-5pm
Where: Park Slope United Methodist Church, 410 6th Avenue
What: Miles of books, CDs, DVDs, and vinyl records are available for cheap at this 21st annual sale — trust us, you are bound to find something!
How much: Thurs $20, Fri $5, Sat-Sun free

Prospect Concerts Presents The New Students And Axel’s Axiom
When: Friday, February 21, 8pm
Where: Brooklyn Society of Ethical Culture, 53 Prospect Park West
What: This edition of the monthly musical fund-raising partnership of the Park Slope Food Coop and the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture features The New Students (pictured above), who have some American folk influences, and Axel’s Axiom, a jazz group led by pianist Axel Schwintzer.
How much: $10

Jerbean Gilkes: From Jazz To Hip Hop
When: Saturday, February 22, 1pm
Where: Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza
What: In honor of Black History month, Jerbean Gilkes — who has performed with his own dancers, as well as at the Charles Moore Dance Theatre, Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors, and more — will show kids and their parents some moves and grooves to get you going!
How much: Free!

Going Off Track: 100th Episode Live Podcast Recording
When: Saturday, February 22, 8pm (doors 7:30pm)
Where: Union Hall, 702 Union Street
What: The weekly music podcast Going Off Track celebrates its 100th episode with a live recording featuring Janeane Garofalo, Saturday Night Live’s Vanessa Bayer, comedians Chris Farren and Benny Horowitz, and musician Laura Stevenson.
How much: $10, tickets available in advance

Bembe Party
When: Saturday, February 22, 11pm
Where: Littlefield, 622 Degraw Street
What: Fusicology and Ocha Records present this journey into Afro rhythms, house, and other spirited music with resident DJs Carlos Mena and Sabine Blazin, plus special guest Jose Marquez.
How much: $10 before midnight, $15 after, tickets available in advance

Kids’ Comics Workshop With George O’Connor
When: Sunday, February 23, 11am
Where: Bergen Street Comics, 470 Bergen Street
What: Join local graphic novelist George O’Connor to celebrate Aphrodite, the sixth book in his bestselling Olympians series. If you (or your little ones) have ever been curious about how to create your own mythological gods and goddesses, then don’t miss this event.
How much: Free!

The Harlem Chamber Players
When: Sunday, February 23, 4pm
Where: Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza
What: This ethnically diverse collective of professional musicians will perform compositions by African American composers Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson and James Lee III as well as Ravel’s String Quartet.
How much: Free! Children under the age of 6 will not be admitted.

Open Mic
When: Sunday, February 23, 8pm
Where: Tea Lounge, 837 Union Street
What: Looking for a low-pressure place to try out some new songs or other pieces? Tea Lounge promises “a great relaxed environment with zero judgment perfect for beginners.”
How much: Free!

Photo via The New Students