Slope Weekday Events Spotlight: February 8-10

We handled some more snow with ease (although we have some more falling today), but it’s time to get out there! We have a bevy of offerings, including a Mardi Gras bash, Sriracha history, Slavic soul, and more. Below are some of our favorite events from around the area.

For even more things to do around Brooklyn, and to add your own upcoming events (some of which we’ll feature in this roundup in the future!), check out our calendar.

Struggle Bus Live!
When: Monday, February 8, 7:00pm (door), 7:30pm (show)
Where: Union Hall, 702 Union Street and 5th Avenue
What: Your favorite weekly advice podcast is coming to the stage. Comedy with Sally Tamarkin, Katharine Heller, Janeane Garofalo, and Chemda Hennessy.
How Much: $7, tickets available in advance. 21 and over. This event will be mixed seated/standing. Arrive early for best seat selection.

The Franky Rousseau Large Band & The Keio Light Music Society
When: Monday, February 8. Doors: 6:30pm doors / Show: 7pm
Where: ShapeShifter Lab, 18 Whitwell Place (between 1st and Carroll Streets)
What: The Franky Rousseau Large Band is a collective of NY based musicians devoted to playing the original music of Franky Rousseau. The group made their debut recording in 2011, entitled “Hope”, which features the pianist Austin Peralta. This concert will feature visiting artist Arthur Hnatek. The “Keio Light Music Society” is based in Tokyo, Japan. Known for their commitment to playing contemporary big band music, they’ve commissioned NY based composers such as Ryan Keberle, Franky Rousseau, Remy LeBoeuf, David Binney, among others. The ensemble recently won first place at the national Yamano Big Band Competition in 2015, and will be visiting NY in a series of collaborative concerts with Ryan Keberle, Donny McCaslin, and Franky Rousseau.
How much: $10.

Introductions 2016
When: Mondays and Wednesdays, 1:30-6:30pm; Tuesdays, 10am-5pm. Through February 12
Where: Trestle Gallery, 168 7th Street, between 2nd and 3rd Avenue
What: Introductions is a blow out event to ring in the new year with new exciting art by artists new to Trestle! This show includes over 50 participating artists – it’s something you’ll need to come and experience for yourself!
How much: Free

Slavic Soul Party
When: Tuesday, February 9, 9:00pm
Where: Barbes, 376 9th Street near 6th Avenue.
What: If you’re looking for “fiery Balkan brass, throbbing funk grooves, Gypsy accordion wizardry, and virtuoso jazz chops,” don’t miss Slavic Soul Party, hitting the Barbes stage on Wednesday night. 7:00pm show by multi-instrumentalist Joanna Sternberg.
How much: $10 (strongly) suggested donation.

Mardi Gras Bash with Hungry March Band, Jonathan Toubin, and Baby Soda.
When: Tuesday, February 9, Doors at 8:00pm and Show at 9:00pm
Where: The Bell House, 149 7th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenues)
What: Hungry March Band (HMB) – NYC’s award-winning brass ensemble and performance group has a well earned reputation for mythical revelry with almost two decades of Coney Island Mermaid and Village Halloween parades, rural raves, subway parties, eccentric weddings, processionals for punk rock patron saints, and many other forays into the territories of the free spirit at home in NYC and around the globe. Jonathan Toubin, who Vice Magazine proclaims is “the only DJ we actually like” and Rolling Stone says is “the most liked man in the soul music scene,” was voted “Best DJ” in last year’s Village Voice “Best of NYC Readers’ Poll” by playing literally no hits or fashionable new genre – but rather cutting together raw, wild, and uncommon sides by unsung artists on the original 45s for the contemporary dance floor. Baby Soda is an adaptable and ever changing group made up of New York’s finest musicians; featuring trumpet, trombone, clarinet, banjo and the unique one string box bass.
How much: $15. Tickets available here.

Drawing in the Morbid Anatomy Library with Artist and Master Jeweler Karen Bachmann
When: Wednesday, February 10, 6pm-8pm
Where: Morbid Anatomy Museum, 424 3rd Avenue (at 7th Street)
What: Have a relaxed evening of drawing in the museum’s library with a glass of wine and a chance to meet some similar creative minds. This is a wonderful opportunity to rifle through the museums extensive and inspirational collection of heavily illustrated books and artifacts, and to draw or sketch whatever takes your fancy. Perhaps you haven’t scribbled for years, or do it all the time, any ability level is welcome. Artist and Master Jeweler Karen Bachmann will be on hand for any tips and advice if needed, but no forced intervention! This isn’t a taught session or workshop, just a sociable drawing occasion.
How much: $20. Tickets available here.

Brooklyn Brainery Presents: Sriracha — A History
When: Tuesday, February 9, 6:00-8:00pm. Doors will open at 6pm, with the talk beginning around 6:20pm. Be sure to grab your drink before then!
Where: Threes Brewing, 333 Douglass Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues.
What:  Sriracha is a cultural mashup that typifies American cuisine: based on a Thai sauce, it was created by a Vietnamese immigrant of Chinese descent, and is made outside of LA with California-grown ingredients. In 20 years, it’s crossed over from a condiment for Pho to a mainstream American ingredient. Historic Gatronomist Sarah Lohman has traveled to Sriracha’s California birthplace to see the factory and interview David Tran, the hot sauce’s genius creator. She’ll share with you we’ll the fascinating history of Sriracha as well exclusive interviews, primary source research, and a special peek into its artisanal production process. All your burning hot sauce questions will be answered as we explore how Sriracha has become more American than apple pie.
How much: $12, advanced ticket sales only. Each ticket includes a .25L beer from the selection on tap made by Threes Brewing (gratuity included).

Community Bookstore Book Club reads Toni Morrison’s Beloved
When: Wednesday, February 10, 7:30pm
Where: Community Bookstore, 143 7th Avenue, between Garfield Place and Carroll Street
What: Spend some time reading one of the book that won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1988. It’s also coming after Morrison’s stellar Brooklyn By The Book event at Congregation Beth Elohim.
How much: Free and open to all!