Weekend Art Events: March 22-25 (Photography, Opera, Cabaret, Coney Island & More)

It may not feel like it outside, but it’s officially Spring!

Get out this weekend and enjoy the work of some talented photographers, writers, musicians, singers, comedians, and more!

If you’re looking for a camp to send the kiddies to this summer, BKLYNER is hosting a Camp Fair at PS 130 on Sunday from 12pm to 3pm. Meet with 28 camp directors and find the perfect camp for your kids!

Learn more about the BKLYNER Summer Camp Fair here.

Don’t forget to check the BKLYNER Calendar for more events happening around town or to list one of your own.

Foam Talent | New York
When: Exhibition on view from Thursday, March 22 through Sunday, April 8 (public opening March 22 from 6pm to 9pm)
Where: Red Hook Labs, 133 Imlay Street (at Verona Street), Red Hook
What: Foam Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam and Foam Magazine present this group exhibition featuring 20 photographers from around the world whose work explores a variety of subjects and techniques. The showcased artists were selected from the annual Foam Talent Call in which 1,790 submissions were received from 75 different countries.
How Much: Free, RSVP required for opening

14th Annual National Black Writers Conference
When: Thursday, March 22 through Sunday, March 25
Where: Medgar Evers College, 1650, 1638, 1637 Bedford Avenue, Crown Heights
What: The four-day literary event features more than 30 writers, scholars, and literary professionals discussing the theme “Gathering at the Waters: Healing, Legacy and Activism in Black Literature,” addressing issues of social inequality and injustices in society and how to create a legacy of healing through activism. The 2018 Conference Honorees include Steven Barnes, Kwame Dawes, Tananarive Due, David Levering Lewis, Eugene B. Redmond, Susan L. Taylor, and Colson Whitehead. The Conference will feature roundtable conversations, author readings, films, workshops, vendors and more. Click here for more info and the full schedule of events.

Evening of Opera & Cabaret: Concert & Benefit for Brooklyn Opera Works
When: Thursday, March 22, 7pm to 10pm
Where: First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn, The Elliot Room, 124 Henry Street, Brooklyn Heights
What: Enjoy a night of opera and cabaret in an intimate cocktail setting to support the Brooklyn Music School’s Brooklyn Opera Works Program. Performances will include a sampling of operatic arias, and cabaret and dance selections showcasing the talent of the program’s participants.
How Much: Tickets $75

Composites
When: Exhibition on view from Thursday, March 22 through Sunday, April 22 (opening reception Friday, March 23, 5pm to 8pm)
Where: 440 Gallery, 440 6th Avenue (between 9th & 10th Streets), Park Slope
What: 440 Gallery presents a group exhibition in its Project Space featuring the work of Leigh Blanchard, Gail Flanery, and David Stock. In Blanchard’s Study #5 (Dried Leaves) series, the artist uses scanography—scanner photography, to create modern digital works that reference early photographic techniques. Read more about Blanchard here.

Gowanus Wunderkammer, People’s Archive Program
When: Saturday, March 24, 10am to 6pm
Where: Gowanus Souvenir Shop, 567 Union Street, Gowanus
What: The Gowanus Wunderkammer People’s Archive Program creates a history of Gowanus as seen through the objects found in the neighborhood over the years—along with the stories behind where and how they were found. All are invited to bring in items found in the area during Gowanus Souvenir Shop’s monthly Open Archiving Hours. The shop will catalogue the items, add them to an online archive, and display them for a month in the shop’s Wunderkammer.

Flight School The Musical
When: Saturday, March 24, 2pm
Where: Leon M. Goldstein Performing Arts Center on the campus of Kingsborough Community College, 2001 Oriental Boulevard (at Oxford Street), Manhattan Beach
What: On the first day of Flight School, where birds learn to fly, Penguin discovers he wasn’t built to soar. But his spirit won’t be grounded, and with the help of his friends, Penguin finds his wings. Based on the book Flight School by Lita Judge.
How Much: Tickets $12

The Revolution Vol. 25: Two Year Anniversary Showcase
When: Saturday, March 24, 10pm
Where: National Sawdust, 80 N 6th Street, Williamsburg
What: This monthly performance series highlights Brooklyn- and Harlem-based musicians. The series’ second anniversary celebration features a line-up of live performances by five artists—Dot Cromwell, Beccs, Meridian Lights, Elle Winston, and MAE.SUN.—who empower community, change, and activism through their work.
How Much: Tickets $15 advance, $20 at door

Coney Island Opening Day
When: Sunday, March 25, 10:45am
Where: Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, 3059 W 12th Street; Luna Park, 1000 Surf Avenue; Coney Island History Project, 3059 W 12th Street (at the entrance to the Wonder Wheel), Coney Island
What: Coney Island kicks off the season with the 34th Annual Blessing of the Rides at Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park; a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by free rides on the Wonder Wheel for the first 98 guests to celebrate the ride’s 98th anniversary; egg cream samples and free rides on the Cyclone for the first 100 in line at Luna Park; and an exhibit showcasing historic artifacts, photos, maps, ephemera, and films about the iconic destination at the Coney Island History Project. Learn more about the Opening Day festivities here.

Concerts on the Slope presents: Sandbox Percussion
When: Sunday, March 25 at 3pm
Where: St. John’s Episcopal Church, 139 St. John’s Place (at 7th Avenue), Park Slope
What: Sandbox Percussion, Concerts on the Slope’s Ensemble in Residence, returns for the sixth time to perform works by Viet Cuong (Water, Wine, Brandy, Brine for amplified crystal glasses), Victor Caccese (Bell Patterns), and other works for percussion instruments.
How Much: Free, suggested $20 donation

PERSISTICON
When: Sunday, March 25, doors open at 7pm
Where: The Bell House, 149 7th Street, Gowanus
What: PERSISTICON, a new organization dedicated to raising funds for worthy causes through comedy and art, presents an evening of comedy, music, and pitchfork-waving to benefit EMILY’s List, an organization committed to electing progressive, pro-choice women, and equalizing the representation of all genders in government. Performers include: Michelle Buteau, Ophira Eisenberg, Bridget Everett, Negin Farsad, Jo Firestone, Jaclyn Friedman, Jon Glaser, Murray Hill, Sally Kohn, Aparna Nancherla, Angie Pontani, and more.
How Much: Tickets $50