Celebrate Inauguration on DeKalb

I received this amazing press release a few days ago.  Neary every vendor on DeKalb Avenue will be offering a special discount or deal to celebrate Obama's swearing in from Friday through Tuesday.  What a cool way to create unity in the neighborhood, give people a lot of great reasons to celebrate locally, and give discounts at a much needed time!  I can't believe the day is almost here. FORT GREENE'S DEKALB AVENUE MERCHANTS CELEBRATE HISTORIC INAUGURATION WITH PROMOTIONS ALL WEEKEND LONG Obama-inspired special menus, drinks, discounts and other offers. Friday, January 16-Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Brooklyn, NY-January 8, 2009  Twenty-eight restaurants, cafes, boutiques and retail stores of the Dekalb Avenue Merchants' Association in Fort Greene, (a Brooklyn neighborhood long known for its multi-cultural diversity) invite you to "Celebrate the Inauguration on Dekalb" and continue the electrifying celebration that began in the streets on election night and continues right through Inauguration Weekend, Friday, January 16-Tuesday, January 20, 2009.

Participating Dekalb Avenue businesses will be offering discounts, coupons, reduced-price prix-fixe menus, drink specials, vouchers for discounts on return visits or 2-for-1 specials all weekend long. Plus on the day of the Inauguration, locations with big screen TVs will be opening early to broadcast the ceremony and will have live music, DJs and even more specials throughout the day.

The list of participating merchants and their offers include... 20% discounts to celebrate the 20th of January, 2009... 44% discounts to celebrate the Inauguration of our 44th President... special menu creations reflecting President-elect Obama's multi-cultural background... plus coupons, vouchers and other special offers.

ALSO:  "Obama" posters created by students at Dekalb Avenue's Ronald Edmonds Learning Center, Middle School 113, will be exhibited in windows up and down Dekalb during the celebration weekend. Come see the work of these young artists who have been so profoundly inspired. Plus students from the school's Academy of Performing Arts Choir and Band will be performing at select locations on Inauguration Day.

This event re-launches the Dekalb Avenue Merchants' Association (DAMA). The Association covers Dekalb Avenue from Washington Avenue to Ashland Place, plus businesses on intersecting side streets. The association is about businesses working together on issues of mutual interest, connecting with the community and promoting this vibrant strip in the heart of one of Brooklyn's great neighborhoods.

PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES AND OFFERS

CELEBRATE THE INAUGUATION ON DEKALB AVENUE Friday, January 16-Tuesday, January 20, 2009 (unless otherwise noted below)

NORTH SIDE OF DEKALB FROM VANDERBILT TO FORT GREENE PARK * Indicates locations also showing the live broadcast of the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America on Tuesday, January 20, 2009.

BONITA (243 Dekalb @ Vanderbilt / 718-622-5300) Special Menu Item: Tacos Al Pastor with a shot of tequila and blood orange juice, $12.00.

BROOKLYN SPORTING GOODS (241 Dekalb @ Vanderbilt / 718-638-2537) 10% off all baseball caps and other gear (Sat and Tues only)

KIKI?S PET SPA (239 Dekalb @ Vanderbilt / 718-857-7272) 25% off grooming Fri-Mon. 44% off grooming on Inauguration Day.

IMPRESSIONS SALON (233 Dekalb @ Vanderbilt / 917-704-9237) 10% discount on all Salons Enhancement Services offered (Fri and Sat). Monday: Beauty in the Body Belly Dancing, 6:30pm-9:00pm (participation a must). Inauguration Day: 20% off Haircuts, Regularly $40. Appointments recommended (selected stylist only). Call 917-704-9237 for information.

THE GENERAL GREENE (229 Dekalb @ Clermont / 718-222-1510) Inaugural Luau - January 20, 2009 $20.09 Suckling Pig Dinner: Suckling Pig, Sweet Potato Mash, Grilled Pineapple, Coconut Banana Cream Pie. $5 Mai Tai?s all weekend.

MALCHIJAH HATS (225 Dekalb @ Clermont / 718-643-3269) 10% off in-stock items. Free T-Shirts to first purchasing customers, Fri-Mon (while supplies last). Inauguration Day: 20% discounts.

THISTLE & CLOVER (221 Dekalb @ Clermont / 718-855-5577) 10% off all non-sale items

KIF* (219 Dekalb @ Adelphi / 718-852-7273) Lunch: $15 Prix-fixe menu with Free Mimosa or Bloody Mary - 11am to 5:30pm. Dinner: Prix-fixe 3-courses $20.09. On Inauguration evening:  $5 Special B'amatini

CHEZ OSKAR (211 Dekalb @ Adelphi / 718-852-6250) Prix-fixe for Peace:  3-courses prix fix menu Monday to Friday from 11-5:30 pm - $20.09 plus a very special cocktail menu consisting of: Rotten Republicans, Dirty Democrats and Yes-we-can-ohitos... all at $5 each

HIDE OUT LOUNGE* (266 Adelphi @ Dekalb / 718-855-3010) 10% off all drinks 7pm-9pm on Friday/Saturday, 7pm til closing Sunday. Closed on Monday. On Inauguration Day: 10am-4pm, complimentary coffee, tea, juices, and sandwiches. 10% off all drinks 7pm til closing.

SUSHI D (207 Dekalb @ Adelphi /  718-858-0058) Special $4 Hawaiian and Indonesian appetizer menu. Free glass of sake w/entrees.

MADIBA RESTAURANT * (195 Dekalb @ Carlton Avenue / 718-855-9190) Free Obama Mama Cocktails, Bloody Mary or Mimosa with lunch or dinner. Inauguration Day: Open at 11am, live music and drink and lunch specials.

SMOOCH* (264 Carlton @ Dekalb / 718-624-4075) 20% discount on all items

THIRST WINE MERCHANTS (187 Dekalb @ Carlton /  718-596-7643) 20% off Champagne, to celebrate the 20th.

URBAN SPRING (185 Dekalb @ Carlton / 718-237-0797) Free cup of "Brownstone Beans" coffee with the purchase of a homemade muffin.

SOUTH SIDE OF DEKALB FROM VANDERBILT TO ASHLAND PLACE * Indicates locations also showing the live broadcast of the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America on Tuesday, January 20, 2009.

TILLIES OF BROOKLYN (248 Dekalb @ Vanderbilt / 718-783-6140) 15% discount on everything.

ICI (246 Dekalb @ Vanderbilt / 718-789-2778) Diners receive a voucher for 30% of their check total to use on next visit.

ALIBI (242 Dekalb @ Vanderbilt / 718-783-8519) $4 Pints of Stella (20% off) Sat-Tues

TWO STEPS DOWN (240 Dekalb @ Vanderbilt / 718-399-2020) 2 for 1 drinks (Fri-Mon, excluding private party times). Inauguration evening: music, dancing and light buffet for customers, free.

BLACK IRIS (226 Dekalb @ Clermont / 718-852-9800) Complimentary Loomi citrus drink (Sat-Tues)

MARIOS PIZZA (224 Dekalb @ Clermont / 718-260-9520) 20% off

RED BAMBOO* (271 Adelphi @ Dekalb / 718-643-4352) $10 coupon for your next visit. $5 drink specials. Inauguration day: complimentary hors dourves, DJ.

CATHERINE?S CAFÉ (184 Dekalb @ Carlton / 718-858-3712) Breakfast: 44% off small coffee/tea with a koblihy pastry. Lunch: Brooklyn Omelet for only $5 (reg. 7.50) plus free soda or bottled water.

BITTERSWEET (180 Dekalb @ Carlton / 718-852-2556) Free 10 oz. latte or cappuccino coupon when you spend $10 (good for next visit)

RICE (166 Dekalb @ Cumberland / 718-858-2700) $11 pre-fixe brunch special (Sat-Tues). Wine, sake and beer specials at dinner and free drink coupon for next visit.

SPECIAL GIFT OCCASSIONS (114 Dekalb @ St. Felix / 718-855-5870) Purchase one custom-made hat at regular price, get 2nd hat at 44% off.

CAFFE e VINO (112 Dekalb @ St. Felix / 718-855-6222) Free bottle of wine for tables of 3-4 people. Free glass of wine or beer for each person at tables of 1-2 people.

GREEN APPLE CAFE (110 Dekalb @ St. Felix / 718-625-1248) 2 for 1 "Black & White" Cookies. 2 for 1 "Obama Latte" (Chocolate & Vanilla)

Farewell to Tessan Boutique

Just received a message that Tessan Boutique, at DeKalb and Clinton, will be closing.  It's very sad news, as Aissatou is such a delightful shopkeeper and curator.  However, running a business is not easy, and I respect her desire to destress.

Good Afternoon,

It was a difficult decision to make but it is official: Tessan Boutique's last day of business will be this coming Sunday, January 11, 2009. I would like to take this opportunity to thank customers, friends, family, neighbors, local businesses, bloggers and all who came and patronized Tessan Boutique. It was an amazing and rewarding experience. Please join us for Tessan Boutique's farewell party on Sunday, January 11, 2009 from 4pm to 6pm.

Buying Local: 10 INEXPENSIVE GIFT IDEAS

I've been meaning to do a feature like this for the last few years, but now it's more important than ever to shop locally!  I spent a few hours last weekend browsing local shops in search of unique (and inexpensive) finds perfect for rounding out the gift list. The criteria?   Inexpensive and purchased in the neighborhood. Here they are:

1. Owa African Market, 434 Myrtle Ave: Wooden Giraffe (made in Kenya), $10

Giraffes are a favorite animal of mine, and are one of several wood carved items available here.  Great for a bookshelf or side table!

2. Associated, 367 Waverly Ave: Popsicle Molds, $1.99

I've been looking for popsicle molds for months now and was pleasantly surprised to find these at Associated!  Great for those with a do-it-yourself attitude and people excited to make a healthier alternative to store-bought pops. Take this gift to the next level by including some popsicle recipes.  (NOTE: THESE ARE NOT DISHWASHER SAFE.  Don't make the same mistake I did and end up with a dishwasher full of melted plastic sticks.)

3. Root Stock & Quade, 471 Myrtle Ave: Paperwhite Bulbs, $1.75/ea or 5 for $8

Just place these in a glass vase filled with stones and water, and watch them sprout!  A great gift for an apartment-dweller with limited space.

4. Green Planet, 969 Fulton St: Yogi Tea, $3.99

The boxes are lovely and the variety is large.  Buy a few for a stressed-out friend and make a zen gift basket!

5. J. Love Gift Shop, 485 Myrtle Ave: Plastic Dinosaurs, $3.99

A fun idea for both kids and your hipster boyfriend alike.  Small plastic replicas of Jurassic animals will liven up any corporate office workstation!

6. Tessan Boutique, 280 DeKalb Ave: Gold Chain Necklace w/ Red Beads, $22

There's a whole table of reasonable jewelry to choose from, but this one stuck out to me!

7. Kulcha Lion, 926 Fulton St: Clinton Hill Chill T-shirt, $20

You'll pay a 100% markup by getting one at this Fulton retail shop (as opposed to the guys selling them on the street), but they sell a few other cool BK t-shirts, too.

8. Karen's Body Beautiful, 436 Myrtle Ave: Homemade Soaps, 3 for $15

These chunky soaps come in a variety of yummy flavors (including milkshake and jasmine lily).  Plus, they're all made on site in the store's open kitchen!

9. Pratt Store, 550 Myrtle Ave: I Love Pratt Mug, $7.99

Show your love for a local institution and let the recipient show off some creative cred.

10. bodega, 971 Fulton St: Botanica candles, $1.79

Yes, they're ubiquitous with bodegas and NYC, but that's part of their charm.

BONUS ITEM(S): Greene Grape Provisions, 753 Fulton St: Fort Greene Park Conservancy Greeting Cards, $3/ea

My plan was to keep the list exclusively to Clinton Hill proper, but the folks at Provisions in Fort Greene let me know that they're selling totes, paperweights and git cards with local historic scenes (BAM, the park, etc.)  All proceeds from sales of these items go to support Fort Greene Park (yes, 100% of sales price!).  Also check out their retro temporary tattoos, great for stocking stuffers, and gift baskets.

Finally, when you spend $15 and mention Clinton Hill Blog, receive a free holiday gift wine box:

December Events @ Tillie's

December EventsTillie’s of Brooklyn 248 DeKalb Avenue Brooklyn NY 11205 718 783-6140 www.tilliesofbrooklyn.com

Friday 12/5/08 8 p.m. Nico Soffiato Quartet Nico Soffiato, guitar Nick Videen, alto sax Giacomo Merega, bass Zach Mangan, drums

The music of the Nico Soffiato Quartet travels through several musical trajectories that simultaneously comforts and challenges any listener.  While its roots are strongly grounded in the jazz tradition, its routes move towards complex rhythmic and harmonic structures, creating a melodic soundscape in flux with every groove. For more information and audio samples, see www.myspace.com/nicojazz.

Cover: $5; $3 with student ID

Tuesday 12/9/08 4:30 p.m. Rolie Polie Guacamole Now a monthly feature due to popular demand, Frank Gallo and Andrew Tuzhilin bring a fresh new acoustic funk to children’s music. Appropriate for both kids and adults, suggested age range for kids is 1 – 7. Please note that strollers must be left outside due to space constraints within Tillie’s. A minder will be on-site. Cover: $5

Friday 12/12/08 8 p.m. Newxotica David Caldwell-Mason, keys Keith Drogan, vibes Eyal Maoz, guitar Andy O’Neill, drums

Newxotica plays/explores the musical world known as “'EXOTICA”, drawing inspirations from many sources, including Duke Ellington’s big band jazz, and soul, but especially the music of the great composers Martin Denny and Les Baxter.

Cover: $5; $3 with student ID

Art The Balkans

Robyn Holl December 1 2008 – January 3 2009

Robyn Holl was born in Virginia and raised in Maryland. She earned a B.A.in Painting from Pratt Institute in 2003.  Recently relocated to the U.S., she lived for four years in Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina, where she volunteered in the Film Klub (Mladi Most) and the Youth Cultural Center. She also assisted with art workshops supported by Cradle in the Pavorotti Music Center and had led workshops in the humanitarian organization, Club Novi Most.  She has exhibited her work widely in Europe and in New York and showed her Senior Thesis Project at Tillie’s in 2003, “Across the Counter,” finely etched portraits of customers. That same year she received the Rose Hoffman Epstein Memorial Award from The National Arts Club in New York.

Of her finely colored abstractions, she says: “Commonly art is thought of as earnestly seeking truth; but to me uncertainty, questions, loss, and acceptance of the lack of simple answers or solutions are in some sense truths.  It is necessary to continue to look, despite the idea that only uncertainty is certain.  What is important for me is the act of looking for, and seeing, that which is not there. To abstract means to subtract from reality, to reduce to a subject’s essence. The process is of losing, which comes back to the reason for the search.  I am searching.”

Reception Wednesday 12/3/08 7-9 p.m.

Open Mic:

Thursday 12/4

Thursday 12/18

8 p.m. sign-up

8:30 p.m. performances

Host: Nick Noir

No cover

For more information on any of the above call Patricia Mulcahy at 718 783-6140 or contact us via mail@tilliesofbrooklyn.com. Directions to the store are on the website under “Getting Here.”

Finally!

I walked past Bonita a few Thursdays ago to pick up some take-out pre-debate and I noticed the lights on at 247 DeKalb Ave!  As far as I know, this building is owned by the family of the guy who owned Cellars (am I correct?  His son maybe?) and has been covered in scaffolding for as long as I can remember. There are a bunch of permits in the window, too!  Looks like it'll be a restaurant.  Per an internet search, they filed for a liquor license in August.

October Events at Tillie's

October 08 Events at Tillie’s of Brooklyn

248 DeKalb Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11205

718 783-6140

www.tilliesofbrooklyn.com

Music

Friday October 3

8 p.m.

The Akaliko Group

Danny Wolfe, drums

Pascal Le Boeuf, keyboards

Kristian Baarsvick, saxophone

Dion Kerr, bass

Energetic, freewheeling new jazz with indie overtones led by Danny Wolfe, a recent graduate of the University of Miami who has played with the group at such NY venues as Pianos, the 55 Bar, and Brooklyn’s Blue Monday. See www.myspace.com/nedzflow or www.dannywolfemusic.com for more information.

Cover: $5; $3 with student ID

Friday 10/10

David Aaron’s Short Memory

8 p.m.

An excellent ensemble fronted by composer, arranger, and saxophone player David Aaaron, who has performed at the Knitting Factory, Lincoln Center, The Bottom Line, and the Apollo theater, among others. He also composes and arranges for a variety of film, theater, film and modern dance projects. See www.shortmemory.org for more details.

Cover: $5; $3 with student ID

Tuesday 10/14/08

Rolie Polie Gaucamole

4:30 p.m.

Frank Gallo and Andrew Tuzhilin bring a fresh new sound to kids’ music (acoustic folk funk). The well-written songs are enjoyable for both kids and adults. Last year the duo opened The Green Meadow Festival for Tom Chapin. They play private schools, other festivals, and regular programs for public libraries in New York and Rhode Island. Their first appearance at Tillie’s in August was a solid hit and now they have a regular slot on the second Tuesday of the month.

Most appropriate for children from ages 1 – 7.

No cover.

Salon Series

Monday 10/6/08

7:30 p.m.

Faren Simonoff and Cheryl Paradis

Tackling College Admissions: Sanity + Strategy = Success

Paradis and Siminoff offer parents a step-by-step method of assessing their teens’ challenges in searching for the right college. The book includes teen surveys to determine which challenges parents must confront with their teens before beginning the college search.

The authors not only offer simple questionnaires that help parents assess their teens, but also hone in on the right schools and keep their own unrealistic expectations in check. When it’s time to enter the admissions race, the authors help parents:

• Work with their teens to put together the best college list.
• Use the application and interview process to effectively “market” students.
• Motivate teens to overcome hurdles in the process.
• Come to terms with hopes and fears about college admissions.
• Keep a sense of humor and inner calm during this stressful time.

Cheryl Paradis has more than 20 years of experience as a clinical psychologist, and is an associate professor of psychology at Marymount College. Faren Siminoff is an associate professor of history at Nassau Community College and also an attorney. Both are Ft. Greene/Clinton Hill moms who have successfully assisted their teens in navigating the college maze. They will take questions from the audience at the reading and offer advice to parents whose children are getting ready to apply to college.

No cover. Books will be for sale.

Wednesday 10/22/08

7:30 p.m.

Bernard Marsh

Great White Way, Great White Lie

A veteran of stage, screen and television whose film credits include “The Cotton Club,” and Spike Lee’s “Malcolm X,” and who appeared on Broadway in “Eubie,” “The Tap Dance Kid,” and “Ain’t Misbehavin,’” Bernard Marsh documents the long-fought and ongoing battle for equity for people of color in the theater arts in this volume. He will read from the book and take questions.

Marsh earned a B.A. in Theater and Labor Relations from SUNY and has taught tap and jazz dance for many years. Currently he also teaches “Acting as Therapy for Senior Citizens” and is a co-founder and resident director of the Living History Theater Group, under the auspices of the African Atlantic Genealogical Society. His performing, choreography and directing have been seen all over the world.

No cover. Books will be for sale.

Art

“Faces of Tillie’s”

Photographs by Bill Kontzias

10/27/08 – 11/29/08

These fifty portraits were taken over the course of the summer in front of Tillie’s. A professional photographer and Assistant Professor at Pratt Institute, Bill Kontzias was struck by the variety of the Fort Greene street scene and the store’s customers, and sought to capture “a time and space to reflect on contemporary life in the neighborhood.” As the glamorous 1940s portrait of Tillie looks out onto the cafe from her framed place high above the coffee machines, he wanted to look around and make a photographic record of what he saw as he lounged at the corner of DeKalb and Vanderbilt Avenues during the summer of 2008.

A location photographer for over 20 years, Bill has done commissions for many major publications and corporations. He apprenticed with Francesco Scavullo and Bill King and specializes in fashion photography as well as people and portraits. Scavullo once advised him: “My dear William, be a photographer. Don’t look back, don’t look forward – look around.” He offers the faces of Tillie’s faces in this spirit.

Bill Kontzias has lived in Clinton Hill for over 30 years.

Reception

Tuesday 10/28

7 –9 p.m.

Open Mic

Thursday 10/9/08

Thursday 10/23/08

8:00 p.m. sign-up

8:30 performance

Host: Nick Noir

All poets, writers, comedians, rappers, singers, songwriters and musicians are welcome!

No cover.

For additional information call Patricia Mulcahy at 718 783-6140 or see www.tilliesofbrooklyn.com. Directions to the store are listed on the site under “Getting Here.”

August Events at Tillie's

(a little late!)

August 08 at Tillie’s of Brooklyn

248 DeKalb Avenue

Brooklyn NY 11205

718 783-6140

www.tilliesofbrooklyn.com

Music

Seven Sessions with Nick Noir

Friday

8/1/08

8//15/08

8/29/08

7 p.m.

No cover

7 Summer Sessions will feature the best acoustic talent in NYC showcased at Tillies of Brooklyn in fort Greene during select Friday evenings in August and September 2008. Each evening will be themed and feature several artists’ performances. Planned evenings include: New York Muse; Spoken Word and Song; Political Satire; Alt Percussion; Cupids’ Corner, Love Songs; Jazz/Folk Fusion; and Emerging NYC Poets.

Seating is first come, first serve.

Nick Noir, the host of 7 Summer Sessions, has released over 22 recordings in various genres and on different recording labels. The prolific artist / producer's most recent, released on May 6 2008, is titled The Ultimate Most Relaxing Classical Chill in the Universe, for orchestral samples & synthesizers, on Denon Records/ Savoy. Nick Noir recently completed recording 13 Sonnets (lyrics by W. Shakespeare) set to alternative folk music, available this summer on Dark Celebrity Records and on Itunes. For more information see: www.sevensessions.com or info@sevensessions.com.

Friday

8/22/08

Chris Norris and Perpetual Motion Machine

8 p.m.

High-energy original compositions from progressive jazz band based in Melville, Long Island.

Chris Norris, sax

Andrew Ahr, guitar

Chris Davison, drums

Bob Dzieman, bass

Cover: $5; $3 with student I.D.

Art

The Exposure Project

8/18/08 – 9/20/08

This collective composed of Ben Alper, Anastasia Cazabon, Eric Watts, and Adam Marcinek showcases a diverse array of emerging photography. Since forming in 2005, The Exposure Project has released two self-published books, hosted several exhibitions throughout the greater Boston area and created a online photography blog dedicated to expanding the discourse of contemporary photography. The Exposure Project showcases the work of its members as well as projects from numerous photographers and will release its third self-published book this August in conjunction with the show at Tillie’s. The new issue will include photographs by Ben Alper, Anastasia Cazabon, Lauren Edwards, Kate Emerson, Adam Marcinek, Fran Osborn-Blaschke, Justin James Reed and Eric Watts. In addition, Jörg Colberg (founder and editor of the Conscientious blog) has written an illuminating forward to accompany the photographs.

For more information see www.theexposureproject.com or www.theexposureproject.blogspot.com

Reception

Monday 8/18/08

7 – 9p.m.

Open Mic

Open Mic will be suspended until mid-September.

For more information call Patricia Mulcahy at 718 783-6140 or mail@tilliesofbrooklyn.com.

General Greene: OPEN

This review is very tardy, especially given that I wrote it up while they were still doing a drinks and bar food preview. Regardless, I was extremely impressed with the experience.

First off, the staff has their stuff down. Everyone was friendly and prompt and the atmosphere was inviting. Instead of using the entire space (an awkward layout, if you've ever been inside), the owners and manager decided to focus on the front half of the restaurant for now, to get things up and running smoothly. For now, the restaurant's back area is being used as free bike parking (for both staff AND patrons!).

The food was mostly delish (the ribs were perhaps a little too peppery, but still very tasty). We loved the anchovies and radish plate, as well as the eggplant dip! The drink selection was fun and creative, albeit a little pricey. Plus, I don't generally love the whole "small plate" thing, which is how the menu is set up. Still, with four people, a ton of food and two drinks each, we still only ended up paying about $30 per person. Not bad!

My verdict: compared to a lot of new places, General Greene has its shit together. Plus, the decor is great and the service is top-notch.

More info:

• Daily Candy
• NY Mag
• The Real Fort Greene

July Events @ Tillie's

Note: Pay special attention to the reading on Tuesday, July 15, where Tillie's owner Pat Muncahy reads her published account of getting the lease at the Tillie's space! July 08

Events at Tillie’s

248 DeKalb Avenue Brooklyn NY 11205 (718) 783-6140

www.tilliesofbrooklyn.com Music 7 Summer Sessions

A Showcase with Nick Noir

7/11/08

7/18/08

7 p.m.

No cover

7 Summer Sessions will feature the best acoustic talent in NYC showcased at Tillies of Brooklyn in fort Greene during select Friday evenings in July, August, and September 2008. Each evening will be themed and feature several artists’ performances. Planned evenings include: New York Muse; Spoken Word and Song; Political Satire; Alt Percussion; Cupids’ Corner, Love Songs; Jazz/Folk Fusion; and Emerging NYC Poets.

Seating is first come, first serve.

Nick Noir, the host of 7 Summer Sessions, has released over 22 recordings in various genres and on different recording labels. The prolific artist / producer's most recent, released on May 6 2008, is titled The Ultimate Most Relaxing Classical Chill in the Universe, for orchestral samples & synthesizers, on Denon Records/ Savoy. Nick Noir recently completed recording 13 Sonnets (lyrics by W. Shakespeare) set to alternative folk music, available this summer on Dark Celebrity Records and on Itunes. For more information see: www.sevensessions.com or info@sevensessions.com.

Friday

7/25/08

8 p.m.

The Bob Trio

Oscar Penas

Oscar Penas, guitar

Brian Landrus, woodwinds

Bridget Kearny, bass

This drum-less jazz group was founded in Brooklyn in 2008. The members of the group met in Boston in 2005 while studying at the New England Conservatory. Their goal is to swing as hard as possible so that the listener doesn’t notice the lack of drums. The combination of three musical personalities presents a continuous flow of always-fresh musical interaction. See www.oscarpenas.com for additional information.

Cover: $5, $3 with student I.D.

Saturday

7/26/08

8 p.m. Indoda Entsha Percussion Ensemble

A very popular drumming ensemble inspired by the rhythms of Africa, composed of local performers and musicians and led by E. Preston Riddick. Crowd-pleasing, intricate and stirring music that always has the audience keeping the beat in unison.

Cover: $6

Art Rural Haiti Art Project

July 14th – August 16th 2008

The Rural Haiti Project is a U.S. based youth leadership organization that aims to empower children to become leaders and builders of their communities by conducting programs for low-income, at-risk children in rural areas of Haiti. The project fosters children’s civic, social and intellectual development and promotes community engagement and development.

The Project explores creative ways to engage children at an early age to create and understand their own visions, to identify the positive aspects of their communities as well as recognizing the problems that their country faces. The Rural Haiti Project started in 2006 with a summer workshop entitled “Imagine your Environment” in Sibert, Plaine du Cul de Sac. Local horticulturists, teachers and specialist on reforestation were invited to share their expertise.

James-Herve Sabin has a Bachelor of Architecture from New York Institute of Technology and a Master of Architecture From Pratt Institute. He attended planning courses on infrastructure of cities in developing countries at Columbia University. James-Hervé has worked with the NYC HPD developing housing prototypes, housing research and urban design.

For more information, see www.ruralhaitiproject.org Salon Series

Tuesday 7/15/08

7:30 p.m.

BROOKLYN NOIR 3: NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH Edited by Tim Mc Loughlin and Thomas Adcock

This latest installment in the award-winning Akashic Noir Series features original true-crime stories set in the Borough of Kings. Akashic Books launched the series in 2004 with BROOKLYN NOIR, quickly recognized as the best collection of Brooklyn fiction ever published. In BROOKLYN NOIR 3, the borough's criminal legacy is explored through the lens of nonfiction--and once again, truth proves stranger than fiction.

Editors Tim McLoughlin and Thomas Adcock join contributors Patricia Mulcahy, owner of Tillie’s, as well as Robert Knightley, Reed Farrel Coleman, and Jess Korman to read from their contributions to the anthology.

Books will be for sale. For more information see www.akashicbooks.com.

Open Mic

Thursday

7/10/08

7/24/08

8 p.m. sign-up

8:30 performance

No cover

Host: Nick Noir

Open to all rappers, singer/songwriters, comedians, and others. Come and try out your new material in a friendly, supportive venue.

For more information on any of the above, call Patricia Mulcahy at (718) 783-6140 or see www.tilliesofbrooklyn.com.

More General Greene Info

On an ambitions jog last night, I noticed that the door to The General Greene was open. Inside, a lone woman worked on a laptop. Of course, I walked right in. Turns out she's the manager, and she had good news! The space will be open tomorrow night after 9pm, as well as over the weekend, for drinks and bar snacks. The official opening will be TUESDAY, JULY 1.

A reader who checked it out last weekend described the beer selection as being "great (small but delicious)," and said the eggplant spread was "pretty tasty."

The General Greene 229 DeKalb Ave.

The General Greene!

Several of you emailed me over the weekend about the former June space, which has suddenly turned into a new restaurant: The General Greene!

I have to say, this place seems like it has the potential to be pretty cool.  First, the name: a play on a general store / outpost AND a shout-out to General Nathanael Greene for whom the neighborhood and park are named.

Inside, it looks bright and airy:

Apparently it was open this past weekend for a sneak peek.  Anyone go??? It wasn't open Monday or Tuesday.  (Believe me, I have been walking by incessantly.)

You Are Here: Tillie's Mural Painting

Just a reminder to all neighbors that the Tillie's community mural will be ready for contributions tomorrow!  Come by and paint a dot on where you live!

Mural artist Ellie Balk has started her own blog documenting the process.  Click  to check it out.

Community Mural Painting at Tillie's

Last year, I interviewed local artist Ellie Balk as part of the "Personal Profiles" series (which will hopefully be resurrected soon -- if you have any ideas on what you might like, please email me!). She mentioned how she hoped to work with Tillie's to create a community mural -- a map of the neighborhood on which all local residents would be invited to paint a dot on the location where they lived, illustrating how close we all really live to one another and how much the neighborhoods nearby are connected. After many long months of working with Landmarks and raising money and applying for grants, Ellie is ready to begin!

Save the date, as the main citizen participation day will be Saturday, June 21.

Here's the info from the press release:

Tillie’s of Brooklyn is proud to announce the painting of a community mural on the Vanderbilt Avenue side of the store, now an empty brick wall at the corner of Vanderbilt and DeKalb Avenues in the Fort Greene section of the borough. Partnered with the newly created SONYA Mural Arts Project, artist Ellie Balk will paint a 9’ circle map of the neighborhood on the wall starting Friday evening, 6/13. Over the course of a week Balk and a crew of volunteer artists from the area will paint the map on the wall. On Saturday, June 21st from 12:00 p.m. to 6 p.m. the public is invited to participate by putting a dot in the spot where their home is located. Tillie’s will serve refreshments on 6/21 at the dedication ceremony.

South Of the Navy Yard Artists (SONYA) has partnered with Ellie Balk to create the SONYA Mural Arts Fund, which will be used to create and implement murals and public art projects that support the youth and neighborhoods of Brooklyn. The initial goal is to raise $5,000 towards the completion of its first project and the development of future murals. The public is invited to make tax-deductible donations by visiting SONYA's website: http://www.sonyaonline.org/ and clicking on "donate", then noting "Mural Arts Fund" under the special instructions, so that the funds can be allocated properly.

Artist Ellie Balk, a neighborhood resident and artist who specializes in community-based projects, explains: “The goal for the Tillie's Community Mural is to unify and bridge the varying aspects of the local community, giving all people a sense of connectedness. The mural will go up at the point where our neighborhoods meet, at the corner of Vanderbilt and DeKalb: Tillie's has become a home base for many Ft. Greene/Clinton Hill residents.”

With fiscal sponsorship and support from SONYA, this mural has been funded through a grant from the Puffin Foundation and with generous support from the Society for Clinton Hill. It is also supported by: the Landmarks commission of NYC; the Community Board of Kings County; building owner Danny Browne; Tillie's owners, Patricia Mulcahy and Amos Yogev; and many enthusiastic community members. Says SONYA’s president, Kathleen Hayek, “We are excited about the Tillie’s Community Mural and would very much like it to succeed and be the catalyst for many more mural projects within our community.”

To learn more about Ellie Balk’s projects and background as a mural artist, see www.elliebalk.com. For all other inquiries contact Patricia Mulcahy at 718 783-6140 or at mail@tilliesofbrooklyn.com.

May Events at Tillie's

May 08 EventsTillie’s of Brooklyn 248 DeKalb Avenue Brooklyn NY (718) 783-6140

www.tilliesofbrooklyn.com

Music

Friday, 5/2/08 8 p.m.

The BOB Trio Oscar Penas, guitar Brian Landrus, woodwinds Bridget Kearny, bass

This drum-less jazz group was founded in Brooklyn in 2008. The members of the group met in Boston in 2005 while studying at the New England Conservatory. Their goal is to swing as hard as possible so that the listener doesn’t notice the lack of drums. The combination of three musical personalities presents a continuous flow of always-fresh musical interaction. See www.oscarpenas.com for additional information.

Friday, 5/9/08 8 p.m.

Stephan Beasley Chris Conly, guitar Ben Altman, guitar Dave Moore, percussion

A Jersey-based vocalist who swings hard and features gospel, jazz, and pop inflections. For more information see www.myspace.com/sbeasley80. Friday, 5/16/08 8 p.m.

Etan Haziza Trio Etan Haziza, guitar Frank Hauch, bass Bryan Bisordi, drums A jazz trio playing mostly original compositions by Etan Haziza, a jazz guitarist of great style and range. For more info visit www.etanhazizamusic.com

All shows have a cover of $5, $3 with student ID.

Art

Kenneth Murray Photographs

Born 1949 in Carlisle, England to an English father and Dutch mother, Ken Murray has traveled to the Greek island of Paros for the past 20 years. There he shoots pared-down images that isolate the subject from its original surroundings, transforming it into an individual object. He calls his style "graphic minimalism." Stunning in their abstract simplicity, the photographs have a beauty as timeless as the light that inspired them.

Murray has a degree in graphic design and photography from the Stadsacademie in Maastricht, the Netherlands, where he now lives. He is a frequent visitor to Brooklyn.

He has shown his photos widely:

Kunstsalon, Rijksmuseum, Sittard, Netherlands Fillenon Centre, Athens, Greece Kunst Ahoy, Rotterdam, Netherlands Mercedes-Benz CAC, Maastricht, Netherlands Aghios Athanasios, Paros, Greece Gallery Parthenis, Mykonos, Greece Kunstcentrum Lindenbrau, Unna, Germany

Opening Reception: Saturday, May 10th 2008 from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Open Mic

Thursday 5/8/08 Thursday, 5/22/08

Host: Nick Noir

No cover

8:00 p.m. sign-up

8:30 performance

All poets, writers, singers and songwriters are welcome.

Tillie’s is at the corner of DeKalb and Vanderbilt in the Fort Greene section of Brooklyn. For directions see “Getting Here” on our website. For more information, call Patricia Mulcahy at 718 783-6140.

"Mourning" the Loss of Head Over Heels

Head Over Heels Cafe was long the bane of my existence. I'd call them and they were open, but when I'd go by (I tried at least five times), there was no sign of them -- no open storefront, no signage, nothing. Finally, it seems they've thrown in the towel:

(525 DeKalb Ave at Skillman)

I really do try to patronize as many local places as possible, and even when a new business is full of problems, I try to point out the positive.

But let this be a lesson! If you say you open at X am, then BE OPEN at X am. And certainly be open two hours AFTER X am.

Quick Change at June

June's storefront has already been given a coat of primer, and the wooden sign has been scratched at. Is something in the works already?

It IS a pretty deep retail space. Possibly book store material, no?

CHB Reviews: Kif

Finally! After so much positive reader feedback, I was able to hit up Kif on Friday evening. I know many people loved Liquors, but to be honest, I was never really that into their food or service. Though it will always have a place in my heart, as it's the very first place I ate at in the neighborhood several years ago.

I'm glad to report that Kif seems to be offering tastier food and friendlier service!

I met up with BrooklynJay, who I haven't seen in months. We were able to snag a prime spot out back (glad to say they're also utilizing the back yard!), and started with falafel and pita/hummus. The hummus was great, and the pita bread was amazing -- warm, lightly baked and yet soft. Perfect for dipping.

Jay had the burger. He was sick with a bad cold, so he wasn't his usual chipper self (or I would have made him write this review). Still, he cleaned his plate and said that the burger was tasty with a good mix of Moroccan-type spices.

I had the couscous royal, which was filled with veggies and a few kinds of meat. I normally wouldn't order couscous, but the reader comments persuaded me. It was delicious, and came with a bunch of sauces.

The best thing, though, was the dessert. We tried the orange flower creme brulee, and OMG. It really tasted like the smell of orange blossoms, and it might rival Chez Lola's lavender bread pudding as tastiest dessert in the area (though I think that's still my favorite).

The inside was lavish without looking overdone, and I hear they offer hookah service after 11pm. Service was very friendly, and I felt like the owner made a good effort to offer a warm welcome to everyone. (To be honest, I have heard more than one report that he's a bit chilly to same sex couples -- any feedback on this?)

Kif 219 DeKalb Ave.

(note: the photos are not the best, I know. It was really dark inside and out back!)

Kif: Review Coming Soon

I haven't been to Kif yet, the restaurant that finally took over the Liquor's space on DeKalb.  I've heard mostly good things so far -- that the food is good and that they have hookahs. (FYI, Zaytoons on Myrtle also has hookahs.)

Hope to check it out in the next week or so for myself.

April Events at Tillie's

(sorry it's not nicely formatted- having a busy day!)April 2008 Events Tillie’s of Brooklyn

248 DeKalb Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11205

(718) 783-6140

www.tilliesofbrooklyn.com Music

Friday, April 4th

Tom Blatt Project

Tom Blatt, bass guitar

Malon Hoard, saxophone Westbank Johnson, trombone

Mary Lou Manahan, keyboard

Lee McClune, flute, electronics

Andy O’Neill, drums

Dave Painchaud, trumpet

Tm Blatt project appears all over the city at venues such as Pianos, the Bowery Poetry Club, and Goodbye Blue Monday in Brooklyn.

Friday, April 11th

Eyal Maoz Crazy Slavic Band Eyal Maoz - guitar Ron Caswell - tuba Ziv Ravitz, drums

Mesmerizing compositions from this prodigiously gifted composer and guitarist. Music by Israeli-born Maoz has been featured on MTV, NPR, and at the 2007 NYC Jazzfest, most recently.

Friday, April 25th

Damian Quinones

Damian Quinones: Vocals/Guitar/Electric Piano

Joe Lee: Electric Bass

Naren Rauch: Guitar

David Beauchamp: Drums

"Urban folk music" equally at home in a solo acoustic setting as it is full volume with the band. Quinones’ songwriting is part 60's pop, in the vein of Gainsbourg, Bacharach, Lennon/ McCartney, Davies, and Hayes/Porter; part 70's Nuyorican funk (in the mold of Willie Bobo, War, and Harlem River Drive; and has elements of electronic music, jazz, Tropicalia, and Reggae.

All performances start at 8 p.m.

Cover: $5, $3 with student ID Art Andrea Spiros Paintings

March 31st – May 3rd 2008

Andrea Spiros is a Brooklyn-born artist currently living in Clinton Hill. She studied at The Whitney Museum Independent Study Program, and participated in a group show at The Whitney. She has studied painting and drawing at Brooklyn College with Lee Bonteque, design at The School of Visual Arts, and Medical Illustration at LIU.

She has shown her work at the Queens Museum of Art, The Hillwood Art Museum, and The Foundation for Hellenic Culture in NYC. Internationally, she as exhibited at The Contemporary Museum of Art in Thassaloniki Greece, at Holland Tunnel in Paros, Greece, and at Sans Quoi Gallery, Okayama, Japan. In the last few years she has shown in several local art centers such as Brooklyn Academy of Music, Pratt Institute, Sideshow Gallery, D3 Gallery, and other in Bed Stuy, Dumbo & Williamsburg. She is dedicated to community art, and the independent art movement. Artist’s Statement

My recent paintings are concerned with psychic space, using hybrid abstract imagery as schematics for philosophical ideology. For example: I combine dualities such as internal and external, past and future, to symbolically model unseen worlds. The symbolism, though abstract, is specific. The cosmic juxtaposed with the cellular expresses a connection. They are composed of the same material, exhibiting a unity that seems to initiate connection.

Reception

Saturday 4/5

7 – 9 p.m.

Open Mic

Thursday, 4/10/08

Thursday, 4/24/08

Sign up: 8:00 p.m.

Performances: 8:30 p.m.

Host: Nick Noir

No cover.

For more information on any events, call Patricia Mulcahy at 718 783-6140. Tillie’s is in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Directions are under “Getting Here” on the website at www.tilliesofbrooklyn.com.

Is June Closed AGAIN?!

Noticed the paper in the windows late last week.