The weather seems apropos for AntiFREEZE, Gowanus Canal Conservancy’s annual winter fundraiser, happening this Saturday at Ray Smith Studio on Bond Street. Photo: GCC
No nor’easter is enough to keep us indoors–at least not all week–so once you’ve layered up, you can look forward to all the good things going on in Brooklyn. From clam shucks to snow sculpture competitions (fingers crossed the white stuff sticks around until Saturday) to performing arts exhibitions and a party. Here is a list of all the fun we couldn’t fit on our Tip Sheet but definitely think you’ll want to check out this week.
Jan. 23: (Sheepshead Bay) Sheepshead Bay was basically kicked in the teeth by Superstorm Sandy, and one of the many grim side effects was last year’s forced cancellation of the Taste of Sheepshead Bay, an annual tradition drawing together the best of what the neighborhood’s diverse restaurant community has to offer. Luckily, the event is back with a vengeance this Thursday night at 7pm, and if you pick up a $30 ticket, you will be signaling strong support for local businesses that have triumphed over the storm.
Jan. 25: (Gowanus) Gowanus may have a lot of fancy new residents like Whole Foods and the Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club, but anyone standing downwind of the canal is quickly reminded of how much work still needs to be done to improve the area. The Gowanus Canal Conservancy is throwing its third annual fundraiser, now called the AntiFreeze, to ensure that work gets done–tickets are $35 and include live music, a silent auction, a plate of food, two drinks, and access to an egg cream bar(!). Fun starts at 7pm.
[Rescheduled for the next snow fall] Jan. 25: (DUMBO) It looks like Mother Nature is co-operating for Brooklyn Bridge Park to host a snow sculpture contest this Saturday. Sculptors of all ages are invited to compete in teams of up to four, supposing the snow will still be here by the weekend, with the winners in the adult and family divisions being awarded prizes, including ski passes to Stratton Mountain and gifts from Waterfront Wines, The Moxie Spot, and Fornino. Fornino’s will also supply sculptors with free hot cocoa and s’mores, so bundle up and be at the park by noon. Be sure to check BBP’s Twitter feed for updates as this event is weather permitting.
Jan. 25: (Red Hook) Live from Cora Dance Studio, it’s Red Hook Live! A showcase of some of the neighborhood’s finest performing artists is happening on Saturday at the studio of Shannon Hummel, a local choreographer we profiled on BB last year. Expect dance, one-man theater and a hip-hop showcase, which starts at 2:15pm. Tickets are by donation and available here.
Jan. 25: (Boerum Hill) Brazen Heads’ first clam shuck of 2014 is happening this Saturday. Head to Atlantic Ave. from 5–10pm for a half-dozen Little Neck clams for $5, $1 Blue Point Oysters, $5 bowls of clam chowder (both red and white) and what are being described as wicked-good Long Island Ice Teas. We suggest you head down early, as this shuck is known to sell out.
Jan. 25 & 26: (Red Hook) After a long winter break, Pioneer Works is back at it with its first class offerings of the New Year. Head to Red Hook this weekend for a wet-plate photography class for beginners where you’ll learn to make tintypes, using the same method devised in the 185os. Instructor Robyn Hasty will also give a DIY history of the practice, and participants will learn the steps needed to coat, sensitize, shoot, develop and varnish a 4×5-inch tintype. This class is a two-parter and tickets are $275, which includes materials and a one-of-a-kind photograph for you to take home.
