This weekend’s activities include an exhibition of artist and sculptor Elizabeth Catlett‘s work as the Brooklyn Museum kicks off its 200th anniversary. Plus, check out a Dolly Parton tribute at Joe’s Pub, and Red Bull Theater‘s hip hop spin on the ancient Greek tragedy “Medea.”
And with good weather expected, there are also free, outdoor events for kids in Battery Park City and in Flushing Meadows.
Art
Brooklyn Museum Birthday Bash
Brooklyn Museum — 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn (Crown Heights)
Sat. Oct. 5, 11 a.m,–10 p.m., Sun. Oct. 6, 11 a.m. –5 p.m.
Brooklyn Museum kicks off its 200th anniversary this weekend with an array of free events and programming open to the public.
And there is no better time to experience the just-opened exhibit dedicated to Elizabeth Catlett, the award-winning sculptor and artist known for her depictions of Black American life during the 20th century, with a primary focus on the female experience.
More than an artist, Catlett was an activist within the Black Arts Movement who was forced into exile in Mexico after the U.S. government in 1962 deemed her to be an “undesirable alien.” Her remarkable life story is told throughout the massive exhibition comprising over 200 works, including sketches, paintings, prints and film.
Though 1968’s “Black Unity” cedar sculpture — which looks like a fist from one side and two African masks from the other — remains one of her most memorable pieces, there is a treasure trove of works from the educator at the George Washington Carver School in Harlem.
Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist and All That It Implies” is on display through Jan. 19, 2025.
Free, but registration is required.
Film
“The Friend”
Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center — 144 West 65th St., Manhattan (Upper West Side)
Sat. Oct. 5, 1 p.m.
One of the most anticipated premieres of this year’s New York Film Festival is “The Friend,” directed by Scott McGehee & David Siegel and starring Naomi Watts and Bill Murray.
The dramedy is based on Sigrid Nunez’s National Book Award-winning novel.
While the few screenings are now accepting waitlist status, the best-selling author will take part in a free conversation moderated by New York Times Book Review critic at large (and former film critic) A.O. Scott. Nunez will discuss having her work adapted for the big screen and explore her “prismatic literary meditations on grief, friendship, and the passage of time.”
Free.
Theater
“Medea: Re-Versed”
Sheen Center Frank Shiner Theatre — 18 Bleecker St., Manhattan (NoHo)
Through Sept. 23. Various times.
Luis Quintero‘s irreverent adaptation of the Euripides classic tragedy has made its way to New York City after premiering in the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival late this summer. The hip hop take on “Medea” is written in battle rap verse and features Sarin Monae West in the titular role.
Siena D’Addario, Melissa Mahoney, Mark Martin, Jacob Ming-Trent, Stephen Michael Spencer and Quintero (serving as Emcee) round out the cast. The Houston native’s professional writing and composing debut is co-conceived and directed by Red Bull Theater‘s Associate Artistic Director, Nathan Winkelstein.
Tickets start at $58.
Comedy
“John Fugelsang & Friends: Comics for Kamala”
Stand Up NY at Bond 45 — 221 West 46th St, Manhattan (Times Square)
Sat. Oct. 5, 8:30 p.m.
The host of “Tell Me Everything” on Sirius XM’s Progress channel will make a rare return to the stand-up comedy stage in his hometown to fundraise for Kamala Harris. Fugelsang is scheduled to host what he calls an “insanely funny line-up” that includes Chuck Nice, Leighann Lord, Cato Calvin, Mehran Khangani and Negin Farsad.
“I’m the only lame white guy on the bill,” he quipped. The liberal-leaning comics will bring some much needed levity to the 2024 election cycle to the Times Square comedy hot spot.
Tickets start at $35.
Music
Joe McGinty & The Loser’s Lounge: The Songs of Dolly Parton
Joe’s Pub — 425 Lafayette St., Manhattan (East Village)
Through Fri. Oct. 4., 7 p.m. and 930 p.m.
Sid Gold’s Request Room co-founder Joe McGinty (formerly of the Psychedelic Furs) is back at Joe’s with his collective of Downtown musicians — this time with a tribute to the country music queen.
For three nights of live music, the octet will breathe new life into the Parton’s classic tunes like “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “Here You Come Again.”
Tickets are $60 (food/drink minimum)
Family
WQXR Classical Kids Fair
Queens Theatre — 14 United Nations Ave. S, Queens (Flushing Meadows – Corona Park)
Sun. Oct. 6 Noon – 4 p.m.
The annual fair, hosted by classical radio station WQXR (105.9 FM) introduces children ages 4-10 to classical music through live performances, an instrument “petting zoo,” dance and composition workshops, and arts and crafts
Participating partners this year include: Spanish-English music duo Musiquita; flutist and “Once Upon A Composer” host Emi Ferguson; musicians from The Knights; and teaching artists from the Queens Theatre.
Free, reservations encouraged.
Outdoors
“Go Fish! Battery Park City’s Celebration of Life in the Hudson Estuary”
Belvedere Plaza — North End Ave & BPC Esplanade, Manhattan (Battery Park City)
Sat. Oct. 5, 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Bring the little ones out to an event that will highlight the importance of stewardship and conservation of our local waters. Activities will include catch-and-release fishing with experienced anglers, an art project and a nature walk, all themed around the Hudson River.
An added bonus: Bilingual singer Sonia de los Santos will lead the kids in songs both in English and Spanish.
Free.
If you have an upcoming weekend event you’d like to submit for consideration in an upcoming roundup, please email: [email protected] with the details. Consideration does not guarantee inclusion.
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