What They’re Saying: live arts in Brooklyn this week, Sept. 10
Comedy Down Under (Manhattan Bridge)
Comedy, Stand-up
The Rat NYC, 68 Jay St, DUMBO
Wednesday, Sept. 11 @ 8 p.m.
Recently launched this past summer, Brooklyn’s newest black box theater, The RAT, is dedicated to offering high-quality live entertainment at an affordable price. Every Wednesday, comedians and producers Jonah Pollack, Arjun Banerjee and Vishal Kal host a fantastic lineup featuring some of NYC’s top talent, with performers seen on Comedy Central, Netflix, HBO and more.
There’s no cover charge and no drink minimum, just a suggested donation — so you can enjoy a laid-back Wednesday night without the pressure to spend big. This show is produced by Comedy Soup.
“After four years of evolution, Comedy Soup has become a scrappy staple of the Bay Area’s booming comedy landscape, but [Jonah] Pollack and his changing cast of collaborators didn’t come out of the gate knowing how to throw a successful show. Their first events took place in the backyard, inclement weather conditions be damned.” — Dan Gentile, SFGate.com
“Vishal Kal has performed at clubs and festivals across the country, including Cobb’s Comedy Club, New York Comedy Club, QED, Burbank Comedy Festival (where he won Best of Fest), North Carolina Comedy Festival and more. His TV appearances include ABC’s ‘Celebrity Dating Game’ and Netflix’s ‘Indian Matchmaking.’” — VishalKal.com
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Made in Brooklyn Food Tour
Food, Community
Pastosa Ravioli, 1635 Bay Ridge Parkway, Bensonhurst
Thursday, Sept. 12 @ 10:30 a.m.
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In Bensonhurst, “Pasta Paradise,” visitors can explore this historically Italian-American neighborhood, filled with diverse cultural influences and authentic food spots.
On this small group walking tour, a native Brooklynite will guide you through Bensonhurst’s beloved old-school eateries and shops, offering a local’s perspective on the neighborhood’s rich history. This event lasts approximately 3 hours and tickets start at $65 per person.
“12 of us from the Culinary Guild of New England toured Bensonhurst with Dom on Sunday. Dom was filled with local knowledge & history and patient & considerate of the differing ages and walking abilities of those in the group. Dom gave us a wonderful tour of his neighborhood that was truly ‘from the heart’!” — TripAdvisor
“There is no shortage of old school and new Italian restaurants throughout New York City, from Manhattan’s Little Italy to Carroll Gardens in Brooklyn. But an often overlooked neighborhood with a rich Italian history is Bensonhurst in southern Brooklyn.” — Farideh Sadeghin, Gothamist
Wine + Art Night @ Nook
Arts & Crafts, Community, Wine
Nook, 45 Irving Avenue #Unit 1, Bushwick
Thursday, Sept. 12 @ 7 p.m
Nook is creating spaces for people to unplug and reconnect with their community and themselves. Wine + Art Night will be an evening of creativity and connection, with tickets starting at $12.
Wine will be available, as well as a wide variety of beers, ciders, coffee and teas for purchase. This 21+ event is designed for adults to let their imagination run wild — whether you’re a professional artist or a beginner, everyone is welcome, especially POC and queer-friendly folk.
“In March 2020, entrepreneur David Feiger was set to open his next and most ambitious venture, Nook: an experimental, industrial-inspired lounge where patrons could enjoy caffeinated beverages, homemade snacks and craft beer in ultra-comfy furnishings.” — Bushwick Daily
“This spot is my fave in the hood. The staff is chill, every corner’s got its own vibe, and the coffee and snacks are on the point. They throw dope events too. What more do you need?” — Ali K, Yelp
“Nook is one of the best spots in Bushwick to post up for hours! If you’re working remotely or just looking to people watch this is a prime location. The coffee and food is delicious and the ambiance is just so cozy and comforting no matter what season. Wifi + pretty good outlet access!” — Raine S., Yelp
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Electric Wonderland @ Brooklyn Art Haus
Live Music, Concerts, Dance
Brooklyn Art Haus, 20-26 Marcy Ave, Williamsburg
Friday, Sept. 13 @ 7:30 p.m., and every other Friday until Oct. 25
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Step into an Electric Wonderland and experience a world of dancers, musician and revelers. With vibrant costumes, flashing lights and a whimsical atmosphere, participants may also be subject to a “beheading” by the queen, according to the event website.
This edition of Electric Wonderland is a 4-night residency at Brooklyn Art Haus in Williamsburg, with performances on Sept. 13 and 27 and Oct. 11 and 25. Each night will feature a completely unique show with new music, special guests, dancers, projections and psychedelic surprises.
“This fall, Brooklyn is set to experience a kaleidoscope of psychedelic marvels as New York rising stars Boojum takeover Brooklyn Art Haus for a four-show run of ‘Electric Wonderland.’ The residency will feature the band’s distinctive fusion of improvisational jam-band rock and immersive theatrical performances, redefining the live music experience.” — Taylor Weinberg, NYSMusic.com
“Together, Brooklyn Art Haus and The Mouth are an art gallery, performance space, restaurant, bar and a coffee shop all in one and often all at the same time. The description may sound like a mouthful, but co-founder Isaac Bush is incredibly passionate about the shared space and what it can achieve.” — Jennifer Rosili-Gentile, Greenpointers
Free Meditations in the Park
Meditation, Community
Kadampa Meditation Center Brooklyn, 444 Atlantic Avenue, Prospect Park
Friday, Sept. 13 @ 6 p.m.
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Come together for a peaceful evening of meditation in Prospect Park, featuring meditation that embraces the lively atmosphere and encourages you to stay centered amidst everyday noise and activity.
Everyone is welcome, including kids and pets. We’ll provide blankets to sit on, but feel free to bring your own seating if needed. In case of rain, the session will be moved to the meditation center. The outdoor location will be at the Rose Garden in the Vale of Cashmere, a peaceful area easily accessible from Grand Army Plaza.
“We are a friendly community located in Downtown Brooklyn that offers guided meditation and Modern Buddhism classes to students of all levels. We believe Buddha’s timeless advice can help everybody, regardless of their religious background or previous experience. Everyone is welcome!” — Kadampa Meditation Center
“Schools across the U.S. have been introducing yoga, meditation and mindfulness exercises to help students manage stress and emotions. As the depths of student struggles with mental health became clear in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last year endorsed schools’ use of the practices.” — Sharon Johnson, Associated Press